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Hello Darlene,
In our community of readers, you stand out in a notable way: You’re one of the top 1% of reviewers on Goodreads! With every rave and every pan, with every excited GIF and every critical assessment, you’ve helped the Goodreads community get closer to a very important milestone โ the 50 Million Reviews mark! Check out the fun infographic we made to celebrate! You’ve written 1100 reviews since joining Goodreads on January 22nd, 2008. Out of all the reviews you’ve written, this is the review that got the most attention:
Reading reviews by book lovers like you is one of our favorite things on Goodreads. Thank you for helping other readers find a good (or avoid a not-so-good!) book. Keep reading (and reviewing!)  Co-Founders of Goodreads |
Category: Uncategorized
The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Thank you, NetGalley.com for allowing me to read this uncorrected proof for free in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, let me tell you how I read most books. I enjoy reading while listening to the Female British voice on Text-to-Speech on my Kindle Fire. In this case, it added a lot to the ambiance of the story. For those who might like Julie Andrews to read a story to you, this method!
Second, I need to tell you what appealed to me when I saw this book. I love historical books about women in the wars that were mostly known for being by and for men and their powers and glories. Yes, I realize that these wars were fought for the freedom for all, but the female half of the world held up the sky while the guys went off to die.
NOW to the review.
Beatrice Nash, the main character represents what I want to see about women of the time. Before the war, she was a Latin teacher. This was shocking in the town where she took that position, as she was not a man. She veers away from the feminine wiles and ways of the times while trying to fit in and earn a living. I admired this character and enjoyed watching her growth during this summer and seeing the support characters grow in response to Beatrice and the coming war and its changes.
The story held together fairly well. But I must admit that I was often bored by the writing. Please don’t think this is a criticism of the writer or the story as I know a lot of people love this kind of story-telling. It just didn’t engage my mind. It was so bad for me that I worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep reading. But I persevered. And I’m glad I did. At about 70% of the book, I found it getting more exciting and I guess I had picked up enough about the characters and the plot that I suddenly found myself quite engrossed in the story. I didn’t stop reading from that point on until the end of the book. By the way, pull out the Kleenex near the end. It wasn’t as depressing as it could be, but a story about war can’t possibly be without loss. Yet the book left me feeling hopeful.
I do believe that my friends who love a good historical fiction with a bit of romance (thank goodness not too much) will love this book. And do try to add the ‘Julie Andrews’ voice. ๐
Source: Playa – About PLAYA
This is where I got to go last Sunday. It was as beautiful as it looks, if not more so. There were a few artists still there. Apparently we missed the writers who left the day before. I will try to share a couple blogs of the artists I was able to pick up cards for.
I can’t wait to be able to go back to the Playa!
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Disclosure: I was given this book by NetGalley.com for an honest review.
Wow. Just, wow!
History is basically that: HIS story. Why aren’t women documented through the years? Because women take on the man’s name then disappear. But there were women. All through the ages, all through all the wars. Notice that even what we call ourselves is a derivative of ‘men’: wo’men’, or fe’male’. The word ‘ladies’ became a word for the prostitute. So what are we? What can we call ourselves that shows we are people, too.
But there are people who are doing their best to bring this other side of humanity’s past to life, by documenting lives of ours sisters
This book, though fiction, still pulls facts from things that happened because of and to our sisters. Ms. Martha Hall Kelly has done her research and it shows through without loss to the story itself. Yes, Fems were involved in WWII. On all sides! And the Lilac Girls dives into some of these lives and bit by bit we learn how they end up in very different places.
All the characters seem realistic as they grow from girls to women. They all have families and friends, and since they are of that age there are significant others that come into their lives. But this isn’t a sappy romance novel. This is about people heading into and through a war and how their lives change.
I am a pacifist. So reading about war isn’t my thing any more than romance. But I think there are many important lessons to be learned as we relive this horrid piece of HIStory. And yet through these Lilac Girls we see what happened.
I think books like this are very important with all the deniers out there that Hitler and his minions didn’t happen, that the camps didn’t exist, here is a book, based on fact to guide us through all of it from very personal perspectives.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Rangeela Tales- Book 1 by Gita V. Reddy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Disclosure: I was given this ebook for an honest review.
Had I known when Ms. Reddy offered this review copy of her book that this was not a picture book like Bala-Gala the Brave and Dangerous, I might not have agreed to read this. I’m five books behind on my reading goal and thought a few illustrated lovelies would do it for me. I had enjoyed Bala-Gala the Brave and Dangerous. So I thought this an easy win.
A chapter book for kids and no illustration? Oh, no! But I started reading and was charmed by the boy and his talking parrot. How fun would it be to have a bird friend who could keep you company or go spying for you? And he’s so smart! It made me miss having a bird. I’ve never had a parrot, but parakeets were fun. I had one, actually, it was my daughter’s, but he could whisper. If my daughter was asleep, he seemed to know and he would whisper little chirps to me. It was the cutest thing! Anyway, this story brought that all back.
I loved the boy and his parrot. But I found a lot that needed more explanation. I think it needs to be clearer where this story it taking place. I know it was a blurb in the front of the book, but I think it would be better worked into the story more.
Second the cast of characters could be clearer, and include nicknames. “Jo” confused me. Oh, and when you have a cat named Robber, having a story that has a thief is another confusion. Oh, and I thought Rangeela was a parrot but suddenly when he has a conversation with another bird that one is called parrot???
Okay, here’s number three. When I read children’s books I think of the times I would read to my own kids. In this case, Bond, not James Bond, is the house man. Not sure what grandpa does. I was beginning to worry about how much work Bond has to do and how little the kids did. Most of the kids I know would not understand having a servant. It is explained that Bond was destitute and Grandpa gave his room and board in exchange for his work around the house. But how to explain that to the kids I am reading the story to? Meanwhile, I was, jealous. I want an house-man!
Oh, and an on property junk pile that has everything one needs. There are people with big properties that can probably boast such a pile. But apartment dwellers might have a hard time with this concept.
Those confusing problems are easily resolved with a more clear explanation about where and when the story takes place. And the rest is on the parent who reads the story aloud. Many educational conversations could come of this book. But what of the kid reading it silently. How will they understand?
Still it was a fun book and I will be starting book 2 tonight. I am in love with the boy and the parrot!
Crochet Stitches: Pink Hippie Beanie Crochet Hat Pattern by Cheryl Lyles
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This looks like a cute pattern. That’s all it is. One pattern. If I were making caps for everyday people, I might make this, But since I am looking for caps for the Hugger Hat Project (caps for cancer victims or homeless or just those who need to keep their heads warm) I find this too full of holes. Even though it is cute. It isn’t practical for my needs. Maybe for later.
The pattern looks easy enough. The “book” was free but is now $.99. The cover picture is the only one but it does give you an idea as to what you are making.
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
I cannot begin to tell you how glad I am that I have finally finished “reading” this book. Whew!
I have the paperback that I recently registered on BookCrossers BCID: 668-13854375. I will be releasing it at my local library here in Christmas Valley sometime this week. Seeing the many high-star reviews, I’m sure it will find its way to others that will love it.
I did not love it. I had high hopes for it. I love books about people that go out and face themselves on adventures in difficult situations. Think of how wonderful Wild was! But this reading experience was a challenge for me from the beginning. I tried reading the paperback but the font was so small, lines too close together and subject matter never got very interesting. I had to force myself to try to read it.
Finally, I gave up and looked to the library for the Kindle and Overview (Audio) versions. I put myself on a waiting list hoping they would both get to me at the same time. Alas, the Audio came first. I still haven’t seen the Kindle but I will return it without opening. Without the book to follow along I kept getting distracted and… bored! The narrator: Philip Franklin had the kind of voice that made me want to clear my throat every five minutes. I set the speed up so that I was forced to listen faster, but that gravel still showed through.
The book itself is supposed to be about Chris McCandless but it seemed to be more about the author and many other people. Of course, there is a chance that this would merely be an article in a magazine rather than a book. Much of what was given as fact sounded more like guesswork. It’s too bad that Chris McCandless didn’t write an autobiography, his thoughts were interesting at least. But the poor guy only left behind scratchings in margins here and there. The rest seems to be conjecture by the author and others that showed up in the book.
BUT as I always say, you might like it, so don’t let my opinion sway you. Try it!
Elphie and Dad go on an Epic adventure by Hagit R. Oron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A few days ago I got an email from the author, Hagit R. Oron, asking if I would read and review her children’s book. I replied I would love to, especially since the last two books I was reading were a bit overwhelming on the emotional scale of things. I needed something light to break up the heavy.
So tonight I read this little gem. It was very well done. I loved the pictures of the daddy elephant and his son, Elphie. I loved how the author suggests that parents make an adventure out of mundane trips like going to the store. I love the other parental tip about not getting hung up on the cell phone while out on said adventure. I loved how the child was able to set up the adventure he wanted to have. And how they ended with everyone having had a good time all around. Well done!
Thank you, Hagit R. Oron, for gifting this book to me and letting me in on the adventure.
Like A River Flowing by Patricia Barnhart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Because I felt them important to the overall feelings I had about this book, I have added all the little notes that I’ve written along the way about it. Because it’s a paperback and not a Kindle it took me a lot longer to read it. Even though the font was a little bit bigger than some, I still have trouble tracking. Still in all the time it took me to read it, it kept my interest and I always wanted to see what would happen next.
Let me tell you how this book came into my house. The author, Patricia Barnhart came to our local library (Christmas Valley, Oregon) for a signing and to talk about Self-Publishing. Wouldn’t you know it, I was snowed in with no car to get there. But over the phone, she was kind enough to leave a copy of her notes and a signed copy of her book for me. Hopefully, she had enough people show that made it worthwhile for her. ๐ Can’t wait to read this beauty!
12/30 marked as: currently-reading
01/04 page 3 1.0% “I am loving the relatability of the main character. AND the first page has a vocabulary word I still need to look up. If it were a Kindle book I would have already done that. Here we go. Insouciance: a relaxed and calm state: a feeling of not worrying about anything. Seems like a good word to learn. Hope the young people who might read this will take the time to do that. I like that the vocabulary isn’t third-grade level.”
01/04 page 3 1.0% “I like the challenge!”
02/01 page 126 63.0% “Sorry it is taking me so long to read this. Even though the font isn’t as small as some, it is still hard to read. Wish I were reading it on my Kindle. Still I am enjoying this story a lot.”
***
Finally, I have finished reading the book. You know that lump in your throat when you finish a book? Yeah, I got that. And a warning you might need a Kleenex box near you for the last couple chapters. I don’t want to give anything away so no spoilers here.
I get the impression that most of this really is a memoir, memories that the author holds of her own childhood. But she has it labeled as a novel. So I’m not sure what is true and what isn’t or what may just be a 12-year-old’s memory and we know how solid those can be.
This is a time when the main character, Izzy, was 12 and the year was 1959. Not only was it a different time for most of us but the main character grew up in a really tiny town in Oregon. So a lot of it is not relatable to those who grew up in the city. But we’ve all been through 12 years old. I was nine in 1959. I was 12 only three years later. I wasn’t as grown up as Izzy was. But Izzy is an only child. I was the oldest of three. But I still remember a death from that year. My best friend who lived next door at the time had a birthday on February 6. Her grandmother died that day. Do you see how I still remember February 6? We remember being 12 years old. It is the verge of adulthood. And Izzy’s story is worth reading.
I’m not sure what age group the book falls into. Surely it a mature 12-year-old and older could read it. I think older people will enjoy it for remembering how life was back then. And even though the main character, Izzy, is a girl I think boys would like this book, even men would like this book. It reminds us how life is like a river flowing.
Thank you, Patricia Barnhart, for letting me read your fantastic book!
Just registered this edition on BookCrossing.com for my permanent collection as it is a signed copy to loan to friends. BCID: 136-13854409
Even You: A novel by Marilyn Oser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Disclaimer: I was given this book for an honest review by NetGalley.com.
Warning: There are trigger issues in this book as my tags suggest, this book has sexual abuse, incest, grief that if you’re not ready for them this book may not be for you. And though the two main characters are in a lesbian relationship that doesn’t play much of a part. It is more about getting over the death of a loved one.
All of the above said I think this was a very interesting book. I like the tool the author used of the journals of the lost partner. These journals were of the time when the lost partner was a young girl in the 1940s. The widowed person left behind is dealing with this in 1995 I think it was in Oklahoma at the time when McVeigh did his dastardly deed. The evils of the present (1995) play against the bigotries and misogyny of the 1940s. And against all of that is the bereavement and depression the main character must contain.
I don’t think I’m doing this book justice. There is a lot here, a lot of story. I like the main character, but my sympathies/empathies hurt for her. Through the journal, I learned to like the partner. We don’t learn a lot about her as an adult but if the main character loves her than we do too.
This book would be good for a younger generation who didn’t live through the 40s who might not remember the 90s. Especially in the South. It is history made personal.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book. Thank you, Marilyn Oser for writing a very touching book. Warnings aside, I recommend this book highly.
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