BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

The Bog Wife
by Kay Chronister

Bog Wife Fantasy (10/3/2024)

Enjoyed this story of a rather querky family who is loyal to a pond of water!?! The relationships between the siblings is sad, each having a different view of their bog mother. And each having such different interpretations of the "compact" that dictates their loyalty to the land and bog. I actually felt sorry for the kids, but was also intrigued with each person. This is a well written story and it keeps nudging one along to find out what happens next. Was a very different read for me and I did enjoy it. Thanks Book Browse for this ARC.

We'll Prescribe You a Cat
by Syou Ishida

Prescribe Cats (7/11/2024)

I am a cat lover, got 3 of my own!! I so enjoyed the short stories and the morals they brought with them. My cats are moral support for me, I've had several rough years and my cats are around for loving and caring. Just like the "patients" that went to the mental clinic who lost their sadness because of focus on the prescribed cat! I enjoyed the characters, the cats and the Dr. & nurse, they were the fantasy behind the scenes. Thank you for such magical /imaginative writing. Thank you, Net Galley, for sharing to my Kindle.

The Naming Song
by Jedediah Berry

A Courier's Story (6/30/2024)

This was a very different kind of read for me. The futuristic story line deals with a collapse of humanity where words were lost and ghosts and monsters become reality. The "courier" is nameless, narrator of the story and trying to help reestablish words for society. The book started slow for me. I was glad for the Principle Characters list to identify who was who and their responsibility. It was very helpful. After a few chapters, the action begins and the pace picks up with the Black Square Show. I liked the idea of travelling on the train, (Number Twelve) it was a great transport for humans and monsters! The concept of language from the naming songs reminded me of sayings learned as a child to remember life's necessities, like the many quotes by Benjamin Franklin or our elders! I also kept waiting for the courier to obtain her "name" throughout the story, catch the ending, it's a surprise only the courier and Beryl know. If you like reading fantasy/fiction one will enjoy this story.

The Flower Sisters
by Michelle Collins Anderson

A Tragedy Resolved (2/25/2024)

I don't generally give 5 star ratings but this book was amazing! Well written, excellent story and I loved the characters. The twists and turns blew me away!! The ending was pretty open, possibly for a sequel? I would definitely read that book. Thank you, Michelle Collins Anderson for a nice story with no vulgar language and some really funny puns and humor.

Daughters of Shandong
by Eve J. Chung

Life's Cruelties (10/31/2023)

What an amazing story about China from 1948 to 1960, a time when girls didn't matter in Chinese culture. The author, Eve J. Chung says this is fiction, yet there is so much about China's history that is true. I loved all the characters (well not Nai Nai though she represents the elders in Chinese society) and the geography associated with the families and friends. My heart went out to the girls, they were so resilient (maybe not so much with Di) and I could feel the mother's angst about taking care of her girls. Travelling from Zhucheng, Shandong to Qingdao, Shandong to Hong Kong to Taiwan was quite the adventure (or torture) but the will to succeed was quite apparent. So many great details about the times and places, I could not put this book down! I look forward to reading other books by Eve J. Chung and want to share this story with my teenage grand daughter.

Lucy by the Sea: A Novel
by Elizabeth Strout

Pandemic Thoughts (8/31/2023)

Lucy Barton is a complex character as it is, then to add the pandemic to the mix complicates things even more. Many of her thoughts and actions are history for all of us. As if loneliness wasn't already a problem for many, the pandemic was like another enhancer. I felt many of her thoughts. Social isolating was horrible, just as bad as having to wear masks all the time. City dwellers wanted to move out thinking it would be safer, not so! After reading about all the marital affairs I am now curious how prevalent they were before the pandemic and after all the isolating? And the divorce rates? I liked the book, felt it was sad sometimes, but it was reality!

Devil Makes Three: A Novel
by Ben Fountain

Corrupt Haiti, Complicated Lives (8/23/2023)

A large novel about the problems in Haiti, there is so much corruption it is very scary to think about going there. I felt bad for Matt losing his business so drastically but when in a foreign land one must understand American laws do not apply. I became overwhelmed by all the characters and their stories. Halfway through the book I was ready to quit reading but kept going just to see where it all ends. This is a hefty read with vulgar language, sex and drugs, I would not recommend it for anyone under 21 to read!!! This is a first time Ben Fountain story for me, he is a prolific writer and gives much insight about Haiti's government. He does affirm the corruption as my friends from Haiti told me. Book Browse thanks for the ARC and the educational view of Haiti.

King of the Armadillos
by Wendy Chin-Tanner

King of the Armadillos (5/8/2023)

What a fascinating novel about a young man and his struggles with Leprosy, unrequited love, an absent Father and a bigoted brother!!! I loved Victor for all he did to be able to return to normal society. This story has many twists and turns! Well written and great descriptions of the lives of all the characters. I found the Chinese culture very interesting especially from Herb's and Henry's perspective. Set in the 1950's gives us a glimpse of New York City, Louisiana and China after the Japanese invaded China. Wendy Chin-Tanner this is an excellent story, thank you for writing it! Also thanks BookBrowse for this First Impression book.

Hotel Cuba: A Novel
by Aaron Hamburger

Keeping One's Hope Alive (3/26/2023)

A very well written story, could not put this book down! This is an amazing story of what Pearl and Frieda, sisters, went through to exit a war torn country to make it to America, via Cuba. Based on a true story during the 1900's, the author writes descriptions of Cuba and what goes on behind the touristy side of Havana. Loved all the characters, but mostly Pearl, she never gave up! I highly recommend this book! WELL Done Aaron Hamburger. Thanks BookBrowse for this great book!

Last House Before the Mountain
by Monika Helfer

When Men Go To War (2/9/2023)

I so enjoyed the story of Josef and Maria, their children and others that had an influence on this family. Once Josef went to war, the children stepped up to help Maria. Living on a farm by the mountains was not an easy task. Josef had asked the Mayor to look after his family until he returned from Serbia. I grew to dislike the Mayor very much!!! The author described many situations very well. The narrator was a little difficult to follow at times, but stay with the story as it is quite interesting. I wouldn't call this a romance novel, more a family history.

Sisters of the Lost Nation
by Nick Medina

Too Much, Too Long (12/2/2022)

Story was OK but got bored by the middle of the book. Had to push myself to finish and did skim through many sections. I found the book wordy, description intense, confusing characters and did not appreciate the vulgar language. The suspense dragged on & on, just not my preferred mystery style.

Dinosaurs: A Novel
by Lydia Millet

Life's up's and down's (9/27/2022)

It took me a while to get into the story, many characters to remember and who is who. Some of the stories did not flow very well for me. I found Gil and Tom's relationship endearing as Gil comes to Tom's defense when riding on the bus. Gil seems to want to help where he can, sometimes for the better, sometimes making things worse. But, his heart is in it so he believes for the best. I read the book but could not find anything climatic to get involved. I will read it again to see what I missed.

Some of It Was Real
by Nan Fischer

Psychic vs. Reporter (2/28/2022)

Good story line, believable characters, quick read. I really enjoyed Nan Fischer's writing style and was kept in suspense for most of the book. Sylvie and Thomas were such adversaries most of the time but was surprised how it all ended. I see this as a future movie! Thanks BookBrowse and Net Galley for a book that was fun to read with little unsavory language and flowed fast for mystery and love

Her Hidden Genius: A Novel
by Marie Benedict

Great Female Scientist (1/5/2022)

A fictional history about Rosalind Franklin, a scientist who discovers the components of DNA. She is very brilliant yet constantly challenged by her male colleagues for her work. The time period is 1947 through 1958, a time when women were not recognized for the scientific contributions to society. Rosalind travels between Paris and London and 3 major research institutions to try to accomplish her goal, to map DNA. This storyline is amazing, but be prepared for some slow, repetitive information that can bog one down. I am a huge fan of Marie Benedict and love and respect the research and time it takes to put together her wonderfully creative stories. Can't wait for the next one! Thank you, BookBrowse, for another good book to read!

Blind Man's Bluff: A Memoir
by James Tate Hill

Determination and Perseverance (8/4/2021)

An enlightening and humorous story that touched my heart. I was curious how a blind person can cope in today's rushed life. Especially when you can't drive. Also I have a personal interest, my 87 yr old mother went suddenly blind in her middle 70s and I wondered why she did some of the things she did. Unlike JT, she gave up, and prefers to be taken care of. Wish I had this book 10 years ago. Anyhow, James, you are truly an amazing man for all you have accomplished. Luckily you had some sight but the risks you took were pretty scary. So very glad you and Lori got together, it does take a team to deal with blindness. Good luck in all your future endeavors and continue to persevere! Life it good!

BTW, I lived in West Virginia near Charleston for about 10 years.

Thank you BookBrowse for the opportunity to review this ARC.

A Million Things
by Emily Spurr

Delightful (5/21/2021)

I so enjoyed this story, it's timing really was perfect! I've recently been watching a docuseries about hoarders so I truly related to Lettie! It's quite devastating to see how hard it is to get rid of their "stuff." Rae was trying to help in the beginning, then realized what it really meant to Lettie. Rae, a 10 yr old, has her own challenges to deal with. A pretty smart little girl, she learns quickly how to cover up her problem. I like her spunk, silliness, compassion and resourcefulness! The way she handles Lucy and Oscar is fun. And, yes, I did cry at the end of the book (which is rare) as my heart went out to all the characters. Such an awesome read!! Thank you Emily Spurr!

Ariadne
by Jennifer Saint

Greek Mythology Romance (4/10/2021)

Greek Mythology is something I know very little about. After reading "Ariadne" I have found a new topic to research! This is a wonderful story with lots of activity and romance. I like how events happened between gods and mortals, how one could have an effect on the other. Ariadne and her sister, Phaedra, have such a love/hate relationship, which is so apparent among sisters today. Dionysus and Theseus are the concurring heroes who keep coming to the rescue of the faire ladies, but they were very devious and kept me on my toes of mistrust! All in all, I really enjoyed this fiction novel and look forward to others this author will write! Nice job Jennifer!!!! Thanks Book Browse for a great read!

Appleseed
by Matt Bell

The World Unknown (2/13/2021)

Very imaginative, yet possible? This book really made me think about the current issues we face today, i.e. global warming, reduced natural resources, etc. What happens now causes consequences for the future. I really enjoyed the story line and yes, it is fiction! This is a great read for fantasy lovers and Science Fictioners. Liked how the chapters are split up yet they intertwine with each other. Nathaniel and Chapman's ventures are most interesting, also C432/433! I could not put the book down because I had to know what happened next. Though a large book, stick with it, is is so worth it!! Nice job, Matt Bell!

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie
by Marie Benedict

Delightful Mrs. Christie (11/6/2020)

A fascinating mystery about Agatha Christie and her relationship with Archie, her husband, that gives great insight into what women of the 1920's were like. Her Mother was a major influence in her relationship, what was best said during that time. And Archie had it all until he over stepped his bounds. What a surprise awaited for him! I really liked how the mystery is written between events and her & him in separate chapters. Such a wonderful book!

The Blind Light: A Novel
by Stuart Evers

Families Intertwined (10/15/2020)

The lives of two men who became friends during military service, one privileged the other poor. Each one gets married, has children and grandchildren, the book chronicles how they interact through the generations. The first half of the book was interesting, the second half too many words, terrible sexual information that I felt was unnecessary, and a great ending! Would I recommend to friends or family, probably not. I felt 544 pages could easily have been condensed into about 300. I finished it but didn't have any strong feelings about the story or the characters!

Reviews by Ruth H. (Sebring, FL)

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