Reviews by Judith S. (Binghamton, NY)

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Mrs. March
Mrs. March: A Novel
by Virginia Feito
Most Unusual (5/17/2021)
One of the most unusual books I've read. If you want to intimately enter the mind and life of a self absorbed psychotic, read the book. Otherwise move on to the next book on your list. I nearly stopped reading after the first 100 pages but went on because the reviews …more
The Last Tiara
The Last Tiara
by M.J. Rose
Love and Mystery from Russia (2/5/2021)
The Last Tiara is an interesting story about the lives of a mother and daughter entwined by love, mystery and intrigue. A tiara stripped of its beauty emerges as the main character. The human characters are underdeveloped. The result is a predictable story during which the …more
The Paris Hours
The Paris Hours: A Novel
by Alex George
Best of the Year (2/16/2020)
Oh my! This man Alex George is an extraordinarily talented writer. His style is reminiscent of Amor Towles who wrote "A Gentleman in Moscow". A tip: have a dictionary handy to further enjoy the stories of these terrific characters and enhance your lovely read. I will …more
Evening in Paradise
Evening in Paradise: More Stories
by Lucia Berlin
One of the Best of the Year (12/28/2019)
Although short stories are not my first choice, Lucia Berlin's prose is absolutely beautiful. Her superb use of adjectives and adverbs transforms harshness of the settings to beauty in humanity. The stories reflect her "belief in the artistic legitimacy of chronicling …more
Motherhood So White
Motherhood So White: A Memoir of Race, Gender, and Parenting in America
by Nefertiti Austin
Informative & Heartfelt (8/17/2019)
Nefertiti Austin's memoir is excellent in many ways. It is extremely factual (with statistics and research I had no idea had been done), and therefore eye opening and at the same time heartfelt and humorous - also balanced in terms of criticism of our culture. The book …more
Never Have I Ever
Never Have I Ever
by Joshilyn Jackson
Disappointing (6/5/2019)
Am a fan of Joshilyn Jackson and have read many of her books. This one was disappointing because it was somewhat disturbing and not terribly believable in my opinion. It was similar to another book offered which was I believe "My Lovely Wife". Both seemed like tabloid …more
The Night Tiger
The Night Tiger: A Novel
by Yangsze Choo
Enchanting (1/1/2019)
Yangsze Choo tells an enchanting story in The Night Tiger. Her writing is skillful, lyrical and exciting which is quite a feat. The reader sees, tastes, smells and feels Malaysia of the 1930's in a truly wonderful and entertaining way. There is a mystery throughout but the …more
My Lovely Wife
My Lovely Wife
by Samantha Downing
Tabloid novel (10/30/2018)
The book is vile. Like reading a tabloid. Writing unremarkable. If I hadn't volunteered to read and review I would not have finished. Actually was curious to see how bad it could get and it didn't disappoint in that aspect.
Red, White, Blue
Red, White, Blue
by Lea Carpenter
Intellectually entertaining (8/18/2018)
Red, White, Blue is a thinking person's book. Similar to international films, the reader is not spoon fed or taken for a quick read ride through the story. Carpenter gives us a sneak peak into the work of intelligence and espionage in a style that is thought provoking, …more
America for Beginners
America for Beginners
by Leah Franqui
Best Read 0f 2018 (4/30/2018)
America for Beginners is the best book I've read this year. Leah Frangui immediately engages the reader in this road trip novel. The author deftly places the reader in the mind of each character which adds depth to the story. The book is at once witty, incisive, …more
Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions
Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions
by Mario Giordano
Verbosity (1/12/2018)
Reading this book was annoying and therefore difficult to finish but I did. The story was interesting - a decent mystery. The characters were interesting, funny and sexy but there were too many of them so a challenge to keep straight. While trudging through I kept wanting …more
Strangers in Budapest
Strangers in Budapest
by Jessica Keener
Travel to Budapest (11/28/2017)
Take a trip to Budapest compliments of Jessica Keener. The author transports the reader to modern day Budapest and swiftly immerses one in the culture, history and current landscape of a country at once beautiful and sad. Added to one's visit is to accompany a young …more
The Necklace
The Necklace
by Claire McMillan
A Lovely Read (7/6/2017)
"The Necklace" is a beautifully written novel that is elegant, witty and charming. Claire McMillan's characters are well constructed, believable and each endearing in their own way. The author skillfully and deftly transports the reader between past and present without …more
The Life of the World to Come
The Life of the World to Come
by Dan Cluchey
Best Read of 2016 (5/22/2016)
Mr. Cluchey's book is terrific and the best I've read this year. I do read a lot. The author has put so much of himself into this book I can't imagine he has anything left and yet I'm looking forward to more. The plot is interesting and easy to follow. What makes the book …more
Everybody Rise
Everybody Rise
by Stephanie Clifford
Disappointing (3/28/2015)
The reviews on the covers of the book comparing this author to Edith Wharton overshadowed my opinion from the very beginning. The story is humorous at times. Descriptions of the Adirondacks are well done. The characters are underdeveloped, come across as vacuous and …more
A Kim Jong-Il Production
A Kim Jong-Il Production: The Extraordinary True Story of a Kidnapped Filmmaker, His Star Actress, and a Young Dictator's Rise to Power
by Paul Fischer
Fascinating Peek into North Korea (1/4/2015)
This book, although non-fiction, reads like a thriller. Mr. Fischer provides the reader with a fascinating look into the politics and culture of North Korea. The author deftly juxtaposes a love story with the cruelty of the North Korean regime. This book is a must read for …more
Lessons in French
Lessons in French: A Novel
by Hilary Reyl
A treat for Francophiles (11/1/2014)
The story is a lively romp through Paris. Beautifully written the author takes us not only to Paris but into the lives of Parisian artists and the working class that are there for their convenience. An interesting glimpse into the worlds of the privileged and not so privileged. Thought provoking.
City of the Sun
City of the Sun
by Juliana Maio
A lovely read (3/14/2014)
Juliana Maio book is an excellent blend of history and romance. It is light. On the other hand it is a reminder of the ravages of war on both individuals and countries. Certainly Egypt is no longer Paris of the Nile. The love story is a blend of fast paced suspense, …more
Where Monsters Dwell
Where Monsters Dwell
by Jørgen Brekke
monsters dwell in the libraries! (12/4/2013)
The novel "Where Monsters Dwell" is a masterfully written tale. The author skillfully transports the reader back and forth through time and continents while weaving a 'just intricate enough' crime investigation. The historical fiction aspects are immensely interesting …more
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