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Reviews by Gayle M. (Billerica, MA)

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Wife 22: A Novel
by Melanie Gideon
Heartwarming story about the middle part of our lives (4/14/2012)
Once I started reading this book, I could not put it down. It's heartwarming, funny, poignant and honest. The book follows Alice, as she tries to navigate that period of life after newlywed and before retirement. The real strength of the book is the characters. You feel like you know, or are, these people. You are invested in what happens to them. I also enjoyed the format of the book, as it jumped from Alice's responses to the Research Questions, to Facebook to narrative. It was a nice touch. Overall I give this book a big thumbs up.
Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity
by Katherine Boo
Good Book / Tough Subject (2/4/2012)
Although I generally don't read non-fiction, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It's a fascinating view into a world that most of us will never encounter. The story is told in a way that draws the reader in. I would recommend this book, but warn readers that parts of it are difficult to read.
Wayward Saints
by Suzzy Roche
A very pleasant surprise (11/20/2011)
In writing a book about a former singer, it would have been easy to lean on standard cliches. Instead, Suzzy Roche delivers a book filled with interesting, three dimensional characters that you care about. The story is funny, sad, quirky and honest. I would highly recommend this book and am looking forward to Suzzy Roche’s next book.
The Look of Love: A Piper Donovan Mystery
by Mary Jane Clark
I would not recommend this book (11/5/2011)
Simply put, this is not a good book. The writing style is choppy and disconnected. The plot is flimsy. And, you never get to know any of the characters well enough to care about them. By time you find out who did it, you don't care.
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake: A Novel
by Jenny Wingfield
Enjoyable Summer Read (7/31/2011)
Reminiscent of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', the book centers on the precocious daughter of the title character. The book starts out slowly, giving the reader time to get to know, and like, the members of the Moses and Lake families. But once the plot takes off, its hard to put the book down. Overall a good read with well developed characters, and a villain that you just love to hate.
Original Sin: A Sally Sin Adventure
by Beth Mcmullen
Surprisingly good read (3/2/2011)
When I started reading this book I thought I was in for fluffy chick lit about a woman trying to balance motherhood with being an international superspy. Instead I read a book with a lot more heart about a woman struggling to keep the various areas of her life on track. Yes, the book does have international espionage, but Sally Sin was no super spy. She got the job done, more or less. Then she met Will, got married and had a son, whom she adores. Now her main focus is on being the best mom she can be. Of course, her old life comes back to haunt her. This is where the book begins.
The story is well told and surprisingly believable. The characters are likable and three dimensional. The plot moves along at a nice clip. And you are satisfied at the end of the book. What else can you ask for from a book? Overall a fun read.
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