Leah Franqui introduces characters who are wonderfully flawed and real. They felt more like people than characters. America for Beginners is a peek into how others see America and people from other countries within the context of their upbringing and cultural norms. It was both heartbreaking and amusing. I loved that the characters grew from the experience. There were many observations that took me by surprise, such as the widow's impression of Washington, DC. Others were not as surprising, but felt true for the characters. Each character brought different perspectives on the journey and life, which was refreshing. This was an enjoyable book. My only comment is that the first 100 pages were a bit slow with all the character build-up. I thought it might have worked better had Franqui saved a bit of the backstory for later in the book. However, I would give this book four-and-a-half out of five stars and recommend it highly.

This book is worthy of bardolotry. It is tragically beautiful in both structure and character. The characters borrow lines from Shakespeare as they play out their own villainous roles in a tragedy of their own making. The tension held taut until the final page. Excellent for Shakespeare lovers and fans of gripping tales.

This book was meant to be a tearjerker, but I did not cry. I am sorry to say this book did not grab me. I enjoyed parts of it, but others put me off. The main character remained too angry at the father for much of the book. And as emotional as the subject was, I thought it read flat. It skimmed the surface. I wanted more depth and insight into why she was feeling the way she was, not just an account of what was happening. In the end, this book was just okay for me.

There is a reason this book went to auction and had its movie rights snapped up by Ron Howard. It is beautifully written, tautly paced and full of intrigue. It hooked me on page one and kept me guessing, incorrectly, until the end. Wonderful thriller with an architectural setting. I highly recommend it.

I wanted to like this book and did in parts, but overall it left me a bit cold. It was a light read that would suit a summer beach or long plane ride. While I liked the Dominic, the male lead, Emma, the female lead, drove me nuts. She was so insecure and reactive. I wanted more maturity. Also the love was instant and neither character seemed to trust it. There was little chemistry to justify the insta-love. I did think the little boy Jesse was written well. He was as changeable and emotional as children can often be. He added a lot to the book.

As I said, I wanted to like this, but it was just okay for me. I think if the main characters had been stronger people it would have been more enjoyable. As it was, I kept wanting to shake them and tell them to grow up. Also, the ending felt manipulative and rather crappy.

I was happy to receive this book as part of the early review program. I wish my review was more positive. I will give Jane Green another try though. I have heard good things about her other novels.