Great Read  - "Hats and Ties"
937443
Probably one of the best books I've ever had the pleasure of reading; consequently, it not only offers great insight into police work, but life as well.  Additionally - this book articulates a heartfelt wisdom for all to enjoy...
1693135
In the Shadow of Her Hat is an interesting and enjoyable read.  I loved America Corydon; an intriguing main character indeed!  We first meet America as her husband, Asher, is found dead (3 weeks dead!) on her sofa, carefully wrapped in newspapers. So from the get-go we know America is eccentric, to say the least.  What follows is a well-crafted journey with "Meri" from childhood, through adolescence and beyond.  The historical writing here is superb and fun. There are excellently-crafted twists and turns that keep the story moving with "I didn't see that coming" precision. Heart wrenching and heartwarming, this book is thoroughly engaging. I look forward to other books by this author...I'm a fan!
Buy this book! When it's my turn to next choose our Book Club book -- this is it.
(Note: this is essentially two 5-star reviews as I bought a copy as a gift for a non-internet connected friend; she called to tell me how she was completely delighted with In The Shadow of Her Hat.)
4378172
Great read with a well-woven back story. Give it a few chapters to pick up speed -- the author takes you on a journey that is not expected, but worth the trip. This book is also good a good "family" read, without explicit or gratuitous scenes, which even an intelligent tween might enjoy. Some of the dialogue sounds too contemporary for a story set in 1958, but the strength of the story and the enjoyable re-imagining of the Holmes and Watson relationship with the Rabbi and the Detective more than make up for it. Get yourself a copy!
2771045
This is an amazingly written book and Strout does an excellent job of setting the tone right off the bat. She is a talented writer who portrays characters and emotions very well. This book has many layers to it, and is about relationships on many levels; friendship, mother-daughter, and some less than ideal relations as well. It is about trust, faith, and the human condition. The characters are multi-dimensional and likeable with the exception of the teacher who Amy has "interaction" with. This book, like life, demonstrates the many hats people wear, and proves that in facing adversity, our relationships often strengthen, and our character grows. This is a great book, and hopefully the author will write more soon.
4601250
Loved the ties... tangled and interesting storyline that sizzles off the page ... keeps you curious and not wanting to put it down! Didn't want it to end.
2350160
Love the characters and love the tie that binds them. Great Gangster Story.  Some surprises and somethings I would never have guessed.  Couldn't put it down.  Great read
494004
It isn't often a writer/illustrator comes along like Klassen. He is in the same class as Steig, Sendak and Virginia Lee Burton. I have an unfettered love and appreciation for his words and illustrations. As such, I knew this book would be great. I didn't think it could exceed my expectations, but it did. Whether it was a tightly kept secret or I simply missed the memo, it came as a surprise to me We Found A Hat is a story of friendship. It is the best in his 'Hat series,' which is truly saying something. Buy it and read it aloud to the ones you love best.
3463317
Trundle perfectly captures the dynamics of the friendships of youth.  In a collection of 10 short vignettes -- set to a playlist of songs from the '70's -- the book follows Katchie, the main character, as she ages from 5 years old to 12 years old.  Although told in the third-person, the narrator's perspective cleverly evolves as Katchie ages, revealing more of the complexities that shape Katchie's friendships. After the last vignette, I found myself wanting to know how Katchie turned out as an adult, especially since the adults in her childhood seemed so cynical.

Trundle pays a great deal of attention to the details and descriptions of the characters--- nailing a lot of the memories I have as a child of the '70s. This was a great read --- but I wish it was longer.
2679925
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - in fact, I couldn't put it down and read it from cover to cover in one sitting. While I am not a Millennial (far from it), I know many and found it a fascinating insight into their world and the challenges they face. From employment to love, a fun but thought-provoking read. Look forward to the next book!
3506991
The Author is excellent in keeping the reader connected and involved with two characters; a rich elderly woman's history of the early 1900  and a young teenager's life in 2000.  I especially enjoyed the Author's recall of history in United States.  Excellent book.
1256194
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "In Sheep's Clothing." As a longtime Maryland resident the references to landmarks and actual events added enjoyment to the intriguing life adventures of a villainous hero. It's one of those entertaining reads where you can't put the book down. If you have enjoyed the works of Patterson or Sandford, you will certainly enjoy this book by Ed Ciesielski.
1403782
Julie Ferguson's Sing a New Song is a great read. It is carefully researched and written in an entertaining and fast-paced style that pulls you along. For anyone interested in Canadian history, this book is a must. The issues tackled head-on by the four bishops are among the central social issues of our time, and the way they were handled by the bishops and their church helps to define us as Canadians. Ferguson has handled some controversial material with care and consideration for her readers, while remaining rigorous to the history. Strongly recommended!
3429661
This was a great read about a really interesting topic. Before reading the book, I didn't know anything about Brian Regan and found myself wondering many times throughout the book why I hadn't heard this story before. Yudhijit Bhattacharjee did a great job painting a compelling picture about complex people -- I found Brian Regan to be tragic/comic/pathetic and ultimately someone that I felt some sympathy, or at least compassion, toward. Yudhijit Bhattacharjee also did a good job creating a page-turner -- it was a pleasure to curl up with this book, and I recommend it highly.
4235699
Really enjoyed this book. I am a fan of the authors so this one "tied everything up" in a nice neat bow. Good way to build context around a very familiar story
241982
Finishing this book led me to immediately purchase the second Joe Burgess book. I enjoyed it and hated to say goodbye to Joe Burgess and his team. The story was complex and engaging.  I gained insights into how police work is accomplished. If you like mysteries, this is for you.
1732318
I really liked this book.  It was a great read, with a bunch of interesting characters that I enjoyed spending time with.  The author even portrayed the "bad guys" as complex, understandable people -- though still not *likeable* people, which was a very skillful balance.  There's a lot of other things to like about the book, but I think the characters are its strongest point and make the book come alive.
2192696
Really enjoyed this book, the way the humanity and flaws were brought through in the characters. The dynamics of mob rule and bullying were well portrayed, as we're loyalties and human frailties. I would love to read a sequel.