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Reviews by Penny P. (Santa Barbara, CA)

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Things We Didn't Say: A Novel
by Kristina Riggle

Things We didn't say (5/18/2011)

I thought this was a pretty good quick read. I think it dealt with the issues in both blended and dysfunctional families. The characters were not quite as developed as I would have liked them to be, but still I think it is worth reading. Its appeal may be greater with teens …more

The Sweetness of Tears: A Novel
by Nafisa Haji

Time for Tears (3/9/2011)

This was an interesting book that covered family,religion and tradition. It gave readers a view of the Pakistan culture.I found the writing style which included the interchange of generations,to be interesting but a bit difficult to follow. I did spend some time re-reading …more

The Philosophical Breakfast Club: Four Remarkable Friends Who Transformed Science and Changed the World
by Laura J. Snyder

A look at science (12/31/2010)

Not having much background (or interest) in science, it took a couple of attempts to get into this book. Once I did,it was fairly easy to understand and was pretty interesting.The writing was good and did a good job of providing a historic perspective. I know more about the …more

Ever By My Side: A Memoir in Eight ~~Acts~~ Pets
by Dr. Nick Trout

Love our pets (12/31/2010)

I loved this book. It is a book every animal lover should read. Dr.Nick is a wonderful author who writes so colorfully about the special relationships we share with our furry friends. Any one who has loved and lost a pet will appreciate this book

Three Seconds
by Anders Roslund & Borge Hellstrom

An Intriging Read (12/12/2010)

I really liked this book.The characters were well developed and interesting. It may be a bit far fetched,but still makes for a good read.I have become a fan of Swedish authors as I also enjoy Mankell and Larsen. I did not anticipate the ending. I would recommend his to …more

A Box of Darkness: The Story of a Marriage
by Sally Ryder Brady

A Memoir of A Marriage (12/8/2010)

This book was a difficult and fascinating read. It made me think about how we may feel we know everything about our loved ones, but may in fact, do not. This story also showed that while the marriage certainly had its ups and downs, there was still a bond that kept this …more

Raising Wrecker: A Novel
by Summer Wood

Wrecker......worth a read (11/9/2010)

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a very descriptive story with characters that seemed to come alive. The little boy had parts of any little boy I have ever known. The other characters in the book were truly unique. While it was sad to see the boy taken from his …more

An Amish Christmas: A Novel
by Cynthia Keller

An Amish Christmas (8/28/2010)

This was an enjoyable and interesting read. The author did a good job of developing the characters. I laughed out loud at times because the attitudes of two of the children (teenagers) were so believable. Given today’s economic climate, the situation the Hobart family found …more

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Daughters of Shandong
by Eve J. Chung

Based on the author’s family story, comes an extraordinary novel about a mother and her daughters’ escape from Taiwan.

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Lessons in Chemistry
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Praised by Parade and The New York Times Book Review, this debut features a 1960s scientist turned TV cooking star.

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The Lilac People
by Milo Todd

For fans of All the Light We Cannot See, a poignant tale of a trans man’s survival in Nazi Germany and postwar Berlin.

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