BookBrowse Editorial Review
Lucky Boy by Shanthi Sekaran
(2/1/2017)
The alternate points of view keep the cast of characters and their separate stories rotating at a steady and even pace for the first two-thirds of the novel, intensifying later to nail-biting tension with hair-raising stakes. Towards the end, pages fly as the story careens towards a heartbreaking but emotionally satisfying resolution.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley
(8/3/2016)
While the novel's overriding themes are grief, loss and letting go, the story is buoyed by humor, whimsy and sweetness without making light of the subject matter. I especially recommend Lily and The Octopus to people who understand the powerful bond between dogs and their owners, but really, I think anyone who enjoys emotionally authentic and redemptive stories filled with humor, heart and imagination will find this a satisfying read.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Seed Collectors by Scarlett Thomas
(6/1/2016)
Besides the sex, the book abounds with discussions of enlightenment, spiritual philosophy and ponderings on the nature of life and karma — much is tongue-in-cheek, making fun of "touchy-feely" interpersonal self-discovery groups, people who follow gurus, and those seeking a brand of convenient enlightenment, but there is an element of earnestness as well, including philosophical discussions on the topic of love and forgiveness. I recommend The Seed Collectors to mature readers who enjoy e
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Spill Simmer Falter Wither by Sara Baume
(5/4/2016)
Despite its flaws, I found Spill Simmer Falter Wither both moving and unforgettable, and recommend it to readers who enjoy literary, quietly paced character studies that focus on the healing bond between humans and animals.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Breaking Wild by Diane Les Becquets
(2/17/2016)
Beyond the fascinating and compelling characters, the urgency of the search, the well crafted pacing and the stunning but terrifying backdrop of the wilderness, this story has been meticulously researched. Throughout, I found myself fighting the urge to read fast to find out what happens while also wanting to slow down to absorb and appreciate the details of the search.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley
(7/22/2015)
My only complaint is that about two-thirds of the way through, the story loses track of the bomb threat plot for a while, focusing instead on the complicated relationship between the three central characters, Thanial, Grace and Mori. But this is easily forgiven when the threat resurfaces near the end resulting in a page-turning high stakes race that rewards the reader with a very satisfying conclusion. I would highly recommend this entertaining story to all fans of speculative historical fiction
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Gracekeepers by Kirsty Logan
(6/3/2015)
This fantasy world is carefully delineated with histories, rituals, superstitions, hierarchies and laws for the two divisive societies. Deception and deceit are strong themes in this story as are penance and putting the past (and the dead) to rest. Although the ending is rushed and a bit too convenient to be fully satisfying, I would recommend The Gracekeepers to adult readers and mature teens who enjoy reading fantasies with unusual, richly built settings and unique sympathetic character
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The American Lover by Rose Tremain
(3/18/2015)
I highly recommend The American Lover to any reader who loves literary short stories, characters intricately drawn, and narratives that take you into the far-away lives of others while tethering you to the familiarity of such humanity that you will begin to see your own life in a new and clearer light. It would be a great book club choice.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Audacity by Melanie Crowder
(1/21/2015)
The novel explores the challenge of sacrificing what you want for what you believe is right and just. There are also strong coming-of-age themes — growing into oneself, separate and different from one's family, and learning to have the courage to stand up and fight, struggles that teens will empathize with. Audacity is an unforgettable and inspiring story that I would recommend to both teens and adults who like literary historical fiction with a strong female protagonist and to educators
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Lila by Marilynne Robinson
(11/5/2014)
In contrast to many novels, Lila is quiet and contemplative, deeply profound, filled with universal, ethical and philosophical questions about the nature of existence that thoughtful readers will relate to: why are we here, does life have meaning and purpose? I recommend it to thoughtful readers who like their novels deep and emotionally rich.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Human Age: The World Shaped By Us
by Diane Ackerman
(9/17/2014)
Taking into consideration the latest technologies, the vast amount of information available online, and the advances in medicine and abilities to improve the human body, Ackerman sets out to answer whether or not it's still possible to fix the mess we've gotten ourselves into. This is a heavy question, but her overriding view is that while we human beings have created serious and threatening environmental chaos that urgently needs to be reined in, Ackerman remains enormously hopeful, reminding u
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Bark: Stories
by Lorrie Moore
(3/19/2014)
The fact that characters can suffer so much and survive with a sense of humor is a lot more reassuring than it might seem. But the real hope lies in the truth of the negative—that the loss of love makes us so miserable, is a reminder that it is love that makes us happy, gives us joy, makes us whole. I would recommend Bark to anyone who enjoys contemporary short stories that plumb the depths of human emotion while giving the reader breathing space to laugh out loud and cope with the ride.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The True Tale of the Monster Billy Dean by David Almond
(1/22/2014)
With themes of sexuality, religion, war, and the exploitation of innocence, the novel is brilliant and troubling, moralistic, ambitious, and very accessible once you allow yourself into the world and language.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Someone by Alice McDermott
(11/20/2013)
I have to admit that there were times when Someone read as a bit of a cautionary tale—"do not live your life in such a passive, apathetic way." At the same time, it is thoroughly validating and lovely to know that upon examination, even an unexceptional life, no matter how ordinary, is of value.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
The Lucy Variations by Sara Zarr
(6/19/2013)
The title, The Lucy Variations, says much about the story. Musical variations refer to a technique where certain features of a tune, a piece, are altered while others remain the same. In a similar manner, Lucy must find a way to change her expectations and her relationship to music and to her family, while remaining true to herself. The Lucy Variations is a life-affirming novel that uses one girl's unusual journey to speak to the bigger question of "Who am I?"
BookBrowse Editorial Review
If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch
(6/5/2013)
Emily Murdock has created her protagonist as a survivor – fierce, proud, and tender. Carey is incredibly resilient given what she's been through. Readers will cry with her, root for her, follow her to the terrible center of the dark secret she must confront before she can truly begin her life again.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
(5/22/2013)
And The Mountains Echoed spills over with unforgettable, fully realized characters whose stories are woven together into a tapestry, a stunning portrait of family dynamics.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Amity & Sorrow by Peggy Riley
(4/17/2013)
Amity and Sorrow is a highly fulfilling read about mothers and daughters, the nature of family, the complexity of relationships, of faith lost and found, of courage and new beginnings. I think women might enjoy this story more easily than men, but I would recommend this book for any adult who enjoys good storytelling, complex, well-drawn characters, and exquisite, lyrical writing.
BookBrowse Editorial Review
Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool
(2/6/2013)
Readers who choose to follow Jack and Early on their quest will find surprise, a light shined on dark secrets, and many unexpected and accidental treasures along the way. They will leave Navigating Early with inner riches to guide them on their own quests, whatever and wherever they might be.
