The 2020 International Book Awards named Little Tea a finalist in the Women's Fiction category.
The book has two main themes: overcoming About the Book
The 2020 International Book Awards named Little Tea a finalist in the Women's Fiction category.
The book has two main themes: overcoming segregation/racism and standing by your friends.
Plot Three women, friends since at least high school, meet at Heber Springs AR. Purpose? Support, support, and more of the same.
This story line alternates with one in which we see Celia and her family as a young girl. We see life on the plantation in Como MS and meet Little Tea, daughter of Thelonius Waverley. Little Tea is short for her name Thelonia. Celia endures many heartbreaking experiences. She eventually becomes resigned to them; that's her 'acceptance'.
Characters Celia (!) - the narrator and lives now in Malibu Ava - unhappy in her marriage- what IS happiness, anyway? Renny- practical; the ladies meet in HER territory Little Tea- a friend from Celia's childhood when she lived in Como, MS John- Celia's oldest sibling; fastidious, unyielding, a racist Hayward- Older than Celia by 2 years; the fun and thoughtful one of the three J.T. - Celia's father Shirley - Celia's mother Grandmother Cecelia-another racist (J.Ts mother) Tate- Celia's boyfriend in high school Mark-Ava's boyfriend in high school David- Celia's husband Stan- Ava's husband
My Impressions
Segregation/Race Relations Celia is white and Little Tea is black. Everyone at least questions how a white and a black could be such good friends. Some of the characters, John and Cecelia in particular, are outright hateful about it. A biracial love relationship adds depth and meaning to this topic.
Lasting friendships Twenty years after high school ends, Celia and Ava are married; Renny is divorced. Ava is going through marital/life crisis so the friends meet at a lake very close to Memphis where they had gone to school together.
Relationships that did not really end Tate and Mark are still in the area and their presence complicates things. Ava is re-attracted to Mark and Celia wants to avoid Tate, who is making advances or at least set things straight on why they broke up.
I liked the story line. The descriptions, however, were frequently contrived. Quicksilver lake? Can't the author just say shimmering?
I also thought that the two stories' connection was contrived until I read the following:
Ava says to Celia: “I’m not trying to bring up any bad memories, but it took a lot for you to come down here. I don’t know how to thank you." That was my aha moment.
I recommend the book with caution. Some people might be annoyed with this over the top writing. But the story WILL stick with you for a long time.
Named as one of "The 75 Best People in the World” by Esquire Magazine. In 2010 she made Forbes’s “World’s 100 Most Powerful Women” listRachel Maddow -
Named as one of "The 75 Best People in the World” by Esquire Magazine. In 2010 she made Forbes’s “World’s 100 Most Powerful Women” list.
No wonder Lisa Rogak wanted to write Rachel's biography. She is admired by many!! I am an admirer too!!
In this book we learn Rachel's strong points and some of her weaknesses.
Strong Points Loves her job. You can tell by the news she chooses to report and her complete mastery of the subject. Asks the hard hitting questions. Does not judge or embarrass people who do not agree with her views.
Weakness She is a procrastinator. (So am I; I hoped Rachel was better than me in this area).
I enjoyed listening to this book ably read by Kirsten Potter. Hope if you choose to listen, you do too.
An historical fiction mystery that held my attention the whole time.
The Jade Tiger is a casino in Shanghai formerly owneLove the cover. Love the book.
An historical fiction mystery that held my attention the whole time.
The Jade Tiger is a casino in Shanghai formerly owned by Penelope Harris and her late husband. We learn much about this establishment, but all of the action there was in the past. Now Penelope is in New York trying to find peace in her life.
I read that the author loves mysteries and writes listening to opera. No wonder she made Penelope a wannabe opera singer.
A very laudable who dunnit by a first time author.
This is not my first Adichie and it certainly will not be my last.
Zikora is a short story, 35 pages, but it is packed with message. It clearly comparThis is not my first Adichie and it certainly will not be my last.
Zikora is a short story, 35 pages, but it is packed with message. It clearly compares Zikora's mother's generation with her own.
Zikora is pregnant, but her 'fiance' could not care less. In fact, he leaves her and will not communicate with her even after the baby boy is born.
Contrast that to her own mother and father. Mother is no longer able to bear children; has only given Father a girl child. Father leaves and marries a second wife who bears him sons.
The attitude about boy children between the generations could not be starker.
Very thought provoking story. Very well written too.
My first Mary Alice Monroe. Very good. Very symbolic of life's journey.
The obvious symbol in this book is the Monarch butterfly. It takes four generatMy first Mary Alice Monroe. Very good. Very symbolic of life's journey.
The obvious symbol in this book is the Monarch butterfly. It takes four generations for the butterfly to journey from the North to a sanctuary in Angangueo, Michoacan, Mexico. There is a map at the beginning that shows the paths of this journey.
Each chapter starts with a description of the Monarch, its metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly and different aspects of its journey south. I read the book on Kindle and made public each of the 26 chapter descriptions.
If you have read any of Agatha Christie's novels, love historical fiction or love a good mystery, YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK.
Even if you have not read a If you have read any of Agatha Christie's novels, love historical fiction or love a good mystery, YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK.
Even if you have not read a Christie, you certainly have heard of her. But how many of you know that she was missing for 11 days in December of 1926? Benedict has surmised a story line behind that disappearance and done a superb job.
The story is written in two time lines. The first: Agatha from about the age of 16 when she meets Archibald Christie, marries him and starts her writing career with The Mysterious Affair at Styles. The second: the thoughts of Archie Christie as he endures the 11 days during her disappearance.
I received this book from BookBrowse in return for a review. Thank you to BookBrowse and Netgalley. Doing this review was a real pleasure.
An educational historical fiction that taught me much about the plight of Russian Jews during WWII.
The story commences in Minsk, Belarus where there An educational historical fiction that taught me much about the plight of Russian Jews during WWII.
The story commences in Minsk, Belarus where there is bombing and the destruction of the narrator's (Raisa, the mother's) home. The family needs to vacate the city. The trains out are jam packed full of many other refugees. At the train station, Abraham (the father) is given orders to report for the war. Now the family is homeless and separated too.
The rest of the story describes the walk and train ride to Kilinchi and at least two other cities that the family exits to.
I enjoyed the story and the different aspects of it. Rachel wrote this story based on her great-grandmother's life experiences. You can tell the love that Rachel put into this book because it was her own relative she was describing.
Another feature I truly enjoyed: Chapter Titles!!! So many books forego them these days. It was so nice to know what I would be reading in a specific chapter. Didn't feel spoiled at all.
I thank the author for giving me a free copy of the book to review. I look forward to reading more of her works.
4.25 stars
I just realized that this book could be added to Reading the World Book Journey as a book taking place in Belarus. It is No 99 added!! ...more
Paula McClain with her new book, has completely blown me away.
I have read three other books by McLain, all of which were about historical celebritiesPaula McClain with her new book, has completely blown me away.
I have read three other books by McLain, all of which were about historical celebrities - traditional historical fiction.
In this book, McLain has created a cross-genre book: a little bit of historical fiction and a lot of thriller!!
Highlights of the book: - I really got into the mind of the heroine, Anna Hart. She is troubled by the events of her life. She is a detective who is so married to her job, that nothing else seems to matter. She gets involved in trying to find a missing girl in her hometown of Mendocino. -McLain selected 1993 as the time of her story. The historical connection is the real kidnapping and death of Polly Klaas, in a neighboring town, Petaluma. -In the author's note, McLain tells us what motivated her to write this story. She has included herself in the book in some very revealing ways.
PLEASE read this book to be published April 13, 2021. With When the Stars Go Dark, McLain has hit it out of the park.
The Children's Blizzard is a true historical event that occurred on Jan 12, 1888. The day had started out balmy; people left the house with minimal ouThe Children's Blizzard is a true historical event that occurred on Jan 12, 1888. The day had started out balmy; people left the house with minimal outer covering, spring jackets instead of heavy winter coats.
On January 12, 1888, the so-called “Schoolchildren's Blizzard” killed 235 people, many of whom were children on their way home from school, across the Northwest Plains region of the United States. The storm came with no warning, and some accounts say that the temperature fell nearly 100 degrees in just 24 hours.
Melanie Benjamin, who has written many fine historical fiction novels, had heard about this event, but knew very little. She saw the writing about this event a very fine opportunity to learn more and bring the story to her reading audience.
The characters are mostly fictional, but based on true accounts from the day.
There is Raina, a 16 year old, who is a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse. There is Gerda, her older sister, who also teaches but in another state. They both must experience this horrendous storm, but handle it in tragically different ways.
There is Gavin Woodson, a newspaperman. He interviews survivors of the storm for the Omaha Daily Bee.
There is Anette, a girl who was sold by her mother to another family as a house girl. Her new 'parents' must send her to school. She experiences the storm in her own way.
The book not only covers events before and during the storm, but also the effects on those who survived. The descriptions of the storm are gruesome, but understandably so. It is the after the event stories that were the most compelling for me. Benjamin supplied sentence after sentence that had me sighing with admiration.
I love a good historical fiction and this one fits the bill.
Review in Process. Will complete review after book club this afternoon
The Plot 4 neighbors bond to care for Grace Ferguson. Graces mother is a drug addReview in Process. Will complete review after book club this afternoon
The Plot 4 neighbors bond to care for Grace Ferguson. Graces mother is a drug addict and 'the system' will take her away unless the neighbors take over.
The Characters Grace Eileen Ferguson - 9 years old. Loud, shrieking voice. Endearing non-the-less. Eileen Ferguson - her mother; addicted to pain-killers. Billy Shine - an agoraphobic with an anxiety disorder and a strong tendency toward panic attacks. He spent twelve years of his life refusing to even go out on my front patio, or out in the hall to get the mail. (his own description of himself) Rayleen - beautiful manicurist Ms. Hinman - lonely, old, no living friends or family Mr. Lafferty-bigoted, angry, but kind to Grace - why?? Felipe - kind-hearted, works the late shift, frequently tired Jesse- temporary neighbor, there because his mother is dying, very compassionate; always knows what to do to make people feel better; unflinching (you can tell I like Jesse)
My Feelings (in poem format) First there was Billy who did not go out Then there was Grace who loved to shout Her Mama was sick; that we all know But there were 6 neighbors who wanted to show Their love and their caring And their sharing Rayleen, the beautiful manicure QUEEN Lafferty, the grouch, at least he was clean Mrs. Hinman, old and quite lonely The newest neighbor, Jesse, the one and only And last but not least we have Felipe Worked late hours; most time asleep What did I learn from this tale of the lovers Don’t care for yourself; care for others
Book Club Comments Plenty to comment about Character development fantastic One of Hyde's Best
Thoughts on helping a friend through cancer. Very readable and compelling. Memory, companionship, friendship.
All characters are unnamed. Makes the expThoughts on helping a friend through cancer. Very readable and compelling. Memory, companionship, friendship.
All characters are unnamed. Makes the experience more personal. One of these people could be me.
Thoughts of death - which I am sure we all have.
Many quotable quotes
p. 27 Flaubert: To think is to suffer. Aristotle: To perceive is to suffer. Hitchcock: Always make the audience suffer as much as possible. Sylvester the Cat: Sufferin' succotash.
Indigenous People's Day (aka Columbus Day) is the day I started this book. How apropos!!
The setting: Massacre Plains, New South Wales The characters: TIndigenous People's Day (aka Columbus Day) is the day I started this book. How apropos!!
The setting: Massacre Plains, New South Wales The characters: The Gondiwindis: August, Albert, Elsie and many Aunts (all Aborigines); The Reverend Ferdinand Greenleaf (founder of the Prosperous Orphanage).
August, born in NSW, escaped to London. She is now home for her grandfather Albert's (Poppy) funeral. Poppy lends his voice to the story. He has written a dictionary of a lost aboriginal language. Ferdinand Greenleaf founded Prosperous Mission in 1880. We read his thoughts in serialized letters that he had sent to a periodical in 1915.
Elsie is living in the house that formerly housed Prosperous Mission. She is about to be evicted because the government wants to open a tin mine. Many of the locals protest this opening; this is indigenous people's land and there are many artifacts associated with the area.
I found this story to be engrossing: the rejection of the 'abos', the zeal to stop the tin mine. Additionally I LOVE books whose stories are located in Australia. The three voices that contribute to the story are unique and educational. A family story that I highly recommend.
Oh yes, and the use of the noun Yield as the title. What will the land 'cough up'? What will be its yield?
The book is almost entirely set in a maternity ward in a hospital. This ward is special. Not only are the patients pregnaWWI. 1918. Ireland. Pandemic.
The book is almost entirely set in a maternity ward in a hospital. This ward is special. Not only are the patients pregnant; they also have the Spanish Flu.
The time frame of the book is 3 days in the maternity ward. The main character is Nurse Julia Power. She is ably assisted by Bridey Sweeney who starts volunteering on the first day. There are 4 patients in the ward, all with their own back story. Last but not least is Dr Kathleen Lynn, who is a Rebel on the run from the police.
The book is very appropriate during the time of the Covid 19 Pandemic. Yes, we all know by now that over 100 years ago, there was a similar if not worse trial.
I see that this book is nominated in the Goodreads Choice Awards for Historic Fiction. A very laudable book to have been so nominated.
Piranesi is the name that the Other calls the Narrator. They live in a structure composed of many halls, many of which are inundated by the sea. The hPiranesi is the name that the Other calls the Narrator. They live in a structure composed of many halls, many of which are inundated by the sea. The halls are 'peopled' by statues that seem to stand for something: a woman carrying a beehive; a dog-fox teaching two squirrels and two satyrs; two children laughing, one of them carrying a flute. Piranesi is quite naive. I found it hard to relate to him.
This book was a slow starter for me. I thought that it was only going to be about statues, floods and an unreliable narrator.
Then the characters started to take shape in my mind and a story developed. I liked the book and would recommend it.
I thank BookBrowse for a free copy of this book. It is a GREAT book for the right audience.
"Auribus teneo lupum". Latin for "I hold a wolf by the ears".
To be in a difficult situation from which it is as dangerous to extricate oneself as it i"Auribus teneo lupum". Latin for "I hold a wolf by the ears".
To be in a difficult situation from which it is as dangerous to extricate oneself as it is to remain in it. I'm afraid we're holding a wolf by the ears regarding our current healthcare system.
Another way to look at it is "a dilemma that has no easy way out".
Eleven short stories.
All describe dilemmas for which there is no easy way out.
Wonderful in terms of style, content and travelling opportunities. Oh yes, some historical tidbits thrown in for good measure.
I especially enjoyed the VERY unusual occupations described in some of the stories. The travelling to Italy, Mexico and mentions of Florida were also all to my liking.
If you are a short story lover, you will love these. And if you are not, maybe, by reading these, you will become a convert.
This book will shock you, surprise you - and then make you laugh. And you'll find practical and even inspiring ideas for what you can actually do to hThis book will shock you, surprise you - and then make you laugh. And you'll find practical and even inspiring ideas for what you can actually do to help humanity thrive on this – our only – planet. (From the publisher book description).
I have liked this book so much, I bought both the Kindle AND the paperback. Berners-Lee is an engaging author. He writes lucidly and includes prose that is conversational in manner. He has many tables of information and he bolds important ideas. He frequently includes information on how a government, corporation or a human can improve a situation.
This is a must read for anyone who cares about the world and how to improve it so that it lasts.
He summarizes, summarizes and then summarizes some more. What a blessing to a gal who needs to have important ideas repeated and loves checklists.
Very useful book to review the chapters, characters, themes, motifs and symbols.
I did find a couple of errors: Yenifer is Luca's cousin, not his sisterVery useful book to review the chapters, characters, themes, motifs and symbols.
I did find a couple of errors: Yenifer is Luca's cousin, not his sister Chapter 30 states that the group leaves Nogales in the morning, but they leave at sundown
Lots of typographical errors and mis-spellings; you can usually figure out what is being said.
I especially laughed when the dry, hot place the migrants were traversing was the dessert and not the desert.
I'll still give it 4 stars because it helped me prepare a presentation for book club.
Elisabeth is a journalist who has successfully published two previous narrative non-fiction books. She is trying to write a third. She is a new motherElisabeth is a journalist who has successfully published two previous narrative non-fiction books. She is trying to write a third. She is a new mother of 6 month old Gil. She needs to find a nanny to care for Gil so she can buckle down and write the book.
Sam is a 21 year old senior at the local women's college. She has nanny experience. She is the perfect person to be Gil's nanny. She had served as one when on an extended stay in London. While on that trip, she meets Clive, a man in his thirties, who falls madly in love with her.
The story is alternately told by Elisabeth and Sam. Each has a complicated set of relationships.
Elisabeth has a younger sister, Charlotte, and two parents who are each dysfunctional in their own way. She is married to Andrew, a wanna be inventor, who is "... sensitive. In both senses of the word."
Sam has a flighty room-mate and her relationship with Clive, this older man, is complicated too. Most people think he is not right for her, but she is in love and blind to the faults of the relationship.
Elisabeth and Andrew had moved to a small up-state town from Brooklyn. They want to be near Andrew's parents: Faye and George. George is an especially interesting character. He feels that those 'higher up' are not accountable and the 'little guy' is suffering. He forms a group to make people aware of this and, hopefully, encourage others to inspire change.
There are many themes in this book: Motherhood (both good and bad mother role models), Infertility (Gil is an in vitro baby), Child Care, Lies and Betrayals (Elisabeth, Sam and Charlotte each contribute).
I have read two other books by this author: Commencement (another story set in a college town), and Saints for All Occasions (full of complicated relationships). I loved them both. Sullivan is known for her college town stories and her Irish family-centered novels. I plan to read her other two novels as well.
This book was published on June 30. I found the book available on Overdrive on July 1. Nobody had snagged it yet!! I had not planned to read it so soon after publication, but am certainly glad I did. Not everybody was as immersed or impressed with this book as I was. But I hope you will give it a try.
Update: My book club is zooming with Kathleen (the author) on Sep 17. Stay tuned!!
This a beautifully written story told by a pigeon and a man. The setUpdate: My book club is zooming with Kathleen (the author) on Sep 17. Stay tuned!!
This a beautifully written story told by a pigeon and a man. The setting is WWI, immediately before, and the period of three years after.
Cher Ami - the pigeon. Trained to be a homer (homing pigeon). Unselfishly donated to help in the war cause as a messenger. Cher Ami is one of the best homers and had won many prizes in competitions before being donated to the war cause. Her voice is fresh and lovable. I fell in love with this bird.
Charles Whittlesey - a lawyer before the war. Trained first as a private and again as an officer at Plattsburgh. Fought in WWI France. He was the commander of The Lost Battalion. The Lost Battalion is the name given to 9 companies of the 77th Division who were isolated for a week in the Argonne Forest in October 1918. His story is touching. I fell in love with Major Whittlesey too.
The story is roughly broken down into three segments: lives of both before the war, the scenes during the war, and the effects on all doughboys and doughpigeons after the war is over. The book starts out as light and fun, but increases in its seriousness as the book progresses. Be prepared for this change in tone.
I was deeply touched by this book, its historic events and the poetic prose Rooney used to describe the events and the thoughts of the two main characters. I will not forget the effect of this book on me for a long time to come.
This is my second Rooney. I read Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk and LOVED it. Next I will have to read some of Rooney's poetry. What a talented gal!!
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