Whistler is a lovely, contemporary literature novel about reuniting with beloved members of your past and finding the deep connection is still there. Daphne was a child when Eddie was briefly married to her mother, but the impact they had on each other was profound and stood the test of time. Their reunion story is interwoven with scenes from the past that give the reader an understanding of why their bond is so strong.
Continue readingCategory Archives: Contemporary Literature
Audio Book Review: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, Narrated by Maggi-Meg Reed et al
The Correspondent is a deeply moving, epistolary novel that peels back the layers of Sybil Von Antwerp’s life, exploring such topics as grief, guilt, aging, family dynamics, love, generosity, and even octogenarian dating. The author skillfully and poignantly portrays a broad spectrum of life experiences solely through the mechanism of written correspondence. Well done, Ms. Evans!
Continue readingAudio Book Review: Theo of Golden by Allen Levi, Narrated by David Morse
Theo of Golden is a charming contemporary literature novel about an old man who shows up in a small, Southern town and starts making unusually generous gestures towards some of its residents. With strong themes of compassion, friendship, understanding, and generosity, Theo of Golden is ultimately a touching story about human decency. Continue reading
Audio Book Review: The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters, Narrated by Aaliya Warbus et al
The Berry Pickers is an insightful and poignant novel that explores the impact of a kidnapping on the victim and the brother who last saw her. Continue reading
Audio Book Review: My Friends: A Novel by Fredrik Backman, Narrated by Marin Ireland
My Friends is chock-full of the wisdom and poignancy we’ve come to expect from Fredrik Backman. This time, he uses his insightful storytelling skills to spin the tale of four teenage friends who weather the hardships of growing up poor and dealing with stressful home lives. Twenty-five years after their last summer together, some of the now adult friends cross paths with a teenage kindred spirit and she becomes an ad hoc member of their tribe. Continue reading
Book Review: Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
In Cloud Cuckoo Land, author Anthony Doerr weaves a complex and inventive tale about the enduring impact a good story can have throughout the centuries. Strong themes of resilience, hope, and compassion make this novel enjoyable and memorable. Continue reading
Book Review: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
With Anxious People, Fredrik Backman, who also wrote A Man Called Ove, delivers another poignant and insightful novel about what it means to be decent (albeit “anxious”) people. He even threw in a few plot twists that took me by surprise. Well done, Mr. Backman! I’ll even forgive you for making me cry. Continue reading
Book Review: The Shipping News by Annie Proulx
The Shipping News, published in 1993, is a personal evolution story about Quoyle, who transforms from a downtrodden big oaf to a content, well-regarded man. It took awhile to get used to the writing style and I didn’t care for the first part of the book, but I ended up enjoying this novel. Continue reading
Book Review: The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Can you escape your past? That’s one of the major questions explored in The Dutch House. And for the two main characters, Maeve and Danny, the answer is “not really.” Continue reading
Book Review: Signs Preceding the End of the World by Yuri Herrera
Signs Preceding the End of the World is an acclaimed novella by Mexican author Yuri Herrera that tells the tale of a Mexican girl that must sneak across the border to deliver a message to her brother in the US. I thought the book was okay but I am not completely sure what the ending meant. Continue reading
