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Shirley P. (booknookchick) - Reviews

1 to 20 of 118 - Page:
Across the High Lonesome
Across the High Lonesome
Author: James McNay Brumfield
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 3
Review Date: 8/16/2021


I read this book after reading his first novel, "A Tourist in Yucatan." I enjoyed reading about descriptions of California's high Sierras, the memorable characters of the Granite Creek Pack Station and their escapades, and the endearing personalities of the guide's favorite mules. This novel is storytelling at its best and to be savored as it's the last novel the author has published to date.


The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Author: Mark Twain
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 118
Review Date: 9/7/2017


The ISBN 1559029838 was used by Wal-Mart to publish a series of classic books.

Since the PBS database cannot link multiple titles to a single ISBN, hand-enter your book to the PBS inventory if your book has a different title.


The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World
The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World
Author: Alan Greenspan
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 20
Review Date: 1/22/2016


Enjoyed reviewing all of the historical highlights, both nationally and internationally, that affect government or consumer finances. Written in an easy to understand style for a complicated subject, this book is an excellent starting point for understanding relationship of the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Dept. with the the President and Congress.


All Fishermen Are Liars : True Tales From the Day Dock Bar
All Fishermen Are Liars : True Tales From the Day Dock Bar
Author: Linda Greenlaw
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 20
Review Date: 6/30/2021


The author is spending an afternoon and evening at the Dry Dock Bar with her old friend and mentor, Alden. His health is waning and she hopes to encourage him to retire from commercial fishing. Eventually, after hours of reflecting on memorable stories about the life and trials of a commercial fisherman at sea, she gets around to making the suggestion. There are stories about the passion fisherman have to sail the seas, their unique personalities and risk-taking behavior, and some harrowing tales of navigating severe weather. Linda Greenlaw is a talented writer, and after reading her first two books, The Hungry Ocean and The Lobster Chronicles, this book did not disappoint. 


All He Ever Wanted
All He Ever Wanted
Author: Anita Shreve
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.2/5 Stars.
 192
Review Date: 12/20/2005
Helpful Score: 1


The story is set in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Nicholas is a very unlikeable character. This is a story of a man who will lie, twist facts, and manipulate anyone willing (but ignorant) to get what he wants. He manipulates Etna, who he met by chance during a hotel fire, into marriage, uses his daughter to destroy a perceived rival's reputation and ultimately destroys his marriage and his family. Etna's character speaks few words and she is often a mystery -- is she a victim of the times she lives in, unable to resolve her feelings over a lost love, or is she at times depressed? You're just never really quite sure. If you enjoy books set in this era, you'll probably enjoy this one as well. This book has the same writing style and similar heartbreak evident in Fortune's Rock.


And Thereby Hangs a Tale
And Thereby Hangs a Tale
Author: Jeffrey Archer
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 4
Review Date: 8/1/2018


Not being a fan of short stories, I'm usually reading 300-500 pages books start to finish. Short stories in magazines put me to sleep. Whatever Jeffery Archer writes, short stories or fiction, I cannot pass it up. For me, his short stories are entertaining, complicated enough to satisfy my curiosity and relaxing. I'm always amused by the twist in the endings. This collection was also interesting because of the international diversity of characters or a location.


The Angel's Game (Cemetery of Forgotten Books, Bk 2)
Review Date: 10/1/2019


The Angel's Game is the 2nd of a three book set titled "The Cemetery of Forgotten Books". Each book was written as standalone, interconnected novels. The author describes this series as a Chinese box of fiction, essentially a game with the readers as they step into the shoes of a character. Zafon transports readers to gothic Barcelona in the 1920's and the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, the secret, grand library introduced in The Shadow of the Wind.

Experiences of David Martin, the charming, humorous, young writer early in the book has Inferences to Dickens' Great Expectations. David begins his career writing penny dreadful tales using a pseudonym. As his passion to be a credible published author grows, David accepts a commission from a mysterious French publisher to research and write a book about religion and the entry into Zafon's dark gothic world begins.

The Angel's Game is not restricted to a specific genre. It is a historical thriller, detective mystery, love story, supernatural tale, and occasionally steam punk. Along with many references to classic books and famous writers, Zafon incorporates his love of music in this tale. An unusual treat is the soundtrack he created especially for The Angel's Game which can be played online at https://www.randomhouse.com/ddpg/feature/zafon/music.php.


Authorized Personnel Only (Figueroa and Bennis, Bk 4)
Authorized Personnel Only (Figueroa and Bennis, Bk 4)
Author: Barbara D'Amato
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 8
Review Date: 12/20/2008
Helpful Score: 1


I enjoy d'Amato's writing and appreciate that she does extensive research around the topic of her books. Character development and the plot are adequate in this book. This book doesn't have a higher rating because the story backs in and out of several subplots and none of them were suspenseful enough to want me to finish the book quickly to find out how the story ends.

Perhaps D'Amato was trying to portray the day-in-the-life of a cop, however, the lack of depth to each mystery leads to some pretty obvious choices of who did what and how the book would end.

White Male Infant is also an excellent D'Amato read.


Best Home Businesses for People 50+
Best Home Businesses for People 50+
Author: Paul Edwards
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 8
Review Date: 1/27/2007
Helpful Score: 4


70 business profiles include the nature of the business, relevant skills to be successful and advice from someone who started that business after age 50.

Especially helpful is a grid with the headings: minimal, moderate, or more than most which categorizes the importance of start-up cost, overhead, potential earnings, computer skills required, deadline or scheduling pressure, flexible hours and overall stress for each business venture.


Black Sands (Aloha Reef, Bk 2)
Black Sands (Aloha Reef, Bk 2)
Author: Colleen Coble
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 42
Review Date: 7/25/2010


After reading the first book in the Aloha Reef series which I thoroughly enjoyed for being a fast-paced, suspenseful story, I was anticipating the same in Black Sands. My only disappointment was the overuse of cliches in the dialogue.

Coble is an excellent Christian writer because she encourages the reader to consider how the character's conflicts might affect their own lives and the decisions one makes.

I also appreciate that the author incorporates religion into her stories without resorting to having the reader feel 'preached to'.


The Blue Bistro
The Blue Bistro
Author: Elin Hilderbrand
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.4/5 Stars.
 23
Review Date: 12/1/2009


Took a break from literature like "The Shadow of the Wind" and "The Book Thief" and selected "The Blue Bistro" for a quick read about a summer vacation locale rather than my reality of the onset of winter.

Character development was strong enough to keep me interested, although the plot is fairly predictable and you won't find any subplots going on to make the story more interesting. If you are a fan of the chick lit genre, or want to give it a try, I'd recommend this book.

This was my first book that I read by this author and I would be interested in reading another.


The Book of Bright Ideas
The Book of Bright Ideas
Author: Sandra Kring
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 269
Review Date: 7/12/2011


I enjoyed this 'rural' chick lit very much.


Burnt Orange : Color Me Wasted (True Colors, Bk 5)
Burnt Orange : Color Me Wasted (True Colors, Bk 5)
Author: Melody Carlson
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 9
Review Date: 2/15/2015


Very surprised by the ending .. a style typical of Jodi Picoult.

First time reader for this author. The protagonist in the book is 18 and the conflicts and choices she was faced with were appropriate for that age. However, I felt the writing style was actually more appealing to an audience 3-5 years younger.


Candle in the Darkness (Refiner's Fire, Bk 1)
Candle in the Darkness (Refiner's Fire, Bk 1)
Author: Lynn Austin
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.4/5 Stars.
 27
Review Date: 10/6/2018


Caroline, born and raised in Virgina on a plantation, moves to Pennsylvania for several months when she was a teenager. She, personally, always considered their slaves her family, even though her parents did not. While living away from home, Caroline learns about the philosophy of the abolitionist movement and returns to Virginia and feels compelled to secretively strive toward freeing slaves and she finds herself in several dangerous situations, but determined and hopeful to see the slaves given their freedom.

This is the first book I've read written by this author. I agree with another reviewer that the descriptive detail, especially relating to the war experiences, was more 'telling' than showing, which is reflected in my rating. Getting to know her characters by their personalities and actions, especially the slaves living on the Fletcher property, was the highlight of the book for me. I appreciated that spirituality in the book was not overdone and definitely not intended to preach the message, rather it is meant to encourage the reader to consider the seriousness of the pros and cons for any spiritual or moral decisions they are facing.


Carry Me Home
Carry Me Home
Author: Sandra Kring
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 53
Review Date: 4/24/2007
Helpful Score: 5


16 yr old Earl Gunderman reminded me of Forrest Gump. His perceptions about life are very funny and had me laughing out loud a few times. It's a fast read with a cast of enjoyable characters.

The story, narrated by Earl, is written in a style that reminded me of The Memory Keepers Daughter written by Kim Edwards.

My FIL served during WWII. This book also reminded me we should not forget the sacrifices Americans made fighting or supporting that horrible war.


Cat o' Nine Tales and Other Stories
Cat o' Nine Tales and Other Stories
Author: Jeffrey Archer
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 12
Review Date: 6/10/2008


I've always enjoyed Archer's short stories. There are some real gems in this collection which are stories based on 'characters' he met in prison. Most of the stories end with an unusual twist.


The Children's Hour
The Children's Hour
Author: Marcia Willett
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 30
Review Date: 8/20/2008
Helpful Score: 7


I didn't take to this book right away. Some British terms weren't familiar, the story switches from the present back in time through memories and I just wasn't sure where the story was going. Half-way through the book I caught on and was hooked. One of my favorite quotes from the book, which is repeated several times, "Everyone has a right to their own history." There is a show of strong loyalty and unconditional support among the siblings and extended family, especially as old family secrets are revealed.


Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands
Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands
Author: Chris Bohjalian
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 18
Review Date: 8/22/2016
Helpful Score: 2


Emily, aka Abby, has a complicated personality, with an equally complicated family life, and more so after her father is blamed for a nuclear reaction accident, that caused the death of 19 people including both her parents.

Without immediate or extended family where they live, Emily is evacuated with the rest of the community without money or possessions. Afraid to reveal her identity among strangers since her father is blamed for the disaster, Emily continually re-invents who she is to remain anonymous.

Emily is 16 and homeless, forced to do just about anything she must to survive. Readers will have to decide if confronted with similar circumstances, whether they would do the same.


The Coal Tattoo
The Coal Tattoo
Author: Silas House
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 17
Review Date: 1/18/2011


Venetia C's review of the book expresses my sentiments also. For most of the book the setting is timeless, until the last third when events from the late 1960's are mentioned. The visual descriptions and the family values toward the land reminded me of Wendell Berry's writing. The life experiences of the two sisters tugged at my emotions as much as "Cold Mountain" did. I'll be reading Clay's Quilt next.


Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves
Review Date: 7/9/2010
Helpful Score: 1


I've always been intrigued about community co-housing and enjoyed reading about the history of established communities in Europe and the start-up process of the North American communities profiled in the book. Also included is information on community and dwelling layouts, planningi logistics, community 'legislation' and much more.


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