I found the major theme of this book to be about a sense of belonging. The first one we encounter is that of family of course as we are introduced to the Chins. Born in China, Victor's beginnings are with his mother when at a tender age is taken from her by his father to …more America and told life will be better. He is scared and confused - he is too young - where does he belong?
Then, his father brings home a new lady friend. She is not his mother and she does not belong, yet she treats him kindly and says she loves him. Again, he is confused and feels pulled in two directions - where do his loyalties lie?
When Victor gets sick he feels abandoned by his father because his father should be a strong, loving, and caring man - making Victor feel a tender sense of belonging that says, 'son, I love you, and I will take care of you, and protect you.' Victor does not get this from his father, and his father's girlfriend ends up making the decision to get Victor the help he needs.
When Victor gets to Carville there are a few other instances where the theme of belonging can be seen. First of all, as a patient. Does Victor need this surgery? Does he really have Hansen's disease? Is this going to help? Is there really any hope for him here? Victor comes to realize that there is segregation even in Carville when he is put in the Chinese building, but this, in a way, is at least a knowing sense a belong. In the 1950's, segregation of this type is seen as normal. Yet another instance of an example of the theme of belonging is the set of friends Victor falls into and the ways in which their relationships ebb and flow throughout the book.
By the end, Victor is still a young man, and I am still rooting for him. He has a lot going for him and I hope his next chapter is a successful one - it'd make another great book!
Thank you very much for my advanced copy - I enjoyed reading it. (less)

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and review One's Company by Ashley Hutson.

Bonnie is a very troubled woman, and from the storyline, deservedly so. Suffering an unbelievable number of severe traumas, she attempts to build her own alternative reality using her …more newly won mega-lottery winnings.

My opinion is that this is a story about PTSD and severe mental health issues gone over-looked with devastating results.

I also felt that situations were 'thrown in' that didn't deem useful to the storyline, making it hard to follow at times. I found myself at times confused and wondering what day I was reading about, or what had actually happened when, or to, a character. I kept flipping back and forth trying to figure it out, ultimately giving up.

I finished the book and found it had an upward turn which was only slightly redeeming.

I am sorry to say that I cannot recommend this book but will read other reviews. (less)

I did not realize it until I sat back and really thought about what I would write for this review. Honor is at the heart of every character, whether you love or hate them, stand back and attempt to step into their shoes. All players are so passionate - Meena, her brothers, …more her mother-in-law, Smita, Mohan, and the interpreter, Nandini, along with the few that I left out.

The story is one of tremendous courage and raw emotion, pure love and deep hate, and yet in the end, there is still hope.

Overall, Honor, for me, is a love story. It exhausted me to read it, but I am so very glad I did. (less)

The Last Chance Library was a movement for all my senses. I could see June at her reference desk, her boss in a back office, Stanley, always first in and last out, seated at 'his' computer, and the patrons that showed up almost daily creating heart-warming banter and bonds. …more I was able to create their voices and felt a true insider. June, an introvert, and the main character, had a very creative soul but led an extremely controlled and consistent life. Stuck in the past and scared to move forward, until, her library is threatened. This is a story of resurrection, through trial and error, fear and fantasy, and the realization that there is so much worth fighting for if you would just try putting your toe in the water - or how about going for a cannonball!

I really loved this book. At times I laughed, I was frustrated, and relieved. I loved the characters and the lessons about judgement and how it is so limiting and harmful. Great, great read. (less)