BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Only Child
by Rhiannon Navin

Only Child (12/23/2017)

This was a dynamic book...It was sometimes hard to read because of the subject matter. However, when it is narrated by a six year old there are many classic statements. One example is when Zach goes with his father to hear the mayor speak: "The mayor didn't have a lot of hair on his head, only around the back. He was very tall...so he was bending down to talk in the microphone...the top of his head was shiny and he looked like a regular person, not like the boss of a whole city." The book is filled with wonderful thoughts like this.

The innocence and wisdom of a small child was portrayed very well by this author. This is a good read for anyone, but keep the tissue box handy.

The Days When Birds Come Back
by Deborah Reed

The Days When Birds Come Back (11/4/2017)

I had a hard time writing this review as it is a beautifully written book. The descriptions of people and places are done so well the reader can really picture them. However it was a depressing book to read, one calamity after another and people who had a hard time relating to each other or themselves.

What I found fascinating were the hints of a previous happening making me want to know more about the background. This kept me continuing to read, truly a book "hard to put down". A book club would have a good time discussing this book. I definitely will read another book by Deborah Reed and hope it's not quite so unhappy.

The Garden of Small Beginnings
by Abbi Waxman

The Garden of Small Beginnings (4/7/2017)

I would recommend this book to someone who is searching for a good, light read about interesting people. The wry humor at times is biting but if the reader understands the humor it is acceptable to the story.
I may be more sensitive at this point as I recently lost my husband. I wouldn't recommend this book to a new widow. Maybe next year it would have been easier to relate to some of the narrator's comments.
Lilian's relationship's with her children, sister, mother and Richard are well written Each character is brought to life in his/her own style. The children's personalities are delightful and so true to life.
I enjoyed the amusing chapter openings which were supposedly tips for gardeners.

Edgar and Lucy
by Victor Lodato

Edgar and Lucy (11/22/2016)

This is a dynamic book. The characters exhibit classic dysfunctional personalities. However, the author does a remarkable job of describing how each person feels and thinks, even the dog, Jack.
The people in this book have a variety of mental problems, addictions and fears. Yet the reader gains and an understanding of and compassion for each one.
The only weakness I found was the last sections dragged on too long. To describe in more detail would be a "plot spoiler."
I was fascinated by this book and can visualize an in-depth discussion by book club members.

The Comet Seekers
by Helen Sedgwick

The Comet Seekers (9/9/2016)

This is an interesting story based on many eras and a variety of people connected by their fascination with comets. We learn early the Roisin and Francois are together in Antarctica. How they get there is a convoluted story involving many generations of two separate families. The story line jumps from 1066-2017 and the years in between.
Basically I enjoyed the book, but the short scenes are rather distracting and don't allow for sufficient character development. This is the main reason I chose to give it 4 stars instead of 5.

The Book That Matters Most: A Novel
by Ann Hood

The Book That Matters Most (6/3/2016)

This was a good read. The theme of the Book Club is the same as the book title. This was an interesting concept and I may suggest it to my book club when it's time to choose books again. Because I have read 8 of the 10 books mentioned the book discussions were very interesting if brief. Other book lovers would enjoy finding out which books were chosen.

There are many characters in this book. At times it's a bit frustrating to have to look back to see what happened before as the chapters jump around quite a bit. However, in the end they all tied together nicely. Maggie's life style is quite extreme and probably did not need to be described in such detail but the author made her point. To say any more would be a "spoiler". I would recommend this book to those who are looking for a good story.

The Secret Language of Stones: A Daughters of La Lune Novel
by M. J. Rose

The Secret Language of Stones (3/26/2016)

This book is historical fiction,my favorite, about a Russian family living in France in 1918. The main character, Opaline, has supernatural gifts relating to the gemstones with which she constructs jewelry. This combines to make a fascinating read.

Although I am really not into the psychic world I did enjoy this book and would recommend it to others. I can definitely see a book club having a lively discussion about this story.

The Return of the Witch
by Paula Brackston

The Return of the Witch (1/5/2016)

This was an interesting story. I took the time to read the preceding book, "The Witch's Daughter" and felt this was worthwhile. It gave an understanding to the background in many situations. "The Return of the Witch" could stand by itself but is much better if the first book has been read.

The book is well written and keeps the reader's interest. It does get a bit tiresome with the same plot lines used repeatedly. The characters are well developed, especially if you have read the previous book.

This is a good fantasy with almost believable "witches." It also shows a variety of historical settings and how people who were believed to be witches were treated. Overall a good read.

The Two-Family House
by Lynda Cohen Loigman

Two Family House (11/2/2015)

The idea of two families (husbands and brothers and own a business together) living in the same house raises "red flags" right away. The way these families interact makes for some interesting situations. However, I found most of the book to be rather depressing. The characters needed to get a better attitude about their lives.
Although the author shows how children inherit certain traits and inclinations from their parents this is somewhat overdone.

The overall theme of the book was worth reading, the last quarter of this story saved it, so if you start it, it is worth finishing.

Mostly because of the negative tone, I gave it only three stars.

The Shore: A Novel
by Sara Taylor

The Shore (5/26/2015)

The author has a genuine gift for story telling, however these stories are for those who enjoy dark fiction. I am not one of them. There was too much about drugs, violence, sex etc. in most of the stories.

Even though the stories were all connected by location I felt I had to read them as a series of short stories. Only a few connected with other characters previously introduced.

I do look forward to other books from this promising author, hopefully on lighter themes.

A Good Family
by Erik Fassnacht

A Good Family (5/6/2015)

This is a powerful book. The author informs the reader of powerful feelings of each of the members of the family. Erik Fassnacht makes us feel the horrors of war, the discomfort of not belonging, the comfort of drugs, and the feelings of discontent with family and employment. He also has many positive aspects of family life and the importance of friendships.

It's hard to describe without giving away the plot but I found I needed to keep reading as there was always something new on the next page.

The author's descriptions of scenery, feelings and dreams make it a fascinating book. At first I thought men would prefer this book rather than women but as I got into the subplots and relationships it is a book for anyone who wants a good read.

Her Name Is Rose
by Christine Breen

Her Name Is Rose (2/2/2015)

This is an interesting story of a complicated Irish family. The beginning seems to be rather depressing. In the first two pages Iris loses her job and is apprehensive about a mammogram. How she deals with all of this is developed to make a good family story portraying the love of parents for their children. There are enough "twists and turns' to keep the reader interested and see how all the characters fit together.

The author is skilled at portraying how a person feels at any given moment. On page 191 "the energy rising in him, like a tornado, was so intense he had to move so as not to fall" is one example of many descriptions which keep the reader's interest.

A Book Club would be able to have a spirited discussion about some of the decisions made by the characters. Overall this is a good read.

The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
by William Klaber

The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell (12/2/2014)

This book is an example of well written and fascinating historical fiction, my favorite. Although Lucy Ann's life doesn't always work out the way the reader would prefer, the author is true to the limited information he had on the life of this woman.

The story is told in the first person and done very well. As I read I felt as though Lucy was there telling me her story.

This book would make a good book club choice. There are many areas to discuss as Lucy had to make many decisions about how to live her life. Which ones were correct or best for her would make interesting discussions of the book.

I recommend this to all who enjoy historical fiction.

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis: The Untold Story
by Barbara Leaming

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis (11/9/2014)

This book was interesting to me because it changed my idea of Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis. She was often shown by the press to be haughty and unfeeling,especially after the death of her husband. At that it was hard to understand why she married Onassis. The diagnosis of PTSD was not familiar at that time and it certainly explains much of her behavior.

When I first started reading the book I almost gave up because I thought the author was just "digging up dirt ". As I read on I found a whole new perspective on the tortured life of Jackie and her children.
I don't know how younger readers will react to this book but for those of us who were adults at that time it clears up many negative feelings toward her. That is one reason the book is worth reading.

Juliet's Nurse
by Lois Leveen

Juliet's Nurse (7/5/2014)

This book is based on an interesting concept, bringing characters from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet into a more in depth story. I didn't think the people were developed in enough depth to captivate the reader.
Historical fiction is the area I read often and I did learn more about the ways people lived in the 1300's.
The strength of the Catholic Church is evident throughout the story not always in a positive form.
Because this was a difficult time for many people the whole book was very depressing and not enjoyable to read.
However, book clubs would find many areas of discussion : the choices made by the ruling people, the priest and the poor would make a great discussion. Overall I can't give this more than a 3 star rating.

The Devil in the Marshalsea
by Antonia Hodgson

The Devil in the Marshalsea (3/12/2014)

Although this book takes place mainly in the debtors' prison of Marshalsea it is not as depressing as I thought it might be.

It's interesting to read about the community that built up in the prison.

The author does a good job of keeping the reader's interest by changing the direction of the story. Many characters are not what they appear to be when you first meet them. The ending was a total surprise to me.

This is a good read, it holds your interest and is well written.

House of Bathory
by Linda Lafferty

House of Bathory (12/19/2013)

This was a fascinating book. I was hesitant to read it when I realized the background of the Countess Bathory. However There were many other interesting persons brought into the book.it turned out to be suspenseful and hard to put down. I found myself reading late into the night to find out what would happen next,even though I had looked ahead and knew what happened to the countess.
It would make a wonderful discussion in a book club.
The author did a good job of tying in the 21st and the 17th centuries. Sometimes this can be confusing, but not in this case.
According to the author's bibliography she did research Countess Bathory so she was a real person. Some of the descriptions of her activities made you wonder.
Overall a good read.

Henry and Rachel
by Laurel Saville

Henry and Rachel (9/9/2013)

This could be a depressing book except that it is so beautifully written I couldn't help but enjoy reading it. Starting out on page one when Henry describes himself with "cheeks full of ravines made by the rushing waters of years of experience" and continuing on with wonderful word choices the author tells a good story. Also the reader needs to realize this is based on letters written by real people. It is fiction but the characters are true to life.
This book would lead to some good book club discussions on the experiences that motivate people as they move through life.

The Scavenger's Daughters: Tales of the Scavenger's Daughters, Book One
by Kay Bratt

The Scavenger's Daughters (7/20/2013)

The setting for this book is modern day China. However, the prologue and frequent references to the Cultural Revolution make a strong comparison between these two times. This could lead to an interesting discussion of the lasting effects of the Cultural Revolution on the people of China. Consequently it would be a good read for a book club or anyone interested in historical fiction.

The descriptions of the daughters' personalities made the book interesting and gave an insight into the Chinese culture. The author leaves enough unfinished in the lives of these girls to encourage the reader to continue the series. I look forward to reading the other books as they become available.

Walk Me Home
by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Walk Me Home (4/1/2013)

This is a story about a dysfunctional family. Although Carly and Jan are raised in the same way their reactions to life are very different.

Although it's hard to believe that two young girls could be determined enough to walk such a great distance, they were highly motivated to accomplish their journey. It's interesting to read how each of them reacted to the same circumstances. The author shows great insight as develops the characters of each girl.Those of us who are parents know how different siblings can be.

The story is beautifully written. The people, geographical areas etc. come to life as you read.

I found myself very involved with this book and wanted to keep reading, a good indication of a powerful story.