The Last Year of the War
by Susan Meissner
The Last Year Of The War (11/14/2018)
The onset of World War 2 finds two teenage girls, both born in the U.S., but one with parents who had been born in Japan, one with parents born in Germany and now declared undesirable aliens. The girls, Mariko and Elise become close friends in the internment camp to which the families are sent. Through different circumstances each family is repatriated to its country of origin. The girls have been writing a story together and vow to keep working in it even though separated. They also vow to meet again. The reader follows Elise's story as the family is sent back to Germany in exchange for Americans who had been caught behind enemy lines. The family reunites with the father, Otto's, mother and family and share with them the hardships and bombing raids that are prevalent at the end of the war. The war ends and occupation by the U.S. finds them in slightly better circumstances. The author gives a wonderful picture of this terrible period in our history, Elise and Marino reunited in a very poignant manner. I would have given this book a 5 if the author had written Elise's return to the U.S. in a more logical manner. I found the entire marriage with Ralph and her relationship with his family contrived and rather silly. It's still worth a read. Just skim over the last 125 pages.
The Family Tabor
by Cherise Wolas
The Family Tabor (4/26/2018)
The adult children are gathering with their parents for the occasion of "The Man of the Decade" award being presented to the father, Harry. Mother is a respected child psychiatrist, the son and one daughter are respected attorneys and the middle child, a daughter, an anthropologist. At first glance, it seems they have it all, and then the cracks appear. The morning of the evening of the awards ceremony, a huge gala, old buried memories start surfacing, and Harry is forced to confront the lies he has hidden from his wife and himself. It is difficult to believe that he could hide his transgressions from himself, and this almost made me put down the book. However, I found the rest of the story engrossing enough to continue to the end. I must say that this follow-up to "The Resurrection of Joan Ashby" does not quite measure up.
Only Child
by Rhiannon Navin
Only child (12/25/2017)
An unthinkable tragedy has happened to this young family. An event that recent real life disasters have made us (think Sandy Hook) aware of our own vulnerability, happens. There is a mass shooting at the local school.The older son has been killed, the shooter (a young man known to the community ) has been killed by police and the parents and younger son are left to grieve and cope.The story is told from the point of view of six year-old Zach an extremely precocious child, who has lived in the shadow of his older brother, Andy. Andy was not the perfect child one would like to remember, but one with many problems. The story demonstrates the manner in which each person grieves and acts out his or her pain. The story held me from beginning to end. I would have given it a 5 except that I found Zach painted a bit too mature for his age. That said, I highly recommend this book
The Days When Birds Come Back
by Deborah Reed
The Days When Birds Come Back (11/23/2017)
A young woman, trying to climb out of her alcoholism returns to her childhood home. Her aim is to restore the home and adjoining house and come to terms with her past. At the other end of the state is a young couple grieving from the loss of their young twins. The husband comes to manage the repairs and somehow, the two lead characters connect. I wish that I could shave connected with these two people, but I couldn't stir up much of a feeling for them. The star of this novel is the magnificent Northwest coastline. That is described lovingly.
The Resurrection of Joan Ashby
by Cherise Wolas
The Resurrection of Joan Ashbury (6/6/2017)
I seldom give a 5 rating, but the story and the writing held me from the first to last page without my interest flagging at any point. The story starts with a rave review of a novel, just published, by the long absent author, Joan Ashbury. We are then taken on her long journey as a dedicated writer who vows to avoid marriage and motherhood in order to dedicate her life to her craft. Surprise! She marries and, very reluctantly, becomes mother to two boys. Her life is so filled with domestic duties that her writing is put aside for the time being. The story takes many twists and turns. There is fulfillment, betrayal and, as the title tells us, resurrection. I felt her joys, disappointments and all the other emotions. I will be waiting for the next novel from this remarkable writer, hoping that it will measure up to this effort.
My Last Lament
by James William Brown
My Last Lament (3/15/2017)
Alika is an elderly woman living in a remote village in Greece. The time is now when we meet her, speaking into a recording device. The request has come from a young American researcher who is tracking the practice of lamentation. Alika discovered this gift when she was young, channeling the immediate departed and chanting the story of that life. While she is recording, she tells her story from the time of the Nazi occupation to the present. While there is a painful love story and a telling of her young charge's mental problem, later thought to be schizophrenia, the big story here is the aftermath of World War 2 and the damage done to Greece by its own people. The fighting between the communists and nationalists, the intervention by the U.S. under Harry Truman and later abandonment (what else is new?) brings the country to its current problems. The story is engrossing from start to finish and gives the reader another little history lesson, i.e., the art of of shadow puppetry. This style of theatre may go back to ancient times. The Turks popularized it in the 16th century and shortly after, traveled to Greece.
Tell Me How This Ends Well
by David Samuel Levinson
Tell Me How This Ends Well (3/6/2017)
A very disfunctional Jewish family is gathering for the Passover holidays at the home of one of the sons in Southern California. The second reason for meeting is the plan to kill their father, disagreeable beyond comprehension. That the story is set five years in the future puzzled me, but further reading revealed that by this time, Israel had been invaded, carved up by its neighbors, and a huge influx of Israeli refugees had swarmed into the U.S. and antisemitism is epidemic. This is billed as a comic novel, but I found little to laugh at. Had I read this story a month or so ago, I might have reacted differently, but given the desecration of Jewish cemeteries and bomb threats targeting Jewish institutions, I'm not laughing. The story has some good moments, but not many.
A Piece of the World: A Novel
by Christina Baker Kline
A Piece of the World (12/29/2016)
When Andrew Wyeth comes to Christina's home to paint, her story comes to life. The tale of the hardships of farm life in the early 20th century the role of women of the time, and the distinct class differences is told very clearly. Unless I missed something, the nature of Christina's disability was not mentioned. It might have been spina-bifida, but the resistance she displayed in her refusal to seek medical advice makes the reader wonder if her chosen role was victim or martyr.
I was familiar with the artist, his family background, and the painting "Christina's World". In the future, I will look at the piece and the other paintings that Wyeth did of Christina with a different eye.
The Tea Planter's Wife
by Dinah Jefferies
The Tea Planter's Wie (7/27/2016)
A very young bride arrives in Ceylon to join her new husband and take up residence on his tea plantation. His first marriage had ended in tragedy, and now we are faced with the uncovering off many secrets and mysteries. I wanted to like this book more than I did. Unfortunately, the mysteries weren't too mysterious. I had them figured out early on. I would have hoped that the author would have elaborated on the political situation a little more. It certainly would have added some interest to an extremely mundane narrative. The only reason I gave it a 3 instead of a 1 or 2 was that it did hold sufficient interest to finish.
The Dark Lady's Mask
by Mary Sharratt
The Dark Lady's Mask (2/20/2016)
Aemilia, whose family originates in Italy, is orphaned at an early age when her father is discovered to be a secret Jew and executed. She is taken to the estate and educated in the classics by a noblewoman. At age sixteen, she is presented at the court of Queen Elizabeth, becomes the mistress of a titled member of the court, becomes pregnant with his child and forced into a "suitable" marriage. From this, she enters a life filled with many adventures including dressing as a man to make her way around 16th century London. She meets William Shakespeare, a minor actor and playwright, they travel to Italy to claim her inheritance and while there she collaborates with him on "the Italian plays". There is much more as they return to England separately and Shakespeare becomes more celebrated. The tale of a woman of the 16th century, based on a real person, and the picture of England and theatre at that time kept me going. I found it a reasonably good read, but would ask for the tale to be told in a few less pages.
The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins
by Antonia Hodgson
The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins (12/27/2015)
Although I would not place this book in the category of "great", I had a great time reading the adventures of Thomas Hawkins. He is a young man who can't seem to keep himself out of trouble. The author keeps the pace up in her narrative, and it would give too much away by revealing too much of the plot line. There is a murder and a lot of mayhem. I have to say that the plot and characters kept my interest throughout. Mostly, I enjoyed the picture of early 18th century London. The book was, I feel, very well researched. I had not read Antonia Hodges' previous novel, but I am planning to read that one as well.
The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs
by Matthew Dicks
The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs (6/9/2015)
The premise of a woman, wife and mother of a teen-age daughter finally speaking up to an adult bully and then reaching back to her youth to confront the perceived bullying that defined her life sounds a little far-fetched. Having said that, Caroline Jacobs does take the reader on a fun trip, the by-product of which is a bonding experience with her daughter. This is a perfect summer read, not too challenging but engaging enough to keep one's interest. I would almost say that the daughter's "old-head" intelligence and practicality are a little mature for a teenager, except that I have a daughter who could be her double.
Fishbowl: A Novel
by Bradley Somer
FISHBOWL (5/8/2015)
The reader first meets Ian, a goldfish, as he falls from the 27th floor balcony of the apartment occupied by Connor. We don't find out the reason for his fall until the very last chapter of the book. In the meantime, we do learn about the lives of some of the tenants of this aging apartment building. The elevators are broken and tenants must use the stairs. Because of this, some meet, interact and have life-changing experiences. What would happen if we said more than "hello" to a neighbor that we see every day? Would we make a meaningful connection that might change the course of our lives? That's the question I asked myself while reading. The author moves us back and forth through the chapters so that we are always waiting to see the next step these quirky characters take. I would definitely recommend this for a fun and thoughtful read.
A Passion for Paris: Romanticism and Romance in the City of Light
by David Downie
A PASSION FOR PARIS (4/22/2015)
First, I must say, that I fell in love with Paris on my very first visit there many years ago. I fell in love again while reading David McCullough's "The Greater Journey" a few years ago. I thought that was the epitome. David Downie's account of nineteenth century Paris, the literati that roamed it's streets and all the juicy gossip comes in a close second. There is so much to absorb that I was constantly backtracking, trying to remember as much as possible. Would that I could hop a plane to Paris, grab the author's hand and go with him through all those dark alleys and dusty rooms again. If the reader is able to have an actual visit to Paris, take this book with you.
That Summer
by Lauren Willig
that summer (4/26/2014)
Julia inherits a home in London, and, when she goes to examine the property in order to sell, she finds herself enmeshed in a family mystery. Along with finding the circumstances surrounding her late mother's death, she is plunged into the ancient history of her forebears. And then there is are the love stories, both current and old. I thought that the mix of mystery, romance and a peek into the life of a Victorian woman made this a great read , especially for the summer. The author writing is very well paced and descriptive. I will be recommending this to friends for a good, well paced read.
City of the Sun
by Juliana Maio
City of the Sun (1/26/2014)
A family consisting of father, brother Erik and sister Maya flee Nazi Germany and find themselves in Cairo as the war is being fought in North Africa. It is 1942 and the war is very close to Egypt. Erik is a scientist with knowledge of the development of atomic weaponry. They are taken in by a Jewish family that has deep roots in Egypt. At the same time, a Nazi spy is looking for the scientist so that the Nazis can use his knowledge and an American journalist who wants to rescue the scientist and send him to the U.S. so that he can help them work on the atomic bomb. Nobody knows the true role of anyone else in this plot, and, if that isn't enough, a romance is thrown into the mix for good measure. This is a very well paced tale and although the reader knows everything, it makes for a very good, fast read. We also get a glimpse into the life of Jews in Egypt at this time. The chronology might not be exact, but that's okay, too. I certainly recommend it as a nice, fast paced thriller.
The Scavenger's Daughters: Tales of the Scavenger's Daughters, Book One
by Kay Bratt
The Scavenger's Daughters (8/10/2013)
The story of a poor man who has survived Mao's "cultural revolution" and goes on to foster many abandoned girls is heartwarming. I did not find the book very well written and awkward in spots. It was also difficult to keep the names of the characters straight. What interested me most was that I understood Benfu, because as a child I was acquainted with a woman who fostered children most of her life. The selflessness of people like her and Benfu makes this a better world. I would recommend this book for its insights into the world of China during this time.
Close My Eyes
by Sophie McKenzie
Close My Eyes (4/11/2013)
The scene opens in the book with a couple going for consult on further fertility measures. We find out that previous ones haven't worked and that Gen had lost a child in stillbirth eight years previously. Art, the husband, is a highly successful businessman, who works in investments that are ethical and socially and environmentally responsible. He is on the verge of moving into high government circles. Gen is a published writer who has done very little writing since the loss of her child. The plot is extremely convoluted and to try to explain it would be giving away too much. This is the main reason that I give this a 4 instead of a 5. That being said, this was a very good read. The author kept me on the edge and guessing for most of the book....almost to the last pages.
The Caretaker
by A .X. Ahmad
The Caretaker (4/11/2013)
Ranjit Singh is a former officer in the Indian army. Disgraced after a court martial and prison sentence following a disastrous military operation, he takes his wife and child to the U.S. where he finds work, finally, as a caretaker in Martha's Vineyard. He is in charge of large homes that are used by the wealthy during the summer months and then closed down for the winter. Circumstances bring him to temporary shelter in the closed home of a powerful U.S, Senator. Then, further circumstances lead him and the reader on a wild journey in which Ranjit uses all his military training and skills to save his family and himself while trying to solve a mystery. If I reveal more of the plot, I will do disservice to the reader. It is enough to say that I was engrossed from beginning to end, The writer has written a masterful thriller, and has also explained many things about the Sikh religion that was a mystery to this reader. I especially like a story that also educates, and this one does. I highly recommend this tale to anyone who loves suspense.
Bone River
by Megan Chance
Bone River (11/10/2012)
Leoni Russell lives in the Pacific Northwest during the mid-'80's, where she works with her husband as an ethnologist and oysterman. The work is grueling and the weather is punishing. Her father was an ethnologist as well, and, on his deathbed, made her promise to marry his partner, who is 20 years her senior. An Indian, called Uncle Tom, is very much in their lives as well as other local Native Americans. Leoni and her husband, Junius, collect artifacts and fossils from the surrounding area for shiphment to the Smithsonion Museum in Washington. Leoni finds a basket in the river which contains the mummy of a woman who appears to be ancient, and soon after, her husband's estranged son appears. Her dreams, the son's intrusion into her life and the warnings of a Native American woman lead her to question the life she has lead. There is a mystery involved and as the narrative continues, the mystery and the lives involved unravel.
The author brings the narrative to an extremely exciting climax, and in the meantime, she draws her main characters fully.
The story and characters kept me engrossed throughout the story, and the big question involving the moral conflict of using items found in the sacred places of other peoples opposed to using the artifacts for historical research is posed throughout the book.
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