Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho Translated from the Portuguese by Jull Costa Fiction, 191 pages Harper Collins Publishers Inspired by personal experience, Coelho brings us this novella which explores the perceptions of those with mental illness and those … Continue reading
Demons do exist. Those we imagine, and those that we struggle against when trying to maintain that sense of normalcy which is expected of us. Some demons come in the form of those who try to help us, telling us that Electric Shock Treatments, drugs, and even lobotomies are the only way to help us be free of what ails us.
But what if it is all a form of control, away to keep us all in line, to keep the status quo? Continue reading
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein Fiction, 321 pages HarperCollins Books Review copy courtesy of Terra Communications Read Author Interview Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human … Continue reading
I wonder how many of us realize that some of our readers have not claimed their own little section of Blogger, WordPress, LiveJournal, etc. Here I share with you a review by a reader who does not blog in style we may be accustomed to. She is someone you may not be familiar with, but should know nonetheless. Continue reading
The Sinful Life of Lucy Burns by Elizabeth Leiknes ISBN: 978-1-890862-62-6 Fiction, 167 pages Bancroft Press Review copy courtesy of Bancroft Press Interview with author (a must read!) I have to relate how excited I was to learn that … Continue reading
Amigoland by Oscar Casares (2009) Scheduled publication date 08/10/2009 Fiction, 368 pages Little, Brown and Company Review copy courtesy of Hachette Book Group Elderly brothers, Don Fidencio and Don Celestino are stubborn and independent. However, for the older … Continue reading
Education and talent are two of the strongest themes running through this book. That which is learned, and that which is innate; both coming into conflict constantly. In making a living, in making a life, which is more important? Following your heart understanding you may never achieve the success you think you want, or what others expect of you? Or do you go for the brass ring, never feeling fully satisfied – or happy? Continue reading
The only reason I did not read it in one sitting is that this is a book that deserves one’s full attention. However, I could not restrain myself as I got closer to the end. In fact, I stayed up to four in the morning finishing the book as I simply could not put it down. Continue reading
This is the the story of Dr. Leo Liebenstein and his search for his “real” wife Rema. However, it’s not that easy. As the reader comes to discover, reality is in the eye of the beholder. Is Rema really an imposter? Or is Leo having a crisis such that he can no longer recognize what he once took for granted? That what he has known all along is no longer the same. People change. But in his eyes, she is so different, she has to be another person altogether. Continue reading
Nayeli is young, and in search of help, but more so of hope and answers. Sometimes what you’re looking for isn’t where you find it. And more often than not, it finds you. Even the truth, how you see it, isn’t what you expect when seen up close. Most adults, or at least those who have truly matured, will tell you it is how you respond to the revelation that defines the person you become. Continue reading
Testimony by Anita Shreve (2008) Contemporary Fiction, 352 pages Little, Brown and Company Reprint Edition (May 2009) Review copy provided by Hachette Book Group Advisory: Scenes of a sexual nature and strong language. I won’t try to gloss … Continue reading
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides (1993) Contemporary Fiction, 256 pages Picador Reprint edition (April 28, 2009) Read for Picador Book Club: Picador’s Twitter Account The discussion of this book I have an extra copy due to a shipping mix-up. … Continue reading
Follow Me by Joanna Scott (April 2009) Contemporary Fiction, 420 pages Published by Little, Brown and Company Review copy courtesy of Hachette Book Group, Inc. On a Summer day in 1946, Sally Werner, the precocious daughter of hardscrabble Pennsylvania … Continue reading
Admission by Jean Hanff Korelitz (April 2009)Fiction, 449 pagesGrand Central Publishing Review Copy provided by Hachette Book Group “Admissions. Admission. Aren’t there two sides to the word? And two opposing sides…It’s what we let in, but it’s also what we … Continue reading
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1818) Fiction, Page lengths and publishers vary I always include a book cover with my reviews. I also try to use one that is identical to the particular edition I’ve read. That being said, I don’t … Continue reading