Linda
I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me in some ways of A Man Called Ove. Eleanor Oliphant is a woman with very few social skills and as the story unfolds we begin to learn why. The relationship she has with “Mummy” is toxic and has coloured and shaped her entire life.
She begins to grow and change though when she meets a unlikely friend at work and learns how to interact with the world. Gail Honeyman takes you on a fascinating ride with Eleanor and although I was never really sure if I “liked” her, I did begin to root for her to have a better life.
Nora Roberts never fails to entertain and this latest book is no exception. I have read a few of her books that have had a pagan witchy feel to them, but this one added a dystopian element to it. It had me hooked from the very beginning and was creepy and scary at times. So if you are looking for a Nora Roberts romance novel, this isn't it. But if you enjoy a well written dystopian fantasy then you will be hooked by this one. My only question now, is how long do I have to wait for the next one?!
This was an interesting dystopian novel with some good characterization. It showed how quickly society could disintegrate into an uncivilized mess, but it also showed the innate goodness in some people and their willingness to help their fellow man.
The reason for the 3 star rating is because I found that the book contained a lot of narrative monologues by the characters to explain what a “cyberstorm” was and the possible implications. That's ok once or twice throughout the book, but it happened on a regular basis and became very tedious and dull.
I really enjoyed these books and was able to get lost in the story. Often with a series, there is at least one book that is inferior to the others. These, however, were all engaging and the characters were likable and the plots were entertaining. Don't read it expecting Dragons, however, as that's not what it's about.
A unique story about midwifing in Nova Scotia in the late 1800-early 1900s. A fascinating look at Nova Scotia during that time and how the war, the changing times in medicine and the Halifax Explosion affected families. It's a work of fiction, however, the author did a great job with the local areas she covered and her character description, making them feel real and authentic.
This is the second time I read this book. I read it once many years ago. It provides an interesting back story to the Deanna Troi and William Riker relationship and explains the bond they have. It stays true to the characters and there way of speaking and acting. It holds up just as well now, as it did in the 1990's.
The author Peter David has written other Star Trek books. He has also written for Marvel Comics, various tv shows and mini-series, and received numerous awards for his work.
If you are a Star Trek fan (and why wouldn't you be? ) this is a terrific novel for your collection.
When I first started this book I wasn't sure I would like it. The main character was so grumpy and negative, but as the story unfolded, I realized there was more to Ove than meets the eye. His relationship with his father, his wife and his neighbours all shaped who he was and how he lived his life.
By the time I finished the book, I was sorry to see it end and consider it one of the best books I've read this year.
This is the first James Patterson book I have read for adults. I did read one of his children's books. My thought when I was finished, was, “What took me so long?”
It was a terrific book. Very well written and engaging. It details the fascinating life of Brigid Fitzgerald, a doctor who spends her life helping people and seeking God; first in South Sudan as a Doctor and later, when she must move forward from that experience. In spite of that, it's not a preachy book and Brigid's life is far from calm or ordinary. James Patterson weaves the right amount of drama and emotional turmoil into his novel to have you empathizing with Brigid long after the book is finished.
This wasn't my normal type of book to read, but I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot about different birds and the author has an easy to read style that made it a fun book to curl up with on a cold Winter day.
He lives down South, but he covered many of the common birds that we also see on the East coast of Canada; the robin, crow, chickadee, blue jay and many others.
I'm usually not a fan of Autobiographies, but this one is different. It's full of interesting stories and great tips on how to live to 90 and beyond. Dick Van Dyke has led a full life so far and has such a wonderful positive attitude.
Dick Van Dyke is so charming and down to earth that he is always a joy to listen to and “spend time with”.
I really enjoyed this book and all the books in the series so far. Laini Taylor's writing is deep and rich and her characters are engaging. The main characters quickly become people you know, care about and root for their happiness.
In a story where the angels are the “bad guys” in a war that's gone on far too long, you can't help but wonder how Ms Taylor is going to give us a satisfactory ending, but she always does.
I received this book free in a Goodreads giveaway but the review I'm giving is not influenced by that. I started this book unsure whether or not I would like it because of the “interview style” used throughout the novel. As I became more immersed in the story, however, that fell away and I was more interested in the characters and what was going on, than the style of writing.
Kara Resnick reminded me of Kara Thrace from Battlestar Galactica, and I can't help but wonder if the author didn't model her from that character. She was opinionated, feisty and confident; definitely my favourite character.
The story itself was interested and although it didn't always lead me where I wanted to go, it still managed to keep me engaged. If you are interested in Sci-Fi, or even the politics behind it all, I believe you will enjoy this book.
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway, but the opinions in my review are my own and not based on that.
I wasn't entirely sure I would enjoy this book since it is the story of a scientist and her work in a lab studying trees and plants. But I was very wrong. This was a wonderful read. I learned many things along the way that fascinated me about nature and the world around me and I will never look at a tree the same way. For instance, did you know the seed of a hackberry tree is surrounded by a white lattice work to protect it, and is made of opal?
That's not the only gem in this book, however, Hope Jahren weaves a fascinating story of her relationship with her lab partner Bill and her life coping with her own Bi-Polar disorder. Her description of a manic episode is the best I have ever read! Her entire book is laced with humour and is very readable and easy to relate to.
This book brings to light the injustices faced in North Korea by it's citizens. Eunsun Kim shares her long journey to freedom with eloquence. You feel the terrors she faced as a small child and her mother's struggle to do the “right” thing for her and her sister. My heart goes out to all those facing a similar fate. This is a terrific book to help explain some of the shrouded mystery that is North Korea.
An incredibly interesting book about a condition I had never heard of before. I even googled it to see if it was real. I love that the story was told through the eyes of the main character as it made it easier to stare in her triumphs and frustrations.
The story moved along quickly and I would recommend this as a great summer read.
I started this book on vacation and the characters were so engaging I barely noticed Flight delays and turbulence.
It is a coming of age story set mostly in Britain during WW2. The main character is a young girl who is forced to leave home to escape the Nazis and adjust to life without her family in a place where she knows no one and doesn't speak the language. It's the plight of many children, even today and the author tells it with a lot of insight and compassion.
