Anyone who loves dogs the way I do will find Canine Confessions an unforgettable insight into what our canine friends see and hear during their lives...moreAnyone who loves dogs the way I do will find Canine Confessions an unforgettable insight into what our canine friends see and hear during their lives with humans. I must have read CC four times during the course of editing and each time I found new jewels, laughs, chuckles and moments of intense feelings. It is a book that stays with you. Written as a journal in the first person, Daisy is an erudite cocker spaniel living with her Montreal family and a delightful cast of family and friend characters - two-legged, four-legged and winged - during the sometimes turbulent 1970s.
Canine Confessions is an entrant in the Quebec Writers' Federation Paragraphe Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction and is being submitted for Canada's Giller Prize.
As Montreal Gazette literary critic Ian McGillis wrote, “Bernadette Griffin renders a dog’s-eye view more vividly than most writers render a human’s. I will never forget Daisy, and you will never forget Canine Confessions.”
I'll second the motion. Superior writing and storytelling in every respect.(less)
It took awhile for me to get immersed in this book. But after a few chapters I became very curious about Shelby and just sat back with my coffee, put...moreIt took awhile for me to get immersed in this book. But after a few chapters I became very curious about Shelby and just sat back with my coffee, put up my feet and suspended all disbelief for a few hours. Sure, there were a few things that didn't ring true, like the Graham dynasty not running a security check on Shelby. And the ending was pretty abrupt for a romance. And, the clinical names during the steamy sex scenes dampened the steam a bit. But, all in all, the writing and dialogue were very strong and it was a fun read. And, if you like horses and canyon trail riding with your steamy sex, it's all here. (less)
These two short novellas would have made for fine full-length novels. The characters are interesting and well-developed. But, although short, both pro...moreThese two short novellas would have made for fine full-length novels. The characters are interesting and well-developed. But, although short, both provided a fine reading experience. Well done!(less)
It took me a little while to become immersed in Torn Together, which is the way it should be in good Women's Fiction. Emlyn Chand took her time establ...moreIt took me a little while to become immersed in Torn Together, which is the way it should be in good Women's Fiction. Emlyn Chand took her time establishing the dysfunctional relationship between Laine and her daughter Daly, including introducing Meghann, a pregnant unwed teen, to help compare and contrast Laine's relationships with the two young women.
By the time Kashi entered the story, I was ready for Daly to get a little unconditional love, since she and her mother were clearly estranged on different levels, including physically within their home, as well as emotionally and creatively.
Daly's relationship with Kashi is beautifully rendered. Her meetings with his family in Delhi, India are incredibly realistic and described in exquisite detail. And I enjoyed the tourist outings and could picture Daly in her magnificent saree.
The characters in Torn Together are wonderfully and richly developed and described. Young Meghann being wise beyond her years adds an unexpected and poignant touch to the relationships formed. Kashi's immediate and extended family are a wonderfully riotous bunch. His sisters are priceless.
Laine was clearly a woman trapped in her grief over the death of her husband to the point of pushing away her own daughter. Their journey towards understanding and a rich mother-daughter relationship was, at first, understandably frustrating and ultimately heartwarming, with a number of tissues in between.
An added feature of the book and one rarely seen (yet) were beautiful drawings at the beginning of each chapter and a name flag so you knew which character's point of view was coming. Well done!
I read the book in three sittings. I would have done it in two but holiday duties called.
Hope you're working on your next WF Ms. Chand!(less)
A Watch in the Night is a beautifully written and thoughtfully wrought history of what life would have been like for a family living on an isolated is...moreA Watch in the Night is a beautifully written and thoughtfully wrought history of what life would have been like for a family living on an isolated island off the Atlantic coast where survival and tending the only lighthouse in the area was the central focus of life. Based on the last lightkeepers on Pomquet Island, Nova Scotia, Canada, Ruth Edgett explores the life of ancestors she never met except through family stories and histories. This is a book to be savored by all of us who still love the mystique of a lighthouse. (less)
I have only rarely read "Americana western" novels before and wasn't sure if I'd like it. But, I am reading outside of my usual genre to learn about d...moreI have only rarely read "Americana western" novels before and wasn't sure if I'd like it. But, I am reading outside of my usual genre to learn about different settings and authors. I thoroughly enjoyed Where the Wind Blows. I needed a heartwarming story that let me escape and be entertained and this book certainly filled both bills. The young characters Gabe, Jake and Sarah were believable; Mrs. Hollycock stole every scene she was in and Chase and Jessie were delightfully conflicted about their feelings for each other. I read it in one Sunday sitting as the rain poured outside. I look forward to reading another novel by Ms. Fyffe any time... count me as a new fan! (less)
After years away from the mystery genre, I've read several over the past year and Pilate's Ghost is in my Top Three for 2012... of all the books I've...moreAfter years away from the mystery genre, I've read several over the past year and Pilate's Ghost is in my Top Three for 2012... of all the books I've read and that would be dozens. Having not read the first two Pilate books, it took me a bit of time to figure out who was who. But, with top-notch writing it wasn't a stretch and I soon caught on (now I need to read the other two books!). The opening chapter is chilling but compelling. And here's fair warning: Put away your 'To Do' list when you get to page 131 because you will NOT be able to put the book down until you finish. I was glued to my chair - amazing plot twists and turns and a fabulous stunt with a rented Zuzuki! Oh yes, and a great cast of characters. Apart from John and Kate, there's the mercurial Prof. Trevathan, the irrepressible Taters and my absolute favorite - Simon. He steals every scene he's in! No spoilers... ;-)
I received a copy of this book for participating in a Kickstarter campaign by the author.(less)
Nikolai's debut is stellar. Strong central character in Megan, great side-kick in Michael - strong team together. Set in Montreal, this story moves al...moreNikolai's debut is stellar. Strong central character in Megan, great side-kick in Michael - strong team together. Set in Montreal, this story moves along beautifully, with plenty of atmosphere, strong suspense, plenty of twists and turns and several wonderful and plenty bad characters. The good guys win, but not without a long and stressful fight. This is weekend reading at its very best. I'm just waiting for the next installment! (less)
Shelley Noble has delivered a wonderfully crafted story about a woman writing the next chapter in her life by defining what's important to her so can...moreShelley Noble has delivered a wonderfully crafted story about a woman writing the next chapter in her life by defining what's important to her so can live an authentic life. Her character Margaux has had her life and career overturned by her shady ex. When she returns home broke to her small seaside community, she is immediately surrounded by a community of warm and caring people. Nick, the local police chief, has had a crush since he was a teenager. When Margaux returns 20 years later, he is older and wiser but still can't deny his feelings for her. I truly enjoyed reading Beach Colors and getting to know the people of Crescent Cove, Connecticut. I'd love to have a hairdresser like Linda and would enjoy having neighbors like Adelaide and Roger. These are all my kind of people! Looking forward to the next instalment!(less)
When I started reading Dog Ma: The Zen of Slobber, I hadn't counted on spending virtually half the day reading it and ignoring other tasks. My husband...moreWhen I started reading Dog Ma: The Zen of Slobber, I hadn't counted on spending virtually half the day reading it and ignoring other tasks. My husband got tired of asking me what I was laughing about so much. Barbara's story telling is right up on par with Marley and Me. I have never met the author but feel we could be best friends just because of our love of animals and rescues in particular. I particularly liked the one about the new garbage trainee who jumped into a garbage can to escape what he thought was a huge, vicious dog... only to have his co-workers laugh at his fear of an over-sized but very mushy dog. Well done!
Of course, it's not all fun and games and eventually we say goodbye to our four-legged kids. But, Barbara perfectly balances the good and the sad through her masterful story telling.
I was provided with a copy for an honest review. My jaws are still hurting from laughing at all the dogventures. (less)
I enjoyed Jan's romance. It's been a long time since I read a pure romance (although this had a real suspense angle that I enjoyed). It fit perfectly...moreI enjoyed Jan's romance. It's been a long time since I read a pure romance (although this had a real suspense angle that I enjoyed). It fit perfectly as an escape from l-i-f-e for a couple of days. It's an enjoyable summer read for sure with just enough sizzle to satisfy just about all tastes.(less)
I recently edited Jason Deas' debut novel entitled Birdsongs. Jason had tried to go it alone without an editor and learned his lesson ('nuff said). I...moreI recently edited Jason Deas' debut novel entitled Birdsongs. Jason had tried to go it alone without an editor and learned his lesson ('nuff said). I found his writing style wonderful and deliberate. His story premise was completely new to me and very intriguing. It isn't fast paced compared to some authors - it takes its "southern" time to build and build and you cannot figure it out until almost the end. I wouldn't want this story going any faster - I didn't want the book to end and am so happy Jason has published another Benny James mystery titled "Pushed". I thoroughly enjoyed both. (less)
I'm not normally a reader of short stories. But today, I decided to treat myself to a quick read before spending the afternoon working on my 3rd novel...moreI'm not normally a reader of short stories. But today, I decided to treat myself to a quick read before spending the afternoon working on my 3rd novel manuscript. Pearls of deception caught my eye. I thought, what the heck, for 99 cents, let's check it out. Well, Carolyn caught me by the throat and didn't let go! Strong dialogue, great psychopathic wife and a highly satisfying last sentence. Brilliant read!(less)
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