Goodnight June by Sarah Jio is a novel that imagines how the classic children's book Goodnight Moon came to be. June is a successful banker in NYC when her Aunt Ruby, who raised her, dies and leaves June her Seattle bookstore, Bluebird Books.
While going through her late Aunt's papers, June finds a series of letters between her Aunt Ruby, and Margaret Wise Brown, author of Goodnight Moon. This discovery alters the course of June's life in more ways than one.
A very fun read for fans of Goodnight Moon. The story is a little too good to be true, but everyone enjoys a happy ending, especially when the fate of a beloved children's bookstore hangs in the balance.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Thursday, December 18, 2014
The Silver Star
The Silver Star is the new novel by Jeanette Walls, author of The Glass Castle. I wasn't sure how Walls' novel would compare to her memoirs, and although it doesn't pack the emotional punch of her earlier books, it doesn't disappoint.
It is the story of 12 year old Bean, her 15 year old sister Liz and their flaky musician Mom, in 1970's California. When their Mom takes off and leaves the girls, they make their way alone across country to their Uncle's house in Virginia where they find family and they find out why their Mom left town so long ago.
Walls is a wonderful writer, she captures the voice of these adolescent girls beautifully. I'm not sure how I feel about the ending, but it is a worthwhile read nonetheless.
It is the story of 12 year old Bean, her 15 year old sister Liz and their flaky musician Mom, in 1970's California. When their Mom takes off and leaves the girls, they make their way alone across country to their Uncle's house in Virginia where they find family and they find out why their Mom left town so long ago.
Walls is a wonderful writer, she captures the voice of these adolescent girls beautifully. I'm not sure how I feel about the ending, but it is a worthwhile read nonetheless.
Monday, December 15, 2014
Fools
Fools is a collection of short stories by Joan Silber. I'm not generally a fan of short stories, as they always leave me wanting more and I find it is the rare writer who is accomplished at writing in this format. Silber is one of them.
This is a great collection of seemingly simple stories about ordinary people going about their lives. There is the daughter of missionaries who grows up to be an anarchist, and in later stories we meet her daughters. I loved how the characters overlapped and Silber was able to weave the tales seamlessly, with great emotional depth.
One of the better collections of short stories that I have read.
This is a great collection of seemingly simple stories about ordinary people going about their lives. There is the daughter of missionaries who grows up to be an anarchist, and in later stories we meet her daughters. I loved how the characters overlapped and Silber was able to weave the tales seamlessly, with great emotional depth.
One of the better collections of short stories that I have read.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
The House of Impossible Loves
The House of Impossible Loves by Cristina Lopez Barrio is a saga about the Laguna family. A family of women cursed to have only girl children and to be unlucky in love. When Santiago is born, it seems the curse has been lifted, but not entirely.
Lopez Barrio is a good storyteller, and although it is reminiscent of Isabelle Allende or Gabriel Garcia Marquez, she is not really in their league. Although it was well written, it was hard to care about most of the characters in the story, so I found myself waiting for it to be over.
Lopez Barrio is a good storyteller, and although it is reminiscent of Isabelle Allende or Gabriel Garcia Marquez, she is not really in their league. Although it was well written, it was hard to care about most of the characters in the story, so I found myself waiting for it to be over.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
The River of No Return
The River of No Return by Bee Ridgway is a time travel novel starting in present day New England and travelling back to 19th century London. There is a mysterious society called The Guild that is able to move back and forth through time.
I love time travel novels, and this one did not disappoint; full of romance, mystery and adventure. I loved it all the way until the end when it left me hanging with many unanswered questions. Hoping a sequel is in the works. A fun read.
I love time travel novels, and this one did not disappoint; full of romance, mystery and adventure. I loved it all the way until the end when it left me hanging with many unanswered questions. Hoping a sequel is in the works. A fun read.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Minding Frankie
Minding Frankie by Maeve Binchy is a sweet novel about a little girl named Frankie, whose mother dies the day she is born. She is raised by a community of well meaning people in a small Dublin neighborhood.
Her Father learns about her only weeks before she is born, and tries hard to give up drinking, find a better job and do the best he can to raise Frankie. He has help from a wonderful array of characters who try to protect Frankie from a bitter social worker. Binchy does a great job of getting the reader to care about all of them.
Beautifully written, heartfelt, feel good novel. Goes great with a hot cup of tea on a cold winters day.
Her Father learns about her only weeks before she is born, and tries hard to give up drinking, find a better job and do the best he can to raise Frankie. He has help from a wonderful array of characters who try to protect Frankie from a bitter social worker. Binchy does a great job of getting the reader to care about all of them.
Beautifully written, heartfelt, feel good novel. Goes great with a hot cup of tea on a cold winters day.
Monday, November 17, 2014
The Miniaturist
The Miniaturist is the highly popular new novel by Jesse Burton. Set in Amsterdam in 1686, the story is based on the actual miniature cabinet house made for Petronella Oortman, on view today in The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. This is the one historical truth in the novel that Burton imagines her story around.
It is a fascinating portrait of 17th century Amsterdam at the height of the Dutch East India Company. There are many secrets being kept in the house Petronella moves into, where her new husband and his sister live. She is mostly alone except for the servants and her cabinet house. I was drawn into the tale as soon as the tiny furniture and cryptic notes started appearing, and was most fascinated to find out the miniaturist was a woman.
However, the miniaturist eludes Nella and the reader throughout the book, and although this added mystery to the story for a while, I found it frustrating by the end. An original novel that transported me to old Amsterdam, however, mildly disappointing by the end.
It is a fascinating portrait of 17th century Amsterdam at the height of the Dutch East India Company. There are many secrets being kept in the house Petronella moves into, where her new husband and his sister live. She is mostly alone except for the servants and her cabinet house. I was drawn into the tale as soon as the tiny furniture and cryptic notes started appearing, and was most fascinated to find out the miniaturist was a woman.
However, the miniaturist eludes Nella and the reader throughout the book, and although this added mystery to the story for a while, I found it frustrating by the end. An original novel that transported me to old Amsterdam, however, mildly disappointing by the end.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Hurricane Sisters
Hurricane Sisters is a novel by Dorthea Benton Frank set in Charleston, South Carolina. It focuses on the lives of three generations of women. Told from several points of view, sometimes the novel worked and sometimes it didn't.
It was a little preachy about domestic violence and abuse against women. There are some very sobering facts here about how many women die each day due to domestic violence and how South Carolina leads the country in the number of homicides.
An okay, slightly predictable read.
It was a little preachy about domestic violence and abuse against women. There are some very sobering facts here about how many women die each day due to domestic violence and how South Carolina leads the country in the number of homicides.
An okay, slightly predictable read.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
In the Memorial Room
In the Memorial Room by Janet Frame (author of An Angel at My Table) is a newly published novel ten years after Frame's death and forty years after it was written.
Harry Gill has been awarded the Watercress-Armstrong Fellowship, and he arrives in the small French village of Menton, only to find the Memorial Room where he is supposed to write, cold, dank and with no facilities.
Frame is a wonderful writer, and this is quite a funny little novel based on her own year in Menton as winner of the Mansfield Fellowship. Frame is one of New Zealand's greatest writers; if you haven't read her yet, you should.
Harry Gill has been awarded the Watercress-Armstrong Fellowship, and he arrives in the small French village of Menton, only to find the Memorial Room where he is supposed to write, cold, dank and with no facilities.
Frame is a wonderful writer, and this is quite a funny little novel based on her own year in Menton as winner of the Mansfield Fellowship. Frame is one of New Zealand's greatest writers; if you haven't read her yet, you should.
Friday, October 31, 2014
The Valley of Amazement
The Valley of Amazement is the new novel by Amy Tan. This book is set in Shanghai at the turn of the century and follows the lives of an American mother who runs a high class courtesan house and her half-Chinese daughter, who has never met her father.
Tan is a great writer of historical fiction, and often explores mother-daughter relationships, as she does here. However, I felt like this thick book needed to be edited down from 600 pages to about 400. The story got off track so many times, it became tedious and hard to stick with. The section on how to be the perfect courtesan was way too long and mostly unnecessary.
I stuck with it to the end, and fans of Tan will probably enjoy it, but I found it tiresome.
Tan is a great writer of historical fiction, and often explores mother-daughter relationships, as she does here. However, I felt like this thick book needed to be edited down from 600 pages to about 400. The story got off track so many times, it became tedious and hard to stick with. The section on how to be the perfect courtesan was way too long and mostly unnecessary.
I stuck with it to the end, and fans of Tan will probably enjoy it, but I found it tiresome.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
The Shores of Paradise
The Shores of Paradise by Shirley Streshinsky is historical fiction set in Hawaii, telling of the final decades of the 1800's, marking the end of the Hawaiian monarchy and continuing into the early 1900's.
The book tells the story of True Lindstrom and Martha Moon, two orphan girls who becomes close friends with Princess Victoria Kaiulani.
This is a wonderfully written epic novel following the lives of these girls, as they grow up and they move in different directions, yet their friendship remains strong. It is a story of Hawaii and the people who shaped its future, from politics, to cattle ranching.
If you love Hawaii, you will love this book. A great read, I couldn't put it down until the end.
The book tells the story of True Lindstrom and Martha Moon, two orphan girls who becomes close friends with Princess Victoria Kaiulani.
This is a wonderfully written epic novel following the lives of these girls, as they grow up and they move in different directions, yet their friendship remains strong. It is a story of Hawaii and the people who shaped its future, from politics, to cattle ranching.
If you love Hawaii, you will love this book. A great read, I couldn't put it down until the end.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
The Thoughts and Happenings of Wilfred Price Purveyor of Superior Funerals
The Thoughts and Happenings of Wilfred Price Purveyor of Superior Funerals, by Wendy Jones, is a novel set in a small Welsh town in1924. It tells of Wilfred Price, a funeral director coming of age in this very small town, who impulsively asks a girl to marry him, then quickly realizes he has made a mistake.
The book starts as a comedy of manners, and indeed would make a good movie, but then tackles more serious subjects as the novel progresses. What could have been just another quaint small town novel becomes a deeper portrait of human emotions and frailty, courage and tenderness all struggling to fit in with the social conventions of the time.
Wonderful characters, great writing, a good read.
The book starts as a comedy of manners, and indeed would make a good movie, but then tackles more serious subjects as the novel progresses. What could have been just another quaint small town novel becomes a deeper portrait of human emotions and frailty, courage and tenderness all struggling to fit in with the social conventions of the time.
Wonderful characters, great writing, a good read.
Monday, October 20, 2014
The Orchard of Lost Souls
The Orchard of Lost Souls by Nafida Mohamed is set in Hargeisa, Somalia in 1987during the civil war. It tells the stories of three different women, Kawsar, a widow in her late 50's who has been badly beaten in prison, Filsan a soldier in her late 20's from Mogadishu, and nine year old Deqo, an orphan who has run away from the refugee camp where she was born, and is trying to survive on her own in the city.
This is a beautifully written book about a tragic time in a country on the verge of revolution. It shows the cost of war to ordinary people. These three women are ultimately drawn together as they try to hold on to their humanity in the most inhumane of circumstances.
A recommended read.
This is a beautifully written book about a tragic time in a country on the verge of revolution. It shows the cost of war to ordinary people. These three women are ultimately drawn together as they try to hold on to their humanity in the most inhumane of circumstances.
A recommended read.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
China Dolls
China Dolls is the new novel by Lisa See, one of my favorite authors of historical fiction. See writes about Chinese and Chinese American women. If you haven't read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, or Peony in Love, you should.
In her latest, she tells of the time during the height of the Chinese nightclub scene in the 30's and 40's, especially the famous Forbidden City nightclub in San Francisco run by Charlie Low.
See does so much research for each of her books, and this book is filled with many real people of the times. Grace, Ruby, and Helen the three main characters, are her own creations, but based on the lives of real women.
I loved this book, I almost felt like I was there in the nightclubs watching an Asian version of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing! It's also just a good story of friendship and betrayal, love and family.
In her latest, she tells of the time during the height of the Chinese nightclub scene in the 30's and 40's, especially the famous Forbidden City nightclub in San Francisco run by Charlie Low.
See does so much research for each of her books, and this book is filled with many real people of the times. Grace, Ruby, and Helen the three main characters, are her own creations, but based on the lives of real women.
I loved this book, I almost felt like I was there in the nightclubs watching an Asian version of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing! It's also just a good story of friendship and betrayal, love and family.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Boy, Snow, Bird
Boy, Snow, Bird is the new novel by Helen Oyeyemi. I had read rave reviews about this book and really wanted to read it. It is very loosely based on Snow White.
Set in a small town in New England in 1953, we meet Boy, a girl running away from her abusive father, who marries a man with a young beautiful daughter, Snow Whitman. When Boy has her own daughter, Bird, and sends Snow away, she fulfills the inevitable part in the story where she becomes the wicked stepmother.
Oyeyemi is one of the most original voices writing today and I really wanted to like this book. She takes on issues of race and identity, but for me, it fell flat and just didn't work..
None of the characters were developed enough to understand or care about them. The story jumped around too much, and although there were moments of magic, they were too few to make it seem like a fairy tale. The ending was so out of left field and abrupt, it ruined what little investment I had in the book.
Skip this one, and let's hope Oyeyemi comes out with something better in a few more years.
Set in a small town in New England in 1953, we meet Boy, a girl running away from her abusive father, who marries a man with a young beautiful daughter, Snow Whitman. When Boy has her own daughter, Bird, and sends Snow away, she fulfills the inevitable part in the story where she becomes the wicked stepmother.
Oyeyemi is one of the most original voices writing today and I really wanted to like this book. She takes on issues of race and identity, but for me, it fell flat and just didn't work..
None of the characters were developed enough to understand or care about them. The story jumped around too much, and although there were moments of magic, they were too few to make it seem like a fairy tale. The ending was so out of left field and abrupt, it ruined what little investment I had in the book.
Skip this one, and let's hope Oyeyemi comes out with something better in a few more years.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
The Aviator's Wife
The Aviator's Wife by Melanie Benjamin is historical fiction about Anne Morrow Lindbergh, author, pilot, and wife of Charles Lindbergh. This is the little known story of Anne's life, as she was often in the shadow of her husband. I loved her famous book Gift from the Sea, but knew little else about her.
Benjamin tells the story through Anne's voice, starting with her early life as the daughter of the Ambassador to Mexico, where she meets Lindbergh while still in college. It tells of their partnership as Anne became co-pilot on Charles' famous flights around the world, getting her own pilots license and often flying the planes herself. It tells of their troubled marriage, the widely known kidnapping of their first child and the five children that followed.
I enjoyed this book and it led me to research the Lindbergh's even more on my own when I finished reading it. Throughout the book, I came to like Charles Lindbergh less and less, but I will leave it for you to decide. A worthwhile read.
Benjamin tells the story through Anne's voice, starting with her early life as the daughter of the Ambassador to Mexico, where she meets Lindbergh while still in college. It tells of their partnership as Anne became co-pilot on Charles' famous flights around the world, getting her own pilots license and often flying the planes herself. It tells of their troubled marriage, the widely known kidnapping of their first child and the five children that followed.
I enjoyed this book and it led me to research the Lindbergh's even more on my own when I finished reading it. Throughout the book, I came to like Charles Lindbergh less and less, but I will leave it for you to decide. A worthwhile read.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Blood Orchids
Blood Orchids by Toby Neal is a crime mystery set in Hawaii. This is not the type of book I normally read, and for good reason. I found it disturbing and not to my taste. Neal is a local author so I was interested to read her book for this reason only.
The heroine is Lei Texeira, a Big Island cop with a troubled past who finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery, while also being stalked herself. Since there are a whole series of books about Lei we assume she will be Ok, which she ultimately is. I can see how it can be intriguing to watch a mystery unfold and try to figure it out before the detectives in the book do (which in this case wasn't hard) but otherwise, I just don't see the point in reading things like this.
If crime fiction is your thing, you might enjoy this book, but it's not for me.
The heroine is Lei Texeira, a Big Island cop with a troubled past who finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery, while also being stalked herself. Since there are a whole series of books about Lei we assume she will be Ok, which she ultimately is. I can see how it can be intriguing to watch a mystery unfold and try to figure it out before the detectives in the book do (which in this case wasn't hard) but otherwise, I just don't see the point in reading things like this.
If crime fiction is your thing, you might enjoy this book, but it's not for me.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Aunt Dimity and the Wishing Well
Aunt Dimity and the Wishing Well by Nancy Atherton, is just one in a series of novels about life in a small English village called Finch. Finch is a very small town where everyone knows everything about everyone else, and when mysteries arise, Lori, with the help of her Aunt Dimity from beyond the grave, unravels them.
Quick, easy, fun reading if this is your sort of thing, and many people seem to love these books.
I found it a bit silly, but harmless.
Quick, easy, fun reading if this is your sort of thing, and many people seem to love these books.
I found it a bit silly, but harmless.
Friday, October 3, 2014
The Word Exchange
The Word Exchange is the debut novel by Alena Graedon. Graedon writes of a time in the very near future where we are all addicted to our handheld devices called Memes.They can intuit what we want, order groceries for us, pay for a cab, make a call, etc and no one can remember how to live without them. In fact, people start forgetting how to use language itself, and need to purchase words and definitions on The Word Exchange.
It is also the time of death of the printed word. Ana and her Dad work for NADEL, North American Dictionary of the English Language that is about to go to its final printing. When Ana's Dad disappears, the real mystery begins, and like Alice falling down a rabbit hole, Ana sets off to try to find him.
This is an amazing debut from a young new writer that couldn't be more timely. Graedon philosophizes about what it means for us to loose words, and thus our capacity for thought, memory, history, understanding who we are, how we relate to others and ourselves. I found it fascinating and not just a little scary in light of our current addiction to technology and where we are going with it.
I highly recommend you put down your iPhone, shut off your laptop and read this book.
It is also the time of death of the printed word. Ana and her Dad work for NADEL, North American Dictionary of the English Language that is about to go to its final printing. When Ana's Dad disappears, the real mystery begins, and like Alice falling down a rabbit hole, Ana sets off to try to find him.
This is an amazing debut from a young new writer that couldn't be more timely. Graedon philosophizes about what it means for us to loose words, and thus our capacity for thought, memory, history, understanding who we are, how we relate to others and ourselves. I found it fascinating and not just a little scary in light of our current addiction to technology and where we are going with it.
I highly recommend you put down your iPhone, shut off your laptop and read this book.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
The Book Of Life
The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness is the final book in the All Souls Trilogy.
Witch scholar Diana Bishop and her Vampire scientist husband Matthew Clairmont, travel back to the present time as they continue their search to find the missing pages of Ashmole 782, an alchemical manuscript said to hold the secrets of the origins of all Witches, Vampires and Daemons.
If you enjoyed the first two books in the series, you will find more of the same here, although this was my least favorite of the three. It is less historical fiction than her earlier books, and way too heavy on Vampire politics for my taste. It is good to finally have a conclusion to the story, but this book didn't capture my imagination as much as the previous novels did.
Witch scholar Diana Bishop and her Vampire scientist husband Matthew Clairmont, travel back to the present time as they continue their search to find the missing pages of Ashmole 782, an alchemical manuscript said to hold the secrets of the origins of all Witches, Vampires and Daemons.
If you enjoyed the first two books in the series, you will find more of the same here, although this was my least favorite of the three. It is less historical fiction than her earlier books, and way too heavy on Vampire politics for my taste. It is good to finally have a conclusion to the story, but this book didn't capture my imagination as much as the previous novels did.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Moloka'i
Moloka'i by Alan Brennert is historical fiction based on the lives of people living in Kalaupapa, the leper colony on Moloka'i. The book follows Rachel Kalama, who at seven years old is taken away from her family in Honolulu to live the rest of her life in Kalaupapa.
This is a beautifully written book full of the untold tales of Kalaupapas residents daily lives, from the time of King Kalakaua through WWII and into the the 1970's.
Brennert writes with such compassion, I was moved to tears by this book.
Highly recommended.
This is a beautifully written book full of the untold tales of Kalaupapas residents daily lives, from the time of King Kalakaua through WWII and into the the 1970's.
Brennert writes with such compassion, I was moved to tears by this book.
Highly recommended.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Thirty Girls
Thirty Girls by Susan Minot brings to light the atrocities committed by Joseph Kony and the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda for the past 30 years, where thousands of children have been abducted and forced to become child soldiers. The girls are taken as sex slaves and servants, many as young as ten years old.
In Thirty Girls, Minot highlights a group of girls taken from a Catholic boarding school in the middle of the night and made famous worldwide by their mothers and a few reporters who told their story. The book alternates between Esther's story, one of the abducted girls, and Jane's story, a journalist in her late thirties drifting through Africa to escape her past and having an affair with a younger man.
Minot does a convincing job capturing both voices, however, it becomes increasingly hard to listen to Jane whine about her problems in the midst of the tragedies all around her. I would still recommend this book, as I think it helps shed light a story that needs to be told.
In Thirty Girls, Minot highlights a group of girls taken from a Catholic boarding school in the middle of the night and made famous worldwide by their mothers and a few reporters who told their story. The book alternates between Esther's story, one of the abducted girls, and Jane's story, a journalist in her late thirties drifting through Africa to escape her past and having an affair with a younger man.
Minot does a convincing job capturing both voices, however, it becomes increasingly hard to listen to Jane whine about her problems in the midst of the tragedies all around her. I would still recommend this book, as I think it helps shed light a story that needs to be told.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
What I Had Before I Had You
What I Had Before I Had You is the debut novel by Sarah Cornwell. I read this book in a day, I just couldn't put it down.
It is the story of Olivia Reed, now a mother in her 30's divorced and returning to her hometown of Ocean View on the Jersey shore. When her 9 year old bi-polar son goes missing, she revisits the summer she was 15, when her life changed forever, and she recalls memories of the mother she left behind.
Moving from past to present, Cornwell weaves this tale seamlessly, exploring the turbulent time of adolescence as well as capturing the nature of mental illness. It is written with such gut wrenching honesty, I felt transported to another place, not one I always wanted to be, yet I couldn't look away.
A brilliant debut.
It is the story of Olivia Reed, now a mother in her 30's divorced and returning to her hometown of Ocean View on the Jersey shore. When her 9 year old bi-polar son goes missing, she revisits the summer she was 15, when her life changed forever, and she recalls memories of the mother she left behind.
Moving from past to present, Cornwell weaves this tale seamlessly, exploring the turbulent time of adolescence as well as capturing the nature of mental illness. It is written with such gut wrenching honesty, I felt transported to another place, not one I always wanted to be, yet I couldn't look away.
A brilliant debut.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Shadow of Night
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness is part two of the All Souls Trilogy. It picks up where A Discovery of Witches left off, with Oxford scholar and witch Diana Bishop and Vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont traveling back in time to Elizabethan England, where they encounter Sir Walter Raleigh, William Shakespear and a number of other famous people of the time.
They are searching for the alchemical manuscript that Diana came across in the first book, and Diana meets a coven of witches who help her better understand her powers.
Harkness' love of history shines through the pages. I didn't like this one as well as the first book, but I hung in there, and I'm sure I'll read the final book in the trilogy to find out what happens, as this one leaves us hanging as well.
They are searching for the alchemical manuscript that Diana came across in the first book, and Diana meets a coven of witches who help her better understand her powers.
Harkness' love of history shines through the pages. I didn't like this one as well as the first book, but I hung in there, and I'm sure I'll read the final book in the trilogy to find out what happens, as this one leaves us hanging as well.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Gilead
I was in the mood for some really beautiful writing, so I thought I would revisit one of my favorite books, Gilead by Mailynne Robinson. Set in the small town of Gilead, Iowa in the 50's and told through the voice of a Congregational preacher, Gilead is full of many gems, and rare honesty and grace.
Reverend John Ames is at the end of his life, and the book is written as a long letter to his young son that he wont get to see grow up. The writing is sparse, lyrical, and beautiful, as Ames reflects back on his life.
When Ames tells his son, "There are a thousand thousand reasons to live this life, every one of them sufficient," this simple truth just took my breath away.
Beautifully written, highly recommended.
Reverend John Ames is at the end of his life, and the book is written as a long letter to his young son that he wont get to see grow up. The writing is sparse, lyrical, and beautiful, as Ames reflects back on his life.
When Ames tells his son, "There are a thousand thousand reasons to live this life, every one of them sufficient," this simple truth just took my breath away.
Beautifully written, highly recommended.
Friday, September 5, 2014
A Discovery of Witches
A Discovery of Witches is the first book in Deborah Harkness' All Souls Trilogy. Maybe because my daughter is going through a Harry Potter phase, I have been recently drawn to reading more books about magic and supernatural beings.
This book pulled me in right away. Diana Bishop is a very powerful witch who has been denying her power since her parents were killed when she was a little girl. She is a scholar and teacher in Oxford and while in the library there uncovers an ancient enchanted alchemical manuscript that witches, vampires and daemons have been looking for for centuries.
If you are able to surrender and read this for fun, it is very enjoyable. Harkness is not a brilliant writer, but she is a historian, and I enjoyed the historical parts of the book the best. Since it is a trilogy, the ending of course leaves you hanging.
This book pulled me in right away. Diana Bishop is a very powerful witch who has been denying her power since her parents were killed when she was a little girl. She is a scholar and teacher in Oxford and while in the library there uncovers an ancient enchanted alchemical manuscript that witches, vampires and daemons have been looking for for centuries.
If you are able to surrender and read this for fun, it is very enjoyable. Harkness is not a brilliant writer, but she is a historian, and I enjoyed the historical parts of the book the best. Since it is a trilogy, the ending of course leaves you hanging.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Fallout
Fallout by Sadie Jones is a novel set in London in the 70's. Jones captures the feeling of London's theater scene at the time, focusing on four young people in their 20's as they come together as actors, writers, producers, and stage managers, falling in and out of love and friendship.
I loved Luke, the main character, but had such a hard time liking or believing in Nina, his love interest, at times the novel seemed contrived to me. However, Jones' characters are well developed and she draws us into their inner landscape as they navigate their way through the creative process and their own struggles with love and loyalty.
Probably not one I'll remember long, however, I couldn't put it down until I was done reading the whole thing. Jones is, without a doubt, a talented writer.
I loved Luke, the main character, but had such a hard time liking or believing in Nina, his love interest, at times the novel seemed contrived to me. However, Jones' characters are well developed and she draws us into their inner landscape as they navigate their way through the creative process and their own struggles with love and loyalty.
Probably not one I'll remember long, however, I couldn't put it down until I was done reading the whole thing. Jones is, without a doubt, a talented writer.
Friday, August 29, 2014
The Museum of Extraordinary Things
The Museum of Extraordinary Things is the new novel by Alice Hoffman. The novel is set in New York City in 1911. At the center of the book is Coralie, daughter of a cruel man who runs The Museum of Extraordinary Things in Coney Island. The museum is full of every kind of freak of nature he can find or create, including his own daughter, turning her into a human mermaid.
When Coralie comes upon a young photographer one night in the woods, her whole life changes, and she begins to imagine her freedom.
This novel is historical fiction at its best, depicting the labor struggles of the time as well as two very real fires that devastated the city. Hoffman imagines the lives of those who might have lived at the time, and turn of the century NY comes alive. She is a wonderful storyteller; the book is filled with magic, and her characters practically leap off the page.
When Coralie comes upon a young photographer one night in the woods, her whole life changes, and she begins to imagine her freedom.
This novel is historical fiction at its best, depicting the labor struggles of the time as well as two very real fires that devastated the city. Hoffman imagines the lives of those who might have lived at the time, and turn of the century NY comes alive. She is a wonderful storyteller; the book is filled with magic, and her characters practically leap off the page.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
The Glass Ocean
The Glass Ocean by Lori Baker had the potential to be a fascinating story, but instead I found it tedious and almost impossible to get through.
Baker tells the story of Leo Dell'Orro and Clotilde Girard who meet aboard the Narcissus, a boat on expedition in the 1840's. Leo is hired to draw pictures of all the specimens collected from the ocean, and later, after Clotilde's father mysteriously disappears, they get married and live in England where Leo finds work as a glassmaker.
The descriptions of glass making are wonderful and Baker is a talented writer, but not such a great storyteller. I didn't care at all about the characters, Clotilde particularly was so unpleasant it was hard to even read about her. The story got lost in all the details and I was so tired by the end I just wanted to be done with it.
Baker tells the story of Leo Dell'Orro and Clotilde Girard who meet aboard the Narcissus, a boat on expedition in the 1840's. Leo is hired to draw pictures of all the specimens collected from the ocean, and later, after Clotilde's father mysteriously disappears, they get married and live in England where Leo finds work as a glassmaker.
The descriptions of glass making are wonderful and Baker is a talented writer, but not such a great storyteller. I didn't care at all about the characters, Clotilde particularly was so unpleasant it was hard to even read about her. The story got lost in all the details and I was so tired by the end I just wanted to be done with it.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic
The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic by Emily Croy Barker is a very entertaining novel, if you can get past the silly title. Barker has written a Harry Potter type fairy tale for adults.
Nora, the protagonist, gets lost hiking on a mountain and wanders into another realm full of wizards and magicians, both good and bad. Here she meets the magician Aruendiel, who begins to teach her real magic so she can survive, and try to make her way back to her own world.
This was a wonderful world to escape into and I was fully drawn in, I didn't want it to end. Barker will have to write a sequel, as the ending leaves the reader wanting more. A fun and entertaining escape.
Nora, the protagonist, gets lost hiking on a mountain and wanders into another realm full of wizards and magicians, both good and bad. Here she meets the magician Aruendiel, who begins to teach her real magic so she can survive, and try to make her way back to her own world.
This was a wonderful world to escape into and I was fully drawn in, I didn't want it to end. Barker will have to write a sequel, as the ending leaves the reader wanting more. A fun and entertaining escape.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
The Other Story
The Other Story is a novel by Tatiana de Rosnay. It is the story of Nicholas Kolt, a French author who doesn't handle his rise to fame well.
When his one and only book becomes a bestseller, then an Oscar winning movie, he starts leading the high life and becomes addicted to following himself on Facebook, Twitter and all internet and social networking sites.
The main character is so unlikable, that it is hard to care about anything in this book. I found it tiring. There is a mystery at the heart of the novel concerning his missing Father, but that never fully plays out, and it is too little to save this very disappointing book.
Skip this one and try Sarah's Key by the same author.
When his one and only book becomes a bestseller, then an Oscar winning movie, he starts leading the high life and becomes addicted to following himself on Facebook, Twitter and all internet and social networking sites.
The main character is so unlikable, that it is hard to care about anything in this book. I found it tiring. There is a mystery at the heart of the novel concerning his missing Father, but that never fully plays out, and it is too little to save this very disappointing book.
Skip this one and try Sarah's Key by the same author.
Friday, August 1, 2014
Teatime for the Firefly
Teatime for the Firefly is the debut novel by Shona Patel. It is set in the Assam Tea Gardens in India during the 1940's, just before India's independence. This is a wonderful novel that transported me to Assam the entire time. (It helps to drink a good cup of Assam tea while reading)!
Patel's parents were Assam tea planters, and although this is not their story, she drew on personal experience to evoke the rich atmosphere of colonial society and the tea plantations at the time. I could almost feel the jungle buzzing around me.
Patel's writing is wonderful, lyrical, evocative; her characters are well drawn and I was pulled into their story from the first page. This is a great book, full of history, culture and tea. Highly recommended.
Patel's parents were Assam tea planters, and although this is not their story, she drew on personal experience to evoke the rich atmosphere of colonial society and the tea plantations at the time. I could almost feel the jungle buzzing around me.
Patel's writing is wonderful, lyrical, evocative; her characters are well drawn and I was pulled into their story from the first page. This is a great book, full of history, culture and tea. Highly recommended.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
The Bone Season
The Bone Season is the debut novel by Samantha Shannon, the first in a projected series of seven novels. Shannon imagines a whole new world, set in the not too distant future, where clairvoyants are considered unnaturals and held in prisons in London. Underground crime syndicates have formed with mime-lords who have all categories of clairvoyants working for them.
In this world we meet Paige Mahoney, the heroine of The Bone Season. Shannon has created a new language full of so much slang and terms unfamiliar to me, that at first I was tempted to just put the book down. She wisely includes a glossary in the back of the book, and after plodding through it for a while, things started to make more sense and I stuck with the book.
I'm glad I did. Although the ending was unsatisfying, as any book with a sequel in the works tends to be, the world that Shannon has imagined is fascinating, if a bit dark. The book could have used a better editor, and it wasn't always the best writing, however, I look forward to reading more from this imaginative, young new writer.
In this world we meet Paige Mahoney, the heroine of The Bone Season. Shannon has created a new language full of so much slang and terms unfamiliar to me, that at first I was tempted to just put the book down. She wisely includes a glossary in the back of the book, and after plodding through it for a while, things started to make more sense and I stuck with the book.
I'm glad I did. Although the ending was unsatisfying, as any book with a sequel in the works tends to be, the world that Shannon has imagined is fascinating, if a bit dark. The book could have used a better editor, and it wasn't always the best writing, however, I look forward to reading more from this imaginative, young new writer.
Monday, July 28, 2014
Bertie Plays the Blues
Bertie Plays the Blues is a novel by Alexander McCall Smith, one of his 44 Scotland Street novels set in Edinburgh. I'm more familiar with The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, but with his usual charm and wit, this novel was a pure joy to read.
It is amazing to me how McCall Smith can create so many wonderful characters and write about them over and over in a way that doesn't get boring. The novel is funny and insightful, and at the heart of it is 7 year old Bertie, who puts himself up for adoption on eBay, so he can quit going to Italian classes and psychotherapy, and just be a boy!
A wonderful read.
It is amazing to me how McCall Smith can create so many wonderful characters and write about them over and over in a way that doesn't get boring. The novel is funny and insightful, and at the heart of it is 7 year old Bertie, who puts himself up for adoption on eBay, so he can quit going to Italian classes and psychotherapy, and just be a boy!
A wonderful read.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
The Lost Dog
The Lost Dog by Michelle de Kretser started out very promising. I was drawn in right away by her writing style.
However, I never really cared about any of the characters. The only one I cared about was the dog, and we never even learned his name. There were mysteries unfolding throughout the book that never got resolved, and I was left feeling hugely frustrated.
De Kretser is a Sri Lankan author living in Australia. I loved her descriptions of Melbourne, and India. She is a talented writer, but not a very good storyteller.
I wanted to love this book, but I barely made it through the whole thing; it is one of the most disappointing novels I have ever read.
However, I never really cared about any of the characters. The only one I cared about was the dog, and we never even learned his name. There were mysteries unfolding throughout the book that never got resolved, and I was left feeling hugely frustrated.
De Kretser is a Sri Lankan author living in Australia. I loved her descriptions of Melbourne, and India. She is a talented writer, but not a very good storyteller.
I wanted to love this book, but I barely made it through the whole thing; it is one of the most disappointing novels I have ever read.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
The Radiance of Tomorrow
The Radiance of Tomorrow is a novel by Ishmael Beah, author of A Long Way Gone, Memoirs of a Boy Soldier. In this book, he writes of life in Sierra Leone after the civil war.
A few village Elders, and others who have managed to survive the war, slowly return to what is left of their hometown of Imperi, to try to rebuild a life for themselves. They are met by obstacles every step of the way, the worst of which is a foreign mining company that comes to the area, pollutes their water and displaces what is left of the town.
This is one of the most heartbreaking and beautiful novels I have ever read. Beah is a poet, his language soars off the page into the readers heart. This is not a novel that will soon be forgotten, He has created images that will stay with me forever.
A painful, yet brilliant novel; a story of finding hope in the most unlikely of places. Highly recommended.
A few village Elders, and others who have managed to survive the war, slowly return to what is left of their hometown of Imperi, to try to rebuild a life for themselves. They are met by obstacles every step of the way, the worst of which is a foreign mining company that comes to the area, pollutes their water and displaces what is left of the town.
This is one of the most heartbreaking and beautiful novels I have ever read. Beah is a poet, his language soars off the page into the readers heart. This is not a novel that will soon be forgotten, He has created images that will stay with me forever.
A painful, yet brilliant novel; a story of finding hope in the most unlikely of places. Highly recommended.
Monday, July 14, 2014
And the Dark Sacred Night
And the Dark Sacred Night by Julia Glass, author of Three Junes, brings back characters we first met in her earlier books.
Here we read about Kit Noonan, a father in his early 40's at a crossroads in his life. Having just lost his job, and struggling with his marriage, his wife forces him to look for his unknown father, believing that you can never really know who you are if you dont know where you came from.
This sets Kit on a journey to his adopted father's home who he hasn't seen in years, and from there, to visit grandparents he didn't know he had.
Glass writes with great emotional insight, and makes the reader question what it really means to be a family. The characters are fully drawn and I cared about what would happen to each of them. A deeply compelling novel.
Here we read about Kit Noonan, a father in his early 40's at a crossroads in his life. Having just lost his job, and struggling with his marriage, his wife forces him to look for his unknown father, believing that you can never really know who you are if you dont know where you came from.
This sets Kit on a journey to his adopted father's home who he hasn't seen in years, and from there, to visit grandparents he didn't know he had.
Glass writes with great emotional insight, and makes the reader question what it really means to be a family. The characters are fully drawn and I cared about what would happen to each of them. A deeply compelling novel.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
The Enchanted Life of Adam Hope
The Enchanted Life of Adam Hope is the debut novel by Rhonda Riley. It is the story of Evelyn, a young girl alone on a farm in rural North Carolina during WWII who finds what she thinks is a wounded soldier on her land. She quickly discovers that this is no soldier, and with a remarkable ability to recover, she is not sure who, or what, it is.
Thus begins the story of Adam Hope. With a complete suspension of disbelief, the reader can disappear into this world that Riley has created.
Although I liked the characters of Evelyn and Adam, and later their daughters, I was never fully able to believe in the story; and if it was "enchanted" then I was waiting for something even more magical to happen.
Riley begs the question, do we ever really know the one we love? The writing was beautiful, and overall it was a compelling and original story, but I was disappointed by the ending.
Thus begins the story of Adam Hope. With a complete suspension of disbelief, the reader can disappear into this world that Riley has created.
Although I liked the characters of Evelyn and Adam, and later their daughters, I was never fully able to believe in the story; and if it was "enchanted" then I was waiting for something even more magical to happen.
Riley begs the question, do we ever really know the one we love? The writing was beautiful, and overall it was a compelling and original story, but I was disappointed by the ending.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
An Unnecessary Woman
An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine is a novel about Aaliya, a reclusive Beiruti woman in her seventies whose life revolves around her books and the translations that she does in her small apartment.
Nothing much happens in this novel, yet we are privileged to see the inner workings of Aaliya's mind, her thoughts at this late stage in her life, as she moves back and forth through time reliving memories of past days. There are moments of wisdom and moments of regret, everything informed by her vast knowledge of literature.
Its a joy to read a book that is a love story to great literature and poetry.. However, I was very aware that I was reading a man writing as a woman, and I wondered why the author made this choice. Still, a beautifully written novel, a worthwhile read.
Nothing much happens in this novel, yet we are privileged to see the inner workings of Aaliya's mind, her thoughts at this late stage in her life, as she moves back and forth through time reliving memories of past days. There are moments of wisdom and moments of regret, everything informed by her vast knowledge of literature.
Its a joy to read a book that is a love story to great literature and poetry.. However, I was very aware that I was reading a man writing as a woman, and I wondered why the author made this choice. Still, a beautifully written novel, a worthwhile read.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
The Thing Around Your Neck
The Thing Around Your Neck is a collection of short stories by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi. I've mentioned before in this blog that I'm not a big fan of short stories, however this collection is well worth reading.
Though the stories are not related, as a whole they paint a picture of the immigrant experience of Nigerian women in America. Adichi's writing is brilliant, and seemingly effortless; every story pulled me in and I cared for each of the characters in these stories.
From the violence in Nigeria, to the loneliness and longing of immigrants in America, this collection is full of sorrow and hope, tragedy and beauty. Highly recommended.
Though the stories are not related, as a whole they paint a picture of the immigrant experience of Nigerian women in America. Adichi's writing is brilliant, and seemingly effortless; every story pulled me in and I cared for each of the characters in these stories.
From the violence in Nigeria, to the loneliness and longing of immigrants in America, this collection is full of sorrow and hope, tragedy and beauty. Highly recommended.
Friday, July 4, 2014
The Gravity of Birds
The Gravity of Birds is the debut novel by Tracy Guzeman. Guzeman writes about the Kessler sisters, Alice and Natalie, whose lives change forever the summer they are 14 and 17 years old and meet 28 year old painter Thomas Bayber who later becomes very famous and reclusive.
Bayber paints a portrait of the sisters that summer, that he only shows to two art collectors when he is 70 years old. He asks that the sisters be found before the painting is sold, as they have the two missing panels. Here the search begins to piece together the story of what happened all those years ago, and what Bayber is really searching for.
The story unfolds in many layers from different viewpoints, and the characters grow and deepen in the process. I had to keep reading to find out what would happen, but also for the pure joy of reading Guzeman's writing. The image of birds plays a big part in the story as the title suggests, but there are so many unexpected secrets lurking in dark corners, it kept me fully engaged and interested until the end.
Bayber paints a portrait of the sisters that summer, that he only shows to two art collectors when he is 70 years old. He asks that the sisters be found before the painting is sold, as they have the two missing panels. Here the search begins to piece together the story of what happened all those years ago, and what Bayber is really searching for.
The story unfolds in many layers from different viewpoints, and the characters grow and deepen in the process. I had to keep reading to find out what would happen, but also for the pure joy of reading Guzeman's writing. The image of birds plays a big part in the story as the title suggests, but there are so many unexpected secrets lurking in dark corners, it kept me fully engaged and interested until the end.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
The Full Cupboard of Life
The Full Cupboard of Life by Alexander McCall Smith is the 5th installment of The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, and maybe my favorite so far.
McCall Smith writes with his usual charm and wit and makes you feel like the world is a little bit better of a place by the time you finish reading this book.
Mma Ramotswe is on a new case, while still waiting for the day that Mr J. L. B. Matekoni will marry her, as they have been engaged for a while now.
It's impossible to read this novel and not have a big smile on your face. Highly recommended.
McCall Smith writes with his usual charm and wit and makes you feel like the world is a little bit better of a place by the time you finish reading this book.
Mma Ramotswe is on a new case, while still waiting for the day that Mr J. L. B. Matekoni will marry her, as they have been engaged for a while now.
It's impossible to read this novel and not have a big smile on your face. Highly recommended.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
The People of Forever Are Not Afraid
The People of Forever Are Not Afraid is the debut novel by Shani Boianjiu, a new young voice from Israel.
The novel tells of three young girls from a tiny Israeli village who go off to do their military service in the Israeli Defense Forces for two years after high school. Yael, Lea and Avishag each have different experiences, yet Boianjiu weaves together a whole picture of what life is like for these girls experiencing hours of endless boredom, and seeing the violence that they witness, each responding in their own way,
She has a fresh voice and it is written in a stream of consciousness style. At times it was fascinating, at other times tedious. As a whole, a worthwhile read.
The novel tells of three young girls from a tiny Israeli village who go off to do their military service in the Israeli Defense Forces for two years after high school. Yael, Lea and Avishag each have different experiences, yet Boianjiu weaves together a whole picture of what life is like for these girls experiencing hours of endless boredom, and seeing the violence that they witness, each responding in their own way,
She has a fresh voice and it is written in a stream of consciousness style. At times it was fascinating, at other times tedious. As a whole, a worthwhile read.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Scent of Darkness
Scent of Darkness by Margot Berwin, could have been a really good novel, but instead fell flat. I've barely finished reading it, but have mostly forgotten it already.
The protagonist, Evangeline, has a wise old grandmother from New Orleans who is a master aromata, scent maker. She leaves a vial for Evangeline that she finds after her grandmother dies. The scent has a secret ingredient that attracts one good man, one evil man to her. This leads her to New Orleans where her life takes a strange turn and she almost loses herself.
Even though the writing was decent, none of the characters were memorable, or even believable. This was just very disappointing, very bad storytelling.
The protagonist, Evangeline, has a wise old grandmother from New Orleans who is a master aromata, scent maker. She leaves a vial for Evangeline that she finds after her grandmother dies. The scent has a secret ingredient that attracts one good man, one evil man to her. This leads her to New Orleans where her life takes a strange turn and she almost loses herself.
Even though the writing was decent, none of the characters were memorable, or even believable. This was just very disappointing, very bad storytelling.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Mother, Mother
Mother, Mother is a dark and somewhat disturbing book by Koren Zailckas. It tells the story of a perfect Mother who seems to have everything, beautiful home, beautiful children, successful husband, etc.
As the story unfolds, through each family members point of view, we see how destructive and manipulative the Mother truly is. She lies and tells different stories to everyone, pitting them against each other and slowly destroying her entire family.
Zailckas writes with razor sharp insight into the dark side of family dysfunction. Mother, Mother is a brilliantly written, suspenseful, psychological thriller that is hard to put down and even harder to forget.
As the story unfolds, through each family members point of view, we see how destructive and manipulative the Mother truly is. She lies and tells different stories to everyone, pitting them against each other and slowly destroying her entire family.
Zailckas writes with razor sharp insight into the dark side of family dysfunction. Mother, Mother is a brilliantly written, suspenseful, psychological thriller that is hard to put down and even harder to forget.
Friday, June 6, 2014
The Virgin Blue
The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl With a Pearl Earring, is historic fiction like only Chevalier can write.
Ella Turner moves to France and searches for the history of her family, the Tourniers. She begins having nightmares and is lead to discover some haunting secrets buried deep in her family's past.
The novel takes us back into the 16th century when thousands of Huguenots were persecuted and slaughtered all over France.
Not my favorite novel by Chevalier, but still a worthwhile read.
Ella Turner moves to France and searches for the history of her family, the Tourniers. She begins having nightmares and is lead to discover some haunting secrets buried deep in her family's past.
The novel takes us back into the 16th century when thousands of Huguenots were persecuted and slaughtered all over France.
Not my favorite novel by Chevalier, but still a worthwhile read.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
The Frangipani Hotel
The Frangipani Hotel is a collection of short stories by Violet Kupersmith. Kupersmith is a new, young American writer of Vietnamese descent.
The stories are filled with bits of traditional Vietnamese folk tales and ghost stories, while maintaining a distinctly modern feel. The ghost of the Vietnam War floats eerily in the background of all the stories.
It's a wonderfully compelling collection from an original new voice. I was drawn in from the very first story. Kupersmith is working on her first novel now. I can't wait to read more from this promising young writer.
The stories are filled with bits of traditional Vietnamese folk tales and ghost stories, while maintaining a distinctly modern feel. The ghost of the Vietnam War floats eerily in the background of all the stories.
It's a wonderfully compelling collection from an original new voice. I was drawn in from the very first story. Kupersmith is working on her first novel now. I can't wait to read more from this promising young writer.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
The Scent of Lemon Leaves
The Scent of Lemon Leaves is a novel by Spanish writer Clara Sanchez. It tells the story of pregnant and lost Sandra, living in her sister's house on the Costa Brava wondering what she is going to do with her life.
She is befriended by two older Norwegians that treat her like kindly grandparents, but who are not at all what they seem to be. She meets Julian, a concentration camp survivor and learns that she is involved with a group of old Nazis living out the ends of their life in luxury in this small village.
Although most of the characters in this novel are made up, the old Nazis are all based on real people who managed to escape without paying for their war crimes and lived out their lives in secluded luxury on the coast of Spain. An illuminating and disturbing story.
She is befriended by two older Norwegians that treat her like kindly grandparents, but who are not at all what they seem to be. She meets Julian, a concentration camp survivor and learns that she is involved with a group of old Nazis living out the ends of their life in luxury in this small village.
Although most of the characters in this novel are made up, the old Nazis are all based on real people who managed to escape without paying for their war crimes and lived out their lives in secluded luxury on the coast of Spain. An illuminating and disturbing story.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Trans-Sister Radio
Trans-Sister Radio by Chris Bohjalian is a novel about a woman, Allison, who falls in love with a man, Dana, only to find out he's preparing to have a sex change operation and become the woman he always felt he was.
The novel takes very ordinary people and puts them in this situation to challenge our ideas and stereotypes about trans-sexuals. Bohjalian does a good job of presenting the story with compassion, and perhaps more surgical details than the reader might need to know.
It's a fascinating look at how a small community in Vermont reacts to having a trans-sexual in their midst. People tend to fear what they don't understand, and Bohjalian has written an honest, thought-provoking novel hopefully dispelling some of those fears.
The novel takes very ordinary people and puts them in this situation to challenge our ideas and stereotypes about trans-sexuals. Bohjalian does a good job of presenting the story with compassion, and perhaps more surgical details than the reader might need to know.
It's a fascinating look at how a small community in Vermont reacts to having a trans-sexual in their midst. People tend to fear what they don't understand, and Bohjalian has written an honest, thought-provoking novel hopefully dispelling some of those fears.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Purple Hibiscus
Purple Hibiscus is a powerful debut novel from Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche. Set in Nigeria, the novel tells the story of 15 year old Kambili and her brother Jaja, growing up in fear of their strictly religious father.
He is a rich and powerful man and Kambili wants nothing more than to please him. She has no thoughts of her own that are not dictated by her father. When she visits her aunt and cousins, she gets her first taste of freedom and begins to question the narrow confines of her life.
It is a brutally powerful coming of age story, wonderfully told against the background of Nigeria's military coup. This is a book that will linger long after the last page has been read.
He is a rich and powerful man and Kambili wants nothing more than to please him. She has no thoughts of her own that are not dictated by her father. When she visits her aunt and cousins, she gets her first taste of freedom and begins to question the narrow confines of her life.
It is a brutally powerful coming of age story, wonderfully told against the background of Nigeria's military coup. This is a book that will linger long after the last page has been read.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Without Reservations
Without Reservations, the Travels of an Independent Woman is a travelogue/memoir by Alice Steinbach. Steinbach had been working for years as a journalist, and in her 50's, divorced and with two grown boys, decides to take a year off to travel and live in Europe. She starts in Paris, then moves on to England and Italy.
Although Steinbach calls this "The Year of Living Dangerously" there is nothing too adventurous here. She has spent time in all these places before, even lived in some. However, her book describes an adventure to rediscover herself; the adventurous independent woman she was before marriage, career, and children had thrown her into a daily predictable routine.
I enjoyed reading Steinbach's musings as she would wander Paris streets, often falling into hidden little bookstores for an afternoon. She writes postcards that she sends home to herself throughout her journey and these become an important part of her book. She meets some interesting people along the way and relaxes more into herself by the end of the journey.
Nothing extraordinary here, but an enjoyable read.
Although Steinbach calls this "The Year of Living Dangerously" there is nothing too adventurous here. She has spent time in all these places before, even lived in some. However, her book describes an adventure to rediscover herself; the adventurous independent woman she was before marriage, career, and children had thrown her into a daily predictable routine.
I enjoyed reading Steinbach's musings as she would wander Paris streets, often falling into hidden little bookstores for an afternoon. She writes postcards that she sends home to herself throughout her journey and these become an important part of her book. She meets some interesting people along the way and relaxes more into herself by the end of the journey.
Nothing extraordinary here, but an enjoyable read.
Monday, May 19, 2014
The Forever Girl
Alexander McCall Smith must be the most prolific writer alive, he seems to pop out a new book every few months.
One of his latest, The Forever Girl, is set in the Cayman Islands, then Scotland, England, Austalia, and Singapore; we get a look into the lives of wealthy expats raising their children in exotic locations. The story centers around Clover and her lifelong love for James, a boy she grew up with, but never dated.
Although different from his previous books, the novel is full of McCall Smith's usual charm, wit and humor. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
One of his latest, The Forever Girl, is set in the Cayman Islands, then Scotland, England, Austalia, and Singapore; we get a look into the lives of wealthy expats raising their children in exotic locations. The story centers around Clover and her lifelong love for James, a boy she grew up with, but never dated.
Although different from his previous books, the novel is full of McCall Smith's usual charm, wit and humor. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
The Mermaid Garden
The Mermaid Garden by Santa Montefiore is written in two narratives, one set in Tuscany and the other in a small coastal village in England. For most of the novel, the reader is wondering how these two stories relate to each other.
The setting is beautiful, the characters interesting, the writing is good, and I was enjoying the story and the mystery, all the way until the end of the book.
Montefiore ruined her own wonderful tale by giving it such a happily ever after ending. I am in no way opposed to happy endings, but this was all a bit too cliche.
An enjoyable, yet forgettable read.
The setting is beautiful, the characters interesting, the writing is good, and I was enjoying the story and the mystery, all the way until the end of the book.
Montefiore ruined her own wonderful tale by giving it such a happily ever after ending. I am in no way opposed to happy endings, but this was all a bit too cliche.
An enjoyable, yet forgettable read.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
The Center of Everything
The Center of Everything by Laura Moriarty is a wonderful novel that I didnt want to end. Evelyn Bucknow is a young girl growing up in Kansas, without many opportunities, but with a lot of courage, wit and honesty.
She is caught between her very religious grandmother, who she loves dearly, and her science teacher, who she greatly admitres. She navigates her own way through adolescence, as her young mother is at home with her developmentally delayed baby brother and her father is long gone.
Moriarty is a great writer, she paints a very believable picture of this small community and I cared deeply for Evelyn, wanting to know what would happen to her even after the book ended. A great read.
She is caught between her very religious grandmother, who she loves dearly, and her science teacher, who she greatly admitres. She navigates her own way through adolescence, as her young mother is at home with her developmentally delayed baby brother and her father is long gone.
Moriarty is a great writer, she paints a very believable picture of this small community and I cared deeply for Evelyn, wanting to know what would happen to her even after the book ended. A great read.
Friday, May 9, 2014
When the Emperor was Divine
When the Emperor was Divine is a sparse, elegant little novel by Julie Otsuka that packs a big emotional punch. Otsuka tells of one Japanese family from Berkeley, Ca that is relocated during WWII.
Otsuka's writing is flawless. She evokes the feelings and experiences of the family as they move through the night by train to their internment camp in the Utah desert where they spend the next 3 1/2 years.
Through simple details and images the broader picture unfolds, and we are given a first hand experience of what it must have been like for this family to be uprooted from their lives and return again, only to find all their possessions gone and their old friends avoiding them.
A beautiful book about a shameful period in our history.
Otsuka's writing is flawless. She evokes the feelings and experiences of the family as they move through the night by train to their internment camp in the Utah desert where they spend the next 3 1/2 years.
Through simple details and images the broader picture unfolds, and we are given a first hand experience of what it must have been like for this family to be uprooted from their lives and return again, only to find all their possessions gone and their old friends avoiding them.
A beautiful book about a shameful period in our history.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Night of Many Dreams
Night of Many Dreams by Gail Tsukiyama is about two Chinese sisters growing up in Hong Kong during WWII. During the Japanese occupation they move to Macao, then return to Hong Kong after the war. Emma continually dreams of traveling to far away places, while beautiful Joan expects to get married and enter into high society. While things don't work out exactly as planned, they always have their family to return to.
Tsukiyama is one of my favorite writes, I loved The Samurai's Garden, Women of the Silk, and others. While I enjoyed this novel, I didn't feel it is one of her best. Big periods of the girls lives were left out and not enough detail was given to fill in their stories. Other characters were hardly described at all. Sometimes it felt more like an outline of a book than a novel. A good story, but not full of the usual richness of Tsukiyama's novels that I have come to expect.
Tsukiyama is one of my favorite writes, I loved The Samurai's Garden, Women of the Silk, and others. While I enjoyed this novel, I didn't feel it is one of her best. Big periods of the girls lives were left out and not enough detail was given to fill in their stories. Other characters were hardly described at all. Sometimes it felt more like an outline of a book than a novel. A good story, but not full of the usual richness of Tsukiyama's novels that I have come to expect.
Monday, April 28, 2014
A Vintage Affair
Isabel Wolff's love of vintage clothing is apparent in her novel A Vintage Affair. The protagonist, Phoebe Swift opens a vintage clothing shop in London, then meets all sorts of interesting people who come in to shop or sell their old clothes.
Each piece of clothing tells a story, and Phoebe quickly gets caught up in the story of a little blue coat belonging to Mrs. Bell, an elderly Frenchwoman who is dying. As Mrs. Bell's story unfolds, so does Phoebes'.
The novel sends Phoebe on a journey into the past that is ultimately healing. Each piece of clothing becomes an important character in the novel. This is a beautifully written book, a worthwhile read.
Each piece of clothing tells a story, and Phoebe quickly gets caught up in the story of a little blue coat belonging to Mrs. Bell, an elderly Frenchwoman who is dying. As Mrs. Bell's story unfolds, so does Phoebes'.
The novel sends Phoebe on a journey into the past that is ultimately healing. Each piece of clothing becomes an important character in the novel. This is a beautifully written book, a worthwhile read.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
All Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion
All Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion is the latest by Fannie Flag, author of Fried Green Tomatoes.
Flag is a wonderful story teller, and here she tells the true story of the WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots) who flew during WWII and have been mostly forgotten about.
We meet the Jurdabralinski family from Wisconsin of four girls and one boy, who all but one become pilots during WWII. One of the girls has a baby that is given up for adoption. The baby is taken to Alabama and raised by an eccentric and overbearing mother, and only finds out when she is 60 years old that she was adopted.
It's a wonderful story, full of Southern charm and comedy, that is mostly fiction, but with the true history of the WASPs woven in. A great read.
Flag is a wonderful story teller, and here she tells the true story of the WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots) who flew during WWII and have been mostly forgotten about.
We meet the Jurdabralinski family from Wisconsin of four girls and one boy, who all but one become pilots during WWII. One of the girls has a baby that is given up for adoption. The baby is taken to Alabama and raised by an eccentric and overbearing mother, and only finds out when she is 60 years old that she was adopted.
It's a wonderful story, full of Southern charm and comedy, that is mostly fiction, but with the true history of the WASPs woven in. A great read.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Telling the Bees
Telling the Bees, by Peggy Hesketh is a beautifully written novel, full of fascinating facts about bees. I wanted to like this novel more than I did, but in the end I found it mostly depressing.
The protagonist, Albert Honig, now in his 80's, looks back on his long and quiet life as a beekeeper, living in the same house he grew up in. Next door is his best friend Claire who he has fallen out of touch with in the last decade of her life. The book opens with Albert finding the the murdered bodies of Claire and her sister and traces back through the past to unravel their story.
A beautiful, yet sad and lonely book full of regret and missed opportunities. It ends with a poignant lesson in letting go. Not until Albert tells the bees of Claire's death, decades after the fact, is he truly able to let her go.
The protagonist, Albert Honig, now in his 80's, looks back on his long and quiet life as a beekeeper, living in the same house he grew up in. Next door is his best friend Claire who he has fallen out of touch with in the last decade of her life. The book opens with Albert finding the the murdered bodies of Claire and her sister and traces back through the past to unravel their story.
A beautiful, yet sad and lonely book full of regret and missed opportunities. It ends with a poignant lesson in letting go. Not until Albert tells the bees of Claire's death, decades after the fact, is he truly able to let her go.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Dust
Dust is the debut novel by Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor. Owuor was born and raised in Kenya, where this novel is set. It begins with the death of Moses Odidi Oganda, gunned down by police in the streets of Nairobi. His father brings his body home and his sister Ajany returns home from Brazil after many years away. His mother, full of grief and anger, disappears.
This is the story of a troubled family and their troubled country. Owuor's writing creates an almost trancleike state where we are taken back and forth through time trying to uncover the mysteries of Odidi's death as well as understand the corruption that has been the cause of so many years of civil war in Kenya. At times I found it hard to follow, but it came together by the end.
Owuor writes that the primary three languages in Kenya are Kiswahili, English and Silence. Everyone is afraid to even speak the names of all those who have disappeared, it is like they never existed. This book is Owuors sorrowful love song to her country. A beautiful lament.
This is the story of a troubled family and their troubled country. Owuor's writing creates an almost trancleike state where we are taken back and forth through time trying to uncover the mysteries of Odidi's death as well as understand the corruption that has been the cause of so many years of civil war in Kenya. At times I found it hard to follow, but it came together by the end.
Owuor writes that the primary three languages in Kenya are Kiswahili, English and Silence. Everyone is afraid to even speak the names of all those who have disappeared, it is like they never existed. This book is Owuors sorrowful love song to her country. A beautiful lament.
Monday, April 7, 2014
The People in the Trees
The People in the Trees by Hanya Yanagihara is a deeply disturbing novel about what happens when western culture collides with an isolated culture on a remote Micronesian island. Most disturbing is that it is very loosely based on a true story.
I had no sympathy for the narrator, Dr. Norton Perina who visits the island and finds that people seem to live for greatly extended lives by ingesting the meat of a rare turtle.
Yanagihara presents the reader with many moral and ethical questions throughout this long and tedious confession by Perina. By the end, I was so tired of this book I could barely finish it, and in fact I wish I hadn't. An exhausting read.
I had no sympathy for the narrator, Dr. Norton Perina who visits the island and finds that people seem to live for greatly extended lives by ingesting the meat of a rare turtle.
Yanagihara presents the reader with many moral and ethical questions throughout this long and tedious confession by Perina. By the end, I was so tired of this book I could barely finish it, and in fact I wish I hadn't. An exhausting read.
Friday, April 4, 2014
The Invention of Wings
The Invention of Wings is the new novel by Sue Monk Kidd. Kidd brings to life Sarah Grimke and her sister Nina, two famous abolitionists in the early 1800's all but forgotten today.
Kidd re-imagines Sarah's life as it parallels that of a slave named Handful, only one year younger than Sarah and given to Sarah on her 11th birthday. The Grimkes came from Charleston's upper class and it was inconceivable for the sisters to turn against slavery and fight for equal rights for slaves as well as for women, which is exactly what they ended up doing.
Kidd is a wonderful writer, and this is historical fiction at its best. I loved this book.
Kidd re-imagines Sarah's life as it parallels that of a slave named Handful, only one year younger than Sarah and given to Sarah on her 11th birthday. The Grimkes came from Charleston's upper class and it was inconceivable for the sisters to turn against slavery and fight for equal rights for slaves as well as for women, which is exactly what they ended up doing.
Kidd is a wonderful writer, and this is historical fiction at its best. I loved this book.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
The Good House
In her novel The Good House, Ann Leary takes us into the life of an alcoholic and all the secrets and denial that come with it.
Hildy Good's family has lived in the same small town in New England for generations. She is now the top selling real estate agent there, selling houses to rich newcomers. Her world is slowly unraveling as she can no longer hide the truth about her drinking from her family and friends, but it takes a long time for her to recognize her own problem.
Leary does a wonderful job creating a portrait of this small coastal town and its inhabitants. At times funny, at times sad, always whip smart. A worthwhile read.
Hildy Good's family has lived in the same small town in New England for generations. She is now the top selling real estate agent there, selling houses to rich newcomers. Her world is slowly unraveling as she can no longer hide the truth about her drinking from her family and friends, but it takes a long time for her to recognize her own problem.
Leary does a wonderful job creating a portrait of this small coastal town and its inhabitants. At times funny, at times sad, always whip smart. A worthwhile read.
Monday, March 31, 2014
We Need New Names
We Need New Names is a wonderful novel by a new voice from Zimbabwe, NoViolet Bulawayo. Bulawayo writes with such direct honesty about growing up in Zimbabwe and then moving to the United States, I was completely transported by this book.
We follow Darling and her friends through their days in their shantytown, the place they came to after their real homes were destroyed. Darling is able to leave to live with her Aunt in America, but always has a sense of being displaced, missing her true home, even though she is never able to return to visit.
Bulawayo writes in a bold new style, a voice all her own, bringing images and ideas, feelings and longings to life on the page. An incredible first novel.
We follow Darling and her friends through their days in their shantytown, the place they came to after their real homes were destroyed. Darling is able to leave to live with her Aunt in America, but always has a sense of being displaced, missing her true home, even though she is never able to return to visit.
Bulawayo writes in a bold new style, a voice all her own, bringing images and ideas, feelings and longings to life on the page. An incredible first novel.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
The Condition
The Condition by Jennifer Haigh tells the story of one family that falls apart shortly after daugher Gwen is diagnosed with Turners syndrome, a rare condition that keeps her trapped in the body of a twelve year old girl her whole life.
Haigh writes with such exquisite insight and detail that the book becomes about the human condition, specifically how we relate to each other within our families.
This is an incredible novel, I couldn't put it down. Haigh is a truly gifted writer, I look forward to reading more from her.
Haigh writes with such exquisite insight and detail that the book becomes about the human condition, specifically how we relate to each other within our families.
This is an incredible novel, I couldn't put it down. Haigh is a truly gifted writer, I look forward to reading more from her.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Beautiful Ruins
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter is a novel that starts in a very small village on the coast of Italy in the early 1960's and takes the reader to modern day Hollywood and back.
At the heart of the novel is the love story between Pascuale and Dee.Walter writes from many different perspectives in many different formats. Sometimes this was fascinating and worked well with the overall story, and at other times I found it distracting, and just wanted to get back to Pascuale and Dee.
There's a little Richard Burton, Liz Taylor, and Donner Party thrown in for good measure. An original and worthwhile read.
At the heart of the novel is the love story between Pascuale and Dee.Walter writes from many different perspectives in many different formats. Sometimes this was fascinating and worked well with the overall story, and at other times I found it distracting, and just wanted to get back to Pascuale and Dee.
There's a little Richard Burton, Liz Taylor, and Donner Party thrown in for good measure. An original and worthwhile read.
Monday, March 17, 2014
The Rosie Project
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion is a hilarious novel written in the voice of Don Tillman, a Genetics Professor with Aspergers. I didn't know this at the start of the book, and just kept thinking-what's wrong with this guy? A few pages in, I finally realized that Don must be on the Autism spectrum, (even though he doesnt realize this about himself) and everything started to make sense.
I loved this book. Don makes lists and timetables for everything, including trying to find a wife. He sticks to everything religously until one day Rosie barges into his life and all his planning seems to fall apart.
I was laughing out loud throughout the book and couldn't put it down. Simsion does a great job capturing Don's voice and making him so real that the reader can't help rooting for him.
A great read.
I loved this book. Don makes lists and timetables for everything, including trying to find a wife. He sticks to everything religously until one day Rosie barges into his life and all his planning seems to fall apart.
I was laughing out loud throughout the book and couldn't put it down. Simsion does a great job capturing Don's voice and making him so real that the reader can't help rooting for him.
A great read.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Still Life with Bread Crumbs
Still Life with Bread Crumbs is the latest novel by Anna Quindlen, and perhaps her best.
It is the story of Rebecca Winter, an aging photographer from NYC, famous in her younger days, but now short of money and living alone in a run down cottage in the country. She is lonely and a bit lost when we meet her, but this is a story of redemption and second chances.
What could have been an ordinary, even forgettable story is made memorable by Quindlen's wonderful writing, spare prose and humor. I loved this book, and didn't want it to end.
It is the story of Rebecca Winter, an aging photographer from NYC, famous in her younger days, but now short of money and living alone in a run down cottage in the country. She is lonely and a bit lost when we meet her, but this is a story of redemption and second chances.
What could have been an ordinary, even forgettable story is made memorable by Quindlen's wonderful writing, spare prose and humor. I loved this book, and didn't want it to end.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Songs of Willow Frost
Songs of Willow Frost is the new novel by Jamie Ford, author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. The novel is set in Seattle's Chinatown, during the 1920's and 30's.
It is the Story of Liu Song, whose stage name is Willow, and her son William Eng. William is growing up in Seattle's Sacred Heart Orphanage along with many other children whose parents have died, or left them there because they cannot take care of them any more.
I enjoy Ford's novels because they are filled with historical facts and rich with details. Yet I was not quite as moved by this novel as by Hotel. I loved the character of William, but didn't connect as well with Willow.
However, this novel has much in common with Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, and if you enjoyed that book, you will surely enjoy this one as well.
It is the Story of Liu Song, whose stage name is Willow, and her son William Eng. William is growing up in Seattle's Sacred Heart Orphanage along with many other children whose parents have died, or left them there because they cannot take care of them any more.
I enjoy Ford's novels because they are filled with historical facts and rich with details. Yet I was not quite as moved by this novel as by Hotel. I loved the character of William, but didn't connect as well with Willow.
However, this novel has much in common with Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, and if you enjoyed that book, you will surely enjoy this one as well.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Ghana Must Go
Ghana Must Go is the debut novel by Taiye Selasi. This is an extraordinary novel. It is the story of Kweku Sai, a surgeon from Ghana, and his family that he left years ago when he felt he had failed them.
Sai's ex-wife and four kids all come together in Ghana when their father dies of a sudden heart attack; his death marking a new beginning for his family.
Selasi is more of a poet than a novelist, in the sense that each word written here matters. There is nothing superfluous, only the richly detailed descriptions of the inner lives of each member of the Sai clan. Selasi weaves them all together into this unforgettable novel.
One of the best debuts I've read in years.
Sai's ex-wife and four kids all come together in Ghana when their father dies of a sudden heart attack; his death marking a new beginning for his family.
Selasi is more of a poet than a novelist, in the sense that each word written here matters. There is nothing superfluous, only the richly detailed descriptions of the inner lives of each member of the Sai clan. Selasi weaves them all together into this unforgettable novel.
One of the best debuts I've read in years.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
The Supreme Macaroni Company
The Supreme Macaroni Company is the latest by Adriana Trigiana.
I usually enjoy her books, but this one I found more fluff than substance. None of the characters seemed very real to me, they didn't draw me in this time and I never really cared much about them. It seemed like she wanted to finish this series in a hurry and just expected her fans to hang in there with her. This book was very disappointing.
If you're new to Trigiani, try The Shoemaker's Wife, a much better written and more engaging novel.
I usually enjoy her books, but this one I found more fluff than substance. None of the characters seemed very real to me, they didn't draw me in this time and I never really cared much about them. It seemed like she wanted to finish this series in a hurry and just expected her fans to hang in there with her. This book was very disappointing.
If you're new to Trigiani, try The Shoemaker's Wife, a much better written and more engaging novel.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Life After Life
Life After Life by Jill McCorkle, has the same name and came out around the same time as the novel by Kate Atkinson, but these two novels have nothing else in common.
McCorkle writes from the point of view of many different characters living in or around a retirement home in the South. From 12 year old Abby to 85 year old Sadie, McCorkle writes in each of their voices.
The novel works for the most part and paints an interesting picture, yet I was left wanting more. I didn't feel any of the charachters were developed fully enough. There was a lot of heartache, some happy moments, and an unexpected ending that pretty much ruined the book for me.
I think McCorkle is a great writer, but this was not my favorite of her novels.
McCorkle writes from the point of view of many different characters living in or around a retirement home in the South. From 12 year old Abby to 85 year old Sadie, McCorkle writes in each of their voices.
The novel works for the most part and paints an interesting picture, yet I was left wanting more. I didn't feel any of the charachters were developed fully enough. There was a lot of heartache, some happy moments, and an unexpected ending that pretty much ruined the book for me.
I think McCorkle is a great writer, but this was not my favorite of her novels.
Friday, February 14, 2014
The Golem and The Jinni
The Golem and the Jinni is the debut novel by Helene Wecker. I loved this book. It's an example of really great story telling, which I don't find often enough in current fiction.
Set in 1899 in New York City, two mysterious creatures come to life and discover each other living among the cities immigrant populations. The writing and the details were so wonderful, I felt transported to that time and place. I fully bought into the story, caring deeply for the human and non-human characters alike.
Historic fiction, mixed with a little mythology and magic. A great read.
Set in 1899 in New York City, two mysterious creatures come to life and discover each other living among the cities immigrant populations. The writing and the details were so wonderful, I felt transported to that time and place. I fully bought into the story, caring deeply for the human and non-human characters alike.
Historic fiction, mixed with a little mythology and magic. A great read.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Life After Life
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson is one of the most original novels I have ever read. The protagonist, Ursula Todd is born in England on a snowy February day in 1910. She dies many times, including once at childbirth, and yet is always reborn, though she has only the faintest memories of these other lives.
The story culminates during WWII and the Blitz. In an incredible feat of storytelling, Atkinson interweaves Ursula's many seperate lives into one cohesive story. She shows the many different paths a life can take based chance, choice, or perhaps fate.
It took me a while to get into this novel, but once I did, I couldn't put it down. A worthwhile read.
The story culminates during WWII and the Blitz. In an incredible feat of storytelling, Atkinson interweaves Ursula's many seperate lives into one cohesive story. She shows the many different paths a life can take based chance, choice, or perhaps fate.
It took me a while to get into this novel, but once I did, I couldn't put it down. A worthwhile read.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
The Husband's Secret
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty is a page turner that will keep you up late at night.
Set in Australia, the lives of three families intersect as a shocking secret from the past comes to light. I won't say much more, as I don't want to spoil anything.
Moriarty places her characters in impossible situations, and then we get to see what happens. Suspenseful and compelling. I was hooked from the beginning.
A great read!
Set in Australia, the lives of three families intersect as a shocking secret from the past comes to light. I won't say much more, as I don't want to spoil anything.
Moriarty places her characters in impossible situations, and then we get to see what happens. Suspenseful and compelling. I was hooked from the beginning.
A great read!
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Beautiful Day
Beautiful Day is the latest by Elin Hildebrand. It is a novel set on Nantucket that takes place over one weekend during a family wedding.
Jenna, the bride, is using The Notebook, left to her by her deceased mother, to guide all her preparations for the wedding. Her mother wrote it when she knew she was dying and wouldn't be able to be there for her daughters wedding.
The problems that occur over the weekend are usual family problems. Nothing extraordinary here. Just a simple, mildly entertaining read.
Jenna, the bride, is using The Notebook, left to her by her deceased mother, to guide all her preparations for the wedding. Her mother wrote it when she knew she was dying and wouldn't be able to be there for her daughters wedding.
The problems that occur over the weekend are usual family problems. Nothing extraordinary here. Just a simple, mildly entertaining read.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Hyperbole and a Half
Hyperbole and a Half is the new graphic novel by Allie Brosh based on her blog of the same name. I loved this book. It is incredible how expressive her drawings are considering they are composed of just a few lines.
Brosh tackles depression and other unfortunate situations in this book, and it is at times depressing. But it is also highly insightful and extremely funny. I laughed out loud through most of it and wanted more at the end.
Brosh is an original new voice, worth checking out.
Brosh tackles depression and other unfortunate situations in this book, and it is at times depressing. But it is also highly insightful and extremely funny. I laughed out loud through most of it and wanted more at the end.
Brosh is an original new voice, worth checking out.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Benjamin Franklin's Bastard
Benjamin Franklin's Bastard by Sally Cabot is historical fiction based the lives of Benjamin Franklin and his son William Franklin. As little is known about the true identity of William's mother, Cabot has created a possible story based on lots of research.
It is an interesting and entertaining read, giving us a glimpse inside the family life of one of the founding fathers of our nation. Those who like historical fiction will enjoy this book.
It is an interesting and entertaining read, giving us a glimpse inside the family life of one of the founding fathers of our nation. Those who like historical fiction will enjoy this book.
Friday, January 3, 2014
The Fountain of St.James Court
The Fountain of St.James Court; or Portrait of the Artist as an Old Woman by Sena Jeter Naslund, is a novel inside a novel, switching from present day Kentucky, to the past, during the life of French painter Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun (1755–1842).
In the present, we have Kathryn Callaghan, who has just completed her novel, Portrait of the Artist as an Old Woman. Naslund's novel takes place over the course of one day in Kathryn's life as she leaves her novel on a friend's doorstep to read, and goes on about her day, mostly daydreaming. Very little happens, and it is her inner workings that Naslund explores, while weaving in the life of Vigée-Lebrun as well.
The novel was interesting enough, and well written, but somehow missed the mark. I just didn't care all that much what happened to any of the characters. I found it tiresome and forgetful.
In the present, we have Kathryn Callaghan, who has just completed her novel, Portrait of the Artist as an Old Woman. Naslund's novel takes place over the course of one day in Kathryn's life as she leaves her novel on a friend's doorstep to read, and goes on about her day, mostly daydreaming. Very little happens, and it is her inner workings that Naslund explores, while weaving in the life of Vigée-Lebrun as well.
The novel was interesting enough, and well written, but somehow missed the mark. I just didn't care all that much what happened to any of the characters. I found it tiresome and forgetful.
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