Tag Archives: reading

The Education of an Idealist by Samantha Power

Posted on 1 November 20 by gwenamon

From being a child in Ireland to becoming a war correspondent and eventually the US Ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power tells her compelling and fascinating life story. She also educates about diplomacy and politics, always pushing for the … Continue reading →

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The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

Posted on 29 October 20 by gwenamon

British Alice Wright escapes her life by marrying American Bennett Van Cleve and moving to small-town Kentucky. Soon she realizes that she not only has to deal with her detached husband, but his meddling and overbearing father. Seeking another escape, … Continue reading →

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Trust Exercise by Susan Choi

Posted on 20 July 20 by gwenamon

Choi’s novel begins with Sarah and David’s love affair. The writing is as grand as their teenage emotions – maybe even more so because they attend a dramatic arts high school.  Then half way through the book the narrator changes … Continue reading →

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Know My Name: A Memoir by Chanel Miller

Posted on 20 July 20 by gwenamon

This. What a shocking and heartbreaking landmark for all women that a victim of sexual assault is a gifted writer. Chanel Miller has moved mountains with first, her victim-impact statement and now, this memoir. She is a beautiful writer. Her … Continue reading →

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Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris

Posted on 20 July 20 by gwenamon

This book follows The Tattooist of Auschwitz and is based on the true story of Cilka Klein, who survives Auschwitz only to be sentenced to 15 years at a Russian labour camp in Siberia for having “helped” the Nazis. Again, … Continue reading →

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A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

Posted on 3 July 20 by gwenamon

Considered a tragicomedy, Toole’s novel tells Ignatius J. Reilly’s tale. He’s a disillusioned, bombastic 30-year-old who lives with his alcoholic mother in New Orleans. When his drunk mom drives their car into a building, he must find work to pay … Continue reading →

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The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

Posted on 3 July 20 by gwenamon

Patchett’s novel is captivating. I can’t think of anything else I’ve read that has a house as a main character. (OK, maybe Wuthering Heights, but that was long ago.) This novel’s other two main characters are brother and sister – … Continue reading →

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Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

Posted on 13 June 20 by gwenamon

I feel like this novel is more of an outline or checklist rather than a fully fleshed-out story. Where Evaristo spends time focusing on character development and capturing the essence of a moment, the writing is magical and moving. That … Continue reading →

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The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers

Posted on 13 June 20 by gwenamon

I found it incredible (and humbling) to discover that Carson McCullers (who I also thought was male for about the first 1/4 of the book) was only 23-years-old when she wrote this novel – her first. It tells John Singer’s … Continue reading →

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What Red Was by Rosie Price

Posted on 4 March 20 by gwenamon

Kate becomes best friends with Max during their first year of university. His privileged life is very different from her modest upbringing, but that doesn’t stop them from becoming inseparable. Then one night at Max’s family’s home, Kate is raped … Continue reading →

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