This is a really sweet story-just right for dog lovers. My issue with is it doesn't seem like an adult novel, more YA or even Middle School? It's fromThis is a really sweet story-just right for dog lovers. My issue with is it doesn't seem like an adult novel, more YA or even Middle School? It's from the dog's point of view, which obviously isn't going to be highly sophisticated, but The Incredible Journey did it better. Read this in advance of the movie which I do want to see. ...more
What a gift has Perdu to prescribe the perfect book to remedy for what ails his book buyers! What would he select for me?! But then we have his long What a gift has Perdu to prescribe the perfect book to remedy for what ails his book buyers! What would he select for me?! But then we have his long angst filled journey, I only stuck with because I wanted to find out what happens. It was worth the perseverance, though, with a satisfying conclusion. Also, appendage-d are delightful Provencal recipes ( food being almost as important as books in this story- it takes place in France for Pete's sake) AND a list of books from Perdu's emergency library, including what they're useful for and potential side effects. What a hoot! I loved the beginning and ending of this story (5 star), but felt like I was having to push myself through the middle (2 star)....more
This was a strange book to me-not sure of its message. Maybe, as the author states in the intro, just an homage to a woman who was important in his liThis was a strange book to me-not sure of its message. Maybe, as the author states in the intro, just an homage to a woman who was important in his life? I do think Giordano did a great job of examining the intricacies of family relationships....more
I just read and was mesmerized by Edward Gorey's book, The Willowdale Handcar, and had to find another. This book has is a collection of stories he chI just read and was mesmerized by Edward Gorey's book, The Willowdale Handcar, and had to find another. This book has is a collection of stories he chose and illustrated. I had only read one before (The Monkey's Paw) and there were several works by other famous authors -Charles Dickens, E. Nesbit, Bram Stoker, Robert Louis Stevenson. I would describe the stories as classic gothic- lots of haunted houses and ghosts. The Illustrations were typical creeper Gorey. Would make a terrific Halloween reading
".. every word of this story is true as despair.."...more
I really REALLY liked Highlander and was so surprised. I'm not usually one for romance, but this was so much more than that. Very cool historical storI really REALLY liked Highlander and was so surprised. I'm not usually one for romance, but this was so much more than that. Very cool historical storytelling, and I fell in love with Claire and Jamie. The ending seemed perfect and I was considering an end for this series, but then the next Starz was up, so I thought I'd give it a go. Didn't care much for Dragonfly, for various reason, but had high hopes for Voyager. But now I know I will just watch the show. It seemed to take forever to get these two back together, and though they stayed a while in Scotland, most of the book was their voyage (duh) and adventures in Jamaica. I was bored through too much of this 870 page saga and much worse I've become annoyed with both Jamie always-tells- the-truth Scotsman, and shallow Claire (short-men and fat women?!) Dina fash yourselves Highland lovers, I know I'm in the tiny minority here....more
I don't know why I was reluctant to read this one-maybe a travelogue sounds boring? I should have trusted Steinbeck more. His way with words are a delI don't know why I was reluctant to read this one-maybe a travelogue sounds boring? I should have trusted Steinbeck more. His way with words are a delight, and his canny observations in turns, poignant, insightful and laugh-out- loud funny. First published in 1961, it's astonishing how many of his observations are relevant today along with predictions for the country. His travel companion, Charley, steals the show with every appearance. His name is rightfully part of the title. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. ...more
Terrific book about an exciting rescue in WWII occupied Norway. Jan is the sole survivor of a failed attempt to organize Norwegian resistance. His forTerrific book about an exciting rescue in WWII occupied Norway. Jan is the sole survivor of a failed attempt to organize Norwegian resistance. His fortitude and optimism reminded me of Louis in Unbroken, but the Norwegian patriots who risked all to help a stranger in their German occupied country are the true heroes. Howarth does a great job describing the frigid landscape and conditions of arctic Norway and some idea of the life of the people who manage to live there. I'd like to know more about the Lapp people and wonder how accurate this 1955 description of them is today. I'm glad I wasn't put off by the title We Die Alone which to me doesn't really doesn't fit the book. Although Spoiler Alert I guess we all do. Four and a half stars rounded up for restored faith in humanity. ...more
I almost DNFed this one, but I requested an ILL loan from my library which cost $. Also, I wanted to give an alternate POV than the stellar reviews I I almost DNFed this one, but I requested an ILL loan from my library which cost $. Also, I wanted to give an alternate POV than the stellar reviews I read on GR (Patrick Rothfuss did we read the same book?!) My guess is that this was one of the first books based on a sociopath and I give it props for that. Written in 1952, it hasn't aged well. The dialogue is cliched Texas drawl. The protagonist enjoys tormenting people by plying them with corny cliches?? Oh dear, make him stop. But the worst , the very worst, is the how women respond to him (view spoiler)[ He beats a woman senseless and she responds by turning into his groupie? Just one of several stomach turning scenes making women look like desperate nitwits (hide spoiler)] Interesting side note: the ILL book I requested came from a near-by Correctional Facility...more
I love the way Doyle writes- he just speaks to me on a personal level. But, I must admit I liked Martin, Marten a hair more, maybe because I read it fI love the way Doyle writes- he just speaks to me on a personal level. But, I must admit I liked Martin, Marten a hair more, maybe because I read it first. It focused on the Marti/ens with strong, assorted supportive players, whereas in Mink River all town folk were the characters. Still, I can't give Mink River less than five stars. For lovers of the written word and language...more
There's a lot in this book that makes a modern reader blanch. Dinesen's description of the "natives" sounds patronizing at best, racist at worst. It'sThere's a lot in this book that makes a modern reader blanch. Dinesen's description of the "natives" sounds patronizing at best, racist at worst. It's conflicting because even when her descriptions are cringe worthy, her love of the land and the people are obvious. I would say she also makes sweeping generalizations about many national characteristics including her own Danish roots but still... The cruelty to animals was hard to read about. Dinesen seems to feel it too, although she accepts it with resignation. Of course, she also participates in safaris and shoots lions who are taking out livestock. It seems unfair to judge the book by today's morality
I did like reading about a strong willed independent woman from this time period (the 20s) Much of her book are memories gathered into chapters. Toward the end, though , some of her reflections are unrelated and many are just a few pages long. I didn't mind, but it made the book easy to put down. Her last chapter of leaving her beloved farm and Africa are deeply affecting though restrained. Actually, I think that's a good description of the whole book. I was expecting to read about a torrid love affair based on what I've heard about the movie, but that part is oblique. Not a word about hair washing. Again, maybe a reflection of the age. Overall, I'm glad I read this modern classic. It took me to a new place and a different time....more
A slam bang story- short chapters, short sentences, short book- I devoured it in one day. The despicable crime was in the first chapter, so the tensioA slam bang story- short chapters, short sentences, short book- I devoured it in one day. The despicable crime was in the first chapter, so the tension is in the events leading up and why it happened. The characters were interesting, I could understand the mother's ambivalence between her career and staying at home. The nanny was complicated, and I was left with a lot of questions. Overall, I'l like to read more from this author, but the story just had so many gaps and ambiguity, I'm giving this 4 less than perfect stars....more
A harrowing and powerful read about the horrors of slavery. My problem with this book were the fictional aspects (view spoiler)[ a real underground raA harrowing and powerful read about the horrors of slavery. My problem with this book were the fictional aspects (view spoiler)[ a real underground railroad, the "social experiment" in South Carolina, the Valentine farm in Indiana. I've read that they're symbols, but I think the story would have been more effective sticking to more realism, so the reader isn't wondering what's true (hide spoiler)] IMO Homegoing is a superior novel with better quality writing and characterization. But I'm glad I read this; I think it's important to bear witness to my country's sin. 3 and a half stars ...more
One of the best true crime books I've read in a while, McNamara does a great job writing an authentic voice for the victims, investigators and a depreOne of the best true crime books I've read in a while, McNamara does a great job writing an authentic voice for the victims, investigators and a depreciating humor for her own obsession. She captures the terror of the time and the damage the Golden State Killer left in his wake. It's a shame she didn't live to finish the book, and bear witness to his capture. The book seemed weaker when a different author stepped in to complete the book. I would be interested in reading more about how the killer was identified and apprehended. ...more
I love a book that educates me in a non-painful way. Jahren alternates chapters between her journey as a scientist and her knowledge and passion for bI love a book that educates me in a non-painful way. Jahren alternates chapters between her journey as a scientist and her knowledge and passion for botany. Of special interest to me was reading about the difficulties she faced especially as a Research Botanist. Some readers in my book club found her whiny, but I thought she was just being honest in her struggles with an antiseptic upbringing, mental illness, and sexist road blocks from being a woman in a male dominated fields. I learned it takes a really special person to do research experiments.The tension to me of mind numbing monotonous tasks coupled with the stringent standards of proof, well let's just say it's not a field for most people. Added to that is the constant struggle for adequate funding. I found it quite enjoyable with bonus botanic bits....more
Another book that compares itself to Gone Girl and now The Girl on the Train-gah! But I don't think the comparison is accurate. In a good way because Another book that compares itself to Gone Girl and now The Girl on the Train-gah! But I don't think the comparison is accurate. In a good way because I liked this book more. The pages flew by and for sure I was hooked on the story and found it just a very satisfying thriller-type read. In a bad way because say what I will about Gone Girl, it just really tilted my world in an innovative way. That book was a shocker, this one a surprise. I really liked it. ...more
I loved this story! The Enchanted was one of my favorite books of the year and so I was worried if this could meet expectations. Wow, I could not put I loved this story! The Enchanted was one of my favorite books of the year and so I was worried if this could meet expectations. Wow, I could not put this down-I powered through it in one day and was bawling at the end. Totally met and exceeded expectations. Did I say I loved this?...more
Such a sweet and powerful little book, I'm sorry it's shelved at my library as juvenile fiction. I suppose kids would like it but it seems better suitSuch a sweet and powerful little book, I'm sorry it's shelved at my library as juvenile fiction. I suppose kids would like it but it seems better suited for YA and adult audience, who would understand the messages. Reminded me of The Giving Tree crossed with The Little Prince. ...more
I've no idea how this book ended up in my TBR pile and I started reading it not realizing it was NF series of correspondence between a New York writerI've no idea how this book ended up in my TBR pile and I started reading it not realizing it was NF series of correspondence between a New York writer and a British Bookseller. If I had known I might not have read it and what a shame that would have been. The letters are smart, droll and delightful- showing their evolving relationship . The best word to describe this book is charming, and at a slim 97 pages, I'm sure glad this gem found a way into my hands!...more
What a hoot to read this English family transported and living in Corfu. I got to know and appreciate the quirkiness of the family members, especiallyWhat a hoot to read this English family transported and living in Corfu. I got to know and appreciate the quirkiness of the family members, especially the narrator-young Gerry with his love of animals. There's a subtle humor which I quite enjoyed and the lush description of Corfu made me long to visit, although I imagine it's quite changed from the 1930s (?) when the family lived there....more
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