Barbara’s review of The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride > Likes and Comments

Those book club selections can be a conundrum.

Judith wrote: "Those book club selections can be a conundrum."

That's for sure, Judith. Thanks for commenting.

A good, honest review Barbara ....... sometimes it’s good to read outside our normal tastes even if it just reinforces them :) There’s also, always the chance we’ll be surprised .......

Really good review! 🙂

Richard wrote: "A good, honest review Barbara ....... sometimes it’s good to read outside our normal tastes even if it just reinforces them :) There’s also, always the chance we’ll be surprised ......."
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. I totally agree with you, Richard.

Farrah wrote: "Really good review! 🙂"

Thanks so much, Farrah. I hope I didn't come across too hard.

Nice review, Barbara :)) I don't know why but I stay away from sweet books, or films, for that matter. Fingers crossed for your next book club read! :))

Beata wrote: "Nice review, Barbara :)) I don't know why but I stay away from sweet books, or films, for that matter. Fingers crossed for your next book club read! :))"

Thanks, Beata. The next few book club selections seem to be better. I am in two book clubs. The one selects all books I would choose to read and the other, not so much.

Yes! My sentiments perfectly described.

So glad you agree, Susan. I apologize for the delay in responding. It doesn't diminish my appreciation of your comment.

Susan L. Heavilon wrote: "Yes! My sentiments perfectly described."

I'm glad you felt the same way, Susan. I apologize for the delay in responding. The lapse of time does not diminish my appreciation of your comment.

I’m just now reading this book and having my heartstrings pulled. Really enjoying it. I’m curious. What are the style of books that you find “phenomenal” that people who like this book “would hate?” I may want to check one out. Thanks.

I haven't read this but totally agree with your opinions of 'sweet' books and intrigued re the ones you find phenomenal so hope you don't mind if I follow you(

JoJo wrote: "I haven't read this but totally agree with your opinions of 'sweet' books and intrigued re the ones you find phenomenal so hope you don't mind if I follow you( "

Not at all, JoJo. I am happy to know you want to follow my reviews. I hope you won't be disappointed.

Rod wrote: "I’m just now reading this book and having my heartstrings pulled. Really enjoying it. I’m curious. What are the style of books that you find “phenomenal” that people who like this book “would hate?..."

I'm not sure I could state a "style" that I consider phenomenal. I do know books I love must have sentences that absolutely wow me. Also important is a great story that keeps me thinking or which gets me to think of things I haven't previously considered. A few I felt fulfilled those requirements are: Demon Copperhead, Horse, We Don't Know Ourselves, This is Happiness - to name a few.

Demon Copperhead and Horse are two of my favorites from last year. Beautiful words and terrific layered stories!

Reading it now for my book club and I’m feeling exactly the way you described. It probably appeals to many people but it’s way too saccharine for me.

Marcia wrote: "Reading it now for my book club and I’m feeling exactly the way you described. It probably appeals to many people but it’s way too saccharine for me."

Glad we're in agreement, Marcia. Thanks for commenting.

Hmmmmm. I'm not a doctor, but from what I understand "terminal heart defects" either kill you in the first couple of days of life or are correctable. You are a good book-club buddy to have made it through this one.

Exactly how I feel about many books everyone but me likes in my book club

Nothing wrong with “sweet” books. I need that kind of story once in a while.

In today’s environment this was a welcomed book. People helping people through difficult times. I have read several of books you enjoyed and loved them also. Demon Copperhead being one but I’m so grateful for books like this also. The pleasure of reading comes in my styles. I’m happy to enjoy them all, and yes, I will be getting the sequel.

Perfect review that echos my own opinion

Marcia wrote: "Reading it now for my book club and I’m feeling exactly the way you described. It probably appeals to many people but it’s way too saccharine for me."

Thanks, Marcia. I'm glad we are in agreement about this one.

Alice wrote: "Perfect review that echos my own opinion"

Thanks for stopping by, Alice.

Cheryl wrote: "In today’s environment this was a welcomed book. People helping people through difficult times. I have read several of books you enjoyed and loved them also. Demon Copperhead being one but I’m so g..."

I'm glad it was the right one for you, Cheryl.

Thanks for the warning! I will definitely skip this one!!!

Many loved this book, Melanie. It just wasn't my type. Thanks for commenting.

Kathleen wrote: "Exactly how I feel about many books everyone but me likes in my book club"

Barb wrote: "Nothing wrong with “sweet” books. I need that kind of story once in a while."

Me too, Barb!

I had such high hopes for this book. I was wait listed at the library for it and while I waited, I told everyone I knew about this book with the greatest premise ever. When I started reading it I was immediately surprised by how Murray McBride was depicted. As a person who is on the doorstep of eighty, I was offended by how Murray was depicted. Most of my friends are my age and above and we are not slow moving fools who have no grasp on technology and drool out of the sides of our mouths and resent everyone whose age is still in double digits. I kept reading hoping that the story would eventually focus on their relationship but it didn't. I abandoned this book and wish that Mr. Siple had spent a little more time with older men before he wrote it. He might have learned a thing or two.

Barbara, for some of us, it is more than a” sweet book.” Some people are dealing with serious medical problems and the book makes us think.

This was a book club read for me as well. Way too predictable. Audible narrator was not great. Lots of eye-rolling happening as I listened.