Two Dogs and a Book

The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O'Connor McNees My rating: 3 of 5 stars How can the author of one of the most read love stories be able to write such story when she, herself, was a "spinster"? This is what Kelly O'Connor McNees attempts to do in this fictional book about Louisa May Alcott, author of "Little women". She recaps the events of the summer of 1855 when Louisa May Alcott finds love and makes the decisions which will send her on her way to be a successful author. This is a light and enjoyable read. View all my reviews

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce My rating: 5 of 5 stars When faced with the imminent death of a dear friend, Harold Fry begins a long journey by foot from Kingsbridge, UK to Berwick-upon-Tweed, Scotland. Harold will walk over 600 miles (965 km) over a period of 87 days to reach his dying friend. In the course of his pilgrimage, Harold will meet several individuals who will offer him help to carry on his journey. At times, he will need physical help. Sometime, it will be emotional help. And when he really needs it, he will receive spiritual help. This is a beautiful book dealing with the inner conflicts of a man who is faced by his past and the decision he regrets. It is also a book of triumphs and finding what really matters. Be ready to laugh, to cry and to be moved. A must read! View all my reviews

The Birth House by Ami McKay My rating: 5 of 5 stars My friend Lynn recommended this book after I shared with her that my maternal grandmother was a midwife and healer. I told her how I wish she had passed on her knowledge to my mother so she would have done the same with me. My mom told me that her mother went through hardship because of her craft and that "modern medicine" killed the art of midwifing and providing care through natural remedies. My grandmother did not want my mom to go through the same harassment and did not pass on her art. How sad! The Birth House is a book just about that. How "modern medicine" discredited people using natural remedies and even outlawed midwifing. The book tells the story of a young lady who learns the midwifing and healing crafts from an older French woman in her community and how she has to face persecution from a local doctor and some men in the small town where she resides in Nova Scotia.

Gandhi: A Life Inspired by Lynn M. Hamilton My rating: 4 of 5 stars Short and sweet!!! I enjoyed this short biography of Gandhi. The author stayed away of the emotional drama that is often associated with the life of Gandhi. She stated the facts and made this book an enjoyable educational record telling. I knew a bit about his life; this book gave me a great insight on what motivated him and who he was and became. I recommend it. View all my reviews

The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian My rating: 4 of 5 stars The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian was a surprising read. The story is well structure moving from one character's point of view to another. It is the kind of story that leaves you thinking and wanting to correct injustice. It deals with the dark subject of sex trading. It shed a small light on how young girls are taken from their families to be trained to become modern courtesans. The story also deals with the repercussions of a man's indiscretion, the impact on his family and his attempt at redemption. Great book! View all my reviews