Christine
This is not my typical read, but it was an easy accessible library listen. It kept me engaged, and thinking about mortality, predestination, and a life well lived. It definitely requires a willing suspension of disbelief, but I was impressed with all of the permutations and possibilities that the author anticipated and explored. It was contrived, of course, but if you like time travel, this is a bit similar. Also, I wish that an editor had told this young author to recalibrate how children of a certain age play, but otherwise, she did a good job also with themes that come out of Covid, politics today, and current debates about our rights and what divides us.
I read this slowly, because I know it will be a long time before another of her books comes out, but I had to read quickly through the last third, as the momentum and suspense picked up. It's classic Louise penny, and I love it. I do think that may be there was a little bit less of the cozy village feels, and more of the twisty mind games.
There are some quite passionate reviews here. Although I understand the criticisms, for what it is, I found this book to be reassuring and interesting. I think she does highlight some really important historical, economic, educational, and cultural trends that have affected this generation of women. Yes, she does seem to be focusing on middle class or upper middle class, maybe white, women, but still, many of her observations were accurate and helpful to see all together. I'm glad I read/skimmed it.
This has been on my list for a long time, so I was happy when my book club chose it. Looking forward to a lively discussion. She raises many interesting issues about DNA testing today, privacy and transparency around adoption and donors, and of course, identity. I listened to it, and enjoyed having that perspective.
I read this for book club and because my daughter has to read it for school. Powerful and thought-provoking. I've been hearing about Octavia Butler a lot lately, so I was surprised to realize that she wrote 30 years ago and died years ago. I'm interested to learn more about how her books were received and what prompted the renaissance.
I listened to this, and it went pretty fast.
Some of the dialogue seemed forced, and there were a couple of very small historical errors, but should be good for discussion!
This was a lovely novel that felt mostly like a series of sequential short stories, maybe because each chapter was short and ended with a little punch. I loved the women of this book – their strength and sense of humor, their vulnerability and resourcefulness, and their abiding love for one another. I listened mostly (delightful brogue), but read the last 30 pages because I was eager to see how it would end. Not too sad, not too twisty, but simple storytelling in an Irish town and family.
This was a sweet listen – a nice story for anyone who loves books and libraries. We see two character's lives intersect: a young (white?) woman in a dysfunctional family and an elderly (Indian? but he says he's from Kenya) widower.
It's a bit predictable, with one somewhat-surprising twisty bad thing, and it's a bit slow for the first half, but I definitely enjoyed following along and hearing the characters talk about book characters I've enjoyed, too.
A nice escape to a remote Central American village, next to an imposing volcano, gorgeous gardens, and a deep lake. The story was sad at the outset, and eventually became happy – but it took a while. The stories of the various guests were interesting. I did see the twist coming from the introduction of that character, and the end (as another review said) was too neatly tied up. But it was a pleasant read, and I cared about the characters. I'm curious about other Joyce Maynard books; have I not read her before?
An amazing accomplishment. The dialogue, alone, sustained for so many pages, is impressive! I'll be thinking about this book for a long time, and wish that I had been reading it with someone else so that I could discuss.
I like Goldfinch better, partly because these characters didn't go very far. The setting and personalities started to wear a bit.
There were times in the first half that I considered bailing. It was slow in parts and quite dark, but I'm glad that I persevered.
I got this through the library easily last weekend, and it has kept me listening for several days of errand running and chore doing. I appreciated the twists and turns, but the storyline is pretty dark without much of the Paris environment to entice or soften those sharp edges. I don't think it was as fun as her first book because of the different gloomy apartment setting, but definitely enjoyable and interesting.
I have been a fan of WKK's stand-alone books, and many Louise Penny fans recommended this series for a similar vibe and entertainment. I see why! The story line and setting pulls you in. The characters are mostly quite likeable. The MN winter is compelling and exciting. I don't think it has the same level of sophistication as a LP mystery, but this is just the first one. I've already downloaded the next (listen). It's a healthy escape.
PS. OK, I started #2. The opening scene is grisly, but I persevered. Then, my Goodreads sources warned of more death to come, so I'm not continuing. Too bad. I guess I got the gist.
This is an inspiring & meditative book – a blend of indigenous people history and story telling with modern ecology & botany. A student recommended it, and I plan to use the first part as I teach students about conflicts over land in the colonial period. I listened online to a talk she gave at Harvard with Richard Powers; this book does go well with OVERSTORY, which I also appreciated.
This is a lovely story that really drew me in. I was listening, and for the last two hours I couldn't put it down. It's sweet and warm, much like the main character, Tova. The young man, who figures prominently, is annoying, as other readers have noted, and I don't feel that his age in the story worked with his behavior and attitude. But I think that the author felt compelled for reasons that are clear when you read it. I love a story with a good animal character, especially when you get to hear his or her thoughts, and this delivered on that also. Marcellus is quite lovable and salty. It seems like she left room for a sequel, which I would happily read.
This was a beautiful story of love, friendship, art, London & Florence, family, music. I highly recommend for anyone who wants a slow, lovely, patient, and touching story. It reminds me of an afternoon in Florence spent people watching, sipping good wine, and sharing simple but delicious food with close friends. A balm for the weary soul.
This was a brilliant accomplishment, and a fascinating window into the life of Thomas Mann and his family. I learned a great deal, and enjoyed the detail and insights. It did read more like non-fiction, but that was fine for me. I also wondered if it could've been a bit shorter, but perhaps I felt this way because I was listening. The narration was excellent.
Maybe some will find this novel a bit sappy, but I loved it. Rarely do I tear up when reading, but the emotion and poignancy moved me several times in the last third. This book reminds me of
Elizabeth Strout's books
A Man Called Ove
Sam Hell
This novel is beautifully written and, despite the unlikely conceit of how these characters find each other, honestly explores the depth of grief and the power of friendship.
I LOVED her first book – filled with her life history and American history too. And listening to it was special. This book is a bit slower, and maybe especially ideal for younger readers who are learning how to do life. Not young myself, I appreciated the reminders sprinkled throughout – to value my friendships, let my children take risks, and be kind to myself every day. It wasn't as dense or efficient as a regular “self-help” or “self-development” book, but she slowly doled out healthy tips and interesting stories from her own life. This would be an especially nice book for a high school or college graduate.