A Lesson Before Dying
by Ernest J. Gaines
Legal Reality Check (5/27/2026)
This is a "1,000 Books to Read Before You Die” choice. The story is one of sadness, family and making a new friend. It tells of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and the consequences can be tragic. It is written during the time of Segregation. The story is told from the perspective of an educated black man Grant Wiggins, (the Teacher) dealing with family, Tante Lou (aunt) and Miss Emma Glenn (godmother) and Reverand Mose Ambrose. A murder of a white man by 2 black men starts the story with a trial and the conviction of an innocent bystander, Jefferson, with the death penalty. The all White male jury hears the case and gives the verdict - guilty with death penalty. The Judge will set the execution date. Dialogue is filled with White Supremacy and derogatory inferences from Henri Pichot, plantation owner (Emma worked for him many years but she is retired). Others are Louis Rougon, bank owner, Sherriff Sam Guidry, and Deputy Paul Bonin.
Vivian is Grant’s girlfriend, she is separated from her husband but having an affair with Grant, she is working through divorce. She helps Grant deal with the trauma during the jail visits with Jefferson. Grant works very hard to help Jefferson cope with his incarceration. All the black family is suffering. Grant gives Jefferson a radio and later on a pencil and notebook. Jefferson’s notebook writings are poor writing, spelling, with no punctuation. It's difficult reading but shows a side of Jefferson that makes him human, a Man.
My question: Why did Jefferson not speak up to his innocence and tell the authorities who committed the killing of Mr. Grope? The fact that Mr. Group shot only Brother and Beast was proof of Jefferson’s innocence. Why did Mr. Group shoot one boy twice and never shoot at Jefferson once?
Why was Jefferson and his family so upset about the lawyer referencing “putting a hog in the electric chair"? As Grant becomes a friend to Jefferson, Grant confesses he hates being a teacher and thinks running away would make a difference in how he is treated in life. Jefferson says family needs him and not to go.
This was a Book Club read and I appreciated the historical significs of the story. I am looking forward to the discussion!
Look What You Made Me Do: A Novel
by John Lanchester
No Fun Kate (5/6/2026)
I truly tried to read this story with an open mind, but I just could not finish it. First off, I never did quite get the storyline and secondly, I could not get past the vulgar language. I didn't like Kate, she is too mixed up and indecisive for me. I got very tired of the repeated comment "Jack is dead." Could not get into Phoebe either. Just not my type of read; did not learn anything new, lacked substance of the storyline and was too 'reality TVish' for my taste. Thanks BookBrowse for the opportunity but did not enjoy this book at all.
The Botanist's Assistant
by Peggy Townsend
Poison Plants (5/6/2026)
It has taken me a while to get through this one, a blah read for me (and too many personal life issues!!!). I appreciate the education about poison plants and was truly surprised who the murderer was. Thank you for the lack of vulgar language, no sex escapades or drug use. So must say it was a pleasant read from that standpoint. Best of luck, Peggy Townsend with all your future writing endeavors!
A Crown of Stars
by Shana Abe
Talent, Romance and Sorrow (1/29/2026)
Could not put this book down!! So well written, wonderful characters, some romance and an outlandish historical event. The sisters, Rita and Inez, are so likeable with all their escapades and romance. Rita decides on an acting career while Inez is gifted on the violin. Both entertain audiences and receive accolades for their specific talents. As young women, they are being noticed by young men, each having their own romantic adventures. One cannot help falling in love with the wonderful gentlemen, George, Charles, or Giuseppe (who would you pick!?!) Overall I am very glad to have read this ARC sent to me from Book Browse and have added a new favorite author to my list! P.S. The ending is not for the weak of heart!
Everything Lost Returns: A Novel
by Sarah Domet
Earthshine Girls (1/29/2026)
The girls who were the image of soap! During 1910, bar soap was the product used by many women to look and smell beautiful. Earthshine girls were the front image used to sell the product. But behind the scenes, young girls and women worked in miserable conditions in the factory to make soap. Move ahead to 1986, Nona and Halley decide to uncover the truth why "Jane Doe's" appear after use of the soap. The story line is very interesting, and the characters are well developed. The beginning of the story is a little confusing until you get into all the roles of the characters but what was interesting how the ending in 1910 wraps around to the beginning of 1986. All the drama, actions and fears revolve around the coming of Halley's Comet. It was interesting how the author tied all of this together. It would be ironic if a sequel came along, a legal thriller and discovery of the ingredients of the soap!?! Thank you, Book Browse for this ARC.
Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us
by Anna Malaika Tubbs
Informative yet Overwhelming (5/8/2025)
This was a very difficult read for me. I am a product of the 50's., with a working career from the 70's and beyond. I delt with the patriarchy most of my life. I fought and kicked my way to the "glass ceiling" only to be held back by my fellow white male worker with less education and experience. This book brought back some very harsh memories, made me feel sad. I also understand the authors push for people of color, but felt quite overwhelmed by being reminded in every chapter. I felt where she was coming from, just way too much overload.
The author did disclose some very interesting statistics and historical events. Some were new to me, others not. Chapter 25, Our Vision of New Possibilities was exceptional, it gave me some hope for future generations. it explains what's wrong with American Patriarchy - Fear! I feel the information in this book is for a very specific group of readers, certainly not male, white, anglo's because they are the main grippes of who we are trying to complain about. As a retired female I could have used this information to my benefit many years ago, but it's too late for me. As for the comment "things do not have to be this way," I agree, however the "Man" has the control and I do not ever foresee that changing in the near future by looking at how the typical males act in society today.
I'm glad I read this book but half way through I got so depressed that I could only read a little at a time to be able to finish it. Anna Malaika Tubbs writes it as it is, wish I had known her years ago!
The Antidote: A Novel
by Karen Russell
A Complex Tale of Black Sunday and the Vault (2/10/2025)
A deeply moving story of life during the 1920's Dust Bowl (and beyond) in Uz, Nebraska, with a Prairie Witch, a Scarecrow, the murders of women, and a government photographer.
Yes, there is a very complex plot, but this author keeps you engrossed about every circumstance. She described "Black Sunday" with great details of what this storm did to the Nebraska Plains and how it affected the immigrants who relocated there. There is much discussion about the Native Indigenous people who were already inhabitants, who knew how to maintain the land and animals.
The author writes an essay about the historical events of the Pawnee tribes in the back of the book, so enlightening! Though a work of fiction, I felt educated by this book; felt sad, angry, empathetic and sorry for what happened to the Native people. Mixed amongst all of this was a black family, the Oletsky's, who also experienced the demeaning taunts from the white settlers.
Harp Oletsky, an original landowner, is the Grange Master with a teenage granddaughter who loves Basketball. (I so enjoyed the game!!) Hereto is another version of the story. This is an intense read but so well worth it.
Thank you, Karen Russell, for such a compelling story with true history attached.
The Bog Wife
by Kay Chronister
Bog Wife Fantasy (10/3/2024)
Enjoyed this story of a rather querky family who is loyal to a pond of water!?! The relationships between the siblings is sad, each having a different view of their bog mother. And each having such different interpretations of the "compact" that dictates their loyalty to the land and bog. I actually felt sorry for the kids, but was also intrigued with each person. This is a well written story and it keeps nudging one along to find out what happens next. Was a very different read for me and I did enjoy it. Thanks Book Browse for this ARC.
We'll Prescribe You a Cat
by Syou Ishida
Prescribe Cats (7/11/2024)
I am a cat lover, got 3 of my own!! I so enjoyed the short stories and the morals they brought with them. My cats are moral support for me, I've had several rough years and my cats are around for loving and caring. Just like the "patients" that went to the mental clinic who lost their sadness because of focus on the prescribed cat! I enjoyed the characters, the cats and the Dr. & nurse, they were the fantasy behind the scenes. Thank you for such magical /imaginative writing. Thank you, Net Galley, for sharing to my Kindle.
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The Naming Song
by Jedediah Berry
A Courier's Story (6/30/2024)
This was a very different kind of read for me. The futuristic story line deals with a collapse of humanity where words were lost and ghosts and monsters become reality. The "courier" is nameless, narrator of the story and trying to help reestablish words for society. The book started slow for me. I was glad for the Principle Characters list to identify who was who and their responsibility. It was very helpful. After a few chapters, the action begins and the pace picks up with the Black Square Show. I liked the idea of travelling on the train, (Number Twelve) it was a great transport for humans and monsters! The concept of language from the naming songs reminded me of sayings learned as a child to remember life's necessities, like the many quotes by Benjamin Franklin or our elders! I also kept waiting for the courier to obtain her "name" throughout the story, catch the ending, it's a surprise only the courier and Beryl know. If you like reading fantasy/fiction one will enjoy this story.
The Flower Sisters
by Michelle Collins Anderson
A Tragedy Resolved (2/25/2024)
I don't generally give 5 star ratings but this book was amazing! Well written, excellent story and I loved the characters. The twists and turns blew me away!! The ending was pretty open, possibly for a sequel? I would definitely read that book. Thank you, Michelle Collins Anderson for a nice story with no vulgar language and some really funny puns and humor.
Daughters of Shandong
by Eve J. Chung
Life's Cruelties (10/31/2023)
What an amazing story about China from 1948 to 1960, a time when girls didn't matter in Chinese culture. The author, Eve J. Chung says this is fiction, yet there is so much about China's history that is true. I loved all the characters (well not Nai Nai though she represents the elders in Chinese society) and the geography associated with the families and friends. My heart went out to the girls, they were so resilient (maybe not so much with Di) and I could feel the mother's angst about taking care of her girls. Travelling from Zhucheng, Shandong to Qingdao, Shandong to Hong Kong to Taiwan was quite the adventure (or torture) but the will to succeed was quite apparent. So many great details about the times and places, I could not put this book down! I look forward to reading other books by Eve J. Chung and want to share this story with my teenage grand daughter.
Lucy by the Sea: A Novel
by Elizabeth Strout
Pandemic Thoughts (8/31/2023)
Lucy Barton is a complex character as it is, then to add the pandemic to the mix complicates things even more. Many of her thoughts and actions are history for all of us. As if loneliness wasn't already a problem for many, the pandemic was like another enhancer. I felt many of her thoughts. Social isolating was horrible, just as bad as having to wear masks all the time. City dwellers wanted to move out thinking it would be safer, not so! After reading about all the marital affairs I am now curious how prevalent they were before the pandemic and after all the isolating? And the divorce rates? I liked the book, felt it was sad sometimes, but it was reality!
Devil Makes Three: A Novel
by Ben Fountain
Corrupt Haiti, Complicated Lives (8/23/2023)
A large novel about the problems in Haiti, there is so much corruption it is very scary to think about going there. I felt bad for Matt losing his business so drastically but when in a foreign land one must understand American laws do not apply. I became overwhelmed by all the characters and their stories. Halfway through the book I was ready to quit reading but kept going just to see where it all ends. This is a hefty read with vulgar language, sex and drugs, I would not recommend it for anyone under 21 to read!!! This is a first time Ben Fountain story for me, he is a prolific writer and gives much insight about Haiti's government. He does affirm the corruption as my friends from Haiti told me. Book Browse thanks for the ARC and the educational view of Haiti.
King of the Armadillos
by Wendy Chin-Tanner
King of the Armadillos (5/8/2023)
What a fascinating novel about a young man and his struggles with Leprosy, unrequited love, an absent Father and a bigoted brother!!! I loved Victor for all he did to be able to return to normal society. This story has many twists and turns! Well written and great descriptions of the lives of all the characters. I found the Chinese culture very interesting especially from Herb's and Henry's perspective. Set in the 1950's gives us a glimpse of New York City, Louisiana and China after the Japanese invaded China. Wendy Chin-Tanner this is an excellent story, thank you for writing it! Also thanks BookBrowse for this First Impression book.
Hotel Cuba: A Novel
by Aaron Hamburger
Keeping One's Hope Alive (3/26/2023)
A very well written story, could not put this book down! This is an amazing story of what Pearl and Frieda, sisters, went through to exit a war torn country to make it to America, via Cuba. Based on a true story during the 1900's, the author writes descriptions of Cuba and what goes on behind the touristy side of Havana. Loved all the characters, but mostly Pearl, she never gave up! I highly recommend this book! WELL Done Aaron Hamburger. Thanks BookBrowse for this great book!
Last House Before the Mountain
by Monika Helfer
When Men Go To War (2/9/2023)
I so enjoyed the story of Josef and Maria, their children and others that had an influence on this family. Once Josef went to war, the children stepped up to help Maria. Living on a farm by the mountains was not an easy task. Josef had asked the Mayor to look after his family until he returned from Serbia. I grew to dislike the Mayor very much!!! The author described many situations very well. The narrator was a little difficult to follow at times, but stay with the story as it is quite interesting. I wouldn't call this a romance novel, more a family history.
Sisters of the Lost Nation
by Nick Medina
Too Much, Too Long (12/2/2022)
Story was OK but got bored by the middle of the book. Had to push myself to finish and did skim through many sections. I found the book wordy, description intense, confusing characters and did not appreciate the vulgar language. The suspense dragged on & on, just not my preferred mystery style.
Dinosaurs: A Novel
by Lydia Millet
Life's up's and down's (9/27/2022)
It took me a while to get into the story, many characters to remember and who is who. Some of the stories did not flow very well for me. I found Gil and Tom's relationship endearing as Gil comes to Tom's defense when riding on the bus. Gil seems to want to help where he can, sometimes for the better, sometimes making things worse. But, his heart is in it so he believes for the best. I read the book but could not find anything climatic to get involved. I will read it again to see what I missed.
Some of It Was Real
by Nan Fischer
Psychic vs. Reporter (2/28/2022)
Good story line, believable characters, quick read. I really enjoyed Nan Fischer's writing style and was kept in suspense for most of the book. Sylvie and Thomas were such adversaries most of the time but was surprised how it all ended. I see this as a future movie! Thanks BookBrowse and Net Galley for a book that was fun to read with little unsavory language and flowed fast for mystery and love
