An advanced reader copy of one of my favorite authors

We are Water

 By: Wally Lamb

Genre: fiction

Pages: 576

Published: 2013

Read: July

5 out of 5 stars 

One of the many reasons I love Wally Lamb’s novels is his ability to capture the woman’s voice.  I was truly amazed by this craft in his first novel, She Comes Undone and he succeeds again in We are Water.  I feel this novel is his darkest yet and the reader must have a tough skin to continue through it. The story is extremely graphic at times and deals with numerous difficult topics, such as child pornography and same sex marriages.  However, Lamb writes in such a manner that even with the visuals he creates you must read on to see the resolution.   All the characters in this novel are very vivid and I promise you will love some, despise others, sympathize with some and change your mind on others. Lamb plays with your emotions throughout the entire book.  It’s been a long time waiting for another masterpiece by Lamb and he did not disappoint.

Lamb doesn’t have a personal website L

The end of the journey...for a while

A Step of Faith: The Fourth Journal of the Walk Series

 By: Richard Paul Evans

Genre: fiction

Pages: 304

Published: 2013

Audiobook: 5 Cd’s (5 hours)

Read: July

5 out of 5 stars 

I will keep this review short and sweet to avoid being repetitive. This series is really just one very long story, but still I am sad every time I put in the last disc of each book. I hate to see each journal of Alan Christoffersen end, but I think the saddest moment for me will be when he finally reaches Key West since that will be the end of my journey with him.  I anxiously await the fifth journal and hope it is published very soon.

Chicago Historical Novel

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America

By: Erik Larson

Genre: nonfiction

Pages: 447

Published: 2003

Read: July

3 out of 5 stars

This was the second time I read this novel and I had a difficult time getting through it. However, it is truly a well-written novel and if you enjoy Chicago history and/or true murder stories this one is for you. Larson does a superb job at intertwining true crime, with the famous Chicago World Fair of 1893, the invention of the Ferris Wheel, and even a little romance. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of the other historical events that weren't necessarily at the fair or impacted by the fair, but around the same period.  He includes appearances by Helen Keller, Thomas Edison, and Susan B. Anthony and inventions of the time, such as Juicy Fruit gum, Pabst Blur Ribbon beer and even the dishwasher.  

A new favorite author..Jojo Moyes!

The Last Letter from Your Lover

By: Jojo Moyes

Genre: fiction

Pages: 390

Published: 2011

Read: July

4.5 out of 5 stars

Jojo Moyes is becoming one of my favorite authors. This novel is not as good as her most recent one, Me Before You, it is very good. The first part of the novel takes place in 1960’s where two lovers lose track of each other.  Forty years later, a young news writer stumbles upon one of the lover’s letter signed with just a “B”. Moyes has a unique writing style that just reels the reader in, as Ellie is reeled in herself to solving the mystery of where and what happened to this two star-crossed lovers that are not meant to be together.  This novel has it all – a little romance, a little history, a little scandal, and a love mystery.  I have always been a huge fan of dual time period novels and this is no exception.

Raising children and how to do it correctly?

Bringing up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting

By: Pamela Druckman

Genre: nonfiction

Pages: 304

Published: 2012

Read: July

3 out of 5 stars

This is the story of an American Mother raising her children in Paris and how she discovers the difference in the philosophy of parenting. After reading the novel, I feel that one method is not necessarily better than the other; rather the best way is a combination of the two. The French have several beliefs that I would have loved to have known when my child was a little one. Although in same ways I figured these out myself and actually followed them; so I may have made some good choices. My only complaint about the style of writing was that Pamela often repeats herself other than that I would recommend this book to all mothers of newborns. I may start making this book a gift to all the new mothers I know.

This is her sixth book and follows her journey of being an American living in Paris. Her website is www.pameladruckman.com.

The third journal in my favorite series EVER

The Road to Grace: The Third Journal of the Walk Series

 By: Richard Paul Evans

Genre: fiction

Pages: 256

Published: 2012

Audiobook: 5 Cd’s (5 hours)

Read: July

5 out of 5 stars 

The third journal will not disappoint the readers that are continuing Alan’s self-discovery journey with him. Although similar to Miles to Go, it is also vastly unique.  Of course, he meets special friends that teach him the value of being alive and honoring his wife memory. As with the first two in the series, the cliff hanger will give you the desire to grab the third book immediately. This portion of journey includes the reappearance of several friends he knew before his journey began as well as a young woman, Kayla Mae, whose life is changed by Alan. This series, read once again by Richard Paul Evans, is definitely the top of my list for any series I have read.

A disappointing book club selection

The Paris Wife

By: Paula McLain

Genre: fiction

Pages: 314

Published: 2011

Read: June

2 out of 5 stars

I choose to read this book as a selection for the book club, in which I am the moderator. It is highly recommended by several women. It turned out to be one of my least favorite novels I have chosen in the last year and a half. The premise sounded very intriguing being an historical fiction about a love affair between Ernest Hemingway and a friend’s wife during his first marriage (he later married three more times).  The first 3/4^th of the story, I found extremely boring with not much happening.  Narrated by his wife, Hadley, she tells how Hemingway began his career as a successful prolific author.  Although I thought this would be a great storyline, it lasted to long and dragged on, plus only a very small description of the beginning of his success. The last third was when the climax and excitement occurred with the actual affair and deterioration of their marriage. Similar to Loving Frank by Nancy Horan this novel surfaces around a known famous historical presence in the world and then discredits his “nice guy” image.  Although I know several women who absolutely loved this novel, I would recommend Loving Frank and bypass The Paris Wife.

Surprisingly, I could not find a personal website for Paula McLain.

An exciting sequel to The Walk by Richard Paul Evans

Miles to Go: The Second Journal of the Walk Series

 By: Richard Paul Evans

Genre: fiction

Pages: 320

Published: 2011

Audiobook: 5 Cd’s (6 hours)

Read: June

5 out of 5 stars 

This is a great continuation of Alan Christoffersen’s journey to Key West, Florida.  Once again, Evans reads the audiobook himself and does a fantastic performance.  If you have any interest in reading this series, I cannot express enough that you should listen to the series.  Maybe while taking nightly walks. You may just rediscover yourself along with Alan.  As in The Walk, Alan meets several extraordinary individuals and friends including his “angel”.  This series has changed and enhanced my life as I am confident it will provide the same hope for you.