A Ladder to the Sky: A Novel
by John Boyne
Karma....or not??? (9/4/2018)
What an engaging novel! You think you like certain characters and then at each Part, your opinion is turned on its head. You're engaged with each moment of this novel as time passes. You get to the end...hoping that karma will be visited on this character...only to think...hmmm, was there a punishment. Was he even conscious of the havoc he wrought over so many lives. Great read!
A Place for Us
by Fatima Farheen Mirza
Delicious delight (4/4/2018)
I am still reading this book, savoring every page, every descriptive image.While some books are a race to the end to see how it all works out, this is not the case with A Place for Us. The author weaves through time and place, stitching together a mood and comprehension of everyone's feelings, dreams and hopes.
Initially, the hopping back and forth between time was a bit confusing for me. But I understand the juxtaposition now.
I highly recommend this book and urge you to take your time to enjoy the sensitive and sensorial writing. Wonderful!
Mothers of Sparta: A Memoir in Pieces
by Dawn Davies
Not sure.... (10/3/2017)
While I enjoyed some portions of Mothers of Sparta, I felt the chapters were not sequential or made sense in their order. I understand the concept of the flawed mom but sometimes I felt little to no pity based on her not taking responsibility for her decisions.
Her writing, however, was excellent with great flow and description and humor...sometimes macabre (i.e. pet fatalities). The title is not revealed until almost the very end and this is truly where Ms. Davies shines in her writing, her honesty and provocative thinking. she is a fierce mother and those chapters really spoke to me as I knew the passion and ferocity of protecting one's child.
I would have preferred the latter part of the book to be developed more than the first part which felt like a lot of complaining. The Men I Would Have Slept With chapter...meh...too long (no pun) and overplayed.
Happiness: The Crooked Little Road to Semi-Ever After
by Heather Harpham
painful and honest (6/13/2017)
There are two parallel stories here evoking both emotions above. The ongoing battle of a sick child was recounted in a poignant way with what, I assume to be, a pretty realistic view of how one's mind ping pongs back and forth as it receives each onslaught of difficult news. The highs and lows are presented as mini roller coasters which catapult the reader into what the family's emotions must be going through.
The second tale which parallels the first is the "romance" between the two parents. Brutally honest, it did not sugar coat the mother's indecision or distaste for the father's choices or decisions. It wasn't a happily ever after but rather a well worn path to get to a loving understanding.
I was very touched by this book although I caution parents if they read this...many times I verged on the "there but for the grace of God....". A touching tribute to a parent's love and children's resiliency when they have that love.
The Nest
by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
Wonderful reality! (4/17/2017)
Just realized I never logged in to rate, although I had started a discussion. This book was wonderfully real...warts and all. Set in NYC made me homesick but in a good way...and the characters were eerily familiar...totally engrossing and entertaining.
Home Sweet Home
by April Smith
Perfect timing! (12/13/2016)
This book draws you in from the very start. Rich in descriptions, you are drawn to the landscape and the characters´ lives. The characters are well thought out and developed and presented without prejudice. You get to see how people change their minds and opinions and what events shape their thoughts.
It does seem to mirror or parallel the change in political climate happening today. And helped me be more thoughtful before dismissing opinions out of hand.
I loved this book from beginning to end...even if it was a troubling end.
Victoria
by Daisy Goodwin
disappointing (11/8/2016)
I was looking forward to reading about a young girl who becomes a strong woman leading her country. All I got was a weak story line of a romance. Victoria relies on Melbourne throughout, never really involving herself in her country's politics. She goes by her hairstylist's sadness, Melbourne's politics, etc. to make decisions on her next royal ruling. Never delving into what is truly going on in her country. This is a romance novel of "spirited young girl meets awkward young prince" with no meat or depth. She is more concerned about her hairstyles, the cut of her dress than the turmoil in her country. No where in this novel is there a hint of the depth of Victoria either as a queen or a woman. I am so disappointed.
Miss Jane
by Brad Watson
Literary sensory experience (4/6/2016)
Reading this book is enveloping yourself in a cocoon of images and sensations. Initially, I was intrigued by Jane's 'condition' but soon it was an exploration of how a young woman can maintain an inner peace and joy despite her surroundings and family members. The author's attention to detail and descriptive language immersed me in Jane's world. Enjoyed the character development and story line...sad that it ended too soon for me.
The Dark Lady's Mask
by Mary Sharratt
The power of persistance (3/8/2016)
Though not my favorite time period, I soon fell in love with The Dark Lady's Mask. The flow of the main character's struggles kept me coming back for more. Ms. Sharratt's writing is fluid,descriptive and seems historically accurate both in language and place. Her interwoven connection with Shakespeare and "his" plays was thought provoking as well. The historical afterword helped me savor the depth of her knowledge and research. This was a jewel of a book!
