Member Profile

Name : Dorothy M.
Occupation : Educator

My Reviews

The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls
 
Interesting, Inspiring, Dramatic
The Glass Castle is a heartbreaking story of children born to parents unable to take care of themselves.

The Glass Castle provides a story of two parents with monumental problems; then add four children into the mix and the story moves into the grim reality of children rearing themselves, essentially. No doubt the parents loved the children, but their own mental problems kept them from being good parents except on rare occasions when everything clicked for the parents. I found the story heartbreaking.

 
A mystery written in 19th century style and incorporating Edgar Allan Poe as a character

Taylor has captured the art of the nineteenth century mystery novel. He takes readers on a wild ride as the events unfold. The story begins with a poor, young school master's glimpse of a beautiful woman in a carriage. Through a series of events, he meets the woman because her son attends the school where he teaches, but he becomes involved with the family, complicating his life. The story involves the reader and rewards the reader with a good yarn as well as a variety of surprises.

 
My quick summary of Twilight: fun, exciting, hard to put down.

I read Twilight because I was interested in seeing how the story developed since I had heard a great deal about the series. I planned to read only the first book, but I learned that New Moon showed a new side to Jacob. Naturally, I had to read it to see for myself. Once I had read the first two books, I felt compelled to read the others. I teach Freshman Composition at a community college. I noticed that many of the in-coming freshman girls were reading the books and talking about them. I began entering the conversations as well. The books are absolutely entertaining if not well-written. I did feel tired sometimes over the endless bickering and back and forth separations, but I could see where those events were heading. I like being able to discuss the books with my students. I am happy they are reading!

 
Book Club Recommended
Inspiring, Beautiful, Insightful
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

I started reading The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and could not stop. Harold and his wife Maureen live sadly separate lives in the same house. An unexpected note from a long ago colleague sends Harold on his unlikely pilgrimage. I felt as if I were traveling along with him and hoping with every blister that the path would lead Harold to a happier existence. I highly recommend The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.

A Man Called Ove: A Novel by Fredrik Backman
 
Book Club Recommended
Fun, Insightful, Beautiful
A Man Called Ove

A Man Called Ove is a book to discuss with friends. Ove is bumbling along after his wife's death, ready for death himself. Then a life changing event occurs: new neighbors. The story is well told! Read it!

The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
 
Book Club Recommended
Interesting, Fun, Dramatic
The Nest

The characters are completely unlikable. I don't regret reading the book, but I would recommend it carefully to my friends. We did not read it in our book club. I like to recommend books to friends, but I am selective and know my audience.

 
Book Club Recommended
Beautiful, Insightful, Dramatic
All the Light We Cannot See

This book is a must read! It is absorbing and captivating. I am drawn to stories told from various viewpoints. This one is excellent.

 
Book Club Recommended
Interesting, Fun, Insightful
The Storied Life of AJ Fikery

For readers, a story set in a bookstore has almost automatic appeal. AJ Fikery's story provides many discussion points of grief, recovery, and love.

The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens
 
Book Club Recommended
Dramatic, Addictive, Interesting
The Life We Bury

The story is addictive and well written. The twists and turns keep readers turning pages to see what happens next and how the story will unfold. The brotherly love is also inspiring.

 
Confusing, Difficult, Interesting
Not Interesting

After hearing about Fates and Furies on NPR, I bought the book. I do not like the characters and the story is confusing. Not worth my time, but I read it!

I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh
 
Book Club Recommended
Dramatic, Addictive, Interesting
I Let You Go

I Let You Go is well worth readers' time! It is an addictive book because the reader does not know which way the story will move. Read this one!

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