Scan barcode
literacyluminary's reviews
971 reviews
Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell
5.0
A dazzling book about a 40 yr old "spinster" from Ohio, who loses her entire family to the influenza epidemic of 1918. After her tragic loss she travels to Egypt and beyond and rubs shoulders with the world leaders of the day (T. E. Lawerence, Gertrude Bell, Wintson Churchill). A mini-history course on how those decision makers affected the future of the middle east and our current predicament. I loved it.
The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan
5.0
As much as this book is about the author's cancer diagnosis, and her father's, it's about families and relationships and life. I found myself crying and laughing on the same page. She is brilliant and inspiring. I was especially touched by her relationship with "the Green Man" (her Dad). It reminded me of my Dad, and how I will always be his little girl, regardless of my age. I loved this book.
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
4.0
It took me 10 yrs to conquer this book…and I finally did it.
Kingsolver’s prose was lyrical. She was most effective when the Price family was together in Kilgana, but once they were separated, it was like trying to separate stripes from a tiger…the story suffered and fell flat. Nathan Price became an afterthought, and he deserved to be treated more severely.
Kingsolver’s prose was lyrical. She was most effective when the Price family was together in Kilgana, but once they were separated, it was like trying to separate stripes from a tiger…the story suffered and fell flat. Nathan Price became an afterthought, and he deserved to be treated more severely.
Three Junes by Julia Glass
It's not very often that I won't or don't finish a book...but after 150pps I just couldn't read another word. It was random and pointless.
Live Boldly: Cultivate the Qualities That Can Change Your Life by Mary Anne Radmacher
5.0
I attended two of this author's seminars during the Arkansas Literay Festival. She was a breath of fresh air. The peace and intellect she brought to the "classroom" was tangible.
I loved this book and wrote MANY quotes and ideas from it in my journal.
I loved this book and wrote MANY quotes and ideas from it in my journal.
Julie by Catherine Marshall
4.0
Summary: Marshall, author of the classic Christy, drew on her life experiences for this coming-of-age story in which a young girl discovers herself and the strength of her faith.
Julie, is a heartwarming, coming of age story about the struggles a young lady enounters with her family in post-depression Pennsylvania. Julie's family purchase the small town's local newspaper, and in doing so, enouncouter financial, political, and faith-based, tests. Her father's chronic illness, propels Julie in to a position of leadership and responsibility at the newspaper. Her talent as an investigative reporter also uncovers devestating news about a improperly built dam, that will prove prophetic and catastrophic.
Juile was our book group selection for the month of May. It was a delightful read, reminiscent of the work of L. M. Montgomery.
Julie, is a heartwarming, coming of age story about the struggles a young lady enounters with her family in post-depression Pennsylvania. Julie's family purchase the small town's local newspaper, and in doing so, enouncouter financial, political, and faith-based, tests. Her father's chronic illness, propels Julie in to a position of leadership and responsibility at the newspaper. Her talent as an investigative reporter also uncovers devestating news about a improperly built dam, that will prove prophetic and catastrophic.
Juile was our book group selection for the month of May. It was a delightful read, reminiscent of the work of L. M. Montgomery.
A Guide to the Birds of East Africa by Nicholas Drayson
3.0
A quirky, romantic novel (featuring an unlikely, lovelorn, middle aged, widower) about a men’s club, a contest and birds – lots and lots of birds!
Mr. Malik has his heart set on taking Rose Mbikwa (his bird watching tour guide) to the Hunt club ball. Unfortunately, Harry Khan, Mr. Malik’s long time school adversary, has his own plans to court Mrs. Mbikwa.
In order to solve their love triangle, the men agree to a contest of sorts – within a week, find and list as many bird species known in and around Nairobi Kenya. The resulting week’s escapades are charming. The contest ends unpredictably. Who ends up with Rose’s hand for the ball? A surprise for everyone!
This was a “cute” read – luckily it was more “novella” than novel, so it didn’t take me long to finish. I couldn’t have spent more than two days on this before tiring easily. But it got me through the Memorial Day weekend.
Mr. Malik has his heart set on taking Rose Mbikwa (his bird watching tour guide) to the Hunt club ball. Unfortunately, Harry Khan, Mr. Malik’s long time school adversary, has his own plans to court Mrs. Mbikwa.
In order to solve their love triangle, the men agree to a contest of sorts – within a week, find and list as many bird species known in and around Nairobi Kenya. The resulting week’s escapades are charming. The contest ends unpredictably. Who ends up with Rose’s hand for the ball? A surprise for everyone!
This was a “cute” read – luckily it was more “novella” than novel, so it didn’t take me long to finish. I couldn’t have spent more than two days on this before tiring easily. But it got me through the Memorial Day weekend.
Lean Forward Into Your Life: Listen Hard, Live with Intention, and Play with Abandon by Mary Anne Radmacher
5.0
Mary Anne's books have become my bedside standard for growth, inspiration and insight. With just a few pages, she makes you feel like you can change your life and conquer the world.