Adults Book Reviews
This is where I review books that are meant for adults - that means anyone over the age of 18. Of course, there are those under 18 years old who may find many of these books to their liking, particularly the classics which include most of my favorites. I've been on a mission to read the Pulitzer fiction winners and I think anyone who can understand these books, and many are also required reading in high school, should enjoy these classics. If you have a suggestion for a book you would like to read that you want my review of, I would be happy to assist you.
- In: Adults
Before I went to college, I read Dostoyevsky's "Crime and Punishment". This was my first introduction to Russian authors and I was hooked. From here I read Maxim Gorky's three novels, "My Childhood", "My Apprenticeship", and "My Universities" and several other novels by Tolstoy and others. I've always been drawn to the passion inherent in the works of Russian novelists.
- In: Adults
I'm finally getting to the Pulitzer Prize novels that were on my reading list more than a year ago. And the first one I decided to read was Edith Wharton's "The Age of Innocence". Based on the New York rich of the 1900's, the novel swells with the self-importance of its characters whose focus in life appears to be the judging and criticizing of others in their circle, in particular, Madame Olenska. Separated from an abusive husband, Ellen seeks solace and comfort by returning to her family and friends. But if only for conformity reasons and the strict rules of that time , they believe her place is with her husband the tyrant. They all play by the rules of the times and believe she should as well.
- In: Adults
I was pretty sure this would be a good read since it was an Oprah Book Club selection. And I enjoyed it from page one. The main character, Ava Johnson, was sarcastic enough to get my attention.
Returning to your roots usually involves a life-changing journey with many lessons learned along the way. Not only did Ava's experiences change her but some of the characters she met along the way gave her an inner strength she didn't know she possessed. Her sister, Joyce, teaches her about love, compassion, and generosity beyond anything she had ever known.
- In: Adults
I put this book on my wish list on Amazon awhile ago. After looking at it and reading the description several times, I finally decided to buy it. I was intrigued by the subject of madness among creative writers and well-known authors who have committed suicide. Mr. Styron was able to remember and record his descent into the depression that could have driven him to end his life. He was fortunate that he had the right support and found the solution that worked for him. The feeling I got was that the right way out of the depth of depression is different for everyone. Something that works for one may push another one over the edge.
- In: Adults
I loved The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank. I have to say, though, that the title threw me off and I wasn't interested in it based entirely on that. But I happened to come across a free copy of it and saw that it would be a quick read (I'm a slow reader so a book of many pages takes me longer than I usually want to spend on one book) and of course, once I read the back cover, thought I might enjoy it after all. And then once I started to read the book, I was hooked!