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Reviews by Beth B. (New Wilmington, PA)

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You Were There Too
You Were There Too
by Colleen Oakley
Circles of Time and Love (8/4/2019)
A proverb: Dreams are wishes made by the heart.

I wish I had liked YOU WERE THERE TOO. The prologue was filled with copious sensory images and I was drawn in with the intriguing "It's Him." Sadly, the novel did not deliver all that I felt the author was aiming for. There were interesting statements and questions such as "Do you really know who someone is when you marry them? Unfortunately the story line rambled and was, at best, tepid and lackluster. It was definitely not a dream come true.
Nothing to See Here
Nothing to See Here
by Kevin Wilson
Foundation Building for Beginners (6/4/2019)
KEVIN.WILSON.IS.AN.INGENIOUS.AUTHOR. Imagine the creativity involved in blending an implausible plot, ten characters (three children, six so-called adults), spontaneous combustion, and truth vs. sham into a wise and wonderful novel. Contrary to its title (Nothing to See Here), there is an enormous amount of wisdom and insight to see as the plot unfolds. Lillian and Madison are polar opposites who need each other to solve difficulties in their lives. Surrounded by the symbolism of a basketball and the power of wealth,a set of ten-year old twins and their inexperienced caregiver stumble upon the basics of parenting and loving and being loved. Complicated past relationships, seemingly always separate from one another, add a complexity that is ever so subtle. Count the number of times and the methods by which trust is given and gained. Lists compiled, problems solved, author Wilson throughout captures readers' hearts as he explores the connection between fire and love.
More News Tomorrow
More News Tomorrow: A Novel
by Susan Richards Shreve
More News Tomorrow: Re-enactment of Pandora's Box (3/29/2019)
Frequently disjointed, Susan Shreve's novel, More News Tomorrow, was difficult to follow. Redeeming qualities were the prose that often popped and the wisdom expressed by Georgianna and Thomas about memory and fear and truth. Mother and grandmother, Georgianna plans a trip with her family to hopefully discover the backstory of her mother's murder. Memorable characters, Roosevelt in particular, add spark to the quest. Off to a slow start with rapid shifts between the past and present, the novel began to light up close to one-third of the way in. The years portrayed (2008 and 1941) touch on bigotry and wartime events but not substantially enough to make an impact.
Setting Free the Kites
Setting Free the Kites
by Alex George
The Genius of Alex George (1/25/2019)
There are not enough adjectives to describe this most intriguing book --- it definitely ranks as 10 stars. George is an amazing storyteller and displays his mastery of melodious prose. I would like to tell the author face-to-face what an impact he has made. I would recommend every teacher of contemporary literature to introduce this to their students as so much more than a coming of age story. It would open the door to rich discussion and contemplation.

How masterfully the author has brought his characters to life! The story revolves around Robert but his best friend and the families of both figure prominently throughout. In all honesty, I did not want to approach the last page and am positive the wisdom and life lessons will remain in my mind forever.

I eagerly anticipate whatever Alex George gives to the world. Long may he write!
The Last Romantics
The Last Romantics
by Tara Conklin
A Masterpiece (12/1/2018)
I would rate The Last Romantics as a 10 if I could. Please give this book to yourself and everyone you know --- it's that terrific!! Devour it as you would a scrumptious crème brulee.

The four Skinner siblings are the heart and that heart beats through the years with secrets, choices, searches, responsibilities, and coping skills. Author Tara Conklin excels at fleshing out these siblings whose father died early on at the age of 34. The children learn to depend on each other (are knit together) for reasons I will leave for the reader to discover. One says, "What is my high shelf and what will I discover there?" Another must discover what is crucial with a mate. Another realizes that life is complex and how and what we choose will be different for each.

The wisdom and definitions of LOVE, POETRY, and AGING are sprinkled throughout this magnificent novel. The author's ability to portray each character is outstanding, so much so that I had come to know them and will truly miss them.
The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls
The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls
by Anissa Gray
Devour This Book (10/3/2018)
There's a lot to consume and digest in The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls by Anissa Gray. This is a novel rich in characters, wisdom, relationships, and family dynamics. History definitely repeats itself throughout the generations' stories. Inherent are the dangers: playing favorites, poor coping skills, blind spots, and failure to communicate with one another. What's past is past but slights and wounds are opened and reopened. The author has given readers a palette of people, mostly related to one another. Pay particular to one non-family gem, Mercedes. Happy reading and reflecting.
A Ladder to the Sky
A Ladder to the Sky: A Novel
by John Boyne
Engrossing Case Study (9/3/2018)
John Boyne is a masterful writer and with A Ladder to the Sky, has created a saga of one man's life -- from a beautiful young man to an alcoholic with self-realization of what his "natural state" is. Maurice is consumed with ambition, a man who allows himself to become a leach, attaching himself to others and in doing so authors his own demise.

Ambition, arrogance, jealousy, suspicion, superiority, punishment, selfishness, even a touch of discrimination --- all are threads of a carefully woven plot. Maurice is devious, yes, but is a master of wit where he genuinely has a way with words.

This is a compelling read although at times too graphic for me.
Paris Echo
Paris Echo
by Sebastian Faulks
Disappointing historical fiction (8/4/2018)
As much as I wanted to become immersed, I was very disappointed in this wandering novel. The stories of the main characters were disjointed and filled with much too much detail about the city and not enough about their backstories. The parents of the American historian said in describing their daughter, Hannah, "She's too wordy." In my opinion, these words could be echoed for the author.
The Devoted
The Devoted
by Blair Hurley
Dangerous Devotion (5/11/2018)
Enter the world of extremely impressionable Nicole Hennessy and find yourself in an environment of uncertainty, one in which not a single character is happy. Nicole, her brother, her mother, her Zen master, acquaintances, are all in search of an elusive "something." Nothing about this book is appealing or redeeming; I read to the end hoping to find something to like but never did in this rambling novel. Plot elements include the mystical worlds of Catholicism and Buddhism, seduction, depression, guilt. The Devoted by Blair Hurley is definitely not a book I would recommend to anyone.
A Place for Us
A Place for Us
by Fatima Farheen Mirza
A Place for Us --- a jewel of a book (3/16/2018)
Clearly one of the best books I've ever read for a wide spectrum of reasons. Fatima Farheen Mirza has given us a bird's eye view inside family dynamics that demonstrates sibling and parental relationships, gender, birth order, secrets revealed and withheld, guilt, and adherence to religious restrictions. In four parts, the author explores topics such as secrets, blame, shame, regret, anger, pride, prejudice, habit, and the way a family and its members tiptoe around issues that should be addressed. This book, for me, was not a page turner, but one that I savored and didn't want to end. It will win awards.
Motherhood
Motherhood
by Sheila Heti
To be or not to be ---- Motherhood (1/30/2018)
Not an enjoyable read by any means. More a wrestling match between fulfillment, status, respect, fear, values, expectations, independence, "normal", convention. Is not having a child akin to being a draft dodger? What is acting vs. being yourself? Am I a vessel? Does having a child mean holy completeness? By freezing eggs am I freezing my indecision about being a mother?

The "I" never has a name but is obsessed with "the soul of time" and relies on flipping coins and seeking fortune tellers to make decisions. She is weak and indecisive and Miles, her partner is selfish and rather unknowable. The "I" is 37 and her biological clock is ticking and she would rather be a writer (her central relationship) than a mother.

The most intriguing part of the book was the pattern of motherhood between three generations and I's father as being the mother figure in her life.

I must add that I'm not the most objective judge as I truly value my motherhood. Also, this is a most unusual novel, rather an analysis.
Other People's Houses
Other People's Houses
by Abbi Waxman
Other People's Houses --- a jog through a neighborhood (12/3/2017)
Open the book to a Cast of Characters and a Map of the Neighborhood. Fasten your seat belt as you are given the rare opportunity to see what goes on behind those lovely wreath-decorated doors. Author Abbi Waxman has vividly portrayed husband/wife, parent/child, sibling/sibling interactions so convincingly that you will be swept away by her perception of human behavior and reactions to situations we've all experienced. Mixed in with copious wisdom is a hearty dose of humor --- the laugh-out-loud kind. Guaranteed readers will recommend this to friends. Ava, a teenager, says it best: "No one is what you think they are."
As Bright as Heaven
As Bright as Heaven
by Susan Meissner
The Heart Does What It Must (9/28/2017)
Susan Meissner has written a GEM of a book! Her insight into destiny, fate, powerlessness, and coping mechanisms link the interwoven individual and collective goodbyes in the saga of the Bright family in Philadelphia. Memories and echoes connect three sisters and their extended family, as war and a flu epidemic test their abilities to face grief in an upside-down world. The author eases Death into the cast of characters and in doing so moves the reader toward a deeper appreciation of the joys of Life. Definitely read this if only to appreciate the shining similes.
The Resurrection of Joan Ashby
The Resurrection of Joan Ashby
by Cherise Wolas
Beyond amazing (9/25/2017)
The Resurrection of Joan Ashby MUST win literary awards and millions of accolades from readers who have been swept away by this debut novel. The technique of stories within stories is so seamlessly skillful that I'm in awe. Wisdom of motherhood, marriage, creativity, and the art of writing are to be read and pondered. Unforgettable!!
Young Jane Young
Young Jane Young
by Gabrielle Zevin
Choose Your Own Adventure (7/13/2017)
Who is Jane Young --- really? Readers come to know and admire her through the author's incredible talent for weaving wisdom and wit from beginning to end. SECRETS, DECISIONS, CONSEQUENCES abound in this novel I couldn't recommend more highly. I want everyone to immerse themselves in this book that resounds, especially when you hear yourself laugh out loud. (It's evident I'm not revealing the story line; readers will enjoy making those discoveries about the characters' decisions and the processes involved. Definitely a winner! Thank you, Book Browse, for introducing me to Jane, Ruby, Rachel, Esther, and Mimmy.
Extraordinary Adventures
Extraordinary Adventures
by Daniel Wallace
Extraordinary Adventures -- one person's journey toward self-understanding (2/2/2017)
It all starts with a phone call and in the 300 pages that follow we learn about 34-year old Edsel Bronfman as he learns about himself. He has 79 days to respond to an invitation and in that time he endears himself to us as he develops his wings. (One of the best stories-within-a-story involves a unique bird who nests on the ground.)

The author, Daniel Wallace, whose picture is enough reason to start reading is a master of what I term "wisdom sentences." These gems hit you, make you pause, then say, "YES"!!

I encourage readers to dive into the building suspense. I guarantee that it requires discipline to scan the next pages to find who the "she" is who will journey with Edsel in this romp of a read. (You will laugh at loud and be thankful you met Bronfman.)
The Half Wives
The Half Wives
by Stacia Pelletier
The Half Wives by Stacia Pelletier (12/31/2016)
This novel is magnificent! You would have to be heartless to not love this book. Proof of my admiration for the author's skills is evidenced by many notes and turned-down corners -- sentences that demonstrate wisdom, poignancy, and well chosen words. Although set in 1897 San Francisco, this is so much more than a historical novel; it explores love, both gained and lost, the importance of truthful communication in a relationship, second chances, the many forms love takes, surviving grief, and moment-to-moment coping.

I am grateful to have received this book to review. I want to meet and have conversation with its gifted author.
Edgar and Lucy
Edgar and Lucy
by Victor Lodato
Edgar and Lucy (11/18/2016)
Sigh. That's the sound of this reader's awe. It's the sound of contentment, the sound of sadness. Contentment and awe at the writer's skill with words and plot, sadness that the final word has been read.
Edgar and Lucy by Victor Caduto is a novel everyone MUST read. A story of loss, of the lost, of the found, of familial love and history, and the indomitable spirit of a woman named Florence. Filled with a cast of characters that we come to know and hold in our hearts, this is a novel that the reader will never forget and will recommend to anyone who will listen to that praise. AMAZING!!
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk
by Kathleen Rooney
A One-of-a-Kind Woman ---- and Book (9/10/2016)
At times, laugh out loud funny and others, poignant and packed with wisdom. The reader comes to "know" Lillian Boxfish and is so much the better for it. She is witty, crisp as the best apple, self-confident, and comfortable in her own skin. Lillian, as an 85-year-old, looks back on her career, her marriage, motherhood, friendships and HER city, New York. The walk she took in the last hours of 1984 is incredible in mileage and in the seven strangers she encounters and converses with. She is fearless and unafraid as she roams with an insatiable interest in people. In her words, " The point of living in the world is just to stay interested."

This is an incredible read, one you'll recommend and discuss with friends. I'm now in Kathleen Rooney's fan club!
The Next
The Next
by Stephanie Gangi
Intriguing debut novel: The Next by Stephanie Gangi (7/15/2016)
Spoiler Alert
Death is not the end.
Ghosts have POWER.
"It's good to be invisible."
Revenge is miles beyond sweet.
How lucky one is to have a "dog on duty."

This fabulous book is packed with a multitude of themes. Even the DEDICATION ("You know who you are" pulls a reader in and never lets go. What are the components of love? The strength of a mother-sibling relationship. All this with the vivid backdrop of NYC. Check out the author's picture in the back of the book --- is she not an exact Joanna? Also, the reader can wrap his/her mind about the significance of the title. Don't miss this one!!
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