BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Reviews by Melanie B. (Desoto, TX)

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The Shadow King: A Novel
by Maaza Mengiste

Plodding Story of Italian Invasion of Ethiopia (7/5/2019)

It helps to have some prior historical background of Ethiopia falling to Mussolini's Italian forces to truly appreciate the story of The Shadow King and his female bodyguard fighters. The author's lyrically written novel proved more of an obstacle to the narrative than enhancing the story of the brave Ethiopians who fought and stood their ground to defend their country. I finished reading this book with some effort and I feel as if I missed something critical to the overall story.

Patsy: A Novel
by Nicole Dennis-Benn

Bittersweet American Dream (6/16/2019)

This book paints a bittersweet story of what it means to be an undocumented woman of color in the USA. On the face of it, Patsy's life in America over the years doesn't seem as successful as the life she led in Jamaica. However, the dream she imagines upon arriving in New York changes with time and becomes the grind of survival in a new country. The parallel story of Patsy's left behind daughter, Tru, seems to mirror Patsy's own emotional hard times in New York. I think it's arguable whether the story has a happy ending which may be why I think this is a good book. The story ends like so much of life as a work in progress.

The Last Romantics
by Tara Conklin

Contemporary Novel Set in the Future (12/14/2018)

This novel presents a story of contemporary familial dysfunction in a setting covering the years 1981 to 2079. Fiona is the narrator with the voices of her older siblings and mother also telling aspects if their individual perspectives. While I could relate to many of the family dynamics since arguably the old dysfunctional family is now the new normal, the story peaks about three-fourths into the book and then rolls downhill until the end. I think the novel presents several interesting dilemmas and situations that will facilitate lively conversations for book groups.

Golden Child
by Claire Adam

Very good book! Complex and disturbing (10/24/2018)

This story of the Deyalsingh family and the critical decision that changes all of their lives is well-written, complex, and disturbing. I was not expecting the ending and the dilemma presented by the disappearance of Clyde's son Paul results in a realistic and thought-provoking decision that is difficult to consider. I highly recommend this novel for book groups looking for lively and passionate discussion.

A Ladder to the Sky: A Novel
by John Boyne

Thought-provoking, chilling suspense (9/14/2018)

This book was well-written with an unexpected ending. The story kept my interest and Maurice Swift's unwavering ambition to be a renowned writer prevails to the end. Maurice's efforts to reach his goals go from being fairly manipulative to disturbing and even frightening. This is one of the most intriguing books I've read this year. I highly recommend this book.

America for Beginners
by Leah Franqui

Excellent, heartwarming story! (3/25/2018)

This is one of the best books I've read this year! From start to finish, this story of three very different yet similar people on a guided tour across the USA is beautifully written, emotional and suspenseful at the same time. The novel underscores what most people already know — wherever you go, there you are. I highly recommend this book!

As Bright as Heaven
by Susan Meissner

Warm and satisfying story (10/11/2017)

This book is a loving story of family, determination and hope in the face of great personal tragedy and loss. The author captures the historical significance of World War One and the 1918 flu epidemic and skillfully moves the Bright family through both events into the 1920s. The characters live with death on a daily basis due to war, the flu and in their family business. However, the story is not thoroughly depressing but hopeful and optimistic and the subject of death is presented in a realistic and respectable manner. The characters are likeable and the plot is convincing throughout. I think this is a good book for reading group discussion.

The Necklace
by Claire McMillan

Exceptional Book! (6/10/2017)

This is one of the best books I've read this year. The interwoven telling of the Moon of Nizam necklace and the Quincy family's secret history result in an intriguing, romantic and suspenseful mystery. I highly recommend this book.

If We Were Villains
by M. L. Rio

Plodding suspense thriller (4/1/2017)

This book is a literary suspense thriller with numerous Shakespearean lines, roles and characters underscoring the story. The main characters are well-developed and the book starts off well but gets muddled in the middle.

I See You
by Clare Mackintosh

Fast-paced suspense (11/27/2016)

Very good suspense thriller. The author plays on our fear of the unknown in a contemporary setting -- the internet -- and it leads to twists and turns through the end of the story and an interesting surprise.

Florence Gordon
by Brian Morton

Excellent Book! (8/23/2015)

This is one of the best books I've read this year! I recommend this novel to all readers but if you are transitioning as an older adult, I think Florence's story is particularly thoughtful, laughable, gritty and realistic. The author presents an honest look at family relationships and the imperfect ways we love and communicate.

A Good Family
by Erik Fassnacht

Thoughtful and realistic story of a contemporary family (5/15/2015)

I found the story intriguing and relatable, bittersweet yet optimistic. The personal journey of each family member is at times funny, sad, redeeming, and heroic. I recommend this book for its well-written and realistic depiction of modern family dynamics.

Descent
by Tim Johnston

So-So Thriller (11/9/2014)

I was riveted by the first half of the book but the last half of the book was not-so-thrilling. The author did a good job with character development and detailing the geographical surroundings so well that I could visualize the landscape. The story started off strong but for me the conclusion was slightly improbable.

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