When I set out to write a book about the natural history of breasts, I knew I'd have to answer some awkward questions about my book topic. At a...
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I enjoyed this sweet little love story. It was about a Retired English Major who begins a friendship with a middle aged Pakistani shop keeper. The book explores their friendship and the reaction of their families. There were several instances that I laughed out loud. Cute book.
Cider House Rules is a story of Homer Wells, an orphan born in the St. Cloud orphanage in 1930 something and the doctor who delivered him, Dr. Wilbur Larche. The supporting characters are many and each has their own imperfections. As with A Prayer for Owen Meany (Vietnam), Irving sets his story around a controversial theme, for Cider House Rules, it is abortion. Unlike the Vietnam war controversy in Owen Menay, Irving viewed the abortion issue from both sides. A person with strong anti-abortion feelings will probably not like this book. Yet for someone who is indifferent, it gives them an interesting view to both sides.
A wonderful story told by several people who witness a tight rope walkers "walk" between the twin towers in the 70s. From Irish immigrants, prostitutes, dead beat artists, a support group for mothers that lost sons in Vietnam and more each person was somehow interrelated because of the tight rope performer. It was interesting to see the point of view from the perspective of each person. Especially the opinion of the judge of the Irish priest. The book was very well written and I did not want it to end.
A very very thought provoking book about a country and people I have never thought about before. Adam Johnson has done a very fine job researching North Korea and writing his story. Assuming the living conditions and complete oppression of North Korea is true, the reality is shocking. The story itself delivers several shocking blows of its own.
The story is about Pak Jun Do who believes he is raised by his father in an orphanage after his mother is abducted into service in Pyongyang as she is a beautiful woman. During the famine in North Korea, Jun Do is taken by the military to become a zero light combat fighter. His life twists and turn from there into a very intriguing love story.
How do you describe this book? I liken it to a fantastic meal at a restaurant with a well trained chef. The first bite takes your breath away, the second you try to savor letting all of the well blended seasonings sit and melt in your mouth. You struggle not to wolf the meal down as it is so good, yet you have to force yourself to slow down to enjoy the rich bliss of it all.
It is a story of a young Dutchman who believes he is to work as a clerk for the Dutch Indies Company at a port in Japan for several years so he can make his fortune and then come home to marry the love of his life. Its just that it did not happen quite like that.
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Magnolia Rando has commented on (7) products.
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
Magnolia Rando, May 13, 2012
I enjoyed this sweet little love story. It was about a Retired English Major who begins a friendship with a middle aged Pakistani shop keeper. The book explores their friendship and the reaction of their families. There were several instances that I laughed out loud. Cute book.The Cider House Rules by John Irving
Magnolia Rando, April 27, 2012
Cider House Rules is a story of Homer Wells, an orphan born in the St. Cloud orphanage in 1930 something and the doctor who delivered him, Dr. Wilbur Larche. The supporting characters are many and each has their own imperfections. As with A Prayer for Owen Meany (Vietnam), Irving sets his story around a controversial theme, for Cider House Rules, it is abortion. Unlike the Vietnam war controversy in Owen Menay, Irving viewed the abortion issue from both sides. A person with strong anti-abortion feelings will probably not like this book. Yet for someone who is indifferent, it gives them an interesting view to both sides.Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann
Magnolia Rando, April 19, 2012
A wonderful story told by several people who witness a tight rope walkers "walk" between the twin towers in the 70s. From Irish immigrants, prostitutes, dead beat artists, a support group for mothers that lost sons in Vietnam and more each person was somehow interrelated because of the tight rope performer. It was interesting to see the point of view from the perspective of each person. Especially the opinion of the judge of the Irish priest. The book was very well written and I did not want it to end.The Orphan Master's Son: A Novel of North Korea by Adam Johnson
Magnolia Rando, February 8, 2012
A very very thought provoking book about a country and people I have never thought about before. Adam Johnson has done a very fine job researching North Korea and writing his story. Assuming the living conditions and complete oppression of North Korea is true, the reality is shocking. The story itself delivers several shocking blows of its own.The story is about Pak Jun Do who believes he is raised by his father in an orphanage after his mother is abducted into service in Pyongyang as she is a beautiful woman. During the famine in North Korea, Jun Do is taken by the military to become a zero light combat fighter. His life twists and turn from there into a very intriguing love story.
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell
Magnolia Rando, February 2, 2012
How do you describe this book? I liken it to a fantastic meal at a restaurant with a well trained chef. The first bite takes your breath away, the second you try to savor letting all of the well blended seasonings sit and melt in your mouth. You struggle not to wolf the meal down as it is so good, yet you have to force yourself to slow down to enjoy the rich bliss of it all.It is a story of a young Dutchman who believes he is to work as a clerk for the Dutch Indies Company at a port in Japan for several years so he can make his fortune and then come home to marry the love of his life. Its just that it did not happen quite like that.
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