At the end of every year, I have a strong desire to look back at all of the books I read that year, reread my reviews, choose my favorites and least favorites in fiction and non-fiction, and write a post about it. Here is my 2022 report.
In 2022 I read and reviewed 56 books (down from 68 last year.) 14 were non-fiction and 42 were fiction.
Goodreads sent me a collage of pictures of the books I reviewed on their site.
I am a Beverly Cleary fan and this autobiography was wonderfully written.
and These Precious Days by Ann Patchett
and
2022 Book
Reviews
NON-FICTION
1. From the Heart by Laura Bush 4 stars
I really
enjoyed this autobiography of Laura Bush.
My politics will be showing here, so turn your head if that offends
you. I have felt that her husband was
the president for “such a time as this.”
He was the president this nation needed in the aftermath of 9-11. He was a man who sought God and who helped
the whole nation to do so in our most critical hour. He led us through those dark days.
I loved
reading Laura Bush’s life story. It is a
fairy tale story- a normal, little girl that became the first lady. There are so many incidents I could tell from
her life, I don’t know where to start.
But maybe I will just quote from her book, her own synopsis of her time
in the White House. She is not one who
toots her own horn. In fact, this is the
closest she came in the entire book. She
just told what she did and her reactions to what happened. But in this paragraph she tells about some of
what she accomplished as the first lady of our nation:
“I had worked to support better education and
womens’ rights and humans’ rights around the globe, and I had worked to better
peoples’ lives here at home. I had
reached out to victims of oppression in Burma and to tattooed American teens
struggling to break free from the cycle of gang violence. I had sat on mud floors in African health
clinics and inside Badouin-style tents for breast cancer survivors. I had visited seventy-five countries,
including five trips across Africa and three to Afghanistan. I had been to many of the countries hardest
hit by AIDS and malaria. I had held the
hands of the dying and looked into the eyes of children who had been orphaned
in the most hideous ways, as well as children who were raising other children
younger than themselves.”
She doesn’t
mention here her great support of hurricane Katrina survivors and her
dedication to repair their schools and rebuild and restock their libraries.
She did it
all with quiet class and sophistication and respect. In her book, she shows nothing but love and
support for her husband and his belief system.
I have long been an admirer of Laura Bush (and her great hair! I used to tell my hairdresser to make me look
like Laura Bush. She never did.) I am
even more so now. In this book, she
truly speaks from her heart. I am very
glad I read it. I was appalled how the
press and media turned on this fine president and wife at the end of their term
and since. I have literally prayed that
history will be kind to them and remember them for who and what they were:
people dedicated to our country and its people and humanitarians to the world. I
appreciate their service.
2. These Precious Days by Ann Patchett 5 stars
Could I have really read my favorite non-fiction book of the
year in the first weeks of January? Each
year, I choose my favorite non-fiction and fiction books of the year and write
about it on my blog. I have a hard time
believing I will like one better than this for this year’s pick. I loved this book! It is a collection of essays written by the
author, Ann Patchett. Right from the
prologue, I was completely immersed and engaged. There wasn’t a single essay which didn’t
resonate with me. Ann Patchett is a
wonderful writer. Though I don’t agree
with everything she said, I love how she said it and that she has the courage
and conviction and self-trust to say it.
I listened to the audio version which is read by the author. I loved that.
But I also would love a copy of this book. Like right now, I could thumb through and
enjoy the essays again and pick out my favorites. There is so much I would underline and
contemplate. This book touched me deep
in my soul. 5 plus stars from me for
this stellar book.
3. Living Out Loud
by Anna Quindlen 3 stars
Before being
a novelist, Anna Quindlen wrote a column for the New York Times. This book is a collection of some of those
columns. Similar to Ann Patchett’s
“These Precious Days,” this style of writing really resonates with me. I think that is because it is the kind of
writing I like to do- short essays on a subject. It’s what I do on my blog. Though Ms (and she would like this title)
Quindlen is far more liberal than I am, I enjoyed reading her views on
different subjects. I mostly appreciated
how well written they were. She wrote
the column when she was a young mother in her thirties. They reflect her views on subjects young
mothers in the 1980s were interested in: babies, child-raising, influence of
grandparents, working mothers, feminism, birth control, abortion, etc. It was
an enjoyable read.
4. Emma and I by Sheila Hocken 4 stars
Sheila
Hocken tells her own story in this touching book. She was born with poor eyesight, but as a
young adult, went completely blind. She qualified
for a guide dog and was matched with Emma. Emma was remarkably loving and
intelligent. I loved reading about her
and her amazing dog. I thoroughly
enjoyed this sweet book. Why is it that
I suddenly really want a dog?
5. Winterdance by Gary Paulson 4 stars
This is the
true story of Gary Paulson’s preparation for and run of the Iditarod in Alaska. This man could not be more opposite than
me. He chooses to sleep outside with his
dogs, he doesn’t shower for weeks on end, he doesn’t eat anything but meat for
days, he lives in subzero temperatures, and while in the race, he doesn’t
sleep. But, surprisingly, I really
enjoyed this story. It was very well
written and most entertaining. It is the ultimate in an adventure book. Other
than the cuss words, I recommend it. I
think you would really enjoy it.
6. Nanaville: Adventures in Grandparenting by Anna Quindlen 4 stars
This was a
delightful collection of essays on being a grandma. Being a grandma myself, I
loved reading this book. I agreed with
most of her grandmotherly philosophies.
I sensed her deep commitment to family and home. I think if you, too, are a grandma or a nana
or whatever you are called, you, too will enjoy this book.
7. Cosy by Laura Weir 3 stars
I read this
book that analyzes what it means to be coxy while in England. It is about finding the art of “cozy” in our
lives: warm fires and drinks, sweaters,
socks, and friendships, et. The English
know how to do cozy and so do I after reading this book.
8. Faith is Not Blind by Bruce and Marie Hafen 3 stars
A
well-written and explained book on faith and the progression of developing our
faith from simple to complex and lasting faith.
The real-life stories helped explain and illustrate. This book helps the
reader work through the challenges to our faith that we all experience.
9. Obachan by Tani Hanes 5 stars
A moving
story of a young Japanese girl in 1920s Japan, when girls had so few
rights. It is a story of determination,
courage, and hard work. I lived in Japan
for 1 ½ years. Though things are much better
for women now, I still see traces of the old ways culture- a male dominated
society. I was moved and inspired by
this courageous young woman.
10.84, Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff 5 stars
This
delightful non-fiction book is a collection of actual letters written in
the 1940’sand beyond between Helen Hanff
in New York City and a book seller in London.
They are as opposite as two people can be, but they are brought together
by a love of books. Helen is snarky and
irreverent, but generous and caring.
Frank is proper and efficient. He
finds books that Helen wants and she sends care packages of food and supplies
to her English friend during the rationing of WWII. The relationship lasts for years. I loved their interactions and relationship. It is extremely well-read on the audio
version.
11.The Faith of Ronald Reagan by Mary Beth Brown 5 stars
The Faith of
Ronald Reagan was an inspiring biography focusing on his faith and belief and
reliance upon God. Reagan’s allegiance
to and seeking of God throughout his life and presidency was so inspiring. I truly feel that he was born “for such a
time of this” to lead our country and bring down the Berlin wall and open the
world to freedom of religion. As Reagan
said so many times, “May God bless this country.”
12.A Girl From Yamhill by Beverly Cleary 5 stars
For years,
when asked my favorite book, I would say, “Ramona Quimby, Age 8.” I was kind of kidding and kind of not. I love Beverly Cleary and how she captures
everyday life of a child, of a family. I just love living in her books.
The Girl
from Yamhill is Beverly Cleary’s autobiography from birth until the day she
goes to college. I loved every word of this book. Oh, to write an autobiography that is so
interesting, so well written. It reads
like a great novel. I was absolutely fascinated with her childhood and her
ability to remember details from every year.
I know it sounds cliché’, but I literally didn’t want to read because
that would make it end. I never wanted
it to end. I was so happy and even
relieved when I finished this book and then found out that there is a second
book that picks up where this left off.
It is called My Own Two Feet.
I can’t wait to read it. 5+
stars from me.
13.My Own Two Feet by Beverly Cleary 4 stars
This book is
the second half of Beverly Cleary’s autobiography. It picks up where The Girl From Yamhill
leaves off- when she goes to college. It
covers her college years, romance, marriage and concludes with the publication
of her first children’s book: Henry
Huggins.
I really
enjoyed reading this. I don’t think I liked
it quite as much as the first half, but still really enjoyed it.
14.Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough 3 stars
This was a
long, but very interesting book. I was
surprised at how it ended as I didn’t realize it wasn’t going to cover
Roosevelt’s presidency. I was impressed
with the closeness of the Roosevelt family.
I loved how they supported one another.
I was impressed with the integrity and service of Teddy’s father, and
how each of the children learned those qualities from him. The audio version was very well done.
Fiction
1. A Life Without Water by Marci Bolden 2 stars
A very
dramatic and soapy book. It kept me
interested, but not deeply engaged . The themes were:
1) the importance of forgiveness- of
one’s self and others.
2) Death
3) Grief
It is the
first of a series. I probably won’t read
the others.
2. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemmingway 5 stars
Whether or
not Hemmingway intended symbolism in this classic novel, it was a powerful
read. I cannot stop thinking about it. It
presents such quiet, but powerful messages of endurance, courage, respect,
strength, and love. The audio version is so well done.
3. A Million Shades of Gray by Cynthia Kadohata 3 stars
A story set
in post- war Viet Nam. The Viet Kong
come to destroy the village of a young boy who loves his elephant. It is a sad story. It certainly opened my eyes to a people and
culture I knew little about. I continue
to be amazed at the many settings this author can write about.
4. The Glass Mountains by Cynthia Kadohata 2 stars
My least
favorite book genre is fantasy. I
especially don’t like to read about dystopian societies. Those novels are unsettling. This book falls into that category. It is well written, but was not my cup of
tea. I would rate the first half of the
book maybe a 1 ½, but the second half was better- once the romance
started. For fantasy lovers, you may
enjoy this. For me, I give it 2 ½ stars
at best.
5. The Secret Book and Scone Society by Ellery Adams 3 stars
This was a
fun read/ listen about a group of women who come together to solve a murder and
become close friends in the process. Though some of the details were a bit
farfetched, I really liked the characters and their support of one
another. This is the first in a series.
The ending of the book sets you up for the second book in the series. It sounds interesting . . .
6. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle 3 stars
I enjoyed
reading this old, classic Sherlock Holmes mystery novel. I listened to the audio version, which was so
well done, complete with scary organ music.
I could almost feel the cold and see the spooky fog. This novel is said to be the best of the
Sherlock Holmes series.
7. Saucy by Cynthia Kadohata 3stars
Do you
remember Fred and Doris Ziffel on Green Acres and their pig, Arnold? Well, not since watching that show have I
heard of keeping a pig for a pet- until this book. It is just plain crazy. Oh wait!
There is a pig, well, actually a porcine wonder, in the Mercy Watson
books. Like Saucy, Mercy also causes all
kinds of trouble. Bottom line: pigs do NOT make good pets. They may be lovable, but they are not
pets. This book is full of adventure,
destruction, and love.
It is a cute and entertaining book and was
well-read on the audio version.
8. Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan 5+stars
A powerful
story of courage and integrity. I was so
moved by it. I have a new literary hero
- Bill Furlong. I highly recommend this
short novella. It is well-written and
will touch your soul and change you.
5+stars from me.
9. The Girl They Left Behind by Roxanne Veletzos 5 stars
I loved this
historical fiction book, based on a true story.
It is a beautiful, emotional story set in WWII Romania. In order that they all survive, a Jewish couple
must leave their little girl in a hotel lobby, hoping someone will find her and
care for her. It is the story of that
little girl’s life (the author’s mother) and the kind and good people that
adopt her, love her, and care for her. This is a page-turner, presenting the
horrors of war, but also the love that overcomes all.
10. The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne 3 stars
I have a
very old- ancient really- copy of this book.
It came from my husband’s family and from their local library. How they obtained it, I don’t know. If only it could talk! I’m guessing my mother-in-law picked it up at
a library book sale. The old library
card is still in it. The dates of check
outs on that card are between 1939-1941.
I love that little book, but had never actually read it. I decided it was time to read this old
classic.
It started
slow and I wasn’t sure I was going to make my way through it. It took a very long time to set up the
setting, characters, and relationships.
But at about 2/3 of the way through, the story picked up, and it was a
really good, inventive story to the dramatic conclusion. I see why it is a classic. I know I’m supposed to give classics 5 stars,
but I can’t. I just didn’t enjoy it that
much. I’m going with 3 stars, and
honestly, I feel like that is generous.
11.
So We Meet Again by Suzanne Park 2 stars
A cute, fun,
easy to read book. I liked that it
presented struggles with which we can all relate- especially young, single
adults. This is an immersion in the Korean American culture in Nashville,
Tennessee. It is a cute blend of new
ways crashing with old ways, creating conflict, but also creating a delightful
blend. You are left with a good feel for
what it would be like to be a Korean American young woman trying to establish a
business in her hometown. I would rate
it 3, but the language brings it down a full star. Why do otherwise good modern fiction books
have to contain such awful language?
12.Murder and the First Lady by Elliott Roosevelt 3 stars
I loved
learning about the times of the Roosevelt administration and particularly about
Eleanor Roosevelt. This is the first in
a series of whodunits with the main character being Eleanor Roosevelt. They are written by the Roosevelt’s son, so
we must assume the characterization is accurate. What a spunky, determined lady! I really enjoyed this book!
13.The Sweeney Sisters by Lian Dolan 2 stars
Meh. I never did connect with any of the
characters. I don’t think there was one
happy scene until the very end, and it was just medium happy. This one wasn’t for me.
14.Empire Falls by Richard Russo 4+ stars
Twenty years
ago, Richard Russo won the Pulitzer Prize for this novel. It is complex, character-driven, and very
well written. Set-in small-town Maine,
it certainly captures the life of Miles and his associates. I felt there were a high ratio of negative
characters to Miles positive goodness. I
really liked him. I especially liked his
relationship with his teenage daughter and his love for her. He would do anything in the world for her . .
.and did. I see why it won the prize as
it masterfully depicts blue-collar, small town American life.
15.Fault Lines by Emily Itami 3 stars
A young Japanese mother living in Tokyo is neglected and
ignored by her once adoring, workaholic husband. She forms a friendship with another man who
listens to her and cares about her. That
relationship eventually turns into more than friendship. She loves her children
fiercely and is a very dedicated, good mother. A powerful earthquake hits Tokyo and it shakes
her up in more ways than one. She
realizes she has to choose between her two lives. This story is a powerful commentary on
commitment, marriage, and family. Having
lived for 1 ½ years in Japan, I absolutely loved the immersion in the Japanese
culture. All of the details were right
on and really brought back fond memories.
16. Run by Ann Patchett 3 + stars
Another
great book by one of my favorite authors. In an interview played after the end
of the book on the audio version, the author said that this was a book about
politics. It definitely had politics in
it, but to me it was a story about family.
I thought it portrayed a mother’s love so beautifully with all three
mothers in the story: One literally
giving her life for her son that she had only been able to love from afar. It was about sibling love and the love and
desires of the father as well. It is a fascinating series of events that brings
these people together, creating a family.
I really enjoyed this novel. 3+ stars from me.
17.The Magic of Ordinary Days by Ann Howard Creel 5 stars
I really
enjoyed this historical fiction novel.
It is such a powerful story and so well written. Set in WWII times in America, it tells, in a
very personal way, the trials of American young women who fall for soldiers and
Japanese Americans detained in internment camps. This book gets 5 stars from me because it
filled my 5 star requirements: It was a
page-turner and it made me want to be a better person. Ray is a new literary hero. You will enjoy it.
18.The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel
Pie Society by Mary
Ann Shaffer 5+stars
I love,
love, love this book. Because we are on
our way to visit Guernsey Island, I rewatched the movie and reread the
book. I love Juliet and how the entire
book is letters written to and from her.
I can’t wait to forget the details so I can read it again. If I had a top ten list of my all-time
favorite books, this one would definitely be on it (Maybe I should try to
compile such a list?) Read it! You will love it! 5+ stars!
19. The Daring Girls of Guernsey by Gayle Callen 4 stars
Because we
are headed toward Guernsey on a cruise ship, I read this book. In my opinion, it is not as good as the more
famous Guernsey book, but it is good.
These three women are patriotic and brave and choose to make a
difference instead of just surviving the German occupation of their beloved
Island. I appreciate their courage. I pray I never have to prove my loyalty and
courage in a similar way.
20.Geraldine Verne’s Red Suitcase by Jane Riley 5 stars
This is a
simple, but powerful, book dealing with grief.
It was sad, funny, and full of loveable, caring characters. I am missing my daily walk with them. They taught me how to patiently care for
someone going through the grieving process.
I highly recommend this novel.
21.To the Land of Long Lost Friends by Alexander McCall Smith 3 stars
Another
funny, calming book in the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series. I enjoyed it, but didn’t like this one quite
as well as many of the others. It didn’t
seem that the cases had quite the intrigue.
It was exciting that Charlie got engaged, though. These books are always a good read.
22.
The Flight of Gemma Hardy by Margot Livesey 3 stars
Though this
book is an obvious retelling of Jane Eyre, I enjoyed reading it. I liked it because I read it while traveling
in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. The
author describes in perfect detail the things I was seeing and
experiencing. The first of the book was
very hard to read as Gemma was so abused by everyone. But it is a story of perseverance and
overcoming obstacles and eventual triumph. It is a book of seeking one’s roots
and, of course, romance. I think it’s
worth 3 stars.
23. Swans are Fat Too by Michelle
Granas 4 stars
I really
enjoyed this contemporary fiction novel set in Poland. I loved Hania, the protagonist. She was so real, as were all of the
characters. This author has a gift for
characterization. Because Hania’s job is editing a history of Poland, the
history of Poland is woven throughout the exciting story. I really hope there is a happily ever after
sequel to this book. I want to know what
happens to the characters and that the horrible parents get theirs! 4 + stars
from me.
24.One For the Blackbird, One For the
Crow by Olivia
Hawker 3+stars
Olivia
Hawker’s descriptive words and engaging story, as well as the fabulous narrator
on the audio version, made for a wonderful historical fiction experience. Could I have survived the frontier of Wyoming
in the 1800’s. I’m not so sure. This is a powerful story of sin, forgiveness,
struggle, grief, guilt, sisterhood, nature, coming of age, and blossoming
romance. It is beautifully written. It is a bit long and drags in places, but
worth the read. 3 + stars from me.
25.Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee 4 stars
Well- written and well-read on the audio version, this
historical fiction novel illustrates what life would be like for a person of
Chinese descent in San Fransisco in the early 1900s. Mercy is strong and determined and makes a
difference. I love how she overcomes all
odds and helps others along the way. She
is a great role model for young women. I
really enjoyed listening to this great book.
26.Ford County by John Grisham 3 stars
There is no
question that Grisham is a great writer/ storyteller. He is so clever in the way each of these short
stories unfold. But remind me to never
go to Ford County, Mississippi. It seems
the town of Clanton is full of lowlifes and reprobates. Though each story was
different, they all had that in common- Sad people living sad lives. This short story collection is different than
Grisham’s novels and further proves his talent as a writer.
27. West with Giraffes by Lynda
Rutledge 3 stars
An
historical fiction novel set in the Dust Bowl era of America. A 105- year-old man is madly writing his
memories of driving two giraffes across the nation when he was a young man. It is an exciting and adventurous story, with
a sprinkling of a love story on top. The
reader on the audio version was really good.
28.The Devil’s Alternative by Frederick Forsyth 3 stars
Russia, USA,
KGB, CIA, Hijacking, espionage, Cold war . . . this book has it all. It is a page-turner and keeps you guessing
until the last paragraph. Forsyth is a
great writer.
29.Operation Sippacik by Rumer Goddan 3 stars
A sweet story of a boy and his donkey on the
island of Cyprus and how they worked for the United Nations in keeping peace on
their island in the 1960s.
30.
America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Komoie 4
stars
A well-
researched and really long historical fiction novel written from the point of
view of Martha “Patsy” Jefferson Randolph, Thomas Jefferson’s daughter and
helpmeet. Though some of it was
disturbing, I am glad I read this book and learned so much about this powerful
and spunky woman and her role in the founding of our country. It is extremely well read on the audio
version.
31. One True Thing by Anna
Quindlen 4 stars
There is no
denying that Anna Quindlen is a fabulous author. Her ability to turn a phrase just amazes and
pleases me. Her great ability was
painful in this book as she has the reader live through the slow and painful
process of dying. If you have ever watched
a loved one die of cancer, you will recognize every painful step that the
narrator, the patient’s daughter describes.
Why am I going through this? You ask.
But then you get to the end of the book and realize that this is a story
of much, much more than dying. The
ending is worth every painful word you endured.
Wow! I don’t want to give it away, in case you want to read it, but it
has an, shall we say, unexpected ending.
A very memorable and though-provoking book.
32.The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin 4 stars
My husband
and I recently listened to the audio version of this book and really enjoyed
it. It is a story of transformation,
family, friendship, and love. I miss my
daily walks with the characters. Five
stars from me.
33.Love and Saffron by Kim Fay 4 stars
I loved this
sweet book of friendship, acceptance, food, and love. It is the story of a friendship developed
mostly through letters. It touched my heart. I am anxious to try some of the recipes.
34.The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams 4 stars
“Books have
the power to heal .” Simply stated, that
is the theme of the book. Aleisha finds
a reading list tucked into the back of a book:
The Time
Traveler’s Wife
To Kill a
Mockingbird
The Kite
Runner
Life of Pi
Pride and
Prejudice
Little Women
Beloved
A Suitable
Boy
Working
their way through the list and discussing the books helps Mukesh connect with
Aleisha and with his granddaughter.
These books help heal him and bring joy back into his life after the
death of his wife.
I really
enjoyed this sweet novel, the characters, and how it illustrated the power
books have to heal and to bring people together. The audio version is very well done.
35.Out of My Heart by Sharon M Draper 3 stars
This is a sweet young adult fiction that powerfully shares
the heart of a young girl who is severely disabled, but who thinks and feels
all of the same things as any other pre-teen.
Melody is thrilled to be able to go to camp and learn to swim, ride
horses, do art projects, and mostly, make friends. The book is full of heroes to emulate. It is a positive, sweet story. We will be discussing this book at our
upcoming online family book club meeting.
36.Words on Fire by Jennifer Nielsen 4 stars
Having traveled to Lithuania and seeing the results today of
the Russian occupation, I was deeply moved by this historical fiction
novel. We heard stories of the people’s
battle to keep their language and culture.
This story illustrates that dangerous battle. We traveled out to see the Hill of
Crosses. It was one of the most poignant
and memorable sights I have ever seen.
How important are books? How
important is freedom? This beautifully
written story answers those questions.
37.The Littlest Library by Poppy Alexander 3 stars
I admit I did it again.
I chose a book by its cover. I
saw this cute book at Costco and had to pick it up. The cover is so appealing and it doesn’t hurt
that it has the word library in the title.
It wasn’t false advertising.
This was a sweet, though predictable novel about a young woman who
relocates from a big city to a little English village following the death of
her beloved grandmother. She makes
friends, contributes to the community, and, of course, falls in love. The characters, though some are
underdeveloped, are charming and the idea of turning an old phone booth into a
library, so clever. I enjoyed this light
read.
38.The Pieces We Keep by Kristina McMorris 2 stars
I had a hard time following this story on the audio
version. The story goes back and forth
between WWII era and present day, eventually weaving the two stories
together. I am still not sure all of the
loose ends were tied up. I give it 2 ½
stars.
39. Excellent People by Anton
Chekhov 2 stars
This very short story is thought-provoking, as are all of
Chekhov short stories. This one, I
think, is making a political statement about his country, certainly applicable
to today’s Russia. Or maybe it is just
about two siblings that grow apart. You
decide.
40. A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen 5 stars
Recommended to me by my 13-year-old granddaughter, I loved
this book. 12-year-old Gerta’s family is
divided on the night the Berlin wall is erected. With unrest brewing in East Berlin, her
father and brother went to West Berlin to secure housing for the family. That very night the wall went up, dividing
her family. The story is edge of your
seat drama from the first to the very last.
It is a story of courage, determination, friendship, love, and freedom. I don’t hesitate to give it five stars. It is very well read in the audio version.
41.Nobody’s Fool by Richard Russo 3
stars
Richard Russo (winner of the Pulitzer Prize) is a genius at
characterization and relationships. This
book is certainly not plot-driven. There
really isn’t a plot. And the main
character, Sully, is not a stellar person- he gambles, spends foolishly,
cheats, etc, but he also is generous, caring, and funny. He is real and somehow still likable, despite
his faults. The story is set in a small
New York town and, though it is 549 pages of very small print, it only covers a
few days in time. It is funny, sad, and
though you have to look for it, complex.
I think I would give it barely 4 stars, but the language, as is my
practice, brings it down to 3 stars.
42.
Home by Penny Parkes 3 ½ star
This is a well-written, poignant story that beautifully and
powerfully illustrates the importance of loving, caring parents. Anna was abandoned by hers in her childhood,
leaving her to be raised in the foster care system. The reader meets Anna as an adult, but with
flashbacks, the story of her childhood unfolds.
Heroes in her life love her and nurture her, but it isn’t until the end
of the book that she finds closure from her past. There are so many beautiful lessons and
people in this story. It dragged a bit
in the middle, but the ending made it worth powering through. I give it 3 ½ stars. Bad language, as always, brings my rating down.
43.Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John 5 stars
This is one of our family’s favorite Christmas stories. We are now sharing it with our grandchildren.
What a great year of reading I had!!
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