Member Profile
Name : | Shelley S. |
My Reviews
What I liked about People of the Book was learning new things...the job of a book restorer, the origin of paint colors, religious beliefs and traditions, some good historical information. Geraldine Brooks did an admirable job on her research for telling the story of the Sarajevo Haggadah. My problem with not loving the book is because her characters lacked the depth to make the story more compelling. The length of the book makes it an easy read for book clubs. Some will enjoy it, others struggle to finish it and for me it just didn't really move me in the way I expect a historical novel to do.
Truly enjoyed this book, characters and narration amazed and surprised me. The narrator's insights were heartmoving and I couldn't put this book down. Rarely do I reread a book, but this book is so exceptional I will re-visit it more then once.
If you are looking for a book that will have you chuckling throughout the story, then this is the read for you. Great characters and witty dialogue. Most of our book club enjoyed as well. Some complained it was a slow starter but most agreed it took off for them and have some new clever sayings.
The book is well written and easy to read - also nice share of humor throughout. I think the best feature of this book is that you don't have to be a Christian to enjoy it. Even learned some doctrine I didn't know. I felt his New Testament lacking in many areas, but he only gave his attention to it for 4 months. I plan on reading his other book though as he has an enjoyable writing style.
This is my first read by Jodi Picoult and I found it lacking in several areas. I think Picoult is a fine writer. There are some really poignant insights in here, even if she does, at times, get a bit redundant and over-analytical. But in this book, she really needed a primary focus. It seemed like she was throwing everything heart wrenching into the pot. It was a hard read for many of our members as the subject matter of bullying has touched many lives negatively since time began. If you can handle the bullying I would recommend it only for a personal read. It seems to gloomy for a group read.
I'll tell you the truth, this book was made for book lovers. A new twist on the delightful Jane Eyre gothic romance genre, with mysteries within mysteries right until the end. Well written, carefully plotted, with vivid characters and wonderful description. It was a hit with our entire book club. Our discussion of the book was one of our longest, lots to discuss with this great story.
Actually, the majority of our club enjoyed this read, even though they can't pinpoint why. As for me, I didn't like the characters enough to care what was happening to them. What I liked best.....it was a short read.
Our book club was divided on this one but it did provide a long discussion. Not an action book, but an interesting story does emerge. Description was excellent. Very quick read, but gives you some "thinking moments" afterwards.
This book will always be at the top of my favorites. Some of the best characters ever in a book and written so it just glides from start to end. Didn't read this as a book club read but was given by another member as the one of the best Christmas gifts I've ever received.
I have never been a fan of science but this book made mind-bending theories easy to understand and relevant to the average person. I loved his tongue-in-cheek side comments through-out the book. Readers in a rush will not like it as this one is a slow read! I wouldn't recommend this EVER for a book club read. The majority of our club didn't want to complete it because they absolutely hated it.
I couldn't put this book down till I finished it. Right from the beginning it grabbed my interest and never a slow spot in the entire book. I did this as an individual read and now am going to recommend it for a club read as I am sure this one will be a hit with all members, not to mention a great discussion topic.
It's impossible to not love this story and to not love such a dog like Enzo. A great idea to tell the story through a dog. Have some tissues though as it can get quite sad. Really couldn't put this book down from the first page. This has been the biggest favorite of our book club and we had a great discussion with the whole topic.
It's a very light read. Characters are simple, but it's only just over 250 pages. It does make you hungry and inspires you right into the kitchen. The majority of the book club enjoyed it. There are no great upheavals in this novel, there is drama however.I would have liked more insight into Lillian.
The book is enjoyable and very cute if perhaps too sugary for some readers.
Somewhere in all those words there was a story but don't know if I would have even bothered to finish it if I was just reading for myself.
I liked the subject of time travel with this book and for the most part like how the author played out the story. At first it was confusing and that's the reason I couldn't give it 5 stars. Our entire book club liked it so I would recommend it for a book club read, especially if you watch the movie with your club afterwards. Lots of fun!
This book was a huge disappointment. Basically, the story just rambles on with nothing to interest the reader. Not the book for a book club as I'm the only member of 7 who finished it.
A good debut novel. The concept is intriguing - a chameleon-like man who changes identities to match the women he marries, preys upon their weaknesses, and changes their lives. All our members finished the book and all liked it. Had a good discussion over the book.
Cute story and a quick read. If you like reality tv this is one you'd enjoy. It wasn't a literary work that will be passed down through the ages, but it was a fun, easy, summer read. Our group all seemed to enjoy it and our book discussion.
This story has a little of everything. It has enough intrigue and interest to hold the reader enthralled, and it's written in a casual tone. More of an intense fictional look at the darker side of motherhood. Made for a wonderful discussion with just using the discussion guide at the end of the book. Another book that everyone liked and finished with most of the group rating it a solid 4 stars.
An easy read, good humor and inspired me to make my own list. Was a fun discussion with the book club. We all shared 3 items on our list and guessed whose were whose.
This book drew me in right away, and all the surprises kept me hooked until the very end.There were twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. Character development was outstanding.I thought it was a great book and look forward to reading other books by John Hart.
I was unsure about Esme at first,but then it grabbed me full force and I was consumed within the story. Only one of our six members couldn't get into it.This story has so much potential for a book club discussion.
Family saga and mystery read. The plot is good and does keep you guessing. The end was a little touching but when it is all said and done most of the characters face some terrible hardship or never really get what they want and so you ultimately just feel sorry for them.That's why I couln't quite give it a 5 star rating.
Really liked this book for myself and for a book club read. Couldn't put it down for 2 days:)
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