I was interested in this book because it was set in the same time frame that my life shared. Margot was a captivating character who tried to chart her own independent course despite what her mother thought she should do. Her interest in science seemed to be her passion and I wished she could have followed that path. Scientific research, at that time, was only beginning to include women. Margot could have used good therapist to help her see her worth and worthiness!

I wish the author would have explained the scientific information in more understandable terms. Even with a science background, I had difficulty. I think readers of "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" would enjoy this book.

I found Smalltime to be a fascinating look behind the wall of secrecy regarding the business of gaming and racketeering in the Johnstown, Pennsylvania area. It's also the author's personal saga about the many characters who surrounded his family through the years. Russell Shorto was shielded by his father's intense desire to keep his son away from that world.

So, it became process of personal discovery when his dad's cousin insisted that the story be told of those mob related years. Explanations of the surge in interest of all forms of gambling, especially within the Italian immigrant population, were quite informative. This book was an insightful, rarely seen look into a colorful, illegal lifestyle of the past. Fans of "true crime" would enjoy reading this book. Only a family tree would have made the generations easier to understand.

At an author event I attended some years ago, Joshilyn Jackson's witty comments about her books and writing style were very entertaining. This book is definitely a departure from her previous works. This is a dark tale of a clash of wits. Who will win this not so innocent game? What price is required for the past to stay hidden? The unraveling of these questions is at the heart of this novel. The inclusion of scuba diving added interest to the narrative. The plot pacing was well done. Readers are supplied with just enough data to project a conclusion when a "I really didn't see that one coming" moment occurs. The author has entered the mystery genre with a suspenseful tale. Her readers, including me, will want more.

If you are looking for some characters to dislike, then this book's for you. Author Patrick DeWhit has expertly portrayed them in this novel. Here is an example of a truly dysfunctional family, long before the phrase was coined. The mother, Frances, is rude, unkind and even vicious to all who have the misfortune to cross her path. Her 32 year old son, Malcolm, is "grown" in age only. Then there's the cat, Little Frank, who's initially along for the ride. This is a sad tale of Frances and Malcolm attempting to escape their new bankrupt reality, while trying to preserve their former lifestyle. So, I liked the memorable characters but the plot was too zany for me.

What a lovely read. This quiet, simple story deals with important questions of what it means to love, seek happiness and be connected to others. The characters of Arthur, Maddie and Lucille are well drawn. As all three are battling their personal form of loneliness, they are learning to be open and trusting of each other. Arthur misses his wife Nola. Maddie laments being excluded by her peers. Lucille mourns what her life could have been. Their interactions are honest, insightful and often humorous. I especially liked the amusing life stories Arthur creates for his wife's cemetery neighbors. It would have been a nice addition to have the author share the recipes for Lucille's baked treats.

If you like a novel that encompasses richly drawn characters and a historical mystery, you will enjoy this book as I did. As for the style, both the 1660 narrative, as well as the 2000 storyline are equally compelling. Ester's restricted role as a woman, the confines of the Jewish community and the horrors of the Plague are examples of how descriptive writing transports the reader to everyday life in 1665 London. Over three hundred years later, even though they posses more freedom, Helen and Aaron mull over their inner thoughts, fears and actions. They face restraints of a modern nature. Whenever a book makes me curious enough about a subject to do more research, it has a lot to recommend it. This novel is a great reminder of the legacy of the written word, ink on paper.