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Reviews by Doris K. (Angora, MN)

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The Caretaker
by A .X. Ahmad
The Caretaket (3/28/2013)
Ranjit Singh lived in India and fought if the army against Pakistan. Later he is found in the United States. His story is told in Boston, Martha's Vineyard and New York. Immigration which is a hot topic today is also a part of this book.
This is a good read for anyone whomore
Peking to Paris: Life and Love on a Short Drive Around Half the World
by Dina Bennett
Peking to Paris (3/12/2013)
I found this book slow going. The author was honest about her feelings but it seemed as though she had mostly negative thoughts.
Too much time was spent on describing car repair and upkeep.
I had expected more details about the countries through which they traveled.
Hermore
All You Could Ask For
by Mike Greenberg
All You Could Ask For (11/11/2012)
Don't give up on this book. I almost did in the beginning as I thought it was going to be a frivolous novel, not worth reading. As the story of these three women progresses their lives become fascinating.

The three women have very different personalities and lifestyles.Thismore
Live by Night
by Dennis Lehane
Live by Night (8/14/2012)
Dennis Lehane is an excellent writer. In this fiction book he gives a hard look into the world of corrupt law enforcement, alcohol production and distribution during the Prohibition.
From the beginning of the book you know Joe Coughlin is a criminal. Throughout the book amore
The Land of Decoration: A Novel
by Grace McCleen
The Land of Decoration (3/7/2012)
This book is written from the perspective of a ten year old. I found that interesting. The fact that she lives with her father, has problems with a bully at school yet holds onto her belief that she can change her life makes this a good story for older teen and young adultmore
Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity
by Katherine Boo
Behind the Beautiful Forevers (12/31/2011)
This is a "must read" for anyone who is interested in the true slum life of 21st century India.
Through the art of narrative nonfiction Katherine Boo makes the people who live in Annawadi, a slum near Mumbai, real as we learn about their struggle for survival. Rather thanmore
Tides of War: A Novel
by Stella Tillyard
Tides of War (11/2/2011)
Even though I read a good deal of history, I had very little knowledge of the Peninsular War. This book shows the English side and reasons for becoming involved.
The effect of war on individuals, families and countries is one of the main themes. These people experience manymore
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake: A Novel
by Jenny Wingfield
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake (7/11/2011)
The author tells a fascinating story of two families, although neighbors, are completely different. Their lifestyles, child raising ideas and family ties offer great contrasts.

Skillfully woven into the story is how these two families intersect and lives are changed. Themore
The Tudor Secret: The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles
by C. W. Gortner
The Tutor Secret (3/15/2011)
I enjoyed reading this book based at the time of the Tudor rule in England. The author blends history and fiction to tell a good story.
Although Brendan Prescott is a fictional character the author makes him believable as a character who might have lived in this fascinatingmore
The Philosophical Breakfast Club: Four Remarkable Friends Who Transformed Science and Changed the World
by Laura J. Snyder
The Philosophical Breakfast Club (1/13/2011)
You don't have to be a philosopher or a scientist to enjoy this book. The author gives insight in the lives of four men who were lifelong friends. These men made great strides in the field of science in the 19th century. Thanks to them we have computers,cameras, knowledgemore
The Beauty of Humanity Movement: A Novel
by Camilla Gibb
The Beauty of Humanity Movement (11/29/2010)
I enjoyed reading this book. The Vietnamese characters were skillfully brought to life by the author. A good job was done showing contemporary Vietnamese life while reviewing much of the history of this country. In America we don't know the story of the North Vietnamesemore
Solomon's Oak: A Novel
by Jo-Ann Mapson
Solomon's Oak (10/5/2010)
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone looking for a "good read,"
Jo-Ann Mapson skilfully brings together three people, scarred by their life experiences. She combines these experiences to tell a good story. A special bonus for dog lovers is that Glory's dogs play anmore
After the Fall
by Kylie Ladd
After the Fall (6/10/2010)
This is a story of love gained and lost. The author does a good job of portraying the characters by having each chapter told by a different person. Often the same situation is told from a different viewpoint. Although the author does well in this respect, I don't think thismore
Beautiful Assassin: A Novel
by Michael C. White
Beautiful Assassin (3/7/2010)
I am an avid reader of historical fiction and this book is historical fiction at its best . The author did a great job of making the characters believable. Written from the view of a loyal Russian female soldier, it gives insight into her motivations for her loyalty to hermore
The Wives of Henry Oades: A Novel
by Johanna Moran
The Wives of Henry Oades (11/30/2009)
I was disappointed in this book. Although it was based on a true court case the characters didn't ring true. The basic idea was interesting but I didn't think the characters were developed enough to make a really good read. Too many things happened too quickly. Somehow Imore
Under This Unbroken Sky
by Shandi Mitchell
Under This Unbroken Sky (9/9/2009)
This book is very well written. The author's description of people's feelings, seasons of the year, landscapes, etc. are done in a wonderfully clear manner. For example: the bitter but awesome winter is familiar to me as I live in northern Minnesota.
Many tragedies come tomore
Gifts of War: A Novel
by Mackenzie Ford
Gifts of War by Mackenzie Ford (4/7/2009)
This is a good read. It starts out a bit slowly but I would encourage the reader not to give up.

The author tells a fascinating story about how WWI affected the people living in London. By starting off with the famous Christmas Day truce he continues to tie in the feelingsmore
While My Sister Sleeps
by Barbara Delinsky
While My Sister Sleeps (12/8/2008)
The first few chapters of this book are so depressing I almost didn't finish reading it. Because I don't like to give up on a book, I continued and am glad I did.
There are many surprising twists in the plot as the reader gets to know more of each family member.

This book ismore
Stealing Athena
by Karen Essex
Stealing Athena (5/14/2008)
I enjoyed this book which is based on the life of Mary Nisbet, countess of Elgin. The author skillfully compared Mary's life to Aspasia of ancient Athens.

This story led me to reread some of the history of Greece which is a mark of good historical fiction. I think it wouldmore
Seven for a Secret: A John the Eunuch Mystery
by Mary and Eric Mayer Reed
Seven for a Secret (2/5/2008)
The plot of Seven for a Secret does stand alone, however, I would have understood the characters better if I had read earlier books in this series.
The streets and people of old Constantinople do come alive to the reader.
Interesting characters and an absorbing story linemore

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