鈥淎 tragic life was over, and the one who鈥檇 lived it had now gone on to better things. 鈥e was finally free.鈥�
I am a fan of Grisham. I will just say th鈥淎 tragic life was over, and the one who鈥檇 lived it had now gone on to better things. 鈥e was finally free.鈥�
I am a fan of Grisham. I will just say that off the top. I think there is only one book of his I gave a poor rating too, and that was 鈥淭he Exchange,鈥� the story that followed 鈥淭he Firm鈥� years later. I have even enjoyed his non-courtroom books, like 鈥淪ooley鈥� and 鈥淐alico Joe.鈥�
I read this one years ago, (it was published in 2006), and thought I had already provided a review, but apparently, I did not. So, it almost seems fitting to provide a review now, since his latest non-fiction book, 鈥淔ramed鈥� had just been released. Which I am also currently reading.
This book is his first non-fiction book. The story follows the wrongful conviction of Ronald Keith Williamson, who was tried for murder and then exonerated. Dennis Fritz, a friend of Williamson was also tried, convicted and exonerated of the same crime.
Grisham shares in his 2024 novel, 鈥淔ramed鈥� the following鈥�
鈥淚 had never considered nonfiction 鈥� I was having too much fun with the novels 鈥� but Ron鈥檚 story captivated me. From a pure storytelling point of view, it was irresistible. Filled with tragedy, suffering, corruption, loss, near death, a measure of redemption, and an ending that could not be considered happy but could have been much worse, the story was just waiting for an author.鈥�
Grisham鈥檚 telling of the story starts with the disappearance of their supposed victim, Debbie Carter who was later found dead at her home. Within a very short time, readers will be introduced to witnesses, relatives, law personnel and forensic experts.
Grisham鈥檚 introduction of Williamson comes by showcasing his habits that would come to the interest of the police. He does a relatively good job of allowing readers to see him as a victim of his own life and mental deterioration. Which allowed the prosecution to prey on him even more.
The story is grim with lots of narrative focused on an abusive system of 鈥渏ustice鈥� and how it locked away its supposed 鈥渒illers.鈥� The descriptions of prison life were vivid and disturbing. Even if vindication is provided, would it bring peace to those who were locked away as innocent men?
This is a gripping, riveting, and compelling story with a strong focus on attention to detail. Which may or may not muddy the reading experience. Still, the story is obviously well-researched. For some readers, this story may even spark outrage for a system of justice that was clearly blind and unscrupulous.
The Author鈥檚 Note will give excellent background on Grisham鈥檚 motivation for writing this story and the people he encountered through his research. ...more
I read this a while ago, and I am now bringing my review to 欧宝娱乐.
I typically like this author for his courtroom drama. But this one iCatching up鈥�
I read this a while ago, and I am now bringing my review to 欧宝娱乐.
I typically like this author for his courtroom drama. But this one is not a legal thriller. This is a college basketball story. And, since I am not a typical sports fan, as Grisham declares himself, I wasn鈥檛 sure how I would feel about it.
But to be fair, this is more than a sports story. Because Samuel Sooleyman, our main protagonist, is a teen basketball player originally from the war-torn area of the Sudan whose family has emigrated to America for a better life.
The vivid descriptions of his family fleeing their village in the Sudan will be heart-wrenching. Readers will feel what the family experiences in their fight for survival during the war and life in a refugee camp. The feelings of societal injustice will also ring loudly, as it is typical for Grisham to write stories that have a cause behind them.
And, for those who love a good story about college basketball, Grisham writes it as if he was a coach for years.
There is good character development, a compelling plot and historical references to the Sudan and the plight of the refugees that will surely be felt by readers.
The story although slow-moving at times, is also filled with immense details that can sometimes feel like tedious reading. But the story still provided its own bittersweet conclusion that will stay with readers long after leaving the last page ...more
鈥淧eople could be good. 鈥� Always, Christmas brought out the best and worst in people.鈥�
In many ways this is a Christmas story about a man named Bill Furl鈥淧eople could be good. 鈥� Always, Christmas brought out the best and worst in people.鈥�
In many ways this is a Christmas story about a man named Bill Furlong, and a girl named Sarah, and how their lives intersect.
Thoughtful, hard-working, Irishman, Bill Furlong wants what is best for his wife and four daughters. Born of a single mother, into a simple life, never knowing who his father was, he longs to do what is right for his family. It is just before Christmas, and he and his wife know what their kids want from Santa. But what does Bill want for himself?
And what happens when Bill comes upon a convent that he is delivering coal and logs too, and finds girls locked in slaving away? How is he to feel? Or a road he does not know and is told, 鈥渢his road will take you wherever you want to go son.鈥� There is so many 鈥榮mall things like these鈥� that Bill contemplates but does not understand, even as he addresses all of this with his understanding wife, Eileen. Her response, 鈥榳here does thinking get us?鈥�
Even with a soft-heart, readers could feel as Bill did, that things were just not right in his world, and there was a helplessness he could not change. There is a restlessness and melancholy to Bill as he continues to lament and contemplate who is father could be. And, he still feels a sense of concern about what is going on at the convent. Could it be abuse of these girls?
There is much to experience in this short little book. Keegan鈥檚 prose is thought-provoking and poignant. Her characters sympathetic and well-developed. Her plot heart-warming and moving. Readers can鈥檛 help but feel hopeful for Bill Furlong, and what he hopes to accomplish for someone like Sarah, and his own family. He truly is a memorable character. One you want the best for in the end.
Be sure to read the author鈥檚 鈥榓 note on the text鈥� for more information about true Irish history.
I鈥檇 also like to encourage you to read my 欧宝娱乐 friend, Darla鈥檚 amazing review: /review/show......more
鈥淚鈥檝e lived a whole life and now I鈥檝e been given the chance of another. Isn鈥檛 that just extraordinary?鈥�
When we look at life this way, it becomes prese鈥淚鈥檝e lived a whole life and now I鈥檝e been given the chance of another. Isn鈥檛 that just extraordinary?鈥�
When we look at life this way, it becomes present moment living at its best. And, when we are faced with challenging circumstances, how can we maintain an upbeat attitude?
This is a story about some extraordinary people and a bookshop. But not just any bookshop. One in Paris. Who wouldn鈥檛 be attracted to a story that features a bookshop and Paris?
The novel is told in dual timelines. One timeline is set during WWII when the Nazis occupied France. It centers around a couple who run a bookshop who inadvertently become part of the resistance when they help an elderly British neighbor hide from the Nazis while they attempt to find a way for her to safely leave Paris. Soon, more individuals become sheltered within the bookshop in a hidden storeroom. This part of the story is very emotional, heart-wrenching, and compelling.
The second timeline focuses on Juliette, an American woman, deciding to re-invent herself by settling in Paris and reopening the same bookshop and learn what she can about its past.
The author does a fairly reasonable job of allowing readers to feel the experience of what it must have been like during that time of the occupation. The modern storyline is thoughtful and hopeful, leaving readers to wonder if the dual stories will eventually intersect. (No spoilers from me.)
The story overall is gripping, heart-felt and touching. Readers will appreciate being in the midst of true heroes during a very turbulent time in history, as well as unraveling the personal mysteries that face Juliette and other characters in present-time.
One last thing. There was a quote that was in the book that got to me. I knew immediately who the characters were referencing, but I couldn鈥檛 help but feel how relevant this quote can be interpreted in today鈥檚 world. I leave it here for everyone reading this review to ponder鈥�
鈥淲hat havoc could be inflicted on the world by one man with a lust for power!鈥�...more
鈥淭o those whose stories are written in our hearts.鈥�
May we always feel this way each time we open a book that can teach, or make us feel something deep鈥淭o those whose stories are written in our hearts.鈥�
May we always feel this way each time we open a book that can teach, or make us feel something deeply or touch us in ways we don鈥檛 expect. That there will be a story that is written on our heart. 鈾ワ笍
This is a story about family legacies.
鈥淗istory can be told only through a chorus of voices.鈥�
Our main protagonist is 鈥淓bby鈥� the daughter of a wealthy Black family in New England. She is expected to marry a white man, Henry who is a part of an old banking family. Her parents hope that this marriage will damper the tragedy that upset the family over 2 decades earlier.
As a 10-year-old, Ebby found her 14-year-old brother, Baz dead, apparently shot by intruders who were never caught. Thus, leaving the crime unsolved. Next to him was a shattered jar heirloom. The media put Ebby in the spotlight then, and now once again focuses on her upcoming wedding to Henry. This creates much turmoil and, causes Ebby to flee to Connecticut.
As Ebby tries to find herself through telling the story of her family history, more unfolds.
The story is told through several P.O.V.鈥檚 which bring forward six generations in Ebby鈥檚 family, both enslaved and free; and others, as well as the shattered jar. What will readers discover? Will mysteries be solved? Will Ebby find herself and a sense of peace? What of Henry?
Consider how the author names some of her chapters鈥alling, broken, disquiet, potential, searching, confrontation. So much to be gained from this simple hint of what is to come.
Love. Loss. Legacies. Mysteries. Family saga. Healing. Hope. Moving.
This is a beautifully researched, slow-starting story with well-crafted characters, short chapters, a believable storyline and an easy way of following along through history to present day. Through her eloquent writing, the author gives readers an inside view into the continued division between white and Black America.
Be sure to read the Author鈥檚 Note for more insights and book recommendations that explore history.
This is the author of 鈥淲onder.鈥� If you haven鈥檛 read that book, I highly recommend it. Review here: /review/show...
Another GoThis is the author of 鈥淲onder.鈥� If you haven鈥檛 read that book, I highly recommend it. Review here: /review/show...
Another 欧宝娱乐 friend recommended I read this one, too. This story is told as a graphic novel. The author is also the illustrator.
鈥淭hose who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.鈥� 鈥� George Santayana
This beautifully illustrated graphic novel, tells the story of the author鈥檚 grandmother, Sara who survived WWII by hiding in a barn in rural France. As a child herself, she formed a bond with Julien, a polio victim. Readers begin with the grandmother telling her 鈥済randson鈥� this story as part of a project for his Humanities class. And, then readers are thrust back in time to live her story.
Each writing block presented captures the story artfully and sensitively. As readers travel back in time, we can鈥檛 help but relive the horrors of the Holocaust, from a child鈥檚 perspective. Including her dreams of missing her parents, and the 鈥渇airy tale鈥� life she used to experience.
In her dreams, as she hides, Sara, flies as a white bird. (Hence: the title of the book.) It is hard not to experience the emotions shared as loss is felt deeply in this hidden life, without her parents or friends.
The story is rich in emotion and history. As well as having a way of presenting a magical and spiritual connection to something greater than us.
鈥淲hat is done cannot be undone, but one can prevent it from happening again.鈥� 鈥� Anne Frank
This book, supposedly meant for 8-12-year-olds, seems in its complexity, to be sharing an important message for adults. Will it be easy for young ones to comprehend the depth of what is being conveyed here? Will it inspire those who read it to become social activists? Maybe even helping others to acknowledge that antisemitism and hatefulness towards those that are 鈥渄ifferent鈥� from themselves still exists in 2025 鈥� 80 years later?
Interestingly enough, the author explores this in one of his writing blocks in Present day 鈥� 2019.
鈥淗ave we learned nothing?鈥�
The grandmother shares those words, as she reads the headlines of the newspaper telling her that Trump is separating children from parents with his 鈥渮ero tolerance鈥� policy. (His first administration.) The author shows Sara鈥檚 obvious anguish. How can we not feel these emotions as we watch what is happening now in America?
鈥淣ever again. #奥别搁别尘别尘产别谤.鈥�
We can only hope.
It is recommended that readers also read the Afterward by author, Ruth Franklin and the Author鈥檚 Note. The author also provides a glossary, suggested reading list and organizations which will be helpful resources.
I remember reading this book a while ago, and also seeing a movie that highlighted this story, as well. But I believe the movie rendition Catching Up鈥�
I remember reading this book a while ago, and also seeing a movie that highlighted this story, as well. But I believe the movie rendition of the story was more about the dog, Togo, and his beginnings, and how he came to be a part of this story.
The title of this book is an understatement. Especially as children were dying of diphtheria in 1925 in the small town of Nome, Alaska. It was evident that they were in need of the medicine quickly, before an outbreak would devastate the community.
And, their only hope were the amazing huskies that could race against the grueling miles and horrific weather conditions to get the serum to the children.
This is the story of the dog relays that took on the important mission of enduring temperatures of 62 below to get this medication to save Nome 鈥� the community and mostly the children.
There is so much to appreciate about the bravery of the men who led the dogs, besides the courageous effort of the lead dogs, Balto and Togo. Although, controversially, it would be Balto that would be getting more credit, through publicity, movie deals, and his own statue. It would be later learned, that Togo was the one that deserved the most credit for his heroic lead efforts.
This is a must read with great historical value. Although there will be hard parts to read, about the children and about the dogs in harrowing conditions, the story is thoughtful in its telling....more
This is a beautifully illustrated graphic experience by actor-activist, George Takei that shares his own story about his family鈥檚 internment in a concThis is a beautifully illustrated graphic experience by actor-activist, George Takei that shares his own story about his family鈥檚 internment in a concentration camp during WWII.
Best known for playing Sulu in the Star Trek franchise, he has turned his experience into a riveting graphic novel-memoir. And, in this story, he does not hold back the racism that existed in his lifetime.
Even if his father was a longtime U.S. resident, or his mother was a Sacramento-born American citizen, they were still declared an 鈥渁lien enemy鈥� and held by the U.S. government for four years through presidential proclamation after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Takei wants readers to feel the inhumane treatment he experienced. He relives it through these pages when his family of 5 was one of many herded into the Santa Anita racetrack before eventual relocation by train.
The pictures can easily tug at one鈥檚 heart along with the carefully selected words, as they portray the shadows of what he must have felt during his childhood experience. And, even if he may have been an unreliable narrator as a child, the starkness of his reality, cannot be discounted. We know intuitively there is still some truth in the telling of his story. Because there is enough evidence in other history books, to know this truly was a tragic time. Thus, young readers will learn an important part of history from this book.
Even if the bitterness of this experience comes through, the author still shows a deep respect towards the power of American democracy. Something his father also taught him to respect. Still, reading this today, one can鈥檛 help but feel a deep sadness knowing that there still is so much that divides us as Americans. And, it makes one wonder what future could be foretold with the threats of the pending hateful American President against current immigrants. Will we ever learn to grow beyond hate and dis-trust of fellow humans?
As a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, this was a nice reminder to re-visit this debut novel and offer a review.
Although this is a Catching up鈥�
As a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, this was a nice reminder to re-visit this debut novel and offer a review.
Although this is a fiction story, it is based on a true story when in 1966, a landslide of coal had buried a school full of children and teachers in the Welsh village of Aberfan. The author chose to create the story around a young, recently graduated embalmer who attends to help after the disaster. The problem is now he struggles to overcome this trauma and his family鈥檚 expectations of being a part of his family鈥檚 business.
The story follows William Lavery, and his mental scars after Aberfan, the death of his father, and how all of this affects his actions about his life overall. Which makes him a difficult character to like, understandably, considering the heaviness of the topics. The author鈥檚 writing also makes him almost emotionally inaccessible. William鈥檚 story is a haunting one, and certainly one in which we, as readers want to feel a sense of empathy and understanding, tenderness and hope for him鈥ut it was hard to feel close to him.
Still, there is much to feel about the realness of the story, because of the historical significance that it is based on.
Another book I forgot to mention I was reading. But now I am finished and ready to review it.
I have mixed feelings here. First and foremost, I love lAnother book I forgot to mention I was reading. But now I am finished and ready to review it.
I have mixed feelings here. First and foremost, I love librarians and libraries and anyone who is going to fight for and protect libraries and making all books accessible for reading for everyone. So, in this respect I love that message in this story. And, I appreciated the back stories of the lives of librarians and their care of libraries that was central to the overall story. But鈥nd, I am sorry to insert the but鈥�
This is historical fiction that attempts to give a realistic portrait of what it felt like to suffer in France after Germany鈥檚 invasion during WWII. The author did not shy away from the horrors of war and the occupation. So, for some readers that might be a trigger to consider. Still, having said all this, the story felt somewhat contrived, where the plot points felt a bit forced, and characters seemed to be conveniently in the right place at the right time with no logical explanation, helping to push the narrative forward at times. I don鈥檛 like it when it feels like the story feels manipulated to reach a certain outcome.
On another note, as we in America move into another administration, I am hopeful that we can continue to honor our librarians, and libraries and make ALL books accessible for reading. We should never go back to this kind of thinking or behaving about books or people, for that matter.
It is 1964. Helen is an art therapist at the Westbury Park psychiatric hospital. In her 30鈥檚 she is having an affair with psychiatrist Gil, when an unIt is 1964. Helen is an art therapist at the Westbury Park psychiatric hospital. In her 30鈥檚 she is having an affair with psychiatrist Gil, when an unusual pair of patients are brought to the hospital. A woman with dementia and a mute man named William who as it turns out has a gift for drawing.
The woman who has appeared to be his aunt, dies of pneumonia, and Helen finds herself working closely with William. The book goes back and forth through time to give more insights into the history of these characters and their forward growth. As Helen plays detective to find out more about William, as readers, we are also hopeful that she will reflect on her own life, as well.
There is something surreal and soft and sensitive that is sometimes wrapped in darkness about what we learn about what has happened to these characters. But there is also something about who these characters are and what we as readers hope for them. This is a touching, heart-felt novel that is beautifully written by this author. Readers will most likely be moved by the subtle ending.
This family was surrounded by scandal and wealth and center-stage attention, whether they chose it or not. And, this is the story of that very privileThis family was surrounded by scandal and wealth and center-stage attention, whether they chose it or not. And, this is the story of that very privileged upbringing.
There is a lot of name-dropping in this book, because this family is rather well-known in their own way. Griffin鈥檚 aunt by marriage is author, Joan Didion. Joan鈥檚 husband, was the writer, John Gregory Dunne, who was Dominick鈥檚 brother. Dominick, being Griffin鈥檚 father. Dominick was in the movie business, which allowed Griffin to be 鈥渞aised in the land of make-believe鈥� before he became a part of it himself. Mostly, we also learn about the secrets of Dominick that also influence Griffin, too. His mother, Ellen was an heiress who was friends with the actress Natalie Wood.
Griffin would later be rocked by the strangling death at age 22, by her ex-boyfriend, of his sister Dominque, an actress.
The Friday Afternoon Club is titled after a carefree regular gathering that his father hosted that included a young, George Clooney. Of course, throughout the book, we find many more named characters we will recognize, like Carrie Fisher, or Tennessee Williams, or Martin Scorsese, or eventual Bewitched star, Elizabeth Montgomery, who was Griffin鈥檚 babysitter.
There is a fragility to Griffin鈥檚 true character that is felt throughout the pages, even as we are immersed in the privilege and scandal of the times.
His writing is honest, funny and smart, even sad, at times. And, he doesn鈥檛 mind laughing at himself, which makes this an easy-to-read memoir. Of course, it helps if you know all the names that are dropped throughout the book. It almost makes you feel like you are an insider, for a moment....more
We may be more aware of him because of the lead role he played during the Covid pandemic. But his career spans so much more than the battle he had to We may be more aware of him because of the lead role he played during the Covid pandemic. But his career spans so much more than the battle he had to endure through anti-vaxxers and an egotistical President who wouldn鈥檛 listen to his sage advice.
This is his story. His career. His life. And, there is so much more to appreciate about what he brought to our country that went unappreciated by the many who did not value or understand the science.
This is the author鈥檚 straightforward review of his work and reason for being an epidemiologist, and love of other scientific subjects. It covers his childhood, his medical training, his career at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and as the longtime director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
Even if it isn鈥檛 a literary masterpiece, and sometimes slogs along, he is still thoughtfully plain-spoken and direct in sharing his remarkable life story. His dedication to medicine and public service is evident. Sometimes at quite the personal cost to him.
As we know, he was the revered and reviled face of the Covid-19 government response. Prior to that, he was mostly identified by his work on HIV/AIDS. Known mostly as a healer and an activist. And, as shared earlier, at great personal cost 鈥� the loss of a first marriage, a friend to death from AIDS, PTSD for the author, amongst a few other things. But his contributions are many.
The discussion about Covid-19 takes center-stage throughout the book, and anyone who has been around during that period of time knows how that went. But hearing it from the author鈥檚 point of view helps. He has a right to tell it from his side. After all, he was at the center.
He is an optimistic storyteller, in some ways about all he has been through in his life 鈥� in all that he has experienced, especially as it relates to scientific breakthroughs. But there is also some truth to his experience that he shares.
鈥淎t times, I am deeply disturbed about the state of our society. But it is not so much about the impending public health disaster. It is about the crisis of truth in my country and to some extent throughout the world, which has the potential to make these disasters so much worse. We are living in an era in which information that is patently untrue gets repeated enough times that it becomes part of our everyday dialogue and starts to sound true and in a time in which lies are normalized and people invent their own set of facts. We have seen complete fabrications become some people鈥檚 accepted reality.鈥�
Perhaps the state of our country as we walk in to 2025 is exactly why we are where we are now. Because of the misinformation that people chose to believe as fact. How else could some of the voters have put a criminal/con man at the head of our government for the next 4 years?
Fauci in his optimism, felt that our hope 鈥渓ies in young people鈥� when he also shared鈥�
鈥淲hat became even more clear to me was something I already knew: that the diversity in our country in its myriad forms 鈥� geographic, economic, cultural, racial, ethnic, and political 鈥� makes us an attractive and great country.鈥�
The book was published in June, 2024. Before the November 2024 election. So, I don鈥檛 know if he knew what the intended outcome was going to be with another term of Trump. It will definitely be a while before we see ourselves as the author had 鈥渉oped鈥� for our country. We can still appreciate the wisdom of Fauci's medical experience shared through these pages....more
The story begins in 1980s France with a young librarian named Sabine Dupris who inherits a restaurant from her biological grandmother, whom Sabine didThe story begins in 1980s France with a young librarian named Sabine Dupris who inherits a restaurant from her biological grandmother, whom Sabine did not know she had. And, to add to the story is that this restaurant holds a dark family secret history that takes readers to Nazi-occupied Paris during WWII.
Sabine learns of the tragic history behind the restaurant which included murder. Her interest leads Sabine to seek answers from locals who have intimate knowledge of this past.
In many ways this was a gripping read focusing on unraveling the wartime mystery of this restaurant and Marianne Blanchet, the biological grandmother.
As readers, will we find ourselves feeling empathy or sympathy for Marianne and the situation she was in? How will we, as readers, respond to the evil that surrounded her? Or what Marianne did to survive?
This historical fiction story felt like an emotional exploration of morality and justice, and was certainly, thought-provoking and engaging.
For those who enjoy historical fiction, and exploring the complexities of that time in history 鈥� collaboration and resistance 鈥� this may be considered a good read. ...more
鈥淣ow I will give you white things, What is white, though may yet be sullied, Only white things will I give. No longer will I question Whether I should giv鈥淣ow I will give you white things, What is white, though may yet be sullied, Only white things will I give. No longer will I question Whether I should give this life to you.鈥�
To be honest, I found this book displayed at my local library. And, hadn鈥檛 it been for the fact that she had just won the Nobel Literature Prize for this year (2024), I may have passed it by. But I was intrigued. As a major contemporary Korean writer who just won this major prize, it was such a little book, with a unique set-up, I couldn鈥檛 resist the opportunity to read it.
This is a story about an unnamed narrator鈥檚 baby sister, who died two hours after her birth. Readers are let in to the story of her birth, as narrated from the point-of-view of the mother. It is simply told. And yet it鈥檚 emotional reach is huge.
It's like a poetic journey, with short chapters, and feelings laid out to bear witness to as we read.
But why call it the white book? The narrator is giving readers a list of white things that touch on and relate to her sister鈥檚 death. As in the moment that the narrator reflects on a white pebble鈥�
鈥淚f silence could be condensed into the smallest, most solid object, this is how it would feel.鈥�
Readers can鈥檛 help but feel the book is creating a message. Perhaps one of fleeting life and the acceptance of human vulnerability and brittleness. And because of this, we can鈥檛 help as readers, to feel and relate to the grief. Which makes this such a testament to transcending pain through the language of words. And, an appealing poetic meditation. ...more
It has been a joy to read this book about 鈥渕aritime disasters that shook the world鈥� in-between my other books. I hav鈥淔or humans will be鈥ell, humans.鈥�
It has been a joy to read this book about 鈥渕aritime disasters that shook the world鈥� in-between my other books. I have also been reading this author鈥檚 short stories 鈥淒riftwood,鈥� as well and simply enjoying his writing. For anyone who is fascinated by maritime history, this peek into some of the most famous disastrous ship stories by a Veteran sea captain, now author, is excellent!
Chatterjee gives his own opinions on what he sees after doing extensive research of his own on 13 maritime ship stories, some that readers will surely recognize. My favorites were the Mary Celeste (Ghost Ship) and the Titanic. But there were also some I did not know that well, in which I appreciated his insights. Especially when he spoke about the Exxon Valdez, which he also titled, 鈥淒on鈥檛 Drink and Drive!鈥�
It will also be important for readers to read the epilogue in which the author shares a note about a wreckage that affected him personally.
As stated earlier, this is a well-researched, well-organized and well-written book that is an easy read. It is also a fascinating read for anyone who enjoys or is curious about maritime history.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review. ...more
It is always fun for me when donations appear at my Little Free Library Shed. Especially getting a sense of what the neighborhood favoriteCatching up鈥�
It is always fun for me when donations appear at my Little Free Library Shed. Especially getting a sense of what the neighborhood favorite authors are. And, certainly this author is one. So, hearing recently that she is 鈥渞etiring鈥� from writing it really has readers up in arms. In a June 2024 interview with Elle Magazine, the author shared鈥�
鈥淚f I do write another Nantucket summer novel, and I might, it's going to be on my own time frame, and I want to be free to do other things, and write about other things, and so I very consciously use the word 'retirement. ' My intentions are pure, in that I am retiring for the sake of my career.鈥欌€�
So, there you have it. Whatever, she means.
In re-visiting this story, clearly an older one, published in 2012, this wasn鈥檛 her typical beach read. Usually, Hilderbrand concentrates on women鈥檚 contemporary fiction with a light, romantic tone. But this story had complex characters, dealing with teenage death, and the survivors, post-accident and their parents and how they handled it.
Obviously, there is tragedy within this story, the weightiness of it, the emotional toll this incident plays on families, and, the consequences. There is also a side-story about a SIDS death and the grief and strain of that experience on family.
As, traumatic as all this sounds, Hildebrand writes with compassion and grace, developing multi-faceted characters that feel real....more
On one of my public library trips I found this book that I had read a while ago and decided it was time to re-visit it again so that I couCatching up鈥�
On one of my public library trips I found this book that I had read a while ago and decided it was time to re-visit it again so that I could bring my review to 欧宝娱乐.
There was something rather scenic about this book on so many different levels. First the book cover. The title. And of course, the Mediterranean, the beauty of Mallorca, the old olive groves, music, and the sexiness of it. But the story may be lost in translation.
It is told in reverse. It begins in 2005 and runs back through time to 1948 to retrace events whose final repercussion is the setting that begins the story to bring it back to the present. And, if that sounds confusing, it really isn鈥檛 in the hands of the author who helps readers get a sense of the intensity of the love that sets things in motion that is at the heart of the story.
And, as I mentioned the heart of this story, begins with a short-lived marriage between two of the main characters, Lulu and Gerald. And, the lives they have lived without each other since for 60 years. And, what happens when they do eventually see each other all these years later. After all the complex interpersonal mystery that has gone before, is this really what the author wanted to put readers through?
What created the intensity between them? Is it something that readers can understand?
Will we eventually get to the point to care enough? And, will the end be climatic or anti-climatic? Or, will we have given up before we reached that point?
There will be other character dramas that will ultimately form within the novel and create their own complex relationships. But it really is about what happened between Lulu and Gerald that brings them to the end of the novel that strikes hardest here.
And, to be honest, it was so difficult to connect to Gerald, by the time we did get to this finale, I wondered why the author felt this was the best use of the scenic waves. Was this really the journey he wanted for his readers? I felt rather disturbed. It took my breath away, and not in a good way....more
I couldn鈥檛 believe I had not posted this review to 欧宝娱乐. I had read this years ago, and had even re-visited it around the time I had Catching up鈥�
I couldn鈥檛 believe I had not posted this review to 欧宝娱乐. I had read this years ago, and had even re-visited it around the time I had watched the movie. And, then when I was writing my review for 鈥淵ou are Here鈥� his latest book, I was shocked to discover I hadn鈥檛 posted it. So, here it is now.
Dexter. Emma. Am I already crying? Stop. I have a review to write here.
This is the story of 2 people who meet on the night of their graduation from college. They have planned out lives. The attraction is wild. But they must separate on to those lives they plan to live. But they made a mark on each other. They must see each other again. And, again. Year after year after year. For the next 20 years.
And, this is what we experience as readers. The next 20 years. Funny. Sad. Witty. Authentic. Compassionate. We grow. We stay the same. But we always come back together for one day. Until鈥�
鈥淲e make out of the quarrel with others, rhetoric, but of the quarrel with ourselves, poetry.鈥� 鈥� W. B. Yeats
Catching up鈥�
I was a 16-year-old romantic w鈥淲e make out of the quarrel with others, rhetoric, but of the quarrel with ourselves, poetry.鈥� 鈥� W. B. Yeats
Catching up鈥�
I was a 16-year-old romantic when I first read this book. I was in love with my first boyfriend, and I believed in happily ever after. My high school English instructor had challenged us to read 鈥淎nna Karenina,鈥� and I was willing to take the challenge, not only because of all those things I mentioned, but I liked the idea that part of her name was shared with my own.
Also, at that impressionable age, I was up for romance and epic love stories, and well, my English teacher touted this book as the greatest work of literature ever written.
Gratefully, it was a semester reading project, so we had time to finish the 800+ pages and our book reports. I don鈥檛 remember what I said in my book report, but I do remember getting an 鈥淎鈥� in English. How is it that I remember, that?! ...more
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