Kristin Hannah is the author of several beautifully written novels, perhaps best known for "Angel Falls" Each book is carefully researched so each detail is historically and scientifically correct.
Hannah's latest, "Winter Garden" is no exception. In an interview with the author, she stated "I am powerfully drawn to stories about women's lives and relationships....I think it was almost inevitable that I would turn my attention to another important female relationship-the intricate bond between mothers and daughters." This powerful novel actually tells parellel stories of a mother and her two daughters, and how they grew up in drastically different lifestyles.
Sisters Meredith and Nina are blessed with successful and satisfying careers. Meredith has slowly taken over the management of the family apple orchard while Nina is a globe-hopping photo-journalist. Meredith and her husband successfully raised two daughters now off at college.
However, their childhood was unsettling. While their father was affectionate and attentive, mother Anya was distant and undemonstrative. Clearly Russian in her habits and customs, any passion or devotion is directed toward her husband. Eventually the girls cease to attempt to win their mother's love and find their own ways in life.
After the sudden death of their father, the girls must manage their own grief while dealing with Anya who resists all efforts to comfort her. Somehow therapeutic for them all, Anya is encouraged to tell her 'fairy tales' of a Russian prince and his love for a lowly peasant. Eventually the sisters begin to realize these stories may be biographical. As they learn the atrocities Anya suffered in Communist Russia before and during WW2, some understanding of their mother's behavior begins, and a tenuous relationship slowly developes.
Anya had a life-long dream to visit Alaska, so a spur-of-the moment cruise is arranged, and surprisingly, Anya agrees to accompany them. The nightly story-telling continues, and although the re-living of this terrible segment of history is painful for them all, they draw closer to each other and a family unit begins to emerge. Then while searching for a historian with whom to share Anya's story, they make a discovery that will leave readers shocked and emotional.
This wonderfully written saga deals successfully with relationship failures and how they affect other aspects of life. The tragic telling of the enormous suffering of the Leningrad citizens in the 30's and 40's was meticuously researched and historically accurate. The skillful weaving together of mother and daughters stories succeed in a book well worth reading. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate it an 8.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Roses by Leila Meacham
After retiring from teaching literature, Leila Meacham sat down and wrote a 1000 page epic novel set in Texas. It was later edited down to 600 pages. When her book was compared to "Gone with the Wind", Ms. Meacham needed an explanation, as she had never read that book, or seen the movie! Her novel, "Roses" is indeed written in the style of "Thornbirds" with a dash of James Mitchner thrown in.
Set in the East Texas town of Howbutker (the source of the name is an interesting story) "Roses" follows three familes through the 20th century; each rising to success in different careers.
Primarily this books pursues the life story of Mary Toliver, whose grandfather pieced together an expansive cotton plantation. When Mary's father dies, she inherits the land and business. Her mother and brother greatly resent the terms of the will, and Mary must deal with their hostility as well as laboring to keep the place from going under financially.
While Mary's passion for the plantation is why her father left it to her, this same obsession leads to problems in relationships. The plantation is her first love, and all else comes in a far second. When love and romance come her way, her choices lead to heartbreak.
"Roses" is a well-written saga of the founders of Howbutker and how the families interact through the years. However, do not expect the level of writing to compare with Mitchner, Mitchell, or McCullough. Even so, readers of all tastes should enjoy making their way through this lengthly novel. On a scale of 1 to 10 I rate it a 6.
Set in the East Texas town of Howbutker (the source of the name is an interesting story) "Roses" follows three familes through the 20th century; each rising to success in different careers.
Primarily this books pursues the life story of Mary Toliver, whose grandfather pieced together an expansive cotton plantation. When Mary's father dies, she inherits the land and business. Her mother and brother greatly resent the terms of the will, and Mary must deal with their hostility as well as laboring to keep the place from going under financially.
While Mary's passion for the plantation is why her father left it to her, this same obsession leads to problems in relationships. The plantation is her first love, and all else comes in a far second. When love and romance come her way, her choices lead to heartbreak.
"Roses" is a well-written saga of the founders of Howbutker and how the families interact through the years. However, do not expect the level of writing to compare with Mitchner, Mitchell, or McCullough. Even so, readers of all tastes should enjoy making their way through this lengthly novel. On a scale of 1 to 10 I rate it a 6.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Rainwater by Sandra Brown
I was recently approached by a library patron who had enjoyed a certain book and thought it would make a good review. I was able to obtain a copy quickly and was favorably impressed with the subject content, strong characterizations, and well- told story of a young women making her way in life while facing difficult challenges. However, after some research, I discovered that it was not currently listed as a best-seller, although the author, Sandra Brown, had placed books on the New York Times list in the past. After consulting with the literary mavens of my monthly Bridge Club, I was told I needn't always be so rigid, and if a novel of note came my way I should share it with my readers. So here goes. I promise not to veer off course again, unless convinced otherwise.
Sandra Brown is certainly one of the more prolific authors of this century, with a definite fan following. Her usual subject matter leans toward romance or romantic mysteries. However she moves in a different sphere with "Rainwater", as she mentions in the preface. It soon becomes apparent this book was written from the heart, and it will touch the reader's heartstrings as well.
Ella Barron is the owner and caretaker of a boarding house in central Texas. The day-to-day effort to keep things running smoothly is back-breaking work, and Ella is perpetuately exhausted. Adding to her stress is the care of her autistic young son.
When the local doctor brings a prospective tenant, Mr Rainwater, to the house, she is glad for the extra income. However, upon learning the man is terminally ill, she is uncertain how to treat him, and unsure whether she needs the responsibility. She eventually learns to appreciate his quiet wisdom and his gentle treatment of her son, Solly.
Ella's courage is challenged by taking on the cause of local dairy farmers who are being terrorized by government officials. She also must deal with an unwanted suitor who turns dangerous.
This poignant tale of Ella learning to trust her heart and occasionally lean on others will warm your soul. Her choice in the end is unexpected, yet satisfying.
This book will rate among the best written by Sandra Brown. If you are looking for something a bit different by a well-known author, "Rainwater" will fit the bill. No offensive language or unneccasary violence will mar your enjoyment of this novel. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate it a 7
Sandra Brown is certainly one of the more prolific authors of this century, with a definite fan following. Her usual subject matter leans toward romance or romantic mysteries. However she moves in a different sphere with "Rainwater", as she mentions in the preface. It soon becomes apparent this book was written from the heart, and it will touch the reader's heartstrings as well.
Ella Barron is the owner and caretaker of a boarding house in central Texas. The day-to-day effort to keep things running smoothly is back-breaking work, and Ella is perpetuately exhausted. Adding to her stress is the care of her autistic young son.
When the local doctor brings a prospective tenant, Mr Rainwater, to the house, she is glad for the extra income. However, upon learning the man is terminally ill, she is uncertain how to treat him, and unsure whether she needs the responsibility. She eventually learns to appreciate his quiet wisdom and his gentle treatment of her son, Solly.
Ella's courage is challenged by taking on the cause of local dairy farmers who are being terrorized by government officials. She also must deal with an unwanted suitor who turns dangerous.
This poignant tale of Ella learning to trust her heart and occasionally lean on others will warm your soul. Her choice in the end is unexpected, yet satisfying.
This book will rate among the best written by Sandra Brown. If you are looking for something a bit different by a well-known author, "Rainwater" will fit the bill. No offensive language or unneccasary violence will mar your enjoyment of this novel. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate it a 7
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
Nicholas Sparks has been capturing reader's hearts for years with his heart-felt stories of love and life. Many, such as The Notebook, and more recently, Dear John , have come to life in well-made movies. Still on the New York Times Best Seller List after 21 weeks, The Last Song has captivated millions.
Ronnie Miller (short for Veronica) is an angry, confused almost-eighteen-year-old. She feels abandoned by her once-loving father who, after divorcing her mother, disappears from her life. Ronnie has refused any contact with him for three years. Now her mother is insisting that she and her brother, Jonah, spend an entire summer with their father in Wrightsville Beach near Wilmington, NC.
Ronnie is a talented, intelligent and beautiful teen, but her strong feelings of resentment result in a heart hardened toward life. Even though mentored by her father to become a brilliant musician with a future as a concert pianist, she rejects her music after her father exits her life.
The difference in life-style between her New York club scene and the more slow paced world of her father's beach house causes more resentment for Ronnie. Jonah seems to adapt immediately, assisting his father in creating a stained-glass window for the local church. Ronnie angrily seeks something to occupy her time for the months she is forced to stay.
Ronnie's father, Steve, patiently allows her to work through her anger, and eventually a truce seems to be in place. Slowly a relationship begins to develop as the father and daughter get to know each other again.
Unexpectantly, a romance developes with a local young man. Ronnie begins to experience contentment as she enjoys time spent with Will and learning about the animal life of the sea. She determinadly takes on a cause of protecting a nest of sea turtle eggs, and eventually lands a job at an aquarium.
Her interaction with other young people in the area is not so pleasant. Ronnie must deal with deception, and untimately, danger. She faces these challenges with strength and character.
As the end of summer approaches, Ronnie realizes how much she has changed, and how she will miss the beach life. Then, when a tragic truth becomes known, her strength and spirit are tested. With her serentity falling to pieces around her, Ronnie learns to face impossible calamity and grief with new-found endurance.
The Last Song is one of those books to save for a vacation or snowy weekend, as it is hard to put down. This narrative of a special girl growing up to become a fine young lady will pull at your heart strings. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate it a 7.
Ronnie Miller (short for Veronica) is an angry, confused almost-eighteen-year-old. She feels abandoned by her once-loving father who, after divorcing her mother, disappears from her life. Ronnie has refused any contact with him for three years. Now her mother is insisting that she and her brother, Jonah, spend an entire summer with their father in Wrightsville Beach near Wilmington, NC.
Ronnie is a talented, intelligent and beautiful teen, but her strong feelings of resentment result in a heart hardened toward life. Even though mentored by her father to become a brilliant musician with a future as a concert pianist, she rejects her music after her father exits her life.
The difference in life-style between her New York club scene and the more slow paced world of her father's beach house causes more resentment for Ronnie. Jonah seems to adapt immediately, assisting his father in creating a stained-glass window for the local church. Ronnie angrily seeks something to occupy her time for the months she is forced to stay.
Ronnie's father, Steve, patiently allows her to work through her anger, and eventually a truce seems to be in place. Slowly a relationship begins to develop as the father and daughter get to know each other again.
Unexpectantly, a romance developes with a local young man. Ronnie begins to experience contentment as she enjoys time spent with Will and learning about the animal life of the sea. She determinadly takes on a cause of protecting a nest of sea turtle eggs, and eventually lands a job at an aquarium.
Her interaction with other young people in the area is not so pleasant. Ronnie must deal with deception, and untimately, danger. She faces these challenges with strength and character.
As the end of summer approaches, Ronnie realizes how much she has changed, and how she will miss the beach life. Then, when a tragic truth becomes known, her strength and spirit are tested. With her serentity falling to pieces around her, Ronnie learns to face impossible calamity and grief with new-found endurance.
The Last Song is one of those books to save for a vacation or snowy weekend, as it is hard to put down. This narrative of a special girl growing up to become a fine young lady will pull at your heart strings. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate it a 7.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Noah's Compass by Anne Tyler
Anne Tyler, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Breathing Lessons and The Accidental Tourist, prefers a plot-line concerning emotionally blunted men trying to find meaning in their lives.
Her latest, Noah's Compass, introduces us to Liam Pennywell, Philosophy teacher, who has recently lost his job. He eagerly embraces his reduced financial situation by downsizing to a small apartment and elimimating all non-essential household items.
Unfortunately, he falls alseep the first night in his new apartment, and awakens in the hospital. He has no memory of what happened, but is informed an intruder entered the unlocked patio door and bashed Liam's head, causing a concussion.
Liam is much more concerned with his memory loss than the crime perpetrated against him. He becomes obsessed with trying to recall this blank spot in his life.
Liam has not succeeded in forming close family ties. His first wife committed suicide, and his second divorced him, stating "You have nothing to give to this relationship". However his ex-wife and daughters do their best to support him in his time of need, however unappreciative he might appear.
His intense frustration with not remembering the assault leads him to visit a neurologist. The doctor supplies no answers, only saying the memory of the event will return, or it won't.
However in the doctor's waiting room an interesting series of events begins to unfold. Liam recognizes a billionaire business tycoon known for his power deals and financial acumen. He observes closely a young women who accompanies the elderly man, quietly prompting him with names and facts. Liam realizes the gentleman is approaching senility and the women is his tool in keeping his sharp reputation intact. Liam labels her a "paid rememberer".
So powerful is Liam's desire to remember what happened to him, he unrealistically wonders if this woman could "remember" for him. He deceptively finagles an encounter with the tycoon and his assistant, then slowly developes a relationship with Eunice, whom he believes will be his savior.
The author skillfully unfolds a bittersweet tale of a family getting to know each other, and Liam opening his heart to love. While Liam is neither a hero nor a villian, his closed up soul begins a transformation; although allowing himself to care also brings the possibility of heartache.
Anne Tyler's greatest gift is her ability to create characters easily understandable. We reluctantly recognize the human fraility and self-absorbtion possessed inherently by all people. While this beautifully written saga of one man's journey through life is not the exciting escape from reality some fiction offers, it will leave you thoughtful and perhaps a bit unsettled.
On a scale of 1 - 10, this rates a 9.
Her latest, Noah's Compass, introduces us to Liam Pennywell, Philosophy teacher, who has recently lost his job. He eagerly embraces his reduced financial situation by downsizing to a small apartment and elimimating all non-essential household items.
Unfortunately, he falls alseep the first night in his new apartment, and awakens in the hospital. He has no memory of what happened, but is informed an intruder entered the unlocked patio door and bashed Liam's head, causing a concussion.
Liam is much more concerned with his memory loss than the crime perpetrated against him. He becomes obsessed with trying to recall this blank spot in his life.
Liam has not succeeded in forming close family ties. His first wife committed suicide, and his second divorced him, stating "You have nothing to give to this relationship". However his ex-wife and daughters do their best to support him in his time of need, however unappreciative he might appear.
His intense frustration with not remembering the assault leads him to visit a neurologist. The doctor supplies no answers, only saying the memory of the event will return, or it won't.
However in the doctor's waiting room an interesting series of events begins to unfold. Liam recognizes a billionaire business tycoon known for his power deals and financial acumen. He observes closely a young women who accompanies the elderly man, quietly prompting him with names and facts. Liam realizes the gentleman is approaching senility and the women is his tool in keeping his sharp reputation intact. Liam labels her a "paid rememberer".
So powerful is Liam's desire to remember what happened to him, he unrealistically wonders if this woman could "remember" for him. He deceptively finagles an encounter with the tycoon and his assistant, then slowly developes a relationship with Eunice, whom he believes will be his savior.
The author skillfully unfolds a bittersweet tale of a family getting to know each other, and Liam opening his heart to love. While Liam is neither a hero nor a villian, his closed up soul begins a transformation; although allowing himself to care also brings the possibility of heartache.
Anne Tyler's greatest gift is her ability to create characters easily understandable. We reluctantly recognize the human fraility and self-absorbtion possessed inherently by all people. While this beautifully written saga of one man's journey through life is not the exciting escape from reality some fiction offers, it will leave you thoughtful and perhaps a bit unsettled.
On a scale of 1 - 10, this rates a 9.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton
Sue Grafton is slowly but surely making her way through the alphabet with her latest - "U is for Undertow". This makes the 21st book featuring Kinsey Milhone ,the smart and feisty female private investigator.
Kinsey is visited by a young man, Michael Sutton, who thinks he might have witnessed an event involving a crime perpertrated some twenty years earlier. As a small boy, Michael is convinced he saw men burying a body near a home he was visiting. The time-line coincides with the disappearance of a four-year-old girl, Mary Claire Fitzhugh, who was never found. Michael is so certain his memory has something to do with the death of Mary Claire, he is willing to fork over cash so Kinsey will investigate.
Kinsey reluctantly takes the case, and eventually the police take her and Michael seriously enough to dig up what appears to be an old grave, only to discover the carcass of.....a dog!
When it begins to look like Michael's memories might not be so clear, he is brutally murdered. Kinsey now puts all her effort into following a strange set of clues leading back to dogs, babies and weird hippies.
Kinsey is at her best carefully solving this "cold case". The set of suspects from the past keep her on her toes trying to determine who is still around that would kill to protect their long-kept secrets.
Sue Grafton fans may begin to worry that Kinsey may be killed off when the "Z" book is published. Hopefully not, as Kinsey has entertained her readers for years with her unique method of sleuthing. Only time will tell!
Grafton readers won't need to be encouraged to read this latest Kinsey Milhone tale. If you haven't ever read Grafton, start with "A is for Alibi" and enjoy a year's worth of fun detecting. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate this latest a 7.
Kinsey is visited by a young man, Michael Sutton, who thinks he might have witnessed an event involving a crime perpertrated some twenty years earlier. As a small boy, Michael is convinced he saw men burying a body near a home he was visiting. The time-line coincides with the disappearance of a four-year-old girl, Mary Claire Fitzhugh, who was never found. Michael is so certain his memory has something to do with the death of Mary Claire, he is willing to fork over cash so Kinsey will investigate.
Kinsey reluctantly takes the case, and eventually the police take her and Michael seriously enough to dig up what appears to be an old grave, only to discover the carcass of.....a dog!
When it begins to look like Michael's memories might not be so clear, he is brutally murdered. Kinsey now puts all her effort into following a strange set of clues leading back to dogs, babies and weird hippies.
Kinsey is at her best carefully solving this "cold case". The set of suspects from the past keep her on her toes trying to determine who is still around that would kill to protect their long-kept secrets.
Sue Grafton fans may begin to worry that Kinsey may be killed off when the "Z" book is published. Hopefully not, as Kinsey has entertained her readers for years with her unique method of sleuthing. Only time will tell!
Grafton readers won't need to be encouraged to read this latest Kinsey Milhone tale. If you haven't ever read Grafton, start with "A is for Alibi" and enjoy a year's worth of fun detecting. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate this latest a 7.
Monday, December 21, 2009
The Wrecker by Clive Cussler and Justin Scott
Clive Cussler has been thrilling readers for years with his fast-paced action novels, especially those featuring Dirk Pitt, the tough but lovable employee of NUMA (National Underwater and Marine Agency). In "The Chase" Cussler introduced us to a new venue and hero Issac Bell. Bell, who, although hailing from a high-class wealthy family, chose a career with the Van Dorn Detective Agency.
In Cussler's latest work, "The Wrecker" set in 1907 America, the Agency is called in by the owner of the Southern Pacific Railroad to investigate a series of deadly sabotage events. Issac Bell is put in charge, and it soon becomes a race to anticipate the next "accident", while tracking down the evil individual, known only as the Wrecker, responsible for these attacks.
Bell tranverses the country coast to coast by rail running down every clue, but it soon becomes evident that the the Wrecker will eliminate anyone and anything that gets in the way of his horrendous plan. When a fellow agent is violently murdered, Bell becomes fanatically determined to bring this villain to justice.
When the Wrecker's surprising identity and self-serving motives become known, Bell himself becomes a target, as he feverishly rushes to end the Wrecker's chain of destruction.
Cussler and Scott have created a great new hero in Issac Bell. Courageous, intelligent and emphathetic , he will certainly compete for readers favorite fictional character.
The backdrop of our country's powerful railroad history portrays a era when the rail system was of upmost importance in the spread of capitalism, and the necessity of connecting the U.S. from East to West.
As we have come to expect from Cussler, he has produced an action-packed and intriguing book with an informative look back into our country's history. On a scale of 1 to 10,I rate it a 6.
In Cussler's latest work, "The Wrecker" set in 1907 America, the Agency is called in by the owner of the Southern Pacific Railroad to investigate a series of deadly sabotage events. Issac Bell is put in charge, and it soon becomes a race to anticipate the next "accident", while tracking down the evil individual, known only as the Wrecker, responsible for these attacks.
Bell tranverses the country coast to coast by rail running down every clue, but it soon becomes evident that the the Wrecker will eliminate anyone and anything that gets in the way of his horrendous plan. When a fellow agent is violently murdered, Bell becomes fanatically determined to bring this villain to justice.
When the Wrecker's surprising identity and self-serving motives become known, Bell himself becomes a target, as he feverishly rushes to end the Wrecker's chain of destruction.
Cussler and Scott have created a great new hero in Issac Bell. Courageous, intelligent and emphathetic , he will certainly compete for readers favorite fictional character.
The backdrop of our country's powerful railroad history portrays a era when the rail system was of upmost importance in the spread of capitalism, and the necessity of connecting the U.S. from East to West.
As we have come to expect from Cussler, he has produced an action-packed and intriguing book with an informative look back into our country's history. On a scale of 1 to 10,I rate it a 6.
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