The Lost Notebook of Edouard Manet: A Novel
by Maureen Gibbon
Marvelous (7/2/2021)
Marvelous, a work of art. While Manet painted his masterpieces with a brush, Maureen Gibbon paints with words. Using a journaling style, Gibbon recounts the final years of Manet's life as he endures complications from syphilis. As an art enthusiast, selecting this book about Manet was easy. However, this book is so much more, a stream of literary consciousness that uniquely communicates the human thoughts and perspective of Manet on life and his art. Keeping my iPad close by, I Googled each painting or drawing as Manet gave a voice to the work in his words. Gibbon's attention to research and her knowledge of his life will lead you to believe that she somehow supernaturally communicated with the artist.
Raft of Stars
by Andrew J. Graff
Harrowing Adventure (11/14/2020)
The story's core revolves around two boys, Fish and Bread, who have formed friendships during several years of summer vacation time together. While their friendship has grown over the years, it is laden with secrets and lies that haunt them. One evening, after confronting one of these secrets, the ultimate crime happens. They flee into the forest and on the river to escape the consequences. While forging the river and all the elements that nature can deliver, they also find themselves and the truth. A cast of characters embarks on finding them. Two women, a mother and friend, and two men, a sheriff and grandfather, take different paths on the river and through the forest to save them. While on their own survival journeys, Mother Nature holds them all in her hands and teaches them life lessons. I would list this book under the genre of Young Adult reading, but with joyful satisfaction. After all, I think many of us have read Zusak's The Book Thief, Hinton's The Outsiders, or Lowry's The Giver and found them incredibly fulfilling.
The Paris Hours: A Novel
by Alex George
Breathtaking (2/1/2020)
After receiving The Paris Hours this week, I began eagerly reading this highly endorsed book. The consistent arrangement of the chapters in repeated quartets was genius, a foreshadowing of how the characters' lives are woven together like a beautiful hair braid. I read with anticipation, but also apprehension, unable to put the book down. The writing is simply stunning, and I found myself rereading paragraphs, a marvel of style and description. Souren, Guillaume, Jean-Paul, and Camille reveal their hopes and dreams, but also their past secrets, which create the fabric of their lives. As the story draws ever carefully to a breathtaking conclusion, I am still contemplating the possibilities long after the cover has closed.
The Yellow Bird Sings: A Novel
by Jennifer Rosner
A Musical Concerto (12/4/2019)
The Yellow Bird Sings by Jennifer Rosner is a tribute to the resilience of human nature and the bond between a mother and daughter. Rosener seamlessly weaves the lives of Rosa and her daughter Shira together like a beautiful piano concerto. First, the right-hand plays its notes followed by the left-hand, then collectively, the cords play heart aching while beautiful music. In this way, Rosa and Shira's story follow closely, sometimes paragraph by paragraph to each other. We never lose sight of either one as their heartbreaking tale unfolds. The Yellow Bird Sings will be on many bestseller lists as well as in the circles of countless book groups.
The Secrets We Kept: A novel
by Lara Prescott
A Back Story to Die For (7/18/2019)
A novel comes along every once in a while that one regrets it reaching an end. This is truly one of them. This historic back story to one of the most famous modern love stories in literature is extremely convincing and heartbreaking. Doctor Zhivago enlightened many generations in the movie theater, and The Secrets We Kept will take us back again to view the classic film. Lara Prescott is a talent and I, for one, will look eagerly to her next venture.
Never Have I Ever
by Joshilyn Jackson
Never Did I Ever Really Get It (4/25/2019)
I was very excited to choose this book, as I loved Joshilyn Jackson's Gods of Alabama. This was a much different venture which covered some disturbing topics of abuse, predatory behaviors, and deceit. However, while this was a thriller, it just never rang true. Perhaps the old adage, "the suspension of disbelief" best describes my feelings about this book.
Sold on a Monday
by Kristina McMorris
A Sad Era in Our History (8/30/2018)
While Kristina McMorris acknowledges that the story was not true, it very likely could have been. My own mother, as a young girl, was farmed out to an aunt in Maryland because my grandparents could not feed them all with the small rations allotted. I so love that McMorris chose to rewrite this story from this Era with hope. This book reminds me in many ways of Lisa Wingate's, Before We Were Yours, which like Sold on Mondays describes a time in our country when children were taken simply because their parents were poor and therefore deemed unfit. The characters of Lily and Ellis, were humanly flawed in all their wants and desires, yet noble in their determined cause to reunite the Dillard family. This is a time we should not forget least we repeat history. Take care of our children, they are our future.
A Piece of the World: A Novel
by Christina Baker Kline
A Perfect View (1/2/2018)
Beautifully written and hauntingly moving; this story of the life of Christina Olson, the model of the famous Andrew Wyeth painting, Christina's World, will not disappoint and more likely cause you to explore further the amazing artist and his work.
The Essex Serpent
by Sarah Perry
The serpent in us (2/23/2017)
The Essex Serpent in many ways, like Strout's "Olive Kitteridge", details the human element in the characters as they relate to one main character. In this case it is Cora, a recent but not totally unhappy widow. Each character seems to have a story, and Cora becomes entangled in each of their lives to various degrees. This cast of eclectic characters is well developed and humanly flawed. Cora interacts with each in her own unique style, she is flawed and often without direction. The serpent, woven into the scenic historic background of the story, is in many ways a main character too, representing the social and political tide of the times, and wrapping itself around the characters.
While some readers found themselves focused on the social, religious and political belief systems of this time, I focused on the plight of the beautifully developed characters. Satisfying to the end.
The Girl Before
by JP Delaney
Another Girl Gone Awry (11/14/2016)
I must admit I was drawn to all the "Girl" books that have preceded this one. Yes, I was gone with Gone Girl, rode the Train , and rented Cabin 10, so it was natural for me to elect this First Impressions selection; The Girl Before. The story interestingly moved between, Then and Now as Emma and Jane took us on a similar path through their tormented histories, a unique twist on style and presentation. The draw back to this thriller was the explicit sex scenes , that in my opinion, added little to the dynamics of the story. Remember the old movies that faded to music or pictured a moon and then a sunrise and elicited our own fantasies without details. Like many others who reviewed this book, I too stayed up late to finish the mystery within. I am not sure about the fate of this new Girl genre, but perhaps a suggestion; Girl in the Whitehouse, or is this too futuristic.
The Book That Matters Most: A Novel
by Ann Hood
A Book Club Matter (6/5/2016)
The concept of the book sold me immediately. I belong to several book clubs and knew this was a perfect choice for me and perhaps a future book club selection. I read Ann Hood's, 'The Knitting Circle', and enjoy her style and vivid characters. She did not disappoint me in this story of family, unbelievable loss, discovery and redemption. Ava's family has many haunting secrets past and present, and they are woven into a story that will keep you turning the page to find out the answers. I loved how the novel was organized in parts(chapters) around the members book of the month selection. Specific texts from each book hint at a bigger meaning, and would make a great discussion point for making the connection. The book has vividly developed characters, and a haunting conclusion, but leaves me wanting more.
The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs
by Matthew Dicks
Took Me Back (6/13/2015)
The Perfect Comeback... took me back to my high school lunch table and I realized that no matter what decade we come from that is where the socialization and jockeying for position took place. I embraced the characters and rooted for them to succeed. I loved their journey. However, I found Polly out of sync with the character of a fifteen year old both in her rebellious wisdom and language. She did not match a girl coming from this rather functional together family. Still, it was nice to read a redemptive story at a time when it seems murder and undesirable characters ride a top the best sellers list. I rooted for a comeback for everyone in the book . Like Caroline, Polly, and Penelope ,we are a product of many of our own life choices and experiences.
The Well
by Catherine Chanter
Conundrum (2/21/2015)
Indeed Catherine Chanter is a wonderful writer, but I wonder why she chose a paranormal, mystical, suspense crime thriller to debut her prose. At first, I thought I might be reading a story line similar to the movie, "The Village", a cult classic by M. Night Shyamalan. Was there a twist coming? Was this place only imagined? Was Ruth in a mental health facility? I stayed with this book because of Chanter's writing and the hope for an unexpected twist that really never did come to light. I was left confused.
The Secrets of Midwives
by Sally Hepworth
Not disappointing (12/28/2014)
It was with great anticipation that I selected The Secret of Midwives. After all, I am an ardent fan of the PBS series Call the Midwife and still hold Chris Bohjalian's book, Midwives in a place of honor among thrilling reads. However, as I began to read, I quickly wondered if this was a good choice for me. A story of three generations of midwives, their secrets and their experiences. At first, it lacked a sense of theme, as it could have been any occupation; The Secrets of Lawyers, or Doctors, or any other occupation. However, stick with it and the wonders of the plight of midwives their challenges and triumphs unfold. The characters are developed with great care and their secrets told with unexpected consequences. A very discussable book for clubs who will certainly identify with one or more of the main characters.
Vanessa and Her Sister
by Priya Parmar
An enlightened read (10/21/2014)
The story of Vanessa ( Stephen ) Bell and her famous sister, Virginia ( Stephen) Woolf is brought to life through the journal entries and correspondences of the sisters and other friends of the famous Bloomsbury Group at the turn of the century. As an art lover of the impressionistic period, I was eager to read this book and enlightened to learn of this collections of writers, painters, bon vivants, publishers and art buyers who collectively are known as the Bloomsbury Group. This interest is however, what likely kept me reading on as the beginning of this story, told through Vanessa's journal and correspondences was filled with daily trivial notes. I found it hard to follow the cast of characters and the helpful guide at the beginning was definitely needed until they were developed later in the story. Although, this was indeed an interesting read and one that I am glad I choose, I think it has a focus group it will attract while the general public may not embrace it as wholeheartedly.
Under the Wide and Starry Sky
by Nancy Horan
A Love Story (11/14/2013)
I was so excited to read Nancy Horan's new book after her dynamic first book, Loving Frank. Although the subject, the tumultuous relationship of Robert Louis Stevenson and Fanny Osbourne, seemed a similar topic. While Under the Wide and Starry Sky is not nearly as fast paced, Horan's gifted writing style permeates the well researched affair. This story will delight those who enjoy the late 19th century European and American literary and social scene. Horan's attention to details both in dialogue and narration add to the story; however, at times it slows the pace especially in the beginning. I personally was having trouble staying with the time and setting changes. Most interesting were how much influence Fanny had on the successful writings of the lifelong illness plagued Stevenson. Her compassion during bouts of sickness, encouragement in his writing, and willingness to move all over the world to find a place where he would thrive were nothing short of an amazing love story.
The Edge of Normal
by Carla Norton
An Edgy Read (7/10/2013)
The Edge of Normal certainly has a current event theme, namely, Cleveland, Ohio's recent kidnap scene. At the heart of Edge... is a depraved serial kidnapper and rapist. I applaud Carla Norton for not becoming overly graphic in her details of rape and torture, but nonetheless the subject is still disturbing. She presents a plethora of short chapters with frequent stops and starts, forcing the reader to continue always seeking resolutions.
The action flows from person to person, but the protagonist, Reeve, a victim of kidnapping herself, while very likable, is not believable in her quick rise to complete control and competency in her efforts to reclaim her life and return to normal. The kidnapper, Duke, must have a story, but we never really understand him. He is but a one dimensional character who has immense power over people and oozes evil.
The Edge of Normal is a thriller and Carla Norton has used her life experience to create a good story, but for me, a bit too predictable with some loose endings needing to be tied.
Close My Eyes
by Sophie McKenzie
A Thrilling Ride (4/22/2013)
Like any good roller coaster thrill ride, you climb into the car, strap yourself securely, and begin the climb to the top. So goes this mystery thriller. Along the way, the characters are introduced, setting and plot are developed and predictions and conclusions are drawn with care. At the pinnacle of the first hill, one appears to see clearly, but then the harrowing ride begins. Close My Eyes is a Class A roller coaster ride, as we enter each hairpin turn with lightening fast speed, changing everything we have come to believe upside-down. And like most good coaster rides, we come to a screeching halt with a sense of wanting more...or do we?
Close My Eyes is this season's Gone Girl mystery thriller, with all the energy but more satisfying. Sophie McKenzie has written a book that will keep you thinking long after the book cover closes.
Palisades Park
by Alan Brennert
Take the ride with Palisades Park (2/13/2013)
Alan Brennert has written a wonderfully descriptive book that entertains, enlightens, and at times leaves you breathless.
As a ten year old boy, Eddie Stopka spent the best day of his life with his family at Palisades Park in 1922 . There was a reverence he felt just looking up at the great wooden roller coaster, one he says was only reserved for Babe Ruth and Bob Meusel. While Eddie's journey is the essence of the story, the other main character is Palisades Park. We slide back and forth between their stories, celebrating their triumphs and mourning their miseries. As readers, their journeys open a window in time and allow us a glimpse of the life of a great amusement park and the historic events that shaped them both.
I visited many of the well known north eastern amusement parks in the 50s and 60s, so it was natural for me to be drawn to this book. The great surprise was the intimate story that surrounded and intertwined the characters and park.
Although one may begin to compare this story to "Water For Elephants", they are different. While "Water for Elephants" is a story of a fictitious traveling circus, Alan Brennert has taken great care to accurately tell the real story of Palisades Park.
"Palisades Park" is equal parts an adventure, fictional memoir and historic account. I believe it will lead to superb discussions in book clubs.
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