Reader Review: "The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece"

by Gloria M (San Jose): It is crystal clear that Tom Hanks loves movies. He loves acting, he loves the process, and most importantly he loves all the people involved with movies. "The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece" is a love letter to all the casts and crews, from the superstars to the extras and the directors to the gofers. It is also a gentle rebuke to those of us who say negative things about movies. Instead of panning and bad mouthing a movie, it is kinder to merely say something akin to "the film in question was not for me, but I certainly appreciate all the work that went into it."
Tom Hanks is a most excellent writer! I admit I was a bit skeptical as I opened the front cover and began to read, but this was based on my erroneous assumption that his first book, a collection of short stories sold only because of his fame (I have not read that one yet.) This is a well woven, intricate tale with fully fleshed out characters that you instantly become enraptured with. My personal favorites are Al Mac-Teer, Wren Lane and Ynez Gonzalez-Cruz, but I fully support you choosing your own dearest ones! With all of Hank's inside knowledge of the industry we are embedded in the backstage procedures and dramas and there are even actual comics!
Who will like this book? Everyone! The book actually feels heavier than usual hardcovers in my hands and the plot is equally dense and satisfying! I definitely will re-read it at some point and I look forward to Hanks' next novel!!

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Reader Review: "North Woods"

by Deborah C. (Highland Park, NJ): This book might be subtitled, "What we do for love": love of place, nature, parents, children, siblings; romantic love and illicit love, platonic and physical.
This remarkable collection of linked stories is told in different voices from different times, with many contemporaneous social and cultural issues explored. These range from colonial settlers in the 17th century, to apple growers in the 18th, to the slave catcher in mid-19th century, the séance in the early 20th century, and the treatment of mental illness in the mid-20th.
There are riddles, ballads, and ghost stories, and writing that seems to come right from the first-hand accounts of captured colonial settlers as well as Victorian authors like Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins, and 1950's-60's pulp crime fiction. The North Woods gradually comes into view as the dense forests and mountains of western Massachusetts. Over time the forest is transformed by nature and man, and yet the home site, a yellow house built in the 1700's, remains, serving as place for varied epiphanies as it is visited by new people and old ghosts. As the author writes, "The only way to see the world other than a tale of loss is to see it as a tale of change."
This book captures both loss and change, giving a vivid and thought-provoking perspective on humans and their humanity across time

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Reader Review: "Mercury Pictures Presents"

by Lynne Lambert: Anthony Marra is no stranger to good reviews, but until I read Mercury Pictures Presents, his latest novel, I was a stranger to his work. But, if Mercury Pictures Presents introduced me to anything, it was to a cast of characters richly developed, prose, especially dialogue, that sparkles and crackles, and to a slice of WWII history that resonates today as it threatens to repeat itself. It also insists that I have some Anthony Marra catching up to do. The novel captures the big picture through the lens of a Leica camera's prints and movie studio films. It focuses on the idea of imposed boundaries and restricted opportunities for marginalized people: women, refugees, the ethically profiled, and those caught in the sticky web of politics. It is a time capsule of the 1930's-40's, but a capsule with unusual artifacts from very different places – the artificial world of Hollywood, California, and the surreal world of Fascist Italy. The Feldman brothers, twins around whom the novel circles, thrive on a love-hate relationship as they run a B level Hollywood film studio, Mercury Pictures. Artie and Ned have different visions for the future of Mercury Pictures which lead them to follow different trajectories. They may be twins, but they couldn't be more different temperamentally. The characters who revolve around them include actors, artists, technicians, financiers, producers and secretaries with larger ambitions than the typing pool. Many of them are immigrants fleeing the war in Europe and hoping for new opportunities in America. Hollywood film studios are a mecca for this fantasy. Two women stand out, one Italian and one German. Each is an emigre from the chaos of Fascist Europe. Each is fleeing personal demons. Each is able to use her skill set to manipulate the American dream. Thematically, the novel is a constant reminder that appearance and reality are rarely the same thing. The internal and external worlds of the novel are saturated with propaganda – lies to instill patriotism, lies to instill fear, lies to tell oneself, lies to tell the world, lies to bury in the past to make the present more livable. While the novel balances on a world at war, the characters within the novel each battle their own private wars. They navigate a world where one set of restrictions can become another set of restrictions, where survival often dictates betrayal, and family ties both hold and break. It is a novel of big ideas and big personalities. It is also a novel imbued with wit, delicious descriptions, intricate plot lines that could complicate but instead elucidate, and surprising historical revelations. In short, Mercury Pictures Presents deserves top billing on everyone's current reading (or even re-reading) list.

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Reader Review: "Rich Dad, Poor Dad"

by Rashi: "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki is a thought-provoking and eye-opening book that challenges conventional notions about money, wealth, and financial education. With its unique narrative style and insightful teachings, the book provides readers with a fresh perspective on how to achieve financial success and independence.
Kiyosaki contrasts the financial philosophies of his "rich dad" (his best friend's father) and his "poor dad" (his biological father). Through their differing beliefs and approaches to money, Kiyosaki explores the idea that financial literacy and mindset are more important than income. He emphasizes the significance of learning about money, investing, and making it work for you, rather than working for money alone.
One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to simplify complex financial concepts. Kiyosaki breaks down topics like assets, liabilities, and passive income in a way that is easy to understand for readers with limited financial background. His use of personal anecdotes and relatable examples helps drive home his key points effectively.
The concept of "making money work for you" is a recurring theme throughout the book. Kiyosaki encourages readers to shift their mindset from being employees to becoming investors and entrepreneurs. He advocates for taking calculated risks and seeking opportunities to generate passive income streams, which ultimately lead to financial freedom.
However, some critics argue that the book oversimplifies certain aspects of financial planning and investing. The advice to invest in real estate and start one's own business might not be suitable for everyone, as these endeavors come with their own risks and challenges. Additionally, Kiyosaki's criticism of formal education might be polarizing for some readers, as education remains an important factor in achieving success in various fields.
In conclusion, "Rich Dad Poor Dad" is a must-read for those looking to expand their financial knowledge and break free from traditional financial norms. While not every piece of advice may apply to all readers, the book's underlying message about financial education, mindset, and the pursuit of financial independence is undeniably valuable. Robert Kiyosaki's candid storytelling and unconventional wisdom make this book a compelling read for anyone seeking to reshape their financial future.

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Reader Review: "The Connellys of County Down"

by kdowli01 (Falls Church, VA): This was so good! I absolutely loved all the characters, and it was surprisingly emotional. This is the next book by the author of We Are the Brennans, which I didn't dislike, but didn't love it like others seemed to. For whatever reason, this book spoke to me so much more!
This starts with Tara Connelly getting released from prison after serving 18 months for drug trafficking. She goes back home to live with her brother and sister, who each have their own secrets, which all come together in a way that risks their family and Tara's newfound freedom.
I loved how every character had their (in some cases very significant) issues, and how real the interactions between them felt. It was easy to root for each of them but also dislike each of them in turn. I ended up just a hair shy of 5 stars because some parts came together slightly too perfectly and I was just so frustrated by some stupid decisions, but this was still such a good read!

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Reader Review: "If We Were Villains"

by Joeji (Austria): t's one of the best stories I've ever read. The characters have flaws, obviously that makes it better. They are very well written! I won't reread for at least the next 4 years, that's how long it's going to take me to get over it. It's the perfect book for the dark academic aesthetic. You grow to love and hate certain characters and, of course, the revenge and the hate somebody can keep inside. That hate that develops the moment somebody hurts what they love. Don't get me wrong, the book is, indeed, mostly about love. But just not directly, but covered with fear, hate and the feeling of being lost. Most of all you see the intense passion they have for acting, Shakespeare as well as for themselves. The characters they play become their own. Shakespeare, for that matter is the main character, the villain and the savior at the same time.

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Reader Review: "A Council of Dolls"

by Munmi: Mona Susan Power's "A Council of Dolls" intricately threads the lives of three Yanktonai Dakota women across generations, from the 19th century to the present day. Sissy, Lillian, and Cora's stories unfold against a backdrop ranging from Chicago to ancestral lands and oppressive Indian boarding schools. Ethel, Mae, and Winona, the dolls they hold dear, symbolize their strength and endurance. Power's exquisite prose navigates the complex relationships and harrowing experiences, while weaving a hopeful narrative of love and healing. This novel stands as a modern masterpiece, tenderly exposing the indelible wounds of history and celebrating the unbreakable spirit of Indigenous resilience.

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Reader Review: "Loot"

by Kolin (Alberta): Loot is a captivating and ambitious novel that explores the impact of imperialism on culture, identity, and love. Tania James skillfully blends historical facts with imaginative fiction, creating a vivid and rich world full of memorable characters and scenes. The novel is not only a thrilling story of a hero's quest, but also a thoughtful reflection on the meaning of art, beauty, and belonging in a changing world. I enjoyed reading Loot because it was well-written, engaging, and original. I learned a lot about the history and culture of India and France in the 18th and 19th centuries, and I was fascinated by the mechanical tiger and its symbolism. The novel has some flaws, such as uneven pacing, too many subplots, and some anachronisms. However, these did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.

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Reader Review: "Time's Mouth"

by Gloria M (San Jose): This is the third published work of fiction by Edan Lepucki and it is my favorite! It pulls you in from the first page as the "mouth of time" explains, "I'm not time, but I hold it." We are then introduced to Sharon, abused by her now deceased father, experiencing for the first time her remarkable ability that will set the tone of her life, and her descendants and the women who choose to "follow" her as she becomes Ursa.    I feel very uncomfortable reading about children in peril,  so often I found it necessary to close this book and take a break before I could resume. Yes, I am fully cognizant that they are merely characters on a page, but this does not alter my emotions. It is reflective of Lepucki's skill as a writer that this narrative is woven so intricately and compellingly that I simply must return to see where it went.   
I was never disappointed and  enjoyed learning about Ray and Cherry and Opal and was satisfied with their journey and the conclusion of "Time's Mouth,"  which is not always the case since endings are hard!!  I heartily recommend grabbing this one off the shelf!!

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