Author: Doris Kearns Goodwin
Published: 2005
Genre: Narrative Non-fiction
Rating: 5
Summary
On May 18, 1860, William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, Edward Bates, and Abraham Lincoln waited in their hometowns for the results from the Republican National Convention in Chicago. When Lincoln emerged as the victor, his rivals were dismayed and angry.
Throughout the turbulent 1850s, each had energetically sought the presidency as the conflict over slavery was leading inexorably to secession and civil war. That Lincoln succeeded, Goodwin demonstrates, was the result of a character that had been forged by experiences that raised him above his more privileged and accomplished rivals. He won because he possessed an extraordinary ability to put himself in the place of other men, to experience what they were feeling, to understand their motives and desires. It was this capacity that enabled Lincoln as president to bring his disgruntled opponents together, create the most unusual cabinet in history, and marshal their talents to the task of preserving the Union and winning the war.
Review
757 pages and two years later, I finally finished this book. It was amazing! What an incredible leadership style Lincoln had. Don't let my slowness fool you: the book is actually written in an easy narrative, nonfiction style and is quite accessible (despite its daunting length). I would highly recommend it!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Blind Justice
Author: Bruce Alexander
Published: 1995
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Rating: 4.5
Summary
When 13-year-old Jeremy Proctor is arrested for a crime he did not commit, he is saved by the wisdom and compassion of Sir John Fielding. The boy rewards Fielding by becoming his "eyes", and the two begin a career of solving some of London's most wicked games.
Review
The first in a murder mystery series set in the late 1700s in London. The storyline was interesting and the potential for character development intruging. Although you know where things will end up, there are a few details that don't get filled in until the end.
Notes
There are eleven books in this mystery series--each as engaging and intriguing as the next. The author creates nice character development as the series evolves, and the plots become less predictable and more creative. Blind Justice has some occasional bad language; as the series progresses, that seems to lessen. Murder in Grub Street (book 2) contains some very graphic murder scenes.
Published: 1995
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Rating: 4.5
Summary
When 13-year-old Jeremy Proctor is arrested for a crime he did not commit, he is saved by the wisdom and compassion of Sir John Fielding. The boy rewards Fielding by becoming his "eyes", and the two begin a career of solving some of London's most wicked games.
Review
The first in a murder mystery series set in the late 1700s in London. The storyline was interesting and the potential for character development intruging. Although you know where things will end up, there are a few details that don't get filled in until the end.
Notes
There are eleven books in this mystery series--each as engaging and intriguing as the next. The author creates nice character development as the series evolves, and the plots become less predictable and more creative. Blind Justice has some occasional bad language; as the series progresses, that seems to lessen. Murder in Grub Street (book 2) contains some very graphic murder scenes.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Foul Play
Author: Betsy Brannon Greene
Published: 2004
Genres: LDS fiction (action, romance)
Rating: 2.5
Summary
Atlanta is buzzing with excitement over the formation of a glamorous new enterprise that promises huge rewards to those at the top. Billie Murphy, a public relations representative and parttime fiction writer, has been watching from the sidelines. But not for long. Soon forces beyond her control will draw her into a deadly game of fraud and deceit initiated by those who will stop at nothing--even murder--to win. To survive, Billie must trust a man whose reassuring exterior hides a devastating past. But time is running out. . . .
Review
This was cheesy romance with unbelievable plot twists and stilted writing. But it was a clean and easy read: perfect for a weekend escape or some light Valentine's Day reading.
Published: 2004
Genres: LDS fiction (action, romance)
Rating: 2.5
Summary
Atlanta is buzzing with excitement over the formation of a glamorous new enterprise that promises huge rewards to those at the top. Billie Murphy, a public relations representative and parttime fiction writer, has been watching from the sidelines. But not for long. Soon forces beyond her control will draw her into a deadly game of fraud and deceit initiated by those who will stop at nothing--even murder--to win. To survive, Billie must trust a man whose reassuring exterior hides a devastating past. But time is running out. . . .
Review
This was cheesy romance with unbelievable plot twists and stilted writing. But it was a clean and easy read: perfect for a weekend escape or some light Valentine's Day reading.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
The Miracles of Santo Fico
Author: D.L. Smith
Published: 2003
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4
Summary
After twenty years, Leo Pizzola has come back to the Tuscan village of Santo Fico, still single and still looking for a way to get rich. The town is as poor as it was when Leo left, yet some things have changed. Of Leo's childhood companions, only little Guido, whom everyone calls "Topo," embraces him. His best friend is long dead. The woman he once adored refuses to talk to him. And, worst of all, the kindly old town priest seems to have lost his faith. Perhaps what Santo Fico needs is a miracle--even if Leo and Topo have to manufacture one themselves. Now, as one botched scheme after another unravels, something completely unexpected happens, and wonders indeed begin to transform this Italian town, including the greatest miracle of all....
Review
This debut novel has great voice, interesting characters, a unique setting, and an intriguing plot. Although it starts a little ploddingly, it is well worth the journey.
Published: 2003
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4
Summary
After twenty years, Leo Pizzola has come back to the Tuscan village of Santo Fico, still single and still looking for a way to get rich. The town is as poor as it was when Leo left, yet some things have changed. Of Leo's childhood companions, only little Guido, whom everyone calls "Topo," embraces him. His best friend is long dead. The woman he once adored refuses to talk to him. And, worst of all, the kindly old town priest seems to have lost his faith. Perhaps what Santo Fico needs is a miracle--even if Leo and Topo have to manufacture one themselves. Now, as one botched scheme after another unravels, something completely unexpected happens, and wonders indeed begin to transform this Italian town, including the greatest miracle of all....
Review
This debut novel has great voice, interesting characters, a unique setting, and an intriguing plot. Although it starts a little ploddingly, it is well worth the journey.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
The Sunday Philosophy Club
Author: Alexander McCall Smith
Published: 2005
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4
Summary
Isabel, the editor of the Review of Applied Ethics and an occasional detective, has been accused of getting involved in problems that are, quite frankly, none of her business. For instance, Isabel is attending a concert in the Usher Hall when she witnesses a man fall from the upper balcony. Isabel can’t help wondering whether it was the result of mischance or mischief. Against the best advice of her no-nonsense housekeeper Grace, her bassoon playing friend Jamie, and even her romantically challenged niece Cat, she is morally bound to solve this case. Complete with wonderful Edinburgh atmosphere and characters straight out of a Robert Burns poem, The Sunday Philosophy Club is a delightful treat from one of our most beloved authors.
Review
As is often the case with McCall Smith's works, the characters are unique, a bit quirkly, and often simultaneously annoying and likeable. For example, Isabel has a tendancy to ponder and muse about ethical issues. She sometimes over-thinks situations, and she can be a busybody. And yet she is also very generous, kind, and charitable.
Notes
This is the first book in a series. Currently there are a total of eight, and all are equally delightful, sometimes unpredictable, and full of interesting characters.
Published: 2005
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4
Summary
Isabel, the editor of the Review of Applied Ethics and an occasional detective, has been accused of getting involved in problems that are, quite frankly, none of her business. For instance, Isabel is attending a concert in the Usher Hall when she witnesses a man fall from the upper balcony. Isabel can’t help wondering whether it was the result of mischance or mischief. Against the best advice of her no-nonsense housekeeper Grace, her bassoon playing friend Jamie, and even her romantically challenged niece Cat, she is morally bound to solve this case. Complete with wonderful Edinburgh atmosphere and characters straight out of a Robert Burns poem, The Sunday Philosophy Club is a delightful treat from one of our most beloved authors.
Review
As is often the case with McCall Smith's works, the characters are unique, a bit quirkly, and often simultaneously annoying and likeable. For example, Isabel has a tendancy to ponder and muse about ethical issues. She sometimes over-thinks situations, and she can be a busybody. And yet she is also very generous, kind, and charitable.
Notes
This is the first book in a series. Currently there are a total of eight, and all are equally delightful, sometimes unpredictable, and full of interesting characters.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Little Women
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Published: 1868
Genres: YA, Classics
Rating: 2.5
Summary
Meet the March sisters: the talented and tomboyish Jo, the beautiful Meg, the frail Beth, and the spoiled Amy, as they pass through the years between girlhood and womanhood. A lively portrait of growing up in the 19th century with lasting vitality and enduring charm.
Review
Perhaps better to discover this one as a youth? I found neither "lasting vitality" nor "enduring charm" in this read. The plot was dull, the pace slow, the teachings pendantic, and the characters mildly annoying.
Notes
One of the few times I preferred a movie version (Susan Sarandon, Winona Ryder; 1994) to the original book. Meg in particular is much more palatable in the movie.
Published: 1868
Genres: YA, Classics
Rating: 2.5
Summary
Meet the March sisters: the talented and tomboyish Jo, the beautiful Meg, the frail Beth, and the spoiled Amy, as they pass through the years between girlhood and womanhood. A lively portrait of growing up in the 19th century with lasting vitality and enduring charm.
Review
Perhaps better to discover this one as a youth? I found neither "lasting vitality" nor "enduring charm" in this read. The plot was dull, the pace slow, the teachings pendantic, and the characters mildly annoying.
Notes
One of the few times I preferred a movie version (Susan Sarandon, Winona Ryder; 1994) to the original book. Meg in particular is much more palatable in the movie.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Cartels and Combinations
Author: Mike McPheters
Published: 2010
Genres: LDS Fiction; Action/Adventure
Rating: 2.5
Summary
The harrowing account of a Mexican-American family caught in the crossfire between the Vultures, a dangerous drug cartel, and US Homeland Security. Based on a true story, Cartels and Combinations proves the reality of latter-day evil and how we can find protection and peace in heeding the words of ancient and modern prophets and apostles alike.
Review
I appriciated the author's efforts to tell a clean adventure story. But his political agenda and flat characters detracted significantly from that effort.
Published: 2010
Genres: LDS Fiction; Action/Adventure
Rating: 2.5
Summary
The harrowing account of a Mexican-American family caught in the crossfire between the Vultures, a dangerous drug cartel, and US Homeland Security. Based on a true story, Cartels and Combinations proves the reality of latter-day evil and how we can find protection and peace in heeding the words of ancient and modern prophets and apostles alike.
Review
I appriciated the author's efforts to tell a clean adventure story. But his political agenda and flat characters detracted significantly from that effort.
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