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<![CDATA[Tania added 'The Plantagenet Prelude']]>
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77612475
to: The Plantagenet Prelude (Plantagenet Saga, #1)byJean Plaidy
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
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<![CDATA[Tania added 'The Scent of God: A Memoir']]>
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78797436
to: The Scent of God: A Memoir (Hardcover)byBeryl Singleton Bissell
A memoir written by a woman who experienced life as a cloistered nun and emerged to experience true love, motherhood, and all the joys and heartaches that go along with them, while remaining true to her faith in God, if not to the church. Beryl takes us on a fascinating journey through her life, revealing her innermost thoughts and fears and reflecting back with an honesty only available to most of us in hindsight. The reader is as surprised at many of her choices as Beryl herself was at the time, as well as at the outcomes.
Beryl, whose mother was English and father was Cuban, grew up fearing love and marriage, having lived through her parents tumultuous relationship. She decides early on to give her life to God as a cloistered nun and her sister follows suit. 12 years later Beryl finds herself questioning her order and feeling she can serve God as well or better as a member of society. Having fallen in love with a priest ensures that Beryl’s life won’t be easy, but this s the story of how love can endure and even thrive in the face of suffering, sacrifice and death.
Most reassuring was that throughout all life’s trials, Beryl still found a way to move towards God, even to try to obey him, rather than to run away.
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<![CDATA[Tania added 'Nineteen Minutes']]>
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78797180
to: Nineteen Minutes (Hardcover)byJodi Picoult
Here’s an intriguing introduction. When I picked this book up at the library, the librarian told me “This is a banned book, and this is banned book week.” (Sept 27 – Oct 4). I’m going to assume that it was banned for 1) graphic description of teenage sex, 2) extreme violence, 3) sympathetic feelings towards the defendant, & 4) the bully aspect; or maybe it's just simply the whole school shooting subject.
“Nineteen Minutes” has a powerful opening statement and a sobering close. It does cover shocking topics in an unbelievably honest manner, every word feels as if it belongs, every sentence carefully structured to move the story forward. The book is written in a nonlinear manner – I wouldn’t even call it flashbacks because you go both forwards and backwards in time over and over again. This leaves it open for constant surprising revelations; we learn something brand new, are given yet another piece of the puzzle, in ever segment of every chapter.
Josie, Peter, Matt, Courtney, Alex, Patrick… every character in this novel is fleshed out, ever one shows a 3 dimensional persona, carries a distinct personality, has specific quirks and their own agenda. This is definitely a 360 overview of Sterling, NH and its residents. When a school shooting rips this town apart, we witness all of them try to pick up the pieces as the town attempts to find justice and mourn their losses and as children struggle to find themselves.
A school shooting in a small town, taking place over a span of 19 minutes, leaves 10 students dead, 19 injured and a community in shreds. The shooter, Peter, stands trial and we follow along as we discover bullies, victims and everything in between.
Quote:
“In nineteen minutes you can mow the front lawn, color your hair, watch a third of a hockey game.
In nineteen minutes, you can bake scones or get a tooth filled by a dentist; you can fold laundry for a family of five.
Nineteen minutes is how long it took the Tennessee Titans to sell out of tickets to the play-offs. It’s the length of a sitcom minus the commercials. It’s the driving distance from the Vermont border to the town of Sterling, NH.
In nineteen minutes you can order a pizza and get it delivered. You can read a story to a child or have your oil changed. You can walk a mile. You can sew a hem.
In nineteen minutes, you can stop the world, or you can just jump off it.
In nineteen minutes, you can get revenge.”
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<![CDATA[Tania added 'The Bastard King']]>
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77612583
to: The Bastard King (Norman Trilogy, #1)byJean Plaidy
This is the story of William the Conqueror – Duke of Normandy and King of England, son of Robert the Magnificent and a long line of Dukes of Normandy. Such a wonderful foundation was set by first telling part of the story of Robert the Magnificent and his love story with Arlette, daughter or a tanner who might not have been a suitable match on paper but was the perfect match in heart.
We are walked through William’s life and delighted at the turn it takes when he finds his own true love in Matilda of Flanders. Through much strife William wades, always advancing his goal of power, coveting even the throne of England to which he has no true claim. Both the good and the bad of William is exposed through his words and actions, but a powerful ruler he turned out to be. Taking us from before his conception to the moment of his death, Plaidy fully explores William the son, William the husband, William the father William the Duke, William the King, William the Conqueror.
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