What a captivating story this was! The prose was breathtakingly beautiful and the whole story was, honestly hauntiSimply perfect . Added to favorites.
What a captivating story this was! The prose was breathtakingly beautiful and the whole story was, honestly haunting.
Now, here's the thing. I am not a fan of Fitzgerald's masterpiece, "Great Gatsby. " In fact, I didn't really like it that much at all. But Winter Dreams -- I honestly think was better although some will not agree.
A lot of people say it's about unrequited love, but it's so much more than that. First of course, as in Gatsby, we have a narrator. (narrators). "We' is used rather than "I". And the narration says this is not a biography of the protagonist's life, although I sort of felt that it was.
Dexter is his name and he falls in love young, with Judy. Judy is a shimmering fantasy, an enchantress, a muse, everything he ever wanted. He falls hard and fast.
Judy however is fly by night. She has many lovers and she is 100 percent anti-commitment. And how our protagonist agonizes! As he travels and has trysts with Judy through the years, he agonizes.
Amid a stunning backdrop of moonlight, water, starlight and outdoor smells and scenery that becomes it's own character, we see how he can't move on. He wants Judy and even though he knows she cannot and will not commit, he remains mesmerized.
But this whimsical and sadly haunting (yes, it's both) little story packs a huge punch. That's because of the dreams -- the Winter dreams.
He has an idea of how he wants his life to be like. The image is inside his brain and even though he's making lots of cash, and could do and be anyone, all he thinks about is his beloved Judy.
I think this book will speak to anyone who:
Has been hopelessly in love with anything, be it, person, passion, anything at all.
Ever experienced loss, where one thinks their life will go one way only to have it go another -- and can't let go of the old image, the moody winter's dream that hides in one's mind, saying "Don"t forget me. This is what I want my life to be!"
I LOVED this. It's sort of what I thought Gatsby would be and wasn't. I also will say frankly that this type of story line has never really appealed to me.
I did not like Gatsby. I did not like "Age of Innocence." I was not thrilled with "The sun also rises." I deeply disliked "Breakfast at Tiffany's."
All those books had the man fall in love with woman who can't commit plots.
But somehow, this little jewel of a book got into my soul. One of the best reads of the year for me. Seriously.
This is not a ten page short story but it isn't full length either.. It's about 50 or 60 pages.
I wholeheartedly recommend it , as it truly moved me, and these days finding a book that speaks to you in such a special way is a gift....more
It's written in such a fluid and transfixing way, ebbing and flowing with nautical delight, a mirage of lovely green, blue anThis story is like waves.
It's written in such a fluid and transfixing way, ebbing and flowing with nautical delight, a mirage of lovely green, blue and aqua prose and for fans of Greek Mythology, fans of stories that take place under the depths of the beautiful sea..this is YOUR book.
This is a prequel to the Medusa story which I haven't read yet. (Meant to get to it tonight but got caught up in the Superbowl.) I hope and think it will be as hauntingly ethereal as this gemstone of a story.
I should also say that I am a FANATIC about Greek Mythology -- always have been, since I was a child. I find Medusa fascinating and stumbled on this purely by chance on Amazon.
I'd been searching for classic Mythology, Mythological stories, plugging in different key words when this came up. So glad it did!
I shelved this as a classic because it IS. It's a MODERN classic that hopefully one day will be discovered by people who eat and breath Mythology.
The thing about this story is if you don't know when it was written one could easily think it was written 1,000 years ago.
This is a twist on the Medusa story and tells the ocean tale of what happens when Medusa is first born, her childhood, her family, siblings and parents, gently leading you into the novella, Medusa.
I plan on reading Medusa this week and will post a review when I do. Easily -- EASILY -- my favorite read of 2024 so far.
It leads you far and away, to another world, a world of sea people, Gods, Goddesses, a devoted mother, an intellectually curious daughter, all with the aquamarine waters as a backdrop, priming you, teasing you to want more which I absolutely do....more
“Painters, poets and philosophers have seen many things in the myth of Sisyphus. They have seen an image of the absurdity of human life, the futility “Painters, poets and philosophers have seen many things in the myth of Sisyphus. They have seen an image of the absurdity of human life, the futility of effort, the remorseless cruelty of fate, the unconquerable power of gravity. But they have seen too something of mankind’s courage, resilience, fortitude, endurance and self-belief. They see something heroic in our refusal to submit.” ― Stephen Fry, Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold
I have finished this book and it is the best of 2022 so far and likely will stay that way. I say this because this book is a masterpiece and has made it into my all time favorite list.
I was going to update my review but you know what? I like the way it stands.
I wrote my review as I read which I never do. But I did that with this one.
So, my review is below, unfiltered, comments and love for the book pouring forth from me. I just cannot bear to erase them. So that is my review below. And I say this again before I hit the "done" button. This is an absolute masterpiece.
All finished!
I am leaving the review below up which was written as I read.
But will be adding more thoughts soon -- as this book is now firmly in my top 10 of all time.
AND I found out -- there is a part two!!
Doing some quite different than I normally do -- editing my review as I read. I have to. This book is a masterpiece. Added to favorites and I'm only 50 % done!
I have not finished this book yet.
Proper review to follow once I do.
I have done something I've NEVER done before. I've rated a book and rated it 5 stars before finishing!
Have you ever done this?
I can't help it. I am enthralled. And I believe -- unless this book somehow takes a bad turn -- I will be labeling it under 'Favorite books."
I have always held an interest in Greek Mythology though I am by no means an expert.
I've read about these times -- and the beautiful, Mythical, compelling and captivating world of the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greek times - since I was little.
Reading this is like coming face to face with my childhood. It's like reaching back in time, to that simpler place of innocence, when one read purely for the joy and magnificence of the pages that danced in front of you.
I don't have that feeling of firsts much anymore. And I have desperately wanted to go back in time, to relive the time of the Olympians.
But never could I find a book about them to get lost in. Not in my adult years. Not like when I was in childhood.
Well - I am lost in the pages of this book. It has beguiled me, left me drowsy and drunk with awe, I am speechless at the magic in these pages.
I am deliberately reading slowly so as not to finish and have to say goodbye to soon.
Once I do, I might just go back and reread it all again!
It's been a stormy day, with strong winds and snow and ice. It's been a tough time psychologically too. But this book has made me smile. What a gift!
How lovely to find this enchanting compilation! And what a wonderful and loving tribute to these Gods and Goddesses and to this ageless, timeless era of beauty....more
"Groups and pairs and lone travelers, families on trips and the briefcased on business-different faces and different voices and different tones, all s"Groups and pairs and lone travelers, families on trips and the briefcased on business-different faces and different voices and different tones, all sizes and shapes and groups and colors strewn into a cacophony of unfiltered drones that leveled to a singular bridled commotion".
Glide by DWR II
Sometimes , when writing a review I will use the words "Gut punched" to describe how I felt about a certain book.
This was more like a body slam.
I really can't say to much. This is a slice of life short story about a meeting between two strangers at an airport. But it is so much more then that.
David Ridd is the name of the writer. Well..he made me cry. I may have just cried more then I have at some of the classics. You will know why if you read this story.
There are only two characters in it really. Well..also the airport. I have always ben fascinated by airports. I find them exciting and always have. As a frequent traveler with perpetual wander lust that I think I was born with, I've been at airports since before I could walk.
Everything about them I have found mysterious. And alluring. And I have had many a conversation with fellow travelers at these airports.
Nothing like the conversation in this story though. You know one is talented when, in the space of thirty or so pages, the characters become so real they jump off the page and speak to you. And you want to hug them because you know them.
If this is sounding all happy and dandy I do not mean it to. Bring Kleenex. And do not read if you are not prepared to be a bit shaken up. Actually more than a bit.
It is a beautiful story. It maybe the best short story I have ever read. I so want to talk about the ending but I guess I can't. I know how tempting it might be to look at the spoilers.
Can I just say I wanted something that did not happen? And I did not want something that did happen. So heartbreakingly beautiful.
“Love is an enchantress—devious and wild. It sneaks up behind you, soft and gentle and quiet, just before it slits your throat.” ― Shea Ernshaw, The W“Love is an enchantress—devious and wild. It sneaks up behind you, soft and gentle and quiet, just before it slits your throat.” ― Shea Ernshaw, The Wicked Deep
Wow.
The Wicked Deep has made it into my list of all time favorites. This is a book that is beguiling and eerie and just as haunting as its title and cover.
And Before I say anything else..the cover art for this book is exquisite. The Wicked Deep, which I finished a short time ago, was quite a read. It left me a bit in awe of this writer's talent as well as shaken up at the pure beauty of the writing.
This is what they mean when they say "poetry of words". The writing here is..well I do not even know how to describe it. It enamored me much as the Swan sisters enamored the men of Sparrow I suppose.
It is hard for me to label this book. It does not fit a certain genre. There is Mystery and folklore and History and supernatural and romance and Sirens and the sea. But at the end of the way, it is just a beautifully written deeply evocative book that you just get lost in.
So for a little backstory: Sparrow is an island in Oregon. An island that lives with a terrible torment.
In the year of 1822, the people of Sparrow murdered three of its residents. They were the beguiling Swan sisters, newcomers to the island. Beautiful, free spirited and happy, they enchanted everyone they met. Men adored them, women looked at them with suspicion. Until one day, they were branded as witches and drowned in the sea.
From that moment, a curse upon the town was started. The sisters would come back for several weeks every year starting in 1823. They would come back and for a short time become human again by each sister stealing a human body of one of the young girls of Sparrow temporarily.
Then they would each lure a young man of Sparrow out to open sea with them ,where he would drown. This is the revenge the sisters extract for their fate so many years before and this is what the town, bathed in sorrow and tragedy has come to accept.
Until two young people, Penny and Bo, decide to change things.
I loved this book. And I really do not want to say anything else even with spoilers. Sometimes, when recommending a book, I'll say "for mystery lovers" or for "Historical fiction lovers" but in this case I think this book is for people who love reading fiction where the sea is Omnipresent and becomes a character in the book.
I am not going to talk much about the end even with spoilers. While I did not love everything in the book..it deserves five stars for all the reasons mentioned plus it was so good I read it in couple of hours. This is one that is beguiling(that word again..but it fits so well), as well as deeply satisfying and moving and a novel that I could not put down.
Read it yourself and be prepared to be swept into the world of Sparrow Oregon. Highly recommended....more
"This book and my work are a way of adding meaning and commitment to my life. It also honors the child inside myself who was never understood or accep"This book and my work are a way of adding meaning and commitment to my life. It also honors the child inside myself who was never understood or accepted by me until my journey into myself began and continues".
Jean Steinfeld- Friday I went to therapy, Saturday I went crazy: Travels through health, to insanity and back home.
So. Full disclosure. The lovely lady who wrote this book is a family member. She is my mother who sadly passed away two years ago. Many years before, she had written this and Our family, but in particular my dad, was able to get it published.
And I am overjoyed to see this book in print. This is a must read for anyone who:
Enjoys Non Fiction.
Enjoys books about Psychology.
Has ever felt uncertain or fearful or on the brink of emotional collapse....and wants to read about someone else who has been there on the brink..and come back.
Has ever been in therapy and had doubts..about their therapist and/or themselves.
Who enjoys reading about Psychology, marriage and family, or any of the above mentioned topics from a female point of view.
Who just wants an intriguing and unique read.
You will find that here. Jean writes about her experiences in such a deeply personal way that you will feel as though you know her.
Jean herself was a Social Worker for many many years. Her experience entering therapy and the subsequent events that followed are both true and instantly relateable. The story is an emotional and penetrating look at the dangers of therapy as well as what can happen when the therapist themselves has unresolved issues.
Jean's experience almost broke her but it did not. She was able to come back with strength and determination. Her story is inspirational and I truly hope that you read this book and get as much out of it as I did....more
“Because there was a hunger in me to see everything and do everything. I wanted to be everyone I saw. I wasn't enough for me. Can you understand that?“Because there was a hunger in me to see everything and do everything. I wanted to be everyone I saw. I wasn't enough for me. Can you understand that?”
Sidney Sheldon..Bloodline
I start to simmer when people do not take Sheldon seriously. In my opinion he is up there with the Fiction greats. This book, Bloodline is one of my favorites by him (I have read 99 percent of his works) and is fantastic.
So this book follows the rise of the Roffe Dynasty. Roffe and Sons is one of the largest Pharma companies in the world. At its center is Elizabeth Roffe, the daughter of the owner of the company.
When Elizabeth's father dies in a freak mountain climbing accident, it is up to Elizabeth to take the helm as her father left the company to her. She is being pressured to take the company public but Sam Roffe, her father, has always wanted to honor the family tradition of keeping the company private.
As Elizabeth struggles to cope with both her father's loss, and her new role as head of an international Pharma company, it becomes apparent that someone within the company also has an interest in it going public..and if that person has to kill to see that, they will.
This book is at once a piece of historical fiction, an epic family saga, a mystery and a romance. Sheldon is a master story teller. I could not put this down.
For lovers of fiction, you will be transported to England, to France, everywhere as you read this soaring tale. And don't stop till you get to the end. The last paragraph is remarkable.
I must give a shout out to Max, the odd little detective whom I grew to love. Of all Sheldon's books this is at the top of the list....more
“There is no comfort anywhere for anyone who dreads to go home.” ― Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little Town on the Prairie
I read the whole Little House serie“There is no comfort anywhere for anyone who dreads to go home.” ― Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little Town on the Prairie
I read the whole Little House series as a kid. I would like to reread some of them and this one is one of my all time faves from the series.
I adored the whole little house family and loved Laura's determination to become a teacher. I loved everything about the series and this book, even Nellie and her "name cards". I still get a smile on my face from these books even after all this time....more
The more you try to protect something, the more vulnerable you make it.” ― Don Winslow, Savages
"We reinvented ours“Your strengths are your weaknesses.
The more you try to protect something, the more vulnerable you make it.” ― Don Winslow, Savages
"We reinvented ourselves every day, remade our culture, locked ourselves in gated communities, we ate healthy food, we gave up smoking, we lifted our faces while avoiding the sun, we had our skin peeled, our lines removed, our fat sucked away like our unwanted babies, we defied aging and death. We made gods of wealth and health. A religion of narcissism. In the end, we worshipped only ourselves. In the end, it wasn't enough.”
Savages by Don Winslow
It's on my favorite list. No long review for this crazy but incredible book.
Personally I think you will know after the first two words in this book if it is for you or not. Personally I loved it. (Yes, that is a tease but it actually happens to be true!)
Movie was good but nowhere NEAR the quality of the book....more
"It is all the girls, all their voices, calling out as loud as they can. They burn through darkness. They brand the night.”
The Nowhere Girls by Amy Re"It is all the girls, all their voices, calling out as loud as they can. They burn through darkness. They brand the night.”
The Nowhere Girls by Amy Reed
An anthem for women everywhere!
Possible triggers..Rape is the topic. Graphic rape scene.
This book should be required reading...everywhere.
It isn't for everyone. As you may have seen, it is about a group of girls who, rise up to get justice for a fellow schoolmate who was gang raped.They form the Nowhere Girls.
The Nowhere Girls are seeking, not just justice, but to open the minds and eyes of the community where they live about rape and the treatment of women in general.
The Nowhere girls are angry. They are angry at the lack of justice the former student at this school received, they are determined to change things.The Nowhere girls are your neighbors....your friends..and yourselves.
So the group is formed..and they are anonymous....however...they have no idea..nor does anyone else...what they are about to unleash....
I loved this book so so much and was so deeply moved by it, I sort of demanded (or begged) my book group to have this as one of out selections.
It isn't for everyone. It is heavy duty reading and the subject matter could be triggering to some people.
Some of my fellow book members did not care for this. It is written in an unusual style which I loved but not every book is for every person as we all well know.
This style is that the story is told from many different POV'S..all from females. Some of these females are major characters but not all of them.
I adored the style but not everybody will.But if the themes of the book interest you..this is one to read. I loved it, everything about it and am so glad that I found this book. Five awesome stars....more
“Loneliness, she thought, was craving for other people's company. But she did not know that loneliness can be an unnoticed cramping of the spirit for “Loneliness, she thought, was craving for other people's company. But she did not know that loneliness can be an unnoticed cramping of the spirit for lack of companionship.” ― Doris Lessing, The Grass is Singing
Amazing..rating and review to follow.
Sometimes a piece of literature comes along that just leaves you speechless. The Grass is singing is one such book.
So I believe I read this as a kid. It has been on my TBR list for several years and I wish I had read it sooner. After reading it I did need to go back and read some parts again. I also looked at dozens and dozens of reviews. I really wanted to know what others thought.
I am not doing a plot review but will talk about the characters and their motivations.
If I had to use one word to describe this book it would be "enigmatic". I feel there is so much left unsaid and so much that is up for debate and discussion. It's hard to put in to words.
When I read Historical Fiction, I need the atmosphere to transport me there and man does this book do that. One feels right there in the midst of it all. And beyond that, the imagery is just..bewitchingly beautiful. Yes, it depicts poverty and apartheid and depicts them in the darkest of ways but the Stars, The Night Sky, the thatched Huts, the trees and open wilderness were so beautifully painted. As one reads this fascinating book, you can almost see the darkness of the sky with the stars illuminating the open farm. It is one of the most atmospheric books I have ever read.
And then there are the characters. Mary Turner. My feelings were so mixed. It was sort of a slow agony to see who she was and what she turns into. It is painful to see it all unfold.
The book almost lost me at first with its sparse, "telling not showing" prose but I adjusted and surprisingly came to like it.
Dick was Mary's husband and impossible to hate. He is a dreamer and who can hate a dreamer? All he wants is to belong to the farm. I do not believe, as others do, that he really cared about success. He had become one with the farm and were it n ot for the fact he had a wife to feed and someday perhaps children I really do not think he'd have cared. Except for perhaps the expectations of "Farm society". But Dick could have been just a happy dreamer content to toil away, barely noticing the poverty.
Moses. Here is where it gets tough. I still have no idea why: SPOILER ALERT:
Moses chooses to kill Mary. I have tried to understand it. I have googled "why did Moses kill Mary Turner?" I have come up with my own theories, most of which I have thrown aside.
I still do not know and would welcome discussion. One thing I do not believe is that the act of undressing Mary drove him to rage. Moses appeared to want to be Mary's protector. I believe he welcomed the chance to undress her, the chance to take command over virtually her whole self. He came to regard her as "his". I do not mean sexually. It was way more primitive then that.
I believe that Tony Marsten was the trigger for Moses. There are many reasons I think that. I have examined many reviews and many theories and this is the one that seems to make the most sense. Also, there is a line that I did not pick up the first time I read it but did pick it up upon reading again where, as Mary, clearly knowing she was about to come to her end, reflects that she "betrayed Moses" with Tony. I did not understand that at first. But it makes sense.
Moses sees her with Tony. And she is crying. That is exactly how she came to know Moses. She broke down crying and he took charge giving her drink and sleep. That was the first time he reached out to her and the whole relationship shifted.
I believe in the mind of Moses, Mary came to belong to him in a way. Then he was humiliated by Tony and thrown out. He knows Mary is leaving and wrongly suspects she is leaving with Tony. And the crying..that would have figured in. Mary had "replaced" him. I believe that is why he regards Tony..not Dick Turner..as his ultimate rival. Remember, directly after killing Mary he goes to watch Tony sleep and bask in the glow of his final triumph over his enemy. And he says to himself that Richard Turner is unimportant because he was defeated so long ago.
In spite of this, I do not think their relationship was sexual although it certainly had sexual aspects and may have become sexual in time. I admit to being hopelessly frustrated that we were not allowed into the mind of Moses until at the very end and I almost took off a star for that but decided not to.
The only thing that puts my theory into question is the comment Moses makes about the oranges being missing when they so clearly are not. That makes me think well..maybe he always intended harm to her. But then again, he could easily have killed Mary at any time. His actions were protective until she decides to leave the farm.
Then again I could be way off..there are so many theories surrounding the motivations of Moses, of Mary etc that it is impossible to know for sure.
I will say ..I liked Moses BEFORE, NOT AFTER he killed Mary. I kept hoping the murderer somehow was someone else. And I thought it just might be someone else. There are theories, even on GR, that Moses was not the killer. (which I do not agree with). There is also speculation that Mary as good as ASKED him to kill her (but I do not agree with that either).
I am also interested as to why Moses so readily waits to turn himself in. And poor Richard Turner! At the end, everyone is either dead, about to be dead or emotionally gone. It was deeply moving.
I would also like to know how Mary knew she was going to die. This is also not explained. I believe she knew Moses had it in him to kill. She had seen glimpses of his rage and knew it was possible.
And the whole book seemed to me sort of Shakespearean in nature. I have to say this book deeply affected me and I loved it....more
“There are some women, Philip, good women very possibly, who through no fault of their own impel disaster. Whatever they touch, somehow turns to trage“There are some women, Philip, good women very possibly, who through no fault of their own impel disaster. Whatever they touch, somehow turns to tragedy.” ― Daphne du Maurier, My Cousin Rachel
Did she? didn't she? It's driving me crazy!
SPOILERS:
I got lost in this book. I just read it recently. I liked it better then Rebecca.
I will not list the plot because most people already know. The thing I want to talk about is how amazing the book is. And how I was almost driven crazy by the ending.
I had already read this when I suggested it to my book club. I really wanted to see how people reacted to it and what each person's feeling was on the guilt or innocence of Rachel.
Most people seemed to feel she did it. I am not so sure. I have no explanation for how the seeds got in her drawer but there was nothing in the letter to suggest she had a hand in anything and the words written to her "if you can't bear to leave him behind" suggest that she too had feelings for Charles. So my take is a bit different then others.
I want her to be guilty. It is hard not to start to love Rachel as the book goes on so yes, I'd prefer it if she were a scheming manipulative psycho then the sweet and fun woman she may well have been. I guess we will never know as I read Du Maurier herself did not even have a clear answer on Rachel's guilt.
I was surprised it wasn't rated higher on here. I will scroll through some of the reviews as I am curious to see how others felt about Rachel and Phillip. (I could not stand Phillip but I understood, given his sheltered upbringing, how he might have misunderstood certain things.)
An excellent book. Now if I just knew the real scoop on the ending.....more
"I stitched the marketplace stalls heaped with turmeric and cinnamon and cumin and mustard. I embroidered vegetable stalls with purple eggplants and g"I stitched the marketplace stalls heaped with turmeric and cinnamon and cumin and mustard. I embroidered vegetable stalls with purple eggplants and green melons."
Gloria Whelan-Homeless Bird
"Immediately I knew that it would be the homeless bird, flying at last to it's home."
Gloria Whelan-Homeless Bird
My review:
This book won the National Book award. I can see why.
Koly’s story will Resonate with anyone of any age so though this may be classified as young adults or children, I would urge anybody of any age to read the book especially people who loves Historical fiction and in particular Indian fiction.
This is one of those books that I’m reluctant to talk about. You can read the description but this book is really all about the writing which is a tapestry of words and reads like one long poem. More then just vivid, the writing brings to life the Indian Culture, customs, birds and scenery in an utterly resplendent way that is rare to see. The prose glows.
Koly's journey is a fascinating one and she is easy to care about. I loved to see how her talent for embroidery was woven into the story.
It is an incredibly moving story and one that I feel Will Uplift the reader. I do love historical fiction but this book in particular made an impression on me. It is short and and it’s pretty easy to read. I think this is a definite five star read and was utterly enamoring.
And I look forward to reading more from the author....more
“• Dan: I love you. • Alice: Where? • Dan: What? • Alice: Show me. Where is this 'love'? I can't see it, I can't touch it, I can't feel it. I can hear“• Dan: I love you. • Alice: Where? • Dan: What? • Alice: Show me. Where is this 'love'? I can't see it, I can't touch it, I can't feel it. I can hear it, I can hear some words but I can't do anything with your easy words.” ― Patrick Marber, Closer
Anyone who has seen the play or the film does not need me to describe the story. This is one of my all time favorite films. I have also read the play version and that is what I am reviewing.
It is a Visceral dark look at contemporary relationships. It is just so gritty and real.
Like the film, the play includes just four people. It is essentially a character study on the dark side of human relationships at their worse. I have never SEEN the play but I can say with confidence the film is an utter masterpiece.
W ho should read it? I will say right now..this is a cynical, jaded, utterly dark look at human behavior. It is not for the faint of heart. It shows relationships at their utter worst.
At the same time, there is humor..although most of it is black humor.
When I saw this in the movie theater, many years ago, half the audience got up and walked out. Many have found, and will find, it extremely offensive.
I will say the film holds more power then the play version. Although I was surprised that certain things in the play differed from the film quite alot.
I would recommend this. It is on my favorites list but that is for the film more so then the play. I just think the power of the movie was utterly amazing.
If you have ever wondered how "meaningless" many people take the words "I love you", this story is for you. If you have wondered about the power games and the mind fucks people put each other through this story is for you. And if you have ever wondered at the heartlessness, contempt and secrecy that people treat the ones they say they love the most with....this is for you.
Closer is a study of the human Psyche, in all its sometimes awful nature. I would recommend the play AND the film to anyone interested....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
“[you’ll acquire] A certain amount of cynicism. This business works on you. When you were in law school you had some noble idea what a lawyer should b“[you’ll acquire] A certain amount of cynicism. This business works on you. When you were in law school you had some noble idea what a lawyer should be. A champion of individual rights; a defender of the Constitution; a guardian of the oppressed; an advocate for your client’s principles. Then after you practice for six months you realize you were nothing but hired guns. Mouthpieces for sale to the highest bidder, available to anybody, any crook, any sleazebag with enough money to pay your outrageous fees. Nothing shocks you. It’s supposed to be an honorable profession, but you’ll meet so many crooked lawyers you’ll want to quit and find an honest job. Yeah Mitch, you’ll get cynical. And it’s sad, really.” ― John Grisham, The Firm
The book is so much better then the film version. The Firm is one of those books I reread every few years or so and it still feels fresh. Undeniably one of Grisham's best, if not his best.
I am not going into the plot because 90 percent of readers already know it but a few thoughts:
I adored Abby. Not so Mitch Mcdeer. OK..in case someone has not read it, I should put a spoiler warning in here.
SPOILERS:
I thought Mitch was one of those smug "to cool" jocks and never really took to him although I did root for him. But he so easily cheated on Abby (even before they were married) and I just could not imagine being friend's with his character but that's me.
Bit there is not one dull moment in The Firm. It is really one of the most fun suspenseful legal thrillers you could ever hope to read and that is why I often reread it....more
“Whoever takes me captive won't live long enough to enjoy it” ― Bernard Evslin, Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths
If you are seeking stories “Whoever takes me captive won't live long enough to enjoy it” ― Bernard Evslin, Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek Myths
If you are seeking stories of Greek Mythology, might I suggest this wonderful little book?!
It is a gem. And it is packed full of adventure, fierceness and fun. It will take you through all the Gods....their stories, their individual sagas and adventures. It is a timeless read that I adore.
This is not a complicated book. And if you know nothing of Greek Mythology or do and just want to know more, it makes a great book to read.
They are all in here. And there are so many stories all brimming with excitement and fun. I first read this as a child but periodically read it again, purely for how much fun it is. It never loses its appeal.
It's short as well so you don't get bogged down. But this does not read as a text book which it is not. And the writing is not dry at all.
These are all short stories, all in one book and each story deals with a different adventure. The book starts where the reader is introduced to each individual God and and each individual Goddess and then goes on from there.
Highly recommended if one has an interest in Mythology....more
“To remain silent in the face of evil is itself a form of evil.” ― Sue Monk Kidd, The Invention of Wings
Words..any words..would not do this book justi“To remain silent in the face of evil is itself a form of evil.” ― Sue Monk Kidd, The Invention of Wings
Words..any words..would not do this book justice. It is an instant classic.
This book is flawless. Rarely have I been so stirred emotionally. The story of Sarah and Heddy is poignant, touching and evocative. This is the type of book that changes you.
I will not do a plot recount as hundreds of others have already done. But the story..about the relationship between a slave girl and the girl she was "given to". I found this book so good, I was glued to it and finished it in one sitting. The story and the writing were astounding.
It w as also educational for me as I had no idea these women were real people until I read the end. It is invigorating to know that.
Beyond the themes of friendship and sacrifice, and the portrait of the world as it was then, there also emerges the theme of Feminism and standing up for what you believe is right and just. I adored both characters. Their strong wills and refusel to conform to a version of what society expects them to be is portrayed beautifully and catapults this book into instant classic status.
It was interesting reading this as I felt like I'd read it before but I think that's because it reminded me of classics I'd read in my youth. I also would say this book is destined to be one of those classics.
Five stars does not even do it justice. For Historical fiction lovers you are not going to find a higher quality read. This instantly became one of my all time favorites and I suspect many others will feel the same....more
“Have you heard the story of the rose petal beach?”
Dorothy Koomson-"The Rose Petal beach".
This is the kind of enthralling book that can put you into “Have you heard the story of the rose petal beach?”
Dorothy Koomson-"The Rose Petal beach".
This is the kind of enthralling book that can put you into a trance. It is also how I discovered Dorothy Koomson who is a wonderful writer.
This is the type of book that seems to come from another century. Everything about it is ethreal..even when dealing with some pretty heavy subject matter.
Tami is stunned when one night the police come calling. It turns out they are there to arrest her husband Scott. He is accused of a terrible crime which Tami knows he could not have possibly committed..until she discovers who his accuser is. Then Tami's world is thrown into chaos as she does not know who to trust.
THIS IS NOT YOUR STANDARD PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER.
I have read many a Koomson book. Her works are always magnificent but this maybe her masterpiece.
This book is really about love..and trust..and it is about the legend of the Rose Petal Beach.
Have you heard of it? The mystical Rose Petal beach..where is it? And what role does it play in this book?
So I am not going to post any spoilers. I remember once, during the time I when I had just finished reading this, my mom asked me what I was reading or had read lately. I told her about this book and started going into details. Her eyes got that look that I am sure mine had while reading this. Like something beautiful and rare was being discussed.
I would encourage anyone to read this book. It is absolutely luminous and the story will enthrall you and pull you in. You too will be beguiled by The Rose Petal Beach...
The "Rose Petal Beach"..both the book and the beach itself have stayed with me. I am happy to give this five stars and I'd give it even more if I could....more
The book we all know and love..that is an understatement!
This book was such an influence on my perceptions and how I viewed the world. If someone cameThe book we all know and love..that is an understatement!
This book was such an influence on my perceptions and how I viewed the world. If someone came to me and asked w hat one book would you want a child to read..this would have to be at the top of the list.
So glad to see it is not lost or forgot!
I cannot even begin..OK..I cannot do a review. All I can say is this was loved by myself, my family, everyone.
I still laugh about the two babies.
It was always around and I would read it over and over.
Bren fall in love with the sea.
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