Thomas Rosanoff is the main character in this Novel. His father raised him in a one way glass confinement for a psychology study. He is known as “TheThomas Rosanoff is the main character in this Novel. His father raised him in a one way glass confinement for a psychology study. He is known as “The Boy in the Box” to many and this hinders his life. “In this second year of med school, Thomas has altered his identity, dropping his father’s surname, adopting his mother’s instead.”-pg41 In many ways I found this to be so sad and I questioned the father’s parenting skills which lacks considerably. Thomas’s mother passed away when he was younger and he searches for a memory just to feel her close again. He hears a tune in his mind but does this music connect to his mother? Time only tells. The story is simple yet complicated and layered.
Thomas doesn’t attend his classes. He no longer wants to be a doctor. He is in a relationship that doesn’t turn out and he tries to make it better. He begs his professor for a new date on his Thesis which involves three men that believe they are GOD. Thomas feels he can cure them. One of the men is his ex girlfriends brother. So he hopes to make him better and in return get her back. Each character is very well developed and I really found the “Magician” very wise.
There are some scenes that really stand out for me. Like the three Messiah characters in the Kitchen. I can’t stop laughing about how funny this would be on stage. The Magician Challenges Thomas in this book and he reminds me of the “Trickster Character” or the “Joker” in a Shakespeare Play. Wise and funny. I really like how there is a bond between the men. Like a feeling of understanding each other and a calmness when they are together. The Kitchen scene like I said before really made me laugh and I like how the “Ginsu Knife” is brought back at the end of the novel. Smart and funny!
The novel has a lot of psychological and medical terminology but not too heavy just enough to make the reader understand and also at times make the reader question “is there a God or is it just all behaviour and science?” As you can tell this book made me question many things. There are funny parts and dark parts of this story. A lot of sensitive parts as well. The novel is put together brilliantly and I really enjoyed how identity is analyzed and questioned.
I find the relationship between Thomas and his father really sad. There are many moments of identity crisis in the novel and one that stands out most is Thomas. He grew up as a study subject which I find upsetting. Thomas revisits his old bedroom he has flashbacks of when he was little. He would come up to the glass and look at it. His father would write down: “Possible narcissistic tendencies?” But Thomas wasn’t looking at himself, he was looking through himself, or trying to. He though he could see movement on the other side of the mirror. Was someone there? He still didn’t know how to answer to that.” Pg. 238
I highly recommend this book. It is funny and sad. It made me think and question a lot. It surprised me and it also had a really hopeful ending....more
I dove into the life of Li-Yan, the main character of this novel. I watched her learn so many things from her “A-ma” (Mother) and make mistakes too. II dove into the life of Li-Yan, the main character of this novel. I watched her learn so many things from her “A-ma” (Mother) and make mistakes too. I watched what it might feel like growing up as an “Akha” (a Chinese Ethnic Minority in a tea farming community.) The Akha produce pu’er tea. A tea that is very earthy and has a lot of incredible health benefits if its picked and fermented correctly. Right from the beginning of the book the culture and the way of the Akha life is clearly established.
The story continues in this remote Yunnan village a stranger arrives and this changes many things for Li-Yan and for the Akha. She translates for the stranger as she is one of the few educated girls in the village.
The Akha have many traditions and rituals along with taboos. In the beginning of the book the family exchange their dreams and “A-ma” (Mother) reflects upon each dream and its meaning. “A-ma” (Mother) says “Every story, every dream, every waking minute of our lives is filled with one fateful coincidence after another. People and animals and leaves and fire and rain-we whirl around each other like handfuls of dried rice kernels being tossed into the sky.” pg.3
I feel that this is a metaphor for what happens next. Li-Yan has a baby outside of wedlock. She strays from her family traditions. She wraps her daughter in a blanket with a tea cake and leaves her at an orphanage in a city close by. Even though she feels that she has made some mistakes she continues her life by making better and smarter decisions. I really admire her strength and courage. I always feel that she is protected and has a connection with her mother throughout the novel. I also feel that she has a strong spiritual connection with her lost daughter.
After leaving her child at the orphanage she struggles emotionally and as a mother my self, I felt her pain through the pages. What comes next is even harder for Li-Yan. I don’t want to give too much away but I will say that this book is truly wonderful and I absolutely love it. I really love the connection between mother and daughter. The main character is strong and courageous in many ways through her journey. I love how well the books flows. I really enjoyed the parts of the book that explore the story of Li-Yan’s daughter and her life. I also really like the love story that happens. It is truly beautiful and sweet. I’m really satisfied with the ending and it’s a story I will always remember.
It’s a beautiful book that I truly recommend. I give this book a 5/5 stars. Truly incredible!
I really enjoyed reading this novel and it was easy getting attached to some characters and not so much to others. I got a clear picture of what eachI really enjoyed reading this novel and it was easy getting attached to some characters and not so much to others. I got a clear picture of what each character is like. The writing in this novel is wonderful and flows nicely. I love the mix of humour with seriousness. I found it to have a lovely balance of mystery, romance and humour. The story takes place in a small Irish town. The story is adventurous and made me laugh and intrigued me. The characters stirred my emotions and allowed me to feel happy, sad and at the end very content. I really enjoyed getting to know each character. I found my self cheering on the main character Mahony from the beginning. I found my self wanting to find out what happen to his mother's disappearance and why she left Mahony at the orphanage. I really liked some characters and annoyed by others. I truly enjoyed the mix of the living and the dead. Yes the dead! Which made it so exciting and gave an erie feel to the novel and pulled me in as a reader. Can you tell I love ghosts? I really liked the romantic parts. It wasn't too much. Just the right amount. The book has a great mix of dark parts and funny parts. I also enjoyed the character of Mrs. Cauley so much. She reminds me of the dancing teacher from the Gilmore Girls in a way. I absolutely love how she encouraged and stood up for Mahony many times. I feel that Mahony really needed that support. He definitely finds many connections, some are good and some are really bad. This novel is definitely worth reading.
A really moving story about a girl named Ana Juric, a ten-year-old living with her family in a small apartment in Croatia’s Capital. When the civil waA really moving story about a girl named Ana Juric, a ten-year-old living with her family in a small apartment in Croatia’s Capital. When the civil war breaks out across Yugoslavia Ana’s life changes. The war brings so much bitterness and tragedy to Ana’s life. She blames her self for many things that happen. I really love how the story is written. The novel gives the reader an outlook of how the war effected her life and the people around her. It is written with simplicity and yet the situations themselves are harsh and deeply moving. New York city, 2001 and Ana is a college student in Manhattan. The past haunts her and she is unsettled and emotions build up inside her. She has unresolved issues and thoughts that are bottled up. She heads back to her country to resolve her inner matters. Do things turn out? Does she find out what she needs so she can resolve her inner pains and sorrows? You have to read this book to find out. The story is very emotional, deep, moving and captivating. The story is written very eloquently and I highly recommend it....more
After completing this book I had to go back to some parts just to try and figure out what happen. The writing dragged on a bit in the beginning. I gotAfter completing this book I had to go back to some parts just to try and figure out what happen. The writing dragged on a bit in the beginning. I got interested in the book once the characters reached the house. I also found the usage of words very advanced for the characters and at times I got annoyed at Jake's lack of communication skills. I also got frustrated at the main character because she kept jumping from the present to stories in the past. I was thinking to my self "just be in the moment! Sheesh!" I think that might have to do with my lack of patience and my urgency to find out what happened in the story. I feel that the flashbacks/stories told by the main character tied in and made sense at the end. Some positive things, the characters pulled me in the story and I did enjoy trying to discover the answers to questions I had. The author really captures an eerie and mysterious environment and at times grotesque. I like how some parts that are written in between the main story really reflect what happens at the end. I wish the ending was written a bit differently though. I think I would of liked it better if it was just a little more simple. That's just me though. After completing this book I find that the story is lingering in my head. I guess that's a part of the psychological thriller thing going on. The author's writing/story managed to get in my head especially all the things that go on in the house and after has really stayed with me. Overall I feel that you should give this book a try. The book is eerie and mysterious, characters might be a little annoying and the ending for me is disappointing but overall an okay book. ...more
This novel is about a woman named Clare who is on the run from her past, from her husband and from many secrets. She appears at a remote mining town cThis novel is about a woman named Clare who is on the run from her past, from her husband and from many secrets. She appears at a remote mining town called Blackmore inquiring about a girl name Shayna that’s been missing. Clare uncovers many mysteries about Shayna’s disappearance and she also deals with her own problems and issues. She gets caught up in a few things in Blackmore but her past truly haunts her and at the same time she has to deal with finding what happened to Shayna. I found the book to have a slow start. I like the development of the characters and the story but it was slow paced. I like the relationship between the characters especially Clare, Malcolm and Louise. I found Clare to be very brave and caring. The people of Blackmore have been hurt and have experienced loss. Their emotions run deep in their blood and Clare’s presence stirs many things. The story moves forward because of Claire. The character of Clare has gone through so much in her past it amazes me to see her go through more emotional challenges and changes in Blackmore. It’s a good story and I wonder what will happen to Clare in the future. I wonder what will happen to all the characters in the future.I give this novel a 3 out of 5 books because it is well written, the story is good and the characters very well developed and believable. After completing the novel I’m left thinking about the characters and what the future holds for them. This is a sign that the story effected me. The novel has many moments that are dark and melancholic. There are many emotions and friction that happen between characters and it is really engaging as the reader.I truly wonder how her life will end up. I think she wonders the same thing. You should definitely check out the book, I totally recommend it!...more
The book is about a young native girl named Rose that is taken away from her home to join a Christian School run by nuns. Her journey is rough and chaThe book is about a young native girl named Rose that is taken away from her home to join a Christian School run by nuns. Her journey is rough and challenging one. Being torn away from her family all she wants to do is escape and go back home. She misses her family and her traditions. The changes that take place in her life are very difficult. Rose Marie’s adjustment in the new environment is a difficult one. From the people, rooms and food to the emptiness she feels. A huge challenge. Rose Marie sees a lot of dreams and also has visions and a crucial part in the book, visitations from spirits! Spirits that haunt the school and that haunt her. The author really gets into the feelings and emotions of Rose Marie. We watch her grow up and the author makes this happen so naturally and beautifully. The book has a perfect balance of History and Fiction. Even though it is Fiction I really connected with Rose Marie and felt her pain, confusion and fear through the words and pages of this book. The book took me on a journey and I cried at many parts. I’m not going to giveaway parts of the book or the ending because I feel that this is a must read book. The author really explored the characters emotions and feelings. A very powerful novel with characters that are really well rounded and can be seen clearly. I never once paused in confusion. I really love how the book also changed perspectives but in a perfect and subtle way. The words and story flow so beautifully in this novel and the ending was everything I wanted it to be! It was a true honour to read such a beautiful and moving book. The story will stay with me forever. Powerful and poetic. Beautiful and at the end very hopeful! Truly amazing and a Must Read! ...more
This book is about a 17-year-old girl named Emerson. After her parents die In a bad accident she starts seeing spirits. Her brother is very concernedThis book is about a 17-year-old girl named Emerson. After her parents die In a bad accident she starts seeing spirits. Her brother is very concerned for her so he brings in a consultant from a secret organization called "hourglass." This consultant comes into her life and changes everything for her. In this book you will find adventure, magic, love and friendships. This book Kept me at the edge of my seat and I didn't put it down! I really recommend this book. I really loved it! I related to this book in many little ways. I connected with the characters in so many emotional ways that this experience was truly wonderful!I totally recommend this book it is fantastic!...more
This is a really wonderful book! I really enjoyed the the emotional journey. A beautifully written novel. I really love the moments between the PrinceThis is a really wonderful book! I really enjoyed the the emotional journey. A beautifully written novel. I really love the moments between the Prince and America. I also love how genuine the character of America is. I really enjoyed this book and it is a book I can read again. I plan to buy part two and I'm super excited!...more
Amazing! I really enjoyed reading this book. A fantastic murder investigative novel. The main character has been set up for a murder he did not commitAmazing! I really enjoyed reading this book. A fantastic murder investigative novel. The main character has been set up for a murder he did not commit. This book has great detail in the murder scene and fantastic forensic detail too. This book is written very well and the story very clear and easy to follow. The author carries the mystery through this novel really well. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put the book down. I really enjoyed the main character and the challenges he faced. Not only with his career but with his home life. But he is about to face more in part 2. The author has a great Segway at the end of the book. I also liked that you find out who committed the murder and set up the main character in this book and not in book two. A really great book, detailed and true to investigative crime murder scenes. Fantastic!!...more
What a wonderful, delightful, satirical and emotional book. I actually cried with the mother daughter parts because I have two daughters. I really lovWhat a wonderful, delightful, satirical and emotional book. I actually cried with the mother daughter parts because I have two daughters. I really love how each character is really well developed and how the story unfolds. I really enjoy how at times we view the story from different perspectives. I like how the book flows and I really love when a book gives me images of what is happening with ease. I really love how this book made me laugh and cry and took me on an emotional journey. When a book can do that for me I know it's a fantastic story. Truly wonderful. It's a book you can actually read again and enjoy it all over! ...more
I didn't want this book to end. Beautifully written, the story takes place in different cities with a traveling magical circus that opens at night. ThI didn't want this book to end. Beautifully written, the story takes place in different cities with a traveling magical circus that opens at night. The performers of the Circus have very special skills and are truly wonderful Magicians! The way the circus is described makes you want to be there and you truly sense the smells and feel of the place by the way its written. The relationships between the characters are evident and truly clear. I really love the challenges the two main characters have to face. There is a competition that is in place with two magicians and their feelings for each other take a different path. This book is filled with magic, love and challenges. Really beautifully written this book took me on a journey to a magical place with wonderful characters leaving me totally satisfied in the end....more
A wonderful book! I really enjoyed this wonderful murder mystery! Not just one murder in this book but many!! I really enjoyed all the characters andA wonderful book! I really enjoyed this wonderful murder mystery! Not just one murder in this book but many!! I really enjoyed all the characters and most of all the character of Agatha. She is always on the go. She has insecurities but is very strong in character and is a very good detective. In this book there is adventure, mystery and humour. I really liked how the author allowed the characters to reveal their insecurities by allowing the reader in on the characters thoughts. The characters are described beautifully and are well rounded. On page 160 at the top the author describes the village where the murders take place perfectly! I really enjoyed the book and thank you for my advance copy. I now want to read all of M.C. Beaton's books! ...more
The story is about Agatha Raisin who is a brilliant detective. I totally love her character. She endures so much in this story. The book starts out byThe story is about Agatha Raisin who is a brilliant detective. I totally love her character. She endures so much in this story. The book starts out by the murder on stage! Okay so if you know me anything that has to so with stage, performances and murder is super exciting! The Author really sets the mood right from the beginning. The adventure begins with the murder right in the beginning! No waiting! Right on Stage! All the interviews and the unfolding of this murder case begin and the story unfolds brilliantly! The author also gives little bits of a break to all the excitement by having Agatha get together with Mrs. Bloxby, the vicar's wife. Mrs. Bloxby knows everyone and everything in the village which is fantastic for Agatha and her detective work.The story continues and along with the murder mystery, Agatha deals with her weaknesses and insecurities and her crave with cigarettes and finding a good man to be with. A second murder happens! Agatha puts her life on the line a few times. As I continued to read I couldn't stop! It's one of those books you can't put down! I had to take a tea break from all the excitement and adrenaline. I just loved this murder mystery. It's full of intensity, excitement and the pace of the book is wonderful! There isn't a moment of boredom! ...more
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