I have been reading it for over a year. I love Erik Larson. He is my favorite author of nonfiction. He writesThis has been one of my in-between books.
I have been reading it for over a year. I love Erik Larson. He is my favorite author of nonfiction. He writes books that just grab me as well as teach me something new.
He takes history and makes it so fascinating, as if the real people I am reading are characters in a fiction story. And what I mean by that is simply, nonfiction isn’t always easy to read – it can be dry and well, so filled with filler facts sometimes, you wonder if you can get through the page.
Not with Erik Larson. Larson has a special talent which allows him to engage a reader and leave them satisfied.
And with this book, he definitely does not disappoint.
About the book:
‘On Winston Churchill's first day as prime minister, Adolf Hitler invaded Holland and Belgium. Poland and Czechoslovakia had already fallen, and the Dunkirk evacuation was just two weeks away. For the next twelve months, Hitler would wage a relentless bombing campaign, killing 45,000 Britons. It was up to Churchill to hold his country together and persuade President Franklin Roosevelt that Britain was a worthy ally--and willing to fight to the end.’
Larson masterfully takes us back in time in uniquely human terms – gives us the personal and political drama at the same time which includes the tragedies of war, love, family, friends, colleagues, infidelity, divorce, and relationship frictions.
The storytelling is magnificent. And yes, even though it took me over a year to read it, it could have been a spectacular page turning book – but, I chose to page-turn it slowly so I could take it all in... in-between my other books I was reading throughout this past year.
History, after all, World War II history specifically, is a lot to take in, and this one year in time (the year this book takes in) was brilliantly observed through Larsen’s lenses. I recommend it highly....more
There is always a risk an author takes when they decide to write historical fiction based on real persons.
Why?
Because...
The question becomes what is There is always a risk an author takes when they decide to write historical fiction based on real persons.
Why?
Because...
The question becomes what is truly fiction and what is fact?
And...
How much is to be believed and how much can be fictionalized without taking away from the story.
Consider this...
It appears that the author wanted us to get to know Betty Gow, the Lindbergh nanny.
And...
She has done a relatively good job in helping us as readers to understand her, and to know what it must have felt like for her to come to love Charlie the child, as well as feel the grief and loss of him.
But...
She also experienced the suspicion of the world of possibly being involved in his kidnapping. We as readers feel this as we step through each page and watch the world respond to Betty.
And...
The author has also done a good job of giving us some insights into who could have helped Bruno Hauptmann (the one eventually tried and convicted and electrocuted for his kidnap and murder).
Because...
As a reader, we are given a sense that he couldn’t have done it alone.
Could he?
And...
What of Lindbergh? What of his character?
Yes, this is fiction, but…again, I go back to my original question – what is truly fiction and what is fact?
Take time to read the author’s note at the end....more
Family is complicated. So we find family in other ways.
There is a feeling of sadness as we learn so much aboutCharming.
Magical realism at its best.
Family is complicated. So we find family in other ways.
There is a feeling of sadness as we learn so much about some of the characters and how they find their way to and from Mallow Island.
The characters we come to follow, their backgrounds have a sense of mystery that we want to unravel and understand. A ghostliness hangs around the courtyard garden they inhabit and the birds fly and have their own personalities.
There are stories here – we want to know them – care – and find resolution.
And... This keeps us engaged and enchanted until the last page.
And...We, as readers, are not disappointed....more
I fear I have a love/hate relationship with this author’s books. Either I love them or I hate them. There doesn’t seem to be an in-between.
Sometimes I fear I have a love/hate relationship with this author’s books. Either I love them or I hate them. There doesn’t seem to be an in-between.
Sometimes her books are cliché and sometimes they rock you. This one, I believe will rock you. And thus, in this case, I love this book.
Not adored by all her reviewers, it is understandable why some may have turned on her.
Inspired by the film, ‘Same Time, Next Year’ we have Mallory and Jake who are committed to seeing each other every Labor Day weekend over the next 28 summers. What happens in-between those years defines them, and what happens outside of that time engages us as readers. We wonder why they would choose this for themselves – is it real? Is it love? Is it sustainable?
As a reader we have to ask ourselves – does it matter, if it makes us cry, laugh, swoon, feel such emotions, too?
There is something to love about the characters, even if you may not agree with what they are doing, you can’t help but want the best for them as you follow them through the years. Or do you?
And, that might be where reviewers get tough with the author. Who knows?
Is it the political side story – or something more?
Personally, I felt engaged. I wanted to know what was going to happen. Especially when the prologue took us to such an unusual emotional place. The supporting characters are interesting too and provide a dynamic to the storyline, as well. I experienced a gamut of emotions – many that don’t need to be identified – I think anyone who attempts this book, will discover them on their own.
But one thing is certain – the author got me to want to read this book, all the way through. I’ll be interested to learn what you think, too....more
I read this in 2018, and brought this review to Goodreads in 2022. For some reason it just lingered here. I am now updating its shelves. Hopefully nowI read this in 2018, and brought this review to Goodreads in 2022. For some reason it just lingered here. I am now updating its shelves. Hopefully now, you can see it and tell me what you think.
“Sometimes we tell our stories and sometimes our stories tell us.”
The Book Shop at Water’s End is a quiet, engaging, atmospheric look at friendship, forgiveness, and second chances.
The story is told from different points of view and alternates between the present and the past.
The writing is beautiful and character-driven.
The story takes place in Water's End, which is a beautifully described town in the South close to the ocean. And of course, the original attraction to the story for me was the setting of a Book Shop in town.
This novel was a warm, inviting read bringing women together for what we do best - supporting each other. Woven throughout the book is the mystery of a mother’s disappearance that kept me intrigued, though the conclusion left me with mixed feelings. I’m not sure I accept the reasoning behind it. Maybe....more
This was a British spy thriller with a female protagonist that kept this reader interested.
A page turning thrill ride with dark corners, kick action This was a British spy thriller with a female protagonist that kept this reader interested.
A page turning thrill ride with dark corners, kick action and just enough human connection to know that maybe this could be a series worth following (if it became one)....more
This isn’t just another story about an international Nazi art stolen masterpiece scandal.
There is more to this book, when an investigative journalistThis isn’t just another story about an international Nazi art stolen masterpiece scandal.
There is more to this book, when an investigative journalist and his tireless assistant, Jules head out to find a missing painting.
We are treated to history, family secrets, European settings, a fast-paced mystery, and a seriously twisted bad guy character that keeps this story moving.
Lots of interesting characters add to gripping moments of intrigue and suspense....more
At its core, this novel is a story of slavery. But it also is magical realism.
But...
It is still depicts shameful injustice, horrific treatment of huAt its core, this novel is a story of slavery. But it also is magical realism.
But...
It is still depicts shameful injustice, horrific treatment of human beings, the Underground transporting of people to freedom in the south of the 1860s.
Even with this basis in reality, as a fiction story, it is imaginative, lyrical and richly descriptive.
Still...
I cannot lie. As historical fiction, it will be profoundly traumatic, heartbreaking, and moving storytelling that will be haunting...
But...
A necessary retelling of American history, nonetheless.
This author, however, does it with compassion....more
He is an English novelist and screenwriter who specializes in mystery and suspense.
He is well known for sucI am a long time fan of Anthony Horowitz.
He is an English novelist and screenwriter who specializes in mystery and suspense.
He is well known for such series as Foyle’s War, New Blood, Midsomer Murder; and, Agatha Christie’s Poirot to name a few.
The estate of Arthur Conan Doyle asked him to be the writer of two Sherlock Holmes novels. I read The House of Silk a while back. (Yes, I loved it!) Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Ian Fleming estate commissioned Horowitz to write three James Bond novels – one called Trigger Mortis which was released in 2015.
He is also well known for the Alex Rider spy series for teenagers in which the first major motion picture, Stormbreaker was released in 2006.
Needless to say, Mr. Horowitz is mega-talented, and this latest book, Magpie Murders published in 2016 is one of the most unique murder mysteries I have ever read. And now it is a 6 part series on BritBox.
“Why is it that we have such a need for murder mystery,” asks Susan Ryeland, the narrator of Magpie Murders, “and what is it that attracts us — the crime or the solution? Do we have some primal need of bloodshed because our own lives are so safe, so comfortable?” “I don’t understand it,” says one character. “All these murders on TV — you’d think people would have better things to do with their time.”
Consider this sentence from the story:
“I grew up on Agatha Christie and when I’m on a plane or on a beach there’s nothing I’d rather read than a whodunit. I’ve watched every episode of Poirot and Midsomer Murders on TV. I never guess the ending and I can’t wait for the moment when the detective gathers all the suspects in the room and, like a magician conjuring silk scarves out of the air, makes the whole thing make sense.”
The combination of reverence and irreverence makes the book irresistible for those of us with mixed emotions about our crime-fiction addiction.
This novel is a whodunit within a whodunit!
Mr. Horowitz makes gleeful use of the Agatha Christie format by creating a 1950s mystery within another mystery, set in contemporary London.
This is a fiendishly plotted crime novel, with a fabulous twist.
Time reviewer Sarah Begley said, “With its elegant yet playful plotting, Magpie Murders is the thinking mystery fan’s ideal thriller.” I agree.
So, have I peaked your interest in this book? I hope so. Or head over to BritBox, too......more
Okay, let me first start by admitting that I am a fan girl of Cary Grant, and that is why I wanted to read this book. Which means that I am dating mysOkay, let me first start by admitting that I am a fan girl of Cary Grant, and that is why I wanted to read this book. Which means that I am dating myself.
But…
In all fairness, when I was “introduced” to Cary Grant, I was a little girl at the time.
And…
I grew fond of the black and white noir feel of old Hollywood romance movies.
And who wouldn’t love Cary Grant. The ultimate gentleman.
So, when this book came out, I was curious. What did the author mean by his title?
But before I begin…
Let me just say, I read this over a year ago, and I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
Eyman wants us to know that Cary Grant is a made-up man. Starting with his accent. For us Americans, it may sound British. But, like everything about him, as far as Eyman is concerned from his extensive research, Grant has done a job of re-creating himself by collecting bits and pieces, here and there. Wherever that may be that he picked them up.
He may have started as Archie Leach, in Horfield, Bristol, United Kingdom, but dealing with a roving, alcoholic father and an unsettled mother that eventually was committed to an asylum didn’t give him any sense of stability. He actually was told she died, and he never learned otherwise until he was already a famous movie star.
He eventually escaped his childhood by joining a traveling acrobats’ troupe and ended up in America. And then he ended up in Hollywood. Obviously I am skipping a lot of steps here.
I don’t need to go in to his extensive resume. I was more interested again in the title of this book, and the meaning behind it for the author.
And this is where we get into the gossip. The gossip that dogged Grant’s life. Of course, (or maybe this wasn’t obvious), his sex life was always in question. But the studios were wonderful about protecting their stars. This wouldn’t be the case with today’s social media.
So, the big question became was he homosexual? According to his third wife, Betsy Drake, “why would I believe that Cary was homosexual when we were busy”…
(I will let your imagination take you where you determine what they were busy doing.)
Eyman was sure that there was enough evidence to suggest Grant was probably more bi or gay than straight.
So, I guess I got my answer about the book’s title in one regard, which really doesn’t matter one way or another. Cary Grant still was an amazing icon of an actor.
Still…
There is more between these pages. And if you are also a fan of Cary Grant, this might be an interesting read for you, as well. Because there was more to the made-up man and how he came to create his image.
It’s better for readers to read that part for themselves....more
This is one of my in-between books. What is an in-between book you ask?
For me, it is a book of short stories thDid you ever have an in-between book?
This is one of my in-between books. What is an in-between book you ask?
For me, it is a book of short stories that you read in-between the “other” books.
So, I have been reading this book for months. A short story here and there. When I needed a break in-between the novels.
And now that I have finished it, I feel a sense of sadness, somewhat – like I am saying good bye to a dear old friend.
I love Miss Marple. She is truly like an old friend.
Someone you want to go to who will give you all sorts of advice, especially when someone drops dead in the neighborhood and you want to find out who did it – and she just has all sorts of ways of figuring out how it has been done – even if she hasn’t even stepped foot on the premises.
Pure logic.
Just give her the details of the “story” and she will apply her logic and come up with the culprit.
Of course, there is always a lot of town gossip to fill in the blanks – and everyone wants to tell Miss Marple everything – so that helps, too.
You just can’t underestimate this “old lady.”
I particularly loved how the beginning of the first short stories started.
Each person at a gathering would describe a mystery that the others should guess the resolution to (I guessed the perpetrator in most cases).
I found myself laughing repeatedly at Miss Marple busily knitting away, then quietly explaining her rationale and correct assessment of who had committed whatever act described.
Anyway, I loved spending time with her these past few months, and I am truly going to miss her....more
I bought this book at a bookstore in Idaho in September 2019 on my very last RV trip visiting my sisThis has been the ultimate in-between story book.
I bought this book at a bookstore in Idaho in September 2019 on my very last RV trip visiting my sister.
It is meaningful in two ways.
One, because it became our last RV trip before selling the RV.
And two, because this is the first book that took me over a year to finish.
And to be quite honest, the last story within the book which was supposed to bring it all together, I had to abandon, because it went to such outrageous places (in my opinion). I just couldn’t keep up with it. (Even so, that doesn't take away from this being a beautiful story. - I know... - disappointed - and beautiful!)
Still, I want to go back to talking about this book.
I kept with it, as my in-between story book, because there was something special and unique about it that kept me returning to read it in-between other novels.
If you have a love of trees, you will come to appreciate them even more.
If you don’t understand the magic of trees just yet, you will come to after reading this story.
It is a brilliant and passionate book about humans and their relationship to trees and the natural environment in the first half of the book.
And...Written like short stories, nine characters (in the beginning of the book) are introduced separately with their tree story.
Also...Each story has their event and how the life of the character is changed by this event.
The environmental activism is obvious, and the author’s compassion and enthusiasm for the topic is obvious, but, how he brings it together in the last part of the book didn’t flow for me. (That is why my rating is lower.)
And...As I mentioned above, I gave up. Has anyone else felt differently?
I am curious about your reaction to this 500 page book....more
This starts off slowly, but if you stay with it - as a reader you will be rewarded.
Now, having said this, it did become clear to me the “who” eventuaThis starts off slowly, but if you stay with it - as a reader you will be rewarded.
Now, having said this, it did become clear to me the “who” eventually. But, the slow build and add on of each layer, where the author revealed secrets along the way, leaves the reader intrigued and wanting more.
This book became quite addictive, unexpected and a delicious mystery at the same time!
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