Even though this story is set in the 1970s-1999, the emphasis on immigration is timely. I could relate to the couple's busyness being a barrier to comEven though this story is set in the 1970s-1999, the emphasis on immigration is timely. I could relate to the couple's busyness being a barrier to communication. Occasionally the flashbacks confused me....more
The premise - Ruby's father sends her out into the world to find pieces for their nativity set - seemed weak. And taking a dog into so many different The premise - Ruby's father sends her out into the world to find pieces for their nativity set - seemed weak. And taking a dog into so many different countries was implausible. But I enjoyed Ruby's Christmas anyway. I know we're not supposed to give too much backstory, but more of the heroine's background would have added depth. Ruby travelled the world like an old pro, surviving changes in water, language, and culture with little difficulty - I wondered how her childhood on the ranch contributed to her adaptability.
Merged review:
The premise - Ruby's father sends her out into the world to find pieces for their nativity set - seemed weak. And taking a dog into so many different countries was implausible. But I enjoyed Ruby's Christmas anyway. I know we're not supposed to give too much backstory, but more of the heroine's background would have added depth. Ruby travelled the world like an old pro, surviving changes in water, language, and culture with little difficulty - I wondered how her childhood on the ranch contributed to her adaptability....more
The cover references Ferris Buller's Day Off, but this book reminded me more of I Don't Know How She Does it by Allison Pearson. Clover's mishaps and The cover references Ferris Buller's Day Off, but this book reminded me more of I Don't Know How She Does it by Allison Pearson. Clover's mishaps and adventures are a bit stressful, but, rest assured, the pieces are mostly sorted by the end of the day.
My biggest concern is that Clover rescues a rabbit, but doesn't take care of it. A rabbit left in a car would need cooling, water, and hay. A rabbit carried in a bag would chew, pee, poop, try to escape, scratch, bite, and kick. A rabbit taken to a park would nibble grass and flowers. A rabbit left in a restaurant would hop out and chew through all the wires. This author could have created twice the mayhem with a real, live rabbit! ...more
I expected accuracy in events and details of everyday life from the author's academic background. But the lyrical description of settings, powerful anI expected accuracy in events and details of everyday life from the author's academic background. But the lyrical description of settings, powerful and sometimes humorous writing, and psychological insight into the characters blew me away.
"A trophy for one, a path to power for the other. For himself, he was never enough."
Dancing with the Lion: Becoming shows the foundations built by Alexander's warring parents. Phillip pushed and Olympias pulled, in a battle common today. Alexander finds honesty, trust, and love with Hephaistion. I'm looking forward to seeing their relationship develop as the prince becomes a king.
My favorite character was Myrtale. In a time when women were treated like livestock, Alexander's mother leveraged her intelligence to survive and thrive.
Merged review:
I expected accuracy in events and details of everyday life from the author's academic background. But the lyrical description of settings, powerful and sometimes humorous writing, and psychological insight into the characters blew me away.
"A trophy for one, a path to power for the other. For himself, he was never enough."
Dancing with the Lion: Becoming shows the foundations built by Alexander's warring parents. Phillip pushed and Olympias pulled, in a battle common today. Alexander finds honesty, trust, and love with Hephaistion. I'm looking forward to seeing their relationship develop as the prince becomes a king.
My favorite character was Myrtale. In a time when women were treated like livestock, Alexander's mother leveraged her intelligence to survive and thrive....more
Most World War II stories are set in the UK, France, or Germany. It was refreshing to read a story from the Turkish point-of-view. This history--TurkeMost World War II stories are set in the UK, France, or Germany. It was refreshing to read a story from the Turkish point-of-view. This history--Turkey providing refuge for Jewish people during the Spanish Inquisition, then rescuing Jewish people from France during German occupation--was new to me.
Numerous points-of-view create distance between the reader and the characters, but shows Turkey's challenge in maintaining neutrality, their diplomatic tightrope walk, and the tension of keeping people out of the hands of the Gestapo....more
Alexander and Hephaistion travel the rocky road of love, growing closer yet frightened by their need for the other, learninExcellent in every respect!
Alexander and Hephaistion travel the rocky road of love, growing closer yet frightened by their need for the other, learning to trust yet accept their differences, discovering ways to guard bodies and hearts during problems with their fathers.
Hephaistion thought, "Men fought wars and played politics; women suffered the results of both." The women in this story handle the drama men cause, including new wives, arranged marriages, and exile. Please tell me there's a Book Three!
Alexander and Hephaistion travel the rocky road of love, growing closer yet frightened by their need for the other, learning to trust yet accept their differences, discovering ways to guard bodies and hearts during problems with their fathers.
Hephaistion thought, "Men fought wars and played politics; women suffered the results of both." The women in this story handle the drama men cause, including new wives, arranged marriages, and exile. Please tell me there's a Book Three!
When her son is kidnapped, Esther calls in her A-team to attempt a rescue.
The author throws the reader into the story, then builds a world as the plotWhen her son is kidnapped, Esther calls in her A-team to attempt a rescue.
The author throws the reader into the story, then builds a world as the plot unfolds, saving explanations for the middle of the story when handsome Sunglasses joins the group. I liked having a heroine my age, who has a mission beyond this rescue, and enjoyed references to her faith, ie "for such a time as this." Another story with these characters would be wonderful! ...more
What a delight to return to Scotland and find wee Orin has grown into a gentle and handsome man! He's left fame as Poet Laureate in London, and returnWhat a delight to return to Scotland and find wee Orin has grown into a gentle and handsome man! He's left fame as Poet Laureate in London, and returned home to Wedderburn Castle, only to learn his long-lost love is hiding nearby.
I especially enjoyed the literacy thread. We forget that those in power limited education. Opening a library and bookshop was considered subversive, but Orin stood firm in the wake of vandalism and physical attacks - a brave hero, indeed! ...more
Sarah's Choice shows the high cost of "blaming the victim" - a problem in Colonial America that continues today.
This story is anchored in history withSarah's Choice shows the high cost of "blaming the victim" - a problem in Colonial America that continues today.
This story is anchored in history with the tragic events and bitter emotions of war. People like Sarah, Mrs. Selkirk, Mam, Celia, Spotted Shell, Cully, and Jacob settled this country. And dogs like Ruffy were heroic. Well done!...more
Our brains are a fascinating wilderness. In this book, a psychiatrist shares his journey toward understanding how trauma affects the brain, and how toOur brains are a fascinating wilderness. In this book, a psychiatrist shares his journey toward understanding how trauma affects the brain, and how to prevent and treat trauma.
Unfortunately it's also an indictment of the high cost of silos. Over his career, the author noticed people with mental illness are uncoordinated (dyspraxia), can't identify an object by touch (tactile agnosia), and have difficulty with emotional regulation. Occupational therapists have noticed those same deficits and developed sensory integration therapy. If psychiatrists and occupational therapists could talk to each other, compare notes, and research together, so many hurting people would benefit! ...more
Shameless is a call for the Church to reform its teachings on sex. It's a "made you think" book, rather than a guide to a new way. I hope not only stoShameless is a call for the Church to reform its teachings on sex. It's a "made you think" book, rather than a guide to a new way. I hope not only stop harming people, but do better in the future. ...more
I appreciate our pastors' courage in hosting this small group at our church. The book, video series, and workbook explore divisiveness - how Jesus addI appreciate our pastors' courage in hosting this small group at our church. The book, video series, and workbook explore divisiveness - how Jesus addressed it during His time on earth, its impact on our relationships and peace of mind, and where to place our hope for tomorrow. Scripture references throughout reinforce the concept.
I'm praying God's people can come together and lead the our country toward a better way. ...more
My favorite line: And with the habit common with Russians, instead of saying in Russian what he wanted to keep from the servants, he began to speak inMy favorite line: And with the habit common with Russians, instead of saying in Russian what he wanted to keep from the servants, he began to speak in French.
Second favorite: And it's true, as papa says-when we were brought up there was one extreme-we were kept in the basement, while our parents lived in the best rooms; now it's just the other way-the parents are in the wash house, while the children are in the best room.
Tolstoy was a good observer of people. Anna Karenina shows Russia during a time of change and touches on some of the issues facing the country. Yes it was a remarkable novel for its time. But, you cannot write like this and expect to get published today. ...more
Cath is having an ordinarily awful freshman year at UNL, except for all the hits her fanfic is getting. Conflict with her fiction prof provides good iCath is having an ordinarily awful freshman year at UNL, except for all the hits her fanfic is getting. Conflict with her fiction prof provides good insight into writers' minds.
As always, references to familiar Omaha landmarks were welcome. I did wonder why Cath didn't know more students in Lincoln; surely some of her classmates also got into UNL. ...more
The author explains how white Christian nationalism's focus on power, fear, and violence differs from the gospel of Jesus Christ. He references researThe author explains how white Christian nationalism's focus on power, fear, and violence differs from the gospel of Jesus Christ. He references research showing that Texas areas with more immigrants (documented and undocumented) have less crime! ...more
This story of women working as pack-horse librarians in the Great Depression resonates to today's world of book-banning and attempts to restrict the rThis story of women working as pack-horse librarians in the Great Depression resonates to today's world of book-banning and attempts to restrict the role of women. ...more
This is a slow-burn, enemies to lovers romance. The conflict is insurmountable, with internal, external, and international barriers. The characters grThis is a slow-burn, enemies to lovers romance. The conflict is insurmountable, with internal, external, and international barriers. The characters grow in depth throughout the story. The secondary characters and subplots dovetail well, with the upcoming election adding time pressure. Excellent!
I don't understand why this was popular. Like Marquez's Love in the Time of Cholera, it's the story of a man who has sex with different women. No DNF.
I don't understand why this was popular. Like Marquez's Love in the Time of Cholera, it's the story of a man who has sex with different women. No goals, no motivation, no conflict, no setting, no thank you. ...more
A well-written account of the author's rape, legal case, and recovery. It should be read, taught, and discussed with discretion in senior high literatA well-written account of the author's rape, legal case, and recovery. It should be read, taught, and discussed with discretion in senior high literature classes. It should not be read aloud in the Nebraska legislature by a senator who interjected a colleague's name in the reading.
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