A story of survival
I loved the book. The author uses her personal experience to create unforgettable characters. I couldn't put the book down, I just wanted to know how Grace was coping with her emotional journey and how she would survive. Making a life in New York is not easy for anyone especially a 16 year old. Even with all her ups and downs Grace still believes. I can't wait for Victoria Brown's next book. This is a perfect choice for book clubs--there are so many social issues to discuss.
Rated of 5
by Susan S. (Lakeville, MA)
I can't get this book out of my mind.
I stayed up late and woke up early to read this fascinating, true tale. I think I was done in less than two days. It was a bit tough to get into because of the Caribbean patois, but it was worth the effort. You can read the plot summary anywhere, so I won't bother recounting it here. What I want to tell you is that I cared about the characters in the book. They were three-dimensional; they were real. The author made me wonder what made her people tick; why did they do what they did? Hopefully, she will do a sequel, I really want to know what happened to Grace -- since this is the true story of the author's experiences as a nanny in NYC, I am optimistic that she won't leave me hanging.
Rated of 5
by Mary Lou F. (Naples, FL)
Appreciating What You Have
This book points out the disparity between U.S. citizens and immigrants and what they go through to try and fit into this society. Dialect was a little difficult to interpret at times but all in all, very good writing.
Rated of 5
by Trezeline B. (Columbia, MD)
Minding Ben
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The complicated relationships that Grace finds herself involved in, make for an interesting story. The challenges that Grace must face and the many disappointments cause the reader to become to not want to put this book down. This is a page turner. The re adder becomes very involved thinking "what would I do in that situation." I highly recommend this book and am sure anyone who reads it will become aware of the problems immigrants to this country face.
Rated of 5
by Betty S. (Jasper, GA)
Minding Ben
"Minding Ben" is the best novel I have read in a long time. I was rooting for sometimes befuddled but always plucky immigrant Grace Caton the whole way. At times, the plot sounded a bit like the soap operas Trinidadian women like to watch on TV, but the story was so interesting that I could overlook that failing. "Minding Ben" is highly recommended to any reader who likes a good story. I can't wait to read Ms. Brown's next novel. Or memoir. Or whatever she writes.
Rated of 5
by Cynthia A. (Grand Rapids, MI)
Real Characters
The characters in this story are what make it so real. The little communities, traditions, expected behaviors and unexpected twists and turns make it such a good read. Just when you think you know a character and you decide to like or dislike the person, the author shows you a different side of him causing you to change your opinion. I wish this book didn't end. I want to know more of Grace's story.
Rated of 5
by Jane D. (Boulder, CO)
Minding Ben
I was totally engrossed in this book. It provides an educational and eye-opening look at a world I knew nothing about. As a linguist, I was particularly intrigued by the Caribbean English, although I sometimes wished for a glossary, and a brief explanation of the grammar. Great story! I didn't want it to end.
A bold, mesmerizing novel about the woman known as "Typhoid Mary," the first known healthy carrier of typhoid fever in the burgeoning metropolis of early twentieth century New York.
Z, the novel about the life of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald is at points charming and; like another reviewer, I kept thinking of the movie, "Midnight...
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Although heavy on the scientific details, which slowed down the story for me (OK, I admit, I was one of those liberal arts majors who skipped out on...
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Loved this book. Magical, quirky, enchanting I could go on. All books do not have to be literary fiction, sometimes it is just so comforting to read...
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British Parliament asks Amazon to clarify why it pays $9 million in income tax on $23 billion of UK sales.(May 20 2013) Amazon will be called back to give further evidence to members of the British Parliament "to clarify how its activities in the U.K. justify its low corporate...
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of 5
by Bess W. (Marlton, US)
