a collection of tried and true
Born in Colorado in 1899, a young man moves back to Austria-Hungry with his father who was born and raised there. He quickly becomes involved in WW1 as a sharpshooter and the novel details the horrific war. An interesting historical novel that makes you happy to live in 2013.
PJH Rating: ***1/2
A 10 year old girl is abused by her father, orphaned, lives with her evil Grandmother who also dies and eventually finds peace in a foster home. Told from the view point of the 10 year old southern girl, it is a short, interesting, but nothing special novel.
PJH Rating: ***1/2
Two young 20 years olds in rural USA get involved in a murder of a homeless man in their dying ex-steel mill town. Told from the viewpoint of the two men and several other characters it is an interesting tale but very bleak and a sad reality for much of our country. It is a well written novel told in an interesting stream of consciousness style. The author has a more recent novel just published that looks good as well.
PJH Rating: ****
Different groups of people, families and stories come together in a small midwestern town. The characters and stories are all interesting but the novel could have used a better editor as it seemed a bit verbose. Similar to Kent Haruf novels but not as well written. (I think I’m getting too picky as the reviews for this were outstanding everywhere)
PJH rating: ***1/2 (love the cover though)
This current Dutch best seller takes place entirely while two couples are out to dinner. The story unfolds as the evening goes on regarding the trouble the couples sons are in and unfortunately becomes more and more ridiculous as well. A fun book but not great.
PJH Rating: ***1/2
A British family goes on vacation in the country with extended family who they don’t see often. Told from 8 different point of views. Not engaging or well written but slogged through it. Very disappointing as Haddon’s “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night…” is one of my favorites.
PJH rating: **1/2
A young woman living on a farm in North Carolina discovers a body in the mud that at first turns into a woman like her but then turns into a man for her. The couple marries, has children and lives on the farm.
PJH rating: ***
Dysfunctional family in rural Louisiana told from the different viewpoints of family members over two different generations. Prequel to the popular Ya Ya Sisterhood book. Southern chic lit.
PJH Rating: *** (but a good beach book I must say)
Latest collection of short stories and poems from David Sedaris. Funny as usual. I especially enjoy the stories about his family when he is growing up.
PJH Rating: ***1/2
Two women compete against each other in Olympice level cycling starting when they are 19 years old up until three olympics later when they are in their mid 30’s. The complicated relationships involved and the one athlete’s daughter who has leukemia makes this a compelling novel. A great book that really sucks you in. Amazingly different than Little Bee – the author’s previous best seller – but just as good.
PJH Rating: ****1/2
Eat On Edgecliff 