Customer Comments

McDaniel is clever and cunning with her word choices throughout. If you are someone who loves words and twisted meanings and innuendos, the book is a puzzle of double-meaning and McDaniel is a mistress of metaphor. This debut novel is brilliant, dark and like a punch in the face. McDaniel has taken great care of the prose, the characters and the emotions. She’s an author that you’ll remember and a name you’ll see again.

Chiusano’s collection is a good debut and the stories are written well, thought through and distinctive in voice. The stories are written without true dialogue, more so as recollections of events having occurred. This technique makes the stories and characters feel quiet and loud at the same time - an interesting style. Chiusano is very consistent and forthright with his characters and voice. He’s a joy to read and I will pick up future collections to watch how Chuisano’s storytelling style evolves.

Rebecca Makkai’s short story collection is truly remarkable and one of the best I have ever read. The stories are extremely textured and the feelings, descriptions, characters and settings are expertly written. The stories stand-alone or flow together depending on how you read them. The majority of the stories are packed so full of depth, detail and emotion that you’ll feel as though you’ve read an entire novel, while others are short and condensed, but they will still leave a lasting impression.

I told my friend that the family/estate/agent of Leonard didn’t do him justice, pushed this collection out unfinished, unpolished and not a reflection of his greatest work. I’ve changed that opinion. I think everyone has to start somewhere and I’m grateful that we have these stories to understand where it all began.

Cook strips characters of anything unnecessary superfluous, leaving them to their own devices, instincts and vulnerabilities. It’s a look at how people react when pushed to the edge and then beyond that, further and further until very little resembles anything the character can draw on from previous experience or knowledge. Some characters lose it, some give up, others sink into the abyss (quite literally).

All of the relationships have extreme ups and downs and Taylor does a wonderful job of exploring everything kind of ‘what-if’ scenario he can manage to throw at his characters. Taylor brings his characters to the brink of a decision. There are recent graduates flailing and trying to find what they should do with their lives, a widow who is sorting out being left alone and numerous encounters of couples trying to navigate through life (engagement, other lovers, cross-country moves).

Silber continues to ​amaze and show her strengths as a writer with this newest collection. Fools is of the same caliber as her previous works and no doubt she’ll have more great collections in the future. The stories are very well written, addictive and immersing.

The synopsis promises “mastering the art of ‘vacationship’” and tales “that will have readers scrambling to renew their passports.” Unless you plan to travel in Newman’s footsteps and leave the country for the sole purpose of bedding men, I doubt you’ll rush out to renew your passport. The book is intriguing, entertaining and humorous. It hits all the marks there, so it’s not a failure. Newman tells tales from the voice of a strong, independent woman and is really willing to try almost anything once. Newman didn’t choose the single, travelling life however. She merely traded it in in lieu of responsibility and societal norms of marrying and bearing children in your twenties and thirties, but she never stops hoping and wishing that she’ll end up there someday. She was searching for love and in the process had some fantastic experiences. Her travels stemmed from not having a perfect boyfriend to have children with and her need to escape the pressure to find that man/situation.

The novel is quiet, but very textured with emotions and themes. The characters will touch your soul and remind you that family life is never as easy as it could be, nor is it ever what it may seem. Berne’s characters are lively and likable. They make mistakes and rally through them. In the novel, Ray learns that family issues are rarely black and white and also learns the hard truth that there are two sides to every story, both of them standing with truth. Berne relates a family like no other but with familiarity to everyone.

Priscilla, called extraordinary by many, left behind a legacy in a trunk of documents. Documents that record moments of love, lies, romance, friendship, and history. Shakespeare’s book takes us on his journey as he learns about her life: her lovers, her husbands, her friendships. The timeline can be difficult to follow as the organization is not linear but rather follows chunks of time that fluctuate between different periods of Priscilla’s life and the war. The Second World War is always in the background and the book is just as much a history of the events as it is a portrait of Priscilla.

Each of these stories need a bit of time to marinate after they are read. I tried to read two or even three in a single setting, but I found myself distracted by the story I had just read that it was too difficult to focus on a new story too quickly. Short stories should very much stand on their own and demand singular attention. Eslami has done a wonderful job of creating this emphasis, both in character and in the settings, of each of the stories that appear in this collection.

The novel is wonderfully descriptive and Brownsburg, it’s residents, and even a bit of Virginia come alive in ways that are not easily forgotten. The writing is rich, yet readable and speeds you through at an exciting pace. When you reach the end, you only wish you could go back and spend more time in the town and with the characters.

O’Melveny’s writing is good and the subject matter and storyline have a lot of potential. The bits of this novel are worth being picked through, but on the whole it doesn’t hold together well. For some, it would be be worth the read, if only to explore the mythical 16th century diseases and cures sprinkled throughout.(excerpt from review at www.luxuryreading.com)

Nelson’s description of setting and place is truly mesmerizing, but the characters are only sort of likable. There are many characters that come and go throughout the novel. There are some that only appear a time or two and appear to have importance, but are later forgotten; one character simply walks out of the novel, while another one dies to tie up the loose end. Bound is riddled with many parallel plot lines. Some intersect and others only seem as though they may touch, but never actually do. This creates an element of suspense and in the end a bit of frustration. The anticipation of the story lines possibly intersecting will keep you reading. The novel is a quick read with only moments of depth. There are moments of brilliance hidden in this novel along with some unforgettable, vivid descriptions. For that alone, it could be worth the read, just don’t go in for the plot. (excerpt from review at www.luxuryreading.com)

The book’s characters are for the most part, hard to relate to. In the beginning, I tried to feel for Catherine’s loss and the grief she endured following her lover’s death, but it became increasingly difficult. Brandling’s issue seemed to be of the utmost importance in his own mind, but again, it was very hard to relate with. There were a few moments in which a connection was possible, but they were very few in number and were only small blurbs, not enough to sustain the novel. I really wanted to like The Chemistry of Tears; there were a lot of information about automatons and horology. The themes of grief and sadness were intertwined throughout. I didn’t feel as though there were large amounts of technical descriptions, so the story did not bog down for that. The topic was an interesting one and I am sure that some may enjoy the characters and the plot. It’s unfortunate that I didn’t feel that way. (excerpt from review at www.luxuryreading.com)

I rated this book a 2.5, as I believe that it will appeal only to very a specific audience. The writing is done well, but in an older style (to imitate that of the original). The subject matter is limited to those who read satire and/or Christian texts, though I do feel as though it could put off each of these readers equally. I went in for the satire and feel as though the Christian element was a bit heavy-handed. Even a Christian reader may find the satire to be heavy-handed. I felt the original was more subtle in these tones. As with many stories, I always suggest the original over any subsequent “remakes.” Read the original first, if it appeals to you, pick up this one as well. With all that said, Platt has done an admirable job of updating the original. (excerpt from review posted at www.luxuryreading.com)

The stories in the first part of the book seemed flat and ended just as they began, with very light action and conflict. The characters were only slightly defined and when the stories ended, it was difficult to care what did or did not happen to them. In the first and title story, Diving Belles, a woman goes in search of her husband, who was lost at sea. Another story spoke of a ghost-like a visitor who inhabits a couple’s apartment uninvited, but without concern. At "Notes from the House of Spirits," the collection turns and takes the reader on a meandering walk into deep woods. The characters become more vivid, the tension creeps in and the stories become more textured. The story touches memory, loss, and hope. "The Wishing Tree" introduces a seriously ill mother and daughter coping with the mother’s illness, while another, "Wisht," tells a touching father/daughter story about discovery and wonder. All of the stories in the collection are suspenseful and haunting in places; it was hard to put the book down once the momentum was going. All the stories follow Wood’s unique plotting, but in the latter half, they became more thought provoking and were more layered. The stories in the second half of the book deal with strong themes head on, while the beginning stories seemed to skirt them and just touch the surface of the emotion. It was an emotion polished and presented, but still only on the surface. Wood’s voice is clear and straight-forward though her description of setting and place is impeccable. Her collection is a great debut and a unique change from the traditional short story. Even though a few of the stories seemed a little shallow, you should pick it up and devote the time. She’ll be an author to watch as she can only grow from here. (excerpt from original review published at www.luxuryreading.com)

When Indiespensable arrived this month, I looked at the Book of Jonas, but decided to dive into the Advanced Readers Copy of Battleborn (a free gift) first. What a great decision. The stories in this collection can be dark in places, gritty in others. The book is a mix of forms, characters and styles, making it an adventure through the collection, as you never know who or what will come next. I am highly impressed with this debut by Watkins and highly anticipate further stories from her.

Wanderlust is a decent, quick read if you go in with the right expectations. Eaves’ memoir is not a travel log of all the places she’s been, but rather a recollection of all the emotions she experienced while traveling, due mainly to her relationships with men, and only sometimes to her interactions with different cultures. (excerpt from review at www.luxuryreading.com)

The Time In Between is a twist on the normal coming of age stories. In the beginning, Sira is young, a daughter of a single mother, working as an assistant to her mother and Dona Manuela, running errands and sweeping floors. Duenas moves quickly through this portion of Sira’s life and gets us to the moments that shape her fate and send Sira on her adventures. In the end, she’s evolved into a strong-willed, charming and, at moments, quite cunning woman. We travel with Sira through tough times, happy moments, loneliness, and true bliss. She breaks out of the life that is laid out before her and fights (sometimes unwillingly) to create a life of her own. She grows from a confused teenager into a woman who knows what she wants and in many ways, how to obtain it. She takes extreme risks, and some moments of The Time In Between will have you hanging on every word. I enjoyed this novel and look forward to future offerings from Maria Duenas. (excerpt from review at www.luxuryreading.com)

Ephron’s stories are flat with very little emotion. In one of the later stories, Ephron comes close to something truly personal, meaningful, something deep and then vows never to speak of it. Her stories are about a privileged woman residing in Southern California. I would imagine with effort these stories really could have been touching and heartfelt, but they are presented here as shallow and unmemorable. I have no doubt Ephron has some really good stories to share, but these are not those stories…not yet. (excerpt from review at www.luxuryreading.com)

I'm torn with this novel. The American Heiress is a novel of frivolity and it's consequences. It was a quick read with wonderful descriptions of England and the time period. Many scenes were filled with intricate and delicate details that draws you into the era. The novel is well written and organized. The characters are unique to each other. Some are well developed, while others are left shallow and undefined. However, the fact that Cora is (and maybe it is purposeful) oblivious to what those around her have made very obvious is a bit unnerving and frustrating. You really want to yell in her face and tell her to smarten up a bit. It may be the intent of Goodwin to have the reader react in this manner and if that is the case, she is quite successful. While I would not actively search out this novel, The American Heiress is extremely readable and worth the time if it ever lands on your night table. (excerpt from original review at www.luxuryreading.com)

Unsworth transports us to a small Greek island in the early part of the 20th century. He gives us a guide, Pascali, who is not entirely likable but very relate-able. We walk with Pascali while he deliberates on truths, morals, and the need to believe the reports that he writes as an informer are being read. The Greek island is visited by outsiders and those with unsavory agendas. Full of historical facts, art, and antiquities, this a very enjoyable mystery.

At first, the structure and style of this novel was unnerving. The material is not presented in traditional prose style, but rather seems to be organized in a way that suggests a researcher's notebook. The notebook belongs to an amateur Flaubert scholar and seemingly curious individual, Geoffrey Braithwaite. Braithwaite is at first interested in determining the true parrot kept by Flaubert, but along the way he explores art, truths, language, and literature.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It's part literary mystery, part ghost story. The historical details of Lord Bryon are intriguing and make the story move quickly, rather than bogging it down. The novel transports you 400 years ago to a small boarding school in England, complete with headmasters, hidden rooms, and ghosts.

The Time In Between is a twist on the normal coming of age stories. In the beginning, Sira is young, a daughter of a single mother, working as an assistant to her mother and Dona Manuela, running errands and sweeping floors. Duenas moves quickly through this portion of Sira’s life and gets us to the moments that shape her fate and send Sira on her adventures. In the end, she’s evolved into a strong-willed, charming and, at moments, quite cunning woman. We travel with Sira through tough times, happy moments, loneliness, and true bliss. She breaks out of the life that is laid out before her and fights (sometimes unwillingly) to create a life of her own. She grows from a confused teenager into a woman who knows what she wants and in many ways, how to obtain it. She takes extreme risks, and some moments of The Time In Between will have you hanging on every word. I enjoyed this novel and look forward to future offerings from Maria Duenas. (excerpt from full review at luxuryreading.com)

Another great Rothfuss novel after a long wait (let's hope next time won't be as long). The wait was well worth it - the novel is well thought out and the characters are so richly defined, they will stay with you after the novel ends. So much going on with so much still left untold. The novel has a fantasy element, but is very grounded and believable. The world Rothfuss has created is an easy place to spend 1000 pages.

Hustvedt successfully writes a novel from the perspective of a man. A brilliant novel that outlines his lifetime and relationships with those closest to him. Her descriptions of the art in the novel are so rich, I only wish I could see them in real life. Her best novel by far.

Just like "The Things They Carried," "In the Lake of the Woods" will stay with you long after you turn the last page. A haunting story full of secrets and lies and how they eventually come to the surface.

Toibin's striking narration gets you so close to Henry James you can almost hear him breathing. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel with all of it's texture and depth. A story full of the subtleties of growing old, living with the past and an exploration of self and sexuality.

I did not feel that It Writes Itself was intended to improve or build upon previously written material. The book is less focused on literary craft (character building, plot definition, strengthening scenes, etc.) and more designed for beginning writers, writers who are struggling to get reengaged, or writers looking for a fresh approach for inspiration. Raulino is passionate about writing and sharing her ideas to help other writers. Her book is insipring and not overwhelming. It’s a great place to start if you are considering writing and a companion to get you unblocked, refreshed and writing again. (excerpt from review at www.luxuryreading.com)

While Couch requires a very willing suspension of disbelief, the story is familiar and light-hearted enough to enjoy. Parzybok has taken an old tale and made it more familiar to the present. The adventure is engaging, rewarding and sprinkled with thought-provoking moments. With Couch driving the plot, the story’s magical realism and humor will hold your attention.

Enright is a favorite author of mine. I thoroughly enjoyed The Gathering and many of her other novels. Her voice is strong and determined; Enright guides you through her novels, never takes a straight path, but never lets you wander. The journey is just as rewarding as the ending. Her writing his powerful and emotional, leaving you satisfied when you reach the unpredictable end. (excerpt from review at www.luxuryreading.com)

Nair’s writing is lyrical and the story moves quickly. There are elements of magic realism, allowing some of the family’s stories to embody enchanted qualities, but does not reach too far beyond belief. The story is of a family who makes tough decisions, suffers the consequences and buries the past within deep caverns. The novel takes you on a walk through these caverns to reveal the circumstances which forced these secrets into hiding in the first place. Nair’s characters are well developed, although many in number, and each unique enough to avoid any confusion. The Girl in the Garden is an impressive debut by an author I am excited to read again. (excerpt from review at www.luxuryreading.com)

Another great book by Atkinson. I was enamored with her novel, “Behind the Scenes at the Museum” and her depiction of family life. In “Case Histories,” she presents a similar story but this time with more mystery. The stories, or case histories, are layered with family secrets and a cast of unforgettable characters. It is written in the style of a whodunit, detective novel. Atkinson’s novel is very compelling and will leave you a bit haunted and only wanting more.

Powell’s details of 1950s New York City are impressive. The novel will transport you back to the cafes and bars of time. The story is that of Jonathan who seeks to recreate his mother’s past in an effort to understand more of his own. There is an air of mystery and a sense of longing for Jonathan and his need to find out who he is and where he belongs.

Moyes’s characters are all likable; many will stay with you long after you have finished the novel. Last Lover is tragic at times, as Moyes’s doesn’t follow the usual rules of “Happily Ever After,” but weaves real life conflicts into the story. Moyes expertly explores the reasons one would give everything up and the reasons they would stay. The novel is placed partially in the 1960s, Moyes has executed the time brilliantly, and you feel transported into the era. The details of the affair are intricate, personal, and believable.

The story within Queen Hereafter is fulfilling and feels whole on it’s own, but also provides an intricate retelling of the time period. It only falls short when you look at it in relation to Margaret’s life. If you know her history, this story is but a brief snapshot of her very full life leaving you wanting much more. The characters are well written and enjoyable. King gives us a Margaret of Scotland who never wavers in her beliefs, but is constantly changing to accommodate everything that is new in her life. (excerpt from review posted at www.luxuryreading.com)

Skipping a Beat is an emotional and funny journey through growing up together, celebrating successes, drifting apart, and finding the way back to what is important. Some might be tempted to categorize the novel as ‘chick lit,’ but the story and characters are much more developed and truthful than I have encountered in a long time. And although Pekkanen’s story is told by a female narrator, she doesn’t fall into a plot full of the typical clichés. (excerpt from review posted at www.luxuryreading.com)

The novel is narrated by a cast of characters including Leo, his wife, his best friend and an unknown narrator. It would seem that the structure is purposefully distant, but it makes it difficult at times to engage with the story and the characters. If you muddle through, there are gems to be found. The suspension of belief required at times takes patience, but the end result is a provocative story of family, perception and the unknown of the ocean. The descriptions of the landscape, sea life and nature are thought provoking and will stay with you well after you reach the end. Overall, the book was a good read and a bit different than you might expect. (excerpt from review posted at www.luxuryreading.com)

State of Wonder is perfectly paced with a cast of very likable and well thought out characters. The plot of the story isn’t merely a musing on modern drug creations and the west’s effects on tribal cultures, but also a multi-layered exploration in the power of environment, philosophy, ethics, with a small smattering of mystery to keep you only wanting more. The novel delves into an exploration of nature versus nurture, where in the end, your own views may be influenced. The title has been perfectly defined, as the novel suspends you and its characters in a state of wonder. Intricate descriptions of the Amazon jungle and all of its characteristics: vegetation, lifestyle, inhabitants, sounds and smells. State of Wonder is an adventure worth undertaking. (excerpt from review posted at www.luxuryreading.com)

I was immediately hooked by Before I Go to Sleep. The premise is intriguing and at times haunting. The building of suspense and the immediacy of the pace makes for a very quick read. In the end, looking back at it, some things were just a bit too convenient. Though Christine is not able to make new memories, it seems that there are things she is able to remember or the story wouldn’t move as quickly. The novel takes an unexpected and devastating turn near the end, but even that turn felt a little contrived. (excerpt from review posted at www.luxuryreading.com)

In the isolated small community of Sweetwater, Idaho, a man is accused of burning down the house of a Muslim family. The man is Chas McPherson, a blackbelly sheep farmer who keeps to himself, but gives an honest opinion if asked. Chas's father, Franklin McPherson is now an elderly, mute man engulfed in Parkinson's disease. Franklin was once the wrathful and punishing preacher of the small town and has made only enemies. Chas, whether because of shame, guilt, refusal or other hidden feelings of his father is unable and unwilling to care for his ailing father. He posts a position for a nurse, he knows he needs help but describes a job no one would want to accept. Mattie accepts the job as a way to tackle and quiet her own past full of demons. Chas is unwelcoming, difficult and lonely. The secrets of each character are both further hidden and more exposed throughout, creating a rhythm of storytelling that is emotional and authentic. Extreme care is given to the descriptions of the isolated and rustic environment which only serves to further illustrate and enhance the feelings of isolation and guilt of each of the characters. The story takes some surprising turns and presents different accounts of faith, religion, guilt, shame and how those feelings can eventually lead to forgiveness, hope, and redemption. The themes dominate the story and invite you to rethink your own views. All at once a novel of crime and suspense with elements of a western and a drop of romance, this novel moves at a surprising tempo with shocking twists that will leave you at the end without realizing. Sharfeddin's foreshadowing is very quiet and subtle, her writing fluid and descriptive. The novel ends with in a perfect bow Idon't feel that quite fits the mood of the rest of the novel. Don't let that deter you, one small misstep doesn't discount the beauty and thoughfulness of the entire novel. (original review posted at www.luxuryreading.com)

Aside from each of their own published works, much of what is known of the Bronte family belongs to Charlotte. Her notes, childhood writings and biographies survive. But in this novel, Emily is given the voice and takes the lead. Giardina’s exploration pays off with a story that is thoughtful, emotional, and engaging. The story of Emily brings new facets to her character, she is all at once likable but remains true to her darker nature and shows emotion only on her own terms. Giardina gives Emily a voice to justify her reasons for independence while remaining close to, but very different than her sister Charlotte and other women of the 19th century. Giardina ends the story both historically truthful and tragic, while leaving doors open for more thought and possibility. Giardina remains focused on gracefully illuminating the woman capable of conceiving Wuthering Heights, while expanding upon the Emily which Charlotte only alludes, the thoughtful, resilient, and fiercely independent sister grounded in her beliefs, sometimes even against accepted woman's conventions. (excerpt from original posted at www.luxuryreading.com)

While Couch requires a very willing suspension of disbelief, the story is familiar and light-hearted enough to enjoy. Parzybok has taken an old tale and made it more familiar to the present. The adventure is engaging, rewarding and sprinkled with thought-provoking moments. With Couch driving the plot, the story’s magical realism and humor will hold your attention.