A seriously  memorable story
926028
One of the most beautifully written stories I've read in a long time. It's a symphony of words that carries the reader along on a journey to another time and place. The author paints such a vivid picture of Scotland that  the reader becomes immersed in the story; sight, smell, sensation.  The time period is expertly detailed and the characters are brought to life with honesty and integrity. This is a love story the definitely stands the test of time.
4765323
On a wet October dawn in 1943, the Nazis are rounding up the families who live in Rome's Jewish ghetto. Chiara has gone there to help the resistance movement at a local caf. In a moment of supreme impetuosity, she rescues a little seven-year old boy, Daniele, from an almost certain death sentence. This is the story of the lasting consequences of that one impulsive act.

This unusual - and unusually touching - tale is written with great skill and integrity. Virginia Baily has complete mastery of her material and employs the dual time-narrative with clarity and effectiveness. Even the most incidental characters are fully rounded and believable, and the settings so skilfully described that one can see them clearly in one's mind's eye.

There is a wonderful chapter - chapter nine - where Chiara and her cleaning woman Assunta prepare the tiny, cluttered apartment for a visitor from abroad. I enjoyed this chapter so much that my heart started to flutter: can Ms Baily maintain such a high level of superb writing or will the book finally disappoint as so many do?

I needn't have worried. This is, in my view, one of best reads of the year without doubt and I warmly recommend it. One memorable passage amongst so many:

She gets quickly up and goes out of the room, stands just the other side of the door and takes a breath. Not now. She will think about this later. When she is alone, she will ponder when it was that she started to love him more than anything else in the world. Not now.

Oh dear, what's that in my eye?
4867459
This book will stay with you for a long time.
2199412
The Armenian child in Gray Wolves and White Doves experiences one catastrophe after another in this fast-paced story based on the author's own experiences growing up in a world where it seems everyone was out to get him. The incredulous story is real and only someone who has gone through these experiences could tell it so vividly and with so much brilliance, it shines. On its own, Gray Wolves and White Doves is an extraordinary tale. However, set in shadow of the attempted annihilation of Armenians by the Turks, the historical background becomes as meaningful as the story itself. The telling is crisp, the language delightful and the prose compelling. You will cringe, smile, laugh, cry and recoil in horror. Ultimately, you will feel a sense of gratification when you finish the last sentence; a satisfaction and completeness that is often lacking in novels today.
382328
A story like none other, yet as old as time. This book and its memorable characters will linger with you, long after you've read the last word.
400157
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author skillfully draws the reader into the tale of Sophie, the main character, as she tells the story of Sophie's time in Greece and Norfolk and her gradual realisation of who she is and what's important to her in life. Sophie as a character is sympathetic and appealing. Her story is a roller coaster of emotions and as a reader I found myself siding with her all the way because she's an interesting personality who captured my attention. She and most of the characters are likeable, even if flawed. The character of Sophie's mother, Leila, for example, is larger than life, memorable and very human. The story unfolds gradually and is an easy read, but at the same time gripping. Beautifully precise in its descriptions, yet never dull, this is one book you will not be able to put down and will remember long after you've read the last words.
1630521
I loved this book.  This author has a writing skill that is second to none.  She takes her characters through decades of real life events that shape them into the people they are.  This is a story about life and determination and courage.  Its a story about kindness and understanding and goodness.  Its a story that shows that human decency can overcome tragedy.  Its a story that teaches you that sometimes your family can be the people who are put in your path.  Its a story that sticks with you and doesnt let go.  Its beautiful, magnificent, breathtaking, and highly recommended.  This book is definitely a forever favorite.
2132262
This is a story any reader won't soon forget. The writing is wonderfully compelling, forcing the reader to read the next word, the next sentence, the next page. It takes the reader back in time to the 60s, where life was anything but simple, especially since the country is still reeling from the death of President Kennedy. Esther is a strong, formidable character, enduring a lot in her life, and suddenly, she's back working investigations with her former partner. The backstory of both partners and the era lends to the storytelling, and it is filled with twists and unpredictable events. Hold on to this one, you just may want to read it again.
4127146
It's very rare to find a combination of tremendous writing, complex narrative, and memorable characters. Erdrich has managed this. In a book that moves from one point of view to another, it is often easy to lose track of where and when you are. Not here. Erdrich's characters are so distinct, their voices so strong and individual, that I never got lost. This is a story of a family, a community, and a history, beautifully told. Definitely one of the top books I've read this year, and in years. I signed on to order more of Louise Erdrich's work, but wanted to give this book my enthusiastic recommendation first.
2868615
Life is the amount of memories we collect through the years, and this books is the perfect example of it. This is a story about love, forgiveness, family, sorrow, grief, it will be simple to say that is a story about life, but this is not a simple story. It's one of the best stories you will ever read.

This book leads us throught the path of two people destined to find themselves more than once during their lives. A story that show us how every decision we make affects us and others, and determined who we are.

The book presents us to Danielle and Michael (or Miguel) in a moment of their lifes when they think they have grown up, and that the past is just a memory. But when they met again all the past resurges and we discovered what happened eighteen years ago. Then, during the course of the months we see the comes and goes of their relationship. And like everything in lifes, it doesn't come easy.

A man who is a Veteran of Vietnam and a girl who helps him faces his demons, a girl that was the only woman capable of truly understanding him.

Deanna has the great ability of describe characters with such deepness that you really feel you know them. You cry and laugh along them, and feel everything they face. Every dialogue, every scene is described in an excellent way! She really know how to make a girl cry.
2503666
THE LOCAL NEWS is notable for being impossible to put down, and for following a family impacted by violence through many years. Trauma doesn't end in a year or two--it haunts a family forever and this book does a magnificent job of taking the reader on the journey. Though heartbreaking, this story has so much humanity and honest, one sinks deep and thoroughly into the read.
589277
This was one of the best stories I have ever read.  It was wonderfully told by Harry Bernstein, who has a great memory for details.  I am not Jewish, but I have always had an affection for the dedicated life they lead.  This personal story gave me much insight into that dedicated life and how it is viewed from the eyes of a child who had to live the good parts as well as the bad parts of being Jewish.  This story has kept me thinking of Harry and his family for a long time.  One may have heard that some books are hard to put down but this one is also hard to get out of your head.  I look forward to another story by Harry.
1923503
I read this story at least once a year, and it never fails to impress. I always am reminded that I need to seek out and find more Ambrose Bierce stories.

"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" has several things working for it. Not only it is a story that is rich in both symbolic and allegorical quality, but there is a surreal aspect of realism versus fantasy that are constantly at odds within the framework of point of view. In it's bare essence, the story tells of a planter, Peyton Farquhar, who has been found guilty of treason during the Civil War, and thus is subject to hang. The story is told in three parts, and in each, Bierce uses not only different narrative techniques, but focuses on different elements of time and visual cues. As the story is not linear, it is key to focus on various imagery and foreshadowing within the three parts. The story begins with Farquhar facing the rope in Part 1, with his accusers there keeping eye with rifles in hand. What Bierce does such an amazing job of is getting inside Farquhar's head and slowing down time. Part 2 is a flashback to what Farquhar did to be subject to hanging in the first place, and Part 3 takes us a different journey altogether.

What is amazing is how much attention to detail is in this story. It is one that can be read so many times, with the reader catching new details or ideas that they had missed on the previous reading. Bierce also really is clever in his twists, and sense of foreshadowing. I think there is a very thoughtful and introspective theme embedded in this story too, but to reveal would really be a huge spoiler. Very deep in symbolic and literal meaning, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge is a story that really packs a punch.

If you haven't read this one, check it out!
107423
A lovely story that could only be written where it was.
2155373
This book is a about an unforgettable story of life involving love, passion, adventures, rape, and obsession. There was not a moment where I was bored. Each time I read it, I kept wanting more and more. It is as realistic as it gets. A story of loving, caring God-fearing family and friends. It's a book everyone should read.  It's a story of life's up and downs and getting back unto your feet to live again. Loved it.
1088693
An unforgettable story about friendship and courage. Well done!  This book was listed in my local library as recommended for Young Adults, but I would recommend it to anyone without reservation.  One of those stories you continue to think about long after you have finished the book.  I would also recommend "Rose Under Fire" also by Elizabeth Wein.
3372208
Extremely well written tale of transgender youth set against the backdrop of the Crusades. Elias/Elizabeth wins over readers with ease as author Hawthorne Moss creates a story that is memorable.

Christopher Mosss Beloved Pilgrim is a wonder. Every now and then you stumble across a story that not only had to be told, but managed to get itself told by an accomplished author. Beloved Pilgrim is such a story. Thank you Mr. Moss. I am richer for the gift of your plainly beautiful words.

This is a complex, well-researched, highly enjoyable story with characters that will stay with you long after the story is done. I loved it.