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Reviews by Sandra L. (Delray Beach, FL)

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We Begin at the End
We Begin at the End
by Chris Whitaker
We Begin at the End (10/17/2021)
I can't believe no one has reviewed this book! I loved it..Very interesting and heartfelt and would make a great discussion for any book club.
Afterlife
Afterlife
by Julia Alvarez
Afterlife (2/17/2020)
On surface, a very easy read. Antonia is reeling from her husband's death. She looks to him for guidance through the many upsets in her life.

Having lost a Mom and two siblings within the past 3 years, I too have found great comfort in 'mind-talking' to them thus keeping them 'alive' thru the afterlife. I guess we all do that...

This novel is filled with ethical questions left for the reader to answer and would be suitable for book clubs. Loved the ending!
The Seine
The Seine: The River that Made Paris
by Elaine Sciolino
The Seine (9/16/2019)
This book is filled with fascinating facts related to the River Seine. I found the chapters about the barge operators and the book sellers very entertaining - also life living aboard the various water craft. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Paris!
Courting Mr. Lincoln
Courting Mr. Lincoln
by Louis Bayard
Courting Mr. Lincoln (2/22/2019)
This book was very good - I wanted to give it a 4 1/2. The exploration of the relationships between Mary Todd, Lincoln and Joshua Speed is very beautifully captured. Much of it pulled at my heartstrings! It is written with intelligence - the author has quite an eye for historical detail and the book is filled with both humor and poignancy.
Gone So Long
Gone So Long
by Andre Dubus III
Gone So Long (9/23/2018)
Wow, what a read! A very gritty and emotional (for me) story. I am still thinking back on parts of my own life as it somewhat parallels Susan's. Dubus was right on with his character development -- I felt that I knew them all. When is it okay to let go of the anger and hurt? Where do we find love? And how much is enough? He really is a very talented man and I loved this book.
The Summer Wives
The Summer Wives
by Beatriz Williams
Summer Wives (4/23/2018)
I found this book interesting as far as getting a look into the lives of the 'privileged' set and the 'islanders'. A lot of the story was very predictable although there were some twists and turns. A good beach read.
Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore
Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore
by Matthew Sullivan
Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore (12/1/2017)
I could not put this book down. It is mysterious, twisty and very entertaining. I loved Lydia's bookstore and it's quirky characters!
As Bright as Heaven
As Bright as Heaven
by Susan Meissner
As Bright As Heaven (10/9/2017)
Ms Meissner's story of a family's struggle through the Spanish flu epidemic and it's aftermath is very compelling. As told through the voices of the three sisters, the author weaves an interesting account of life 's seemingly random events. I liked the book very much and would recommend it to a friend.
The Fifth Petal
The Fifth Petal: A Novel
by Brunonia Barry
The Fifth Petal (2/14/2017)
Full disclosure: I'm a big fan of Brunonia Barry. To me, the main character of this most recent book is the city of Salem and it's fascinating history. Ms. Barry makes the area come alive with her vivid language. Good story with many twists and turns. Very entertaining!
Mercies in Disguise
Mercies in Disguise: A Story of Hope, a Family's Genetic Destiny, and the Science That Rescued Them
by Gina Kolata
Mercies in Disguise (11/2/2016)
I found this 'medical mystery' very informative and extremely interesting and had a hard time putting it down! The family that was followed became my friends and I was quite emotionally involved in their story. The author does a good job balancing the technical information with the true circumstances of the Baxley family. If you liked "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" you will enjoy this book! Great for book clubs.
Mothering Sunday
Mothering Sunday: A Romance
by Graham Swift
Mothering Sunday (8/26/2016)
Sexy, pithy and very well written! I loved it.
The Invisible Life of Ivan Isaenko
The Invisible Life of Ivan Isaenko
by Scott Stambach
The Invisible Life of Ivan Isaenko (7/10/2016)
I have been delaying this review because I felt the need to be nice and yet to be honest about my opinion. I found the subject matter very depressing and the descriptions of the characters agonizing. This was one of the most upsetting books that I have ever read. I don't think my book club would like it. Sorry....
The Alaskan Laundry
The Alaskan Laundry
by Brendan Jones
The Alaskan Laundry (2/8/2016)
I enjoyed this book very much as I have long been interested in the 'Alaskan' way of life and the fishing industry. The author has put his reader right in the midst of a novice's struggling efforts to find a place of her own in this unorthodox and challenging of places.

Mr. Jones' descriptions of the woods and wildlife are very well done; the area takes on a life of it's own. I particularly like his depictions of the Tlingit natives and their folklore. There is much to be gleaned from this novel.
The Shore
The Shore: A Novel
by Sara Taylor
The Shore (6/8/2015)
I found 'The Shore' very hard to get into. I finally ended up taking notes to try and keep everyone organized in my mind. Many of these chapters made me very sad and uncomfortable but this may have been my own emotional baggage coming to light. I did like Ms. Taylor's descriptions of the islands, they became one of the main characters in the novel. I finished wondering what my own little piece of land will be like 200 years from now. And what is it's history?
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