I LOVED this book -- funny, laugh-out-loud. I really hope this becomes a movie -- with the right screenplay and casting, it would easily become a cla...moreI LOVED this book -- funny, laugh-out-loud. I really hope this becomes a movie -- with the right screenplay and casting, it would easily become a classic.(less)
This book has gotten quite a bit of attention and for good reason. Oddly, this book is not filled wi...moreBeautiful.....lyrical.....haunting.....
This book has gotten quite a bit of attention and for good reason. Oddly, this book is not filled with much action or even high drama. The story sort of floats along and carries you through. However, Towles has such a way with words - simply stunning, actually.
I cannot wait to see what he comes up with next.(less)
Fascinating account of Vaughan's first year as an expat in Norway. She takes us through all of the little details of life in Norway.
I reall...moreFascinating account of Vaughan's first year as an expat in Norway. She takes us through all of the little details of life in Norway.
I really enjoyed this book - it was a quick read and truthfully, I hated how abruptly it ended. I wanted to find out what happened next. I gave this book 3 stars because it seems that Vaughan literally took her diary from that first year and made a book of it. The writing wasn't particularly clever, but the subject matter made up for that.(less)
This was a fascinating read! Sharell has lived all over India and I loved reading about her experiences as she attempts to forge a new life a for her...moreThis was a fascinating read! Sharell has lived all over India and I loved reading about her experiences as she attempts to forge a new life a for herself - not just one in India, but one within herself. She goes through some striking personal changes and I appreciated her sharing those.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who has lived an expat life or is considering one.(less)
A thoughtful, respectful book. All too often now, when you read, watch or hear about hoarders, it is done in similar terms that one would describe a ...moreA thoughtful, respectful book. All too often now, when you read, watch or hear about hoarders, it is done in similar terms that one would describe a freakshow act at the circus.
Sholl has not done that here. Furthermore, her relationship with her mother could easily resonate with any of us that have had to forge a different kind of relationship with a mother who is not always responsible. Sholl is frustrated with her mother, but she still loves her. And that clearly comes across in this book.(less)
This is a GHOST story. I am SO irritated because I do not enjoy reads that employ mysticism or are heavy on the r...more**spoiler alert** SPOILER:
This is a GHOST story. I am SO irritated because I do not enjoy reads that employ mysticism or are heavy on the religion. I'm about 40% through this - I may abandon it, or I may skim to the end to find out what happens. Regardless, I am setting it down for now and reading something more compelling.
re: Lisa See - I loved Shanghai Sisters and Memories of Joy
However, I did NOT like Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. I am not really sure what to think of See now. Eh.(less)
Spellbinding! I've read much about WWII on the European front, this was newer material for me with it being set on the Pacific front.
Furthe...moreSpellbinding! I've read much about WWII on the European front, this was newer material for me with it being set on the Pacific front.
Furthermore, I was so impressed with Hillenbrand's gift for storytelling, that I am definitely going to look into reading Seabiscuit! Never thought I'd say THAT. (less)
Spoiler Alert! move along if you haven't finished this yet!!!!!!! ......
Okay, I'm a little conflicted about the ending of this b...moreSpoiler Alert! move along if you haven't finished this yet!!!!!!! ......
Okay, I'm a little conflicted about the ending of this book. I didn't expect such an obvious ending for a book that had such an unusual plotline and story-telling mechanism. In the middle of the book, I began to suspect that Ben was the one who had attacked her in the hotel room - in a jealous husband fit of rage. I was disappointed that it ended up being " Mike the attacker is pretending to be the husband" . Huh. Not sure what to think, but I still enjoyed the read itself.
I did think that the plot and story was written pretty tightly. I was impressed with a male author writing how it felt to be a woman finding out that she had aged 20 years from what she remember last. This is a story that could have easily unraveled into silliness and I thought the "amnesiac keeps a journal" was a nice touch to helping with continuity, etc. (less)
Sweet....sensitive....heartbreaking. Just lovely. I truly lovely read. I was on edge for each of these characters and throughout the book, only wan...moreSweet....sensitive....heartbreaking. Just lovely. I truly lovely read. I was on edge for each of these characters and throughout the book, only wanted the very best for them. I fell that is telling for a book - where you truly care for so many of the characters like that!(less)
If you are truly interested in the history of polygamy in the Mormon church, then this book is for you! If you are truly interested in the current si...moreIf you are truly interested in the history of polygamy in the Mormon church, then this book is for you! If you are truly interested in the current situation of polygamy in the Morman church......then, this book may not be for you. I struggled reading this, I thought the historical part was a tad slow and boring. However, I read it and I don't regret reading it. It just wasn't much of a pot-boiler. The modern-day mystery fell flat for me.(less)
I struggled with the beginning of this book, but wow - did it pay off. I came away with an incredible understanding of the famine of China in the 195...moreI struggled with the beginning of this book, but wow - did it pay off. I came away with an incredible understanding of the famine of China in the 1950s and also, of how Communism was implemented in the beginning. Definitely, a worthy read after Shanghai Girls!(less)