 | Maeve in America by Maeve Higgins 240 pages What’s it about? This is a collection of essays written by Irish comedienne and memoirist Maeve Higgins. Ms. Higgins came to America in her early thirties. She writes about her experiences as a woman and an Irish immigrant living in New York City. What did it make me think about? These essays are often funny, always insightful, and occasionally preachy. They did make me look at the immigrant experience in a different way. Should I read it? This is an engaging and humorous book. My only complaint- the essays were uneven. Some much more interesting and entertaining than others. On occasion I felt like Ms. Higgins was lecturing and those essays were not my favorite. I particularly enjoyed Maeve swimming with the dolphins, renting a ball gown, and her essay on summer and body image. Definitely worth reading- but inconsistent. Quote- “I felt totally fine about renting a dress, although I promised myself I wouldn’t tell anyone I had done so. I resolved to just say thank you if anybody complimented me, as opposed to explain in in too much detail just why they were wrong to do so. In the past I’ve ruined many a generous utterance by breaking it down and explaining where the lie is.” If you like this try- ...not sure? 7 stars |
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 The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer
464 pages What’s it about? Greer Kadetsky is a college freshman when she experiences the full weight of being a woman in a man’s world. Not long after that she meets Faith Frank, a famous leader of the women’s movement. Greer becomes inspired. This is the story of Greer and her progression as both a feminist and a person. What did it make me think about? This book questions what feminism means. Should I read it? This was a good book. However, I have never been enthusiastic about Meg Wolitzer’s books. This story hasn’t changed my mind. I am not sure why? The writing is good, the plot moves along, and the characters are interesting. Still- just didn’t love it.... Quote- “So! Faith Frank hired me, originally based on nothing. She took me in and taught me things, and more than that she gave me permission. I think that’s what the people who change our lives do. They give us permission to be the person we secretly really long to be but maybe don’t feel we’re allowed to.” If you like this try- A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler Boy, Snow, Bird by Helen Oyeymii The Nix by Nathan Hill The Nest by Cynthia D''Aprix Sweeney 7 stars
 Less by Andrew Sean Greer
261 pages What’s it about? Arthur Less is a novelist who is quickly approaching his fiftieth birthday. He is gay and has two decade-long relationships in his past. He receives an invitation to the wedding of his last great love and just can not face the ridicule he feels will be heaped upon him if he should attend. He conveniently takes every invitation, to every mediocre event he has been invited to attend in the last few months, and replies yes to them all. He will avoid the event and his fiftieth birthday by taking a trip around the world. What did it make me think about? The character of Arthur Less is a bumbling, innocent, kind gay man. Because of this, I have heard this book described as a “gay” novel. I could not disagree more- I just think it is a novel where the main character happens to be gay. This story is about being a human being. How we are more- and we are less- depending on the day. Arthur Less is often overlooked and forgotten, but he has also been loved- and that is everything. Should I read it? So I kept hearing about this novel being SO funny- I would say this novel looks at life with a wry sense of humor. It’s the writing and the sense of humor that set this novel apart- but do not expect to be guffawing through this book. You will smile a lot though. Andrew Sean Greer is a beautiful writer. I loved “The Story of a Marriage” and “The Adventures of Max Tivoli”. I was so pleased when I finally picked this book up to realize it was by the same author. I highly recommend this book!!! I can’t imagine who would not be rooting for Arthur Less by the last page. I can’t wait to re-read this one! If you like this try- Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf Rules of Civility by Amor Towles Levels of Life by Julian Barnes 9 stars |
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A sad, poignant, mystical read. I won't give too much away. Quick and well worth it!
9 1/2 stars!
A coming of age story set in Mexico. It certainly gives you a whole new view of all the people coming over the border.
9 stars
Quirky characters and the story told through letters to Richard Gere. Who could ask for more? 9 stars
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“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.”
― Charles William Eliot
― Charles William Eliot
ratings
1 to 2- I did not enjoy this book.
3 to 4- I found some aspect of this book redeeming but would not recommend it.
5 to 6- I really enjoyed something about this book (characters, plot, meaning etc.) but it was uneven. Some aspects were stronger than others.
7 to 8- It was a good book. I liked lots of aspects of this book. I would recommend it.
9 to 10- I was sorry to turn the last page. I highly recommend this book!
3 to 4- I found some aspect of this book redeeming but would not recommend it.
5 to 6- I really enjoyed something about this book (characters, plot, meaning etc.) but it was uneven. Some aspects were stronger than others.
7 to 8- It was a good book. I liked lots of aspects of this book. I would recommend it.
9 to 10- I was sorry to turn the last page. I highly recommend this book!
