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Reviews by Marganna K. (Edmonds, WA)

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The Montevideo Brief: A Thomas Grey Novel
by J. H. Gelernter
Book 3 of an Adventurous Series (4/12/2023)
When I was notified I would receive this book - #3 of Thomas Grey Series - I quickly read the 1st book of this series, Hold Fast. When I read a book as part of a series I prefer to at least have read #1 and I'm very happy I did.

Although it's not necessary to read thismore
The Lost English Girl
by Julia Kelly
Another Facet of War (3/1/2023)
This novel looks at a specific facet of emotional damage caused by war to a family. Through circumstances explained early in the story, the main character, Viv, is living & raising her child with her in-laws. When World War II becomes a reality Viv & thousands ofmore
The Last Russian Doll
by Kristen Loesch
Story Fell Short (11/20/2022)
This book did not work for me.Since there are many reviews detailing the synopsis of the story line I'll focus on what I consider the book's strengths & weaknesses.

The writing, at times, was enjoyable informative with descriptions of people, places, ideas well thoughtmore
Daughters of the Flower Fragrant Garden: Two Sisters Separated by China's Civil War
by Zhuqing Li
Two Sisters - Strong, Brave, Determined (6/22/2022)
China - Taiwan...how often have I heard these names or caught a news bulletin about one of these countries? Many times, I reflect, but until I read this book about two sisters separated by events that lasted decades, I had no understanding on a heartfelt level.

This is amore
The Sunset Route: Freight Trains, Forgiveness, and Freedom on the Rails in the American West
by Carrot Quinn
Title & Cover Art Grabbed Me (8/17/2021)
I'm not a fan of memoirs as a generality; however the book's title, sub-title & beautiful art work on jacket encouraged me to request this book. As I started reading the book I became intrigued - then the summer house guests arrived & I set it aside. This isn't amore
The Personal Librarian
by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
The Personal Librarian (3/6/2021)
I'm very glad I read The Personal Librarian. My knowledge of J. P. Morgan was very limited & sketchy. My knowledge of Belle da Costa Greene (Belle Marion Greener) was nonexistent. Enhancing my knowledge of these two people in addition to gaining a better understandingmore
The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World: A Novel
by Laura Imai Messina
A Phone Booth We Could All Use (1/21/2021)
The author does a commendable job telling this story of grief, loss, love & hope. It revolves around the Japanese March 2011 tsunami, a disconnected phone - the Wind Phone - in a dilapidated hillside phone booth & two major characters, Yui & Takeshi.
It's amore
The Patron Saint of Pregnant Girls: A Novel
by Ursula Hegi
Struggled Through It (6/7/2020)
Yes, it was a struggle. Years ago I read Ursula Hegi's Stones from the River & it's still on my "favorites" list. I had high hopes for The Patron Saint of Pregnant Girls. However this book didn't live up to my expectations.
Indeed there is beautiful writing & lovelymore
Travelers: A Novel
by Helon Habila
A Gripping Story (5/22/2019)
This book was difficult to put down and I throughly enjoyed this novel. It's divided into 6 Books or Chapters each telling an immigrant's story. I was well into Book 3 before I became aware of the thread connecting the 6 Books.
It's a touching, sad story; I thought themore
Greek to Me: Adventures of the Comma Queen
by Mary Norris
Delightful (3/15/2019)
I love this book primarily for Mary Norris' writing style. The book is a memoir, a travelogue & a study of all things Greek. Admittedly this book won't appeal to all but what a fun romp through Greece with Ms. Norris! As a lover of language I am in awe of her story - I'more
Paris Echo
by Sebastian Faulks
A Trip to Paris (10/2/2018)
Interesting story - interesting characters and a different way to weave time lines, cultures & perspectives into a modern day story which also gives the reader a look into WWII.

There are 2 narrators: Tariq - a young Muslim man from Morocco who comes to Paris in searchmore
Strangers in Budapest
by Jessica Keener
I Kept Reading (11/21/2017)
I kept reading this book although the story & characters never became real to me. Some depth was missing. It was stereotypical in its outlook & had too many coincidences to be fully believable. I never had feelings for any of the characters & while I enjoyed themore
The Story of Arthur Truluv: A Novel
by Elizabeth Berg
Book Club Potential (6/25/2017)
This book is a sweet, simple read with many deep thoughts and emotions to ponder. From the first page I predicted I'd enjoy this book. The story, plot line, characters are mentioned & described adequately by many of the other reviewers. My favorite parts often had to domore
The Weight of Ink
by Rachel Kadish
Interesting book - deserved better focus than I could manage... (3/28/2017)
This is a well written book with well developed characters, a commanding story thread and an interesting presentation of the 2 time lines.

It's a book that challenged my knowledge of this time in the history of Jewish people & traditions. I always thoroughly appreciatemore
News of the World
by Paulette Jiles
Pleasant read (9/12/2016)
I enjoyed News of the World. It held my attention & I often thought how I'd like to return from some errand / dinner / etc & get back to reading this small, easily read, engrossing novel. I won't discuss the storyline since the book's dust cover gives an adequate &more
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