Lisa
Readers are given tidbits of facts in this graphic novel. Historical records do not allow Hall to elaborate anything beyond the end results. There were revolts. Blacks were involved and punished but not any details to explain the who and why. The focus is more of how Hall is frustrated as a historian. She is able to extrapolate some ideas of what happened historically but to a certain extent it is guess work.
There is evidence to show that women did revolt both in transit to the new world and while in slavery- which is something I had never learned in any history book. I found this graphic novel fascinating and frustrating.
Keeping in touch patron's reading trends - read this romance on a patron's suggestion. Not a bad read. The beginning (pretty dark) almost threw me off but the main characters made the book compelling.
Taylor Jenkins Reid is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I blew through this book. Her characters are so interesting. I am hoping we get more of the Rivas in future books. Great book!
Very enjoyable read. I found myself immersed in this novel. I couldn't put it down ~ following Eleanor's life through each chapter! There were some elements that fell together too smoothly but it never stopped me from reading to the end. This book would make an excellent book group choice - so many great discussion points!
Heartbreaking
Wow! I never had heard of the deportation of Jewish families by the French police. This novel was readable -a quick and compelling story. There were some elements that seemed contrived - Julia's adulterous husband and the quick ending to their marriage.
Well written memoir. At times it was a difficult read but it kept me reading. Ford really does an excellent job in telling her story. Looking forward to future work from her.
Racism.... lots of racism. Glad I read this book but I hope that things start changing in this country. Luckily despite the topic this is a funny book. Amber and Lacey Ruffin tell their stories with enough humor to stomach the topic.
This is an interesting book but I could see why some readers did not like it. Took me a while to get into this book. I mostly stuck with it because it had gotten so many good reviews. I was probably about half way through before I started figuring out what was really going on. To fully understand what is happening, it needs to be read through the ending. As the author points out, in her afterword, this book is more about survival and hope than anything else. This book is worth the read.
Who would have thought dystopian romance would be my jam?
I really liked this book. I finished it in two days. I was interested from the first page. The story of Layne and Travis was well developed. I was worried when I first read the premise that the relationship between them would be antiquated. But the author clearly gave each character their own strengths. The story without the romance would have been enough for me but the romance was the cherry on top.
I will be looking for more books by this author.
I came across this collection of essays via the Massachusetts Center for the book reading challenge. The challenge for March was aMass books award honoree. This book won the nonfiction award for 2020. This was a quick read for me. My favorite essay was Dragon Slayer - the author's experience with James Alan McPherson. McPherson encouraged Walker not to write to stereotypes but to seek what's real.
I found Walker's essays entertaining and provocative. This book gets a strong recommendation from me.
I liked this book a lot. Two quotes for me that stood out for me were:
“The only way to learn is to live.”
“It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.”
I enjoyed the journey that Nora took through the different lives that resulted from the choices she made for herself. I thought the final wrap up of the book was the best.
A perfect read for the last book of 2021.
❤️ In some ways so hard to read but grabs your attention and keeps you turning the page.
Butler is so talented.
This book really made me think about the divide between black and white society in our country. This book is about the act of choosing to be what you are not so that your life can be privileged. What will you give up for that comfort and ease?
Great read! I couldn't put it down. I am glad I discovered this book. Planning on reading more of Olivia Dade's books.
Read for Massachusetts Center for the book 2023 reading challenge - February: A book set in your home town/ city or state.
Interesting plot and setting- but lost me as the book wandered on. I lost track of the characters and where the plot was going about midway through the book. I did like how it wrapped up at the end.
Graphic novel = an amazing way to tell the history of Kent State shootings. Disturbing ..... honestly felt like it could happen again.
I read this memoir quickly - it grabbed my attention from the beginning. I had heard the author on the podcast “Family Secrets “ and wanted to get a deeper look into her story.
I found her story the most gripping - I thought the investigation into drug use by professionals was interesting. It really makes you think about what our society expects of successful people and at what lengths they will go to reach those heights. In the case of the author's husband, success led to his destruction.
Read Harder Challenge 2020 - Task #9 - Read the LAST book in a series
I love the Harry Dresden series. I enjoyed this book but with caveats. It has been a while since the last book and I could have used a refresher on some of the returning characters. The novel picks up where the last book left off - I could have used a plot refresher as well. That said - Harry is still the great character yet is developing into a more solid adult with his responsibilities.
Also.... the ending is a cliffhanger.
One of my favorites of the series... I loved the revealing of Armand's relationships with his godfather, Stephen and his son, Daniel. The story being set in Paris was great. There was a great mystery for Armand to solve and family issues to resolve. If you enjoy the Armand Gamache series, you will love this novel!
Good debut novel - enjoyable read. Looking forward to read more books from this author.
Interesting read - thought provoking. The themes of gender/motherhood is central to this book. It would be a great book club book. There is so much to discuss! Glad I read it.
