A Beautiful and Thought Provoking Novel!
591008
'When Mockingbirds Sing' is a beautiful and thought provoking Christian fiction novel that tells the story of Leah and her invisible friend. At first nobody pays much attention to Leah's friend, until he helps her upset the calm of the new town she and her family have moved to. When Leah paints a picture that contains the winning numbers for a lottery, people in the town begin to speculate that she may be either a prophet or a threat. Leah's father - an agnostic - clashes with the town's pastor and his ideas about Leah and her prophecies. Soon things take a turn for the worse when Leah's imaginary friend predicts danger coming and people begin to doubt the truth behind her so called prophecies. When a severe storm blows into town on the day of their annual carnival, the people of Mattingly and Leah's family must decide between what they can see and what they know or accept and embrace Leah and her prophecies.

This book was very unique from anything else I've read lately. Although it's classified as Christian fiction, the book doesn't have a ton of religious beliefs stuffed within its pages and it didn't sound preachy at all. The story is an amazing and curious one - the kind that makes you question what you would do in that situation and if you would have the courage - the faith - required to believe. Leah is an intriguing main character - she's just a girl, but she's brave and speaks up when she needs to; even when people are judging her and trying to prove she's making things up. Her faith as a child reflects the innocent nature we all lose with time and how we should all strive to regain that kind of faith in every aspect of our lives. The plot was captivating in every aspect - the small town with the various townspeople, Leah and her family, the troubled past they've had, and the strange yet wondrous experiences that Leah brings to them all. It deals with some really important topics that we can all relate to: family, faith, hope, friendship, community, and love. Highly recommended for fans of Christian fiction and those looking for a story full of hope and something to reflect on.

Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
1346403
North of Beautiful is a novel that pulled me in from the beginning and captured my attention to the last page.
The protagonist, Terra, is likable and honest, and her story of self-doubt, confusion, and, ultimately, triumph, is one that every girl should read about. This novel illuminates the nature of true beauty, and radiates a message of self-discovery and acceptance.
Highly recommended.
662168
This is one of the most beautiful books I've read in a very long time. Sarah Hagerty is a particularly gifted writer (she has the most lovely writing style!) and her story touches the deepest of places. I found myself stopping many times while reading and just staring off as I pondered the truth of what she had to say. Inspiring, convicting, and touching. I highly recommend this book.
1362163
This book is one of the best novels I have read in years (and I read A LOT!).  It starts off very subtley as you wonder why on earth Annabelle and Grant ever got married in the first place and then how the marriage has lasted for 26 years.  Through brilliant interweaving of the late 70's when the two main characters first met one another and the mid-2000's as they are empty nesters, we gradually learn and come to understand the dynamics of a long term marriage and to really care about the people, even Grant, who seems rather stuffy.  I'm glad we got to learn about all his good points before the end of the story! There were so many wonderful insights into human nature as Annabelle deals with her daughter's questions and explores her own life.  Maddie Dawson is an incredibly wise woman to have so exquisitely captured so much truth and wisdom in this novel.  I loved this book, and highly recommend it.
3821379
Atonement is one of the best novels I have read, in  a long time. The fact that it was nominated for the Booker Prize was not a surprise but the fact that it lost was!

This book is a haunting and beautiful work of literature that will move you. Tears are a definite in the end. Apart from being a very well-written book, Atonement is also an intricate study of the human psyche.

Its 1935. Briony Tallis, 13 years old attempts to stage a play she has written. She lives in a world of imagination. Every simple thing  assumes gigantic proportions in her mind. This fantasy world wreaks havoc when she comes upon a scene with her sister, Cecelia and Robbie, their servant's son. Briony's overactive mind creates a meaning that is completely exaggerated. In her innocence , she accuses Robbie of a crime...and it changes everyone's lives forever. Atonement is about Briony's search for forgiveness , for what she did.
The character development is very well-done. One of the major points of the book is how everyone perceives differently. I may see something as being completely different from what the other person sees. This very difference in perception can change , even destroy everything.

 The love story in the book was beautiful- this coming from someone who despises romances! The intriguing plot of the novel will stay with you, will linger in your mind. This was a very emotional read for me.

One mistake , made in complete innocence, can wreak havoc and destroy lives. We continue to pay the price for that mistake forever and no matter what we do, we can never fully atone for it. Regret..guilt..nothing hurts more than that. It seeps into your very soul and is worse than physical pain. Ian McEwan has captured this beautifully.

The author forces the reader to ponder upon themes of innocence, passion, love, truth, guilt, wrong/right or black/white. If the world was just black and white, things would be so much simpler, but its not that way.

The author also delves deep into the "irony" of human nature - our hypocrisies, our idiosyncrasies, our weaknesses... Atonement is not just a novel, but also a reflection on the tragedies of human life, the sad truths of life...

I believe this book is Ian McEwan's best work till date. Every single word in this heartbreaking novel is like poetry. Atonement will play with your emotions,mesmerize you , make you ponder and question. Novels like this are the reason why I love books.

Overall:
Compelling , beautiful and absorbing work of literature.

Recommended?
Yes! To every single person who likes great books.
2038860
What an excellent novel! I felt a large range of feelings as I read this book. Having studied a little about chimpanzee-human and cross-species studies in a Humanities class regarding animals and humans in the society, I felt the need to discuss the phenomenal feelings and connections that struck me. The more I read this novel, the harder it was to stop.
The characters were well developed, and I especially loved the way Fowler decided to have the narrator being telling her story from the middle. This added more suspense and kept me on my toes as I was reading. In addition, being from Davis, California and attending the University myself, there were multiple scenes where I was able to imagine myself as the narrator Rosemary.
The relationship between Fern, the chimpanzee of the study, and Rosie and also Lowell was deep and strong. Knowing this will give you a lot of faith in the characters actions. I was absolutely hooked because of the ranges of emotions that hit me by surprise. This novel covered many different aspects, including ethics, psychology, hate, and at the heart of the novel, love. This is not exactly a love story, but one that builds off the relationship of characters. There was enough push and pull, and various actions that made me reconsider and analyze my inner thoughts. I have never been so fascinated about a cross-species study than I have after learning about the different interactions between Fern and the Cooke siblings. This is a beautiful book, but definitely be prepared and strap up for an emotional roller coaster!
2410031
Becoming Lisette is a beautifully written novel about an amazing woman living in 18th Century France, and the struggles she goes through trying to establish herself as a female artist.  Glenn uses her words to create a canvas that vividly depicts the 18th century French world that Lisette navigates.  The vignettes that she describe make you feel as if you are witnessing them first person, and you can almost smell the smells and hear the sounds.  I found myself unable to put the book down, and thirstily read it in one day!  I cannot wait to see what Glenn's next book has in store for Lisette.  I definitely recommend it for your next read!
923079
"Still Life" is a wonderful novel about the journey of two women in different lifestyles, the author digs deep into the soul of each revealing the fear, pain, the damaged ability to love again, and all that makes us who we are. Well written, thought provoking, emotional.

Well done Christa!

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
4237472
This novel is a beautifully written masterpiece! I'm so glad that I came across it. I have always been fascinated with reincarnation, and I love historical fiction, so it was the perfect fit for me. A highly recommended read for everyone, no matter what genre you prefer.
1488911
This is a truly beautiful and very sensitively written novel.  The author has captured the thoughts, the feelings and the constant worries and scares of people caught up in the frightening maelstrom of their land being occupied by a malevolent foe.  We sense the concern as well as the creativity of a father whose wise efforts to help his blind daughter Laurie grow and survive take precedence over all else.  And how the housekeeper and uncle also step up, not only to the challenge of the daughter's disability, but also to their desire to do what they can to thwart the occupiers.  It is too easy to forget how war brings out both the good and bad in people, and also how easy it is for those in power to bend many people to their will.  But in the end, I was not surprised at the young German Pfennig's humanity revealed in a beautiful though sad conclusion.
1048299
I would definitely recommend others to read this book. The character depth is rich and it is very "intelligent novel." There is so much "twisting and weaving" amongst the characters and the events. The author is poet of great depth and beauty. She is a poet that knows how to play the strings of one's heart. I loved all the detail that she went into when she described the characters' thoughts, feelings, and actions. I loved learning about the artistic side of Claire, one of the main characters. This novel is very "times" appropriate and it the reader on wonderful adventure through time and through love. I often felt like a "fly on the wall" while reading about the intimacy shared between Henry and Claire. It was very realistic. It was so easy to believe that no amount of space nor time could seperate these two from their love and respect for one another. They were woven together physically, emotionally, and spiritually. What a fantastic love story. It bothered me to read other reviews that tried to emphasize every "flaw" of the book. My thoughts were, "this is fiction, c'mon people." This book has many unique and special qualities that many readers will appreciate. If you love deeply developed characters, read this book. I can't wait for the movie to come out.
2976708
Marilynne Robinson is well known as a beautiful and spare writer of prose and she does not disappoint with Lila.  Having read her other novels (Housekeeping, Gilead, Home) she continues her themes of serial abandonment, loneliness, and our complicated interior worlds with this novel, which predates the others in her timeline.  Her exploration, or return to, what she considers the original protestant teachings is thought-provoking (particularly for this atheist reviewer) as she imparts gentleness, clarity of vision, and dignity to her characters.  Lila is a haunting novel: how do we survive in this world? How do we treat others? How do we form lasting relationships? Communicate our true thoughts? Lastly, I think it is important to read about women who are not generally the main characters of first rate novels: poor, uneducated, with little advantage in life other than their own wits.
387727
This Christian novel was a delightful and thought-provoking quick read. Once I started it, I had a hard time putting it down. The characters helped to make me think about my own honest relationship with God and how trust in his plans is so important. I gained a new and more powerful understanding of that relationship. Thank you for an inspirational and thought-provoking message sent by way of another person's struggles and learning through this novel. I look forward to seeing this author's next book!
4242379
Beautiful in every way: beautifully written, completely absorbing, sensitive, thought provoking and fantastic character development. This is one of the best cross-cultural novels I have ever read. Despite some historical content, it is highly relevant to today's world, and deeply moving. In a world where it is only too easy to feel "stuck", this novel offers hope.
3692923
A BIRD ON WATER STREET touched me in a deeply personal way. Jack's struggle to balance his own wishes with family expectations and the stark realities of his community are seamlessly interwoven. It is a study on how the theme of nature vs. nurture echoes and imprints both inside Jack, and in the world around him. This beautiful novel is such a gift and it left an indelible mark on my heart
2694890
This is my favorite novel of all time.  Each time I read it, I find something new to think about or a different perspective on life in general.  It is a great book to share with someone close to you -- to read and discuss together.  It makes you think about choices you have made in your life, and consider what you would do if given a second chance in life.  It is thought provoking, well written, and just a pleasure to read and contemplate life.
4896623
This is a truly beautiful debut novel!! Its whimsically, beautifully written and creates an almost magical sort of atmosphere that I just love! The narrator, young Walter Lavender Jr. is a finder of lost things  the one that has helped him find his voice to communicate, overcoming a speech impediment where his mind creates blocks on the physical muscles that allow speech. As a result, Walter is mostly mute and the one lost thing that he secretly searches the hardest for is his father  a pilot lost over the ocean. Its a sad and lovely book. His mother operates a magical bakery that reminds be quite a bit of the magical one that Vienne runs in Harris novel, Chocolat. Walters best friend is his golden retriever, Milton, and each word in this novel is as delectable as the fictional creations that Lucy creates in her kitchen. I imagine that an audio version would be equally delectable! I am thoroughly enjoying this one!!

 And it is one of those debut novels that keeps getting better and better! I absolutely love Walters story and the magic that brings him together throughout the city with a wide range of people. In his journey there are so many moments of beauty, wisdom  it is truly an excellent novel that I think will appeal to a wide variety of ages. Its a gorgeous debut and I definitely plan on continuing to follow this authors career!