BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

The Fields: A Novel
by Erin Young

Out in THE FIELDS (11/6/2021)

I found this novel quite complicated. The premise was good, and the writing is very good, but I was somehow dissatisfied. I am not a big fan of "teases", and there was plenty of that regarding the main character's past. I think that there were so many characters that there wasn't enough development of their backgrounds or personalities, and it became difficult to keep track of who belonged to which group. A bit too much going on, some of it quite predictable (jealous male co-worker, dangerous weather). But promising.

The Last Chance Library
by Freya Sampson

The Last Chance Library (7/13/2021)

This was a rather charming book about a very shy twenty-eight-year-old library assistant in a small English village, whose life is upended when it is announced that the council is planning to shut down the library. June is a very sympathetic character, although there were times that I wanted to shake her for being such a doormat. However, she does develop some backbone, and becomes involved surreptitiously with the group of concerned patrons who are devoted to saving their library. There are many interesting characters, and reference to many familiar book titles, old and new. A real feel-good novel.

Raft of Stars
by Andrew J. Graff

Raft of Stars (12/9/2020)

I enjoyed this book very much. The author writes beautifully, and I cared about the characters. I liked the boys' growth as they struggled on the river with the raft. It was a little difficult for me to follow the goings-on on the river, with the islands, upstream/downstream, etc., but that wasn't really important. The story was good and well told, and I would read more by this writer.

The Sun Down Motel
by Simone St. James

The Sun Down Motel (11/20/2019)

I found this book to be mildly entertaining, but not unputdownable. I became frustrated at times with certain characters actions (or inactions), and I really questioned some of the legal ramifications near the end of the story (It's hard to be specific without giving a spoiler.) Cannot heartily endorse this one, but it isn't terrible.

Sounds Like Titanic: A Memoir
by Jessica Chiccehitto Hindman

Sounds Like Titanic (1/22/2019)

I enjoyed this; the author is certainly an entertaining writer. Descriptions of her early life are interesting, and I could sympathize with her difficulties in finding herself at Columbia University' - Appalachia to NYC is quite a stretch. The story of her touring with The Composer and his ensemble is both humorous and sad. What I think bothered me a bit were the generalizations about the people in the towns and cities that they visited. Also, we are of different generations, with differing mindsets about life. Overall, I am glad that I read this book, and I think book clubs could have some great discussions about it.

The Travelling Cat Chronicles
by Hiro Arikawa, Philip Gabriel

Satoru and Nana (6/7/2018)

I enjoyed this book very much. It started a little slowly for me, but I was soon drawn in by the relationship between Satoru and his cat Nana, and Nana's perky personality. We see the pair visiting several of his old friends, and we learn how Satoru's thoughtfulness has had a lasting effect in different ways on each of them. This novel beautifully expresses the mutual love many of us experience with our pets. A sweet and gentle read.

The Chalk Man
by C. J. Tudor

Who Is The Chalk Man? (12/11/2017)

I enjoyed this book. It held my interest throughout, and drew me back to read more late at night. I am getting tired of books that switch back and forth through time, but that format did work here, for the most part. The story was quite suspenseful, and there were surprises, but I was glad that one suspicion I had proved to be true. Glad I read this one!

The French Girl
by Lexie Elliott

The French Girl (9/20/2017)

I found The French Girl to be interesting and suspenseful. The characters were well-written, and Kate Channing was a likable and sympathetic heroine. The story was plausible and held my attention. It's not great literature, but not a bad way to spend a few hours.

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things: A Novel
by Bryn Greenwood

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things (5/27/2016)

I enjoyed this story of a young girl who experienced a horrendous childhood, and the misfit who loved her. The book is beautifully written and kept my attention throughout. I cared about the characters. There is crude language and explicit sexual references, but if you can handle that you may find the story as gripping as I did.

Crazy Blood
by T. Jefferson Parker

Not too crazy about Crazy Blood (2/19/2016)

I had mixed feelings about this novel. I was engrossed by parts of it, and rather turned off by others. The writing is very good, and the story is interesting, but perhaps it was the bizarre thoughts and behavior of Sky that bothered me--all that talk of punishment and apologizing. It didn't ring true. Of course, it was that "crazy blood", but I didn't like it. I can see this book evoking some good book club discussion.

Circling the Sun: A Novel
by Paula McLain

Circling the Sun (6/11/2015)

I enjoyed this well-written, fictional account of the early life of Beryl Markham. She was certainly a strong, independent woman, a survivor, as she struggled to find happiness in a male-dominated, 1920s Africa. Paula McLain brings Kenya to life, and presents quite an interesting cast of characters. I can't say I admired many of the idle rich, whose days seemed to be taken up with gossip, alcohol, drugs, and loose sexual mores. They brought to mind Hemingway's crowd in The Paris Wife. But Beryl was a hard worker, not afraid to try new things, who had quite a few highs and lows, not always of her own making. This novel should engender some good book club discussion.

Irritable Hearts: A PTSD Love Story
by Mac McClelland

Irritable Hearts (1/27/2015)

This is a powerful book, not for the squeamish. The language is often raw, and the author is frank about her sexuality and experiences. The reader learns much about PTSD, its causes and treatments (of which there are many), and how widespread it is, not only among veterans. The factors which make someone more susceptible to PTSD are very interesting.What particularly saddens me is the way so many people are quick to judge whether someone "really has PTSD" or question the ways in which they try to deal with it. I think this well-written book would foster some good book club discussion.

The Life I Left Behind
by Colette McBeth

The Life I Left Behind (12/6/2014)

It took me a while to decide if I liked the format of this book, but I gradually accepted it. It was an interesting story that drew me in more as I went along. I would have liked a bit more input by detective inspector Rutter, as well as some indication of any repercussions due to the initial investigation and arrest of David Alden. And does the title refer to Eve or Melody?

The Last Enchantments
by Charles Finch

The Last Enchantments (11/18/2013)

This is a skillfully written novel that I liked, but didn't love. The main character, Will, is a likable fellow, a Yale graduate who spent a year working on a presidential campaign for a losing candidate. After the election, he applied for acceptance at Oxford University (unbeknownst to his longtime girlfriend), and when he was accepted he took off for England. This book is an accounting of that year. Will seemed rather immature to me, more like an undergrad, and I confess I needed a dictionary for a lengthy list of words he used ("involucre", "armature", et al). The descriptions of Oxford life were interesting, and I expect that a book club could have a lively discussion about what motivated some of these characters. For me, not a failure, but not a triumph, either.

Letters from Skye
by Jessica Brockmole

Love to read letters! (6/19/2013)

I have enjoyed epistolary novels in the past, and this one is no exception. It was a pleasure reading all the letters, and this format is a good way to keep track of time and place. There were interesting but not deep descriptions of life during both world wars, and the characters were well-drawn. I think it would generate good book club discussion.

The Last Girl: A Maeve Kerrigan Novel
by Jane Casey

THE LAST GIRL (4/17/2013)

This was a very enjoyable thriller. It moved along at a good pace, most of the characters were well-developed, and I cared about what happened. The situations and dialogue for the most part seemed quite realistic (although I hope there are not too many men around like Philip Kennford). I hope I will be able to get my hands on the previous books in the series--Maeve Kerrigan is a character I would like to know better.

With or Without You: A Memoir
by Domenica Ruta

Hard to say how I feel... (12/4/2012)

I couldn't write this review immediately after reading WITH OR WITHOUT YOU. It is a very readable memoir about growing up as the daughter of an alcoholic drug addict who wants all the same things for her daughter, and is afraid to turn in the pedophile "uncle" because of what he knows about HER. What a terrible life Nikki had, yet she doesn't seem to feel sorry for herself. I do have to wonder how she could recall so much of her earlier life, considering the amount of drugs and booze she consumed. I can't say that I enjoyed the book, but it is quite a powerful, well-written story, and I hope the author's recovery continues.

Sentinel: A Spycatcher Novel
by Matthew Dunn

Sentinel (6/25/2012)

This book held my attention and moved along quickly. There could have been more character development, but it probably would have helped if I had read the first novel, Spycatcher, beforehand (and I intend to read it). All of the Russian names and places, as well as the acronyms, made it a little hard to follow at times, but on the whole, I thought it was a good thriller.

Paris in Love: A Memoir
by Eloisa James

Loved "Paris in Love"! (3/23/2012)

I very much enjoyed this charming book! The author relates her observations and experiences over the course of the year her family moved to Paris. She writes so well, and her descriptions transported me to the City of Lights. Her 11-year-old daughter is a hoot, not an angel but lovable. This is obviously not a typical family, but I loved reading about them, and would like to know them. This should be a "must read" before a visit to Paris, or if you have ever been there or thought about going. There is a lot about food, both dining out and cooking, and many different museums are briefly described. The writer paints a lovely picture of a beautiful city and her enchanting family.

No Mark Upon Her: A Novel
by Deborah Crombie

No Mark Upon Her (1/5/2012)

I enjoyed this book very much. British mysteries/suspense novels are among my favorite genres, and this one did not disappoint. It is well-written, with interesting characters and an intriguing plot. It involves championship-caliber rowing, which makes it out of the ordinary, and enabled me to learn something about a subject I knew virtually nothing about, in a most entertaining way.

Reviews by Carolyn L. (Summerville, SC)

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