A Good American: A Novel
by Alex George
A Good American (12/26/2011)
This was an interesting 3 generation family saga story taking place mainly in Missouri. It held my attention all the way through with good characters and a story line that had several twists and turns. The author has a smooth easy style of writing which makes it fun to read. There is one especially witty dialogue between two characters who are carrying on a conversation but each one is talking about something else that the other is not aware of. I would highly recommend this as a very enjoyable book to read.
The Look of Love: A Piper Donovan Mystery
by Mary Jane Clark
The Look of Love (10/31/2011)
The Look of Love was an OK story to read, and the author had a good writing style, but I thought the characters lacked depth. The relationships (especially the one between Piper, the heroine, and Jack, her boyfriend), were not well developed. And, I didn't think it was necessary or even added to the story to include the descriptions of how to make the icing and the cake for the wedding. It was fine to have the recipes at the end of the book. That was a nice touch, but the description was not needed in the text of the book. I really don't think I am interested in reading another Piper Donovan mystery.
Little Black Dress: A Novel
by Susan McBride
Little Black Dress (7/16/2011)
This was a nice easy to read story. Sometimes, I thought the dialogue was a little stilted but most of the time, it read smoothly. I personally do not like stories that rely on magic (i.e. the black dress) to solve the characters problems or resolve issues unless it is specifically a fantasy novel. If that does not bother a reader, then it is a good story to read.
A Lesson in Secrets: A Maisie Dobbs Novel
by Jacqueline Winspear
A Lesson in Secrets (3/11/2011)
This was a very entertaining mystery story. Maise Dobbs is a great character. Her fans will not be disappointed in latest adventure. Even though this book takes place in 1932, Maise is a very modern, independent woman. And she even
uses meditation to help her solve crimes. It's fun to read about her.
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother
by Amy Chua
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother (10/28/2010)
This book by Amy Chua is a well written, easy to read story about a Chinese American mother who decides to raise her two daughters the Chinese way instead of the American way. Ms. Chua's writing style is smooth, clear and flows well. She is very skilled at writing objectively about herself and her story is well balanced. There is not too much bragging or too much putting herself down. I enjoyed reading this book and she is rightfully proud of her two daughters.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives: A Novel
by Lola Shoneyin
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives (6/6/2010)
The author presents the story of Baba Segi and his four wives by having each chapter narrated from the point of view of the different characters. It was interesting the way all the different narratives wove into an over all story. The author writes in a very descriptive, lyrical style. I especially liked her description of Baba Segi as a “flatulent pig”. It fitted him perfectly. However, there was way too much other detailed description of the workings of the characters’ digestive systems and bodily fluids. I think this book would have been better condensed into a short story form.
The Hand that First Held Mine: A Novel
by Maggie O'Farrell
The Hand That First Held Nine (2/27/2010)
It took me about 90 pages of reading to get involved in this book, then I was very interested in the story line. However, I thought the writing was inconsistent. Sometimes it was too wordy and dragged on. The parts describing how hard it was for both main characters, Lexie and Elina,to care for their babies was way too lengthy. The manner in which the two separate stories in different time periods were finally connected created an intriguing ending.
Secret Daughter: A Novel
by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
Secret Daughter (1/13/2010)
Good story, parts of book which took place in India were excellent. The dialogue in the beginning was a little stilted but improved throughout the book as well as the writing style. The character of Asha was excellent and well developed. I liked Kativa and the grandmother also. But Somer seemed somewhat artificial and lacking in depth. There might have been too many issues covered in the book and better to focus on just a few. However, I kept on thinking about parts of the book that took place in Mumbai after I finished reading it and that for me is the sign of a good book.
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