Reviews by Jennifer F. (Saratoga, CA)

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Our Short History
Our Short History
by Lauren Grodstein
Messiness of Life (4/11/2017)
One of the reviewers on the cover of the book describes the novel as portraying both the messiness of life and the immense depths of love. I agree that this novel does portray those two elements of life, but I was hoping for a more personal account and I was disappointed …more
Manderley Forever
Manderley Forever
by Tatiana de Rosnay
Unlike Her Previous Work (1/11/2017)
I struggled to finish this book, and I was surprised to feel this way, as I have enjoy Ms. de Rosnay's other works very much. I was not nearly intrigued enough about the subject even as I tried to engage with the book. This may appeal to big fans of Rebecca, but does not …more
Darling Days
Darling Days: A Memoir
by iO Tillett Wright
A painful but honest memoir (4/21/2016)
Darling Days is at many points a painful read, in that iO Tillett Wright's coming of age is mostly a survival tale within the Bowery of New York City in the 90s. The prevalent drug culture, missing parents, and empty refrigerators portray a sad beginning for the child. Yet, …more
A Little Life
A Little Life
by Hanya Yanagihara
Tender, achingly human (2/24/2016)
I listened to this book rather than read it, however, the writing style still was a page turner. Yanagihara created characters and relationships that were real, and circumstances that made me want more. It was so sad, but so good.
The Devil in Jerusalem
The Devil in Jerusalem
by Naomi Ragen
Frightening tale of cult powers (8/3/2015)
The Devil in Jerusalem proved to be a very difficult book to read at times - knowing that it was based on a true story and reading of the brutality inflicted upon innocent children. I nearly had to put it down, but I wanted to know how it ended. The author painted the …more
The Book of Speculation
The Book of Speculation
by Erika Swyler
Suspenseful read (4/21/2015)
Circus characters, tarot cards, and mysterious events combine to make this book just interesting enough to keep reading. Although not Water for Elephants, The Book of Speculation provides a peek into the tent of circus characters and pulls the reader along to uncover the …more
Whispering Shadows
Whispering Shadows
by Jan-Philipp Sendker
Page turner (1/2/2015)
Whispering Shadows is an intriguing mix of heartfelt characters, shifting politics, and thrilling murder mystery. Sendker masterfully portrays the grieving father as a hermit-like character who is reluctantly pulled into this political drama. The book loses its pace a bit …more
The Nightingale
The Nightingale
by Kristin Hannah
Compelling page turner (10/13/2014)
Kristin Hannah transports the reader into the scenes of the small villages of occupied France in such a way that you relate to the main characters of her novel, The Nightingale. Whether or not it is a true story, it's filled with enough real relationships and tragedies that …more
Last Train to Istanbul
Last Train to Istanbul
by Ayse Kulin
Gathering steam (10/9/2013)
Like a train picking up speed as it moves down the track, The Last Train to Istanbul pulls the reader along as the plot thickens. I became more and more intrigued with the characters and their predicament and found myself getting emotionally attached to them as they …more
Lookaway, Lookaway
Lookaway, Lookaway
by Wilton Barnhardt
Disappointment (7/10/2013)
I was looking forward to reading this book after seeing the review "Move over, Tom Wolfe". Unfortunately, this book has very little in common with Tom Wolfe. I found the characters and their problems in this southern family fiction to be less than compelling. The first …more
Have Mother, Will Travel
Have Mother, Will Travel: A Mother and Daughter Discover Themselves, Each Other, and the World
by Claire & Mia Fontaine
Insightful journey with mother and daughter (6/14/2012)
Have Mother will Travel is a thoroughly enjoyable read, especially as a mother of an adult daughter myself. I found myself smiling as this mother daughter team negotiated through their travels and their relationship. The writing felt true and honest.
A Simple Murder
A Simple Murder
by Eleanor Kuhns
Intriguing mystery with unsatisfying ending (5/1/2012)
A Simple Murder was a unique book in that it was set within a Shaker community in the early 1800s. The characters were believable and interesting and the plot was compelling, but I felt the author lost ground with an ending that didn't live up to the rest of the book.
The Starboard Sea
The Starboard Sea: A Novel
by Amber Dermont
A Glimpse into Preppy Boarding School (2/28/2012)
Unfortunately, all the stereotypes are present in this unappealing novel from Amber Dermont. Expected vices and a genuine lack of empathy mark this work as just another peek into the exclusive but nasty world of exclusive boarding schools. Her characters are not sympathetic …more
The Darkening Field
The Darkening Field: A Novel
by William Ryan
Intriguing (12/3/2011)
The Darkening Field gave me an insight into the transitioning period of Soviet culture through a well-written mystery with believable characters. I enjoy books that take an unusual view of a historical period. I recommend this book to others who like a suspenseful read with some historical perspective.
Defending Jacob
Defending Jacob: A Novel
by William Landay
Fast paced, exciting thriller (10/12/2011)
Reminiscent of a John Grisham novel, William Landay's Defending Jacob kept me turning the pages late into the night. The characters are believable and the writing moves along, although the ending is a bit predictable.
The Things We Cherished
The Things We Cherished: A Novel
by Pam Jenoff
More a romantic novel than historical fiction (5/19/2011)
As a fan of historical fiction, I was disappointed in the level of detail given to the historic events within the novel. The author had more of a focus on the romantic plot, which I found predictable and therefore, not as interesting as a traditional historical fiction work.
Three Seconds
Three Seconds
by Anders Roslund & Borge Hellstrom
Excellent choice for suspense lovers (12/21/2010)
Three Seconds delivers a fast-paced thriller for those that enjoy a good suspense novel.
Gone Tomorrow
Gone Tomorrow: A Jack Reacher Novel #13
by Lee Child
Page turner (10/16/2010)
Lee Child delivers another page turner for his fans. From the first page, the reader is hooked as Jack Reacher identifies a potential terrorist on a 2am subway ride in New York City. As the suspense mounts, Jack becomes both hunter and hunted. I had a hard time putting this …more
The Doctor and the Diva
The Doctor and the Diva: A Novel
by Adrienne McDonnell
Disappointing, lack of character development (6/22/2010)
I found The Doctor and the Diva to be a disappointing read, although it had moments of potential. Both the doctor and the diva led interesting lives, yet their choices were regularly selfish and predictable. In the end, I found the main characters to be unlikable, and …more
Lima Nights
Lima Nights
by Marie Arana
Disappointing (1/6/2009)
I had high expectations for this novel. It started out with interesting characters and an intriguing setting in Lima, but the storyline petered out along the way. I was also disappointed with the ending, as it seemed trite.
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