“The world is filled with people living the most extraordinary, ordinary lives.”
When I saw this one at my local library, I thought at first, “you have“The world is filled with people living the most extraordinary, ordinary lives.”
When I saw this one at my local library, I thought at first, “you have got to be kidding me!” But then it made sense. This really seemed like an almost perfect premise. And, a truly quick read! Yes! It took me just a day to read.
How could you not like a story where two people meet on a train and their next kill orders are for each other for romance in this Mr. & Mrs. Smith way? (Think Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie when they liked each other.) And, they didn’t know that they were both assassins. But not only were they both assassins, but they were both assassins set up with kill orders to kill each other! How do you do that, after you meet each other on a train and practically fall for each other? (And, I’m not giving away spoilers, this is all told to readers from the get-go.)
So, obviously this is a rom-com mixed with suspense and assassins.
What we really have is 2 people who really are awkward, due to their careers and early lives. Here they are meeting. Their first encounter with each other. On a night train to Paris. How romantic is that?
But they both have pasts. Right?
They know they are damaged goods. But they finally found the one person they think can finally accept them. For themselves. But they also think they will never see each other again.
Fast forward six months. And guess what. Who is their kill target? Yep. Now what are they to do?
How about as readers enjoy a “killing” good time?
“My old life has ended. My new life is only just beginning.”
Just let the pages fly. Readers will not regret it. ...more
How can I not be attracted to a book that boasts one of its “characters,” as a Little Free Library named Eileen? What role will “she” play in this stoHow can I not be attracted to a book that boasts one of its “characters,” as a Little Free Library named Eileen? What role will “she” play in this story that also gives a strong statement to the importance of reading and how books can play an important role in people’s lives?
This is a debut novel. And, this is a story of overwhelming grief and loss, finding forgiveness, acceptance of self and others, complicated families, the possibility of second chances, the love of reading and how it can change a life; and, a Little Free Library named Eileen, that becomes an unknowing conduit to love.
“Brighter days are coming, Eileen. I promise.”
The story begins with a simple statement that may not be as simple as it seems.
“They say it takes one moment to change your life.”
Readers may think it starts when Erin mistakenly leaves her favorite book, “To Kill a Mockingbird” filled with her notes in the margins in a Little Free Library, for an unexpected James to pick up and respond to with his own thoughts and notes in the margins. But it really starts earlier than that, with a lot of life lessons along the way.
Through P.O.V. shared by both Erin and James we learn about their lives, their wants, their needs, and; what it will take to find their way to a happily ever after.
“If I were to have a vision for my life in the future, it would be to continue what I’ve started here. To teach people to love books the way I do.”
Will Erin and James gain self-discovery, and thus find what may have always been there for them to have? Will they inhabit the life they want to truly live? And, will they find a way to happily ever and a happy ending/perhaps a new beginning? What is it that both Erin and James need and want for themselves and what will it take to find it?
It is up to readers to choose patience and hopefulness, in order to enjoy the journey of Erin and James....more
While deciding to continue reading the Decker/Lazarus series (this is my second in about two weeks), I learned that “The Hunt” was the last book to beWhile deciding to continue reading the Decker/Lazarus series (this is my second in about two weeks), I learned that “The Hunt” was the last book to be written with these characters. So, that was my next Kellerman to read and review. Which I have also done. I was happy that my local library had copies of both, so that I could once again immerse myself in Peter and Rina’s life.
Again, for anyone choosing to read this book, consider starting at the beginning of the series to fully understand the continuing characters.
Of course, it always starts with a case. And, this one was particularly frustrating for Detective Peter Decker. Could the death of this young man be related to a case from 20 years ago?
It seems the more that he investigates, the more trouble and questions seems to turn up. With Rina’s help behind the scenes, more information becomes clear as Decker searches for answers. But as in any police procedural, Decker is relentless in getting to the truth, no matter what it takes. And, what happens when he finally does? Will the case be solved satisfactorily or will he have to speculate what could have really happened?
For fans of the series this will be a fast-paced, page-turner with lots of twists and turns. But for readers, will it be a satisfying end? ...more
“Something tells me that Ronald Treeve’s death wasn’t an end but a beginning.”
I love when an old classic mystery finds its way to my LittlCatching up…
“Something tells me that Ronald Treeve’s death wasn’t an end but a beginning.”
I love when an old classic mystery finds its way to my Little Free Library Shed. It reminds me of some of the stories I enjoyed discussing with friends. And, this was one of them.
“Henry James’s definition of the purpose of a novel: “To help the human heart to know itself.”
Oh, how our heart loves what novels do for us, right?
This story begins with a suspicious death in a location in which Commander Dalgliesh is supposed to be heading off to holiday. And, just as an aside, this is the 11th in the Dalgliesh series, so you can read this as a stand-alone, but you might miss out on all the nuances of fully understanding his character and history.
Anyway, back to the story. Well, we know that this holiday for him is going to be derailed. Especially when the murder takes place at a location familiar to Dalgliesh…he spent a summer at St. Anselm College, thus giving us more background on his own knowledge of theology and church history. (It appears that each story provides more background on Dalgliesh, that is why I said, you could probably read this as a stand-alone.)
The characters are beautifully constructed. The murdered son was unpopular. So, in many respects it is a victim others are not mourning. Which means his murderer could be anybody.
Although James stories are typically slow burns, they move thoughtfully and satisfactorily with a nice tidy ending reveal....more
This will not be a typical book review. It is more like a feeling felt after reading a book that touches readers deeply. At least that is Catching up…
This will not be a typical book review. It is more like a feeling felt after reading a book that touches readers deeply. At least that is what happened for me when I read it.
This is what she said.
“You belong. Everywhere. Yes, you – with all your history, anxiety, pain. Yes, everywhere – in every culture, community, circumstance. You belong in this body. You belong in this very moment. You belong in this breath…and this one. You have always belonged.”
Sebene Selassie was sharing this in her book. It is as if we need to have someone tell us a few times just how important we are, because sometimes we forget. Yes? This life. This present moment. This complicated, messy time. You are Here. Now. Important. To me. To us. To everyone. You belong.
Maybe that is what we need. Reminders like this. From books like this.
“You belong in this world just as much as anyone else. No matter how others see you, or how you see yourself.” – Morgan Harper-Nich’Ols...more
This is the last book in the Theodore Boone series. I had “co-read” the first one, “Kid Lawyer,” with my grandson. Review here: https://wwCatching up…
This is the last book in the Theodore Boone series. I had “co-read” the first one, “Kid Lawyer,” with my grandson. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... When this one was donated to my Little Free Library Shed, I decided to go ahead and read it.
In this story, we find Teddy ready to graduate 8th grade and in the midst of taking a series of standardized tests. When the results come back mixed for him and his friend April, she tells him it is because teachers had changed the scoring because of pressure from the district. Because this affected her, she decides to do something about it. This creates headlines, and now teachers are accused of cheating and await their punishment.
There is also a side story in which Teddy helps a classmate who is concerned about his father’s actions against his mother and himself.
Since Teddy is considered a “teen lawyer” there is an expectation for lawyering to occur, as much as can be expected of a 13-year-old who isn’t a lawyer, but his parents are. With a courthouse scene, young readers will get a sense of what does take place in addressing these key issues of what happens when there is wrongdoing. Could there have been more substance in the story? Yes. But it still was fun to visit the idea of a young boy motivated to help fellow classmates because of the positive influence from his parents....more
When I went in to my local library to pick up books, I found this one on the shelves. (I forgot to put this in my currently reading list.) It had beenWhen I went in to my local library to pick up books, I found this one on the shelves. (I forgot to put this in my currently reading list.) It had been a long time since I had read a Decker/Lazarus novel, but I was up for it. So, what does that mean? Well, it means that it is probably best that you follow the series from the beginning, so you know who the characters are, but you can pick up after a long absence and still feel like you are family because the characters are so rich.
Rina (Lazarus) is Peter Decker’s wife. Peter is a former detective lieutenant with the LAPD who now works for the local Greenbury Police in upstate New York.
While walking a local trail and wanting to photograph the area, Rina stumbles upon skeletal remains. What happened here? And, what does this mean when 2 more skeletal remains are discovered that are related to missing students in the area? Does this nice college town have a serial killer?
As Decker investigates, much is discovered, and the heartache of families who have been missing these kids becomes front and center. But what happens when a fresh crime occurs?
This is an excellent police procedural, with well-developed characters, short chapters and an unknown killer that will keep readers guessing till the very end....more
Full disclosure: I only decided to read and review this one because it was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed and I loved the Jack Ryan Amazon Full disclosure: I only decided to read and review this one because it was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed and I loved the Jack Ryan Amazon Prime series. Would I be happy with my decision?
Tom Clancy actually died on October 1, 2013. So, it is very important to note that he obviously no longer writes this series. (This book was published this year, 2024.) However, a lot of Tom Clancy fans, may look at the cover, which has his named emblazoned on it in large letters at the top, and not realize this fact. The marketers don’t hide the other fact that it also says at the very bottom in smaller letters, “By Andrews & Wilson.”
So, who are Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson? They are Navy veterans who happen to be a writing team. Brian is a nuclear engineer and Jeff is a vascular surgeon and jet pilot who conducted combat operations with an East Coast-based SEAL team. Their credentials seem to lend themselves to continuing Clancy’s characters and legacy.
This 548-page novel, is part of the Jack Ryan series. Not to be mistaken for what any of us may have watched on the Amazon Prime series of the same name. This has moved Ryan forward as the now President of the United States. Yet, this storyline gives more “screen time” to Ryan’s daughter Katie who is now a Lieutenant Intelligence Agent.
The easiest way to describe this book is in free flow words. Fast. Intense. Suspenseful. Well-placed plot. Page-turner. Twists and turns. Thriller.
If you loved Clancy’s “The Hunt for Red October,” this one may work for you. Just don’t be intimidated by all the Naval acronyms!...more
Amira appears unlucky in love. Not even matchmakers have been helpful. On a disastrous date she is contacted to settle her aunt’s estate. Thank goodneAmira appears unlucky in love. Not even matchmakers have been helpful. On a disastrous date she is contacted to settle her aunt’s estate. Thank goodness for the distraction and a way out of that messy date. Her decision to go directly to her aunt’s lawyer’s office sets this story in motion. Because now she meets Naveen. The San Francisco lawyer who is working for his uncle’s small practice. Surprisingly, he is also looking for love. Oh, what could this mean in the rom-com world of love matches?
The problem is, Naveen is someone Amira has been matched with before and dumped. Oh no! What will readers be in for now? Well, it is a bit more complicated than a love match. We’ve got criminals in this story and a kidnapping, too. And, here you have this couple, Amira and Naveen who don’t want to be together, suddenly together on a madcap adventure. What is in store for them? Is this how one gets to a HEA?
If you want a light read this book will give you… Silly. Cute. Charming. Entertaining and Fun....more
“Looking forward to the day is good. Enjoying your work is good. Knowing you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing. Feeling as if you’re living th“Looking forward to the day is good. Enjoying your work is good. Knowing you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing. Feeling as if you’re living the right life.”
Lily has dropped out of medical school because she would rather be an artist. So now she is cleaning houses and squatting on the Cape at Dune Cottage on the sly, and enjoying her own painting. She is also harboring a crush on Todd who is now engaged to Amelie. Will she be able to find her happily ever after?
Cecilia has just turned 70+ and is feeling quite detached from her life. She has been a widow of famous author Cameron for a year, and is tired of being under the thumb of her daughter Kristen. While Kristen has planned a party, supposedly to celebrate Cecilia’s birthday, but mostly to honor her famous Dad, Cecilia sneaks out and heads for her secret place, Dune Cottage to hide away. But what about Seth? How does he play into this story? Will Cecilia be able to find her happily ever after?
Todd, who is Cecilia’s grandson has found his own way, despite his family’s wealth. But something isn’t quite right for him either. He adores his grandmother, and is concerned for her. And, did he make the right decision about Amelie? Will he be able to find his happily ever after?
So, we have 3 very likable characters who are attempting to find themselves, and perhaps something that has been alluding them in their lives. How will these lives intersect, especially as Cecilia finds Lily at Dune Cottage? And, Todd suddenly showing up?
And, of course there is Kristen, too. Will she be able to find her happily ever after?
And, what about the art? What Lily wants for herself? Or, what Cecilia gave up in herself? What secrets does Cecelia hold as it relates to “The Girl on the Shore?”
The author presents a peaceful calm Cape ocean setting. It allows readers to connect to the characters and feel hopeful that whatever happens, whether it is predictable or not, the pages turn in a way that makes one feel a sense of gratification that they just had a truly lovely reading experience....more
Meow! Purr! And, yoga! Who could ask for more? How about murder? Yikes!! Let us start with the kitties.
Ashley Branson opens a yoga studio called A PuMeow! Purr! And, yoga! Who could ask for more? How about murder? Yikes!! Let us start with the kitties.
Ashley Branson opens a yoga studio called A Purrfect Pose that helps people find inner peace, because it also provides cats for adoption. But unfortunately, one of her clients is found dead, and her brother is accused of the murder. What will happen to her business now? And, does this mean she becomes a bit of an investigator, too? In some ways this drags the story down a bit, as does her dysfunctional family.
There are so many characters to keep track of in this story that it becomes difficult at times to know who is who. Yet, the premise of a yoga studio with kitties for adoption seemed sweet. Still, it will be hard to imagine what other trouble could occur in future stories for this series. If it involves her family members, that may not be worth following.
3 stars with .5 upward for the kitties for adoption concept! ...more
I wanted to read this book because I knew the author had passed (2019) before this was published, and, I really enjoyed his book, “Frindle.” Review heI wanted to read this book because I knew the author had passed (2019) before this was published, and, I really enjoyed his book, “Frindle.” Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... I also appreciate that this is simplistically illustrated by Brian Selznick (other than the beautifully detailed cover), who is well-known for “Wonderstruck” and “The Invention of Hugo Cabret.”
Back in the 90’s, a kid named Nate, called a pen a “Frindle” which caught on. So, now sixth-grader Josh finds a pen with “Frindle” emblazoned on the side (a souvenir from his mom’s childhood). His curiosity and research leads him to challenge his teacher Mr. N. (Echos of Frindle?)
Taking the Frindle story into this era brings on online research and media acumen. There are also references to books, “The Elements of Style (about writing in English) and “The Zen of Python” (about writing code for computers), and “Charlotte’s Web.”
Could the children’s curiosity lead to a computer virus? How will that affect what they are doing?
Readers will gain insights into internet safety, the study of how language works; and, the how-to on viral internet campaigns.
This story gives a strong sense of friendship, teamwork, learning from mistakes and finding respect.
Be sure to read the note by Brian Selznick at the end of the book.
“The passage of time is a symptom of life; without time you are at a standstill.”
This memoir professes to be a love story. It’s subtitle, “An Uncommon“The passage of time is a symptom of life; without time you are at a standstill.”
This memoir professes to be a love story. It’s subtitle, “An Uncommon Journey to True Love” implies this, as well. And yet, as readers first meet Jerry, known by those close to him as Jedon, we are not sure what he is showing us is a very loving path to love.
He takes us on this journey about him and Tonya, from the beginning, when they first met. His love for her is quickly felt, but mostly displayed through anger and jealousy. When Tonya is dating someone else, his way of addressing it, is to take Tonya’s dog and have it attack her current interest’s dog. For those of us who are dog lovers, that was a horrible scene to witness. And, to wonder, is this a display of love when you treat dogs in this abhorrent way?
And yet, Jedon tells us he is a man of God. Yet, his behaviors and actions displayed are anything but. Thus, what about him, his behaviors and actions make him a good catch to Tonya? What will occur that will change him into the person he says he wants to be for God and for Tonya?
“I already knew that when I was with her, I was a better person. She made me a better person.”
Typically, I do not read books anchored in religious dogma. I am not attracted to these stories because they imply that it takes something outside of themselves in order to be a good person. But the author was kind and wanted me to read his story. And, I appreciated his thoughtfulness in our correspondence. So, when I began to read, I found myself a bit taken aback by the person I was reading about between these pages. I was hopeful that at some point, I would see something different than what the first several pages were showing me. Because to be honest, all I could think about was…Tonya, run, and please don’t look back!!!!
Yet, in all fairness to the author, growing up can be a very painful process. Especially as one struggles to find their way. And, certainly the author was very open in sharing his struggles.
“Everyone learns new lessons in life; it doesn’t matter your age. Some are easy, while others will test the very core of your being. Some lessons you learn from mistakes made; others hit you when least expected.”
Still, as I read, I couldn’t help but wonder, what would it take for the author to grow into the person he wanted to be? And, when he did, would he and Tonya be able to find their happily ever after? Because certainly the book’s subtitle was leading us to believe readers would find an uncommon journey to love.
And, gratefully, with patience, the reader does discover that this is what the book truly is…the life of these two. The ups and downs. The disappointments. The joys. The journey. Which one could appreciate and eventually understand. The realism of relationships. And, love. It may not have been an easy path, but it was Jedon and Tonya’s path. And, it comes through clearly in these pages.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review.
I love my neighbors and their donations to my Little Free Library Shed. Obviously, they are fans of Connelly, and this gave me an opportunCatching Up…
I love my neighbors and their donations to my Little Free Library Shed. Obviously, they are fans of Connelly, and this gave me an opportunity to re-visit this one.
Mickey Haller is back defending a very important client. Himself. Apparently, someone decided to stuff a corpse into the trunk of his car. And, of course, the police discovered it, and thus, he has been accused of this individual’s murder. And, it doesn’t help that he was an ex-client. That doesn’t make Haller look so innocent, right?
“The law of innocence is unwritten. It’s not a true legal term, can’t be argued in a court of law and doesn’t exist on the books. In the law of innocence, for every man not guilty of a crime, there is a man out there who is. And to prove true innocence, the guilty man must be found and exposed to the world.” (Hence: the title of the book!)
And, then there is Harry Bosch. Because he is on team Haller in finding out the truth. Of course, if you aren’t familiar with who Haller or Bosch is, don’t start reading the series with this book. These are a couple of the most important characters in Connelly’s book character ensemble. Mickey Haller is the Lincoln Lawyer who has conducted his “lawyering” in the backseat of his Lincoln vehicle. And, Harry Bosch is the author’s well-known L.A. cop. Readers will love his brooding presence in this one as the two and other returning characters intend to prove Haller’s innocence.
“When it came to opening statements, I was from the Legal Siegel school of law. He always said, save your powder, meaning less is more; don’t reveal your case or its surprises until it’s time to present your evidence.”
Those who love stories with justice/legal proceedings and good investigative work will enjoy this one. Also, the pandemic looms in the background.
“Everybody counts or nobody counts.” – Harry Bosch
“…She’d taken the fictional character’s philosophy to heart, if not his approach.”
This is not a stan“Everybody counts or nobody counts.” – Harry Bosch
“…She’d taken the fictional character’s philosophy to heart, if not his approach.”
This is not a stand-alone. So, if you are interested in a new series, especially with a Hollywood vibe, this may be an interesting one to consider. But don’t start with this book. Start at the beginning of the series so you can get the full background on the characters.
The series stars Eve Ronin as a homicide detective with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department who is now having her story turned into a TV series. But that isn’t the center of the story, just a part of knowing something about the character and what is happening within the story that affects the characters.
Now, some readers may like the behind-the-scenes style of the story, with the celebrity actors/reality stars/producers/directors, et al spattered throughout. Not surprising with Goldberg as the author, who has a celebrated resume as a TV writer (Diagnosis Murder, Monk), besides being a successful author.
But I think I was finding myself just as annoyed as the character Eve, as she tried to do her job to solve a murder of a reality TV star and some recent discoveries of bones. Would people just please take her seriously? I certainly was trying my best to do so.
So, how did it all play out? Not for me to tell. (I don’t do spoilers.) But readers will find this story to be an easy read, quick paced, page turning, fun little mystery that may be easy to solve when paying attention to all the “clues.”...more
I was reading an article the other day about a bookstore in our community called Phoenix Books that had been around for 43 years. It is located in SanI was reading an article the other day about a bookstore in our community called Phoenix Books that had been around for 43 years. It is located in San Luis Obispo, CA for anyone who might be considering coming to visit one day. They are also proud of their online presence. Still, back to their brick-and-mortar reality. That is amazing, when you consider this store has overcome big box stores and the pandemic. One of the comments said by an enthusiastic patron was…
“People love books. They are repositories of knowledge. They will never go out of style.”
That is so true. And, that is what we can say about bookstores, too. We love the feel and experience of being in a bookstore. The smell of it. Going down the aisles. Looking at all the stacks and shelves of books available at our fingertips. In many ways it is almost orgasmic. (Please excuse my enthusiasm, here!)
So, why not read a book about bookstores? Not that readers haven’t read books about bookstores before. But this one wants to tell us a different story about bookstores, in a way. Like the importance of the UPS driver (devoted to delivering books), or Benjamin Franklin (he amassed books for discussion), or how Jeff Bezos created Amazon Books (a different way of selling books). A distinct perspective look, at bookstores.
It even has a story about the tuxedo cat, WonTon who presided over a store (Chop Suey) in Richmond, Virginia that made its’ debut in Gary Shteyngart’s 2018 novel, “Lake Success.”
Of course, many of us who love books about bookstores, have read lots of stories about cats in bookstores. And, to be quite honest, I believe, it intrigues us. It also appeals to the heart in us. We are attracted to the stories – especially if cats are on the cover and are incorporated as a part of the story, too. Dogs on covers and within the story will captivate us, too.
Mostly, this is the story of how much we as readers hunger for knowledge within books. Just like what the enthusiastic patron of one of my community bookstores said above. Does that mean we need this book to give us this?
It definitely is a vigorous defense of books, and I love that about it. And, it has its fun little facts in history, too. But is it a great read?
Well…I think it is anecdotal, and interesting, and somewhat thought-provoking, thoughtful and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of an all right read.
Or…maybe a fun in-between book while reading the novel you are attempting to get through.
This children’s book was quite the adventure. Four children crash-land when their pilot suffers a heart attack. They are alone and in peril in the lush Amazon rainforest. How will they manage on their own?
What the author does is provide a rich scene which will mesmerize young readers. Swimming with river dolphins. Discovering a ruined city. Eating bugs. What more could they ask for? Perhaps a mystery in which a map is discovered that the kids can follow?
Readers will enjoy the 4 young characters as they take off on their journey of self-discovery and immense bravery to tackle the unknown. There is a sense of warmth, love, hope and courage that permeates throughout the pages that makes this an enticing read....more
This is a children’s/YA novel. Still, it is so appealing, I would recommend it to anyone. Which means, as an adult reading it, I believe adults would This is a children’s/YA novel. Still, it is so appealing, I would recommend it to anyone. Which means, as an adult reading it, I believe adults would be enchanted by its story, as well.
It has also won many awards. In 2014 it won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize (an annual award given to a work of children’s literature that uncovers hidden talent in children’s writing); and, the Blue Peter Book Award for Best Story (a set of literary awards for children’s books conferred by the BBC television program Blue Peter). It was also short-listed for the Carnegie Medal for Writing (a British literary award that recognizes outstanding English-language books for children and young adults).
What makes this story so beautiful is its message…
Follow your dreams.
Sophie, our protagonist, started off her life, floating in a cello case, recovered from a shipwreck. Charles, who finds her, becomes her loving father. He also allows Sophie undisciplined freedom as a child.
As Sophie gets older, she wonders if her mother is still alive. Charles tells her…
“Never ignore a possible.”
So, with that, she convinces Charles to go with her to Paris to find her mother. Of course, there are other reasons for Charles to do so, which I won’t state here, because that is a spoiler.
In Paris, Sophie meets Matteo. And, with Matteo they go in search of her mother.
Music fills the story, and certainly the mystery of Sophie being found in a cello case can certainly be added to that experience. Readers will feel a sense of adventure, music, joy, and connection with these characters....more
I read this one back in 2018, and thought I had already posted my review. Apparently not. So, here it is! This is the 3rd in the series, bCatching up…
I read this one back in 2018, and thought I had already posted my review. Apparently not. So, here it is! This is the 3rd in the series, but it can be read as a stand-alone, although readers will get more value from the book if they start at the beginning of the series.
Where do we come from?
Where are we going?
Yes, it's the new Dan Brown book, Origin. Yes, it's pulpy and ridiculous. But I have to say -- it was really entertaining, too.
Origin draws on current events and hot topics to make it more relevant to today's world. The author touches on subjects like "fake news", the advancement of technology and artificial intelligence, and the dark corners of the Internet. He may not be an amazing writer - whatever that means - but he does play on universal thoughts, fears and questions. It makes for a very compelling tale.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone looking for excellent writing, well-developed characters and a whole lot of sense-making. But if you want to sprint through an almost 500-page novel at breakneck pace and escape from thinking for a while, then this is the book for you.
One last thing... there is a reference to “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck on page 447. I won't say more as it does provide an interesting explanation to everything about one of the characters through that reference. Those who have read “Of Mice and Men” or have seen the play, will understand when they get there. My review is here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This is a stunning picturesque book that’s illustrations give you a sense of an abstract Paper Mache placement from fabrics to the page in beautiful cThis is a stunning picturesque book that’s illustrations give you a sense of an abstract Paper Mache placement from fabrics to the page in beautiful colors.
The story takes readers to a pond (a small body of still water formed naturally) that explores pond life. Who lives in the pond? What do they do with their day? How do they grow and develop as creatures and/or plants from something small to mature?
The writing is poetic and thoughtful.
The author also provides notes about the animals and plants that inhabit the pond, which makes this a great learning adventure for kids.
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