The French Girl
by Lexie Elliott
A Mystery Plus (9/17/2017)
Although basically a mystery, that sometimes felt of secondary importance. The novel was also a detailed story of contemporary women successful by their own means. Told in the first person, the female protagonist gives an in-depth picture of her intense emotional thoughts and feelings along with the developing story of her past and present life. We also get a portrait of the personality and feelings of the other women in her life.
The prose is intelligent and does require some thinking. One almost cares more for the characters and what happens in their lives than solving the mystery. All of this knowledge and involvement increases as we learn of the friends connection to the mystery still unsolved.
Seb and Caro are two characters' name choices that I never did get used to reading. That and also not enjoying the way the author chose to solve the mystery in the end might be topics for a good book club discussion.
The Gypsy Moth Summer
by Julia Fierro
Crazy Summer (5/3/2017)
I did not enjoy this book. The author was trying too hard to be contemporary, overdoing it with proper names of retail products. Many descriptions didn't seem to fit the picture, just trying too hard to be off-the-wall. It was interesting to learn about gypsy moths, their history and lifestyle, but it never went anywhere. There was no real plot or climax. Book clubs have their best discussions about books that some members didn't like, so it might work for clubs.
Our Short History
by Lauren Grodstein
A Short Review (2/3/2017)
The premise of this novel written as a journal to a son for him to read after his mom's death from cancer sounds intriguing but I found it to not be an engrossing read.
It became rather boring and pretty ho-hum, not producing much emotion in me. It was an easy enough read but not something I couldn't put down.
No child of any age needs to be reminded of every little happening in mom's life after her death or everything that's going through her mind and how it affected her. Of interest are some of the circumstances that brought her to this stage of life but it is a small portion of what is communicated to her son. Perhaps a book club would find more depth through discussion.
A Piece of the World: A Novel
by Christina Baker Kline
Fasinating History (12/18/2016)
It is always a pleasure to learn more about American history and this book doesn't disappoint. And especially to learn the story behind a famous painting by a famous artist who lived in the US in the first half of the 20th century is great. A well written book, easy to follow, even as the author shifts back and forth in time. This novel compelled me to delve deeper into the artist's life and his paintings after reading it. There is great insight into the lives of those who lived through war and didn't have the capabilities to make their lives easier. Book clubs could discuss the reasons behind the various choices made by the main characters throughout their lives.
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk
by Kathleen Rooney
Interesting walk (9/20/2016)
Good read with detailed chapter titles and clever, descriptive prose. It depicts a woman born in the early 1900's. Lily, in the first person, defines women in the decades up to the 1980's who were not satisfied to be typical of the non working mom, subservient to a man.
Lily is a workaholic, witty and brave. As she takes her walk, every other chapter reverts back to her past, easy to follow as she includes present day thoughts in those chapters There is very little action, as much is recollection, so this may not be exciting enough for someone in their twenties but following Lily's extreme personality through the years and a lot of memorable history of New York City, should be enough for those liking a memoir-type, historical fiction novel. And it is loosely based on a real women living in those times.
Discussion of just how stereotypical or believable this woman is might be a good topic for book clubs.
The Book That Matters Most: A Novel
by Ann Hood
Book Lovers Rejoice (6/10/2016)
This novel should be an automatic "like" for all reviewers as the story involves books and book clubs. The author does a fantastic job of intertwining themes of so-called important books with the plot. The author's method of devoting each chapter to a particular character seamlessly moves the plot along. Be prepared for family members who are going through a lot of tough times but are well developed. Wished for a few less French words when characters are in Paris. Hard to put down. Needless to say, book clubs would have a good time with this.
The Opposite of Everyone
by Joshilyn Jackson
In Spite of it All (12/5/2015)
Many novels have a common theme of family and how childhood affects all but this book tells of a totally uncommon family life due to a most incompetent mother figure and her impact on the children. Elements such as Hinduism, karma, and mystics play a part that make the reading a little strange at times. Word choices can also be challenging. The protagonist called herself "an amalgamated girl who felt like me". The characters do have good depth and are mostly likable. The many flashbacks fit into the story well once the reader understands the author's style. It did hold my interest as I cared what the conclusion might be. Book clubs would probably enjoy following the protagonist through life and examining her choices and future.
Girl Waits with Gun
by Amy Stewart
NRA would approve (7/19/2015)
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel of historical fiction that covered the eras from the 1890's to the 1920's in America. It captured the day to day lives of 3 sisters in that period accurately if my memory of history class doesn't fail me. The characters are likable and well developed as is the plot. A few good surprises along the way. A very entertaining way to revisit history. The last part dragged somewhat as I felt I knew the outcome before reaching the end but the sisters grew in depth and kept the interest up. A big plus for me was to find out the book is based on a true story. A light-hearted, fun read for book clubs.
Letters to the Lost
by Iona Grey
All is Not Lost (3/19/2015)
The author writes an engrossing story that will hold the readers interest because of in-depth characters you will care for and because they live in a world we can identify with or recall in history. The first chapter grabs you with "a letter to the lost" which sets the tone for the story as it switches back and forth in time, as far back as 7 decades to the present. There is no problem of confusion in following that style. The writing is intelligent and convincing. You will want to know the outcome of more than one character. And will sympathize with men going to war. The use of actual written letters as a way to describe the life of the characters was not overdone but rather (as the title suggests) plays an important part as it enhances and deepens connections to the story. It is a love story at its core but interspersed generously with both history and mystery. Book clubs might not find anything of a controversial nature or unfamiliar topic for discussion. Conversation would relate to how people's lives are affected by upbringing, choice of partners, and life's work, and to the status of women in past decades.
The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
by William Klaber
Rebellion of Sorts (12/16/2014)
I found the story easy to read, being written in a conversational tone and more character driven, without interruption of more literary focuses such as similes and description of landscapes. It is a birds eye view of a woman around 1855 who fights in her own way for the equality that women were not being allowed. It diminishes in value as it becomes more stereotypical of the current day, the plot being centered on sexual identity rather than historical fiction. An excellent book club choice for its readability and both its traditional and hot topic themes.
Five
by Ursula Archer
Title is boring (10/2/2014)
"Five" is a hint but not an in-depth clever title. It is typical of some of the elementary comments and conversations from the protagonist concerning her police work. The secondary characters were not developed enough to understand their behavior, especially her boss and co- worker. That was not fulfilling. Failed attempts at being socially "with it" were overuse of the coffee drinks at inappropriate times and the gourmet cooking, for no apparent reason. It lightened the mood too much for a thriller. But there were positives such as a contemporary theme of technology, namely geocaching, in depth. It fit the story well. The novel was a good read regardless as it held my interest throughout. It was a well told mystery. A good book for a rainy day but not a lot for book clubs to discuss.
Accidents of Marriage
by Randy Susan Meyers
Marriage Mayhem (6/22/2014)
This is not a happy or upbeat story as it concerns a family fraught with an overabundance of everyday problems, many brought on by a husband's drinking, anger, and ignorance in child rearing, coupled with a life changing event. The husband/father is truly not a likable person. It held my interest because the author was able to put the reader into the mind of the 3 major, fully developed characters by alternating chapters with each one of them as they navigated their life, keeping the reader fully involved. A few times i wanted the story to move along a little faster. My issue is with the medical facts and behavior that ran through a major part of the novel. I had doubts how believable and realistic the medical issues were that were portrayed. Although a major theme, that accuracy is probably secondary to the emotional trauma this creates for the family and how they progress through it. This book runs the gamut on discussion of the family dynamic, such as faithfulness, religious influence, and teen responsibility.
A Paris Apartment
by Michelle Gable
More than just a place (3/25/2014)
The Paris Apartment has numerous themes running through which make it a book readers might not want to put down. The majority of the story is set in Paris. Readers will be totally immersed in the lifestyles, culture, and habits of the French.
April, the protagonist, has a "not too common" profession as an auction house expert (a name she prefers to a mere auctioneer) that provides an opportunity to get the inside story of that profession.
The apartment defines her major reason for the business trip to Paris but sets off numerous sidetracks.
She delves heavily into French history with flashbacks taken and read from a client's journals about the client family history. This is not confusing.
Family issues threaten and themes of romance and friendship are intertwined with history and culture. The author chooses to plant us all firmly in Paris by her overuse of the French language in many sentences and especially in conversation.. I always felt I was missing something as it happened frequently and that feeling never left me. She is saved by her multi-themed story with well developed interesting characters.
Book clubs may enjoy discussing how other countries differ from ours regarding family values.
Doing Harm
by Kelly Parsons
No Harm Taken (11/9/2013)
A 40 year career in the medical field made this book a natural choice and I was not disappointed in its authenticity. Although it held my interest, as it will everyone liking medical intrigue, I at first felt it an almost too uncomplicated read, with little literary value. But as the plot starts to twist and turn I no longer cared. And why not have a genuinely good read occasionally?
The story spans less than 2 months in the life of a highly regarded chief resident surgeon. Technology of the 21st century appears to take a much too relevant role in the care of living, breathing humans. Its capabilities are endless for "doing harm" . This may incite some talk for book clubs. Slight letdown in the ending which also might be for discussion but still a great read.
Walk Me Home
by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Where is "home"? (4/28/2013)
A surprisingly good novel considering its simply written, unadorned prose and brevity of descriptions. I found it to be more character driven, telling the story of two sisters, a teenager and a soon to be teenager. In its simplicity it is a fast read, but its many short sentences are thought provoking and meaningful. I found it held my interest and at times I could not put it down. Part One I felt was not very feasible, maybe it was more symbolic, but it will win the reader over as you start to care for the two sisters whose lives have been uprooted, through no fault of their own, leaving them to fend for themselves. A novel about tough choices, choices influenced by family history, past and present. As everyone goes about the business of daily living, you are drawn into their lives. enjoying the people they meet along the way. Book clubs should love to dissect the topics of family situations, decision making, and maturity. They may want to answer the questions "Is there a mythical or magical hand guiding us in the right direction?" and "Is there more than one meaning for "home?".
Indiscretion
by Charles Dubow
an age old discussion (11/16/2012)
This book reads very elementary in subject and simplistic in style and diction, one I first thought of as an inconsequential beach read. It is saved by the clever appearance of the narrator who has an integral part in the story along with his occasional narration. This provides some much needed depth into the actions of the characters who on the whole remain one-dimensional throughout. Predictable events take place and most of the emotion drawn out of the reader comes from the narrator's ability to surprise. There are consequences in the lives of the characters that create fodder for discussion. A modern story involving the twists and turns of life. Easily read and a good read for book clubs.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry: A Novel
by Rachel Joyce
Life happens (7/21/2012)
An implausible premise of a journey on foot turns entertaining and almost believable due to the main characters' likability. Credit the author's talent for beautifully written realistic prose that gets into Harold's head and captures the essence of his thoughts so we can identify with his search for the meaning of his life. You will care what happens to him, as life (as we know it in all its failings) gets in the way of his goal. Book clubs will find much to discuss about what happens as life passes us by.
Salvage the Bones: A Novel
by Jesmyn Ward
Salvage the Bones (7/23/2011)
This book was interesting enough to hold my attention but there was not enough depth to the characters to feel emotionally connected to the families' struggles. The prose style was overloaded with far out similes that did not help get to the heart of the story. Overall, a shallow slant on life in the time of Katrina but very readable because of a likable narrator. I did want to know how it ended. It would appeal to dog lovers.
 (1).gif)
