The Divorcees
by Rowan Beaird
An Influential Woman (12/15/2023)
The main plot of this book is about the relationship between two women. One of them (Greer) has a strong and compelling personality and the other (Lois) is eager to follow Greer's lead, whether for good or for ill. Reading it made me consider my own relationships and wonder how often I let go of part of myself when I'm influenced by someone I admire (although not to the extreme this is taken in the book). A women's book group could definitely find some meat for discussion here.
The Little Italian Hotel: A Novel
by Phaedra Patrick
A Light & Uplifting Read (4/25/2023)
I requested this book because it takes place in Italy, hoping to read about familiar places I have visited. While there were brief visits to these popular places, most of the story takes place in a small town. A sub-plot follows two old friends who own hotels - one small and traditional, one large and modern - and I enjoyed watching them maintain their friendship while disagreeing completely about how a hotel should be run.
The quirky characters kept me entertained, especially Edna, the spunky older woman. The premise (Ginny inviting 4 strangers to a hotel in Italy to heal their heartaches) is creative. The plot is mostly predictable but held enough surprises to keep my interest. Overall, a light and uplifting read.
This Other Eden: A Novel
by Paul Harding
This Other Eden review (1/19/2023)
This Other Eden didn't grab my attention from the beginning. I tend to like plot-driven stories. This book spent a long time describing the handful of families living on Apple Island and the day-to-day aspects of their lives, without much happening. However, all this description is necessary so the reader gets a sense of the inbreeding, the poverty, and the community of this group of mixed-race people. The plot finally moves along as the outside world began to come in and take control of their lives. I was pulled into the story by this point and felt the deep sadness of lives disrupted by outsiders. I recommend this book, even though it's a little slow getting started, as a window into a place and people that most of us know nothing about.
The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise
by Colleen Oakley
Intergenerational duo on a road trip (10/14/2022)
I expected this book to follow what seems to be a standard plot in a number of books I've read lately - an older person meets a younger person and both of them learn and grow from the experience. While I was correct about this underlying theme, the storyline was more like a road trip movie. Driving cross country, running from the FBI, dealing with gangsters – all these were unexpected and kept me entertained. The twist at the end was a pleasant surprise, too, as we finally learned the whole story that set off this adventure in the first place. Overall, an enjoyable light read.
Some of It Was Real
by Nan Fischer
Psychic Medium, Childhood Trauma and Romance (3/6/2022)
This book kept my attention from beginning to end. I was able to put aside belief and accept that Sylvia might have some actual psychic ability. The unknown events of her past kept me turning pages to find out what had happened. Narration by both main characters was essential. I don't think this story would have worked without hearing both perspectives. The predictable romance didn't hold much interest for me, but the relationship did keep the story moving. The pets contributed added interest, although I've never met an actual cat that would travel and behave as affably as this one did. I recommend this book for those who are interested in psychics and/or in discovering buried memories of childhood trauma.
Thanks to the publisher and BookBrowse for an ARC copy of this book for review.
The Sunset Route: Freight Trains, Forgiveness, and Freedom on the Rails in the American West
by Carrot Quinn
Roaming the country to find herself (8/7/2021)
In part, this book is a glimpse into a different way of life that's totally unfamiliar to me. I had no idea that in the 21st century people were still hopping on freight trains to catch a free ride. I can't imagine doing this – it seems scary and uncomfortable – but it's fascinating to hear from someone whose main means of transportation have been freight trains and hitchhiking. We learn more about Carrot's lifestyle – wandering the country, making friends, living with roommates that become communities, making connections while holding tightly to her independence.
Underlying all of this is the story of a girl who grew up with a completely absent father and a mother who lives with mental illness. As the grown-up Carrot roams, she reflects on her past and searches to find her place in the world. Toward the end of the book, we feel that she may just be beginning to discover who she is and where she belongs. Recommended for those who like memoirs of struggle and self-reflection, particularly fans of Cheryl Strayed.
Crossing the River: Seven Stories That Saved My Life, A Memoir
by Carol Smith
Sharing stories ease suffering (2/16/2021)
This book is at the same time personal and universal. Carol Smith smoothly intertwines narration of the tragedy of her own life – the death of her young son – with stories about tragedies in other people's lives. Being a medical reporter puts her in a unique position to find people who are facing challenging circumstances and become immersed in their lives over a period of weeks or months.
I found the book readable – it kept me interested from chapter to chapter. Her own story and those of her interviewees are tightly woven together. It was heartening to watch as she grappled with her own grief, drawing solace and courage as she spent time with others who wrestled with different, but equally devastating, situations. For me, the main takeaway was that suffering painful circumstances is part of being human and that a path toward healing is formed by being present with other's pain, as well as with ones own. Smith grew more open, with herself and others, acknowledging the joys and pain her son had brought into her life. As she did so, she was able to move forward in her own life. And I hope that reading her story will help others to do the same.
The Prophets
by Robert Jones Jr.
Challenging but worth reading (11/15/2020)
This was a difficult book for me in several ways. Firstly, the experience of slaves in the South is so far removed from my own experience that it's a stretch for me to visualize and identify with the characters. It's enlightening for me to be exposed to this piece of American history, but it's a stretch nonetheless. Secondly, the story is difficult to absorb because the characters experience so much pain. It's disturbing to witness the torture and indignities inflicted by one human being upon another. Thirdly, there were sections of the book I couldn't quite follow. It may be that my normal reading speed is too fast and I should have slowed down a bit to absorb what was being said.
Despite all these challenges, I'm glad that I read this book. I was able to see a bit of the world from an unfamiliar point of view. What most impressed me was the strength of spirit that many of the characters possessed. Amidst all the pain and suffering, they found small bits of comfort and relief. This is expressed most clearly through the eyes of the main characters, Samuel and Isaiah, who rely on their relationship with each other, even though it takes them into territory forbidden not only by the white landowners but also by most of their fellow slaves. As I said at the beginning of this review – it's not an easy read but it's definitely worth reading.
The Big Finish
by Brooke Fossey
Doing the best they can (11/10/2019)
As a woman in her 60's, I didn't connect with any of the main characters - two old men and an alcoholic young girl, none of whom seemed particularly likable - at first, so it took a while for me to get interested in the story. After a couple of chapters I did get pulled in. In the end, the book is about people who are obviously flawed trying to do the best they can. Duffy, the main character, waffles between focusing on himself by working hard to keep himself from getting kicked out of the assisted living center and focusing on others by breaking rules that would jeopardize his living status in order to help others. Although the underlying content is serious, the story is told in an entertaining manner, full of exploits and adventures.
Readers who live in, or are familiar with assisted living situations, will have the easiest time connecting with the characters.
Ellie and the Harpmaker
by Hazel Prior
Quirky musician meets bored housewife (5/8/2019)
Dan, the harpmaker, is an engaging and quirky character that reminds me a little of Forrest Gump. He is extremely earnest, completely devoted to things he loves - making harps, taking nature walks, and making sandwiches to name a few - and rather befuddled by the rest of the world. Ellie the Exmoor Housewife (as Dan calls her) is not quite as likable. She immediately becomes obsessed with the harp given to her by Dan, and I liked her for that. But as one obsession led to another I wanted to tell her to stop doing stupid things. She didn't seem to be able to help herself.
There were a few twists in the plot along the way to the not-too-surprising ending, Dan and the harps held my interest, and I wanted things to turn out well for Ellie even when I was annoyed with her.
Recommended for those who like unconventional characters, music, and a bit of romance.
The Travelling Cat Chronicles
by Hiro Arikawa, Philip Gabriel
For cats and their humans (5/26/2018)
I read Paul Gallico's "The Silent Miaow" many years ago and loved hearing about the world from a cat's perspective, so I was excited to get an ARC copy of "The Travelling Cat Chronicles." It did not disappoint. At first it seemed like a lighthearted adventure, a young man (Satoru) and his adopted stray cat (Nana) drive around Japan in a van visiting friends from Satoru's past, looking for one who is able to adopt Nana. Along the way we learn about relationships, friendships, and family. The love that Satoru has for Nana is obvious, so we spend much of the book wondering, along with Nana, why Satoru feels he needs to find Nana another home. As we and Nana near the end of the story and learn the truth, the tale becomes poignant and heartrending. Cat lovers and anyone who has experienced the special bond between a human and their pet will appreciate this touching story.
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