This is a humorous, page-turning romp through a series of high-finance conflicts of a sinister nature. Sounds fun,mbut nnjot usually my cup of tea. NeThis is a humorous, page-turning romp through a series of high-finance conflicts of a sinister nature. Sounds fun,mbut nnjot usually my cup of tea. Nevertheless, The fact that it is just sci-fi enough to have intelligence-enhanced, communication-capaable cats, dolphins, and whales as characters made me give it na chance. I was not disappointed/. Made for a delightful Saturday read that I will recommend to those in my circle who appreciate such blends of possibility and playfulness....more
An engaging read, told as though diary entries by Mrs. March, mother of those "little women". I'll admit to not being a huge fan of the original novel,An engaging read, told as though diary entries by Mrs. March, mother of those "little women". I'll admit to not being a huge fan of the original novel, this approach found me connecting and appreciating the characters and events more. Recommended. ...more
THis compact and compelling novel/novella is an immersive and intense exploration of isolation and humanity and relationships, played out without the THis compact and compelling novel/novella is an immersive and intense exploration of isolation and humanity and relationships, played out without the benefit of a common language but driven by sincere and deep humanity. Unforgettable and unique writing....more
This adult nonfiction exploration of the world of canine conformation competitions (Dog Shows) is a terrific read. the information is both well-researThis adult nonfiction exploration of the world of canine conformation competitions (Dog Shows) is a terrific read. the information is both well-researched and well-written, allowing the realities of humans, dogs, and their relationships to be analyzed and also amazed at. The author reveals intriguing details about the structure and operation of dogs, dog shows, handlers, and histories, while incorporating plenty of the amorphous reality of emotion and connection and purpose and more. Readers are in good hands, whether they arenas are not dog-lovers. My guess, though, is that anyone who reads this bookmwill find themselves feeling deeply connected to dogs, whether they felt that way at the start or not. Handler Laura and Samoyed Striker are both unforgettable and astonishingly special. There are plenty of heart-tugging anecdotes, but not are gratuitous or manipulative of the reader. ...more
Third in a very popular cozy mystery series- not my usual genre. read the fist one out of curiosity, then the next because the characters and setting Third in a very popular cozy mystery series- not my usual genre. read the fist one out of curiosity, then the next because the characters and setting were very enjoyable during a time I needed something comfortable. Despite seeing the breadcrumbs leading to book three I decided that would be enough, but the story/characters kept nudging me and book three it was. And then there's the writing- very confident and effectively compelling without being abrasive. And yes, these are murder mysteries, but handled with humanity and finesse. ...more
This adult novel is a firmly anchored, realistic contemporary story told through multiple voices that eventually interconnect. Rewind that statement aThis adult novel is a firmly anchored, realistic contemporary story told through multiple voices that eventually interconnect. Rewind that statement and throw in a launching event premise that is outlandishly impossible and yet... feels very possible in the eventual unfolding of the novel. There is distinct skill in the writing of the extremely complex levels of ramifications wrought by that initiating event, on personal internal, social, political, and many other levels. I found every character/voice to be memorable and the premise itself stays with me. I'e recommended this to several folks since reading it....more
I am not typically a fan sagas, but the raves about this book enticed me to try it. Every one of those raves was justified. Spanning the twentieth cenI am not typically a fan sagas, but the raves about this book enticed me to try it. Every one of those raves was justified. Spanning the twentieth century and two continents, the storytelling is superb, the characters, even so many and th9ose that are secondary, are fully and richly developed. The relationships and potential for interwoven lives across many decades is enticing, while the language itself is a fluent, luxurious thrill....more
All I needed as an excuse to reread this timeless classic was a simple reference to it in a book blog. This must certainly be the 7th or 8th time I'veAll I needed as an excuse to reread this timeless classic was a simple reference to it in a book blog. This must certainly be the 7th or 8th time I've read it since it originally released, sometimes on my own, sometimes with adult book club, other times leading a youth book club. Regardless, each reading is a whirlwind ride on the inner lives of rabbits, with a hint of analogy to the everything humanity should be considering.
I'll return this copy to the library, since my personal copy went out on loan a few years ago and never returned to me. I have no doubt I need to bourchase a "keep" copy again after bringing these remarkable characters back to life for me, with their stories told in remarkable ways. If you are one of the few people who ahve not read it, or read it allowed to your students or family, please do so....more
This is a welcome and powerful account of yet another individual story from a HOLOCAUST concentration camp survivor. In this case, the titled Eva was This is a welcome and powerful account of yet another individual story from a HOLOCAUST concentration camp survivor. In this case, the titled Eva was a childhood friend/schoolmate of the widely known Anne Frank. Following the end of the war and the eventual death of her own father,mher mother had known and worked closely with Anne's father Otto Frank. They married and so Eva was, a few years after Anne died, her step-sister. Their journeys began in the same neighborhood and followed many similar paths, but those details of Anne's experiences were lost to history. Eva's details would not be identical, but she presents a welcome sense of the tragic and horrific intentional "killing camps" that eliminated many more Jews than even the hated showers and crematoria. Starvation, disease (which killed Anne and her sister and mother), exposure, and being worked to death were the more common causes of death and every bit of that was intentional. This is a tribute to the greatest resistance acts of all- to survive, to live to tell the truth, despite every effort to prevent that....more
Really took some time to get past the les appealing qualities of Less (so self-centered, but that was the point!) to following his journey through hisReally took some time to get past the les appealing qualities of Less (so self-centered, but that was the point!) to following his journey through his transition from a 49 year-old-adolescent into a truly symnpathetic and likable fifty year old. Recommended, and I look forward to reading Less #2- Less Is Lost (That should be really good, too!...more
Well-written and informative about the avocation of birding, as well as an homage to the role of Nature in our lives and our well-being. The memoir asWell-written and informative about the avocation of birding, as well as an homage to the role of Nature in our lives and our well-being. The memoir aspects of this account reveal important insights, share experiences from an intriguing life that opens to a view of his fascinating life. Recommend....more
This is one of the most extraordinary books I've seen in several ways. There is enormous power in photography, but also in the concept behind this accThis is one of the most extraordinary books I've seen in several ways. There is enormous power in photography, but also in the concept behind this account of the visionary ways action of Depression Era Resettlement Administration (RA). The first director quickly established a Historical Section. This subset of the rescue program's efforts was intended to document (and justify) the services provided. More than that, though, the selected director Roy Stryker (a name I had never heard/read) had a primary mission: he dispatched quality photographers across this nation to capture images of America that were virtually unknown too most urban and "doing okay" Americans at the time. The face of this country, its people and its expanse and variety, are still breathtakingly informative and heart-touching. Though some photos are, in fact, heartbreaking, their mission and results were aimed at capturing the strengths off our country, and they do just that. Their success was immeasurable. I urge everyone to spend time with this book, dwell on the simply-labeled photo captions, and consume the limited but informative text to find yourselves more enriched about our history and our people. If you are someone who has questioned the role/benefit of government in daily life, a close examination of the photos and the people behind them, both subjects and photographers, you may find in it a potent inspiration about our capability as a nation. ...more
A very original approach to an important topic: The role of ART in protest movements, historically and into the future. This offers examples from a raA very original approach to an important topic: The role of ART in protest movements, historically and into the future. This offers examples from a range of historic and recent protest movements as well as a blueprint for effectively doing so in the future. The format with "board book" covers, full page images with reduced text, and examples across many causes makes this an accessible and appealing book for teens and older....more
This is a considerably fascinating look at the history of New York City's development. Tt has been labeled as YA but presents such intricate and detaiThis is a considerably fascinating look at the history of New York City's development. Tt has been labeled as YA but presents such intricate and detailed specifics that it seems more like a work for adults, to me. The archival photos are extensive and add to the full story immensely....more
This is an incredible and comprehensive account of the ways the original (and ongoing) Black Panther Party affected all Americans from its inception iThis is an incredible and comprehensive account of the ways the original (and ongoing) Black Panther Party affected all Americans from its inception inn the 1960s to present day. Despite having been very aware of many of the names, causes, arrests/trials, and social (white) anxietyassociated with this throughout my life, it has not been until recent years that I became aware of the full story (true story) of the Black Panther Party and its guiding principles. Their recognition of the hidden history and issues surrounding violence and oppression toward an entire race meant they faced the double-down effect of selective reporting of their actions and programs. Magoon (an astonishing researcher and writer) has laid out the full story, in all its compelexity, in ways that make it readable, m searchable, relevant, and tragically necessary for te3ens and adults. The eaten five contents are organized with enough photos, sidebars, and expansive clarifiers, as well as rich backmatter, so that any reader who is driven to delve deeper, or even to question the truth of the repotting can readily find and access the sources for themselves. This ahs the making of a full semester or at least quarter-long guided study text, but is also a work that individuals can access and learn from imdependently. A must read for everyone living in America....more
One goal I have when writing is for the characters to come to life in the mind of the reader, to claim space within their memories of folks they’d looOne goal I have when writing is for the characters to come to life in the mind of the reader, to claim space within their memories of folks they’d look forward to meeting again, catching up with, wishing well. Whether or not that is a goal of author Barbara M. Britton or not, that’s the result she achieved with her latest novel, Christmas in Whispering Creek. Sam is a young woman (23) with her entire life ahead, established as a teacher of young kids, a partner to the man she loves and hopes to marry. Also one whose life is turned inside out by a diagnosis of breast cancer and some very unexpected consequences during treatment. That’s no spoiler alert, since it is revealed in first pages, but it is certainly a spoiler alert to the life plans she had assumed would unfold in her future.
Several more unexpected, seemingly disruptive, events follow in rapid sequence, leading her from her temporary residence in her parents’ home in Wisconsin to an unexpected inheritance in Tennessee. With brilliant pacing and utter credibility, readers meet a cast of characters who spring to life on the page, one a cranky, disgruntled neighbor, the other a handsome and heartbroken jack-of-all-trades who happens to also be a songwriter.
If you are getting the feeling this has elements of a Hallmark movie, you’d be thinking as I did. Throughout each twist and turn, Sam seeks strength and guidance through simple prayer and Bible passages. That is no surprise for fans and followers of Britton, since her religious reliance is a trademark of her past work. These elements are equally integral to the backstories and character of Sam, her family, and her new friends, and do not distract from the story development, even for those of us who do not typically read this genre.
Britton’s work is also characterized by romance, and this is no exception. She has mastered the craft with subtlety and style, inviting hope and imagination to lead the way to happy endings without saccharine predictability.
The outstanding strength of this writing is the way in which Sam’s breast cancer experiences are dealt with directly and deeply, revealing the anxieties of fear of cancer returning as well as adjusting to the transformations in her body-image awareness and movement through the world. Britton uses an extended author note to reveal her own journey through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment and further genetic studies to discuss the realities of the disease, at any age, and the importance of vigilance, resilience, and personal care. And,m in her own journey, the power of prayer.
I’m a fan of Britton’s bible-based novels, although that is otherwise not a category I tend toward, and also of her historical romance novel, UNTIL JUNE. In this latest work, I am not only a fan but imagining that there should be book packagers and filmscript scouts who would be wise to read and consider CHRISTMAS IN WHISPERING CREEK as a potential for a cable movie for the holiday season. The premise, the setting, the characters are all ideal for the screen. Even more so, the details AND the overall tone and ethos of this story will touch a wide audience and deepen the overall joyful storytelling while sharing some important health discussions along the way....more
This is the first of Olafsson's novels I've read, but it will not be the last. I found the voice of the central character to be both revealing and intThis is the first of Olafsson's novels I've read, but it will not be the last. I found the voice of the central character to be both revealing and intriguing as a sort of unreliable but revealing narrator of his past and present. The relationship (from his past, casting shadows into his present) unfolds in parallel episodes to those that reveal is journey forward, and his reflections and concerns about those choices and the people in his life. I do not want to give away the story, whcih can be found isn plenty of synopses, but I will say that this complex and conflicted characters one I will not forget. ...more
I'm a fan of Picoult's storytelling and writing skills. This was an easy choice when recommended, but it blew me away in depth of concept and twists oI'm a fan of Picoult's storytelling and writing skills. This was an easy choice when recommended, but it blew me away in depth of concept and twists of perception about the world we take for granted- including the Covid years, from start to present. There is so much about this that demands having a conversation with others who have read it. ALL of us are surrounded by folks who were affected by Covid, and many are closely tied to those who may ahve been on a vent for days or weeks or more. For that reason alone, I can safely say that EVERYONE should be reading this to gain better insights into worlds we may dismiss or disparage without understanding the truth of their experiences. And,m it is a powerhouse read- compelling and entertaining, grabbing you by the eyes and brain and heart, never letting go!...more
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