BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Reviews by Ann S. (Shenandoah, IA)

Safe with Me
by Amy Hatvany

Safe With Me (11/15/2013)

Two important topics - one treated very well; the other not as well. Safe with me is a good read. It does remind me to a degree of Jodi Picoult in that the author focuses on current social problems. I thought her handling of the organ donation issue was very well done. …more

Last Train to Istanbul
by Ayse Kulin

Last Train to Istanbul (10/3/2013)

Translations offer the opportunity to read a different perspective without knowing the language. Readers, though, are at the mercy of the translator. Words and phrases are often difficult to translate with the intended meaning and feeling. Some are better than others; even …more

The Edge of Normal
by Carla Norton

The Edge of Normal (7/14/2013)

Unfortunately, the disturbing abductions in The Edge of Normal could be taken from today's headlines. Perhaps that fact was an impetus for the author. Norton has done an incredible amount of research.

We do not normally learn about the details and struggles of those who have …more

The Caretaker
by A .X. Ahmad

The Caretaker (4/20/2013)

I am drawn to books with international plot lines. I found the conflict between cultures to be realistically portrayed. I assume the author is planning another book; at least the ending led me to think that. It did not bring the story to a "comfort" close, but was certainly …more

Golden Boy
by Abigail Tarttelin

Golden Boy (1/30/2013)

I found the opening very disturbing. It was however a riveting story. Max's character was realistic in the way he tried to deal with his situation. I was stunned that the parents were unable to help him. Without Sylvie and the doctor, Max would have had no one to turn to.

I …more

Have Mother, Will Travel: A Mother and Daughter Discover Themselves, Each Other, and the World
by Claire & Mia Fontaine

Opportunity of a lifetime (6/28/2012)

Perhaps some mothers would not give a thought to spending such a prolonged and concentrated time with their daughter; I would love it.

I found this memoir filled with honest observations and instances which touched my very soul. I would cherish even a few days of time with …more

Until the Next Time: A Novel
by Kevin Fox

Irish tale (3/1/2012)

An Irish tale, full of intrigue and history, Until the Next Time immerses the reader in Irish culture as well as history. Once I understood the connections among the different time frames, it was easier reading. However, I found parts cumbersome and at times repetitious. …more

Arcadia: A Novel
by Lauren Groff

Worthy of praise (1/4/2012)

With descriptive passages which are exquisitely written, Groff weaves a tale of idealistic goals and realistic conclusions. The main character, Bit, understands and copes with the culture in Arcadia, but also finds his way, happily or unhappily, to relate to and deal with " …more

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