BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Anatomy of a Miracle
by Jonathan Miles

Anatomy of a Miracle (1/1/2018)

I started the book by reading the acknowledgements at the end to make sure I knew it was a novel and was a bit annoyed with the way the author thanked the characters for their time and energy in helping him put this story on paper. But the premise intrigued me and I did read the entire book. I knew how it ended but that didn't matter, the way the author crafted a fiction book to be so believable was extremely well done. I found the topic of miracles interesting and the cast of characters Cameron came in contact with very well developed however I do not think this would be a book that my book group would choose to read.

Eternal Life
by Dara Horn

Eternal Life by Dara Horn (11/6/2017)

I am only rating this book average since I found it hard to maintain my interest as the main character Rachel came back over and over as an 18 year old and watched many of her descendants die.She made a bargain that she would never die if her son, the famous biblical scholar, Yohanan Ben Zakkai, was allowed to live. The book alternated between the past and present with Rachel's granddaughter, another one of the many Hannah's, was trying to figure out why her grandma had the DNA of an 18 year old. The blurb on back cover called the book hilarious which I found disturbing since I thought it was anything but funny. I do not think it would be a good choice for my book group.

Happiness: The Crooked Little Road to Semi-Ever After
by Heather Harpham

Happiness (5/26/2017)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it very quickly since i like medical memoirs with a happy ending.which I knew from the title. The author did a good job of sharing her daughter's journey and thoughts as she went through the transplant process as a very young child. This all took place over 10 years ago when embryonic stem cell transplants were just getting started. It was nice to read a "happily after book" for a change.

Tell Me How This Ends Well
by David Samuel Levinson

Tell Me How This Ends Well (3/2/2017)

I would call this book "quirky" which could be clever and enjoyable to read but for me it wasn't. The story line dealt with the different members of a Jewish family wanting to kill the patriarch over the course of a family get together in Los Angeles. The story was set in 2022 but I did not feel that the future date served much of a purpose except at the very end. I know bullying is a big issue right now but reading about how the wife and children, including the gay son, were bullied by their father did not make a book that kept my interest. For this reason I would rate it just average and would not recommend it to my book group.

Extraordinary Adventures
by Daniel Wallace

Extra-Ordinary Adventures (1/31/2017)

i enjoyed this somewhat quirky but well-crafted book since it touched on many pertinent themes. It was a fast read and held my attention throughout. Finding one's place in the world, finding love and dealing with parent issues were all addressed in this lively book that just seemed to gallop along. One unfortunate thing after another seemed to happen to the main character who was aptly named Edsel which of course was the name of the failed Ford automobile. It all starts with a phone call offering a free trip but Ed, as he wishes he were called, does not hang up and the story unfolds from there.

Mercies in Disguise: A Story of Hope, a Family's Genetic Destiny, and the Science That Rescued Them
by Gina Kolata

Mercies in Disguise (10/27/2016)

This book is not for everyone. It is rather scientific and not everyone's cup of tea. I read it in one sitting since it hit home for me on many levels, recently losing a loved one to a neurological disease and having a close family member go through the same embryo screening procedures at the same lab because of a different genetic condition. I find medical research extremely interesting and the author presented it in a way that kept my interest. I don't think most book groups would find this book a good fit although mine loved The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and this reminded me of that book.. The book brought up the ethical issue of wanting to know if you have a fatal genetic disease or not and how different family members made different choices.

The Book That Matters Most: A Novel
by Ann Hood

The Book that Matters Most (5/31/2016)

I identified with the main character Ava when she became the newest member of a book group that had been in existence for a long time. The fact that one of the members picked my favorite book as the one she wanted to review made me even more excited. Both mother and daughter were disappointed in their relationships and trying to forge new ones, making many missteps along the way. The ending was somewhat predictable but overall I found this an easy and enjoyable read. I would recommend it to book groups.

The Alaskan Laundry
by Brendan Jones

The Alaskan Laundry (2/2/2016)

I always feel that if I learn something from a book and also enjoy it, it has done its job. Tara journeyed to Alaska to take a breather from her life in Philadelphia and the family business, not knowing how difficult it would be physically and emotionally. How she survives and the decisions she makes is what the author describes as the Alaskan Laundry, the reason people come to the far reaches of Alaska to figure out what they want out of life, Tara is no exception. The author does an exceptional job describing all facets of the fishing industry as seen through Tara's eyes and those of the people she meets. Through these relationships coupled with a lot of old fashioned grit she survives the Alaskan Laundry. This book is an excellent addition to the genre of strong woman and what they can accomplish.

When the Moon Is Low: A Novel
by Nadia Hashimi

When the Moon is Low (8/16/2015)

This was a good book but I would not say great. It was fiction but read like non-fiction, we all know how bad things were in Afghanistan when the Taliban came in and how desperately people wanted to leave. I did not find the family's story all that compelling. I was more interested in the mother than the teenage son but the majority of the book was about the son. I found myself thinking things were bad but not really THAT bad and they did have money which certainly helped with bribes and their escape plan. Not every family was that fortunate.

Maybe in Another Life
by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Maybe In Another Life (5/25/2015)

This was a very quick and enjoyable read, perfect for the summer. At 29 Hannah moves back to where she grew up after a traumatic break up with a married man to reevaluate her life, The author shows us two different paths that her life could have taken which are set forth in alternating chapters. As the threads of each life seem to unravel I found myself thinking that maybe the outcome of our decisions is what is ordained, how we get there is not. And if we have a soul mate are there different paths to finding that special person? For Hannah her quest made for a good read that book groups would enjoy.

Make Your Home Among Strangers
by Jennine Capó Crucet

Make Your Home Among Straingers (4/3/2015)

This was a captivating glimpse into the life of a first generation Cuban American woman who was torn between her family and heritage and striking out on her own. The story grabbed me from the very beginning when I wondered if the plight of the 6 year old Cuban boy who was rescued from the ocean was meant to parallel the true story of Elian Gonzalez the young boy who was also rescued and returned to Cuba after much political turmoil. I found myself very engaged in the author's style of writing and think this would be a good book for a book group.

The Art of Baking Blind
by Sarah Vaughan

The Art of Baking Blind (2/22/2015)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book which dealt with friendships and contemporary issues having to do with many aspects of families, letting go of the past, and embracing the future all within the backdrop of a baking competition. Is it great literature? Obviously not, but I loved reading it, particularly with the many references to those things distinctly British. It took me a while to figure out the meaning of the title but I think it addresses one of the themes, things are not always what they seem. I look forward to reading more from this author.

He Wanted the Moon: The Madness and Medical Genius of Dr. Perry Baird, and His Daughter's Quest to Know Him
by Mimi Baird with Eve Claxton

Not For the Faint of Heart (1/29/2015)

I have no doubt the author accurately portrays the manic depressive illness of her father in the 1940's and the horrendous treatment he was given as evidenced by his writings which served as the basis of this book. I am glad the author got some closure as to why her father was not in her life. I knew it would be a tough read but I got bogged down in the details of each hospitalization and just didn't care. Definitely not recommended for a book club. And certainly not for anyone dealing with mental illness.

The Last Good Paradise
by Tatjana Soli

The Last Good Paradise (11/3/2014)

Had I not been on a cruise ship with nothing else to read I would not have even finished the book. I did not feel engaged by any of the characters or the plot.Giving it a 3 is generous.

The Nightingale
by Kristin Hannah

A New High for Kristin Hannah (9/14/2014)

Kristin Hannah is known for her contemporary fiction so I was blown away by this meticulously researched work of historical fiction set in France during WW2. The story focuses on a time when people did not believe that France would ever abandon its Jews or that the Germans would overrun their quiet community. It speaks to the strengths of women who were willing to put their lives on the line because it was the right thing to do. The author brought this dark time in history alive with her engaging story based on actual events. There is no doubt in my mind that this book will take its place with other Holocaust themed literature.

Brutal Youth
by Anthony Breznican

Brutal Youth (5/9/2014)

This coming of age, possibly young adult, novel is no doubt destined to become a movie. I had to keep reminding myself it took place in the 1990's and not the 1950's. It was a poor reflection of parochial schools and the bullying that was allowed and even encouraged by the staff and clergy was troubling. The characters were well crafted and as the author's debut novel it should be applauded as such but I know it would not appeal to my book group.

Safe with Me
by Amy Hatvany

Safe With Me (11/8/2013)

Organ donation and domestic abuse are two topics of importance that the author, Amy Hatvany, weaves together in this gem of contemporary fiction. The book is all about picking up the pieces when things go wrong and the unlikely circumstances that throw people together. The characters held my interest as did the story line although I knew where it was going early on. This was an enjoyable read that would spark good discussions for book clubs.

The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane
by Kelly Harms

The Good Luck Girls of Shipwreck Lane (5/2/2013)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan on recommending it to my friends. The writing was sharp and entertaining and I liked ALL the characters which rarely happens. It deals with human nature, relationships and the importance of family or more correctly, the making of family. I look forward to reading more by this author.

Walk Me Home
by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Walk Me Home (3/30/2013)

I loved this book and think it would make a wonderful book club discussion. It takes the concept of family one step further and addresses ingenuity, resourcefulness, self worth and most importantly trust. All gifts do not have to have strings attached and sometimes "thank you' is all that is needed. Learning this does not always come easy as in the case of the main character Carly.

One Minus One: Nancy Pearl's Book Lust Rediscoveries
by Ruth Doan MacDougall

One Minus One (3/28/2013)

This book was sweet but uninspiring. It takes place in rural New Hampshire in the late 1960's yet it seemed like the 1950's. The 60's were a time of exploring and taking risks yet this book was no more captivating than references to avocado appliances and harvest gold carpet. Nancy Pearl, the creator of the Book Lust series, chose to include this book for its character development. I did not feel drawn in by the characters and unlike her, did not wonder in the least about their lives after the book ended.

Reviews by Lisa G. (Riverwoods, IL)

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Reviews by Lisa G. (Riverwoods, IL)

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