In my search for a new novelist – new to me that is – in the psychological mystery genre, I found Tara French. With credits from Stephen King – “Terrific – terrifying, amazing, and the prose is incandescent.” – and the Washington Post’s Maureen Corrigan – “French is a poet of mood and master builderContinue reading “REVIEW | The Searcher : by Tana French”
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Review | The Dutch House : by Ann Patchett
Patchett delivers a quietly suspenseful drama of family and ambition, by creating a modern dark fairy tale about two smart people who are bound by a past they cannot overcome. She transports the Conroy siblings, Maeve and Danny, through five decades replete with a birth mother, Elna, who walks away from her young children toContinue reading “Review | The Dutch House : by Ann Patchett”
Review | Vesper Flights, by: Helen Macdonald
When I saw Helen Macdonald had a new book coming out, I pre-ordered it very quickly on the strength of H is for Hawk and her PBS special of the same subject-matter. The new Vesper Flights is great. It released a couple of months ago, and is highly recommended to fans of MacDonald, and BritishContinue reading “Review | Vesper Flights, by: Helen Macdonald”
Review | Margaret Fuller : by Megan Marshall
Midsummer, I received a letter (yes, in the mailbox) from my son. Inside the envelope, I found an article cut from the July 27, 2020 edition of “The New Yorker”. A hand written post-it-note was attached – “Mom, with your recent interest in women’s rights (re: PBS Suffragettes, etc.), I think you will also enjoyContinue reading “Review | Margaret Fuller : by Megan Marshall”
Review | A Man Called Ove, by: Fredrik Backman
The book I am reviewing is A Man Called Ove by Swedish author Fredrik Backman, copyright 2014. Ove is grumpy, only seeing black and white . To him, a rule is a rule; no discussion. It’s the story of an older man struggling after his wife’s death. Ove has some new neighbors move in, andContinue reading “Review | A Man Called Ove, by: Fredrik Backman”
Review | Eden’s Outcasts: by John Matteson
Father & Daughter Biography of A. Bronson & Louisa May Alcott What an amazing source of understanding as a follow up to my recent reread of “Little Women”. Eden’s Outcasts is a dual biography of A. Bronson Alcott, 19th century philosopher and educator, and his daughter, Louisa May Alcott. This 2008 Pulitzer Prize winning readContinue reading “Review | Eden’s Outcasts: by John Matteson”
Review | Immersed in West Africa: My Solo Journey Across Senegal, Mauritania, The Gambia, Guinea and Guinea Bissau by: Terry Lister
West African Travel Book Reveals Best Kept Secrets of World Tourism I recently finished an African travel log that is my favorite since reading Jason Carter’s Power Lines… The book takes the reader on an intimate journey throughout the lesser-traveled countries of West Africa. Our guide, a cordial, well-mannered Bermudian professional, Mr. Terry Lister, isContinue reading “Review | Immersed in West Africa: My Solo Journey Across Senegal, Mauritania, The Gambia, Guinea and Guinea Bissau by: Terry Lister”
Review | The Man Who Ran Washington by: Peter Baker & Susan Glasser
I read non-fiction at about the same rate I read fiction, 1-2 of either type of books each month. When choosing a book like The Man who Ran Washington I am certainly affected by the big public relations and marketing budgets behind such a large release. That is just what happend when I picked thisContinue reading “Review | The Man Who Ran Washington by: Peter Baker & Susan Glasser”
Review | Kermit the Hermit:
written and illustrated by Bill Peet Are you feeling a bit like a hermit and/or a hoarder? Here’s a story from children’s literature that may brighten your day. Over the past six months, I’ve been like Kermit, the crab (crabby, grouchy), only getting out of my house (cave for Kermit) to purchase what is neededContinue reading “Review | Kermit the Hermit:”
Review | Persuasion: by Jane Austen
I am a true fan of Jane Austen. I read and reread her novels. Her leading female characters are strong and independent thinkers. While conforming with much of early nineteenth century British society, they challenge the “proper and acceptable” position expected of women. Anne Elliot, in “Persuasion”, is no exception. It is no wonder thatContinue reading “Review | Persuasion: by Jane Austen”
Penna Book Reviews 