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Name : Margo B.

My Reviews

Anxious People: A Novel by Backman Fredrik
 
Book Club Recommended
Fun, Interesting, Insightful
a great book to read during these times

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.

The Glass Hotel: A novel by Emily St. John Mandel
 
Book Club Recommended
Interesting, Adventurous, Dramatic
a ghost story? maybe

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.

The Sun Down Motel by Simone James St.
 
Book Club Recommended
Interesting, Scary, Dramatic
can certain buildings/land be cursed?

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.

 
Book Club Recommended
Addictive, Poorly Written, Dark
whoa, what did I just read?

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!

My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing
 
Book Club Recommended
Dark, Addictive, Interesting

This book gives new meaning to the term "wedded bliss."

Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
 
Book Club Recommended
Dramatic, Adventurous, Brilliant
Deserves all the stars!

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!

 
Book Club Recommended
Addictive, Dramatic, Dark

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.

 
Book Club Recommended
Informative, Dark, Scary

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.

The One by JOHN MARRS
 
Book Club Recommended
Graphic, Interesting, Adventurous

 
Book Club Recommended
Fun, Romantic, Optimistic

The Passengers by John Marrs
 
Book Club Recommended
Interesting, Dark, Addictive

Mother May I: A Novel by Joshilyn Jackson
 
Book Club Recommended
Unconvincing, Dramatic, Interesting
reflection of sins of one's youth

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.

We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
 
Book Club Recommended
Addictive, Adventurous, Dramatic

 
Book Club Recommended
Addictive, Dramatic, Interesting

 
Book Club Recommended
Informative, Dramatic, Adventurous
A Peek into Another Culture

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?!

 
Book Club Recommended
Interesting, Confusing, Dark
do you really want an all-consuming love?

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.

 
Book Club Recommended
Informative, Interesting, Insightful
The Witfinder's Sister

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.

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