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Reviews by Shirley D. (Amherst, MA)

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The Things We Cherished
The Things We Cherished: A Novel
by Pam Jenoff
THE THINGS WE CHERISHED (5/13/2011)
Once I understood the sudden shifts in time, locale and characters, I was drawn into the personal pain of brothers and the women they loved and the pain of the Holocaust repeated in the present day struggle of two brothers and a woman, a survivor of the Holocaust herself. …more
Jamrach's Menagerie
Jamrach's Menagerie: A Novel
by Carol Birch
Jamrach's Menagerie by Carol Birch (2/8/2011)
For one interested in the 19th century, in the business of selling wild animals and birds and in the whaling industry, this is a treasure.. For one who can distinguish and accept the reality closely interwoven with fantasy, it is a must. The reader who pays close attention …more
Ever By My Side
Ever By My Side: A Memoir in Eight Acts Pets
by Dr. Nick Trout
Ever By My Side (1/4/2011)
EVER BY MY SIDE is a book for all who have ever had a love affair with a dog. It is written with such love and tenderness, I felt I was living those days and years starting with Marty, Cleo and most of all, Patch. Here are all the joys and sorrows, the understanding, and …more
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
by Amy Chua
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother (11/1/2010)
"Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" was a delightful read, a charming story. The heart of it was a vivid picture of the conflict of child rearing – the Chinese way as opposed to the Western way. As a former teacher, I would say "yes!" to some of the Chinese values and "no" to …more
The Clouds Beneath the Sun
The Clouds Beneath the Sun
by Mackenzie Ford
The Clouds Beneath The Sun (7/12/2010)
A good read! The writing is excellent. The characters were of immediate interest and the setting so skillfully done, I wasn’t aware how much I was learning about Kenya. As for the plot, I found it a “page turner.” I felt it a privilege to read and review this novel.
The Lovers
The Lovers: A Novel
by Vendela Vida
The Lovers (4/7/2010)
After reading some splendid reviews, I found The Lovers very disappointing. While the settings were interesting and some of the supporting characters memorable, the main character, Yvonne, seemed overdrawn and analyzed to the point of boring. If there were some plot, some …more
Stuffed
Stuffed: An Insider's Look at Who's (Really) Making America Fat
by Hank Cardello & Doug Garr
Stuffed (11/16/2008)
Stuffed is an absolute delight. Cardello, a former executive in the food industry presents the history of our “improved” foods and their role in the current obesity crisis. He shows how profit has been more important than nutrition. His language, with his flashes of humor …more
Evening Is the Whole Day
Evening Is the Whole Day
by Preeta Samarasan
Evening is the Whole Day (4/10/2008)
In many cases the settings are pure poetry. However, I found the plot slow to develop, the characters without much appeal and words used, especially regarding food or clothing, that had no translation. A glossary would be helpful. I would recommend this book to anyone …more
The Commoner
The Commoner: A Novel
by John Burnham Schwartz
The Commoner (12/14/2007)
The Commoner is a “must read” for those who have any interest in other cultures. It presents a riveting picture of life, not only unknown to most westerners, but unimaginable. The customs and settings were meticulously researched and beautifully vivid. The characters were …more
The Critic
The Critic: The Second of the Enzo Files
by Peter May
The Criitic (11/7/2007)
The Critic will be enjoyed especially by those who know wines and are interested in their production. The setting is splendid. The plot and the characters could be introduced sooner and I think the characters need more development. Once the plot begins, giving shorter …more
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