Book Reviews

Dw (squarespot) - Brainerd, MN reviewed on 1/15/2012 + 16 more book reviews

7 member(s) found this review helpful.

Two words: erotic and morose. A book that is popular to recommend but definitely not for everyone. The sexuality is overwhelming. The story is about the tension of revenge vs. reconciliation, and a woman-with-a-past is caught between those two forces. At times, I could predict where the plot was going, but overall, a complex enough style for me to devour it all in one sitting. Kept me up late into the night to finish it and left me dwelling on the characters.

ChrissyVas reviewed on 1/18/2012 + 23 more book reviews

5 member(s) found this review helpful.

The author does a spectacular job writing this book, I wish I could give this book more stars! Although it is a fictional story there are true pieces of history added in some way.....kind of like Titanic, kind of..that's the best way to describe this particular piece.

The characters are well written and described, you can almost envision them all in this era. Sara Gruen pulls you into the story within the first few pages and keeps your attention with each paragraph. Once you get sucked in you don't.....or can't put this book down. You begin to see how Jacob became the way he was in his golden years as he reflects back to his days working with the circus. You feel sorry for him and you also cheer him on as the story progresses. You are on an emotional roller coaster ride with this piece. There is even a little bit of romance, but don't worry it's not cheesy or smut like instead it is sweet and charming. Sara ends the book on the most perfect level, something that is not an easy task. I hope to read more works of hers in the future should all of her writing be this well written.

I am tempted to watch the movie, I can only hope the film isn't just thrown together because of the hype of the book. But as with most books that become movies, there is only a handful that have done an outstanding job at reflecting the book.

Nancy G. (ComfyReader) reviewed on 2/8/2012 + 330 more book reviews

3 member(s) found this review helpful.

I don’t know why I was expecting more from this book, but what I came away with was a sense that Joe Hill was just as bored with his characters as I was with reading about them. Long story made even longer, this would have made a good short story or even a novella, but trying to drag a reader to the end of a monotones narrative is a letdown for both the reader and the writer.

To take what has already been written, Judas Coyne, a middle-aged rock star collects morbid curios for fun, so doesn't think twice about buying a suit advertised at an online auction site as haunted by its dead owner's ghost. Only after it arrives does Judas discover that the suit belonged to Craddock McDermott, the stepfather of one of Coyne's discarded groupies, and that the old man's ghost is a malignant spirit determined to kill Judas in revenge for his stepdaughter's suicide.

I was bored, the climatic moments weren’t that stellar and overall the main characters soon became a caricature of themselves.

Will I read Joe Hill again, I do have 20th Century Ghosts on the shelf, but I can’t see myself making that a priority right now.

Wendy R. reviewed on 1/19/2012 + 4 more book reviews

3 member(s) found this review helpful.

For me this was a very slow start. If I didn't know in advance that a compelling story DID lie within, I probably would have lost interest and given up. The first several chapters were a long, drawn out detail filled background. I felt this was unnecessarily long and could discourage the reader to continue, which would be a shame since it DOES eventually become very interesting. I love the characters of Lisbeth, Blomkivst, and Heinrik Vanger. Suspenseful, great story that kept my interest. Lisbeth is a great unusual character. If you can stick it out in the beginning, you will be rewarded.

Valerie W. (vwhite82) reviewed on 1/16/2012

3 member(s) found this review helpful.

I have read this entire series and was eagerly anticipating this book. What a disappointment. Usually I stay up all night in order to finish books from this series because I literally can't put them down, but I actually had to force myself to even finish this book at all.

First of all, I understand that Lothaire is not a “good guy.” That has been established in the previous books; however, I feel like his behavior could have been spun differently so as to make him at least likeable in this book, which Cole just did not do. She tried to set up a background for Lothaire to explain why he is the way he is (which I won’t go into here), but it just fell short for me. Also, if I had to read the words “end game” one more time I probably would have thrown the book across the room.

I thought the whole premise of Ellie being possessed by Lothaire’s potential vampire bride, Saroya, was brilliant. And it started off really well. Somewhere along the way, however, (perhaps midway through) Cole seemed to lose steam. The story just wasn’t going anywhere and the constant discussion about doing something to get the ring from La Dorada and subsequently banishing Ellie’s soul just became redundant. It was almost like, enough already, stop talking about it and do it or shut up.

Also, SPOILER ALERT, I understand that Lothaire is an uber alpha male and all that, which I usually love. But when he turns Ellie into a vampire against her will, in the face of her flagrant and vehemently stated objections, I was annoyed. And when he didn’t even apologize, flying the “I know what’s best for you” flag, I was even more annoyed. BUT when Ellie, who up until that point was pretty strong and independent, just kind of accepted that without a fight, I was just over the book.

I felt like there was a lot of build up around the premise of Lothaire realizing and accepting mortal Ellie as his bride, but when it actually happened it was pretty anticlimactic. And he didn’t really accept her as a mortal. I felt like he didn’t accept her until he turned her (against her will) and made her into an immortal, which to me doesn’t scream true and unconditional love. Long story short, it almost seemed like Cole just said screw it and wanted to finish the book.

Carole C. (craftnut) reviewed on 1/14/2012 + 20 more book reviews

3 member(s) found this review helpful.

Starts out slow, but picks up at the end. If you don't mind spoilers, there is a discussion of the book in the September Hot Topics forum. Overall a bit pedantic in style, some French phrases (for me not a big deal as they fit in the character but others found annoying). OK for historical fiction, but mostly a laborious read.

Kelly B. (tinkerkell) reviewed on 2/9/2012 + 17 more book reviews

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

This book was boring at best. Repetitive and whiny, Kelly often reminds us of how everyone and everything is beneath her. By only working one day a week in retail she did not have nearly enough experience to write a memoir about it, thus filling the pages of how she "was a journalist". She came across as neither likeable or relatable. I'm not really sure how this even became a book.

Dora A. (bookaddict64) - Fort Worth, TX reviewed on 2/9/2012 + 5 more book reviews

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Amazing story. It is a super quick read because the story is so heart-wrenching. I love that it informs or reminds you of some very important events in history and opens the door to conversations that need to happen. I highly recommend this book!

Dora A. (bookaddict64) - Fort Worth, TX reviewed on 2/9/2012 + 5 more book reviews

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

This book is ok, but certainly not on my list of recommendations. Never found anything that was really worth the time it took to read. I read the entire book hoping only because I was too far in before I decided nothing substantial or even entertaining was going to happen.

Pat D. (pat0814) reviewed on 2/8/2012 + 157 more book reviews

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is a disturbing glimpse into the mind of Judy McFarland, wife, mother, kindergarten teacher and pedophile. When her initially willing sexual partner, a sixteen-year old boy, begins to lose interest in their "relationship," her obsession grows to the point where everything in her life is secondary to their involvement. There is a pathetic attempt to fault her failing marriage and marginal childhood trauma for her reprehensible actions. She leaves a trail of devastation as she descends into what is surely madness.

Trisha D. (lectio) reviewed on 2/8/2012 + 81 more book reviews

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

I really hated to give up, but I just couldn't hang in there any longer. Just when I was beginning to think maybe I was catching on, I''d move on to the next paragraph only to discover I was just as lost as I'd been a few pages before. On the other hand, there was something magical and dreamlike about the way I kept getting drawn into the narrative which is why I kept reading even though I was totally bewildered (much like being in a dream.) And I very much liked the way Pamuk kept using the image of the snow that kept falling and falling and falling so tranquilly while at the same time so much violence was taking place. That being said, I have a hard time sticking with books that make me feel uncomfortable about not being able to understand what's going on. And this was definitely one of those books. It made me feel like I needed someone much more clever and erudite than I to give me some hints. I guess I'm getting to old to spend my time trying to figure out books that baffle me. There are are too many other ones waiting on my TBR list.

Amber (berd) reviewed on 2/8/2012 + 27 more book reviews

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

I tried to read this book twice. The first time I couldn't get past the second chapter. I then read through some reviews saying this book was funny, so I tried to read it again. I still couldn't get past the third chapter. I think it was the author's wording, the quick dialogue that she used. It didn't grab me the way I was hoping. Maybe the book got funnier, but I will never know. Perhaps others will find the humor in what I didn't. I had high hopes for this one too. The cover grabbed my attention, not only the title but the photo. To put it simply, I was quite disappointed.

Ann J. (anncj) reviewed on 2/8/2012 + 4 more book reviews

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Boring... not everyone should write a memoir

Allene L. reviewed on 2/8/2012 + 22 more book reviews

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

I rated this book a definite 5. I work in the mental health field so I can definitely say the description of the trauma after effects is very realistic. I could not stop reading this book. I actually closed my office door and kept reading after lunch - hoping my boss wouldn't discover me!

Debra D. (ddiamond) reviewed on 2/3/2012 + 58 more book reviews

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Catherine Anderson continues the Family of Paxton. David's story is a sweet one. I noticed someone before me didn't rate this one as high as some of her other books. Maybe this one doesn't have alot of action and sexual heat but when I read a book that makes me laugh out loud, tear up and just sigh because of the sweetness, I feel it's a great read. I don't think you'll be disappointed. I think the story shows us sometimes God does take the impossible and turn it into a blessing. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Sue H. (halloween) reviewed on 1/31/2012

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is a harrowing autobiography of Harriet Jacobs, an articulate and surreptitiously educated slave. It is emotionally wrenching to read of the abuse, indignities, deprivation, and cruelty - both physical and emotional - Jacobs endured until she was purchased and freed when she was approximately 39 years old. The horror is relieved by the reciprocal love for her grandmother, two children, a brother, and an uncle, which - along with a superhuman will - sustain her through her suffering. Jacobs' life after freedom was eventful and rewarding to her and is detailed on several online sites devoted to her.

Jacobs is the model for "Grace", another slave, in Gertrude Brooks Pulitzer Prize - winning novel, "March." Reading the two books sequentially gives the reader great insight into slavery and the Civil War.

bebubble reviewed on 1/31/2012

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

This book was difficult to get into. It seemed to lack focus. It hoped around a lot and I lost interest. Then one day I picked it up again. Same thing. The plot seemed interesting. But again hard to maintain with the story line. No depth.

Connie (jazzysmom) reviewed on 1/31/2012 + 901 more book reviews

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

If I were able to give this book 100 stars i would. I promise you there is not one page boring or uninteresting. Although i must warn you this book is not for the faint of heart. I found this true story so heart breaking yet so uplifting. I loved this woman and her family. She is one strong and tough woman. I have no doubt that i would have crumbled within a month, she lasted years from bad to worse. But always helped others to get by. While reading this i kept asking myself "why" this had to be the way it was with her judgement so harsh and her placements so terrible. After i finished the book, i thought about it for a few nights, i came to realize as she did, God placed her in these places and she helped so many that without her would not of made it, and some did not make it even with her. She spread care, her heart, sharing, and warmth, all that she had, where ever she was and i will not forget her. I wish her absolute love from God, she has earned it and hope she will someday write more books,i loved her voice. I listened. Guess that means she is still reaching people and teaching. :)

Nancy M. (bulldoglover22) reviewed on 1/29/2012 + 38 more book reviews

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is the first publication I have read by this author and I was completely engrossed from beginning to end. The subject of domestic abuse and the intricate details the author shares with respect to so many years of suffering such physical and emotional pain is disturbing. Yet, the author doesn't necessarily want you to dwell on the pain affiliated with her abuse but the steps that weren to make a better life for herself. She learns to value what matters in life and the people who will be there for her unconditionally. What made this book that much more special is the fact that I am extremely passionate about animals. Her dog was a constant source of support, unconditional love and certainly provided the purpose and determination to get through each and every day. Excellent book.

Alice J. (ASJ) - Milford, MA reviewed on 1/28/2012 + 202 more book reviews

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

It was better than I expected. Main character Jake/George was well written. Book was way too long could have cut 25% and not missed much. Worse thing was I had a pretty good idea how it was going to end. Last chapter was charming though. Read Stepehn King's afterward at end of book it was very interesting.

Sarilyn C. (sarilyn) reviewed on 1/28/2012 + 44 more book reviews

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

This book is FANTASTIC! It captures you right away, and takes you on a ride of emotions. The characters were amazing. Chevy Stevens books will be in demand! I CAN NOT wait to read her next book!

Gordon D. (guidojack) reviewed on 1/27/2012 + 5 more book reviews

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

No. Not a good book. Larry Haun may be a great carpenter, but as a writer—at least in this book—he's less than engaging. There are some interesting parts when he writes about construction techniques and Habitat for Humanity, but they're few and far between. While I generally agree with him about today's society having too many excesses and people having too much stuff, I don't need to be almost constantly harangued about it. Maybe it was great growing up in the good old days in the Nebraska plains where you could be happy playing with an old orange crate and a broken hammer and did not need things like iPods and modern conveniences, but stop the incessant whining about what's wrong with the world today. He seems to forget that the good old days also had polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, measles, and other serious diseases. And the editor should keep his day job because he certainly did not contribute anything to this book (unless it was really, really bad originally).

Hilda M. (broomie) reviewed on 1/27/2012 + 5 more book reviews

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Excellent book! Could not put it down. Finished the book and went right on to the second book of the trilogy.

Trisha D. (lectio) reviewed on 1/22/2012 + 81 more book reviews

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Lillian Beckwith is best known for her series of memoirs that recapture what it was like living in a tiny village in the Hebrides. But in this book she takes us back to the years when her father ran a small corner grocery store in a rural English village during the years in between the two world wars. It’s a charming book filled with fascinating details about a way of life that has completely vanished – a time when nothing came pre-packaged and everything had to be carefully weighed and measured or sliced and trimmed to the customer’s satisfaction and then carefully wrapped in paper that was tied with string from a special dispenser that hung above the cash register. The grocer’s shop was the center of the community and everyone knew everyone else – although that wasn’t always such a good thing. A quick and delightful read, this is the kind of book that keeps my Anglophile heart happy and makes me homesick for a way of life I’ve never known. But even though it sounds quaint and charming most likely I wouldn't really have found life in a tiny little village in the twenties and thirties nearly as much fun to live as it is to read about.

Tabatha L. reviewed on 1/22/2012 + 11 more book reviews

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

This book took forever to get through!!! It wasn't horrible but the past part was the last couple of chapters. Just a little too slow for my tastes. And there was too much random banter between characters.