Adults Book Reviews
This is where I review books that are meant for adults - that means anyone over the age of 18. Of course, there are those under 18 years old who may find many of these books to their liking, particularly the classics which include most of my favorites. I've been on a mission to read the Pulitzer fiction winners and I think anyone who can understand these books, and many are also required reading in high school, should enjoy these classics. If you have a suggestion for a book you would like to read that you want my review of, I would be happy to assist you.
- In: Adults
An acquaintance read this book and was onto another book by Backman when I asked about "A Man Called Ove". She said it was so sad but she loved it. I purchased the book but like so many books that share my home with me, it sat unread in an anonymous pile. And then I started reading it. I started reading other books, too, but finally made my way back to "A Man Called Ove" and finished it. I loved how every chapter title mentioned Ove 'doing' something. It was sad but also full of love and anger and caring and meanness and generosity and stubbornness. In other words, all the elements that make for a really good story.
- In: Adults
I have so many books to read and several on my short list. Of course, my short list is now quite long but since it is a winner of the Pulitzer Prize, I've wanted to read Jhumpa Lahiri's collection of short stories, 'The Interpreter of Maladies' for some time now and I finally got to it.
- In: Adults
I bought this collection of essays at the 603 Writers Conference in NH that I went to in 2018. Richard Russo was our guest speaker and this was his latest book. He read one of the essays from it and I decided I had to have it. Plus it was autographed.
This book has felt like a cup of hot cocoa on a winter's night while sitting in front of the fireplace. He speaks to me, his reader, about what he tolerated from professors when a young man. He shares, in the most honest words I've ever read, what it takes to 'get good' as a writer. He explains sincerely how a friend's sex change also changed him. He explains the flexibility when writing omniscient, which I've done and believe this is my calling.
A final chapter, and one that Mr. Russo read part of at the 603 Writer's Conference, was about a conference he attended in Bulgaria where he was the guest of honor. His compassion and understanding of those around him is unsurpassed. After he read this section at the conference I stood and applauded, unconcerned that I was the only one standing (people did stand when he finished his talk). He acknowledged my enthusiasm with a head nod. Superb writings that I know I will refer back to and read again and again.
I rate "Destiny Thief" 5 out of 5 stars
Buy "Tree Swallow on Lupine" by DJ Geribo
- In: Adults
I came across this novel and without knowing anything about it or the author, Mark Haddon, I picked it up and started to read it. Then I happened to notice that it was included in The Great American Read list of 100 books, which of course made me more curious and interested in reading it.
- In: Adults
At a mere 43 pages on my tablet, this novelette covered the gamut of relationship woes and misunderstandings. The characters, three couples who have been friends and lived in the same neighborhood for years, have split up, down-sized, and moved 45 minutes away from each other and are brought together by the disappointing 2016 presidential election.