2011 Book Review -- Charms for the Easy Life



Book: Charms for the Easy Life by Kaye Gibbons

My enjoyment rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Book source: borrowed copy

Three generations of North Carolina women: Charlie Kate, Sophia and Margaret, all fiercely independent, highly educated, and thriving in the life they have created, all without the help of any man. Charlie Kate is a self taught “healing” woman, who becomes the local, rural doctor; Sophia, her daughter, is fighting to find her own place in her mother’s world; Margaret, the bright granddaughter, has dreams of a college education, but is unwilling to leave the cocoon created by her matriarchs.

This was an extremely well written story, but without much if any plot. More of a character study, than novel. It covers, for the most part, the war years of World War II – where these women care for the returning wounded, both physically and mentally. It also deftly portrays the southern society at that time – white vs. black, affluent vs. poor.

This was my first Kaye Gibbons novel (one I pulled out of the donation bin at the library). I enjoyed her easy writing style and her female characters. I would be willing to read more of her, but would hope her other novels have more of a point.

Book Review -- Embers

Embers by Sándor Márai


My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In a castle at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, an old aristocrat waits to greet the friend he has not seen for forty-one years. In the course of this one night, from dinner until dawn, the two men will fight a duel of words and silences, of stories, of accusations and evasions, that will encompass their entire lives and that of a third person, missing from the candlelit dining hall—the now dead chatelaine of the castle. The last time the three of them sat together was in this room, after a stag hunt in the forest. The year was 1900. No game was shot that day, but the reverberations were cataclysmic. And the time of reckoning has finally arrived.

YAWN. This was a snoozer. I almost initiated the 50 page rule, but after abandoning my last literary work (which I should have swapped with this one), I decided I needed to persevere.

The last 100 pages are the main character’s dialogue. Seriously. 100 pages of one man talking. I found myself skipping vast passages -- I thought it would never end.

The only redeeming value in this book – it is exquisitely written – and there is an interesting love triangle that evolves over the last half of the book.

Ultimately, this was a highly intellectual and symbolic book, and I am neither.

Book source: Public library

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Book Review -- The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick


My rating: 4 of 5 stars





My journey thru juvenile fiction continues (while trying to tackle the mammoth Wolf Hall) with The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick.

A delightful tale reminiscent of the 1st Homer’s Odyssey, Homer Figg leaves home in search of his brother who has been illegally sworn in as a member of the Union army by a nasty Uncle Squint. He doesn’t encounter Sirens or a Cyclops, but does come across a conductor, slave catchers, Quakers, a traveling medicine show, and the legendary Union commander, Col. Chamberlain.

Homer is desperate to find his brother in the vast Union army. To keep his journey alive, he weaves imaginative tales and passes them along as truths to whomever will listen and ulitmately, helps him along his way. He eventually finds Harold at the battle of Gettysburg where they both witness the most horrific battle known to America.

Homer’s wit and determination are endearing. And the cast of characters that surrounds him are equally entertaining. For those emerging readers who aren’t familiar with Civil War history, this is also a good book for a fictional account of the Battle of Gettysburg. The author does a tremendous job describing the battle from an eyewitness point of view without overwhelming the reader with a more mature, description of the devestation.

A whimsical book, with equally whimsical characters that can be enjoyed by youth and adults alike.

Book source: public library

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Book Review -- One Crazy Summer

One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia


My rating: 5 of 5 stars








Not since the March sisters have I enjoyed a set of siblings as much as I did Delphine, Vonetta and Fern in Rita Williams-Garcia’s One Crazy Summer.

Delphine is in charge of caring for her younger siblings as they travel across the country to visit their mother, Cecile, who abandoned them when Fern (the youngest) was an infant. Dreaming that their trip to California will be full of movie stars and trips to Disneyland, the girls are rudely awakened when their mother wants nothing to do with them and turns them loose to fend for themselves. Instead of a magical reunion, the sisters spend their days at the Black Panther summer camp where they are “taught” and fed for 4 weeks. When their Mother and two Black Panther militants are arrested, the girls truly learn about their mother and why she left so many years ago.

This was an absolutely delightful book. The dynamics between the sisters and the “rolls” they play were entertaining and complicated: Delphine – mother hen and mature beyond her 11 years, yearns for friends and childhood experiences; Vonetta is the attention seeker and the attentions he seeks often brings discord; and “Little Girl” Fern who can’t go anywhere without her Miss Patty Cake doll (who is a character in and of itself) but wants to be grown up too. Not having sisters myself, I’m unsure how sisters interact, but Ms. Williams-Garcia convinced me that all sisters are equally amusing, complex, argumentative and joyful as these three.

With their Mother’s self imposed absence, the girls must create a community with the teachers and other children at summer camp. They experience firsthand the racial tension and conflict of 60s. They are truly cared for by this “village” of people while on their 4 week vacation. Finally, with their “dream vacation” about to end, the girls and their Mother begin to learn and understand more fully what it’s like to be mother and daughters.

One Crazy Summer will light up your heart and make you want to squeeze your kids just that much tighter.

Book source: Public library

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Book Review -- The Wednesday Wars

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt


My rating: 5 of 5 stars






Toads, beetles, bats…

Gotta love a kid who learns to swear from Shakespeare.

But Holling Hoodhood (blame his ever insensitive parents for that name) learns that and so much more at Camillo Junior High School on Long Island, New York.

Holling is the kind of kid who isn’t quite cool enough to keep the bullies away, but well rounded enough to accept his 7th grade teacher's recommendation that they study Shakespeare together, agrees to be Ariel in The Tempest and saves his sister from getting hit by a bus, although, I’m sure he thought twice about it. He is a kid who loves the Yankees, but when snubbed by Mickey Mantle because his was wearing yellow tights, his friends come to his rescue and reject the baseball superstar. Young love in Jr High isn’t easy either – when an interest develops between Holling and Meryl Lee (the daughter of Mr. Hoodhood’s chief business competition in town) things become complicated when their parents profession nearly dooms them, in true Romeo & Juliet style. And then there is Mrs. Baker – the teacher who coaches, edifies, trains, tutors, and inspires Holling to search for the man he will become.

There isn’t much more than I can say but, I LOVED THIS BOOK!! Every word, every scene, every conflict, every emotion. Every step Holling takes to look beyond himself and the world around him -- to his friends, to his sister, to school work, to the Vietnam conflict – was a delight to read. It was witty, thoughtful, poignant, and nostalgic.

If there is such a thing as a 7th grade Renaissance Man, Holling Hoodhood has it nailed.

Book source: Library copy

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Book Review -- Glorious

Glorious by Bernice L. McFadden


My rating: 3 of 5 stars








One thing I’ve learned from reading Bernice McFadden’s works – she doesn’t write about bunnies, rainbows or cotton candy: She takes you to the bottom of the well, lets you roll around in the muck, leaves you waiting for a life line, then brings you back up slowly, so at the end, you are desperate for sunshine.

In Glorious, Easter Bartlett travels a similar journey – one full of racial hatred and brutality – all the while searching for sunshine. After surviving a brutal childhood and traversing the South and other transitory destinations, she arrives in Harlem at the dawn of the Harlem Renaissance, where her writing talent is discovered and revered by other literary giants of the times. Ultimately, her talent is used against her, and Easter’s future is forever altered. In the twilight of her life, she returns to the pre-Civil Rights South, in hopes that past injustices will be rectified.

Bernice McFadden is a beautiful writer. I was transported back to Harlem and could touch the brownstone buildings and smell the earthiness of the streets. Early in the book, her description of a lynching was so vivid, it brought tears to my eyes. However, I had a hard time connecting with some of the characters. Easter was never tangible to me. I understood her pain, but never felt it. Easter’s relationships with many of the other characters were equally distant. And the love triangle between Rain, Meredith and herself was uncomfortable for me. I just didn’t get it. Also, I loved Easter’s time in Harlem – I loved learning more about the leaders of that era. I just wish there had been more of it.

Finally, Bernice really hit stride at the close of the book. Easter’s final years, after her return to the South, are truly poetic.

Once again, white-literary revisionist history has been turned upside down, thanks to Bernice McFadden – and she does a Glorious job.

Sensitive reader: Contains graphic sexual and racial violence; homosexual situations as well.

Book source: received a copy from the author (was not paid or supplemented in any way for my review).

This book qualifies for my Women Unbound reading challenge

Book Review -- The Wives of Henry Oades

The Wives of Henry Oades by Johanna Moran


My rating: 2 of 5 stars








If I’m ever abducted by Maori natives in New Zealand, my husband better spend more than one or two fictional pages looking for me!

Henry Oades has moved his family from England to New Zealand and wife Martha is none too excited to be living in Oz. Once there, out of nowhere, she and her children are abducted by Maoris – something the reader is supposed to innately understand, because author, Johanna Moran, offeres NO historical background for why these natives would do such a thing, other than the assumption that it is commonplace -- or to carry out the stereotype: white man = good; natives = bad. From there Henry puts forth what reads like a feeble search, gives up, then boats himself off to American. Meanwhile, Martha, survives the abduction, becomes a respected midwife, and is released, all within a few pages. Henry re-marries Nancy; Martha finds her way to California, and believe it or not, finds Henry and his new wife. Thus ensues a very awkward love triangle, a community that is accusing them of bigamy, and worse – that they are MORMONS!

The first 30 pages of this book were really good and intrigued me. But soon thereafter, the wheels came off the bus. None of the situations seemed adequately developed; the transitions between the abduction, the search, Henry’s relocation, Martha’s captivity and release were abrupt and left me thinking, “huh?” I never once felt anything for these characters – except possibly Martha. You had to have sympathy for someone who has been abducted, escaped, crossed the ocean, only to learn that her husband is married to another woman. And to make matters worse, her husband didn't even seem to care that she was alive. Nancy, Henry’s newest wife, was whiny and annoying. Why Martha didn’t slap her from the onset still baffles me.

The legal battles the Oades had to fight at the end of the book were equally awkward. With Henry facing trial AGAIN for bigamy (isn’t double jeopardy a constitutional right even then?), the attorneys argue, cross examine, the judge rules, and Henry’s future is decided all in 2 pages. Surely the author could have spent more time developing this crucial scene. After reading this passage my first thought was, “that sure was easy.”

The Wives of Henry Oades was a disappointing read. That’s the best I can do for this book.

For a completely different review of this book, please read Suey at It's All About Books.

Book source: private purchase

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Book Review -- The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins


My rating: 3 of 5 stars






First there was Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. Then Twilight (do I need to mention by who?!). Most recently The Help. Three wildly successful, überpopular novels that I absolutely hated. I thought The Hunger Games was going to be the fourth. It didn’t end up that way, but I still have my reservations about the novel.

Panem is some post-apocalyptic version of North America. The region is divided into “districts” with a CAPITOL ruling them all. There used to be 13 districts, now only 12 – those silly rebels in district 13 got what was coming to them when they tried to revolt and were blown to bits. As a result, the CAPITOL decideded to create The HUNGER GAMES to punish the remaining districts by selecting two teenagers (tributes) from each to perform in the gladiator-like ritual where the goal is to KILL each other and survive to the end. Yeah, that’s it – teenagers killing each other in a vast arena that is televised nationally. Takes bullying to a whole new level.

I’ll save the summary of the entire book, for fear of spoilers, but here is my take:

• The thought of these kids killing each other for sport for the sake of a festival for the “country” was hard for me to swallow. I had a really hard time getting over the premise of this book.

• Once I got to section II “Games” I could see why this is immensely popular: Author Suzanne Collins has created two highly appealing characters – Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Melark. Their relationship and the way they out wit, out maneuver, and defend themselves is contagious. You can’t help but keep cheering for them – even if you are continually reminded that, “oh great, another 12 year old was murdered.”

• I was highly annoyed at the use of the word CAPITOL. Didn’t anyone tell her that CAPITAL with an A is used for a region and CAPITOL with an O is used for an actual building? Her use of CAPITOL was always (correct me if I’m wrong) used for a region – so I guess her editor had reasons for it. It bugged me and was distracting.

• The ending was predictable. I can’t say why, because, well, SPOILERS.

Once again, I’ve been the naysayer against popular opinion. I’m not sure I would recommend this book to others, but luckily I don’t have to, since others have already done if for me. Also, I’m not sure I’m that eager to read books two, and eventually three. If the “death match” with teenagers continues, I think I will find something else to read. Call me a curmudgeon.

Summation: I read it to the end, so I liked it enough to see it through, but not enough to possibly continue the series.

Book source: borrowed a copy from a friend.

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Book Review -- Lift

Lift by Kelly Corrigan


My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I don’t normally drool over writers – there are some that I like more than others, but if they were in a café where I was eating, I would think, “Ah, there is so-and-so” and go on my merry way. None of that applies to Kelly Corrigan. If she were in a café, I would do something stupid enough to get myself noticed so I could meet her. I love her that much. She is fresh, she is honest, when she drops the F bomb she sounds really cool, she yells at her kids and admits it, she survived cancer, and her husband is from Arkansas – that in and of itself seals the deal. Yes, she is who I want for my next best friend and I will read every word she writes for the rest of my life.

I loved her 1st book – The Middle Place – her memoir about cancer, family, husband and children. Her latest release is not so much a book, but a letter to her daughters called, Lift. It can be read in one sitting. A brief, but powerful message from a mother to her daughters about things they will never remember about growing up. It’s a perfect size to be kept in your purse, so on really bad mother days - -you could pull it out and reference it and say, “Kelly’s been thru the same thing!”

I adored this “amuse bouche” of a book. A perfect way to remind me that my kids will survive my rants and may even thrive with me as their mother!

Book source: library copy

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Book Review -- The School of Essential Ingredients

The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister


My rating: 3 of 5 stars







My first “foodie” book was Like Water for Chocolate. It literally changed my life.

I certainly wasn’t expecting to have the same reaction after reading The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister, luckily for me, it is sometimes good not to have expectations.

Lillian’s cooking class has attracted eight eager students – all searching for something other than food – a way to find one’s self again after being a stay at home mom, a way to heal after losing your soul mate to cancer, a way to mend past transgressions. Over the course of their cooking studies they learn more about themselves and the food they are preparing.

This was a quaint novel. Nothing dramatic, nothing earth shattering. No profound life changing affect like the aforementioned book. It was quick and easy – something I needed for a vacation read. One problem I did have with her writing style – the complete overuse of metaphors and similes. Literally, every other sentence was like this, “…something she couldn’t quite identify, deep and mysterious, like perfume lingering in the folds of a cashmere scarf.” Lovely if used sparingly, but not every sentence in every paragraph! Her imagery was charming, but bordered on over-kill.

Most foodie novels contain recipes, this one does not. So if that is a requirement for your tastes, I would move on to another book.

I’m still a lover of food lit – and this is a passable contribution to the genre. But I would stick with Like Water for Chocolate or Chocolat any day.

For another opinion, check out this at Reading for Sanity.

Book source: private copy

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Book Review -- From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg


My rating: 4 of 5 stars





Claudia and Jamie Kincaid are not running away from something -- but running TO something -- in this case, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Claudia, the mastermind of the escapade has written a good bye letter to her parents, persuaded her younger brother to join her and has headed off on the adventure of her life. The encounter has them sleeping in ancient royal beds, bathing in fountains and hiding in bathroom stalls. Along the way the come face to face with Angel, a recently donated statue to the museum, believed by many to be a lost work of Michelangelo. They are determined to find out if the rumors are true.

This was our mother/daughter book choice for March. I’m sad to admit that my daughter gave up after chapter two. In her defense, I could see where this book may be advanced for some readers (like my daughter!). The author uses third person narration that was confusing at times, and some of the dialogue and vocabulary was more than she may be used to reading. I should have been more willing to read it to her, but she seemed determined to be done with it, so I didn’t want to be belligerent about it. I want book group to be a fun experience, not something that is forced on her. Once she got there and all the other girls had read it, I think she regretted not putting forth more effort. That’s the kind of peer pressure I appreciate and it will have more of an influence than my nagging!

I, however, did finish the book and I thought it was delightful. Jamie and Claudia were intuitive, imaginative, industrious and FRUGAL! I loved how they worked together to navigate this “adventure.” Their dialogue was pitch perfect older sister/younger brother banter. On the other hand, as a parent, I was infuriated at these kids for ignoring the anguish and misery their parents must be experiencing. I wanted to wring their necks on more than one occasion during this book.

Every month I hold my breath thinking this will be the last book group because moms/girls are going to drop out. But every month I’m surprised that pairs show up and are excited and energetic about the questions and discussion. We did have one mother/daughter pair drop out this week, but our group of 8 managed just fine.

Our April book is The 1st Nancy Drew – The Secret of the Old Clock.

Book source: personal copy

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Book Review -- The Glass Castle

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls


My rating: 4 of 5 stars








My earliest memories include twirling around in my front yard in a blue floral dress with a tutu-like skirt. Jeannette Walls’ first memories are of being engulfed in flames at the age of 3, after her tutu catches fire while she is cooking hot dogs (unsupervised) on the stove. Oh how different our lives were.

Jeannette Walls’ The Glass Castle is a mind-blowing look at her parents, siblings and childhood. Rex and Rose Mary Walls are not your typical parents – they are essentially gypsies, living out of their car and various rental homes in multiple cities as they avoid whatever demons – or most likely, police – are chasing them. Rex is brilliant, but an alcoholic, Rose Mary, is a woman with amazing talent, but can’t overcome her depression battles. Jeannette and her siblings are left to parent themselves – in the desert, on the streets, in homes meant to be condemned. They are often without food, clothing and shelter – living under rubber rafts to keep themselves dry from leaks in the ceiling and eating sticks of margarine in order to survive. Somehow Jeannette and her siblings endure childhood and a rag-tag education to become functioning and successful adults.

Reading this book was like watching a car wreck – so morbid, you need to look away, but ultimately you find yourself staring (or in this case reading) at the dreadfulness of it all. I was amazed at the survival instincts of these siblings – and what made them so different than others who, in similar circumstances, don’t break free from the cycle of poverty, alcoholism and abuse. I was also impressed that this wasn’t a “Mommy Dearest” tell-all. Ms. Walls accepts her parents for who they were – she does not point fingers or assign blame – but looks at their struggles, addictions and circumstances. Although highly dysfunctional, this was a family who, in their own way, genuinely loved each other.

For the sensitive reader: This book contains some language and sexual situations.

Book source: used book store.

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Book Review -- Skin and other stories

Skin and Other Stories by Roald Dahl


My rating: 3 of 5 stars







Snakes nursing from cows, husbands whacked by legs of lamb, diamonds found in intestines – you’ll find all of this and more macabre writing in Roald Dahl’s short story collection, Skin and other stories. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book – but it was much more entertaining, in a creepy kind of way, than I thought it would be. I must admit, I skimmed several of the stories, due to my overwhelming work load at the moment. However, his writing left you wanting more of the story and less at the same time. It also proved to be a wonderful book discussion!! I thought, “There is nothing in this book to talk about…” boy was I wrong! I’m not a short story reader, but this format is something I plan on reading again.

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Book Reivew -- Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown

Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown by Maud Hart Lovelace


My rating: 4 of 5 stars








Once again, Betsy and Tacy exceeded expectations!

In what I would call the final installment of the “childhood” portion of this series, “Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown” – the girls are now 12 years old and, according to them, “all grown up.”

Their escapades continue – riding in a horseless carriage (a car!), beguiling their new friend, Winona, going to the theatre, befriending an unexpected companion, acting on stage and discovering a long, lost relative!

So many things to adore in this book! For those who love the theatre (a paramount requirement in our family!) there are several chapters on that theme. Do you enjoy Christmas traditions? A chapter on that. A love of the library and all things literary? Betsy is euphoric when she is allowed to go the library ALONE every other Saturday. She also blossoms into a poet and writer. The relationship between Mrs. Poppy and Betsy is one of particular importance. It shows how mercy and compassion can transcend the difference between age, cultural upbringing and social status. A sweet, sweet book. If you read only one Betsy book this is the one to read.

My daughter’s favorite part: “…acting on stage! I want to do that when I grow up!” She is a closet theatre geek – she’s been going to theatre since she was 4. Her first musical, Annie. I hope she will audition some day!

Our mother/daughter book group meets tomorrow night for our discussion. This is the final Betsy-Tacy book for us. We will be picking a new series/author/theme for March.

Any good ideas/recommendations?? And something short? March is Spring Break!

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Book Review -- Murder at Longbourn

Murder at Longbourn: A Mystery by Tracy Kiely


My rating: 2 of 5 stars








Poor Elizabeth Parker – being alone on New Year’s Eve sucks. So much so, she has taken her great Aunt Winnie’s offer to come to her B&B -- the Inn at Longbourn -- on the Cape. There she will help her aunt stage a “Dinner/Murder Mystery” for her guests. But before the evening is over, something will go horribly wrong -- after the lights go on, a guest is found murdered! And it’s none other than the village’s most hated resident – Gerald Ramsey. All of the guests are suspects, and Elizabeth must play detective before the police accuse her aunt of the crime.

Tracy Kiely’s first novel, Murder at Longbourn is billed for “the die-hard fan of Jane Austen novels…” Other than the main character’s name, she being in search of her own “Mr. Darcy”, the Inn being named after the Bennett’s residence in Pride and Prejudice, and a poorly written pas de deux between Elizabeth and despised friend, Peter McGowan – I found absolutely NO similarities between this novel and ANYTHING Ms. Austen has ever written.

The mystery was also weakly drawn. After the crime has occurred, the police question the guests, find the murder weapon in the cat bed, and go on their merry way, admonishing the guests, “not to go anywhere.” Maybe I’ve watched too many CSI episodes, but can’t officers test for gun powder residue immediately?? I would think, in my TV trained mind, that a murder suspect could have been instantly apprehended the night of the event. But, alas, we are drawn into a nonsensical tale of real estate obsession, family discord, and a case of mistaken identity, that is really laughable. Oh, and the clichés in the book are mind numbing. The best in the whole book was at the end, when the police arrive at another potential crime scene and they shout, “Police! Nobody move!” Now that was original.

I think I would have been more forgiving of this book, if at the very least, the romance was believable. I’m a sucker for romantic tension and lovers realizing they are meant for each other after all. But, nothing in this romance was, well, romantic.

With this book, I’ve finally given up on reading Austen-knockoff lit. I haven’t found anything that is worth my while. If you have any recommendations, please advise.

I received this book as a “giveaway” from Stephanie’s Written Word. In keeping with how I received this book, I would be HAPPY to giveaway my “gently read” hard back, author signed, copy of this book. Just leave a comment about your experience with Austen knock off lit. I will pick a recipient using random.com on Valentine’s Day – Feb. 14th at 11pm CST. Please leave an email so I know how to contact you.

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Book Review -- Sugar

Sugar by Bernice L. McFadden


My rating: 4 of 5 stars








Pearl has had her heart ripped out after the murder of her daughter; Sugar has had her life ripped apart by choices made for her by others. Neither knows, until Sugar moves next door to Pearl, what life has in store for them both.

In my quest to find the alternative to The Help I’m trying to immerse myself in African-American authors, whose points of view lend more authenticity and credibility to the stories of African-American characters. I hit gold with Bernice L. McFadden’s, Sugar.

Set in the rural town of Bigelow Arkansas during the early 40’s-50’s, this gut wrenching novel hits you square in the jaw from the opening pages. Pearl’s daughter, Jude, has been found brutally murdered and raped on the side of the road. For the next 15 years, she lives in a vacuum left by Jude’s absence, but in the comfort of her stoic husband, Joe. Sugar, abandoned at birth to be raised by 3 sisters who operate a “whore-house,” is raised to become a commodity in the family business – a life no one should be subjected. When Sugar moves to Bigelow, the town is horrified. They ignore her, gossip about her and ultimately want her gone. Pearl takes Sugar under her wing and tries to give her a friend for the first time in her life and to recreate for herself what it would be like to have a daughter. When they both try to learn each other’s histories, they are surprised at what they find. Ultimately, Sugar’s relationship with Pearl and Joe puts her at risk with one of her “tricks”, and the results are devastating.

This novel is not for the faint of heart. It is brutal, graphic and gruesome. Life as a “whore” is ugly, filthy, and humiliating. Sugar’s life is not her own. She is nothing but a shell. But the love and friendship Pearl offers to Sugar, shows that there is a chance she can turn her life around. Ms. McFadden’s characters are multifaceted and alive, even if their circumstances show otherwise.

In the end, this novel will envelop you and break your heart, if only for the fact that I’m sure these experiences were the necessary evil for some women.

For the sensitive reader: No question, I would avoid this book. But for all others, go get a copy at the library now!

Book source: public library



Although, this was not one of my original selections, this book qualifies for my Women Unbound Challenge.

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Book Review -- People of the Book

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks


My rating: 3 of 5 stars







Hanna Heath, a brilliant, young, ancient document expert, has been asked by a Bosnian museum to restore an ancient Jewish prayer book, the Sarajevo Haggadah. Through her conservation efforts, Hanna finds five clues to the lost history of this priceless artifact: an animal hair, a butterfly wing, a wine stain, a saltwater stain and a missing binding. Thus begins an intricate, CSI: 15th century, narration told by the brilliant, Geraldine Brooks.

When I read this a year and a half ago I wrote the following: "Geraldine Brooks is a genius when it comes to writing historical fiction. Her fictional account of the history of the Sarajevo Haggadah (Jewish prayer book) was brilliant. However, she was not nearly as successful with the flash-forward/present day narrative. And the Hollywood/Mission Impossible ending was really disappointing. All that said...I still loved the book and all her previous novels as well. She has become my new favorite writer."

Much of my opinion stands firm. I thought her individual stories about each of these various “clues” were outstanding. In fact, each chapter could fully be developed into a book of their own. The detail and research she brought to each time period was flawless – I felt like I was living in the Venice Jewish ghetto, or being persecuted during the Spanish Inquisition. But re-reading it for the second time, took away the magic I felt the first time around. The links between each time period were cloudier than I remember and left me more confused.

Her narrator, Hanna, although a proclaimed, wunderkind, comes off unprofessional when she hooks up with the Bosnia curator after their 1st meeting. The secondary storyline about Hanna, her mother, and her unknown Jewish heritage, just didn’t work for me. Oh, and her mother – what a piece of work! As I said above, Brooks, modern day voice and story line, just wasn’t as convincing or successful. And the ending – without giving away any spoilers – was a copout.

For the sensitive reader: this book was far more graphic than I remember. If you want to know about 19th century venereal disease – this is the book for you! Also the brutality against women is very detailed.

I initially gave this book 4 stars – now, I would give it 3 or 3 ½. I still love Geraldine Brooks (I recommend both Year of Wonders and March) and will read whatever she publishes in the future.

Book source: personal copy

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Book Review -- Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill

Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill by Maud Hart Lovelace


My rating: 4 of 5 stars








The Betsy Tacy series has had such a nostalgic effect on me, I am secretly wishing I was 9 years old again and lived at the turn of the century (the 20th century, that is).

Our Mother/Daughter book group meets Tuesday for our third meeting – and our book choice was the 3rd of the Betsy Tacy series – Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill.

I loved this one more than the other two. The first two in the series were essentially nothing more than a series of vignettes linked together as chapters. Over the Big Hill was actually a STORY about these precious friends. Betsy, Tacy and Tib have finally turned 10 – don’t you remember how monumental it was to have TWO numbers in your age? They hone their performing abilities, they try to marry themselves off to the future King of Spain, they save a friend from the bullies at school, they quarrel with their sisters and finally, they have a huge “American Royal” celebration.

I so appreciated the moral message Maud Hart Lovelace portrays in this novel – love and protect your friends, family and country – and don’t judge others. I hope my daughter picked up on these ideals! Ms. Lovelace so accurately portrays the frayed feelings little girls/sisters can get when they are at odds with each other. Although I don’t have sisters, I’ve had enough fights with girlfriends, and have now witnessed my daughter’s fallouts with her siblings, that their anxiousness was instantly recognizable and felt.

My daughter said, “I loved it! It was my favorite Bety-Tacy book. It was really funny when they fell in love with the Prince of Spain. And I liked that they all dressed up as Princesses and Queens.”

Sounds like a stamp of approval to me!

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Book Review -- The Wordy Shipmates

The Wordy Shipmates by Sarah Vowell


My rating: 2 of 5 stars







The correct title of this book should have been The Wordy, Convoluted, Confusing, Shipmates. I loved Sarah Vowell's previous book, The Assassination Vacation, she has a witty, sharp, writing style, but The Wordy Shipmates was all over the place.

Maybe I was at a disadvantage from my obviously inadequate public school education --but had NO idea going into this book who John Winthrop, Roger Williams, Anne Hutchinson or Mary Dyer were or anything about the Pequot Indian/Mystic Fort massacre – and whether these folks were puritans, separatists or non-separatists. I now know that Winthrop was a Puritan and the governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, that Senator John Kerry from MA is a descendant, and that GWB is descendant of Anne Hutchinson. Oh, and the Mystic Massacre – yeah, it was really BAD – those righteous Puritans set fire and killed about 600-700 unarmed Indians. But other than that – I’m still not sure if I am any the wiser or less confused.

I’m disappointed I didn’t like this more, since I’m a fan of Sarah Vowell (she is from Oklahoma after all), but this book didn’t do anything for me.

My friend Heather is an adopted New Englander – I think I will mail it to her to read so she can explain Puritan history me!

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Book Review -- Persuasion

Persuasion by Jane Austen


My rating: 4 of 5 stars








Anne Elliott, she’s been kicked out of her house (ok, her estate) because her Dad is bankrupt; she’s broken up with a boyfriend because of her friend’s “persuasion” (would someone explain to me who Lady Russell is, please?); she is burdened with two of the whiniest, most self absorbed, sisters EVER; she witnesses the head trauma of a dear friend (who takes, like, months to recover); she is courted by a cousin (isn’t that illegal?) who isn’t as he appears; and finally, she must do an 18th century, dialogue tango with her ex, who has now reappeared after 8 years. Whew! What’s a girl to do?!

Ah! The beauty of Jane Austen – somehow she can create all of the above dilemmas and make them all work.

Persuasion was the final book I picked for my Everything Austen Challenge. I loved Anne’s resolve, her level head and patience. At 28, she is for all practical purposes DEAD to society, but she still manages to get the guy in the end. Thank goodness! Take that Lady Russell!

Admittedly, I’m not an Austenphile – yes, I love her work (or at least the three books that I’ve read), but I’m not going to my grave with mummified copies. But what I liked most about this novel, compared to the others I’ve read, was the maturity of the characters. Anne is not on the verge of post adolescence, and not being sought after by a man 10 years (or more) her senior. She and Captain Wentworth are contemporaries – and that was very appealing.

I still think Pride and Prejudice is my favorite of her works, but I will take Anne Elliott over Elizabeth Bennett, any day.

Thus concludes my Everything Austen Challenge.

I read:
Austenland, by Shannon Hale
Jane and Her Lordship’s Legacy, by Stephanie Barron
Persuasion, by Jane Austen

I watched (but did not review):
Emma with Gwyneth Paltrow
Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet
Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightly (originally I was going to watch the entire BBC version with Colin Firth, but time was my enemy).

Thanks again to Stephanie’s Written Word for hosting the challenge.

Book source: private purchase


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