The Boy

The Boy By Lara Santoro      Anna lives with her little girl Eva in New Mexico. After bizarre snips of conversation with even more off the wall characters, Anna is described as a free spirit who has left her cheating ex husband who resides in England. After much difficulties in every area of her life Anna has decided to focus completely on her daughter who ironically takes care of her mother much more than the other way around. Until, The Boy. The Boy who is the twenty year old son of her good friend and neighbor. The Boy that makes Anna's mouth ache. A lot happens in this rather short novel. It is a miracle that one can follow the sarcasm, wit, deep dark humor of this unique group of characters as it twists and turns so abruptly but somehow you know what's going on. Most likely it is because this writing is so articulate, intense and original it drags you deeper and deeper into these lives, to places you are not sure you want to go. The storyline is probably less crazy than I would like to believe but it is a quick read and I recommend it if only to experience this style of writing not often seen.

Miss Timmins' School for Girls

Miss Timmins' School for Girls 
By Nayana Currimbouy  

In 1974, Charulatta Apte is a young girl living with her parents in India. She is an only child and the loving light of her parents life. Charu is a smart, shy girl who lives on the edge of society due to a "blot," as she calls the scarlet birthmark, on the side of her face. The blot defines her life as she knows it and Charu has never been brave enough to venture out of the shell she created. After college Charu gets a job teaching English literature in a small mountain village boarding school. Miss Timmins' School for Girls is based on the British system and ideals of the missionaries of times past. Charu learns about love, loss, sexuality and her own inner strength after the mysterious death of a fellow teacher called Prince. A coming of age story with a murder mystery, this Indian novel contains the smells, sounds and quirky language of young girls in search for acceptance and happiness. If you enjoy the novels of India, this is a must read.

What Alice Forgot

What Alice Forgot By Liane Moriarty    While Alice is cycling away in her Friday Spin Class, she becomes dizzy, falls, bumps her head and so begins what Alice forgot. Alice has forgotten the last ten years. She does not know her three children, she thinks she is 29 and happily married, while in actuality she is 39 and in the middle of a nasty divorce. Her younger, happy, carefree spirit is shocked by the very "busy", angry lady she has become. While Alice tries to figure out what has become of her life and waits for her memory to return, she has to contend with her affection for her ex husband, distant sister, remarried mother and her apparent boyfriend. This witty, laughable satire is one any woman could relate to. The freedom, hope and bright light of a young marriage is extinguished by crying babies, lack of sleep, lost career and growing resentment of the spouse flourishing in the business world, choosing office success over stress at home. What Alice Forgot makes the reader remember. Loved this adorable novel, highly recommend this fun read.

On the Island

On the Island  By Tracey Garvis Graves     Anna, a thirty year old teacher from Chicago is hired by the Callahan family to tutor TJ for the summer. TJ is in remission and having missed most of the 10th grade he needs to catch up with his classmates. As TJ and Anna's plane approaches the remote island home his parents have rented for the summer, a fateful accident occurs leaving TJ and Anna alone on an uninhabited island. Fighting for their health, safety and sanity, TJ and Anna battle the elements to stay strong while their feelings and emotions towards each other grows into a beautiful friendship. This wonderful story is a simple one of love, friendship and dreams with a little bit of survivor, a dash of fifty shades and a reminder of the blue lagoon. It is that wonderful chick lit romance, tears, smiles and all over fuzzy feeling. I adored this story and read it in one day. If you long to escape if only for a short while, this is it. Enjoy!

The Last Runaway

The Last Runaway  By Tracy Chevalier      Honor Bright arrives in Ohio in 1850. She settles in a small Quaker community called Faithwell. After traveling from England and suffering horrific sickness throughout her journey her real pain is caused when Honor loses her sister to yellow fever. She is 20, she is on her own in a strange new land. Honor is a quiet girl who finds her solace and is much admired for sewing beautiful quilts. She has an unlikely friendship with an outspoken milliner, Belle, a strange and steamy acquaintance with Belle's brother Donovan and a deep strong belief, as Quakers do, that slavery should not exist. Similar to The Kitchen House, The Help and Someone Knows My Name, a perfect read for Black History Month. I learned much, loved the characters and highly recommend this excellent novel by a superb author!

Yes, Chef

Yes, Chef By Marcus Samuelsson     The idea of celebrity chef is a fairly new phenomena in our culture. Famous chefs have longtime existed. In small circles of foodies their names are often revered. Today chefs are a household name due in large part to cooking competition television shows. The words Yes, Chef mean something even if you have never worked in a restaurant. Marcus Samuelsson was three years old when he and his sister were orphaned in Ethiopia and adopted by a loving Swedish family. He grew up in a small Swedish village and a lifelong love of cooking was born as he helped his grandmother Helga in her small kitchen. This memoir follows Marcus on his journey through his life in Sweden, how he finds his way to food, culinary school and the restaurant business. The writing is heartfelt and entertaining. This author speaks from the heart on all matters regarding love, family, the color of our skin and every morsel we put in our mouth. Highly recommend this terrific read! Bon Appetit.

The Secret Keeper

The Secret Keeper By Kate Morton     As Dorothy's life is nearing the end, her adoring daughters and son reminisce their younger days and attribute it to the mother wonderful Dorothy has been. Laurel, the eldest and a famous actress, is reminded of a tragic incident she witnessed as a teenager and her siblings were much too young to remember. A strange man at the farmhouse, a knife, a murder, and a string of memories that have been buried in the back of her mind for fifty years. Laurel decides the time has come and she must know, she needs to understand how this violent event occurred while her mother has been the most loving adoring of souls to her family, friends and neighbors for all of these years. Her investigation begins as the chapters skip back and forth from 1941 England during the Blitz to 2011. This story pulls the reader into the characters lives, as it twists and turns it becomes less predictable and I happily found myself racing to the end to see what would happen next. A well written saga revealing what can transpire when people try to protect their loved ones by keeping the secrets.

The Little Bride

The Little Bride  By Anna Solomon       Minna,  sixteen years old, is a struggling Jewish orphan in Odessa during the late 18oo's. Her mother ran off, her father dies and she found herself work as a maid for an older woman named Galina who is out of her mind. Minna desperately wants a family, a place she can call home and a new life. She finds herself applying to become a mail order bride to a Jewish man in America. Not mature enough to think this through, Minna feels it is her only option of escape from the orphaned life she leads and the pogroms that fill the Jewish community with fear constantly. She travels to America by ship and goes to live in South Dakota to marry Max, live in a mudlike hut and act as mother to her new stepsons, close to her own age, Jacob and Samuel. Minna desperately tries to stay focused on the goal, which is to be part of a real family. Difficulties quickly surmount during brutal, suffocatingly lonely, harsh winters and an underlying attraction to the eldest son, Samuel. A unique story. For all the historical fiction I have enjoyed I did not know of Jews homesteading in the American West, the movement called Am Olam. Characters are most definitely odd but the writing is excellent, descriptive and heartfelt. I recommend this story and would be interested to read this author again.

Me Before You

Me Before You  By Jojo Moyes    After losing her job at the local cafe, Louisa Clark finds herself at a crossroads. Not much experience, limited education and little faith in her own abilities. She is a spunky 26 year old girl living in a small village in England where the biggest attraction is an old castle in the center of town and a strong cup of tea. Lou lives with her loving working class parents, her sister Katrina and her nephew Thomas. Her world revolves around a very small epicenter of work, her Running Man boyfriend Patrick and a weekly night at the pub. Until she meets Will, her new employer. Will Traynor is a quadriplegic. He is 35, handsome, wealthy and very very angry. Lou is hired to be Will's caregiver for 6 months and with this, her life is changed forever. This unique story is one I could not put down. The witty outrageous characters fill these pages with love, laughter, regret and possibility. They will remain with me long after the novel ends. Do not miss this one, a must read!!

The Light of Amsterdam

The Light of Amsterdam By David Park    Belfast, Ireland. Three different families are taking a weekend trip to Amsterdam. Gordon and Marion on going on a pre-Christmas holiday, they have been married for many years, are grandparents and Marion is critically analyzing all that has changed in their lives while she incessantly worries about their future. Karen attends her daughter Shannon's hen party with a group of young girls that drink hard, party often and expect instant gratification in every aspect of their lives. Karen is a struggling single mom that has sacrificed her entire adult life for her daughters' well being while sinfully neglecting herself in every way possible. A father, bitterly divorced, takes his 16 year old son Jack to see Bob Dylan. He reminisces about his past trips to Amsterdam and desperately tries to connect with his miserable, spoiled teenager. Maybe the depression lies in the reality of it all, while the writing is excellent and Amsterdam is a dynamic, intoxicating city, the story lines are rather dull and my AHA! moment never arrived. Can't say that I would not read this author again but this story was mediocre at best.

The Art Forger

The Art Forger By B.A. Shapiro    Claire Roth is a struggling artist living in Boston. After a tumultuous affair with her professor Isaac, she finds herself paid to do professional reproductions of famous works. Surrounded by an eclectic group of friends and filled with a burning desire to show her own personal work Claire longs to escape the label as the great pretender. Claire enters into an agreement with an unlikely, handsome art dealer that changes her life in every way. She is forced to choose how far she is willing to push aside her conscience to get what she has long desired. An intriguing look into the art world of the masters, forgeries, art dealers and museums. Likeable characters, a little romance and a unique world all its own. Highly recommend this read!

Reading Lolita in Tehran

Reading Lolita in Tehran  By  Azar Nafisi   After attending school in England and the U.S. Ms. Nafisi returns to her homeland of Iran. Shortly after the revolution begins and she spends the next 18 years pondering her existence as a woman, a wife, a teacher and a mother. She passionately loves teaching English literature at the University but life has become so difficult in the 1980's. The restrictions on women and the cultural arts has become suffocating. This memoir reflects her time as a teacher and the works she studied with her enthusiastic students. After leaving her teaching post she creates a small reading group in her home for some of her brightest and favorite students. These women embrace Austen and James and Fitzgerald to name a few. They begin to wonder who they are and what possibilities are available outside of Tehran. This memoir is very thoughtful and passionate. As a reader it is interesting to delve into the thoughts and ideals of these intelligent women. The freedom to choose what we read and when we read and have an opinion, is priceless.

These is My Words

These is My Words By Nancy E. Turner     The Prine family is traveling west on a wagon train in the Arizona Territories in 1881. Life is hard. They work day and night to merely survive, they struggle to eat, sleep and stay safe and healthy. Sarah is a young girl that begins to keep a journal practicing the bit of reading and writing that her papa taught her and most girls/women have not learned. She is tough and smart and brave and the reader is enamored with Sarah immediately. As she grows up begins the saga of her life, her deep romantic love with Captain Elliot and the family she raises. This book is Little House on the Prairie for adults, it is a time that is both hard to imagine, yet not that long ago. The characters are wonderful and remain with the reader long after the book is over. Could not put this one down. Enjoy!!

Almost Single

Almost Single By Advaita Kala     Aisha is a 30 yr old woman living in New Delhi and working as a  guest relations manager in an upscale hotel. She and her two girlfriends are too "old" by India standards to still be single and they try in every way possible to overcome this circumstance. Call it Sex and The City in New Delhi, Aisha is definitely Carrie, loving her friends and freedom, getting herself into ridiculous situations and always landing on her pedicured feet. This is a light, fun read and I thoroughly enjoyed this break from reality.

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie  By Ayana Mathis    Hattie Shepherd moves with her family from Georgia to Philadelphia during the 1920's. They immediately encounter a new world where they can hold their heads high and walk on the sidewalk past a white person without stepping into the street. But life is not so easy for Hattie, although beautiful and smart Hattie marries August who becomes the great love and the disappointment of her life. She has many children, struggles through their illnesses, poverty and August's constant philandering yet her will to survive is as strong as her intense sadness. This novel is almost like 12 short stories connected through Hattie. The characters are intense and the writing is extraordinary leaving the reader to imagine every detail. The only downside is the inexplicable sadness of Hattie, that is so strong it has a life of its own. The glimpse of mental illness is heartbreaking and appears hereditary throughout this powerful novel. There is no doubt that the characters will linger in your heart and imagination long after the last page. Highly recommend this authors first novel.

The Sweet Life in Paris

The Sweet Life in Paris By David Lebovitz      Sweet memoir of this pastry chef/authors life changing move from San Francisco to Paris. This funny, witty, honest story details the ins and outs of what day to day life feels like in Paris for an American. David is both an outsider and insider when it comes to his foodability. He loves everything french and everything that is delicious. He learns you can definitely win them over with kindness, if not awesome brownies and ice cream! This glimpse into the authors daily life is very entertaining and a delicious read, recipes included!

Secret Daughter

Secret Daughter By Shilpi Somaya Gowda     A couple in a small village in India cannot afford to raise their baby girl, the father, as is customary, longs only for a son. Krishnan and Somer, two doctors in America try and try to have a child but to no avail, Somer continues to miscarry. These lives cross paths over and over again. This novel speaks of love, marriage, family, loyalty and hope. It is a simple, almost predictable story but the author creates these intense, loveable characters and touches on the most common threads of humanity that we all face, every day. While reading this story the tastes, sights and sounds of India come alive and days after finishing, these characters remain in my thoughts. This is a most enjoyable read and it is highly recommended!

Paris A Love Story

Paris A Love Story By Kati Marton   This memoir reflects the life of Kati Marton, journalist, novelist, mother, daughter and wife. She has lived an exciting life as she traveled the world, spoke multiple languages and was married to both Peter Jennings, renowned newsanchor and Richard Holbrooke, beloved American diplomat. All of this, combined with living in the romantic exciting city of Paris (at multiple times in her life) would have seemed a perfect read except; the author has used this memoir as her therapy after the devastating loss of her second husband Richard Holbrooke and it its thoroughly depressing. In addition, it is equally sad that Ms. Marton who is no doubt extremely successful and accomplished in every way, contemplates the majority of her choices through her relationships with these famous and complicated men in her life. Maybe this is more common than not but I was uninspired by this story.

The Baker's Wife

The Baker's Wife  By Erin Healy      Audrey senses peoples emotions. She can feel their pain, their illness and their sadness. It is random and when Audrey deciphers whose feelings she is emulating, she aims to help them, to soothe them and share their pain. When she does, hers subsides as well. Audreys family life is in turmoil. Her husband has lost his job as pastor and they are struggling to start a new business, a bakery. Their teenage son has troubles of his own and then there is a mysterious accident and Audrey has to use her faith and intuition to save the people she loves. This unique story captured my imagination with many twists and turns. I really enjoyed this mystery filled with the power of the mind and the heart. Highly recommend this intriguing read.

Mrs. Queen Takes the Train

Mrs. Queen Takes the Train  By William Kuhn       The Queen of England is feeling a little blue. She decides to venture on her own (unheard of!) and visit a place she has found much happiness over the years. The Brittania was a yacht the royal family vacationed and traveled on until it was docked and made into a tourist attraction in recent years. This very British work of fiction both sympathizes with and somewhat makes of fun of the inner workings of the monarchy. The Queens adventure includes a most eclectic group of characters that normally revolve around her daily life and find themselves in a secret search for her whereabouts before the M15 secret service needs to get involved. This light, humorous novel humanizes the monarchy and the people who keep it in the peoples favor, an ongoing and difficult job. If you enjoy British writing (think The Uncommon Reader By Alan Bennett), and the monarchy, don't miss this most enjoyable read!

Astray

Astray By Emma Donoghue   After loving the novel "Room" last year (if you haven't read it, a must!) I decided to try a new collection of short stories by Ms. Donoghue. These short stories were various types of people in the midst of traveling, to find gold, a new home, the truth or peace at the end of life. These stories varied throughout history from the mid 1600's to 1960's. Short stories are tough for me personally because just when I am getting involved, it ends. I loved that following each story Ms. Donoghue briefly details the source of the story and at the very end of the book, surmises the entire account. An excellent collection and easy to read. If you enjoy historical fiction and short stories, this one is for you!

Gone Girl

Gone Girl  By Gillian Flynn  Amazing Amy is amazing; a clever beautiful, sophisticated girl, madly in love with Nick. They marry and are the ideal New York couple. Young, eager, happy and having the time of their life. Until they are not. Their lives change dramatically when they move back to Nicks small home town. Their lives unravel even more rapidly when one day, the day of Nick and Amy's 5th wedding anniversary, Amy is missing. And then their story really begins. This novel is told from 2 points of view. One chapter Amy, the next Nick. It is truly amazing how two people can see one story in two totally different ways. I rarely read mysteries of any sort. I could not put this one down. A must read.

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao  By Junot Diaz    Oscar Wao is a teenager growing up in Paterson New Jersey with his outrageous, beautiful, intelligent sister, his completely off the wall but hard working intermittently very ill mother and again out of jail tio (uncle). Oscar is obese, science fiction obsessed, extremely girl crazy, brilliant writer and wordsmith. This family is originally from the Dominican Republic of which the past history, superstitions and cultures remain a stronghold within them all, whether they like it or not. The Brief Wondrous Life takes the reader on a journey backwards and forwards in Oscars life. Back to his ancestors tortured by Trujillo and his present search for acceptance, friendship, sex and love. Oscar is unquestionably a remarkable and likeable character. This author is no doubt full of talent, humor and a prose all his own. I enjoyed the DR history and spanglish very much but this story is at times hard to follow. It is not newly published but something I always wanted to read and although at times I was pushing myself to continue, there is no doubt I will read other works by this author and for me, that is the point.

Some Girls Some Hats and Hitler

Some Girls Some Hats and Hitler  By Trudi Kanter      A beautiful, poetic memoir of a young gorgeous woman living in Vienna in 1938. Trudi is a stylish, sharp hat designer with her own successful boutique. She is in love with Walter and her intelligent, kind parents live nearby. They live an exciting yet simple life in a lively city that is filled with art and culture and romance. Through the eyes of this young woman we read of the destruction of this life, of this city and all Trudi knows and loves as Vienna is taken over by the Germans. The people of Vienna lose their freedom and livelihoods very quickly. Fear is instilled seemingly overnight. But Trudi is not in denial and she quickly uses her wit, her charm and her instincts to guide her family out of their beloved city. This is a unique memoir of a time when Trudi is recalling not only the terror but the details of her young life, love and passions. Trudi is amazed people are still wearing hats at a time such as this.

The Tea Rose

The Tea Rose  By Jennifer Donnelly     In the year 1888 Fiona Finnegan is 18 years old. She and her family live in Whitechapel, a town in the east end of London. Their lives are not easy, they struggle to make ends meet and sometimes don't have enough to eat, but their home is filled with love, support and dreams. Joe Bristow, Fiona's childhood sweetheart holds their tin that is filled with all their savings and all their hopes to someday have their very own shop. What sounds like a most simple story develops into a lengthy tale of love, trust, mystery, friendship and lots of tea. The reader holds on to the characters, both loveable and adventurous as it twists and turns through a decade of their lives. Although by the end the story is mostly predictable, the writing is easy and enjoyable and I highly recommend this novel. Note: It is lengthy, start when you have an ample amount of time!

Seating Arrangements

Seating Arrangements By Maggie Shipstead      A wedding weekend meticulously planned by the Van Meter family. No detail left unattended. But this is no ordinary wedding. Daphne and Greyson are to be married on the small vacation island of Waskeke. The one hitch of this perfect hitch is the rush before the baby is born. Daphne is pregnant. And in this world of perfect table settings and lots of cocktails her saving grace is that they are a perfect match and very much in love. The chaos that ensues around the happy couple are predictable and hilarious with the island celebration  bringing the two families together. Throw in some beautiful bridesmaids, a father of the bride who openly lusts one of them, a groom with three brothers and a whale found dead on the beach and there is quite a party weekend to be had by all. Highly recommend this light, funny, easy read about social ladders, weddings and family. This author is terrific at character building. You feel like you know them from somewhere, maybe you do?

In the Shadow of the Banyan

In the Shadow of the Banyan  By Vaddey Ratner    Raami is a 7 year old girl in 1975, when the Khmer Rouge revolted and took over Cambodia. The uprisings, massacres, violence, and starvation were ongoing for four years. Raami's family was torn apart. They lost everything, everyone and every way of life as they knew it. They had been a peaceful, spiritual, loving family and its these memories that keep Raami alive, believing and even when all odds are against her survival, holding on to a bit of hope. This novel, based on the authors own life history is moving and honest in ways very few people can describe. I was both on the edge of my seat wondering what the outcome would be and in tears as Raami has to accept things most adults, let alone a small child could endure. This novel and the writing are stupendous. I have learned and loved these characters and their story will always be in my heart.

Paris in Love

Paris in Love  By Eloisa James     This memoir is the year Eloisa James, her husband Allesandro and 2 children stopped "merely existing" in a suburb of New Jersey, by taking a sabbatical and moving to Paris for one year of French living in one of the most exciting cities in the world. It is written almost as a diary, partially a blog as it occurred and I could not put it down. Paris in Love is a witty, loving, honest, funny, charming and delicious (oh, the foods they eat!!) adventure! Ms. James continues to write (when she is not eating at a scrumptious cafe), she explores the most unique museums large and small, and takes care of her family, all while learning the most important lesson of life, to LIVE it!! I give her an A+.

The People of Forever are Not Afraid

The People of Forever are Not Afraid By Shani Boianjiu    Three Israeli women growing up in a small dusty town in Israel become of age to do their service in the Israeli army. This novel follows them through their posts and affairs for the next few years and a few past army service. This story had interesting characters and excellent writing but it was very hard to follow. Extremely confusing. Time jumps forward and back so often it is hard to know when the episode is taking place and just as mysterious as to whom it is focusing on. The girls are brash and have absolutely no drive or goals. I was very much looking forward to a more realistic episode of time spent in the army from a women's point of view. I found this story so bizarre and highly unrealistic. I was disappointed but am hopeful this author will continue to write and learn to focus more because the words and wit are most surely within her.

Dreaming in English

Dreaming in English By Laura Fitzgerald 

Ike and Tami, young, newly married and very much in love. Their world is complicated, Tami, visiting from Iran, needs her residency status to stay in America. Ike's parents are against this rushed, seemingly fixed marriage of convenience and Tami's former matches are angry she hasn't chosen them. This beautiful story is about love, friendship, family and freedom. It focuses on the many difficult issues of cultures clashing and fitting family traditions into modern day lifestyles. Most importantly the challenge of understanding the gift of freedom by birth and helping others that are striving to attain it. This novel is a continuation of Veil of Roses, which introduced us to these beautiful characters. You do not have to read it to enjoy Dreaming in English but why wouldn't you???!!!! Both excellent, enjoy and happy reading!!

Beautiful Ruins

Beautiful Ruins By Jess Walter    Dee is an up and coming actress in 1962, small town girl with her first big break, a minor role in Cleopatra, starring Liz Taylor and Richard Burton being filmed in Italy. Michael Deane is the crazed producer that will do anything to get the job done, Pasquale is a good looking, young, Italian man from a small coastal town that befriends Dee and is sucked up into the drama that is Hollywood. These are just a few of the characters that flash throughout the pages of this novel of love, friendship and betrayal. Flashing between 1962 to the present the reader is not always certain who is being described or when its taking place. The writing is excellent and there is that special something that makes one continue onto the next chapter. Unfortunately, it also contains that rush to the finish to summarize all that has happened (in a long story) into one tidy ending and perhaps leaves the reader wondering if it even really matters since none of the characters are very likeable to begin with. Not a bad read but hard to recommend.

The Age of Miracles

The Age of Miracles By Karen Thompson Walker    To a sixth grade girl, the world and its inhabitants (especially boys) are already a mystery. When the earth begins to slow, the days get longer, the nights get colder. At first its by minutes, then days, then weeks. Light and dark take on new meaning. Eating, sleeping, our most basic functions. This story is told by Julia, an only child living with her parents in Southern California when the slowing begins. People do not function well off the clock but real time becomes impossible as the days stretch and scientists argue over cause, effect and the future of our planet. The government tries to keep order, how quickly chaos can begin. How quickly people, once neighbors, once friends can turn on each other. Survival is a tricky thing. The story is narrated by Julia, and she is still just a 12 year old waiting for Seth, her crush, to speak to her at the bus stop. This incredibly unique, well told story was an amazing read. It is almost unimaginable that this is Ms. Walkers first novel, WOW! Highly recommend.

Defending Jacob

Defending Jacob By William Landay   Andy Barber is the Assistant DA in a suburb of Boston.  He has just taken on the murder case of a teenager in his small town. Near his home, near his sons school. Shockingly, the evidence mounts against his own teenage son, Jacob. He and his wife Laurie turn their lives upside down to protect their son, defend Jacobs case and save their family. This is a suspenseful thriller that cannot be put down. It twists and turns with every chapter. The characters are surprisingly real and likeable. Highly recommend this read, excellent murder mystery (and I hardly EVER read mysteries!)

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry By Rachel Joyce   Harold Fry is a common man. A man that has lived his life hiding from love and happiness. One day he receives a letter from a co-worker some twenty years past. She was a friend, Queenie Henessey, that he never said a proper goodbye to and now she was dying of cancer. As Harold walks to the mailbox in his small English town, he hesitates before putting the letter in the mailbox. It is at that moment he decides to save his friend and bring her hope. He starts the long journey of walking across England to see Queenie and implores her to wait! Harold's pilgrimage shocks his wife and wins the heart of every person he shares his story with along the way. His story becomes bigger than himself and so begins Harold's personal journey into his memories and his future. Rachel Joyce is a beautiful writer. This novel is recommended if you desire a slow gaze into a simple truthful sad heart.

Left Neglected. By Lisa Genova  Sarah Nickerson is a mother of three small children and lives in a suburb of Boston. She and her husband Bob both have stressful power positions with big companies. They  juggle and multitask the day away, never a moment to spare (or enjoy) because there are just not enough hours in the day. This all seems commonplace, until Sarah is in a horrible car accident. She sustains traumatic head injury to the right part of her brain and a syndrome called Left Neglect. Sarahs life will never be exactly the same again but for every tough physical stride she makes, her life lessons trail right along with her. Sarah begins to realize that less can be more and time really is money but most importantly to celebrate how lucky she is instead of focusing on the struggle. Like the fabulous book, Still Alice, author Lisa Genova, once again brings these characters straight into our hearts where they will most likely remain long after the last page is read. Highly recommend this interesting, warm, heartfelt account of this startling syndrome.

The Romance Reader

The Romance Reader By Pearl Abraham   This novel is told by Rachel Benjamin. It is the mid 1970's. She is one of seven children growing up just outside NYC in a chassidic family. She is the eldest, the most rebellious and most curious. She loves her family dearly and shares all her dreams with her sister Leah. But Rachel admits "This is why people shouldn't read." She and Leah read voraciously. They steal, borrow and secretly obtain a library card. They live in worlds outside of their own through these books. In their community this is not allowed. They are not to read English books and admire the lives of non Jews. But they do. And as Rachel approaches 17, the age where girls are matched and married off to start their own families, she questions everything she is intended to be and loses herself in the process. These feisty spirited girls are enjoyable characters and this novel is a pleasure to read. The girls remain in the readers mind long after the book ends. Highly recommend.

A Hologram for the King

A Hologram for the King     By Dave Eggers      This novel is the story of Alan Clay. In his mid fifties, a has been as far as his career as sales/consultant is concerned and continuously depressed. He has one last chance, an opportunity to travel with a small IT team to Saudia Arabia and attempt to get the contract for the telecommunications in a new city being built by King Abdullah. It is a very simple quiet story of a man who is lost at mid life. There is a small desire and chance he can climb his way back to self satisfaction and pay back his many debts both financially and emotionally. There is another part of Alan that seems ready to give up completely. Life in Saudi Arabia and the characters he meets there are unique in every respect. The writing is excellent. It is easy to visualize each detail of Alans often bumbled adventures. I cannot say it was a life changing read but I thoroughly enjoyed this writer and would definitely recommend this novel.

The Hypnotist's Love Story

The Hypnotist's Love Story By Liane Moriarty     Ellen is a hypnotherapist that runs a small successful practice out of the beachfront cottage she inherited from her beloved grandparents. She is in her mid thirties and has been through the gamut of unsatisfying romantic relationships. When Ellen meets Patrick her entire life changes. He is a widow with a beautiful, 8 yr old son named Jack and wants all the same things that Ellen is searching for. Except for one rather large detail, Patrick is being stalked by his ex-girlfriend for the last 3 years. And now she is onto them! Ellen is a likeable character, the authors Austrailian word choice is both smooth and witty. The hypnotist details are extremely interesting as is the look at the stalkers side of the story. For as crazy as she seems, it doesn't appear far fetched or even fair. This contemporary love story/mild thriller is a good, easy, enjoyable read that I highly recommend.

The After Wife

The After Wife  By Gigi Levangie Grazer     I am still laughing and smiling from this delightful book that I didn't think I would read and was sure I would not enjoy. HOW WRONG I WAS!! Hannah and John live in Santa Monica CA. They live a romantic, idyllic life with a beautiful 3 yr old daughter. They have unique careers and a cast of bizarre friends and neighbors. Sadly, after four blissful years, Hannah finds herself a widow, alone, grief stricken and unemployed as a single mother. Her Grief Team, as she calls them, try to help Hannah get back on her feet and on with her life. As another twist Hannah begins to communicate with the deceased. This author takes a look at a sad situation and although there is real compassion for her characters, the story is a satire of LA life, an exaggeration (I hope!?#) of the women who live in NOMO (North of Montana) their crazy lifestyles and values that start and finish with a good latte. Easy fun read, could not put down, perfect for the beach!

Gold

Gold By Chris Cleave   Tom has coached Zoe and Kate since they were 19, in world class indoor cycling. The girls are like daughters to him. They race and train in London. Now at 32 years old, the excitement is growing as the 2012 London Olympics approach. Zoe and Kate are like sisters and they are tough competitors as well. They are similar in their love and passion for cycling and complete opposites in matters of the heart. Jack, also an Olympic cyclist, is married to Kate and they have a child named Sophie. The friendship, love, loyalty and trust that these five characters share bring this Olympic story to life. If you liked Little Bee, you will also enjoy Gold as Chris Cleave again brings a quirky cast into your imagination with excellent writing, wit and passion.

Summer and the City

Summer and the City  By Candace Bushnell     Sequel to The Carrie Diaries and Prequel to Sex and The City, another adorable, light funny read starring our beloved Carrie Bradshaw living out her dream summer in NYC. The story illustrates how she meets Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte and grows her passion and desire to become a successful writer living in New York. It is hard to read without picturing Sarah Jessica as a teenager bumbling around NY in her vintage clothes and bouncy curls. This is a perfect beach read, light funny and enjoyable. I don't know if I just like pretending its 1984 or I truly just miss my all time favorite series but this one is a must for my fellow SATC fans!! (If you haven't read The Carrie Diaries, read that one first!) BTW, the CW channel is currently working on The Carrie Diaries series for tv. Hmmmm not sure about that one ....

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs  By Walter Isaacson    Biography of Steve Jobs and Apple Inc. Steve Jobs was adopted at a very young age to a kind, hardworking, honest couple who desperately wanted a child. They were wonderful parents and Steve had an idyllic childhood, but the idea of abandonment stuck with Jobs and became his life long thorn in his side, either by choice, by excuse or a biological connection that cannot be severed. His journey was a search for purity, artistry, control, enlightenment and invention but never really happiness. He desperately wanted to contribute to and change the world with computers. Jobs was known to be cruel and incredibly difficult to work with and for but he continued to get products made that ultimately did change the entire industry. He was more artist and inventor than scientist or engineer but highly regarded both fields. Jobs expected nothing less than perfection from everyone in his life, both at work and at home. This biography was well organized, easy to read and filled with interesting characters and in depth explanations of the entire field. For anyone interested in business, technology and our recent history of both, its a must read. There are many lessons to be learned.

Veil of Roses

Veil of Roses By Laura Fitzgerald    Tami has always dreamed of freedom. She is 27 and living in Tehran with her parents teaching at a religious girls school. As the restrictions feel tighter and tighter and marriage is imminent, Tami falls into a depression. Her parents last hope is a 3 month visa they have miraculously obtained for Tami to visit her married sister in the U.S. Tami has 3 months to find a suitable husband which would allow her to remain in America. This story brings to life the very issues displayed daily on the nightly news. The younger educated generation is desperately seeking freedom, equality and democracy in their homelands. The characters are likeable and this is an easy summer read that should not be missed. Something as simple as reading a book, is a freedom some humans do not have.

The Kitchen House

The Kitchen House By Kathleen Grissom   One of the best historical fiction novels I have read in a long time. Lavinia is a young Irish girl on a ship in the late 1700's on her way to America. Her parents do not survive the journey and she finds herself as an indentured servant to the very kind captain of the ship. Back at his plantation she is torn between her caregivers, the slaves whom she works besides, and her easy acceptance to the big house, because her skin is white. "Abinia" as they pronounce her name, is later taken to a relative of the captain in Williamsburg where she is educated and grows into a refined young woman but she dreams of going back to her family that raised her.  When she finally makes it back she cannot tolerate the slavery she now understands and fights to change these sad circumstances and be with her family. This story is filled with love, friendship, family, loyalty and history. A great summer read. Well written, easy and finally, a book I could not put down!

Definitely Not Mr. Darcy

Definitely Not Mr. Darcy  By Karen Doornebos  Modern twist on a Jane Austen romance. A modern day girl from Chicago named Chloe is chosen to be in a tv production she believes will be a documentary where the characters live for three weeks in 1812. The winner walks away with $100,000. Chloe is a huge Jane Austen fanatic but when arriving at the set in Englands glorious countryside she learns this is a love match reality show. Chloe puts her best foot forward for the money and the man in perfect 1812 style. Adorable, funny, romantic, easy read. Perfect for a sparkling summer day!

The Unexpected Son

The Unexpected Son  By Shobhan Bantwal    Vinita is an extremely intelligent polite behaved girl attending college in her home town in India. For the very first time in her life she breaks the rules and changes her life and her families destiny forever. Thirty years later Vinita receives a letter at her quiet home in New Jersey and all of her secrets and misgivings come back to turn her life upside down. Vinita is a strong, independent woman and a most likeable character. The novel takes place in a colorful town where the sights and sounds and smells come to life as the authors beautiful descriptions take us on a faraway journey. Highly recommend this excellent read.

Fifty Shades Freed

Fifty Shades Freed By EL James   The delicious romantic erotic saga with Ana and Christian continues. So that this review is not a spoiler I will cut to the chase. I surprised myself by loving all three books. They were enjoyable and different. I loved the characters and do not think there can ever be a movie as exciting and detailed as these stories. I thought I would be upset when they were over and saved #3 for months! It was just as good as the others but even with all the criticisms I heard regarding this author I thought she brought closure to the story. Number Three was enough for that saga and storyline and I can only hope she puts out some more books in the future. I think a new genre for a certain demographic has been tapped and all the haters do not have to partake if they need to weigh the literary skills against pure enjoyment. If you haven't ventured there yet, start with #1 and give it a try. Great summer reads, all three.

Wild

Wild By Cheryl Strayed   This memoir is the journey of a young women who is sad and lost and finds herself in her mid twenties on an adventure of a lifetime. After losing her mother to a horrible battle with cancer, Cheryl finds has a series of bad relationships, menial jobs and city after city she is still unhappy. She stumbles quite by chance upon a book detailing the hikes of the infamous PCT, Pacific Crest Trail. Having never been much of a hiker Cheryl finds herself drawn to this idea and challenge. She decides to set her goals and hike the majority of the trail. She prepares herself to journey this solo hike starting near Mexico through to Oregon. This honest account of this often dangerous and always difficult adventure is an interesting and intense read. She finds out more about herself and her life than she ever imagined. Cheryl reaches to the very deepest parts of herself and her determination to begin again. Highly recommend this read, hiker or not, its enjoyable, easy and a great summer get away.

Unorthodox

Unorthodox By Deborah Feldman    This fascinating, heartfelt memoir is written by a young woman who grew up in a Satmar community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY.  It is an ultra ashkenazi hasidic community that is a small, private, Jewish group living by very strict religious laws. They speak Yiddish, separate men and women completely and educate by their own guidelines. Deborah is raised by her grandparents, who have her live by their unbending rules but love her and want the best life they feel they can give her. From a very young age this intelligent, independent girl can only wonder what life would be like outside of Williamsburg. She sneaks books from the public library. Reads and writes in English and dreams of a bigger, fuller life. Deborah is later married to a stranger set by a matchmaker at 17 yrs old. This is the beginning of a new life and the end of another. This memoir is an enjoyable, easy, must read. Are we the people we are told to be from birth or must we give in and lead the life we believe we were meant to live even if it hurts those who love us?

The Dovekeepers

The Dovekeepers By Alice Hoffman       In 70 C.E. when the Romans stormed Jerusalem, 900 Jewish people fled to a mountaintop called Masada. It was the palace for King Herod 100 years earlier. A city made of stone with provisions to house and feed an enormous amount of people. They lived there peacefully for 4 years until the enemy finally overtook them. This novel portrays the lives of four women who are brave, intelligent, faithful and most importantly, hopeful. Masada is one of the most exciting Jewish stories to survive. It still stands, and many many artifacts exist to collaborate the facts of its amazing history. I appreciate the beautiful strong women and historical value but the writing dragged slowly at times. Certain themes were repeated over and over again. Like The Red Tent, this is an intriguing period to imagine and learn about but admittedly, I was ready for this book to be over. With a story that good I usually don't want it to end.

Caleb's Crossing

Caleb's Crossing By Geraldine Brooks      Bethia is a 12 year old girl living on an island, known today as Martha's Vineyard.  It is the mid 1600's. (Think Scarlett Letter!) Her father is a minister and her grandfather the founder of this small enclave they call Great Harbour. Bethia is educated solely by listening to her brothers lessons because at this time females were thought not necessary to be educated as to anything but bible. Bethia is a quick learner in greek, latin, hebrew, reading and writing. She is also a lover of nature and one day while exploring the island she befriends a Native American Indian that she names Caleb. She begins to teach Caleb all that she has learned and he teaches her the native ways of the island. Their secret friendship remains for years until one day things change on the island and Caleb is brought to come and live with the settlers. He too is a brilliant learner and makes his way to Harvard College as the very first Native American to graduate (true!). This story is about friendship, loyalty, learning and love. Historical fiction is amazing, it is a great way to enjoy learning about a time period while immersed in a story that is both tragically real and fictionalized. At first the reader must get used to a rather difficult prose but it quickly becomes clear as to the direction of the story. These loveable characters leave the reader wanting more! Highly recommend this most unique story.