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Reviews by Lee M. (Creve Coeur, MO)

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Salvage the Bones: A Novel
by Jesmyn Ward

Katrina, better or worse? (7/16/2011)

In Salvage the Bones Esch, as narrator, describes her father, her four brothers, the dog China, and their preparation for the hurricane Katrina. She introduces us to Bois Savage, just about the meanest hovel in Louisiana and the day to day struggle to keep alive. Difficult to read, especially a vividly described dog fight, Jesmyn Ward makes you feel poverty and hopelessness.

The Sweetness of Tears: A Novel
by Nafisa Haji

Love Extended (3/24/2011)

The book unfolds slowly and caringly and introduces Angela, Sadiq, Jo and Chris, a very unusual extended family. The author adds equally fascinating characters; Uncle Ron, Jake, grandma Faith and my favorite Deena. Nafisa Haji's knowledge and research shines in her descriptions of Pakistan, Iraq, and Southern California. The Glossary is an added bonus.

The Devotion of Suspect X
by Keigo Higashino

The Devotion of Suspect X (1/12/2011)

Keigo Higashino has written a twist on the usual murder mystery. This not a ‘who done it’ as the reader is told who, when, and why in the beginning. How the murderer is hidden from the police is slowly and cleverly laid out by the author in an amazing mind duel by two old mathematical school acquaintances

The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul: A Novel
by Deborah Rodriguez

A New Slant (11/29/2010)

In "A Cup of Friendship" Deborah Rodriguez's first-hand knowledge of Kabul and Afghanistan is the glue that holds together the story of Sunny and her coffee shop. The author's love of the country and its people gives a special significance to this love story.

The False Friend
by Myla Goldberg

Not Just a Mystery (8/12/2010)

How much do incidents from our childhood influence our characters and our lives? Can one life-shattering event, remembered or not, be instrumental in causing commitment phobias and other problems later in life? These and many other questions Myla Goldberge tackles in 'The False Friend' as her main character, Celia, struggles to understand what is happening to her. More than a mystery, this exercise in psychology will have you tuned in until the last word.

Secret Daughter: A Novel
by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

Love (1/16/2010)

Have you ever reached the middle of a book and vowed to reread it again? That happened to me when I read "Secret Daughter" by Shilpi Somaya Gowda. From the small village in India to the California coast she has analyzed the various and wondrous aspects of the feelings we call love. The relationships between husband and wife, mother and daughter, and father and daughter are richly described. You feel the heat and color of India, the richness of California, but most important the pain and joy of family! Pure love at its best.

Serena: A Novel
by Ron Rash

Serena (9/4/2009)

Slowly, like a hurricane brewing in the Atlantic, Rash methodically creates a tale of a logging empire in North Carolina. As the storm builds you meet two unforgettable characters, Serena and Rachel. When the winds reach gale force, get ready for the unforgettable ending!

A Short History of Women: A Novel
by Kate Walbert

A Short History of Women (5/19/2009)

WOW, so it didn't start in the 60's with Steinem and Friedan! Kate Walbert's book is a wonderful exploration of women, their foibles and their victories. Should be required reading for all our teenagers.

The Spare Room: A Novel
by Helen Garner

The Spare Room (2/4/2009)

Helen Garner has written a sensitive novel about friendship and death. She cleverly knits them together and writes a profound and gratifying book.

Her setting is Australia, and Helen, who lives in Melbourne, is expecting an acquaintance Nicole, from Sydney, to come and visit for a few weeks. What ensues in these weeks is occasionally funny, but always thought provoking and enjoyable.

The Music Teacher
by Barbara Hall

Not a recommend (10/9/2008)

The author seems undecided on whether to write a novel or a text book. As a consequence much of the musical information seems forced into the plot. She introduces few other characters and does not flesh them out enough for us to care about them. Which leaves the reader with one of the whiniest heroines ever written.

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