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
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
"Tree Swallow on Lupine" by DJ Geribo
- 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.
- In: Adults
Unusual stories of love, fear, insecurities, and control, I was transfixed and couldn't stop reading until I had finished the first story in this collection,' Evil Eye'. A young woman marries a much older man who at first seems concerned about her welfare but then treats her like the hired help. A visit from his ex-wife adds an element of intrigue to the story. Once she leaves, the house doesn't feel quite the same.
- In: Adults
A tale of gloom, particularly if you're a woman, The Handmaid's Tale created a world unlike anything we've ever seen. Or is it? I read a short interview with Ms Atwood where she discussed the TV series about The Handmaid's Tale. She explained how everything in the novel is something that has happened somewhere in our world. In other words, she didn't make anything up. Although it is a work of fiction, the novel reads like science fiction or fantasy.
- In: Adults
This collection of previously unpublished and uncollected short stories gave me a perfect sample of Shirley Jackson's writing. Several of the stories may even have been unfinished (or not in a final edit).