Member Profile

Name : Shirley D.

My Reviews

Sugar by Dan O'Connor
 
Hidden past is revealed by Kauai mayor on trial for taking a bribe.

Sugar elicited a lively discussion and strong sentiments about content and structure by book club members. There are many themes to this book including incest and child abuse. It also explores the political and cultural realities of state where a small group of people hold all the power.

The storyline was clear to all readers despite the liberal use of flashbacks.

One member did not think that the male author was able to write a convincing female voice for the female main character. She also felt that this woman would never have been able to be the mayor with her character flaws and lack of political support.

Interesting connection between the personal story and the sugar industry with the quotes at the beginning of each chapter from the book "King Cane."

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows
 
Informative, Interesting, Fun
London writer goes to Guernsey after WW!! to research book about German occupation.

Everyone in the bookclub loved this book - a very uncommon event. Story is brought out through a series of letters that unravels the stories of the characters and brings to life the missing Elizabeth who is the heroine of the story. Charming storyof people who rise to the occasion in difficult time to support each other.

 
Fun, Adventurous, Inspiring
Queen of the Road

These type of self serving books give Americans a bad name.

The Money Dragon by Pam Chun
 
Book Club Recommended
Interesting, Informative, Dramatic
Money Dragon

Excellent insight into the Chinese immigrant experience in Hawaii.

The Last Aloha by Gaellen Quinn
 
Book Club Recommended
Interesting, Informative, Epic
The Last Aloha

This book is historical fiction about the overthrow of the monarchy by American businessmen. It is written from the point of view of a young American woman who comes to Hawaii to live with relatives after the deaths of her fiance and father. From this book, I have a better understanding of the issues related to the Hawaiians wish to have self-determination.

Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
 
Book Club Recommended
Informative, Insightful, Inspiring
Infidel

This book changed my understanding of Islam.

 
Book Club Recommended
Informative
The Colony

Extremely well researched, well written, historically accurate account of the political, medical and personal issues related Hansen's disease in Hawaii.

Moloka'i: A Novel by Alan Brennert
 
Book Club Recommended
Informative, Inspiring, Interesting
Molokai

This was the first book our bookclub read five years ago. It is still our favorite book.

 
Book Club Recommended
Adventurous, Fun, Optimistic
Only in America: An American Boating Adventure

This is self publishing at it's best. A fun journey with three 24 year old's named John as the they boated and waterskied up the intercoastal waterway on a 17 ft. Boston Whaler in 1987. They continues to New York harbor, through the Hudson River Valley, the Erie Canal, the Great Lakes to Chicago, the Mississippi, Ohio and other rivers and waterways eventually ending their trip in New Orleans. These Californian's set out to prove the East Coast is an island but what they really learned was how generous and friendly American's are.

Independent People by Halldor Laxness
 
Book Club Recommended
Insightful, Epic, Brilliant
For bookclubs that like deep discussions

Set in the early 1900's in Iceland, Independent People won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1955. Beautifully written, dark and sometime depressing as the long dark winters in northern climes are depressing. The characters are well written and identifiable even now. This book begs the question, can one truly be independent?

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
 
Book Club Recommended
Beautiful, Interesting, Brilliant
I want to go to the Night Circus

Book club members started talking about this book as soon as they walked in the door. This is a first for us. Those of us who read it loved it. We all would love to experience a circus like the Night Circus. Erin Morgenstern has created a very visual experience for the reader. I can\\\'t wait to see it as a movie.

 
Book Club Recommended
Dark, Slow, Interesting

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