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| Name : | Margaux B. |
My Reviews
The author starts with - this book is about a lot of things. But mostly idiots - and after reading, I think the point was that, maybe, if we listened to each other more, there would be less idiocy. Other points were made about the power of friendship, forgiveness, and hope - as these are the things that save us in anxious times.
Despite some heavy subject matter, Backman knows how to throw emotional punches without knocking out. This book gave birth to a New Year Resolution of being more kind.
Reading summaries for this book had me expecting a ghost story or a re-telling of Bernie Madoff. It was neither although it contained elements of both. This is not a ghost story in the normal way and that was just one of the factors that had me racing thru this book. Highly recommended for book clubs so you can discuss after because there will be LOTS to discuss. I saw this story being more about the many paths we chose in our life and the utter capriciousness of it all. The ghosts added to this theme and I was happily flipping pages, thinking they were manifestations of a character's guilt until the end when Vincent made me question my safe assumption. I loved how the characters, even the obviously flawed ones, were presented to us with empathy. I enjoyed how the author made me question not only the characters but myself. This book will leave an impact.
This was an atmospheric mystery that kept me turning lights on along with pages, late into the night. I had to suspend my belief that an outsider could become insta-friends with THE person who could provide info needed and a couch to sleep on as Carly tries to solve the mysterious disappearance of her Aunt Viv decades earlier. Still, I liked the town's creepy history that seemed based on real events (Dryden, NY) and it kept my interest until the last page. Having the story narrated by Carly, in the present day, and Viv, in the 1980s, added to the mystery.
Perfect vacation or book club pick but be careful because it's hard to put down! I cannot say much, or it will ruin the mad fun of this story. There's a twist, but it's more of a literary device used to great effect. Mysteries are my jam and this book is brimming with juicy goodness. Just read this book!
This book gives new meaning to the term "wedded bliss."
This amazing book tells the story of a young black woman (1970s) who travels back in time to The Antebellum South where she needs to learn how to survive while finding a way back home. This gem was written in the 70s and withstands the test of time. An amazing story that needs to be read by everyone!
The title says it all. I didn't see the twist at the end, and it skewed all my theories about who was the true villain of this piece. A perfect pick for a summer read or vacation. You will keep turning pages until finished.
I prefer crime that is fictional so I was leery of reading a true crime book, but I cannot say enough good things about how the author handled the subject. She handled the sensational features of the Golden State Killer with dignity. I enjoyed the true crime blogger aspect and liked how the publisher ended the book seamlessly despite being left unfinished by the author. I believe that McNamara, although she did not live to see the day, is largely responsible for GSK's eventually arrest.
Overall, this wasn't a blockbuster thriller about a stolen child - for me - so much as, the importance to own up to one's actions. Even if committed years ago.
Good choice for a book club as there will be many talking points - domestic abuse, two justice systems, addiction, violence against women on campuses and so much more.
Loved how this book provided a peek into the South Korean culture. We experience life through the eyes of four young women. It covers their backstories as well as where they're heading. These women are from different social backgrounds but as women, shared the same fate in my view. Very interesting. Fascinating bit of how South Korea is the plastic surgery capital of the world?!
It's about a couple (Adam & Amelia) who go on a weekend getaway to celebrate their anniversary and figure out if they want to stay together. Lots of discussion about the state of relationships. Their remote destination is creepy with its locked/unlocked doors, cellar of whispers, and blinding snow storm. Mischief ensues and it looks like more than just their marriage might not survive the weekend. The author is clever with her twists that you won't see coming. Having an outsider (a hired P.I.) tell us what he found at the secluded getaway at the end was brilliant. There will be plenty to discuss.
Reading this book got you to a front seat to the witch scare in England, 1945. We watch in horror as Matthew Hopkins judges women and determines if they were "legally" witches. The narrator of this story is his sister. The tension builds in this slow burner as their journey to condemn women on the fringes of society continues. Book gives plenty to discuss. Including how many felt Salem witch stories were more riveting.
This book will keep your attention as we discover, along with Caz, what is going on after she wakes up on a deserted luxury cruise. Ignore reviews and go into this one blind for more impact.
You will have to suspend belief while reading this page-turner that should appeal to female and male readers alike. I felt that some of Caz' inner monologue could have been edited for a better (and shorter!) book, but overall, it was a fun and highly addictive read! I had to find out what would happen next.
Readers will either hate or love the ending . . . There is plenty for book clubs to discuss.
Would you want to know how long your life will be when you're 21? That's the core question of this highly original novel where boxes are delivered to each person over 21. We're talking every single person in the world. This is the story of just a few of them, their choices, and the effects.
I am not a sci-fi fan but this was a gripping and fast read. It will spark a lot of conversation.
This book asks if you can ever escape your past, even if you don't know what your real past is . . . ?
The mystery aspect was well written but this story covers so much more. And while this book deals with some hard subjects and asks some hard questions, it did not come across as a gloomy read. Please note, in brief moments, this author does too good a job of depicting abuse.
While enjoying this book, I felt a little cheated. Yes, Ms Jones shares stories about her life but I found a tendency to drop an eye-opening detail about her past and then run away from it. I get it - who wants to share everything about themselves but I would have preferred she just stayed away from those subjects instead of giving us limited insight.
Ms. Jones has an interesting story to tell and there are plenty of topics to discuss (healthcare, racism, misogyny, SNL and more). Overall, a fast read that provided some understanding of the one and only Leslie F*cking Jones!
Story about the death of a man who lived in a run-down motel turned housing units, as told by his wife and the woman who runs it. Their views are told in alternating chapters and I enjoyed both of their voices.
Solid mystery around the husband's death. And this book isn't just a thriller, it also addresses many social issues and leaves lots for book clubs to discuss. It has a tidy ending that some didn't like but still a good pick.
Perfect choice to read pool side or at the beach!
This was the perfect pick for October!
It encouraged conversations about: the paranormal, unexplained or “uncanny” events; the power of suggestion; family bonds and unconditional love; how labels can be hard to escape and kinda predestine a path; meaning of the title and more.
This book had members staying beyond 2 hours and gave an average rating 8.5 (1-10).
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