Everything We Never Knew: A Novel
by Julianne Hough
Everything We Never Knew (7/29/2024)
On a scale from 1-5 (5 being excellent), I would give "Everything We Never Knew" a 3. The storyline is unique to me and that is something I like when choosing a book. The main character (Lexi is well developed and has feelings I can empathize with. Some of the other characters are less developed, but the story is about Lexi, so that makes sense. There are moments of suspense, so the story kept me engaged throughout the novel. Many of the themes are ones that women would find interesting, such as: acceptance, personal development and growth, spiritualism, family matters and traumas, and female friendships.
Because the book is about healing through observance of auras, this book may not be believable to the general public. I think the best audience would be in their 20s-30s (like the protagonist and primarily women. I probably would not recommend this book to my book clubs, The women in these groups are older and may not be interested or relate to the subject matter of the book.
Frank & Ava: In Love and War
by John Brady
Frank & Ava (9/10/2015)
This is a book that gives insights into the early MGM industry's workings and the actors who were part of this movie industry. It also provides details of Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra's ongoing love for each other (from friends and family biographies). I love movies, so reading about a prominent movie industry and famous actors seemed ideal. But, the writing didn't flow well. It seemed a bit choppy with little clear direction of the story. So, for the most part, the beginning of the book was interesting, as well as learning more about Frank and Ava, but otherwise, the book didn't keep me engaged. The subject matter and writing style may not appeal to anyone under the age of 50.
Whispering Shadows
by Jan-Philipp Sendker
Whispering Shadows (1/20/2015)
Great mystery that takes place in China, An American businessman is murdered and in the midst of discovering the killer, the reader is given an in depth description of the culture, people, history and food of China. Place is a definite character in the book. Many of the character's lives have been shaped by China's cultural revolution, so this adds to the character development. This is a finely crafted story that kept me intrigued from beginning to end. Can't wait to read the author's next novel!
The House We Grew Up In
by Lisa Jewell
The House We Grew Up In (4/4/2014)
A great story about family dynamics, secrets that tear us apart and the ties that bring us back full circle.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters of this book; they were well described and easy to relate to. The plot is engaging and I really cared about the characters that grow as the story develops.
I believe any reader that likes books about family with a touch of dysfunction will find this book appealing. Book groups will have many themes to discuss as well.
The Spirit Keeper
by K. B. Laugheed
It was worth it! (9/16/2013)
I enjoyed the journey this book took me on. The main character, Katie O'Toole, has had a difficult life (in 1747, settlement Pennsylvania). She s rescued from a dismal future by someone very unexpected. A Native American and his friend see a different future for Katie and thus the story begins. As the story unfolds, you learn a great deal about the Native American culture, traditions and rites. I had a hard time putting this book down. It was definitely worth it!
Songs of Willow Frost
by Jamie Ford
Songs of Willow Frost (8/2/2013)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Songs of Willow Frost. The book is narrated by William Eng, a Chinese American boy in an orphanage in WA. He is on a quest to find his mother and discover why she gave him up. As the story is told, the characters come alive and I felt sad, empathy and hope for William and his mother Willow Frost.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in character development or stories featuring mother/child relationships.
Beneath the Shadows
by Sara Foster
Beneath the Shadows: A Mystery Set in the Moors (5/20/2012)
I enjoyed this book because I like a good scare and the author, Sara Foster, was able to do this by creating an eerie setting that was described as cold, remote, and spooky with a plot and set of characters that were wrapped in a mystery. The book kept my attention, throughout, but the ending was a little too neatly sewn up. It was a pleasure read, but not one that would lead to a hearty book discussion. Foster is a great descriptive writer, though, and I would like to read other books by her; maybe something in the horror genre.
A Land More Kind Than Home: A Novel
by Wiley Cash
A Land More Kind Than Home (3/13/2012)
I enjoyed reading this book a great deal. The characters were well defined and I felt as if I really knew and sympathized with them. The setting added to the plot of the story; stormy, gray and out of control. The pace of the story moved along well and I didn't want to put the book down. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a tale with strong characters in a rural setting with a touch of suspense.
The Face Thief: A Novel
by Eli Gottlieb
Chasing Dreams (12/27/2011)
I enjoyed reading "The Face Thief". It was an interesting story that looked at people's greed, motives and lies all wrapped up in a mystery. These themes are universal and easily relate-able. The characters were well drawn and the book was an easy read, so many people would like this book.
The Orphan Master's Son: A Novel
by Adam Johnson
The Orphan Master's Son (11/3/2011)
I was very disappointed with The Orphan Master's Son. The storyline seemed promising; the life and struggles of a young man growing up in North Korea. I like to read books that take me to another country and let me learn about their culture, but this book didn't give me enough of a feel for the place to let me "go there". The characters were not developed enough and the story line seemed unstructured. So, I never really got into the book at all.
I would not recommend this book to a book group or to a friend.
The Leftovers: A Novel
by Tom Perrotta
Life After...... (7/12/2011)
The Leftovers is a glimpse into the lives of people who have been left behind after their loved ones have disappeared (as stated in Revelations in the Bible). The story follows a list of characters and how they cope with their life as it is now, shattered, changed. The characters are interesting, believable and the story's theme puts you into the character's role....how would you live after this type of life altering event happened? Great book; hard to put down!
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