Friday, March 25, 2016

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin

** 2 stars

This is definitely a situation where the movie is better than the book.  I saw the movie a few weeks ago and absolutely LOVED it.  The movie was just lovely in all respects. But I did feel the movie could have done a bit better job explaining some of the character's motivations.  So, I read the book expecting perhaps to discern some of that.  But no. If anything, the movie actually explained some things better than the book.  To be honest, I was actually pretty disappointed in the book. I'm grateful that I didn't try to read the book first as I might have skipped the movie!  This is the same situation I found myself in with Julie and Julia; great movie; terrible book!

Blackberry Winter by Sarah Jio

**** 4 stars

I found this to be entertaining and a quick read.  It's really quite sad and some of the plots turns might defy credibility but I enjoyed reading it.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

***** 5 stars

A re-read; still just as readable and heart-breaking and bittersweet as the first time I read it.  I love this book. Period.  I'm looking forward to the movie in June!

Vintage Fashion Complete by Nicky Albretchsen

***** 5 stars

Gorgeous and humongous coffee-table photo book with vintage fashions.  Arranged by eras as well as by themes and elements.  I just loved looking through the photos of real vintage clothing and accessories.

Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman

**** 4 stars

This was a book club selection.  I enjoyed it quite a lot and it generated some really good conversation at book club.  Good cast of characters and a nice, rather gentle read.

The Widow by Fiona Barton

**** 4 stars

I've gotten behind in my blogging, so it's been about a month since I read this and I find I am not remembering very much about it.  I did really like it, though, and it kept me engaged. It was entertaining and gripping.

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

* 1 star

Did not finish.  Not my cup of tea; there's a lot of love for this book on GR and a lot of hate, too.  I found it pretty tedious and wasn't enjoying it at all.