BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
by Colleen Oakley

3.5 stars. Ending was worth it (10/11/2022)

While I did enjoy this book, the first 3/4 of the read did not endure me to Tanner and Louise. I enjoyed the plot and especially the slight twists at the end. It was an enjoyable read, just not outstanding.

Daughters of the Flower Fragrant Garden: Two Sisters Separated by China's Civil War
by Zhuqing Li

Beautiful writing, beautiful story (6/21/2022)

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The writing was beautiful and rich in cultural flavor, emotion and detail. The two women highlighted were amazing women who work exceedingly hard through a very traumatic time in history.

Out of all the books I've read set in China, this one gave me the most abundant sense of what life was really like during China's Civil war and the behind the bamboo curtain.

Highly recommended!

On a Night of a Thousand Stars
by Andrea Yaryura Clark

Good story but not compelling (3/14/2022)

While the story could be fantastic, I felt was only average. I love historical fiction and I'm reasonable familiar with the Dirty War, have relatives in and from Argentina, so the subject matter was of great interest to me. However, the story never really grabbed me. I'm not fond of romantic stories in general, so perhaps I was put off by the interwoven story of Santiago and Valentina, so I found myself skimming some of that part of the book. Perhaps I couldn't connect with the characters. Regardless, I love the idea but not the execution.

The Paris Bookseller
by Kerri Maher

Interesting but not fully engaging- 3.5 stars (11/25/2021)

I so enjoy that this book was based on the real Shakespeare and Co. book store, which I have visited a few times. I found Sylvia's publishing of James Joyce's Ulysses fascinating, as well as their rift at the end of their business relationship. However, I felt the book was too romanized for my liking, leaving me a bit unengaged at times, I did like the book better as it went on and felt very satisfied with the ending, but the beginning was much less satisfying. The book is well written and overall enjoyable.

Never Saw Me Coming: A Novel
by Vera Kurian

In the heads of psychopaths (6/6/2021)

Wow! Solid 4.5-5. I took a half star off because the characters are not very likable (however, no great shock as they are mostly psychopaths and vapid college kids.)

However, the book is quite a page-turner. I finished it in 24-hours and did really enjoy the tale as something unique—albeit it was very hard to relate to the subject and main characters in order to build some empathy. That said, it was fascinating to read more about psychopaths and kudos to the author for allowing us into their heads.

The Temple House Vanishing
by Rachel Donohue

Compelling Literary mystery (4/16/2021)

What fascinating characters!! I was expecting more vapid 16-year olds, but I found these young women—Louisa, Victoria (and even Helen)—to be complex and compelling. I was hooked at the premise of them all orbiting around their attractive and deep art teacher. While it's be many decades since I was 16, I could recall that kind of intensity and importance that comes with being a young woman. I loved how the book got weirder and weirder as the chapters went on pulling me deeper and deeper into the mystery and the deliciousness of the range of possibilities of conclusions. I would have loved to have a bit more insight into Mr. Lavelle's thinking, but the. Again, maybe that would have taken away from some of the mystery. Well done!

The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman: A Novel
by Julietta Henderson

Love, Love, Love this book (3/6/2021)

What I an absolute joy of a book. I've loved every character, with all their flaws and personal pains. Norman is the kid that any parent would love with their whole being, scaly psoriasis and all. Sadie, the insecure mom, but loved her son with her all her might. And Leonard, the surrogate father/grandfather who protected and guided them on their quest. I love this kind of life-lesson journey book where very flawed characters find their way and life and love. Highly recommended!

Big Girl, Small Town
by Michelle Gallen

Torn about my review...half great, half not so great (10/20/2020)

Normally I love this type of book...set in another country, depicting a slice of life through a myriad of quirky characters. On the positive side, I thought the writing was fabulous and I loved all the Irishisms, funny nicknames of the patrons and neighbors and the slice of small time life. It even left me craving a nice portion of fish and chips. However, I did not find if funny or even particularly entertaining. I did not like any of the characters much. I admire Majella's loyalist to her mom and her job, but it was all rather depressing without a purpose. I would not call this comedic, hilarious or even full of dark humor...At least not to me. Kudos to the author and her wonderful writing style, but the story just wasn't engaging.

The Paris Hours: A Novel
by Alex George

Outstanding narrative woven throughout (2/7/2020)

The Paris Hours is a wonderful book. Beautifully written, full of vivid detail and likable—albeit lost and sad—characters. The themes of lose and coincidence are threaded through the four main characters. I loved how historical figures, such as Hemingway, Gertrude Stein and especially,Josephine Baker, were bit players throughout the book, but important to give a sense of extraordinary to the four characters unordinary lives. I was especially satisfied that all four main characters stories did not wrap up in a fancy little happy bow at the end of the book. Their pain and lose felt more real that way; not something that the days end can magically solve and soothe. I highly recommend this book.

Small Days and Nights: A Novel
by Tishani Doshi

Loved this sweet, melancholic novel (12/2/2019)

I love this type of book. Set in a far off locale, full of interesting tidbits of a different culture, and many interesting characters (and dogs). I could really visualize their life's unfolding on the beach near Madras. My only disappointment was that I couldn't visualize Lucia...I waited eagerly for more to be revealed about her; however, I was very pleased with the ever so flawed but tenuous Grace. She felt very real to me.

Highly recommended!

House of Stone
by Novuyo Rosa Tshuma

Mixed feelings BUT very good book (12/24/2018)

I love this style of historical fiction. It's so important to learn about another country's history from an authentic voice like Ms. Tshuma. I know some readers might be bothered or confused by all the native words and slang, however, I felt it was integral to story. I chose not to research the exact meanings of the words, but instead relished the context in which they were used.

I loved the slow unfurling of the mystery and the stories of each character, but the flashback narrative was a bit confusing. My biggest problem is that I could not muster any sympathy for Zamani, the main narrator. I felt his desperation and manipulation, however, not his heart.

Thankfully, Mama Agnes and Abednego captured my heart, with their flawed pasts and their deep love of their missing son. Through their stories and pain, we the readers can learn about the turmoil, violence, and struggle for a free Zimbabwe.

My Lovely Wife
by Samantha Downing

Creepy to start, crazy twists by end, 4 stars. (10/23/2018)

I almost rejected reading this book a few chapters in. As much as I like a good psychological thriller, a husband and wife recreational killing team isn't tops on my list. HOWEVER, without giving away any secrets, the few twists and turns that occurred midway through caught me by surprise and I couldn't put the book down until the end.

Our House
by Louise Candlish

Whoa and wow! (6/12/2018)

While many aspects of this book seemed common....broken marriage, infidelity, guilt, etc. the house fraud angle and all the twists and turns that occurred because of a few bad, but relatable choices, leads the reader down an interesting and unique path in this exciting book. I love it when a chapter ends with a gasp of "whoa"; it happened quite a few times! Highly recommend.

The Milk Lady of Bangalore: An Unexpected Adventure
by Shoba Narayan

Fun, interesting and touching! Who doesn't love cows? (12/25/2017)

I thought this was a fabulous, fun read. I learned so much about southern Indian culture, not to mention how much I learned about cows. I have a whole new appreciation for bovines and their milk nectar. I chuckled, I smiled, I even had a tear in my eye once or twice. I'm so glad I read this book and highly recommend it.

Strangers in Budapest
by Jessica Keener

Loved the setting! Story pretty good. (11/8/2017)

It's always a fascinating journey to read a story set in another country and culture. For that I nearly always love the book. This story was good...not perfect, but good. I didn't really feel it was a thriller or page turner, but I enjoyed the pace nonetheless. I enjoyed the complexity, grouchiness and secrets of Edward the most, while having only basic compassion for the Will and Annie. It was an enjoyable read and recommend it for that.

The Story of Arthur Truluv: A Novel
by Elizabeth Berg

Sweet and touching story (6/13/2017)

I did like this book and found it a very enjoyable read. The characters were likable and the ending was sweet. however, there were a few things that didn't flush out for me...I loved Arthur's ability to hear the dead's stories and I would have loved for that to be flushed out more. Also, wasn't really sure of the connection between Arthur and his neighbor. Overall, a delight and will recommend for an easy summer read.

Reviews by Sharon P. (San Diego, CA)

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Reviews by Sharon P. (San Diego, CA)

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