Title: Christy
Author: Catherine Marshall
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary: From Amazon "In the year 1912, nineteen-year-old Christy Huddleston leaves home to
teach school in the Smoky Mountains -- and comes to know and love the
resilient people of the region, with their fierce pride, their dark
superstitions, their terrible poverty, and their yearning for beauty and
truth. But her faith will be severely challenged by trial and tragedy,
by the needs and unique strengths of two remarkable young men, and by a
heart torn between true love and unwavering devotion."
Rating: Good
Why I Like It: I
really enjoyed re-reading this book. The last time I read it was 20
years ago! I found it to be really inspiring. I loved it being set in
the Smokey Mountains, a place I love to visit and hike. Also, I could
relate to working to help people but in the process having to face up to
the evil in the world. The book demonstrated to keep seeking God and
looking at His love. I felt like the ending was rushed, but I love the
book overall. I look forward to reading with my daughters when they are
teenagers.
Other: This had been made into a TV series in the 1990's. I plan on getting the DVD's from the library. Also, as a child my husband Luke was in a musical based on this book.
Reviewer: Brigette
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
The Irish Country Doctor
Title: The Irish Country Doctor
Author: Patrick Taylor
Genre: Fiction
Summary: From Amazon: "Barry Laverty, M.B., can barely find the Northern Ireland village of Ballybucklebo on a map when he first sets out to seek gainful employment there. But Barry jumps at the chance to secure a position as an assistant in a small rural practice. At least until he meets Dr. Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly...Through O'Reilly, Barry soon gets to know all of the village's colourful and endearing residents and a host of other eccentric characters who make every day an education for the inexperienced young doctor."
Rating: Good
Why I Like It: This book is easy to read and I love the immersion into Irish country life. I love all the different characters. Some people compare this to "All Creatures Great and Small". I think each book is good in their own right.
Other: This is the first in a series.
Reviewer: Brigette
Author: Patrick Taylor
Genre: Fiction
Summary: From Amazon: "Barry Laverty, M.B., can barely find the Northern Ireland village of Ballybucklebo on a map when he first sets out to seek gainful employment there. But Barry jumps at the chance to secure a position as an assistant in a small rural practice. At least until he meets Dr. Fingal Flahertie O'Reilly...Through O'Reilly, Barry soon gets to know all of the village's colourful and endearing residents and a host of other eccentric characters who make every day an education for the inexperienced young doctor."
Rating: Good
Why I Like It: This book is easy to read and I love the immersion into Irish country life. I love all the different characters. Some people compare this to "All Creatures Great and Small". I think each book is good in their own right.
Other: This is the first in a series.
Reviewer: Brigette
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Garlic and Sapphires
Title: Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise
Author: Ruth Reichl
Genre: Memoir
Summary: From Amazon: "Ruth Reichl, world-renowned food critic and former editor in chief of Gourmet magazine, knows a thing or two about food. She also knows that as the most important food critic in the country, you need to be anonymous when reviewing some of the most high-profile establishments in the biggest restaurant town in the world—a charge she took very seriously, taking on the guise of a series of eccentric personalities."
Rating: Good
Why I Like It: This book is really interesting to learn how a family food critic would go around New York and wear disguises. She really cared about the common person having a good experience at a restaurant.
Reviewer: Brigette
Author: Ruth Reichl
Genre: Memoir
Summary: From Amazon: "Ruth Reichl, world-renowned food critic and former editor in chief of Gourmet magazine, knows a thing or two about food. She also knows that as the most important food critic in the country, you need to be anonymous when reviewing some of the most high-profile establishments in the biggest restaurant town in the world—a charge she took very seriously, taking on the guise of a series of eccentric personalities."
Rating: Good
Why I Like It: This book is really interesting to learn how a family food critic would go around New York and wear disguises. She really cared about the common person having a good experience at a restaurant.
Reviewer: Brigette
Friday, January 8, 2016
The Big Stone Gap (#1), Big Cherry Holler (#2), Milk Glass Moon (#3), Return to Big Stone Gap (#4)
Title: The Big Stone Gap (#1), Big Cherry Holler (#2), Milk Glass Moon (#3), Return to Big Stone Gap (#4)
Author: Adriana Trigiani
Genre: fiction
Summary: Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the tiny town of Big Stone Gap is home to some of the most charming eccentrics in the state. Ave Maria Mulligan is the town's self-proclaimed spinster, a thirty-five year old pharmacist with a "mountain girl's body and a flat behind." She lives an amiable life with good friends and lots of hobbies until the fateful day in 1978 when she suddenly discovers that she's not who she always thought she was. Before she can blink, Ave's fielding marriage proposals, fighting off greedy family members, organizing a celebration for visiting celebrities, and planning the trip of a lifetime-a trip that could change her view of the world and her own place in it forever.
Rating: Great
Why I Like It: I love the audio-book recording that the author did herself! She grew up in Big Stone Gap, and her voice and accent gives local flavor and dialect. This is such a unique and sweet story, with very exciting characters!
Other: I haven't read the 4th book yet.
Reviewer: Avery
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Daddy-Long-Legs
Title: Daddy-Long-Legs
Author: Jean Webster
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Summary: From Amazon: "A trustee of the John Grier orphanage has offered to send Judy Abbott to college. The only requirements are that she must write to him every month and that she can never know who he is. Judy's life at college is a whirlwind of friends, classes, parties and a growing friendship with the handsome Jervis Pendleton. With so much happening in her life, Judy can scarcely stop writing to 'Daddy-Long-Legs', or wondering who her mysterious benefactor is..."
Rating: A good classic Why I Like It: I first read this book as a teen-ager. I liked it then, but I liked it even more now as an adult. This was the first book I ever read written in letter form. I think it is a fun way to tell a story. Re-reading this as an adult I was struck by how funny it was. I think I missed the humor as a teenager b/c of being at the same time in life as the main character.
Reviewer: Brigette Hill
Summary: From Amazon: "A trustee of the John Grier orphanage has offered to send Judy Abbott to college. The only requirements are that she must write to him every month and that she can never know who he is. Judy's life at college is a whirlwind of friends, classes, parties and a growing friendship with the handsome Jervis Pendleton. With so much happening in her life, Judy can scarcely stop writing to 'Daddy-Long-Legs', or wondering who her mysterious benefactor is..."
Rating: A good classic Why I Like It: I first read this book as a teen-ager. I liked it then, but I liked it even more now as an adult. This was the first book I ever read written in letter form. I think it is a fun way to tell a story. Re-reading this as an adult I was struck by how funny it was. I think I missed the humor as a teenager b/c of being at the same time in life as the main character.
Reviewer: Brigette Hill
Friday, January 1, 2016
The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax
Title: The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax
Author: Dorothy Gilman
Genre: Spy/action, with some comedy
Summary: From Amazon: "Mrs. Virgil (Emily) Pollifax of New Brunswick, New Jersey, was a widow with grown children. She was tired of attending her Garden Club meetings. She wanted to do something good for her country. So, naturally, she became a CIA agent. This time, the assignment sounds as tasty as a taco. A quick trip to Mexico City is on her agenda. Unfortunately, something goes wrong, and our dear Mrs. Pollifax finds herself embroilied in quite a hot Cold War--and her country's enemies find themsleves entangled with one unbelievably feisty lady." Rating: Great!
Why I Like It: This book is so much fun. Mrs. Pollifax is such an unlikely spy. She cares about the people around her, which leads to some funny situations and unexpected friendships. This is not a serious or grizzly spy book, but at the same time there is still action.
Other: This is part of a series of books. You don't have to read them in order, but references are made to past characters at times.
Reviewer: Brigette Hill
Summary: From Amazon: "Mrs. Virgil (Emily) Pollifax of New Brunswick, New Jersey, was a widow with grown children. She was tired of attending her Garden Club meetings. She wanted to do something good for her country. So, naturally, she became a CIA agent. This time, the assignment sounds as tasty as a taco. A quick trip to Mexico City is on her agenda. Unfortunately, something goes wrong, and our dear Mrs. Pollifax finds herself embroilied in quite a hot Cold War--and her country's enemies find themsleves entangled with one unbelievably feisty lady." Rating: Great!
Why I Like It: This book is so much fun. Mrs. Pollifax is such an unlikely spy. She cares about the people around her, which leads to some funny situations and unexpected friendships. This is not a serious or grizzly spy book, but at the same time there is still action.
Other: This is part of a series of books. You don't have to read them in order, but references are made to past characters at times.
Reviewer: Brigette Hill
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