Blind Man's Bluff: A Memoir
by James Tate Hill
Interesting, but… (9/1/2021)
It was all too easy to become distracted from this book, putting it down to do something else. I really wanted to like this one, and although I feel compassion for the boy, and the man he became, he seems self-absorbed to the point it was off-putting. In my opinion, he was a perfect example of the saying "pride goeth before a fall". He did overcome obstacles (though many were of his own making) to become a writer, and I applaud the perseverance it must've taken. I enjoyed the descriptions of the schools he attended, and people he met along the way, however, I don't feel this book would be a good selection for a book club to discuss.
A Million Things
by Emily Spurr
All the feels... (5/10/2021)
I fell hard for Rae, the protagonist in this novel. What a strong, smart, scrappy, vulnerable, and resourceful little girl. The relationship that develops between Rae and Lettie, the neighbor with a hoarding tendency, added such depth to the story. Every character in this book, from Rae's teacher, Mrs. Pham, to Oscar, the boy down the street, lends something important to move the story along and continues to illustrate Rae's character. Initially, I felt the ending was rushed, but then it occurred on me that the way the novel unfolded was likely meant to impress upon the reader what the passage of time and the unfolding of events felt like from Rae's perspective. This is the best book I've read so far this year. Highly recommend.
A Theater for Dreamers
by Polly Samson
Greek Island Vacation? (4/14/2021)
I feel the author did a good job of describing the time and place. In my mind's eye, I could plainly see the island and the houses, shops, beach, and people. The relationships added interesting texture and tension. My only complaint was that none of the characters were particularly likable, they all seemed self absorbed and callous. I couldn't really feel any connection to them. I also had trouble keeping track of who was who and where they fit into the story. What I enjoyed most was an interesting look at a piece of Leonard Cohen's early life.
The Personal Librarian
by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
So enjoyable... (2/10/2021)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, and feel the authors did a fine job of filling in the many gaps in a historical account with what might've been Belle's life story. The tension was so vivid...passing as a white woman while feeling the injustice of the necessity to do so, in order to become a person of respect in society and in the rarefied world of art collection for one of the wealthiest men in the world. Belle was constantly on alert, inwardly panicked any time she thought she may have been recognized and outed as "colored". The relationship with Bernard was well developed, adding another layer of tension as it also needed to be kept a secret; it also ended in a way that was likely the most painful periods in Belle's lifetime, bringing this reader's sympathy response. Belles's relationship with Mr. Morgan was intense, mainly in its fragility. Belle had to walk a tightrope between two worlds and the authors did a wonderful job of portraying her life. Highly recommend.
Catherine House: A Novel
by Elisabeth Thomas
Impressive first novel... (3/9/2020)
I was impressed with the book overall; finishing in two days, as I found the story compelling, almost seductive. A school students attend for three years straight, with an almost guaranteed future, but with no contact from the outside and no visitors and no belongings of their own. You know there has to be a catch. The faded grandeur that was Catherine House, the brokenness of the students, and then, the plasm pins...all contributed the creepiness. I had vivid mental pictures of many of the main characters, Ines, Baby, Yaya, Theo and of course, the enigmatic Viktoria. And while I found none of them at all likable, they were interesting, edgy and smart. I left the book with a number of unanswered questions and while one part of me wanted to know more, I have an appreciation for authors who leave things to the readers’ imaginations.
The In-Betweens: The Spiritualists, Mediums, and Legends of Camp Etna
by Mira Ptacin
Very informative! (11/1/2019)
Before reading 'The In-Betweens' I knew very little about Spiritualism and its history. I didn't even realize mediums had an organized 'religion' complete with churches. I very much enjoyed the education provided by this informative and unbiased book, and extend my thanks to Ms. Ptacin for writing it. I think anyone with an open mind and even a modicum of curiosity will enjoy it as well. The author shows a great level of respect and openness toward the members of Camp Etna, and it's mirrored back to her in the way the mediums accept her and openly answer her questions, even try to educate her in their ways. This book would likely generate a lively and interesting discussion in a book club, so I'm considering recommending to my group.
Nothing to See Here
by Kevin Wilson
A pleasant surprise! (6/11/2019)
When I read the premise of this one, I thought it might be a little too 'out there' for me, but decided to give it a go. This was my first Kevin Wilson novel, and what a pleasant surprise! I read it in two days and enjoyed every page. It's witty, funny, moving and totally enjoyable. Lillian and Madison are an unlikely pair of friends and their relationship is definitely dysfunctional. The way in which Mr. Wilson examines socio-economic classes, personalities, and relationships felt unique and refreshing. A short novel at just 250 pages, but what a fun read.
The Last Romantics
by Tara Conklin
Bravo! (11/29/2018)
I devoured this story within a couple of days and was sorry to come to the end. It is a riveting tale of the complicated and tangled relationships that exist in a family, especially when loss and depression feature in such an enormous way. Each of the Skinners had an endearing characteristic and I grew to care for them all. What really hit home for me was that we never really know what’s going on in someone else’s head, even if we feel we’re as close to them as we can possible be. Tara Conklin is definitely on my favorite author list with this one.
The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls
by Anissa Gray
Congratulations to Ms. Gray on this debut! (10/25/2018)
What an excellent read. The female characters in this novel were so well drawn...I had a mental image of each one in my head as I read this novel. So real, so compelling, so complicated and juicy and messy. Just like a real family. Completely believable and relatable for most readers I think. Interesting look at relationships between mothers, daughters, siblings and lovers and how fragile they can be. Just enough tension and heart. I can't wait to read what the talented Anissa Gray gives us in her next book.
Paris Echo
by Sebastian Faulks
Loved this book! (8/20/2018)
I loved this book from start to finish. It would be a great book club book, with lots of discussion worthy topics. The characters were believable and filled out just right. I felt I got to know 'Tariq', the young man from Morocco, the best, as he narrated every other chapter. He's so naive and mostly charming, though also a bit of an opportunist. I really liked 'Hannah', too, and found her character deep and intriguing, someone I'd enjoy knowing in real life. The historical aspect of the novel was well told, too; I appreciated the look at the lives of several women who shared their stories of living through the years of the Nazi occupation. One of my very favorite bits is Tariq's description of the girl he left behind in Morocco..."There was so much more to her, so many things I'd forgotten, starting with the way she never bothered to say hello, because there was always something more important to tell me." I was sorry to arrive at the last page of this one. Well done, Mr. Faulks!
The Devoted
by Blair Hurley
No promises... (6/4/2018)
I can't promise my review isn't skewed by the fact I'm a Buddhist. At first, I thought this may have been the main reason I enjoyed this book so much, in spite of finding the main character, Nicole, a bit unbelievable at times; too many conflicted traits for one character! Even so, I rooted for her to get away from "The Master", an abusive and despicable womanizer who called himself a Zen Teacher. I'd like to give this book a 3.5, but as it's not an option, I'll err on the generous side as I read it faster than I read most books just to find out what happened in the end!
Our Lady of the Prairie
by Thisbe Nissen
Mixed feelings... (12/9/2017)
I loved parts of this novel, and disliked other parts. Phillipa was so, so everything! She was not a character I could feel sympathy for...much too selfish, but part of me sort of fell in love with her anyway...I applauded her honesty. But, while she was aware of her weaknesses, she didn't seem inclined to do anything about them. I thought the insertion of her whole dreamt-up life of Bernadette dragged on too long and wish she'd wrapped it up faster. Overall, I enjoyed this book though and plan to look for this author's other work.
Seven Days of Us: A Novel
by Francesca Hornak
Enjoyable read! (5/22/2017)
This book was a quick and entertaining read. I enjoyed the development of the characters very much. The only relationship that didn't completely ring true for me was between the two sisters, Phoebe and Olivia. The two seem to have no commonalities, but when their family's secrets begin to unfold, their relationship changes. The change seemed just a bit 'overdone' to me. The rest of the story was very enjoyable and entertaining. This might be a great book club read, plenty of topics for discussion, like family secrets, sibling rivalry, cancer, just to name a few. Oh, one other thing that seemed a bit far-fetched is that Olivia is allowed to be at home with her family during the quarantine period. I can't imagine this actually being permitted - but it was pivotal to the plot, that the family is thrown together for seven days, and unable to leave the house. I can't wait to see what this talented author comes up with next!
