As others have pointed out, this is a novel of obsession and hope, connections that span generations, a mystery with a satisfactory explanation. WhitaAs others have pointed out, this is a novel of obsession and hope, connections that span generations, a mystery with a satisfactory explanation. Whitaker does a great job in presenting characters and situations that are original and worth the time to read....more
The author has taken the idea for this page turner from interviews with people who routinely climb into passenger jets for a living, by asking them whThe author has taken the idea for this page turner from interviews with people who routinely climb into passenger jets for a living, by asking them what to them is the worst situation that could happen during a flight. The characters themselves, on the ground and in the air, are therefore quite stock whereas the situation itself is truly chilling. A good sorbet....more
Willy Vlautin writes in a spare style that hits through to the bone. His characters, even the minor ones, share a grace and strength causing a reader Willy Vlautin writes in a spare style that hits through to the bone. His characters, even the minor ones, share a grace and strength causing a reader to root for them even as they act deplorably. Here we have a talented musician/songwriter who has never gotten over his demons and finds himself in the Nevada desert with a helpless, blind horse at his doorstep, and the overwhelming need to help it even while doubting its very existence. This audio version gains even more weight by being read in Vlautin's own voice....more
This is a fine conclusion to the trilogy Attica Locke began with Bluebird Bluebird. Darren Matthews, flawed protagonist of all three novels, is believThis is a fine conclusion to the trilogy Attica Locke began with Bluebird Bluebird. Darren Matthews, flawed protagonist of all three novels, is believable as a former Texas Ranger who discovers the truth about his family and life while investigating the disappearance of a black college student who had been a member of a southern belle sorority. We can only hope that Attica Locke finds another character to build a series around as fine as this one....more
Read in his own voice, this generous memoir follows a life and brings a family to life sometimes with searing intimacy. Having read other first personRead in his own voice, this generous memoir follows a life and brings a family to life sometimes with searing intimacy. Having read other first person accounts of the Dunne family's pain with regard to the slap-on-the-wrist handed down to his beloved sister's murderer, it was nonetheless painful hearing it from his point of view. Her loss is all the more poignant when learning of his introduction to her when her birth seemed a miracle, even more painful when reminded of the promise she showed so cruelly cut short. It makes the pain he shows in his character in This is Us even more pertinent....more
This is an audio version of the 2021 edition of Transit of Venus, originally published by a master of English composition, Shirley Hazzard. Although IThis is an audio version of the 2021 edition of Transit of Venus, originally published by a master of English composition, Shirley Hazzard. Although I read it over 30 years ago, this edition read by Juliet Stephens adds depth and furthers my appreciation of Hazzard's craft. There is an enlightening forward by Lauren Groff, who counts it as one of her favorite novels, a perfect novel, and who has read it at least 4 times, adding her insights. Also, at the end, a real treat. Chapter 3 read by Ms. Hazzard herself. ...more
First read 20 years ago, this was my introduction to the luminous, startling prose of Elizabeth Strout, and when I heard it was the choice of a book cFirst read 20 years ago, this was my introduction to the luminous, startling prose of Elizabeth Strout, and when I heard it was the choice of a book club I was attending for the first time, I was reluctant since I'd read everything she'd written since, knew what eventually became of the lead characters, and felt it would be repetitive. Not so. The writing is so good, the situations so original, the characters (even those that are secondary) so well rounded, that I felt as if reading it for the first time....more
This really didn't work for me even as a sorbet. After a promising beginning in which the narrator shows evidence of being a complicated character, shThis really didn't work for me even as a sorbet. After a promising beginning in which the narrator shows evidence of being a complicated character, she devolved into damsel in distress without much color to keep her interesting. And there's a storm, and a purported treasure, and wicked sisters, and oh my, SECRETS. And revelations that shock EVERYONE.
I guess I'm just getting cranky and need more to my thrillers than just the cliched elements....more
Celebrants is immersive and hanging on the structure of The Big Chill in that it chronicles strong friendships forged in college. These five Berkeley Celebrants is immersive and hanging on the structure of The Big Chill in that it chronicles strong friendships forged in college. These five Berkeley graduates gather at a Big Sur dreamhome and form a pact to convene and attend their own funerals when needed. All the characters are sharply drawn, the situations somewhat boilerplate, but a fun read nonetheless....more
Devastating. There is no word in any language for the loss of a child by a parent. There is widow, widower, orphan. But not when the natural order is Devastating. There is no word in any language for the loss of a child by a parent. There is widow, widower, orphan. But not when the natural order is upended. Diane Foley not only lost a son in the most horrific way possible, but met the man face to face who had perpetrated the deed. Jim Foley was a journalist, a seeker of truth who felt it imperative to inform the American people what was happening in Syria and of the actions of Isis when he and a number of other reporters were captured and taken hostage. After 18 months of grueling captivity, Jim was murdered publicly. This brave book, written ten years after those events, portrays Diane's story, how the family coped and how she became an activist, establishing a foundation bearing her son's name that fights for American hostages held abroad. In the audible version, Jamie Lee Curtis reads Diane's words, evoking the passion and in some instances outrage she experienced. Highly recommended but with caution....more
Anyone who has had the pleasure of reading Tana French knows what to expect, and here she continues with Cal Hooper, seeking quiet life after his careAnyone who has had the pleasure of reading Tana French knows what to expect, and here she continues with Cal Hooper, seeking quiet life after his career as a Chicago detective by moving to a small Irish community and finding life there is as challenging and dangerous as in a big city. Add in the deleterious effects of climate change, some increasingly complex characters, many twists to the plot, all adding up to a fully immersive read....more
Taking the witty title from a favorite game featured on The Price Is Right, Martin Clark once again lives up to the comparisons to John Grisham. A legTaking the witty title from a favorite game featured on The Price Is Right, Martin Clark once again lives up to the comparisons to John Grisham. A legal thriller with the characters we've come to expect from him, insider knowledge of legal shenanigans, and the possibility of decency compromised. Plus an adorable dog. ...more
Entertaining. I admit to impatience since it seemed to go on and on beyond every seemingly possible stopping point, but I chose it as a sorbet, and inEntertaining. I admit to impatience since it seemed to go on and on beyond every seemingly possible stopping point, but I chose it as a sorbet, and in that category, it succeeded. Also liked the parts narrated by Dan Stevens, a favorite as an actor (if not a Booker judge)....more
On the plus side, The Women is a fictionalized story presenting the vital role of women as nurses during the Vietnam War, a subject that hasn't been dOn the plus side, The Women is a fictionalized story presenting the vital role of women as nurses during the Vietnam War, a subject that hasn't been dealt with in such a far reaching manner. A young nurse suffering from PTSD upon her return is denied help from the US Government and is met with the statement that there were no women in Vietnam while she was living proof disputing that. Respect is given to these women who served as nurses and in other capacities, such as Donut Dollies.
On the negative side, there were far too many soap suds for my taste. And further, my big bugaboo when it comes to this type of novel, waayyyy too much description of every article of clothing, hairstyle, and food. I realize these details appeal to some readers, but they slow me down, annoy me. I was glad I was reading it audibly because overall it was worth it, but would probably given up if I'd been reading a print version....more
Another in the Vera Stanhope series, which I admit I'm reading out of sequence and find that I'm familiar enough with the Vera character that it doesnAnother in the Vera Stanhope series, which I admit I'm reading out of sequence and find that I'm familiar enough with the Vera character that it doesn't really make a difference. Ann Cleeves is such a deft writer and storyteller that the reader's interest is held from the first page straight through all the twists to the very end....more
I know that giving this a five star rating is a bit over the top, but I did so because I chose the audio version. Alex Jennings, narrator, delivers, aI know that giving this a five star rating is a bit over the top, but I did so because I chose the audio version. Alex Jennings, narrator, delivers, and how. Perhaps it wouldn't have held me as much had I read a print version, but the witty, bitchy audio version was just my cup of tea....more
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