BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Reviews by Anl

The Personal Librarian
by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray

Little known story (2/2/2021)

At least to me. Well presented and interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. After the past few years of being pelted daily with political stuff, I signed up for this book hesitantly. And it proved me wrong. The interaction between JP Morgan and his "librarian" is a …more

At the Edge of the Haight
by Katherine Seligman

Great read (10/7/2020)

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The author does an excellent job of describing the life of the homeless from their perspective. Her characters are believable; some more likable than others. The plot is simple and straightforward - not too many characters or …more

The Secrets We Kept: A novel
by Lara Prescott

Fascinating concept (9/11/2020)

And yes I am old enough to have seen Dr. Zhivago on the big screen. And read the book. And lived through the cold war spirit of the times. And the Russian regimes. So the book had an identifying interest to me. Her approach to the events and characters is very well done. I …more

Before We Were Yours: A Novel
by Lisa Wingate

interesting subject (7/30/2020)

Best book I've read in a while. Depressing but great subject, well done plot and characters, told through the perspective of two very believable characters. stuck to the story without any side societal comments, politics, or other nonsense so prevalent in today's books. and …more

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
by Trevor Noah

Terrific (7/22/2020)

Fabulous book. I expected a biassed message book, and was pleasantly surprised to read an honest unbiased memoir of his upbringing, and exposure of the mistakes of the South African government and the consequences. His admiration of his mother was heartening, while honest …more

The Last House Guest
by Megan Miranda

Enjoyable (7/19/2020)

Beach read. Easy to follow, believable characters, plot sucks you in. Narration is interesting. First read of this author I will read more.

Every Bone a Prayer
by Ashley Blooms

Different (7/17/2020)

This is the story of the fantasy world a ten year old creates to deal with her difficult life in poverty. It includes sexual abuse. There are many positives in this young ladies life - especially sense of family. If I had one criticism of the writing, it would be too much …more

American Dirt: A Novel
by Jeanine Cummins

Worth a read (6/3/2020)

I m not a fan of “message” books. Or books that attempt to form my opinions. From that aspect, I give this book one star. If you delete that aspect, it is an interesting, well written, easy to read book about the journey of those fleeing to the US. My education about their …more

Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice
by Bill Browder

Interesting (5/20/2020)

I am not a news junkie; this story is new to me. I thought it was well written and well presented. And quite readable. And not full of political slant and opinions. The US-Russia relationship is so complicated. Who will ever know the truth? I will watch both films - the one …more

Dreamland: The True Tale of America's Opiate Epidemic
by Sam Quinones

Different and positive read (4/19/2020)

A good book relating a complicated crisis. Details of how distribution networks grow. What i found refreshing about this book is instead of being slanted and politically motivated, it relates stories and situations, then goes on to feature stories of hope. The shrieking …more

The Stone Girl: A Novel
by Dirk Wittenborn

Enjoyable page turner (4/6/2020)

However not at all original. The characters and the plot are easy to follow, and the ending was as expected. If you are looking for a good beach read with a plot of intelligent nasty people who encounter simple good people, this is a good slightly off mainstream book. Four …more

Blue Moon: A Jack Reacher Novel
by Lee Child

Different? (1/24/2020)

Different?

I love Lee Child’s writing style. And his character Jack Reacher. I’ve read most if not all of his books. And loved them. This one was a struggle. Whether or not it would have been had I not read the rest of the books, I don’t know.

The Girl in White Gloves: A Novel of Grace Kelly
by Kerri Maher

Different and enjoyable (12/17/2019)

As a member of the Grace Kelly generation, and familiar with the atmosphere of the world at the times addressed in this book, I thoroughly enjoyed the fresh perspective on this elegant woman’s life. Wish many of our famous folks today had the class and manners to keep their …more

Never Have I Ever
by Joshilyn Jackson

Smooth read... (10/27/2019)

...but after that not for me. I loved the sister books. I thought that was so unique. This is a tired plot, with an unrealistic twist (Char). And a very predictable ending.

The Big Finish
by Brooke Fossey

Quirky (10/8/2019)

And interesting premise but not for me. If you take it as a fun goofy book, great read. Older folks in nursing home I found too depressing. I thought most characters not well developed. Although quite likable. I liked how light she kept everything - no social or political …more

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek: A Novel
by Kim Michele Richardson

Couldn’t put it down (8/17/2019)

I cant say enough positive. What a great story - the blue folks and the mobile library are two parts of history I would not have known except for this book. Great characters, well written and presented, and pleasant to read. And no underlying agenda. I put this author on my …more

Boy Erased: A Memoir
by Garrard Conley

Enjoyable (7/17/2019)

Living in Utah the premises of this book are not too foreign. It explores the thought process of this young man as he undergoes the path his family truly feels is his salvation. The reader feels he is on the outside observing as those around him try to do what they feel is …more

The Guest Book
by Sarah Blake

Good read (6/14/2019)

Enjoyable read. The typical family saga with a modern twist to include commentary on race, religion, and overall prejudgement. But not overbearing - pretty realistic (having lived through some of that time). Well done characters, and back and forth in time without losing …more

Cemetery Road
by Greg Iles

Loved it (4/1/2019)

Great read. So many modern thrillers are redundant. Great plot that kept flowing. Although not believable, not as far from reality as hoped. Characters are likeable and dis likeable. Only negative - could have left out the political comments and innuendo. I can form my own opinions.

Greek to Me: Adventures of the Comma Queen
by Mary Norris

Excellent book (2/27/2019)

But honestly not for me. I tried. I read the beginning then skipped through other portions of the book, and it did not pique my interest and i could not identify. Has nothing to do with quality of writing. Looks well written and developed. I will pass it along to other(s) …more

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A Map to Paradise
by Susan Meissner

From the USA Today bestselling author of Only the Beautiful. 1956, Malibu, California: Something is not right on Paradise Circle.

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The Husbands
by Holly Gramazio

The Husbands delights in asking: how do we navigate life, love, and choice in a world of never-ending options?

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Becoming Madam Secretary
by Stephanie Dray

New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray returns with a captivating novel about an American heroine France Perkins—now in paperback!

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The Jackal's Mistress
by Chris Bohjalian

From the New York Times bestselling author of Hour of the Witch, a Civil War love story of a Confederate wife and a wounded Yankee.

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