1
Followers
23
Following
Book Notes from Liz
wife, mother, sister, book-loving, globally aware life-long learner, independent thinker, recently retired librarian ready to start a new chapter of life
Currently reading
Lila: A Novel
All the Light We Cannot See
Nicholas and Alexandra
Being Indispensable: A School Librarian's Guide to Becoming an Invaluable Leader
Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
I was excited to read Neil Gaiman's latest book, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, and was even more thrilled that I was able to borrow it through my library's Overdrive downloadable books service. Sadly I can't say I loved it even though I anticipated I would. Perhaps fantasy is no longer among my favorite genres although it was lovely and touching in many ways.
Okay for Now
Loved how the author used Audubon's Birds of America as an organizing principle for this powerful story of redemption.
The Book Thief
Hauntingly beautiful story, rich and complex, told by an unusual narrator, Death. While considered a YA book, clearly it is a book that has a much broader appeal to mature readers.
1
The End of Your Life Book Club
Beautifully written. A must read for book lovers, and for those who have faced or are living the end of life with a loved one.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Well crafted. Has all the elements that make it popular with YA's.
When We Were the Kennedys: A Memoir from Mexico, Maine
Memoir of a time and place and those who peopled that time and place in the author's life. Beautifully written and heartwarming. I was transported back to that time - I, too, was growing up then, although in a very different place. Although I have never been to Mexico, ME, I felt like I was there, perhaps sitting in Anne's class.
The Bite of the Mango
Moving story of the courage required of those growing up in war torn, traditional countries in Africa, especially young women.
A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story
Great book for our 7th graders to read as part of their world cultures studies.
Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness
Another accidental discovery on the Download Library. I immediately recognized the author - read her earlier book Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood a number of years ago when I was in a book group. And later I heard her interviewed on the radio. So glad I found this delightful book book.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail (Oprah's Book Club 2.0 Digital Edition)
Throughout I was amazed at this young woman's bravery and determination to not give up, yet it was clear that the journey she needed to complete. I was surprised to discover at the end the actual journey happened some years before. It was fascinating to learn about the process the author used to write this memoir.
Among Flowers: A Walk in the Himalaya (Directions)
Just happened upon this book on the Download Library when I was still waiting for several titles I had placed holds on. I thoroughly enjoyed 'walking' with Jamaica Kincaid. At times I felt as if I was hearing her talk about the experience rather than reading about it.
The Beginner's Goodbye
A quiet, thoughtful read, as Anne Tyler books so often are. Her characters become real, with a humanity the reader knows. There is nothing ideal about their lives, but in the end, the ordinariness of their day-to-life becomes enough.
Cutting for Stone
So glad I finally got around to reading this book. Engaging plot, complex characters in a political setting.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Didn't get to read this book straight through and felt somewhat lost, at first, when I finally returned to it, but once I got back into it I was glad I made the effort. Haunting, mystifying, touching, tender, and memorable.
Noah's Compass
Reflections on the life of the ordinary person during the sunset years - family, relationships, loss and acceptance of what is.... Sparse.
Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity
Disturbingly powerful. The author describes an India I know exists. It is an India I would like to think will change yet I am left at the end feeling less hopeful than I want to be. As someone who has observed and written about poverty in her native land I would like to think Boo can't fully understand this rapidly emerging economic force in today's global market, but her concluding notes are convincing. Can there be hope in this Mumbi undercity as the subtitle suggests?