I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did. After I put it down a couple of times (both in print and audio), I finally couldn't get enough. I wantI didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did. After I put it down a couple of times (both in print and audio), I finally couldn't get enough. I wanted to read it before watching the show. The story hit home in so many ways in regards to being a mother and navigating the difficult world of female relationships and sanctimommy shaming that starts so young. The (v. slight spoiler) domestic violence was hard to handle, of course. In a weird twist, I liked the show as much as the book, and vice versa. There were quite a few changes from book to screen, but it worked. I think the soundtrack helped a LOT. Unlike others, I'll happily take a second season, and I'll pick up more by this author. ...more
Lovely, utterly readable book! Three sisters return to their childhood home because of their mother's illness, and each chapter alternates between theLovely, utterly readable book! Three sisters return to their childhood home because of their mother's illness, and each chapter alternates between the experience of each. This is a literary family, and much of the book is a love story about reading and books as a physical object (ironic, as I read it on my nook). The father is a Shakespeare scholar, and thus speaks in iambic pentameter and through couplets. This could be annoying, and I love Shakespeare probably more than the average reader, but the author had the kids translate so people unfamiliar with the King Lear lingo can read the book without wondering WTH he was saying. Another little trick was that the book was told from the perspective of the sisters as a group - so the royal "we" looked upon the actions of each individual. It was a little odd, and never became completely natural, but it definitely was interesting.
I want to give this 5 stars for the author's creativity, but the plot wasn't super exciting. And there's an annoying little bit about libraries (that ends up being redeemed) that will irritate every public librarian who reads it. There's also a bit of repetition of vocabulary (using the word tattoo as an idea was brilliant once, but not the third time) that my editor's mind nit-picked against. But! If you consider yourself a reader reader, and are a true book lover, go pick this up....more
Two girls fathered by the same man, one of whom is hidden from the other and is fascinated by the other, deal with life, friendships, and family. I liTwo girls fathered by the same man, one of whom is hidden from the other and is fascinated by the other, deal with life, friendships, and family. I liked the second part of this book a little more than the first - the voice of the girl sounded a little more true to me. The author did a nice job portraying how frustrating life was with a father who lies. The book didn't resonate with me beyond just liking it, but I can see this on the big screen, and would definitely go....more
This fourth book by Sarah Addison Allen has the magical elements that make her sweet stories special. While the language and writing isn't super sophiThis fourth book by Sarah Addison Allen has the magical elements that make her sweet stories special. While the language and writing isn't super sophisticated, the relationships she builds and the worlds she creates are enjoyable. ...more
This is a perfect book to read while curled up on the couch with blankets and tea. A woman nearing the end of her life befriends a younger woman, and This is a perfect book to read while curled up on the couch with blankets and tea. A woman nearing the end of her life befriends a younger woman, and stories of her life during the Civil War through the depression are told over mountain walks and quilting bees. It's not the most sophisticated read, but the author doesn't shy away from the tragedy and hardship of a mining town at the turn of the century....more
This was a lovely story, similar in vein to The Secret Life of Bees. I think that sometimes the main character came across as a precocious teen, and IThis was a lovely story, similar in vein to The Secret Life of Bees. I think that sometimes the main character came across as a precocious teen, and I kept forgetting that she was an adult, but that's my only real quibble. Set in Arizona, this novel could have been written today with only few changes, and things would be a heck of a lot worse. It's so sad that we have not moved forward as a society in the last 15 years....more
This would be 3 and a half stars, but a nudge higher because it was a debut novel.
I wanted to drink a tall glass of lemonade and rock in a chair on a This would be 3 and a half stars, but a nudge higher because it was a debut novel.
I wanted to drink a tall glass of lemonade and rock in a chair on a porch while reading this. The author took me so clearly to a time and a place that I felt like I was there with her.
Race relations have been in the news lately, with the election of Obama hinting at a shift in the air. This novel is set in post-Civil Rights Act pre-MLKjr. assassination south, and race, religion, and family are important pieces to the tale.
There were a few things I didn't love...the over use of metaphors was one, and I wasn't quite sure the narrative stayed in the voice of a 14 year old authentically, but it is such a nice story overall, with sad and happy and poignant moments. And in the end, it reminds me of something I carry with me all the time: friends are the family you choose for yourself.
I re-read this via audio, and it's just as good. I'm in love with this book.
***
This is one of the most wonderful books I've ever rI re-read this via audio, and it's just as good. I'm in love with this book.
***
This is one of the most wonderful books I've ever read, and I encourage everyone to go buy copies to give as gifts to the readers, historians, and/or writers in your life. At times hysterical to the point of tears in my eyes, I couldn't devour it fast enough. The book is entirely composed of letters written back and forth from a 30-something writer in London with Guernsey islanders after the second World War. It starts out humorously, but quickly turns more heart rendering, poignant, and in the right way, sorrowful. You'll laugh! You'll cry! You'll want to take the day off to read it, put it down, and start it all over again.
Apparently the author was ill during the writing, and her niece, who writes the Ivy & Bean series for kids, took over the work. Unfortunately, the author didn't live to see the success of this book. That's a good enough reason to read it, no?...more
This sophomore novel is as charming as the first. In the beginning, the food metaphors were annoying, but they grew on me through the story. Yes, it'sThis sophomore novel is as charming as the first. In the beginning, the food metaphors were annoying, but they grew on me through the story. Yes, it's magical and predictable, but its' sweetness (pun intended) mixed with the serious subject matter and surprising ending make it my latest favorite. I will buy the next novel by this author. ...more
I devoured this book so quickly that I didn't have time to put it on my "currently reading" shelf, and I almost wanted to skip Christmas to finish reaI devoured this book so quickly that I didn't have time to put it on my "currently reading" shelf, and I almost wanted to skip Christmas to finish reading it. What a wonderful story! What vivid imagery! It's not going to be a great piece of "literature" but it's quite special otherwise....more
I avoided this book because of the hype, but I picked it up on vacation when my other choices were finished. Other than not buying the narrator as a cI avoided this book because of the hype, but I picked it up on vacation when my other choices were finished. Other than not buying the narrator as a child, the book hooked me from the second chapter. So sad and frustrating....more
A novella with imagination, set in the opal-mining country of Australia. A young girl has two imaginary friends, and everyone around her supports her,A novella with imagination, set in the opal-mining country of Australia. A young girl has two imaginary friends, and everyone around her supports her, except her brother. When her father is accused of "ratting," or poaching someone else's land, she can't find her friends anymore and becomes very very ill. Her brother decides to help her find her "friends" even though he thinks she's crazy. Poignant and authentic; I am happy I found this lying on the shelves in the library....more
I read this soon after my gram died, so it probably resonates with me differently than it would have otherwise, but I actually don't mind his love stoI read this soon after my gram died, so it probably resonates with me differently than it would have otherwise, but I actually don't mind his love stories....more
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