Alfie and Me: What Owls Know, What Humans Believe
by Carl Safina
A Magical Story (9/17/2023)
Alfie and Me is a moving story of an orphaned little screech owl and the effect it has on the author's life. After the author and his wife took in this little bird, they expected it would only last for a short period of time. Alfie becomes an integral part of their daily lives and they learn so much from this little bird. What a true bond is shared among all. When Alfie eventually finds a mate and raises a brood, she is still drawn to the author.
It was a magical book and I learned a lot too!
All the Ugly and Wonderful Things: A Novel
by Bryn Greenwood
Powerful Read (5/19/2016)
This is a tough read and not for everyone. Wavy, the daughter of a drug dealer, has to grow up all to quickly and trusts no one...even her parents. At eight years old she pretty much raises her mother's new baby, when she is still a child herself.
Fortunately, along comes a friend, Kellen, who helps her and understands exactly what she has/is going through. They become friends and help each other get through all that is happening in their world.
This is a real life story in the world of drugs, criminals, etc. It's a powerful read.
Three Many Cooks: One Mom, Two Daughters: Their Shared Stories of Food, Faith & Family
by Pam Anderson, Maggy Keet & Sharon Damelio
Wonderfully Delicious! (2/18/2015)
First of all let me state that I love to cook and love browsing through cookbooks. However, I was unfamiliar with the Three Many Cooks blog...rest assured I plan to become more familiar now.
I loved all of the stories these women shared and the fun times and learnings they had in the kitchen. Could totally relate to the family events and the honing of what food was going to be cooked, served and enjoyed. Good friends and I do this same thing yearly.
As a reader I felt like I was right there in their kitchens cooking and drinking along with them. Fun! And the recipes they shared was an extra bonus. I highly recommend this book!
The Arsonist: A novel
by Sue Miller
Not Sue Miller's Best (7/28/2014)
First, let me say that I am a Sue Miller fan. I have been since I read The Good Mother years ago. That said, I have mixed emotions about The Arsonist. It is not a book I loved, yet I did not hate it either.
The novel has various themes going on – several house fires that happen during the course of one summer; Frankie trying to come to terms with who she is and what she wants to do with her life; her mother, Sylvia, envious of Frankie’s life, who has lived in the shadow of her husband (Alfie) and who has not loved her husband/Frankie’s father for some time; and Bud, Pomeroy’s local newspaper reporter, who is burned out from covering the Washington political scene.
I felt all of these themes competed with each other throughout the book and none were totally resolved. The story is slow and plodding. The ending left much up to the reader. Did not feel it was one of Sue Miller’s best works.
Last Train to Istanbul
by Ayse Kulin
Last Train to Istanbul Review (9/18/2013)
This book was highly recommended, and I am a fan of WWII, the drama of Nazi Germany and the plight of the Jews.
The story has a number of elements and plots. It took me a little while to connect all of the dots...but once I did, I enjoyed the plot moves through Turkey, Egypt, France and Germany. I enjoyed the stories of the two sisters and their family relationships. The book totally held my interest. And, it is a part of history that many individuals in our modern world do not know about.
My criticism -- The writing was fragmented/ideas were choppy...this may be a result of the translation. Overall, the book was an interesting read, (except the part about Sabiha and her psychoanalyst), but the book had much more potential. I give the book 4 stars!
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