March Book Wrap Up

by Natasa Djordjevic - 5:13 AM

Wonder by R.J. Palacio (✬✬✬✬)

The story is about bullying and empathy and how one state can become the other. It is sad but encouraging because it has a very optimistic outlook. It is a lesson for young and old.

The Woman in the White Kimono by Ana Johns (✬✬✬✬)

It’s well-written and meticulously researched. Much of it centers on post-War Japan and its traditions and customs, even as the world was changing. So much of the cultural backdrop the author incorporates is interesting, especially from a 21st-century perspective.

Mistress of the Court by Laura Purcell (✬✬✬✬)

This is a delightful fast-moving story that will keep the reader turning pages. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the flow of the story, and the setting and I look forward to more books from Laura Purcell.

The Hidden Oasis by Paul Sussman (✬✬)

Although the writing was very descriptive, it was not powerful enough to make me feel like I was there. The plot was very weak, and the ending was science fiction, which was contrary to the story.

A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron (✬✬✬✬)

“A dog’s purpose” by W. Bruce Cameron. If you are a dog lover, you simply must read this book! It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will make you appreciate the dog(s) that you currently have as well as the ones that you have had in the past. The author’s ability to get inside the head of a dog and create such an interesting point of view experience for the reader is amazing.

Exit the Actress by Priya Parmar (✬✬✬)

Exit the Actress is an entertaining book about the life of Nell Gwyn, favorite mistress of Charles II in England. It moves briskly, covering 8 years of her life and introducing many characters from the royal court.

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry (✬✬✬)

Good reading although, as other reviews state, too much suffering, and excessive tragedies, and when you think it is over, the author finds something even worse for his characters.

Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher (✬✬✬✬)

I loved this book. The characters were engaging and the history was well researched. The only criticism I might make is that the ending could have been developed more - after all the wonderful descriptions of the events in the War, the characters seemed to be plopped into place too quickly.

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (✬✬✬✬)

I think the book has some interesting things to say, like about how people relate to art or other objects for example, but there’s so much going on around those moments that don’t seem to have any point that it can get a little lost. Donna Tartt's writing style is where most of my rating is coming from. I just prefer stories that are a little shorter and more focused.