The Witches at the End of the World
by Chelsea Iversen
Eye of Newt (7/25/2023)
The main characters in this novel are two witches who are sisters. They are not Disney witches, nor fairy tale witches, nor even scary witches. They could be called earthy witches as they live and survive through their knowledge and interaction with the natural world in very primitive conditions. The time frame is when people believed in the occult and burned witches at the stake. Thus these witches live in total isolation from any other humans. One of the sisters is satisfied to remain isolated and one yearns for a more normal life. One is portrayed as a good witch and one as an evil witch. We learn something of their history thru reminiscences between the two.
The conflict begins when the good witch runs away and becomes involved with regular people in a village. Her sister performs spells as revenge upon the village resulting in unforeseen consequences for all.
I could not feel like cheering for or against either girl. Their magic was not magical enough and they didn't really arouse empathy for their situations. The story was fairly routine and most of the outcomes predictable. The attempt to arouse the reader with gothic description of setting went too far and became skimable.
I think that the last of the witches should be witchyer.
The Long Ago: A Novel
by Michael McGarrity
Novel or Memoir? (3/19/2023)
This novel is grammatically correct in every way. The sentences are written in a consistent subject, verb, object method. There is very little excitement or surprises in the construction of the body of the language.
The story line is how one would expect a memoir to be written with an up and down summary of events in the lives of major characters. Again, the story line is extremely predictable, the dialogue of a mundanity that is typical of a much less praises book.
I hesitate to call this a novel, but more a story about a couple of characters who are living in the time of an ill accepted war and the reactions and events they face which are very much like many other Americans at this time. Nothing new here.
Exiles: Aaron Falk Mystery #3
by Jane Harper
Why Exiles? (8/6/2022)
Since finishing Exiles, I've been trying to think why the author used that title. Certainly the author had a thought process in mind, which is succinctly explained in the first paragraphs.
But the other thread of the novel focuses more on the mystery, who-done it of the story.
And it's a great story! I read most of the novel on the day I received it. It is really fun and the author is a great story teller. The story takes place in Australia and there is a definite Australian vibe in the writing style and development.
The characters are so likable- I was reluctant to suspect any of them as the culprit though each of the main players is part of a friendship group that may or may not be implicated in the story. Some of them are teenagers who play a big part in investigation.
I really enjoyed this book. There are no real messages or philosophy- just a really entertaining mystery. It's mature and well written and engaging,
If you love mysteries and fine character development, this is up your alley.
Fencing with the King: A Novel
by Diana Abu-Jaber
Middle Eastern Semi Historical Search (12/13/2021)
My ancestry steeped in Middle Eastern history, culture and stories led me to select this book to review. If you are interested or connected to the area you will probably be likely to find much of this book strikes a chord with you also. I found many of the vocabulary words and titles of address to be like the words we used in my family— words like SITTEE- grandmother. Also foods like Zatar and traditions such as attitudes toward women are typical in my American/ Middle Eastern family.
Historically, I found that I would have to be a lot more savvy to keep up with the historical, political affairs going on in the novel. That is not to say the
Novel can't be understood without this information because it really isn't necessary to the regular reader.
The regular reader might be more interested In the romance and intrigue going on within the family- these things pretty much are like any family's problems but with a middle Eastern twist.
This is not a fast moving novel but slowly develops through extensive description of scenery, culture, and psychological examination. Description of the desert and metaphorical insights through this description are prominent. Also a detailed description of the sword fight, which is the point of the the title,is primary.
This is a pretty typical story of an American poet drawn to investigate her heritage and family in the Middle East. Following some not too mysterious clues, some of which never made sense to this reader, she is also led to find out much about herself. Don't look for any surprises or twists. It is straight forward and fairly predictable.
Nothing to See Here
by Kevin Wilson
Nothing to see here (6/28/2019)
I rated this book 3 stars. I liked this book because I thought it would be unique and different and it was. I also liked this book because I like books about children and I thought it was going to be a book about children being saved. I didn’t enjoy that the characters were not realistic I couldn’t imagine any of them being real. in this book the children lit on fire when they got nervous. Even though this is fairy-tale it felt more depressing. Overall this book seemed to be a 3 starred book.
At the Wolf's Table
by Rosella Postorino
A little biased (10/6/2018)
I am ever so interested in books about Nazi Germany and am thrilled when new insights fascinate me. So in that regard, this is something I've never known about--women forced to be Hitler's food tasters. Following them day to day as they are made to eat delicious food but also face the contradictions they must live is the meat of the book. I read it quickly--it wasn't boring at all. I think book clubs would have lots to discuss. It has love, war, sex, friendships, traitors...It was literally well done. There is a lot of food imagery and symbolism, but the heart is the different personal conflicts among the characters.
The Opposite of Everyone
by Joshilyn Jackson
What a story! (12/1/2016)
This is a quirky and engaging story starring almost believable characters. It has everything I like in a novel--a clever and original plot that doesn't get too wrapped up in philosophical lectures--reader has to figure out the subjective, underlying meaning, if any.
Since She Went Away
by David Bell
Beach Book (5/26/2016)
Since She Went Away is a crime solving story that takes place in current time. For the reader who likes mysteries that are not that challenging in terms of language and philosophy, this would be an ideal choice. I can't see this as the type of book that would be great for a book club discussion as it is not cerebral in any way. The story is easy to read and I read it lying on the hammock in a couple of days. There are no lawyers or courtroom scenes, just a story about a missing woman and the people who tried to find out what happened to her.
The Sound of Gravel: A Memoir
by Ruth Wariner
Quick and Interesting (11/30/2015)
This book is obviously autobiographical to some point. The main character is a very likable girl who has to deal with a family that is heavily entrenched in polygamy. The writing is clear and concise, not concerned too much with description or flowery language.
Some things I learned: Polygamy is considered by its adherents to be a religious obligation and has very strict rules, all of which benefit male members of the community.
Girls are not encouraged to be educated and are encouraged to be subservient to males. Men frequently sexually abuse their step daughters without consequence. The poverty that exists due to the enormous number of wives and children produces families who live on welfare and pay no taxes.
The book gives much anecdotal information about what its like to grow up in a polygamist culture and how destructive it is to children and women.
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis: The Untold Story
by Barbara Leaming
Daunting Task. (10/31/2014)
Writing about such an icon as Jackie Kennedy has to be a thankless job. So many opinions and an almost religious adoration of the Kennedys -- writing about them takes a lot of guts.. I'm sure anyone who reads the book (and it's a really interesting read) will find it worthwhile.
For me, I could not find anyone in the book likable. That includes Jack, Jackie, their friends, acquaintances, family…
Of course there is no argument that her situation was horrendous. But her elitist, self-entitled attitude deflated my opinion of her. Her cheating husband and her own relationships with everyone seemed always self-serving and devoid of anything except self interest.
If the book is accurate, it is not the post-traumatic stress syndrome that grabs me (although I don't feel that is proven ) but the lifestyle that these people lived. I am a Kennedy lover and am disappointed to know these things about them.
The Guilty One
by Lisa Ballantyne
Clever writing. (9/10/2014)
This book is easy to read but intricate in design. I like a book with an interesting plot, that develops the characters though their story. I felt that the characters were believable and understandable. I don't feel it is quite on the level of Defending Jacob, but if you liked that book, you will like this one.
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