BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Wild and Distant Seas: A Novel
by Tara Karr Roberts

Enjoyable Read! (11/2/2023)

I enjoyed reading Wild and Distant Seas. A story of four generations of strong women, each having a unique gift of clairvoyance, and their worldwide search for the elusive Ishmael, whose absence affected each life in a different way. The search is the thread that pulls the reader through the story, and even though the ending came a bit quickly for me, I found it satisfying. Strong character development, well-done descriptions and dialogue make this a book that's an excellent choice for singles or book clubs.

The Wren, the Wren: A Novel
by Anne Enright

Not My Fave (8/24/2023)

This book was a bit of a slog. The writing is at times luminous, and there were some lovely and thoughtful sections, but I didn't really identify with any of the characters and without that investment, the book was hard for me to finish. It is obvious that Ms. Enright is a gifted writer, and I'm sure this book will find its audience. I just didn't have the attention span for the style in which it was written.

Pieces of Blue
by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Great Read! (2/8/2023)

I'm a sucker for a family story that features one or more precocious kids, and within the first few pages, I knew Sena was going to be my favorite in this group. She's the youngest of three very unique siblings who relocate to Hawaii with their widowed mom to start again after a series of devastating events. There are so many themes and situations to mine for plot lines - widowhood, starting over, being the new family in a small, culturally different town, becoming proprietors of a run down beach motel with absolutely no previous experience, being the new kids in school, not knowing what actually happened to the husband/dad (presumed drowned in a surfing accident), and so very much more that I didn't anticipate AT ALL. I really enjoyed this book and will look for more from this author.

Wade in the Water: A Novel
by Nyani Nkrumah

Impressive Debut! (11/26/2022)

I found myself surprised that this is the author's debut novel. An old story told in a new way that made me care very much for the characters. I love stories that feature a precocious old-soul child, and Ella is one of the best examples in quite a while. I was a young teen in Atlanta during the early 1960s, and the Civil Rights movement made a tremendous impression on me. Wade in the Water took me back there, made me think, and stayed with me long after I turned the last page. Highly recommend!

The Paris Bookseller
by Kerri Maher

Missing That Certain Spark (1/1/2022)

There is much to anticipate when considering a novel about the wonderful bookstore Shakespeare and Company in Paris, but unfortunately, I struggled to finish this book. The storytelling lacked that certain spark that compels a reader to be unable to put the book down, and to eagerly anticipate picking it up again to resume the tale. Certainly the time period is interesting, the cast of characters includes not only the notable Sylvia Beach but also James Joyce and other celebrities of the era, the subject of censorship remains relevant - but somehow, it just didn't come together for me. I'm truly happy to see that many early readers did enjoy the book, but it just was not my cup of tea.

Take My Hand
by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Compelling Story with a Weak Voice (10/13/2021)

There is no doubt that the story of this landmark court case is both important and timely. Forced sterilizations are, sadly, still happening and women still struggle with having choices regarding our bodies legislated by men. But I found the storytelling in Take My Hand to be lacking. I understand that the author was trying to capture the voices of characters in various decades and stages of their lives, but it read too simplistically to fully capture my interest, and I struggled to get all the way through. I was anticipating a compelling Adult Fiction selection, but this read more like a YA, and I was disappointed.

Vox
by Christina Dalcher

Great Read (6/3/2018)

There's a great deal to like about Vox. It's a dystopian tale with a strong female lead who's a wife, mother, and linguistics scientist who was on the verge of a breakthrough discovery when she and all other women were banished to their homes and no longer able to work. And then something happens that changes everything. I really enjoyed Vox. I liked the story, characters, plot, and writing style. It covered quite a bit of emotional ground and had plenty of twists and surprises to keep me engaged throughout while not being so gruesome that I couldn't go to sleep after a reading session. I have every reason to believe this will be a very popular book, especially given the current climate in our country. Book clubs in particular should have some lively discussions about Vox.

The Days When Birds Come Back
by Deborah Reed

Familiar Metaphor, But It Works (11/28/2017)

Home renovation as metaphor for starting over is not a new theme in literature, but in Deborah Reed's "The Days When Birds Come Back," it works, as two people struggling with a myriad of painful situations help each other through the murk to a new beginning. Reed's' descriptions of the Oregon coast are particularly enjoyable and serve to keep the overall "feel" of the story from drifting too far into melancholy. I think book groups will find lots to discuss in this very interesting story.

Seven Days of Us: A Novel
by Francesca Hornak

Couldn't Put It Down (5/29/2017)

I planned to spend a couple of hours with SEVEN DAYS OF US, then go on to other things. I never got to them. :-) This book pulled me into the first chapter and didn't let go until the very end. I love these people. Serious Olivia, remote Andrew, flighty Phoebe, fluttery Emma - how will they ever live through seven days of Christmas quarantine? And then the twists begin. I adore this book. It has it all - wit, wisdom, friendship, suspense, passion, disappointment, heartbreak, and love. If you enjoy modern family stories with a twist, don't miss this one. It's a winner.

Rise: How a House Built a Family
by Cara Brookins

A Great New Year's Read (11/14/2016)

I find it interesting that this book is publishing in January, the traditional month for new beginnings, because that's exactly what it describes. The author and her children were victims of abuse, and she managed not only to get them out of the bad situation and into a safe one, but also cemented them as a strong, viable family unit by building their home together -- with no previous construction experience! It's all pretty amazing, but overall her story is extremely empowering. No, it's not great literature - but it's a fast, enjoyable, enlightening read that book groups in particular will love.

Underground Airlines
by Ben H. Winters

Fascinating and Thoroughly Enjoyable (8/24/2016)

I found Underground Airlines to be absolutely fascinating. Usually I'm not much for alternate reality scenarios, but this one grabbed me from page one and didn't let go. Granted, I'm not a hugely analytical reader. I read for pleasure and don't overthink or nitpick, because I believe that when an author wants you to suspend your current reality and take a walk into his, you should do that. I did, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and absolutely recommend it as a real thought-provoking change of pace. Well done!

The Life of the World to Come
by Dan Cluchey

Not for Me (5/10/2016)

I love the opportunities that First Impressions books provide and try really hard to be generous and open when considering what I will say in my review. I know that this author has talent, and am happy that so many readers seemed to enjoy this book, his first novel - but I am, unfortunately, not one of them. I kept waiting for things to get GOING - for the characters to come to life and make me care about them. It didn't happen. I've read a lot of really GREAT fiction lately, and this novel pales in comparison. It may be a great read for some, but not for me.

The Well
by Catherine Chanter

I Drowned in The Well (3/17/2015)

When I am fortunate enough to score an ARC from BookBrowse, I feel an obligation to give the book my very best shot. I tried really hard to get enthused about The Well, but it was too much for me. It didn't pull me in in the first 100 pages, and the pace was waaaay too slow for my liking. While I can see that Ms. Chanter has promise as an author, this book simply was not my cup of well water.

Accidents of Marriage
by Randy Susan Meyers

Touching, Compelling (6/18/2014)

I found "Accidents of Marriage" be a fascinating, touching, and thought-provoking study of consequences. A compelling story line, well-drawn characters, believable dialog, and good pacing. I cared about the characters and what happened to them and was sad to come to the end of the story. Should be an excellent choice for book clubs.

The Deepest Secret
by Carla Buckley

From "WHOA" to "WOW" ! (12/3/2013)

When I first saw the size of this book, I was afraid: Oh, no, a big book right at holiday time! But I jumped in, and could hardly put the book DOWN. It's a thought-provoking tale about a family with a very special-needs son - a boy just entering his teens who has an extreme allergy to UV rays, to the point that if he's exposed for too long, he could die from the burns. Add an older sister, a dad who works in another state, a needy best friend, and a variety of neighbors (all of whom have their own secrets), THEN toss in a tragic accident, and you have one enthralling read and study of human dynamics. I had not read Carla Buckley before, but I am definitely going to read her again. Highly recommend!

The Lion in the Lei Shop
by Kaye Starbird

What A Treasure! (7/9/2013)

If this book hadn't been reissued as one of Nancy Pearl's Book Lust classics, I might never have read it, and what a shame that would have been. This book is, quite simply, a treasure. I wasn't yet born when Pearl Harbor happened, so I was fascinated by the descriptions of life before and after the bombing, enriched even more by viewpoints from both Marty and her mother (and others). I was terribly sorry when the book ended. Highly recommend!!

Amy Falls Down
by Jincy Willett

I Love Amy! (7/9/2013)

What a fun, fun book. It's quirky, and difficult to describe in a way that conveys just what a delight it is -- but if you love books, and reading, and writing, and struggling writers, and dogs, and women, and unpredictable changes, and -- oh hell -- just read it! You will be glad you did! Now I can't wait to read the rest of Jincy Willett's collection.

Golden Boy
by Abigail Tarttelin

Simply Amazing (1/19/2013)

It's not often that I am compelled to read a book in one sitting, but it happened today, when I picked up GOLDEN BOY. This is a fascinating story with many layers. It's about a family with a secret, and how that secret affects each member, but it's also about identity, and what really makes us who we are. I love how the story unfolds, as events and thoughts are revealed from the viewpoints of the main characters. The characters are beautifully drawn, believable and (for the most part) sympathetic even if you don't agree with their decisions. It's very difficult to believe that this is Ms. Tarttelin's first novel, and I highly recommend it. It's a book I will not soon forget.

With or Without You: A Memoir
by Domenica Ruta

Not for Me (1/19/2013)

I'm always so excited to receive a First Impressions book and try very hard to be a responsible reviewer and read the entire book. I just couldn't do it with WITH OR WITHOUT YOU. Ms. Ruta most definitely has talent, and her way with words kept me going longer than I would have -- but in the end, I just couldn't find myself caring. The story jumped around and was too disjointed to keep me absorbed. I'm happy to see that many people DID like this book, and wish the author well as she continues her writing career.

Wonder
by R.J. Palacio

Amazing Book! (6/15/2012)

I loved this book. It is simple yet profound. It is about a wise and funny 5th grader who looks very different from anyone else he knows, and how others react to him, and how he feels about.... everything. It is just beautiful. It would be a wonderful book for parents and kids to read together and discuss. If it's an audio book, it would be perfect for a family to listen to together. It's a beautiful story about being human, about learning to accept differences, and hurts, and forgiveness, and realizing that what's on the inside really is more important than what's on the outside. Do not miss reading this book! It's that good.

Reviews by Beth T. (Savannah, GA)

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