Book Review: A Guidebook to Newport Mansions of the Preservation Society of Newport County

A Guidebook to Newport Mansions of the Preservation Society of Newport County by Preservation Society of Newport County
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was a lovely book and brought back memories of the houses I visited.  It contained a lot of historical information, background about the people who lived there, and info about the architectural styles.  However, I would have enjoyed more photos.

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Book Review: Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaos by Lucy Knisley

Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaos by Lucy Knisley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another wonderful book by the talented artist Lucy Knisley. This one chronicles the ups and downs of her pregnancy and delivery. It is so much more than a comic book, discussing serious subjects such as contraception, miscarriages, pregnancy complications, labor complications, and more. We follow along with her ups and downs as she honestly portrays what it was really like for her. Parts of this book are difficult to read, and it's not a memoir for all pregnant women, but instead a peak into reality through Lucy's drawings, humor and point of view.

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Book Review: Go to Sleep (I Miss You): Cartoons from the Fog of New Parenthood by Lucy Knisley

Go to Sleep (I Miss You): Cartoons from the Fog of New Parenthood by Lucy Knisley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read much of what Lucy Knisley has written/drawn and absolutely love all of her books. This is a endearing book about being a new mother. Each page (or two) is a snapshot of her life with her husband and infant son. Wow, does this bring back memories. My sons are 31 and 25 years old, but reading this book makes it all seem like yesterday. I recommend this book for parents with children of all ages. Guaranteed to make you laugh and tear up.

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Book Review: The Cloisters by Katy Hays

The Cloisters by Katy Hays
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow!  I'm still thinking about this book a month after I've finished it.  Anne moves across the country to become a summer intern at the Met.  Due to a last-minute snafu, that position is not available but instead she works at The Cloisters, a branch of the Met near Harlem which deals with medieval antiquities, art and architecture.  Ann becomes fast friends with her co-worker Rachel, but how much can she trust her?  Mysterious things happen at work, and the dark side of academia is uncovered.  This novel definitely gives you a sense of place, transporting you to a stifling hot NYC summer and the cool interiors of The Cloisters.  There's a lot in this novel that is in my wheelhouse:  art, art history, NYC, The Cloisters, museums, mysteries, friendship.  There's even a touch of magical realism and tarot cards thrown in.  This book grabs you and pulls you in, and I was turning the pages quickly to find out what happens next.  Looking forward to Katy Hays' next book!

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Book Review: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman (Thursday Murder Club #1)

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Meet Elizabeth, Ron, Ibrahim and Joyce, four residents of a senior living community in Kent, England.  They meet every Thursday afternoon to discuss cold cases, but everything changes when there is a murder...and then another murder in their midst.  This is a delightful character study combined with several mysteries.  Take care reader -- there are a lot of characters and backstories in this book,  along with many twists and turns.  You may need to go back and re-read sections to clarify things after you finish the book.  I'm looking forward to the second book in this series. 

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Book Review: A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum

A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book focuses on three generations of Arab American women living in Brooklyn over the past 30 years.  The story is told by these three alternating points of view in different chapters.  The story is simultaneously compelling, yet heartbreaking and very difficult to read.  Life as an Arab American immigrant woman is not at all easy, especially in a culture which values the men of the family.  However, I loved the fact that three women in this family were able to escape their daily lives through their love of books and reading.  

"Life was nothing more than a bad joke for women.  One she didn't find funny."  Isra, Fall 1992

"Books were my armor.  Everything I'd ever learned growing up, all my thoughts, dreams, goals, experiences, it all came from the books I read.  It was like I went around collecting knowledge, plucking it from pages and storing it up, waiting for a chance to use it."  Deya, Winter 2008

"Books have always kept me company when I felt most alone." Sarah, Winter 2008

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Book Review: Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story is alternately told from the two main characters' points of view - Olivia and Lily.  Olivia and her high school son Asher have moved to New Hampshire to leave an abusive marriage.  Lily meets Asher soon after she moves and starts in her new school, and they quickly start dating.    One of the stories goes forward in time, while the other goes backwards in time.  I usually don't like non-linear storytelling, but this one worked for me.  This book drew me in to the point that I couldn't put it down.  This book was enlightening and informative on so many different levels.  This is the second of Jodi Picoult's books that I've read, but I'll definitely be exploring her backlist in the near future.  Note:  Readers should be aware that there are plenty of story lines in this book which should come with content warnings. 

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Book Review: Winter Solstice by Elin Hilderbrand

Winter Solstice by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The 4th and final installment in Elin Hilderbrand's Winter Street series.  Once again we follow the Quinn family, but this book differs from the other three in the series.  Rather than just spotlighting the Christmas season, we see the various family members throughout the year.  There are ups and downs, laughter and sorrow, but as we have come to expect, the family saga ends on a hopeful note.  It's always great to read a Christmas book in December and I was pleasantly surprised to discover this series.  I finished all four books during this holiday season, and would highly recommend them. 

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