The Woman In White a book review

A masterpiece!

 This was a book I have had on my “to read” list since seeing it referred to in The Thirteenth Tale. I have been sprinkling in a classic here and there throughout my reading for a few years now. I picked it up as an audio book to listen to while sewing. I am so glad I chose this method as the various narrators gave the story life. Also at over 600 pages I would have put it off, choosing to get more books on my list read first. That would have been a big mistake! As I listened to this book I found myself questioning whether this was really written in the late 1800’s as I had thought. The writing was very contemporary and very easy to listen to. The plot in the beginning was simple enough and after a bit I thought editors today would have suggested cutting a lot out but then a new twist would be introduced and the story would grow more interesting. Mr. Collins did a superb job developing his characters and the story continued to unfold in a suspenseful way that keeps you wanting more. I actually sewed much longer than normal so I could continue to hear the story! This is a must read! A great book for discussion and a wonderful example of classic writing.

My latest book review for Library Thing

Perfect for fans of romantic women’s fiction, this tender and heartwarming novel explores the trials of losing what matters most—and how there’s always more than we can imagine left to find.


The letter comes out of the blue, and just in time for Libby Moran, who—after the sudden death of her husband, Danny—went to stay with her hypercritical mother. Now her crazy Aunt Jean has offered Libby an escape: a job and a place to live on her farm in the Texas Hill Country. Before she can talk herself out of it, Libby is packing the minivan, grabbing the kids, and hitting the road.

I requested this book from The Library Things early review program because of the very cute cover and the story line of the family moving to a goat farm! I follow several bloggers who have made lifestyle changes like this book and I was just really drawn to it and was so excited when I received it! Because of personal losses we have found ourselves on a farm in the country and with a life style change that has been very positive for us. I knew I would have a lot to relate to in this story and there would be enough to keep me in the story. I was not disappointed. I was able to read this on a recent trip so I read it in 3 days. I enjoyed this book as a light read which is usually not my normal genre. I did find some parts to be predictable but the outcomes do not disappoint and there are several surprises to keep you going. Great summer beach read!

Book Review Barbara Kingsolver

I just finished an older book I have been meaning to read from my personal library for a long time. I have set aside 9 books from my personal library to read in between book club choices and The Library Things early book review winnings.

Here is my review 5 stars

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kinsolver for me is a story about 3 women trying to live true, honest lives going against some strong traditions and long held beliefs in the mountains of Appalachia. In each ones way they try to live in harmony with the way nature intends for life to unfold; Life, death, reproduction and just the wonder and beauty of the earth. Accepting the good, as well as the bad. I enjoyed the willingness of each of the women to see the natural way of things all around them each season and not try to change things but seek to be part of the ebb and flow of nature and find enjoyment in all the earth provides as well as learning to live with people who think different than you. Working with the land and the people not against them.


What I really enjoy about Barbara’s writing style is that she weaves a great story into an issue that is important to her without being preachy and offensive. She has a way of presenting both sides but helping nudge you to see her side. Having family from the Appalachia area, I related to the language and the ways of thought. If you are a hard core modern farmer or hunter you probably will have difficulty with the themes of this book but I feel it’s time we started taking a long hard look at what our greed is doing to our land and food supply. Also how mistrust and unacceptance is hurting our relationships with each other.

Over all, a great read I thoroughly enjoyed all the way through.

Next up I'm starting a book from The Library Thing
Life After Life by Jill McCorkle  available March 26, 2013

Creepy October Book Giveaway!

A perfect book to read for the month of October!

I received this book from The Library Things Early Reviewers program.

My review is here and if this sounds like a book you would like to read please leave me a message here and I will have a drawing on Oct. 31st to see who has won this suspensefull thriller!

I love reviewing books for the Library Thing and am so happy to be able to share new books and in many cases as this one, new authors.  Check out the review and sigh up!

As I began this story I was not sure I wanted to read it. I have read The Lovely Bones and other dark books before but I was not sure where Penny was going to take me with this story line. Penny does a wonderful job connecting Sonya’s past and present, slowly revealing the possible reasons for her need to keep this young boy. I found myself needing to know what was driving Sonya and wanting to hate her and just throw the book at the wall but Penny just keeps giving you enough information to keep you needing to read on. She kept me glued to the story chapter after chapter. I usually take my time with books because I like to enjoy them but this book was hard to put down. I read it in 3 sittings and only because I had to go to bed each night.

If you do not like unsettling real life type stories then this is not a book you should read, but if getting into the mind of people who do very bazaar things is, then I recommend this book for you. Another good book I have received through the Library Things Early Reviewers program.



"A Long Journey Home" book review

I received an advanced copy of "A Long Journey Home" by Margaret Robinson from The Library Things early reviewers. This is my review of this memoir of the mother of Augusten Burroughs'.
Having read Augusten Burroughs memoir, I was curious to see his mothers story. Since I found “Running With Scissors” a rather disturbing book and one I have been cautious to whom I recommended it to, I knew Margaret’s story would be a difficult one. Many others have been critical of Margaret saying she is trying to justify her actions or that her description of life doesn’t really gel with her sons books. Everyone has their take on their life and even siblings raised in the same house will remember things differently.
I read her story with an open mind wanting to hear her side of the story and try to understand her feelings. It is helpful to read how she perceived her upbringing and how her parents treated her. I am sure her mother would feel she was misunderstood by Margaret also.
That being said, I do feel a respect for Margaret that she has been able to overcome so many obstacles and remain positive. Mental illness is after all a disease of the brain and maybe some of her memories or stories are eschewed but they are how she remembers them.
I did find the writing choppy and sometimes hard to follow. It took me several weeks to finish because it was a hard story to want to read about and sometimes the story seems to drag. I am glad I read it and felt much more positive at the end than I did with “Running With Scissors”.
Margaret’s story is one you should read if you want to understand mental illness especially if you have someone in your life that is affected with it. The lesson I think you can take from this book is that we must embrace who we are, be true to ourselves and respect others for who they are.

If you would like to read more of Margaret and her poetry please visit her web page here

http://www.margaretrobison.com/home.htm

Book Review

Book Review

I got my 4th book to review through Library Thing!

If you love to read you should sign up to be a reviewer. I have their button on the side of my page so go ahead, click it and see what all is happening in the book world. Even if you don't want to sign up to receive FREE books, it is a good source for keeping track of your books and see what others say about books you are interested in and if you want discuss them.

Cocaine's Son

by David Itzkoff

Planned release date Feb. 2011

This review is coming from a daughter of an alcoholic, who also blamed him for the anxiety disorder and abandonment issues she has. I could relate with much of what David was trying to say here in his book "Cocaines's Son".

As a young person, I found it very painful that my father chose bars and buddies over attending dance recitals and school functions. The dread of wondering if the funny, easy going Dad or the angry, foul mouthed drunk Dad was going to come home each night. And on some nights I lay awake waiting to see if he would make it home safely if at all.

David's Dad is a hard man to like and live with high or sober. The beginning of the book starts out from a child's perspective, where as most kids, we want our parents to be our heroes. David's Dad falls sorely short. David has to endure many let downs and embarrassing moments by his father. Growing into a healthy, let alone loving, respectful relationship is more than likely not going to happen but nonetheless they try.

David does not have a lot of harrowing tales for us to wade through and his book does not leave you with dark depressed feelings. As you move through the book you mostly feel the disappointment and desire for a better relationship for them or for David to just give up already!

I am very pleased with which he chose to close out his memoir. It is very emotional and heart warming.

After going through a very difficult emotional time myself, at one time I felt that I'd rather be dead. Then realizing my children were not enough to keep me here was a startling revelation that helped me reconcile my feelings toward my father. I was able to understand the emotional pain he lived with and I was then able to forgive. Unfortunately, he had already died but I found peace and a different perspective in how to view my childhood.

This book is not a heavy downer. If you have experienced disappointments from a parent and not reconciled, you may benefit from this book.

Library Thing Book Review

I was able to snag another book from Library Thing! I am loving this site. This is the 3rd book I have received and it was one I would not have normally picked but the message has stuck with me and I feel it is worth a look.

I was plesantly surprised by this book. It drew me in right from the start. The author dangles information in pieces to keep you reading. It was not predictable as many of the inspirational books tend to be.

The subject matter many seem difficult but is presented in a way that helps you see that these things are survivable.

I did have trouble with one character through out the book. Sherriff Huff’s character is likeable enough and at some points I wondered if he was going to be crooked because of the whineing he kept doing. One inner dialoge about his desire to be with his grandkids would have been enough for the reader to get the point he did not want to remain sheriff. I found him tireing.

The author did a good job with the sadness and pain of all the characters and how we all find someone to blame for our difficulties.

The message of forgiveness and acceptance is strong and the end is inspiring. The message of the love of God is presented well without being preachy.

Many people who have not suffered may not believe some of the situations that happen but pain and hurt lead us to behave in ways we would not normally react. Even as Christians.

By putting many people who are scared, hurt and lost together, a mob mentality is likely to happen.

All in all I would reccommend this book, espically if you are going through tough times and want to be encouraged.