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ClareR (6106 KP) rated The Good Women of China in Books
Nov 4, 2017
Eye opening
Xinran was a radio journalist in China who collected the stories of women who had stories to tell. This is a side of China that we don't really hear of: women who had lived through the cultural revolution and the damage it had inflicted on their lives. How women were still pretty much regarded as chattel, homosexuality was a criminal offence, women were sexually coerced, raped and unwillingly married off to high standing officials. This is just a small selection of the lives of women in these stories. You can hear the voices of these women as though they're in the room with you. The stories are often heartbreaking. I'm so glad I picked this book up - and all because the authors name began with an X (for an alphabet reading challenge!!).
This book was so fun :)
I loved all the unique stories and the imaginary British accents in my head (Sigh..). The stories are a mix of mystery, laughter, intrigue, and faith. I truly enjoyed reading this mix of stories; plus I found some new to me authors to read! The characters in each story were engaging and I really didn't want to say goodbye to them. I loved the lessons that the characters learned and thought that they were well thought out and grew as the story progressed.
I definitely recommend reading this book (or books as its 9 different stories) at the next opportunity. I give them a 4 out of 5 stars for the diversity, the creative characters, and for giving me some truly happy smiles.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
I loved all the unique stories and the imaginary British accents in my head (Sigh..). The stories are a mix of mystery, laughter, intrigue, and faith. I truly enjoyed reading this mix of stories; plus I found some new to me authors to read! The characters in each story were engaging and I really didn't want to say goodbye to them. I loved the lessons that the characters learned and thought that they were well thought out and grew as the story progressed.
I definitely recommend reading this book (or books as its 9 different stories) at the next opportunity. I give them a 4 out of 5 stars for the diversity, the creative characters, and for giving me some truly happy smiles.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Uncommon Type: Some Stories in Books
Apr 16, 2018
Such a multi-talented man
Tom Hanks is probably my favourite actor. I don't think he's ever been in a film that I haven't liked. So for me this book of short stories was a bit of a worry as id hate for it not to be as good as his acting.
Fortunately however, these stories prove that Hanks can write as well as he can act. The stories are very short, but detailed and witty and for the most part very interesting. Not a lot tends to happen in these stories, they seem to be more of a "day in the life of" but this isn't a bad thing because they're so well written that you still find the stories to be very entertaining. The only parts of this book I didn't like were the short columns from Hank Fiset, which to me seemed a little out of place and not as well written as the rest of the books.
This really proves Hanks is a good author and I'd love for him to write a full novel. Something like the story about regression would make a great novel.
Fortunately however, these stories prove that Hanks can write as well as he can act. The stories are very short, but detailed and witty and for the most part very interesting. Not a lot tends to happen in these stories, they seem to be more of a "day in the life of" but this isn't a bad thing because they're so well written that you still find the stories to be very entertaining. The only parts of this book I didn't like were the short columns from Hank Fiset, which to me seemed a little out of place and not as well written as the rest of the books.
This really proves Hanks is a good author and I'd love for him to write a full novel. Something like the story about regression would make a great novel.
Story Planner for Writers
Productivity and Lifestyle
App
The outline is one of the most powerful weapons for a writer. Now you can easily outline your...
Gods, Ghosts and Black Dogs: The Fascinating Folklore and Mythology of Dogs
Book
Here is a rich collection of folklore, mythology, and tall tales concerning dogs. These provide a...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2504 KP) rated Murder in the Graveyard in Books
Oct 16, 2025
Watch Out for the Extra Body
Just in time for Halloween, we get this fun collection of murders set in and around graveyards. In addition to the unexpected dead body or two, we also get involved in revenge, teenage parties, amnesia, family feuds, and an escaped convict. Many of these stories are set around Halloween, although a few take place at other times of the year. And yes, a couple lean into the spooky, but it always fits the story, so I didn’t mind.
Many of these authors featured their series stars. I’ve read many of those novels, so it was fun to spend time with them. For those who I haven’t met outside of these short story collections, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything with the stories we got here. Each story was fun, taking me about half an hour to read. With nine stories, we get plenty of content. I was smiling through most of them, even laughing some. And the stories kept me engaged from start to finish.
Whether you read this book now or open it in a different season of the year, you’ll enjoy these stories.
Many of these authors featured their series stars. I’ve read many of those novels, so it was fun to spend time with them. For those who I haven’t met outside of these short story collections, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything with the stories we got here. Each story was fun, taking me about half an hour to read. With nine stories, we get plenty of content. I was smiling through most of them, even laughing some. And the stories kept me engaged from start to finish.
Whether you read this book now or open it in a different season of the year, you’ll enjoy these stories.
Stepping-Stones: A Journey Through the Ice Age Caves of the Dordogne
Christine Desdemaines-Hugon and Ian Tattersall
Book
The cave art of France's Dordogne region is world-famous for the mythology and beauty of its...
Rebecca kinder (1 KP) rated The Mortal Instruments 1: City of Bones in Books
Jun 30, 2017
