The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards: Reader Review

The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

Rating: 4 out of 5 (very good)

Review: On a cold wintery, snowy night, a woman goes into labor. Her husband, a doctor himself, manages to get them to his office. His nurse, apparently in love with him, waits to help with the delivery. The first baby, a boy, is born perfect and beautiful. A second unexpected baby girl is born. As the doctor looks at his daughter he makes a decision to have his nurse take the baby to an institution. The baby has Down Syndrome. The wife is unaware and he wanted to protect her from a life with a child with Down Syndrome. The story spans 25 years. It is about the consequences of our decisions and their outcomes, how they affect the many lives we touch. A compelling story.

Reviewed by: e l

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter: Reader Review

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin

Rating: 4/5 (very good)

In 1979, a brief but meaningful friendship forms between Larry Ott, a white boy from a middle class family, and Silas, a poor black boy living in a cabin on the Otts' property. Things change forever when Larry takes a girl on a date and she never returns. The girl's body is never found and while there is no evidence linking Larry to a crime, a cloud of suspicion hangs over his head, making him an outcast. Fast forward to present day. Silas is now the town constable, a girl has gone missing, and everyone assumes Larry is involved. The question of the missing girls is central to the book but the real mystery is the secrets and painful past shared by Larry and Silas. The language of the book and the depth of the characters is wonderful, making you want to turn the pages faster in an already suspenseful novel.

Reviewed by: Jessica O.

Interested in other reviews for this book? Check out this one from the Washington Post.

In Her Shoes: Reader Review

Title: In Her Shoes

Genre: Adult Fiction

Author: Weiner, Jennifer

Rating: 4/5 (very good)

Review: Sisters Rose and Maggie have only one thing in common - their shoe size. One is smart, serious with an excellent career, the other looks to men for everything she needs and seems to have no plans for her future. All of Weiner's characters are well drawn; this is NOT chick lit. It is a book about families and how we survive and thrive in them.

Reviewed by: Kathy C.

Camilla by Madeleine L'Engle: Reader Review

Title: Camilla

Genre: Adult Fiction

Author: Madeleine L'Engle

Rating: 4/5 (very good)

Review: Camilla, a 15 year old school girl, deals with some very adult issues despite the fact that she doesn't want to grow up. As she confronts life, love, infidelity and disappointment she learns some very important life lessons. The writing flows and the author carries us along so we feel Camilla's triumphs and heartbreaks. Be aware though that Ms. L'Engel uses her characters to relay her religious beliefs.

Reviewed by: Mary M.