Book Nook Club: 1900s

Showing posts with label 1900s. Show all posts

June 9, 2012

Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren

Cora arrives home from Normal School in the summer of 1913 expecting her parents to be waiting at the train station to pick her up. What is actually waiting for her is family, but not the family she was expecting. After learning about a dark family secret, Cora is given the chance of a lifetime if she's willing to leave the life she currently knows behind - the chance to be a part of a Grand Tour through Europe where she will be introduced to incredible fashions, food, culture, and people. Can she find her place in this new world without losing herself completely?

I loved this book. I read it while I was sitting by the pool and stayed by the pool long after the sun went down just so I could finish it. Cora is a great main character with a realistic mixture of humility, awe, and spunk. And with a great cast of supporting characters, especially her friend Will, the author really brings this story to life through their individual personalities. I also love the plot and the whole idea of doing a Grand Tour through Europe so maybe I just liked this book so much because I'm jealous of their opportunities. Or it's just a good book.

I really can only think of one thing that I didn't like about Glamorous Illusions, the fact that I didn't know it was the first in a series until the last page of the book. I was expecting the author to wrap the book up in a nice pretty package and instead, she expertly set the stage for a great series. And you better believe I will be ordering the next book in the series as soon as it's available. 5 stars

Want to know more? Check out more information and additional reviews for Glamorous Illusions. Did I convince you that it's worth reading? Lisa is doing a promotion during the blog tour and selling the ebook version for cheap through June - $2.99 from 6/9-6/15 and $4.99 from 6/16-6/22. And if you'd rather not buy it, Lisa is giving readers a chance to not only win her book but also to win a $350 Visa gift card.

One "glamorous" winner will receive a "Glam Prize Pack":

A $350 Visa Cash Card (Oh ... think of what you could do: treat yourself to a mani/pedi, a fabulous new dress, dinner for two, or even a two-night escape in a lovely hotel - you're only limited by your imagination!)
Glamorous Illusions (by Lisa Tawn Begren)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 6/26/12. Winner will be announced at Lisa's "Glamorous Illusions" Facebook Party on 6/27 {Fun begins at 5pm PDT / 8pm EDT}. Lisa will be hosting an evening of meaningful chat, fun trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Lisa via video or phone.)

So grab a few of your friends and your copy of Glamorous Illusions and join Lisa on the evening of June 27th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!

**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion of the book.

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August 15, 2011

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

I first heard about this book from my boss who doesn't read a lot. It's not the kind of book that I would typically pick up because well, I like fiction. I prefer to lose myself in a story that isn't real rather than reading about one that is. I've missed out on a lot of good books because of that and this book has made me rethink my perspective on non-fiction.

Unbroken is the newest book by the author of Seabiscuit. It's the story of Louie Zamperini, an Olympic runner turned WWII airmen whose plane crashed in the Pacific Ocean on a mission.The story follows his journey immediately after the crash and for the subsequent years as he faces Japanese POW camps and treatment that no one should ever have to endure.

This story is so far-fetched at times that you find yourself thinking there is no way this is a true story. But it is. And it is an incredible one at that. Laura does a fantastic job of telling Louie's story in a way that makes it as readable as a general fiction novel while being as informative as any biography out there.

This is my favorite book of the year by far. I loved it and would recommend it to anyone regardless of what you typically like to read.

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April 22, 2011

Oskaloosa Moon by Gary Sutton

Often the life of a reviewer can be tedious. We agree to review books because the description sounds interesting, and because it's actually available in paper form (which is getting rarer and rarer). Then it arrives and we realize maybe it wasn't what we'd hoped, but we'd agreed to write a review. So we trudge on through, throwing covetous glances at the stack of neglected books in our To Be Read piles. Why? Because we live with the hope that one day, one of these books that arrive in the mail will finally be worth it. It's like Edison looking for the right filament for his incandescent bulb. Or Darwin, measuring finch beaks on the Gallapagos. Only slightly more glamorous.

I did say "slightly."

I am pleased to announce that at long last I have found once such gem. Oskaloosa Moon isn't merely a good read, or merely a five star book. Its value is impossible to measure. In fact, its near impossible to explain, too. Before tackling this review, I read other reviews of this book and found I wasn't alone in this difficulty. This book doesn't fit into any one genre, yet it is simple. It can't be compared to anything else no matter how I stretch it, yet I can't stop trying to because it is so relatable.

Oskaloosa Moon is the story of a boy who was born with a disfigured face, but a completely normal mind and body. He grows up in a small town where he does his best to fit in, work hard, and make his family proud. But no matter how hard he tries, someone is always there holding him back. Despite this, he remains good-hearted, optimistic, and loyal. Because of this particular personality trait, some reviewers have compared him to Forrest Gump, but that doesn't quite wash. This is the basic story.

The heart of the story is that before there were laws protecting the disabled and public service announcements and children's books featuring kids in wheelchairs, the disabled - or those who are simply different in any way- found life incredibly difficult, and sometimes lived almost entirely segregated from "normal" society. Moon is the perfect poster boy for this group of people because of his disfigurement. He is also, however, the poster boy for us all, because all of us have been held prisoner in some way due to our own outward appearances.

It's one of life's big questions. Are we truly the way we see ourselves, or the way others see us? We can never know for certain, because no matter how we manipulate our appearances, no matter how hard we work to change our lives, others will only ever see us as they choose to, and act on that.

As I read Oskaloosa Moon I could easily see it as a book that will one day be standard reading in high school literature classes. I could also see it as a film. I could see Moon standing behind a film projector, the monochrome light pulsing over his hopeful face. I could see him walking down a San Bernardino sidewalk with the sunlight reflecting off his stunt helmet (before San Bernardino became mired in smog). And I could see in him every person who's ever ached to be truly seen.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review. It was a hardcover, not something you ebook snots can appreciate. And it was signed. Twice. Which really made me feel special. :)

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April 18, 2011

Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock

I received my review copy of Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock from Bethany House a few days ago. I offered to review it because I had gotten into a Christian romance rut and thought that this would be a change of pace, and it certainly was.

This book is still "Christian" though very subtly so. It is very down-to-earth with normal people and common problems living in a realistic late '60's America. It is a well-written book with very believable characters. There are many life issues explored in the book. Race relations, spousal abuse, old age, losing childhood innocence, and the Vietnam War are all woven into this intriguing tale.

The thing I liked most about this book is how it shows God’s hand weaving together the lives of two families. It shows how he can work in bad times to bring about good.

Despite all of the excellent writing, I can’t bring myself to give this book five stars. I read books for a relaxing escape. There was just too much real world here. Of course, this is probably a defect of mine and not the book.

So if you are looking for a break from romantic flights of fancy, this is a great book to read. It has depth and life lessons and other things worth contemplating. I guess that I prefer something more light-hearted.

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April 5, 2011

The Red Leather Diary by Lily Koppel

I have always held a fascination for diaries and journals, stories about people's diaries/letters, books about how to be creative in writing a journal, etc. So naturally, when this book popped up on a list somewhere, I was very eager to read it.

Lily Koppel, a young writer, living in New York and working at the New York Times, walks out of her apartment one morning to find herself looking at a "treasure in the trash" situation. A dumpster, brimming with old steamer trunks and piled high, staring back at her. Her doorman tells her that among the chaos, "some girl's diary from the 30's" was found and then gives it to her. To find out more, "Koppel embarks on a journey into the past, traveling to a New York in which women of privilege meet for tea at Schraffts, dance at the Hotel Pennsylvania, and toast the night at El Morocco. As she turns the diary's brittle pages, Koppel is captivated by the headstrong, young woman whose intimate thoughts and emotions fill the pale, blue lines. She re-creates the romance and glitter, sophistication and promise, of 1930's New York, bringing to life the true story of a precocious young woman, who dared to follow his dreams."

For a reader who is fascinated by New York in the late 1920's and early 30's, this would be enjoyable as it is filled with descriptions of life and the happenings of that time period. It was fascinating to see New York through the eyes of a teenager living in a time that was long ago, and growing up in a city that was also growing up. Florence's life was filled with art, music, writing, experimenting and pushing the boundaries.

I think I may have appreciated it more if Florence Wolfson had narrated it in her own words, instead of Lily Koppel re-creating it, because somewhere in the middle, a story was lost and a journalistic report was born. It was interesting, however, to get to know Florence and think back to one's own teenage years of potential and possibilities with a whole world to conquer. The photographs, sprinkled throughout the book gives it some visual appeal. The premise of the book is great - finding it in a dumpster, the contents of the diary makes one curious to know what happens in this girl's life, but the story could have sprung to life if it were written differently - not quite so choppy and all over the place, unimaginative and lacked character development, to a certain extent.

The content was fine but the writing was not for me. I am sure there are people out there who would connect to this book much better than I did, but I found myself skimming over parts of it, just so I could finish it and return it to the library in time.

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March 31, 2011

The Sandalwood Tree by Elle Newmark

The Sandalwood Tree by Elle Newmark is a gripping story that examines relationships in all their glory and complexity. Marriages, friendships, families, religious groups, and class systems (just to name a few) are intertwined throughout the novel creating characters and experiences that have true depth. Evie Mitchell is a wife and mother in 1947. When her husband travels to India to document the end of British rule, Evie and their young son accompany him. Her marriage is severely strained because her husband has severe PTSD from WWII and India is on the brink of war over the partition dividing Hindus and Muslims throughout India. Soon she finds a pack of letters written between two Englishwomen in 1857 hidden inside her bungalow. The letters begin a search into a deep friendship between two women and the events that shaped their lives also bring insight into her own situations.

The Sandalwood Tree drew me in from the beginning and stayed on my mind even when I was not reading it. The book flashes between 1857 and 1947 without seeming choppy at all and I was interested in the main storyline and all of the side storylines equally. The story contains twists and turns that are entirely believable but not expected. I must admit that in certain parts of the book I cried openly! (particularly towards the end) I must also say that I know nothing about India or its history but that did not hinder my enjoyment of the story. Ms. Newmark makes the inclusion of Indian culture seamless and relevant. The best part about the book, however, is the message of love and togetherness. For example, “If I must choose between joy and caution, I choose joy” is one of my favorite quotes from the novel and stuck with me even after I finished reading.

This book is definitely worth reading. Get your favorite blanket, a tasty cup of tea, and settle in for a great read. Five stars!

Oh, and if you are interested, check out www.ellenewmark.com. She writes a blog, provides book club aides, and there is also a great Q&A section.

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March 29, 2011

Deed So by Katharine Russell

Deed So by Katharine Russell tells the story of a young small town girl who always seems to land in some pretty sticky situations. It's 1962, and 12 year old Haddie is a really sweet and good girl. She loves and obeys her parents, attends church regularly and gets good grades. Sure, she smokes and drinks occasionally, but hey, no one's perfect! She dreams of the day that she can escape the dreary and mundane life of Wicomico Corners, Maryland.

But life that year was anything but dreary and mundane. Life that year was filled with confusion, fear and heartache. When Haddie becomes witness to a murder trial, her world begins to change.

The time period in which this book is written allows there to be many very heavy themes and they all come in to play here. Russell writes about segregation issues, she touches on women's rights, and she dives into the crisis at Vietnam. Aside from that, this book is packed full of action, including murder, scandal, arson, and kidnapping.

Although it seems to have quite a few themes, it comes together nicely in the end. When all is said and done, it's a story about how a small town community can survive anything when they work together.
4 Stars.

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June 11, 2010

A Matter of Character by Robin Lee Hatcher

As a rule, I usually avoid Christian romances. I only read them when my mom lends them to me and I feel obligated, and they're almost always nauseating. Particularly annoying to me is the cover art. I've noticed the same thing on cover art for Christian music CD's. Christian hair and make-up is just a little more plastic, a little more Mattel. It almost looks like it can be snapped off and replaced à là Potatohead.

The cover for this book is not an exception, as you can see. But the rest of the book is, sort of. Like much of Christian romance, the subject matter is not deep, though it does go past the wading area into that section where the floor of the pool begins to slant and you have to lift your chin to stay above the surface. The language is basic, but it's not sappy or sentimental, which I appreciated.

Best of all, Hatcher managed to create a fresh story while continuing to follow the requisite romance formula (say what you will about formula, it sells for a reason). Her characters are well-rounded without excess description, and defy stereotypes without also defying nature or history, a trap many romance novelists fall into (i.e. pants-wearing sword-waving medieval princesses). The only time I felt like muttering "blah blah blah" was when the heroine and her hero get holed up in a cabin in a snowstorm. It has to happen in every romance novel. One gets sick or injured, and the only possible nurse is the love interest. It has to be either that or a tandem horseback ride. I challenge you to find a romance novel that doesn't contain one of these two scenes.

I suppose you'd like to know what the book is actually about. This is the third of a series called The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs. Daphne McKinley is a 27 year old unmarried, independently wealthy "spinster" who writes dime novels under a pseudonym in her spare time. Her novels are based on real local stories she picks up from old-timers. The grandson of one of her characters lives in St. Louis, and when he finds out someone is writing unfavorably of the grandfather he knew to be a good man, he wants to find the author and demand a retraction. You can guess the rest.

I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. It was a light refreshing read that I had a hard time putting down. I finished it three nights ago, and I keep getting the urge to go back to it, then feel disappointed when I remember there's no more to read. I will definitely have to read more by this writer.

(I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of review.)

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May 8, 2010

The Patron Saint of Liars, By Ann Patchett

The Patron Saint of Liars is the story of Rose, a married woman in the 1960s who finds herself pregnant and trapped. She drives from California to Kentucky, leaving behind her husband and former life to arrive at a home for unwed mothers.

Without giving up too much, the book chronicles her life and choices once she arrives at St. Elizabeth's Home for Unwed Mothers.

Overall, I liked the book. But there were a few things that drove me utterly crazy and prevented me from LOVING the book.

Plot: The plot was great, though perhaps a bit predictable, especially when it comes to her main choice -- whether or not to keep the baby. However, there was enough mystery to keep me interested, especially once I got into the meat of the book. The ending didn't wrap everything in a nice bow, but it was unexpected, yet important.

Characters: Here's where it fell short. I HATED Rose. When the book opens, I empathized with her and her need to leave. But as the book continues through the choices she makes, my dislike grows. It's as if she gives up and makes her choices because she has to, even though she knows they're not what she really wants. That attitude makes her seem apathetic and uncaring which translates to how she treats the people in her life. That treatment of others was what drove me batty.

It could be argued that eliciting such a strong reaction for the character -- even if it was a negative one -- is a compliment to the author. It's true that her characters had depth and I loved all of the supporting characters. Even Rose was a well-written character, which is probably why I could have such a strong feeling about her.

Structure: Overall, it was a well-written novel. Broken into four parts, the first section set the stage and each subsequent section is told from the perspective of one of the main characters. I liked this because it helped to further define the characters and helped to move along the plot. The chapters were a bit long for me, but that's only because I have a short attention span and like frequent breaking points!

As long as you go into it knowing this isn't your average happy ending story, I think you'll enjoy it, perhaps even more than me. 3 stars.

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April 18, 2010

A Reliable Wife, by Robert Goolrick

My mom recommended this book, so when I was looking for something to read recently, I borrowed it.

Sadly, my recommendation doesn't come as high as hers.

The book takes place in the early 1900s, and opens with a wealthy man who publishes an ad for "A reliable wife". Catherine Land answers the ad and travels to the wilds of Wisconsin to marry Ralph Truitt. Unfortunately, her plan isn't as sincere as Ralph's. Her aim is to kill him without anyone's knowledge and take his riches as her own.

Sounds good, right? Let's see how the book stacks up against my three criteria:

Plot: The plot sounds good and it was filled with twists and turns. The problem is that the twists and turns were rather predictable. And even when I predicted the wrong outcome, the true outcome didn't excite me. The plot sounded interesting, but once I got into it, I couldn't get into it. It wasn't the page turner I was expecting.

Characters: This had the potential to be an incredible character book. They could have had so many dimensions, and I suppose in some ways, those dimensions were shown. But it was at arms length. The characters always felt just out of reach and half-formed. Sure, they were detailed, but the details were explained

Structure: The structure was easy to grasp. The first couple chapters were difficult as I got used to the narration, but overall it was readable. I really think it was the plot and the characters -- not the structure -- that made it a difficult read.

I won't say I hated it, but I'm not rushing to recommend it. 2 stars.

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March 28, 2010

Speak Softly, She Can Hear; By Pam Lewis

Hi Book Nook fans!

I'm A Super Girl (no really, I am!) and I'm a new reviewer here at the Nook. I eagerly volunteered when Playful Professional asked and I'm excited to share some of the books that I read with you.

So, on to my first review!

I've had this book on my shelf ever since I stole it from my mom's shelf a few months back. The title intrigued me, as did the plot.

Basically, two young girls make a pact to lose their virginity before they graduate high school. They find a boy eager to help them in their quest and steal away for a week to do the deed. However, things go horribly wrong and the book takes you through the next 10+ years as the three characters try to move on with the common secret they share.

The book didn't disappoint my expectations and I enjoyed it. You can't help but keep reading after the first chapter -- which includes a rather alarming and rather sexual opening scene. While it is over the top, it provides the backbone from which the rest of the story falls.

To avoid becoming a rambling reviewer, I've decided to focus my reviews into three categories to give you a taste of the book. These are the three things I look for when judging a good book, and I imagine you do as well.

Characters: For me, character development is key. Pam Lewis did a decent job of developing her characters in this novel, but they weren't the deepest I've ever read. I so wanted to know more of the main character, Carole, and her intimate thoughts. The reader gets a bit of that, but not enough. There were a few characters that I also would've like to know more about, but they were secondary to the plot so I understand why Lewis set them aside.

Plot: The plot was great. Reviewers call the book a "psychological thriller". I don't know that I'd put it in the thriller category, it was more of a slow burn. No page turning shock and awe, but enough to keep me reading all the way through. The book took place in the 1960s and 1970s and it was difficult for me to remember that. I kept thinking it was present-day and then I'd read a passage that made me remember the decade. Regardless of my own forgetfulness, I think the time period was a great backdrop for the story and added to the mystery and believability.

Structure: I like short chapters and a structure that's easy to follow. This wasn't the hardest structure I've ever read, and the chapters were an OK length. I will admit that it took me awhile to get into the third person narration. Perhaps I've been reading too many first person books, but I really wished that Lewis would have written it from the main character's perspective. I also think that would have helped further develop the characters.

All in all a good, quick read. 3.5 stars.

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September 3, 2009

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

If you are looking for a powerful, emotional, character-driven novel, then look no further than The Help. Set in Jackson, Mississippi in the middle of the Civil Rights movement (1962-1964ish), Stockett's novel paints a magnificiant portrait of three main characters: Miss Skeeter - the wealthy young white woman, Aibeleen - the experienced, yet bold black maid, Minny - the strong black maid with the amazing cooking and smart mouth. The narration in this novel is shared by these three women and Stockett truly excells at giving each woman a unique voice, complete with different speech patterns and spellings of words to indicate accent and vocal variety. By showing the events from three different points of view, the reader gets a complete picture of the volatile environment in which these characters exist and really feel their anger, embarrassment, shame, and fear right along with them.

At the same time that other white members of her Junior League are building separate bathrooms in the carport for the colored help to use so they don't pick up any "Nigra diseases," Miss Skeeter is a white woman who finds herself asking questions about why the black men and women of Jackson are treated they way they are and why they have to continue to just accept it as the norm. She begins on a quest to share the stories of "the help," the hired maids of Jackson, through a series of interviews with women. You will find yourself cheering for your three champions and relishing in their victories over their "white women" and crying at their defeats, fears, and tragedies.

The Help discusses common human decency and the question of why we treat one another the way we do, whether it is based on the color of our skin, the money in our bank account, the level of our education, or the brand name on our clothes. The question the author raises is if we have, in fact, moved beyond the days of Jackson in the 1960s or if the same prejudices continue under another name. Great book!

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August 16, 2009

South of Broad by Pat Conroy

Left of handsome Leopold, “Leo” is the sweetest South Carolina boy that you ever could meet, and he narrates Pat Conroy’s South of Broad. Broad is set in South Carolina and tells the story of his lifelong friendships forged during a fateful summer before his senior year of high school. Raised by a former nun and an all around great guy, Leo and his family is left reeling by the surprise suicide of his older golden brother Stephen. Coming out of his tailspin, shy but clever Leo endears glamorous twins, high society brats, down and out orphans, and newly integrated blacks. These friendships span the course of his life and test everything he knows.

Conroy uses the group to explore almost every possible theme: discrimination, abuse, religion, family, home, love, sex, drugs, fame, disease and commitment. At times it is beautifully worded depiction of how compelling the bonds of friendship can be. Other times it is an ugly and edgy look at growing up during the latter half of the twentieth century. This is the first novel I’ve ever read by Conroy. So for me personally, it was an eye opening introduction to Conroy’s startling and graceful use of language. Its 500+ pages aren’t daunting or laborious in Conroy’s deft hands; instead they are simply a pleasure to read. Conroy delivers a hugely ambitious book with hundreds of little plot nuances and dozens of characters that Conroy manages to tie up.

That said, of course some of the characters are underdeveloped. Conroy attempts seven characters with huge and distinct personalities. He’d need thousands of pages to solidify motivations and layered complex characterization for these characters and his storyline. If you approach it clearly from the perspective of Leo some of his actions are still not thoroughly explained or justified. Not helping matters is that fact that Conroy inexplicably structures his story to begin in the sixties, jumps to the eighties, then back to the sixties, and finishes in the early nineties. The story gains nothing by this organization, so instead it just sort of complicates the plot’s arc. The second return the sixties is almost entirely unnecessary except to add a hundred or so extra pages to the books heft.

These complaints don’t detract much from the story. If you are a Conroy fan, or have an itch that only a thick, well-written, near-epic novel can satisfy, I highly recommend South of Broad.

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April 21, 2009

The Story of a Marriage by Andrew Sean Greer

“Holland and I had talked about our friends and our childhoods and movies and books and politics—we had agreed and disagreed and had our fights and merry moments over a beer—but I think it’s fair to say we had never spoken honestly in all ours lives.” This quote from A Story of a Marriage by Andrew Sean Greer prettily sums up the story’s central conflict. The narrator, Pearlie a young mother and wife to her high school sweetheart, Holland grapples with her marriage in 1950’s San Francisco. She says, “I loved you like a field on fire,” in reference to Holland, and yet her marriage and commitments are tested by the appearance of a dapper stranger.

It does the novel a disservice to reveal any more about the plot, as its secrets are revealed in well timed waves. In fact the book’s only draw back is its brevity as its simple prose endears readers page by page. It’s an unconventional love story written with graceful restraint and vibrant characters. The Story of a Marriage is as perfect a novel as any I've read.

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June 9, 2012

Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren

August 15, 2011

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

April 22, 2011

Oskaloosa Moon by Gary Sutton

April 18, 2011

Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock

April 5, 2011

The Red Leather Diary by Lily Koppel

March 31, 2011

The Sandalwood Tree by Elle Newmark

March 29, 2011

Deed So by Katharine Russell

June 11, 2010

A Matter of Character by Robin Lee Hatcher

May 8, 2010

The Patron Saint of Liars, By Ann Patchett

April 18, 2010

A Reliable Wife, by Robert Goolrick

March 28, 2010

Speak Softly, She Can Hear; By Pam Lewis

September 3, 2009

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

August 16, 2009

South of Broad by Pat Conroy

April 21, 2009

The Story of a Marriage by Andrew Sean Greer

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