Interestingly enough, this story (fiction) takes place two years after the Titanic sank - and they refer to this in the book. This time, they apparently had enough lifeboats, unlike the Titanic, but the lifeboats were not made to the originally planned dimensions. So, even though they were supposed to be big enough to fit 40 people each - and the plaques in each boat stated that the capacity was 40 - the boats were actually made smaller. And then, of course, half the boats were on the side of the ship that was inaccessible so they couldn't be launched. So, a tragedy is born....
This was difficult to read for a few reasons. First, why do the wealthy "cut corners" to save money, allowing innocent people to suffer for their frugality and dishonesty! Secondly, when you have an overloaded lifeboat, already sitting too low in the water because it really doesn't fit 40 people, and other people are in the water begging to be saved - including a child with his dead mother....well, need I say more? Thirdly, it is difficult to read about people starving to death and becoming mentally unstable and doing things to each other they probably wouldn't dream of doing in any other situation.
So, this isn't exactly a cheerful book. ;) It was interesting though and I liked it. This is somewhat odd to me because normally I have to "connect" to at least one character in a book in order to really like it. I really didn't connect to anyone in this story. At times I admired Grace, but then....not so much. I respected Mr. Hardie and his "sea experience", but then I didn't. Mary Ann was annoying; Mrs. Grant and Hannah were suspicious; it was hard for me to keep the men straight. But yep, I liked it. Go figure.
I can't presume to know what I would do in a situation like this: 21 days in a lifeboat, starving, with people dying all around me - or being killed, eating raw fish and then raw birds. I hope I never do! True survivors make tough decisions to survive in these kind of conditions. Not sure I have that true survivor mentality.
I definitely didn't like Mrs. Grant and Hannah by the end of the story. By the time they got to court, I wanted them to pay for what they had done to Grace and Mr. Hardie, and the rest of the people in the boat by dividing it: divide and conquer. They were quite successful at it. Not that I liked some of Mr. Hardie's decisions either. Or Grace's.
Not bad for a first novel. ;)
Wendy's Rating ****
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
This is my third novel by Liane Moriarty. I really liked "What Alice Forgot" and "The Husband's Secret". This one started a bit slow for me - the story that is, because the writing style is a fast read. The more I read though, the more I got invested in the various character's stories. Madeline was most definitely my favorite! She was funny and kind and loyal. There were times I laughed out loud at her. :) The only thing that I didn't like, since she was such a good person, was that she made a conscious decision every day to not forgive Nathan. Her life has gone on, alone at first and then with Ed. Nathan's life has gone on. They both seem happy with their current spouses. They both have children with their current spouses. They live in the same community. Let. It. Go. Honestly, I don't get it. It's not worth hanging on to it.
Celeste's story clearly showed how difficult it is to leave an abuser. Her rollarcoaster life was demonstrated very well. Two beautiful people with a beautiful home, twin boys and money. But, that's not what kept her with Perry. Terror kept her with Perry. She was going to lose either way. She was going to die either way. Leave or stay, she would eventually end up dead way too young. Perry was never going to let her go. I did NOT want her to go home with Perry after Trivia Night, that's for sure! I thought it was really important that she accepted (finally) that her boys WERE very much affected by the abuse in their home. Kids always know a lot more than you think they know. In my opinion, her story wrapped up quite nicely.
Jane. Wow. Didn't see the twist coming at all in her story!! It did not even cross my mind. All of Liane Moriarty's books have twists, but I usually see them coming. This one was very well played. I guess you could say this story is an example of nurture over nature, since Ziggy was not exposed to violence/abuse, while Max and Josh were.
I quite enjoyed this book after getting into it. Maybe it was my mood when I first started it too, since that always makes a difference. I had just finished "Me Before You", which I absolutely loved! It's hard to switch gears sometimes. ;)
Wendy's Rating: ****
Celeste's story clearly showed how difficult it is to leave an abuser. Her rollarcoaster life was demonstrated very well. Two beautiful people with a beautiful home, twin boys and money. But, that's not what kept her with Perry. Terror kept her with Perry. She was going to lose either way. She was going to die either way. Leave or stay, she would eventually end up dead way too young. Perry was never going to let her go. I did NOT want her to go home with Perry after Trivia Night, that's for sure! I thought it was really important that she accepted (finally) that her boys WERE very much affected by the abuse in their home. Kids always know a lot more than you think they know. In my opinion, her story wrapped up quite nicely.
Jane. Wow. Didn't see the twist coming at all in her story!! It did not even cross my mind. All of Liane Moriarty's books have twists, but I usually see them coming. This one was very well played. I guess you could say this story is an example of nurture over nature, since Ziggy was not exposed to violence/abuse, while Max and Josh were.
I quite enjoyed this book after getting into it. Maybe it was my mood when I first started it too, since that always makes a difference. I had just finished "Me Before You", which I absolutely loved! It's hard to switch gears sometimes. ;)
Wendy's Rating: ****
Saturday, November 29, 2014
The Time Between by Karen White
This was my fifth Karen White novel and I continue to be a fan! Usually I like a bit of "grit" in my characters, whether that be meanness, dysfunction, multiple layers.... but Karen White's characters are generally likable - even the ones who are supposed to be less likable like Helena. The characters are developed in such a way that even when someone is being mean or a jerk, the reader knows there is something sad or tragic in their past that makes them like that. These characters come across as being harder on themselves than others - which makes the reader feel more compassion for them than anything.
It never hurts to throw in a beautiful woman who doesn't know she is; a handsome man who doesn't care about his looks; a cute little talkative girl who loves everyone, including a cold and unapproachable mother and a cranky great aunt; a setting on the river in the south; a few deep, dark secrets; and a satisfying ending. That's what makes these novels so enjoyable.
I certainly understood why Ellie would feel guilty/responsible for Eve's fall - especially since Eve and their mother allowed Ellie to feel that way. I also understood why Helena felt guilty/responsible for some of her actions when she left Hungary in 1944. Understanding her situation though, I would think that most people would have done exactly what she did to save her sister and escape from Hungary. Helena was WAY too hard on herself. I believe that Helena and Bernadett would have lived better lives if they had told each other the truth about everything - as soon as they discovered each truth. They were both frozen in the past - wondering what happened to their loved ones - rather than dealing with their tragic past and learning to live without the people they each lost. By not sharing what they knew in order to "protect" each other, they actually suffered a lot more.
I have read a few books lately where music is a big part of the storyline. Since music is a big part of my life - and is very influential on my moods - I love how this book had so many characters (dead and alive!) that were talented musically.
Wendy's Rating: ****
It never hurts to throw in a beautiful woman who doesn't know she is; a handsome man who doesn't care about his looks; a cute little talkative girl who loves everyone, including a cold and unapproachable mother and a cranky great aunt; a setting on the river in the south; a few deep, dark secrets; and a satisfying ending. That's what makes these novels so enjoyable.
I certainly understood why Ellie would feel guilty/responsible for Eve's fall - especially since Eve and their mother allowed Ellie to feel that way. I also understood why Helena felt guilty/responsible for some of her actions when she left Hungary in 1944. Understanding her situation though, I would think that most people would have done exactly what she did to save her sister and escape from Hungary. Helena was WAY too hard on herself. I believe that Helena and Bernadett would have lived better lives if they had told each other the truth about everything - as soon as they discovered each truth. They were both frozen in the past - wondering what happened to their loved ones - rather than dealing with their tragic past and learning to live without the people they each lost. By not sharing what they knew in order to "protect" each other, they actually suffered a lot more.
I have read a few books lately where music is a big part of the storyline. Since music is a big part of my life - and is very influential on my moods - I love how this book had so many characters (dead and alive!) that were talented musically.
Wendy's Rating: ****
Monday, November 24, 2014
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Very readable writing style - and easily read in nearly one sitting. I very much enjoyed Mia's unique family, from her hipster-to-square dad to ex-rocker girl mom to blond hair-blue eyed Teddy. I love that this family was so close that they liked to spend time together. None of the typical teenage-angst drama. One of my favorite characters was Gramps though. The man of few words, who is much more sensitive and emotional than he outwardly appears.
The relationships between Mia & Kim and Mia & Adam seemed more genuine for their flaws. Mia & Kim initially not liking each other; Mia not feeling comfortable around Adam's band or music; Kim & Adam both loving Mia but not really bonding with each other.
This was a thought-provoking book. Would you want to live if you lost your entire family? Would you want to live with the pain of the loss? And speaking of that.... The one thing I thought was weird is that everyone - all family members and friends - were hanging out at the hospital for Mia. Since Mia was a witness to this - and their reaction to her being in a coma - why was she not a witness to their grief upon losing three other members of this family?? Why was no one sobbing in the waiting room, talking about the loss of her parents and adorable little brother?? I thought this "absence of grief" was odd. Gramps and Gran were certainly there for Mia, but what about what they had lost??
I certainly saw reasons for her to stay and for her to go. I felt like her decision in the end was reasonable - and well thought out. I haven't seen the movie, but it's something I plan to do!
Wendy's Rating: ****
The relationships between Mia & Kim and Mia & Adam seemed more genuine for their flaws. Mia & Kim initially not liking each other; Mia not feeling comfortable around Adam's band or music; Kim & Adam both loving Mia but not really bonding with each other.
This was a thought-provoking book. Would you want to live if you lost your entire family? Would you want to live with the pain of the loss? And speaking of that.... The one thing I thought was weird is that everyone - all family members and friends - were hanging out at the hospital for Mia. Since Mia was a witness to this - and their reaction to her being in a coma - why was she not a witness to their grief upon losing three other members of this family?? Why was no one sobbing in the waiting room, talking about the loss of her parents and adorable little brother?? I thought this "absence of grief" was odd. Gramps and Gran were certainly there for Mia, but what about what they had lost??
I certainly saw reasons for her to stay and for her to go. I felt like her decision in the end was reasonable - and well thought out. I haven't seen the movie, but it's something I plan to do!
Wendy's Rating: ****
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
This is one of those books that doesn't allow me to pick up another one until "tomorrow". I often will finish a book and pick up the next one to read. I absolutely loved this book. It makes me cautious to read another book by this same author because it can't possibly be as good as this one. Of course I will have to test this theory. ;)
Wow. Where to start.... Wonderful characters: flawed yet lovable; seemingly cold yet sympathetic; funny and engaging; slightly irritating yet understandable. I truly felt like I understood every character in this book they were so well drawn by the author.
I laughed out loud; I cried out loud (okay, openly sobbed in parts); I switched "sides" a few times. I would have read it in one sitting, but I decided I needed SOME sleep and put in down @ 3:50am this morning. Finished it up tonight as soon as my responsibilities of the day were done. Whew.
This was an amazing and memorable love story. It also addresses, with quite an impact, the "Right to Die" issue that is a current topic in our nation. Before I read articles about Brittany Maynard, the 29 year old terminal cancer patient who chose to end her life on November 1, 2014, I was completely 100% against "assisted suicide" - no matter how someone packaged it. I was deeply moved by her story however, and although I don't know what decision I would make if I were in her position, I have to respect the decision she made for herself. I felt the same way about Will. I loved Will. I loved Louisa. I thought they both had compelling arguments. I can see myself reacting exactly the same way as Louisa did! From beginning to end.
I wasn't a huge fan of Patrick - and certainly his obsession with training was obnoxious - but he did seem to love Louisa. I understood his concern with Louisa traveling with Will, but I was incredibly relieved and outwardly happy when they finally broke it off! Yay! I think it's better to be with no one at all than someone that is not right for you.
This book is a Must Read.
Wendy's Rating: *****
Wow. Where to start.... Wonderful characters: flawed yet lovable; seemingly cold yet sympathetic; funny and engaging; slightly irritating yet understandable. I truly felt like I understood every character in this book they were so well drawn by the author.
I laughed out loud; I cried out loud (okay, openly sobbed in parts); I switched "sides" a few times. I would have read it in one sitting, but I decided I needed SOME sleep and put in down @ 3:50am this morning. Finished it up tonight as soon as my responsibilities of the day were done. Whew.
This was an amazing and memorable love story. It also addresses, with quite an impact, the "Right to Die" issue that is a current topic in our nation. Before I read articles about Brittany Maynard, the 29 year old terminal cancer patient who chose to end her life on November 1, 2014, I was completely 100% against "assisted suicide" - no matter how someone packaged it. I was deeply moved by her story however, and although I don't know what decision I would make if I were in her position, I have to respect the decision she made for herself. I felt the same way about Will. I loved Will. I loved Louisa. I thought they both had compelling arguments. I can see myself reacting exactly the same way as Louisa did! From beginning to end.
I wasn't a huge fan of Patrick - and certainly his obsession with training was obnoxious - but he did seem to love Louisa. I understood his concern with Louisa traveling with Will, but I was incredibly relieved and outwardly happy when they finally broke it off! Yay! I think it's better to be with no one at all than someone that is not right for you.
This book is a Must Read.
Wendy's Rating: *****
Saturday, November 15, 2014
We Are Water by Wally Lamb
I really like Wally Lamb's writing style. It flows with the thoughts of all characters. He introduces all the significant characters a little at a time and seamlessly interweaves the characters together - either physically or emotionally.
Kent's chapters were a hard read. Quite disturbing. As we know, abusers were often abused themselves. (I wonder what the percentage is on that?) I disliked him though, nearly from the start. But, his mother should have listened to him when he initially told her over and over that he didn't want to go over to Irma's!! If his mom had listened to him and made other arrangements for his care, his whole life would have probably turned out differently! Why don't parents stop and listen to their children?? Kent's life might have turned out differently also if Sunny and Grace had not died. So many events outside of Kent's control helped make him the awful person he turned out to be. That makes me sad.
And speaking for abusers.... I really had a difficult time with Annie's abuse of Andrew! How awful for Andrew and his sisters to have their mom be so abusive. She could have killed him or left him permanently injured. She was so incredibly self-absorbed. I guess in the end, I was happy that she found someone to take care of her (Viveca) and that she dedicated her time and effort to take care of Orion.
I liked Orion the best. He seemed to try so hard, but he simply met too many roadblocks in his life which made him change direction each time. He may not have given Andrew the best advice after the death of Kent, but I can't say I wouldn't have done the same. As time went on though, the stress of that secret was affecting both of them (as it would me) and even though we don't know what decision Andrew actually makes, I'm betting that he turned himself in.
So, secrets can be damaging if kept, which is clearly demonstrated in this novel!! I am hoping that the cycle of abuse is broken now so that Ari, Andrew, and Marissa's children - or potential children - will not be affected by the previous generation's tragedies.
Really good read!
Wendy's Rating: ****
Kent's chapters were a hard read. Quite disturbing. As we know, abusers were often abused themselves. (I wonder what the percentage is on that?) I disliked him though, nearly from the start. But, his mother should have listened to him when he initially told her over and over that he didn't want to go over to Irma's!! If his mom had listened to him and made other arrangements for his care, his whole life would have probably turned out differently! Why don't parents stop and listen to their children?? Kent's life might have turned out differently also if Sunny and Grace had not died. So many events outside of Kent's control helped make him the awful person he turned out to be. That makes me sad.
And speaking for abusers.... I really had a difficult time with Annie's abuse of Andrew! How awful for Andrew and his sisters to have their mom be so abusive. She could have killed him or left him permanently injured. She was so incredibly self-absorbed. I guess in the end, I was happy that she found someone to take care of her (Viveca) and that she dedicated her time and effort to take care of Orion.
I liked Orion the best. He seemed to try so hard, but he simply met too many roadblocks in his life which made him change direction each time. He may not have given Andrew the best advice after the death of Kent, but I can't say I wouldn't have done the same. As time went on though, the stress of that secret was affecting both of them (as it would me) and even though we don't know what decision Andrew actually makes, I'm betting that he turned himself in.
So, secrets can be damaging if kept, which is clearly demonstrated in this novel!! I am hoping that the cycle of abuse is broken now so that Ari, Andrew, and Marissa's children - or potential children - will not be affected by the previous generation's tragedies.
Really good read!
Wendy's Rating: ****
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Gemini by Carol Cassella
I really enjoyed this book. This author is similar to Liane Moriarty (The Husband's Secret, What Alice Forgot....). The story - or really two stories - move along and you know they are connected some way, but you don't know how. It jumps back and forth in time, but not in a distracting way. Usually I like one story more than another when the author does this, but in this book I was invested in both stories.
The ending was reasonable, everything considered. The thing that struck me after I was done reading the entire book was how incredibly sad Raney's life was...beginning, middle, and end. She was basically abandoned by so many key people in her life: her unknown father, her mother, Bo, Cleet - all by different methods, but abandoned none-the-less. Even David in the end. I honestly didn't get what the author was saying in the paragraph describing Raney getting hit by a car/truck? Who actually hit her? What was thrown into the lake? How did her bag of clothes get out of her vehicle? Whose tail lights did she see? Who was in the other vehicle? What happened to the fawn? She got out of the car to care for the doe that was hit, but everything after that was so confusing. And if David didn't hit her himself and drive away, then why didn't he go see her in the hospital? Why didn't he tell Jake there had been an accident? David didn't seem "evil" in the story, just untrustworthy, hot-headed, and "ocd" about his clothing. I didn't like him, but I didn't hate him - until the end.
Eric certainly spent his life avoiding commitment! I understood his uncertainty about his lifespan, but I thought it was weird that it took him so long to commit to Jake. I know he didn't want children because he didn't want to pass along the neurofibromatosis, and he went along with the first paternity test just fine, but he seemed so uncommitted to the process and to the possibility of having a son! Charlotte really had to push him along. I'm sure the chimera explanation will bother some readers, but I just thought it was an interesting twist to the story. :)
Other than Raney, I also felt sad about Cleet. He was such a loving, hardworking man who took pride in his work. The whole lawsuit, and watching this man crumble because he could no longer support his family, was horribly sad. When he left to work on the boat, I was happy that he had found a solution to their money problems. Didn't expect that twist in the story either! Why do people think their loved ones are better off without them??
Even though I felt sad about both Cleet and Raney, I thought the book definitely ended on a positive note with Eric, Charlotte and Jake. Fortunately.
I will read more by this author.
Wendy's Rating: ****
The ending was reasonable, everything considered. The thing that struck me after I was done reading the entire book was how incredibly sad Raney's life was...beginning, middle, and end. She was basically abandoned by so many key people in her life: her unknown father, her mother, Bo, Cleet - all by different methods, but abandoned none-the-less. Even David in the end. I honestly didn't get what the author was saying in the paragraph describing Raney getting hit by a car/truck? Who actually hit her? What was thrown into the lake? How did her bag of clothes get out of her vehicle? Whose tail lights did she see? Who was in the other vehicle? What happened to the fawn? She got out of the car to care for the doe that was hit, but everything after that was so confusing. And if David didn't hit her himself and drive away, then why didn't he go see her in the hospital? Why didn't he tell Jake there had been an accident? David didn't seem "evil" in the story, just untrustworthy, hot-headed, and "ocd" about his clothing. I didn't like him, but I didn't hate him - until the end.
Eric certainly spent his life avoiding commitment! I understood his uncertainty about his lifespan, but I thought it was weird that it took him so long to commit to Jake. I know he didn't want children because he didn't want to pass along the neurofibromatosis, and he went along with the first paternity test just fine, but he seemed so uncommitted to the process and to the possibility of having a son! Charlotte really had to push him along. I'm sure the chimera explanation will bother some readers, but I just thought it was an interesting twist to the story. :)
Other than Raney, I also felt sad about Cleet. He was such a loving, hardworking man who took pride in his work. The whole lawsuit, and watching this man crumble because he could no longer support his family, was horribly sad. When he left to work on the boat, I was happy that he had found a solution to their money problems. Didn't expect that twist in the story either! Why do people think their loved ones are better off without them??
Even though I felt sad about both Cleet and Raney, I thought the book definitely ended on a positive note with Eric, Charlotte and Jake. Fortunately.
I will read more by this author.
Wendy's Rating: ****
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Labor Day by Joyce Maynard
This was a very fast read, but also a sad read. It's hard for me to read books that seem headed for an unhappy ending. I felt sad for Adele and her losses; for Henry who had the impossible task of "taking care of his mother", which no 13 year old should ever have to do; and especially for Frank, who deserved so much more out of life than he got. Yet these three people could have been a happy family together. Sad alone, happy together.
I really wasn't sure where the book was headed after they decided to go to Canada. I didn't figure that plan would be successful - hence my assumption that it would be a sad ending - but I wasn't sure how the book would end. I have obviously not seen the movie, but even then (for reasons unknown to me), movies don't always have the same endings as the book does. Quite annoying. (The exception for that is The Horse Whisperer, because I vehemently opposed the ending of the book. Apparently, Robert Redford did too, which is why he changed it for the movie.) Anyway....the end of the book flew by rather quickly with not much detail about Henry's life with his dad. I guess the author needed to speed through the next 18 years after spending so much time on Labor Day weekend!
I gathered that Frank would make a reappearance when Henry was suddenly 31 years old. I'm so glad that he did! I was also happy that Adele finally decided to live her life. And Henry seemed to turn out well-adjusted despite his unusual upbringing. So, this is what I would call a happy ending. Who knew??
Wendy's Rating: ****
I really wasn't sure where the book was headed after they decided to go to Canada. I didn't figure that plan would be successful - hence my assumption that it would be a sad ending - but I wasn't sure how the book would end. I have obviously not seen the movie, but even then (for reasons unknown to me), movies don't always have the same endings as the book does. Quite annoying. (The exception for that is The Horse Whisperer, because I vehemently opposed the ending of the book. Apparently, Robert Redford did too, which is why he changed it for the movie.) Anyway....the end of the book flew by rather quickly with not much detail about Henry's life with his dad. I guess the author needed to speed through the next 18 years after spending so much time on Labor Day weekend!
I gathered that Frank would make a reappearance when Henry was suddenly 31 years old. I'm so glad that he did! I was also happy that Adele finally decided to live her life. And Henry seemed to turn out well-adjusted despite his unusual upbringing. So, this is what I would call a happy ending. Who knew??
Wendy's Rating: ****
Saturday, October 4, 2014
The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman
Well, since historical fiction is my favorite genre - and this is actually history that reads (mostly) like fiction - I liked it a lot. This was a story that I was not familiar with. I am so impressed with the people who aided the Jews during the holocaust - in every country connected with WWII. These people put their lives - and the lives of their families - in danger to save strangers because it was "the right thing to do". Simply amazing - and courageous.
I am not a big fan of authors who write using a ton of descriptive language, which this author does, but the story itself was extremely interesting. I wish we could have learned more about the relationship between Jan and Antonina. They both were extremely brave and they both had their part in helping the Jews, but we don't get any details about their marriage - and they don't seem to communicate with each other about what the other is doing. Obviously they were both stressed, and Jan certainly put himself out there and could have been caught several times, but I never got a good sense of them working "together", other than accepting Jews in their home. Jan certainly seemed hard on Antonina at times, but I guess it's another sign of the times. Women were simply expected to take care of their husbands, their children, and their home - and they didn't seem to get any appreciation from their husbands for doing so. Very similar to Alexander & Tatiana.
Their love for animals was certainly impressive! Not sure I could have all those animals living with me! Obviously, Antonina was a woman not easily rattled. Zoos get such a bad rap because they are essentially caging up wild animals for people's viewing pleasure. Jan & Antonina were genuine animal lovers though - and the perfect people to run a zoo. I think it's interesting that it was the Nazis that "saved' some of the animals by moving them for their own "collection". Of course it was also the Nazis that destroyed the rest.
I loved the pictures in the middle of the book. Pictures always bring a sense of "realness" to a story. That this family saved over 300 people and manged to survive themselves is an amazing story during a very tragic time in history.
Apparently what they say is true: Behind every strong man is a stronger woman! (Or something like that). Because there are certainly a lot of books with "wife" in the title! (The ______'s Wife).
Wendy's Rating: ****
I am not a big fan of authors who write using a ton of descriptive language, which this author does, but the story itself was extremely interesting. I wish we could have learned more about the relationship between Jan and Antonina. They both were extremely brave and they both had their part in helping the Jews, but we don't get any details about their marriage - and they don't seem to communicate with each other about what the other is doing. Obviously they were both stressed, and Jan certainly put himself out there and could have been caught several times, but I never got a good sense of them working "together", other than accepting Jews in their home. Jan certainly seemed hard on Antonina at times, but I guess it's another sign of the times. Women were simply expected to take care of their husbands, their children, and their home - and they didn't seem to get any appreciation from their husbands for doing so. Very similar to Alexander & Tatiana.
Their love for animals was certainly impressive! Not sure I could have all those animals living with me! Obviously, Antonina was a woman not easily rattled. Zoos get such a bad rap because they are essentially caging up wild animals for people's viewing pleasure. Jan & Antonina were genuine animal lovers though - and the perfect people to run a zoo. I think it's interesting that it was the Nazis that "saved' some of the animals by moving them for their own "collection". Of course it was also the Nazis that destroyed the rest.
I loved the pictures in the middle of the book. Pictures always bring a sense of "realness" to a story. That this family saved over 300 people and manged to survive themselves is an amazing story during a very tragic time in history.
Apparently what they say is true: Behind every strong man is a stronger woman! (Or something like that). Because there are certainly a lot of books with "wife" in the title! (The ______'s Wife).
Wendy's Rating: ****
The Summer Garden: A Love Story by Paullina Simons
I definitely think that we didn't need to read about the sex between Alexander & Tatiana in such great detail. I believe that intimacy (sex) is really important in a strong marriage, and I'm guessing that is what the author was emphasizing - but she definitely went overboard with it. It was too much.
Yes, Alexander was a male chauvinist - which wasn't terribly surprising considering the times and that he was raised in Russia. Double standards drive me crazy to this day - and we see a lot of those with Alexander. He was such a jerk about Tatiana working - and yet, women didn't work out of the home back then. It seemed to reflect badly on the men whose wives worked - like they couldn't support their own family, which was their responsibility. And, Tatiana did seem a bit wrapped up in the job - and was knowingly spending long hours with a doctor that was in love with her. So, I did understand Alexander's frustration with that - especially after she accepted the promotion.
I hated that Alexander fooled around with that floozy!! I was incredibly relieved that he didn't actually sleep with her. Passions ran high in the relationship of Alexander & Tatiana - which means when they were happy and hurt & angry. So in the scene where he hits her, which is deplorable, I hated that he expressed his frustration in that way. Tatiana was also driving me a little crazy in that scene too, to be honest. I guess I just wanted Tatiana to LISTEN to him for one minute!! Tough things happen in every marriage, and while I would never, ever condone a man hitting his wife, I wasn't on board with Tatiana pummeling her husband over and over either. There's the double standard in reverse. I do see that as the turning point in their relationship though.
I definitely had a difficult time with the Alexander that came back with Tatiana to the US. He would have been an extremely difficult man to live with. But, military men even today - who have not been beaten and tortured in POW camps like Alexander was - have severe mental health issues like PTSD when they return home to their families. I guess in the end, I think Alexander's character was true to form. Alexander was always tough, from the time he jumped off that train when he was 17 to save himself. He was a fighter, a killer, a leader. He was used to getting his own way; used to people following his orders; used to being in control. If he wasn't all of these things, he never would have survived his teenage years in Russia - much less everything that followed. He could be a jerk - and like I said before, he was certainly a male chauvinist, but he also loved his wife to distraction.
I really think that what makes this story a true love story is that despite it all - the good, the bad, and the ugly - they accepted each other, forgave each other, loved each other no matter what. It's easy to love someone when nothing bad comes your way. If you still love each other after 50+ years of trials - then THAT is true love.
Tatiana was my favorite character throughout the three books. I loved her strength, her tenacity, her intelligence, her patience, and her ability to love. I loved how Alexander used her as a role model for their children - especially when he told Anthony in Vietnam that if his mother could climb out of a bear trap with a broken arm without anyone pushing from behind to help her out, than Anthony could certainly help himself climb that ladder in the POW hut!
So, the format of the book was interesting. I couldn't figure out what the author's point was in dropping back in time occasionally to tell us tidbits about Tatiana, Marina and Saika. Although I liked reading about Tatiana's childhood in Russia, I'm not sure why the author included all of that. Was it just to get to the bear trap story? And what a weird ending to that story! Saika gets rabies, Tatiana & Marina get rescued, and they just leave Saika presumably dead in the woods. What??
The Vikki thing was definitely unexpected to me too! Her love for Anthony was just so inappropriate!! It's hard to wrap my mind around that. And then the tragedy of him falling for Moon Lai. She was so evil. Then he marries Ingrid, whose issues are never fully explained.... Boy, he could have used some pointers about choosing women.
Although I think the author could have cut out the graphic sex scenes, and possibly the Saika story, I did like the Vietnam story. I love that Alexander went to Vietnam to find Anthony. I HATED that Ha Si and Thomas Richter died though. HATED it!! I also liked hearing about their children and grandchildren.
So, while the third book doesn't really compare to the first and second books (mainly because it was less historical fiction and more family drama), I did like it a lot - and I especially like how it ended.
Wendy's Rating: ****1/2
Yes, Alexander was a male chauvinist - which wasn't terribly surprising considering the times and that he was raised in Russia. Double standards drive me crazy to this day - and we see a lot of those with Alexander. He was such a jerk about Tatiana working - and yet, women didn't work out of the home back then. It seemed to reflect badly on the men whose wives worked - like they couldn't support their own family, which was their responsibility. And, Tatiana did seem a bit wrapped up in the job - and was knowingly spending long hours with a doctor that was in love with her. So, I did understand Alexander's frustration with that - especially after she accepted the promotion.
I hated that Alexander fooled around with that floozy!! I was incredibly relieved that he didn't actually sleep with her. Passions ran high in the relationship of Alexander & Tatiana - which means when they were happy and hurt & angry. So in the scene where he hits her, which is deplorable, I hated that he expressed his frustration in that way. Tatiana was also driving me a little crazy in that scene too, to be honest. I guess I just wanted Tatiana to LISTEN to him for one minute!! Tough things happen in every marriage, and while I would never, ever condone a man hitting his wife, I wasn't on board with Tatiana pummeling her husband over and over either. There's the double standard in reverse. I do see that as the turning point in their relationship though.
I definitely had a difficult time with the Alexander that came back with Tatiana to the US. He would have been an extremely difficult man to live with. But, military men even today - who have not been beaten and tortured in POW camps like Alexander was - have severe mental health issues like PTSD when they return home to their families. I guess in the end, I think Alexander's character was true to form. Alexander was always tough, from the time he jumped off that train when he was 17 to save himself. He was a fighter, a killer, a leader. He was used to getting his own way; used to people following his orders; used to being in control. If he wasn't all of these things, he never would have survived his teenage years in Russia - much less everything that followed. He could be a jerk - and like I said before, he was certainly a male chauvinist, but he also loved his wife to distraction.
I really think that what makes this story a true love story is that despite it all - the good, the bad, and the ugly - they accepted each other, forgave each other, loved each other no matter what. It's easy to love someone when nothing bad comes your way. If you still love each other after 50+ years of trials - then THAT is true love.
Tatiana was my favorite character throughout the three books. I loved her strength, her tenacity, her intelligence, her patience, and her ability to love. I loved how Alexander used her as a role model for their children - especially when he told Anthony in Vietnam that if his mother could climb out of a bear trap with a broken arm without anyone pushing from behind to help her out, than Anthony could certainly help himself climb that ladder in the POW hut!
So, the format of the book was interesting. I couldn't figure out what the author's point was in dropping back in time occasionally to tell us tidbits about Tatiana, Marina and Saika. Although I liked reading about Tatiana's childhood in Russia, I'm not sure why the author included all of that. Was it just to get to the bear trap story? And what a weird ending to that story! Saika gets rabies, Tatiana & Marina get rescued, and they just leave Saika presumably dead in the woods. What??
The Vikki thing was definitely unexpected to me too! Her love for Anthony was just so inappropriate!! It's hard to wrap my mind around that. And then the tragedy of him falling for Moon Lai. She was so evil. Then he marries Ingrid, whose issues are never fully explained.... Boy, he could have used some pointers about choosing women.
Although I think the author could have cut out the graphic sex scenes, and possibly the Saika story, I did like the Vietnam story. I love that Alexander went to Vietnam to find Anthony. I HATED that Ha Si and Thomas Richter died though. HATED it!! I also liked hearing about their children and grandchildren.
So, while the third book doesn't really compare to the first and second books (mainly because it was less historical fiction and more family drama), I did like it a lot - and I especially like how it ended.
Wendy's Rating: ****1/2
The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley
This was definitely my least favorite book Kearsley has written; the characters weren't developed nearly to the depth I would have liked or expected; the book should have been titled "The Sentinel" - although I get that it's not a very romantic title; there was no "building" of a romance between David & Verity; all of the unlikeable characters (Brian, Adrian) became likable at the end, except for Fabia, who I really didn't know or care about anyway; and it was all so predictable and obvious. I didn't find it slow; I just found it lacking in depth on all levels.
I DID like David, Peter, Nancy, Robbie - and for the most part Verity, although the parts where Verity was "frightened" by a presence, or a shadow, or a movement, just didn't seem scary or nerve-wracking to me. There wasn't enough suspense built up or something. So I ended up just being annoyed at Verity. Oh, and people went from not believing Peter to trying to talk to the Sentinel in a field at night - in Latin! I don't know....it just seemed so underdeveloped.
And the whole Sentinel and Claudia thing....just wasn't enough there. Fabia wanting to destroy Peter....because her dad committed suicide? Because Peter loved Nancy? Because David was Peter's son? Because.....?
Ok, I am probably sounding a bit harsh. What did I like? Well, I think it's interesting that the Scots use different words than the English in conversation. I find the whole "second sight" thing interesting, although I don't know what to make of it. It was a fast read - fortunately, because I haven't had any time to read lately!
Wendy's Rating: ***
I DID like David, Peter, Nancy, Robbie - and for the most part Verity, although the parts where Verity was "frightened" by a presence, or a shadow, or a movement, just didn't seem scary or nerve-wracking to me. There wasn't enough suspense built up or something. So I ended up just being annoyed at Verity. Oh, and people went from not believing Peter to trying to talk to the Sentinel in a field at night - in Latin! I don't know....it just seemed so underdeveloped.
And the whole Sentinel and Claudia thing....just wasn't enough there. Fabia wanting to destroy Peter....because her dad committed suicide? Because Peter loved Nancy? Because David was Peter's son? Because.....?
Ok, I am probably sounding a bit harsh. What did I like? Well, I think it's interesting that the Scots use different words than the English in conversation. I find the whole "second sight" thing interesting, although I don't know what to make of it. It was a fast read - fortunately, because I haven't had any time to read lately!
Wendy's Rating: ***
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling)
I am definitely a fan of Robert Galbraith/JK Rowling! Apparently, there is nothing that she writes that I don't like. It's amazing to me that one author can create an entire "world" with the Harry Potter series, write a well-written but depressing novel set in England for adults, and now develop a crime fiction series with a flawed but entertaining PI. Very eclectic.
I am a fan of mystery novels and I try to keep up with all my favorite mystery series. I really liked both Comoran Strike and Robin. I actually didn't know who murdered Lula until it was spelled out for me. I love how all of the separate "pieces of the puzzle" were brought together in the end - even some things that I had forgotten to wonder about (like the water on the floor that the security guard, Wilson, slipped on; the black gloves that were left for Macc; the bags with the take-out lining; the blue stationary paper that ended up being from Lady Bristow's desk; Lula calling Tony & Evan repeatedly on the day she died...etc). I loved how Strike was so detail-oriented. (And so was JKR!)
I disliked Uncle Tony for most of the novel - and then come to find out that he was the one we should have been rooting for instead of John. Who knew? ;) Yes, Tony had lots of flaws - and he shouldn't have covered up John's original murder - but he was trying to help his family. I just didn't see that coming.
Still not quite sure what the title means....? Is it referring to the repeated phone calls Lula made to Tony and Evan that went unanswered? Is it referring to her using Rochelle's phone (that she bought her) to track down her biological family without the press knowing? Apparently, Guy was the only person that really called her Cuckoo on a regular basis.
As I already made clear....this is one of my favorite authors!
Wendy's Rating: ****
I am a fan of mystery novels and I try to keep up with all my favorite mystery series. I really liked both Comoran Strike and Robin. I actually didn't know who murdered Lula until it was spelled out for me. I love how all of the separate "pieces of the puzzle" were brought together in the end - even some things that I had forgotten to wonder about (like the water on the floor that the security guard, Wilson, slipped on; the black gloves that were left for Macc; the bags with the take-out lining; the blue stationary paper that ended up being from Lady Bristow's desk; Lula calling Tony & Evan repeatedly on the day she died...etc). I loved how Strike was so detail-oriented. (And so was JKR!)
I disliked Uncle Tony for most of the novel - and then come to find out that he was the one we should have been rooting for instead of John. Who knew? ;) Yes, Tony had lots of flaws - and he shouldn't have covered up John's original murder - but he was trying to help his family. I just didn't see that coming.
Still not quite sure what the title means....? Is it referring to the repeated phone calls Lula made to Tony and Evan that went unanswered? Is it referring to her using Rochelle's phone (that she bought her) to track down her biological family without the press knowing? Apparently, Guy was the only person that really called her Cuckoo on a regular basis.
As I already made clear....this is one of my favorite authors!
Wendy's Rating: ****
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
This is the second novel that I have read by this author, and she doesn't disappoint. She presents issues of morality in such a way that even though you know what "the right thing to do" is, you understand why the characters choose to do the "wrong thing". She is similar to Jodi Picoult in this, although less heavy-handed in the writing of it.
I liked how the stories of Rachel, Tess and Cecilia were interwoven. I have to admit though that initially, every time I picked up the book again after leaving it for awhile, I had to review whose story was whose because I kept getting them confused. Also, I didn't have a good sense of their age differences until the end - although the author does explain this throughout the book.
After Cecelia read John-Paul's letter, I desperately wanted them to go to the police because I was afraid that Rachel was going to harm Connor! Also, it would have been "the right thing to do". I understood completely why they didn't do that though - even though I knew something bad would happen as a result of it. So, in the end, John-Paul's secret harmed their daughter instead of Connor. Justice served?? Then, Rachel keeps John-Paul's secret too! Guilt?? And then there are the secrets between Tess and Felicity and Will.... It's interesting that Felicity and Will "come clean" about their feelings for each other - but don't actually commit adultery in the physical sense - the result of which is Tess sleeping (joyfully) with Connor - and possibly getting pregnant by him - but she keeps her secret. Will's truth hurt Tess. Tess never shares her secret - and she ends up having a successful marriage with Will. So, is it always BEST to tell the truth?
I enjoyed the Epilogue very much. We each make choices every single day that could steer us off into a different direction in our life. It was interesting to read about the "what ifs" in the Epilogue. So many things could have been different if only.... I also liked the sharing of secrets. I guess none of us are "open books", even if we present ourselves that way.
Very enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to reading her other two novels!
Wendy's Rating: ****
I liked how the stories of Rachel, Tess and Cecilia were interwoven. I have to admit though that initially, every time I picked up the book again after leaving it for awhile, I had to review whose story was whose because I kept getting them confused. Also, I didn't have a good sense of their age differences until the end - although the author does explain this throughout the book.
After Cecelia read John-Paul's letter, I desperately wanted them to go to the police because I was afraid that Rachel was going to harm Connor! Also, it would have been "the right thing to do". I understood completely why they didn't do that though - even though I knew something bad would happen as a result of it. So, in the end, John-Paul's secret harmed their daughter instead of Connor. Justice served?? Then, Rachel keeps John-Paul's secret too! Guilt?? And then there are the secrets between Tess and Felicity and Will.... It's interesting that Felicity and Will "come clean" about their feelings for each other - but don't actually commit adultery in the physical sense - the result of which is Tess sleeping (joyfully) with Connor - and possibly getting pregnant by him - but she keeps her secret. Will's truth hurt Tess. Tess never shares her secret - and she ends up having a successful marriage with Will. So, is it always BEST to tell the truth?
I enjoyed the Epilogue very much. We each make choices every single day that could steer us off into a different direction in our life. It was interesting to read about the "what ifs" in the Epilogue. So many things could have been different if only.... I also liked the sharing of secrets. I guess none of us are "open books", even if we present ourselves that way.
Very enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to reading her other two novels!
Wendy's Rating: ****
Tatiana and Alexander: A Novel by Paullina Simons
Wow! I don't know if I could have handled one more "escape plan" gone wrong!! I actually had to put the book down for awhile after the last "escape" because I couldn't bear to have Alexander captured and tortured one more time. Those Russians are some seriously brutal people.
I like the way this book was organized. Even though Tatiana and Alexander were separated - and I mean REALLY separated - for the majority of the book, it was still their love story. Whenever Alexander or Tatiana got close to "being" with someone else I thought, "no, no, no, don't do it!" I was so relieved when Edward talked Tatiana out of going to Europe to search for Alexander when Anthony was just a baby - and yet when she FINALLY remembered what "Orbeli" signified (which took her forever, in my opinion) - I was thinking "GO! Go to Europe and find Alexander!"
The supporting characters in the book are great. They are far from perfect, but they are real. They each helped Alexander or Tatiana to the best of their ability - nothing more and nothing less. No one performed miracles, and sometimes they were downright crabby about what was being asked of them. I wasn't a big fan of Vikki initially, but she grew on me - just like she seemed to grow on Tatiana. The first time Tatiana thought about leaving her baby with Vikki I was thinking she was out of her mind. Then when she DID leave Anthony with Vikki I thought "yeah, that's a good choice". ;) Character development.
I liked how the author reminded us of Tatiana and Alexander's relationship in Russia - and the hardships they both endured - without rehashing everything. I loved reading about the Barrington's history. It's hard to imagine someone giving up America for communist Russia, but obviously the ideal of communism was a real thing, certainly then and even now, to some people. It was interesting to me though that even though the Barringtons left America to embrace communism, they actually didn't put their foot where their mouth was by living a communal life. Tatiana was much more accomplished at that when she was starving to death in Leningrad than the Barringtons ever were.
I'm finding it hard to believe that the third book is all about Tatiana and Alexander living happily together in New York or Arizona..... Not sure where this story is headed. I love it though. The last 100 pages of this book were incredibly fast-paced and nerve-wracking. So glad it ended the way it did!
I am a big fan of this author. I think it is interesting - and validating - that she was born in Leningrad and immigrated to the US. I can't wait to read "The Summer Garden". :)
Wendy's Rating: *****
I like the way this book was organized. Even though Tatiana and Alexander were separated - and I mean REALLY separated - for the majority of the book, it was still their love story. Whenever Alexander or Tatiana got close to "being" with someone else I thought, "no, no, no, don't do it!" I was so relieved when Edward talked Tatiana out of going to Europe to search for Alexander when Anthony was just a baby - and yet when she FINALLY remembered what "Orbeli" signified (which took her forever, in my opinion) - I was thinking "GO! Go to Europe and find Alexander!"
The supporting characters in the book are great. They are far from perfect, but they are real. They each helped Alexander or Tatiana to the best of their ability - nothing more and nothing less. No one performed miracles, and sometimes they were downright crabby about what was being asked of them. I wasn't a big fan of Vikki initially, but she grew on me - just like she seemed to grow on Tatiana. The first time Tatiana thought about leaving her baby with Vikki I was thinking she was out of her mind. Then when she DID leave Anthony with Vikki I thought "yeah, that's a good choice". ;) Character development.
I liked how the author reminded us of Tatiana and Alexander's relationship in Russia - and the hardships they both endured - without rehashing everything. I loved reading about the Barrington's history. It's hard to imagine someone giving up America for communist Russia, but obviously the ideal of communism was a real thing, certainly then and even now, to some people. It was interesting to me though that even though the Barringtons left America to embrace communism, they actually didn't put their foot where their mouth was by living a communal life. Tatiana was much more accomplished at that when she was starving to death in Leningrad than the Barringtons ever were.
I'm finding it hard to believe that the third book is all about Tatiana and Alexander living happily together in New York or Arizona..... Not sure where this story is headed. I love it though. The last 100 pages of this book were incredibly fast-paced and nerve-wracking. So glad it ended the way it did!
I am a big fan of this author. I think it is interesting - and validating - that she was born in Leningrad and immigrated to the US. I can't wait to read "The Summer Garden". :)
Wendy's Rating: *****
A Discovery of Witches (Trilogy) by Deborah Harkness
This is one of those books that after I finished reading it I was dying of curiosity of what other readers thought of it. I had a feeling that there would be mixed reviews - and the readers didn't disappoint! Wow! Either 5 stars or 1 star. So, what did I think? I liked it. People were comparing it to the Twilight series, which is an obvious comparison. I actually found this book to be a lot more detailed and based in history. I wasn't at all surprised when I found out this author usually writes history books and that this is her first fiction novel.
I liked the main characters. I thought that Matthew and Diana's relationship developed fast - but when you know it's love, well, it's love. Also, it helped me to learn later on that their relationship seemed to be predetermined. I also like that fact that this story is not just about Matthew and Diana - and their mixed-creature relationship - but that there is a bigger picture.
I did occasionally get confused about who everyone was. There are so many characters! Throw in the scientific stuff - and the good witches/bad witches; good vampires/bad vampires; and daemons, who seemed to be mostly good - along with the historical characters and book references..... It's a lot of information to keep straight. And I thought it was weird that some humans knew there were witches and vampires, and accepted this with no worries, but most humans didn't know about them.....?
Diana was less annoying to me than Bella was, which is a good thing! Once I found out that Diana was spellbound by her parents, I could accept how inept she was about her magic. ;) Some things still bugged me about her though, like when she referred to Marcus as her "son" about 30 seconds after she "bonded" (read: "married") with Matthew. And then when he gave her the ring at the end she commented that she and Matthew were now "...married in the eyes of vampires and according to church law." Said the witch to the vampire. Not sure what the church has to say about their relationship!!
With all that being said, I was intrigued by the book and I would certainly finish the trilogy. I turned on the TV last night to watch my late night shows and was surprised to see they were running the Twilight movies as a marathon. I thought that was funny considering I just read this book. And by the way, as much as I loved Edward in the books - I definitely have the hots for Jacob in the movies!! ;) Hands down, he was my favorite character in the movies!
Wendy's Rating: ****
I liked the main characters. I thought that Matthew and Diana's relationship developed fast - but when you know it's love, well, it's love. Also, it helped me to learn later on that their relationship seemed to be predetermined. I also like that fact that this story is not just about Matthew and Diana - and their mixed-creature relationship - but that there is a bigger picture.
I did occasionally get confused about who everyone was. There are so many characters! Throw in the scientific stuff - and the good witches/bad witches; good vampires/bad vampires; and daemons, who seemed to be mostly good - along with the historical characters and book references..... It's a lot of information to keep straight. And I thought it was weird that some humans knew there were witches and vampires, and accepted this with no worries, but most humans didn't know about them.....?
Diana was less annoying to me than Bella was, which is a good thing! Once I found out that Diana was spellbound by her parents, I could accept how inept she was about her magic. ;) Some things still bugged me about her though, like when she referred to Marcus as her "son" about 30 seconds after she "bonded" (read: "married") with Matthew. And then when he gave her the ring at the end she commented that she and Matthew were now "...married in the eyes of vampires and according to church law." Said the witch to the vampire. Not sure what the church has to say about their relationship!!
With all that being said, I was intrigued by the book and I would certainly finish the trilogy. I turned on the TV last night to watch my late night shows and was surprised to see they were running the Twilight movies as a marathon. I thought that was funny considering I just read this book. And by the way, as much as I loved Edward in the books - I definitely have the hots for Jacob in the movies!! ;) Hands down, he was my favorite character in the movies!
Wendy's Rating: ****
The Aviators Wife by Melanie Benjamin
This book was very well-written and a wonderful blend of fact and fiction. As I was reading the chapter about Charlie's kidnapping, I had to stop and google it online to see if there were any more details about it. The author did a great job of sticking to the facts and giving us a great overview of what happened. What a tragic event. The author said in her notes that Charles and Anne were hounded by the press much like Princess Diana was - and very few people other than them. What a nightmare life. I actually understand why Charles went to such lengths to protect his family from the world. A side note about Charlie's abduction and murder though: I don't agree AT ALL about Charles' decision to keep Charlie's life and death a secret from their other children!! What was he thinking? They were eventually going to find out - and what an awful way to find out: at school from a history book!! Charles and Anne should have made Charlie a part of their lives from the get-go.
Charles......It seems like he may have had Asperger's. He was a genius about machines and aviation specifically; he could only see things his way; he did not understand "emotion". As far as his upbringing being a part of it too, it probably was. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree..... People that are that focused on something can be so successful at that one thing, yet fail in so many other ways of being "human". I know that Anne loved Charles; I wasn't convinced initially that Charles loved Anne. She was a means to an end. She was his navigator, his wife (at his beck and call), the mother of his children. She completed the picture of 'family" that he envisioned for himself. With that being said, I think he loved Anne the best way that Charles could have ever loved anyone. I just don't believe that Charles could have done any better considering his limitations with emotion, feelings, love, empathy. (Especially since this was the 1920-1960's, when men were expected to be the provider and women the housewife).
I believe that Anne did forgive Charles. I know that she didn't actually say the words at the end when he asked for her forgiveness. I don't think I would have either, in her shoes. Charles simply didn't deserve to hear those exact words. BUT, her last words to Charles were "I love you", which says enough - especially to a man who said and shared so little. They betrayed each other (in their marriage vows) and they each betrayed themselves. Charles never let himself properly grieve the death of their son - and his inability to bring Charlie home to Anne; Anne lived her life for Charles, even though it went against who she was and what she believed. I was very happy that Anne found love and a companion in Dana.
I would have loved to know more about Anne's siblings: Dwight's illness; Elizabeth's relationship with Connie, her illness, her marriage to Aubrey; Con's marriage to Aubrey. As far as that goes, I would like to know more about Charles & Anne's children! I guess including all of that would have made the book triple in size!
My favorite passage in the entire book was something that Anne's mom said to her before she died. "You need to...stop looking for heroes, Anne. Only the weak need...heroes...and heroes need...those around them to remain weak. You're...not weak." What a great summation! I am so glad that in the end, Anne found her strength. She didn't need a hero. She needed to believe in herself.
Great book!
Wendy's Rating: *****
Charles......It seems like he may have had Asperger's. He was a genius about machines and aviation specifically; he could only see things his way; he did not understand "emotion". As far as his upbringing being a part of it too, it probably was. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree..... People that are that focused on something can be so successful at that one thing, yet fail in so many other ways of being "human". I know that Anne loved Charles; I wasn't convinced initially that Charles loved Anne. She was a means to an end. She was his navigator, his wife (at his beck and call), the mother of his children. She completed the picture of 'family" that he envisioned for himself. With that being said, I think he loved Anne the best way that Charles could have ever loved anyone. I just don't believe that Charles could have done any better considering his limitations with emotion, feelings, love, empathy. (Especially since this was the 1920-1960's, when men were expected to be the provider and women the housewife).
I believe that Anne did forgive Charles. I know that she didn't actually say the words at the end when he asked for her forgiveness. I don't think I would have either, in her shoes. Charles simply didn't deserve to hear those exact words. BUT, her last words to Charles were "I love you", which says enough - especially to a man who said and shared so little. They betrayed each other (in their marriage vows) and they each betrayed themselves. Charles never let himself properly grieve the death of their son - and his inability to bring Charlie home to Anne; Anne lived her life for Charles, even though it went against who she was and what she believed. I was very happy that Anne found love and a companion in Dana.
I would have loved to know more about Anne's siblings: Dwight's illness; Elizabeth's relationship with Connie, her illness, her marriage to Aubrey; Con's marriage to Aubrey. As far as that goes, I would like to know more about Charles & Anne's children! I guess including all of that would have made the book triple in size!
My favorite passage in the entire book was something that Anne's mom said to her before she died. "You need to...stop looking for heroes, Anne. Only the weak need...heroes...and heroes need...those around them to remain weak. You're...not weak." What a great summation! I am so glad that in the end, Anne found her strength. She didn't need a hero. She needed to believe in herself.
Great book!
Wendy's Rating: *****
Where'd You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple
I enjoyed this read, simply because it was laugh-out-loud funny at times - especially earlier on in the story. I loved that it poked fun at the elite, privileged people: private school children, helicopter parents. Bernadette was the square peg in the round hole. Her relationship with Audrey Griffin was outrageous. Even though both Bernadette and Audrey were being ridiculous, the only time I was really annoyed was when Audrey blamed Bernadette for the mudslide which destroyed her home - AND Bernadette taking responsibility for it!! If was, after all, Audrey who forced Bernadette to pay to have the vines removed from her property, which in turn caused the mudslide. Even though the book was satirical in nature, that still bugged me! Audrey redeemed herself on that one though - by admitting it was her fault and by helping Bernadette "escape" before Elgin had her committed.
I didn't know what to think of Bernadette's "virtual assistant" at first. I kept thinking, "do things like that actually exist?" What a time saver that would be! ;) All for $30/month! I love that Manjula Kapoor was actually the Russian Mob. There's a twist I didn't expect. I completely understood Elgin's concern for his wife. At that point I was thinking Bernadette had some serious mental health issues and needed help.
What irritated me was that Bernadette squandered her obvious talent as an architect. For 20 years she basically pouted about her brilliant home being destroyed (in California after she sold it). I think that true artists (like her) would have continued to "create" instead of shutting down completely, like she did. I loved that at the end (in Antarctica) she got back to doing what she loved - and what she was brilliant at.
Soo-Lin Lee-Segal was simply delusional! She took advantage of Elgin at a vulnerable moment and then kept acting like they were in love. So, I loved that she used her own "therapy" analysis to talk herself through her delusions and make herself face the truth. That was HER redeeming quality. Unfortunately, Elgin and Bernadette will have to pay for his moment of weakness - both financially and emotionally.
This was a book that you can't take too seriously, which I liked as a change of pace. I didn't understand all of it though. If I had, I would probably have found the satire even funnier. I have never heard of Choate or TEDTalks. I don't know who Balakrishna is, so I don't know the significance of Bee's name. But all in all, I enjoyed it.
Wendy's Rating: ***1/2
I didn't know what to think of Bernadette's "virtual assistant" at first. I kept thinking, "do things like that actually exist?" What a time saver that would be! ;) All for $30/month! I love that Manjula Kapoor was actually the Russian Mob. There's a twist I didn't expect. I completely understood Elgin's concern for his wife. At that point I was thinking Bernadette had some serious mental health issues and needed help.
What irritated me was that Bernadette squandered her obvious talent as an architect. For 20 years she basically pouted about her brilliant home being destroyed (in California after she sold it). I think that true artists (like her) would have continued to "create" instead of shutting down completely, like she did. I loved that at the end (in Antarctica) she got back to doing what she loved - and what she was brilliant at.
Soo-Lin Lee-Segal was simply delusional! She took advantage of Elgin at a vulnerable moment and then kept acting like they were in love. So, I loved that she used her own "therapy" analysis to talk herself through her delusions and make herself face the truth. That was HER redeeming quality. Unfortunately, Elgin and Bernadette will have to pay for his moment of weakness - both financially and emotionally.
This was a book that you can't take too seriously, which I liked as a change of pace. I didn't understand all of it though. If I had, I would probably have found the satire even funnier. I have never heard of Choate or TEDTalks. I don't know who Balakrishna is, so I don't know the significance of Bee's name. But all in all, I enjoyed it.
Wendy's Rating: ***1/2
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
I loved this book. I loved the story. I loved the characters. Russia is such an interesting country, with such an interesting history. I have read books that were set during the Russian Revolution (Bolsheviks); I have read books specifically about Tsar Nicholas and his family; but I have never read anything about the 900-day siege of Leningrad. The Russians certainly understand "suffering"! It's always amazes me what people can live through. It's incredible that anyone associated with World War II survived, considering the cold, the starvation, the illnesses, the injuries. Talk about survival of the fittest.
I am a sucker for a great love story - and I really loved the relationship between Alexander and Tatiana. Tatiana is a determined, stubborn woman who knows her own mind - which is ironic because she lets her family walk all over her. She obviously has a great gift for loving others, no matter what. In the beginning I really didn't think there could be a plausible explanation why Alexander couldn't let Dimitri know about his feelings for Tatiana. I understood why Tatiana had to back off from Alexander because of the whole sister-thing. After Alexander told Tatiana who he really was, and what Dimitri had done for him, and realized how jealous Dimitri was of Alexander, I thought "They are never going to get rid of him!" Dimitri was so selfish and insecure and needy. And what a coward!! He just kept coming back and coming back and coming back. I didn't think he would ever die!
I was hoping Tatiana would leave Russia for Alexander - and I kept waiting for someone to suggest that! They spent so much time agonizing over how to survive in Russia - and how to save Tatiana from the Russians - and how to save Alexander from the Russians. I was thrilled when Dr. Sayers came along (and so unhappy about his early demise). What a relief when Tatiana FINALLY did something that Alexander asked her to! I don't believe for a minute that she believes he is dead. I'm just wondering what will happen next.... Will Alexander make it to America? Will Tatiana return to Russia?
I thought it was interesting that Alexander could not accept the way that Tatiana's family treated her (hitting her, yelling at her, blaming her), but Tatiana and her family acted like HE was the one out-of-line whenever he defended her. It was so "American" of him! I loved Alexander all the more for standing up for Tatiana in front of her family.
Great story! I hope the next two books in the trilogy are as good as this one.
Wendy's Rating: *****
I am a sucker for a great love story - and I really loved the relationship between Alexander and Tatiana. Tatiana is a determined, stubborn woman who knows her own mind - which is ironic because she lets her family walk all over her. She obviously has a great gift for loving others, no matter what. In the beginning I really didn't think there could be a plausible explanation why Alexander couldn't let Dimitri know about his feelings for Tatiana. I understood why Tatiana had to back off from Alexander because of the whole sister-thing. After Alexander told Tatiana who he really was, and what Dimitri had done for him, and realized how jealous Dimitri was of Alexander, I thought "They are never going to get rid of him!" Dimitri was so selfish and insecure and needy. And what a coward!! He just kept coming back and coming back and coming back. I didn't think he would ever die!
I was hoping Tatiana would leave Russia for Alexander - and I kept waiting for someone to suggest that! They spent so much time agonizing over how to survive in Russia - and how to save Tatiana from the Russians - and how to save Alexander from the Russians. I was thrilled when Dr. Sayers came along (and so unhappy about his early demise). What a relief when Tatiana FINALLY did something that Alexander asked her to! I don't believe for a minute that she believes he is dead. I'm just wondering what will happen next.... Will Alexander make it to America? Will Tatiana return to Russia?
I thought it was interesting that Alexander could not accept the way that Tatiana's family treated her (hitting her, yelling at her, blaming her), but Tatiana and her family acted like HE was the one out-of-line whenever he defended her. It was so "American" of him! I loved Alexander all the more for standing up for Tatiana in front of her family.
Great story! I hope the next two books in the trilogy are as good as this one.
Wendy's Rating: *****
The Painted Girls by Cathy Marie Buchanan
Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and I love ballet, so this book was right up my alley. The lives of these three young girls were heartbreaking. I disliked their mother intensely. I looked up Absinthe because I wasn't exactly sure what it was. It was extremely popular in France in the mid-late 1800's. It was favored by all the social classes, from the wealthy bourgeoisie to the poor artists and working class people. It was a distilled, highly alcoholic beverage; an anise-flavoured spirit (not a liqueur). It was normally diluted with water before drinking. So, if the girls' mom was drinking it right out of the bottle every day, I can see why she was such a terrible mother. At one time it was considered a "dangerously addictive psychoactive drug" because of the chemical compound "thujone", and in 1915 it was banned in the US and much of Europe, including France.
I felt compassion for the three girls though. Antoinette and Marie were both incredibly strong girls, and they did what they felt they had to do to survive. Yes, Antoinette was blindsided by the ultimate loser, Emile Abadie, for too long, but that was her way of "surviving" a desperate life. I felt sorry for her. She was so lost - and she really believed in Abadie. She also didn't have the same talent at ballet that her two younger sisters had, which I'm sure was heartbreaking to her. My favorite character was Marie though, and she's the one I felt bad for even at the end of the book. I was sad that her dream of dancing at the Opera was never realized to fruition because of circumstances brought on by others (Antoinette and their mother, mainly). She was obviously a very talented ballerina. Although I like that she married the baker's son, who obviously adored her, I feel like she "settled". Maybe that ended up being what was right for her, but it still made me sad. Charlotte had it all: beauty and talent. Yes, she was a spoiled brat for awhile - but she was only 10!!
I looked at the sculpture "The Little Dancer Aged 14" online. The author said she used the critics responses mostly verbatim from the time the wax figure was first presented to the public. I honestly don't think that Marie was as ugly as they saw her - and she certainly doesn't appear "beast-like". Goodness, I'm surprised that Marie had any self-esteem left after hearing what people said about her looks!! This sculpture and Degas' drawings made Degas an esteemed artist, but I wonder if he ever thought about what he was doing to his "model". Artists are always into their own work - not people's feelings.
The whole "abonnes" thing - which actually translates to "subscriber" in English - reminds me of The Name of the Wind, when the artists are supported in their art by others. When we were reading that book, I remember wondering if there were any "favors" that were expected to be given in return for their "sponsorship". In this book, it was obvious that at least some of the abonnes expected sexual favors. Again, I felt sad that Marie had to endure Monsieur Lefebvre's creepiness in order to support her family.
I was extremely relieved that the three girls managed to make their own way in life, despite their mother. Good riddance to her!! Antoinette found her talent (sewing); Marie found peace; and Charlotte excelled as a ballerina. Very interesting story. I will never look at a Degas drawing again without thinking of this book!
Wendy's Rating: *****
I felt compassion for the three girls though. Antoinette and Marie were both incredibly strong girls, and they did what they felt they had to do to survive. Yes, Antoinette was blindsided by the ultimate loser, Emile Abadie, for too long, but that was her way of "surviving" a desperate life. I felt sorry for her. She was so lost - and she really believed in Abadie. She also didn't have the same talent at ballet that her two younger sisters had, which I'm sure was heartbreaking to her. My favorite character was Marie though, and she's the one I felt bad for even at the end of the book. I was sad that her dream of dancing at the Opera was never realized to fruition because of circumstances brought on by others (Antoinette and their mother, mainly). She was obviously a very talented ballerina. Although I like that she married the baker's son, who obviously adored her, I feel like she "settled". Maybe that ended up being what was right for her, but it still made me sad. Charlotte had it all: beauty and talent. Yes, she was a spoiled brat for awhile - but she was only 10!!
I looked at the sculpture "The Little Dancer Aged 14" online. The author said she used the critics responses mostly verbatim from the time the wax figure was first presented to the public. I honestly don't think that Marie was as ugly as they saw her - and she certainly doesn't appear "beast-like". Goodness, I'm surprised that Marie had any self-esteem left after hearing what people said about her looks!! This sculpture and Degas' drawings made Degas an esteemed artist, but I wonder if he ever thought about what he was doing to his "model". Artists are always into their own work - not people's feelings.
The whole "abonnes" thing - which actually translates to "subscriber" in English - reminds me of The Name of the Wind, when the artists are supported in their art by others. When we were reading that book, I remember wondering if there were any "favors" that were expected to be given in return for their "sponsorship". In this book, it was obvious that at least some of the abonnes expected sexual favors. Again, I felt sad that Marie had to endure Monsieur Lefebvre's creepiness in order to support her family.
I was extremely relieved that the three girls managed to make their own way in life, despite their mother. Good riddance to her!! Antoinette found her talent (sewing); Marie found peace; and Charlotte excelled as a ballerina. Very interesting story. I will never look at a Degas drawing again without thinking of this book!
Wendy's Rating: *****
Rapture by Lauren Kate
Alrighty then. I just had an enjoyable time reading blog posts about Torment and Passion. I have to say that the author did manage to answer a lot of my questions in the end. She did NOT answer my questions about Cam though! So, Luce and Cam have this connection. It's talked about in all four books. We read about Cam's "lost love"; Cam and Luce have another "moment" in the cave when Luce is putting on her robe and Cam desperately wants Luce to trust him because he tells her "in order for you to do what you need to do, you can't see me as the enemy." So I keep waiting and waiting for what this all means..... I'm still waiting. For awhile I thought that Cam was actually connected to Lucifer - or maybe he was Lucifer - or he was Luce's first love - something. Instead, on the last page of the book, Shelby asks if anyone has heard from Cam. Everyone goes quiet, and then the subject is changed. What?? Seriously, did I miss something here?
As I stated in earlier blogs about this series, I like the premise of this story: the whole Satan vs. God theme - with good triumphing over evil in the end - but I still don't like that Luce and Daniel choose mortal love over God's love. A lifetime of sitting in church worshipping God prevents me from accepting this I guess. I think it sends the wrong message to all the teens reading this series. I believe that God is Love, so I wish the author would NOT have had these two fallen angels so blatantly spit in the face of God, so to speak, and choose each other over him.
I have read enough teen fiction now to know that authors don't have to be so repetitive to get their message across. If I hear one more time how much Daniel and Luce love each other..... Honestly. WE GET IT. I was really hoping that Cam would come in a shake things up a bit - but I was sorely disappointed.
This wasn't a bad read, but it was certainly no "Hunger Games" or "Divergent"!
Wendy's Rating: ***
As I stated in earlier blogs about this series, I like the premise of this story: the whole Satan vs. God theme - with good triumphing over evil in the end - but I still don't like that Luce and Daniel choose mortal love over God's love. A lifetime of sitting in church worshipping God prevents me from accepting this I guess. I think it sends the wrong message to all the teens reading this series. I believe that God is Love, so I wish the author would NOT have had these two fallen angels so blatantly spit in the face of God, so to speak, and choose each other over him.
I have read enough teen fiction now to know that authors don't have to be so repetitive to get their message across. If I hear one more time how much Daniel and Luce love each other..... Honestly. WE GET IT. I was really hoping that Cam would come in a shake things up a bit - but I was sorely disappointed.
This wasn't a bad read, but it was certainly no "Hunger Games" or "Divergent"!
Wendy's Rating: ***
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