A colleague has been sharing her adolescent fictional
reads, which have been focusing on young women and their struggles in harsh
physical and emotional environments. Shabanu provides an
insightful perspective of modern day nomadic, Pakistani culture. Suzanne Fisher
Staples actually lived in Pakistan and her experiences shaped this interesting
read. It took a bit of time for me to get immersed in the story as I was
waiting for the incident described on the back cover to take place. My advice
while reading this book is to forget the incident and concentrate on
appreciating the well-constructed characters, which include the animals.
Staples does a terrific job of bringing the personalities of the animals to
life. I wish I could nuzzle Mithoo’s neck!
This is a powerful, haunting story that
sadly is the reality of too many women across this globe. I love how the author
writes from the perspective of a thirteen year-old Nepalese girl, Lakshmi, in a
free verse, poetic style. Patricia McCormack choice of style and vivid language
made it a fast, easy and a more interesting read in my opinion. This is an
important, compelling story yet I was surprised that this book is targeted
towards adolescences. I felt it might be a little too disturbing.
Historical novels are not usually my thing. However, I was delighted to find that this historical
novel moves quickly while not trying to recapture history. Roberta Rich crafts a fresh story with new and thoroughly captivating characterizations. I
am definitely looking forward to Rich’s second book that continues the story of
Hannah and Issac in Constantinople.
The characters were one-dimensional. Sullivan’s prose is
flat. The situation with April is unbelievable, actually laughable. I finished
the book, but was not at all enthralled. Sullivan saved herself as an author in
writing her second book, Maine. In my opinion, Commencement can be removed from anyones must read list.
The cover of this book does not fit the
actual story. The cover makes this book seem like a throw away summer read. Instead
it is a novel that portrays the lives of three generations of an Irish Catholic
family. Sullivan highlights the lives of four women, the matriarch, a daughter,
daughter-in-law and granddaughter. I found the stories of these women
engrossing. I was sad when the book was coming to an end. I was so engaged that I wanted to know what
else occurs for these women in their lives. I rushed out to pick up
Commencement, Sullivan’s debut novel, hoping to be immediately captured like I was in Maine. In Sullivan’s case, the second time is the charm.
After State of Wonder, I tired Patchett’s Bel Canto, which is award
winning. I couldn’t get into it. Nothing seemed to happen. However, with Patron
Saint of Liars I was immediately drawn in. This story is told from the point of view of each of the three members of the family.
Be warned it is fantastic, yet a very sad novel. I was quite taken aback by the
ending.
I am so sad as I have now read all of Allen’s books.
It’s been a long time since I have been this captured by an author. Her novels
are engrossing. The magical aspects force me to finish a book in one sitting,
failing to look up from the page, which Chris says is going to ruin my
eyesight. I suppose I have to admit I am also a sucker for the cheesy romances
embedded into all her books. I especially love how her stories weave in the
powers of plants. Do violets really induce calm? Can snapdragons ward off the
undue influence of others? What about anise hyssop, can it ease frustration and
confusion? I would like to believe this is true. Maybe in my next life I’ll
pursue eastern medicine or become a holistic apothecary.
Ann Patchett is very engaging. I am looking forward to
reading more of her works. I was easily lost in the possibility of amazing,
never before discovered medications in the Amazon. I enjoyed how the author
depicted the thrills in the jungle while experiencing
the personal journey of the main character. I love the idea of a foreign
adventure, although I am pretty sure in reality the whole thing would stink.
This book truly transports you. I guess that’s why I love a good story.
Ann Patchett is very engaging. I am looking forward to
reading more of her works. I was easily lost in the possibility of amazing,
never before discovered medications in the Amazon. I enjoyed how the author
depicted the thrills in the jungle while experiencing
the personal journey of the main character. I love the idea of a foreign
adventure, although I am pretty sure in reality the whole thing would stink.
This book truly transports you. I guess that’s why I love a good story.