Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Achingly good family drama, involving parents, children, racism, infidelity and death. Intense storytelling. Stark writing. Should have ended 12 pages sooner.
Highly recommended...but not a "feel good" story.
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Sunday, January 31, 2016
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Review: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
A realistic portrayal of life for a teenager on an Indian reservation, and the many obstacles (family, friends, alcoholism, death, living in a white culture) that freshman, Junior Spirit, must overcome to succeed in life.
I can see why this is a mandatory book for some high schools -- many complex issues to discuss and ponder; it's extremely well written; reminds me of a PG-13 version of A Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but harsher and grittier. I can also see why it's routinely on the "banned book" list -- language, crassness, and innuendo abound.
In terms of a literary piece -- it's probably a 5 star book -- but as far as my "enjoyment" of it, more of a 3.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
A realistic portrayal of life for a teenager on an Indian reservation, and the many obstacles (family, friends, alcoholism, death, living in a white culture) that freshman, Junior Spirit, must overcome to succeed in life.
I can see why this is a mandatory book for some high schools -- many complex issues to discuss and ponder; it's extremely well written; reminds me of a PG-13 version of A Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but harsher and grittier. I can also see why it's routinely on the "banned book" list -- language, crassness, and innuendo abound.
In terms of a literary piece -- it's probably a 5 star book -- but as far as my "enjoyment" of it, more of a 3.
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Friday, January 22, 2016
Review: First & Then
First & Then by Emma Mills
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Under achiever, Devon, is trying to find her way (with the help of Jane Austen) during her Senior year of HS -- but a new step-brother, a complicated boy friendship, and a potential love suitor, may make things more complicated than she thought.
Meh.
It was only meh.
Didn't feel any chemistry between the characters.
Thought the storyline was a bit disjointed.
She totally mucked up the football theme.
Way too much language and Fbombs for my taste.
But a cute ending.
My daughter liked it a lot.
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My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Under achiever, Devon, is trying to find her way (with the help of Jane Austen) during her Senior year of HS -- but a new step-brother, a complicated boy friendship, and a potential love suitor, may make things more complicated than she thought.
Meh.
It was only meh.
Didn't feel any chemistry between the characters.
Thought the storyline was a bit disjointed.
She totally mucked up the football theme.
Way too much language and Fbombs for my taste.
But a cute ending.
My daughter liked it a lot.
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Monday, January 18, 2016
Review: What Alice Forgot
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Re-read for book club (first read Aug 16-26, 2014) . Wouldn't change a thing about my review -- loved it just as much the 2nd time around.
http://www.gerberadaisydiaries.com/20...
Who knew spin class could be so risky? But for Alice, a fall off her stationary bike and a "bonk" on the head, causes 10 years of memories to disappear.
I loved it. I loved it. I loved it. I loved reading about Alice's discovery that before her accident she was a suburban, overachieving mom with three kids with an estranged husband, to the realization that she was none of the above after her accident. I loved her family members -- especially her sister, Elisabeth, whose infertility woes and letters to her therapist are truly crushing. And Gina -- the friend that everyone knows, Alice most of all, but who can't remember the depth of their relationship.
I loved the author's writing style -- using glimpses of memory, epistles, and diary entries -- made this so interesting and unique and added necessary depth to all the characters.
This was such an enriching read and a brilliant look at the complications of a seemingly ordinary domestic family life.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Re-read for book club (first read Aug 16-26, 2014) . Wouldn't change a thing about my review -- loved it just as much the 2nd time around.
http://www.gerberadaisydiaries.com/20...
Who knew spin class could be so risky? But for Alice, a fall off her stationary bike and a "bonk" on the head, causes 10 years of memories to disappear.
I loved it. I loved it. I loved it. I loved reading about Alice's discovery that before her accident she was a suburban, overachieving mom with three kids with an estranged husband, to the realization that she was none of the above after her accident. I loved her family members -- especially her sister, Elisabeth, whose infertility woes and letters to her therapist are truly crushing. And Gina -- the friend that everyone knows, Alice most of all, but who can't remember the depth of their relationship.
I loved the author's writing style -- using glimpses of memory, epistles, and diary entries -- made this so interesting and unique and added necessary depth to all the characters.
This was such an enriching read and a brilliant look at the complications of a seemingly ordinary domestic family life.
View all my reviews
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Review: Last Stop on Market Street
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A profound, yet simple message...always find the beautiful in all things. From the meager to the grand. A great reminder for young and old readers.
2016 Newbery Award winner.
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My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A profound, yet simple message...always find the beautiful in all things. From the meager to the grand. A great reminder for young and old readers.
2016 Newbery Award winner.
View all my reviews
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Review: A Manual for Cleaning Women: Selected Stories
A Manual for Cleaning Women: Selected Stories by Lucia Berlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lucia Berlin was a hard drinking, multi-married, ex deb, whose travels and family led her everywhere from Alaska to Texas to Chile and California, and she put it all into these gritty, brutal, heartbreaking short stories/essays. Manual is as smart, nervy and unforgettable as the woman who wrote them.
These stories left a lasting impression. Makes my life look dreamy in comparison.
Highly recommended.*
*Content: Fbombs, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, sexual abuse
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lucia Berlin was a hard drinking, multi-married, ex deb, whose travels and family led her everywhere from Alaska to Texas to Chile and California, and she put it all into these gritty, brutal, heartbreaking short stories/essays. Manual is as smart, nervy and unforgettable as the woman who wrote them.
These stories left a lasting impression. Makes my life look dreamy in comparison.
Highly recommended.*
*Content: Fbombs, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, sexual abuse
View all my reviews
Monday, January 4, 2016
A look back at 2015
The older I get, the older my kids get, the fewer books I read.
Consider it a function of work, their multiple activities, and the need for sleep.
When most people were in their "summer reading" frenzy, I was mourning the death of my father. I couldn't function for months.
This year I managed 42.
Once again, I followed a "bingo" reading format -- this doesn't not include all 42 books, but the books I finished from my bingo "card."
Here is the breakdown:
A book from the library: Girl on a Train by Paula Hawkins
A book borrowed from a friend: The Bishop's Wife by Mette Ivie Harrison
A book by a British author: Frenchman's Creek by Daphne duMaurier
A book club book: The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
A book with a proper name in the title: Serena by Ron Rash
A book about women's issues: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (WWII women's resistance)
A book that makes you LOL!: Yes Please by Amy Poehler (which wasn't very funny after all)
A book with an African author and/or continent: Circling the Sun by Paula McLain\
A book by an author you've never read: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
A biography: Strapless by Deborah Davis (about John Singer Sargent and "Madame X")
An award winner: Bomb by Steve Sheinkin (Newbery Honor award)
A WWII historical fiction: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
An e-book: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
A book about/with science: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
A classic: Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy
A travel/exploration book: Dead Wake by Erik Larson (about the sinking of the Lusitania)
A book set in Paris: A Star for Mrs. Blake by April Smith
A new juvenile fiction: Princess in Black by Shannon Hale
Squares I didn't complete:
A book with a Red cover
A book published the year you were born
A new YA book
A religious book
A regency romance
A book by Anne Lamott
Missing the above makes me feel kinda silly. I mean, a book with a red cover or a YA book? How hard was that? Oh well.
My ultimate favorite this year: All the Light We Cannot See
Looking forward to exploring the vast number of books on my shelf, as well as newly published books this year!
Happy 2016 reading!
Saturday, January 2, 2016
Review: Peter and the Starcatchers
Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
A perfectly plausible prequel for the origination of Peter and his Neverland.
Loved Molly the best.
Can't wait to see the stage production.
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My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
A perfectly plausible prequel for the origination of Peter and his Neverland.
Loved Molly the best.
Can't wait to see the stage production.
View all my reviews
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