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librainian_44's reviews
394 reviews
The World Is on Fire: Scrap, Treasure, and Songs of Apocalypse by Joni Tevis
4.0
The internal connectedness of Joni's thoughts and observations--amazing!
Drömmen by Harry Bernstein
3.0
Mr Bernstein's family story and his ability to tell it are a treasure! Loved reading about this time in America and specifically for an immigrant family in Chicago. Poignant, funny, surprising. He lays bare everyone's faults but it is still warm and, like his first story set when the family still lived in England, without bitterness.
Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler
3.0
Cute story that only strains a little to follow the Shakespearean arc of the story. Ann Tyler is always good at the human nuances.
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
3.0
Listened to the audio book--really enjoyed thelikeable characters in this cute rom-com. The predicaments made me laugh out loud but they were never mean-spirited. Loved how Don's Aspergers was made to be an asset.
Atlas of Unknowns by Tania James
4.0
Parallel stories of two sisters, one who stays in India and unexpectedly blossoms, and the other who has an opportunity to study in the U.S.--the coveted prize--and unexpectedly fails. It turns out there are a lot of secrets and lies working against the close-knit Kerala family, but Tania James doesn't leave her characters (or her readers) without resolution. Sometimes I think authors write themselves to the point where they don't know how to end a novel, or think it is more artistic to have no resolution. I loved reading this story and found it very satisfying. Not that every detail was tied up or everything was happy, but the ending felt true and hopeful.
The Table of Less Valued Knights by Marie Phillips
3.0
Funny romp into Authurian time. Reminded me of a Shakespearean play with its gender disguises and crossed amorous longings. But it has very modern sensibilities about gender bending and an irreverent humor that makes it a fun read. Quick and fun--just what I needed!
Bertie's Guide to Life and Mothers by Alexander McCall Smith
3.0
I just love these books. Alexander McCall Smith almost goes to sentimental, his series almost become formulaic, and yet somehow he stops short of anything but wise and witty. His characters are so full of human foibles and yet I'm routing for them. Their problems and triumphs are often small in the scheme of things, but still manage to be compelling. Of course my favorite is Bertie, with his thinks-she's-aware but is so unaware mum. But all the members of the Scotland St community make for fun reading.