BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

The Montevideo Brief: A Thomas Grey Novel
by J. H. Gelernter

Ruined in the storm (5/25/2023)

Quiet enjoyed the book until the deluge swept it away. Will check it out of the newly opened library to finish.

Anatomy of a Miracle
by Jonathan Miles

Great recovery book (2/15/2018)

Kept me entertained during recent bedrest from surgery. Very well written and interesting story and caracters. Would definitely recommend for leisurely reading.

The Resurrection of Joan Ashby
by Cherise Wolas

complex and interesting (5/23/2017)

Best book I've read in quite a while. Great characters and sense of place throughout. Circulating my copy to my book club, who are often reluctant to read the longer books.

Home Sweet Home
by April Smith

Timely (12/13/2016)

I don't have much to add to previous reviews except to say that this was a very engaging novel and, of course, reminds one of today's political scene. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it for book clubs.

Hunters in the Dark
by Lawrence Osborne

Mind of the East (11/24/2015)

Very enjoyable book that captures the sights, sounds, smells and thoughts of a different culture. One of the very few books I might read again just for the pleasure of the language.

The Well
by Catherine Chanter

Slow (3/18/2015)

I felt that the books with worth reading, but took a long time to finish inbetween other books. Just did not compel my attention. Sort of wanders around, but I liked the language.

Irritable Hearts: A PTSD Love Story
by Mac McClelland

Post Traumatic Stress (12/30/2014)

Excellent first person description of complex PSTD, along with reviews of treatment options in the field as they have developed over the last couple of decades, especially. Educational and moving. I would recommend to anyone suffering from this widespread and often misdiagnosed syndrome and to any therapist who treats clients or patients with related signs and symptoms.

The Race Underground: Boston, New York, and the Incredible Rivalry That Built America's First Subway
by Doug Most

wonderful period detail (12/13/2013)

Should be especially interesting to people who have lived in New York or Boston. Excellent detail of the times and processes that led to the building of the underground. Good historical fiction

Song of the Spirits: In the Land of the Long White Cloud saga
by Sarah Lark

Quick and enjoyable (7/25/2013)

A romance novel for sure. I would not have picked it to review if I had known this. Not my genre. However, a good read that moved quickly and was interesting. Don't expect great prose. The length was not a problem; would have enjoyed a few more hundred pages. Not a Thorne Bird. Would read another by this author. To me the same general escapist literature as popular crime novels, which I also enjoy. If you have limited time: Go read The Orchardist.

Back to Blood
by Tom Wolfe

Read it. (7/24/2013)

So: Irritating at times, but I have read all of his novels and have always found them well worth the trouble. Definitely a lot of bang for your buck. Being from Florida, found it mostly believable. I pre-ordered this book and read it non-stop. If you have not read his work; start with Bonfires or Man in Full.

Letters from Skye
by Jessica Brockmole

Views of wartime (6/26/2013)

I generally do not enjoy novels of letters, but this one is well done. The romance is sort of cheezy, but seems in keeping with the times as did the young men's attitude towards war. Most just can't wait to get involved to prove their manhood and get some excitement in their lives. Very poignant and sad. It is a quick read and enjoyed the glimpse of the isolation of the Isle of Skye. Wish there had been a little more about their lovely music.

The Sisterhood
by Helen Bryan

Nothing new (5/8/2013)

The author is a good story teller, but the theme, prose, ideas have all been done to death. Got about half way through, then went on to better novels that are available.

Crime of Privilege
by Walter Walker

Great crime literature (4/23/2013)

This book hooked me immediately with its setting, characters, and plot. Pretty much read it without putting it down and enjoyed the suspense and complexity. I tend to like the more involved noir and Swedish mysteries and this fit in well with that mood and use of language. Can't wait for more from this writer.

The Spy Lover
by Kiana Davenport

Extremely graphic (11/28/2012)

You will need a strong stomach to finish this one. Excellent, realistic war between the states novel. Removes any idea of the romance of armed conflict. Very interesting and human characters and story line. However, the violence is so strong that I've had to take the reading a little at a time and NOT before bed or with meals.

Indiscretion
by Charles Dubow

modern tragedy (10/23/2012)

The setting of the lifestyle of the rich and famous was interesting and believable. The well developed characters and their desires, self-destructive and otherwise, was a timeless tale. A thoughtful and insightful tragedy that was also a real page turner. Well paced with a few surprises. This one will stay with me for quite awhile.

The Devil in Silver: A Novel
by Victor LaValle

Lost my interest (8/15/2012)

One of the few books that I have not finished. Good character development and some truly horrific episodes. As a mental health professional and nurse, I found the story to have a fair measure of accurate representation of some institutions in the past, but was annoyed by all of the stereotypes. Both of treatment and characters. I'll probably give it another try in a month or so.

Niceville: A Novel
by Carsten Stroud

Great writing and a page turner (5/16/2012)

The writing reminded me of a cross between Greg Isles and Stephen King; very visual and moved right along. There is an odd supernatural theme that while central to the story, seemed to actually interfere with the flow of the book. Enjoyed it nevertheless. Look forward to more from this author.

The House of Velvet and Glass: A Novel
by Katherine Howe

Wonderful characters and atmosphere (3/14/2012)

I enjoyed this book equally as much as her first and found the writing style consistent. She really brings one into the periods of history with accurate details and invention. The narrative goes between youth and old age as well as timelines before and after the sinking of the Titantic. Well worth the read if you enjoy historical fiction with a bit of romance.

Reviews by Bink W. (Sopchoppy, FL)

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Reviews by Bink W. (Sopchoppy, FL)

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