BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Reviews by Mal

Power Reviewer

Lincoln in the Bardo
by George Saunders

Avant garde (5/12/2020)

I find myself in the minority. A little too avant garde for my taste, the style took away from the insurmountable grief LIncoln suffered. Hidden gems were few and far and I was needless to say disappointed. I enjoy Saunders immensely but not at all this time.

Never Let Me Go
by Kazuo Ishiguro

Unconventional narrative (12/24/2019)

Unconventional story with themes of memory and dignity. The story leaves you reflecting on its emotional aftermath as well as memories of close friends and foes from past who left an impression and situations both finished and unfinished.

The three main characters' …more

Goodbye, Vitamin
by Rachel Khong

More than I expected (8/21/2018)

I enjoyed the main protagonist Ruth. Coping with many issues at one time, Ruth hangs in there and manages wonderfully. Touching story of the thief dementia, unresolved family concerns along with unpleasant disclosed family matters. Love, forgiveness and deeper sides of …more

The Kennedy Debutante
by Kerri Maher

Great book (8/14/2018)

Kick is illustrated as a vibrant, strong, independent, at times rebellious young lady possessing a huge heart. She is animated on every page, her story is heartbreaking and admirable. I felt her struggle dealing with family, religion, and love. Kick went with her heart …more

Clock Dance: A Novel
by Anne Tyler

Simplistically beautiful (6/11/2018)

Great story of family dynamics, relationships, self sacrifice. Willa's metamorphosis was a pleasure to witness. Finally she discovered her wants and needs mattered. No doubt many women out there will understand Willa's ultimate decision, a woman who gave finally realizing …more

Baby Teeth
by Zoje Stage

Creepy (5/13/2018)

I found this book to be creepy. As a mother myself the thought of a child with psychological issues strong enough to want to harm their mother is downright scary. The family is dysfunctional, the mother stressed and overwhelmed by motherhood as well as trying to figure out …more

Some Luck
by Jane Smiley

Some Luck (4/16/2018)

Absolutely wonderful family saga. I fell in love with all the characters, the transitions between each one was incredibly well done, no make that flawless. The narrative has an easy, natural flow - simple yet detailed drawing the reader into the family fold. The beauty of …more

Beautiful Animals
by Lawrence Osborne

Beautiful Animals (4/15/2018)

As always I find Osborne's writing intelligent, beautiful and fluidly absorbing. Narrative runs more on the psychological side.

Naomi is pure sociopath. Calculating, manipulative not to mention predatory, this young lady scares me. Her iciness is palpable, she is …more

The Flight Attendant
by Chris Bohjalian

Lively read! (4/13/2018)

Great book! Cassie was one hot mess, I cringed at her behavior and poor decision making. A majority of the time I wanted to slap sense into her as she fuels the train wreck she is and her life. This woman possesses serious flaws.

The only negative I have is the epilogue was …more

The Wife Between Us
by Greer Hendricks, Sarah Pekkanen

Disappointing (4/12/2018)

Disappointing. No suspense and the twists were silly. There was no real chemistry between the characters, they felt wooden. The tempo of the plot dragged on, and I realized early on the direction of characters and plot. The ending was flat and safe. The bones of the …more

The Woman in the Window: A Novel
by A. Finn

Psychologically gripping (4/9/2018)

Gripping, intriguing only scratch at the surface of Finn's neophyte psychological thriller. Talk about a roller coaster ride - the chapters are written in such a way you are left in great suspense, more than teasing the reader. The unfolding of how Anna is the way she is …more

A Place for Us
by Fatima Farheen Mirza

Breathtaking (3/14/2018)

Absolutely stunning book. I was absorbed in the characters and plot, I simply couldn't put the book down. The characters truly stick with you long after the turn of the last page. Mirza takes the reader on a detailed journey by showing different views of faith, love and …more

A False Report: A True Story of Rape in America
by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong

Raw (3/8/2018)

It is a shame a few rape victims are questioned in their authenticity. Victimized twice by the system and their mistreatment. Such a disgrace, those conjuring up false rape allegations, absolutely abhorrent. My heart broke for Marie despite the fact there was compensation …more

The French Girl
by Lexie Elliott

Lacking thrill (2/26/2018)

I found this book to be highly uninteresting, by no means a myster/thriller. The entangled friendships gave characters a tiresome feeling as well as a never ending monotonous revisiting of past and present interactions of 'what was' or 'could be.' I felt Severine's ' …more

Ginny Moon
by Benjamin Ludwig

Authentic feel (2/18/2018)

Ginny will tug at your heart. What a wonderful depiction and authentic feel seeing the world through an autistic young lady. You are immersed in Ginny's world - seeing, feeling and hearing in her special way as well as her frustrations. Touching story, rocking your emotions. …more

Stay with Me
by Ayobami Adebayo

Impressive (7/31/2017)

Instantly pulled in by the emotional turbulence Yejide is dealing with. You feel her pain and heartbreak, betrayal cutting with the sharpest blade. Her plight and pressure upon herself as well as from outsiders is affecting. She is a character stealing your every ounce of …more

The Garden of Small Beginnings
by Abbi Waxman

Wonderful read (4/10/2017)

Waxman creates a tearful and humorous narrative dealing with the delicate topic of grief.

Outstanding characters, dialogue and smatterings of wisdom make this a quietly poignant read.

I loved all the characters but Lili stole the show along with her two daughters. Waxman …more

Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk
by Kathleen Rooney

Fabulous (9/12/2016)

Instantly drawn to Lilian just as the people familiar with her and those she encounters on her walk. As Lillian shares her life story, I could identify with her as well as various people in my life. We journey with her not only through her life experiences but we revisit …more

I'm Thinking of Ending Things
by Iain Reid

Stirring (9/7/2016)

Brilliant. You are on the edge immediately, the momentum builds. Reid takes the reader down a sophisticated labyrinth path only leading to one ingenious stunning ending. Well crafted, memorable, whetted my appetite and curiosity for more from this dexterous atypical author. Impressive, cunning.

North of Crazy: A Memoir
by Neltje

Inspiring Memoir (6/6/2016)

I found Neltje's story incredibly uplifting and inspiring. A woman finding peace and healing through her art and her adopted home of Wyoming. Despite her wealth and name she was not immune to heavy challenges. Possessing a gift of self awareness she was determined to …more

BookBrowse Book Club

The Jackal's Mistress
by Chris Bohjalian

From the New York Times bestselling author of Hour of the Witch, a Civil War love story of a Confederate wife and a wounded Yankee.

About Discuss
Dream Count
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

A searing new novel from the bestselling author of Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists, exploring four women's desires.

About Discuss

Members Recommend

Jane and Dan at the End of the World
by Colleen Oakley

Date Night meets Bel Canto in this hilarious tale.

Read the Reviews
Girl Falling
by Hayley Scrivenor

The USA Today bestselling author of Dirt Creek returns with a story of grief and truth.

Read the Reviews
The Antidote
by Karen Russell

A gripping dust bowl epic about five characters whose fates become entangled after a storm ravages their small Nebraskan town.

Read the Reviews
The Dream Hotel
by Laila Lalami

A Read with Jenna pick. A riveting novel about one woman's fight for freedom, set in a near future where even dreams are under surveillance.

Read the Reviews
Fagin the Thief
by Allison Epstein

A thrilling reimagining of the world of Charles Dickens, as seen through the eyes of the infamous Jacob Fagin, London's most gifted pickpocket, liar, and rogue.

Read the Reviews
Raising Hare
by Chloe Dalton

A moving and fascinating meditation on freedom, trust, and loss through one woman's friendship with a wild hare.

Read the Reviews

Who Said...

Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor

Click Here to find out who said this, as well as discovering other famous literary quotes!

Wordplay

Solve this clue:

B O a F F T

and be entered to win..

Your guide toexceptional books

BookBrowse seeks out and recommends the best in contemporary fiction and nonfiction—books that not only engage and entertain but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.