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Reviews by Becky S. (Springfield, MO)

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Me, Myself and Them
by Dan Mooney
I'm in the minority (7/16/2018)
I tried to like this book... I just found that i couldn't relate at all. I'm sure having multiple personalities is confusing for the person suffering from this mental disorder, because I certainly found it very confusing trying to figure out if the physical things happening in the story were just in Denis Brad or if they were really happening? I just kept picturing the clown from "it" as one of the "roommates". Others got much more out of the story than I did.. I felt like Rebecca's character was not realistic.. she just seemed to shrug off Denis OCD behavior as kind of silly , and I didn't feel like she reacted to the seriousness of it all.. as I said, I realize I am in the minority on this book. And I will take the blame for not understanding it and enjoying it as others obviously did .
The Devoted
by Blair Hurley
Finding oneself (6/7/2018)
This book was about the journey of a teenage, Nicole, towards enlightenment . She, like so many of us in our teenage years, finds herself searching for something other than the familiar that she has grown up with. Her family and the Catholicism that she grew up with are both lacking in what she feels she needs for fulfillment. Enter a rebellious boyfriend, Jules, with some wild ideas of his own, and their mutual friend , Eddie, a quest to find the Karmapa and Nicole is on a runaway.. looking for that something to bring her understanding. Years later, she is still in search of that inner peace when she meets up with the Master, her Buddhist teacher.. the whole while she is searching for something more, her family is searching for ways to make her see where she really fits in, with them. I liked the way the author unfolded this story, flashbacks and forwards, real character development, and a believable but not predictable plot.
A Place for Us
by Fatima Farheen Mirza
Love, love, love it! (4/14/2018)
Absolutely loved this first time novel from author Fatima Farheen Mirza! A story that transcends culture to share the complications of the relationship between child and parent as children grow up and develop ideas and opinions of their own. The characters were rich and I had so much empathy for the father in the story.. he reminded me of my own dad in many ways. This would be a great book club read... so much good material to discuss! I can't wait to see what book #2 from this author brings!
Anatomy of a Miracle
by Jonathan Miles
Wow (1/20/2018)
I couldn't wait to get back to this book every time I had to put it down! The character development was so rich, the story line so unique, the way the author wrote with foreshadowing of the next events that kept you hanging on to every word.. the subject matter constantly making me question my own beliefs on so many topics.. religion in general, miracles, the hidden stories of ourselves that we carry. The relationship between siblings and the secrets they share. The hunger that lies inside of us to see a miracle... to believe that God really exists. The petty attraction to "reality tv"... wanting to watch someone's life played out, but also the novelty to be watched.. just a great novel that's billed as a "true story"... and very easily for me to believe as one! Just hated to see this one end... I will carry the characters with me for a long time! Would be a great book club discussion book.
Our Lady of the Prairie
by Thisbe Nissen
Guilty pleasures (12/2/2017)
I truly feel guilty for enjoying this book about a 50 plus married woman's new love affair...I was happy for Phillipa that she fell madly in love with Lucious... I think we all would love to have that kind of fairy tale romance, and sex like a couple of teenagers. I am sorry it was at the expense of her husband, Michael. The characters in this book are rich and so interesting.. the mentally ill daughter, the Amish in-laws, the mother-in-law with all the secrets. It was just a good read that was hard to put down. I look forward to reading more by this author!
Young Jane Young
by Gabrielle Zevin
Another winner for Zevin (8/9/2017)
This was such a fun book to read! I love Zevins easy writing style, it was witty and flowed. The topic was relevant to the times... politics are at the forefront of the news these days and the storyline of an illicit affair with a congressman oh so familiar. The way Aviva chooses to to raise her daughter is admirable . The story follows 3 generations of women.. and I liked them all! The story addresses double standards which continue to be a constant theme in every woman's life... no matter the age. I truly enjoyed this book! I love it when I become so involved, that I hate to see the story end.
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