BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Reviews by Nancy F. (Carmel, IN)

Extraordinary Adventures
by Daniel Wallace

Ordinary at best! (3/8/2017)

This may be a writing style perspective however I had a difficult time reading this novel. In my opinion there is way too much detail and not enough plot movement. I kept hoping the plot would accelerate but it did not. It was a very unusual story and maybe some readers would appreciate it for that reason. There was some humor that I enjoyed, but not enough to save the book.

The Life of the World to Come
by Dan Cluchey

Not my (4/6/2016)

I struggled with the authors' premise that the reader could follow his narrative. I am sure this is my preference showing. I did enjoy some of his humor.

The Midnight Watch: A Novel of the Titanic and the Californian
by David Dyer

Must read if you ever wondered...... (2/24/2016)

This is one of the best historical novels I have read in past several years! The author did a wonderful job of taking many complex details and relating them back to individual stories that tell about a historic event we all know...the sinking of the Titanic. However, the author was filling in the missing "dots" to weave a possible explanation for why so many lives were lost. A wonderful read!

The Opposite of Everyone
by Joshilyn Jackson

Wonderful plot! (12/18/2015)

This was a great read from the authors craft of the written word, to a lovely story about a mother and daughter. Having lived through the late1960s as a college student I could relate to the cultural influences of those times.
This novel easily becomes...."well...one more chapter before I finish reading tonight"?

Maybe in Another Life
by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Maybe for a different age (6/8/2015)

From the cover description, I guess I expected a lot more sophistication of the subject matter. I felt the book was appropriate for a much younger reader. I finished the book only because I promised to review. This would be a good read for a junior high school student.

Make Your Home Among Strangers
by Jennine Capó Crucet

Loved the "tongue in cheek" humor! (4/22/2015)

This is the first novel in awhile that I just laughed out loud!
The author's ability to create scenes that are far from my middle class experiences in life were amazing. I enjoyed getting to "know" Lizet and felt great empathy as she attempted to fit in to another world. This novel helped me realize and become more aware of the cultural divide we have in this country.

The Well
by Catherine Chanter

The Last Quarter (3/14/2015)

I could not understand why it took me so long to finish this book. I felt that the descriptions of the environment were too detailed. This surprised me as I have such a love for all plants and environs yet the first two thirds of the book was too slow reading for my taste.
I thought the plot was excellent but it often became lost in beginning 27 chapters. I would suggest the editor tighten up the plot line into no more than 20-25 chapters.

Blue Stars
by Emily Gray Tedrowe

Lack of intrigue (12/16/2014)

I am not sure what I was expecting based on the description I used to select this book to review. I guess I struggled with two issues, one being my total lack of experience with military life from both an individual as well as a family.
The second issue was a slow moving plot. I usually can enjoy more character oriented stories, however this did not hold my interest.
I do believe the book will be well received in book clubs that have shared the intensity of those that go to war and The families left behind.

The Deepest Secret
by Carla Buckley

The great twist.... (12/31/2013)

As a psychologist, I appreciated the author's ability to present an inter-woven snapshot of a family struggling to manage a chronic disease, and how one justifies moral decisions.
The characters are alive on the pages revealing a plot which grows in complexity as each perspective reveals itself.
I enjoyed the building suspense of the plot and characters! The final twist left me smiling as I did not have a clue.
A definite good read!

Lost Luggage
by Jordi Punti

Too many threads.... (9/5/2013)

Unfortunately this book was difficult to read based on my preference for a more straight forward plot line. Also the amount of detailed description and dialogue was too much to digest. While I found the plot potential original, I did not enjoy the reading experience.

Lookaway, Lookaway
by Wilton Barnhardt

NancyF (7/11/2013)

"Lookaway, Lookaway" was not a good choice based on my preference of content and writer's style. I tried to finish on numerous occasions however felt the plot was forced. As a former sorority member in a "southern house" I could not relate. Sorry.

Golden Boy
by Abigail Tarttelin

Not my "cup of tea" (1/23/2013)

I have read a number of books on the issue of sexual identity. I was looking forward to reading this story as described. I felt the first third of the book was interesting however, the author's style of sharing the intimate internal conversations of all the characters was too much dialogue. I wanted plot to be to move faster and a desire for more interpersonal dialogue. I appreciate the importance of this topic and I do hope authors will continue to shed light on this important dilemma.

A Thousand Pardons
by Jonathan Dee

Not sure..... (10/21/2012)

This is a hard review to write because I am confused by the reading experience. The prose and style are engaging as it did keep me turning the pages, however, I must take issue with both the plot and the ending.
The plot often appeared to be too contrived based on the suspense that was attempted by the author. I must admit that I am not a fan of predictable ending, but on the other hand, some closure as a reader would,have been nice!

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