Published in May 30th, 2009
“The Scenic Route” by Binnie Kirshenbaum is an exceptionally well written book that is also remarkably boring. It is a story of a woman named Sylvia and a married man named Henry. They meet by chance at a café and embark on a journey, meandering across Europe. They have no hurry or destination and since [...]
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Published in May 14th, 2009
I have never been one to like novels based on historical facts. I like my fiction invented by the author and delivered with descriptions that make me feel like I am an anonymous witness to the action. “The Isle of Passion,” by Laura Restrepo, is a historical novel that is so well written and interesting [...]
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Published in May 7th, 2009
“Under the Influence” by James R. Milan, Ph.D and Katherine Ketcham is a unique book in that it presents alcohol abuse from every possible angle of study. It begins by addressing the myths and misconceptions about alcoholism. The first chapter presents a theoretical scenario which clearly means to draw the reader in and make him [...]
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Published in May 1st, 2009
“The Liar’s Diary,” by Patry Francis, is a book with a catchy title and cover. These are two ingredients that often catch my attention. In this case, the book was recommended by Amazon and neither the name, nor the cover illustrations, factored much into my decision to purchase it. Unfortunately, the book was a disappointment. [...]
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Published in April 25th, 2009
“Magical Thinking” by Augusten Burroughs is a collection of short stories that are amusing or disturbing and often both. Burroughs is an accomplished author who knows how to draw in his reader and make him interested. Unfortunately, he is also an author who revels in shocking the reader with vivid, autobiographical descriptions of gay sex. [...]
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Published in April 21st, 2009
I have been a big fan of Binnie Kirshenbaum since I read “A Disturbance in One Place.” I found that book well written, captivating and definitely worth reading. I followed up that book with her “History on a Personal Note” and “Pure Poetry.” These are all reviewed in this blog. However, I cannot recommend “Hester [...]
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Published in March 22nd, 2009
“The Shack” is one of those books that combines an interesting story with magic that touches the heart and soul. It is the story of a father who must face the tragedy of having his youngest daughter abducted by a serial killer. He lives with the memory of the loss for several years and refers [...]
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Published in March 11th, 2009
“La Sombra Del Viento” has the unique honor of being the first Spanish book reviewed on this site. I read it in its original language and was fascinated by the richness of the writing. The author created a work of art with an interesting story line, fascinating characters and vivid, descriptive detail.
The quality of the [...]
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Published in March 3rd, 2009
Milan Kundera is the writer who penned the masterpiece known as “The Unbearable Lightness of Being.” In that novel he explores human frailty, sexuality and the depravity of politics in the Eastern bloc. “The Book of Laughter and Forgetting” is a creative collection of stories that also explores these themes, albeit less successfully and less [...]
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Published in February 26th, 2009
“Charming Billy” is an exceptionally well written story of the alcohol-induced death of a charming drunk called, “Billy.” Fortunately for the reader, the story is also about Billy’s one true love and the tragedy that evolves from it. It is a story about family, life and the friendships and loves that develop over time.
I almost [...]
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