Member Profile

Name : Jeanne H.

My Reviews

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
 
Book Club Recommended
Insightful, Interesting, Gloomy
Olive Kitteridge

A book that I had trouble putting down, but was able to because of the short story format. I always looked forward to the next one! Olive Kitteridge was not a character with whom I could really identify or even like very much,but she grew on me. The writing was pithy and the stories were fresh. I think that most middle age and older readers would appreciate this book the most.

 
Book Club Recommended
Fun, Adventurous, Interesting
Sweetness At the Bottom of the Pie

Though mystery is not my genre of choice and chemistry my least favorite subject, I found this little book a delight! The young sleuth is much too mature for her age (with a vocabulary and cynicism to match,) but she is nonetheless fun to follow on her merry chase through the English countryside in search of a murderer. I would like to have seen more character development of the sisters in particular,but that may follow in sequels. A very well written, quick read - great for those who a suffering from "serious book fatigue!"

Mudbound by Hillary Jordan
 
Book Club Recommended
Dramatic, Insightful, Interesting
Mudbound

Well written and compelling novel that lingers in the mind and heart long after the last page. Though I am hopeful that things have changed in the last 40 years, I know that prejudice still has a stronghold in pockets of the US. Perhaps this novel, like "To Kill A Mockingbird," "Five Smooth Stones" and "The Help" will cause readers to examine their own prejudices and to realize the sad consequences.

South of Broad by Pat Conroy
 
Dramatic, Interesting, Dark
South of Broad

Conroy is at his best when describing the landscapes of his beloved SC, however this novel leaves one with the feeling that there is little to recommend the humans of Charleston, who are, it seems,all rude and dysfunctional!Like "Prince of Tides," this story has a dark core, but SOB seems unfocused and forced. The beautiful symbolism of "Prince of Tides" is totally missing. I put this book down in disgust several times and finally skimmed to the end for the sake of Book Club. Very disappointed!

The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway
 
Book Club Recommended
Insightful, Dramatic, Interesting
The Cellist of Sarajevo

A small chef d'oeuvre that draws you into a world that you may only have glanced at on CNN. A story of hope in the midst of despair. As the reader comes to know the characters, their religion or politics matter not at all. Galloway has captured the fears, despair, and bewilderment in poignant vignettes that leave lasting impressions. In watercolor brushstrokes he paints the consequences of intolerance and religious hatred - how war affects the innocent as well as the guilty. The unlikely hero-cellist (based on a true life character) inspires and leaves us in awe. This an ominously quiet book with a powerful message.

Day After Night: A Novel by Anita Diamant
 
Book Club Recommended
Informative, Insightful, Interesting
Day After Night

I will be recommending this powerful book to my book club. Diamant is so skillful at bringing to light the human side of history! It doesn't take long to become totally immersed in the harrowing stories of survival, heroism and hope. I was both thankful and sorry that it was a fairly short book. Thankful, because it was emotionally draining. Sorry because I wanted to spend more time with these women and know more about their lives in Israel. Book club discussions will be deep and wide and relevant to today's headlines.

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