I decided to read this after Vonnegut died, and I'm glad I did. But I doubt I'll read it again--I didn't really see war any differently. The book is e...moreI decided to read this after Vonnegut died, and I'm glad I did. But I doubt I'll read it again--I didn't really see war any differently. The book is easier reading than I thought it would be. Vonnegut uses a lot of repeated phrases and images, which I found appealing. The time the main character spent with aliens was tough going for me.(less)
This is the first book in a 7 book series fantasy series, almost 700 pgs long. When I finished this book, I thought I wouldn't read any more because o...moreThis is the first book in a 7 book series fantasy series, almost 700 pgs long. When I finished this book, I thought I wouldn't read any more because of the time commitment. But some of the characters have really stayed with me. So I'm on a long wait list for an audio version of the 2nd. We'll see if I continue...(less)
I listened to this story on 31 audio disks. Whew! But it is perfect driving fare. Not sure I'll make it through all of the currently published 5 books...moreI listened to this story on 31 audio disks. Whew! But it is perfect driving fare. Not sure I'll make it through all of the currently published 5 books, but we'll see.(less)
This is a favorite book of pastor Larry Renoe. Berry is a poet, and this book reflects that fact, being more setting than plot driven. It took me fore...moreThis is a favorite book of pastor Larry Renoe. Berry is a poet, and this book reflects that fact, being more setting than plot driven. It took me forever to read all of it. But I persevered because of the beauty of some phrases and Berry's capturing of a past way of life.(less)
Nice addition to my Econ book list for HS seniors. The writing isn't all that much, but the premise of what Adam Smith would say to our generation is...moreNice addition to my Econ book list for HS seniors. The writing isn't all that much, but the premise of what Adam Smith would say to our generation is very clever.(less)
Wonderful description, based on historical research, of how Renoir might have approached painting his masterpiece. Taught me about art and post commun...moreWonderful description, based on historical research, of how Renoir might have approached painting his masterpiece. Taught me about art and post commune France.(less)
I really liked the cast of characters in this and how all were so colored by their high school experience--I can relate. Also liked the love poem to C...moreI really liked the cast of characters in this and how all were so colored by their high school experience--I can relate. Also liked the love poem to Charleston. Such a good read.(less)
Simon is famous for Riding the bus with My Sister, but as she is disclosed in this book, I think it would be a lot of work to be her friend. She's too...moreSimon is famous for Riding the bus with My Sister, but as she is disclosed in this book, I think it would be a lot of work to be her friend. She's too introspective for me, yet I did finish the book.(less)
Loved Karon describing Ireland instead of Mitford. As always, some great one-liners, such as "When I find myself in the cellar of affliction, I always...moreLoved Karon describing Ireland instead of Mitford. As always, some great one-liners, such as "When I find myself in the cellar of affliction, I always look about for the wine." (Rutherford)(less)
Set of interconnecting short stories about life at Fort Hood. These sneak up on you, achieving that short story wonder of being a story with true mean...moreSet of interconnecting short stories about life at Fort Hood. These sneak up on you, achieving that short story wonder of being a story with true meaning about life. (less)
**spoiler alert** Normally I'm a big fan of librarian main characters, but this book left me conflicted. This librarian basically kidnaps a kid and wh...more**spoiler alert** Normally I'm a big fan of librarian main characters, but this book left me conflicted. This librarian basically kidnaps a kid and while she moans quite a bit about guilt, pays no real price. I did read until the end and the ending has a great moment in it, but I can't recommend this book. (less)
Should Americans accept a design for the 9/11 memorial from a Muslim? This novel wrestles with what it means to be American and what it means to be Mu...moreShould Americans accept a design for the 9/11 memorial from a Muslim? This novel wrestles with what it means to be American and what it means to be Muslim. Story perks along, so the intellectual questions aren't dry. Best book I've read in a while.(less)
I had such high expectations for this book because of Cold Mountain, but I was disappointed. There are some nice moments,like the main character's att...moreI had such high expectations for this book because of Cold Mountain, but I was disappointed. There are some nice moments,like the main character's attempt to develop the children in her charge, but overall not much stick to the ribs for me.(less)
I think this is supposed to be a window on American culture and the immigrant experience, but it was too literary/subtle for me to understand what the...moreI think this is supposed to be a window on American culture and the immigrant experience, but it was too literary/subtle for me to understand what the author wanted to say.(less)
I stopped reading this book half way through. I just didn't find the idea of exploring what childhood feels like interesting. I like plot. Probably th...moreI stopped reading this book half way through. I just didn't find the idea of exploring what childhood feels like interesting. I like plot. Probably there is more going on here than I could see, but I was bored.(less)