The Secret Keeper
by Paul Harris
Strong story, average writing (3/13/2009)
The story is interesting and fast paced. There are some nice twists and unexpected occurrences in the novel. That being said, I felt like I was reading a "novice" writer. In the hands of a more experienced author, I feel like it could have great potential. I liked the story but was a bit disappointed by the writing.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
by Stieg Larsson
Good mystery thriller (9/27/2008)
The prologue grabbed me right away. The next several chapters are hard to stay with, but if you do, you will find a satisfying novel. There are numerous characters to keep track of but I did not have difficulty with that. I found the characters very well developed considering how many were in the book. Being the first novel of a trilogy, I am anxious to read the next two novels. Book clubs would have numerous areas of discussion with this book.
Evening Is the Whole Day
by Preeta Samarasan
Evening Is the Whole Day (4/24/2008)
Reading this novel was enjoyable and frustrating at the same time. The author had magical and poetic moments but much of the novel was seeped in extraneous detail that did not relate to, or help the story. It shows the true side of human nature but failed to acknowledge my belief that every person has "good" in them. Without that balance, the characters had no appeal or reason for me to care about them. I believe this author shows promise as a writer but I was a bit disappointed with this novel.
Someone Knows My Name: aka: The Book of Negroes
by Lawrence Hill
Someone Knows My Name (1/26/2008)
Someone Knows My Name is a story that fills the reader with so many emotions,it is hard to identify what you are feeling while reading it. The story draws you in from page one and takes you on an amazing journey across many oceans and continents. I have never read a historical fiction novel that is so engaging, descriptive and even poetic at times. The story flowed beautifully and never lost its momentum. At 486 pages, that is a feat in itself. I definitely recommend it.
