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2016 Reads and Reviews(Part 1) ~ Anything goes
Peyton Place by Grace Metalious – 3*** While I can certainly see that the inclusion of domestic abuse, incest, abortion, teen sex, etc would be shocking and titillating to a mid-1950s readership, I kept wondering “What’s all the fuss about?”. Metalious was trying to show the strength and growing independence of three women in a culture that tried to restrict them. I’m not sure she was entirely successful, though the story line did continue to pull me along, and overall I was entertained.
Full Review HERE
I'm in the middle of Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys and I love it so far--it's so beautifully written and very emotional. I also started Mr. Splitfoot by Samantha Hunt and am probably going to start Every Heart a Doorway now too, since my hold just came in at the library :)
The Tumor: A Non-Legal Thriller by John Grisham – 3*** Grisham states that this short book (47 pages) may be the most important one he has written. Using a fictionalized patient history, he chronicles the potential advantages of treatment by Focused Ultrasound Therapy in the treatment of brain tumors, and other diseases. I work in healthcare administration for a major academic medical center and I found this very interesting. Grisham is a member of the board of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation, and the book also encourages donations to further research.
Full Review HERE
4 stars
On April 8, 2006 Kari Dulin Baker committed suicide, or did she? Matt, her minister husband,claims his wife was still depressed over the loss of their daughter who died in November 1998 and the reason she committed suicide. Kari's family comes forward and start to ask questions and are very sure she did not commit suicide. Kari's Mother, two Aunt's and Cousin fight hard to have this suicide fully investigated and what is exposed has everyone shocked and appalled.
Well researched True crime book. Heartbreaking story that I think will never be fully known of the truth not only about what happen to Kari but their daughter. I think the death scene and body were not fully examined correcting to rule it a suicide.
4 stars
WOW that was an intense book. I am simply amazed how a person can have an obsession with cutting hair from Women's(Strangers) heads then escalating it into murder. This was not an easy case to solve because of lack of evidence left behind by the murder but once a lead came in everything began to unfold and revealed the killer.
4 stars
Taken from back of the book."On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man on a segregated but, sparking the Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott. " This story and many other of Rosa Parks defiance are in this eye opening book. Some of these stories I have heard and others I have not. This book's target group is older children and young adult.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer, 4****s
Such an interesting re-telling of the Cinderella story! Set in the future in China, with futuristic use of technology, world politics, and the Moon thrown into the mix, it still offers the excitement of Cinderella figuring out how to get to the ball! But this one ends with a cliffhanger that leaves the reader wanting to get to the next book "Scarlet" as soon as possible!! I really enjoyed this YA novel & look forward to Book #2! :)
My two week "twilight zone" has begun. Attempting to read a Faye Kellerman mystery and another book but I can't concentrate much. Hence the reviews I did of books I read 20 years ago. Advice for extremely easy reading welcomed.
Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley – 4**** Haley’s blockbuster history of his ancestors begins with the birth of a baby boy – Kunta Kinte – in a small African village in the Spring of 1750, and ends two centuries later in Arkansas. It’s a gripping tale and Haley is a great story teller. I was engaged from page one and found myself very interested in all aspects of the book. Haley’s narrative focuses on three of his male ancestors: Kunta Kinte, Chicken George, and Tom (Haley’s great-grandfather). Avery Brooks does a magnificent job narrating the audio book. He is an accomplished actor and really brings the characters to life. (5***** for his audio performance)
Full Review HERE
The Reptile Room, Book #2 by Lemony Snicket, 3***s
The on-going saga of the misfortunes of the three Baudelaire orphan children, but so cute!
Mod
The Reptile Room, Book #2 by Lemony Snicket, 3***s
The on-going saga of the misfortunes of the three Baudelaire orphan children, but so cute!"
I got the box set and read this one after another. Kind of predictable after a while, but couldn't stop reading!
Lady♥Belleza★✰ wrote: "Terris wrote: "The Reptile Room, Book #2 by Lemony Snicket, 3***s
The on-going saga of the misfortunes of the three Baudelaire orphan children, but so cute!"
I g..."
I know! They're really fun :)
Finished Sacred and Profane a Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus mystery by Faye KellermanRead The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes
Started Translation of Love
Mod
Read The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes
Started Translation of Love"
Sacred and Profane
The Hundred Dresses
The Translation of Love
Reposting to add links.
Mod
The Knowledge of Good & Evil by Glenn Kleier
Son: A Psychopath and his Victims by Jack Olsen
Three Boys Missing: The Tragedy That Exposed the Pedophilia Underworld by James A. Jack
Library books:
Invisible Chains: Shawn Hornbeck and the Kidnapping Case that Shook the Nation by Kristina Sauerwein
The Girl in Alfred Hitchcock's Shower by Robert Graysmith
Whoops. Hard to link on my phone. It's the new Translation of Love that just came out from Doubleday Press. Hope that helps.
Mod
I think i got it. Thanks.
I'm on a Saroyan kick. I'm in Sweden at the moment, and they had three books in English by Saroyan at the local library (which must qualify as some kind of miracle), so those are the ones I'm reading. I've finished "Papa You're Crazy", written so convincingly in the voice of a 10yo that at times I forgot that a 10yo didn't write it; it's sort of...Steinbeck-light, very charming, with the slider on the bittersweet scale almost too close to the sweet end. The boy and his money-poor writer father live on the beach in Malibu back when that was where poor folks lived, hardly a wide spot in the road, subsisting in part on things like mussels from the local rocks and artichokes filched from fields owned by somebody else. Lots of charming quotes on writing, but a steady diet of this type of book would pall; it was good at the (short) length.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville, 3***s
Well, this was certainly a long and interesting book! It was very different than I expected, with hundreds of pages of background and history of whaling; information about ships; the geography of whaling; information on many different species of whales; how they are born, hunted and butchered after the killing; the history between Captain Ahab and Moby Dick; and after 132 chapters of this, then there are 3 chapters of the chase of the Pequod going after Moby Dick, and the end. Wow! Just not what I was expecting! But I did learn a lot, if that was information I needed to know ;)
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch – 1* A mother’s love knows no bounds. As she rocks her infant son, cradled in her arms, she sings of her eternal love. It’s a lovely sentiment and certainly one that every child deserves to feel – safe and secure, knowing his mother will love him no matter what, and throughout his lifetime. But … There’s something vaguely disturbing about a mother who will crawl into her adult son’s bedroom to rock him as he sleeps…. I think other authors have dealt with this theme more successfully.
Full Review HERE
The Country Under My Skin: A Memoir of Love and War – Giaconda Belli
3***
From the book jacket: An electrifying memoir from the acclaimed Nicaraguan writer … and central figure in the Sandinista revolution. Until her early twenties, Belli inhabited an upper-class cocoon: sheltered from the poverty in Managua in a world of country clubs and debutante balls; educated abroad; early marriage and motherhood. But in 1970, everything changed. Her growing dissatisfaction with domestic life, and a blossoming awareness of the social inequities in Nicaragua, led her to join the Sandinistas, then a burgeoning but still hidden organization. She would be involved with them over the next twenty years at the highest, and often most dangerous levels.
My Reactions
Belli is a good writer and her story-telling is top notch. I was fascinated and intrigued, and I learned something about the revolution in Nicaragua. But … I could not put aside my distaste for the way Belli acted. She seemed so immature in the way she jumped from bed to bed, and how she left her children for “the cause” (or – it seemed to me at times – for the Man behind the cause). She seemed in love with “love” or addicted to the high of passionate emotions. I wondered if she had no impulse control at all. And yet … she was a strong woman with steadfast opinions and a willingness to risk all for the good of her country.
In the end I couldn’t reconcile my admiration for her as a writer with my dislike of her as a person. So I’m conflicted, and am taking the middle road with 3 stars.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, 4****sA very interesting concept about decluttering and organizing our lives and homes, also attempting to explain our need to tidy. This well-written and thought-provoking book gives specific instructions on tidying your home, such as, how to fold your clothes, which kinds of storage containers are best, and what order and where to begin your tidying process. Again, very interesting and different (better) than I thought it would be!
Beautiful Ruins – Jess Walter
Book on CD performed by Edoardo Ballerini
4****
On a sunny day in 1962, a young hotel owner, Pasquale, spies a boat approaching his small Italian village. Aboard is a beautiful, young, American actress, Dee, and Pasquale is instantly smitten. Fast forward to the present day, and a Hollywood producer’s assistant is hearing “pitches” on the studio’s back lot, when an elderly Italian gentleman approaches looking for Michael Deane. He’s hoping Deane can help him find Dee.
What a delightful story! Moving back and forth in time, and with multiple styles and points of view, Walter has crafted a love story with wide appeal. The twists and turns in the story stretched the bounds of credulity, but I didn’t care. I was engaged and entertained from page one, and was so sorry to see it end.
Edoardo Ballerini was simply marvelous performing the audio version. I loved the way he voiced Pasquale, Dee, Michael Deane and the many supporting cast members – including Richard Burton, Aunt Valeria, and a host of fishermen.
Right in the middle of The Man in the Rockefeller Suit: The Astonishing Rise and Spectacular Fall of a Serial Impostor, ditto on my re-read of Where the Girls Are: Growing Up Female with the Mass Media and just starting Mr. Mercedes.
Book Concierge wrote: "Beautiful Ruins
– Jess Walter
Book on CD performed by Edoardo Ballerini
4****
On a sunny day in 1962, a young hotel owner, Pasquale, spies a boat approachi..."
I read Beautiful Ruins about a year ago & loved it!! Didn't want it end either, Your review brought back the book, Thanks :)
A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf, 3***
I'm not a big Virginia Woolf fan, but I enjoyed this one. It is a non-fiction reflection on women's history in the world and in writing. It's hard to explain but it all makes sense and is very readable.
Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis, 3***s
This book is billed as a "rollicking misadventure" about Jim Dixon, a first-year university professor who experiences many mishaps and troubles, such as catching bedclothes on fire, falling in love with his boss's son's girlfriend, and trying to hang on to his job. I really was expecting something similar to Wodehouse's "Jeeves and Wooster." But I was disappointed. It was somewhat humorous, but not funny, at least not to me. So if you're looking for a laugh, I recommend P.G. Wodehouse. Bertie Wooster is a stitch!!
Atticus – Ron Hansen
4****
From the book jacket: Ron Hansen’s new novel opens in winter [in] Colorado, where rancher Atticus Cody receives an unexpected visit from his wayward young son. An artist and wanderer, Scott has recently settled into a life of heavy drinking and recklessness among expatriates and Mexicans in the little town of Resurreccion on the Caribbean coast. Weeks later, Atticus himself goes down to Mexico to recover the body of his son, thinking he has committed suicide. Puzzled by what he finds, he begins to suspect that Scott has been murdered.
My reactions
In many ways this story echoes the parable of the Prodigal Son from the bible. While there is certainly a mystery at its core, the novel is more about the father-son relationship: the father’s fierce and unfaltering love for his son, the son’s need to atone for past mistakes and despair at feeling unable to make amends, and the failure of both of them to openly communicate and understand one another.
The plot has several twists and turns that kept me intrigued and turning pages. But the star of the novel, to me, was the writing and the exploration of these characters and their motivations. I was completely engrossed in their story, and wanted to cheer at the end.
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick – 4**** Talk about your gothic mystery! Betrayal, an abandoned mansion, a long-lost son, and the isolation of a Wisconsin winter are just the beginning. The characters employ duplicity, obfuscation, coercion, prevarication, and downright lies. I was completely caught up in the story and surprised by more than one twist.
Full Review HERE
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer, 4****s
This is Book #2 of the Lunar Chronicles series which is set in the future & cast with fairy tale characters: Cinder=Cinderella, Scarlet=Little Red Riding Hood, etc., and, of course, they are trying to save the world! It's fun, exciting, makes me want to get on to Book #3 very soon!
Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich, 4****s
This is always a fun series, even if a lot of times they're kind of repetitive, I always enjoy them! I just try not to read them too close together :)
A Passage to India by E M Forster – 3.5*** This classic explores class differences and the clash of cultures. Every character seems to have a preconceived notion of how “the others” should behave (or have always acted), and each reacts based on these preconceived notions. Even the “good” characters fall victim to their own prejudices, frequently without realizing it. Friendships are broken, and even when a character realizes his/her mistake there seems no way to undo the damage. Sam Dastor is merely adequate voicing the audio book; 2** for his narration.
Full Review HERE
The Man in the Rockefeller Suit: The Astonishing Rise and Spectacular Fall of a Serial Impostor3 stars
This was a remarkable story, overall well-written. I have to say the book dragged in the middle because it just went on and on and on about the guy's layered deceptions, all centered around his enthrallment with Thurston P. Howell III and alligator shirts...and none of it seemed to make anyone suspicious or really lead anywhere until the very end, when suddenly he was in a courtroom in handcuffs and the truth was out. Bang! The end! Almost! Because nothing much was resolved yet when the book went to press. With all that said, it did end on a cliffhanger...
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom – 3*** A young Irish orphan is indentured to pay her parents’ debt, living and working alongside the slaves in the kitchen house of a Virginia plantation. I can certainly see why this has become so popular with book clubs. It has an interesting basic story line, some tension-filled scenes, and complex relationships between characters. However, it’s not the best-written book. Still, it held my attention and was a fairly quick read. Orlagh Cassidy (voicing Lavinia’s chapters) and Bahni Turpin (performing Belle’s) do a fine job on the audio book.
Full Review HERE
Hi everyone. Passover is over so I'm back reading and here. I've recently read:
2 Faye Kellerman mysteries
A Doll's House
Into the Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea
The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez
Currently reading:
To Kill A Mockingbird
Up Next:
A Painted House- Grisham
Girl Waits With Gun- Amy Stewart
Brina wrote: "Hi everyone. Passover is over so I'm back reading and here. I've recently read:
2 Faye Kellerman mysteries
A Doll's House
Into the Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea
The Book of Unknown America..."
I'm glad you're getting to "To Kill a Mockingbird." Everyone needs to read that one. I hope you really enjoy it!
The Sound of Glass by Karen White – 2** This is pretty typical Southern chick lit, with family secrets, damaged psyches, scenes intended to produce tears and an unexpected romance. I certainly understand the popularity of this kind of beach read, but it’s just not my cup of tea. Oh well, it was a quick read.
Full Review HERE
Deep Down Dark by Hector Tobar – 4**** Subtitle: The Untold Stories of 33 Men Buried in a Chilean Mine. What a gripping tale of survival, faith, team work and perseverance. In addition to the harrowing tale of their experiences underground, waiting for a rescue that might or might not happen, the book also relates the difficulties many of the miners had coping with their instant fame, and the aftereffects of the trauma they suffered. Henry Leyva does an excellent job performing the audio book. His pacing is good, and his Spanish pronunciation is excellent.
Full Review HERE
Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo, 4****s
A cute book (for Grades 4-7) about three young girls that find each other when they need each other the most.
Bone Gap by Laura Ruby, 1*
I wanted to like this book, but just didn't -- at all. It tried to be magical and mysterious, but just felt unfocused, like the author kept searching around for something else to throw in to be exciting or surprising. But it didn't feel cohesive, very jumbled. I couldn't wait to finish it :(
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman, 4****s
Loved it! After the death of her beloved grandmother, Elsa must deliver letters to several people in their apartment building (usually apologies) to try to set things straight. In the process, Elsa learns many things about her grandmother, her mother, the other people that she lives around (the letter receivers), and herself -- which, in hindsight, is Grandmother's plan -- very entertaining, light, and enjoyable. This is the second book by the author of "A Man Called Ove," and his third book "Britt-Marie Was Here" is just out. I very much look forward to reading it (especially since Britt-Marie is a character in book 2 -- even though it is not a sequel.).
The Revenant by Michael Punke, 3***s
An interesting tale, based on a true story, of a man in the early 1800's who was mauled by a grizzly bear, and left to die by two companions. Unbelievably, he lives and decides to get revenge on those two men. Overall, it was an adventuresome time, what with the exploration of the West and fur trapping ventures of the day, which made this a very exciting and dangerous read! :)
And I'm looking forward to watching the movie!
I greatly benefited from reading Lake Invaders: Invasive Species and the Battle for the Future of the Great Lakes. Full of information new to me about the invasive species in the Great Lakes and what they are trying to do about it. I also got a swell entry for my fish blog out of this book. Not too grimly scientific to follow, it was equally user-friendly for the environmental scientist or John Q. Citizen to read. Highly recommended. If you like lampreys.
Blood Daughters by Marcos M Villatoro – 3*** This is a hard-boiled crime novel with an interesting female lead. It’s number four in the Romilia Chacon series. It’s a gripping mystery, with many twists and turns, a violent sicko serial killer, and a psychologically damaged yet still strong female lead detective. There’s plenty of action to keep the reader turning pages, but I’m left somewhat dissatisfied.
Full Review HERE
Zeitoun by Dave Eggers – 5***** This is a true story of what happened to one family in Post-Katrina New Orleans. I was shocked, stunned, angry, heartbroken, dismayed and completely riveted by the tale. Eggers does a great job putting the reader into the setting – the peace and quiet of no electronics, the heat and humidity, the stench of rotting vegetation, and the unsettling sight of armed men patrolling (?) your once-peaceful neighborhood. Firdous Bamji does a marvelous job narrating the audio book. He has good pacing and his performance enhances the reader’s impressions of Zeitoun and Kathy.
Full Review HERE
The Elusive Mrs Pollifax by Dorothy Gillman – 3*** In book three of the series, the CIA’s least likely courier is sent on a mission to Bulgaria. I love this series. Mrs Pollifax is charming, smart, resourceful and calm in a crisis. If the situations she finds herself in stretch credulity, who cares? The books are fun to read and pure entertainment.
Full Review HERE
The Road to Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson – 3*** Bryson clearly loves this landscape, these people, the lovely views, the crazy laws or regulations, and even the food. There were some aspects not to my liking, but on the whole, it’s an entertaining read. Nathan Osgood does a fine job with the narration on the audio book. He has good pacing and an expressive voice.
Full Review HERE
Cress by Marissa Meyer, 4****s
This is Book #3 (of 4) of the Lunar Chronicles series -- very exciting and entertaining, with some humor thrown in! In this "episode," Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress must stop the wedding of Emperor Kaito to Queen Levana so that they and their band of misfits can "save the world" and the moon! Can't wait to finish the series with "Winter"!
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend A cute story about a young Swedish woman (Sara) and an older woman (Amy) from a small town in Iowa who have been pen pals for several years, sharing information and opinions about books. But what happens when Sara comes to Iowa for a visit? A fun, light, entertaining, and sweet read!
Library Lovers
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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Paul Beatty (other topics)
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Paul Beatty (other topics)
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Sounds like you picked some good ones!