Her Hidden Genius: A Novel
by Marie Benedict
Great Female Scientist (1/5/2022)
A fictional history about Rosalind Franklin, a scientist who discovers the components of DNA. She is very brilliant yet constantly challenged by her male colleagues for her work. The time period is 1947 through 1958, a time when women were not recognized for the scientific contributions to society. Rosalind travels between Paris and London and 3 major research institutions to try to accomplish her goal, to map DNA. This storyline is amazing, but be prepared for some slow, repetitive information that can bog one down. I am a huge fan of Marie Benedict and love and respect the research and time it takes to put together her wonderfully creative stories. Can't wait for the next one! Thank you, BookBrowse, for another good book to read!
Blind Man's Bluff: A Memoir
by James Tate Hill
Determination and Perseverance (8/4/2021)
An enlightening and humorous story that touched my heart. I was curious how a blind person can cope in today's rushed life. Especially when you can't drive. Also I have a personal interest, my 87 yr old mother went suddenly blind in her middle 70s and I wondered why she did some of the things she did. Unlike JT, she gave up, and prefers to be taken care of. Wish I had this book 10 years ago. Anyhow, James, you are truly an amazing man for all you have accomplished. Luckily you had some sight but the risks you took were pretty scary. So very glad you and Lori got together, it does take a team to deal with blindness. Good luck in all your future endeavors and continue to persevere! Life it good!
BTW, I lived in West Virginia near Charleston for about 10 years.
Thank you BookBrowse for the opportunity to review this ARC.
A Million Things
by Emily Spurr
Delightful (5/21/2021)
I so enjoyed this story, it's timing really was perfect! I've recently been watching a docuseries about hoarders so I truly related to Lettie! It's quite devastating to see how hard it is to get rid of their "stuff." Rae was trying to help in the beginning, then realized what it really meant to Lettie. Rae, a 10 yr old, has her own challenges to deal with. A pretty smart little girl, she learns quickly how to cover up her problem. I like her spunk, silliness, compassion and resourcefulness! The way she handles Lucy and Oscar is fun. And, yes, I did cry at the end of the book (which is rare) as my heart went out to all the characters. Such an awesome read!! Thank you Emily Spurr!
Ariadne
by Jennifer Saint
Greek Mythology Romance (4/10/2021)
Greek Mythology is something I know very little about. After reading "Ariadne" I have found a new topic to research! This is a wonderful story with lots of activity and romance. I like how events happened between gods and mortals, how one could have an effect on the other. Ariadne and her sister, Phaedra, have such a love/hate relationship, which is so apparent among sisters today. Dionysus and Theseus are the concurring heroes who keep coming to the rescue of the faire ladies, but they were very devious and kept me on my toes of mistrust! All in all, I really enjoyed this fiction novel and look forward to others this author will write! Nice job Jennifer!!!! Thanks Book Browse for a great read!
Appleseed
by Matt Bell
The World Unknown (2/13/2021)
Very imaginative, yet possible? This book really made me think about the current issues we face today, i.e. global warming, reduced natural resources, etc. What happens now causes consequences for the future. I really enjoyed the story line and yes, it is fiction! This is a great read for fantasy lovers and Science Fictioners. Liked how the chapters are split up yet they intertwine with each other. Nathaniel and Chapman's ventures are most interesting, also C432/433! I could not put the book down because I had to know what happened next. Though a large book, stick with it, is is so worth it!! Nice job, Matt Bell!
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie
by Marie Benedict
Delightful Mrs. Christie (11/6/2020)
A fascinating mystery about Agatha Christie and her relationship with Archie, her husband, that gives great insight into what women of the 1920's were like. Her Mother was a major influence in her relationship, what was best said during that time. And Archie had it all until he over stepped his bounds. What a surprise awaited for him! I really liked how the mystery is written between events and her & him in separate chapters. Such a wonderful book!
The Blind Light: A Novel
by Stuart Evers
Families Intertwined (10/15/2020)
The lives of two men who became friends during military service, one privileged the other poor. Each one gets married, has children and grandchildren, the book chronicles how they interact through the generations. The first half of the book was interesting, the second half too many words, terrible sexual information that I felt was unnecessary, and a great ending! Would I recommend to friends or family, probably not. I felt 544 pages could easily have been condensed into about 300. I finished it but didn't have any strong feelings about the story or the characters!
Ruthie Fear: A Novel
by Maxim Loskutoff
Ruthie's Montana (5/28/2020)
A different type of read for me, with unusual Characters and grand scenery of Montana. Ruthie was raised by an alcoholic Father who knew nothing about raising a girl with all the biological and feminine attributes of being a female! However, he knew how to hunt, trap and live in the rugged outdoors and that was what he taught Ruthie. Teaching her this helped her to survive in a different sort of way. As an outdoor kind of gal, Ruthie sees something weird roaming in the woods. A secret she keeps for many years, one day the reveal... a moment that makes her and her Father come together ! So, does this change Ruthie's mind about men? Would she leave Montana? Maybe find her Mother? What's going on inside Rockie Mountain Labs? Will she ever find Jon Sitka? So many questions left behind. Guess the author will need to write a sequel!
The Stone Girl: A Novel
by Dirk Wittenborn
Action Packed (4/5/2020)
Dirk Wittenborn really knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat! The cast of characters are so well described, each location lends to the action and I could visualize that action. The plot and storyline were well developed. Just when you thought one thing happened, surprise!, it went another way. It's a long read with complex character relationships and some profanity, but it's so worth reading. It is now one of my favorite books, looking forward to many more books from Dirk!
Remembrance
by Rita Woods
History's Sadness (1/20/2020)
Great book for a first time author, Dr. Rita Woods. This time in history always makes me think "how could we?" Mother Abigail shows true strength to create this safe haven; Winter was amazing with her talents; Louisa was such a "b" but she knew lots of stuff; Margot compassionate yet tough and thank God for David Henry, the rescuer! All the character's are well developed, and the countryside descriptions were so vivid, the author took me there with them. I won't even say anything about "the white guys" dirty slavers! I look forward to reading Rita Woods next novel.
The Sun Down Motel
by Simone St. James
Carly's Adventure (11/18/2019)
A well written mystery I thoroughly enjoyed! I had not read this author before and am now wanting to read her other books. Such interesting characters, Vivian and Carly, Simon, Marnie and Alma, I could just see each one of them. I like the style of this book being the past and the present. The description of the hotel was spot on since I grew up in a small town that had a very similar hotel. Carly had to have some "guts" to go there and discover what really happened. I especially liked the surprise ending! Fun read!
The In-Betweens: The Spiritualists, Mediums, and Legends of Camp Etna
by Mira Ptacin
Not for the general public (10/29/2019)
This is a fact filled book about Spiritualist, not generally a topic for the common public. One can be mired down in all the titles, descriptions and explanations, if you are into this kind of thing it's great. But, if not, it can be a long, boring read. I pushed myself to finish it and was glad it was over, my brain was exhausted! I do appreciate all this info which may be useful during a game of trivia but doubtful if anyone will ask if I read this book. I wish the author much success with this book.
Yale Needs Women: How the First Group of Girls Rewrote the Rules of an Ivy League Giant
by Anne Gardiner Perkins
Finally, Women at Yale (7/17/2019)
Illustrious Yale University! For males it was the college of choice and prestigious to be admitted. But for women prior to 1969, it was untouchable. The author writes an enlightening story not only of discrimination but the beginning of woman's lib and the feminist movement. It is shocking to imagine how difficult it was to be a female at Yale, especially since the civil rights movement was long over. This book is a nice smooth read with lots of facts and even pictures of the ladies who fought so hard to make Yale a reality for women. A very interesting glimpse of unknown history brought to light!
Patsy: A Novel
by Nicole Dennis-Benn
Poor Patsy (5/28/2019)
When I first started this book I had such high hopes for Patsy. By the middle of the book, I was feeling less sympathy for her. The end of the book made me so angry I wanted to give her a good slap, "Snap out of it!" As the story pieces together, many questions came to light. First thing, why would any mother leave her child behind? I was a single mom and would have not dreamed of leaving my little girl with someone else. Why didn't she return to Jamaica when she found out that Cicely was married. Love or not, she was illegally in New York with no opportunities for further education, housing assistance, or anything that required a Social Security number. She did find work, menial labor at best, so why wasn't she able to save money to go back, or bring her daughter here? And the lack of contact with her daughter really was uncalled for, it made me mad, how hard is it to write a letter? By this time, I am disgusted by Patsy, was that the emotion the author was looking for?
Tru, you poor abandoned child, I give you great respect for trying to make a life for yourself after being dumped on your Father's doorstep. Maybe it was a blessing that your mother left you based on her retched life she lived. I hope that you make a better life than your mothers. Thanks Roy and Marva for giving Tru some stability in her life, though some times it was rough on a day to day basis. Thank God for football, I think it gave Tru an outlet for her emotions. Patsy, you are a major disappointment to me, a mother never leaves her children behind, no matter what!
Golden Child
by Claire Adam
Trinidad Tragedy (10/12/2018)
I enjoyed the book! Clyde, Joy, Peter and Paul are very interesting characters, well developed and unusual in their thinking. I was not always sure the rest of the family was good for them. So much violence in their neighborhood, could not believe they stayed there. I didn't trust the priest, thought maybe he had a hand in the violence. I liked the kooky relatives! The ending came as quite a shock, but see a sequel in the future. Claire Adam did a great job, would read more of her books.
Anatomy of a Miracle
by Jonathan Miles
Miracle? or Not? (1/15/2018)
Well written, eventful book that one can't possibly put down! I so admired Tanya for all she did for her brother Cameron. She took on a lot of responsibility through all the tragedies they endured. I truly believe miracles do come from God, for He loves all of His children, those who believe and those who do not. His loving hand is open for all who wish to touch Him, no matter what your differences. Be proud of who you are and what you have done. I think I can understand where Dr. Lorimar- Cuevas comes from, science and religion don't always mix well. Doctors think they can cure all, heal all, know all, but sometimes Doctors don't always have all the answers when such miracles do occur. So, I was quite shocked when Dr Lorimar-Cuevas came up with her own theory for Cameron's being able to suddenly walk. This book has many twists and turns, I highly recommend anyone to read it to get all the details.
As Bright as Heaven
by Susan Meissner
Three Sisters and a Boy (9/30/2017)
Maggie, Willa and Evelyn became quick friends, so different yet from each other and such believable characters. Then add a mysterious little boy, how the twists and turns of his life evolved. This book is an emotional adventure, makes one cry & then makes one laugh. Susan Meissner really captures the events of the time and puts her characters into the history of the Spanish flu. One has to love this family and hope for the best for them. So well written, can't wait for Susan's next book!
News of the World
by Paulette Jiles
Amazing Read (7/21/2017)
What an amazing story. Could not put it down! Capt. Jefferson Kyle Kidd takes on a captured 10 year old girl for a most dangerous trip in 1870 through Texas. Could not imagine how difficult this must have been. Author Paulette Jiles has written so descriptively that one would imagine being right there. So enjoyed this book.
The Scribe of Siena
by Melodie Winawer
An Italian Adventure (5/5/2017)
Want to learn some Italian words? Though this is a work of fiction, I appreciate the authenticity of the Italian. I really enjoyed this book, however it starts our slowly. Stay with it because it gets better as you go along. The book gave me a real sense of the 13oo's, to be a woman and adhere to the laws of that time. Even though Beatrice was a highly educated doctor, in the old world she is treated as a lowly woman. It's rather hard to understand her time travel experience, but I can understand her desire to return and remain in 1300's Italy. There are plenty of villians, weaklings and secrets, yet there are also many one would love it meet; Clara and Ysabella or Donata and Linney. Starts out rather sadly but by the end of the book there are many mild surprises. It's a long story but so worth the time. Good work Melodie Winawer!
Mercies in Disguise: A Story of Hope, a Family's Genetic Destiny, and the Science That Rescued Them
by Gina Kolata
Science vs. Religion (11/7/2016)
I really enjoyed this medical/ethics story. This family was full of surprises, especially about the decisions they would or didn't want to make. At times I laughed, sometimes I cried. The science side of this book taught me a lot about IVF/PGD; but also the religious ethic associated with the genetic disorder. Gina Kolata made me really think, "What would I have done if in this family's shoes?" Such a terrific ending, made me smile and cheer! Also appreciated the "Notes" section in back of book, makes me want to know more from medical reports and studies. All-in-all an easy read that is inspiring and educational.
