Disappointed after Lace Reader
I loved the Lace Reader so I was a little disappointed in this book. It was too predictable and I felt the characters were not uniformly well developed. I never really got "connected" to Zee so it wasn't a page-turner for me at all. I did, however, really like the story within the story very much and wished it had been longer. Not a bad read, but rather one where you read on hoping to get to the great part--but never quite make it there.
Rated of 5
by Kandi D. (Beaverton, OR)
The Map of True Places
I liked Barry’s first novel, The Lace Reader, so I was excited to read her latest. This one also takes place in and around the Salem area and even references some of the characters from the first novel. Barry does an excellent job creating an environment and making you feel like you want to plan a trip to Salem and take in the beautiful scenery and unique culture. They say you should write about what you know, and it’s obvious that Barry knows and truly loves her hometown. The story of Zee Finch and her strange and troubled family is interesting and definitely a story worth telling. But I think Barry misses the mark. Some of the events in the story seem far-fetched and forced. And some of the characters are too prescribed and unreal. But it’s definitely entertaining and keeps your interest to the final page.
Rated of 5
by Shirley S. (Batavia, IL)
Map Of True Places
There is nothing good to say about this book. The story is unbelievable, the events too coincidental, the characters forgettable. Too much conversation and too little plot development. I truly didn't care what happened to these people. It was a chore to read.
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Kenn Nesbitt is new Children's Poet Laureate(Jun 12 2013) Kenn Nesbitt has been named the new Children's Poet Laureate: Consultant in Children's Poetry to the Poetry Foundation, which noted that the two-year position...
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of 5
by Judy G. (Carmel, IN)
of 5
by Shirley S. (Batavia, IL)
