Sunday, February 26, 2017

Small Great Things - Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult is one of the authors at the top of my reading list. I was pleased when I was granted the chance to read this book through NetGalley because I didn't think I had enough reviews on my profile to qualify. That being said, I had no idea how intense this book would be to read. I have always enjoyed stories that incorporated medical settings and also court ones, as a result of my legal background. This has both and more.

Ruth is a labor and delivery nurse with 20 years' experience and is also a mother of a young man ready to graduate high school and go to college. She is also black and this is what brings so much to the story. There are lessons to be learned from this book. It is strong and important and I'm so glad I read it. I've grown up in a very different life than Ruth did and have traveled and lived many places and had a lot of friends from different backgrounds and yet there is so much that I couldn't relate to since I am not black. The world is not a kind place to those who are different even if they seem like and me.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Stars In the Grass - Ann Marie Stewart

This is a story of loss told by a 9-year-old little girl in 1970. This is a time when I was growing up and experiencing losses in my family so a lot about this story is the same as mine and yet very different. I enjoyed the references to many of the things that were popular during that time -- toys, TV shows, etc. They brought back good memories to me. But, if you are younger and this is just a time in history, you will still like this book!

A loss in a family affects each member differently and how they cope and react affects the family as a whole. This is the basis of this family's story. You will want to read to the very end to see exactly how things turn out whether everything resolves and they move on or if they are irreparably broken. That is your job though to follow their paths and see where they end up. It is a charming and very sad but touching story. I will hold it in my thoughts for some time to come.

I read this through Netgalley and received an advance copy this is no way affects the review given for each and every book. I appreciate the opportunity to read new books through NetGalley to discover new authors to follow.

Saturday, February 18, 2017

The Pattern Artist - Nancy Moser

I have had this book on my list to read for a little while. I find it interesting that I chose it before others and the timing of it corresponds to the recent focus on immigrants in America! I won't turn this into a political review because that would not do the book justice. I honestly ascribe to the saying "everything in its time" and this was perfect timing for me to read this story!

For those who love to sew, this is a book you will enjoy. For those who enjoy stories about the American dream and having your dreams come true in ways you wouldn't believe, it is also for you!

The author did a wonderful job of shaping the characters and bringing them to life. She also incorporated real history which in turn added a lot to the storyline. I learned things about pattern making and the Butterick Company and Macy's that I never knew but also gives me more respect for those who began those companies!

There is romance, family, a little violence but not graphic, suspense and finally a spiritual link with genuine human kindness thrown in. I was sad when I finished it and couldn't know what would happen next! That's the mark of a good book indeed!

Thursday, February 16, 2017

The Promise Kitchen - Peggy Lampman



When reading the description of the book, you have expectations. I started it and wasn't sure if it I wanted to continue because it didn't start as I expected. However, as I continued reading it, I found myself wanting to get to know Mallory and Shelby even better. In Shelby's case, life was hard but she felt she could "be an example, proving to her that when you set your mind to do something you can make that something happen" which is such a motivating way to look at life. The author definitely did a great job describing and growing the two main characters and helping the reader to really feel what it was like to be living in rural Georgia and Atlanta -- two very different places indeed.

Both Shelby and Mallory were cooks. One started in a rural town with down home recipes and ingredients. The other was more sophisticated and came from a more refined life. Both loved food and sharing it with friends and wanted more from their lives. This story brings them together in an unusual twist. I love to cook and the food aspect definitely appealed to me but the contrast between the two women and the direction of their lives kept me turning the page to see what would happen next.

A favorite passage was "Carefully chosen words threading into a sentence, paragraph, then story -- as colorful patches sewn into a quilt -- comfort me, weaving me into a bigger life, a life that matters." This in itself describes why we continue reading book after book and enjoy it so much!

This was one of the ARC from Netgalley which I am thankful I have the opportunity to be a part of the community of readers.