Trust has different novels within it. All tell varied stories of Wall Street tycoon Benjamin Rask and his wife, Helen. Just as you think you know the “truth,” another layer comes into play. I found the whole economic backdrop rather boring, but I’m happy that I plodded through it to try to figure out the puzzle involving this husband and wife.
Gwenamon: Engrossing once you get through the first few chapters
Buckle in for the story of master art thief, Stéphane Breitwieser, who stole hundreds of pieces from European museums and churches over about eight years. And he did all of that for his own appreciation. He kept all the pieces in a room he shared at his mom’s house with his girlfriend, the lookout.
Gwenamon says: A fascinating story
Hovering between life and death, Nora finds herself in the Midnight Library, with the chance to choose a different life simply by choosing a book. As she explores her potential alternate lives, she learns an invaluable lesson. This book is does a great job of creatively distilling complex ideas into digestible ones.
Gwenamon says: Very good
Christie weaves a wonderful novel that tells the tales of four generations of Greenwoods. It begins in the future, in one of the last remaining forests. The novel stretches back to the 1930’s, explaining my fave character’s, Everett Greenwood’s, origins. This is a captivating book about what family means; why nature deserves reverence; and what things, feelings, and actions endure. I didn’t like many of Jake’s actions. They seemed a little too neat. Too contrived. But that aside, this is a well-told and carefully layered novel.
Gwenamon says: Yes!
I didn’t understand what was going on in this novel and I really tried, for at least 200 pages. I even tried to chalk up my utter confusion to Jones managing to evoke some of the feelings of slaves due to their horrific displacement and treatment. But that couldn’t keep me going because I didn’t know what thread to hold onto. I did really love her use of repetition in dialogue. I’ve never read that before and it struck me as so natural and characteristic of conversation and storytelling. That wasn’t enough for me to plough through until the end. Since putting this book aside, I’ve read a lot of criticism (to see if I was the only perplexed reader) about her lack of research in portraying slavery in Brazil, which she merely uses as a fantastical launchpad.
Gwenamon says: I was excited by Morrison’s endorsement, but – a big UGH
A tragic event occurs on Christmas Eve in 1959. Those harrowing events are still felt in 2018 by 40-year-old journalist Jess; her mom, Polly; and her grandmother, Nora. This was the first novel I’ve read by Morton. I really appreciated her style and thoroughness because, in my opinion, a lot of mystery books are pulp fiction. This novel is well written, especially in its portrayal of a master manipulator. Although very readable, Homecoming drags on for way too long and most things happen in the last 100 pages.
Gwenamon says: Good
Meet Alice, Felix, Eileen, and Simon and read all about their relationships with each other, sometimes in Dublin and sometimes in rural Ireland. The characters are–like most of Rooney’s characters, I think–annoying and pretentious. And sooo self-absorbed and badly behaving, never questioning their motivations. BUT I loved this book regardless. I think it’s that I love Rooney’s writing. It’s sparse, crisp, and elegant. She is masterful at dialogue. And I love her descriptions. Guess that’s why I put up with the characters.
Gwenamon says: Loved this compared to Normal People
My husband got me this book because we both slept walk as children and I have done it occasionally as an adult. I’ve also had night terrors as an adult, as well as middle-of-the-night insomnia. So it was fascinating to read about the science behind it all. However, sometimes the neuroscience is a little too heavy. But I appreciate that Leschziner tries to make it as understandable as possible. It’s definitely not easy material to try to relate to the general population.
Gwenamon says: Interesting
This book looks at the 1920s murders of the Osage tribe in Oklahoma. They once were the richest people per capita because oil was found under their land. Their riches brought about jealousy, greed, and multiple attempts at controlling and grabbing their fortunes through marriage and murder. I didn’t like the last section – it felt too much like an add on and had to repeat the story already presented. But overall, this book is very interesting.
Gwenamon says: Worthwhile
Arthur Less is baaaack. Although things are going fairly well in his life, he ends up on another adventure, criss-crossing the USA to literary gigs in an attempt to keep his house. Despite having gained some self-awareness, he’s as funny as before. And, to my delight, there’s another mishap with a suit. Less is also joined by a pug and a camper van on this adventure.
Gwenamon says: Yes!
Gwenonichi 