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Reviews by Mary S. (Pinson, AL)

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Young Jane Young
by Gabrielle Zevin

Another Wonderful Read (7/2/2017)

I loved The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry and could not wait to read Young Jane Young. From the very start, Zevin had me laughing out loud with her descriptions of Rachel's online dating experiences. I love a book that puts me in a good mood. The author creates a variety of …more

The Swans of Fifth Avenue
by Melanie Benjamin

Another Great Novel by Melanie Benjamin (10/8/2015)

If you want to know what it's like spending care free days on private yachts, shopping in prestigious stores, lunching in the finest restaurants, and attending exclusive parties in New York City during the 50s and 60s, then read The Swans of Fifth Avenue. This is the …more

Fear of Dying
by Erica Jong

Fear of Dying for the Rich and Famous (5/4/2015)

This was an interesting book, and I would have enjoyed it more had the main character not been a celebrity, with famous parents and a rich husband; she had so much that it was hard to empathize with her as an aging woman. Erica Jong is a good writer, but not every problem …more

The Hollow Ground: A Novel
by Natalie S. Harnett

The Hollow Ground is an Excellent Read (3/21/2014)

Fiction based on real life events is one of my favorite genres; and The Hollow Ground is one of the best books I've read so far this year. Natalie Harnett tells a very interesting story of Brigid Howley and her family, whose lives are torn apart by these uncontrollable …more

House of Bathory
by Linda Lafferty

The House of Bathory by Linda Lafferty (1/8/2014)

Once I started reading The House of Bathory it was hard to put down. My favorite genre is historical fiction based on factual characters or events; and Linda Lafferty's telling of the Blood Countess did not disappoint. This is such an engrossing story and Lafferty does a …more

The Daughters of Mars
by Thomas Keneally

The Daughters of Mars by Thomas Keneally (5/21/2013)

I enjoyed this story of two sisters, both trying to escape a secret at home by dedicating their lives to nursing during World War I. The friendships and romances that develop on the front-lines make this an interesting read; however, Keneally's image of medical care in the …more

Fever
by Mary Beth Keane

Fever (3/11/2013)

Fever is a wonderful story. I finished reading the book a few days ago, and I can't stop thinking about it. I was amazed that the medical and science community could arrest and isolate someone without more proof that she was a carrier. I felt so sorry for Mary Mallon. I …more

The Edge of the Earth
by Christina Schwarz

The Edge of the Earth (10/21/2012)

This was another excellent book by Christina Schwarz. I loved the imagery, I could almost hear the waves crashing against the rocks and feel the cold wind blowing off the ocean. This story is filled with secrets and surprises that will keep you reading late into the night.

The Roots of the Olive Tree: A Novel
by Courtney Miller Santo

The Roots of the Olive Tree (7/3/2012)

This was such a wonderful story. The multi-generational family living under the same roof with their complex lives, conflicts, and secrets. I loved the relationships between mothers and daughters; and between grandmothers and granddaughters; each one is unique. These women …more

The Red Book: A Novel
by Deborah Copaken Kogan

The Red Book is a Great Read (2/13/2012)

I can’t remember when I have enjoyed a book as much as I enjoyed The Red Book. This is a great story of four intelligent roommates at their twentieth reunion weekend. Kogan expresses so well the feelings of a generation growing older and looking back at their younger selves. …more

Accidents of Providence
by Stacia Brown

Wonderful Novel (11/27/2011)

Stacia Brown has written a great first novel. I stayed up until 2 in the morning to finish this book. It is that good. I am big historical fiction reader, but was not aware of the law of 1624 targeting unwed mothers who concealed the death of their illegitimate babies …more

The Sisters: A Novel
by Nancy Jensen

The Sisters (9/2/2011)

There is nothing I love more than reading an author’s first novel. This is a wonderful story about two sisters, one trying to protect the other from a horrible secret that leads to a misunderstanding and throws both their lives on totally different paths. As the story …more

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Book Jacket — Lessons in Chemistry
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Praised by *Parade* and *The New York Times Book Review*, this debut features a 1960s scientist turned TV cooking star.

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