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Reviews by Andrienne G. (Azusa, CA)

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Golden Boy
by Abigail Tarttelin

Coming of age story with a twist (12/27/2012)

I am glad I got a copy of this book. I'm an avid reader and it takes a lot to surprise me these days. Although I already guessed what the "betrayal" was before I cracked open the book, I felt that the author did a good job in handling it. She really captured the voice of …more

The Roots of the Olive Tree: A Novel
by Courtney Miller Santo

Engaging story about strong women and their secrets (7/8/2012)

I was very interested in reading this book and it was a satisfying one. For one, the writing is really good--how it flows, what's said, and what's depicted. I rate books poorly even when the plot is strong but the writing is so shoddy. Just like appetizers, this book needs …more

Wife 22: A Novel
by Melanie Gideon

I love this book! So funny! (4/3/2012)

I was crazy about this book. I didn't expect it to be so funny! The writing style reminds me of a book I read before, "Diary of a Mad Mom-to-be" by Laura Wolf. This book was a joy to read. I definitely would read this again for the laughs. I did not care too much for the " …more

The Starboard Sea: A Novel
by Amber Dermont

Compelling coming-of-age tale set in the 80s (2/1/2012)

I don't know much about the 80s (I identify more with the 90s), so I can't comment on how accurate the way kids thought and felt. All I know is that I got this book yesterday and finished it yesterday. It was like Dead Poets Society without the idealism. I don't like boats …more

The Good Father: A Novel
by Noah Hawley

My kind of fiction - a lot of introspection (12/16/2011)

Enjoyed this book a lot. From a parent's point of view, it really makes you think about how some people grow up to be bad or good. I like how the author defended the dad's actions right up till the end.

The Leftovers: A Novel
by Tom Perrotta

Curious premise, no redemption (7/12/2011)

I am a fan of Tom Perrotta so I jumped at the chance to review his latest novel. In fairness, "The Leftovers" continues the same dreary and mildly shocking narrative that is true to his style. He does not hesitate to include uncomfortable yet real moments. If his aim is to …more

Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon

90s literature shows its age and sentiment (3/22/2011)

I finally finished this hefty novel. I like a good time travel story any day, but this book did not leave me fascinated. This book was made in 1991 and it shows. It's very corny in some sections; I imagine those who don't mind soap operas would really like this book ( …more

Original Sin: A Sally Sin Adventure
by Beth Mcmullen

okay debut, needs more oomph (2/6/2011)

Finally finished the book. It started out with a lot of promise, but somewhere near the middle, the book was trying to figure out what genre it fell under. At times, it felt like a really good chick lit, and other times, it felt like a tepid book about something else. I was …more

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand: A Novel
by Helen Simonson

a real treat to be savored (1/17/2011)

A delightful surprise from beginning to end. The major is an unlikely yet supremely endearing hero. I can't count the times I wanted to write down his witty and spot on quips. Each sentence brings so much feeling and depth. The author wasted no words to bring this novel to …more

The True Memoirs of Little K: A Novel
by Adrienne Sharp

How historical fiction should be written (9/20/2010)

I have to agree with the other reviewer who said that she didn't regret reading the book, but it wasn't a page turner. This book is heavy with information - probably too heavy -one might wonder if in real-life, an old woman would be able to remember so many details. But it …more

The True Memoirs of Little K: A Novel
by Adrienne Sharp

How historical fiction should be (9/15/2010)

I have to agree with the other reviewer who said that she didn't regret reading the book, but it wasn't a page turner. This book is heavy with information--probably too heavy--one might wonder if in real-life, an old woman would be able to remember so many details. But it …more

After the Fall
by Kylie Ladd

After the fall...it just falls (6/7/2010)

I enjoy books on infidelity because there is the potential for the whys. Not so much the "what" because, really, a kiss, a night in bed, flirtations etc. it doesn't matter. I like it that this book gets the reader into the minds of each of the characters. How exciting would …more

Romancing Miss Bronte: A Novel
by Juliet Gael

Few likable characters and ho-hum events (3/1/2010)

Perhaps I might have missed the point of the story or failed to appreciate the depiction of how dull life was for the Bronte sisters. It had a sluggish start and then about halfway in, just when it seemed like it would pick up when the sisters were published, it paved the …more

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