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Reviews by Sandra C. (Rensselaer, NY)

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Do Tell
Do Tell: A Novel
by Lindsay Lynch
Hollywood in the past (6/25/2023)
The author gave us a view into the old Hollywood where gossip columnists such as Hedda Hopper wrote titillating tidbits about the industry. One would wonder if any of the characters were based on real movie stars of old. Some of the issues presented continue to the present. There is a price to pay for "glamor".
Ghost Season
Ghost Season: A Novel
by Fatin Abbas
Humanity in the face of conflict (11/23/2022)
Not knowing much about African nations I found this book to be very enlightening and also dismaying. Despite the poverty, climate conditions and war the author showed the reader that there is hope against all odds. How resilient the characters were. So little geography and history of African nations is taught in our educational system. The main characters were well developed but I wish there was more about the extended families. I would highly recommend this book.
At the Chinese Table
At the Chinese Table: A Memoir with Recipes
by Carolyn Phillips
At the Chinese Table (6/24/2021)
The title of the book caught my attention as there are not too many Chinese cookbooks compared with other cuisines. At the beginning of the book I was drawn into the authors life. However I thought her family history became convoluted and deeply entrenched with Chinese history. For me I wanted to hear about her life and not about the history of China. True to the authors intent the recipes were for authentic Chinese food, not what the American palate has grown to expect.
Morningside Heights
Morningside Heights: A Novel
by Joshua Henkin
Love a mind health hardships (4/13/2021)
This book held my interest throughout. It struggles with the difficulty of caring for a loving partner with Alzheimer's. How do you nurture your own needs when your spouse can no longer do that. In addition it dealt with family secrets.
Of Women and Salt
Of Women and Salt
by Gabriela Garcia
Confusion (4/13/2021)
The author tried to address too many current issues. It was confusing the way the chapters went back and forth in dates and characters. Having visited Cuba I was hopeful there would be more descriptive passages.
The Prisoner's Wife
The Prisoner's Wife
by Maggie Brookes
Unbelievable journey (2/24/2020)
The writing style of the author is an easy read. At first I thought switching between characters would be difficult but found this style effective. The subject matter has been covered by several authors due to the anniversary of the holocaust, but this was a new perspective. The end left many unanswered question, perhaps the content of a sequel.
Red Letter Days
Red Letter Days
by Sarah-Jane Stratford
Blacklisting (10/19/2019)
Once I got into the book I found it entertaining and informative. Blacklisting of the entertainment society was something I heard of but was unaware of its ramifications. Both Hannah and Phoebe portrayed women who were not of the norm at that time. The author made both of the women believable.
Ordinary Girls
Ordinary Girls: A Memoir
by Jaquira Díaz
Eyeopening (9/20/2019)
It was eyeopening to hear about the life the author led and how she turned it around. The average person has no idea of what the poor have to deal with on a daily basis. Part of the time I was embarrassed by the way this country treats the poor, folks from other countries, and the mentally ill. However the theme of community ran through the book. No matter the circumstances most people want to belong to a group of some sort.
Nothing to See Here
Nothing to See Here
by Kevin Wilson
Interesting book (6/30/2019)
The characters were so well developed that you almost believed their " fires" could be real. Belief and love conquers all. Friendship beyond trials.
Golden Child
Golden Child
by Claire Adam
Dramatic book (10/24/2018)
Golden Child is not a kind of book I would normally read but I did find it a good read. There were so many real, but troubling, passages in the book that were thought provoking. This book would make for a good book club discussion. What happens when a child is repeated told he is less than, the relationship between twins to name two items.
The Travelling Cat Chronicles
The Travelling Cat Chronicles
by Hiro Arikawa, Philip Gabriel
Charming read (5/15/2018)
As an animal lover the relationship with Satoru and his cat was very real and meaningful. The way the author introduced all of the important people in Satoru's life enabled the reader to be aware of the life he led and how these people intersected in his life.
A Place for Us
A Place for Us
by Fatima Farheen Mirza
Timely (4/7/2018)
The author enabled the reader to better understand the Muslim Culture. The character development was exceptional. However I did find the frequent jumping to and fro time was confusing at times. The fact we were left to wonder did Amar return or not was a good ending. While long, I think it would be a good book for book clubs. You would have many avenue# to explore — parenting, sibling rivalry, the Muslim culture etc.
Next Year in Havana
Next Year in Havana
by Chanel Cleeton
Cuba (10/16/2017)
I thoroughly enjoyed the book probably in part because I visited Cuba last year. There were many parts of the book I could relate to. It made me wish I had had the opportunity to read the book before I visited as I would have delved more deeply into conditions etc.
North of Crazy
North of Crazy: A Memoir
by Neltje
What a life (6/7/2016)
Enjoyed reading the book and feel it was well written. It is amazing that the author was able to raise a well adjusted family given the way she was raised. What a survivor, and one who went on to have a fruitful life as an artist. You can clearly see how lack of love as a child can lead to bonding issues.
Amour Provence
Amour Provence
by Constance Leisure
Interesting book (5/10/2016)
The development and the intertwining of the characters made for a good read. This book would make for an interesting discussion at a book club gathering.
Tuesday Nights in 1980
Tuesday Nights in 1980
by Molly Prentiss
Different book (1/11/2016)
This is a rather "arty" book. I found the use of colors interesting but a bit bizarre. The story of the two men and their relationship to Lucy holds your interest to the end.
Fallen Land
Fallen Land
by Taylor Brown
Courage and loyalty (11/30/2015)
It was enjoyable to read a book with the background of the Civil War, which is not common these days. At times all of the riding through the woods was tedious, but actually helped with the theme of courage and survival. The theme of love was compelling.
Lamp Black, Wolf Grey
Lamp Black, Wolf Grey
by Paula Brackston
Weak book (7/20/2015)
When I was offered this book to read I was unaware of the mystical nature of the book and that is not a genre that I enjoy. However I read the book and found the character development was weak.
The Nightingale
The Nightingale
by Kristin Hannah
Couldn't put the book down (9/26/2014)
A well written book that is useful to help us remember this period of history and all the extremes the people went through. It is important to remember the contributions of the women of that time. Reflecting on my life makes me realize how much I have taken for granted.
Mating for Life
Mating for Life
by Marissa Stapley
Mating for life (3/11/2014)
The mating style of different animals at the beginning of each chapter was an interesting way to tie the book to the title.

I am not sure how why everyone on the family had to have marital problems, even if the author tried to relate it to their upbringing.

Book clubs would have a lively discussion as their is usually someone who could relate to one of the characters. The book did not speak to me however.
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