An immersive saga of the construction of the Panama Canal, and the countless lives involved who were lost to history. The prose is vivid and engaging, painting a compelling portrait of historic Panama and its diverse population, both native and new, who are looking to be a part of a life altering project. Filled with vignettes of human connection, innovation, struggle and sacrifice, The Great Divide is a sobering look into its namesake: the devastating borders drawn between a nation and its people, between class, race, backgrounds, justice. With its wide array of characters, this novel is a tribute to the forgotten everyday people without whom we would not have world changing events and landmarks....more
Funny, dark, and thrilling, this suburban nail-biter shows housewives and book clubs in a whole new light. Filled https://instagram.com/p/Cj0IuBnL7qn/
Funny, dark, and thrilling, this suburban nail-biter shows housewives and book clubs in a whole new light. Filled with angst, action, and reflection, we follow Patricia Campbell’s supernatural war against her neighbor, a manipulative bachelor who preys at night. All of Grady Hendrix’s novels have such an enticing blend of humor and horror, of emotional turmoil and in many ways is so relatable. He delivers yet another bloody roller coaster that manages to be both terrifying and touching....more
An eerie and varied collection of tales about the ghosts, literal and metaphorical, that plague us. Using sarcasm and shock value, Joe Hill explores tAn eerie and varied collection of tales about the ghosts, literal and metaphorical, that plague us. Using sarcasm and shock value, Joe Hill explores the things that keep us up at night: intrusive thoughts, paranormal entities, and, possibly most frightening, the everyday predators that lurk around us. A deep and well rounded group of stories. ...more
A dark, sensual drama of secrets and love lost. Told in alternating times and points of view we see the damage that unkept promises cause, the consequA dark, sensual drama of secrets and love lost. Told in alternating times and points of view we see the damage that unkept promises cause, the consequences of lust, loyalty, honor. Filled with anger and resolve, this novel attests to the power of words and vows, to love and the quest of justice and freedom. ...more
An utterly chilling descent into madness. A controversial, but not entirely incorrect statement on class, workplace culture, toxic masculinity, and poAn utterly chilling descent into madness. A controversial, but not entirely incorrect statement on class, workplace culture, toxic masculinity, and power dynamics....more
A bizarre cat and mouse game of secrets, malice, and ambition. There are twists and turns from beginning to end, and a cast of wonderfully unlikable cA bizarre cat and mouse game of secrets, malice, and ambition. There are twists and turns from beginning to end, and a cast of wonderfully unlikable characters. Loyalties and understanding shift every chapter. A fun book club read. ...more
A mind-bending novel of paranoia, revenge, and questioning everything you think you know. Through blackouts and explosive conflicts, we see the fragilA mind-bending novel of paranoia, revenge, and questioning everything you think you know. Through blackouts and explosive conflicts, we see the fragility of trust under stress, in others as well as in ourselves. We see how easy memories can be influenced, how difficult it is to let go of vengeful thinking. This novel features a number of twists and is overflowing with tension; a solid choice for bookclub. ...more
A delightful, quirky murder mystery. I read this for a monthly bookclub, and felt that it was a great choice because of its quick pace, interesting twA delightful, quirky murder mystery. I read this for a monthly bookclub, and felt that it was a great choice because of its quick pace, interesting twists, and unique, enjoyable characters. And although it was a lot of fun to read, it also had moments that were emotional. This is great for people who enjoy cozy mysteries, and it will absolutely be fun to discuss in groups. Would also translate well to a film. Recommended. ...more
A gorgeous read that will make you want to explore. It’s been a while since I have adored a main character so much; from the first few pages we are soA gorgeous read that will make you want to explore. It’s been a while since I have adored a main character so much; from the first few pages we are so endeared to Kya and her journey. The descriptions of nature are fascinating, feeling both realistic and somewhat magical at the same time. The story weaves such a powerful narrative on the cycle of heartbreak and healing that I found myself emotional a few times. Very highly recommended. ...more
A fantastic example of the psychological thriller genre. Gritty, dark, and forceful, filled with action, and concealing a devastating twist. The war sA fantastic example of the psychological thriller genre. Gritty, dark, and forceful, filled with action, and concealing a devastating twist. The war subplot also adds a grim realistic edge to this novel. Haunting and memorable. ...more
Overall, it was okay. It was humorous at times, and an interesting take on the idea of “wellness” the twist was fairly surprising. Although I found myOverall, it was okay. It was humorous at times, and an interesting take on the idea of “wellness” the twist was fairly surprising. Although I found myself favoring certain characters far more than others. ...more
Interesting and intense. This would definitely translate well into a thriller film. While it is definitely unrealistic at times, there are fun twists Interesting and intense. This would definitely translate well into a thriller film. While it is definitely unrealistic at times, there are fun twists and turns and it is face paced. Good for any thriller fan. ...more
Heart shattering. A tale of friendship, choices, and consequences. Lisa See always captures culture and history with such vivid beauty that you feel iHeart shattering. A tale of friendship, choices, and consequences. Lisa See always captures culture and history with such vivid beauty that you feel in the moment. This novel’s greatest strength is showing the ups and downs of friendship, the bitterness of betrayal and misunderstanding, and the soul moving power of forgiveness and healing. one of her best works to date....more