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Reviews by Debi B. (Charleston, SC)

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The Story of Arthur Truluv: A Novel
by Elizabeth Berg
The Story of Arthur Truluv (6/16/2017)
I loved The Story of Arthur Truluv. I found myself quickly embracing Arthur, Maddy and even Lucille. If you want to read a book that will show you people do truly care about each other, even though friendships need patience and sacrifices, this book is one to be read. I definitely will be reading this treasure of a book again when I need to be reminded .... people do care. Thank You, Elizabeth Berg!
Far From True: A Promise Falls Novel
by Linwood Barclay
Far From True (1/11/2016)
I have read several Linwood Barclay books, including Broken Promises, which is the first of this trilogy. The characters are believable and just when you think you have things figured out, something else happens. Once I started reading this book, it was very hard to put down. I am so looking forward to book no. 3
Broken Promise: A Thriller
by Linwood Barclay
Broken Promise ~ Linwood Barclay (7/8/2015)
I have read other books written by Mr. Barclay and have thoroughly enjoyed those books. I was not disappointed with Broken Promise. I couldn't put the book down and every time I thought I had things figured out, I was wrong. I love reading books like this .... all consuming.
Fever
by Mary Beth Keane
Fever ~ Mary Beth Keane (3/21/2013)
Fever is the story of Mary Mallon: Typhoid Mary, the Germ Woman. She was a head-strong Irish immigrant who wanted to succeed in America as a domestic cook. She was a carrier of typhoid fever, which she didn't seem to acknowledge or want to admit to the deadly consequences of being a carrier of the disease. At times I found myself angry at Mary, but mostly, I felt sorry for her.

I really liked this book and found it hard to put down. Mary Beth Keane writes in such a way it was like watching her movie, rather than reading her book. I didn't want it to end.
Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected - A Memoir
by Kelle Hampton
Bloom - Kelle Hampton (2/17/2012)
I enjoyed this book. Although I did expect to learn more about the every day experiences the family went through with Nella. I was really impressed with the support that was constantly being given .... very inspiring. I will be periodically checking the blog to see how everyone is doing.
Low Town: A Novel
by Daniel Polansky
A Most Excellent Thriller (5/30/2011)
Low Town is a gritty, fast-paced, action-packed adventure which takes place in another time and place. Mr. Polansky is very descriptive, which made me feel I was with The Warden every step he took. I couldn't put this book down. I hope this is the first of many adventures for The Warden.
An Eagle Named Freedom: My True Story of a Remarkable Friendship
by Jeff Guidry
An Eagle Named Freedom (5/12/2010)
This is a beautiful little book about a man and an eagle who found themselves in each other's life and the fiercely devoted relationship that developed. Jeff Guidry was caregiver and lifesaver to Freedom, the rescued eagle. In turn, Freedom was Jeff Guidry's lifesaver during his struggle with cancer. It's also a story of the love, trust and the spiritual connection we, as humans have with animals. Thank you, Mr. Guidry, for sharing your story.
The Russian Dreambook of Color and Flight
by Gina Ochsner
The Russian Dreambook (12/11/2009)
This was a hard book for me to get into, but once I got to know the characters, it captured my interest enough to want to read a little more to find out what was going to happen next. If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be bleak. Often I found myself in places I didn't want to be, but interested enough to keep reading.
The Elephant Keeper
by Christopher Nicholson
The Elephant Keeper (6/14/2009)
I liked reading this book....a story within a story. Even though Tom (the protagonist) thought writing The History of The Elephant would be "a dull affair", it was anything but dull.

This is a captivating story of a boy and two elephants he takes care of and raises. At times it made me smile and other times, brought tears to my eyes. I will always think of Tom and Jenny disappearing in the fog.

Anyone who has an appreciation and fascination for elephants or animals, will like this book.
Night Navigation
by Ginnah Howard
Night Navigation (3/12/2009)
This book was very hard for me to read because of the content, but yet it was extremely hard to put down. It was so easy to get involved in the lives of Del and Mark. To me the book was just as addictiive as Mark's addition to his drugs. I love getting totally involved in a book and I did with this one. Through Ginnah Howard's wonderfully sensitive writing, I was able to experience the same emotional ups and downs the characters experienced, from anger to love, from hope to disappointment, from steadfast loyalty to wanting to walk away.

I look forward to Ginnah Howard's next book.
How Far Is the Ocean from Here: A Novel
by Amy Shearn
How Far is the Ocean from Here by Amy Shearn (6/12/2008)
I very much enjoyed reading this book. Not only did it introduce me to eight uniquely, different people, but it also made me realize how our decisions, thoughts and actions can impact the lives of the people around us. I liked the way Ms. Shearn was able to make me feel like I was right there, with everyone, instead of reading a book about them. I also agree that this book would make an excellent book club selection.
Resistance
by Owen Sheers
Resistance (2/26/2008)
I didn't know what to expect when I first picked up this book. From the very start it drew me into the lives of the women who were forced to maintain the every day routines of their farms because of the unexplained disappearance of their husbands and sons. All around them war was raging. At first the appearance of the German patrol was an unwelcome intrusion into their lives. I liked the way both the women and the soldiers came to depend on each other. I liked this book and believe it would be an excellent additional to any book club.
Gomorrah: A Personal Journey into the Violent International Empire of Naples' Organized Crime System
by Roberto Saviano, translated by Virginia Jewiss
Gomorrah (10/17/2007)
This book was hard to put down once I started reading it and at times I had to remind myself I wasn't reading a novel. I believe this book will have limited appeal due to the violence throughout. I think the book would benefit from an audio version read by the author. I admire Roberto Saviano for his fearlessness in sharing his story.
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