Perfect book for a summer read. Meaty enough to enjoy the process, light enough to pick up by the pool. The characters were a bit confusing at first, but the relationships were made fairly clear as the book progressed. Good character development and nice enough story. I worried the ending would be far too happy, but Straub brought it back to a realistic level of resolution. I found myself rooking various characters along, along no particular one "sung" to me. Overall, one of the better books I've received through the Early Reviewers program.

The topic of an American exploring Islam is outside of my typical wheelhouse, but this book seemed interesting enough to chance it. Some of the misunderstandings between Krista and Ismail were understandable, even predictable, but some differences were illuminating. The Libyan trip was a true insight, and made me both frustrated and furious.

I noticed a trend that whenever they butted heads or disagreed, Krista would start out with a strong voice then completely collapse into "understanding" or "compromise" (which really wasn't compromise, just Ismail getting his way). For example, Krista vehemently disagreed with circumcision, Ismail demanded it. Krista spent weeks gathering research, talking to doctors/family/friends, and Ismail spent weeks ignoring all that and just repeating his wishes. Finally, she breaks down and has their child circumcised. Two years later, Ismail admits that maybe they shouldn't have done it. I have no opinions on circumcision, this just struck me as the main example of a "compromise" only ending Ismail's way.

Krista has a strong literary backing, but she seemed to struggle with timing and segues. Many sections are choppy, 2 paragraphs in the book's current timeline, 4 paragraphs in some unnamed past, 1 paragraph back in the present. Makes for a very juggled read.

Overall, the book was interesting but not really entertaining. I'm glad I read it, if only to shine a light on my own life and be thankful for what I have.

I received this book through Early show more Reviewers on LibraryThing. show less

I love great photography, and I love animal books. Find Momo is a perfect combination of both. The sweeping photos of Canadian and American sites, as well as the delightful task of finding a cute dog, make this one of the more enjoyable coffee table books I've ever had the pleasure to read. Definite favorite, and I look forward to seeing Maddie On Things as well.

A small note, it would be nice to have the locations of the photos listed on the actual page, rather than in the back section. Other than that, great book!

Not worth the length. Plotlines everywhere, confusing character names/traits. Stephenson has flashes of genius, but geez, what a long read.