Category: Book Discussions

Audiobook review: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

nightingaleIs it the story or the storyteller? I’ve just completed a three-month trial with Audible.com. Selecting titles was harder than expected. Unlike picking a book off the shelf, choosing an audiobook involves the content and the reader.  And can those readers differ.  I sampled a few titles I am itching to read in the hope they’d fit the bill.  What I discovered is that tone, cadence and pacing all factor into the audiobook experience.  In the sampling process you don’t always have the chance to hear how the reader handles different characters/voices, a critical feature in experiencing the story. As a result, there were several titles I immediately dismissed in this format. There are many people who only “read” via audiobooks.  I’m not there and suspect I will only dabble in this medium. But for those are unable to view the written word or prefer listening, there are readers who truly elevate an author’s story. Continue reading Audiobook review: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

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Book Review: The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

91hvgvo-tl imagesGabrielle Zevin has written a lovely novel for those who can make a day of paging through the shelves of a small, independent bookstore.  To fully appreciate the story, it’s best if you touch the paper pages and mark your place with a scrap of paper or the dust cover flap.

A.J. Fikry is a throwback. A man in his 30’s, he is the owner/proprietor of a small bookstore on a rather isolated island in Massachusetts. Quite cantankerous for a young man, he was embittered by the sudden death of his wife and partner, an Alice Island native, for whom the creation of a bookstore and event locale was the realization of a lifelong dream.

Bereft in his widowhood, A.J. is only interested in stocking books to his taste, eschewing popular children’s titles or books that might appeal to the island’s summer people. Author events are too messy, emails and the internet an unnecessary intrusion. And then in rapid succession a novice publisher’s representative disrupts his solitary routine, a prized Poe first edition is stolen, and an abandoned baby appears with instructions for A.J. to raise her.

Alice Island is a tight-knit and quirky community held together by a love of place and acceptance of one another. As Fikry’s life is turned upside down dealing with new and different circumstances, those around him change as well.  Take the time to meet A.J. and the rest of the people of Alice Island. It will be time well spent.

Zevin cleverly uses quotes from favorite authors to front each chapter and show Fikry’s transformation. From page to page and chapter to chapter, Gabrielle Zevin has written a love letter to readers who cherish the special book on the shelf and the writers and booksellers who put it in their hands.

IN A NUTSHELLUnknown - Version 2

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Locale: Massachusetts
  • Time: Contemporary
  • Book Group Potential: Excellent
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Book Review: Regrets, I’ve Had A Few….

Screen Shot 2015-03-05 at 12.30.12 PMIn My Way, Frank Sinatra sings of a full life lived with few regrets. The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy is not such a life. Rachel Joyce introduced us to Queenie Hennessy in her earlier book, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. Queenie is the catalyst for Harold’s journey of self-discovery as he walks over 600 miles to reach her before she dies at a hospice.  The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy is presented as a companion, neither sequel or prequel, and I admit to having had some skepticism about how well that would work. Ms. Joyce accomplished her goal. Continue reading Book Review: Regrets, I’ve Had A Few….

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Oh, so what are you reading?

It used to be so simple. Hardback or paperback. Own or borrow or library copy. Not so easy anymore.  Next week a book group I coordinate will be discussing The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure (Sourcebooks Landmark).  A friend asked to borrow a paper copy, which I used to have. It had long since been loaned out and then replaced with an ebook before another discussion in January (see post) since my “real” copy had never made it back home and the library continues to have a substantial waiting list .

I take great pleasure in matching up readers with books. Continue reading Oh, so what are you reading?

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Sometimes an ESCAPE can help you find yourself

Several months ago I got a phone call asking me to be part of a two plus day event of informal learning, relaxation and camaraderie bringing together a group of women at a retreat center just over an hour away.  While I was welcome to come as a participant, the organizers asked that I consider sharing my love of books with the group. While I am far from shy, the idea of going away with a group of people without having a particular buddy along was a bit of a stretch. Continue reading Sometimes an ESCAPE can help you find yourself

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