The Mouse-Proof Kitchen
by Saira Shah
An emotional and satisfying read (6/15/2013)
The more I read, the more this book captured my interest and increased my compassion for the parents of a severely disabled child, Freya. At first thinking each selfish, I sympathized with both Annie and Tobias and the path each chose to survive emotionally, fumbling along in their own way dealing with the constant care and seizures of Freya. Sadly as happens in real life, the nurturing of their relationship often came last. To make their lives even more complicated, they move from London to a crumbling, rat-infested farmhouse in a remote town in France. Some of the locals who became a part of their circle, Ludovic, Yvonne, Julien, were charming characters. Although a work of fiction, upon reading Sara Shah's notes and acknowledgements, the symptoms and prognosis of Freya mirror those of the author's own daughter. The strong emotions captured in the book come from a place in her own heart. Very well done and gave me tremendous insight and renewed appreciation for the caregivers of the world.
Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald
by Therese Anne Fowler
Excellent story (4/1/2013)
Beautiful Zelda Sayre, a wealthy, fiery and spoiled Southern Belle met her husband F. Scott Fitzgerald, an Army man and budding novelist, shortly after she finished high school. This thoughtfully written book takes us on their life’s journey, through the glitz and glamour that came along with F. Scott’s literary celebrity. They were madly in love, traveled the world and lived in opulence. Interesting literary and artistic acquaintances are introduced along the way, rich and famous trailblazers of the times. The Fitzgerald’s’ story is a tragic one, as alcoholism, restlessness, jealousy and depression take a grim toll on their health and marriage. I sympathized with Zelda who spent many years in the shadow of and being tormented by an overbearing, obsessed and unpleasant man. She was gifted in ballet, art and writing, having written many of the stories that Scott took credit for. I felt her sadness time and time again, as she has to give up her dreams due to Scott’s selfishness. Scattered throughout the book are letters between Zelda and her friends and family. Letter writing is a lost art and I loved that the author included these.
Orphan Train
by Christina Baker Kline
Excellent story (3/19/2013)
I loved this story of two women who grew up as orphans in different eras. The chapters alternate between present day and the 1930's. The elderly 91 year old woman and teen Molly are brought together after troubled Molly has to do 50 hours of community service to avoid being sent to a juvenile detention center. Molly chooses what she thinks is an easy one - clean the 91 year old Vivian's attic. This seemingly small task enriched Molly's life in a way she couldn't have imagined. In fact, the project enhances the lives of both women and I did not want the story to end. It was that good.
Fever
by Mary Beth Keane
Fascinating story of 'Typhoid Mary' (3/19/2013)
A fascinating but sad story of Mary Mallon, popularly known as Typhoid Mary, thought to be responsible for infecting dozens with typhoid although she showed no sign of it herself. As a cook for multiple families, it was thought Mary spread this contagion via food she cooked. Mary ends up being taken by force, isolated, prodded, tested, and treated like an outcast. The health department of the times went well outside of what are normal boundaries today. Although it is written that Mary never believed she was a carrier, I find that hard to believe as facts are rolled out. How many people have to die in your wake in order for you to accept that you may be connected? We are talking 50 people reported affected by her direct contact. So was she a villain or a victim? I guess we will never know for sure, but I have a clear opinion now after reading this novel
Above All Things
by Tanis Rideout
Captivating (3/19/2013)
What a great book. Can't remember the last time I read a book with such a powerful ending. Plus I don't normally read the author notes at the end of a book, but I was captivated by her story and how she came to write this book about the Mallory's. Ms. Rideout put her heart and soul into it and I look forward to her next novel.
Palisades Park
by Alan Brennert
Another great novel by Alan Brennert (2/6/2013)
Alan Brennert won me over with "Molokai" so I was eager to read another novel by this multitalented author ( tv producer screenwriter). In Palisades Park, he pays tribute to the renowned Palisades Amusement Park in New Jersey. He hit it out of the ballpark in my opinion. I was transported to the time and place of this legendary park during a volatile period in history and I felt invested in the story and its' cast of characters. I did not want the story to end. Wonderfully written.
Children of the Jacaranda Tree
by Sahar Delijani
Stunning Debut (1/27/2013)
This story grabbed me from the first paragraph. It is set in post-revolutionary Iran, and delves into how the aftermath of the Iran-Iraq war forever changed families' lives. This was a war in which many thousands of people were executed, others spending years living in inhumane prison conditions. The author’s inspiration comes from her own family that was affected by this war, an uncle executed and her parents imprisoned. Those readers looking for a story that is action packed will not find that here. The chapters follow the normal routines of husbands, wives, fathers, sons, and daughters coping to make the best of an awful situation, their stories intertwining. The resilience of these people in such atrocious conditions is stunning. The details contained within will stay with me for a long time.
The Art Forger
by B. A. Shapiro
A captivating mystery in the world of art forgery (9/1/2012)
The Art Forger is a very good mystery filled with fascinating facts about the art industry. It revolves around reproductions, art forgery and a missing masterpiece. The fictional story is based on a real event - the largest art heist ever in which 13 works of art from such masters as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Degas were stolen from the Gardner Museum in Boston. I loved the main character, Claire. She is a talented but struggling artist, who a few years earlier, was shunned by the art world thru no fault of her own. She has exceptional artistic abilities and also expertise in the art of reproduction. I felt her frustration as she struggles to get the recognition she deserves. The development of the additional characters was well done - the obsessive collectors, devious painters and art dealers. I appreciate the author’s extensive study in the world of masterpieces.
The Woman at the Light: A Novel
by Joanna Brady
Great read! (6/18/2012)
This novel is set mostly in Key West and the fictional Wrecker’s Cay during the1800’s. It tells the story of Emily Dinsmere, a New Orleans debutante who after a few weeks of courtship with a Bahamian fisherman, Martin Lowry, finds herself in a desolate outpost of Key West called Wrecker’s Cay, where she and her husband are the sole inhabitants, tending the lighthouse. Martin disappears one day and his young widow Emily is left to tend the lighthouse on her own and raise their three young children.
Weaved throughout Emily’s story is fascinating historical information during a time when Key West was considered a new frontier, slavery was commonplace and the Cuban cigar and tobacco industry was burgeoning. I was captivated by the many challenges and accomplishments of this strong, resourceful woman. The supporting characters who come in and out of her life over the years are well developed. Her relationship with Andrew captivated me most of all. This book has numerous twists and turns and a fabulous read.
Turn of Mind
by Alice LaPlante
Hard to put down! (5/22/2012)
A riveting story of a highly accomplished woman, Dr. Jennifer White, succumbing to the ravages of Alzheimer's Disease. The writing style is original; the story told thru Dr. White's eyes, whose reality changes from day to day, minute to minute. It is a sad story of a woman who keeps a notebook as she progresses in losing her ability to interact properly with the outer world, not recognizing her own children but at other times sharp on events of long ago. Although a work of fiction, this story allows us to peek into the real world of dementia, the brain's deterioration; the frustrations and fears that accompany it. I found myself thinking of my own father who has dementia, wondering if he has the same fractured and frightening thoughts/confusion and will it progress similarly? Remarkable book and hard to put down. The ending just a little bit too tidy for my taste but the book is still well worth the read.
Turn of Mind
by Alice LaPlante
Riveting! (5/16/2012)
A riveting story of a highly accomplished woman, Dr. Jennifer White, succumbing to the ravages of Alzheimer's Disease. The writing style is original; the story told thru Dr. White's eyes, whose reality changes from day to day, minute to minute. It is a sad story of a woman who keeps a notebook as she progresses in losing her ability to interact properly with the outer world, not recognizing her own children but at other times sharp on events of long ago. Although a work of fiction, this story allows us to peek into the real world of dementia, the brain's deterioration; the frustrations and fears that accompany it. I found myself thinking of my own father who has dementia, wondering if he has the same fractured and frightening thoughts/confusion and will it progress similarly? Remarkable book and hard to put down. The ending just a little bit too tidy for my taste but the book is still well worth the read.
Until the Next Time: A Novel
by Kevin Fox
Just ok for me (2/2/2012)
I looked forward to read this book which for the most part takes place in Ireland, a place I recently visited for the first time. I enjoyed the bits that give us a perspective of Ireland's heritage. But I thought the story was confusing and uneven. Maybe I just don't do well with chapters that intertwine past/present and time travel. It was hard for me to keep the characters straight, to remember who was who. I didn't find myself caring about any of the characters. This book was compared to the writing style of The Time Traveler's Wife. That book also was confusing for me, I couldn't get thru it initially. But after seeing the movie, I went back to the book and really enjoyed it. Perhaps that is what I need in this case!
The Dry Grass of August
by Anna Jean Mayhew
A gem! (12/10/2011)
Other readers compared this to the Help so I crossed my fingers that it could meet my expectations as I dove into reading it. It absolutely did and was engaging through the last page. I felt I was right there along side and sharing the emotions of the well-developed characters (my favorite being Juby), during this turbulent time in history. I can't wait to read the author's next book!
Falling Together: A Novel
by Marisa De Los Santos
Good story (9/2/2011)
This story explores rekindling friendships and I enjoyed reading it for the most part. The character development was well done. I found myself getting irritated at some of the behaviors and at other times rooting for the characters. The first half of the book was slow with way too much detail surrounding insignificant events. But the story then started coming together and it proved to be a satisfying read. Not my favorite from the author but it would make for a good book club pick.
Folly Beach: A Lowcountry Tale
by Dorothea Benton Frank
Home is the place that knows us best (5/30/2011)
That line sums up this wonderful novel. Dorothea Benton Frank's writing is filled with well developed and likeable characters, charm and humor. The chapters alternate between two periods of time, acts in a play that date back to the historic days of the Charleston Renaissance and to current life in Carolina Lowcountry. The coincidences in the past and present eventually come together and as a reader, I was fully satisfied with the result. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Frank's books.
Outlander
by Diana Gabaldon
Brilliant! (3/15/2011)
"I thought of telling him that his own touch seared my skin and filled my veins with fire." Who wouldn't dream of love like this? Outlander is an exceptional read. Although characterized as a romance, it is so much more. It is a unique, well-written, richly detailed historical work of fiction, full of fantasy and adventure. Before I began reading the book, I wondered if I could really get through 850 pages. The answer is yes - it captured my attention early on and I devoured it within a week! I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
by Rebecca Skloot
Interesting and Enlightening (1/31/2011)
I recommend this to those who like history and science. The author is to be praised for her exhaustive research into the history of HeLa cells and how they've made an impact on lives around the world. Interesting and enlightening. However, my favorite chapters had to do less with the science aspect but more on the human side of Henrietta and her extended family, who experienced first-hand the poverty and racism in America and the abuse of African-Americans by the American medical community. We learn how each of them dealt with Henrietta's cells being used without their consent and the fact that the production of HeLa cells was commercialized without the Lacks family receiving a penny - most of whom remained poor their entire lives. They couldn't even get health insurance.
The Widow's War: A Novel
by Sally Gunning
Loved it! (1/23/2011)
The beginning was slow and I almost gave up on it. Glad I didn't. An excellent novel set in pre-revolutionary Cape Cod, and based on historical facts. The story revolves around Lydia Berry and her struggle to find her place in the world after her husband passes away. She challenges the laws and customs of the time including one in which the widow cannot inherit her husband's property. I look forward to reading Sally Gunning's follow-up book - Bound.
Ever By My Side: A Memoir in Eight
Acts Pets
by Dr. Nick Trout
A celebration of pets (12/21/2010)
The author of this heartwarming memoir had me hooked by page 8. He shares stories of how animals have had a profound impact in his life and on his human relationships - with his father, as a father himself and husband, and as a veterinarian. It made me laugh and cry with the memories of my own loved pets. I highly recommend for animal lovers, young and old and for book groups where it would raise some interesting discussions.
 (1).gif)
