November 2017

Book Reviews November 2017

The Intellectual Devotional: American History

By David S. Kidder and Noah D. Oppenheim

The Intellectual Devotional: American History was our favorite book in the Intellectual Devotional series by David S. Kidder and Noah D. Oppenheim.  The reading took a little over a year, beginning in September 2016 and ending in November 2017.  My husband and I have read the entire series together, a page or two at a time.  While not entirely accurate, the American History devotional gave us a lot to talk about.  It put much of the political trauma of 2016-17 into perspective.  Reading through the devotional, it’s apparent that our country has had some pretty bad leaders and a lot of political turmoil in the past.  Since it was written in 2007, the book is not entirely up to date.  Despite that, we found the book to be a great shared reading that led to some very interesting discussions.  I’d definitely recommend the entire Intellectual Devotional series, particularly for shared reading experiences.

The Art Forger

By B. D. Shapiro

The Art Forger by B. D. Shapiro is one of a series of audiobooks that I’ve recently listened to about forged and/or stolen paintings.  The Art Forger is based on an actual robbery that took place at the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum in Boston in 1990.  As of 2017, none of the thirteen paintings that were stolen during that robbery have been recovered.  The plot of The Art Forger involves one of the stolen paintings.  The story was somewhat less interesting than the actual robbery.  I kept hoping that the main character, Claire, would quit making stupid decisions.  She didn’t and I guess that’s what drove the story.  She and Markel, an art dealer, were a disaster in the making right from the start.  It was a mildly engaging mystery.  Many of the twists were apparent from the beginning.  The narration was good.  Overall, I liked it… definitely worth three stars.

Driving Miss Norma

By Tim Bauerschmidt and Ramie Liddle

I loved Driving Miss Norma!  After a diagnosis of terminal cancer, Miss Norma decided to forego medical treatment and hit the road with her son, Tim Bauerschmidt, and his wife, Ramie Liddle.  I really enjoyed following their yearlong journey on Facebook.  The book was a perfect follow-up to the Facebook journal posted by Liddle. Driving Miss Norma expands the story of their ‘hospice on wheels’.  Both the Facebook journal and Driving Miss Norma are written with humor and sensitivity.  The story could have been sad and tearful, but Miss Norma and her adult children were an inspiration.  I highly recommend Driving Miss Norma to those looking for positive and uplifting end of life stories.

Being Mortal

By Atun Gawande

I was surprised to see Being Mortal by Atun Gawande on my eighty-eight year old mother-in-law’s table.  She offered it to us, so we took it home.  It was very sobering to read while dealing with end-of-life issues with my mother-in-law.  There are many examples of different end of life situations, some positive… some not.  I felt the most important message was to have discussions and to listen.  It wasn’t the most pleasant book that I’ve read recently, but perhaps was the most significant. 

A Piece of the World

By Christina Baker Kline

I’ve listened to quite a few audiobooks about the art world recently, and A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline is one of the best.  It was a very engaging and believable story.  The characterization was great.  The descriptions of Maine and the house made me feel like I really knew the place.  I’m familiar with Andrew Wyeth and his work, so I had that as background knowledge.  I’m sure it helped.  Polly Stone’s narration was great.  A Piece of the World is definitely a good listen!

On Writing

By Stephen King

Even though I’ve never read a Stephen King book or watched a movie adaptation, I loved On Writing!  I bought the book quite a few years ago, when I was taking a writing course.  Recently, I finished all of the books under my bed and found that On Writing was the only one left.  I was too lazy to get up and find another, so On Writing became the choice of the day. The book was part memoir, part King’s philosophy on writing.  The philosophy sections could easily be applied to any creative area.  A few of my favorite ideas involved beginning with a situation and ending by cutting to the essential. I especially liked his story about his son’s drumming career and how that relates to passion in creativity.  King told his story with feeling and much humor.  I’m hoping that my writing will improve by following his advice and am avoiding adverbs and inverted sentences.  On writing was awesome!!!

Viola in Reel Life

By Adriana Trigiani

Viola in Reel Life was a sweet, young adult story by one of my favorite authors, Adriana Trigiani.  It is the story of Viola, a young teen from Brooklyn, NY spending her freshman year in high school at a midwestern boarding school.  Written in 2009, the book is filled with experiences that would be relevant to a teen in 2017.  Viola and her roommates are strong female characters.  The story was engaging.  It was a good read for an adult, as well. 

Neverwhere

By Neil Gaiman

Narrated by Neil Gaiman

Neverwhere is one of Gaiman’s darker novels.  I found myself thinking of Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl as I listened to Neverwhere.  Both stories involve an underground and aboveground world and evil bad guys.  However, Gaiman’s ‘bad guys’ were much, much more evil and Neverwhere was definitely not for children.  The best way to experience a Neil Gaiman book is by listening to Gaiman read the book himself.  I’m thankful that most of his books and narrations are readily available as audio books.  Listening to Neverwhere was classic Neil Gaiman.  I definitely loved it!

  

October 2017

The Quilter’s Legacy: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel #5

By Jennifer Chiaverini

My sister-in-law picked up The Quilter’s Legacy by Jennifer Chiaverini for me from her local library book sale.  She knows I love quilting and assumed that I would enjoy the book, which I did.  I loved all of the details about quilts that were woven throughout the story.  I also enjoyed the period details from the early 1900s that were included.  It was an easy, relaxing read and I was sorry when it was over.  Fortunately, I have another book from the series ready to read. 

The Quilter’s Homecoming: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel #10

By Jennifer Chiaverini

The Quilter’s Homecoming was not my favorite Elm Creek Quilt novel.  Most of the story took place in California, a long way from Elm Creek.  It also did not include many of the main characters in the series.  While it was interesting, it didn’t quite have the same charm of the Elm Creek books.  The story of Elizabeth’s marriage and move to the west was engaging.  The theme of quilts was continued.  It wasn’t a disappointment, just not what I expected. 

I Remember Nothing

By Nora Ephron

I love Nora Ephron and usually find her books refreshingly humorous.  Stories in I Remember Nothing were funny.  Many of them I had read elsewhere.  But the fact that this was the last book she wrote, written while she was ill, was somewhat sobering.  I found that there was wisdom about getting older and dying written between the lines.  I did find myself laughing out loud, as I always do with Ephron’s books.  But this time, I found myself thinking about aging and dying, too.  I Remember Nothing is a short, sweet book written by one of my favorite authors.

Boys on the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics

By Daniel James Brown

Boys on the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Olympics is one of those books I would never have read if it wasn’t for the local library book club.  Although I rarely attend meetings, I do try to read their book list each the year.  Boys on the Boat started as an almost impossible read for me.  I had very little interest in rowing or the time period.  After setting the book down, I decided to try the audio version.  The narration by Edward Herrmann brought the story and the book to life.  It turned a boring book (for me) into the exciting adventure that it really was.  I learned a lot about the rowers, rowing and the historical significance of the 1936 Olympics.  I was on the edge of my seat during the race scenes, especially at the Olympics.  The book was so engaging; I listened to it almost non-stop.  I found some of the parallels to our period in time and politics frightening.  I highly recommend the book, and the audiobook for those who find the book itself challenging.  Definitely a great listen!!!

Driving Miss Norma

By Tim Bauerschmidt and Ramie Liddle

I discovered and followed Miss Norma’s journey on Facebook in 2015.  As of now, November 2017, it’s still there.  Miss Norma’s story is truly inspirational.  After a terminal cancer diagnosis, she decided to hit the road with her son and his wife, rather than seek treatment.  The Facebook page chronicled their journey.  The book, Driving Miss Norma, is a more detailed record of that journey, told through the eyes of her son and his wife.  The story is truly inspirational, especially to those dealing with aging parents and/or their own aging.  It’s wonderful that Miss Norma’s story has provided an opening for the discussion of positive options, other than medical, for the end of life passage.  I loved Miss Norma and the book, Driving Miss Norma.  Definitely a good read!

What Happened

By Hillary Rodham Clinton

What Happened by Hillary Rodham Clinton is a must read!  I listened to the Audible version, which was narrated by Ms. Clinton.  Although I am very familiar with the election, it was very interesting hearing Ms. Clinton’s insights.  The one idea that stuck with me was her determination to fulfill her dreams and destiny, despite all of the hatred and the obstacles in her path.  She always did what she believed was right.  Her morals and values were high.  This was true throughout her life.  She persevered, and did not let the opinions of others affect her decisions.  I’m thankful that she wrote the book.  I believe that her story will be historically significant. 

September 2017

The Secret Place

By Tana French

Narrated by Stephen Hogan and Lara Hutchinson

I listened to the audio version of A Secret Place by Tana French.  An English girls’ boarding school provided the perfect setting for the murder of a popular student from a neighboring boys’ boarding school.   It was refreshing to read a well-crafted mystery, with plenty of red herrings and lots of suspense.  The plot skillfully segued between the point of view of the female students and the investigating officers.  Characters were interesting and developed well as the story progressed.  The audio version was well done with great narrations by Stephen Hogan and Lara Hutchinson.  I’ll definitely look for more books by Tana French.  It was definitely a good listen.

Back When We Were Grownups

By Anne Tyler

I discovered Back When We Were Grownups in a closet at a vacation cabin.  The vacation wasn’t great, but the book was.  After reading the first 90 pages at the cabin, I resisted the urge to tuck the book into my suitcase and bring it home.  A copy was quickly found at our local library, so that I could continue to enjoy the story of the Rebecca and the Davitch family.  I’m now on to Tyler’s Pulitzer Prize winning book, Breathing Lessons.  I’ve quickly become an Anne Tyler fan.

Deader Homes and Gardens

By Joan Hess

Even though it got off to a slow start, Deader Homes and Gardens by Joan Hess turned out to be an entertaining cozy mystery.  It had all the elements that I enjoy in a cozy mystery:  a strong female protagonist; a countryside mansion with beautiful gardens; quirky characters; and a mild murder (actually three), with no gruesome violence.  It was definitely predictable, but I still enjoyed listening to the audio version. 

Private

By James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

I picked Private up from Audible.com and I think it was actually free.  Since I’ve never read or listened to a James Patterson book, I can’t say how much he contributed to this book, which was co-written with Maxine Paetro.  It was an entertaining, but a bit confusing at the beginning.  There were far too many mysteries to follow.  The plots were all clear by the middle and the end somewhat satisfactorily resolved everything.  The characters were straight out of mystery writing 101.  I can’t really complain.  The narration by Peter Hermann was good.  It was an enjoyable audiobook, especially for free.

Breathing Lessons

By Anne Tyler

I loved Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler.  I loved the ‘ordinariness’ of Maggie and Ira. Even though the overall family situation was sad, I found myself constantly laughing at their interactions as a couple.  Despite their long-term marriage, or maybe because of it, I felt that neither Ira nor Maggie’s needs were being met.  Watch the game of solitaire while reading.  I think it has significance beyond a means of dealing with boredom.  A 1989 Pulitzer Prize winning book, Breathing Lessons is a little dated, but still relevant and definitely a good read!

The Little Paris Bookshop

By Nina George

The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George was another great library sale book.  I picked it up because I thought it might be another book about books.  It was, but books were not the main focus.  Originally published in German, The Little Paris Bookshop is a sweet romance, filled with lots of details about France and it’s culture.  Books are occasionally mentioned, as prescribed medicines for various emotional illnesses.  While not to be taken as medical advice, the idea is engaging and the book is very entertaining.  Titles are included in an emergency literary pharmacy at the end of the book.  Food is an important part of the story and recipes are also included at the end of the book.  The Little Paris Bookshop has earned a place on my permanent bookshelf.  It’s definitely a good read!

The Silver Chair
By C.S. Lewis
The Silver Chair is a continuation of the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.  Once again, we were immersed in the fantasy of Narnia during a six-hour drive.  The audiobook delighted us and the drive went quickly.  We’ve been listening to the series over a long period of time, whenever we happen to take a long drive.  The entire Chronicles of Narnia series has been enjoyable, including The Silver Chair.

August 2017

Swing Time

By Zadie Smith

Great books take us into new and different worlds, which was exactly my experience when reading Swing Time.  The setting fluctuates between England, Africa and New York City.  The main character is an English woman of Jamaican descent.  I loved seeing the world through her eyes and her experiences.  Swing Time  appeared on quite a few recent booklists and I can see why.  Zadie Smith’s words have contributed to my ever-expanding awareness of race… this time, as it exists more globally, outside of the United States.

Food Rules

By Michael Pollan

Food Rules is the kind of book that should be kept handy and reread regularly.  It’s filled with healthy advice and folklore related to our eating habits.  The book is divided into three sections that describe Pollan’s philosophy on eating:  Section I Eat food, Section II Mostly Plants, Section III Not Too Much. I picked up a used copy at the local library sale, where I had donated another copy a while ago.  Maira Kalman beautifully illustrates this later edition.  It’s definitely a keeper!

The Dead Key

By D. M. Pulley

Thrillers are not my favorite genre, so I’m not sure if The Dead Key is a great book or not. The story bounced between the fifties and the early 2000s in Cleveland, Ohio.  A series of young women, generations apart, unknowingly became involved in a large banking crime.  Murder, mystery and plenty of mid-century period details abound. It was incredibly suspenseful, and I couldn’t put it down.  I found it engaging, even though I don’t regularly read or really even like thrillers.  I’d recommend giving it a try, even if you’re not a regular reader of thrillers.

The Last Painting of Sara de Vos

By Dominic Smith

The Last Painting of Sara de Vos was my sister’s book club choice for this month.  I listened to the Audible version of this book, which included the discussion questions read at the end. I think the book demonstrates how both the art world, past and present, are both dominated by men.  Women must work harder to belong, and rarely achieve the same success as men.  The lives of Sara and Ellie, living and working centuries apart, were deeply influenced by the art world of their time. 

Watch the relationships and marriages while reading, including Sara and her two husbands, along with Marty and Rachel.  I would include the relationship with Ellie and Marty. 

Several reviewers mention that this is a book about mistakes and I would agree.  They also mentioned the similarity to The Goldfinch by Donna Tarff and I would agree with this, too. While the books are different in many ways,  too, both are good reads.  The themes of mistakes, consequences and regret occur in both.  The Last Painting of Sara de Vos was a very enjoyable listen and would be a good read.

West With the Night

By Beryl Markham       

Perhaps this was not the best time to read West With the Wind by Beryl Markham.  It’s August 2017 and our country is embroiled in racial and political turmoil, which definitely affected the way I felt as I read this book.  It was well written.  I generally like memoirs, and West With the Night was a good one.  Many of Markham’s stories were engaging and entertaining.  However, her language was frequently infused with racism.  Her lifestyle and attitudes were those of White privilege and entitlement. I was also horrified by Markham’s descriptions of elephant hunting.  She was very proud of the fact that she was the first person to track elephants for hunting by plane.  I do realize that all of this was a reflection of the times in which she lived, but that does not excuse or make any of those elements acceptable.  At the end, I had mixed feelings about West With the Night.  It’s totally out of step with my values and I have a big problem with parts of the book.  But I cannot deny that it is very well written and an interesting memoir.  Would I have chosen to read the book knowing it’s down side?  Probably not, but I can’t say that I’m sorry that I read it.  Beryl Markham was a notable twentieth century woman and for that reason, it was a valuable read.

Lafayette in the Somewhat United States

By Sarah Vowell

I wish that I could say something positive about Lafayette in the Somewhat United States.  I chose to listen to the audiobook, hoping it would be better than the actual book.  It wasn’t. In fact, it might have been better just reading the old-fashioned way.  This book is a shining example of writing that is telling rather than showing.  It was nothing more than a cutesy, flippant rehash of history. There was no attempt to make the recitation of a historical timeline creative or interesting. The author and a few other mostly male readers did the narration, which was terrible.  In this age of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, it just did not work for me. I’m going to give the book two stars, one for the Revolutionary War review and one for the attempt to relate it to our present political situation.  Once again, I’m sure that I’m in a minority.  Sorry, but Lafayette in the Somewhat United States was not my cup of tea.

The Year of Reading Dangerously

By Andy Miller

The Year of Reading Dangerously by British author, Andy Miller, was my favorite read this month.  It was a book about books and how they were woven into Miller’s life, which is my ideal reading material.  I loved Miller’s British sense of humor and laughed my way through much of the book.  He does warn that there are spoilers, which from my perspective, made it even better.  The used copy that I purchased at the local library book sale has found a permanent spot on my bookshelf!