What a gem of a read!
933684
I really liked this book. It was quirky, witty and funny. I loved the characters from Ruby, to Ed, Gran, Pip,Dan, and all the rest. One  minute I would be reading and the next I would be laughing out loud because of the antics and shenanigans.

The format took a while to get used to because I would have to keep checking who was writting to whom, but its a new format to read a story. The cover and the whole background of how Wishing Rock came to be fascinated me. Imagine a town in one building! That is just too crazy to believe but it does in this work of fiction.

The adventures that everyone participates in reminds me of small town life. Everyone's business is everyone's business and you cannot escape it. If you need help, there is someone to help, everyone attends the same events and lends a supporting  ear when needed. The way that the author created each character let us see just who they were and why they were there. No place is too far not to keep in contact and lend advice.

One thing that caught me off guard was the pacing. In the beginning and the middle, it seemed to go at a decent pace and there were many things happening. However, towards the end of the book the pace started to slow down and get bogged down with all of the details. That is just my observation. I liked the cliffhanger at the end between two people (I won't mention which one's to prevent spoiling the end), and how we were left wondering what they were going to do and where they would be going.

Just from the fact that I thoroughly enjoyed the majority of the book and the characters, I will seek out the second book in this series. I hope I won't be disappointed. Overall, great start to a series.
3986471
In the genre of books by orphans about their respective orphanages, a new gem has just hit the market. "Deja Views" enables the reader to walk in the shoes of a fascinating man and re-live his development from an orphan in dire straits to that of  an impact individual who has made strong contributions to our society. The author, Sam Arcus, details his childhood experiences of his life in the Hebrew National Orphans' Home and of its impact and influence on his entire life. His narrative is colorful, richly detailed and viewed from all sides. The reader is able to "feel" each experience, which gives rise to that enjoyable reading sensation of, "What's next?" The"Aging Orphan" in the title refers to the sequencing of the author's life.  After leaving his own orphanage, he became a beloved supervisor in another one and then started a long and illustrious career in Jewish Community Centers where he developed a national reputation for creating some of the best Centers in the country. So, in a manner of speaking, he remained in related institutions all of his life and retained a good humored self concept as an "aging orphan." Given the width and breath of his total experiences, which are richly detailed in the book, the author is uniquely well qualified to add some new and valuable insights and observations to the emerging field of "orphanology".And he does so, eloquently, informatively and interestingly.  Whether you are a scholar in this field, or just looking for a good read, I would recommend this book to you with great enthusiasm. It is, indeed, a gem!
Stan Friedland Syosset, N.Y.
2439598
I loved that book! It was hard to put down once I started reading it. The story covers so many subjects: international adoption, the traditions of the old South, subtle racism...told from the different points of view of the protagonists. A gem of a book. Highly recommended!
1843342
One of the best books I've ever read.  Such well written and engaging characters.  And a heartwarming story. I highly recommend this gem of a book!
4789578
I love this gem, it was a wonderful, yet terribly tough personal, spiritual, and professional journey for the author. The author allowed herself to be vulnerable by sharing her tortured life as a child and young woman to pulling through and being strong enough to start a profession that is her core being. Wonderful traditional craftwork is included. Amazing work, true movie material! Hope the author writes another book!
1815991
Just finished this book, it's a wonderful little gem. Shani's relationship with her husband is so relatable, sweet, and her beautifully written vignettes of  daily life and small life lessons that makes the book an engaging, quick read. If you're looking for a light read and a chance to slow down the pace of life with a simple and sweet perspective on marriage, definitely give this book a read. I plan to revisit it's passages over and over for the next time I lose patience with my husband, (which will be probably be tomorrow.)
1198534
"Walking with Herb" is a gem! It is a delightful read that is chocked full of wisdom, humor, and enlightenment. Even if you have never held a golf club, you will appreciate how the author cleverly weaves his story using this game.  It is a very uplifting book that I will buy over-and-over for friends that need a very special gift. Mary Collier Moore
4384749
What a little gem!  I almost didn't read this because the title sounded corny, but my book club chose it. The characters were so interesting and the threads of sub plots tied up nicely. I loved to follow the lives of the characters as they grew older. The ending was adorable. I teared up a bit. It made for a wonderful book discussion . Everyone enjoyed it.
664348
I do not typically write book reviews, as I am more of a reader of them. After missing an entire night of sleep AND having wrecked my plans to be productive on my final day off - before the work week begins, I feel compelled to forewarn anyone interested in reading this book- to only crack it when you do not mind losing some shut eye and have no other impending obligations.

The Hating Game is a gem of story! Rich character development, without any uninteresting back story. Sally Thorne does not insult us readers with gratuitous fluff. She closes every loop that she opens as the story of Lucy and Josh unfolds and then, folds back in on itself.

I am a fan of this brilliant new author! If you are in the mood for an intelligently written hate/love farce and in need of some laugh out loud moments, READ THIS! You will not be sorry you missed out on some sleep and your house still looks like an earthquake, tornado, and a flash flood blew through it. I promise.
Happy Reading!
3406268
I truly enjoyed reading this book from the first page to the last! The characters in this book are so relatable and delightful. This book draws you in and before you know it you find yourself reminiscing about your own past. Hopefully, we will be seeing more from this talented author!
1431666
A total gem of truth, literary skill, and understanding of human nature that startles the reader with Fowlers creativity to weave message and story telling together so powerfully. This one is good!
429611
Rarely do I find an historical novel as satisfying as this gem. The SOUND OF DIAMONDS follows the adventures of a courageous heroine who is both feisty, and relatable. The colorful array of characters in this novel make it an intriguing web of personalities and desires. Throw in a good amount of adventure and mystery, and you have a well-rounded historical gem.

This is a novel that I am more than happy to give five shining stars, and encourage anyone else to read!
2461905
Add this gem now to the top of your to-read list. You won't regret it. Vivid, eloquent prose. Characters that don't leave your side. A story you won't soon forget.
3872473
Great read! I couldn't put it down.  This book made me happy, sad and angry.  It also introduced me to a very brave and resilient young lady, who by telling her story, helped me heal!  Her courage and "Gems of advice" blessed me.  I have too, blossomed!
1458858
Although this book is written by a dear friend (so I'm a tinsy bit partial), I can vouch that it is truly a gem.  Butterfly Travels was light like a butterfly but deep as the caterpillars time in a cocoon.  Reading about Jenny's travels was a delight but watching how all of the adventures (and mis-adventures) culminated in lessons of love and courage and honesty and vulnerability was moving and inspiring.  Recommend it highly for anyone!
3463218
If you're looking for an easy read that is both uplifting and relatable, this gem is for you!  The short stories presented cover a gamut of scenarios that all tie into the true meaning of what the meaning of "bashert" is and how life has a way of working things out if something is truly meant to be.  Great read with a lot of heart.
1241267
I flew through Some Things That Stay, vacillating between a tear in my eye and a smile on my face. It's a poignant novel, set in the 1950's, chronicling a few months in the life of a teen girl who is desperately trying to find herself in a world which seems to be constantly changing. Tamara's father is a painter, and he moves his wife and three children on a yearly basis in order to find new subject matter for his paintings. The book begins with the family's move to rural New York state, and just as things seem to be settling down for Tamara, her whole life is thrown into turmoil again, from a source she never would have expected.
I can't wait to get my hands on another Sarah Willis novel. This one was written with so much wisdom and understanding about the truly important things in life - your family, your relationships with others, your sense of self. Thanks very much to the amazon.com reader who including this gem in their listmania list!