I'm glad I read it. It helped to put a lot of this time period in my mind into a much better perspective. I didn't realize how much turmoil there was...moreI'm glad I read it. It helped to put a lot of this time period in my mind into a much better perspective. I didn't realize how much turmoil there was between church and state, so many little empires with small armies who could attack each other, and choose to accept the pope or the emperor (empress) or not depending on how much they liked him. A leader of a state or the church could change in months due to disease, assassination, or simply by being chased out. For years, Jews, Chritians, and Muslims lived in harmony. The political leaders didn't care. They didn't want turmoil. This behavior interfered with more important matters like the collection of taxes and defending they're kingdom from attack.(less)
This a great American story on so many levels. This gives the reader so many insights into what makes someone "American" and how poorly some American...more This a great American story on so many levels. This gives the reader so many insights into what makes someone "American" and how poorly some Americans treat one another built on ignorance and prejudice. If you don't understand someone, if they don't conform to whatever "normal and right" is, then there must be something wrong with them. Maybe, like many people we can say one thing and do just the opposite. Native Americans, have for the most part been horribly mistreated in a most unchristian-like manner by Americans who call themselves Christians. At times Jim Thorpe, like other native Americans was treated well, but these times were too few and far between. Like many athletes, managers, team owners, and fans alike, no matter what the sport it is, winning means everything. As long as you're winning life is good. What keeps everyone going after a defeat is the possibility that the next game might be a win.(less)
Gave me a much better perspective on Bush 43. Okay, I'll even say "appreciation." Looking back in this short-term historical view I csn see how much w...moreGave me a much better perspective on Bush 43. Okay, I'll even say "appreciation." Looking back in this short-term historical view I csn see how much was hidden as events were unfolding and being shaped be his decisions. This was a very interesting and worthwhile read. It got a little slow when it got to AIDS/HIV in Africa, but the book was getting to be a bit long for me at that point. At 500+ pages it's a bit long for me. After "HIV-Africa" it piqued my interest again pretty much until the end. (less)
**spoiler alert** Very interesting story of a young wife and mother who is undergoing a new sense of self realization which troubles and bewilders her...more**spoiler alert** Very interesting story of a young wife and mother who is undergoing a new sense of self realization which troubles and bewilders her friends and family members. The descriptions of the Louisiana Grand Iles/New Orleans settings add greatly to the reader's sense of being there as events unfold. Although I can see how other readers might feel manipulated and this short novel was written to point the way for a women's lib movement I get the impression the story's singular focus on the main character, Edna Pontillier, makes it much simpler than that. I think too much was being read into it. The ending certainly is not very liberating and uplifting. (less)
Dissappointing. I don't think I'll be reading another book by this author. This story was too long. The writing could have been tightened up so much....more Dissappointing. I don't think I'll be reading another book by this author. This story was too long. The writing could have been tightened up so much. I kept waiting for something to happen and it never did, as far as I'm concerned. Here are some examples as far as the writing goes. I counted some 30 paragraphs within the first half of the book which began with "Anyway," "So anyway.." or "Well anyway..." To me this is just lazy writing and gets very tedious. He also begins sentences with "Well, I thought..." or "Well, I suppose.." To me this just weakens the writing. Here's an example of an overly long sentence: “I think I had sensed she wanted to be alone.” Why not write “I sensed she wanted to be alone.” Does this sound petty? Maybe. But, just think if this could be done consistently throughout the book what a difference this could make. To me it matters. Fewer words= fewer pages = fewer minutes reading = more time sleeping or watching reruns of “Seinfeld.” The author also begins too many sentences with “But…””But of course…”,”At the time…”, “But what do I know of…about.” He also uses “In any case…” “And so…”, “Perhaps…” “As you…”, “As for…”, “Besides…”, “Actually…” a lot. He uses a lot of adverbs (Usually –ly words) which modify verbs, other adverbs, as well as adjectives. While perfectly grammatically correct they can tend toward weakening the point one is trying to make. But of course, or should I say, anyway, what do I know about the perfectly well thought of writing by a perfectly well respected author? Read on McDuff. (less)
Too long. Too long winded. At least a third of it should be thrown out. Tightening things up would have done it a world of good. Too many minor charac...moreToo long. Too long winded. At least a third of it should be thrown out. Tightening things up would have done it a world of good. Too many minor characters. Going on and on about things that don't move the real story along is just a waste. Just when one subplot gets going and it gets interesting that's it for god knows how many pages.(less)
Not Rizzoli and Ilsles like I thought. Better! The best of the three or four Gerritsen books I've read. You can tell a lot of blood, sweat, and tears....moreNot Rizzoli and Ilsles like I thought. Better! The best of the three or four Gerritsen books I've read. You can tell a lot of blood, sweat, and tears...and research went into this. I was practically in tears during the ending. Now when was the last time you can say a novel made you feel that way? Want to feel like you're going to medical school in 1830, in Boston? Then this is the book for you. Thank goodness the gory cadaver dissection sections in the beginning don't last any longer than they do, but they serve their purpose. All this rich history, a medical crime mystery, an ending with a twist you won't figure out, a sense of class warfare about to boil over, and a terrific love story, too. Who could ask for more? Me! I want to read more novels as good as this.(less)
Overall, disappointing. Sorry to say it's a let down. About three quarters of the way through it just kind of slowed down and went flat. It should hav...moreOverall, disappointing. Sorry to say it's a let down. About three quarters of the way through it just kind of slowed down and went flat. It should have built up to a more exciting, satisfying ending. I'll keep reading the rest of the R & I series, but for me "The Bone Garden" is far and away Tess's best.(less)
(eBook edition, courtesy Tampa Bay Library Consortium) Sure wish I could give this a four star rating. I'll have to think about it. Maybe after I've r...more(eBook edition, courtesy Tampa Bay Library Consortium) Sure wish I could give this a four star rating. I'll have to think about it. Maybe after I've read some other books and some more Tess I'll be able to bump it up. Nothing by her so far compares to "The Bone Garden." The Rizzoli and Isles TV series sucks. The two main characters have the same names only. Such a disappointment!(less)
I enjoyed it until about two-thirds of the way through when the action took over the human detail. This sort of race to finish writing the book makes...moreI enjoyed it until about two-thirds of the way through when the action took over the human detail. This sort of race to finish writing the book makes it seem like the author has lost interest and just wants to get it over with, get it to his publisher and start the next book.
I realize this is one of Koontz's earlier books and was even first published under a pen name. I think he was maybe a little bit embarrassed or unsure of his talents as a writer. I'm glad he stuck with it and look forward to reading more of his more recent novels.(less)
Sort of has the pace of a James Patterson type action/suspense novel. Short-chapter, page-turner. You won't even need a dictionary. Wikipedia might co...moreSort of has the pace of a James Patterson type action/suspense novel. Short-chapter, page-turner. You won't even need a dictionary. Wikipedia might come in handy though or a Mary Shelley refresher here in Goodreads. Looking forward to reading #2 in the series.(less)
Kudos once again to Dean Koontz. Lots of fun. Filled with mystery, suspense, and just the right amount of action - unlike so much fiction. I look forw...moreKudos once again to Dean Koontz. Lots of fun. Filled with mystery, suspense, and just the right amount of action - unlike so much fiction. I look forward to reading "Seize The Night" very soon. I've read "Odd Thomas" and "Odd Hours". The other books in that series are on my "to-read" list.(less)
Fascinating history. This story follows the four year saga of the American family of the newly appointed US ambassador to Germany, William Dodd, begin...moreFascinating history. This story follows the four year saga of the American family of the newly appointed US ambassador to Germany, William Dodd, beginning in 1933. Adolf Hitler had just been named Chancellor of Germany by President Hindenburg. Slowly the Dodds begin to realize they are living on the edge of terror as Hitler becomes more and more powerful.(less)
This is a very good read. Overall, Lelyveld does a fine job and presents a fresh historical view, not shying away from Gandhi's own admitted short co...more
This is a very good read. Overall, Lelyveld does a fine job and presents a fresh historical view, not shying away from Gandhi's own admitted short comings and periods of self doubt. It's great that a glossary is provided for all of the Hindi words and phrases. I only needed to consult a dictionary a few times. Gandhi always put his beliefs into action, especially near the end of his life. It's impossible to say how many lives he saved by nearly fasting to death himself. Nobody, which ever side of the thorny political, sectarian, or religious issues they your on, wanted him to die on their home turf. He shuttled between Delhi and East Pakistan (Bangladesh) several times in order to quell violence and he always succeeded, at least temporarily. His main goals in life were to end the caste system in India, end British rule in India and South Africa, and for people everywhere to be accepting of others, regardless of their own belief system. He believed that politics and religion should always remain separate. He was a role model for other world leaders; Martin Luther King, Jr., Nelson Mandela, Caesar Chavez and many more. He showed that organized, non-violent demonstration is not passive and can effect great social and political change. You can see those same tactics being used today by seekers of freedom in Tahrir Square, Occupy Wall Street and elsewhere. Like anyone else though, he could not see ahead of time or into even the near future that monsters such as Hitler and the many dictators throughout history who lived by and only knew the use of violence and absolutely could not be reasoned with. I can think of no higher praise of Gandhi than to say that he can well be placed along side any of the great human beings whoever walked this earth and realized their sole reason for being was to love humankind and to show that others can bravely do the same no matter how many may hate them for it. He was never arrogant or prideful, but humble, always mindful of how much work was yet to be done. Indeed, a great soul.(less)
Couldn't finish it. I already saw the movie. Maybe that was a mistake, but frankly it Is written in a pretty anemic style with not anything new to add...moreCouldn't finish it. I already saw the movie. Maybe that was a mistake, but frankly it Is written in a pretty anemic style with not anything new to add to the science- fiction-alien-disguised-as-humans genre. I've just got too many other books waiting in my library queue I'd rather be reading. (eBook edition courtesy Tampa Bay Library Consortium)(less)
Read as much as I could, which was only a few pages. Then I read some reader reviews and came to the conclusion it wasn't going to get any better so I...moreRead as much as I could, which was only a few pages. Then I read some reader reviews and came to the conclusion it wasn't going to get any better so I've decided to put it down and pick out something better from my "to read" list. I enjoyed "Saturday" and was hoping for something as good if not better. I might try another McEwan book sometime.(less)
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