Rated of 5
by Betty T. (Warner Robins, Georgia) Love Triangles
I enjoyed the book even though the story is not all that deep. The two love triangles somewhat mirror each other -- two brothers in love with the same woman. Neither story gets very deep. After all, the book is only 286 pages. It was sometimes hard to grab the thread of the story when it bounced into the past. But the sentimentality of the story saved it. The clock ties the chapters from the past together. Overall, I enjoyed it.
Rated of 5
by Gee (Troutdale, OR) The Things We Cherished
This was a marvelous story spanning many years and locations. It is the story of two attorneys who while working to defend a man against charges of war crimes during the Holocaust find themselves falling in love. The accused is the brother of a man who was deemed a hero during the time. It's the story of their mutual love for the same woman and the significance of an anniversary clock. The book is part love story, mystery and historical fiction.
Rated of 5
by Beverly M. (Hawthorn Woods, IL) The Things We Cherished
This book interweaves a historical story of an anniversary clock and a contemporary romance. The historical story of who possesses the clock along with when and why is a very compelling and complex tale. It is told very well and all loose ends are tied up by the story's end. The contemporary romance does not add much to the book. The characters are explored only superficially and did not keep me interested or make me care about that part of the story.
Rated of 5
by Bob W. (Oakland, TN) The Things We Cherished
I was initially drawn to the book by its title and close behind by it's historical fiction subject matter...and I was not disappointed. Using her personal background of law and history she skillfully weaves the story from the past (beginning in 1903) to the present (2009), and throughout various cities in Europe. And she ties it all together in a most interesting and unique way: an anniversary clock handmade in Bavaria in 1903 and the several lives it touches. Ms Jenoff also does an excellent work of developing personal relationships, both in the past and the present, and in her character development. All in all quite an accomplishment for under 300 pages.
If you enjoy fact-based historical fiction you should enjoy her efforts. Romance is also prominent, but is in no way overpowering.
Rated of 5
by Diane H. (San Diego, CA) Things We Cherished
A quick, easy read with an interesting story. I like the way the chapters alternated between the current story and the story unfolding in the past and the way the author made connections between past and present. The characters in the present could have been given a little more depth. Overall it was an enjoyable book.
Rated of 5
by Jennifer F. (Saratoga, CA) More a romantic novel than historical fiction
As a fan of historical fiction, I was disappointed in the level of detail given to the historic events within the novel. The author had more of a focus on the romantic plot, which I found predictable and therefore, not as interesting as a traditional historical fiction work.
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.
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 Betty T. (Warner Robins, Georgia) 
of 5
by Gee (Troutdale, OR) 
of 5
by Beverly M. (Hawthorn Woods, IL) 
