Founders' Son: A Life of Abraham Lincoln

Fathers. It was on Lincoln’s birthday that I finished reading Richard Brookhiser’s book titled, Founders’ Son: A Life of Abraham Lincoln. I find that every book I read about Lincoln can be both interesting and illuminating, and this book provides a lot of both interest and insight. Brookhiser focuses on Lincoln’s perspective that he was a true son of the founding fathers of the United States. Some of his political opponents disagreed and saw themselves as the inheritors of that legacy. Readers who enjoy history and especially that of the nineteenth century in the United States are those most likely to enjoy reading this finely written book. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase Founder’s Son from amazon.com.

The Boston Girl

Warmth. Readers can feel the warmth of housebound Bostonians in this winter of great snowfall when reading a novel by Anita Diamant titled, The Boston Girl. Protagonist and narrator Addie Baum tells the story of her life to her granddaughter. Spanning most of the twentieth century, Addie’s life has been packed with experience that will delight most readers. I enjoyed the time spent listening to an entertaining account of an interesting life during tumultuous times. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase The Boston Girl from amazon.com.  

The First Bad Man

Uncomfortable. Fiction can introduce readers to characters and situations that are unlike our own experience, and we can become uncomfortable with the unusual. That was my reaction while reading Miranda July’s debut novel titled, The First Bad Man. While the characters and situations were unfamiliar to me, the universal themes resonated, and July’s finely written prose made me enjoy this novel very much. The odd but stable world of protagonist Cheryl Gluckman turns upside down when Clee moves in and a child is born. There’s a love story here that July handles with great skill. I was pleased to overcome my discomfort and enjoy this finely written novel. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase The First Bad Man from amazon.com.

The Rosie Effect

Pregnant. Most readers of The Rosie Project will love the sequel by Graeme Simsion titled, The Rosie Effect. Don and Rosie are now married and living in New York City. Rosie is pregnant and she and Don are approaching the birth of a child as fans would expect each character to behave. While the sequel reprises the cast of characters, introduces new ones, and remains funny, the overall tone is more serious in this novel, as Don gets into some serious trouble, and he and Rosie experience true difficulty. New readers to the series may want to read these books in the order written. While the sequel is a little less funny than the first novel, I enjoy these characters so much that the new novel was also a pleasure to read. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase The Rosie Effect from amazon.com.

Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War

Heroines. Civil war buffs are those readers who will relish Karen Abbott’s book titled, Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War. General readers, especially those who like books that provide fine prose about interesting characters, will also enjoy reading this interesting book. Abbott describes the actives of four courageous women during the Civil War: Belle Boyd, Emma Edmonds, Rose O'Neal Greenhow and Elizabeth Van Lew. Belle was a successful spy for the Confederacy. Emma disguised herself as a man to enlist as a Union soldier. Rose used her contacts with Northern politicians to send information to Confederate generals, and represented the Confederacy abroad. Elizabeth was a Richmond abolitionist who ran a spy ring under the noses of the enemy. Abbott’s prose draws readers into the stories of these heroic women, and is likely to keep readers interested and engaged. I came away from this book both entertained and informed. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase Liar Temptress Soldier Spy from amazon.com.

Live Right and Find Happiness (Although Beer is Much Faster): Life Lessons and Other Ravings from Dave Barry

Smiles. I cracked more than a few smiles while reading Dave Barry’s latest book titled, Live Right and Find Happiness (Although Beer is Much Faster): Life Lessons and Other Ravings from Dave Barry. I never laughed out loud, nor did I chuckle, but I found most of the book amusing. The long piece on Russia became a bit tedious, while the letter to his grandson was among the best. For fans of Dave Barry, this book is probably required reading. For any reader looking for a few smiles, there are ample opportunities in this book. Rating: Three-star (It’s ok) Click here to purchase Live Right from amazon.com.

Black River

Redemption. S.M. Hulse did so many things so well in her novel titled, Black River, that I am blown away that this is a debut novel. Protagonist Wes Carver is a complex character and Hulse presents him with all the appropriate contradictions and consistencies. The Montana setting is presented with descriptive, often lyrical, prose. The relationships are often tense and Hulse gives just enough of the backstory to explain the dynamics. Finally, she offers a story about forgiveness and redemption that will touch many readers deeply. And she accomplishes all this in fewer than 250 pages. Readers who enjoy fiction with well developed complex characters are those most likely to enjoy reading this novel. Rating: Five-star (I love it) Click here to purchase Black River from amazon.com.