Friends in Fiction discussion
THE LAST BOOK YOU READ
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Darlene
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Jan 30, 2014 11:22AM
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Finished reading
Blessed Is the Busybody by Emilie Richards – 3*** This is a cozy mystery featuring an unlikely amateur sleuth – the minister’s wife. I liked that Aggie and best friend Luce are intelligent women with a great deal of common sense. I had guessed part of the mystery pretty early; on the other hand, I was surprised by a significant turn of events. Final verdict – an entertaining, fast read with characters I like and enough twists to keep me interested. I’ll probably read more of this series.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
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Finished reading
The Autobiography of a Runaway Slave by Esteban Montejo (edited by Miguel Barnet) – 4****This is an extraordinary memoir from a man who was born a slave on a plantation in Cuba circa 1860. It covers at most the first 40 years of Montejo’s life, ending shortly after Cuba won independence from Spain. I particularly enjoyed his memories of living by his wits in the jungle. Montejo also treats us to his philosophies – how he judges the people he meets, why he keeps his own counsel, opinions on Spaniards, Americans and Catholic priests. He is an astute judge of character and some of his political observations could be applied to today’s situations. I wish I could have met this man … who learned to read at age 108 so he could read the book!
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I just finished
. Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kiine.. Despite some editing issues, this was a good read.The story is about one young woman caring for an elder woman....both were/are orphans....through their building friendship and while sorting thru the elder's possessions, they begin to unravel the secrets to discovering their true identities. The story provides a history about the actual orphan train that would transport orphans from the East Coast to the Midwest for the purposes of performing day labor on farms during the mid19th century up to the depression era. Lots of historical info, which was fascinating. I loved the friendship of the two main characters. I recommend it. *Note: some of the stereotyping, specifically "foster moms" may be a bit annoying and/or offensive.
Me Before Youjust finished book: Me Before You|15507958] a beautiful and different love story. JoJo Moyes created sympathetic, well-rounded, likeable characters dealing with a heart-breaking choices. I gave it 4 stars. Would have been 5 except there where periodic POV changes that didn't work for me
Finished a re-read of
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding – 3***I re-read this for a challenge. Not so entertaining on re-read, but I'm not changing my original rating. I guess my older self is less inclined to find Bridget's ineptitude endearing. Still find the blue soup scene hilarious, however.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished reading
An Echo Through the Snow by Andrea Thalasinos – 3***The novel moves back and forth between the 1920s story of the Chukchi peoples of Siberia and the 1993 tale of Rosalie, a young woman with a troubled past who rescues a neglected Siberian husky. I was happy to learn about the Chukchi people of Siberia; I liked watching Rosalie slowly gain confidence and begin a journey to successful adulthood. But telling two stories meant that neither was fully realized. I wish she had written two different novels rather than try to combine both stories into one book.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished reading
The Awakening by Kate Chopin – 4**** During another summer spent with her husband and children on Grande Isle, LA, Edna Pontellier awakens to the realization that she has stifled the person inside her. I could not help but think about Edith Wharton’s House of Mirth as I read this novella. I see so many parallels between Lily Bart and Edna. The novella unfolds slowly, with limited dialogue, but a vivid sense of place. I enjoyed every minute of it.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished listening to the audio version of
Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder (Book on CD read by Cherry Jones) – 3***Book # 3 in the Little House series, this book is about young Almonzo Wilder, growing up on a farm in upstate New York. I never read the books as a child and am enjoying reading them now. As she does with the other Little House books, Wilder goes into great detail about the life of rural Americans circa 1866. The author paints a portrait of a loving, hard-working family, who cherish one another. It’s a delightful story, for children and adults alike. Cherry Jones does a marvelous job narrating the audio version.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished reading
Articles of War by Nick Arvin – 4**** George Tilson leaves his Iowa home for Normandy as an eighteen-year-old recruit in World War II. Shy and unassuming, he keeps to himself and earns the nickname “Heck” because he doesn’t swear. This novella packs a big punch. The writing is at once reserved and intimately emotional. The combat scenes capture the chaos and confusion of a major battle. Heck’s fear, terror, and horror are intensely felt, as is his shame at his perceived cowardice.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished listening to the audio version of
Heart to Heart by Lurlene McDaniel – 3***This is a simply told story of three girls and how their lives intersect as a result of tragedy. It’s pretty predictable and contains the usual teen drama. I do like that McDaniel portrayed the teens fairly realistically. I originally judged it more harshly, but I reminded myself it’s a YA novel, and I think my 13-year-old niece would enjoy it.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder (Book on CD read by Cherry Jones) – 3***Book # 3 in the Little House series, this book..."
Oh, those were my favorite books as a kid! Read them over and over. Still have my complete boxed set!
Finished listening to the audio version of
The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy (Audio book performed by Frank Muller) – 3.5*** This is a story about a dysfunctional family and one man’s belated attempts to come to grips with the horrors of his childhood, and to find a way to become a better man despite all that he has endured. While Conroy’s prose can be poetic, intensely personal, funny, irreverent, and so evocative of place that you can smell the brine of a salt marsh, his plotting in this case is sometimes so over-the-top as to stretch credulity too far. I got the feeling the story got away from him. Frank Muller does a creditable job narrating the audio version of the novel.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Finished reading
an amazingly well crafted story. As a writer I am in awe. Carol
Finished reading
Viola in Reel Life by Adriana Trigiani – 3***When her parents take a year-long assignment in Afghanistan, Viola has to spend her freshman year at an all-girl boarding school. This is a nice young-adult novel about opening yourself to new possibilities and making the best of a less-than-ideal situation. Our heroine is sometimes “Princess Snark,” sometimes a homesick girl, and always a 14-year-old girl away from home for the first time and beginning to discover what she wants from life.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger – 3*** This is a fast-paced thriller with an intelligent, resourceful, courageous heroine who thinks – and acts – for herself. Yes, there is a romantic interest, but Ridley doesn’t just rely on Jake to save her. She’s strong-willed and independent, and takes matters into her own hands. Some plot points seemed to get a little overboard, but on the whole this was an entertaining read. I’d definitely read another book by Unger.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion by Fanny Flagg – 4****What a delightful read! I just fell in love with Sookie, and enjoyed going along on her journey of self-discovery. Flagg never lets the minor characters take over the plot; rather, they add color and provide a framework for Sookie’s story. And her reactions are very real and understandable. Anyone would be thrown for a loop after receiving such a shock. What’s so fun about the book is watching her come to grips with what she has learned and growing into an even better version of the person she has always been. I also enjoyed the history on the women who flew for the Army Air Corps in WW2 with almost no recognition of their service.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Sins of the Fathers by Lawrence Block – 5***** A young woman is murdered; her roommate is found covered in her blood nearby. He’s arrested for the murder, and commits suicide in his jail cell. Case closed. But the girl’s father wants to know more; he wants to know how she came to this end. Ex-cop and unlicensed private investigator Matthew Scudder agrees to make inquiries. Block is a master of suspense, and he writes a tight novel. There is nary a word out of place or an extraneous phrase. What I really loved about the book was Scudder himself. I’ll definitely be reading more of this series.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Conquistadora by Esmeralda Santiago Audiobook read by the author – 4****
This is a sweeping historic epic romance and adventure, focused on one strong woman who travels from Spain to Puerto Rico in 1844 when her new husband inherits a sugar plantation. While the book’s focus is on Ana, Santiago also took time to flesh out many of the other characters. The island, itself, is a character in the book – the geography and history of Puerto Rico are central to this story. At the end, Ana is only 39 years old. While I was completely satisfied with the novel, I was sorry to see it end. I hope there will be a sequel. Santiago does a marvelous job narrating the audio version of the book; her passion for the story comes through in her performance.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie Audiobook performed by Dan Stevens – 5*****
When a wealthy American is found stabbed to death in his locked sleeping compartment, railroad officials ask fellow passenger Hercule Poirot to investigate. This is a traditional “locked room” mystery. Everyone in the first class coach is interviewed, and everyone has an airtight alibi. Christie is at the top of her game here. She populates the Orient Express with a wide variety of colorful characters. The train may be at a standstill, but the plot races forward. Dan Stevens does a fine job narrating the audio version. He has good pacing and is able to give the many characters distinct voices.
This Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
It's a cute memoir about growing up with baseball in the 50s, but I don't really get its NYT Bestseller status. Glad it was a quick read, anyway!
Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler – 4**** This is a novel of friendship, and of men growing to adulthood. Butler writes prose that is poetic and atmospheric. Each of the five main characters has a chance to narrate, so the reader gets some insight into each of their inner thoughts and feelings, and their observations on the others in the quintet. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy character-driven novels. The audio book features five performers, each voicing a different character in alternating chapters.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mr Penumbra’s 24-hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan – 5***** and a ❤Something very strange is going on at Mr Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore, and Clay Jannon (with a little help from his friends) is determined to find the secret. This is a literary adventure, a fantasy quest, a tale of friendship, a coming-of-age story and an exploration of man’s search for meaning all in one. It pays homage to Old Knowledge while celebrating New Technology, and encourages us to look to the past while envisioning the future. The characters are strange and loveable, obtuse and insightful. And the settings! I could feel the chill, smell the books, and I swear the dust made me sneeze repeatedly. Ari Fliakos does a marvelous job performing the audio version of the book.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett (Audio performed by William Dufris) – 4****This is the novel that introduced readers to Nick and Nora Charles (and their Schnauzer Asta). It is a delightful mystery and a sophisticated comedy of manners all in one. Nick and Nora are wonderful characters – calm and cool, rich and glamorous, full of wisecracks and martinis. Hammett has the reader chasing just about every character as a suspect. The final reveal was a complete surprise to me. William Dufris is marvelous performing the audio version. He has a gift for voices and really brings this large cast to life.
This is a Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
Darlene wrote: "I re-read the Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood for book club. As I read it this time, I realized I didn't really love Sidda, but I do still enjoy the YaYas. Great characters, great story about..."Did you also read Little Altars Everywhere? When my F2F book club read these, we did both books. They really work well together.
I also read the sequel Ya Yas in Bloom - huge disappointment. I gave it only 1 star.
Mod
You know, I did read Little Altars, and I honestly can't remember a thing about it. For that reason, I haven't bothered with Ya Yas in Bloom. I feel like the Divine Secrets is the shining star and the sequel might have been a little forced.
I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb – 5***** Audio performed by Archie Panjabi. The subtitle says it all: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. What an inspiring and enlightening story. Malala gives the historical background of Pakistan and the Pashtun culture, as well as that of her own family. In a society that values sons, her parents encouraged and praised their daughter’s ambitions. My mother’s favorite saying was: Educate a man and you educate an individual / Educate a woman and you will have educated a family. Malala Yousafzai has taken that saying one step further; she is educating the world.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
Darlene,
sounds interesting.I also just finished non-fiction
to honor the loss of a great voice
Death of a Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong – 4****The debut mystery which introduced Chief Inspector Chen Cao of the Shanghai Police Bureau. The murder of a national model worker taxes all their resources as Chen and his deputy, Detective Yu, try to find out who killed the girl. Chen is a contrast: a man educated in literature, a published poet, and translator of mysteries, who is also a methodical investigator concerned only with bringing the perpetrator to justice. It is not the kind of mystery that relies on suspense, violent altercations and dangerous situations. Rather, the joy of this novel is watching Chen build his case. I’ll definitely read more of this series.
This is a Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler – 4**** This is the noir classic that introduced readers to Philip Marlowe, private detective. Chandler is a master at crafting a plot that is complicated with more twists than a mountain road. The star of the novel, in my opinion, is Chandler’s way with words. His style is often imitated, but no one uses the simile and metaphor so well. It’s a fun, fast read, and I’m glad I finally read it.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
for book club. I'd probably give it 3.5 stars. I enjoyed the characters but question a few of the "clues" and amazing conclusions by the investigator. I think people who typically read a who-dunnit will like it.
In the last week I read,
, which was just okay for meand
, sad and heavy at times. I always admire the voice in Amy Tan's books
A Long Way From Chicago by Richard Peck – 5*****Audio book performed by Ron McLarty. What a wonderful novel of a time gone by. I was laughing aloud at several of the shenanigans Grandma perpetrated. The writing is very atmospheric. I itched with the memory of chigger bites, felt the torpidity of a humid summer day, and heard the sounds of a summer night. When I finished listening, I immediately picked up the hardcover book and started reading from the beginning. This may be a children’s book, but I’ll wager that adults will appreciate it even more.
This is a Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Jim the Boy by Tony Earley – 5***** Earley’s debut novel is quiet, peaceful and yet powerful. The story may focus on one boy, his family and friends but the lessons conveyed are universal. Jim is a wonderful character. He starts the novel feeling so BIG now that he writes his age in double digits “just like the uncles.” Slowly he becomes aware that instead of being big, he is really rather small, “I’m just a boy.” Earley’s writing is luminous and evocative. This short gem of a novel should be read by more people. It is simply marvelous.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon – 4****Audio book performed by Davinia Porter. What a rollicking good story! I had avoided it because of the time travel aspect, but I found it very entertaining. I do have several issues with the book. There are parts that are a tad too “bodice-ripper” for my taste. I also wasn’t too keen on the whole “I’ll beat you to punish you and then we’ll make mad passionate love” scenario. And I was irritated with Claire’s continued insistence on going off by herself only to have to be rescued by Jamie (or another strong man). Still, it held my interest and Davinia Porter’s performance on the audio is worth a star all by itself.
This is a Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute – 5***** A young English woman survives WW2 as a prisoner of the Japanese, and then finds her way to Australia and a new life. Nevil Shute is a wonderful story teller. I was engaged and interested from page one. Jean is a remarkable young woman – brave, intelligent, level-headed, and resilient. Joe Harman is a strong, quiet, resourceful young man. His steadfast belief in Jean, and hers in him, forms a solid basis for a strong and loving relationship. There is a fair amount of adventure in the story, and some horrific circumstances to be got through. But on the whole it is a quiet tale of a life well-lived.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
Darlene wrote: "Read Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout over vacation last week. Didn't love it. Too many depressed and unlikable characters."Hi Darlene, I totally agree with your reaction to Olive Kitteridge.
Now I'm reading The Soldier's Wife - a beautifully written story
Darlene wrote: "Read Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout over vacation last week. Didn't love it. Too many depressed and unlikable characters."I read this in Aug 2010 and then listened to the audio in Feb 2011. 4**** from me. While I agree that Olive is not at all likeable, I loved Strout's writing.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera – 3*** Audiobook performed by Richmond Hoxie. There are passages with luminous writing, passages which forced me to think and some that really resonated with me. But I kept losing my way in all the ruminations and dreams and philosophical treatises. I usually enjoy novels with a philosophical bent. Unfortunately, this is the wrong time for me to read a book of this nature (especially in audio format). My lack of concentration simply didn’t allow me to give the work the attention it deserved. I’ll give 3 stars for now – good but not great – and reserve the right to change my rating after I re-read it.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman – 4****A young Indian dancer loses a leg in an accident, and has to find a new path to her dreams of being the best interpreter of the Bharantanatyam style. Venkatraman packs a lot of emotion into a few words in this novel told entirely in verse. It is an inspiring story of one young woman’s courage, grace and spiritual awakening. Veda is a wonderful heroine. Over the course of the novel she comes to realize the true meaning of friendship, love, and sacrifice. I really liked how the author portrayed the relationships Veda had with family, friends, and teachers. The cultural framework may be very different, but the interpersonal dynamics are universal.
This is a Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Carrion Death by Michael Stanley – 3*** Audiobook performed by Simon Prebble. A human corpse, mostly eaten by hyenas is found in the Kalahari, and Detective David “Kubu” Bengu leads the investigation. This is a wonderful debut mystery with a great central character. He combines intelligence, education and sound police procedures with tenacity and a keen intuition. Kubu also loves opera, good wine and his wife. The plot is fast paced and complicated, with plenty of suspects and several plot twists that I did not see coming. Simon Prebble does a marvelous job performing the audio. I’ll definitely continue the series.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde (Audiobook read by John Lee)3.5***
In a future world, society is ruled by a Colortocracy, with a social hierarchy based upon one’s limited color perception; in this world, you are what you can see. This novel is unlike anything I’ve read before and yet I recognize many elements. Fforde has written a book that combines science fiction, dystopia, romance, quest, coming-of-age, adventure and political espionage. He touches on themes of racism, friendship, slavery, euthanasia, loyalty, love, family and courage. I grew to love Eddie and Jane and was cheering for them right to the bitter end … and beyond.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene – 4**** During WWII a 12-year-old Jewish girl with a turbulent family life comes across a German prisoner of war who treats her with respect and makes her feel, for the first time, that she may be a worthwhile person, a person who could be loved. This is a novel about compassion, loyalty, self-realization, courage, faith and self-preservation. Patty is a wonderful character – intelligent, thoughtful, compassionate, and courageous. But she is also a child and her immaturity shows in her impetuous actions and telling of tales. I love that final image as Patty imagines herself treading water, still far out to sea, but in sight of land, and deciding that she’ll try to swim for it.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Mod
My favorite line(s) in the book: "People like you (creative/artistic types) must create. If you don't create, Bernadette, you will become a menace to society."
Not sure if it's true, but of course the book went on to prove how this was true for Bernadette!
Five Days at Memorial by Sheri Fink - 4**** The subtitle says it all: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital. This is the story of the men and women who survived Hurricane Katrina inside New Orleans Memorial Hospital, of those who died. I thought that Fink did a fine job of outlining the conditions within the hospital during and after the storm. However, in part two, I felt that Fink lost some of her journalistic detachment. The grand jury may have declined to indict, but Fink seems bent on trying Dr Pou in this book. Despite what I perceive as Fink’s bias, however, I still think this was a fascinating and informative look at how our governments and institutions are prepared (or not) to deal with the realities of a major disaster.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A Is For Alibi by Sue Grafton – 4**** Book #1 in the Kinsey Millhone series. This is a fast-paced mystery thriller with plenty of twists and turns and multiple suspects to keep the reader busy. Kinsey is a wonderful lead character –resourceful, tenacious and intelligent, and she can take care of herself. I like that the book is set in an era before wide-spread use of computers, and without cell phones. Mary Peiffer performs the audiobook at a good pace. She does not use many different voices for the various characters, but Grafton’s dialogue makes it clear who is speaking and I was never confused.
Link to my full review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Friends in Fiction
Books mentioned in this topic
Señor Vivo and the Coca Lord (other topics)The Angel's Game (other topics)
The Summer Before the War (other topics)
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (other topics)
Glory Over Everything: Beyond The Kitchen House (other topics)
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