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Reviews by Marci G. (Sicklerville, NJ)

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Everything We Never Knew
Everything We Never Knew: A Novel
by Julianne Hough
Everything We Never Knew (8/12/2024)
I will preface this review by stating I am Leary of books written by 2 authors/ghostwriter. Beginning caught my attention but dragged on. I had difficulty finishing.
Digging Stars
Digging Stars: A Novel
by Novuyo Rosa Tshuma
I Dig Stars ! (7/28/2023)
My knowledge of astronomy begins and ends with the Big Dipper! The creative talent to take a subject such as astronomy and interweave with a relatable family story is awesome. I love to read for entertainment but when a books piques my interest in a subject I know nothing about that is even better! I went down the internet rabbit hole to read about Zimbabwe, Bantu geometry, astronomy , melanin research etc… The story is energized with an off kilter feeling. I didn't always like the characters but they were real and flawed and as perfect as the stars.
Mrs. Plansky's Revenge
Mrs. Plansky's Revenge
by Spencer Quinn
Don't Mess with Grandma ! (4/13/2023)
What to do when life has gone from bad to worse ? Mourning your beloved husband, dealing with children who score zero in self awareness and a cranky father in an assisted living facility? Enough for a 71 year old grandmother to deal with but then the real fun begins. From Florida to Romania, Loretta ups her game to get back what is hers. Can't wait for a sequel!
The Narrowboat Summer
The Narrowboat Summer
by Anne Youngson
Joy to Read (11/22/2020)
One of the joys of reading is discovering an interest about a subject you know nothing about. Life on a narrow boat on English Canals? Oh yes! This book led me to discover an unknown world of traveling on English Canals. Not only is the scene of this story intriguing but each character is rich in personality with their individual quirks, each on their own journeys through life. I appreciated each character and what they brought to the story. Anastasia in all her craggy glory the impetus for the journey. Sally and Eve so different yet complimenting each other to make life work. The peripheral characters of Trompette, Arthur, Jacob, Owen, Billy each adding a new dimension. The ending! I am clutching my e-reader to my chest! I selected this book to read since I enjoyed Ms.Youngson's "Meet Me at The Museum." I am delighted with The Narrowboat Summer!
With or Without You
With or Without You: A Novel
by Caroline Leavitt
Curveballs in Life (5/17/2020)
Stella and Simon involved in a long term relationship are at the cusp of a life altering decision. Stay together and continue working on a stale relationship or part ways. After a reckless night of partying, Stella is in a coma. Simon stays to take care of her, potentially giving up a chance for fame in an up-and-coming band. Life for Simon becomes days of visiting Stella in the hospital and nights as a Lyft driver. Libby, a doctor and colleague of Stella's, is a character who complicates the situation. This book is about our choices in life and how life throws us curveballs and how are decisions shape our future for better or worse. I highly recommend this book Carol Leavitt never disappoints me!
Our House
Our House
by Louise Candlish
Our House (6/10/2018)
I was not familiar with Ms. Candlish's work, but rest assured, I am a new fan! I plan to read her other books as soon I can! The familiar theme of "how well do we know our family and friends," is so prevalent in the psychological thriller genre. Our House has a fresh twist that had me squirming in my seat. An unlikely situation became frighteningly plausible in the hands of the author. The book kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending left room for a sequel ?! No pressure, Ms. Candlish !!!!
Meet Me at the Museum
Meet Me at the Museum
by Anne Youngson
Possibility (4/17/2018)
Enjoyed this book immensely. Living in 2 different countries, an older couple write to each other about a common interest. They share their past and current lives. The beauty of this book is its elegant simplicity.
Wonder Valley
Wonder Valley
by Ivy Pochoda
Wonder Valley (7/27/2017)
I am experiencing a bit of a "book block " right now. I read Wonder Valley in a 3 week period. Descriptions of place and characters was excellent. Unhappy people in unhappy places.
Happiness
Happiness: The Crooked Little Road to Semi-Ever After
by Heather Harpham
Happiness (6/16/2017)
I rarely read memoirs. When I opened the package, I was initially disappointed in the selection. Once I started the book, I changed my mind. I was completely invested in the characters and their story. I am happy I had the opportunity to read this book and have recommended to my family and friends.
No One Is Coming to Save Us
No One Is Coming to Save Us
by Stephanie Powell Watts
No One is Coming to Save Us (4/11/2017)
This book! I had so many things to do but I didn't want to stop reading. This is book of life for a African American community . New beginnings, endings, truth, lies and all that come between in one complicated mess. Well developed characters yearning for the joy and sorrows of the past and questioning the future.Jay coming back to his home town he builds a big house on the hill, a success story looking to save his first love Ava. Ava has desires of her own. Ava's mother, Sylvia who life has disappointed tries to keep life together. I am looking forward to Stephanie Powell Watts next book!
Extraordinary Adventures
Extraordinary Adventures
by Daniel Wallace
Extra - Ordinary Adventures (2/13/2017)
This Book is Extraordinary! In the fashion of A.J Filkery, A Man Called Ove, Britt- Marie Was Here, this books deals with the mundane part of life with a whimsical bent. Edsel Bronfman see his life as forgettable. He does not like change, he does not understand people and people do not understand him, if they even think about him! A mysterious phone call offering him a free visit to a beach condo in Florida sends him into a tail spin. With the stipulation that he brings a guest and attend a short time presentation, he agrees to the trip. Now who will he take? Except for his mother, Edsel does not know any one he can take. His journey to find a woman who would be willing to go with him sends him in all sort of crazy directions. Frustrating, fun and heartwarming, I couldn't put this book down!
The Invisible Life of Ivan Isaenko
The Invisible Life of Ivan Isaenko
by Scott Stambach
Ambivalent (8/4/2016)
I have delayed writing this review. I wanted to like this book. Very well written but just fell flat for me. Poor timing ? I may revisit.
The Children
The Children
by Ann Leary
Blended Family Dysfunction (5/12/2016)
We all have our family stories. Our world according to ourselves formed from family lore with our own personal twist. The setting is Lakeside Cottage, the ancestral home of The Whitman family.This story weaves a the tale of 2 families blended together by an affair. On the surface everything appears to have worked out well until a girl with her own agenda targets the favorite son and changes the course their family forever.
The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins
The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins
by Antonia Hodgson
The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins (1/6/2016)
Historical fiction is right up my alley (thankfully not located in St. Giles!). Antonia Hodgson recreated the sounds and smells of Georgian England. The almost gentleman Thomas Hawkins, his "Trull " Kitty Sparks, and the gangster in the making Sam come together to solve a murder of a pious neighbor with a less than pious past. Thomas is accused of the murder and finds himself heading to the gallows. No spoilers! Did not read " The Devil in the Marshalsea" although I have since ordered it. Antonia Hodgson, I am looking forward to the next adventure! Write quickly!
The Sound of Gravel
The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir
by Ruth Wariner
Astounding Ending ! (11/5/2015)
This is an uncomfortable book in terms of the affect the parents choices have on the children. In a community where a woman's purpose is to populate the earth, the lack of care given to the children is painful. Children taking care of children, the wives in competition with other wives. I cheered for the author throughout the book. I recognize her strength in dealing with " her lot in life" but I am astounded by her choices in the end ... it left me speechless. I am still ruminating her choice .
Maud's Line
Maud's Line
by Margaret Verble
Maud's Line (7/25/2015)
Maud's Line grabs you from the first few pages like a train wreck you can't turn away from. A gruesome act that sets off a series of events which leaves the reader(me) reeling. A fascinating time period and culture rich with family for better and for worse. The ties that bind. Does Maude's line speak of only the line of her government allotment of land or a line she can't emotionally cross? I would recommend this book! Fascinating!
The Well
The Well
by Catherine Chanter
The Well (3/2/2015)
Isolation and destruction in the land of plenty. Leaving London to live on farm, promises of an idyllic life turns into chaos and disaster.The farm's lush greenery from the frequent over night rain while the rest of the country is experiencing a severe drought isolates the couple from the town. A mysterious religious group arrives and further divides the couple. I did not like any of the characters but despised Ruth for her poor decisions. That being said this was a good read because I was invested in the book, waiting for one of the characters to wake up and smell the fragrant roses( or at least see Amelia for who she was.
Girl on the Golden Coin
Girl on the Golden Coin: A Novel of Frances Stuart
by Marci Jefferson
Not Familiar with Time Period . (1/26/2014)
I also love historical fiction. I admit I am not familiar with this time period. I have focused on Henry VIII and Elizabeth I . The start of this novel was slow but my interest increased as I read. Overall I would recommend this book for people interested in historical fiction. The political intrigue was fascinating !
The Tudor Secret
The Tudor Secret: The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles
by C. W. Gortner
Welcome back to historical fiction (3/29/2011)
In my 30's, I read everything I could about Henry VIII, his wives and children. Until recently I stayed away from this genre. My interest was piqued after reading the synopsis of The Tudor Secret. I loved it! I was invested in the characters, real and those created by the author. The recommended reading, info about the author, historical timeline etc.. Were a nice addition. Looking forward to the sequel.
The Lost and Forgotten Languages of Shanghai
The Lost and Forgotten Languages of Shanghai: A Novel
by Ruiyan Xu
Loss of Language... Loss of Self ? (10/27/2010)
As a nurse working on an acute rehabilitation unit, I was very drawn to the book. I cared for a stroke patient who lost her ability to speak English but could communicate in her primary language. Fascinating!!! To read this beautifully written book that merges science and the heart so well. The frustration of all parties involved is palpable. I was also drawn by the parallel between Rosalyn's sense of isolation and Li Jing's. Who are we if we are taken out of the context of our daily lives ? Successful business man, father, son, husband...
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