Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Mary E. (smerler) - , - Reviews

1 to 6 of 6
Chosen by a Horse : a memoir
Chosen by a Horse : a memoir
Author: Susan Richards
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 24
Review Date: 1/20/2008
Helpful Score: 1


This book was one of the best books I've read in a very long time! The author has had some horrible experiences in her life but the way she writes about them never has you feeling sorry for her or feeling as though she wants sympathy or has that "woe is me" attitude. While they make you feel sadness for what she went through, they make it all the more clear and understanding why she has this incredible bond with Lay Me Down. Rarely have I been affected personally by a book, this time I was. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone, especially those that did not have a traditional or fantastically happy childhood. It is also a wonderful book for those who have a love of horses (or animals) and can understand that they can be like a family.


The Cider House Rules
The Cider House Rules
Author: John Irving
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 129
Review Date: 9/5/2009


Enjoyed the book and the movie made from the book.


Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage
Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage
Author: Elizabeth Gilbert
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 126
Review Date: 4/15/2010
Helpful Score: 8


I think some people, myself included, expected this to be a more personal story about Elizabeth Gilbert and Felipe. In some ways, I was pleasantly surprised that there was much more to this book. I really enjoyed the book as a whole and found the research, history and wide-range of information on marriage, traditions, etc. to be very interesting. As a divorced woman, I could relate completely to her description of divorce and its aftermath! I love her writing style - she never seems to take herself too seriously. I'd highly recommend this book, but if you are looking for a cutesy, romantic story about her and her future husband, don't bother. While she does share some personal details and stories of their romance, it is a non-fiction book about marriage, with some info thrown in there about various cultures, histories and feminisim.


The Girl Who Stopped Swimming
The Girl Who Stopped Swimming
Author: Joshilyn Jackson
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 156
Review Date: 3/27/2010
Helpful Score: 1


This is the first book I've read by Joshilyn Jackson. I really enjoyed her writing style and the development of both the characters and the story.


Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith
Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith
Author: Anne Lamott
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 234
Review Date: 5/18/2010
Helpful Score: 1


This book was not at all what I expected! Anne Lamott holds nothing back in her memoir-like chronicle of her faith and how she relies on it to get her through the challenges that life throws her way. She has had a very interesting life so far, and she writes with wit and grace and a bit of vulgarity to make her point. I truly loved her description of how she thinks God must smell (I won't give it away) and her loving recollections of the many characters she has met in her very interesting and bohemian life! I fell in love with a couple of the people in her life. There were definitely some poignant moments and times when I recognized myself or someone I know and love in the people in her life. I'd highly recommend this book!


Wild Goose Chase: Reclaim the Adventure of Pursuing God
Wild Goose Chase: Reclaim the Adventure of Pursuing God
Author: Mark Batterson
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.8/5 Stars.
 3
Review Date: 5/8/2009
Helpful Score: 5


Sometimes, I worry about books that have a religious, scripture-based theme as they can be very preachy. This book was anything but preachy! Mark Batterson writes an excellent, interesting book about ways to strengthen your spiritual health and seek the Holy Spirit in your own life. I loved the way he used bible stories to show his point. The best thing about this book in my opinion was that he doesn't make you feel guilty for anything that you may have done in the past, that you have control of what you do with that and ways to try to move beyond it. I can't wait to read his other books.


1 to 6 of 6