Two Dogs and a Book

Mistress Of Nothing by Kate Pullinger My rating: 3 of 5 stars This is the next book we will be discussing at my book club. I liked it, but found it dragging at times. The character of Lucy Duff Gordon was so likable at the the beginning of the book and so despicable half way through. I really never understood why she despised Sally so much. On the other hand, I had a hard time feeling sympathy for Sally Naldrett for what she did with Omar Abu Halaweh. "I was full of passion, he said; I have always been full of passion, he said, I'd just never had a chance to display it before." This passion brought much heartache to Sally. Sally's love for Omar was understandable, but logic should have prevailed when the fire started to burn between them. Sally's journey is painful and full of obstacles. I do admire her determination and dedication to her son and I feel she found peace at last, although sadness never left her completely. This book was a beautiful windo...

White Dog Fell from the Sky by Eleanor Morse My rating: 4 of 5 stars One sentence from the book says it all: "It's a fearful thing to love what death can touch." This book is like a lover's kiss which leaves you breathless. I could not put it down. It was like it was the only thing that could quench my thirst. I had to know what the next chapter would bring. I knew at a high level what happened in South Africa during the Apartheid, but that's only the tip of the iceberg. This book has shared with me the humanity of this period. It helped me realise the fear, the pain and the torment that were part of the every day lives of South Africans. Eleanor Morse brought Africa to life in a spectacular way. Her descriptions are harmonious and breath taking. It makes you want to go there and see for yourself the beauty of this landscape. She also deals with real subjects and brings to light the horror that mankind imposed on wildlife and the people of Africa. The st...

Sleeping in Eden: A Novel by Nicole Baart My rating: 4 of 5 stars Sleeping in Eden is a fantastic novel. The story line is strong and well presented by journeying you from one situation to another without ever leaving lost on the curb. Nicole Baart' handle of the English language is indisputable. Her choice of words to describe scenery and characters is poetic and vivid. One of my favorite quote from the book is: "The God she met in Sunday school, and believed in without cause for doubt, did not worry himself with little girls and their bicycles. He had bigger problems, like famine, world peace and orchestrating and Armageddon of alarming proportions." What a way to express how this little girl thought of God. Well put! This novel will not be available before April 2, 2013, but it is well worth the wait!! I wish there were half stars on this site... I would have given it 4.5 stars!!! View all my reviews

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick My rating: 4 of 5 stars A dear friend of mine gave me this book for Christmas. I was not sure what to expect. I have read many supernatural books; some great... some not so great. I knew this one was about angels and fallen angels, but didn't really know much more about it. I was pleasantly surprised by how interesting the story is. I wish the main character would stay put when she is told to, but I guess we are all very curious and must investigate the thump in the dark. I enjoyed the chemistry between Nora and Patch and easily came to the conclusion that I would not want to meet the villains in a dark alley. This is the first book in a series of four. I am hooked and will get the other books to see where the story goes or flies!! View all my reviews

The Memory Clinic: Stories of Hope and Healing for Alzheimer's Patients and Their Families by Tiffany Chow My rating: 5 of 5 stars Wow!! What an appropriate book for this time in my life!! I entered a giveaway to win this book and I kept my finger crossed, hoping to be selected. What a joy when I found out I was one of the winners. Let me explained why this book was so important to me. My mom has been diagnosed with Alzheimer two years ago. When I found out I was devastated. My mom's dad (my grandfather) died of complications of dementia and suffered from Alzheimer too. I have horrible memories of his last days and I could only imagine my mother going through the same and it scared me. There is no cure for Alzheimer... yet!! When I read the book synopsis, I knew I needed to read it. I want to know what I can do to reduce my chance to get Alzheimer. Let's be honest here.. my grand-father had it, my mom has it... I don't want to be an ostrich and ignore the risks by...

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor My rating: 4 of 5 stars Laini succeeded to write another fascinating and exciting book in this series. I love the characters and the story is getting more and more interesting. The sudden and totally unexpected "revirements" near the end of the book caught me by surprise and I loved it. What are they, you ask? Well they have to do with a big white wolf and a hero that sacrifices himself for the cause of saving the Chimeras and a certain bad angel with a big scar who wants to take over the world! Mooaaaahhhh!! Fabulous plot! Can't wait for the next book... well I guess I will have to wait until 2014 when it will be published (sigh).. View all my reviews

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins My rating: 5 of 5 stars I got to read this book for my book club. At first I was afraid that I might have difficulties with the language as it was written in 1871 (if I remember well). Surprisingly, although it was a long book, it was quite easy to read. I enjoyed the different testimonies offered by the witnesses of the story. I particularly enjoyed Gabriel Betteredge's testimonies and his constant reference to Robinson Crusoe. I will have to read Robinson Crusoe to appreciate it as much as he did. :) The book also allowed small glimps on how patients were treated in those times and the use of opium as a common remedy. Wilkie Collins owns strong descriptive skills and offers beautiful imagery throughout the book. I enjoyed this book tremendously. What a delight! View all my reviews