by Juhea Kim Juhea Kim writes a impressive novel which reflects intimate knowledge of professional ballet and Russian culture. “City of Night Birds” is a work of art, a beautiful book to read. The lead character of Natalia Leonova is so carefully and realistically constructed to the degree that I felt her emotions and, atContinue reading “City of Night Birds”
Author Archives: bhanlon137
“The Storm we Made”
by Vanessa Chan I knew I was entering dark waters, but I found the darkness in this historical novel of the Japanese occupation of Malaya during WWII even more disturbing than I had expected. The main character, wife and mother Cecelia Alcantaras. would be the one who “made the storm,” to reverse the words inContinue reading ““The Storm we Made””
The Crash
by Freida McFadden It does seem a bit odd to give a low rating to a book that I could not put down and that I read in less than 24 hours. “The Crash” is a thriller in the same genre of Frieda McFadden’s earlier “The Housemaid,” but the plot, character development, and prose allContinue reading “The Crash”
“The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabelle Wilkerson
As someone who primarily reads fiction, I was a little intimidated by the 622 page “The Warmth of Other Suns.” However, Isabel Wilkerson quickly drew my interest into the real lives of the real people she chronicled in her ambitious non-fiction narration of the Great Migration. Wilkerson tells the story of Ida Mae Gladney andContinue reading ““The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabelle Wilkerson”
“Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett
Ann Patchett’s writing is lovely, and she does not need a thriller of a plot to keep the reader engaged; it is simply a pleasure to read each page. I am a lifelong fan of “Our Town,” and the mention of this play in a review is the reason I chose to read this book.Continue reading ““Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett”
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store
by James McBride My rating: 4 of 5 stars Well, well, this was a quirky read. I was interested in it for a couple reasons; first of all, the good reviews, and, secondly, our son and his family live in Chester County, not far from Pottstown, PA, the setting of this story. I had neverContinue reading “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store”
“Good Night Irene’ by Luis Alberto Urrea
The Red Cross providers of donuts, coffee and smiles to the American GI’s Good Night, Irene by Luis Alberto Urrea My rating: 5 of 5 stars😊 “Goodnight Irene” is the first novel I have read by Luis Alberto Urrea. This historical novel follows two young women who leave their homes in 1943 for different reasonsContinue reading ““Good Night Irene’ by Luis Alberto Urrea”
The Briar Club
by Kate Quinn Kate Quinn night at the Oxford Exchange in Tampa. I went with a friend, left with a new one too! In between I enjoyed a delish French 76 and gleaned some valuable tips from the writers. After attending a Kate Quinn presentation and book signing, I let this book sit on myContinue reading “The Briar Club”
Reading my way through 2024
HISTORICAL FICTION “The Women” by Kristin Hannah The bookseller’s world hyped Kristin Hannah’s newest novel months in advance. In enthusiastic anticipation, I preordered, but when my copy finally arrived early February, I placed it on my bookstack, not wanting to read it immediately, but to save it like a piece of dark chocolate with aContinue reading “Reading my way through 2024”
They Turned the World Upside Down, and I returned this book to the library.
“They Turned the World Upside Down” and I returned this book to the library.
BubbiesBooknBlog 