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Reviews by Shelby L. (Hamden, CT)

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The Devil in Silver
The Devil in Silver: A Novel
by Victor LaValle
A page turner (8/5/2012)
I couldn't put this book down. It's a quick read, entertaining, funny and so sad. The characters are well developed and you'll sympathize with the situation they are in as patients in a state run mental institution. They suffer deprivation, discrimination, abuse, everything …more
Shine Shine Shine
Shine Shine Shine: A Novel
by Lydia Netzer
Touching and tender read (6/5/2012)
When all about you is not "normal"...how do you "fit in".

This is the story of Sunny, a woman born without any hair, her husband Maxon, an abandoned boy who grows up to be a savant genius and their son Bubber, who is autistic. It would appear that all is against them yet …more
An Unmarked Grave
An Unmarked Grave: A Bess Crawford Mystery
by Charles Todd
Worth reading (4/17/2012)
Lately I've been entranced by all things British and this book didn't disappoint in satisfying me. I've not read the preceding books in the series but will.
Bess Crawford is a wonderful character, way ahead of her time as an independent woman. She delves into solving the …more
King Peggy
King Peggy: An American Secretary, Her Royal Destiny, and the Inspiring Story of How She Changed an African Village
by Peggielene Bartels, Eleanor Herman
The Power of One (12/17/2011)
An amazing story of one woman's ability to turn around the fate of her birth village in Ghana. Peggy Bartels, a secretary in the Ghanian Embassy in Washington is called to become King of the village she left 30 years before. She accepts the job not knowing how run down and …more
The Language of Flowers
The Language of Flowers: A Novel
by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Excellent (9/8/2011)
Loved this book. The characters are so alive with energy that permeates every page. You root for the main character as she tries to negotiate "growing up" after spending her life in the foster care system. She is a survivor in every sense of the word.
Outlander
Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon
Superb read (3/21/2011)
When I received Outlander I was sure I'd never get into it since time travel is not my thing nor are lengthy historical novels. Was I ever wrong. There is not much to add that hasn't been said in the other reviews but ignore the naysayers among them and read this. Love, …more
Minding Ben
Minding Ben: A Novel
by Victoria Brown
Many better books to read (12/29/2010)
This is a light, better than "beach read" book but the story felt familiar and predictable, as if I already knew the immigrant Nanny experience from what I've read in the news or seen on TV. The characters are real, although stereotypical in many instances, evil Jewish …more
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
by Amy Chua
Why bother? (11/17/2010)
Coming from the neighborhood where Amy Chua lives I had hopes of enjoying this book. Not so. The writing is too simple at best and although the topic of Eastern vs Western ways of raising children would make for an interesting discussion I found her way too strident and …more
Man in the Woods
Man in the Woods
by Scott Spencer
Worth the read (7/22/2010)
What happens when we do irreparable wrong in the name of right is the focus of this well written novel. A chance encounter with a man abusing a dog forces Paul Phillips to live in fear of being caught...or not. His previous near perfect life is shattered by this chance …more
The Lotus Eaters
The Lotus Eaters: A Novel
by Tatjana Soli
Historically and emotionally satisfying (1/5/2010)
This book will haunt you with its images of Vietnam.

Helen Adams, a photojournalist arrives there in the hopes of finding out what happened to her brother. She is taken by the country, it's people and her motivation to deliver award winning photos and subjects herself to war, …more
The Secret Keeper
The Secret Keeper
by Paul Harris
Trudging through (3/2/2009)
In the hands of a better writer this could be a great first novel rather than just average. The author's style reminds me of the repeat novels of many of today's mass produced authors, full of cliche and soppy sentiment.

It's not that the plot isn't good and you do get a …more
Murder in Mykonos
Murder in Mykonos
by Jeffrey Siger
Murder He Wrote (10/29/2008)
Jeffrey Siger's first book is a great quick read familiar to readers of James Patterson's books. I didn't leave changed but enjoyed the ride. The book has a perfect setting in the Greek isles, accessible writing, real characters and more than enough suspense to keep me up …more
Murderers in Mausoleums
Murderers in Mausoleums: Riding the Back Roads of Empire Between Moscow and Beijing
by Jeffrey Tayler
Bone up on your Russian history! (9/17/2008)
Although dense with history and visits to all the "stans" this book gives very good reason to consider the position of the US in foreign affairs.

The author travels from Moscow to Beiing speaking to the locals about their political views and the insights are stunning.

I found …more
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