THANKYOU BLOG READERS, FOLLOWERS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY FOR YOUR SUPPORT. MAY 2013 BRING US PEACE, HEALTH AND JOY.
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| Graphic courtesy of Books From Finland |
A LITTLE SELF PROMOTION (12/31/2012)
I was captivated by this novel and reviewed it under Attention Getters in November. I've been recommending THE MIDDLESTEINS to friends and family since its release. So glad the Times and I agree.
Julie Orringer, the author of THE INVISIBLE BRIDGE called it "Caustic, entertaining and a bighearted new novel." So true...
To access the NYTimes review by Julie Orringer click below:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/30/books/review/the-middlesteins-by-jami-attenberg.html?ref=books&_r=0
For more information: Type the book title in the Search Box at the top of the blog.
To Order Use the Amazon Search Box in the Sidebar
| Illustration by Pierre Mornet |
MARY, MARY..VERY CONTRARY (12/30/2012)
A friend on Goodreads recently posted a review of THE TESTAMENT OF MARY by Colm Toibin. This book is far removed from his previous bestseller, BROOKLYN but I thought the heartfelt comments (almost poetic) and praise were definetly worth sharing..
The Testament of Mary by Colm Tóibín
Reviewed by BA on Goodreads
I've had to sit quietly for a bit having finished this slim, devastating volume. I am profoundly moved by Toibin's emotional range; his great sensibility and compassion; and his mastery of historical time and place; at at his magical prowess in placing both real and imagined characters into a context so pure.
Whether Henry James in "The Master"; a young Irish immigrant in "Brooklyn", or Mary, mother of Jesus, in this piece of confessional fiction, his writing and his empathy leave me in utter awe.
So slender it could be a missal or a volume of poetry, this is a piece so searing, so honest, and so heart-breaking that I think I shall carry it everywhere for the rest of my life.
For More Information: Http://www.colmtoibin.com
THE TESTAMENT OF MARY by Colm Toibin is available on Amazon.
Use the Amazon Searchbox in the Sidebar.
IN CASE YOU MISSED THIS!!! (12/28/12)
I received so much positive feedback about this memoir
that I am posting a new updated review.
Here's Monica's review....
SOME GIRLS, SOME HATS AND HITLER by Trudy Kanter
Being a hat lover and collector, I was first attracted to this book by the title. The book was first published in 1984 and went out of print until it was rediscovered by a British editor in 2011. The author died in Britain in 1980.
Some describe this book as a love story and it is indeed dedicated to "Walter, my love, in memory." However, the book is the personal story of Trudi Kanter, a milliner in Pre- WW 2 Vienna.
What makes the book poignant is that even though it reads like a novel, it is a true story, her story. The writing is simple but engaging. It is a very easy book to read and you cannot help but be drawn into it. The prose is simple but her short sentences deliver vivid descriptions and you can almost see the characters and settings. There are wonderful descriptions of the Vienna of Pre-WW 2.
Though the story takes place during the Holocaust, it does not focus on the horrors of the Holocaust as many books of this era do, but rather on Trudi's story.
It does portray the atmosphere of the time emphacizing the Holocaust as the background. It is her personal story. Many Jews who survived the Holocaust, did so because they had the courage to dare and were enterprising. So it was with Trudi Kanter. She used her charms and ingenuity to escape the Holocaust and at the same time to save her beloved Walter and her parents.
The story starts in Vienna where we see Trudi Kanter, a beautiful woman, who is a well known Milliner. She comes from a privileged background. She is successful and caters to the women of Vienna who despite the war, still attended to their wardrobe. She travels to Paris to view the new collections and designs her own hats. Her father is a successful silversmith and her mother a beauty.
When "Some Girls, Some Hats and Hitler" by Trudi Kanter starts, she is married but falls in love with a successful businessman, Walter Elrich, who she later marries.
What comes through the whole book is this love affair and the steps she will take to save him. It also shows a woman with raw emotions, feelings, jealousies which we can relate to. It also shows Trudi's devotion to her family.
As Vienna is being invaded by the Nazis and the Gestapo, Trudi manages to escape with Walter to Prague and then to England where she finds work and later becomes very successful as a milliner
Her descriptions of England during the blitz are very vivid and there are some poignant sentences that are repeated, such as "I remember a tiny pink and white gingham dress trimmed with white rickrack" (echoes of the red coat in Schindler's list).
This is the story of one of the lucky ones.
For a previous review enter the title in the Search Box at the top of the blog.
BOOK GROUP REPORT (12/26/2012)
Bev G, a blog reader and leader of my island book group sent this review of THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST by Mohsin Hamid. Her Hartford group thought it was a wonderful choice for discussion...short, penetrating and challenging.
JB, a member of the Hartford group wrote the following:
"A book that pivots on a smile" is how one critic describes "The Reluctant
Fundamentalist." The smile chills us and surprises the smiler himself, a
Pakistani now living the American dream. The moment is the destruction
of the World Trade Center Towers. His suppressed but subtly expressed
resentment of American arrogance percolates to the surface and the
pull of his homeland ultimately proves overpowering. The book, a dialogue
between east and west, is a plea for more empathy and understanding
on both sides. The deliberately abrupt and ambiguous ending compels
the reader to confront his or her own perceptions and judgements.
You'll find more information on THE RELUCTANT FUNDAMENTALIST and author Mohsin Hamid at
| To Order Click on the Amazon Search Box |
FYI
The Reluctant Fundamentalist was made into a film directed by Mira Nair and debuted at the Venice International Film Festival in August 2012. It starred Kate Hudson, Liev Schreiber and Kiefer Sutherland.
THOUGHTS FROM UNDER THE PERGOLA (12/26/2012)
SWIMMING HOME by Deborah Levy
I felt like a detached observer throughout this small novel. It's a convoluted story of people on holiday when a stranger unexpectedly joins them...complications arise...you can imagine the rest..
Written by British playwright, Deborah Levy, SWIMMING HOME was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. I couldn't wait to read this novel but found it disappointing and predictable in spite of its well written prose.
For more information, type SWIMMING HOME in the Search Box at the top of the blog.
Info for Deborah Levy at: www.deborahlevy.co.uk/about.html
MAY WE BE FORGIVEN by A. M. Homes
This book is not for everyone but definetly for me! It's funny, sexy, political and well written...need I say more? Well, yes..
The not so nice main character, Harold Silver (A Nixon expert) finds his life runs amok after his brother kills three people in an auto accident. Harold becomes involved with his brother's family and all hell breaks loose..dysfunction galore, murder, and lots of black humor. This is high drama mixed with outrageous fast paced situations and A. M. Homes kept me engaged throughout.
MAY WE BE FORGIVEN is a mad, sad, clever, blatant, cannot put down, crazy ride...Never a dull moment and I loved every minute.
Info for A.M. Homes at: www.amhomesbooks.com/biography
LIFE AMONG GIANTS by Bill Roorbach
Labeled a mystery, LIFE AMONG GIANTS is slow moving and repetitive. The story is told through a young man's eyes after witnessing the murders of his parents when he's seventeen. It continues through middle age as he and his unstable sister attempt to make sense of their tragedy.
The book moves back and forth over decades revealing secrets and more secrets..characters and more characters.. focusing on a mysterious ballerina who is involved in every sub plot..introducing celebrities and rock stars...Enough already!
I felt no concern for any of the characters and kept hoping it would get better...It didn't.
Info for Bill Roorbach at www.billroorbach.com/bio.html
(Don't tell him I sent you...)
All of these books can be ordered by using the Amazon Search Box on the Sidebar.
JOY, PEACE, AND GOODWILL TOWARDS ALL
MAY THE COMING YEAR BRING LOVE, PEACE AND UNDERSTANDING TOWARDS ALL MANKIND......(AND SOME DECENT BOOKS...AND NO MORE SEQUELS TO 50 SHADES!)
LOOK WHAT'S TRENDING (12/24/2012)
The following books are new and debuting soon. Bound for the best seller list, here's a quick preview.
The Kashmir Shawl by Rosie Thomas (Early January release)
"A sprawling detailed wartime tale of betrayal, secrets and tragedy" This novel takes place in India from 1940 to the present. It is historically accurate and well researched.
Reviewers called it a "vividly drawn novel."
The Child's Child by Barbara Vine (Available now)
Barbara Vine is the pseudonym for Edgar Award winning author Ruth Rendell. This new mystery contains two parallel stories of brothers and sisters, one set in the present and the other taking place in 1929 to 1939.
A dark and sinister mystery...
For more new books, check out LOOK WHAT'S TRENDING at the top of the blog.
Remember to use the Amazon Search Box on the
Sidebar to order these books.
THE BLACK BOX (12/24/2012)
December is a slow month for new book releases, but January will welcome many new titles. Always check out "Look What's Trending" at the top of this page for previews of future releases.
In the meantime we can always depend on a Michael Connelly thriller to keep us connected. He's the consummate author that can "keep a character evolving and continue to produce a page turning police procedural novel."
In THE BLACK BOX, the impatient detective Harry Bosch returns and Connelly weaves an exciting tale as Bosch pursues the death of a Danish photojournalist. Reviewers call THE BLACK BOX vintage Connelly...forceful, brisk and fast paced.
Take a shopping break and read this page-turner. You'll be on a rollercoaster ride you won't forget.
MICHAEL CONNELLY
An American author of detective novels and crime fiction, Michael Connelly's books have been translated into 36 languages and have garnered him innumerable awards. Many have been adapted into film. For more author info: www.michaelconnelly.com
FUN FACT:
Michael Connelly often appears as himself on the TV show, Castle.
Michael Connelly often appears as himself on the TV show, Castle.
Remember you can shop on Amazon directly from this blog. Click on the Amazon Search Box in the Sidebar
QUIRKY HOLIDAY GIFT BOOKS (12/18/2012)
Lists and lists everywhere but this list is unique. Yes, it's the same old holiday book suggestions but not the usual choices. You'll see why...
I hope you'll find a book that fits a friend or family member, and... gift away! There's something for everyone and the Amazon Search Box on the sidebar is the answer to everything...
QUIRKY BOOKS FOR THE SPECIAL PERSON
How to Tell if Your Cat is Plotting to Kill You by Matthew Inman
Pinboy by George Browning
The Escape Artists by Noam Scheiber*
The Middlesteins by Jami Atenberg*
Quiet:The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking
by Susan Cain
House by Diane Keaton*
Be Good by Randy Cohen*
Monkey Mind by Daniel Smith*
Let's Pretend this Never Happened by Jenny Lawson*
Capturing Camelot by Kitty Kelley
The Marseille Caper by Peter Mayle
* Featured on Joyce's Choices. Use the Search Box to access the blog review.
NEW IN PAPERBACK (12/11/2012)
These books are ready to travel. Brand new in paperback, you'll have no concerns if they fall in the pool or get lost on the slopes. Recently released, all with good reviews, they'll definetly enhance your vacation experience.(That's if you're going on vacation...if not, they're still good.)
THE PARIS WIFE by Paula McLain
I love anything about Hemingway and this is a captivating read. Still unknown and living in Paris, Hemingway's life during this period is beautifully captured by the author.*
THE ARTIST OF DISAPPEARANCE by Anita Desai
The three novellas by this brilliant author are set in India. The characters are beautifully defined and the stories are drama filled.
This is a combo detective story and spy thriller. Located in Pakistan, Cairo, and a Polish prison, to name a few. It's a fast paced tale and riviting to the end.
Click on the Amazon Search Box in the Sidebar for more information.
*Type the title in the Search Box at the top of the blog to read an earlier review.
"DYING FOR DOWNTON?" (12/10/2012)
Are you a fan of this wonderful period drama? THE CHRONICLES OF DOWNTON ABBEY by Jessica Fellowes and Matthew Sturgis is a great gift for anyone anxiously awaiting the January debut.
Exclusive photos, information about the characters, and historical details all compliment the upcoming series.
This is a must-have gift for the fan of Downton Abbey or
for that matter, anyone who has an interest in history....And your coffee table will be enhanced.
| To Order Click on the Amazon Search Box |
Exclusive photos, information about the characters, and historical details all compliment the upcoming series.
This is a must-have gift for the fan of Downton Abbey or
for that matter, anyone who has an interest in history....And your coffee table will be enhanced.
| New Cast Member Who is This? |
WHAT AM I READING? (12/10/2012)
Because I am traveling soon, I thought I would start a book then continue reading it on the plane. For me a "plane-worthy" book has to be totally engrossing, pleasurable, and completely tune out my surroundings. (I'm not a relaxed flyer as you probably guessed.)
SWIMMING HOME by Deborah Levy was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and sounded like a good "seatmate."
Unfortunately I didn't check the number of pages and probably would finish the book before arrival...not a good thing...
A story of unusual and complex characters renting a villa in France that escalates into something else. Yes, they're all depressed and unstable... Sounds like my kind of book!
Too short for my impending flight, SWIMMING HOME is a mesmerizing small novel, but I'll read it later. I'm now looking for my next "in flight book." Keep tuned...
For an earlier review of SWIMMING HOME, type the title in the Search Box at the top of the blog.
Author Deborah Levy can be found at: Http://www.deborahlevy.co.uk
| To Order Click on Amazon Search Box |
Because I am traveling soon, I thought I would start a book then continue reading it on the plane. For me a "plane-worthy" book has to be totally engrossing, pleasurable, and completely tune out my surroundings. (I'm not a relaxed flyer as you probably guessed.)
SWIMMING HOME by Deborah Levy was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and sounded like a good "seatmate."
Unfortunately I didn't check the number of pages and probably would finish the book before arrival...not a good thing...
A story of unusual and complex characters renting a villa in France that escalates into something else. Yes, they're all depressed and unstable... Sounds like my kind of book!
Too short for my impending flight, SWIMMING HOME is a mesmerizing small novel, but I'll read it later. I'm now looking for my next "in flight book." Keep tuned...
For an earlier review of SWIMMING HOME, type the title in the Search Box at the top of the blog.
Author Deborah Levy can be found at: Http://www.deborahlevy.co.uk
GIFT FOR THE TV JUNKIE (12/08/2012)
Here's the perfect gift suggestion for the TV watcher in your life...and the kindle version is a steal at $7!
THE REVOLUTION WAS TELEVISED by TV Critic Alan Sepinwall delves into the history of the TV series from the origin to the present. Using quotes and interviews with the people involved, an authentic vivid history is created.
| To Order Click on the Amazon Search Box |
This is a fun read and one you can pick up at will. A reviewer said "You will want to get back and re-watch every show mentioned with these new thoughts in mind."
The author and critic, Alan Sepinwall is known to have changed the nature of television reviews during his 20 year career. Catch his blog, What's Alan Watching on http://www.HitFix.com
For the TV Junkie this is a no-brainer, definetly the perfect gift.
| ALAN SEPINWALL |
WORD OF MOUTH (12/05/2012)
This is a peek into the life of Burton through actual diary entries. He writes with passion about his life..especially with Liz. If you're looking for some juicy details of the Liz and Dick Saga, this is for you.
Two blog readers were surprised at the quality of his writing and found it to be a "sensitive depiction of his daily life."
They thought it would be a great gift for the right person but also said "You can just read the juicy parts."
ZOO TIME by Howard Jacobson
Three blog readers gave it a thumbs down...actually they said they hated it and didn't want to elaborate.
TELEGRAPH AVENUE by Michael Chabon
Two blog readers called it "wordy, hard to get into, and a chore to read."
If you are a devout Chabon fan, you may be more tolerant...otherwise the concensus was "it's a big disappointment."
I hope to add more quick reviews, so keep them coming. If you're not sure how to reach me, click on FIND ME at the top of the blog and you can always leave a comment below.
Reminder: Books can be ordered by using the Amazon Search Box in the Sidebar. After reading the above comments, why bother? Well, maybe Liz and Dick would be fun...just sayin'
BOOKS I'M NOT READING (12/02/2012)
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| To Order Click on the Amazon Search Box in the Sidebar |
My "To Be Read List" is so unwieldy that I probably won't get to this book until 2013. Besides, it doesn't really appeal to me so I'm in no rush. It's on every Best Book List of 2012. What's up with that?
Let me know what you think....
Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain
A finalist for the National Book Award, this novel tells the story of an intense firefight between Iraqi insurgents caught on tape by an embedded Fox News crew.
The San Francisco Chronicle called it "a bracing, fearless and uproarious satire of how contemporary war is waged and sold to the American public."
Eight surviving men become sought after heroes..slated to be part of the Dallas Cowboys halftime show. Truths emerge and life and death moments collide with real life....labeled "brilliantly conceived.."
(Recommended as a great holiday gift for a lot of people out there... uh, just not me)
For information on author Ben Fountain: http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Fountain
BLAH BOOKS OF 2012 (12/01/2012)
First, I need to post a disclaimer.
This is my humble opinion, and I respect and will still follow these authors..So what happened??
I looked forward to reading several of the following titles. I anxiously anticipated their debuts, mentioned them on the blog, downloaded them right away. And what did I get in return??! BLAH! They let me down...overrated and over publicized..
See if you agree....DISAPPOINTING FICTION OF 2012 (In no particular order..)
- Canada by Richard Ford
- Mudwoman by Joyce Carol Oates
- NW by Zadie Smith
- Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling
- In One Person by John Irving
- Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan
- Goldberg Variations by Susan Isaacs
- Stay Close by Harlan Coben
I know many will disagree and that's fine..Speak your mind...email, leave a comment..
To access reviews, type the title into the Search Box at the top of the blog.
GUEST REVIEWER/ HAUNTING TALE (12/01/2012)
| To Order Click on the Amazon Search Box |
Monica G. from Naples Florida often reviews books on this blog. Aside from being a world traveler, she is involved in the arts and has many talents.
Her reading taste is eclectic and I've come to rely on Monica to expose us to books that are slightly obscure, beautifully written and bordering on the unusual. THE BLIND SIDE OF THE HEART by Julia Franck lives up to all those superlatives.
THE BLIND SIDE OF THE HEART Reviewed by Monica G.
This summer, as I was leaving France, my sister gave me THE BLIND SIDE OF THE HEART by Julia Franck. Mind you this is a sister who usually reads books on art and philosophy, making the world a better place, and enjoys books on enlightenment, so I did not know what to expect.
THE BLIND SIDE OF THE HEART by Julia Franck was haunting and stayed with me continuously. When I set it down I couldn't wait to pick it up again and I almost seemed to live it.
The book has been translated from German. It is well written but there are places that are uneven - although it does not affect the "feel" of the book.
The location is Germany between two world wars. It begins very poignantly with the main character Helene, a nurse, the hardships she endures, and the abandonment of her son at a train station. It is a dramatic and emotionally charged start and your feelings go out to the young boy who is emotionally attached to his mother. What would lead a mother to do that?
The book then goes back in time and looks at her life.The girls are "rescued" by a very liberal aunt who invites them to live with her in Berlin. Even though they escape their small town, they always retain a strong sense of duty towards their mother.
Martha, her sister, is a story in its own right. She is beautiful. She can't wait to leave her rural town. She becomes a nurse who becomes addicted to drugs and is gay. The sisters' relationship borders on being incestuous.
You get a look into pre WW II Berlin and the social scene of the times. Roaring Berlin and its permissiveness. Even though it is set in political times unlike many books centered on that era, it does not delve into politics but focuses on the characters. You are almost living Helene's emotions.
I can see this book being a Book Club selection. There is so much to discuss.The political background, the relationship of Helene and Martha's parents, the mental illness of her mother, the relationship of the two sisters. The character and lifestyle of the permissive aunt... Helene's loves and her losses, marriage to a German engineer who constantly reminds her she is half Jewish.
Most importantly though, the abandonment of Helen's son and its effect on him. When I researched this book after reading it, I discovered that the book was based on Julia Franck's father and his abandonment by her grandmother. Maybe it is so emotionlly charged, because it was so personal.
THE BLIND SIDE OF THE HEART has won several awards and in 2010 was listed in "The 1,000 books to read before you die."*
I can see why.
FYI
Another book bearing the same title was written in 1999 by a different author, Michael C. White.
THE BLIND SIDE OF THE HEART by Julia Franck is not available in ebook but can be ordered in paperback on Amazon.
Use the Amazon Search Box in the sidebar.
For more information about author Julia Franck : http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Franck
| AUTHOR JULIA FRANCK |
*"1000 Books to Read Before You Die"
According to GOODREADS, the website for readers, it's an eclectic mix, ranging from THE HOBBIT by J. R. R. Tolkien to THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT by Mark Haddon. The list usually includes something from every genre depending on the list.....
For more list details: http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/1000-books-to-read-before-you-die
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/series/1000novels
NON-FICTION ALERT (11/28/2012)
Occasionally a blog reader mentions a book they consider "blog-worthy." What does that mean? Sometimes nothing, but in this case GHS who is a non-fiction expert and blog reviewer is recommending KILLING KENNEDY by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard.*
If you're intrigued by the shocking events surrounding the Kennedy assassination this book is for you.
*I know what you're thinking.. Bill OReilly?!!..Aside from his controversial views and irritating personality, he is the author of several bestselling books and the host of the highest-rated cable news show in the country...
GHS will be posting a review at a later date so stay tuned.
SHOPPING MADE EASY
A percentage of your purchase goes to charity.
BAD SEX AWARDS (11/25/2012)
Every year the senior editor of the Literary Review organizes the Bad Sex Awards. The winner is announced at a lavish ceremony in London and "it is considered a badge of courage for the authors to attend and receive it in person."
The bad sex award was established "to draw attention to the crude and often perfunctory use of redundant passages of sexual description in the modern novel-and to discourage it."
A notable absentee this year was James' FIFTY SHADES trilogy. The reason being that the prize excludes pornography and explicit literature..and enough already!
Many nominations poured in for THE CASUAL VACANCY by JK Rowling, but it was decided that she failed to meet the criteria despite a "couple of queasy moments."
Notice that Tom Wolfe has been nominated for a second time along with a few other repeat offenders.
THE SHORTLIST FOR THE 2012 BAD SEX AWARDS
The Yips by Nicola Blake
The Adventuress by Nicholas Blake
Infrared by Nancy Huston
Rare Earth by Paul Mason
Noughties by Ben Masters
The Quiddity of Will Self by Sam Mills
The Divine Comedy by Craig Raine
Back to Blood by Tom Wolfe
If you've read anything cringe-worthy, leave a comment or email me. Have you even heard of these books?
Here's some memorable quotes.....
"We got up from the chair and she led me to her elfin grot" (Noughties by Ben Masters)
"She smells of almonds, like a plump pudding and he is the spoon."
(The Yips by Nicola Barker)
THE END
GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL (11/23/2012)
It's that time of year when many of us are planning holiday
getaways. Here's some book suggestions that I think will travel well or just make for great escapes whether traveling or not.
getaways. Here's some book suggestions that I think will travel well or just make for great escapes whether traveling or not.
I'm partial to fiction, so the following is a list of ten novels reviewed on this blog that will be good travel companions. I've also included short stories, history, and non-fiction for those that prefer to mix it up.
FICTION
SWIMMING HOME by Deborah Levy
THE CHAPERONE by Laura Moriarty
GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn
SEATING ARRANGEMENTS by Maggie Shipstead
HEADING OUT TO WONDERFUL by Robert Goolrick
MISSION TO PARIS by Alan Furst
THE RACKETEER by John Grisham
SACRE BLEU by Christopher Moore
DEFENDING JACOB by William Landay
THE MIDDLESTEINS by Jami Attenberg
SHORT STORIES
ASTRAY by Emma Donoghue
WHEN IT HAPPENS TO YOU by Mollie Ringwald
HISTORY AND NONFICTION
THE QUEEN'S LOVER by Francine du Plessix Gray
CAVEAT EMPTOR by Ken Perenti
THE PRICE OF POLITICS by Bob Woodward
BRING UP THE BODIES by Hilary Mantel
These books can be accessed by using the search box at the top of the sidebar.
HE'S DA MAN!!! (11/21/2012)
Ok.. enough with the street talk.. David Baldacci was on a morning show today.. Cocky, self-assured, smart and a hunk..but that's irrelevant.
He's touting his new thriller, THE FORGOTTEN featuring his favorite character, John Puller, a military cop. Baldacci claims this book focuses on a very timely subject and that readers will not be able to put it down. (He's humble too....)
My experience with Baldacci is uneven, but obviously there is a public for his books.. I'm annoyed that the e-book is $14.99..the hardcover is 65 cents more on Amazon..but that's another story.
It sounds like a good book to take on vacation..or not....I'll be posting a review soon..once I get over my attitude.
| Click on the Amazon Search Box to Order |
HEADING OUT TO WONDERFUL (11/19/2012)
| To Order Click on Amazon Search Box |
I am always happy to hear from blog readers. (Actually ecstatic...) Lately I haven't found a book that really excites me and I'm tired of being so negative, so the following review reinforced my usual optimistic outlook.
MONICA G. from Naples, Florida often contributes to this blog. Her recent review of HEADING OUT TO WONDERFUL by Robert Goolrick is a positive one.
MONICA WROTE:
"I just finished reading "Heading out to Wonderful" by Robert Goolrick. I enjoyed it because of its uniqueness. It is set in rural America and tells the tale of a man who shows up in a small town and how he ultimately affects everyone.
It showed prejudice, passion and love, a lovely and touching relationship between the main character, Charlie Beale and the young boy in the book, Sam which I think ultimately changed the boy's life forever.
The Church played a prominent role in the lives of the townspeople and the main character, Charlie Beale. It demonstrated how people are so influenced by their church that they disregard their own instincts and often make disasterous choices.
On another level, passion for a woman led to complications and relationships were exposed and changed.
I enjoyed this book as the characters felt realistic and well developed. HEADING OUT TO WONDERFUL depicted, in a powerful way, how prejudice, obsession and small town morals can affect lives."
Robert Goolrick is the author of The Reliable Wife. For more information about the author go to his website.
www.robertgoolrick.com
To access an earlier review posted on 06/07/2012), type HEADING OUT TO WONDERFUL in the Search Box at the top of this blog.
SPOTLIGHT ON MOSES (11/14/2012)
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| To Order Click on Amazon Search Box |
We all remember Marjorie Morningstar, The Caine Mutiny, War and Remembrance, The Winds of War, to name just a few of Herman Wouk's award winning classics. At ninety seven he's written an epistolary novel about Moses titled THE LAWGIVER.
Newly released and according to critics, Wouk has found a way to relate the tale of a group of people attempting to make a film about a present day Moses....and yes it's got some Hollywood references and emails and transcripts and memos...but it works.
The intriguing characters also include Wouk and his wife Sarah. Reviewers called THE LAWGIVER "witty, brisk, satirical and suspenseful."
Oh yes, it definetly tells a lively story and could even be considered a romantic comedy (with a touch of Marjorie Morningstar.) At ninety seven years old Herman Wouk has fulfilled his long time wish to write about Moses and achieved his goal in an original and exhuberant way.
BEST KEPT SECRET (11/12/2012)
The following email was sent to me by a blog reader in response to a review of a recently discovered memoir.
The review of SOME GIRLS, SOME HATS AND HITLER by Trudi Kantor was posted on 10/16/2012. It's the personal story of Trudi Kantor, a Jewish hatmaker trying to flee Nazi occupied Vienna with her paramour.
To access the review and photo of Trudi Kantor, type the title in the Search Box in the upper right corner of the blog.
Hello Joyce!
I finished Some Girls, Some Hats, and Hitler this evening. I very much enjoyed it. I found it a very unusual memoir and beautifully written, very real and very much true to life.
I note that you have a photo of Mrs. Kantor on your review, where did you find it? I've done some web searching for a photo of her, but was unsuccessful.
Thanks for your review of this excellent book, by the way.
Best Regards,
Dan
(Most of the images on this blog are courtesy of Google Images or Amazon)
THANKYOU BLOG READERS (11/09/2012)
A special thankyou to blog readers who have recommended books this week. I've included your comments and look forward to hearing from more of you.
Please continue to let me know what books you like (or don't like) and if you have a book group that's reading something of interest or something uninteresting, let me know. You can leave a comment below, or send me an email. Check the Navigation Bar at the top of the blog under Find Me for details.
This month (and I'm celebrating all month) is the one year anniversary of Joyce's Choices and thankyou to everyone from all over the world (yes, really!!) for taking the time to stop by.
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