I ran across this one in a bookstore; it's by an NPR commentator about his experiences traveling with his children. Some of the chapters were better tI ran across this one in a bookstore; it's by an NPR commentator about his experiences traveling with his children. Some of the chapters were better than others...I found him to be a bit of a snob at times and questioned some of his choices! But a good travel essay read....more
When looking for novels set in New York City (preparing for our trip there), I discovered this writer--a former sex crimes prosecutor who writes booksWhen looking for novels set in New York City (preparing for our trip there), I discovered this writer--a former sex crimes prosecutor who writes books about the sex crimes unit in NYC. This is the precursor to "Law & Order: SVU" and her first novel. I will read more....more
Deepa Mehta's daughter wrote a memoir about working with her mother on the movie "Water," and also about her troubled relationship with her mom and hoDeepa Mehta's daughter wrote a memoir about working with her mother on the movie "Water," and also about her troubled relationship with her mom and how the (also troubled) movie-making was a redemptive experience for them. ...more
Bapsi Sidhwa is a friend of the writer and director (Deepa Mehta) of the beautiful and sad movie "Water," and she wrote a novel based on the screenplaBapsi Sidhwa is a friend of the writer and director (Deepa Mehta) of the beautiful and sad movie "Water," and she wrote a novel based on the screenplay. I've read a number of Sidhwa's other books, and she is a talented writer. The story is tragic and heartwarming at the same time....more
Fascinating book by an anthropologist...looks at the way we parent our babies in a variety of cultures. It's interesting to see how our American parenFascinating book by an anthropologist...looks at the way we parent our babies in a variety of cultures. It's interesting to see how our American parenting style encourages independence at such an early age, very different from the focus in other cultures, where they are more focused on nurturing and support. ...more
Some new interesting ideas from Jeff Yeager--it's nice to read something about saving money done in a humorous way! Some new interesting ideas from Jeff Yeager--it's nice to read something about saving money done in a humorous way! ...more
My husband liked it, but I found it to be a disappointing mystery--by a highly acclaimed Northwest author. Too many characters, not enough depth, and My husband liked it, but I found it to be a disappointing mystery--by a highly acclaimed Northwest author. Too many characters, not enough depth, and a smooshed-together ending with an unconvincing motive.
Jette, you might like this author because her books take place in Eugene!...more
I have to confess that I couldn't put it down--another potboiler by Dan Brown. However, the last 1/5 of the novel was so implausible and ridiculous thI have to confess that I couldn't put it down--another potboiler by Dan Brown. However, the last 1/5 of the novel was so implausible and ridiculous that I finished it feeling disgusted. Then I looked it up on the Web and discovered that it was dreadfully inaccurate on science, geography, and art history, in spite of the fact that Brown claims it's based on facts....more
I've been reading Catherine Alliott for years, well before her books became available in the U.S. She did "chick lit" before it became so popular. HerI've been reading Catherine Alliott for years, well before her books became available in the U.S. She did "chick lit" before it became so popular. Her English heroines always want houses in the country and are typically unhappily married or there are always tons of misunderstandings and unexpected occurrences...but it's all in good fun. She's a very funny writer!...more
Lesley Hazelton was a visiting professor at PLU when I was there--an expert in Israeli culture and history--so I was particularly interested in this bLesley Hazelton was a visiting professor at PLU when I was there--an expert in Israeli culture and history--so I was particularly interested in this book. I read one of her earlier books, Israeli Women, years ago.
Outstanding biography of the woman whose name has come to symbolize harlotry and idolatry. Through historical research and analysis, Hazleton proves that Jezebel represented tolerance and open-mindedness, and she was framed in the bible. And Elijah, who has come to be considered a hero in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, was no hero....more
First novel by Waldman. Her protagonist is a lawyer now turned unfulfilled stay-at-home mom. The plot was not particularly complicated, but it was a fFirst novel by Waldman. Her protagonist is a lawyer now turned unfulfilled stay-at-home mom. The plot was not particularly complicated, but it was a fun read....more
Fascinating story about dowsers in Vermont, who come head to head with a major ski resort, which wants to tap a low-flowing river during a drought. BoFascinating story about dowsers in Vermont, who come head to head with a major ski resort, which wants to tap a low-flowing river during a drought. Bohjalian always provides a thought-provoking read....more
Totally light vacation read...characters are pitifully one-dimensional and the plot is somewhat predictable until the end, when it becomes unrealisticTotally light vacation read...characters are pitifully one-dimensional and the plot is somewhat predictable until the end, when it becomes unrealistic....more
I used to be obsessed with Plath at one point in my life. Very interesting novel written about her later years through her suicide. She was a haunted,I used to be obsessed with Plath at one point in my life. Very interesting novel written about her later years through her suicide. She was a haunted, but brilliant, woman....more
I listened to this on tape in the car, which might not have been the ideal way to go because the paper novel actually has comic strips in it. Oh well.I listened to this on tape in the car, which might not have been the ideal way to go because the paper novel actually has comic strips in it. Oh well. Multilayered story about a teenager who is raped by her former boyfriend, and the way their lives all fall apart in the process....more
I discovered this book because a woman I interviewed for a job in Honolulu brought the book to the interview (to read while she was waiting). I asked I discovered this book because a woman I interviewed for a job in Honolulu brought the book to the interview (to read while she was waiting). I asked her about it, and she recommended it. Then we ended up not hiring her--and she sent me the book with a thank you note--sign of a true book lover!!
I loved this book! Delicious historical fiction loosely based on the lives of Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton. A beautiful story of women's friendship in the time of war and trials....more
FANTASTIC story of a zookeeper and his wife, who shelter and save hundreds of Jews during WWII in Warsaw. Amazing writing by naturalist Diane AckermanFANTASTIC story of a zookeeper and his wife, who shelter and save hundreds of Jews during WWII in Warsaw. Amazing writing by naturalist Diane Ackerman, and illuminating detail about war-era Polish life....more
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