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Reviews by Helen P. (Lynn, MA)

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The Fertile Earth: A Novel
by Ruthvika Rao

Political, Cultural, Historical Story (6/6/2024)

I am interested in other cultures and this novel does not disappoint. This story with the Deshmukhs in Irumi, Telangana speaks of the landlords to the fertile earth after India's post independence. There are Indian words that were not familiar to me so I would have …more

Paper Names: A Novel
by Susie Luo

Sacrifice for Opportunity? (3/12/2023)

This is a pleasant book about immigrants seeking opportunity for their child by coming to America. Tony, Kim, and Tammy struggle economically and culturally. Tony is a doorman for The Rosewood where we meet Oliver. This neighbor generously offers to teach Tammy piano, and a …more

The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
by Colleen Oakley

ROAD CONNECTION (10/1/2022)

This book is not my usual genre; I found it fun but implausible. This is a cozy mystery involving a young woman, Tanner, who needs a job and an older lady, Louise Wilts, who needs some help. The repartee between these woman, who can barely tolerate each other, grows into a …more

Our Missing Hearts: A Novel
by Celeste Ng

Dystopian but feels familiar (9/4/2022)

This book's likeable characters, story, and great writing drew me in; however, the Asian discrimination and government interference disturbed me. The title, OUR MISSING HEARTS, captures how society could allow removing children from parents... and yet, that happens in this …more

Honor
by Thrity Umrigar

THOUGHT PROVOKING AND ENGROSSING (9/9/2021)

Upon opening the book there lies a newspaper headline, "HINDU WOMAN SUES BROTHERS WHO KILLED HER MUSLIM HUSBAND." HONOR is an absorbing, captivating book I could not stop reading. You will be transported to India where you will learn about the American journalist who tells …more

Smalltime: A Story of My Family and the Mob
by Russell Shorto

True Narrative History of a Mafia family (2/14/2021)

This namesake author, with his father, searches for the truth of his Mafia grandfather. From the early 1900's, you will learn immigrant history and the connection to the expectation and search for a better life. This nostalgic, heart rendering truth of this Mafia family …more

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Book Jacket — Lessons in Chemistry
by Bonnie Garmus

Praised by *Parade* and *The New York Times Book Review*, this debut features a 1960s scientist turned TV cooking star.

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