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Reviews by Susanna K. (Willow Street, PA)

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The Flower Sisters
The Flower Sisters
by Michelle Collins Anderson
Forgiveness (2/27/2024)
Absolutely LOVED this book from beginning to end!!! As the many events were occurring, it was easy to feel as if you were there and involved in them all. The writing was wonderful, creative and- very descriptive! There were some funny lines where you couldn't help but laugh. But there were others that either brought tears to your eyes or actually shedded tears. There were things that shocked you followed by so much spirit and love. There wasn't a feeling left untouched. Daisy, Ruth, Dash, and Jimmy were surrounded by so many others in this small Missouri town. The fact that this story was based on an actual occurrence, Michelle Collins Anderson did well telling it and honoring all those involved!! Plaudits!!!
Daughters of Shandong
Daughters of Shandong
by Eve J. Chung
Hope (11/5/2023)
Although this is a novel it is based on historical events. It is well written and descriptive which made putting it down difficult as I wanted to continue! One becomes totally immersed in the lives and culture of this Chinese family. Learning about the history of the Chinese Nationalists under Chiang Kai-Shek versus The Peoples Republic of China under Mao Zedong was alarming. When the family fled, Hua, her mother and sisters were abandoned by their father and the Ang family only because they were female and thus dispensable. Their incredible journey for survival through mainland China to Taiwan and a future was fraught with so many difficulties but their will and strength to go on was beyond comprehension. I felt as if I with them every step of their journey!
A Council of Dolls
A Council of Dolls: A Novel
by Mona Susan Power
Hope (6/30/2023)
Having a great interest in the Native American culture, I was looking forward to reading A Council of Dolls. Beginning Part 1, I started to lose concentration and considered stopping. However, I continued and began to find each part more involved in the story of the dolls and the significance of each one. The symbolism applied to so many things was fascinating. The attempt to erase all culture from children and the loss of Indigenous people from many tribes was horrifying. By the last part the stories all came together in a good way. The words of wisdom by the author at the end was awe inspiring!! I'm glad I read this book but suggest that it be read twice to grasp all that was so important to their many lives.
Ghost Season
Ghost Season: A Novel
by Fatin Abbas
Educational (11/21/2022)
Ghost Season was a very emotional read. 5 individuals who started as strangers living at an NGO compound in Saraaya, Sudan became an incredibly close group. William a Nilot was the translator. He was in love with Layla a Nomad who was the cook. Alex from the US Midwest was there to update and survey maps of the area. Dena who from Boston was part Sudanese. She was a filmmaker. Then there was Mustafa a 12 year old boy who would do whatever asked and then some to escape poverty. There had been rumors and rumblings about a civil war, which suddenly did come to pass. The impact on them all was very horrific. Happiness did come but sadly it wouldn't last.
In the Time of Our History
In the Time of Our History
by Susanne Pari
Acceptance (9/9/2022)
This well written novel takes the reader through those attempting to discover who they are and what they are meant to do with their lives. Mainly Mitra but also those in her Iranian family and beyond come to the realization of what really makes them happy and how to go about reaching that discovery. Being an immigrant can be very difficult regardless of whether rich or poor. Acceptance is hard to come by. Susanne Pari's writing style made you feel that you were feeling all the love, anger, and for many the acceptance and finally peace.
The Lies I Tell
The Lies I Tell: A Novel
by Julie Clark
Captivating (3/28/2022)
From the very first page, I was immediately captivated!! The story of two women, Meg and Kat, each had reasons leading up to how they wanted to live their lives. It is hard to put it down but take a break to absorb what you've read. With the twists and turns to their stories the reader might favor one woman over the other…. but…. "Are things always what they seem?" The ending depends on your interruption of what exactly is happy ever after!!! All that being said… I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
Blind Man's Bluff
Blind Man's Bluff: A Memoir
by James Tate Hill
Acceptance (8/5/2021)
Adjusting to losing your eyesight would be difficult if you had been sighted into your teens! One would empathize with James Hill at his attempt to "bluff" his way but after a while his situation became repetitious and tiring. It had been hoped that he would develop confidence to admit he needed help but he continued to go to great lengths to hide it. It wasn't until the last few pages he appeared to finally enjoy and accept his disability! There is a childhood game child called "Blind Man's Bluff" where you had to use your senses while blindfolded. Perhaps this is what he was trying to do - use his senses to find his way in the world!
Morningside Heights
Morningside Heights: A Novel
by Joshua Henkin
Thoughtful (4/1/2021)
Morningside Heights is the journey of one family throughout the years. Spence, a well-educated and beloved college professor marries one of his students (Pru). They have a daughter (Sarah.) Pru learns that Spence had been married before (Linda) and has a son (Arlo) who lives with his transient mother. The moving and emotional stories of each of them was woven throughout the book. Dreams were shattered and decisions were difficult and heart wrenching leaving the reader with hope but sadness with the situations each of them encountered. There's a reality to lives we live especially when dealing with dementia and the difficulties your loved ones and caretakers encounter.
The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World
The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World: A Novel
by Laura Imai Messina
Believe (12/23/2020)
This book is beautifully written! It's easy for the reader to become immersed in the deep feelings and concerns of the many who made the journey to Bell Gardia where there was a telephone booth on a very windy mountain. It was believed that by talking on the phone, the wind would carry your words to their loved ones lost in the Tsunami or in the case of some- just to argue. Yui who lost her mother and daughter met Takeshi whose wife had died. Through her grief yet her love for him and his small daughter she began to live for the future and not live in the past. I loved it!
The Fortunate Ones
The Fortunate Ones
by Ed Tarkington
Thoughtful (11/10/2020)
Fortunate? Dictionary definition: "Bringing some good not foreseen as certain" or "Receiving unexpected good". Charlie Boyton was happy living with his single mother in a low income neighborhood. Surrounded by many caretakers and friends money didn't matter to him. But things changed when he was exposed to another different way of life- wealth! At first he couldn't believe his good "fortune" living in a beautiful estate, experiencing all the frills money could buy. He had it all or so he thought. Continuing his journey throughout the years, you will experience all of his emotions- blissful, saddened, disillusionment, confusion. Even running away didn't give contentment. Fortunate???
The Mountains Sing
The Mountains Sing
by Nguyen Phan Que Mai
Historical (1/18/2020)
This heartwarming story was told by a grandmother and granddaughter. Encompassing 4 generations enduring the years of the Viet Nam crisis and the division between the North and South made living unbearable if not impossible. Through determination, faith and grandmother’s soothing songs they continued to persevere. At first it was bit confusing as the chapters jumped back and forth through the years. However once immersed in their lives the reader walked in their footsteps with love, hope and prayer.
Father of Lions
Father of Lions: One Man's Remarkable Quest to Save the Mosul Zoo
by Louise Callaghan
Historical (10/3/2019)
This title was captivating - a Zoo in Mosul being saved! Very catchy and inviting to a reader who loves zoos and wondered how it was saved in a place that was decidedly a war zone! The pages that followed were an immersion in the horrors of the Iraqi-Islamic State confrontation centered in this city. How the people tried to protect themselves from the rules Isis enforced was beyond comprehension. During all this chaos and fear, one man persevered trying to save his beloved animals. At times you will be cheering, at others holding your breath. All in all it is a good read!
The Secrets We Kept
The Secrets We Kept: A novel
by Lara Prescott
Intriguing (6/30/2019)
This book starts out strong and stays that ways from the 1st page to the last. I loved the creative way the chapters were titled. As this book deals with the intricacies of planting information with foreign governments during the Cold War, moving back and forth between the East and the West has you holding your breath! Becoming attached to the character's personalities is easily done which leaves you wondering – could you be a spy?
Never Have I Ever
Never Have I Ever
by Joshilyn Jackson
Cliff hanger (4/26/2019)
At the beginning it was a bit hard to follow. I wasn't sure I wanted to continue BUT glad I did! From one page to the next, you never knew what would happen next! Amy and Roux were complex characters with deep issues. However, the same was true for others i.e. Charlotte, Tig, and Maddy. The suspense throughout the story kept you turning pages. Hard to put down! I felt that the story lagged towards the end. All in all it was a good read. I would recommend it.
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