The Awakening by Kate Chopin

I read this book in college with a phenomenal proffessor who taught me alot about feminism and the wonderful strength of being a woman. I have read and reread this book about 4 times and enjoyed it as much and been able to understand it as I have grown older. I have the college version that has an authoritative text and criticisms....well worth reading also.

This book has some wonderful imagery and symbolism and although not set in this era is certainly understandable in any time period. It is reminiscent of a Virginia Wolfe take on what life was like for a woman in the south with references to Creole culture, taboo and the lore of New Orleans.

It is interesting to note that this book was met initially with huge criticism (probably by men:)) and put out of print for 50 years in this country. It is a classic novel written by a wonderful woman writer at the turn of the century.

5* out of 5*

Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian

For those of us rusty on our historical knowledge of Germany during Hitler's regime, this book is an intriguing glimpse from one family who are German refugees. Their struggle westward ahead of the Russian army is told with wonderful and heart wrenching detail. Visually the language offers us a chance to feel the cold snows and a march that seems to be destined for failure. The author ties in historical references based on the unpublished diary of a Prussian refugee who fled. Dynamics of faith, love, joy and strength are deeply entrenched in this work of fiction. Author perspective allows us to also understand the intrinsic fear involved in being of any race because at some points there is no discretion involved in the killing and torture. Humanity is held under a microscope and in many cases found to be brutal, sadistic and unfeeling.


I found myself hoping at every page turn that a miracle would happen and that the main characters would survive. Still, hope is not enough and this book inspires one to realize that the ruin of flesh and faith is an ongoing problem throughout history and also present times.


I give this book a 5* out of 5*.....a magnificent story that makes me want to read it all over again.

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

A seemingly ordinary family is faced with decisions and repercussions that strain the social and emotional dynamics of a family's foundation. The main characters are two sisters, close in age, but one (Kate) has a devastating form of cancer. Her sister (Anna) has been biogenetically engineered as the "donor" for her sister. Anna eventually hires an attorney for herself so she can be emancipated from her parents choices for continued medical help for Kate. When it is related during the course of the trial why Anna has chosen this path, there is probably not a reader who will not understand and empathize with the entire family's choices and decisions. Each character is well developed although the mother in the family is not quite as believable. However, the implications and complications of this family make for a wonderful read that is both enlightening and heartbreaking. The author uses her voices well and keeps one interested in the next events and forthcoming solutions.



I recommend this book as a 4* out of 5*

Come all Readers!

I am a fairly non-discriminate reader. For me, going to the library or book store is a never ending enjoyment. In fact, I have banned myself from Barnes and Noble because it is too easy to spend too much money! I have been known to plop in a comfortable chair, forget the time and miss meals.

My rating system is basically 5 *'s is the best and 1 * is the lowest. I am always looking for that great book!