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Reviews by Mary A. (Lake Nebagamon, WI)

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The Seven O'Clock Club
by Amelia Ireland

This is my kind of read (10/30/2024)

Four grieving people of different walks of life respond to a wanted participation in an experimental grief therapy. They feel stuck in their lives living with this grief.
These four people are extremely different and the author has the reader feeling as though you know them intimately.
The book is staged so they go through the usual stages of grief until the end. The final part of the story comes as a surprise. I had mixed feelings about the author using high tech at the end.
I loved how phycological this story was written. It would be a good book for book clubs to discuss. A book not soon forgotten,

The Fertile Earth: A Novel
by Ruthvika Rao

An Unforgettable Book (6/3/2024)

The Fertile Earth is an unforgettable book and will remain with me for a long time.

The story comes at a complicated time during post independence India. Vijayce Deshmukhs is from a family of ancestral aristocrats, who at that time had power over the villagers living on their land. Krishna and brother Ranga are sons of the Deshmakh's servant.From childhood on, Vijayce and Krishna have a strong connection. The story tells of their family relationships and how political beliefs can completely change lives.

I could fully understand the injustices of their caste system. Does a persons loyalty stay with their family or to political beliefs.

This is a compelling Historical, political and love story.

The Stone Home: A Novel
by Crystal Hana Kim

A Story that will stay with me for a very long time. (11/6/2023)

This story takes place in the 1980's. The South Korean government is in turmoil and may be chosen for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. They must collect the orphaned, homeless and disturbed vagrants off the streets.

The story speaks of what they have gone through. It shows our strengths and weaknesses in dealing with evil. How we become stronger together. At times disturbing to read. It is point in history that has been repeated elsewhere and must be read for history repeats itself.

This Is Salvaged: Stories
by Vauhini Vara

A Must Read (7/28/2023)

It is rare that I read a book of short stories, but this is a must read. These stories are down to earth, full of intimate feelings and show the need for human connection. There are a few bizarre sentences that make it unusual.

In "This is Salvaged" Marlon the artist loses everything he created and yet he makes the best of it to continue on with dreams. Maybe the questions we ask ourselves are not the right questions in " Unknown Unknowns". My favorite "Hormone Hypothesis" is great in showing how woman need to connect with each other in order to better understand ourselves. This is a book to read more than once.

King of the Armadillos
by Wendy Chin-Tanner

What a Wonderful Story (5/6/2023)

This is a story of Victor Chin, who as a child in the 1950's, has formed some lesions. The diagnosis turns out to be Hansen's disease, which is known as leprosy.

To receive his treatment he must go to a federal institution known to treat only Hansen's disease. He must leave his family in New York and leave for Louisiana.

This is a story of immigration, racism, fear of disease and the meaning of family.
You could feel all of Victors feelings and as you read, you want to know the choices he will make as he lives in the treatment center. This is a story of friendship, hope and love. At times, I would reread a sentence, several times, because the author has a beautiful way of putting words together.

Stealing: A Novel
by Margaret Verble

A Story that will stay with me (12/4/2022)

Kit Crockett is an innocent, struggling child who is part Cherokee. Her mother passes away and she becomes very lonely. Gardening, reading and fishing on the Bayou takes up her days. She meets a young women on her way to her fishing spot and they become good friends. After tragic circumstances involving her father, Kit temporarily lives with the town preacher and his wife. She sees through the preachers words and intentions causing trouble. The decision is made by adults that she lives in a Christian Boarding School that houses orphans and Indians. In order to survive there she starts to journal the happenings there. Writing gives her hope to someday re unite with her family again. Excellent story on the importance of family and the affect of religion on a child.

Exiles: Aaron Falk Mystery #3
by Jane Harper

Best mystery I have read this year (8/10/2022)

This Jane Harper book grabbed me from the beginning and held me and until the finish. The best mystery I have read in a year.
Harper writes very deeply into the psyche of the main characters. Small intimate descriptions have you feeling like you are there and these are your friends.
Aaron Falk visits friends wine country in South Australia to become godfather to the new child. There is a disappearance of Kim who was back visiting where she grew up. She had left the baby in her pram at the local festival and was gone.
Friends and family are puzzled as to why and what happened. We see the importance of family and friends during critical times. The plot kept me guessing until the end. I can see a sequel coming.

Peach Blossom Spring: A Novel
by Melissa Fu

Very Engrossing (2/14/2022)

This three generational novel starts in China 1938 and finishes in 2005. The story involves Meilin (mother) her son Renshiu and his daughter Lily.

Mother and son journey through China and eventually Taiwan. They struggle through the invasion of the Japanese, the Chinese civil war, World War II and the arrival of communism. The experiences of war affecting Renshiu impacts his daughter Lily.

There is a lot to take in, history, politics, interracial marriage, racism and immigration. This is a story of country and family loyalty and how the choices made through adverse conditions affect their lives.

The authors descriptions are very vivid. This is a very memorable novel.

At the Edge of the Haight
by Katherine Seligman

This is Reality (10/2/2020)

This is not a novel to enjoy because it is an understanding of homelessness. It is reality.

Unforeseen happenings can send youth to the streets. They have struggled in growing up and still struggle.The story follows several young people on how they live on the street from day to day. When do you sleep in the shelters or when do you sleep in the open air? They struggle with fear and trust. This is a good
novel for book club discussions and also teens should read. I look at the homeless differently now with more compassion.

More News Tomorrow: A Novel
by Susan Richards Shreve

Expectations (4/6/2019)

This book conveys family members interacting with each other. The story is also about finding the truth and expectations. Georgie has no specific expectations of the results of the families trip to Missing Lake, Wisconsin. A trip to know the truth of her mother's death. Georgies son Nicolas is very negative and expects the worst.

Interestingly, the Georgie's father was a Lithuanian immigrant acclimating to this country, but his heart is still back with his parents during the Nazi war.

At times, I became distracted by the disjointed sentences and paragraphs that did not flow. Maybe this is the authors writing style. Thomas, Georgies grandson, was my favorite character. He lives in his own world, writes in his journal his version of life and the truth of his great grandmothers death.

The Night Tiger: A Novel
by Yangsze Choo

Tigers and superstitions (12/8/2018)

This story takes place in Malaysia during the early 1930's under the colonization of the British.
The author kept me fascinated with the mystery, intrigue, dreams and romance in this story. Her word usage to convey images of dreams and what Rem senses in the characters is remarkable.
Rem, an eleven year old twin orphan is my favorite character. He is loyal, smart and determined to follow through with his Master's last wish. The story evolves around the completion of this wish.
JiLin starts working in the dance hall to help pay off her mother's MahJong debt keeping it a secret from her mother, stepfather and stepbrother.From there the story progresses to tigers, dreams, numbers and superstitions.

Listen to the Marriage
by John Jay Osborn

Do we really listen to each other (6/3/2018)

I found "Listen to the Marriage" an interesting and informative book reminding us what communication really involves.

The story takes place in a marriage counselor's office with the exchange of thoughts, feelings and emotions between the separated husband and wife whether to remain married or divorce. There is an interesting concept of an out of place chair in the counselor's office,

My thought is that the book is definitely written in a male perspective. This would make a good book for a book club discussion group.

Anatomy of a Miracle
by Jonathan Miles

Do we define ourselves by what we believe or what we don't believe (1/8/2018)

This is one of the most informative books I have read in the last 6 months. I could feel what Cameron goes through emotionally and spiritually after he mysteriously walks after 4 years of paralysis. I found it mind provoking between reason and faith. Would this test my faith and what do I really believe.

This happening affected so many people from neighbors, friends , the media, the medical field and the clergy. It was disturbing to me how everyone wanted a piece of the pie and the demands put on Cameron, while he was confused as to why this happened to him.

Much is learned about the making of reality shows and how the Vatican investigates miracles in these modern times.

This book left me with the feeling I knew the characters intimately. It is a very emotional and absorbing story.

The Story of Arthur Truluv: A Novel
by Elizabeth Berg

A Very Tender Read (6/2/2017)

The Story of Arthur Tuluv is a very tender read. Everyone grieves the death of a loved one differently and on their own time. We see that in each of the characters.

The portrayal of Arthur, Maddy and Lucille has you knowing them deeply. Maddies mother died when she was two weeks old and her father raised her. Maddy has alot to deal with at home and school until her path crosses with Arthur.

The merging of the three characters brings warmth, hope and joy.

A Piece of the World: A Novel
by Christina Baker Kline

Good Historical Novel (12/9/2016)

This is a story of family loyalty and the dream of exploration. Christina being a very smart child in school was also inflicted with a debilitating ailment. Christina's life may have been disappointing, but she did have many bright times.

The author gives a good feel of the seafaring people in Maine in the early 29th century and an interesting family history of Christina. It was very interesting on the medical care at the time.

As an artist, I expected more of the story involving Andrew Wyeth, but the story is centered around Christina. Andrew was, most likely, the only one that really understood Christina.

The Invisible Life of Ivan Isaenko
by Scott Stambach

A Book I will read more then once (7/13/2016)

The "Invisible Life of Ivan Isaenko" is a complex multi faceted story with an unique story structure. At times, it can be very brash then the next sentence be full of wisdom and philosophical. Ivan will not give up no matter his severe limitations. A very informative read that is teaching, tough, teary and tender.

Shelter
by Jung Yun

How we present ourselves (12/2/2015)

This is a story of Jin and Mae Cho, Korean immigrants surviving in our culture. A tragedy happens in the Cho family. As a result, we find out about their family dynamics impacting their son, Kyung.

How we physically present ourselves is not necessarily what we are inside or what we feel. If there had been honest communication would any of the trauma in this family have happened?

This is a book about families not having important, honest communication causing dysfunction. What we do in order to survive. Can we change?

Jade Dragon Mountain
by Elsa Hart

Good Read (5/28/2015)

This book touches on many subjects, Chinese history, philosophy, culture and politics of the 1700's. Interesting views the Chinese had of the foreigners and what the foreigners wanted from the Chinese. An intelligently written mystery that kept me guessing. My favorite character is the entertainer storyteller Hamza. He would create his stories to fit the situation at that time. Toward the end of the book when I thought the climax was over, I was hit with a several more surprises at the end.

Descent
by Tim Johnston

Honestly, the best book I have read this year. (11/1/2014)

The book "Descent" is an intelligent and riveting story. The author's descriptions of the characters and surroundings gave me the sensation of being there. I could smell the fragrances, feel the snow on my face and could hear the wind and the sound of metal links.

During the building of the climax, I could not read fast enough. It was heart wrenching and disturbing at times. This made the story realistic...no sugar coating of the situations, bringing on unexpected renderings.

This book touches on many subjects: loss and love of your children, surviving under desperate circumstances, forgiveness and perseverance.

Accidents of Marriage
by Randy Susan Meyers

Family Dynamics (6/15/2014)

It does not take long to be drawn into the families dynamics. Family life with children can be very hectic. Randy Meyers has written this book, having the reader actually feel the emotions of each of the characters.

We find out how each family member deals with the stress of their abusive father and Maddy's accident and healing. This book was written so I could get into Maddy's mind, to feel her thinking, frustrations and exasperation.

The reader will see how parenting conditioning reflects on the children and adult children. Physical and verbal abuse not only affects the poor or uneducated.

Definitely a book club read to be discussed.

A very satisfying read.

Reviews by Mary A. (Lake Nebagamon, WI)

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