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"Book was about the Great Depression for farmers in the Texas Dust Bowl, the 1930's, and the struggle of so many people. It spoke to family values, and sticking together as a family. It was very sad and well written. It mainly spoke about one family that fled to California for a better life, but it was just as difficult in California at the time." - L. Caran 4/4 stars. |
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"These pages offer the hardscrabble immigrant experience as seen through the eyes of Kimberly Chang, a teenager settling into a new life in Brooklyn with her mother, as new arrive from Hong Kong. This could easily be a YA book offering easy readability and a quick-moving narrative on some at-times painful subjects: immigrant labor abuse in Chinatown's factories, family conflicts and, of course, the pangs of first love. |
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"The Personal Librarian is historical fiction. In her 20’s Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J.P. Morgan to curate his vast collection of art and manuscripts. She does an amazing job all the while hiding a secret. This is a must read book." - N. McGill 4/4 stars. |
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"This is the second book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. The memorable characters of Mma Ramotswe and Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni feature prominently in this story, as they navigate their developing relationship as well as their work and family experiences. Mma Ramotswe's cases are just as engaging as in the first novel, and her kindness and morality shine through." - D. Cohen 4/4 stars. |
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"This mystery/thriller is about two women and one young girl who suddenly disappeared 11 years ago. Flip to the present day, the young girl surprisingly returns having escaped from her captors. What happened all those years ago, and who is the girl who has reappeared so many years later? There are many twists and turns in this story, and each chapter is told from the point of view of a different character. It was very engaging and a real page turner!" - D. Cohen 3/4 stars. |
"During the day, Jo Kuan works as a maid to the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in town, and at night, she anonymously writes an advice column that challenges gender and racial issues. Set in Atlanta, Jo sets out to break barriers as she uncovers the secrets that have defined her existence." - L. Ngo
4/4 stars.
"Y Is for Yesterday is the darkest of the Alphabet Murders. It is also Ms. Grafton’s last book. She died shortly after writing it. Kinsey Millhone investigates a filmed sexual assault on a teenage girl by her teenage classmates and the ensuing murders. Further complicating Kelsey’s life is her stalking by the man who had tried to strangle her. Many red herrings. Always gripping. None of Ms. Grafton’s books are “formula” mysteries. Every book has a unique plot. Few can write mysteries as superbly as Sue Grafton. I will miss her." - E. Pasquali
4/4 stars.
"Quick read, but funny and engaging. I had read the previous books many years ago and just picked up this one. It was like getting back together with old friends. Great pool side book with a few good laughs." - C. D'Orazio
3/4 stars.
"This story is set in Australia. Trying to recover from her son Set's death... her divorce, and her daughter Hannah’s entry into college, Trina returns to her hometown. Trina’s childhood had been harsh: an alcoholic mother (Anthea) who had serial boyfriends and the sudden death of Dan, Trina’s teenage boyfriend. Trina is joined by her long-time friend, Lisa. Anthea, Trina, and Lisa set out to rebuild their lives. Wonderful character development and story." - E. Pasquali
3/4 stars.
"This is part of the MysterySeries called 'Gaslight Mystery.' Sarah Brandt married Frank Mallory (he was an ex-cop at the turn of the century). Sarah’s family is high society and well off. The Mallory’s now have a private eye service. A seemingly simple case comes into their office: find a newsboy named Freddie. His older brother, Will Bert, wants to give him a good home and take his brother off the street. Freddie and a woman are found dead, and Frank has to solve the mystery." - T. Gustafson
4/4 stars.
"This is a Rabbi David Small mystery. Rabbi Small gives up his congregation and takes a teaching position at a nearby university. When his neighbor is murdered, Rabbi Dana Siegel, Rabbi Small’s successor becomes a suspect. A well-written mystery that manages to interweave Judaic traditions and beliefs into the plot."- E. Pasquali
2/4 stars.
"Bankers from New York, Dublin, and Germany, with their wives and families, spend a year in Paris working on a joint financial project. The couples face their prejudices and flaws and develop friendships. Some grow, while others are stressed beyond their abilities. A delightful novel set in the romantic environs of Paris." - E. Pasquali
3/4 stars.
"Another cozy mystery author I read is Ellery Adams. This series is based in story town and has lots of references to books and authors. She has a great group of recurring characters in these books. So in addition to the current story there are continuing story lines about the characters lives. This was a good read and it will keep you guessing as to who committed the murder." - F. Schwarz
4/4 stars.
"An old-world story with modern sensibility unfolds as we meet Ludwig Van Beethovan. A tale almost fairy-like in charm but deep and gravely, rough without shame. The quiet walks along many a path taken and gives us a chance to see a musician living and creating movements amongst the high world of royal socialites. Was he someone who wanted a bowl of soup and a wife, or did the value of bachelorhood rule his day? Countess Julie Guicciardi, his Moonlight Sonata, see his music almost as well as himself, but neither can predict the course they will stroll." - C. Lucas
"An unexpected ghost story about love, friendship, betrayal, and revenge that spans over 50 years. Set in Vietnam, the author strings a thread through several stories that the reader must piece together." - L. Ngo
4/4 stars.