River's Edge by Marie Bostwick is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The setting is pre-WWII through the war years in a small New Engla...moreRiver's Edge by Marie Bostwick is one of the best books I have read in a long time. The setting is pre-WWII through the war years in a small New England community, where they grow tobacco, of all things. It is a coming of age story, a building a new life story. Bostwick gives us characters we really care about, can relate to, and root for. She captures the place and times and people so thoroughly that the story lingered in my mind during the intervals between reading. Maybe it is because my mother has told me much about life during the War in her small Southern town that I could relate. (less)
I soak up Bradbury's prose and imagination. But this time I had to set the book aside because it was so dark, and my mood needed something lighter. I...moreI soak up Bradbury's prose and imagination. But this time I had to set the book aside because it was so dark, and my mood needed something lighter. I look forward to returning to this book. Perhaps it is one to read in stages, to take in what Bradbury is presenting. (less)
I enjoyed this book. D. E. Stevenson takes me to a place I want to be and away from my own world. I find her books worthy of study, too, teaching me a...moreI enjoyed this book. D. E. Stevenson takes me to a place I want to be and away from my own world. I find her books worthy of study, too, teaching me about of a graceful way of life gone by, and the construction of a good novel.
This, as each of her stories, is unique. Gerald and Elizabeth are brother and sister, not a couple as is the norm. The story is told mainly through Gerald's viewpoint. D. E. Stevenson's stories are akin to Jan Karon's, in that they are gently told yet do deal with every human issue, funny to sordid. The books have such understanding for the human condition.
I found this book a little rushed and even a bit silly toward the end, but I still enjoyed reading it. Now I'm on to another of Stevenson's. I think I'll read all I can get my hands on. No easy task, with her books all being published in the first half of the 1900s.(less)
Not as good as the first book, Miss Buncle's Book, but still entertaining. I might even read it again, just because it is amusing and takes me to a pl...moreNot as good as the first book, Miss Buncle's Book, but still entertaining. I might even read it again, just because it is amusing and takes me to a place I like. D. E. Stevenson's honesty is refreshing. I related to the main character's honest feelings about a number of other characters.(less)
Ray Bradbury was a character writer. He wrote about people, their loves and losses in this life. My two favorite stories in the collection are 'The Ho...moreRay Bradbury was a character writer. He wrote about people, their loves and losses in this life. My two favorite stories in the collection are 'The House', which seemed an autobiography, and 'The Cat's Pajamas', just a darling story. Bradbury had such sparkling wit. His love of life comes through all his stories. Beware, there are also some gruesome stories in the collection. I mostly skipped those. His best work was in the late 1940s and 1950s.(less)
I did not care for it at first. It drew me in, like one of Bradbury's fantasy magical machines. On page 78, and it is marvelous! Bradbury was one of...more
I did not care for it at first. It drew me in, like one of Bradbury's fantasy magical machines. On page 78, and it is marvelous! Bradbury was one of a kind. (less)
Bradbury uses his own writing journey to encourage a writer, to encourage anyone actually, to find and be themselves. To truly Live. Each time I read...moreBradbury uses his own writing journey to encourage a writer, to encourage anyone actually, to find and be themselves. To truly Live. Each time I read this book, I see something new.(less)
I found this an enjoyable read, and even one I might re-read. Yet it was an odd book, too. There were, in fact, a couple of plot points I really could...moreI found this an enjoyable read, and even one I might re-read. Yet it was an odd book, too. There were, in fact, a couple of plot points I really couldn't buy. Likely these plot turns were effects Reynolds counted on to make the story unique, or even just a bit shocking. In the end, though, these did not bother me. I was slow to warm to Roxanna, but I did in the end. Reynolds' writing is enough to keep me reading. His turn of phrase brings high delight at times, and the cadence and description so very true, taking me home to my own heritage. These are my people, and for days I felt my grandparents and the weight of all of them hovering near. Thank you, Mr. Reynolds.(less)
Love the time period, WWII. A Thriller wonderfully done. So wonderfully that I had to give up reading it before bedtime, and I really doubt I'll re-re...moreLove the time period, WWII. A Thriller wonderfully done. So wonderfully that I had to give up reading it before bedtime, and I really doubt I'll re-read it. Don't miss it when it comes out.(less)
I find things I learned in this book helps me to have a bit different view of the country today. I doubt we have ever had since that time such strong...moreI find things I learned in this book helps me to have a bit different view of the country today. I doubt we have ever had since that time such strong and forceful men as began our country, yet they had their weaknesses, too. I doubt it was the author's intention, but I rather blame James Madison for the strength of the central government. I find myself in the camp of the other side, who believed the danger too great to give the government the power to levy taxes as it eventually got.
The book engages, inspires, and informs in a wonderful way.(less)
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