The Heart Laid Bare is a sensitive tale about gay love and relationships between different and same sexes. The personalities of the characters are belThe Heart Laid Bare is a sensitive tale about gay love and relationships between different and same sexes. The personalities of the characters are believable. The point of view jumps around from first person to third. Each chapter has a heading of the name of the character, but still the point of view varies and may not be of that particular character but presents information about them through eyes of another.
The story was very readable and engaging, exploring the gay scene, stigma, and complications of having a relationship, the perception of a gay relationship between a younger man and an older man, and how to answer a son's question around why he has one mother and three fathers.
I enjoyed the style of prose. I would be interested in reading more of Tremblay's work. ...more
The first story The Woman Opposite explores a man's relationships with women and his growing obsession with a woman he watches from his apartment. TheThe first story The Woman Opposite explores a man's relationships with women and his growing obsession with a woman he watches from his apartment. The second story How Long is Forever? is about an ordinary girl who searches for love but cannot attract the love of a man. She gives selflessly to others who take advantage of her including her own family.
Tie Ning's stories are translated from Chinese into English using simple language but the implications of her characters' behaviour have profound consequences. Coming from a western perspective, I wish the story emphasized the emotions of the characters more....more
**spoiler alert** This novel is set in the forties and fifties, exploring the childhood, upbringing, and coming of age of Isobel Cleary. At that time,**spoiler alert** This novel is set in the forties and fifties, exploring the childhood, upbringing, and coming of age of Isobel Cleary. At that time, sexuality was something to be hidden, not openly discussed. When she gets a job at State Hospital Hill, which houses the insane, she works on the 'shit ward', where the smell and sight of excrement are overwhelming. I disliked the portrayal of the mad patients and the state of their accommodation, however, during that time, it may very well have been like that. Also, there is a scene where someone is trying to draw a pint of blood, but blood ends up splattered all over the room and the people. Again, the depiction wasn't something I was drawn to. For me, as a person with mental illness, I felt dismay at the way madness was shown in this novel which adds to stigma.
When Isobel has sex for the first time, she is doped up on pills and she remarks that she isn't concerned about syphilis or pregnancy, perhaps symbolizing a sense of freedom.
Despite any reservations I may have about this book, Thomas is an award-winning author who also received the Order of Canada....more
Knowing Jack is an exciting adventure book for preteens but also entertaining for adults. Twelve-year-old Jack has a sixth sense about the dangers surKnowing Jack is an exciting adventure book for preteens but also entertaining for adults. Twelve-year-old Jack has a sixth sense about the dangers surrounding a family vacation to spend Christmas in a cabin in the woods. On top of that, he is unhappy to spend time with his complaining cousin Rosie. When Jack's father is injured, the two children find themselves in a precarious situation. The action-packed scenes move at a fast pace and the conflict runs high as Jack and Rosie fend for themselves, ultimately fighting for their lives.
Because of Powell's well-told, vivid, engaging scenes, I felt the emotions of the characters and was immersed in the action.
Thematically, this is a story of survival, bravery, and determination as Jack risks his life for others. ...more
A book that's easy to read but very profound. Early-onset Alzheimer's disease is seen through the eyes of a brilliant Harvard professor whose mind sloA book that's easy to read but very profound. Early-onset Alzheimer's disease is seen through the eyes of a brilliant Harvard professor whose mind slowly begins to deteriorate. Alice Howland begins to forget things like the location of objects or where she is even if only a few blocks from her own house. John her husband and her adult children deal with the problem with patience and love.
An excellent book for anyone wanting to learn about this disease. Genova's expertise on the subject shines through but also her insight into the family dynamics after one is diagnosed-the treasured moments and the conflicts....more
Shared unfolds as a story about a girl Rachel whose life is threatened by fainting spells, during which she stops breathing. Doctor Liam Gilbert hearsShared unfolds as a story about a girl Rachel whose life is threatened by fainting spells, during which she stops breathing. Doctor Liam Gilbert hears of a similar case in New Zealand. In a quest to save Rachel and understand her condition, he travels from England across the world to find a young girl vastly similar to Rachel who lives in a Maori tribe. Gilbert tries to unravel the mysteries of these two young girls who share something strange and unusual. Rachel's family and caregivers seek answers. Is Rachel's affliction caused by demons? Fate, God and spirituality are actors in this tale.
I lived and died with the characters in this story. Their emotions touched me as a reader. Kirkpatrick's distinctive style, diction and dialogue are wonderfully suited to the period in which this story takes place. As the story progresses, Kirkpatrick's prose becomes more abstract as the characters reach epiphanies and insight into the nature of love, destiny and spirituality.
Sandra Yuen MacKay, author of My Schizophrenic Life ...more
A well told story with an exciting climax. Lisbeth Salander doesn't reveal some of her secrets to the reader until the crucial moment creating a doublA well told story with an exciting climax. Lisbeth Salander doesn't reveal some of her secrets to the reader until the crucial moment creating a double whammy-- her critical circumstances and the critical information she carries about the killings and motives. The cliffhanger ending means I'll have to eventually read the third book!
It's too bad the author published the Millennium series after his death and did not receive the international acclaim he deserved in his lifetime. Instead he lived under the threat of right wing extremists until his death in 2004....more
Maria Savva's 'The Dream' is in essence a romance but with many twists and unsuspected turns. Lynne has a dream about a warning from a stranger. Who iMaria Savva's 'The Dream' is in essence a romance but with many twists and unsuspected turns. Lynne has a dream about a warning from a stranger. Who is this stranger? Is there any truth to the warning not to marry her fiancé Adam? Her relationship with him isn't premarital bliss and now she sits wondering if she loves him at all. Why is he so distant?
This book is enjoyable from beginning to end. The words flow as Savva explores every nook and cranny of Lynne's thoughts and emotions as strange events unfold. Her friend Sandra is her confidante, searching for her own love. Finding Mr. Right isn't a direct path for Lynne or Sandra but that seems to be their main goal in this tale. There is suspense and tension created by the relationships and conflicts between the characters. Mystery surrounds Lynne's situation whose world is turned upside down. I felt myself being pulled into the story as Lynne searches for answers and deals with disappointment, uncertainty and fear. Savva's characters are contemporary, believable, and described with sensitivity.
Sandra Yuen MacKay, author of Hell's Fire and My Schizophrenic Life ...more
Charlie Cassidy, a powerful politician, dies and leaves his son-in-law Martin Gregory to deal with his secrets and legacy. From the grave, he still wiCharlie Cassidy, a powerful politician, dies and leaves his son-in-law Martin Gregory to deal with his secrets and legacy. From the grave, he still wields great power but Martin must find his own answers. This book was published in 1986 so I felt it was a little dated. The ending was fine but I felt it lost momentum in the middle....more
A classic story of Jeff Winston's replay of his life. The cultural elements situate the reader in a particular time and place. Jeff's knowledge of theA classic story of Jeff Winston's replay of his life. The cultural elements situate the reader in a particular time and place. Jeff's knowledge of the future allow him power over his life financially but there are also costs. To live and lose, die and return to the past with one's memory intact creates a paradox. What is his raison d'etre?
Grimwood writes well and explores different avenues Jeff's life takes deftly. The clock is ticking until the final page....more
Wayson Choy’s "All That Matters" reads like a true story. There is so much authenticity to the distinct characters, dialogue and interaction. He creatWayson Choy’s "All That Matters" reads like a true story. There is so much authenticity to the distinct characters, dialogue and interaction. He creates a realistic image of Vancouver’s Chinatown in the 30’s and 40’s. I felt for his characters and lived through their descriptions. He illustrates the culture and customs very well. Even though I didn't read "The Jade Peony" previous to this book, I got a good sense of the characters and their relationships....more
Masterclass is not only an entertaining read but demonstrates West's knowledge of art dealers and the intricacies of the art world. As an art history Masterclass is not only an entertaining read but demonstrates West's knowledge of art dealers and the intricacies of the art world. As an art history major, I was intrigued by the wheeling and dealing by Maxwell Mather, a young American art historian who finds a set of priceless art works in an archive where he works and plots to profit. The storyline also involves the murder case of Madeleine Bayard, a artist with a perversion, and her legacy of artwork. Certain elements of the story are hidden from the reader, until West reveals them. Are the paintings forgeries? Who murdered Madeleine? What is Maxwell's next ploy? West is a mastermind storyteller.
A suspenseful, entertaining book in the Imago Series. The story starts off with a riveting scene where two humans are attacked by a strange beast. It'A suspenseful, entertaining book in the Imago Series. The story starts off with a riveting scene where two humans are attacked by a strange beast. It's up to the Elves and their comrades to search out and destroy the beast. While reading the series, I became attached to the characters. The interactions between them are humorous at times, also revealing their personalities and opinions of each other. The style of dialogue is intelligent and witty. The action scenes are well-described. The ever present conflict kept me in the story. Another fine tale by L.T. Suzuki....more
**spoiler alert** This book had a great deal of tension and suspense. However, I could have done without the incest, the sex between adults and undera**spoiler alert** This book had a great deal of tension and suspense. However, I could have done without the incest, the sex between adults and underage teenagers or children, and the son who's in love with his mother so much that he has sex with his cousin and kills his father. It's like the author wanted to cover all types of perversion in order to tantalize the reader. Threesomes, sex toys, role-play, sadomasochism, rape, sex with 11 year old twins, mental derangement are all fair game. Everyone has an angle, everyone has sex on their mind.
The ending is open. Lexi still believes she will find a way despite the world crumbling around her, financial ruin and being arrested. But really, there's no way out for her at the end in my opinion. No possibility she would be able to get away with her crimes.
What's good about the book? The writing is fine. I like knowing the thoughts of the characters. I liked the high stakes of the corporate world. Lexi is a strong protagonist, the deaf girl that regains her hearing and conquers the world so to speak. It's just the other content that bothers me....more
Maria Savva is perceptive about couples' behavior when faced with difficult, complicated situations. She skillfully molds a fine tale of miscommunicatMaria Savva is perceptive about couples' behavior when faced with difficult, complicated situations. She skillfully molds a fine tale of miscommunication, foibles, and conflict. Second Chances is very believable and entertaining at the same time. The exchanges between characters are deceptive, based on different motives, forming a tangled web.
James and Pamela face the challenges of marriage. James is a lawyer at a London law firm, where his superiors ruthlessly manipulate him and his co-workers. Building his career, he wants to provide financially for his family, but he works long hours and doesn't have time to spend with his wife and two small children. Suddenly, Pamela leaves London, taking the children, changing everything.
Savva's experience as a family lawyer, and her observations and understanding of the human experience, give her writing an edge. She is able to write nuances of thought, deed and word with sensitivity, making me empathetic toward her characters. A truly enjoyable, well-written book.
Suspenseful, compelling, action-packed. This thriller is what I would expect from a bestselling author like Ken Follett. He doesn't fall short!
The proSuspenseful, compelling, action-packed. This thriller is what I would expect from a bestselling author like Ken Follett. He doesn't fall short!
The protagonist Felicity Clairet (Flick), a beautiful British major, forms a group to pose as cleaning women to infiltrate a chateau which houses an important telephone exchange. She plans to destroy the equipment. She has no problem ruthlessly shooting people and planning attacks, but still worries about her husband having an affair. She puts her mission first, despite fatal consequences and casualties. Her arch enemy Dieter Franck of German intelligence, who enjoys torturing his victims, is a few steps behind her all the way. Everyone sacrifices in this story.
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