A man is caught inside a crime where he must inhabit 8 separate hosts and use their experiences to solve a murder. This book was initially riveting toA man is caught inside a crime where he must inhabit 8 separate hosts and use their experiences to solve a murder. This book was initially riveting to me, but eventually, I became frustrated with the sheer number of characters and especially the number of hosts. While Turton managed to keep the hosts distinct in the way they acted and processed information, the movement between them felt frustrating and jarring to me. I don't think I've ever thought this before, but in this novel, I actually felt there were too many twists. Eventually, these new revelations felt more like manipulation than a clever surprise. While I can really applaud the writing and the innovation that this novel showcases, I think I would have liked this novel more had it been about 150 pages shorter and with half the hosts....more
One morning, Mary Lennox awakens at her home in India to find that everyone she knows has died of cholera, and so, she is brought to Misselthwaite ManOne morning, Mary Lennox awakens at her home in India to find that everyone she knows has died of cholera, and so, she is brought to Misselthwaite Manor to live under the care of her reclusive uncle. There, the selfish and unkind orphan girl finds healing in unexpected ways. I can't remember if I've actually read this book before, but since most every big moment in this book was accompanied by a vivid picture in my mind (and many of those moments accompanied by a Chopin sonata as well), I'm also somewhat sure that I'm mostly remembering the movie. This book, however, was really beautiful. The theme of growing - in gardens and in children - tied the plot together nicely and added some beautiful imagery. Some of the book felt a little difficult to resonate with (all the "magic" that the children, esp. Colin, reference), but reading about Frances Hodgson Burnett, her history, and her beliefs, this made sense and gave some cultural reference to the book. While I'm sure children love this book for the freedom they see its young protagonists enjoying, the themes of growth and the role of adults in raising children, make it equally relevant for adults....more
Perhaps not the most inspired book, but being a book from Hallmark Publishing, it was exactly the cozy, family-friendly kind of book you might expect Perhaps not the most inspired book, but being a book from Hallmark Publishing, it was exactly the cozy, family-friendly kind of book you might expect from the romance channel. There were all the usual Hallmark plot points - the widowered, workaholic dad, the free-spirited yoga teacher who has a soft spot for kids, the interrupted kiss and the love triangle/misunderstanding. This was a pretty predictable plot but the characters were likeable and the book was seasonally perfect, being full of all things fall....more
Who doesn't love a good book about one of the first children? After those simultaneous Mandy Moore/ Katie Holmes movies in the early 2000s, I think maWho doesn't love a good book about one of the first children? After those simultaneous Mandy Moore/ Katie Holmes movies in the early 2000s, I think many people found they had a moderate obsession with first family fiction. That being said, though, the book mentions several times how this book's first son is American royalty, and I have to say I'm still mulling this over (The Obama kids? Maybe. The Trump kids? Doubtful. I feel like the last truly "royal" first kids were probably JFK's, right?) Anyway, not the point. In this book, the first son and his best friend are separated - one in DC and one in the Alaskan wilderness. When they meet up again years later, sparks fly. There are evil Russians and kidnapping plots and girl power and romance. It's an action packed teen romance with a strong female lead, and I was hooked. The author probably tried to use "he/she felt a chill that had nothing to do with the cold" a few times too many, but overall, this was the perfect edge-of-your-seat read....more
This was at least the second time I have tried to read this book, and while I made it through this time, I only finished because of the accountabilityThis was at least the second time I have tried to read this book, and while I made it through this time, I only finished because of the accountability of a book club. This book is, frankly, difficult. It doesn't feel like genius to me. It feels like a hypocritical hermit sitting in his cabin, judging the people around him. While I will concede that the beginning was close to being interesting and surprisingly relevant for today (minimalism, owning only the things you need, building a cabin on the cheap, finding ways to work to live rather than live to work), the latter half was a real snooze-fest. The reflections on nature and the lake were just not interesting or original or (dare I say it?) worth reading. ...more
This book on flowers and their meanings was perhaps not the most interesting book I've ever read, but what it lacked in creativity, it made up for witThis book on flowers and their meanings was perhaps not the most interesting book I've ever read, but what it lacked in creativity, it made up for with thorough research and vast references to art and poetry. Furthermore, this was a visually compelling book with its illustrations of the flowers described throughout. While this book might be most useful for people who deal with flowers in their everyday life (florists? gardeners?), I still walked away with some interesting anecdotes and a very basic knowledge of flower meanings....more
Purity is narrated by a handful of colorful characters whose histories are tangled up together, and in (what seemed to me) an unnecessarily convolutedPurity is narrated by a handful of colorful characters whose histories are tangled up together, and in (what seemed to me) an unnecessarily convoluted plot, these characters's stories move across East Germany, California, and Bolivia. I struggled to like these pretentious, self-righteous characters. I struggled to resonate with the plot (which fixated on graphic sex). The writing was compelling enough to pull me through about 2/3 of the book, but by the time I finished, I was just very tired and very, very glad to be finished....more
A pictorial history of the two iconic southern Indiana hotels. I found the history fascinating and enjoyed the accompanying images. The book was thoroA pictorial history of the two iconic southern Indiana hotels. I found the history fascinating and enjoyed the accompanying images. The book was thoroughly researched and well-written. There's nothing particularly innovative about the book and the author has no particularly distinct voice but for a quick nonfiction read on two fascinating Indiana landmarks, this was exactly what I was looking for....more
In this novel where Jane Austen meets The Sound of Music with a splash of Treasure Island thrown in, governess Delia Greythorne moves with her young cIn this novel where Jane Austen meets The Sound of Music with a splash of Treasure Island thrown in, governess Delia Greythorne moves with her young charges to Cornwall where her past finally catches up with her. While this book wasn't a page-turner, it was rich and atmospheric and was an easier Regency read than most Regency novels....more
When Riley MacPherson returns to New Bern, North Carolina after her father's death, she finds some unexpected articles from the past that lead her to When Riley MacPherson returns to New Bern, North Carolina after her father's death, she finds some unexpected articles from the past that lead her to believe there's more to her older sister's suicide than she ever dreamed. As she delves back into the past, she begins to wonder if the secrets she uncovers may have been better left covered up. This was an engrossing book. The plot was fast-paced and the secrets that are revealed across the novel are revealed in such a way that it's hard to put the book down for any period of time. The alternating voices and time periods added to the intrigue, and while there were too many strings left dangling at the end for my taste (even in the first of a series), I thoroughly enjoyed this book....more
A couple marry and set off on their honeymoon where they unexpectedly join forces with a marine biologist to discover mermaids. The discovery sets theA couple marry and set off on their honeymoon where they unexpectedly join forces with a marine biologist to discover mermaids. The discovery sets them in the middle of controversy and threatens their lives. As you might imagine, this was an incredibly bizarre book. The protagonist, Deb, was probably meant to be funny, but her rants, her pretentious voice, and her repetition of "inert jiggling" just made this a hard read. The rambling first chapter about bachelorette parties, mud runs, and a wedding seemed completely unnecessary, and I almost gave up on the book before reaching chapter two. However, while the remainder of the book still really wasn't my thing (random kidnappings, hateful comments from religious groups, and a too-easy salvation of sorts), the plot did gain momentum with time....more
I found it difficult to get into this novel about twelve women from differing backgrounds who met at a women's conference and formed a prayer group. TI found it difficult to get into this novel about twelve women from differing backgrounds who met at a women's conference and formed a prayer group. The protagonist was not easy for me to stomach - as she frequently nagged her husband and often come across as highly judgmental. Her casual language, which was probably meant to be relatable, felt stilted and forced. And at the beginning, the plot moved along so slowly that, about 75 pages in, I was about to give up on the novel. However, I stuck with it and was glad I did. The relationships eventually started to flesh out and the plot picked up speed and intensity. By the time I reached the ending, I genuinely felt emotionally involved in the characters and moved by the plot's outcome. That being said, however, I think twelve women were just too many. Several women remained faceless throughout - Hoshi, the Japanese student, for example. And while I understand there are more of these novels and I do appreciate this novel, I'm just not quite interested enough to continue with the series....more
An informative, if not riveting, biographical sketch of the well-known author. I was particularly interested in Austen's cousin, the Comtesse de FeuilAn informative, if not riveting, biographical sketch of the well-known author. I was particularly interested in Austen's cousin, the Comtesse de Feuillide (the way she inspired Austen's writings and her husband's end during the French Revolution), Austen's relationships with her siblings and nieces, and in the history that went behind each novel she wrote. This is a helpful companion to Austen's work that offers a history and personality to the woman behind the pen....more
This was about as Agatha Christie as Agatha Christie gets - a family assembled for Christmas, a member of the family is killed, and the police are calThis was about as Agatha Christie as Agatha Christie gets - a family assembled for Christmas, a member of the family is killed, and the police are called in to determine how that person could have died under such unlikely circumstances. The convoluted murder kept me guessing, and Hercule Poirot made for a great lead character. Some of the details felt a little too far-fetched to be believable, and while the conclusion was fascinating, the buildup was a little slow. And with Christmas being so prominent in the title, I'd hoped for more of a Christmas setting, and that wasn't quite present either. But on the whole, this was an interesting read that didn't quite capture my heart but entertained me while it lasted....more
Eric Shaw was once a successful filmmaker, but in both his personal and professional life, has fallen on hard times. With an estranged wife and a tankEric Shaw was once a successful filmmaker, but in both his personal and professional life, has fallen on hard times. With an estranged wife and a tanked career, he finds himself single and alone, making videos to share at funerals and weddings. One funeral, however, brings him face to face with Alyssa Bradford whose wealthy and once-successful father-in-law is on the brink of death. She wants Eric to make a film about his life in French Lick and West Baden and about their iconic hotels. However, when Eric travels to the hotels, a series of strange events arise to make him question his sanity and the contents of the water drawn from French Lick's mineral springs. This was a compelling read that required quite a bit of suspension of disbelief, but having recently visited West Baden Springs and French Lick, the hotels, the southern Indiana cities, and the history of the Pluto Water fascinated me. I'm not sure if I would have been so compelled by this book had I never visited the cities because I was perhaps less fascinated in the mystery aspect of the book but completely intrigued by West Baden Spring's beauty to ashes to beauty again history....more
In this remarkable memoir of God's love and forgiveness in the midst of darkness, a Dutch family, the ten Booms, find themselves at the center of God'In this remarkable memoir of God's love and forgiveness in the midst of darkness, a Dutch family, the ten Booms, find themselves at the center of God's Underground, finding homes and hiding places for Jews all across Europe. When their work sends them to prison and eventually to an extermination camp, the ten Booms learn unexpected truths about God in an unexpected place. I had read this book when I was 12 years old and had appreciated it for its fast-pace and action. Reading it a few decades later, I found in it lessons about parenting, truths about God, and a convicting realization of how worldly my worldview often is. This book caused me to consider my own selfish heart toward others and my stance on forgiveness and the value of others. From a technical perspective, the writing was beautiful and well-paced. And from an emotional perspective, this novel was a moving account so necessary for our 'me' centered world. My hand felt numb from copying down the many wise and poignant quotes I came across in this powerful book. This is a book I will return to again and again, knowing there are so many jewels of God's grace and goodness and faithfulness found here....more
Is there any more accessible classic? This is the first classic novel I remember actually enjoying, and I've returned to it over and over through the Is there any more accessible classic? This is the first classic novel I remember actually enjoying, and I've returned to it over and over through the years and loved something new about it each time. The heroine is an early feminist, ahead of her time, insisting on her rights and her worth as a woman. Her growth throughout the novel is fascinating. And I just love the story. It's a thriller, it's a Gothic novel, it's a romance - it's everything I love. Reader, pick up this novel and read it ASAP!...more
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