The Last Aloha by Gaellen Quinn tells of the takeover of the Hawaiian Monarchy in the late 1800’s by American businessmen, descendants of missionaries. If you don’t know this story already, this is a good piece of historical fiction that will clearly paint the picture for you. The characters of Laura and her missionary relatives, were interesting, but not the best part of this book. The history lessons, and the story told of Hawaii’s last monarchs are what make this well worth…
I love Anne Lamott and have read everything she’s written, but somehow missed Crooked Little Heart, until now. It is the story of thirteen year old Rosie Ferguson, a gifted tennis player, just on the verge of adolescence, whose father died when she was four years old. Lamott writes with such heart and honesty, at times it is almost painful to read. She explores the vulnerability of the human heart, and all the sadness, grief and fear we can feel…
Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts by Lucy Dillon is a tender, funny novel set in the English countryside, about a kennel of abandoned dogs and their unlikely new owners. Dillon has crafted a novel that appeals to dog lovers as well as those who consider themselves ‘not really dog people.’ A fun, sweet read-it’s hard not to want to take home some of the dogs yourself, by the end.
The Romantics by Pankaj Mishra is a revelation. It comes across gently, slowly, with subtle grace that draws you in before you even know what’s happening. Mishra’s language is deceptively simple. His ideas and concepts are not. I was transported to Benares through the story of Samar, a young Indian, meeting many westerners for the first time, and following a very real journey of self discovery. I thought this was a truly beautiful book. The images of India, and the…
Another Summer by Georgia Bockoven takes us to a Santa Cruz beach house that has a history of bringing happiness to whoever stays there. It is a follow up to Bockoven’s novel called The Beach House. Different people rent the house for each month of the summer and Bockoven weaves their tales together into a satisfying novel. There are times you have to suspend your disbelief, not just for a bit of magic, but because everything can’t always end so…
Corduroy Mansions is the first book in the newest series by Alexander McCall Smith. McCall Smith has written so many books at this point, that I wonder how he has anything new or interesting to say, yet he still seems to. Corduroy Mansions introduces us to a whole new set of eccentric characters living in a desirable London neighborhood, including one small dog, Freddie de la Hay, who is my favorite character of all. McCall Smith is a wonderful writer, and…
Shelter Me by Juliette Fay is a novel I just couldn’t put down. It tells of Janie, a woman in her mid 30’s with two young children, whose husband has just died in an accident. We follow her through the first year of her loss, through her anger and grief as she finds solace in the most unlikely places. There is nothing cliche about his novel. Fay has created very real characters with real emotions and flaws and I was…
The Lady of the Rivers is the latest historical fiction by Philippa Gregory. It tells the tale of Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford, mother of Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen. Jacquetta is descended from the river goddess Melusina, and was believed to be a witch. These were dangerous times for a wise woman, and she had to hide her skills with herbs and seeing the future, for fear of being put to death. Gregory gives us a portrait of a fascinating woman…
Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close is billed as being wickedly funny. I was looking forward to a witty, well written novel, and to laughing out loud. Instead, I couldn’t wait for this book to be finished. The women in this novel are all extremely immature, unkind, they drink way too much, and they’re all desperate to be married. I didn’t like any of them and found nothing funny here, in fact it was mildy depressing. One to miss.
Swim Back to Me is a new book of short stories by Ann Packer. I picked it up thinking it was a novel, so I was disappointed when I started reading it, as I am not really a fan of short stories. However, the writing is wonderful, and Packer has great insight into family life, especially that of teenagers. I prefer novels because they give you a chance to get to know the characters a little better before moving on…