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Reviews by Gina T. (Natick, MA)

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Bad Animals
Bad Animals: A Novel
by Sarah Braunstein
Self deception (1/4/2024)
I really wanted to love this novel. There was much to enjoy. My favorite part was the obvious love letter to libraries, authors, and librarians. The author did a wonderful job describing the awe, joy and importance of libraries in our society. She also portrayed a nuanced and realistic Maine setting.
As a person who frequently visits Maine, her capture of the essence of the area was spot on.( I do realize she teaches in Maine, but still)

The part that fell flat for me was the plot. It seemed contrived, forced and lost my attention. I think the point she was trying to make with " bad animals" was too predictable. Perhaps if she wrote more on a complete descent into madness, or more detail with supporting characters , the novel could have been great. Also, in my opinion, the title is poor…seems like it is trying to be hip.

The bottom line is that I liked the novel but I was ultimately disappointed .
A Council of Dolls
A Council of Dolls: A Novel
by Mona Susan Power
An Immersive and heart wrenching story (7/12/2023)
I absolutely loved this book! I think I held my breath as I read.
The difficult subject matter of collective and generational trauma was made personal with the magical voices of the dolls.
Only recently have we read about the atrocities against indigenous people in our country. This was not anything taught at school or discussed in media until recently.
This book beautifully tackles some of these tragic and horrific events.
We must acknowledge truth in order to heal. We have learned the importance of sharing our stories and releasing the shame and guilt. The author has a spiritual gift that I found irresistible. She spoke to me. I can't recommend this novel highly enough!
Pieces of Blue
Pieces of Blue
by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Disappointing (1/21/2023)
I was excited to read this book based upon its premise and the support of Maria Semple who called it " brilliant".
Perhaps it is brilliant YA book. This is the author's first adult book and I would say that her editor did not do her any favors.
The plot was contrived, the prose stilted, character development weak, and I felt I was reading a script for the Disney channel. I finished the book because I loved the setting and the incredibly precocious character of Sena ( the youngest child ).
I would recommend this story of hope and resilience and the power of family, to a middle school audience.
The Poet's House
The Poet's House
by Jean Thompson
Is poetry still relevant? (6/10/2022)
The poet's house is a very unusual novel. It is more of a narrative by a young woman with obvious intelligence and fierce determination, held back by a lifetime of low self esteem. Carla has dyslexia and ADHD and because of her different perspective, she becomes enamored of poetry, of all things! Since poetry provides a different perspective of the human condition, to me, the story works.
It is a story you can swallow in one sitting, similar to Anxious People. I enjoyed reading the snippets of poetry aloud. It encouraged me to open some poetry books on my shelf.
I enjoyed the book . It is a welcome break from dystopian and historical fiction that lines the bookstore shelves currently. It is truly original.
The Latinist
The Latinist: A Novel
by Mark Prins
Psychological thriller (10/18/2021)
I found the Latinist to be a very unique and a bit confusing psychological thriller. The academic setting was exceptional and the plot points set in Italy was thrilling.
The trials of young , female academics seemed genuine.
Sacrifice for career opportunities is certainly examined.
This novel has many references that would appeal to true lovers of classical literature. This novel is not for someone wanting a quick gone girlesque read.
If you are seeking a novel that is complex but ultimately satisfying, The Latinist is a good choice. It succeeded in transporting me away from current affairs and for that, I am grateful.
New York, My Village
New York, My Village: A Novel
by Uwem Akpan
Authentic and original (8/11/2021)
New York, my village was a completely immersive experience.
Akpan has a unique and authentic voice. His tale of an African in contemporary NYC was both tragic and humorous. As someone who has grown up in NY he nailed the thrill and majesty of nyc as well as the nuances of life as an outsider.
So many books of late have discussed BLM and some readers have had their fill ( sadly)
This raw authentic voice should be heard. I laughed, wept, scratched alongside the main character. I could smell the food, hear the train and feel the heat,
So well done. I highly recommend it for readers still hungry for a different perspective of racism in the US.
Never Saw Me Coming
Never Saw Me Coming: A Novel
by Vera Kurian
a modern thriller with a twist (6/7/2021)
Never Saw Me Coming was a very satisfying whodunit. College students, Washington DC, the current political climate all came together in a fresh crime novel. The characters all drew both compassion and revulsion simultaneously. I found it captivating. I usually do not read this genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommended it to all my "true crime" friends.
Palace of the Drowned
Palace of the Drowned
by Christine Mangan
An unraveling in Venice (3/8/2021)
Palace of the Drowned was a moody, creepy gothic thriller. The author did an excellent job evoking the damp, dark, medieval city of Venice. The tension mounted as the water rose in the crumbling city. A perfect setting to lose oneself. November in Venice is not for the faint of heart. . I felt like I was running down the narrow streets with the main character... Pure escapism. It was reminiscent of Mexican Gothic.
Well worth your time.
Migrations
Migrations: A Novel
by Charlotte McConaghy
Powerful and poetic (4/2/2020)
Wow! Migrations took me by surprise.
I would describe it as a work of art. Such beautiful prose, powerful and unusual plot, gripping characters.. the setting reminded me of Matterhorn, in that I can feel the cold, the turbulence of the seas etc . Not many novelists are capable of that feat.
I found myself rereading paragraphs, reflecting on the universal themes of grief, hope, frustration, spirit and determination.
I truly could not put this novel down and will recommend it to all my friends.
Why we read...
Miss Austen
Miss Austen
by Gill Hornby
A wonderful treat for Austen fans (2/13/2020)
The book , Miss Austen, by Gill Hornby is an imaginative back story to understanding the beloved author Jane Austen. The story brilliantly evokes the prose and setting of Austen while enthralling readers with a beautiful original story of the deep bond between Jane and her sister Cassandra.

For those of us who cannot get our fill of Austen and enjoy being transported back in time, this novel is a treat. For readers who are looking for something well written and have been curious about the fuss and staying power of Austen's novels, this book might introduce them to novels that evoke a gentler time but explore themes of class distinctions and women's rights, frivolity of the wealthy and the importance of a purposeful life.

I very much enjoyed reading this novel.
Actress
Actress
by Anne Enright
a unique mother-daughter relationship (12/3/2019)
Anne Enright does not disappoint with her new novel. It explores a very unique mother-daughter relationship in her beautiful, deliberate prose.In a recent interview with the author, she credits her father for valuing equanimity. This greatly influences her steady, descriptive style. We are also shaped by our mothers and Enright explores the relationship of this complex pair. This novel will appeal to fans of Enright, Bannville, Strout and admirers of traditional literature. this novel would make an excellent book club selection.
Red Letter Days
Red Letter Days
by Sarah-Jane Stratford
well-written, Cold War era, historical fiction (10/8/2019)
This novel is set in the early Cold War era and did a beautiful job incorporating the devastation of the McCarthy Era investigations in average Americans' lives. Today's politicians freely use the term "witch hunt"; the author does a wonderful job crafting the tale of a real-life witch hunt. It was thrilling, poignant, heartbreaking and yet optimistic. Readers who enjoyed the Alice Network or The Nightingale would enjoy this book with its strong female protagonists.
Never Have I Ever
Never Have I Ever
by Joshilyn Jackson
above average beach read (4/10/2019)
Another book in the Gone Girl genre. The novel is well-written and has enough twists to render it unpredictable. The author has an obvious passion for scuba diving. The passages involved with diving were in my opinion, some of the most interesting. If you are looking to lose yourself in a quick novel this book would work.
The Last Romantics
The Last Romantics
by Tara Conklin
A book about Love ,in all its configurations.. (12/8/2018)
I was immediately drawn to this novel and couldn’t get enough of its poignancy, reflection and wisdom. The characters are expertly developed and the plot well conceived. I do not remember reading a novel that explored sibling relationships so vividly. I reread many passages several times...This book emphasizes the importance of compassion and forgiveness. Highly recommended. Why we read.
The Lost Man
The Lost Man
by Jane Harper
the lost man (11/5/2018)
From the first page I was transported to the Australian outback. A gritty, fast-paced mystery with the setting as a main character. Beautiful prose, you felt the ache, loneliness and desperation..
I was reminded that we all carry our past with us and some are more successful in moving forward than others.
The plot was not predictable and the setting unfamiliar- For those looking to read something different but well-written, this is it.
i read her first novel, The Dry which was good.This novel in my opinion, is even better. I have always been drawn to westerns and remote areas; I love reading about characters that are pushed to the extreme.I think this book would appeal to both men and women. it would be a good book club choice.
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