The Secret Life Of Sunflowers: A gripping, inspiring novel based on the true story of Johanna Bonger, Vincent van Gogh's sister-in-law by Marta Molnar
I have to really be "taken in" to give a novel 5 stars. I truly loved this story. The determination of the two women in different time periods was uplifting. I too, live in gratitude my face pointed toward the light."
Everything in me says I should not like this novel. Two fathers, black and white, both living on the edges of life, avenge the murders of their sons, two young gay men in a same sex marriage. It is about vigilante justice, white supremacy, racism, homophobia, biker gangs, senseless violence and bigotry. Yet, I could not put the book down, could not turn the pages fast enough, and will be thinking about it for days to come.
This book captivated me. I rarely actually cry when reading a novel, but this story and the courage of Elsa touched me in a special way.
sobering account of gang and law enforcement activities, prison life and legal representation in Lynwood.
I read the whole thing despite being tempted to quit throughout. I just didn't get it!
While not an easy read, I appreciated the glimpse of growing up in the Filipino Culture. Reading about her sexual abuse was difficult.
Set in 16th century Venice, the son of a gondola maker causes a fire in his father's shop and must find a new path for his life. What I enjoyed...being transported to Venice.
This is a thriller about the gentrification of a Brooklyn neighborhood and systemic racism. As a white woman, I found much of it enlightening! I like the two main characters. My only complaint is that the ending seemed a bit bizarre and unbelievable...but it did not detract from the novel's message.
I started this book and could not put it down. I love Gamache and in this story he and his wife go to Parish to be with their children as they await the birth of a granddaughter. They become embroiled in a mystery when Armand's godfather is deliberately rundown in the street but the story is more than a mystery...it is about humanity, human nature, family, loss, loyalty, regret.... Amazing writing, Louise Penny!
The Poison Squad: One Chemist's Single-Minded Crusade for Food Safety at the Turn of the Twentieth Century by Deborah Blum
This book documents the history of regulation of food labeling and safety. It was a difficult read...I hope I lost some weight! What was most discouraging is that it echoes the battle between business interests and consumer protection regulation that continues today.
I wanted to like this book! The author again delves into the emotions of adolescents but it didn't hold me. I found myself skimming thru the yada yada. It did bring to mind the concept of "la bella figura" in the Italian culture...where the truth is hidden or not publically acknowledged but is sacrificed to "put on a good face!"
Interesting twists, held my interest...but I did not like any of the characters.
Really held my interest! However there were aspects of the main character that did not seem consistent nor believable to me.
I almost put this down after the first chapter. A 14 year old girl is brutally assaulted and runs for help in a nearby house. Horrific...but I kept reading. The story of several women in 1976 West Texas town of Odessa is compelling and I was swept away by the authors amazing writing! Many of the chapters could stand alone as short stories and in the end, I felt I was connected to all the characters. Highly recommend.
Two female artists, 60 years apart, find their lives entwined.
While aspects of the story were engaging, the jumping in time with no references to who was speaking made it very difficult to follow.
Best book i read in 2019. Slavery, The Underground, Conduction, Harriet Tubman...but mostly it conveyed the true meaning of freedom, the freedom to make and live by your own choices, even if it meant remaining where you are, as long as it your choice. Powerful and compelling writing!
The return of the indomitable Olive Kitteridge. I loved it!
I thought this book was amazing. It shows what can happen when someone's efforts to "help" cause negative effects.
Not a credible plot. Poorly written and very poorly edited.
Inspired by true stories, this heart-breaking story of the reality of existence for boys confined in a reform school in Florida brings to life Martin Luther King's words, "capacity to suffer." It may have occurred in the 1960's but it is still a "slave" narrative.
I enjoyed this book. It was more a character study...one of the characters being "The Dutch House" and how siblings lives are affected with the arrival of a step-mother. A reminder that each family member has there own memories of how an event took place!