I have been reading voraciously lately–maybe that is why I haven't been getting any sewing done! We have been finally getting some rainy days, and I have been spending my afternoons curled up on the couch with some good books.
Of course I had to read Sue Monk Kidd's The Invention of Wings, as everyone is talking about it and it is a popular book club selection right now. I do enjoy the author's writing style, but I found the subject matter a complete downer, which is not to say the theme of the book isn't enormously important. The book is based on true historical figures, two abolitionist sisters who fought against slavery in the 1830s and were much reviled due to their convictions. The problem I had with the book is that it left me with some very terrible images of unthinkable cruelty that was inflicted on slaves. I could not get them out of my head, and at this point in my life, I need more happy thoughts than cruel ones rattling around in my brain.
War Brides by Helen Bryan has an interesting story behind it. The author originally published the novel in the UK a number of years ago. Once it was out of print, she self published it on Amazon's Kindle, and has sold over a million copies! The story is about five very different women who are thrown together in a sleepy English village during WWII. I'd say the theme of the novel is romance and friendship, something that a lot of women readers adore. My problem with the book is that although the premise was interesting the characters' stories never really got resolved satisfactorally, and the ending, set in modern times, seemed like an afterthought.
I really enjoyed this novel. There is also a recently released movie of the same name, starrring Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin. The novel is a coming of age story narrated by a twelve year old boy. He and his mother are "kidnapped" by an escaped convict and held hostage in their home. Unlikely as it seems, the convict and the boy's mother develop a romantic interest. The story held my interest and I finished it in no time. I recommend this one, but then I enjoy just about everything Joyce Maynard writes.
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt is one of the best books I have read in years. At 784 pages, this novel isn't for sissies, I tell you. However, once into it, I swear I couldn't put it down. The novel is about a 13 year old boy whose mother is killed while they are visiting a New York art museum. In the chaos of the explosion that kills his mother, the boy slips a small priceless painting into his book bag. The novel follows the young man throughout his life, in a truly Dickensian fashion, and during the course of the book, shootouts, gangsters, black market art and antique frauds, and unrequited love come into play. It was truly engrossing and masterfully written.
David Baldacci is an author I just discovered (late again to the party I admit). He is a prolific and very popular author, known for his political thrillers. He has an additional series featuring two former Secret Agent private investigators, King and Maxwell, of which Split Second is the first. I have read the first three books in the series, and am hooked. Baldacci's books are real page turners, with something exciting happening every minute. The characters are appealing, and of course you are rooting for a romance to develop between them. I understand that there is a new tv series called King and Maxwell, that I am going to have to try to find and watch. These books are great for a vacation or anytime you want an exciting mystery thriller. Some, but not too much violence, bad language or sex.
So there you have it! If you have read anything wonderful lately, please share!
51 responses to “Book Reviews”
I always love hearing about new books! Thanks for the reviews. I was thinking of reading The Invention of Wings, but I think I’ll wait a while for that one – I’m where you are on those kind of books right now.
I’ve loved the King and Maxwell books. I’ve just read The Sixth Man, which is the next to the last in the series right now. I’m hoping he’ll keep it going for a while. The TV series was very fun, but was cancelled at the end of the first season. I’m hoping someone will re-think that decision!
I always love hearing about new books! Thanks for the reviews. I was thinking of reading The Invention of Wings, but I think I’ll wait a while for that one – I’m where you are on those kind of books right now.
I’ve loved the King and Maxwell books. I’ve just read The Sixth Man, which is the next to the last in the series right now. I’m hoping he’ll keep it going for a while. The TV series was very fun, but was cancelled at the end of the first season. I’m hoping someone will re-think that decision!
I always love hearing about new books! Thanks for the reviews. I was thinking of reading The Invention of Wings, but I think I’ll wait a while for that one – I’m where you are on those kind of books right now.
I’ve loved the King and Maxwell books. I’ve just read The Sixth Man, which is the next to the last in the series right now. I’m hoping he’ll keep it going for a while. The TV series was very fun, but was cancelled at the end of the first season. I’m hoping someone will re-think that decision!
Most of these books are on the list my book club is reading this year! It’s nice to read your reviews, now I’m really looking forward to them. I just finished “Orphan Train” last night and found it to be a wonderful story that I couldn’t put down. If you are looking for a new book to read, I would recommend it. Thanks so much for sharing your book list!
Most of these books are on the list my book club is reading this year! It’s nice to read your reviews, now I’m really looking forward to them. I just finished “Orphan Train” last night and found it to be a wonderful story that I couldn’t put down. If you are looking for a new book to read, I would recommend it. Thanks so much for sharing your book list!
Most of these books are on the list my book club is reading this year! It’s nice to read your reviews, now I’m really looking forward to them. I just finished “Orphan Train” last night and found it to be a wonderful story that I couldn’t put down. If you are looking for a new book to read, I would recommend it. Thanks so much for sharing your book list!
Thanks for the reviews. I’ve been meaning to get to The Goldfinch and will move it up on my list. I got an advanced reading copy of Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oreyemi and am recommending it to everyone I know.
Thanks for the reviews. I’ve been meaning to get to The Goldfinch and will move it up on my list. I got an advanced reading copy of Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oreyemi and am recommending it to everyone I know.
Thanks for the reviews. I’ve been meaning to get to The Goldfinch and will move it up on my list. I got an advanced reading copy of Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oreyemi and am recommending it to everyone I know.
I’m with you on The Invention of Wings, same reason I have not seen 12 Years a Slave. Books and movies don’t have to be happy but I don’t need to be put in a prolonged funk right now. I’m putting The Goldfinch on my reading list.
I’m with you on The Invention of Wings, same reason I have not seen 12 Years a Slave. Books and movies don’t have to be happy but I don’t need to be put in a prolonged funk right now. I’m putting The Goldfinch on my reading list.
I’m with you on The Invention of Wings, same reason I have not seen 12 Years a Slave. Books and movies don’t have to be happy but I don’t need to be put in a prolonged funk right now. I’m putting The Goldfinch on my reading list.
Thank you for these reviews Nicole – the Goldfinch by Donna Tartt is going on my (very long!) to-read list.
Thank you for these reviews Nicole – the Goldfinch by Donna Tartt is going on my (very long!) to-read list.
Thank you for these reviews Nicole – the Goldfinch by Donna Tartt is going on my (very long!) to-read list.
Thanks for the book reviews and your take on their themes. I’ve enjoyed many of Sue Monk Kidd’s books but may just give this on a miss. I am not usually one to get into a funk but seems I’m there now. Bother!
I have a list of authors tucked into my wallet and consult that when at the library. I’ll add these authors to that list. Thanks again!
Hugs!
Thanks for the book reviews and your take on their themes. I’ve enjoyed many of Sue Monk Kidd’s books but may just give this on a miss. I am not usually one to get into a funk but seems I’m there now. Bother!
I have a list of authors tucked into my wallet and consult that when at the library. I’ll add these authors to that list. Thanks again!
Hugs!
Thanks for the book reviews and your take on their themes. I’ve enjoyed many of Sue Monk Kidd’s books but may just give this on a miss. I am not usually one to get into a funk but seems I’m there now. Bother!
I have a list of authors tucked into my wallet and consult that when at the library. I’ll add these authors to that list. Thanks again!
Hugs!
The show has already been cancelled. I looked forward to watching it each week. My husband thought the female lead wasn’t very good.
The show has already been cancelled. I looked forward to watching it each week. My husband thought the female lead wasn’t very good.
The show has already been cancelled. I looked forward to watching it each week. My husband thought the female lead wasn’t very good.
I loved The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. I also found Longitude by Dava Sobel really interesting. It’s the story of how the longitude problem was solved and it has a foreward by Neil Armstrong. I also love the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penney (start with Still Life and then read in order). She’s got the next one coming in August. My favorite book of all time is To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis. Actually, everything by Connie Willis is fabulous.
Karen L.
I loved The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. I also found Longitude by Dava Sobel really interesting. It’s the story of how the longitude problem was solved and it has a foreward by Neil Armstrong. I also love the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penney (start with Still Life and then read in order). She’s got the next one coming in August. My favorite book of all time is To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis. Actually, everything by Connie Willis is fabulous.
Karen L.
I loved The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. I also found Longitude by Dava Sobel really interesting. It’s the story of how the longitude problem was solved and it has a foreward by Neil Armstrong. I also love the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penney (start with Still Life and then read in order). She’s got the next one coming in August. My favorite book of all time is To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis. Actually, everything by Connie Willis is fabulous.
Karen L.
To the “must read” list, I would like to add State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. I’m late to the party for this author, but, having now discovered her, I want to read everything she’s written. State of Wonder is a very interesting story with quite a unique premise, very well told, and beautifully written. Other outstanding books are Half-Blood Blues by Esi Eduygan, The Girls by Lori Lansens, Deafening by Frances Itani, and Small Island by Andrea Levy. I always enjoy your book reviews. Thanks!
To the “must read” list, I would like to add State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. I’m late to the party for this author, but, having now discovered her, I want to read everything she’s written. State of Wonder is a very interesting story with quite a unique premise, very well told, and beautifully written. Other outstanding books are Half-Blood Blues by Esi Eduygan, The Girls by Lori Lansens, Deafening by Frances Itani, and Small Island by Andrea Levy. I always enjoy your book reviews. Thanks!
To the “must read” list, I would like to add State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. I’m late to the party for this author, but, having now discovered her, I want to read everything she’s written. State of Wonder is a very interesting story with quite a unique premise, very well told, and beautifully written. Other outstanding books are Half-Blood Blues by Esi Eduygan, The Girls by Lori Lansens, Deafening by Frances Itani, and Small Island by Andrea Levy. I always enjoy your book reviews. Thanks!
I am reading The Goldfinch now and it is a timeless masterpiece, like the painting. A must read…particularly the ending. (I always peek ahead!!). Thanks for all your reviews.
I am reading The Goldfinch now and it is a timeless masterpiece, like the painting. A must read…particularly the ending. (I always peek ahead!!). Thanks for all your reviews.
I am reading The Goldfinch now and it is a timeless masterpiece, like the painting. A must read…particularly the ending. (I always peek ahead!!). Thanks for all your reviews.
Thank You Nicole for the book review.. I will think twice now about the Sue Monk Kidd book, as it’s on my Nook as a sample. I agree about happy thoughts instead of dread rolling around in my head too! Ha ha dread in the head…I’ll avoid that!
Thank You Nicole for the book review.. I will think twice now about the Sue Monk Kidd book, as it’s on my Nook as a sample. I agree about happy thoughts instead of dread rolling around in my head too! Ha ha dread in the head…I’ll avoid that!
Thank You Nicole for the book review.. I will think twice now about the Sue Monk Kidd book, as it’s on my Nook as a sample. I agree about happy thoughts instead of dread rolling around in my head too! Ha ha dread in the head…I’ll avoid that!
Thanks for the great book reviews! My sister in law read Orphan Train and said it was good, but some of the things that happen to those orphans is sad. I think she said it had a happy ending though.
Thanks for the great book reviews! My sister in law read Orphan Train and said it was good, but some of the things that happen to those orphans is sad. I think she said it had a happy ending though.
Thanks for the great book reviews! My sister in law read Orphan Train and said it was good, but some of the things that happen to those orphans is sad. I think she said it had a happy ending though.
Thanks for the reviews. I’ve been puttiing off read SMK’s new book for the very reason you state. I have come to the point where I can barely tolerate stories of cruelty, to animals or humans. My aversion to it seems to get worse with age. Funny, I can read about serial killers and murderers all day long. But animal cruelty, child abuse, slavery, torture–all those just make me physically ill.
Thanks for the reviews. I’ve been puttiing off read SMK’s new book for the very reason you state. I have come to the point where I can barely tolerate stories of cruelty, to animals or humans. My aversion to it seems to get worse with age. Funny, I can read about serial killers and murderers all day long. But animal cruelty, child abuse, slavery, torture–all those just make me physically ill.
Thanks for the reviews. I’ve been puttiing off read SMK’s new book for the very reason you state. I have come to the point where I can barely tolerate stories of cruelty, to animals or humans. My aversion to it seems to get worse with age. Funny, I can read about serial killers and murderers all day long. But animal cruelty, child abuse, slavery, torture–all those just make me physically ill.
Thank you for the reviews. I’m with you about books like The Invention of Wings. I get too hooked into a book and end up with nightmares. If you haven’t read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, I highly recommend it. I also just read Mr. Penumbra’s 24-hour Book Store – quirky but fun. In addition, I’ve read the Amelia Peabody series (which should be read in order) by Elizabeth Peters. The main character is great and the development of the characters is fun…you also learn a bit about ancient Egypt, which actually ends up being quite interesting.
Thank you for the reviews. I’m with you about books like The Invention of Wings. I get too hooked into a book and end up with nightmares. If you haven’t read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, I highly recommend it. I also just read Mr. Penumbra’s 24-hour Book Store – quirky but fun. In addition, I’ve read the Amelia Peabody series (which should be read in order) by Elizabeth Peters. The main character is great and the development of the characters is fun…you also learn a bit about ancient Egypt, which actually ends up being quite interesting.
Thank you for the reviews. I’m with you about books like The Invention of Wings. I get too hooked into a book and end up with nightmares. If you haven’t read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, I highly recommend it. I also just read Mr. Penumbra’s 24-hour Book Store – quirky but fun. In addition, I’ve read the Amelia Peabody series (which should be read in order) by Elizabeth Peters. The main character is great and the development of the characters is fun…you also learn a bit about ancient Egypt, which actually ends up being quite interesting.
I’ve also read “Wish you well” and “One Summer” by David Baldacci. They are not his typical political thriller. Instead they are about his grandmother and rough life in West Virginia mountains and the book one summer is almost magical in what happens in it. It captivated me and I could not put it down. I found them both very interesting reads, not heavy reading though.
I’ve also read “Wish you well” and “One Summer” by David Baldacci. They are not his typical political thriller. Instead they are about his grandmother and rough life in West Virginia mountains and the book one summer is almost magical in what happens in it. It captivated me and I could not put it down. I found them both very interesting reads, not heavy reading though.
I’ve also read “Wish you well” and “One Summer” by David Baldacci. They are not his typical political thriller. Instead they are about his grandmother and rough life in West Virginia mountains and the book one summer is almost magical in what happens in it. It captivated me and I could not put it down. I found them both very interesting reads, not heavy reading though.
I also recommend “the Guernsey literary and potato peel pie society”-the entire book is done in letters. I thought it was strange until I got used to it. Once I got into the book I could not put it down. I also read war brides it was disappointed in the end I felt the author left you hanging.I am reading the book Sisterhood by the same author of war brides I’m not that far into the book will let you know if its worth the read.
I also recommend “the Guernsey literary and potato peel pie society”-the entire book is done in letters. I thought it was strange until I got used to it. Once I got into the book I could not put it down. I also read war brides it was disappointed in the end I felt the author left you hanging.I am reading the book Sisterhood by the same author of war brides I’m not that far into the book will let you know if its worth the read.
I also recommend “the Guernsey literary and potato peel pie society”-the entire book is done in letters. I thought it was strange until I got used to it. Once I got into the book I could not put it down. I also read war brides it was disappointed in the end I felt the author left you hanging.I am reading the book Sisterhood by the same author of war brides I’m not that far into the book will let you know if its worth the read.
I love book recommendations. Thanks Nicole! Some of these sound just right for my interest area. I love reading!
I love book recommendations. Thanks Nicole! Some of these sound just right for my interest area. I love reading!
I love book recommendations. Thanks Nicole! Some of these sound just right for my interest area. I love reading!