Member Profile

Name : Alison P.

My Reviews

 
Book Club Recommended
Fun, Informative, Interesting
Pleasant

I liked the book but it was nothing truly special. Our book group read it this summer and it made for a quick, easy read. The author brought out some points about living in Paris that I wasn't aware of or had never thought about. We had fun at our meeting since everyone made a dish from one of the recipes in the book. I don't think you have to like to cook or read about food, but it helps.

The Dovekeeper by Alice Hoffman
 
Book Club Recommended
Beautiful, Epic, Informative
The Dovekeepers

A mesmerizing story woven amidst the true event of Masada. The four main characters are unforgettable and while the story is quite sad, it is inspiring at times also. The strong women's voice throughout the novel is deeply felt and the use of mysticism throughout is thought provoking. Our whole book club throughly enjoyed the book.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
 
Book Club Recommended
Dramatic, Insightful, Interesting
The Great Gatsby

Many of us had read this in high school and it was interesting to look at it with a different perspective. It is a classic and full of symbolism and motifs.

 
Book Club Recommended
Epic, Dramatic, Insightful
The Given Day

Interesting to learn about the early struggles if unionizing in Boston. None of us knew much about these events. A compelling story wrapped in true events with compelling characters. Slow starting out but gets better and better as it continues.

Resurrect (Resurrect Trilogy) by David E. Stevens
 
Book Club Recommended
Resurrect

A good one to read if your group wants a break from heavy reading. This is an adventure thriller that contains a bit of everything; philosophy, science, romance, and adventure. The earth will be destroyed by a collision with a comet. How will the world react?

 
Book Club Recommended
Insightful, Adventurous, Interesting
A good read but...

Our group agreed that we all liked the book but that it was a bit tough to get through. Kind of slow going. Lots to discuss, mysticism, women\\\'s roles, class struggles and nature of love.

 
Book Club Recommended
Informative, Life Changing, Inspiring
Compelling and important

There are things happening in the world that everyone should know about. While this book is a tough read content wise for some, others found it inspiring and worth the effort. By highlighting the real life stories of women surviving and most often thriving after atrocities perpetrated on them, this book shows what powers women have to change the world.

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
 
Book Club Recommended
Interesting, Dramatic, Addictive
The Husbands Secret

Everyone enjoyed reading this book. It led to a great discussion. One of those books that was hard to put down.

Lone Wolf: A Novel by Jodi Picoult
 
Book Club Recommended
Informative, Dramatic, Insightful
Lone Wolf

We found this book very interesting, all the information about wolves fascinating We had a lively discussion about end of life decisions and the contributing factors to making such a decision. Is it the best Jodi Piccoult book? No. But the elements of this novel lend it to be a good read for book clubs.

Live by Night: A Novel by Dennis Lehane
 
Live by Night

We all enjoyed The Given Day so thought we would read this book which was billed a kind of a sequel. However, although a few characters remained the same it was not a sequel. This plot never really went anywhere and the main character wasn't really in any kind of dramatic conflict that was interesting. The more minor characters of the Cuban brother and sister were much more compelling and would have made better subject matter. We didn't object to the gangster themes, just the dull storyline.

 
Book Club Recommended
Informative, Inspiring, Insightful
I Am Malala

Though at times the writing seemed disjointed, we thought the book was worth reading. We learned much more about Pakistan and the insights regarding the US.

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
 
Book Club Recommended
Informative, Insightful, Inspiring
Invention of Wings

Most members loved the book cover to cover. Since it is based on true characters it was more interesting. Especially enjoyed the last third of the book when the sisters really start speaking out The author's notes at the end of the book were fascinating

 
Book Club Recommended
Informative, Insightful, Interesting
Founding Mothers

Our group decided to take a break from novels and read this account of history. We all found it very interesting to read about some women who played a part in building a new country. It was also quite insightful regarding the men involved in the revolution of America.

 
Book Club Recommended
Beautiful, Insightful, Dramatic
All the light we can not see

A beautifully written story of two children during WWII and how each has to make their way. Anthony Doerr\\\\\\\'s use of language is stunning. A pleasure to read this book.

The Lock Artist: A Novel by Steve Hamilton
 
Adventurous, Interesting, Dark
the Lock Artist

Turns out we all felt this is a young adult novel, which isn't a bad thing but over all we felt it wasn't a good fit for our group. It was ok. There was some interesting aspects to childhood trauma and how it affect one's life. Also a main character who doesn't talk was unique

The Soldier's Wife by Margaret Leroy
 
Book Club Recommended
Interesting, Informative, Insightful
The Soldiers Wife

This is based on the overall feeling of my book club who enjoyed the book. I didn't really care for it. Most thought the setting, the feeling of despair and situation made a compelling story and believable plot. What people do and how they behave in desperate times can be the makings of a good read. Also good details about life during the war on Guernsey.

 
Book Club Recommended
Dramatic, Interesting, Insightful
Led to a great discussion

Mostly well written with a moral dilemma at its core. This book lends itself very well to lively discussion. Parts are a bit predictable but could have ended in so many different ways we were never quite sure of the outcome. Definitely should read this before the movie is released.

 
Book Club Recommended
Dramatic, Addictive, Interesting
Fun summer read

Most members enjoyed this book despite there not being any like able characters. This book is an easy read when you are in the mood to not think too much.

 
Book Club Recommended
Interesting, Dramatic, Scary
Fun read

Every once in a while we choose a book that is just a fun, easy read. We have committed to reading this trilogy even though there is not a lot to discuss as in some books.

World Gone By: A Novel by Dennis Lehane
 
Pointless, Slow, Beautiful
Not our cup of tea

We all enjoyed the first book in this trilogy ; The Given Day and decided to read the other two in the series. Most of us thought they were not as good or compelling in plot or character development.

 
Poorly Written, Unconvincing, Adventurous

The Weight of All Things by Sandra Benitez
 
Inspiring, Dramatic, Adventurous

 
Dramatic, Brilliant, Addictive

We all liked the dark mood that was set from the beginning. The roles of women, classism, gentrification and faith are explored within a beautifully paced story.

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

 
Insightful, Informative, Interesting

A Gentleman in Moscow by AMOR TOWLES
 
Beautiful, Brilliant, Insightful

A Long Way Home: A Memoir by Saroo Brierley
 
Informative, Poorly Written, Insightful

All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders
 

 
Interesting, Confusing, Adventurous

What Is Visible: A Novel by Kimberly Elkins
 
Informative, Interesting, Slow

 
Graphic, Dramatic, Addictive

God's Kingdom: A Novel by Howard Frank Mosher
 
Insightful, Informative, Interesting

 
Insightful, Dramatic, Interesting

Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
 
Informative, Interesting, Insightful

 
Insightful, Interesting, Slow

 
Insightful, Boring, Pointless

 
Insightful, Beautiful, Inspiring

The Fallen Snow by John J Kelley
 
Persuasive, Insightful, Beautiful

 
Graphic, Dramatic, Gloomy

What Tears Us Apart by Deborah Cloyed
 

 
Inspiring, Insightful, Beautiful

 
Romantic, Interesting, Beautiful

 
Confusing, Slow, Interesting

The Language of Flowers: A Novel by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
 
Insightful, Beautiful, Interesting

Our Souls at Night (Vintage Contemporaries) by Kent Haruf, Alan Kent Haruf
 
Beautiful, Insightful, Inspiring

 
Informative, Insightful, Interesting

 
Interesting, Insightful, Fun

Only Child: A novel by Rhiannon Navin
 
Insightful, Gloomy, Dramatic

Lilac Girls: A Novel by Martha Hall Kelly
 
Informative, Inspiring, Dramatic

The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty
 
Insightful, Interesting, Informative

 
Insightful, Dramatic, Interesting

 
Addictive, Dramatic, Adventurous

 
Romantic, Adventurous, Interesting

Lee Fitts by Rich Garon
 

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