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Reviews by Sarah H. (Arvada, CO)

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Soy Sauce for Beginners
Soy Sauce for Beginners
by Kirstin Chen
Excellent Writer! (11/9/2013)
There are some writers who catch you with their first sentence. You may not have a particular interest in the topic, you may not have anything in common with the character, but their way with words feels like listening to a symphony or watching a sunrise. While Kirsten Chen achieves this, she achieves so much more in tackling the challenges of life we all face in a very interesting (and informative) context. I look forward to more from this author.
A Man of His Own
A Man of His Own
by Susan Wilson
Dogs make us human (9/14/2013)
It often takes the honesty of animals to reveal our humanity, and this book highlights this as well as any. The story and timeline is not one I would typically be interested in, but the sweeping theme of our human experience and struggles along with the love of a dog pulled me in. Rather than being cliche this book is honest, warm and revealing which helps the reader through the more emotionally charged and difficult topics.
Crime of Privilege
Crime of Privilege
by Walter Walker
Nothing new (4/20/2013)
This book is compelling and fast paced, you WANT to know what's going to happen. But there is nothing new or unique about it and what makes it "average" for me is the writing. It's like reading a guy's journal, there aren't those literary moments where you want to quote what the author said or wish you had said it yourself.
Where You Can Find Me
Where You Can Find Me: A Novel
by Sheri Joseph
Getting lost... (3/12/2013)
...is not the same as losing yourself in a book. "While Where You Can Find Me" had the potential for the latter, there were times where the flashbacks made it feel disjointed. The story was original and heartfelt, but the hit or miss characters and back and forth timing made it fall short.
Rage Against the Dying
Rage Against the Dying
by Becky Masterman
Storyline better than characters (1/1/2013)
The storyline is creative, the beginning is engaging but somewhere the characters fall flat. They are cliche or stereotypical. The writing can also be somewhat straightforward and plain, which tells the story rather than allowing the reader to engage with it. The story kept me reading but I wasn't left wanting more.
A Thousand Pardons
A Thousand Pardons
by Jonathan Dee
Wanting more... (10/31/2012)
This book is filled with accessible and flawed characters, true to life, diverse and utterly relatable. That said, this book reached it's peak quite late in the story and ended rather abruptly. The plot ultimately was not as robust as the characters, and I wanted more for them.
Losing Clementine
Losing Clementine: A Novel
by Ashley Ream
Self discovery or self absorption? (2/6/2012)
This book lacked the humanity that would have anchored such an uncomfortable topic in something less self obsessed. While other books like Veronica Decides to Die or A Long Way Down make suicide secondary to the vibrancy and or humor of their character, if was as if Clementine was overshadowed by the topic. It lacked the sardonic satire that makes it utterly comical and human at the same time, and lacked the connection and vulnerability necessary to really care about the main character.
Three Weeks in December
Three Weeks in December
by Audrey Schulman
Thorough and genuine (1/1/2012)
Often books that were built upon significant research lose authenticity, they become forced, the story a conduit for the facts. That is not the case in Three Weeks in December, where the author has maintained respect for both storytelling and fact building. You learn through vicarious experience of vibrant characters through a story as strong as the data used to create it.
A Partial History of Lost Causes
A Partial History of Lost Causes: A Novel
by Jennifer duBois
A book worth quoting (12/7/2011)
It is rare that you find a book that combines both an engaging story and beautiful thought provoking prose. A Partial History of Lost Causes combines both, along with engaging characters and a universally accessible commentary that addresses the mundane, the cruel and the unexplainable parts of life. This is the kind of book that leaves me craving the next book from the author. And unlike some readers, I love having to go to the dictionary now and again during my reading. Having to do so every page becomes cumbersome, but a handful of well used words not in popular rotation restores the beauty of language that we have lost. I celebrate this book and it's author!
The Leftovers
The Leftovers: A Novel
by Tom Perrotta
Surprised Twice (8/4/2011)
I did not realize this author's work was considered "christian fiction" yet was pleasantly surprised by the accessible and universal themes and a writing style that allowed the story to feel organic and readable. The creativity of using the extreme to highlight the everyday added value to the premise.
The Art of Saying Goodbye
The Art of Saying Goodbye: A Novel
by Ellyn Bache
Well intentioned, poorly executed (4/3/2011)
Unremarkable characters and prosaic writing make an interesting premise unsubstantial. There are a few poignant lines, but they seem out of context. The author's intent and honesty come through to lend the book legitimacy, making it readable just not memorable.
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