Blue Stars
by Emily Gray Tedrowe
Keep on reading (12/16/2014)
When I first began this book I felt that I would not enjoy it and would be just reading it to finish my commitment. I did not fine the characters interesting. I was surprised to find out that after the first 50 pages I was engaged and the characters held my interest. As an outsider to this subject I learned a lot. I had not thought of how the patients are treated after they are discharged but still need services. I found the writing good and was able to become observed in the story. I would recommend it to anyone interested in this subject.
Mating for Life
by Marissa Stapley
Not as deep as the title (3/16/2014)
I choose to review this book as the title interested me, but I found that the story lacked depth. I am drawn to stores that go deep into the characters thoughts and this book did not satisfy me. There were several characters and the stories were similar so at times I had to look back to see which character was talking. I also feel that it lacked what it advertised, an understanding of mating. Instead it focused on why people separate. It is not a book I would have continued to read if I didn't have to finish it for this review. I rated it a three as I think a lot of people might like this light read, it just was not for me.
Letters from Skye
by Jessica Brockmole
An easy read (6/26/2013)
I choose to review this book because I like historical novels. The concept that the novel is based on is interesting, yet I never felt the characters were fully developed. I also wanted to know more about living in wartime and the similarities between the mother and daughter. I would have liked more descriptions of the war stresses. The positive aspect of this novel is the focus on the lost art of letter writing. It does show how people would take the time to think about what they are communicating, and create a story for the reader. I would recommend this book as an enjoyable read, although it lacked the depth that I crave.
Next to Love
by Ellen Feldman
Gives you an understanding of an era (7/20/2011)
I was hooked on this story from the beginning. This is a story of four couples and how world war two changes their day to day lives. The subject of women's identity and how the war changed their roles in society was examined by the narrative. The story brings home the issues of the veterns today and what this generation is going to face. The book touches on the children of the war vets and how they have a different perspective of the war . I like to read books that give me insight into our history. The subject appeared to be well researched.
The one issue I had with the book is that the characters could be developed more and sometimes I had trouble trying to figure out which character was narrating. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author.
The Art of Saying Goodbye: A Novel
by Ellyn Bache
a topic people don't talk about (4/13/2011)
I chose to review this book because I have been thinking a lot about life and death. Both of my parents passed away from cancer in the past five years. Both were quick deaths from diagnosis to death. I appreciated that this novel speaks about how things happen that we have no control of. At times I became confused as the characters are not as complicated as they could be, and I think that less characters and deeper inner lives would bring this book to a rating of five. Nevertheless some of the lines hit home.
The Tenth Song
by Naomi Ragen
The tenth song (10/14/2010)
This book addresses some fundamental issues such as life style choices, belief systems, and community. I, as a practicing Jew, found many parts of the book engaging. I liked the issues it brought up, including materialism and making meaning out of your life. The story is easy to read but there is not a lot of depth in the characters. I am not sure how this book would read to someone who was not knowledgeable about observant Judaism. There are many concepts that it assumes one knows about and it appears written for an observant audience.
After the Fall
by Kylie Ladd
After the Fall (6/11/2010)
I was excited to read this book, especially as the cover states that the author holds a Ph.D. in Neuropsychology. I have to say I was disappointed. The characters do not have the depth I expected. At first I found it confusing and I had to turn back to figure out who was who. I like books that go deep into a person's inner life and I felt this could have been done here. The concept of looking at adultery from all points of view intrigued me and I was drawn into the plot at the end. I read the whole book in less then a week. ( For me that is quick given the other commitments I have in my life. ) If you want a light read I recommend it.
After the Fall
by Kylie Ladd
After the Fall (6/11/2010)
I was excited to read this book, especially as the cover states that the author holds a Ph.D. in Neuropsychology. I have to say I was disappointed. The characters do not have the depth I expected. At first I found it confusing and I had to turn back to figure out who was who. I like books that go deep into a person's inner life and I felt this could have been done here. The concept of looking at adultery from all points of view intrigued me and I was drawn into the plot at the end. I read the whole book in less then a week. ( For me that is quick given the other commitments I have in my life. ) If you want a light read I recommend it.
The Journal Keeper: A Memoir
by Phyllis Theroux
The Journal Keeper (12/30/2009)
This book is not light material. She touches on items such as death, relationships, spirituality, being a writer. At times I found myself swept into her emotional world. She teaches the reader how to think about writing , and what internal life is like for a writer. She also muses about being alone vs. in a relationship. She put words to a lot of different subjects. This book is not for everyone, and some might find the first part depressing ( I did at times). If you don't mind a serious read I recommend this book.
A Short History of Women: A Novel
by Kate Walbert
A short history of women (6/1/2009)
This book was hard to follow at times, but I enjoyed the themes she wrote about. The author was able to show how our family of origin subtly influences who we are today, even if we know little about our ancestors. This was done well as she often went back and forth in history to get this point across. I also enjoyed the overall theme of women's place in the world and if it really has changed since the 19th century. Because of the difficulty I had following characters I do not know If I would have finished this book if I had not received a review copy, the difficulty might have outweighed the good themes.
Stuffed: An Insider's Look at Who's (Really) Making America Fat
by Hank Cardello & Doug Garr
Global Business Obesity Forum (11/12/2008)
This book is not a difficult read, and it contains many interesting anecdotes. Yet, many of the topics have already been covered as well or better by other writers. The author ought to have better organized the book, and even title, around the angle that makes his take different: not simply as someone with decades of experience in the food and food marketing industries, but even more as someone who thinks the food industry is not only the problem, but also the only hope of a solution (and thus, the author's own organization, the Global Business Obesity Forum).
In the end, however, I do not share the author's faith that this industry will make the necessary changes largely on its own, without much greater pressure from government and consumers. And I am skeptical of his positioning himself in the middle, between what he takes to be extreme viewpoints, especially when he (wrongly) equates a food industry lobbyist/marketer (Rick Berman) with a consumer/health advocate (Michael Jacobson, of the Center for Science in the Public Interest). This book contributes to the discussion, but should be read critically.
Holding My Breath: A Novel
by Sidura Ludwig
Holding my Breath (6/11/2008)
This book is enjoyable if you are interested in family dynamics, how childhood events and cultural issues shape who you are. I was able to read it quickly and get involved in the characters. It is told from the perspective of a child, and ends as this child approaches adulthood. The concepts touched upon are serious, death and grief, career choice, family dynamics, and more. Sidura Ludwig deals with these issues seriously and deeply. At times I became confused about what time in the person's life is being discussed. She often jumps from the past to the future, and that can be hard to follow. Still, I would recommend this book if you are interested in Canadian Jewish family-life in the 1960's.
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