en-US Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:01:45 -0800 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg ReadStatus9129600060 Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:01:45 -0800 /review/show/7363470979 Kathleen wants to read Welcome to Far Point, Rookie by FIO.
]]> Review7160308649 Thu, 02 Jan 2025 11:49:46 -0800 /review/show/7160308649 Kathleen gave 5 stars to Dayswork (Hardcover) by Chris Bachelder
I was totally absorbed by this short novel, a first-person meditation on Herman Melville and Moby Dick, mixed in with observations from the narrator about her home life during the restless timelessness of the pandemic. The granularity of her research into Melville contrasted with the casual descriptions of a marriage and domesticity strained and constrained by the COVID-19 lockdown builds slowly into an exquisite work of layered commentary on the twin outcomes of a life dedicated to creativity: beauty and despair. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. The evocative language puts you in a “mood�� and that mood is satisfying and thought-provoking. A caveat: I read this on a beach in Sicily so my mood may have been primed but no matter. Just reading this novel made me feel a few shreds smarter and more creative. A favorite read of 2023. ]]> ReadStatus8845924674 Thu, 02 Jan 2025 11:46:49 -0800 /review/show/1867337662 Kathleen finished reading Sudden Death by Álvaro Enrigue
]]> ReadStatus8845923750 Thu, 02 Jan 2025 11:46:42 -0800 /review/show/1867341021 Kathleen finished reading A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James
]]> Review7160283144 Thu, 02 Jan 2025 11:45:43 -0800 /review/show/7160283144 Kathleen gave 5 stars to The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store (Hardcover) by James McBride
This book is getting such rave reviews and awards, and typically I prefer to find less well-known books to spotlight, but this novel deserves all the praise and more. Truly exceptional and has such an intricate absorbing plot that in some hands might cause the reader to get lost, but this author deftly handles it. Highly recommend. ]]> Review7160276959 Thu, 02 Jan 2025 11:44:44 -0800 /review/show/7160276959 Kathleen gave 5 stars to Eastbound (Paperback) by Maylis de Kerangal
Incredible. If I could give this more stars I would. A gripping novel about human connection under the direst circumstances, an unexpectedly and profoundly uplifting story. ]]> Review7160266423 Thu, 02 Jan 2025 11:43:33 -0800 /review/show/7160266423 Kathleen gave 4 stars to Remarkably Bright Creatures (Hardcover) by Shelby Van Pelt
This sweet story features a talking octopus and kind humans. It's a little predictable, but I'm always game for stories promoting the intelligence and autonomy of animals. It's a quick read.
]]> Review7160262404 Thu, 02 Jan 2025 11:42:35 -0800 /review/show/7160262404 Kathleen gave 5 stars to There Are Rivers in the Sky (Hardcover) by Elif Shafak
This is an exceptional book. The characters are vividly drawn, the story is mesmerizing, the throughline of water beautifully links what might otherwise be a complicated plot, and the depth of detail (and associated research) renders realistic scenes, sometimes brutally so, while still managing to sprinkle the darkness (and remind readers) of the simple joys of a principled life founded in curiosity, love, and loyalty. This novel is worth every bit of effort it may take a reader to fully absorb its depth and impact. Not to be missed. ]]> Review7160262404 Thu, 02 Jan 2025 11:42:27 -0800 /review/show/7160262404 Kathleen gave 5 stars to There Are Rivers in the Sky (Hardcover) by Elif Shafak
This is an exceptional book. The characters are vividly drawn, the story is mesmerizing, the throughline of water beautifully links what might otherwise be a complicated plot, and the depth of detail (and associated research) renders realistic scenes, sometimes brutally so, while still managing to sprinkle the darkness (and remind readers) of the simple joys of a principled life founded in curiosity, love, and loyalty. This novel is worth every bit of effort it may take a reader to fully absorb its depth and impact. Not to be missed. ]]> Review7160255721 Thu, 02 Jan 2025 11:41:22 -0800 /review/show/7160255721 Kathleen gave 5 stars to The Sons of El Rey (Hardcover) by Alex Espinoza
Great insight into the world of Mexican wrestling and inhibiting views regarding sexuality in that culture; paced well with real empathy for the characters. I enjoyed this story quite a lot but found the switching back and forth between character POV by chapter a little challenging, but it was well worth it in the end. ]]>