Rated of 5
by Jinny K. (Fremont, CA) Heartwarming Tale
Was this plot a little sappy? Was the ending quite predictable? Maybe a little more dog and horse-oriented than I usually prefer? Yes, to all of those questions.
However, I was captivated by the characters and their situations and curious about exactly how the predictable ending would come to be.
The dialogue between Glory and Juniper-Glory's droll responses to Juniper's sarcasm-are priceless and believable.
So, although this is not my typical favorite novel, I really enjoyed and truly missed the characters when the book was done.
Rated of 5
by Carolyn L. (Summerville, SC) Solomon's Oak
This is a good story featuring three characters whom the reader can sympathize with and root for. It's well-written and held my attention. It's hard to express just what I felt was lacking. I think I wanted more - more detail about Juniper's problems in school, more about what went into the wedding preparations, more about Joseph's background. The ending seemed a little rushed and incomplete. That said, I did like the book!
Rated of 5
by Linda A. (Palo Alto, CA) Solomon's Oak
This is a wonderful heartwarming story about people I cared about, set in geographically familiar territory - always a plus for me. Themes of love, trust, grief, and connection run throughout.
Rated of 5
by Barbara B. (Alta Loma, CA) Solomon's Oak
Jo-Ann Mapson fans will not be disappointed in this newest novel, which takes place in Central California.
It is a wonderful story of 3 people, who have lost a dear one and find some peace in their grief through one another. All of the characters & animals are very lovable & I found myself rooting for them along the way.
Through Ms Mapson's writing I could feel Glory's, Joseph's & Juniper's pain. I have recommended this book to so many of my friends & I feel as though it would make a great book club selection, as there is much to discuss.
Rated of 5
by Vy A. (Phoenix, Solomon's Oak by Jo-Ann Mapson
Solomon's Oak can be appreciated on many levels. If one is an animal lover, especially of dogs, it will touch your heart,somewhat reminiscent of The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. If you are a nature lover, you will appreciate the folklore of trees and flowers woven throughout. What I valued most, however, was the skillful handling of three very different and believable characters who are dealing with loss in their lives. How their interactions with one another help them through the healing process results in a good story line amidst a rich tapestry of setting and description. I highly recommend it not only for individuals but to book groups as there would be many facets to discuss.
Rated of 5
by Mary M. (Lexington KY) Heartwarming not mushy
This is a wonderful book about strangers who have had tragedy in their lives coming together to heal and form a family. The story is told at times in the voices of the main characters, Juniper, Glory and Joseph. Juniper's essay about foster children and the holidays will stay with me forever and should be required reading for foster parents everywhere. The book is heartwarming without being mushy and unbelievable. I loved it.
Fearless, gripping, at once darkly funny and tender, spanning three continents and numerous lives, Americanah is a richly told story set in today's globalized world.
The story of an American family, middle class in middle America, ordinary in every way but one. But that exception is the beating heart of this extraordinary novel.
The most mature work yet from an incomparable storyteller, TransAtlantic is a profound meditation on identity and history in a wide world that grows somehow smaller and more wondrous with...
First time novelist Vaddey Ratner captured my heart and senses in this novel based on her childhood in Cambodia. Her story transcends any news story...
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From the first page, I was drawn in by the lyrical writing of the author and mesmerized as the narrator, eight year old Raami, remembered the years...
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Trite but true, all good things must come to an end. I so wanted to keep reading the wonderful prose, the settings that let one think they are part...
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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 Jinny K. (Fremont, CA) 
of 5
by Linda A. (Palo Alto, CA) 
