Very lyrical and poetic; a fresh take on mermaids and a generally interesting romance, of a sort. The work seemed to suggest it was the product of a writer's conference or seminar; lots of gilding of the lily here. But, I learned a few new fun words, which isn't a bad thing. I'd warn folks that some parts get particularly graphic in a medical-horror sort of way.
A first time in publication author, if I'm correct, and hopefully not the last. This was a tender first entry for the author, reminiscent of Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, or similar. Here we meet the protagonist, Bram, (a deliberate naming choice, perhaps,) and his adventures in his local neighborhood in Quiet Suburban Neighborhood, USA. The novella follows a well-trodden path of the prototypical mythic adventure; meeting fantastical beasts, solving riddles, overcoming adversity, with an unexpected finish; this novella has it ALL. An excellent first entry for the author, and hopefully not their last. This reader finds himself wondering what might occur next.
A searing novel that vividly describes the sadly typical murder of a young black male, and the ripples that cascade through a community in its wake. The reviews are TRUE. I suspect this will be around for a while in the way that "The Outsiders" and "The Handmaids Tale" are. Loved it!!
Fiiiiiiinally finished this book, after starting is almost six months ago in the midst of a hurricane. The dramatic cycle got somewhat repetitive, but if you're looking for groundbreaking fiction writing this probably isn't for you. It's a nice and steady stroll through another time period, with nothing too challenging. I'd suggest it, and especially over "Sarum" by Rutherford, which I'd been alternating with this book.
Of course, now that I've finished, Follett has put out another in this series. Perhaps in another 10 years I'll get around to that one!
Of course, now that I've finished, Follett has put out another in this series. Perhaps in another 10 years I'll get around to that one!
A lovely bucolic portrait of rural Tex-Mex life. It brought back good memories of trips there, without glossing over the struggles of the area.
This was definitely an academic book, but still very readable for the casual reader interested in Southern Decadence. I particularly enjoyed reading about the origins of the festival.
Loved it! I liked "Me Talk Pretty One Day" a little better, but this was still laugh out loud funny!
A satisfying end to a lovely series! One of my favorites!
Was ok. I can see how folks would love it, but I just kept thinking to myself “Did that REALLY happen?”
Years ago, when I added this to my to-read list, I somehow thought it would have been a much more uplifting novel than it ended up being. Which is ok, not everything needs to end on a good note, but I was none the less disappointed. I listened to the audiobook version of this, and I think I suffered for it, as I'm not very familiar with the cards mention in the novel, and the physical copy apparently has lovely illustrations.
Still, it was a well-written novel from a cultural voice I don't hear much from.
Still, it was a well-written novel from a cultural voice I don't hear much from.
What?! It’s already over?!
Perhaps not laugh out loud funny for me, it was still endlessly amusing none the less.
Perhaps not laugh out loud funny for me, it was still endlessly amusing none the less.
Such beautiful writing. I'm glad I waiting so long between this and the other two I've read: "One Hundred Years of Solitude" and "Of Love and Other Demons."
Delicious!
Delicious!
Deeply moving. I’m left wondering how the folks mentioned in here are doing today.
It was a fun and campy read. Previous books on the topics indicate that you should take it with a rather large grain of salt, but I enjoyed it none the less. Interesting to find out it was a works-progress book, same as some stuff that Zora Neale Hurston did.
This was an incredibly emotional little book for me, which does a fantastic job of humanizing the border crisis. One of the better books I've read this year.
It was ok; was hoping it would be more of a photographic book. Reminded me of good times in Paris, though.
Not as good as “New Orleans, Mon Amour” by Codrescu. I may have been spoiled by him for other writings on New Orleans. But, still glad I finally finished it.
Loved it. Listened to this going to and from Orlando with someone very dear to me, and got misty eyed on many occasions. If you're a sucker for a good parable or fable or fairy tale, I'd highly suggest this.
Not bad at all. Well paced and a nice plot line, especially if you’re a fan of myth.
A bit too descriptive for me; I’d suggest only for hardcore Tudor history buffs.
It’s taken me probably 10 years to finish it, but it was pretty ok. Glad I finally finished it!
I read the graphic novel adaptation of this a few months ago; while I was riding out a hurricane, and rather enjoyed it. After the preview of the movie came out, I figured I'd give the actual novel a shot as well.
Mostly the same; enjoyed it. But, now I'm curious to know where the three Ws are off to...we shall see!
Mostly the same; enjoyed it. But, now I'm curious to know where the three Ws are off to...we shall see!
Best book I've read in a long time. Lots of feelings, without being overly Hallmarky about it all. Excellent.
Was pretty ok. Rather sad and melancholy. But, well written, to be sure.
Loved it! Slow start, for me, but after the first quarter it quickly became better and better. Good stuff!!
Well written. It's the kind of book that reminds you no matter how bad you think you have it; someone is worse off.
Haunting and beautiful. Not just another collection of re-told fairy tales for young adults. Good stuff!!
Took me a while, but I finished! Good if you want to read about gay, literary NYC in the 60s and 70s.