May Book Wrap Up

by Natasa Djordjevic - 2:48 PM

Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning (✷✷)

If you are looking for a very formulaic romance novel, you will not be disappointed. If you need strong characterization and logical plot points, look elsewhere.

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate (✷✷✷)

I liked the premise of the book but found the alternating chapters depicting original characters and periods difficult to adapt to. It wasn’t until the last chapter that the author pulled it all together.

The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy (✷✷✷)

The book is very well written. However, I found most of the story line completely unbelievable and actually had to force myself to finish it.

Beach Music by Pat Conroy (✷✷✷)

The book reads like several books as it goes from one time in his life to another. Each is great reading, but to me at least, the change in time and location makes me lose the flow of the narration. The book is good, just difficult to follow the flow.

The Ambitious Madame Bonaparte by Ruth Hull Chatlien (✷✷✷)

Interesting fictional bio of a little know Napolean connection to the United States. The story became tedious and could have been greatly shortened.

The Huntress by Kate Quinn (✷✷✷)

I often read historical fiction on WWII/ Holocaust, and this was just OK, and the plot seemed predictable; the denouement was unlikely. The most interesting element was learning about female Russian fighter pilots.

Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict (✷✷✷✷)

Clementine is a strong historical figure I knew nothing about. I appreciate the author’s insight and research that gives a powerful woman her right and shows the hoops that some people have to jump through for the higher good.

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston (✷✷✷✷)

This was a well-written novel regarding the challenging life of a young black woman in the early part of the 19th century. It portrayed the main character as a very strong-willed, hardworking woman who met the demands thrown upon her regarding her status in life.

Winter's Fire by Giles Kristian (✷✷✷✷)

I liked this book better than the first. However the first book sets the plot for the series and is very enjoyable. This book moves better and is non stop excitement.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See (✷✷✷✷)

It was a sad, yet fulfilling, true and honest, yet fictional story. A truly moving story about the hardships of being a woman in nineteenth-century China.

The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama (✷✷✷✷)

An absolutely stunning book both literally and conceptually. The characters are memorable and the scenery as detailed by the author draws you into a garden of breathtaking words.