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Reviews by Marylou C. (Winfield, IL)

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Sometimes I Lie
by Alice Feeney
Unique Prospective (11/17/2017)
A bit of a different angle on a story. Was she or was she not in a coma? You decide. Holds your interest quite well and still leaves you wondering. Excellent for book clubs, promotes great discussion.
Mothers of Sparta: A Memoir in Pieces
by Dawn Davies
Wrong Title (9/22/2017)
Not only wrong title, but wrong chapter. Hard to find a section to hold my attention, very limp. Would not recommend this book to any of the book clubs I belong too. Better luck next time, Dawn.
The Necklace
by Claire McMillan
The Necklace (6/20/2017)
Seems like I've read this book before - or one or two books with the same format and premise. Old wealthy woman dies and relatives gather to disburse will items. The beautiful lawyer protagonist receives an item of value and mystery. Other family members dispute the will. Time toggle between current events and history of item. Beautiful lawyer meets handsome estate lawyer and falls in love immediately. All's well that ends well. The Necklace is a pleasant diversionary "beach read" if you want a mildly interesting story. The constant squabbling dialogue among disputing family members and the overly long discussion of estate law made for speed reading. The sections on India were enjoyable, but overall impression of The Necklace was a lightweight read written by a first time novelist.
The Half Wives
by Stacia Pelletier
Bedtime reading (12/27/2016)
This is not quite the usual story of a man having two families but it similar enough to know which "wife" wins. The chapters are explained very well and each one is quite likeable and somewhat believable. Easy read, but not mental challenging.
Juliet's Nurse
by Lois Leveen
Old Story, New Twist (7/4/2014)
We all know the story of Romeo and Juliet, or think we do. Juliet's Nurse tells the story of Juliet from the moment of her birth till her death based on the activities of her wet nurse, Angelica. Mid way through chapter one, you will be captivated by the nurse and enter into the story as though you were right by her side. Italian history seeps through the pages and you won;t be able to read fast enough as it wants to take every moment from you. From time to time, the story gets a little bawdy which only adds to the interest of the continuing story.What parents will and won't do for their spouses, children, the poor and relatives. Trying to impress others with wealth is a theme throughout the book. You know how it ends, but getting there is worth sleepless nights reading Lois Leveen's story. Several twists will keep you "bee"holding to the book1
Safe with Me
by Amy Hatvany
One social issue, one health issue (11/10/2013)
The authors combines the stories of a social issue, domestic abuse and a health issue, transplant is a fairly interesting, but highly unlikely scenario. But I must admit that many times I couldn't wait to get to the next page as my attention was all consumed by the writing. Hopefully there will be a sequel as the ending begs for more. Not sure I would recommend it to my book club.
A Man of His Own
by Susan Wilson
Could This Be Historical Fiction (8/7/2013)
Every now and then you begin reading a book that totally captivates you. So much so you feel that the characters in the book are people you actually know. And if you are a dog fancier, the feeling is multiplied. This story could be historical fiction as the events could have easily happened as the time frame is totally real. The author has the great talent of giving life to words and phrases so that you are sure this has really happened. The caliber of the writing is very impressive, easy to read, easy to follow and very understandable. This is the kind of story you hate to see end and look forward to the next book Susan Wilson will write. Only need one or two tissues!
Eighty Days: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland's History-Making Race Around the World
by Matthew Goodman
Book Club Material (1/6/2013)
I knew after reading the first page that this book was a keeper. And I was right. Not only is the story fascinating, but the historical facts contained within make one aware of how fortunate we are to be able to travel as we do today.

Learning about life, issues, events and travel in the late 1800's is sure to stir the interest of the reader. This factual book reads like a well written novel and holds your interest totally, except for some parts when the author gets too in-depth with the miniscule facts that add nothing to the story.

One might think the author was being paid by the word, but since the story is so spellbinding, you don't realize it until you've finished the chapter. This book tells the modern reader what it was like for journalist, especially female ones, to cope with the editors, foreign countries and travel of yesteryear

Encourage your book club to read and share their thoughts on this book. Questions could include, would you have done it then and would you do it today and which woman did you find yourself cheering on.

But I still think it should have been about 50 pages shorter.
Indiscretion
by Charles Dubow
An Average Book Club Book (10/21/2012)
Indiscretion might make a book club book but the discussion would be boring. It's the same old story about the rich being bored, a world of everything not enough. So gather in a waif, who incidentally is dumb like a fox, to spice up a life that most of us would consider fantastic, and play games with a marriage. Maddy was the most interesting character in the book, as Claire and Harry were just as you would expect them. Unsavory. The narrator must have been a great dream with an excellent imagination. All in all, I would not recommend this book to my book club.
And When She Was Good: A Novel
by Laura Lippman
Pretty much the same (7/17/2012)
Looked forward to reading this book and was pretty much disappointed. Same story, different characters and an ending that was less than satisfying. Story was pretty much what was expected with just a minor twist here and there. Sorry, can't really recommend this one.
Afterwards: A Novel
by Rosamund Lupton
Believe in Out of Body.....or Not (4/30/2012)
If you are unsure about out of body experiences, this author will challenge you to decide. Compelling is not a strong enough word, as once you start the book, her style and cadence will not let you put it down. A great “Book Club” book as it will promote a very lively discussion. This book can bring you to tears, laughter and deep thoughts. You will have a problem putting it down
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