Engaging and Enlightening...but I missed Ava!
599463
I Wish I Had A Red Dress is Pearl Cleage's sequel to her best-selling debut novel What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day.  Looks Like Crazy was Ava & Eddie's story but in Red Dress, Cleage's focuses on Ava's widowed sister, Joyce Mitchell.  Cleage's takes readers back to Idlewild, Michigan which was once a popular resort community for affluent African Americans but is now decaying, however, the ordinary folks who live there are still working to overcome dysfunction and reclaim their lives.
Joyce, continues to work at the center she founded The Sewing Circus and Community Truth Center(which has been affectionately dubbed "The Circus") as a social worker counseling young black women, many of whom are the product of single parent homes and many of whom are single mothers.  Although Joyce has her work, her family, her friends and her town...who does she have to take care of her intimately and passionately as only a lover can do?  Five years after Mitch's tragic accident, time is still standing still in the romance department for Joyce.  While she has her memories, daydreams and self-pleasures none of those can take the place of a muscular, hard, dark and handsome African American male.  Joyce knows that something is missing and that sometimes you really need the real thang...but sometimes Joyce is just afraid.  Afterall, her father passed when she was sixteen, her mother committed suicide on her wedding night a year later, her son got hit by a car walking home from school when he was six and her daughter didn't make it to her first birthday.  After all the other tragedies, Mitch was always the one constant in her life and now he was gone.  Opening her heart and chancing love was an endeavor that Joyce wasn't sure she was ready or willing to undertake at 40something.
As the story opens, Joyce has to put thoughts about relationships, love, desires and her personal needs on hold, because first, she must meet with state legislatures to secure their votes to fund the proposal she worked on the last three months regarding "The Circus" program.  While Joyce is busy focusing on the girls and funding, her friends, Bill and Sister are busy playing matchmaker.  Over dinner, Sister introduces Joyce to Nate Anderson who has just moved to the area to work at the local high school as a guidance counselor.  Nate is a sensitive, understanding and supportive gentlemen and he touches emotions in Joyce that have long been suppressed but as fate would have it... there's much drama with the babydaddy of one of Joyce's girls that keeps Joyce from focusing on self and backing away from Nate.  Will Nate be there to weather the emotional/mental storm with her and help her to realize that decent and loving African American males still exist and that if she lets her guards down and opens her heart she might just have a recent to purchase and wear that daring little red dress?
Pearl Cleage has once again created a storyline with remarkable and memorable characters, however, readers looking for Ava might feel a little slighted as I Wish I Had a Red Dress is truly Joyce's story.  In fact, I was a little disappointed that Ava wasn't given more presence in Red Dress and was only mentioned in passing.  I like Joyce...she's the responsible, stable, older sista who's on a mission to help the less fortunate...all good qualities...but I missed the feistiness and wit of Ava.  On an up note, as with "Crazy", Cleage's writing once again inspires and enlightens as she shows us that life is about taking chances, taking risks, embracing the past but letting go, moving forward and embracing life.  Fans of What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day will enjoy this sequel from Pearl Cleage as she takes us back to Idlewild once again.
1103444
Really enjoyed a trip back to the HollywoodLosVegassuperRatPackGlamourMovieStar days.  The craziness of Ava and friends provides us with some interesting moments to read about.  But think of the tremendous crashes after living like that for so long.  Sad to see there isn't a happy ending to Hollywood lives that give us so many great movie moments.
4961819
I've begun to wonder what Theodora might think of her recent celebrity. Since 2010, I've read or sampled four novels that have essentially reintroduced her story, dusting off some 1500 years of human history to breathe life into the legend she left behind. The most recent of these publications is The Eagle and the Swan by Carol Strickland.

Cross comparison serves no real purpose so I apologize for any disappointment my refusal to acquiesce to expectation may cause. I will note, however, significant appreciation for Strickland's unique voice. Considering the subject matter, I was initially worried The Eagle and the Swan might feel much like Duffy or Thornton's novels and was happy to discover her singular view of the material.

Strickland's distinct emphasis on historic detail was intensely interesting though in retrospect I feel this attention to detail proved somewhat detrimental to the pace of the narrative. Don't misunderstand, I love books that are well-researched and the texture such factual notation brings to a title, but I won't deny there were moments where Stricklands story seemed to peter out amid the wealth of information presents to her readers.

Though a bit modern for the period, I actually liked Strickland's Theodora. Historically speaking, I think the author took certain liberties with her personality, but feel the underlying concepts expressed through the character more than adequate compensation for the discrepancy. What can I say folks? I like books that make you think.

The tale of an oft overlooked woman in a time that is all but forgotten, I found The Eagle and the Swan an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that was well worth looking into.
1763010
Like many other reviewers, and like Eve herself, I missed what wasn't there: New York, more of Peabody, Baxter, Mavis, Leonardo, etc.  However, I have to say that several of the contrasts between New York and Dallas were beautifully dealt with and in some cases, were hilarious!

What I liked very much was the character development within Eve.  That she is finally beginning to come to terms with her past is both welcome and realistic. A bit of a surprise is that Eve has, obviously, learned more from Peabody than I realized (witness her interactions with victims where she shows a Peabody-like sensitivity, albeit in her own way).

I do think that the "new" title, while appropriate, was an unnecessary change:  Robb/Roberts might have used something like "Discovery in Death" for example.

All in all, a fine addition to the "in Death" series!  I highly recommend the book to anyone who has read at least 1/2 of the books in the series.
406802
I purchased this book on my AMAZING kindle prior to boarding a flight back to San Francisco after spending the weekend in Washington DC.  I found that the author has an uncanny ability to provide an interesting and indepth perspective on a historical time which I had minimal previous knowledge.  As someone with a science background, I found myself drawn in further with each click of the "next page."  The almost 6 hour flight flew by and I found myself reading the book while waiting for my luggage to appear at the turnstile (yes, I had luggage checked in for a weekend flight as the overcrowded plane did not allow for much luggage to be brought onto the plane.)

I'm still in the process of reading the book (hence why I could only give it 4 stars at the current time), but thought it was important to write a quick review in the hopes of inspiring fellow history amateurs to pick up or purchase the book to read.

With the current political times, it is important to be aware of what history has shown and taught us.  While it may seem like a lengthy book, its detail and appealing sense of story-like narration allows for those who may not have a history background to be informed while not bored.  If you have a kindle, download a sample and see if it is for you.
4173885
I was looking for an up-to-date, well researched biography of the Buddha, and I sort of found it in this book.  I say "sort of" because it wasn't as heavy on the scholarship as I would have liked, though it was enjoyable, generally insightful, and informative.

Blomfield takes his time getting to the Buddha's birth, first drawing a picture for us of the world Gotama grew up in.  He describes the political and economic scenes and gives us a sense of the religious ferment of the time.  I was disappointed though that while Blomfield adopts the more recent scholarship dating the Buddha to c. 484 - 404 BCE, the rational for this new dating is never discussed.

Blomfield mostly adopts a realistic tone in portraying the events of the Buddha's life and upbringing, though inevitably mythical elements intrude.  All in all, I think he does a pretty good job at indicating what sort of person the Buddha was-energetic and sincere, inquisitive, skeptical, a brilliant raconteur, adaptable, charismatic, a genius.  His treatment of Gotama's search for enlightenment draws on recent scholarship (I recognized Alexander Wynne's contributions) but for me his account of the enlightenment falls flat.  I actually got the sense Blomfield doesn't know what he's talking about.  I'm not saying he doesn't know his way around the suttas, just that he doesn't really seem to grasp what the Enlightenment actually entailed or meant.  (This despite the back flap claiming Blomfield has been practicing and/or teaching meditation for thirty years.)

After Gotama became the Buddha, the sequence of events is difficult to nail down, so Blomfield pauses to discuss the teaching.  I thought this the weakest part of the book, for the coverage here is incomplete, and let's face it-I'm very hard to satisfy as regards these matters!  Admittedly though, saying something about the Teaching here is  unavoidable, and Blomfield takes a decent shot at it despite limited space.

Further chapters take up the formation of the Sangha, how the Buddha interacted with the society around him ("A Holy Man In the World"-an excellent chapter), the Devadatta crisis and then the last years.  By the end I realized just how much had either been left out or only skimmed over, and it occurred to me that if anyone is ever going to do a really thorough, scholarly treatment of the Buddha's life it may well run to a thousand pages (not including a hundred pages of notes).  Personally, I would like to have seen more discussion of the important disciples, as well as something more about the various rival shramana sects (Ajivakas, Jains, etc) who competed with the Buddha.  Blomfield could have said more too about the archaeology of the Buddha's life-e.g., the debate over exactly where Kapilavastu was (generally now thought to be Tilaurakot in Nepal) is a fascinating story in itself.  Anything at all to lift this man's life out of the realm of legend and lost kingdoms and to place it on a solid footing, on the earth, connected to real things we can see and touch, would have been appreciated.  (And I can always dig talk of relics!)

I have one other specific complaint: the use of Sanskrit terms, place and personal names instead of their Pali equivalents.  I really don't understand this practice.  The earliest texts, the only ones that can lay any claim to being truly biographical, are all in Pali.  It is simply logical to defer to those texts.  Using Sanskrit instead bespeaks an ideological prejudice of some sort, I am convinced.  Exactly what that prejudice might be, though, probably differs from one writer to the next.

Don't take my complaints here too seriously though.  This is a worthy book and ought to prove inspirational to many.  While it is not the biography I would have written, I can honestly that what Blomfield has done here both moved and informed me.
2686011
I am so happy to hear Shyima was able to get her freedom back and am very proud she had come thus far in her journey. It's always interesting to read about the lives of others but throughout  this book, I often found myself getting bored. I felt there was a lot of unnecessary  repetition and the book didn't need to be as long as it was.
484434
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The only problem is that I wanted more information on what happened next in Sadie and Wyatt's lives! The answer can be found with research, but we then miss the flavor of the voice Ms. Adams imbues into her vision of Josephine Sadie Marcus Earp. Hoping she writes a sequel.
1217851
Well I did enjoy this book but I was hoping for a lot more about Lyme and a lot less about heart transplant... so I was a bit disappointed.  However, the book is extremely well written and the author has been through a hellish time and was willing to share all that with the reader.  One sad thing is the way medical care has evolved over time to where even a physician isn't believed... or others think they "know" best!  Kudos for Dr. Spector for reinforcing that each of us knows our body best!

The book is definitely absorbing and worth a read!
3630892
As an old "bride" of 25 years, I found Otherwise Engaged to be a rare treat in reading these days.  It made me laugh, cry, comiserate with The Realtionship and absorbed me in it's wit and warmth.
More than that, Eve's ability to describe evoked all of my senses and my heart.  I feel that I have two very intimate friends out there somewhere named Eve and Michael.  I do not know what happened to my wedding invitation-it must have been lost in the mail.
I was devastated when the story closed and I am hungry to know more of Eve and Michael. I have not felt so much a part of a story in a long time and I hope there will be more.
This old bride LOVED this hilarious and engaging adventure.
3186335
She had inspired a lot of those who were not born Buddhists to believe in Buddha's teachings.  "Dipa Ma"  researched, composed and written by Ms. Amy Schmidt was admirable.  Yet I wish there would be some accounts of how she managed to attain such insight against so many odds in her life.  I wish I could know the details of the path that she had travelled.
2103989
Ava's got a new gig. Morgan, the area psychic has hired her to get the fairy problem under control. Easier said than done. Ava's getting a crash course in the inner workings of the supernatural community. Unfortunately no one warned her about the fame rabia; the nasty side effect of not eating.

Once again, Brown introduces some new races to the series, Goblins and fairies. I think it would be a good idea for not only Ava, but readers at large, to make Morgan (or another character) provide a supernatural training session. Let's be honest, as a mentor, Morgan sucks! She's constantly undermining Ava, giving her half-truths, and sending her into situations grossly unprepared. Of course, that's where a good chunk of the humor comes from - Ava tripping her way through these landmines.

The Goblins have been crafted well, and the description provided is highly entertaining. A conspiracy is afoot, and the race is in need of a new ruler. Where the last two books have given us a female antagonist, and a mild resolution, book three provides readers with an epic final battle. One that will leave Ava one ally short. The outcome leaves Ava with a team of misfits; a goblin, siren, Templar, zombie queen, necromancer and a psychic.

The fairies are causing a raucous of sexual proportion, described much like a horny teen. There's something going on with Lisa, and Ava isn't happy about it. Personally, I'm glad Lisa's been given a story of her own, the character is able to show progression, and isn't just Ava's lackey anymore. Good for you, girl!

Narration continues on with Pamela Lorence, and I found the same small characterization issues that showed up in book two. She really would be an amazing narrator for this type of story if she could just hone her craft a bit and show more consistency. But I find her voice appealing, with good comedic timing. So much so, that she's someone I would consider for my own project.

The third book in the Ava series is the most action-packed and fantastical installment. Without giving too much away, let me just say I love the ending, and the complexity in which Ava will require moving forward...her head is quite full, but her bed is empty. Brown will need to think up a good love interest that readers can root for.
980574
I love Ava Miles' books...but I feel like this book was written a bit too soon or maybe needs to be added to since there are now more Dare Valley Brides that weren't included in this book and have since gotten married or will be soon. However I did love reading about the Brides' wedding days in this book, presents a neat twist by not including the weddings in the perspective couples' stories.
1357773
Ms. Malvern is an incredible writer. I enjoyed her after explanation as to the reasoning behind what she wrote. However, I would have appreciated her to have continued on with Ruth and Boaz' life. It ended abruptly and I was left wanting!!!
2184586
The author hooks me in the first paragraph with her descriptive writing that continues painting vivid scenes of women experiencing life, choosing forks in the road, maturing or not, and pursuing their own idea of "the more". I enjoyed their adventures and spirit, and would have enjoyed a fuller understanding of the men in their lives. My favorite part is the last few chapters where Christine observes the most recent generation around her and wonders what makes them tick. I think many of us listened and observed as children, like Christine, and wondered "Why?". Anyone who ever listened and wondered as a child, or heard family stories handed down will enjoy this book!!! Reading the last few chapters through Christine's eyes made me want to go back and read the book again, searching for the "Why?".
4254203
I adore Lisa Kleypas's writing and she is hands down my favorite author.  That said, I was expecting more.

I'm intrigued by her jump into contemporary novels.  I'm curious as to why some choices were made.  I, personally, am not a fan of anything written in the first person unless it's a memoir and I'm rather baffled by why both of her contemporary novels have been written in the first person.  I don't read many contemporaries, so perhaps it's simply part of that landscape.  I'm also really interested in the different mechanisms used to create the story's framework when moving from historicals to contemporaries.  In historicals, you have rigid societal structures to present roadblocks to the characters at every turn and in the contemporaries, it's interesting to see how those roadblocks are constructed.  In this story, it was with domestic violence.

I adored Hardy Cates in Sugar Daddy and I was eager to see his book.  But this isn't his book, it's Haven's.  And I'm not really complaining about that.  I adore that Kleypas really fleshes out her heroines.  I love that she makes them into these gloriously three dimensional characters.  I just wish there had been more of Hardy in this book.  The bits we do get of him are lovely.  In particular, I adored the sections that dealt with his emotional baggage.  I just wish we'd seen more.

The subject matter of this book was a bit difficult for me to stomach, but that's actually praise for Kleypas's writing.  I think she tackled the subject of domestic violence very, very well.  I think she made Haven's journey very realistic and while I was incredibly frustrated with the things that happened to her, I think Kleypas made a very strong argument for how it is that strong, smart women can find themselves in these situations and how difficult it can be for them to leave.

I enjoyed the inclusions of Haven's therapy sessions, but I did feel that a bit too much of the story time was spent explaining the emotional and mental dynamics of abuse and abuse victims.  And really, I feel sort of horrible complaining about that.  Because domestic abuse is certainly a serious topic that deserves to be handled respectfully.  And I believe Kleypas did handle it exceptionally well.  But it was a bit too realistic for me.  I found myself skimming the abuse sections because they were so painful to read.

The sections with Hardy and Haven were hot and believable at the same time.  And though this book didn't have as many one liners as Sugar Daddy, there were several times I found myself laughing aloud at the snappy dialog.

All in all, it's a good read.  Especially if you're a fan of Kleypas.  But I did feel that there was a bit of a tradeoff and that some of the enjoyability of the story was sacrificed to make it more realistic.  It's still worth the money, even in hard back.  Just FYI.
3155439
Elizabeth Gilbert is a talented author, and her prose is really magnificent. I enjoyed this book, even though the subject material was not really my thing. The story is captivating, and the characters are so fully developed. This gave me a window into another time and place that I would not have otherwise read about. However, if you've read Eat, Pray, Love, you'll see touches of Gilbert's own experiences in this novel, which is the primary thing I did not like about this book. Tahiti = Bali, the mysticism or "signature" of all things = her time in India and her transcendent experiences there. Just my opinion, but then again I didn't like Eat, Pray, Love.