Reviews - Stef S. (bookgoddessme)

1 to 12 of 12
The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton
The All-True Travels and Adventures of Lidie Newton
Author: Jane Smiley
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 37
Review Date: 5/12/2013


"I am drawn to a book with a strong lead female character, and this book does not disappoint. Lidie is a true survivor, compounded by the face that women needed to be tougher than nails in the divided land of the United States in the 1850's. What a unapologetic story this novel tells of the near impossible conditions of K.T. (Kansas Territory) for the claim staking aboloitionists. Lidie lived many lifetimes in one. Slow, steady, story this book tells, but one that explains a lot about the tenacity and toughness of the people of the United States built on this foundation."


Ape House
Ape House
Author: Sara Gruen
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 41
Review Date: 8/24/2012


"I love Sara's style of writing with a dramatic opening, and an unfolding of quality stories and characters we care about. The story of the apes was completely believeable and interesting, fascinating as a matter of fact. It could really happen. The reader knows Sara delivers justice, good to the good characters and bad to the bad ones. Recommend!"


Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, Bk 1)
Confessions of a Shopaholic (Shopaholic, Bk 1)
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 771
Review Date: 8/3/2012


"HATED this book, just felt like it emphasized a totally materialistic woman who had an unhealthy shopping addiction. How did they write so many more books about her?"


Dreamland
Dreamland
Author: Kevin Baker
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.6/5 Stars.
 4
Review Date: 4/24/2013
1 member(s) found this review helpful.


"Kevin Baker tells the story of New York City at the turn of the century in a gritty, grotesque, unapologetic manner creating characters that we care about deeply that stay with us long after the book is done. Is is a love story, a life story, a death story? You see Coney Island's Dreamland, the immigrant's experiences, and the gangsters impossible lifestyles jumping from the perspective of one character to the next. Being a New Yorker born and bred it broke my heart, and held my hand while I wept. Highly Recommend..."


The Elegant Gathering of White Snows
The Elegant Gathering of White Snows
Author: Kris Radish
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 172
Review Date: 7/30/2012


"LOVED this book when I read it, purchased it with loose tea in a beautiful container for many friends. It is a beautiful story of women and rituals. The characters could be any of us, and their story will have your nose in the book the entire read. Recommend."


Haunting Bombay
Haunting Bombay
Author: Shilpa Agarwal
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 5/31/2012


"One of my FAVORITE books. I was NEVER bored, had rich characters and descriptions of food and traditions in India in the 1950's. Amazing story that will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time."


The Mermaid Chair
The Mermaid Chair
Author: Sue Monk Kidd
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 939
Review Date: 7/25/2012


"Another amazing story by Sue Monk Kidd (author of The Secret Life of Bees as well). A woman's journey of amazing emotional strength and transformation. Difficult to read at times because of the painful decisions that face her. Colorful descriptions of the scenery make you feel like you are there. Highly recommend."


One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd
One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd
Author: Jim Fergus
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 592
Review Date: 7/30/2012


"This painful and beautiful tale of historical fiction had my heart soaring at one moment and broken the next. What a powerful story of something that could have easily occurred in our American history. The main character tells her fascinating tale through her journals so we feel like we are being spoken to by a friend in letters. Recommend with a box of tissues..."


Rasputin's Daughter
Rasputin's Daughter
Author: Robert Alexander
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 33
Review Date: 8/6/2012


"Wow! A great, detailed tale of historical fiction. Takes you behind the scenes of the life of the controversial Rasputin through the empathic eyes of his daughter. You feel as if you are seeing the sights, smelling the smells, and hearing the sounds of that time. Highly recommend."


The Secret Life of Bees
The Secret Life of Bees
Author: Sue Monk Kidd
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 5338
Review Date: 7/25/2012


"A fantastic journey with a brave little girl who gets to start over in a very unique new home. A picture of America during a time of social turmoil, and a colorful story with magical adventures. You will care about all the characters you encounter along the way. Beautifully written, highly recommend."


Water for Elephants
Water for Elephants
Author: Sara Gruen
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 4488
Review Date: 8/10/2012


"Good story, a real American tale. The other side of the circus that the "rubes" don't normally get to see. The tale is told in a 90 (or 93) year old man's first hand account, with respect to historical accuracy of the time of the Depression. Recommend."


Year of Wonders
Year of Wonders
Author: Geraldine Brooks
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 790
Review Date: 7/25/2012


"The central female character is strong and inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the interesting historical details that Geraldine Brooks is well known for. There are twists and details that will BLOW YOUR MIND. Highly Recommend."


1 to 12 of 12