Reading about homeless people is tough. Reading about sex offenders is even tougher. Reading about homeless, sex offenders can be downright difficult, which is what The Lost Memory of Skin by award-winning Russell Banks is all about. What's interesting is that Banks manages to write about this difficult combination without making the reader squirm too much. Rather than being … [Read more...]
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (Book Review)
This book has been on my to-read shelf for a good number of years and I finally got around to reading it at the recommendation of a classmate. Short and filled with life lessons, I can understand why The Alchemist is an international bestseller and has a worldwide following of its "teachings." This type of book was probably pretty exciting back when it was published … [Read more...]
TLC Book Tours: The First Phone Call From Heaven
Do you believe in miracles? The people of Coldwater, Michigan certainly did when several people began receiving phone calls from the deceased claiming to be in heaven. But was it true? Was it possible? Or, was it a hoax? These questions, along with those of faith, family, and moving on are all explored in Mitch Albom's new book, The First Phone Call From Heaven. Punctuated with … [Read more...]
This is the Story of a Happy Marriage
I've been an Ann Patchett fan for years. I loved State of Wonder and adored The Patron Saint of Liars, so when I was given the opportunity to read about Ann Patchett by Ann Patchett, I jumped. And boy, am I glad I did! Confession: I had no idea she started out writing magazine articles. I consider myself to be pretty up-to-snuff when it comes to the writing histories … [Read more...]
‘Illusion of Separateness’ is Illustrative
Because today is Veterans Day, I thought it would be appropriate to review a book that has to do with war veterans. Although The Illusion of Separateness by Simon Van Booy is fictional, it's heartfelt nonetheless.The book is both a full novel and a collection of short stories. The chapters are told from the points of view of several different characters, but as the book … [Read more...]