Historical nonfiction can be so good when the subject is interesting and the author is talented. Destiny of the Republic has both things going for it. This book about President James Garfield’s life and assassination is engrossing and devastating. Continue reading
Book Review: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Their Eyes Were Watching God, first published in 1937, is a story of a southern black woman seeking love and self-fulfillment in 1930’s Florida. It’s considered to be a standout among African American literature due to its affirmation and celebration of the culture as well as the fact that it has a strong female protagonist, which was unique for its time. Continue reading
Book Review: Watching You by Lisa Jewell
In a small town in England, the neighbors are all watching each other. But did anyone see who committed the murder in the yellow house on the hill? So many secrets to unravel in Watching You! Continue reading
Book Review: Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
A dinner party in the capital city of a South American country takes an unfortunate turn when guerrillas storm the Vice President’s mansion and take everyone hostage. Bel Canto explores what happens when these captors and captives spend months together in close quarters. Continue reading
Book Review: Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow
I don’t read many courtroom thrillers, but after reading Presumed Innocent I think I need to add some more to my reading list! It’s packed with suspense and kept me guessing until the end. Continue reading
Sydney Draws Huckleberry Finn
Sydney is one of my 17-year-old twin daughters, and I’m wildly proud of her! She’s imaginative and a “maker,” which I think is a great combination. Currently, she aims those skills at making elaborate costumes for comic-cons, but it’s also fun to imagine how she might use her talents in a career she really loves – architect? Animator? Game designer? Time will tell. Continue reading
Book Review: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil was published in 1994 and spent four years on the New York Times bestseller list. How am I just now reading it?!? True-ish crime that is pure entertainment gold. Continue reading
Book Review: The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kaddish
The Weight of Ink – terrific writing, a well-designed story, good character development, lots of history, a search for the meaning of life. So much to like about this one! Continue reading
Book Review: Plainsong by Kent Haruf
Plainsong takes place in the fictional town of Holt, Colorado, and mostly chronicles the lives of some of the residents in a very direct but poignant way. It’s the kind of book that I mostly liked, but I have a hard time understanding why. Let’s see how I do explaining it. Continue reading
Book Review: Marley by Jon Clinch
Marley is an imaginative tale about Ebenezer Scrooge’s business partner, Jacob Marley. If you’ll recall from A Christmas Carol, the ghost of Jacob Marley appears to Scrooge in his house as a prelude to visits from the three main ghosts. But other than that we don’t learn much about him. Marley imagines what his back story might be. Continue reading
Book Thoughts from Bed 