Can I say that I miss Gilmore Girls? Well, now it is written in the form of two girls about to graduate from high school. The quips are witty, the scenarios are hilarious, and the heart is still gutted a few times to remember that real life does exist. Maybe I'm just partial because we had Jeff Zentner at our school (and we recreated the coolest set from the girls' midnight matinee- check it out on his Twitter), but I really think it's an awesome book, ranked high among all his other books.
4/5 stars
Can I say that I miss Gilmore Girls? Well, now it is written in the form of two girls about to graduate from high school. The quips are witty, the scenarios are hilarious, and the heart is still gutted a few times to remember that real life does exist. Maybe I'm just partial because we had Jeff Zentner at our school (and we recreated the coolest set from the girls' midnight matinee- check it out on his Twitter), but I really think it's an awesome book, ranked high among all his other books.
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4/5 stars I think I would have enjoyed this more if I read it rather than listened to it. I also think I was expecting more about the actual war than the back and forth between the time in America and the time the two sisters were refugees. With that being said, it did show a different viewpoint how not only was the war horrific, being taken in by a first world family doesn't necessarily fix everything. And it also showed the family dynamics of what war and the aftermath does to relationships- strengthen and weaken them. Oh, and the time on Oprah was pretty cool, too. 3/5 stars Good book, some good mystery. Not super predictable, but had some fun twists every once in a while. I have to be honest, though. I'm kind of done with unreliable narrators due to alcoholism. But the mystery part was good. Basically, a flight attendant wakes up with a dead guy, and she tries to hide the fact because she isn't positive whether or not she killed him because she can't remember their night together. I wouldn't call this a cozy mystery by any means, but it's a good beach-read-don't-want-to-get-out-of-bed mystery. 4/5 stars Can I just say, this is a pretty awesome author. I probably would have put it on 5 stars, but since I read Serpent King and absolutely loved it, this one had a very high bar. It was still great, though, so make sure the four star doesn't deter you. First of all, I was skeptical- I, like many of you, probably would think that if someone chooses to text back a response while driving, he/she would be the party responsible. But not here. Instead, the boy who texted TO the driver was held responsible because he knew that the driver was driving. And the driver and his two friends died, thereby splitting up the four best friends forever. And the book delves into people's reactions to the sole survivor, and his own incomparable grief and guilt. Now, on to the shelf this book is placed on- I got to hear/meet the author. I have to tell you, it makes the world of difference. Yes, legal culpability is real. Jeff Zentner is a lawyer. Bam. Also, he is one of the nicest, most honest and gracious authors I've met in a long time. It makes the book all the more interesting. And for fans of Easter eggs out there- it has some good ones! Read his books in publication order so you can recognize them. 3/5 stars With the making of Queen Elizabeth's wedding gown as the background, this story actually revolves around 2 women- one who has been liberated from a concentration camp, and another who is just trying to survive being a single woman in the late 40's. The two become roommates, and then a friendship and understanding ensues. There are quite a bit of events that we saw coming, but at the same time are still always cringe worthy, mostly dealing with the harshness of betrayal of the worst kind. The writing is good, and the story is also quite good. However, I am getting a little tired of granddaughters learning about things about their grandparents, and hence the flip of time between chapters. It's not horrific, but I guess part of me wonders why it was necessary in this book. And also, I guess I wanted a little more about the gown, or not. I can't really put my finger on it, but it felt like something was missing. Regardless, it was an interesting book and kept me interested most the time. 4/5 stars Truly a story that shows real family and what pride can do to split a family, and how a person can change. So here are two sisters, one takes the motherly approach to her younger sister, and then life happens. Bad choices happen. And then good choices happen. I loved that there were tons of good things that happened despite bad intentions, but also that there were bad things that happened despite good intentions. If you like intricate relationships, kids who are told there are no favorites but there are, and how families can be ripped apart and mended, then this is a book for you. Well written. And I liked all the characters- even the ones I didn't like, I liked. 4/5 stars This has been compared to the Immortalists and the Nest. But don't believe it. I feel like this one is so much more. It delves into the realism of drug and alcoholism and how it can ruin your life and others related. It also delves into what is important to know about families, and what needs to remain secrets. I thought this was well written and kept me intrigued the entire time. Good choice for the B & N book club. Definitely perfect for discussion. |
AuthorI'm a high school librarian. I love to read. Really. Love. To. Read. Archives
December 2023
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