“Academics were not intellectuals; they were not curious, they built their stolid tents of specialized knowledge and stayed securely in them.” ― Chima“Academics were not intellectuals; they were not curious, they built their stolid tents of specialized knowledge and stayed securely in them.” ― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Americanah
My review will not be as long as the book. LOL. I did enjoy Americanah.
I read through some reviews and this seems to be a love it or hate it type of book. For me, I am in between. I liked it and think of it as a solid 4 star read. I did not love it to distraction though nor did I hate it. My feelings about it are more shades of gray.
Things I liked:
I loved reading about Ifemelu and Obinz. I found both their stories to be compelling and at no point did I want to put the book down..and that is saying something because it is a pretty big book!
I found the story to be compelling and sad and very haunting in some aspects. It was written so very well and a rich tapestry of characters were woven. And it is a great book to talk about. There are books that once you finish you do not think about again and this was not one of those.
What I did not like so much:
I think it could have been shortened just a tad. There were times it got a bit much and several times I thought it was about to end when it wasn't.
I kind of got sick of all the blog postings as well. Not at first and not all of them but I will admit, as the book went on I had to skim some of the blog postings. I have spoken to people about this book who did the same thing.
I found the main character to be a little..dare I say it..judgmental .I mean after awhile, as an American, reading about her ruminations on American culture, I did say to myself "it sounds like she hates all of us". I realize that is not the case but I really had to fight hard against my own judgments. But then again I guess that is what a good book makes you do.
So in closing..this was a really good book and I am glad I read it but I would not count it among my favorites....more
“I've come to believe that how we choose to live with pain, or injustice, or death....is the true measure of the Divine within us.” ― Alan Brennert, M“I've come to believe that how we choose to live with pain, or injustice, or death....is the true measure of the Divine within us.” ― Alan Brennert, Moloka'i
I did not know anything about Leprosy or it's history before reading this book.
SPOILERS:
It's a heart breaking book and there is alot of darkness and loss throughout. It is also on the long side. I had a difficult time finishing it, not because it was not good but because it was so long and was not really what I was looking for at the time. But it was on my to read list so I decided to do it.
I did enjoy the book and feel like I learned alot which is great. It was not a book I adored and it was not one I immediately got involved in either. I may read this again at a later time and do feel it would make a great read for Historical Fiction lovers....more
"She'd run the distance of several cottages when she stopped short. Had it really been a baby? Could it have been a doll, perhaps? She looked back ove"She'd run the distance of several cottages when she stopped short. Had it really been a baby? Could it have been a doll, perhaps? She looked back over her shoulder. Yes, she was certain it had been a real, human baby".
Summer's Child by Diane Chamberlain
First, might I say..wonderful cover art! I would give a star for that alone!
That being said I didn't like this as much as I expected although it was an interesting read all the same. It was not as ethereal as I expected.
But it has several good points to recommend it.
It is an easy and fast beach side reading which isn't a bad thing. And I enjoyed reading about the mysterious baby on the beach and the family who takes her in.
It also takes place on North Carolina's outer banks.The setting is spectacular. This is perhaps the perfect light summer read. It is engrossing.
I would say this is a pretty quick read and it was just a bit to "cozy" for me and more of a romance novel, in my mind, then a really tense mystery.
But that being said, it is a solid three star read and is absolutely not a bad book.
“Why is it they say you always hurt the ones you love? Because you know exactly how to do it.” ― Eileen Cook, With Malice
I just love the cover for thi“Why is it they say you always hurt the ones you love? Because you know exactly how to do it.” ― Eileen Cook, With Malice
I just love the cover for this one. It makes me want to go to Italy. Rome..Amalfi...yes.
So this is a mystery along the same lines, (to an extent) as The Dangerous Girls. But it has it's own style as well.
The plot concerns Jill who has amnesia. She wakes up in hospital. She cannot remember anything and is horrified to find out her best friend is dead..and she is being looked at as the prime suspect.
All of this story takes place in the hospital, as Jill fights to regain her memory and figure out what happened. She had gone on vacation to Italy with her friend..and like with Dangerous Girls, their friendship was complicated.
It is impossible..for me anyway..to read this and NOT be reminded of Dangerous girls..the plot is so similar. Yet there are important differences as well. Throughout the story we, the readers do not know if Jill is an unreliable narrator or not and part of the fun is not knowing what will happen next.
Also you would think a book that takes place in a hospital would be depressing but it is not. I quite enjoyed this story. I would not rank it anywhere near as good as Dangerous girls although that is my personal preference talking. But this book does not slap you with a plot twist in the way Dangerous girls does.
I think many people will want to read this, particularly if you have a passion for mysteries. Also if you liked Dangerous girls you will most likely like this although as I said, there is not the twisted element in this nearly as much.
In short..3.5 stars rounded up to four for a fun, interesting piece of great quality writing....more
“The frail letters on the first page were barely legible; they looked like whispers, if whispers had form.” ― Susan Meissner, The Shape of Mercy
I love“The frail letters on the first page were barely legible; they looked like whispers, if whispers had form.” ― Susan Meissner, The Shape of Mercy
I love that quote. If this book had a form, I have no doubt its form would be beautiful.
For me, this book is a five. It’s haunting and tragic and just so Marvelous and seamless in its writing.
This book is about Lauren and Abilgail, a journal and the Salem Witch trials. It moved from the present to the past and back again. I couldn’t put this book down.
Both ladies were interesting characters, the story was fascinating and I finished it in a night.
I loved reading the journal entries and I think the Historical aspects interested me more then what was happening in the present.
The book was obviously very well researched and eerie to read but hauntingly beautiful nonetheless.
I adored the character of Mercy. It's kind of difficult to read because you know what ultimately is going to happen to her but I could not tear my eyes away from the pages.
5 stars. A beautiful and well written book....more
"As she sipped each one, an unmistakable color came to mind-different for each juice-and she finally understood the watercolor apple portraits above t"As she sipped each one, an unmistakable color came to mind-different for each juice-and she finally understood the watercolor apple portraits above the fireplace". ― Amy E. Reichert, The Simplicity of Cider
3.5 stars.
Who doesn't love Cider? And that is what this book is all about!
I enjoyed this sweet story about a young woman struggling to keep her family's cider farm in business while falling in love with the new guy in town who lends a helping hand.
This isn't my usual sort of book but there is a sweetness here that just calls out to you. And through the book there is a yearning quality that frankly kind of brought me back to childhood. It is not my favorite book in the world but it is a sweetly told nostalgic read.
I also happen to love Cider and Cider Farms. I am from New England and Cider is a big deal here. I would say this is a good "in between" book. If one is sick of all the dark reads..and in my case there are many of those...this is a sweet read that will transport you to the cider farm which in this book's case is actually in Wisconsin.
I think I have used the word sweet three times! But that is seriously what comes to mind in regards to this book. That is not to imply there are not some sad and tragic happenings..there are.
But it is a warm and uncomplicated book and you will most likely fall in love with these fun characters as well as learning quite alot about what goes into cider making. 3.5 stars and I'd recommend....more
"Oh no, it's really no big deal. I should probably do more for you, but my friends..." I pointed back to the club with "you are a good soul," he said.
"Oh no, it's really no big deal. I should probably do more for you, but my friends..." I pointed back to the club with my free hand, feeling ashamed for even associating with my heartless companions.
His smile was tender as he squeezed my hand. "Your kindness will not go unnoticed".
True Colors (The Masks, #1) by Melissa Pearl
In this YA novel, Caitlyn has been given the power to read minds. To see behind peoples' exterior and deep into the recesses of their brains..what they are thinking, how they are hurting. She sees their good sides..and the bad as well.
She can do this after a random and mystical meeting with an old homeless man. How, though, will she use her new power?
I found this to be an interesting read. First off, the cover art is magnificent, among the best. And it is such a cool premise. I mean..how would I handle it if I were in this situation? How would you?
In spite of the good, there were a few things I did not like. It was a bit to YA for me and I did not like the beginning which has a romantic scene that put me off. I have no issue with sex scenes, romantic scenes but to start the book off with one before I knew who anyone was kind of made it tough.
This is also part of a series but I have not gone on to read the others in the series.
I think for people who like YA with a bit of romance and magical realism this would be a perfect fit. I did not love it but I didn't dislike it either. It is very unique and that is always a good thing....more
“Isolated, she managed somehow to feel free—albeit with a freedom that made her want to smash a hole in the very center of the universe.” ― Flora Rhet“Isolated, she managed somehow to feel free—albeit with a freedom that made her want to smash a hole in the very center of the universe.” ― Flora Rheta Schreiber, Sybil: The Classic True Story of a Woman Possessed by Sixteen Personalities
Unforgettable story that drew me in. This is a true story.
Sybil supposedly had many different personalities and in this book, you meet them all. I know controversy exists today as to whether this really happened or not.
All I can say is that my mom used to work with MPD'S. (Multiple Personality Disorders). They are real. I cannot say with assurance that Sybil was one of them but the book is fascinating whether you choose to believe it or not.
My mom worked with many MPD'S and there is the school of thought out there now that this is a real illness. I'd encourage everyone to read this for themselves and make up their own mind. regardless of where you come down on the issue it is a fascinating read....more
“Stupid people rarely want to hear the truth.” ― Karen White, The Night the Lights Went Out
4.5 stars.
Sweet Apple Georgia. Merilee and Sugar. Beautiful“Stupid people rarely want to hear the truth.” ― Karen White, The Night the Lights Went Out
4.5 stars.
Sweet Apple Georgia. Merilee and Sugar. Beautiful cover art. Great Southern Fiction writing. fantastic story. What's not to like?
This was only the second book I'd read by this author. I loved the first but was afraid this would not live up to what I wanted it to be. I need not have worried. Beautiful writing, unforgettable characters, languid and lovely prose and I felt like I was sitting on a front porch in Sweet Apple drinking Tea and listening to the characters interact. I adored this book.
I liked almost all the characters but as I am sure others have mentioned Sugar is the stand out. Karen White is a great writer. She can do mood, atmosphere, unforgettable characters and a riveting story. Highly recommended. Now onto another Karen White book.......more
“And have I not told you that what you mistake for madness is but over-acuteness of the sense?” ― Edgar Allan Poe, The Tell-Tale Heart
My favorite Poe.“And have I not told you that what you mistake for madness is but over-acuteness of the sense?” ― Edgar Allan Poe, The Tell-Tale Heart
My favorite Poe. A timeless delicious dinner with the menu items being insanity, darkness and chaos.
This book is really special to me. picked this book to do a report on in my college literature class.
It is one of the most unforgettable short stories. Scary as anything . And HAUNTING.
Everybody has their favorite Poe. This is mine.
I am sure most have read it but if not..do it now! A great little masterpiece and just writing this is making me want to read it all over again!...more
“It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon.” ― Sarah Addison Allen, First Frost
This book made me nostalgic. “It looked like the world was covered in a cobbler crust of brown sugar and cinnamon.” ― Sarah Addison Allen, First Frost
This book made me nostalgic. But I am not sure for what.
I think nostalgic for something like Chocolate Milk and a warm fire and day dreaming and apple bobbing, cider and sitting with my mom and dad musing about whatever. Also more Chocolate milk, cupcakes, cake frosting, long cool nights, the smell of freshly cut grass, plans and trees and feeling free and like you can conquer..anything. All while siting inside your house sipping coffee and dreaming.
I do not know if what I said made any sense but that is all that I felt reading "First Frost" a book that has now landed on my "favorites" list..forever. It made me smile, it made me cry and it made me yearn.
I adored reading about the Waverley family whom I instantly related to and I cannot think of one iota of anything that was not pure delight in First Frost.
Interesting that I have not read the first installment. I found out about First Frost through a Goodreads friend but the first one is on my to be read list. This one can be read as a stand along however.
This book is for all the yearners and the dreamers and lovers of stories charm and magical realism, that make you remember the classics from years ago like Little Women and just make you smile.
Oh..I am also in love with the sassy little apple tree....more
Great story. This is one I read as a kid and I saw the film as well. This was so much fun and I wish..really wish..there was more then one other revieGreat story. This is one I read as a kid and I saw the film as well. This was so much fun and I wish..really wish..there was more then one other review because it's a great story about a Suburban family who decides to pack up and move into the Wilderness.
Ever had the urge to do that? I have wanderlust so I sure have. This is a fun, all around well written terrific read and you do not have to be a kid to enjoy it. Just let the sweeping wilderness take you away..highly recommended. This is an excellent book....more
“Sometimes you do find what you're looking for closer than you think” ― Ann Howard Creel, The Magic of Ordinary Days
This was a beautiful exploration o“Sometimes you do find what you're looking for closer than you think” ― Ann Howard Creel, The Magic of Ordinary Days
This was a beautiful exploration of love and self. I read this because I had previously seen the movie which was outstanding. It's rare when a movie does a book justice but this one did. And I read the book AFTER seeing the Hallmark film.
I liked the character of Olivia. It was wonderful to watch her emotional growth throughout the book. The relationship between the two main characters felt so real and the book does not take any shortcuts. It's a poignant read filled with lush descriptive writing of the characters and their surroundings in a sleepy Colorado town.
The friendships depicted here are realistic and there is just nothing here that I did not love. I kind of wish I'd read the book BEFORE seeing the movie but it was still a wonderful and stirring read anyway and I highly recommend it to all Historical Romance fans....more
Stunning coffee table book and a love letter to beautiful New England.
The photos featured here are exquisite and as a child of New England myself it iStunning coffee table book and a love letter to beautiful New England.
The photos featured here are exquisite and as a child of New England myself it is so lovely to look at these lovely and tranquil landscapes. Could not ask for a more wonderful look at these great states. ...more
" Too young to attend the annual—and only—ball the royal family hosted, Azalea and her ten younger sisters gathered all the blankets and cloaks and sh" Too young to attend the annual—and only—ball the royal family hosted, Azalea and her ten younger sisters gathered all the blankets and cloaks and shawls from the palace and hid outside the ballroom windows. Azalea remembered the frigid air, how the rosebushes scratched, and how they had to huddle together for warmth. The ballroom radiated gold through the frozen panes. The girls pressed their noses on the glass and oohed at the dancers, especially Mother, who danced like an angel."
Entwined by Heather Dixon Wallwork
Entwined, for those who have never heard of this one, is a retelling of the classic Fairy Take, "The twelve dancing princesses". And the story is as luscious as the cover art.
This was not my first quest to read a retelling of this story. I had first read "Princes of the Midnight Ball" but did not care for it. It was way to YA, light and nothing happened for much of the book.
Not so this one! It is a bit darker than the formerly mentioned one and that was exactly what I was seeking. It pays homage to the original while still making the modern version a charming, engaging story while also incorporating a wee bit of darkness. It had just the right degree of darkness while still losing none of the mystique of the original story
It was an enthralling retelling. I think what I liked best was the pace. It's the perfect length, did not bore me and was much fun to read.
I also like that the sisters all had differences to them and not one character just faded into the woodwork. I almost did not read this because I was so let d own by the other one I'd read but I am glad I gave this a try and if you like different takes on classic Fairy Tales, I'd highly recommend Entwined.
Short book covering Franklin Roosevelt's boyhood. A great starter book and when I read it, it was available in my school's library. Glad to find it afShort book covering Franklin Roosevelt's boyhood. A great starter book and when I read it, it was available in my school's library. Glad to find it after all these years. It is short, only about fifty or so pages but well written and one of the first Bios I ever read in my life. I do not know if schools still feature this book but I hope so....more
Bren fall in love with the sea.
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