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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Giver of Stars in Books

Nov 7, 2019

The Giver of Stars

Jojo Moyes | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry

8.7

(3 Ratings)

Book Rating

This was such a great read—I was completely caught up in the story, set in 1930s Kentucky. It tells of a group of women who agree to set up a traveling library—where the books are delivered via horseback—per the direction of Eleanor Roosevelt and the WPA.

What a vivid and mesmerizing tale. We are introduced to Alice, who comes from England to Kentucky after her marriage. But her union isn’t all she imagined, and she finds herself feeling trapped and alone—until she joins the library. They are led by Margery, who refuses to fit the mold of the typical Kentucky woman, much to the ire of some townspeople, including Alice’s father-in-law, who runs the local mine.

The plot is dramatic, riveting, and, honestly, stressful at times (I was so invested). I loved the idea of a tale that mixes the power of books and reading with the power of women and the fear so many had of both. You’d like to think a lot has changed since the ‘30s, but this felt rather timely sometimes... The book also speaks eloquently to the racial divide, classism, and more. I found many parts to be so touching and others very powerful. This is a book that speaks to you on a variety of levels.

Overall, this is a beautiful book, with a strong and moving message. Definitely recommend! 4+ stars.

Kudos

Christine A. (965 KP) rated What Rose Forgot in Books

Feb 10, 2020

What Rose Forgot

Nevada Barr | 2019 | Mystery, Thriller

6.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

‏I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

When I selected Nevada Barr's latest, What Rose Forgot, I did not realize how difficult it would be for me to read it. My mother-in-law, Rose, had memory issues and forgot...well, almost everyone. The premise of the story is Rose, a 60ish-year-old grandmother wakes from a mental fog to discover she was placed in a memory care unit of a nursing home. No one believes Rose so, with the help of her sister, granddaughter and her granddaughter's friend, so struggles to figure out who is responsible.

Having experienced what my Rose struggled through I understand why no one believed Rose. Many of the ways the group works to prove Rose is sane requires a suspension of disbelief. After escaping the nursing home, she sneaks back in to have her "not a hacker" sister hack into the computer files. She takes time to meditate while people are trying to kill her. Lastly, after all of the physical activities she is forced to do, she is able to continue doing more of them without too much pain.

Still, the story was enjoyable. I have added several of Nevada Barr's books, especially her Anna Pigeon mystery series, to my "want to read" list.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 2/9/20.