I have not been sewing this week. After my marathon of quilt tops and hand sewing bindings, I just haven't felt the urge to mess up my nice tidy sewing room. What have I been up to? Reading, that's what. I thought it might be fun to share with you some of the books I have read in the past month or two. Some of these were suggested by you all when I was looking for something to read awhile back. I will start with my least favorites.
Island Beneath the Sea by Isabel Allende. What a DISMAL book. Not so much because of the characters or plot, but because of the time and place of the story. The book is set in Haiti in the 1700's, just prior to the revolution that would change the place forever. The main character is a slave named Zarite, and I found myself wishing that more of the story could have taken place from her point of view, rather than a couple of pages every few chapters. I understand that the historical aspect of the book is accurate, but there was way too much misery, atrocities, and violence for me. Can anyone tell me why the cane sugar plantation owners would allow such mistreatment and cruelty to the slaves that kept their pockets full of money? You would think that it would have made more sense to keep them healthy and happy. Did not enjoy this book much at all. But it was a hardback, and cost over $20, so I felt that I had to keep going to get my money's worth. Wish I hadn't.
Roses by Leila Meacham. Overblown family saga in the style of Colleen McCoullough and Barbara Taylor Bradford. The main characters are from three rich families in a small Texas town. The romance angle is the love affair between Mary Toliver and Percy Warwick, which has its highs, but mostly lows. Kind of a Scarlett O'Hara/Rhett Butler deal. I got SO sick of Percy saying "Listen well Mary, because I am only going to say this once…" And then having him say it again 50 pages on. I got super tired of these characters and kept asking myself why I was spending time with them. Really long book–the book that refuses to end.
Whiter Than Snow by Sandra Dallas. I finished this book a day or so
ago, and am still thinking about it. It is like a splinter in my brain
that I can't leave alone. Did I love it? No, not really. The book
depicts a small town disaster which takes place in a Colorado mining
town in 1920 when an avalanche buries nine of the town's children. The
entire book is spent on telling the back stories of these children's'
parents. You know from the outset that only some of the children
survive, so part of the suspense is in wondering who will lose their
child. Not exactly fun reading. The drama of the rescue takes place at
the very end of the book. The ensemble of characters is interesting,
but the story ultimately so heavy hearted that I can't say I enjoyed
this reading experience.
Lady Killer by Lisa Scottoline. Sharply drawn characters. Story is set in South Philadelphia, and I kept thinking the secondary characters would make a great Real Housewives cast. Real Housewives of South Philly, oh yeah. The book is a mystery; the main character, Mary DiNunzio is a lawyer. One of the Mean Girls from her high school days is living with a mobster, and comes to Mary for help because she is afraid for her life. Sure enough, she disappears, and the fun begins. Good light read.
Deep in the Valley by Robyn Carr. First book in the Grace Valley trilogy. Another light read, but I can say I enjoyed immersing myself in the doings of the townsfolk of Grace Valley, a small town somewhere in Mendocino County, CA. If you like Debbie Macomber, you will LOVE Robyn Carr. June Hudson is the town doctor, and has a vast ensemble of people with their own secrets coming to her for medical care. She comes to meet an under cover DEA agent and has some secrets of her own. Fun read. And Robyn Carr is extremely prolific, so there are a lot more books by her out there.
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. I had mixed feelings while reading this book. The main characters are two sisters whose father runs a huge apple orchard business in the Pacific Northwest. When he dies, he makes the daughters promise that they will find out the real story that their cold, distant, Russian mother has to tell. Neither one of the girls has ever had any sort of connection with their reserved mother, aside from some fairy tales she used to tell them when they were children. The daughters persevere in trying to get to know their mother, and discover that the childhood fairy tales are really their mother's story of growing up in the Stalin era Russia. It took me awhile to get into this book, as in the beginning all the characters of all three women are super annoying. I kept thinking things like "how can her husband put up with her" and "what a selfish brat" and "how can a mother be so hateful". It was really worth it to stick with this story however, and I have been thinking about it ever since. Lots of interesting Russian history, great descriptive scenery, and an ending you won't see coming. Major tear jerker. I will read Kristin Hannah again, and am glad to have discovered her work.
These Is My Words: the Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine by Nancy Turner. I really enjoyed this book. It is based on the real life story of the author's great grandmother who grew up in 1880's frontier time Arizona. The story starts out when Sarah is nearly 18, and progresses through the fascinating tale of her life as she grows from a nearly illiterate child into a strong, literate, loving wife and mother. Lots of back breaking exertion, terrifying run ins with Indians, struggles with the land, danger and joy–this book kept my attention the entire time.
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen. This book is a memoir, based on the life of the author, who grew up in a Mennonite community, left it to get an advanced degree at UCLA, marries a man who decides he is gay, and returns to her roots after an automobile accident. The story moves back and forth between her childhood and present life, and is full of funny anecdotes and insights into Mennonite culture. I found the writing structure a bit disjointed, but there were plenty of times when the book made me laugh. The author has a self deprecating sense of humor, and her stories about her mother are often hilarious.
Every Last One by Anna Quindlen. Haven't quite finished this one, but am having a devil of a time putting it down. When the story begins, you think you are going to be reading about the ordinary life of a typical American family. The dad is an ophthalmologist, the mom has a landscape business, there are three teen aged kids in the family who are going through fairly typical angst. More than halfway through the book, something earthshakingly incomprehensible occurs that changes everything. Extremely strong writing, well developed characters, un-put-downable story. Not for the faint of heart.
So there you have it. If you are looking for something to read, a few of these suggestions may be your cup of tea!
60 responses to “Book Review”
I’ve always enjoyed Anna Quindlen books . . .
and the Mennonite in a Little Black Dress has been on my to be read list since I got my Kindle . . . so sounds like I might want to read that next . . . thanks . . .
also happy to learn of Robyn Carr . . .
I used to make sure I finished every single book I started . . . no matter how bad . . . I don’t do that anymore . . . I give every book 50 pages . . . at that point if I have some interest I go to page 100 . . . if it hasn’t grabbed me by then . . . I’m DONE !! . . . onto something better . . .
that’s been working for me . . . really well !!
I’ve always enjoyed Anna Quindlen books . . .
and the Mennonite in a Little Black Dress has been on my to be read list since I got my Kindle . . . so sounds like I might want to read that next . . . thanks . . .
also happy to learn of Robyn Carr . . .
I used to make sure I finished every single book I started . . . no matter how bad . . . I don’t do that anymore . . . I give every book 50 pages . . . at that point if I have some interest I go to page 100 . . . if it hasn’t grabbed me by then . . . I’m DONE !! . . . onto something better . . .
that’s been working for me . . . really well !!
Love the book reviews, now that it’s summer I’m always on the look out for some nice light reading. You must check out Barnes and Nobles new pick “A Vintage Affair” by Isabel Wolff. I’m only a third of the way in, but so far the vintage fashion description, a bit of sewing and wonderful vivid characters are lovely. Might have to put it down for awhile though, you’ve got me thinking I need to make a big Madeline for myself…
Love the book reviews, now that it’s summer I’m always on the look out for some nice light reading. You must check out Barnes and Nobles new pick “A Vintage Affair” by Isabel Wolff. I’m only a third of the way in, but so far the vintage fashion description, a bit of sewing and wonderful vivid characters are lovely. Might have to put it down for awhile though, you’ve got me thinking I need to make a big Madeline for myself…
I wish there was time enough in the day for everything! I have so many books lined up to read, it’s ridiculous. They don’t keep the hardbacks in the stores very long so if you don’t buy it when you see it, it will be gone. For some reason I find holding a hardback book more satisfying than a paper back. Because of my lack of time, it’s difficult to read a library book completely before it’s due back and often the newer books can’t be renewed.
I think my real problem is ADD since when I’m reading, I’m thinking about sewing. When I’m sewing, I’m thinking about doing something else!
Karen L.
I wish there was time enough in the day for everything! I have so many books lined up to read, it’s ridiculous. They don’t keep the hardbacks in the stores very long so if you don’t buy it when you see it, it will be gone. For some reason I find holding a hardback book more satisfying than a paper back. Because of my lack of time, it’s difficult to read a library book completely before it’s due back and often the newer books can’t be renewed.
I think my real problem is ADD since when I’m reading, I’m thinking about sewing. When I’m sewing, I’m thinking about doing something else!
Karen L.
I so enjoyed your book reviews. I also loved “these is my words”….and just finished another of Robyn Carr’s books “the house on olive street” and highly recommend it. My town does NOT have a library so I belong to http://www.paperbackswap.com. For every book that is requested of me, I get one point. For every one point I can order a book from someone else. I only pay shipping on the books I send out. Saves me a ton of money…
Thanks Nicole – I’m certainly going to hunt these down on Amazon. It’s nice to learn of new writers that I don’t think I would come across otherwise!
I so enjoyed your book reviews. I also loved “these is my words”….and just finished another of Robyn Carr’s books “the house on olive street” and highly recommend it. My town does NOT have a library so I belong to http://www.paperbackswap.com. For every book that is requested of me, I get one point. For every one point I can order a book from someone else. I only pay shipping on the books I send out. Saves me a ton of money…
Thanks Nicole – I’m certainly going to hunt these down on Amazon. It’s nice to learn of new writers that I don’t think I would come across otherwise!
hmmm… you ave me curious with Anne Quindlen. I’m not a bigfan of hers just because her books can be a bit depressing but I’m curious as to what is this grand event…
Anyway, LOVE LOVE LOVE Scottoline. She is just too fabulous because she mixes such a great set of characters in her Bennie Rozatto series. Mary’s family is just so darn funny!!
Carr also does it for me. I started reading her Virgin River series and the character’s from Grace Valley hang out with those in Virgen River so I’m familiar with who you are talking about. I find these books so relaxing. It’s like going home for a spin.
I have an e-reader and pick up most of my books in digital format but I really have not actually READ a book in a while. I have been listening to most of my literature via Audiobook and I love it. I get alot of my audiobooks from the library and ebooks can be checked out at the library too so I love it.
hmmm… you ave me curious with Anne Quindlen. I’m not a bigfan of hers just because her books can be a bit depressing but I’m curious as to what is this grand event…
Anyway, LOVE LOVE LOVE Scottoline. She is just too fabulous because she mixes such a great set of characters in her Bennie Rozatto series. Mary’s family is just so darn funny!!
Carr also does it for me. I started reading her Virgin River series and the character’s from Grace Valley hang out with those in Virgen River so I’m familiar with who you are talking about. I find these books so relaxing. It’s like going home for a spin.
I have an e-reader and pick up most of my books in digital format but I really have not actually READ a book in a while. I have been listening to most of my literature via Audiobook and I love it. I get alot of my audiobooks from the library and ebooks can be checked out at the library too so I love it.
Nice book reviews!
Nice book reviews!
Thanks for the book reviews. I recently read my first Lisa Scottoline as it was our book club pick. I enjoyed it, so I may have to try the one you recommended. I love, love, loved These is My Words. I just got the next two to go with it. One of my recent favorites was The Help. I really recommend it.
Thanks for the book reviews. I recently read my first Lisa Scottoline as it was our book club pick. I enjoyed it, so I may have to try the one you recommended. I love, love, loved These is My Words. I just got the next two to go with it. One of my recent favorites was The Help. I really recommend it.
Thanks so much for the book reviews. I’m always looking for a good book. I’m definitely going to have to look into that Anne Quindlan book. I read Mennonite in a Black Dress and thought that it was the most boring thing I had read. Seems like she was trying to deal with getting over her divorce more than anything. I only read it al the way through because she teaches at a college here in Michigan.
Thanks so much for the book reviews. I’m always looking for a good book. I’m definitely going to have to look into that Anne Quindlan book. I read Mennonite in a Black Dress and thought that it was the most boring thing I had read. Seems like she was trying to deal with getting over her divorce more than anything. I only read it al the way through because she teaches at a college here in Michigan.
These Is My Words is in my top five favorite books right now, and has been for several years. It holds up well to re-reading. I read Whiter Than Snow, and for some bizarre reason it didn’t depress me (usually that story would) – who knows why? Thanks for the other references – you know I’m always on the lookout for new reads!
These Is My Words is in my top five favorite books right now, and has been for several years. It holds up well to re-reading. I read Whiter Than Snow, and for some bizarre reason it didn’t depress me (usually that story would) – who knows why? Thanks for the other references – you know I’m always on the lookout for new reads!
My husband gave me Lady Killer for my birthday, along with a ticket to a book signing. Lisa Scottoline is even funnier in person than she is in her books. If you like her for light reading, you might try Janet Evanovich.
Have you ever considered getting a Kindle (or a similar e-reader)? I love my Kindle.
My husband gave me Lady Killer for my birthday, along with a ticket to a book signing. Lisa Scottoline is even funnier in person than she is in her books. If you like her for light reading, you might try Janet Evanovich.
Have you ever considered getting a Kindle (or a similar e-reader)? I love my Kindle.
Thanks for the book recommendations, I put a few of them in my Kindle wish list.
Thanks for the book recommendations, I put a few of them in my Kindle wish list.
I may look for These Is My Words. It sounds interesting. I love Robyn Carr books. There are three Grace Valley books and about nine Virgin River books. You become really entangled with the characters and they become like friends. I’ve met Robyn at a booksigning and she was so very nice!
I may look for These Is My Words. It sounds interesting. I love Robyn Carr books. There are three Grace Valley books and about nine Virgin River books. You become really entangled with the characters and they become like friends. I’ve met Robyn at a booksigning and she was so very nice!
I love to read too 🙂
In addition to my quilting blog (which I think you’ve visited before)… I also have a reading blog http://thatssewmandyreads.blogspot.com
I’ve reviewed a bunch of books… usually the day I finish them… or shortly after.
I love to read too 🙂
In addition to my quilting blog (which I think you’ve visited before)… I also have a reading blog http://thatssewmandyreads.blogspot.com
I’ve reviewed a bunch of books… usually the day I finish them… or shortly after.
Thanks for the reviews. I love Anna Quindlen but haven’t read any of hers for quite a while…think I will need to pick one up soon!
Thanks for the reviews. I love Anna Quindlen but haven’t read any of hers for quite a while…think I will need to pick one up soon!
Every Last One by Anna Quindlen was soooo good. What a gifted writer she is! Her subject matter is not for the faint of heart but I just remind myself that it is fiction…although while reading her books, I feel like I am right there.
Every Last One by Anna Quindlen was soooo good. What a gifted writer she is! Her subject matter is not for the faint of heart but I just remind myself that it is fiction…although while reading her books, I feel like I am right there.
Thanks for the book reviews. Next to my stitching/sewing, books are my next favorite thing! I have added a few to my “must read/check out” list tonight! I have fallen into Jodi Picoult’s books. They are not always easy reads and have surprise endings that throw me for a loop sometimes. But they are thought-provoking. Enjoy!
Thanks for the book reviews. Next to my stitching/sewing, books are my next favorite thing! I have added a few to my “must read/check out” list tonight! I have fallen into Jodi Picoult’s books. They are not always easy reads and have surprise endings that throw me for a loop sometimes. But they are thought-provoking. Enjoy!
Thanks for the reviews Nicole- It is always interesting to read what others say about the books. I just came home with some books from the library- Some of Jennifer Weiner’s books- “Certain Girls” Goodbye Nobody and Between Friends” . I have read other books by her and enjoyed them very much. ” Good in Bed” and In her shoes are some of her other titles.
I will check out Robyn Carr- I do not know her books.
I loved the Nancy Turner book ” These is my Words”.
Someone else I am going to check out is Nancy Pickard- she is fairly prolific writer with lots of titles.
I am a fan of Kristen Hannah and have read more of her books. They all were enjoyable.
Jodi Picoult is very good but her subjects are often difficult stories to put away so if you are after light reading I would not choose her stories.
One of my favorite Anna Quindlen books is One True Thing- It is a very moving story about a mother and daughter and their relationship and how it changes when the mother has cancer.
I have read some of Sandra Dallas’s books( The Diary of Mattie Spencer, Alice’s Tulips and The Persian Pickle Club and enjoyed her stories. I do not know her newest ones.
Happy reading Nicole.
Hope life is treating you and yours well.
Regards,
Anna
Thanks for the reviews Nicole- It is always interesting to read what others say about the books. I just came home with some books from the library- Some of Jennifer Weiner’s books- “Certain Girls” Goodbye Nobody and Between Friends” . I have read other books by her and enjoyed them very much. ” Good in Bed” and In her shoes are some of her other titles.
I will check out Robyn Carr- I do not know her books.
I loved the Nancy Turner book ” These is my Words”.
Someone else I am going to check out is Nancy Pickard- she is fairly prolific writer with lots of titles.
I am a fan of Kristen Hannah and have read more of her books. They all were enjoyable.
Jodi Picoult is very good but her subjects are often difficult stories to put away so if you are after light reading I would not choose her stories.
One of my favorite Anna Quindlen books is One True Thing- It is a very moving story about a mother and daughter and their relationship and how it changes when the mother has cancer.
I have read some of Sandra Dallas’s books( The Diary of Mattie Spencer, Alice’s Tulips and The Persian Pickle Club and enjoyed her stories. I do not know her newest ones.
Happy reading Nicole.
Hope life is treating you and yours well.
Regards,
Anna
Yes, These Is My Words is a wonderful book but you failed to mention she has two more books that follow the story, Sarah’s Quilt and Star Garden. I kept thinking the following books couldn’t be as great as the first but they kept getting better.
Yes, These Is My Words is a wonderful book but you failed to mention she has two more books that follow the story, Sarah’s Quilt and Star Garden. I kept thinking the following books couldn’t be as great as the first but they kept getting better.
Wow! You have been reading. Lots of those books sounds very interesting. I’m going to put the Quinlen book on my list. I love her books.
Wow! You have been reading. Lots of those books sounds very interesting. I’m going to put the Quinlen book on my list. I love her books.
Will be off to the library to see what they have. Thanks for the great suggestions! I am new to your blog. Thanks.
Will be off to the library to see what they have. Thanks for the great suggestions! I am new to your blog. Thanks.
see my problem is I only ever read about ghosties, ghoulies and mythical creatures! So it is really nice to know there are other books out there too! (I am not saying I will venture down this path but it is good to know ;o))
see my problem is I only ever read about ghosties, ghoulies and mythical creatures! So it is really nice to know there are other books out there too! (I am not saying I will venture down this path but it is good to know ;o))
HI!..I enjoyed your book reviews. I read a LOT and have piles and piles of to-be-read books. I like to get recommendations from others so I don’t waste my time on something I’m not going to like. If you enjoyed Nancy Turner’s These is My Words, you HAVE to read the rest of the triology, Sarah’s Quilt and The Star Garden. It follows the characters through their lives. It is hard for us today to understand the hardships the pioneers went through. Thanks.
HI!..I enjoyed your book reviews. I read a LOT and have piles and piles of to-be-read books. I like to get recommendations from others so I don’t waste my time on something I’m not going to like. If you enjoyed Nancy Turner’s These is My Words, you HAVE to read the rest of the triology, Sarah’s Quilt and The Star Garden. It follows the characters through their lives. It is hard for us today to understand the hardships the pioneers went through. Thanks.
Nicole – I still suggest you would probably like Barbara Michael’s Anna Peabody series – best read in sequence, and I think the first one is “Crocodile on the Sunbank”. Mystery, romance, witty, suspense, it has it all.
I’ve been looking up the reviews on Amazon.com about books I think I’ll buy – or even before I check them out of the library, and they give me a pretty good indication of what I’m getting into, and whether I’d enjoy the read or not.
Too many books…too little time!
Nicole – I still suggest you would probably like Barbara Michael’s Anna Peabody series – best read in sequence, and I think the first one is “Crocodile on the Sunbank”. Mystery, romance, witty, suspense, it has it all.
I’ve been looking up the reviews on Amazon.com about books I think I’ll buy – or even before I check them out of the library, and they give me a pretty good indication of what I’m getting into, and whether I’d enjoy the read or not.
Too many books…too little time!
Love your book reviews. I’ve been looking for new authors and appreciate you sharing some. Your review of Island Beneath the Sea reminded me of my feelings about The Lost Quilter by Jennifer Chiaverini. As I have enjoyed her other books, this one should have come with a warning. Very graphic and distressing. I wish I hadn’t read it. Even though it is good to be aware of the bad that has happened, one needs to be prepared a bit before wandering into it. IMHO
I’m definitely going to check out many of the books and authors you listed here. I love to read just a few minutes before I go to sleep and/or lose a few days enjoying the stories.
Love your book reviews. I’ve been looking for new authors and appreciate you sharing some. Your review of Island Beneath the Sea reminded me of my feelings about The Lost Quilter by Jennifer Chiaverini. As I have enjoyed her other books, this one should have come with a warning. Very graphic and distressing. I wish I hadn’t read it. Even though it is good to be aware of the bad that has happened, one needs to be prepared a bit before wandering into it. IMHO
I’m definitely going to check out many of the books and authors you listed here. I love to read just a few minutes before I go to sleep and/or lose a few days enjoying the stories.
…have you discovered Jodie Picoult? House Rules is her latest, and one I found hard to put down!
…have you discovered Jodie Picoult? House Rules is her latest, and one I found hard to put down!
Thanks for the reviews! I’ve read several Kay Hooper and Julie Garwood lately and have enjoyed them all! I will put Robyn Carr on my list as must reads. I’ve also been trying to read The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson because it’s all the rage right now, like Twilight was a while back. Well, I couldn’t get into Twilight and I can’t get into Dragon Tattoo. I’m afraid I must be an “oddball” because I found both these books boring. Give me Janet Evanovich any day 🙂
Thanks for the reviews! I’ve read several Kay Hooper and Julie Garwood lately and have enjoyed them all! I will put Robyn Carr on my list as must reads. I’ve also been trying to read The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson because it’s all the rage right now, like Twilight was a while back. Well, I couldn’t get into Twilight and I can’t get into Dragon Tattoo. I’m afraid I must be an “oddball” because I found both these books boring. Give me Janet Evanovich any day 🙂
I’ve really enjoyed the Anna Quindlen books I’ve read in the past, so that’s one I’ll need to pick up–good to know you enjoyed it. These is My Words is one of my very favorite books (along with the two books that follow); oddly enough, my book club read it and some of our members thought it was too depressing and hadn’t finished it when we discussed it. I’ve thought about the Sandra Dallas book and the reviews I’ve read seem similar to yours–I’ll probably pick it up someday, but I don’t think I’m in any hurry just now.
I’ve really enjoyed the Anna Quindlen books I’ve read in the past, so that’s one I’ll need to pick up–good to know you enjoyed it. These is My Words is one of my very favorite books (along with the two books that follow); oddly enough, my book club read it and some of our members thought it was too depressing and hadn’t finished it when we discussed it. I’ve thought about the Sandra Dallas book and the reviews I’ve read seem similar to yours–I’ll probably pick it up someday, but I don’t think I’m in any hurry just now.
Perfect timing, I need a few books for vacation. I’ve had that “These is my words” book setting on my shelves for ages, I’ll get it out. And Anna Quindlen, I’ve yet to read a book of hers I did not like, I’ll add this to my list. Thanks!
Perfect timing, I need a few books for vacation. I’ve had that “These is my words” book setting on my shelves for ages, I’ll get it out. And Anna Quindlen, I’ve yet to read a book of hers I did not like, I’ll add this to my list. Thanks!
Thanks for these great reviews! I love your honesty especially the comment that the book was dismal:) Two of the books are upcoming books for my book club (These is my words and Mennonite in Little Black Dress) I’m currently reading the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr. It’s great Summer reading. I find Sandra Dallas’ books intriguing. I didn’t like Kristin Hannah’s Firefly Lane. It disappointed me.
Thanks for these great reviews! I love your honesty especially the comment that the book was dismal:) Two of the books are upcoming books for my book club (These is my words and Mennonite in Little Black Dress) I’m currently reading the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr. It’s great Summer reading. I find Sandra Dallas’ books intriguing. I didn’t like Kristin Hannah’s Firefly Lane. It disappointed me.