Fallen Land
by Taylor Brown
Sad Slice of History (11/23/2015)
Taylor Brown has a winner in this debut novel. He presents a story of two young people in search of a new life in the final years of the Civil War and the unimaginable hardships faced. The character development was very strong, leaving no question as to the "good, bad or ugly." This is a story of love and hate, ruthlessness and sadness, coupled with perseverance and tenacity. Brown's short, but very descriptive sentences painted vivid pictures of the adversities cast upon the land and the people.
I would, without hesitation, recommend "Fallen Land" for book club reading and discussion.
The War Reporter
by Martin Fletcher
The War Reporter (8/15/2015)
Mr. Fletcher has penned a fast paced historical novel with the subject matter covering something of interest for everyone; that is...a war, along with a love story.
The story centers on the conflict in the Serbia and Bosnia region, giving insight with regard to not only the hostilities, but the day to day experiences of a war correspondent. We read the news, but rarely do we think of what reporters must face In bringing it to us. This is a good example.
"The War Reporter" takes us into a combat that, unfortunately, too few in America gave much thought. This is definitely a lesson in history. For this reason, it would be a good novel for a book club to read and discuss.
I might also add that the inclusion of the love interest was necessary to the story and will serve to entice a larger readership.
Fishbowl: A Novel
by Bradley Somer
Voyeurism at its Very Best (5/23/2015)
Bradley Somer's style in presenting the occupants of the Roxy Street apartment building, prior to and during Ian's airborne descent, was unique, giving birth to myriad stories of life. Feeling somewhat like a voyeur, one can't help but be caught up in it all, moving from one chapter to the next as the lives are revealed.
The character development was skillfully executed, running the gamut from somewhat pathetic to cheerfully happy, occasionally bringing the reader to the point of sadness, then on to laugh-out-loud moments. It all rather made me wonder about my own neighborhood where you see folks going to work, coming home from work, but never really knowing them except for an occasional wave.
I would certainly recommend "Fishbowl" to my book club for I am convinced that lively discussions would arise.
And finally, I found my discovery of the margin "notes" to be particularly entertaining.
Little Black Lies
by Sharon Bolton
Bound to Be a Best Seller (4/15/2015)
Brimming over with suspense, "Little Black Lies" is a fast paced novel of friendship, infidelity, love, loss, resilience and tragedy: a story of missing children. Bolton has devised a plot designed to sustain the reader's rapt attention to the last page and her character development was engaging down to the "Brit" colloquialisms. The narrative describing the Falkland Islands along with the surrounding waters, both above and below the surface, were tantamount to placing the reader in the setting. The author has a definite talent for capturing the imagination of the reader from beginning to the end. It leaves you almost exhausted and now I find it a difficult book to review without "giving away" too much. Suffice it to say that this is an exciting read and I would not hesitate in recommending it to all and would definitely suggest it for book club discussion.
Descent
by Tim Johnston
Absolutely Captivating Novel (10/30/2014)
Mr. Johnston certainly wastes no time engaging one's rapt attention. Normally, I have little patience for so much descriptive writing, but this was executed so well that I found myself drawn into the moods of the characters and their surroundings (I could even smell the mountain pines.) This novelist's style gives genuine and deep substance to the people and places in the story, painting extremely vivid pictures, all serving to amplify the reader's interest in a page turning frenzy. This is a thrilling, well written work which will have your heart pounding as you tear through to the end. It is one of the best I have read for some time and I am pleased to have found a new author. It is definitely a book to be recommended to book clubs; I shall do so with mine.
Doing Harm
by Kelly Parsons
Compelling Debut Novel (11/22/2013)
While unexpected life events prevented my delving into this page-turning work, once started, it was impossible to set aside. "Doing Harm" does not release its hold on your attention until the last word, with unexpected twists popping up at each frantic turn of the page. It is well written with strong character development and filled with heart-pounding suspense. Considering the question on the book's cover, "What Would You Do?", I shiver to even contemplate being in our protagonist's position. I have recommended this novel to more than several and am certain that Dr. Parsons has found a second career. Kudos to this debut author...I look forward to more of his work.
The Woman at the Light: A Novel
by Joanna Brady
If I Could Give It A Ten, I Would! (7/18/2012)
Simply stated, this is a fascinating and captivating historical novel. At its heart is a strong, determined young woman, the likes of whom would be difficult to encounter today. This protagonist was supported with many richly described characters and the history of the Key West area brought an engaging depth to the story. It is such an excellent read that I found it almost impossible to set aside when life's chores beckoned.
In my opinion, I think it is a brilliant debut novel and would recommend it to friends and, definitely, as a book club choice.
Afterwards: A Novel
by Rosamund Lupton
Afterward (5/7/2012)
This is a compelling novel that captures interest at the prologue's first line and never lets go. The use of a first person "semi-spirit" voice from our protagonist personalized all of the novel's "residents", pulling the reader well into their world.
"Afterwards" is an emotional and thrilling account of family and friends and tragedy and love...a mystery that prods one to keep the pages turning. It not only brings us to an unpredictable climax, but gives birth to thoughts about which we all wonder as we approach the "afterwards".
I would, and have, recommended it to many friends.
The Good Father: A Novel
by Noah Hawley
The Good Father (12/30/2011)
This is definitely a novel that captures your interest from the start. Hawley exhibits a remarkable style of writing that places the reader clearly in the mind of both father and son. One can feel the tug of guilt in the father as his relentless attempts to help his son seem in vain. At the same time, the independent nature of the son grasps your consciousness.
"Blame" seems to be the name of the game here and I feel, because of that very subject, "The Good Father" would be an excellent book club choice, resulting in spirited discussions. Book club member or not, Hawley's work is a gripping narrative of a father/son relationship. It has my wholehearted recommendation.
(As an aside, having recently reviewed William Landay's "Defending Jacob", I noted a similarity in the storyline at the start and, particularly later, at the point wherein the possibility of inherited genes was considered as the behavioral cause.)
Defending Jacob: A Novel
by William Landay
Defending Jacob (10/11/2011)
William Landay's "Defending Jacob" is a fast-paced, compelling novel of suspense and familial dynamics centered on an almost impossible situation to imagine. All characters were so well developed that they appeared in my mind's eye without effort. I had no trouble feeling the emotions of all and, thus, found myself stopping now and then to dwell upon what I had read. Not for long, however, as I was moved to continue the journey of this family's dilemma. Well written, it possessed the push-pull effect found in many good paintings. The ending left me dazed, but thoughtful ... and wondering. Could there be more?
I would definitely recommend this novel to friends and suggest that it would be an excellent book club choice. Lively discussion is sure to ensue.
Before Ever After: A Novel
by Samantha Sotto
Definite Thumbs Up! (6/20/2011)
On several occasions, I have found debut novels to be great reads and certainly "Before Ever After" is no exception. Well, except, perhaps, it goes beyond simply being a "great read".
I was immediately drawn into the story by Sotto's excellent writing skills, finding myself willingly carried off on a thought-provoking adventure. Her characters were so well portrayed that I felt a comfortable kinship to them and enjoyed being in their company. Having traveled to two of the locations in the novel might have some bearing on my feelings of "being there", but the author painted all locales with a sense of familiarity.
I would strongly recommend this book to reading groups as the subject matter guarantees much discussion.
A Lesson in Secrets: A Maisie Dobbs Novel
by Jacqueline Winspear
A Lesson in Secrets (3/25/2011)
Maisie Dobbs is a treat - an endearing protagonist - and her adventures in "Secrets" were ambitious and fun to read.
Having read only the first in the series prior to this most recent, I was afraid "Secrets" might not stand alone. Unfounded fear, for it does indeed. It is a fast moving story wherein Maisie's new assignment with the British Secret Service adds yet another dimension to her active life, leaving the door open, I suspect, for more challenges and adventures in this charming series.
It is a joy to read Jacqueline Winspear's writing. She carries you through her novels in a manner that is guaranteed to capture your interest.
Finally, I would like to add, it is especially refreshing to read a novel written in impeccable English - totally void of sentences ending in a preposition!
The Lost and Forgotten Languages of Shanghai: A Novel
by Ruiyan Xu
Lost on the Seas of Metaphors & Similes (10/13/2010)
While the idea behind this novel is interesting, I found its presentation difficult to read.
The overabundant use of metaphors and similes interfered with, rather than enhanced, the flow of the story. It was also distracting, leaving the reader to wonder which was the more important - the story or the copious descriptive passages. I feel that those passages undermined the substance of the story.
It is not a book I would particularly recommend.
The Bricklayer: A Novel
by Noah Boyd
Whew! What a Trip! (12/10/2009)
Noah Boyd spins a good tale. Through his protagonist, Steve Vail, he takes the reader on one fantastic roller coaster ride with more ups and downs and surprising turns than I've experienced in a long while. Vail bears a strong resemblance to several Nelson DeMille heroes, cut of the same cloth, personality-wise, and I like that! Somewhat distracting, however, were a few unfamiliar acronyms which lacked even a subtle explanation at their first use. In spite of that, this novel captured my imagination; I consider it a winner and definitely look forward to more adventures of the bricklayer.
Await Your Reply
by Dan Chaon
A Man In Search for? (7/25/2009)
This is the first work of Chaon's I've read and as I sit with the last page now turned, I am stunned. It is interesting how his introduction of the characters, each with their own circumstance in life, was accomplished - in short provocative "pull-you-in" chapters. On the other hand, as each story progressed throughout the book, I found the traveling back and forth between these stories somewhat disconcerting for, quite naturally, I favored one set of characters over another.
However, I did find myself drawn into the detective mode of my spirit, contemplating just how it would all connect, for I felt it must. In the end, I found our protagonist to be so very sad, and while ingenious and perhaps brilliant, he seemed quite evil and certainly lost and lonely, ever searching for what? Peace in his life perhaps? Who would ever know?
I say again, I am stunned at how it all came together. It would be intriguing (and maybe just a little scary) to crawl into the mind of this author. I must look into his other writings. In closing, there is no doubt in my mind that this book will definitely spark many a discussion.
Eve: A Novel of the First Woman
by Elissa Elliott
Captivating! (1/2/2009)
This tale of Adam, Eve and their family drew me in immediately, perhaps because it tells the "rest of the story" - that which does not appear in Genesis. And, because it is related with such conviction, I found it necessary to stop on occasion, reminding myself that this is a work of fiction - very convincing, well-written historical fiction.
"Eve" gives birth to much thought and many questions. I enjoyed it immensely; it has inspired a research bug in me and I feel that the author's afterword is a sound jumping off place.
I would heartily recommend "Eve" as an excellent book club choice, for it certainly has the capability of stimulating a wealth of discussion.
Can't Remember What I Forgot: The Good News from the Front Lines of Memory Research
by Sue Halpern
Not for the general reader (5/8/2008)
Anyone who has had a loved one touched by severe memory loss, or is in fear of it for themselves, is invited to open this book by way of an intriguing title. They will be disappointed. The author's reports of today's research were overwhelming at times; however, she does render them more understandable by her accompanying analogies. Even so, I feel it does little to alleviate the fears of memory loss which can be strong. Her discussions of the research being carried out offer small hope for any significant help in the near days to come.
After losing my mother to dementia six years before her actual death, I need to know more than what is happening to the brain; I want to know why and what can be done about it. I did not feel this to be a helpful read. It is definitely not for the general reader.
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