Book Review: The Editor by Steven Rowley

The Editor by Steven Rowley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An interesting historical fiction novel about a struggling writer in NYC in the 1990's. The author sells his semi-autobiographical book about his dysfunctional family, and at the first meeting with his editor discovers that it is non other than Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Half of the book deals with the author and his editorial meetings with Mrs. Onassis; she needs him to re-write the ending. Interspersed are his interactions with his various family members, but current and past. Secrets are revealed, clashes are described, memories are told from different points of view. All in all a very compelling novel.

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Book Review: Better: How I Let Go of Control, Held On to Hope, and Found Joy in My Darkest Hour by Amy Robach

Better: How I Let Go of Control, Held On to Hope, and Found Joy in My Darkest Hour by Amy Robach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amy Robach's memoir is an honest and revealing account of her breast cancer journey: from initial mammogram, diagnosis, bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy and breast reconstruction. She has always been a self-motivated, hard-working and driven individual, and these traits helped her work through all that breast cancer entailed. I was amazed to find out that she didn't miss one day of work during the entire 8 months of her treatments. She continued on-air with Good Morning America and even traveled during her chemotherapy to report from the Sochi Olympics. Woven throughout is her message about the importance of having a support group of family and friends to help her through this difficult time.

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Book Review: The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fascinating historical fiction book about the compilation of The Oxford English Dictionary. It follows Esme, a young girl whose father is one of the Dictionary's lexicographers. The book covers the period of 1886 (when Esme was just 4 years old) to 1928 when the last volume as finally published. This book appeals to the librarian is me, particularly the detailed descriptions of how the words are selected, researched and finally approved for inclusion.

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Book Review: Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li

Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A thrilling and utterly fascinating story of five college students who are hired to reclaim five sculptures originally stolen from the Beijing Summer Palace years ago. These sculptures are now housed in five separate art museums throughout the world. The story is told from each of the five participant's points of view in different chapters, so we get insight into each of the characters, their backgrounds, and their motivations. It brings together many different facets: the heist, the Chinese American experience and what it means to different people, parental expectations, and art history. The writing and imagery are beautiful, almost bordering on literary fiction, juxtaposed with page-turning, edge-of-your seat reading about the actual heist!

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