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The Things They Carried
by Tim O'Brien

Can you ever forget? (3/7/2020)

This book was read in its entirety two weeks ago and yet it remains on my mind everyday. Part of the reason is that there are some personal feelings of empathy having had a family member involved in this war. I have always wondered about this conflict because I haven't been able to get anyone I know that participated to give up any stories other than stark fear.

Our young men should never have been sent to a land without the government knowing what to expect. And who suffered for this disaster? The government that created the mess? No The poor men and women who were involved and then vilified upon their return...if they were lucky enough to return.

Every person involved with any such decision should read this book. Lots to think about.

The Lost Man
by Jane Harper

Just okay... (1/8/2020)

I know there is a story in this book, but you really have to have patience to find it. The storyline moves so slowly and didn't really get interesting until page 237. If the purpose of the book was to explain how exciting life could be in Australia, it failed. Still, one will cheer on the protagonist...every so slowly...

Red Letter Days
by Sarah-Jane Stratford

Another American Mistake (10/24/2019)

The pace of this book was perfect. Watching (or reading) the process of finding a person, deciding that person was a Communist, and then ruining that person's life was swift and sad.

Ms. Stratford obviously did her research and the story was gripping. At one point, I just had to stop reading because I knew it was going to take a sad turn...and I just needed a little time to prepare.

This book will be recommended to our book club...there is much here to discuss. Thank you!!

Girls Burn Brighter
by Shobha Rao

May the men stop winning (3/8/2019)

The book is extremely disturbing in its discussion of the way women are sometimes treated by societal norms. Whether it's religious beliefs, societies (most of them originated by men), or men's lack of self control, the end game is to make women feel unimportant and that their own worth is based on what they do for others. It is this very attitude that has caused the metoo movement and the decrease in church attendance. Men are equal creatures on the earth and women need to gain the strength to reach their potential.

It was easy to sympathize with the main characters and feel for their life's journey. It would have been nice if the author actually finished the book...I was looking forward to the reunion.

Force of Nature: Aaron Falk Mystery #2
by Jane Harper

Worth the Time to Read (1/7/2019)

I found this book to be interesting from the first page. It was one of the fastest reads I can remember. The plot was carried us along for a treacherous outing in the woods. The disappearance of Alice presents more questions than answers. The dual timeline keeps the story going in an interesting fashion. I did not see the ending coming...always a good sign for a thriller.

The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls
by Anissa Gray

Life is Complex (10/24/2018)

The story is a little disjointed, but there is an eventual wrap-up of the loose ends...the preferred outcome for any book. The most interesting aspect of "The Care" book is the fact that each person suffers their trials alone without the help or support of family. In fact, family often doesn't even know (or chooses to ignore) the events/pain of siblings/children/parents. We are not on this earth alone, yet each struggles alone. Most people like to think they are there for friends/family; however, the truth is, it is difficult to seek help and it's not good to be pushy.

The book brought all this out. Issues are addressed but not resolved. Is it enough to know they exist?

All-in-all, a very thought-provoking book. Kudos to Anissa Gray.

Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers of World War II
by Liza Mundy

Just a history book (10/1/2018)

The purpose for picking up this book was to see how the events from Pearl Harbor going forward affected the lives of the women at that time. Most of the book gave bits of history that are common knowledge and not the stories of the young ladies who became the code girls. There were some interesting/sad items such as the pay difference...will it never end?

The search in this book for the story of the lives of the ladies and how their jobs affected were hard to find. It could happen...for every 40 pages, there were a couple tidbits of the ladies and a lot of the men working in the code breaking jobs. It was not an enjoyable assignment.

The one positive is when a story came out last week in the news talking about a woman being buried w/British military honors for her work as a codebreaker, those who read this book knew what she had gone through.

Mississippi Blood: A Natchez Burning Novel #3
by Greg Iles

Great story, but long on words (7/17/2018)

After reading the complete series, I do not feel like I understand the racial divide in this country any better than before delving into 1800 pages. The main character came across as extremely vain and condescending, not strong and moral....very arrogant. But such is life.

I would not recommend the book to a friend... maybe my husband...

Our House
by Louise Candlish

Did not see that coming! (6/14/2018)

The good and the bad of this book: the plot moved a little slower than I like; however, the ending was unpredictable. For a person who loves to read the end of the book and then sit back and enjoy the narrative, this book did not allow this option. Yes, the ending was read; but, no, it did not help move the story along. I cannot even explain how awesome the ending of this book is...well worth the extra words. Thank you, Louise Candlish! You have a new fan!

America for Beginners
by Leah Franqui

An Unexpected Journey (4/4/2018)

The author, Lea Franqui, introduced the characters perfectly. No person is perfect and it is not always easy to understand why someone might think differently than we do. But, if we can just take a moment to listen, just listen, there is much to be gleaned from another's experiences.

Pavil's life in India may have seemed charmed, but the tortures she endured made her feel her life was not worth living. By meeting a young man and young woman and traveling the US to find her son's lover, she gained an appreciation of life...and the choices her son made.

This book will stay with me for a long time. It is certainly one worth sharing.

History of Wolves
by Emily Fridlund

Tough to Follow (11/26/2017)

After looking forward to reading this novel, the disappointment cannot be overstated. The story was difficult to follow, there was no main character to “cheer for”, and the story moved so slowly that it was difficult to continue reading to the end.

The way the book was written was almost as if one’s thoughts were directing the tone of the book as opposed to preparing a well-thought-out story that a person could fall into and take part.

Hopefully, the next attempt will be better.

If the Creek Don't Rise
by Leah Weiss

Not to be Missed (11/2/2017)

It's rare that a book grabs you from the first sentence; and yet, that is exactly what happened. The people, the environment, the fear, the hate, the anger, the struggles...all of this made for a book that a person could not wait to keep reading. And then the ending...did NOT see that coming. I love this book and encourage anyone who loves a good tale to pick this one up.

News of the World
by Paulette Jiles

Good Readin' (8/6/2017)

Finally, a book that wasn't 500 pages and yet told a good story from beginning to end. The story of Texas, with its lawlessness, fear, new communities, beauty. The story of two people trying to get from one side to another with great descriptive scenery and yet, two people who need to survive to reunite a young girl with her family. The News Of The World is an impetus to an end.

The Resurrection of Joan Ashby
by Cherise Wolas

A Book of Lists (6/4/2017)

On the pro side: the issues involved in family dynamics can be trying and can bring any family to the brink of destruction. The main character, Joan, is not a simple person, but complex with varying degrees of emotions and acceptance. The family was discussed in very honest, sometimes brutal clarity. Decisions made were explained clearly and left no doubt why the results were as written. The books within a book was a unique feature.

On the con: It became a book of lists; every major statement had explanation, explanation, explanation, etc. to the point that it became obnoxious and expected. Some descriptions were not necessary and only seemed to add to word count for the book. At times, the story faltered and evaporated while reading. There was no true ending to this book. After reading 531 pages, who knows where the characters end up? We can guess; however, it is a pet peeve of mine to not close a book and feel, wow, that was a great story.

The first 400 pages were great, the final 131 were somewhat painful. I don't feel better for having read this story.

The Atomic Weight of Love
by Elizabeth Church

Story of Life (3/30/2017)

This story still has remnants of truth when it comes to women sacrificing for the good of the family. The main character chooses her marriage and love of a disappointing man over possible achievement and true happiness. This decision happens every day. Well written with honesty by the author and frustration for the reader. Excellent!

June: A Novel
by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore

Refreshing (2/27/2017)

This book is the first I've read in a while that had a good story from beginning to end...and the end really wrapped up the tale. Descriptions were concise, the characters had quantifiable emotions and events. I am hoping Miranda has another book in her...anxiously waiting...

The Sellout
by Paul Beatty

Exhausting (1/28/2017)

This book did contain an interesting story; however, it was exhausting to read Paul's ramblings and run-on sentences that seemed to continue for days. Many times I realized I was seeing words but thinking of anything else.

I did not enjoy reading the book, but the story will stay with me.

Edgar and Lucy
by Victor Lodato

Many words for a slow, fast book. (11/25/2016)

The author took advantage of the English language as there were several times it was necessary to speed read through some sections.

Having the story told from various characters' perspective kept it moving and filled in questions that might have gone unanswered. Whenever a child is not being protected, there can only be a disturbing conclusion.

Having a story from beginning to end was truly refreshing. Although the book was probably 75 pages longer than it needed to be, the ending could not have been more perfect.

This Must Be the Place: A novel
by Maggie O'Farrell

A Rare Find (8/1/2016)

This book is a true gem with believable characters and a refreshingly new story. The chapters' bouncing from year to year was a challenge (a few times I had to check to keep the story straight). The issues are relevant, feelings invoked are honest, and the story moves at a good pace. I look forward to Maggie O'Farrell's next book!

The Fair Fight
by Anna Freeman

Worth the time to read (4/24/2016)

The book started a little slow, but it soon became clear that this story was one very unique tale. Every angle of each character was addressed whenever an event was introduced. No occurrence is ever viewed the same by those living through it...ask anyone who attended a family reunion.

I finished the book three weeks ago, and yet the story remains. The characters are unforgettable and multi-faceted. I look forward to the publication by Anna Freeman. Thank you!

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