Books Reviewed

Reviews of books, audiobooks, etc…

Review: “Love, Lucy” by Lucille Ball

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So — last week Lucille Ball would have turned 100. I love Lucy. Seriously. Some of my early memories involve watching “I Love Lucy” in black and white on the television in my parents’ room while my dad watched the news on the color tv (the news used to scare me as a kid). I loved the crazy antics of Lucy and Ethel. I loved how they got into the most ridiculous scrapes. And I loved that I could always count on a happy ending.

After watching as much of the “I Love Lucy” marathon on tv last weekend that my family could stand, I remembered that I had a book somewhere about Lucille Ball: a hardcover, library book sale $1.00 find. I found it and started to read it. And what a find! “Love, Lucy” is an autobiography of Lucille Ball that was done many years before her death (mostly taped remembrances set down on paper by a writer), that had been tucked away in a drawer and found by her daughter, Lucie Arnaz, after Lucille Ball’s death. What I loved about this book is that it was truly in Lucy’s voice. As I read it, I felt like I was listening to her talking. I just loved it.

“Love, Lucy” traces Lucille Ball’s life from her earliest days to her marriage with Gary Morton. It has great pictures in it, too! I never knew the hardship that Lucille Ball came from. I never realized how much “luck” played in to her career. I didn’t even realize that Desi Arnaz was several years younger than her. Lucille’s telling of her story, never apologizing, never seeking sympathy, was just so intimate and honest, I felt that I was sitting down and learning new things about an old friend.

I haven’t read other biographies on Lucille Ball, but I would have to assume that having someone else analyze your life is different from when you analyze it yourself. Lucie Arnaz does write that Lucille Ball was careful to not write things that would “hurt” Desi.

I think Lucy fans would enjoy my book sale find!

Audiobook Review: “The Dante Club: A Novel” by Matthew Pearl

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My brother-in-law (who reads more than anyone I know) recommended this book to me as he thought I would like it. And I have to confess – I listened to it last month and am only just now getting around to reviewing it. Why? Well, first we went on vacation; but that’s really not an excuse. If truth be told, I couldn’t think of much to say.

Here’s the scoop: it’s 1865 and several notable Bostonians gather to discuss literature and Dante in particular, forming “the Dante Club”. I loved this part – I always like books where historical characters come to life (as long as they are done appropriately). A serial killer starts terrorizing the city and the clues are linked to Dante’s Inferno, so the club must put their heads together to solve the mystery and stop the killer.

Here’s where I started to have problems. I love mysteries, but I do not like really graphic stories. Some of the descriptions of the murders were so vivid and graphic (the word ‘disgusting’ comes to mind) that I had to turn off the CD player. I also couldn’t have it playing while I drove the kids places as I felt it was too graphic. It reminded me of “Angels and Demons” which I found vividly repulsive.

Here’s my other problem with the story: I kept zoning out. Now perhaps we can blame the suburban Boston traffic, or my general fatigue, or the fact that I was mentally composing what I needed to get at the grocery store, but bottom line: I missed a lot of this story as I wasn’t riveted.

At first I loved the narrator, John Siedman, and was impressed in how he could change his voice to make each main character unique (Oliver Wendall Holmes, Lowell, H.W. Longfellow, J. T. Fields, etc.). However, as with every book I listen to that takes place in Boston, I always cringe when they do the accent. Here’s the scoop people: the Boston Brahmins did not – nor will they ever – pronounce “Harvard” as “Hah – vid” . “Haw – vud” is much closer. That’s all I’ll say, but just trust me on it.

I’d be curious as to whether any of my readers have read Pearl’s books and if you liked/disliked them. I am wondering whether I should try another.

(I got mine from the library!)

Quick Review: “Garden Spells” by Sarah Addison Allen

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Coming home from vacation I finally got around to reading Sarah Addison Allen’s first novel “Garden Spells”, which I downloaded on my Kindle. As with her other books, I just loved it!

Claire Waverley creates interesting home-cooked concoctions that magically affect their eaters, and runs a catering company in her small North Carolina town. Her younger sister Sydney arrives home one night, after being gone for several years, with her 5-year-old daughter and with no information on where she’s been or why she’s home now. Claire and Sydney must forge their relationship as sisters anew, and Sydney must come to grips with who she is and put her past aside, in this engaging novel. Ms. Allen again works in elements of magic which add a certain mystical feeling to her story, sprinkled liberally with romance as well.

Fans of Ms. Allen’s other books will most probably like this one as well!

Review: The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

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While on vacation, I downloaded and read “The Winter Sea” on my Kindle (actually my Kindle recommended the title to me). This was a new author for me and the genre was one I don’t often read – historical romance.

In “The Winter Sea”, author Carrie McClelland is visiting the coast of Scotland to get ideas for a historical novel she is penning. Carrie starts having vivid dreams and strong feelings about the different places she sees and even the people she meets. Carrie’s ancestor lived in this area, though she has little information on her, and Carrie eventually comes to believe that she is channelling the memories of Sophie, her ancestor from the 1700’s. In current day, Carrie feels drawn to the son of the man from she rents a small cottage; and both his sons show romantic interest in her. Sophie’s story and her history become Carrie’s quest, and she learns about Sophie’s life as she tells her story through her novel.

This lengthy (over 500 pages) book was an interesting read, especially as it was really two stories in one, with alternating chapters (Carrie in present day; Sophie in the 1700’s). I did find some of the story rather flat: everyone seemed in love with Carrie and I wasn’t exactly sure why. She was an “okay’ character, but not particularly compelling or extraordinary. In the 1700’s, Sophie had her share of suitors as well, though she professed an undying love for one man. I did find some of the events in the story – particularly those of 1700 – rather unbelievable. And of course, it all tied together neatly. however, if you enjoy historical romances, you would probably enjoy this novel.

I have to say that the most interesting part of this novel to me was the idea of “genetic memory” and memory being handed down. At one point it is said that some believe that people who think they have past lives are actually having genetic memories from their ancestors. An interesting concept!

I thought perhaps this story would be similar to “Outlander” – the Diana Gabaldon series which I adore – however, I consider the Outlander books to be more of a saga (and one in which I have learned a ton about what life was like in the 1700’s in Scotland) while I would categorize this book as a story.

Review: The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen

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We recently took a vacation to Las Vegas. I always bring several books when we travel, and I had downloaded “The Girl Who Chased the Moon” onto my Kindle before we left, since I loved “The Peach Keeper” (reviewed here a short time ago). I ended up reading the entire novel on our flight from Boston to Nevada!

In “The Girl Who Chased the Moon”, teenager Emily Benedict arrives in her mother’s hometown in North Carolina to live with her aging (and giant) grandfather after her mother is killed in an accident. Emily only knows one side of her mother, Dulcie, and sees her as a driven, conscientious, hard-working woman, who values integrity and helping others above all else. The young Dulcie that Emily starts discovering is very different. Many of the townspeople still hold a grudge against Dulcie, and most remember her as self-centered, self-serving, and downright mean. Neighbor Julia Winterson, herself only back in town for a given time, reaches out to Emily and helps her navigate finding her mother and her own true self (Julia bakes cakes all the time, and has her own issues, too). Emily’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ attraction to a teenage boy, whose uncle once loved Dulcie, and her determination to figure out the mystery of floating lights in her yard at night, threatens to tear her family apart, and secrets are revealed all within the framework of a little bit of magic.

I just loved this book! I loved the characters and Ms. Allen’s portrayal of a small North Carolina town in the summer. Her ability to use magical elements in her books I thought, at first, would pull me out of the story, but instead it enhanced the story for me. There were several subplots to follow in this story, but it all  gelled and came together seamlessly. It was a quick read for me, too.

If you enjoyed Ms. Allen’s other novels, I think you’ll like this one, too!

REVIEW: The Little Women Letters by Gabrielle Donnelly

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A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of reading British author Gabrielle Donnelly’s “The Little Women Letters”. I had received the book as an advanced reader copy while attending the BBC part of BEA in New York in May. (See also my recent post of a video clip of Ms. Donnelly discussing her book). I really enjoyed reading this modern day novel of three sisters who parallel and are the descendents of the fictional March sisters of “Little Women”.

The Atwater sisters live in London and are the great great granddaughters of Jo March. Emma is the always sensible eldest, similar to Meg March. Sophie is the beautiful and somewhat self-centered youngest sister, similar to Amy March. And Lulu is the middle child, seeking to find her way, parallel to Jo March. Their mother is actually somewhat similar to the real “Mrs. March” Abba May Alcott: a feminist and social worker. They even have a crotchety old aunt from Boston – Aunt Amy in this case – similar to Aunt March. Notably, Beth March is missing (a wise choice, in my estimation). The girls seek to solve the various issues in their everyday lives, while Lulu finds a stash of letters written by Jo March to her sisters long ago. The similarities are striking and she takes solace in these letters as she struggles to find a job, a profession, and a relationship with a man.

I think I’ve written before of how I am an incredibly harsh critic of fictionalized stories of Louisa May Alcott since I am quite knowledgeable about the family and spend time at their house museum in Concord. I was a tad sceptical when I began this book as I feared I would once again be disappointed by the actions or discordant voices I might find. However, this book is not about the Alcotts, it is about the March family – and a family in modern times. I was struck by what an excellent job Ms. Donnelly did in capturing not only the voices of the March sisters of “Little Women”, but the essence of the Alcotts as well. There were too many similarities and subtleties between the real family and this novel to think that it was coincidence. Ms. Donnelly not only did her homework, but did an excellent job in capturing that embodiment of character that is Alcott. My hat’s off to her!

This is a book that I would read, put down, and then pick up again. The story moved much like “Little Women” does: a slice of life in a family of sisters. I am guessing LW fans will adore it.

YA REVIEW: “Stones for My Father” by Trilby Kent

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As some of you know, I know Trilby Kent and have posted short interviews with her here (for instance, see: https://drbethnolan.wordpress.com/2011/03/31/author-interview-with-trilby-kent-2/). I was excited this week to read Trilby’s new YA book, “Stones for My Father”, which I downloaded for my Kindle.

“Stones for My Father” follows young Corlie Roux as her family fights to survive during the Boer War in South Africa. Corlie’s father has passed away and her mother, a cold, stern woman, works to keep the family – Corlie and her two younger brothers – alive. The encroaching British soldiers cause the family to flee their farm and they live in a circle of wagons with other settlers. Soon, though, they are discovered by British soldiers and taken to an internment camp for refugees. Corlie must face hunger, sickness, and loneliness in an effort to survive.

I LOVED Trilby’s novel and the character of Corlie. This novel has several layers to it – the story of the Boer War (which I knew only a little about), the story of Corlie’s family, Corlie’s relationship with her young African friend (their servant’s son), Corlie’s relationship with her brother Gert, Corlie’s mother (a complicated and not terribly likable character who is abusive to Corlie), and the role of a young Canadian soldier who befriends Corlie and her brother. This is a quick read – less than 200 pages – but compelling and at times intense. Some of the passages are heart-wrenching – even disturbing – and this novel can be read on more than one level. While YA readers will most certainly focus on Corlie’s trials and tribulations in her efforts to survive, older readers will also want to analyze Corlie’s family structure, the role of Boer women at that time (1899), and the bigger issues of war and land control in Africa by other countries. I would have loved to have read this novel as a  middle schooler — and I think adult fans of good historical fiction will like it as well.

Hats off to Trilby for a great read!


Quick Review: The Revenge of Kali-Ra by K.K. Beck

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During the 1990’s, I read several cozy mysteries by the female writer K. K. Beck. I particularly liked her novels set in the 20’s with alliterative titles (e.g. “Death in a Deckchair”; “Peril under the Palms”). I hadn’t seen anything by her at the library in a long while and was pleased to come across this novel in a library in a nearby town (yes, I frequent several different libraries!).

“The Revenge of Kali-Ra” is a bit of a parody of pulp fiction. A beautiful but somewhat witless Hollywood actress, Nadia Wentworth, has discovered the Kali-Ra novels by Valerian Ricardo from the 1920’s. She wants to turn them into a movie with herself as the star. A copyright battle ensues, Ricardo’s wacky widow gets into the middle of things, his estranged great nephew becomes involved, and a strange and ethereal young woman links herself to this unlikely group. Antics ensue at Nadia’s Hollywood manor, where a few more memorable characters are included (including a binge-drinking British writer and a wanna-be mafioso).
All ends happily in this light and enjoyable read

While I enjoyed this quick read, I do enjoy some of K. K. Beck’s other cozy mysteries (set in the 1920’s) more.

This one was published in 1999. I’ll continue to look for more by her!

Review: The Bird Sisters by Rebecca Rasmussen

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I had seen that Rebecca Rasmussen was speaking at the nearby Concord Bookshop in June, but got busy and totally forgot to go. I hadn’t read her book, but had heard through other bloggers that it was good. A few weeks ago I got it from the library and I have been kicking myself ever since that I missed Rebecca’s talk in Concord. I LOVED this book!!

“The Bird Sisters” tells the story of Milly and Twiss – two teen-age sisters growing up in the 40’s in Wisconsin. Milly is beautiful and kind and very good. She’s one of those people who, no matter how hard they try, can’t be mean or cruel as it’s just not in them. Twiss is spunky and a tomboy. She is intelligent and strong and devoted to her sister. Their parents are struggling with a dysfunctional marriage – their father is a self-centered, narcissistic, has-been golf pro, and their mother is a once wealthy, lonely woman, who clings to the fact that she once visited France in order to make herself feel special (or at least more special than the folks in their town). The story centers on one summer when their teen-age cousin, Bett, comes to visit. Things are irrevocably changed, and nothing will ever be the same again.

I just loved this book. It is a story of relationships and love and centers on the strength of women and the love bonds that bind family. It was the kind of book I would put down because I didn’t want it to end. This is Ms. Rasmussen’s first book and I sincerely look forward to her next one! She has a wonderful style with unique and unforgettable character voices. Her story is based, in part, on her own family.

See the book trailer from You Tube:

Here’s Rebecca herself discusses her creation of the book: (HOW could I have missed her speaking in Concord??)

Quick Review: The Sandalwood Tree by Elle Newmark

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Having heard about this novel through the blogosphere, I picked it up at the library one day and then it sat on my coffee table. I finally got around to opening it the other day and I was so mesmerized that I couldn’t stop reading. It was one of those moments when your inner voice is saying: “….must….put….book….down” and your body just won’t comply. I read the whole book straight through.

“The Sandalwood Tree” tells two stories a century apart. Evie and Martin, along with their young son, have come to India in 1947 as the British reign is ending. Martin is deeply scarred by his WWII experiences and it has caused a tear in their marriage that Evie fears is irreparable. While staying in their rented house, Evie finds a packet of letters between two British women who lived in India in 1857. The letters tell of their friendship and of their loves. Evie becomes somewhat obsessed with finding out what happened to the women, Felicity and Adela, as she also puts her energies into saving her marriage.

This was a compelling and well-written read with beautiful descriptions of that period in India’s history. As I said before, I couldn’t put it down!

View the somewhat dramatic book trailer from You Tube: