Gentleman in Moscow has edged its way into my top three reads of all time, which is one of the more impossible feats known the mankind, if I may say sGentleman in Moscow has edged its way into my top three reads of all time, which is one of the more impossible feats known the mankind, if I may say so myself, which I am. Given that I set this rule, I do declare that Gentleman in Moscow has strongly earned his spot. I very much miss being in that Moscow hotel. Delightful, joyful at every turn, incredibly vivid, and, in my interpretation, a novel-length love letter to Epicureanism and “living in the present.” I am sure I will read this actual Bible many times. ...more
No. This book is about child rape, human trafficking, rape again, forced marriage on an incapacitated woman who does not consent, and overall glorifieNo. This book is about child rape, human trafficking, rape again, forced marriage on an incapacitated woman who does not consent, and overall glorifies male “redemption” and “male savior” on a “damaged” woman. Horrific book. Threw it across the room several times during my obligated read of it. And I’m not saying people shouldn’t write of rape, I’m saying it shouldn’t be written in this manner where it is the victim who needs redeeming from it and not the perpetrators. Terrible, tragic, truly horrible messaging and mindset. ...more
After reading through Book 1 (Jennifer Files), I burned through book 2. There is a hot tub scene in Paris Files that I’m pretty sure you won’t forget After reading through Book 1 (Jennifer Files), I burned through book 2. There is a hot tub scene in Paris Files that I’m pretty sure you won’t forget and you may need some ice water after your read. Mother of holy hell the flaming hot romance between these two throughout is enough to power a volcano. Read it....more
Seriously you all need to read this. Steam factory central, omg, bring a fan!! I love love love this story of romance. Compelling, well written, superSeriously you all need to read this. Steam factory central, omg, bring a fan!! I love love love this story of romance. Compelling, well written, super hot, and a thread throughout of unique inner dialogue that is a magic in itself. After reading this, I burned through the series. Like burned. This is a talented author who can tell a damn fine story. Read it, you’ll love it....more
Absorbing. Riveting. When I say I could not put Veritas down, I truly mean it. The manner in which Sabar chose to organize and unfold this story is maAbsorbing. Riveting. When I say I could not put Veritas down, I truly mean it. The manner in which Sabar chose to organize and unfold this story is masterful, constantly keeping me asking, why, why would a person fall for this, do this, and as the chapters passed, that question was surely answered. Interweaved are so many surprising (sometimes shocking) details about the persons at the center of the tale, I sometimes shouted out to my husband. The religious-feminist-philosophical underpinnings of the Professor are also fascinating and thought provoking, as well as the politics of Harvard. I have and will continue to recommend this impressive work of investigative reporting. ...more
Nothing I say here could ever express how heartbreakingly gorgeous every single page of this book is—-it is among my top five favorites of all time. INothing I say here could ever express how heartbreakingly gorgeous every single page of this book is—-it is among my top five favorites of all time. I want it to win all the awards. I do not re-read any books, except Love in the Time of Cholera, and now, Migrations. ...more
This is one of the best true crime books I have ever read. That’s on top of American Predator, which I did not think could be topped (and is still a mThis is one of the best true crime books I have ever read. That’s on top of American Predator, which I did not think could be topped (and is still a mega 5 star for me). As compelling as John Carreyrou’s Bad Blood, We Keep The Dead Close kept me enthralled and reading very late. I am blown away with how Cooper chose to organize this book, and I think it should be used as a model. If you don’t know this story, or the resolution, do yourself a favor and don’t Google it. Go in cold and just trust that Cooper is going to dole out the facts in a masterful way. But beyond all of that, I heap on another five stars with the expert way she painted Jane for us. She gave us Jane in all her wonderful colors, and I came to love her and feel the grief of her friends and family. Her brother Boyd was a separate character arc for me, and there is a poignant scene at the close of his presence in this book that brought me to tears. I hope Cooper continues in her special mix of compelling investigative reporting with the care she gives the victims, how she presents their humanity. I would read anything she writes....more
Astonishing. Gorgeous and meaningful verse. Inspires great emotion and empathy. I’m floored by how much time, talent, and magic it took to put togetheAstonishing. Gorgeous and meaningful verse. Inspires great emotion and empathy. I’m floored by how much time, talent, and magic it took to put together this necessary set of poems. Brava. ...more