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2016 Reads and Reviews(Part 1) ~ Anything goes
Alligator Candy
3 stars
In the suburbs of Florida the unthinkable happen, a young boy was murdered on his way home from the convenience store in 1973. Author David Kushner is the younger brother of Jon, the boy who was murdered. This heartbreaking story gives you the views of what happening in the mind of David, a then 4 year and what he found when he wanted answers and did some research. Not a easy read due to the subject. Writing is good but found it unengaging. It was like hearing a monotone voice while reading. Nothing about what happen to the two men who killed Jon other than the fact they were caught a few other details. This could have been done because the Author wanted to focus on the the people effected by the murder and not the murders, not sure of his motive. I would have liked to know more of what happen to them, would have given closer to the story.
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark – 4**** Miss Jean Brodie is a teacher at conservative girls’ school in 1930s Edinburgh, Scotland. Rather than follow the school curriculum, Miss Brodie prefers to inspire “her girls” with stories of her trips abroad, favorable remarks about Mussolini, comments about sex, and field trips. She is, after all, “in her prime,” and she wants to instill in them passion, independence and ambition. I’ve had this on my tbr since the movie came out in 1969. I have to wonder what my reaction would have been had I read it back then. Nadia May does a fine job performing the audio version. She has good pacing and is able to differentiate the characters, though Spark’s non-linear style is more difficult in audio than on the page.
Full Review HERE
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess, 3***sThis book is very difficult to describe. It is written in 1962 about teenage boys who do brutal, cruel things to people and think nothing of it -- until they get caught. Alex, the narrator, is put into prison and stays for two years. At that point, he is offered the choice to go through treatments (brainwashing) to make him "good." He'll be out of prison within two weeks and never have to go back because he'll want to be "good." And, of course, he is willing to sign anything that says he'll get out of prison. But there is discussion, and questions by some of the characters: Is it right to take away a person's right to be good or bad? What if we all only had the choice of being "good" -- especially if the government is deciding what is "good" and "bad." I don't want to tell the ending so I'll quit there.
My Thoughts: I didn't know anything about this book when I started it. I only got a little way through it and thought I was going to hate it. It has some brutal violence (home break-ins, rape, etc.). But I think some of that is needed to show how bad the boys were, and to show why it would be so much better if "badness" like that didn't exist. In the end, it really made me think, and I'll have to say that I'm really glad I read it, even though I probably wouldn't actually recommend it -- it was a very interesting read!
I would almost have given it four stars, however, it is told with a very strange vocabulary -- there are different words for almost everything (see, hear, crazy, hands, face, etc.). You have to figure out what all the words mean, but you can still tell what's going on. It made it kind of confusing, though I found that it kind of protected me from the brutal violence in some of the scenes.
The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters by Elisabeth Robinson – 3***
The Hunt sisters couldn’t be more different. Olivia is a Hollywood producer; Maddies is happily married to her high-school sweetheart and still lives in the small town where they grew up. The novel is comprised of a series of letters, emails, faxes, and telegrams from Olivia to her sister, parents, brother, best friend, ex-boyfriend, and a variety of professionals. I was pretty irritated with Olivia through much of the first half of the novel, but over time I began to admire her spirit, her tireless efforts to rekindle her career, to try to set things right with her friends, parents, siblings, ex-boyfriend, colleagues, etc.
Full Review HERE
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff, 4***s
The true story of Helene Hanff, a New Yorker, writing letters to order books from Frank Doel in a London bookshop from 1949 to 1969. The letters express how Frank, his wife, and several of the shop employees become good friends with Helene but never meet. It is a sweet and humorous tale of people who, though separated by long distances and expanses of time, become so close. I really enjoyed it and am now reading the sequel The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street where Helene eventually gets to go to London in 1971 and meet a few of the people. But she and Frank never meet.
In the movie Helene is played by Anne Bancroft and Frank is played by Anthony Hopkins. I can't wait to see it!!
Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri, 4****s
This is a book of short stories written by an Indian author about Indian people and their experiences. Some are set in India and some are set in America and detail some of the situations these people are going through. This is the third book that I've read by this author, and I'll have to say that I'm impressed every time. Her writing style is so smooth and makes me feel so good, even if the stories aren't particularly happy. I'm definitely going to read more of her books.
The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street by Helen Hanff, 4****s
This is the sequel to "84, Charing Cross Road" by the same author. It is the telling of Helene's trip to London after writing "84...", really a journal of the trip. Fun, interesting, and a nice conclusion to the whole story. I felt like I'd been to London with her!
Mod
Haven't written a review yet.
Mod
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, 4****s
The story of a high school girl trying to overcome a tragedy that happened to her at the onset of her freshman year -- something that she didn't tell anyone about, not even her parents. This book encourages her and others (especially teenagers) not to suffer silently, but to "Speak" if something like this happens to them. A very good Young Adult novel that I would recommend to others.
Brown Bottle by Sheldon Lee Compton – 2.5** Compton writes a gritty, no-holds-barred tale of a man struggling to do what is right. Best known for his short stories, this is Compton’s first full-length novel. His ability with the short-story format shows. There are several vignettes that would make great short stories, but he fails to adequately weave them together.
Full Review HERE
Dead Wake by Eric Larson – 4**** The subtitle is all the synopsis you need: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania. Larson uses tidbits found in research materials from a variety of sources to flesh out a narrative tale of a great disaster. Larson shifts perspective from the Lusitania, to the German submarine U-20, to Room 40 (the British Intelligence headquarters). It’s a compelling story, which completely captured my interest despite my knowing how it would turn out. Scott Brick does a good job reading the audiobook. His delivery is rather dry, but this is fine for a work of nonfiction.
Full Review HERE
Book Concierge wrote: " Dead Wake by Eric Larson – 4**** The subtitle is all the synopsis you need: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania. Larson uses tidbits found in research materials fro..."
I have this book sitting on the table beside my reading chair. I must get to it!! Nice review :)
This Boy's Life by Tobias Wolff, 4****s
This is Tobias Wolff's memoir of his early years of life up through the end of high school. It is a very honest telling of a young boy growing up in a troubled family and trying to find himself during his teenage years. I enjoyed it very much.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein, 4****s
This is an adorable story of a group of 12-year-old boys and girls who participate in a scavenger hunt-type game held in a library. The kids' goal is to find the secret passage out of the library in an effort to win a wonderful prize. But they can only use library books and their own knowledge to find the clues.
It is fun, exciting, and fast paced. The book makes lots of references to many different types of books that I think would entice children to want to read further. A friend of mine is using this book as the theme of her summer school lessons, so I just had to read it, and I'm so glad I did!
The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson – 4**** What an absolute delight! Simonson’s writing reminds me of Jane Austen's novels. Simonson sets her story in a small English village, whose residents would prefer that time stand still notwithstanding major outside influences. The villagers are left reacting to changes that make them very uncomfortable. Against these global events, however, is the very personal story of these characters; this is where Simonson shines. She has a great gift for dialogue and for creating a social structure that draws the reader into the small dramas of life that give her work universal appeal.
Full Review HERE
Book Concierge wrote: " The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson – 4**** What an absolute delight! Simonson’s writing reminds me of Jane Austen's novels. Simonson sets he..."
Thanks for the review! I can't wait to read it!
The Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón – 4**** Wow. The plot is intricate and compelling, the characters complex and interesting, and the writing is simply wonderful. And, of course, we have the marvelous Cemetery of Forgotten Books. This is a dark, gothic novel full of mystery and intrigue. At heart it is a story of man’s struggle against his baser instincts. Although there are many twists in the plot, Zafón keeps some major surprises for the ending. Dan Stevens is simply marvelous performing the audio version.
Full Review HERE
Playing for Pizza by John Grisham – 2** What’s the male equivalent of chick-lit? Jock-lit? Well, whatever term we use, this novel is it. Light on plot (and what’s there is predictable), a little romance, a life lesson learned (sort of), and a lot of football. It was a quick read, and I enjoyed some of the scenes that explored Italian culture. Evan Welch does a fairly good job of voicing the audio. He has good pacing and I liked the way he voiced the Italians.
Full Review HERE
The Ghost and Mrs. Jeffries by Emily Brightwell – 3*** This is book #3 in the cozy mystery series featuring Mrs Hepzibah Jeffries, housekeeper to Inspector Gerald Witherspoon, and her team of servants who all help solve the crimes. It’s a fast read, full of colorful characters, and I enjoyed watching Mrs Jeffries figure it out and gently coaxing the Inspector towards the correct solution to the mystery.
Full Review HERE
If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won’t) by Betty White – 2.5** I feel a little mean not liking this more. I love Betty White, and some of the essays in this book are spot on perfect. But it’s pretty lightweight in substance, and while it is a fast read, it just didn’t satisfy what I look for in a reading experience.
Full Review HERE
The Dog Who Knew Too Much by Spencer Quinn 3 starsI enjoy this series, mostly at a 3 star level, and am reading them somewhat concurrently with my son (we are usually on different books). This one is nearly 3.5 stars, so I rounded down for GR.
my review
Carrying Albert Home: The Somewhat True Story of a Man, His Wife, and Her Alligator by Homer Hickam ★★★★my review
Mod
This is a very interesting book about the life of Shirley Temple and her career during the Great Depression. Kasson discusses her career and what is going on in history and how it affects her career and life. It combines biography and history. If you are a fan of Shirley Temple and or/ a film buff you will probably like this book.
Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast, 4****
This graphic novel makes a very terrifying and difficult subject "seem" lighter by its comically drawn and hand-written presentation. The subject is: the care and death of aging parents. Some of the things she talked about made me more scared and some made me feel better, but it all has to be faced. I can do this...with help.
A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway – 4**** Early in his career as a writer, Hemingway lived in Paris with his wife and infant son. This is his memoir of that time, when he was young, curious, and soaking up atmosphere with a sponge. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to have shared even one afternoon with these young writers! There is immediacy to Hemingway’s writing that just draws me into the world of his work. I thank Hemingway for letting me live vicariously through his memories.
Full Review HERE
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, 4****s
This 'Cinderella-inspired' story is cute and well-written. Ella is a young girl who is given the curse of "obedience" at birth. So when someone tells her to do something, she has to do it. Doesn't sound so bad until the wrong person/s find out that Ella has to do whatever they say -- then things start to get hairy. Of course, knowing the story of Cinderella, you know how it's going to end. But the journey, being different than the original, keeps you on your toes trying to figure it all out. It is written for 8-12 year olds, but I was thoroughly entertained!
The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro, 4****s
This is a beautifully written story about a young English woman in 1955. She finds out that she has received an inheritance, but it is from a woman that she has never heard of and she must go to Paris to claim her legacy. However, she decides to do some investigation before taking the money and finds out much more than she bargained for. The story is written back and forth between the current 1955 and 1927, being the story of the legator. Also, the story is based around a perfumier, and the author's description of the scents created is worth reading the book alone. I thought this book was very smart, had twists and turns that I did not expect, and kept me interested throughout. I highly recommend it!
Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde, 4****s
Another exciting and unbelievably "word-play dense" story by Jasper Fforde, about a society based on color, as in red, yellow, blue, green, etc. Very interesting, a little darker than some of his others, but very enjoyable!
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell – 3.5*** Eleanor is the new kid – and target – at school; Park is a quiet loner who prefers listening to his music tapes and reading comics. Eleanor winds up sitting next to Park on the bus and slowly they begin to notice the value in one another. I can certainly see where the target audience would love it (as my niece did). But for me it’s just a little better than average. Fair warning: there is some very vulgar language in the book.
Full Review HERE
Terris wrote: "Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde, 4****s
Another exciting and unbelievably "word-play dense" story by Jasper Fforde, about a society based on color, as in red, yel..."
How DOES Fforde think these things up? I gave it 3.5*** - hard to get into it, but once I was caught up I found it compelling.
Book Concierge wrote: "Terris wrote: "Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde, 4****s
Another exciting and unbelievably "word-play dense" story by Jasper Fforde, about a society based on color,..."
I know! I listened to the audio book & the reader was wonderful, but I really had to listen to catch everything -- but I'm sure I still missed a lot!
Mod
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry Gabrielle Zevin
This book came highly recommended to me and it was a very sweet tale of a child abandoned in a bookstore and adopted by the owner of the store. Heart string tugger. 4/5 stars
Mod
Dear Committee Members
Julie Schumacher
3.5/5 stars
This is the story of an English professor of creative writing and it is told through his memos and letters that he writes as recommendations for students and colleagues. Dark,funny and a little bit sad. He contends that nobody reads the recommendations so he writes how he feels. I enjoyed it. Fast read.
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain – 3*** McLain does extensive research and had a wealth of information on which to base this work of historical fiction. I appreciate how she paints the landscape of this part of Africa in the early part of the 20th century. I recognize Markham’s intelligence, determination and tenacity, but she never seemed to learn anything from her mistakes. I struggle with giving the work a higher rating because I so disliked Beryl Markham. McLain chose to focus her work on Beryl’s childhood and young adulthood, so that the character is just becoming the woman we know about when the novel ends. And I’m left feeling disappointed in both Beryl and the book.
Full Review HERE
Mod
Not My Father's SonAlan Cumming
5/5 stars
This is the unbelievable story of the relationship between Alan Cumming and his father. Not a complete biography but Cumming writes about life growing up in Scotland, his family and about secrets that are revealed when he agrees to be on the show Who Do Think You Are? Could not put this down!
The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa – 5***** and a ❤A beautifully elegant gem of a novel. The slow way in which the Housekeeper, Root and the Professor get to know one another is framed by his lessons on the poetry of mathematics. I liked how Ogawa used the Professor’s and Root’s love of baseball to frame their growing friendship. It is a story about love (not to be confused with a “love story”).
Full Review HERE
Julie wrote: "Not My Father's SonAlan Cumming
5/5 stars
This is the unbelievable story of the relationship between Alan Cumming and his f..."
I'm so glad to hear you liked this one so much! It's been on my list for a long time, but I'm definitely going to move it up now!
Book Concierge wrote: " The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa – 5***** and a ❤A beautifully elegant gem of a novel. The slow way in which the Housekeeper, R..."
Isn't this a marvelous book?! I just loved it. The writing was just so calm and soothing. I, like you, listened to the audio book and really enjoyed Cassandra Campbell's narration.
Terris wrote: "Book Concierge wrote: " The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa – 5***** and a ❤A beautifully elegant gem of a novel. The slow way in w..."
I read it, and found it lovely and poignant.
Mod
Not My Father's SonAlan Cumming
5/5 stars
Hope you like it- I read it in a couple of days.
The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C Morais – 3*** Hassan Haji is born into a restaurant family and becomes a celebrated French chef in this delightful fable. The book focuses on his life’s journey, and those bumps in the road that might derail his ambitions. There is a significant clash of cultures when this Indian family establishes their Maison Mumbai in the small French village of La Lumiere. But good food will always attract a following. Neil Shah does a good job of performing the audio version.
Full Review HERE
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain – 4**** I first listened to this audio in Feb 2013. I listened again in preparation for my F2F book club. I won’t change my rating, but I find the audio more annoying this time for the poor voice work. The book, however, is still a good one in the way McLain portrays the Hemingway’s marriage and their life in 1920s Paris. I really liked Hadley.
Full Review HERE
Book Concierge wrote: " The Paris Wife by Paula McLain – 4**** I first listened to this audio in Feb 2013. I listened again in preparation for my F2F book club. I won’t change my rating..."
Yes, I thought this was a good one!
Mod
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain – 4**** I first listened to this audio in Feb 2013. I listened again in preparation for my F2F book club. I won’t change my rating..."
I wasn't going to read this and then changed my mind. I really liked it. I felt like the author was there in the room watching them.
Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord by Louis de Bernières – 4**** Dionisio Vivo is a philosophy teacher, whose letters to the editor about the effects of the coca trade on the people of this unnamed South American country have attracted the wrath of the local drug lord. This is a fun romp of a satire, full of magical realism and totally outrageous scenarios. I laughed aloud in many places, and cried out in dismay in others. The language de Bernières employs is nothing short of delightful. The reader who can suspend disbelief and just go along for the ride will find much to enjoy.
Full Review HERE
Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming, 4****s
I listened to this in 2 days! I really enjoyed Alan Cumming's story of finding out about his family history, which turned out to be fairly dramatic. I liked him so much on "The Good Wife" and his hosting of "Masterpiece Mystery" on PBS, so it was fun hearing him read this audio book with his Scottish brogue :)
Mod
Night Film
Marisha Pessl
4/5 stars
A writer and his two companions try to track down the killer of a infamous movie producer's daughter. Compelling but at times I felt there were too many characters and story lines to keep track of in the book but I still enjoyed it. This would probably be a good book to re-read and catch the things missed in the first read.
The Rope Walk by Carrie Brown – 3*** As summer begins, ten-year-old Alice meets two extraordinary people: a bi-racial boy visiting his grandparents for the summer, and a middle-aged artist with AIDS who has come to live with his sister. This coming-of-age novel brought back many fond memories of the summers spent doing “nothing” and “everything." One of the difficulties with choosing a child narrator, however, is that the adult reader will clearly see certain plot elements coming long before the less-experienced child. Still, I thought Brown did a good job of revealing the plot elements, and the changing relationships.
Full Review HERE
Library Lovers
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Authors mentioned in this topic
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Paul Beatty (other topics)
Paul Beatty (other topics)
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Grissom’s debut - The Kitchen House - became a best seller; this book follows one of the characters in the first book over several decades. There is a good story idea here, a runaway slave who passes for white and builds a successful life. There are a number of twists and turn in the plot and I was caught up in the story and wanted to know how the characters would fare. However, Grissom uses multiple narrators and the result is that there is less cohesion in the story-telling. In summary, it’s a good story and kept me turning pages, but the writing fell short.
Full Review HERE