The author includes an Introduction at the end (!!) that describes this book well.
INTRODUCTION
On our unnamed alien hero’s home world, Vonnadoria, matThe author includes an Introduction at the end (!!) that describes this book well.
INTRODUCTION
On our unnamed alien hero’s home world, Vonnadoria, mathematics has transformed his people, giving them the ability to create a utopian society where knowledge is limitless and immortality attainable. But when Cambridge professor Andrew Martin cracks the Riemann hypothesis, opening a door to the same technology that the alien’s planet possesses, the narrator is sent to Earth to erase all evidence of the solution and kill anyone who had seen the proof. He struggles to pass undetected long enough to gain access to Martin’s research. But as he takes up the role of Professor Martin to blend in with the humans, he begins to see a kind of hope and redemption in the humans’ imperfections, and he questions his marching orders. Mathematics or not, he becomes increasingly convinced that Martin’s family deserves to live, forcing him to confront the possibility of forgoing everything he has ever known and becoming a human.
My Impression
When I first started reading this book, I felt awful to be a human. The alien thinks humans are ugly especially because of their protruding noses.
But as the alien became more acclimated to the humans, I began to love him and being human too. He found value in his 'wife' and 'son' and they found value in him as well.
One of my favorite chapters is "Advice for Humans". There are 97 points listed in this chapter, the alien giving advice to his 'son' Gulliver. Reading this list and finding your favorites is a gift to you, his readers.
The first five are:
1. Shame is a shackle. Free yourself. 2. Don’t worry about your abilities. You have the ability to love. That is enough. 3. Be nice to other people. At the universal level, they are you. 4. Technology won’t save humankind. Humans will. 5. Laugh. It suits you.
The Henna Artist is a novel by Alka Joshi, a native of India who moved to America with her family at the age of nine. The author based the central chaThe Henna Artist is a novel by Alka Joshi, a native of India who moved to America with her family at the age of nine. The author based the central character in her debut novel on her mother, who never got to choose her own path in life but was determined that her children should have that option.
Main Characters
LAKSHMI SHASTRI - The Henna Artist, 30 years old
RADHA- Lakshmi's 13 year old sister
HARI SHASTRI-Lakshmi’s abusive ex-husband
THE SINGH FAMILY
SAMIR - Lakshmi's business partner and a philanderer
PARVATI - Samir's wife and a client of Lakshmi's
RAVI - their son, handsome, orivileged and spoiled
Alka Joshi, the author, based the central character in her debut novel on her mother, who never got to choose her own path in life but was determined that her children should have that option.
The Henna Artist is set in northern India in 1955. The timing is significant since India had become an independent country less than a decade earlier.
From SuperSummary
At the beginning of the novel, 13-year-old Radha is being verbally abused by the gossipmongers of her village, who call her the Bad Luck Girl. Both her parents have recently died, and her sister, Lakshmi, ran away from her husband 13 years earlier. Resolving to find her only surviving kin, Radha enlists the help of Lakshmi’s husband, Hari, in locating her.
While Radha begins her search, Lakshmi is doing very well as a sought-after henna artist in the royal city of Jaipur. In addition to her henna art, Lakshmi is a skilled healer who helps her clients with their aches and pains. She is equally adept at preparing contraceptive herbs that she sells to her friend Samir so that his many mistresses can avoid pregnancy.
**********
I was totally caught up in this book, listening to the awesome narration of Sneha Matha, while reading along on Kindle. The personal growth and experiences of Lakshmi are unique and well worth the reading journey.
One of the Lenten Spiritual Readings I did this year was 33 Days to Morning Glory. Over a 33 day period, it outlines a do-it-yourself retreat to arrivOne of the Lenten Spiritual Readings I did this year was 33 Days to Morning Glory. Over a 33 day period, it outlines a do-it-yourself retreat to arrive at Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary. The devotion of 4 saints is analyzed and presented to the 'retreatant'.
The first saint to espouse this idea was St. Louis de Montfort (1673-1713). He wrote a book entitled True Devotion to Mary. Gaitley considers this book hard to follow for the contemporary reader so he 'wrote this book'.
The other three saints are Sts. Maximillian Kolbe, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and John Paul II.
The first 4 weeks explain how each of these saints regarded the consecration. The last 5 days present a 3 word summarization for each saint and the last day is the Consecration itself. (Mother Teresa's three words are Thirst, Heart and Covenant).
Fr. Gaitley was at our parish at the beginning of this year. I was unable to attend his talks but a good friend told me about this book and I promptly bought it.
Typically one should do the retreat to end on a Marian Feast (there is a list in the book). I chose Lent because there are 33 WEEKDAYS in Lent. Consecration Day became Good Friday, which I thought very appropriate as I pondered Mary standing at the foot of the cross. I felt like I was there with her.
This book does not seem very popular, but I LOVED IT. It is Anthony Doerr's debut novel. You know, Anthony Doerr of the Pulitzer Prize and All the LigThis book does not seem very popular, but I LOVED IT. It is Anthony Doerr's debut novel. You know, Anthony Doerr of the Pulitzer Prize and All the Light We Cannot See. I Have met Anthony Doerr. He can do no wrong. Maybe that is why I found only right in this book.
The main character is David Winkler. He dreams events and then they happen. As a child, he dreamt that a man was hit by a bus and killed. He saw a hat box fly into the air. Three days later, walking with his mother on a snowy street in Anchorage, the tragedy, hat box and all, transpires. He also dreams that he meets a fetching woman in a supermarket. That dream comes true too. Though she is married, Sandy agrees to leave Alaska and they move to Cleveland. They marry and a girl is born, Grace. David dreams that there is a flood and trying to escape it, carrying Grace through waist-high roiling water, he trips and Grace drowns. The flood really does occur but before the dream can come true, David runs. First he drives to NYC and from there gets on a tramp steamer to St Vincent and the Grenadines.
He meets a woman in a post office and she and her family take David under their wing. They have a daughter, Naaliyah. Naaliyah figures heavily in the story: both in the Caribbean and later on when she is going to school in Alaska. David spends 20 years on the island, always wondering if Grace is dead or alive.
Finally he has the gumption to leave St Vincent and attempt to find her.
I loved Doerr's writing and the many places that David visited while on his journey from Alaska to Ohio to the Caribbean, back to the US and finally in Alaska.
At the end of the book, the following subjects are listed: 1. Separation (Psychology)—Fiction. 2. Fathers and daughters—Fiction. 3. Runaway husbands—Fiction. 4. Caribbean Area—Fiction. 5. Precognition—Fiction. 6. Alaska—Fiction. 7. Dreams—Fiction.
A worthy work that will keep you entertained throughout.
This story takes place IN Between Georgia. All characters live IN Between.
Its the south so, of course, there is a feud. Nonny Frett is in one of the This story takes place IN Between Georgia. All characters live IN Between.
Its the south so, of course, there is a feud. Nonny Frett is in one of the families; she has been raised by Stacia Frett, a blind mute who, despite that, raises her completely and well. But Nonny is not a Frett by birth. She really is a Crabtree, the other feuding family.
This story is ripe for conflict and destruction. I did enjoy the book as it was full of surprises and action.
Rowena Farre lived with her aunt as a child. They were in Scotland and it was the 1950's."A book of real and rare enchantment".
"Escapism at its best".
Rowena Farre lived with her aunt as a child. They were in Scotland and it was the 1950's. They found a very out-of-way cottage there. The home was called a croft. Their nearest neighbor was 3 miles away. A loch (lake) was much closer.
Their were many animals living at the croft: Rodney, a rat; Hansel and Gretel, a female and male otter; Sara and Cuthbert, a female and a male squirrel. And then, of course, was Lora, a female Common Seal. Adopted as a pup, she soon became the center of the croft's attention.
Lora was the smartest of the bunch. Eventually she learned and responded to 46 words. The rest of the menagerie knew no more than half that number. As the book progresses, we learn of many of the experiences of all of the animals and discover many of these animals' traits.
In a fascinating afterward, Maurice Fleming discusses the few known facts about the Highland years and later life of Rowena Farre, a mysterious figure who shunned publicity and remained elusive to the end.
The book is not available on kindle. I have a beautiful paperback copy with an engaging picture of a Common Seal on the cover. I will treasure it always.
Thank you, Goodreads friend, Leila, for recommending this book to me. I did enjoy this book so much.
This book is written in the format of 40 days worth of true stories.
The author, Shawn Carney is the cofounder, CEO, and president of 40 Days for LifeThis book is written in the format of 40 days worth of true stories.
The author, Shawn Carney is the cofounder, CEO, and president of 40 Days for Life. As a volunteer in the pro-life movement while still in college, he helped lead the first-ever local 40 Days for Life campaign. After graduation, Shawn was asked to serve as executive director of Coalition for Life, a local pro-life organization in Texas made up of more than sixty churches. From its beginning, Shawn has been instrumental in growing 40 Days for Life first nationally and then internationally.
Shawn has shared his 40 stories. Most end in life happily ever after: abortion has been repudiated; the decision to not abort has brought infinite joy. But Shawn also has at least one story where the new parents have ignored the child; not happy or a story book ending at all. I am glad that he is willing to share this type of story too. Although very sad, it still does not justify abortion.
I am glad that I read the book. At the very least, learned more about the great organization, 40 Days for Life.
"Juliet Grames has delved into the family secrets of an Italian American family and the ways in which those secrets, as well as slights and injustices"Juliet Grames has delved into the family secrets of an Italian American family and the ways in which those secrets, as well as slights and injustices, can both cross oceans and trickle down through the generations. This quintessential American immigrant story feels important right now, and I highly recommend it." - Lisa See, author of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane
Lisa See has said it so well. This book is not so much about death but the calamities of life.
Very tragic story which will stay with me for many months to come.
Louise Erdrich is a Chippewa Indian and this story reflects her own grandfather's part in fighting against The Indian Termination Policy of 1953-1969.Louise Erdrich is a Chippewa Indian and this story reflects her own grandfather's part in fighting against The Indian Termination Policy of 1953-1969.
The Night Watchman, Thomas Wazhashk, stands for her grandfather who was also a night watchman. He works at a a factory where women of the Turtle Mountain clan work by day, using gemstones as drill bits for Defense Department ordnance and for Bulova watches. His niece, Patrice, works at the factory. Her sister Vera is missing and searching for her in Minneapolis is a very interesting sub-story. She meets up with at least one shady character while there. He hires her for his bar to swim provacatively in a blue rubber suit made to look like Babe, the Blue Ox. She refers to herself as a "waterjack". I found a picture of a waterjack and included a link here:
Vincent Bailly has cobbled a beautifully illustrated graphic novel based on Joseph Joffo's memoir of the same name.
The book starts with 2 brothers plaVincent Bailly has cobbled a beautifully illustrated graphic novel based on Joseph Joffo's memoir of the same name.
The book starts with 2 brothers playing marbles and segues into the frightening travel they must undertake to evade the Nazis wanting to eliminate the Jews.
The journey they experience takes them from Paris in the Occupied Zone to at least two different locations in the Free Zone and eventually to Nice (almost Italy).
Free Zone was a very misleading description, though. In the "Free Zone", the French Police were under the thumb of the Nazis and relentlessly pursued the Jews as well.
The illustrations are VERY well drawn and the navigation provided by Kindle allows the reader to see one panel at a time. I was very impressed with the story line and the navigation.
Thank you Goodreads Friend Maria for making me aware of this story.
I am inching toward the end of my life, 71 years of age. Until I read this book, I thought I had very little to look forward to except death. Parker PI am inching toward the end of my life, 71 years of age. Until I read this book, I thought I had very little to look forward to except death. Parker Palmer has CHANGED MY MIND.
Because of Palmer, I have a new way of looking at life:
-Finding my TRUE self and -Facing my fears (Move toward whatever you fear, not away from it.)
I think just concentrating on these two ideas and where they will take me will keep me busy for a long time.
Palmer is a Quaker; I am a Catholic. Yet we share so much spiritually.
I would LOVE to attend a Palmer retreat or seminar. But he being 80 years of age, I am not sure Palmer is speaking publicly any more.
I want to share about a Catholic program I participate in. It is called Spiritual Direction. It's purpose is to meet with a trained Spiritual Director so that I, the Directee, can see where God is leading me and where He is in my life. So why I am telling you this? Because I mentioned today how much Palmer's book has meant to me. Andrea is my Director. As I started describing Palmer's book, Andrea nodded and said, you mean Parker Palmer. Palmer is a man that MANY Spiritual Directors follow, read and share with their Directees. Parker also quotes a few Catholic theologians. As you can see, I am impressed.
Laura Resau did her capstone anthropology project on the subject of cultural and environmental issues of the Amazon RainForest. She spoke to people inLaura Resau did her capstone anthropology project on the subject of cultural and environmental issues of the Amazon RainForest. She spoke to people in the area about their issues. She wanted to bring these issues to the attention of the world. The Tree of Dreams, a work of fiction, was born.
Coco is a young girl living in Heartbreak Springs, Colorado, and helps her mother run El Corazon Chocolate Shop. The shop is losing business to the donut shop across the street. Coco has had a dream that there is a treasure to be found under a Ceiba Tree in Ecuador. An opportunity presents itself for her to visit Ecuador. She hopes to find the treasure and save El Corazon.
This book is described as 'middle grade'. Maybe Coco is in middle school, but the story is compelling to adults too. I listened to the audio and the descriptions of chocolate truffles and the different types of chocolate from South America were MOUTH Watering.
A librarian, Penny, from the local branch of my county library said she enjoyed the book and that I probably would too. Right on Penny and thank you.
The Huntress: a Nazi murderess who killed 6 Jewish children in Poland. She has since fled to America, but where is she?
Ian Graham is a former journaliThe Huntress: a Nazi murderess who killed 6 Jewish children in Poland. She has since fled to America, but where is she?
Ian Graham is a former journalist who is a Nazi hunter. He joins with Tony Rodomovsky and Nina Markova to find the Huntress. Nina witnessed the murder of Ian's brother by the Huntress. She is the only person to have faced the Huntress and lived.
In Boston, we meet Jordan McBride, an aspiring photographer.Jordan's father, a widower, has fallen in love with a beautiful German woman.
The stories of Jordan, Ian and Nina are interwoven to create a seamless story. Nina is an especially interesting character. From Siberia and very poor, she still manages to become a pilot who flies bombing raids along with other female pilots during WWII. These women are collectively known as the Night Witches, a group that really existed.
I cannot say enough good things about this book. The audible was outstanding and the stories really clicked. Nina is a fractious character but I could not help but be intrigued. Her story was complicated and I loved it.
Jack and Winn are college students, who decide to take some time off to experience a canoe trip in the wilderness of Northern Canada.
They expect this Jack and Winn are college students, who decide to take some time off to experience a canoe trip in the wilderness of Northern Canada.
They expect this trip to be leisurely and fun, but events occur to change these expectations. They smell smoke and Jack climbs a tree to see that a wildfire is blazing in the distance. It is traveling toward them and will soon overtake them. They also hear a man and wife arguing. They decide to not interfere. Eventually they come upon the man, who is alone and says his wife is missing. He seems confused and in shock. Jack and Winn double back, do find her severely injured and Jack suspects that the husband tried to kill her. They doctor her to the best of their ability and start a mad dash to medical help in Wapakh, many miles up the river. So the frantic journey begins and they end up needing to evade the husband, two other men who they had met, AND the fire.
Jack and Winn are well drawn characters. I felt that I knew and could picture both. Jack is obviously the leader and a skeptic; Winn is a big teddy bear who always sees the best in people and gives them the benefit of the doubt. Their biggest conflict is what to do about Pierre, the husband. Jack wants to eliminate him; Winn wants to question him but does not believe him to be evil as Jack does.
The nature writing added a contrast to the human fear. An example:
"There was no aurora borealis, just the dense sparks of the stars blown from their own ancient fire."
I was engaged throughout the book. Since I am not an adventurer, I would prefer to experience it through a book!!
Thanks to my dear friend Leila, I found this book. Leila, I finally was able to float it to the top and soooo glad that I did.
It is 1917 and the siteThanks to my dear friend Leila, I found this book. Leila, I finally was able to float it to the top and soooo glad that I did.
It is 1917 and the site is The Savoy Hotel in London.
Johnny Trott is an orphan who is now a bellboy there. A beautiful opera singer comes to stay at the Savoy and brings with her Prince Kaspar Kandinsky, the aristocratic cat. But tragedy strikes and Kaspar is left an orphan too. Johnny steps in to care for him until the family of the opera singer can come to take the cat home.
As you can imagine, the Titanic and its sinking are part of the story. I will leave it to you to read the book and get the entire series of events.
Michael Morpugo stayed at The Savoy and found evidence that Kaspar did exist in one way or another. Everyone in the hotel was very kind. He and his family were treated like royalty. Then one day, in the corridor next to the American Bar, he met Kaspar, the Savoy Cat. He was sitting there in a glass showcase: a sculpture of a huge black cat, very elegant, very superior. The beginnings of a story about Kaspar were found.
Very quick read and a heartening book. Written for children, but adults will love this light read too.
Offshore, which won the Booker prize in 1979, showcases Penelope Fitzgerald's talent... It tells the story of a group of gentle eccentrics who live onOffshore, which won the Booker prize in 1979, showcases Penelope Fitzgerald's talent... It tells the story of a group of gentle eccentrics who live on riverboats moored on the Thames. The action is centred on Nenna, a bohemian Canadian expat whose husband has left her and who is left quite literally struggling to keep things afloat. It was inspired by the most difficult years of Fitzgerald's own life, years during which she lived on an old Thames sailing barge moored at Battersea Reach.
Principal characters: Nenna James, Canadian, with two children (Martha, 12 and Tilda, 6) living aboard Grace
Edward, her estranged husband, now living in north London
Richard Blake and his wife Laura, living aboard Lord Jim
Sam Willis, an elderly marine painter, living aboard Dreadnought
Maurice, a male prostitute, living aboard Maurice
Woodie, a retired businessman living during the summer aboard Rochester.
I read a few reviewers who were not impressed with the book. I am not in that camp. I found the story REAL, especially because it was based on Fitzgerald's experiences. And I could not ignore that this book won the Booker Prize. I loved The Bookshop and this book is in the same category.
But in my desire to espouse my 'truth in sharing' philosophy, I present the following Wikipedia entry: "Offshore won the Booker Prize in 1979. Hilary Spurling, one of the judges, later said that the panel was unable to decide between A Bend in the River and Darkness Visible, settling on Offshore as a compromise. The book's surprise win was greeted with a reaction that Fitzgerald's publisher described as "so unpleasant a demonstration of naked spite"." Oh well. so much for using the Booker Prize win as a factor in why this book is good.
Glendy Vanderah worked as an endangered bird specialist in Illinois before she became a writer. Originally from Chicago, she now lives in rural FloridGlendy Vanderah worked as an endangered bird specialist in Illinois before she became a writer. Originally from Chicago, she now lives in rural Florida with her husband and as many birds, butterflies, and wildflowers as she can lure to her land. Where the Forest Meets the Stars is her debut novel.
At first I was leary of the book.. thought it was just a formulaic romance novel.
Au contraire!!
It is, I admit, a love story, but of the highest calibre. A great mystery too. Also loved the added touchs of ornithology. I am a bird watcher/feeder from way back.
I live in a home that has low level noise 24x7. My husband loves to watch TV, keep up with the news and uses the TV as a night light!! I, on the otherI live in a home that has low level noise 24x7. My husband loves to watch TV, keep up with the news and uses the TV as a night light!! I, on the other hand, prefer SILENCE. No wonder this book title more than appealed to me. When one of my groups. Catholic Thought, made this a selection in June, I knew I wanted to read it too.
Cardinal Robert Sarah is from Guinea, a country in western Africa. Pope Francis appointed him as head of the congregation that is responsible for the celebration of the liturgy in the Church. Much of what Sarah discusses asks for more silence during the Mass. But he very much encourages personal silence as well. My favorite quote is very simple:
"Let everything be quiet so that God can make himself heard."
It helps me to remember that both talking to God through prayer and hearing his answer cannot be attained without silence.
This book is beautifully written and sometimes put tears in my eyes with its eloquence. Some of my other favorite quotes have been made visible through Kindle notes.
This a unique story line that is compelling to read.
A man, in a drunken state, actually auctions off his wife. The next day he regrets it. BUT, his 'fThis a unique story line that is compelling to read.
A man, in a drunken state, actually auctions off his wife. The next day he regrets it. BUT, his 'former' wife thinks it is a legitimate transaction and stays with her new 'husband' until he dies. Will the husband and wife reconcile? He is now the Mayor of Casterbridge and has sworn off alcohol for 21 years.
Interesting story, but I am finding it harder and harder to like Thomas Hardy's writing style.
DEWEY is the heartwarming, true story of an abandoned kitten who went on to live an extraordinary life, inspiring a struggling single mother, transforDEWEY is the heartwarming, true story of an abandoned kitten who went on to live an extraordinary life, inspiring a struggling single mother, transforming a sleepy library and the inhabitants of its depressed Iowa farm town, and ultimately capturing the hearts of animal lovers around the world.
Vicki Myron, the author, has had troubles in her life too. Dewey and Vicki were made for each other.
This book chronicles not only Dewey's life and antics, but also describes the travails of Spencer, Iowa and its author, Vicki Myron.
I especially found this book poignant because it was recommended to me by an Iowa native who died unexpectedly on Dec 28, 2023. I wish Candace were still here to know how much I enjoyed the book and how it gave me ample opportunity to remember my friendship with her.
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