BookBrowse | Book Reviews and Recommendations

Reviews by Melissa C. (Saint Johns, FL)

Ordinary Love: A Novel
by Marie Rutkoski

Incredibly Moving Love Story (4/13/2025)

An incredibly moving, heartwarming and heart wrenching love story that swept me away. At times, I felt the story dragged a bit, but it did not take away from the intensity of the characters and what they went through in their lives, both together and apart. This is an …more

Help Wanted: A Novel
by Adelle Waldman

Average at Best (12/22/2023)

I was disappointed that I didn't really enjoy this book. I was hopeful that I would, given the serious subject matter of work force inequality. But I found the characters flat and not very interesting. Oh well - can't love them all.

Daughters of Shandong
by Eve J. Chung

A Woman's Incredible Journey (11/1/2023)

Daughters of Shandong is now on the top of my list of historical fiction novels. The author transports the reader into the eye of Chinese history and shows the incredible strength and fortitude of women who refused to be oppressed so that their daughters could rise above …more

Devil Makes Three: A Novel
by Ben Fountain

A Challenging Read (8/26/2023)

This was a very difficult and challenging read for me. Nevertheless, the author's knowledge about the problems and incredible corruption in Haiti is beyond impressive.

Digging Stars: A Novel
by Novuyo Rosa Tshuma

This Author Is A Star (7/5/2023)

This is one of the most interesting books I've read in a while. It explores so many issues: astronomy and space exploration, racism, relationships and the search for the understanding of, and love for, a remarkable and genius parent. The writing is moving and complex, and …more

Paper Names: A Novel
by Susie Luo

An Enjoyable and Easy Read (3/5/2023)

I really enjoyed this book about a Chinese American immigrant family told from the perspective of different characters. The characters are well-developed and complex and are faced with very real challenges - both in their past and presently. The ending caught me by surprise, …more

The All-American: A Novel
by Joe Milan Jr.

A Wild Ride from the U.S. to South Korea (2/4/2023)

What a great book - and so timely - about a teenager ("Bucky") living in Washington state who is deported to his birth country of South Korea. While this book is a very easy read, the subject matter is serious and intense. Yet, the author manages to infuse humor into Bucky' …more

The Critic's Daughter: A Memoir
by Priscilla Gilman

A Beautifully Written and Brave Memoir (1/7/2023)

I was so moved by this book because of the many shared experiences with the author.

While I'm a few years older than Priscilla Gilman, I too grew up in the 70's in New York and could relate to so many of the stories shared in this beautifully written book. Ms. Gilman …more

Ghost Season: A Novel
by Fatin Abbas

High Praise for Ghost Season (11/16/2022)

I became immersed in this book immediately and could not put it down. I was swept away by the compelling, varied, colorful, sometimes tortured cast of characters who are integrally connected by the war and political turmoil in the Sudan. A truly remarkable, unforgettable novel.

One's Company: A Novel
by Ashley Hutson

Compulsively readable (5/10/2022)

I absolutely loved this book and to my own surprise, could not stop reading. In fact, the more I read, the more I wanted to read until the very end, which blew my mind (in such a good way). To say it's about a woman who wins the lottery and seeks to live her life secluded …more

Activities of Daily Living: A Novel
by Lisa Hsiao Chen

Pondering the meaning of "time" (1/5/2022)

I didn't know what to expect from this book, other than reading rave reviews. And I have to agree, this book is wonderful. Rarely do I find myself wanting to re-read passages to fully absorb what the author is saying. Anyone who has experienced caring for an elderly or sick …more

At the Edge of the Haight
by Katherine Seligman

Insightful story about being young and homeless in SF (4/11/2021)

I received this book after entering a BookBrowse giveaway. It took me a bit to get into the book and had initially considered putting it down. But I stayed with it and ended up liking it. I didn't love it.
I liked the way the book is told by the main character "Maddy"- a 20 …more

A Good Neighborhood
by Therese Anne Fowler

A compelling, thought provoking novel (4/8/2021)

I read this book in almost one sitting. The author presents the reader with so many thought provoking topics/issues we face in today's society: racism, sexism, discrimination, violence and sensitivity for the environment. Some readers may not like the book as it isn't " …more

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Book Jacket — Broken Country (Reese's Book Club)
by Clare Leslie Hall

A love triangle reveals deadly secrets in this thriller for fans of *The Paper Palace* and *Where the Crawdads Sing*.

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