BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Sounds Like Titanic: A Memoir
by Jessica Chiccehitto Hindman

The ship is not sinking (12/24/2018)

Although I don't often read nonfiction I enjoyed this book immensely. Sometimes it was hard to believe it wasn't fiction. Jessica grew up in Appalachia and was instilled with a drive to succeed. Her story is amazing. Faced with buying food, paying tuition and rent the author continues at a job she knows is a scam. She skips back and forth so you know why she is striving to make a go of this job.

I wanted to love the book but just liked it. I am giving it to my granddaughter who is a music major and feel she may like it better than I did.

Golden Child
by Claire Adam

Choices (10/15/2018)

Trinidad--crime and corruption running rampant. I found the detailed discussion of the social and economic structure to be the most interesting part of the story. Through all this the family highly values education and what it means to the next generation. The choices a family makes are not always easy. I'm not sure what my choice would be. Although the book was enjoyable I couldn't connect with the characters and therefore a lower rating.

The Summer Wives
by Beatriz Williams

Sun, sand and Summer Wives (4/16/2018)

This is the first book I've read by Beatriz Williams but it will not be the last. Lots of romance and drama as well as part mystery. A great book to get lost in at the beach. The description of summer life could be anywhere you have an influx of tourists. The characters come to life through the eyes of others. Definitely a page turner. Is it a summer romance or will it endure the test of time?

As Bright as Heaven
by Susan Meissner

She has done it again (10/3/2017)

I loved this book. Having grown up in the Philadelphia area and having attended college in Philadelphia it was interesting to "rediscover" the city. Susan Meissner has captured the love and heartache of a family who lived through war and the Spanish flu. I have only read one other book by Ms. Meissner but am looking forward to reading her other novels.

Victoria
by Daisy Goodwin

Teenage Queen (10/10/2016)

I was looking forward to receiving this book since my favorite genre is Historical Fiction. I was not disappointed. The author has made Victoria's ascension to the throne come to life. The author provided the background of Victoria's life in an easily read format. Victoria as well as the other main characters were presented so that you felt you knew them. Although the book covers only a short period of her life it sets the foundation for her reign. Can't wait to see the presentation on Masterpiece Theater.

Karolina's Twins
by Ronald H. Balson

Surviving (7/7/2016)

I look forward to reading books about the Holocaust but was disappointed in this novel. I had read ONCE WE WERE BROTHERS and was looking forward to this new novel by Ben Elton The historical aspect dealing with the Holocaust was well researched. I felt that the characters were "flat" and could have been better developed and also felt the writing style was more for a teenager than an adult. Although I didn't love the book it would lend itself to moral issues in a book club discussion group.

The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
by William Klaber

The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell (12/20/2014)

Its difficult to imagine a female living life as a male even today. I enjoy historical fiction but had never heard of Lucy Ann Lobdell and was interested in learning her story. What a life she had! Interesting characters and well written. A good read--lots of issues for book club discussions.

Her
by Harriet Lane

Her (5/1/2014)

Two women, Emma and Nina with nothing in common, or is there? Initially I had difficulty getting into the book, but once started I was anxious to see where it was going. Tension built as the characters and story were developed. The story was rather creepy but quite enjoyable.

Mating for Life
by Marissa Stapley

Mating for life? (3/14/2014)

Although this was a quick read I thought it was an interesting story. I loved how each character was developed--their strengths, weaknesses and qirks. Fiona, Ilsa, Liane and Helen, each searching for something. Their relationships with each other and the men in their lives is something many of us can relate to. I think this would be great for a book club as well as for a long day at the beach.

The Cairo Affair
by Olen Steinhauer

An Affair to Remember (12/15/2013)

I was already a fan of Olen Steinhauer and was not disappointed with his new novel. The characters are well developed and having the story told from their various perspectives is interesting. The book is a fast paced spy novel with political intrigue.

The Spirit Keeper
by K. B. Laugheed

An Awesome Journey (9/2/2013)

I thoroughly enjoyed Katie's adventure--was able to read the book this holiday weekend on the beach. Thirteen has always been my lucky number and as the thirteenth child I knew Katie was going to be lucky. Her journey through the wilderness and her discovery of herself was quite an adventure. The three main characters, Katie, Syawa and Hector were well developed and multidimensional. You felt you knew them. The writing is very descriptive and enables one to visualize the journey and the characters. This would be a good pick for a book club.

Songs of Willow Frost
by Jamie Ford

Songs of Willow Frost (7/9/2013)

After reading and loving Hotel on The Corner of Bitter and Sweet I couldn't wait to read Jamie Ford's new book and I was not disappointed. Mr. Ford is able to bring his characters to life as well as the era of the Great Depression. The reader is able to know each character's flaws and attributes—William, Charlotte and Liu Song. You are instantly drawn into believing in their hopes and dreams and wishing they will be able to attain them. This book will appeal to various generations and I have recommended it to my daughter and granddaughter (age 15). I also recommended it to a friend who is always looking for a new book for her book club. There are so many areas for discussion—living conditions during the depression, racial issues, the role of women and social class.

One Minus One: Nancy Pearl's Book Lust Rediscoveries
by Ruth Doan MacDougall

1 - 1 = Nothing (3/31/2013)

I can't wait to read another book by Ruth Macdougall. I thoroughly enjoyed One Minus One. Having graduated college in the 60's and started my first teaching job shortly after there were many aspects of Emily's life that I could relate to, even her teacher's salary which was higher than mine!

Emily feels that she is nothing without her husband. It's difficult to forget about an important part of your life and start again. I would hope that as time goes on Emily will be able to make the emotional transition from married to single and realize that she can be whole without being married.

A Nearly Perfect Copy
by Allison Amend

A Nearly Pefect Copy (3/8/2013)

Elm and Gabriel, the two main characters, are far from perfect, not even nearly perfect. They are both interested only in themselves and never consider who they will harm as they pursue their goals. Lives are destroyed because of their selfishness
My favorite aspects of the book are how much I learned about the art world and how auction houses work. This is the part I enjoyed. Although the characters are well developed, I was not fond of the theme of the book.

The Good House
by Ann Leary

The Good House (12/2/2012)

The story line was interesting--lots of social issues, primarily Hildy's alcoholism. I could relate to the talk about autism since one of my friends has twins that are autistic. Dealing with this can be quite daunting.
Growing up in a small town does not allow for many secrets.
Although many of the characters were quite interesting I found the story line lacking. The author handled the social issues well but tried to deal with too may issues.

The Devil in Silver: A Novel
by Victor LaValle

The Devil in Silver (8/10/2012)

I wasn't sure how I would enjoy a "horror" story, but this is not a typical horror story--and I did enjoy it! The horror is the public mental institution. The characters are great, individually and also their relationships with each other and they will keep you reading.

The Face Thief: A Novel
by Eli Gottlieb

The Face Thief (12/11/2011)

Loved the beginning of the book and couldn't wait to get into the story. The "study of faces" sounded quite interesting. As the story went on I felt there were too many jumps in scenes. The characters were interesting but not likeable. The story never picked up momentum and the ending was rather disappointing.

Tides of War: A Novel
by Stella Tillyard

Peninsular War (11/1/2011)

I'm a fan of historical fiction but was disappointed in this book. The period is definitely interesting and the historical detail is superb as the story moves between London and Spain. Stella Tillyard obviously did a great deal of research in order to write this book. I found there were too many characters to follow and the book did not hold my interest as a result.

The Look of Love: A Piper Donovan Mystery
by Mary Jane Clark

Spas are dangerous (11/1/2011)

This story has a bit of everything--mystery, romance and even a recipe for icing! The read was fast and easy, too easy. The chapters were very short and did not help with the continuity of the story. The conclusion was very predictable and the mystery did not keep you guessing.

Next to Love
by Ellen Feldman

Love and War (7/9/2011)

Ellen Feldman has written a story with well-developed characters and shows the effects of war on the soldiers and their families. Babe, Grace and Millie's friendship endures throughout the entire story focusing on their experiences before, during and after the war. I found it quite interesting to view the same event from each of the friends different viewpoints. Not only does the story deal with the war but also the class and race struggles of the era, many of which we still deal with today. The book was very enjoyable and would be a good choice for book clubs.

Reviews by Bess W. (Marlton, NJ)

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Reviews by Bess W. (Marlton, NJ)

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