The Mystery Writer: A Novel
by Sulari Gentill
The Mystery Writer (1/9/2024)
Conspiracy theories and an unscrupulous literary agency make for a fast-paced mystery thriller. The plot involves a murdered writer, a young woman aspiring writer and her brother as it takes them down a long, twisting path to clear their names. Thematically it points out that conspiracy theories are dangerous and can be used to manipulate and direct action toward a specific goal. Overall I would recommend this book to a mystery lover and I thought it was an entertaining and interesting read.
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
by David Grann
The Wager (2/23/2023)
An unbelievable story, but true, of hardship, fortitude, betrayal, human folly, and survival. It's also a look at the pervasiveness of England's 18th century societal class structure, its government, and its imperialistic ambitions.
Author makes even 18th century maritime history interesting in this well-researched, well written, and easily readable book. It is a fascinating look at the complex world of maritime life, customs, and procedures. Particularly effective is the way he builds the characters in the beginning so you can follow them throughout the suspenseful story.
If you enjoy non-fiction, this one is a must read. I would give it a 4.5 rating.
So Much Life Left Over
by Louis de Bernieres
So Much Life Left Over (7/3/2018)
This book might take a little effort, but it is so worth it. To me, it started a little slowly and it is quite British, so some elements are unfamiliar. The characters are just incredible and the story unfolds as you read about Daniel Pitt, the main character, and the people, in varying chapters, who come in and out of his life. It takes place over a number of years – from World War I through to World War II. "If you have been embroiled in a war in which you confidently expected to die, what are you supposed to do with so much life …left over."
There are themes of love, family, loyalty, decisions made that greatly impact each character's life.
I have read several of this author's books, and he never disappoints in his ability to tell a compelling story. Outstanding.
The House of Broken Angels
by Luis Alberto Urrea
The House of Broken Angels (2/7/2018)
A rich, engrossing family saga - it could be a family anywhere, but it happens to be a Mexican-American family. This comes at a very opportune moment, the immigration issues are all over the media. Even though they came to this country as illegals, they have lived the American dream to the best of their ability. As you read about this family, you come to realize that people are the same all over the world - maybe some cultural differences - but still with the same desires to create and support a family in the best way they can.
Big Angel, the patriarch of the DeLaCruz family, is the definition of "machismo" - a strong sense of masculine pride. He has always taken care of his family and in his dying days he intends to do the same. Just when you think he has nothing left, he surprises you and you end up in tears at his final act of machismo.
The author's use of language is wonderful - he creates mind pictures. One sentence that really struck me (as a woman of a certain age): "Well, the hills are old, but they still have flowers on them."
I only wish I had a better understanding of the Spanish language as he does use it quite a bit.
Force of Nature: Aaron Falk Mystery #2
by Jane Harper
Force of Nature (10/19/2017)
A team-building exercise for a corporate group -- extreme camping in the Australian wilderness -- goes so wrong. "It wasn't one thing that went wrong. It was a hundred little things." And it's Aaron Falk, the wonderful Federal Police Agent from "The Dry" who is involved in finding the missing camper who just happens to be his inside contact in a financial case he is investigating. Along the way, Aaron begins to understand his past, his relationships, about holding grudges and about forgiveness.
This is a slow simmer of suspense -- the author builds layer upon layer until the end where you are completely surprised. Her structure is interesting in that you have the present narration of the ongoing search and then she weaves in the very recent events that actually took place. It would make a great movie. I have so enjoyed both of her books and look forward to many more.
Love and Other Consolation Prizes: A Novel
by Jamie Ford
Love and Other Consolation Prizes (7/7/2017)
History and place seem to always be a part of Jamie Ford's stories. In this one, Ford takes us back once again to his familiar setting of Seattle, WA and a young boy. He has taken a rather horrifying event - the raffling off of a young child - and turned it into an uplifting story of the strength of the human spirit and our capacity to love. He uses the technique of skipping back and forth in time from 1909 to 1962, framing the story of Ernest Young, a young half-Chinese immigrant child, between two huge fairs - the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific and the Seattle World's Fair.
I so enjoyed this book and loved the character of Ernest.
Manderley Forever
by Tatiana de Rosnay
Manderley Forever (12/14/2016)
It is evident that the author has done a great deal of research on her subject -- Daphne DuMaurier. Readers will find within these pages all of the background information about her life and loves that were the foundation of her work, including her obsession with places and ideas until they were put on the pages of her books. I found her early on to be spoiled, selfish and self-absorbed, although as she aged those tendencies somewhat softened. She seemed to inspire loyalty in those she brought into her circle of friendships and they remained lifelong correspondents and confidants.
Unfortunately, I didn't care for the author's style. She mentioned in the preface that she is describing DuMaurier as if she were filming her with a camera, and this, for me, created a strange distance from the subject.
DuMaurier was a fascinating woman - so ahead of her time in many ways. This biography will appeal to fans of her work, as they learn the intimate details that led to the creation of her stories.
Circling the Sun: A Novel
by Paula McLain
Circling the Sun (5/7/2015)
In descriptive, almost lyrical language, the story of Beryl Markham's early years are told in the first person. As you are reading, you must keep reminding yourself that she's such a young woman in this story. The experiences of her life in a relatively short period of time would fill another whole life. She was certainly ahead of her time.
This is a story about a remarkable woman, but it is also a story of Africa in the time of British colonization. You can see and feel the whole area through the descriptions of the topography, weather, wildlife, and people and how all are shaped by the environment.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it is a perfect read for fans of "Out of Africa." I am now inspired to re-read Beryl Markham's own book, "West With the Sun."
Blue Stars
by Emily Gray Tedrowe
Blue Stars (12/9/2014)
Told from two points of view about two very different women and families, the story definitely depicted the difficult life of a military wife and/or mother -- physical, financial, sexual and emotional. But I couldn't get involved with the main characters -- one seemed smug in her educational high-mindedness and the other was so self-absorbed and at times self-destructive. I seem to be in the minority and I really tried to like it, but I just didn't. I felt there was definitely a political agenda being put forward. That may not be the intention, but that is how I felt while reading. I'm very sure that there will be an audience for this book, and book clubs will have a great deal to discuss -- pro and con -- about the characters and the events that occur. In my opinion, "You Know When The Men Are Gone," by Siobhan Fallon is a much better picture of contemporary military life.
Under the Wide and Starry Sky
by Nancy Horan
Under the Wide and Starry Sky (11/18/2013)
Another success for author, Nancy Horan, in creating this wonderful "historical fictional" account of Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife, Fanny. She fully fleshed out the characters -- their strengths and weaknesses -- and led us on a journey from Europe to California, and ultimately Samoa in an attempt to find a climate that would be conducive to Stevenson's health issues. Taking into account the time frame of the late 1800's, they had an amazing life. Fanny was complex, creative, strong-willed and courageous and felt the frustrations of being a woman in the time period. Stevenson, for all his medical problems, was remarkably cheerful, compassionate, and well-loved by most everyone he came in contact with. A thoroughly enjoyable, entertaining and educational read.
The Aviator's Wife
by Melanie Benjamin
The Aviator's Wife (12/5/2012)
It is difficult to put fictionalized words into such public and iconic figures as the Lindberghs. I realize a lot of research went into the writing, but I did have to remind myself quite often that this is "historical fiction."
There is an old saying about all our idols have feet of clay -- well, this certainly illustrates that. If you can look past the fact that "the aviator," Charles Lindbergh, is portrayed as a cold, unemotional, driven and not very likeable man, you will find a fascinating story of a marriage and a woman, Anne, his wife.
The author's style of writing in the first person allows you to become totally immersed in the character of Anne and all her inner conflicts and insecurities in her early years and the strength she exhibits as she is forced to deal with the realities of her life. She married a "hero," and he had to remain that hero at all costs, especially to himself. Failure was never an option and she always struggled with having to live up to that high ideal.
I think the book will definitely appeal to those who like historical fiction. Book groups will find many discussable issues. For more insight into this interesting couple, I would highly suggest reading the books recommended in the "Author's Notes" section at the end of the book.
The Roots of the Olive Tree: A Novel
by Courtney Miller Santo
The Roots of the Olive Tree (7/8/2012)
A well written, imaginative story about a family of five generations of women. As with all families, there are secrets and those secrets, like the roots of trees, tend to spread out and tangle and have an effect on everyone. I was especially drawn to this book because I live in the general area of its locale and setting is an important part of the story. The characters also come alive, with all of their faults. As you read, you begin to find out how each woman has come to where she is in her life. The only real criticism I have is that the story does a lot of switching back and forth in time, and sometimes a reference to "grandmother" is not very clear, as there are several grandmothers in the story.
This will definitely be a book that I recommend to my book group, as there are many discussable issues.
The Leftovers: A Novel
by Tom Perrotta
The Leftovers (7/7/2011)
How would you react after a Rapture-like event took place and you remained? How would you rebuild your life? Would you be filled with despair or hope? These are just a few of the questions posed in this intriguing, imaginative and intelligent new book. The story is told through one typical family in a small, suburban community. It is filled with honest human emotions. The author doesn’t make judgments or express any particular political or religious view, but lets the events unfold as the characters learn about their loved ones, and more importantly about themselves. One minor issue I had was the author jumps quite often and quickly between characters even within chapters and it does get a little confusing. But overall, I thought it was one of the best books I have read this year.
The Trinity Six
by Charles Cumming
The Trinity Six (1/31/2011)
The introductory quote pretty much sums up this great spy thriller -- "...never catch a spy. Discover him and then control him ... A spy causes far more trouble when he's caught." I found the narrative a little confusing sometimes because of some of the background of the British spies, but it's a "page-turner" as you experience professor/historian Sam Gaddis' search for the sixth spy and his battle of wits with both the British and Russian espionage agencies. A good example of the genre. I thought it was well written with good pacing and a believable main character.
Savage Lands
by Clare Clark
Savage Lands (11/29/2009)
Clare Cook's novel, Savage Lands, depicts a time and setting that is certainly aptly titled. She brings a fascinating picture of a part of U.S. history that is probably little known to most of us outside of the Louisiana area. During the early 1700's, it was a very primitive area and life was incredibly difficult for everyone, especially the women. The main character of the story, a "casket girl," was treated as a commodity, much like the food, supplies, and wine that were furnished by the French government to the male settlers. It is a story of passionate, unexpected love, intense friendship, betrayal, and ultimately survival.
However, I didn't particularly like the style of writing. To me, there were too many descriptive sentences. "The white moon was bandaged in gauzy cloud." This is an example of the style throughout the book, and I found it very distracting.
That being said, I think there are many areas within the story that will provide good discussion material for book groups.
The Angel's Game
by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (7/6/2009)
If you were a fan of Zafon’s first book “The Shadow of the Wind,” then pull up a comfortable chair, turn off the phone, and get the popcorn and snacks ready because you’re in for another treat. He brings us a mesmerizing Gothic tale of lost love, good and evil, and the power of books.
The story unfolds as told by the main character and narrator, David Martin, a writer, who writes crime stories for a newspaper and thrillers in installments. It takes place in Barcelona, Spain, in the early 1900’s (1917 – 1945). It’s quite a complicated story with many twists and turns. He makes a rather fateful agreement with a nefarious publisher and his life changes forever. His style is very elegant and lyrical and, as with a lot of Spanish/Latin writers, with a great deal of mysticism. I was particularly struck with his use of irony and wit throughout. His use of language is wonderful and he has a way of making you actually see and feel the surroundings. I felt that the plot line of this novel was not as good as the previous work, and I got a little bogged down in the middle, but all in all, “The Angel’s Game” was a fantastic read.
To Siberia: A Novel
by Per Petterson
In Siberia (10/18/2008)
In "To Siberia," Petterson creates a mood of a pervasive cold and barren landscape and tightly held emotions. The narrator is a young girl from the pre-teen years through early adulthood during and immediately after World War II in Denmark. You never learn her name, which creates a distance between the reader and the story, additionally contributing to the mood. The narrator's emotions are so in check and tightly held that you just know if she ever let go, everything around her would melt.
I didn't enjoy "To Siberia" as much as the previously published "Out Stealing Horses." "Siberia" has the same spare and elegant language, but I felt too detached from the characters.
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