This was a fun escape book. It's kind of a combination of the old time Phyllis Whitney mysteries and Francis Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden. The...moreThis was a fun escape book. It's kind of a combination of the old time Phyllis Whitney mysteries and Francis Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden. The story is told from the point of view of three generations of women so there is some adjusting required as the chapters jump back and forth in time. A good mystery with a satisfactory ending.(less)
Ingrid Betancourt was a presidential candidate in Columbia when she was kidnapped and held hostage in the jungle for 6 1/2 years. She was unable to ke...moreIngrid Betancourt was a presidential candidate in Columbia when she was kidnapped and held hostage in the jungle for 6 1/2 years. She was unable to keep a diary so the sequence of events might be confused but the readers gets a good idea of what daily living was like under horrendous circumstances. She describes her several escape attempts and the severe consequences of same. She describes the 'camps' in which they were forced to reside for weeks and months and the weeks-long marches they endured when moving camp. Her descriptions of her attempts to remain human, not always successfully, while being treated like an animal (or worse), are compelling. She also tells wonderful stories of people who displayed incredible warmth, courage and compassion in spite of the risks. I am in awe that anyone could survive such an ordeal - especially with the incredible bugs, rain and heat on top of all the other indignities. At 528 pages, her book is long, but it held my attention.. and it reminded me how long she and the other hostages endured their situation.(less)
Had to read the latest Newbery Award winner of course. Jack Gantos is an wacky guy but his writing does appeal to young people - of the male persuasio...moreHad to read the latest Newbery Award winner of course. Jack Gantos is an wacky guy but his writing does appeal to young people - of the male persuasion particularly. Kids will learn some history as they read about Jack's 12th summer of writing obituaries, digging a bomb shelter, being grounded and being cured from a constantly bloody nose.(less)
The word 'quirky' best describes this book. As in Kathryn Erskine's better known book, Mockingbird, one of the characters in this story is on the auti...moreThe word 'quirky' best describes this book. As in Kathryn Erskine's better known book, Mockingbird, one of the characters in this story is on the autism spectrum. In this case, the main character's Dad is the one. Mike is a young teenager whose mother has died and whose father loves him but is unable to express it very fully. Mike's Dad is a math genius and Mike has a math deficiency called dyscalculia - the source of much misunderstanding between the two. Mike's great aunt and uncle, very quirky unto themselves, arrange for Mike to spend the summer with them in their rural PA town. As in Pollyanna and Because of Winn Dixie, Mike's presence in the town becomes a source of healing for many other quirky characters. Chapter titles are math terms with their definition provided, and they relate to the events in the chapter. It's a clever story which will appeal to some, though not all, young readers.(less)
At first I wasn't sure I would like this intellectual memoir of growing up poor and brown in 1950s and 1960s America but I did like it. Richard Rodrig...moreAt first I wasn't sure I would like this intellectual memoir of growing up poor and brown in 1950s and 1960s America but I did like it. Richard Rodriguez is the son of Mexican immigrants. He began his formal education as a 'scholarship boy' at a Catholic school in Sacramento and ended with a PhD in English literature many years later. His analysis of the costs of assimilation into a new class and culture is based on deep experience. In spite of those costs, he feels strongly that affirmative action programs which try to ameliorate those costs do more harm than good. It's a lovely book describing an often lonely life.(less)
Laugh out loud funny. I really enjoyed this 'memoir' of the time in the early 2000s when WASP Ben Ryder Howe and his Korean wife and mother-in-law sea...moreLaugh out loud funny. I really enjoyed this 'memoir' of the time in the early 2000s when WASP Ben Ryder Howe and his Korean wife and mother-in-law searched for, purchased and ran a Korean Deli in NYC. Howe includes interesting vignettes about his career as an editor at The Paris Review working for George Plimpton. His riffs on the culture clash between traditional Korean values (work, rest, multiple generations living together) and traditional Puritan/WASP values are hilarious. He also comments on working in a retail store and the joys and hazards of owning a small business. The real-life characters, from his energizer-bunny mother-in-law to the gun-toting long time store employee, are also brilliantly described. Read it - you'll like it.(less)
Kristin Hannah writes mostly beach reads but this was pretty good. Like Jodi Picoult, she has taken on an 'issue' in this book. This is the story of J...moreKristin Hannah writes mostly beach reads but this was pretty good. Like Jodi Picoult, she has taken on an 'issue' in this book. This is the story of Jolene - deployed helicopter pilot for the US Army, and her workaholic husband and two daughters. It's another book about relationships but it's also about the personal and familial cost of war. It's a good reminder of the risks some folk take on behalf of the rest of us.(less)
If you attended Schalmont High School between 1972 and 2009, you'll have a blast reading this book. Mr. Pepe joined the high school English faculty fr...moreIf you attended Schalmont High School between 1972 and 2009, you'll have a blast reading this book. Mr. Pepe joined the high school English faculty fresh out of college in 1972. He spent his entire 37 year teaching career at Schalmont. One would be hard-pressed to find any individual as dedicated to a school as Rick Pepe. He taught, coached softball, became the "Voice of Schalmont" over many years of announcing football games, advised many classes and many students. You name it, he has probably done it. The book is divided into the months of his last year of teaching. It is part journal, part history of Schalmont and part advice for new teachers. If you're looking for a love story to teaching, you'll find it here.(less)
Read this if you're looking for some short meditations or reflections on prayer or life. The three chapters describe Lamott's prayer life whittled dow...moreRead this if you're looking for some short meditations or reflections on prayer or life. The three chapters describe Lamott's prayer life whittled down to the essentials of help (petition), thanks (gratitude) and wow (amazing!, seriously?) with a last little 'Amen' chapter thrown in. And there is always a good dose of humor in her writing. Here is quote from the Thanks chapter - "But grace can be the experience of a second wind, when even though what you want is clarity and resolution, what you get is stamina and poignancy and the strength to hang on. Through the most ordinary things, books, for instance, or a postcard, or eyes or hands, life is transformed."(less)
I picked this up at Target because it looked interesting and was blurbed by Anne Lamott. I gave it 4 stars because I really liked reading it - though...moreI picked this up at Target because it looked interesting and was blurbed by Anne Lamott. I gave it 4 stars because I really liked reading it - though I'm still processing to figure out what I think. Martha Beck tells the story of the 'weird' (some would say supernatural, some would say God, some would say mystery) events that surrounded her as she was expecting her second child. Adam was born with down syndrome and he has changed the lives of his multiple-Harvard-degreed parents in unimaginable ways. She's funny (and way too cynical and self-sufficient at the beginning). I've never had experiences such as she has, but as I've gotten older I'm learning to trust other's experiences for what they are -- their experiences. And mine aren't necessarily better or worse than the other's. I'd love to hear what y'all think about the book. (less)
Wow - I learned a lot that I'd rather not know by reading this book. Backmann delivers a seemingly comprehensive history of the wall being built to se...moreWow - I learned a lot that I'd rather not know by reading this book. Backmann delivers a seemingly comprehensive history of the wall being built to separate Israel and Palestine. The process has been torturous for many - loss of livelihood, loss of connection between family and friends, loss of tradition. The wall itself is incredibly circuitous and it's physical location highly political. One village is completely encircled such that no cars can go in or out of the village. The main point of the book is that the wall was supposed to be built on the Green Line separating the two peoples but it in fact has diverged from that line hundreds of times to make sure that Israeli West Bank settlements are included in Israel and have room to expand. According to the book, security is the argument for the wall but annexation of territory is a real, but unstated, goal. The book was a bit of a challenge to read for those of us not familiar with names and places, but if one reads over those things for the main idea, it was an interesting and disturbing read.(less)
This was the Newbery winner this year. I liked it but I liked Wonder by R.J. Polacio, another contender, much better. Ivan is a lonely, artistic goril...moreThis was the Newbery winner this year. I liked it but I liked Wonder by R.J. Polacio, another contender, much better. Ivan is a lonely, artistic gorilla in a Mall circus. He has befriended Stella the elephant and Bob the dog and Julia the daughter of the mall custodian. When a new baby elephant, Ruby, joins the crew, Ivan promises Stella on her deathbed that he will care for Ruby. The one and only Ivan uses his patience and creativity to improve life for all the animals. Young animal lovers will especially enjoy this story.(less)
We read this in bookgroup and I think all of us were glad when we finished it. It was written by and for the evangelical Christian community. David Ki...moreWe read this in bookgroup and I think all of us were glad when we finished it. It was written by and for the evangelical Christian community. David Kinnaman describes the research commissioned by Gabe Lyons in the 2006 timeframe. The purpose of the research was to find out what 'outsiders' (non-Christians primarily), particularly the 18-30 age group, think of Christians. The book describes the main sticking-points for why Christianity is becoming less compelling to the young cohort. It is a call for evangelical Christians to become more like Christ and less like 'Christians.' Since we're labeling, our bookgroup falls into the 'progressive' Christian camp so we often found ourselves in the 'outsider' group in terms of our understanding of things. We tried to use the book to consider where we fall short - even if it is in different areas than the author described. It's good to stretch outside our comfort zone and this book helped us do that. (less)
I liked this a lot. It's a good story about the costs and benefits of the immigrant experience. It takes place in New Jersey but many of the character...moreI liked this a lot. It's a good story about the costs and benefits of the immigrant experience. It takes place in New Jersey but many of the characters are originally from the Dominican Republic. There are not clear cut answers nor a clear cut ending but the main character comes to a new understanding about the cost to relationships when immigrant children inevitably leave their parents behind.(less)
This is a well-written page-turner. Detective Rob Ryan and partner Cassie are trying to solve the murder of a child in the woods outside of Dublin. Th...moreThis is a well-written page-turner. Detective Rob Ryan and partner Cassie are trying to solve the murder of a child in the woods outside of Dublin. The investigation centers on the community and woods where two children also disappeared in 1984 (20 years earlier). Detective Rob was the surviving child in that case though he has no memory of it. Perhaps the cases are related? Perhaps the family and neighbors are involved? Perhaps the archeological team nearby is involved? It's complicated, surprising and not necessarily neatly wrapped up in the end.(less)
Well I can say, "I knew her when." Lisa's parents and we joined the same church in the 1980's so we've known Lisa since teenagehood...not that she was...moreWell I can say, "I knew her when." Lisa's parents and we joined the same church in the 1980's so we've known Lisa since teenagehood...not that she was a teenage hood. But she does a good job of writing from the perspective of teenagers. This YA novel's main characters are teens who are active in the LGBT Alliance at their local high school. Besides the 'normal' teenage angst, main character Colby is suffering from the death of her mother, absenteeism from her long-distance truck driving father, and fear of admitting her sexuality to the adults in her life. It's part coming-of-age, part teenage romance, part girl-and-her-dog. It's a good, well-written story that might be uncomfortable for some. I don't think I know too many parents who would leave a 17 year old on their own as much as Colby is left on her own, but the teenage voices ring true -to this old lady. Congratulations to Lisa.(less)
I read this because the author was a keynoter at the Festival of Faith and Writing. Fifteen year old Kambili and her mother and brother live tightly c...moreI read this because the author was a keynoter at the Festival of Faith and Writing. Fifteen year old Kambili and her mother and brother live tightly circumscribed lives under the strict rules of her wealthy, powerful father. All is not as it seems however. Kambili's life starts unraveling about the same time as Nigeria falls under a military coup. This would be a wonderful young adult discussion book -- good story, coming-of-age, Nigerian history, nuanced characters, feelings of love and hate for the same person - all described with beautiful writing. Check out the author's TED talk at ted.com. Pretty cool.(less)
This was okay. Kept me mildly entertained on the airplane. The main character is Dana - a youngish middle-aged woman whose marriage has broken up. The...moreThis was okay. Kept me mildly entertained on the airplane. The main character is Dana - a youngish middle-aged woman whose marriage has broken up. The story follows Dana and her children, niece,friends, ex-husband, new boyfriends, etc. as all adjust to the changed circumstances. Has the requisite hopeful ending.(less)
I really liked this one. Apparently it is a sequel but I haven't read Veil of Roses so I don't know. This story is about Tami, a 27 year old Iranian i...moreI really liked this one. Apparently it is a sequel but I haven't read Veil of Roses so I don't know. This story is about Tami, a 27 year old Iranian immigrant who has married her friend Ike just as her visa is about to expire. The back story of her Iranian childhood, and her mother's mistreatment by the Iranian government, is significant. The conflict in this story revolves around her new mother-in-law's refusal to accept the marriage. Tami manages to grow a spine and she and Ike manage to work out the kinks in their relationship before the requisite happy ending. It was an easy book to like since I liked both Tami and Ike.(less)
If it involves a game or physical competition, I'm usually much more comfortable losing... or at least that's what I tell myself. A novel about three...moreIf it involves a game or physical competition, I'm usually much more comfortable losing... or at least that's what I tell myself. A novel about three Olympic bike racers isn't my usual fare - but this is a decent, if a bit eclectic, story. It's primarily about relationships - between competitors, between coach and athlete, parents and children, siblings, and friends. I could never imagine making the decisions the main characters make but then I'm not an Olympic athlete. It will be interesting to see what some real athletes think about the book.(less)
This is an amazing book! The authors define abundance as 'providing all people with a life of possibility.' Imagine a world where 9 billion people hav...moreThis is an amazing book! The authors define abundance as 'providing all people with a life of possibility.' Imagine a world where 9 billion people have adequate clean water, food, shelter, energy, education and health. The authors not only imagine it, but think it is possible within the next 25 years. Yes, it seems overly optimistic but their argument (with supporting data) and their energy and enthusiasm are contagious. They outline the incredible technological advances that are occurring in psychology and biology and therefore in health care and food production, in education, in energy development, in every field of human endeavor. They tell the story in a readable format, but more than half the book is notes and data supporting their argument. The Kindle version is 45% words and 65% appendices and notes. I would highly recommend this book for anyone with an interest in entrepreneurship, technology, improving the world, helping others live a fulfilling life, you name it. If you read it, I'd love to know what you think.(less)
I read this because the author is coming to the Festival of Faith and Writing in Grand Rapids this April. As with most memoirs, it suffers from a touc...moreI read this because the author is coming to the Festival of Faith and Writing in Grand Rapids this April. As with most memoirs, it suffers from a touch of narcissism but really it is a funny account of one woman's spiritual/theological journey. The format of the story is clever -- she takes God to couples counseling. I imagine she'll be an entertaining speaker.(less)
I read this because the author is coming to the Festival of Faith and Writing but I discovered that not only do I not get poetry, I don't really get n...moreI read this because the author is coming to the Festival of Faith and Writing but I discovered that not only do I not get poetry, I don't really get novels about poets. At least not this novel about poets. I still don't understand what motivated the characters to do what they did, think what they thought, be who they were.(less)
I loved, loved, loved this book! It is a Newbery contender and deservedly so. August is 10 and he is truly a wonder. He was born with severe facial de...moreI loved, loved, loved this book! It is a Newbery contender and deservedly so. August is 10 and he is truly a wonder. He was born with severe facial deformities so looking at him and including him is a challenge for most people. August has been home-schooled through fourth grade but for fifth grade enters a private school. This wonderful story of his fifth grade year is told from the point of view of August, his parents, his sister and even a classmate. All the character's personalities and feelings seem very real. The kids are scared, they want to fit in, they're mean and kind and everything in-between. The parents are torn between protecting their son and wanting him to be everything he can be. Tears of sadness and joy accompanied my reading. Read it - you'll like it.(less)
This is a tough one. "Beautiful Forever" is the slogan of a tile company in India. One of the walls surrounding the modern Mumbai airport is covered w...moreThis is a tough one. "Beautiful Forever" is the slogan of a tile company in India. One of the walls surrounding the modern Mumbai airport is covered with posters advertising the tile company. On the other side of that wall, where tourists and business people can't see, lies the Annawadi settlement, a 'community' of 3000 people - one of many such slums in the area. From 2008-2011, the author spent many days getting to know the people of Annawadi. Disease, malnutrition, crime, corruption, subsistence level living, and lack of hope are all part of the Annawadi equation. Katherine Boo's writing draws the reader in. The people in Annawadi become real human beings with real, if often horrible, lives. The apparent lack of compassion for others and the horrendous corruption raised many questions for me -- is it cultural, survival of the fittest, lack of religion, or just which stories the author chose to tell? I believe proximity and getting to know people who are different than we are dramatically increases compassion. If traveling to the slums of India isn't in the cards for you, I would recommend this book as part of your personal development program.(less)
Diane Rehm recently interviewed this author, along with a couple other people, in a show about the death of a parent in childhood/young adulthood. The...moreDiane Rehm recently interviewed this author, along with a couple other people, in a show about the death of a parent in childhood/young adulthood. The program was wonderful, and so was this book. Though I haven't been through such a tragedy, the story rang true. The main character, Corinna (age 13), narrates her life for the first year or so after her mother's death. I think the book would be helpful for any kids (older elementary-young adulthood) trying to cope with a huge loss of any kind.(less)
What an unusual premise for a story - In an effort to help comfort his new beloved after the death of her grandmother, software geek Sam Elling develo...moreWhat an unusual premise for a story - In an effort to help comfort his new beloved after the death of her grandmother, software geek Sam Elling develops a 'virtual' copy of Meredith's grandmother. Using every bit of electronic communication (video chats, email etc) that Livvy engaged with in real life, Sam creates a virtual Livvy. Meredith and Livvy can then email and video chat forever after if they choose. Sam and Meredith and cousin Dash start a business called RePose to help those in mourning find comfort. As you can imagine, there are all kinds of interesting questions raised about life, death, love, reality and real community. The characters are great. I really enjoyed the story even though everything isn't 'happy ever after.'(less)
The author is Irish and the book has its share of blarney but I liked it. Despite the title, it is basically a war story. I hadn't realized that Irela...moreThe author is Irish and the book has its share of blarney but I liked it. Despite the title, it is basically a war story. I hadn't realized that Ireland was 'neutral' during WWII. The main character, Ben, is an old man writing a memoir of his activities during WWII and in particular, his friendship with Kate Begley - the matchmaker of Kenmare. The story explores the idea of neutrality in war and in relationships. Is it really possible to be neutral in a conflict of that magnitude... or in any conflict? (less)
I first read this in high school (early-mid 1970's) and loved it. I read it again in 1983 and was captivated once more. I have often referred to it as...moreI first read this in high school (early-mid 1970's) and loved it. I read it again in 1983 and was captivated once more. I have often referred to it as a favorite book but really couldn't remember much about it so thought I should re-read it for a third time twenty-eight years later. It is an amazing civil rights story but it is definitely dated. I still enjoyed it and still had tears streaming down my face at the end. The main character, David Chamberlain, is poor, black, religious, smart, and from Mississippi in the 1950's. He goes to a northern, private college on a scholarship where he meets Sara - middle class, white, non-religious, smart and from the mid-west. The story is primarily David's -- as he struggles with his identity, his love for Sara, his devotion and love for his people during a time of crisis. Two things date the story -- the role and status of women and the use of rumors of homosexuality as an accepted method for discrimination. A good book for its time.(less)
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is based on an unlikely sounding plot but it is actually quite good. Harold Fry is an ordinary, recently retired...moreThe Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is based on an unlikely sounding plot but it is actually quite good. Harold Fry is an ordinary, recently retired man going about his ordinary business when he receives a note from a long lost friend who is dying of cancer. Harold writes a quick reply and starts walking to the mailbox to send the note. A chance encounter convinces him that he needs to deliver the note in person so he just keeps walking... for many weeks across most of England. He meets some characters and has much time to reflect on his life. Both Harold and his wife, Maureen, need, and find, redemption in this lovely story.(less)
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