etty by Tiffany McDaniel is a brilliantly written and moving novel based on her Mother's stories of life growing up in the Appalachian foothills. The sixth of eight children born to a white mother and Cherokee father, Betty's journey begins in the 50's, moving quickly through days and seasons of joy, despair, family love, loss, heartbreak and horror. Betty journals her coming of age as a way to cope, survive and protect her sisters and younger brothers who she deeply loves. Lyrical and haunting, McDaniel masterfully weaves abusive family stories and protective Cherokee lore that are the backbone to Betty's life experience. While parts of the book are almost unbearable to read, the depth of Betty's strength and fortitude keep you turning the pages -- It's an epic family masterpiece.
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Quite a thriller from beginning to end with clever scenes, surprising twists and characters you love to hate and hate to love --- I could see the movie play out in my head as I read. Jackson writing is pulls you in and captures your imagination right to the end!
While I'm not a big myth reader, I have to admit that I loved Circe and the incredible power Miller gave our heroine. Brilliantly written with many character cameos from Greek myths, I'm inspired to dust off my childhood D'aulaires'.
Just a delightful read which pulled at my heartstrings and made me laugh and reflect upon my own crazy life memories. wonderfully written!
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A "one day" upscale beach read! Part coming of age, suspense, and social innuendo -- The Last Book Party delivers an intriguing story that pulls the reader in. A summer gem for anyone curious about the publishing world.
A wonderful story following the lives of two sisters as they grow & evolve through their teen years into young adulthood and then later life. Weiner masterfully entwines the societal issues of the times as each sister carves her own path with successes, sorrows, challenges, and always sisterhood. A great beach read!
This is a captivating story of the lives of two young women born in different class structures in Ghana. The author leads us through the many adjustments and oppressive fates they face during tribal fighting and the slave trade. Attah weaves their lives together in a marvelous manner.
For all lovers of historical fiction, THE AGE OF LIGHT by debut novelist Whitney Scharer will capture your imagination and force you to google moredetails on both main characters, photographer Lee Miller and Man Ray. Scharer's portrayal of Miller gives readers a colorful portrait of self-transformation. It's all here -- art, love, war, and heartbreak.
Another great Historical Fiction novel by Paula Mclain, following the life path of lesser known war correspondent and writer, Martha Gellhorn and her seven year relationship with Ernest Hemingway. Mclain captures Gellhorns' quest to be her own person rather than live her life Hemingway's shadow. A great tribute to a woman pioneer rising up as a writer in a position exclusively held by men.
A heartbreaking story of survival that casts a dark cloud over the care of orphans in the 60's and 70's. Goodman weaves a strikingly authentic and gut-wrenching story between mother and daughter at a time when secrets in families was the norm.
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This was a great Sunday morning page-turner for me! High marks for twists and turns in a clever story that follows a chain of related deaths over thirty years. Swanson delivers a captivating read with an unexpected ending.
A charming family saga that captures life, love, and renewal. As the family reboots their life in Paris, the reader is taken through the twists and turns of a mystery left behind via an unexpected and magical journey. If you love Paris, books, bookstores and love, Paris By The Book will be a quick and enjoyable read.
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MIles takes you down the miraculous recovery and whirlwind journey of Cameron Harris, a veteran suffering from paralysis. Masked as a "true story", Miles had me duped and mesmerized for the entire reading of the novel -- through Harris's crisis, reality TV career, self reflection and acceptance. Stunningly written, I found myself "walking" with Harris to self identity.
The strength of family endures through the generations experiencing the struggles of hardship, love, discrimination and upward mobility - a lovely read!
A deeply moving story of loneliness, love and personal growth after tragedy strikes a young woman on the brink of adulthood. Hoffman's eloquent prose pulls you in and rewards with every emotion possible.
A frightening page-turner. I hated it so much I couldn't put it down!
A wonderful insightful saga of the interconnection of two families. The descriptive and often unexpected twists and turns pulled me into their lives fully. I loved every minute of reading!