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Reviews by Cynthia S. (Rensselaer, NY)

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Enduring Courage: Ace Pilot Eddie Rickenbacker and the Dawn of the Age of Speed
by John F. Ross
Enduring Courage by John Ross (4/9/2014)
Reading Enduring Courage transported me back to a time when daring men risked their lives. I recently read about the Lindberghs so it was interesting to think of the early aviation days. In this book I especially enjoyed the exploits of Eddie Rickenbacker with race cars. It was amazing to read of all the dangers and experiences this man faced. This is a history of car racing, airplanes, wars and survival. History buffs will enjoy this book. It is a good one for book clubs with men members.
The Housemaid's Daughter
by Barbara Mutch
The Housemaid's Daughter (11/15/2013)
Apartheid divides South Africa and is the backdrop for this book. The piano provides relief for a heavy story. Mutch's characters evoke all kinds of emotion: compassion,love, hatred, fear, cruelty to name a few. Ada and Madam's relationship is complex and well developed. Edward was despicable. Craddock House provided a good setting contrast with the black living sections. I felt that the author went a generation too long but she may have wanted to show promise.
The Spy Lover
by Kiana Davenport
The Spy Lover (12/5/2012)
The Spy Lover is an amazing novel set in the Civil War. I especially liked the fact that it was based on the author's family history. The characters were most memorable. The battle scenes were brutal and were described in horrific detail. This book would be rich for discussion. There are many topics to cover; to name a few: loyalties, racism, war conditions, casualties on both sides,love, family and forgiveness. This book would be a good one to followup with the current movie Lincoln.
Have Mother, Will Travel: A Mother and Daughter Discover Themselves, Each Other, and the World
by Claire & Mia Fontaine
Have Mother Will Travel (6/16/2012)
Have Mother Will Travel is a great book for discussion. It would be perfect for Mother-Daughter Book Clubs. Claire and Mia Fontaine share their enviable adventures as they travel the world. Their relationship matures as they discover each other more fully. They peel back many years of challenges and arrive at a new awareness and appreciation of what is truly important. This book is a travelogue with much to reflect about our own mother and daughters. The visits to so many places was such fun. Bejing brought back memories I had with my son.
Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake: A Memoir
by Anna Quindlen
Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake (4/15/2012)
Anna Quindlen's memoir reflects on many topics: childhood, maturation, marriage, parenting, religion,faith, loss etc. Reading this little gem makes the reader aware of the many blessings that we have and experiences we have had as we journey through life.Many are similar to those experienced by Quindlen. One statement I particularly liked was about time passing, we have aged but at what age are we old? Old is whatever age you haven't reached yet. This book gives the readers lots to ponder. It would be great for a book club discussion.
Across Many Mountains: A Tibetan Family's Epic Journey from Oppression to Freedom
by Yangzom Brauen
Across Many Mountains (8/12/2011)
Three generations of Tibetan women share their lives and culture. Kungsang, Sonam and Yangzom relate their family struggles under the Chinese rule in Tibet. Across Many Mountains is a must read and relates much history of a people who remain true to their identity even in exile.
A Simple Act of Gratitude: How Learning to Say Thank You Changed My Life
by John Kralik
365 Thank Yous (4/22/2011)
John Kralik's 365 Thank yous reminds the reader that gratitude just takes a little time to tell someone who has touched your life "Thank You".

What a simple gesture! Imagine a book group. church group or simply a group of friends sharing events that sometime seem mundane with a heartfelt appreciation.

Kralik in sharing his year of struggles made me realize that feeling gratitude for the simple everyday interactions can put a positive spin on life.

Thank you Bookbrowse for providing this forum.
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