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2016 Reads and Reviews(Part 1) ~ Anything goes
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Dracula
– Bram Stoker – 5*****
Stoker wrote this as a series of journal or diary entries, letters and newspaper clippings. This gives a certain immediacy to the writ..."
I have never read this and I never realized it was written thru a diary and letters. I enjoy books like that. Will add to my reading list.
Anne’s House of Dreams
– L M Montgomery – 4**** What I love about these books is Anne, herself. She’s so optimistic and friendly, with good common sense, a kind heart, and a generous spirit. She is no stranger to trouble and heartache, and this book definitely includes some heart-wrenching events. I love the young woman she has become.
Full Review HERE
NPR: Laughter Therapy by NPR, 4****sI'm an NPR fanatic, and I really enjoyed listening to this audio book of interviews with Phyllis Diller, Joan Rivers, Eugene Levy, Mel Brooks, and more; and all the humorous news story -- some real, some not! Only two hours and very enjoyable!
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, 4****sI enjoyed this wonderfully told story about two families in Copehagen during WWII, one family being Jewish. The little girl that narrates the story is not Jewish, so this story is a little different than others that I've read. Since this is a book written for 10-12-year-olds, I was glad that the author wrote an "Afterword" explaining her inspirations for the story & characters, and the parts of the story that were fiction and which parts really happened. This is a good one, and I highly recommend it!
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NPR: Laughter Therapy by NPR, 4****sI'm an NPR fanatic, and I really enjoyed listening to this audio book..."
Will add this book to my list. Sounds very interesting.
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Anne’s House of Dreams
– L M Montgomery – 4****
What I love about these books is Anne, herself. She’s so optimistic and friendly, with good common sens..."
I loved that series.
Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella, 4****sI really enjoyed this YA novel about a young teen-aged girl who has been through a traumatic experience at school (which is never explained in complete detail). She is now going to therapy for an anxiety disorder, is excused from going to school for a few months, and wears dark glasses all the time. However, it seems that the rest of this dysfunctional family are not in much better condition! Although, the book deals with this family's problems, it is told in a fairly light way and much of it is funny. I enjoyed it immensely, not wanting to put it down until I was finished to see how it was all going to end. It is recommended for 7th grade and up, but I enjoyed it a lot!!
The Dinner
– Herman Koch– 4**** In an oh-so-fashionable restaurant in Amsterdam two couples meet for dinner. I was completely fascinated by the psychological nuances explored in these two couples. Over the course of this meal they dance around the very serious situation their sons have gotten into. Emotions are triggered, and just as quickly suppressed. I can hardly wait for my F2F book group discussion!
Full Review HERE
Terris wrote: " Number the Stars by Lois Lowry, 4****sI enjoyed this wonderfully told story about two families in Copehagen during WWII, one family being Jewish. The little girl..."
Totally agree with your assessment/review.
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Nobody Said Not to Go: The Life, Loves, and Adventures of Emily Hahn
Ken Cuthbertson
5/5 stars
As I finished this book, what came to my mind was Dos Equis's Beer ad campaign, “The Most Interesting Man in the World". If they had to pick a female for that role it would have had to have been Emily Hahn as the world's most interesting woman.
Hahn was born in St. Louis, Missouri into a large Jewish family in 1905. The family eventually moved to Chicago, Illinois. She ended up as the only female mining engineering student at college. She and a girlfriend traveled in a Model T-Ford across the US. She also traveled alone to Africa and lived there for a few years before moving home and writing a book about her experiences. She then traveled to Hong Kong and was stuck there during the Japanese invasion during WWII and where she met her future husband and had a child. She was a writer most of her life and wrote novels and short stories. She also wrote for The New Yorker till a few months before her death at the age of 92. Cuthbertson weaves a wonderful tale of her adventures and her accomplishments. I had a hard time putting this down.
Highly recommended and a big thanks to whoever recommended it to me.
Midaq Alley
– Naguib Mahfouz – 4**** I love stories that feature an ensemble cast such as this. Midaq Alley is but one of many such small streets in Cairo. The residents form a microcosm of society, and over the course of the novel they fall in love, endure heartbreak, commit crimes, become ill, take chances at new adventures, and simply move on with their lives. Mahfouz’s writing is wonderfully atmospheric – I could smell the bread baking, or hear the cacophony of sound in a busy public square.
Full Review HERE
Julie wrote: "Nobody Said Not to Go: The Life, Loves, and Adventures of Emily Hahn
[author:Ken Cuthbertson|26..."
Oh ... I have to get this .... Thanks for your review.
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Missing May by Cynthia Rylant, 5*****sThis is a wonderful book about a young girl and a loss in her family, and how they deal with it.
It is written for 8-12 year old children, but I laughed and I cried, and I read it in one sitting! Absolutely loved it and the way it was written. Recommended to Everyone!!
Let Me In, John Lindqvist4 stars!
Normally I am not into vampire stories, but this one is exceptional. The various plot threads are truly moving, at times funny, at times REALLY tense, and the characters are three-dimensional, genuinely complex and believable. I really did not want to put this book down and get back to my life. Well worth your time.
The Monkey’s Raincoat
– Robert Crais– 3.5*** This is a great detective story that reminds me of the old-fashioned noir tales by Chandler. I was hooked from the beginning and interested throughout. Will definitely read more of this series.
Full Review HERE
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Anybody Can Do Anything
Betty MacDonald
4/5 stars
I am a big fan of Betty MacDonald and was glad to be able to find a copy of Anybody Can Do Anything which was one of her adult books that I haven't read. Betty relates her experiences trying to get and keep a job during the depression after she left her husband. Her and her two daughters moved into her mother's house already filled with unemployed siblings and her sister Mary did everything she could to help Betty with her unemployment status. Betty's humor shines through these stories even though life was very hard for her and her family.
The Red Leather Diary
– Lili Koppel – 4**** Lily Koppel was a young (age 22) writer working at the New York Times when she discovered an old red leather diary. It had originally been given to Florence Wolfson for her 14th birthday – Aug 11, 1929, and Florence dutifully wrote in it every day for the five years allowed on its pages. The diary did more than offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. As Lily read the young Florence’s record of her hopes, dreams, heartbreaks and triumphs, she discovered something about herself. And then Koppel went searching for Florence…
Full Review HERE
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The Red Leather Diary
– Lili Koppel – 4****
Lily Koppel was a young (age 22) writer working at the New York Times when she discovered an old red leath..."
I enjoyed that book.
Fairy Godmother's Inc. by Jennifer WardellSome redone fairy tales don't quite make it but this one does. This is a new version of Cinderella from the Fairy Godmothers point of view. You see there is a Fairy Godmothers Inc business that see's to it that you have your happily ever after. Sometimes even when it seems you don't really want it. Here is Rellie (Cinderella) who of course is living with a Terrible Step-Mother and Sisters. Well that is how the story goes and here come the Fairy Godmother (Katherine) to get her ready for the prince (Rupert). Seems Rupert is not exactly the best prince around, he's not bad just - not really into being in charge, he leaves that to his younger brother Jon. Kathrine is trying to get Rellie ready for the big ball and Jon happens to come across them and really falls for Kathrine. Kathrine has an assistant (Ned) and he has eyes for Rellie). He (Jon) is helping them with dancing lessons and such but of course things just don't go as planned. Rupert goes off to find enlightenment (he's not sure what it is but thinks it's a good idea - he's been reading books). O dear. Now you need to know that the Head Fairy Godmother, Bubbles (what a name), wants this done no matter what and since Jon is now the Crown Prince it looks like he will be the bridegroom whether he wants that or not. You see there is a True Love Potion that they get sprinkled with just to make sure it happens. Must say there were plenty of laughs to go around and funny situations that I really enjoyed. Must read this for some really good enjoyment.
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Becoming Ellen
Shari Shattuck
4/5 stars
This book is the sequel to Invisible Ellen. Ellen is slowly coming out of her shell but still finds it difficult to be around people. Meanwhile, she and her blind friend, Temerity are on their way home one day and find a young man living in the alley behind their apartment and vow to help him.
I really enjoy these two characters and feel a lot of empathy for Ellen. The plot is somewhat similar to the first book but watching Ellen make progress in her life is very heartwarming.
Up To This Pointe
– Jennifer Longo – 2** When her life-long plan to be a ballerina with the San Francisco Ballet goes awry, 17-year-old Harper Scott finagles a way to go to Antarctica for six months as a research assistant. This story line is so ridiculous that I made myself dizzy rolling my eyes. On the plus side, Harper does mature (a little) over the course of the novel, and while she makes some foolish mistakes she does eventually learn some important lessons.
Full Review HERE
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Mei Li
– Thomas Handforth – 4**** Wonderful illustrations bring the Chinese cultural celebration to life. This is a great way to introduce very young children to a different country and its culture.
LINK to my review
Saving Fish From Drowning
– Amy Tan – 3*** Twelve American tourists join an art expedition that begins in the Himalayan foothills of China and heads south into the jungles of Burma. And then, on Christmas morning, eleven of the travelers boat across a misty lake for a sunrise cruise – and disappear. I like Tan’s writing. She has the ability to plop me right into the middle of a completely different culture. This story has some elements of magical realism. Tan deftly explores the ways in which American tourists make “innocent” mistakes that have significant consequences. At 474 pages, this is longer than it needs to be. Still, I enjoyed it and was entertained throughout.
LINK to my review
The Dinner by Herman Koch, 4****sThis psychological thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat! It is not fast-paced, but certainly keeps you thinking and guessing as the author lets out a few clues at a time as to what is happening and going to happen.
It is the story of two brothers, and their wives, having dinner at a restaurant. They are there to discuss a family situation regarding each of their sons, and how they are going to handle it. All the time thinking how their decisions will affect the boys' futures, and their own futures, one of which is a high level politician. All the information is not revealed till the very end, and even then the reader is left with a few questions, such as "What just happened?!..."
I enjoyed this book very much and think it would make a good movie!
Because a gentle read was needed "the day after" - read on Nov 9, 2016 ...
Make Way For Ducklings
– Robert McCloskey – 5***** and a ❤ Mr and Mrs Mallard search for a good home in which to raise their brood. This is a perennial favorite for children and their parents. Oh, how I loved the story of how Policeman Michael and the other people ensured the safety of Mrs Mallard and her brood: Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack and Quack, as they crossed busy streets, waddled past coffee shops and book stores, and finally made their way to the Public Gardens, for a reunion with Mr Mallard who waited patiently on the little island in the pond. It’s an absolute delight to revisit this story and I marvel at the wonderfully detailed illustrations.
LINK to my review
Book Concierge wrote: "Because a gentle read was needed "the day after" - read on Nov 9, 2016 ... Make Way For Ducklings
– Robert McCloskey – 5***** and a ❤
Mr and Mrs Mall..."
Came into the library this morning emptying the book drop and lo and behold there was MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS.
The Girl Who Played Go
– Shan Sa – 4**** Set in Manchuria circa 1931, the novel is told in alternating points of view: a 16-year-old Chinese girl who has mastered the game of go, and a Japanese soldier in disguise to challenges her to a game. I’m glad that Shan Sa included footnotes on the Japanese and Chinese history, because my own education in this is woefully lacking. What really shines in the novel, however, is how the characters come to life. . I was engrossed in their lives, and completely stunned by the ending.
LINK to my review
Charlene wrote: "Came into the library this morning emptying the book drop and lo and behold there was MAKE WAY FOR DUCKLINGS. ..."Ha, Ha, Ha .... I put it in the book drop on my way home from work yesterday ... had to double check that we don't live in the same city!
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Norman Rockwell: Illustrator
Arthur L. Guptill
3/5 stars
Originally written in 1946 and re-released several times, Arthur L. Guptill had been given permission and cooperation from Norman Rockwell to write this book on Rockwell's life as an illustrator. The book contains some of Rockwell's most famous paintings and provides details of his art process. Rockwell goes over how he decides on what to paint, facts about some of his most famous paintings and his use of his neighbors and family as models. While not a true biography, we get a look at his life as a artist. Very interesting!
Behind Closed Doors
by B.A. Paris, 4****sOh my! What can I say?! This book was a total roller coaster ride -- and I hated it! -- and I still gave it 4 Stars!
I hated it because it was too scary for me and made me very uncomfortable. However, it was written very well, the descriptions made me feel like I was there, and it really kept me on the edge of my seat. Once I started it, I had to finish it!
It is the story of a woman who marries the wrong man and can't get out of it -- or away from him! She also can't convince anyone else that there is anything wrong. Her husband, a famous lawyer who looks perfect to all from the outside, has set the scene well by telling everyone that she has mental issues. So no one would believe her if she told them the truth! So how does it end?! You are going to have to find that out for yourself!! Read at your own risk ;)
Mod
by B.A. Paris, 4****sOh my! What can I say?! This book was a total roller coaster ride -- and I hated it! -- and I stil..."
Loved your review!
Mrs. Mike
– Benjamin and Nancy Freedman – 4**** This is a novel, but it is based on the real life story of Katherine Mary O’Fallon. It’s a great adventure story, love story, and pioneer story. The young couple endure several misadventures and tragedies, including wildfires, floods, and epidemics of diphtheria and influenza. It is their deep love for one another that sees them through, as well as their willingness to understand the cultural mores of the Indians and adapt to, or at least tolerate, their differences.
LINK to my review
Book Concierge wrote: " Mrs. Mike
– Benjamin and Nancy Freedman – 4****
This is a novel, but it is based on the real life story of Katherine Mary O’Fallon. It’s a great adventure story, l..."
That is a wonderful story. Think I read they in High School or right after.
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Mrs. Mike
– Benjamin and Nancy Freedman – 4****
This is a novel, but it is based on the real life story of Katherine Mary O’Fallon. It’s a great adventure story, l..."
I loved that book. I read that a couple of times in grade school. Very popular with all the girls.
The Borrowers
by Mary Norton, 4****sThis is a fun children's book (on the 100 Top Children's Books list) about little people who live under the floorboards of the house. And they don't "steal" from the home owners, they just "borrow." Therefore, they are "The Borrowers." But their biggest fear is to be "seen" by one of the home owners who might bring a cat in to catch them! So this is part of the plot of this book which is the first in a series of five, written for children ages 7-10. Very cute, and would be fun to read to children in a classroom or to your own child/grandchild!
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Oneida: From Free Love Utopia to the Well-Set Table
Ellen Wayland-Smith
4/5
In the mid 1800's a young man called John Humphrey Noyes feels a calling to start a new faith community in rural New York called the Oneida Community. This community based on free love, equality of the sexes and eugenics takes off. Ellen Wayland-Smith, an ancestor of Noyes writes a compelling story of the history of her ancestor, the community he developed and the silver wear the community made to support themselves.
Terris wrote: "The Borrowers by Mary Norton, 4****sThis is a fun children's book (on the 100 Top Children's Books list) about little people who live under the floor..."
Read those to my kids. Love the books.
Emily and Einstein
– Linda Francis Lee – 3*** Alexander “Sandy” Portman dies in a tragic accident, but comes back as an old dog, which his widow, Emily, adopts and names Einstein. Interesting premise, mediocre execution. Much of the drama was over-the-top ridiculous, including the tortured memories and soul-searching. On the plus side, it was an entertaining and quick read. I was captured by the story and enjoyed it as a kind of break from more serious reading.
LINK to my review
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues
– Tom Robbins – 2** Entertained as I was by the occasional wild description and laugh-out-loud moment, however, in general I was bored by the book. All those interludes to wax poetic about this or that philosophy seemed nothing but an attempt to distract the reader from the lack of a story. Clearly, Robbins is not the writer for me.
LINK to my review
Summer
by Edith Wharton, 3***sA sweet, sad story of a young girl in a small town who gets herself into a bad position and then just has to live with it. Nothing unexpected or surprising, really. Just Wharton's beautiful writing to take you through it. I liked it. But I'm not sure that I'd recommend it, unless you're just a big Wharton fan and want to read all that she's written.
Jerry-BookThe Machine
By James Smyth 3.5 Stars
This is a dystopian novel. Beth, the main character, has lost her husband. Something happened in the war and now he is a vegetable. She seizes on an idea to restore him. She buys a Machine on the black market that will restore his memory bit by bit. Laura, her fellow teacher, warns her against playing God. The novel has a Frankenstein overtone. Is the Machine the monster or is Vic, the husband she is restoring, the monster? The story wrestles with various themes: what is intelligence? can you just restore the good memories? are you human if that is all that is restored are your good memories? what if the person restored cannot control his impulses? The writer writes in the first person and does not put quotes around dialogue which is disconcerting. The book has a surprise ending which is suggested earlier on. The book takes place in a dystopian future in England after a war. For unexplained reasons the weather is hot and uncomfortable due to some unfortunate climate changes. Since "Beth" is the book, the main question for the reader is do you identify with Beth. Would you have attempted to rescue Vic? Would you play God like Beth in order to rescue your loved one? Perhaps one major criticism I have is Laura, her antagonist, seems to be a stock Christian character and not well-developed. The Machine is actually more well-developed than Laura.
Mod
The Machine
By James Smyth 3.5 Stars
This is a dystopian novel. Beth, the main character, has lost her husband. Something happened in th..."
Nice review!
Signs and Wonders
– Philip Gulley – 3*** Book three in the Harmony series looks at a year in the life of the Quaker community’s residents. I just love this series. Each book gives us a glimpse of all the good – and not so good – in human nature, but with the hope that the good will outweigh the bad. They are a perfect break from the stresses of life, and a reminder that there is much good in this world.
LINK to my review
Book Concierge wrote: " Signs and Wonders
– Philip Gulley – 3***
Book three in the Harmony series looks at a year in the life of the Quaker community’s residents. I just love thi..."
I also love this series! It's nice to laugh at some of the silly things people do, and Philip Gulley also does a nice job of making us laugh at ourselves!
Mod
Nothing Daunted: The Unexpected Education of Two Society Girls in the West
Dorothy Wickenden
3.5/5 stars
In 1916, two young, upper class women graduates of Smith College decide to travel to a rural mountain community in Colorado to teach children for a year.
Dorothy Woodruff and Rosamund Underwood had spent time on the continent and were home wondering what they were going to do. Neither was engaged to be married at the time and were at loose ends. In the meantime, Ferry Carpenter, lawyer and businessman from Colorado was looking for women to come and teach in his community and maybe even marry and stay in the community. The two women eagerly take on this commitment in a far different environment and cultural setting than they were used to in their lives and came away with an appreciation for their experience. This book is based on the women's letters and readers will experience their lives in a unfamiliar setting and feel their enthusiasm in taking on a new adventure.
I really enjoyed this book which was written by Dorothy's granddaughter who is an executive director and writer at The New Yorker.
Julie wrote: "Nothing Daunted: The Unexpected Education of Two Society Girls in the West
[author:Do..."
I also read this one (almost 5 yrs ago!) but I don't know why! I kind of liked it as I remember. 3.5 stars seems about right :)
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– Bram Stoker – 5*****
Stoker wrote this as a series of journal or diary entries, letters and newspaper clippings. This gives a certain immediacy to the writ..."
Thanks for the review!