Origin closely follows the formula of the Robert Langdon books, so if you like the other books this should suit. I did enjoy the setting -- Spain -- aOrigin closely follows the formula of the Robert Langdon books, so if you like the other books this should suit. I did enjoy the setting -- Spain -- and the historical insights about the Franco regime and the art and architecture of the country.
Merged review:
Origin closely follows the formula of the Robert Langdon books, so if you like the other books this should suit. I did enjoy the setting -- Spain -- and the historical insights about the Franco regime and the art and architecture of the country.
Merged review:
Origin closely follows the formula of the Robert Langdon books, so if you like the other books this should suit. I did enjoy the setting -- Spain -- and the historical insights about the Franco regime and the art and architecture of the country....more
It's not fair for me to review my own book, but I'll add it to my list so folks will know that it has finally been published! Also, just a correction:It's not fair for me to review my own book, but I'll add it to my list so folks will know that it has finally been published! Also, just a correction: the title should be Here First: Samoset and the Wawenock of Pemaquid, Maine....more
This novel about two young girls growing up in Naples, Italy in the 1950’s is better for its historical setting. There’s an edginess here, because EleThis novel about two young girls growing up in Naples, Italy in the 1950’s is better for its historical setting. There’s an edginess here, because Elena and Lila’s friendship is based on the power of one girl over the other. This first book in the series takes them from their initial meeting in elementary school, through their often violent and explosive childhood, to Lila’s wedding....more
Step back in time to San Francisco and the gay culture of the 1970’s. An eclectic group of people living in a house at 28 Barbary Lane become family, Step back in time to San Francisco and the gay culture of the 1970’s. An eclectic group of people living in a house at 28 Barbary Lane become family, sharing in each other’s triumphs and sorrows....more
This was on The Great American Read list, or I probably wouldn’t have read it. It’s a solid choice for YA reluctant readers. Ghost is always getting iThis was on The Great American Read list, or I probably wouldn’t have read it. It’s a solid choice for YA reluctant readers. Ghost is always getting into trouble, but when he starts running for his middle school track team he finally finds something he’s good at. With a coach who believes in him and teammates who can understand some of the challenges he’s faced, he’s got a chance to outrun his past....more
I chose this because it was on PBS's Great American Read list. Though it’s long and rambling, this story of Ignatius J. Reilly —a memorable antiheroicI chose this because it was on PBS's Great American Read list. Though it’s long and rambling, this story of Ignatius J. Reilly —a memorable antiheroic character— and the colorful people he crosses paths with is charming. Ignatius is probably on the autism spectrum and has a decidedly self-centered view of the world. His poor, beleaguered mother just wants him to get out of the house and get a job. When he intersects with the outside world, chaos ensues. This was the only book John Kennedy Toole published, as he committed suicide at a young age. But the way he understood and gave voice to each of his very diverse characters was pretty masterful....more
Mystery about a Maine game warden whose own father is the target of a manhunt. This one never managed to grab me; I couldn’t warm up to the main charaMystery about a Maine game warden whose own father is the target of a manhunt. This one never managed to grab me; I couldn’t warm up to the main character....more
I respect Bob Woodward’s journalistic integrity — it seems he had pretty amazing access to the White House and lays out Trump’s first year in blunt teI respect Bob Woodward’s journalistic integrity — it seems he had pretty amazing access to the White House and lays out Trump’s first year in blunt terms. Yes, we should be very afraid. ...more
Another YA fantasy that seems over-hyped to me. Didn't see anything original here...Another YA fantasy that seems over-hyped to me. Didn't see anything original here......more
A modern (but very depressing) novel of indigenous people. Though no doubt an accurate depiction of their lives, I just felt lost in the hopeless storA modern (but very depressing) novel of indigenous people. Though no doubt an accurate depiction of their lives, I just felt lost in the hopeless stories....more
Just love the Poldark books, which are consistently good. This one corresponds with season four of the recent PBS series, but as usual the book is eveJust love the Poldark books, which are consistently good. This one corresponds with season four of the recent PBS series, but as usual the book is even better than the adaptation....more
Tamim Ansary is a marvel; he makes the history of Afghanistan interesting, intelligible, and relevant for the American reader. Born in Afghanistan, heTamim Ansary is a marvel; he makes the history of Afghanistan interesting, intelligible, and relevant for the American reader. Born in Afghanistan, he moved here in 1964 and has a deep understanding of both cultures. We should pay a lot more attention to this man....more
Re-read this short and insightful classic, and I enjoyed it even more the second time. It’s a good reminder for us to stop chasing our tails and look Re-read this short and insightful classic, and I enjoyed it even more the second time. It’s a good reminder for us to stop chasing our tails and look for enlightenment and satisfaction within ourselves....more
I was new to this classic and its religious overtones were off-putting to me. It was ground-breaking science fiction in its time, but there are so manI was new to this classic and its religious overtones were off-putting to me. It was ground-breaking science fiction in its time, but there are so many better books now to recommend to young readers....more
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