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Reviews by Michelle M. (Palm City, FL)

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Smalltime: A Story of My Family and the Mob
by Russell Shorto
To know One is to Love One (2/25/2021)
This book brought back memories from my childhood. My father is from Italy and my Mom from France so the work ethic that I grew up with I found in this book. Also my husband grew up in Providence, Rhode Island and was very familiar with The Patriarca Family. Many instances in this book about mob activities described hit their mark. I will not explain why.

I love the way the author weaves history in his books. I so enjoyed " The Island at the Center of the World ". My husband had an apartment in Manhattan so we explored many historical sites there. They seemed to come more alive after reading that book.

I would love for Mr. Shorto to write more about his time growing up. Italian families are so entertaining. Liked the gravy recipe with the meatballs. Can't wait for my husband to read this book and try the recipe.
Sold on a Monday
by Kristina McMorris
Stolen Children (8/6/2018)
I loved how this author created a tale from a reporters perspective. Unfortunately many children get taken from their parents by unforeseen circumstances.There are probably many children that are grown up now and do not know that they have been taken from their biological parents. We don't have to go far from our own history to relive some of the horrors, like what is going on today. I like the fact that both Ellis and Lily weren't "goody two shoes" and had some flaws of their own. I just finished reading Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate for our book club , this book would be an excellent accompaniment. I read about half the book as soon as I got it. Love books that I can't seem to put down.
Tell Me How This Ends Well
by David Samuel Levinson
Where Are The chapter Headings? (3/22/2017)
I have never read a book that didn't have chapters. This book was divided by the main characters in the book and yet it would continue with the story which seemed very convoluted to me. The words just rambled on like someone relating a story without taking a breath. I was tired of all the abuse these poor characters endured from their father, Julian.
I would not recommend this book to anyone.
The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
by William Klaber
Interesting character (12/24/2014)
Although Lucy seems like an incredible character ,the authors writing made the story slow and not as exiting as I would like it to be. Too bad because I was hoping for more action.
Brutal Youth
by Anthony Breznican
What every high school teacher and student should read (5/28/2014)
I absolutely loved this book. This book could be used for a tutorial on bullying and the responsibility of parents and teachers to stop this kind of behavior. For anyone who has been bullied, or ridiculed , like I was in school, this is a MUST READ.
The Hollow Ground: A Novel
by Natalie S. Harnett
Slow start (3/25/2014)
I measure a book by whether I can't put it down as soon as I start it. I could not get into this book. It jumped around too much and was depressing, The book moved along towards the end. I felt sorry for the daughter Brigid but even her character was confusing. I will not recommend this book to my book club.
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