I had been wanting to read this book for a while, because the illustrations caught my eye and are so beautiful. I finally got myself a copy and sat doI had been wanting to read this book for a while, because the illustrations caught my eye and are so beautiful. I finally got myself a copy and sat down to look at a few pages. A brief while later, I got up again, having finishing the whole book and with tears (surely allergies...) in my eyes. What a lovely book for people of any age, and perfect for the time we living through, with so much uncertainty! Recommended!
As a fan of Dan Pfeiffer on the podcast Pod Save America, I knew I wanted to read his book as soon as I heard about it. It offers an insightful look aAs a fan of Dan Pfeiffer on the podcast Pod Save America, I knew I wanted to read his book as soon as I heard about it. It offers an insightful look at the author's time in the Obama administration, the difficulties faced and the pleasure to work for a man he so respected. The book is cynical at times, but left me with a message of hope that things can and hopefully will get better. Recommended!
Just fantastic! All the stars! I saved this one for a "special occasion" never anticipating said occasion would be a global pandemic, but so it is... Just fantastic! All the stars! I saved this one for a "special occasion" never anticipating said occasion would be a global pandemic, but so it is... If you like mythological retellings, lyrical prose and memorable characters, trust me, this is the book for you.
I LOVED this book! It's funny, thoughtful and wonderfully inventive. My only gripe is that it's over now;-) Such a bright, satisfying read. My copy caI LOVED this book! It's funny, thoughtful and wonderfully inventive. My only gripe is that it's over now;-) Such a bright, satisfying read. My copy came from the library, but I liked it so much I just ordered my own. I look forward to seeing what this author comes up with next!
Oh, I just LOVED this book! The hype is well deserved! I don't even know quite how to review it yet, but if you haven't read it, don't be daunted by tOh, I just LOVED this book! The hype is well deserved! I don't even know quite how to review it yet, but if you haven't read it, don't be daunted by the length, in the end, you'll wish it were longer. Boyne has a beautiful way of writing and giving each of the many characters a compelling and unique voice. It's early, I know, but this has got to be among my top three reads of 2019. It's a wonderful, moving, thought-provoking and completely entertaining book!
“Facing a pistol-wielding murderer does tend to put parents further down the list of things to be intimidated by.” ― Kate Quinn, The Alice Network This“Facing a pistol-wielding murderer does tend to put parents further down the list of things to be intimidated by.” ― Kate Quinn, The Alice Network This is a very short review, but I couldn't stay completely silent on this book. The Alice Network is excellent, and I might go so far as to say it is among my favorites this year, or even among my favorite historical fiction novels ever. It had everything I wanted - mystery, history, adventure, drama, romance, wit - and though it is quite long, I was never bored. I borrowed this from the library, but will buy a copy now, because I just liked it so much. Highly recommended, Kate Quinn has a new fan!
"Perhaps there is something good that has come from this war: everything has been turned around, all the unfairness made grimly plain. It has given us"Perhaps there is something good that has come from this war: everything has been turned around, all the unfairness made grimly plain. It has given us everyday women a voice - dared us to stand up for ourselves, and to stand up for others." -Jennifer Ryan, The Chilbury Ladies' Choir
This book had a little bit of everything I look for in a story. Beautiful writing, multi-dimensional characters, a wonderfully illustrated setting, and a dose of rich history. The story of the formation of the Chilbury Ladies' Choir during the spring and summer of 1940, is told through the voices of four very different women. I love a book told through multiple POVs, and in this case it was done perfectly. All characters' voices are developed to give a deep and rounded picture of who the woman is, and considering that this book is a normal length, that is quite a feat by the Jennifer Ryan. Possibly my favorite part of this book was the way the author painted a picture of community in this small English village during the war. There is something so touching about neighbors, broken families, friends and even foes banding together in times that are so our of the ordinary. That being said, this book isn't cheesy or overly sappy. There can never be a completely happy ending in a book that deals with the Second World War (or any for that matter) but there is still a strong sense of hope that runs through the whole story, and for that and all the other above mentioned attributes, I think I can already say, even though it is only January, this will be one of my favorite books this year. If you enjoyed books like The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society or Letters from Skye, I think you will love this as much as I did.
I won my copy of The Chilbury Ladies' Choir in a Goodreads giveaway, and have written what I think is a fair and fitting review. Thank you!
I have read all of Wood's books, but this one (or maybe Walking the Nile) are my favorites. He goes on these mad treks that I would never have access I have read all of Wood's books, but this one (or maybe Walking the Nile) are my favorites. He goes on these mad treks that I would never have access to (nor often the desire to) attempt myself. This book, like the others, offers a combination of exciting armchair travel and cultural reflection, which I found really engaging. I always learn something new about every place he explores, and in this book especially. I would highly recommend reading the books before you watch the TV series based on the books, because the show offers just a glimpse of what the books elaborate on. Recommended!
Oh, I'm so disappointed that I finished already! I had planned to make The Chalk Pit last, but a few sunny days on the terrace had me turning the finaOh, I'm so disappointed that I finished already! I had planned to make The Chalk Pit last, but a few sunny days on the terrace had me turning the final page far too quickly. Now another year's wait to hear from my friends Ruth, Nelson and the rest again:-( The Chalk Pit centers around the death and disappearance of homeless people in the area around King's Lynn. Ruth, who discovers a number of bones underground is, as ever, drawn into the mystery, which puts her in frequent (though not unwanted) contact with Nelson. Their relationship is still complicated, and while Ruth is happy he is a father to Kate, she is disappointed that he is still with his wife. All the while, she isn't completely sure how she would integrate a man into her life with her daughter, even if it is the child's father. The personal parts of the Ruth Galloway mysteries are definitely my favorite, and I could read these books regardless of whether or not there is a mystery. I feel as if I know the characters, and I certainly wish I did! Griffiths has developed them so well and in a way that seems natural and very real. I suspect she has written part of herself into Ruth (much as I have with my own leading lady) and I believe we would get along rather well, if we ever met:-) Though my first love is for the characters in this series, the plot is by no means a disappointment. This story, in particular, very much appealed to me, and I thought the way the author writes about the homeless characters is so thoughtful and compassionate, and makes you think how little it can take for someone to lose everything, especially if they do not have a support network to help them back up. I suspected who the murderer was, but couldn't guess why, so the ending was quite satisfying. Though the ending to the personal story is anything but! I don't want to give details away, however, Griffiths drops a single statement which could have rather interesting consequences for the future of a number of characters. CANNOT wait for the next book!
If you haven't read The Chalk Pit or the whole series yet, I envy you the pleasure!
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