Congratulations to Ms Atkinson for a wonderful, engaging book
595471
Is life filled with possibilities? Are there parallel universes? Do you have regrets about paths untraveled? Life After Life may be for you.

To paraphrase Vonnegut, this novel is "unstuck in time." It bounces from one year to another putting a new ending on a snippet of life that has already happened. Or has it happened yet?

The main character, Ursula, or "little bear" as her dad calls her, seems to have shadowy portents of what may happen. In some cases, she alters what will be. She pushes a woman down the stairs so that the woman won't be infected with, and die of the Spanish flu just after the "War to end all Wars."

Ursula and her family die and don't die in an era that spans 1911 to 19 45. Her brother and father fight for their homeland, England, in the wars. Her brother dies, or does he? Ursula and her mother "make do" during the deprivations that occur. And then there is the blitz. Ursula endures nights of bombing, volunteers to search in bombed out buildings for victims and survivors, and in one life is trapped in a shelter after a direct hit on her apartment directly above..

Ursula lives a fascinating, varied and changing life in England and Germany. An interesting woman, of many possible endings and episodes, in an interesting time and place.

And the novel closes back on itself, beginning and ending with Ursula drawing a gun on the Fuhrer in a cafe in Berlin. And then other guns are drawn and darkness falls.... Or does it?

Congratulations to Ms Atkinson for a wonderful, engaging book, with endearing characters. And congratulations on "pulling off" this episodic, disjointed trip through a dark and interesting era.
2898148
Susan Hamilton claims she's not a writer, but she's just putting us on.  With colorful and engaging prose, Ms Hamilton takes us through an exciting career in the entertainment field working with some of the biggest names in the business - Elton John, Ike and Tina Turner and many others both in and around the music business.  It's not a kiss-and-tell book, so you will not find any dark secrets.  But you will gain a new appreciation for the talent - both Ms Hamilton's and those she's worked with.  Ms. Hamilton simply takes us along through the triumphs and the challenges as she lives her life - works her magic (which sometimes means getting out of the way and letting the magic work) like the enormously talented and creative human being that she is.  Her writing style is fun and engaging, and sprinkled with that understated sense of humor that I like so much.  It's also one of those books that you can pick up, randomly turn to a page, and begin reading.  If you're on the run like me, it's a big relief to not have to remember where you are in the story-line.  There is a fascinating story-line, but bite-size snippets are just as enjoyable.  I highly recommend it.
1247769
I loved the book. I found the description of social classes fascinating, especially her treatment of the less fortunate. I was quite taken with how she captured the speech patterns of the young people in the story. All of the characters were well formed and interesting. It was a moving story and very engaging. I've recommended the book widely.
2462502
Kate Atkinson writes from a remarkeably fertile imagination.  I have trouble imagining any life for myself much different from the one I am living.  She imagines so many lives for her characters that I lost count of them.  Her beautiful language, humor and vivid descriptions are extraordinary.
3309918
I have the pleasure of sharing office space with Michele. What a surprise to find out she was an author, I don't know her very well, just in passing but always greeted with a smile and a cheery hello. I started reading the first couple of pages but had to put the book down for a couple of days. I pick it up again on a Saturday and couldn't put it down, it was one of the most engaging books I've read in a while. I can't wait to see what happens in the lives of the characters next. I consider myself an avid reader and can often finish a book in a couple of days depending on page count. This book held my interest, the writing was clear and concise and the storyline was well constructed, in essence you felt as though you were there watching everything unfold. I urge everyone thinking about purchasing this book to read it and share it.
3108733
I read this book in one sitting! Each chapter is a page turner, and I wanted to see what Captain Will would do next more and more. His adventures are enjoyable to read, and the book has a very satisfying ending. The author is very talented in her writing, and the story is so meaningful. I got a lot out of this book and am looking forward to reading more of Miss Roberts' titles. Already reading this one for the second time!
2443052
Evelyn Prentis is a writer who tells it like it is with such honesty and candor, as to enthrall and fascinate so many readers about her life as a nurse. Matron at Last is her latest work in a series of books, which capture her life as a newly qualified nurse working up the career ladder to more senior roles and eventually Matron. Her story began with her debut release `a nurse in time' about her story as a freshly qualified nurse, alongside the retelling of her trainee years in 1934. `A nurse in action' is an account of her years as a staff-nurse, with the sequel `a nurse and mother' another fantastic edition to add to the collection. Continuing her story during and beyond the Second World War, Evelyn's work spans the majority of her interesting and remarkable career. After working as a nurse for thirty years she then decides to take a full-time Matron post at The Lodge, which was a home for elderly ladies of reduced circumstances. Her job surprisingly differed from that of the stereotypical hospital ward Matron, as her new role allowed her to make a real difference to those patients' lives under her care. The ups and downs of the job are brought to light as Evelyn reminisces about the cold dinners, early mornings following a sleepless night and those unforgettable people (such as Mrs. Peters with her temper and the piano playing Mrs. Harrison). After years of hard work and dedication I am sure that it was both a joy and a delight for the author to recount her years as a Matron, at last!

This is a brilliant book that I found incredibly hard to put down, because it was such fun to read. I found it totally absorbing finding out about her job as a Matron, with her different and wonderful patients and the home's staff. I would recommend this to all those who work within the care and medical industry, whether that is a care or nursing home or a hospital, as I think that you will be hard pressed to find anything more entertaining nor accurately correct `strait from the horses mouth' figuratively speaking. But you do not have to work within a nursing industry to appreciate and enjoy Evelyn's story, as it is one that captivated me right from the very beginning. I am thrilled about the up coming release of `Matron in charge' that is coming soon to a bookstore near you, and whilst I sit here with much anticipation and excitement I shall be rereading this book one more time. If I could give Evelyn Prentis a pat on the back then I would for it is memoirs like this that inspire, fascinate and enthuse many nurses or aspiring nurses today. For it is those real stories that are so important being the ones that tell it as it is, letting the reader glimpse a part of something that is very special.
1719576
Atkinsons novel Life After Life is one that I had never heard of prior to this list. Reading the short description provided on Amazon, I was a little confused as to exactly what I might be getting myself into. Truthfully, the length of this novel and the slower beginning really weighed heavily on me. It took an overwhelming amount of motivation and frustration before I could finally finish the novel itself. However, I am happy to report that I was thoroughly engaged and completely hooked after the first 100 pages.
Usually I try to abandon books that do not interest me within the first 100 pages. Im glad I stuck through on this one. Atkinson has a great idea here in one character, Ursula Todd, who is blessed (or cursed) with a life that keeps repeating itself every time she dies. The novel focuses on reincarnation as herself and allowing her to change the choices she made in order to avoid death. However, she is very unaware of this gift in her youth and only begins to embrace it as a young adult.
What caused me to struggle initially is that her lives were very short and it broke the progression of the novel a bit too much. I found myself muddling through the ideas and getting frustrated by my own confusion. However, once her lives began to build and take substance with longer intervals, I was riveted. The novel itself discusses WWII and life living as a English woman  very interesting topics to most audiences, these days.
Overall, I do not see myself returning to this particular book in the future. However, I am happy to have experienced it for the uniqueness of the idea. I would recommend everyone attempt it simply due to the creativity that keeps this a more historical fiction, rather than a science fiction.
1787675
When I learned one of my favorite Austenesque authors, Jane Odiwe, was writing a Christmas story about an Advent calendar, I made immediate plans to read the book December first, before a fire, and with a cup of hot cider in hand. Unfortunately, these plans were waylaid when my grandfather died on November 30th. When I finally did get to the book, it proved the perfect balm to my heartache. The opportunity to escape the modern world for a fantastic Regency one, in which Jane Austen lives side by side with her characters from Pride and Prejudice, slowly tweaking the story until it takes the form we all know and love, is, as the heroine notes in the quote above, an extraordinary Christmas gift. I've enjoyed all three of Ms. Odiwe's time-travel tales (be sure to read my reviews of Searching for Captain Wentworth and Project Darcy), but I think this latest is my favorite. I say that taking into to account the brilliantly portrayed romance between Jane Austen and Tom Lefroy in Project Darcy, but I did not find the modern day romance nearly as satisfying. In contrast, the hero of Mr. Darcy's Christmas Calendar, a Mr. Williams, is the perfect Darcy stand-in: even more Darcy than Darcy in this book. Another strength of the novel is how the modern events parallel those of the past, which I greatly enjoyed. Further, Christmas magic totally penetrates the story, and as odd as traveling through time via an advent calendar might seem, I found it a lot more believable than the machinations used int he previous stories, probably due to the holiday atmosphere. Yet I think my favorite thing about this particular book had less to do with a swoon-worthy hero and the joys of the season than the commentary on the writing process the book provides.

Bear with me for a moment, but this is a book written by an author about another author who is writing a book. And not just any book. When the story begins, Austen is still calling her tale First Impressions, and it bears little resemblance to the final novel, most particularly in that there is no Darcy and Wickham seems set to play the hero. There are not many scenes in which Lizzy gets to speak directly with Jane Austen, but when she does, great truths about the writing process are revealed. I don't know if this aspect of the book would be as fascinating to a reader who does not write fiction, but I found myself laughing again and again over the writing truths Austen shares, making her feel relatable as a fellow writer, not just a distant, mythologized idol. A few examples:

"I've lost my way a little with the plot, and I'm not sure how to get it back."

"My characters are always springing out of nowhere; believe me, I have little control over them, but sometimes they are reticent to show themselves."

In the past, I have often lauded Ms. Odiwe's ability to encapsulate her painter's eye into her writing. While that eye is still definitely on display in Mr. Darcy's Christmas Calendar, I feel like she is showing us her writer-self, as channeled through Austen, in a manner not accessible in her previous work. I throughly enjoyed this book. I will return to it at future Christmases. It was a lovely way to get into the holiday spirit.
4494749
With the excitement of this book's recent publication, I decided to go ahead and make The Second Empress the second book I have read by Michelle Moran. You might recall that I loved Cleopatra's Daughter, and I'm thrilled to report that I also greatly enjoyed The Second Empress. Of course, having now read another of Moran's books, I really want to make it a priority to read the rest of them. I honestly think that Moran is a genius at making you feel like you are right there in whatever world and time she is writing about. I felt that way about ancient Egypt in Cleopatra's Daughter and I thought I was getting an inside look at Napoleon's France. Prior to reading Moran, the extent of my experience with historical fiction was primarily Regency England and various periods in the earlier years of America. Now I will happily read any time and place that Moran chooses to take us!

In The Second Empress, by telling the story from three different viewpoints -- that of Marie-Louise, Napoleon's second wife, Pauline, Napoleon's sister, and Paul, who is Pauline's servant -- we really get a feel for the complete story behind Napoleon's last six years of reign and his inevitable fall. Fans of Napoleon may not like this story as much because he is certainly not portrayed in a favorable light (Moran makes note of this in  an author's note, as well), but I have never cared for him so I had no problem with his treatment. The amount of research that Moran has done is obvious, as well. Though this is, of course, a work of fiction, we are given a bit of a history lesson as well and those who are less familiar with the history of France and Napoleon will be easily able to understand what is going on and learn a bit in the process. Moran also uses many actual letters between Napoleon, his sister, and his first wife, Josephine and between these and the extensive research, this book has the feel of an authentic tale. But of course, it is worth keeping in mind that this IS a work of fiction and the bias that Moran chose to use against Napoleon will color the story.

In the end, tying this all together into the total package is Moran's writing itself. Her dialogues are sharp and sparkling, the use of factual historical detail is written in such a way that the story is only aided by it and not bogged down, and because of this it is nearly impossible not to get swept up in this book. I am looking forward to diving into one of her previously released books soon, and of course, I look forward to reading about when and where Moran takes us next!
2963367
Deborah Atkinson uses powerful imagery and well executed action scenes to create an engaging novel.
1590470
A most engaging book, I highly recommend it.
617302
Currently my favorite Kate Atkinson. I love this book. The mood-word that applies more than "suspenseful" is surprising. It's full of surprises, interesting turns, and fascinating characters.
1099845
I read this as part of a pre-release. This book really shows off her personality and she has amazing way of storytelling that helps you see and feel her story. Jennifer combines amazing wit and laughter with sarcasm, something that is hard to do, especially in a book.

The storytelling and flow of the book are quite nice as well, she doesn't jump around and you can just read the chapters individually if that's your thing.

Overall, it was an excellent book and I'm proud to say that I know the author personally.

PS: Congrats, Jennifer!
3247552
I just finished reading "Separate Lives", which was given to me as a present, and I just had to write and say how much I enjoyed the book. Mary Rippon's story is, of course, gripping in itself, but Silvia Pettem's telling of it was a pure delight to read! I could hardly bear to put it down, and I felt like I was right there in the room with those people and couldn't wait to see what they would do next. I work at the University in Boulder, so took extra pleasure in the descriptions of the early days on campus.  I think this would make a great book club choice--so much fodder for discussion in all aspects of the story.  And now I can't wait to read Ms Pettem's other books. I'm so happy to see there is a good, long list of them!
805203
I've always loved books where peoples lives intersect and they all become happier as a result. This is one of those stories. At the beginning, I thought I might be getting tired of that story. I thought this particular story might feel clichd and exactly like all the others. However, the more I read, the more I was convinced this was something special. The writing did remind me of The Wedding Bees or Lost Lake. Susan Glass does a wonderful job creating a vivid world with a cheerful atmosphere. Her writing is bright and colorful, making reading this book a delightful experience. Initially, I wasn't sure I liked the fashion references, especially since Im not fashionable enough to get all of them. I did, however, think the idea of focusing each chapter on one item from Violets store (described at the beginning of the chapter) gave this book a unique character. I eventually got used to the in-chapter fashion references too.

What really won me over though was the fantastic message of this book. The characters are incredibly diverse, including: Violet, the vintage store owner from a small midwestern town; Amithi, a traditional Indian wife; April, a teenage mother-to-be; Betsy, a wealthy philanthropist; and , a retired actress and mother of three. Throughout the story, all of these women come together and help one another in a beautiful example of female friendship. Their differences are sometimes challenging, but they also enable these women to support one another. Each woman has very different goals and dreams, both professionally and personally. And this book makes it very clear, that all of their goals are equally admirable. Whether a woman chooses to be mothers or have a career or both or wants to do stereotypically feminine things or not, its all ok. I think this is something that needs to be said more often. I am deeply grateful to the author for making this a book which not only gave me warm fuzzy feelings because of a happy story, but a book that could make a difference with its positive message for women at any stage of their lives.
3021143
Hilary: The Brave World of Hilary Pole
This engaging story written by renowned author Dorothy Clarke Wilson is an engaging story of a young woman's life as she struggles with a debilitating disease, Myasthenia Gravis. The story takes place in England during the 50's and 60's and recounts Hilary's journey from independence in life to a condition of total helplessness.
As the story and the disease progress, Hilary fights to remain an integral part in the lives of those who surround her; her family, medical personnel, and then reporters. Groundbreaking techniques are used to enable Hilary to communicate with those around her even though she is immobile, uses a ventilator to breathe and cannot speak.
The story is inspiring as Hilary shows tenacity and hope and becomes a catalyst for hospital personnel, family, friends and any others who meet her as she will not remain silent even in the face of total dependence on others. As much of the story is written in the first person, the reader is placed with Hilary and can hear her `speak' as if the reader is there with her in her bed.
Engaging, funny, and well written, this book grabs the reader from the first page to the last and takes us on the journey along with Hilary to share in her hope, despair and courage to help others even though she is physically helpless herself.
Dorothy Clarke Wilson is a talented and personable author and this book is a true jewel and is a must read for anyone.