Beautiful writing! I felt like Arthur & Narin's storylines were more riveting. The modern storyline just seemed to bog down the book for me. A sad, soBeautiful writing! I felt like Arthur & Narin's storylines were more riveting. The modern storyline just seemed to bog down the book for me. A sad, somewhat contemplative story. ...more
LOVED it! Beautiful, heartbreaking & funny. Unforgettable story with just enough humor, gross 7th grade boy stuff & myths from ancient lands to entertLOVED it! Beautiful, heartbreaking & funny. Unforgettable story with just enough humor, gross 7th grade boy stuff & myths from ancient lands to entertain junior high kids, and all the while saturated with truth of God’s grace, the immigrant experience, and the secrets of overcoming strength—as seen in Daniel’s hero mother. A must-read for my junior high classes! ...more
I’ve tried several of Isabel Allende’s audiobooks & they remind me of documentary summaries of the various character’s lives. In this story, I found mI’ve tried several of Isabel Allende’s audiobooks & they remind me of documentary summaries of the various character’s lives. In this story, I found myself curious about what the characters would do & what consequences their actions would have, but did not care greatly for any of them. (Perhaps because I read this right after an award-winning YA novel that greatly touched me.) Obviously, IA is a talented & acclaimed author. She’s just not for me. ...more
Lovely writing. Epic, painful story---unfortunately offering little hope---meant to instill appreciation for those who came before, suffered at the haLovely writing. Epic, painful story---unfortunately offering little hope---meant to instill appreciation for those who came before, suffered at the hands of their fellow men & fought to retain their inner strength....more
LOVE! I loved everything about this book--the themes of family, loyalty, friends, the characters, the poignant social issues broached. Informational, LOVE! I loved everything about this book--the themes of family, loyalty, friends, the characters, the poignant social issues broached. Informational, entertaining & moving. A must-read & top pick of 2022! ...more
Heartfelt & Uplifting! Heirlooms focuses on the friendships of women. In two time periods, we see how life changes when women uplift & strengthen eachHeartfelt & Uplifting! Heirlooms focuses on the friendships of women. In two time periods, we see how life changes when women uplift & strengthen each other instead of allowing unhappiness or insecurity to reduce their relationships to competition, gossip & coldness. I especially loved that the author drew in how beautiful & noble it is to nurture the vulnerable blossoms in life--whether it be Downs Syndrome children, autistic teens, or the aliens who take refuge on American shores. This story is as lovely as the gardens it describes. A worthwhile read! (4.5)...more
A heartwarming coming-of-age story. Five Indian women, family members over three generations, explore the unique aspects of identity as they figure ouA heartwarming coming-of-age story. Five Indian women, family members over three generations, explore the unique aspects of identity as they figure out where they fit in the American story. A gently told story filled with grace & humor. A gem....more
Susan Meissner's captivating heroine, Sophie, is the heart of this propulsive page-turner. Sophie creates a family from the remnants of one cruel man'Susan Meissner's captivating heroine, Sophie, is the heart of this propulsive page-turner. Sophie creates a family from the remnants of one cruel man's destructive choices. She is quietly strong, big hearted, and single-minded in her determination to protect the ones she loves. I gobbled this mystery up so quickly that I'm sure I'll need to re-read in the future. A poignant & unpredictable story. Don't miss this one, reader friends!...more
Heartrending & beautiful Dust Bowl elegy. Raised as a recluse in a house without love, former rich girl Elsa stumbles out into the world when she's abHeartrending & beautiful Dust Bowl elegy. Raised as a recluse in a house without love, former rich girl Elsa stumbles out into the world when she's about to become a mother. A selfless immigrant family teaches her what it means to tend things--the land, her loved ones, and eventually herself. She grows from a timid girl, who has learned how to be invisible, to a warrior, brave enough to take on any challenge to provide a life and future for her children.
I found the growth of the mother daughter dynamic with Rose, Elsa, and Loreda especially powerful. "Her story—which is the story of a time and land and the indomitable will of a people—is my story; two lives woven together, and like any good story, ours will begin and end and begin again."
Eventually, Elsa becomes one with the downtrodden that society has overlooked and finds her voice in speaking out for them. Politics aside, touching scenes of kindness and sacrifice amidst suffering and loss had me tearing up. At times lyrical, at times gritty. A must-read. Top Pick!...more
Entertaining & nostalgic. This story is a leisurely chat with spunky grandmother Addie Baum as she shares her coming-of-age adventures.
She includes hEntertaining & nostalgic. This story is a leisurely chat with spunky grandmother Addie Baum as she shares her coming-of-age adventures.
She includes her romance but focuses more on the women who helped shape her: “Having all those women together in one place was like looking through a photo album of my life: from when I was a baby to the Saturday Club to Rockport Lodge to working at the newspaper to meeting ___ (her husband).”
A quick read along the lines of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn or The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek but less heartrending and more episodic. ...more
I’m awash in Cuban culture & history after spending time immersed in this lush, romantic drama! After reading Next Year in Havana & When We Left Cuba,I’m awash in Cuban culture & history after spending time immersed in this lush, romantic drama! After reading Next Year in Havana & When We Left Cuba, my only regret is that I’ll probably have to wait until 2020 for another Chanel Cleeton historical adventure :) ...more
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