Review: Beautiful Ruins

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Italian coast, movie stars, Hollywood, addicts, producers, gangsters, unwed mothers, love: all of these elements are a narrative high wire act in the hands of writer, Jess Walter, and yet, not a single element comes crashing down. I was hooked to these "beautiful ruins" and their lives.

My only complaint is the language and caustic/sexual references. Really awkward and uncomfortable. For me anyway.


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Review: Brown Girl Dreaming

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was immersed in her story.
I could have been her friend.
Her family member
Her neighbor.
I could feel the South.
I could feel Brooklyn.
I was there at her "daddy's" passing.
It made me want to write.
Every word.
Of my own story.


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Review: The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving: A Novel

The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving: A Novel by Jonathan Evison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Funny, tragic, heartbreaking, poignant, forgiving, selflessness....I was not expecting any of this.

It was an unexpected delight.

*Minor language


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Review: The War that Saved My Life

The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

Heartfelt story of two abused children who are transported to the country from London during WWII for their safety and the love and acceptance that they encounter from their foster-mom.

Loved the story -- but the ending was abrupt, Hollywood-esque, and soured my reading experience.

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