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Reviews by Doris K. (Angora, MN)

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Peking to Paris: Life and Love on a Short Drive Around Half the World
by Dina Bennett

Peking to Paris (3/12/2013)

I found this book slow going. The author was honest about her feelings but it seemed as though she had mostly negative thoughts.
Too much time was spent on describing car repair and upkeep.
I had expected more details about the countries through which they traveled.
Her descriptions of fellow P2P participants were shallow. I did not enjoy reading this book.

All You Could Ask For
by Mike Greenberg

All You Could Ask For (11/11/2012)

Don't give up on this book. I almost did in the beginning as I thought it was going to be a frivolous novel, not worth reading. As the story of these three women progresses their lives become fascinating.

The three women have very different personalities and lifestyles.This shows in the life choices they make. Because of these choices this book will result in a good discussion for a book club.

After a slow start I did find this book to be a good read.

Live by Night
by Dennis Lehane

Live by Night (8/14/2012)

Dennis Lehane is an excellent writer. In this fiction book he gives a hard look into the world of corrupt law enforcement, alcohol production and distribution during the Prohibition.
From the beginning of the book you know Joe Coughlin is a criminal. Throughout the book a more compassionate side is shown. The author does a good job of character development.
To those readers who don't mind violence in their books this is a good read. It was a bit too much for me. This is the reason I could only rate it as average. I will definitely look for other books by D. Lehane and hope they are not so dark.

The Land of Decoration: A Novel
by Grace McCleen

The Land of Decoration (3/7/2012)

This book is written from the perspective of a ten year old. I found that interesting. The fact that she lives with her father, has problems with a bully at school yet holds onto her belief that she can change her life makes this a good story for older teen and young adult readers.
I enjoyed the descriptions of the colorful characters as told by this young girl.
This book makes the reader realize how serious young children are about life and the role they play in what happens to the people they love.

Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity
by Katherine Boo

Behind the Beautiful Forevers (12/31/2011)

This is a "must read" for anyone who is interested in the true slum life of 21st century India.
Through the art of narrative nonfiction Katherine Boo makes the people who live in Annawadi, a slum near Mumbai, real as we learn about their struggle for survival. Rather than being depressing
she writes about how these people are trying to better themselves. Many strive for a good education. I thought it was a thought provoking, good book.
This book would promote a good discussion in a book club.

Tides of War: A Novel
by Stella Tillyard

Tides of War (11/2/2011)

Even though I read a good deal of history, I had very little knowledge of the Peninsular War. This book shows the English side and reasons for becoming involved.
The effect of war on individuals, families and countries is one of the main themes. These people experience many of the problems we hear about in the lives of our returning servicemen today.
The author skillfully integratesw real people with her fictional characters. Many of the new discoveries of that period are brought out, such as gas lights, blood transfusions,etc. Many items we take for granted are shown in their early development.
I sometimes found the book hard to follow as the author jumps from one person's story to another so often it is easy to lose track of the characters. The list of characters in the back of the book is very helpful in this regard.
Overall this is a good book for fans of historical fiction.

The Homecoming of Samuel Lake: A Novel
by Jenny Wingfield

The Homecoming of Samuel Lake (7/11/2011)

The author tells a fascinating story of two families, although neighbors, are completely different. Their lifestyles, child raising ideas and family ties offer great contrasts.

Skillfully woven into the story is how these two families intersect and lives are changed. The story contains some violent acts thich are necessary to develop the character's personality. Although the story takes place in the '50's the needs and passions of people have not changed.

I enjoyed reading this novel and will recommend it to my book club. I can imagine this book would lead to a good discussion for any book club.

The Tudor Secret: The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles
by C. W. Gortner

The Tutor Secret (3/15/2011)

I enjoyed reading this book based at the time of the Tudor rule in England. The author blends history and fiction to tell a good story.
Although Brendan Prescott is a fictional character the author makes him believable as a character who might have lived in this fascinating era.
The author states this book is the first in a series about Brandon Prescott as a spymaster for Elizabeth I. I look forward to reading the next books.
For historical fiction fans this is a good read.

The Philosophical Breakfast Club: Four Remarkable Friends Who Transformed Science and Changed the World
by Laura J. Snyder

The Philosophical Breakfast Club (1/13/2011)

You don't have to be a philosopher or a scientist to enjoy this book. The author gives insight in the lives of four men who were lifelong friends. These men made great strides in the field of science in the 19th century. Thanks to them we have computers,cameras, knowledge of tides, the science of economics and countless other discoveries. Included are details of their personal lives which make the book "readable" to the ordinary reader. This book follows the BookBrowse's goal of entertaining as well as informing the reader.

The Beauty of Humanity Movement: A Novel
by Camilla Gibb

The Beauty of Humanity Movement (11/29/2010)

I enjoyed reading this book. The Vietnamese characters were skillfully brought to life by the author. A good job was done showing contemporary Vietnamese life while reviewing much of the history of this country. In America we don't know the story of the North Vietnamese people. This book brings out the problems and delights of their culture. By seeing North Vietnam through the eyes of a woman who is Vietnamese by birth but spent much of her life in America we can relate to many of her impressions.
This book would be good for discussions in a book club.

Solomon's Oak: A Novel
by Jo-Ann Mapson

Solomon's Oak (10/5/2010)

I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone looking for a "good read,"
Jo-Ann Mapson skilfully brings together three people, scarred by their life experiences. She combines these experiences to tell a good story. A special bonus for dog lovers is that Glory's dogs play an important part in the book.

After the Fall
by Kylie Ladd

After the Fall (6/10/2010)

This is a story of love gained and lost. The author does a good job of portraying the characters by having each chapter told by a different person. Often the same situation is told from a different viewpoint. Although the author does well in this respect, I don't think this is an outstanding book.

It possibly could be a good "beach book", a light read yet it has a bit more depth than the typical romance novel.

Beautiful Assassin: A Novel
by Michael C. White

Beautiful Assassin (3/7/2010)

I am an avid reader of historical fiction and this book is historical fiction at its best . The author did a great job of making the characters believable. Written from the view of a loyal Russian female soldier, it gives insight into her motivations for her loyalty to her country.

The descriptions of the war between Russia and Germany and the part Tat'yana Levchenko contributed to the war were brilliantly written.

This would be a good choice for a book club as there would be many areas to discuss. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction should read this book.

The Wives of Henry Oades: A Novel
by Johanna Moran

The Wives of Henry Oades (11/30/2009)

I was disappointed in this book. Although it was based on a true court case the characters didn't ring true. The basic idea was interesting but I didn't think the characters were developed enough to make a really good read. Too many things happened too quickly. Somehow I felt as a reader I did not really get into their basic feelings about their circumstances and the problems they had to face.

Under This Unbroken Sky
by Shandi Mitchell

Under This Unbroken Sky (9/9/2009)

This book is very well written. The author's description of people's feelings, seasons of the year, landscapes, etc. are done in a wonderfully clear manner. For example: the bitter but awesome winter is familiar to me as I live in northern Minnesota.
Many tragedies come to the family. Each character faces these setbacks in their own way, giving a true insight into their strengths and weaknesses. I found the book fascinating and one that I will remember for a long time.

Gifts of War: A Novel
by Mackenzie Ford

Gifts of War by Mackenzie Ford (4/7/2009)

This is a good read. It starts out a bit slowly but I would encourage the reader not to give up.

The author tells a fascinating story about how WWI affected the people living in London. By starting off with the famous Christmas Day truce he continues to tie in the feelings of the people from England and Germany.

Gifts of War would lead to interesting discussions in a book club. Readers who enjoy historical fiction should consider reading this book.

While My Sister Sleeps
by Barbara Delinsky

While My Sister Sleeps (12/8/2008)

The first few chapters of this book are so depressing I almost didn't finish reading it. Because I don't like to give up on a book, I continued and am glad I did.
There are many surprising twists in the plot as the reader gets to know more of each family member.

This book is a good, quick read which you won't soon forget.

Stealing Athena
by Karen Essex

Stealing Athena (5/14/2008)

I enjoyed this book which is based on the life of Mary Nisbet, countess of Elgin. The author skillfully compared Mary's life to Aspasia of ancient Athens.

This story led me to reread some of the history of Greece which is a mark of good historical fiction. I think it would lead to a good discussion in a women's book group.

Seven for a Secret: A John the Eunuch Mystery
by Mary and Eric Mayer Reed

Seven for a Secret (2/5/2008)

The plot of Seven for a Secret does stand alone, however, I would have understood the characters better if I had read earlier books in this series.
The streets and people of old Constantinople do come alive to the reader.
Interesting characters and an absorbing story line make this a good read for those who enjoy mystery stories.

A Golden Age
by Tahmima Anam

A Golden Age (1/10/2008)

I enjoyed reading A Golden Age. The author did an excellent job of telling a family story, particularly of a mother's devotion to her children. This was told in the midst of the creation of the country of Bangladesh. I knew very little of the history of this country, and found it interesting in this context. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction.

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Reviews by Doris K. (Angora, MN)

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Reviews by Doris K. (Angora, MN)

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