Review: Bellweather Rhapsody

Bellweather Rhapsody by Kate Racculia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Glee meets The Shining.
A bunch of high school musician geeks meet up for a state competition at a creepy hotel in upstate New York. Weird concierge, nut job orchestra director, nerdy kids -- what's not to love?
Loved the writing.
Loved the crazy characters.
Loved all the references to Syracuse and central New York that I'm now familiar with!
There were gaping holes in the narrative - like - if a student goes missing, how are the police not called and the event immediately canceled? So very odd - but I'll give it a pass because I liked everything else.


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Review: News of the World

News of the World by Paulette Jiles
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐🌟

Abducted by Kiowa Indians after her parents are killed, Johanna is "rescued" by Indian Agents in hopes she'll be returned to her next of kin.

Thus begins an Odyessan-like journey through the republic of Texas with Johanna and Captain Kidd at the reins of the Curative Waters wagon.

Heartbreaking story of the conflict between Native Americans and western settlers, family carnage, and the plight of a young girl. Also about unexpected love and family relationships.

Narrative is also replete with beautiful descriptions of the geology and botany of Texas.

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Review: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟
Eleanor Oliphant is not completely fine - and I really enjoyed finding out why. I loved reading about her journey, her quirks, her friends, and her colleagues.
Her mummy, not so much.
Quite a few LOL moments. Quite a few heartbreaking revelations.
Some of the best cast of characters in a book that I've read in a long time. Especially Raymond.
I listened to part of this on audio - and the narrator was fantastic. It was a treat to hear the Scottish accents, which my brain doesn't automatically translate while visually reading.
A great book club choice! We had SO MUCH to discuss!


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