This book tells the stories of several people living or working in a dorm at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville during a fall semester. I startedThis book tells the stories of several people living or working in a dorm at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville during a fall semester. I started listening to it, but there were too many characters to follow so I switched to paper. It is character driven, with a plot that is difficult to detect until the end. The ending is not tidy. (4.25 stars)...more
Unusual novel with characters inheriting mutations that turn them into other species. This book is about a recently married couple who learn that the Unusual novel with characters inheriting mutations that turn them into other species. This book is about a recently married couple who learn that the husband will turn into a shark. The story of the couple is very moving. The use of a non-existent mutation makes the situation easier to handle than a story involving a devastating medical condition would have been. But it is still sad. Highly recommend the audio edition. ...more
Loved listening to this story about India, an actress, and the important people in her life, including her children. The theme of the book is adoptionLoved listening to this story about India, an actress, and the important people in her life, including her children. The theme of the book is adoption and how it impacts lives and relationships. Patti Murin, the narrator, brings the characters alive. The audio also includes a lengthy conversation between Frankel, the author, and Murin, which adds a lot of value. ...more
Enjoyable book about five college age Chinese Americans planning heists of Chinese art in five world class museums. The chapters alternate between theEnjoyable book about five college age Chinese Americans planning heists of Chinese art in five world class museums. The chapters alternate between the characters, who we get to know apart from their participation in the heists. Although the book was inspired by a true art crime, it is well described as a heist caper. (4.25 stars)...more
The story takes place in the near future and tells the story of a family and several friends who survive severe climate change in Florida. I find dystThe story takes place in the near future and tells the story of a family and several friends who survive severe climate change in Florida. I find dystopian novels depressing, but this one is better because of well developed characters. The audio edition is excellent. ...more
Absorbing, tragic story of a talented young man who develops schizophrenia in his twenties. Rosen, the author, tells the true story of his childhood fAbsorbing, tragic story of a talented young man who develops schizophrenia in his twenties. Rosen, the author, tells the true story of his childhood friend, Michael Laudor. The book also discusses controversial issues related to the treatment of mental illness and its possible impact on crime. ...more
The book is both a prequel and a sequel to There There. Part historical fiction, part contemporary fiction. This is literary fiction about Native AmerThe book is both a prequel and a sequel to There There. Part historical fiction, part contemporary fiction. This is literary fiction about Native Americans who end up living in Oakland, California. The writing is beautiful, but the main theme is very serious - addiction and its impact on family and other relationships. Although it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading There There first. Rating 4.5 stars....more
During the summer of 1975, Mary Jane starts a summer job as a babysitter for a family very different from hers. The book is a lot of fun and I loved tDuring the summer of 1975, Mary Jane starts a summer job as a babysitter for a family very different from hers. The book is a lot of fun and I loved the time setting, bringing back memories of the cultural issues of the period. The audio version is excellent....more
Enjoyed listening to this story about the daughter of a prominent writer. It is told from four perspectives - the daughter, her father, her mother, anEnjoyed listening to this story about the daughter of a prominent writer. It is told from four perspectives - the daughter, her father, her mother, and her best male friend. The audio version has four narrators, one for each of the four main characters, and a fifth narrator for the “book within the book.”...more
Family saga about several generations of a family living in India during the 20th century. Each generation has a member who suffers from what they calFamily saga about several generations of a family living in India during the 20th century. Each generation has a member who suffers from what they call the Condition which involves the fear of water. The book is fiction, but Verghese includes anecdotes that happened to members of his family. He also brings in historical events happening in India between 1900 and 1977 and themes related to medicine. (The author is the Vice Chair of Stanford Medical School.) Although the book is very long, it is easy to read and absorbing. ...more
Women”s fiction with substance. The novel tells the story of Frankie, a nursing school graduate, who serves as an Army nurse during the Vietnam War. TWomen”s fiction with substance. The novel tells the story of Frankie, a nursing school graduate, who serves as an Army nurse during the Vietnam War. The book details her life in Vietnam and the challenges she faces emotionally when her tour of duty ends. The author did thorough research, both in portraying the life of a nurse in Vietnam and the psychological state afterward. Frankie’s family relationships, romances and friendships are the focus, all of which are impacted by the war. ...more
Seventeen year old Marley moves to Mercury, a small town in western Pennsylvania, and the three son Joseph family is never the same. The book tells thSeventeen year old Marley moves to Mercury, a small town in western Pennsylvania, and the three son Joseph family is never the same. The book tells the story of the family’s dynamics and secrets over eight years, with flashbacks. It takes place in the 1990’s. Audio version is excellent....more
Liked Gonzalez’ second book as much as her first. The book is primarily about coming of age and different kinds of relationships, but I loved the settLiked Gonzalez’ second book as much as her first. The book is primarily about coming of age and different kinds of relationships, but I loved the setting in the world of art and art history. ...more
Beautiful story of a few consequential months in the live of a Irish teen when the small rural village his grandparents live in is electrified in the Beautiful story of a few consequential months in the live of a Irish teen when the small rural village his grandparents live in is electrified in the late 1950’s. The narrator is looking back at his experience 60 years earlier. A warning, this is a leisurely read. The writing is literary and I found it a slow read. ...more
The story is about several generations of a family that owned a supper club in Minnesota. A warning - the book has some very sad parts. The audio versThe story is about several generations of a family that owned a supper club in Minnesota. A warning - the book has some very sad parts. The audio version is excellent. ...more
The book is literary fiction with a mystery as a podcaster returns to her New Hampshire boarding school and leads the students in reopening the investThe book is literary fiction with a mystery as a podcaster returns to her New Hampshire boarding school and leads the students in reopening the investigation of the death of her classmate. The audio version is excellent. ...more
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