I have a new rule; I can't start reading, or listening to a new book until I've written the review for the book I just finished. There have been a few positive outcomes to this rule: 1. I write the reviews closer to when I finish the book, 2. My review doesn't become cluttered in my mind with the new books! Here are my latest two.
Summer Breeze by Nancy Thayer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Audiobook Version: This is my second Thayer book, and they are consistent and easy. A little bit of love, friendship, family drama, life choices, and beach talk. This one centered around Dragonfly Lake in New England where the Barnaby family lives. The Barnabys own Barnaby's Barn a boutique selling toys for kids, although 'selling' is the operative word. Twenty something, Bella Barnaby wants to remake the store to sell antiques and art. The book centers around her life choices (follow long-time boyfriend to San Francisco or stay and remake Barnaby's Barn), and the personal affairs surrounding her neighbor Natalie, and other neighbor Morgan.
Don't hold your breath for too much substance, but if you want a stress-free read, here it is.
View all my reviews
Summer Breeze by Nancy ThayerMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Audiobook Version: This is my second Thayer book, and they are consistent and easy. A little bit of love, friendship, family drama, life choices, and beach talk. This one centered around Dragonfly Lake in New England where the Barnaby family lives. The Barnabys own Barnaby's Barn a boutique selling toys for kids, although 'selling' is the operative word. Twenty something, Bella Barnaby wants to remake the store to sell antiques and art. The book centers around her life choices (follow long-time boyfriend to San Francisco or stay and remake Barnaby's Barn), and the personal affairs surrounding her neighbor Natalie, and other neighbor Morgan.
Don't hold your breath for too much substance, but if you want a stress-free read, here it is.
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Whoa Nelly, This is a hard book to get through. No matter how many times you learn about the Holocaust, it doesn't get any easier. Nearly 200 of the 460 pages are the recounting of a survivor's story, in not too gory, but still heart-wrenching detail. The survivor Minka, has a granddaughter named Sage. Sage is the main character of the book. She has a facial scar, which has turned her into a social recluse. Her facial scar is not discussed, just like Minka did not willing share her story until a charming federal agent named Leo managed to get both of them to open up.
Weaved throughout the book, is Minka's fictional writing about an upior, a beast that terrorizes a village. Minka used her writing to escape the everyday horrors of ghett-living, and later, the concentration camps. Tied into the story is Josef, who meets Sage at a grief group. Despite their age difference (60+ years) they become friends until Josef reveals the truth about his past. True to Picout's style the reader is lead to think critically of what they would do in a situation. There are also twists towards the end, but none terribly shocking. The reader is lead to feel for all of the characters which is a true testament to Picoult's talent. I wouldn't rank this as her highest work, but as far as I can tell, she did a tremendous about of research to write this historical fiction. She is brave for taking it on, and I'll admit, I wouldn't normally put myself through reading about the Holocaust if it wasn't by an author I admire. I recommend the book, but not for a relaxing read.
Weaved throughout the book, is Minka's fictional writing about an upior, a beast that terrorizes a village. Minka used her writing to escape the everyday horrors of ghett-living, and later, the concentration camps. Tied into the story is Josef, who meets Sage at a grief group. Despite their age difference (60+ years) they become friends until Josef reveals the truth about his past. True to Picout's style the reader is lead to think critically of what they would do in a situation. There are also twists towards the end, but none terribly shocking. The reader is lead to feel for all of the characters which is a true testament to Picoult's talent. I wouldn't rank this as her highest work, but as far as I can tell, she did a tremendous about of research to write this historical fiction. She is brave for taking it on, and I'll admit, I wouldn't normally put myself through reading about the Holocaust if it wasn't by an author I admire. I recommend the book, but not for a relaxing read.
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