Page Turners' Books 2017

2017 Books by Rating

1  The Nightingale                                                      4.7

2  A Man Called Ove                                                  4.5

3  Me Before You                                                       4.4

4  The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion            4.3

5  Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café     4.1

5  The Boys in the Boat                                               4.1

                                                  

6  The Book of Joy                                                      4.0

7  Camino Island                                                         3.9

8  A Reluctant Queen                                                  3.7

9  A Piece of the World                                               3.5

Because of the Sun                                                Unrated

A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline

"'Some memories are realities and are better than anything that can ever happen to one again.' Maybe so, I think. Maybe my memories of sweeter times are vivid enough, and present enough, to overcome the disappointments that followed. And to sustain me through the rest."
            -first line: Willa Cather from My Antonia, second part: Christina Olson, from this novel

I probably read this book at the wrong time. I had just finished galloping through a suspense thriller by Tami Hoag when I started A Piece of the World so it seemed quite dull by comparison. Too many words, too little action!

This blend of history and fiction is about Christina Olson who lives with her brother Al on the coast of Maine. She has a debilitating disease and that affliction and her circumstances hold her captive there in a very real way. Her world brightens when artist Andrew Wyeth comes to call and is inspired by the setting and by Christina herself. She becomes his muse. The story moves back and forth between the early 1900s and the 1940s fleshing out Christina's life before Wyeth, a sad story to be sure.

Wyeth's famous painting called Christina's World is inspired by Christina Olson. The art work is thought-provoking although I can't say I would buy a print to hang in my house. I certainly will never see it the same way after reading this book.

I felt Christina was more pitiable than likeable. The family relationships were interesting and likely an effect of the time and place. Being a part of the Olson family came with both burdens and blessings.

I was most impressed with the author's note where she shared her inspiration for the book and her extensive research and preparation. Because of that and the beauty of expression, I rate the book a 3. I didn't find it exciting or uplifting, surely not a page-turner but it was enlightening. I would guess that fans of Andrew Wyeth's work might really love the book.

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Our Page Turners group rated A Piece of the World a 3.5. There were only 2 votes of "5," so many agreed with me that the book was worthwhile reading by a skilled author but didn't draw us in as we would like. I had checked out a very large book called Christina's World which I passed around. It included text, photographs, drawings and prints of Wyeth's paintings from this period, a helpful and interesting companion for this novel.

The 9th Girl by Tami Hoag

"I lose my balance on these eggshells
You tell me to tread, I'd rather be a wild one instead
Don't wanna hang around the in-crowd
The cool kids aren't cool to me
They're not cooler than we are

     So hey, we brought our drum and this is how we dance

     No mistakin', we make our breaks, if you don't like our 808s
     Then leave us alone, cause we don't need your policies
     We have no apologies for being

Find me where the wild things are (oh my, we'll be alright, don't mind us)
Find me where the wild things are (oh my, we'll be just fine, don't mind us, yeah)"

-excerpt from "Wild Things," songwriters Tillman, Wuihun Ho, Caracciolo; sung by Alessia Cara

This was another page-turner by Tami Hoag, called "one of the hottest names in the suspense game" by People magazine. After several literary works, it's fund to read a good old murder mystery. My rating? A five for likeable characters, an intriguing, fast-paced plot and easy readability.

The story has detective partners Sam Kovac and Nikki Liska investigating the death of "Zombie Doe," a New Years Eve murder victim thought to be the 9th girl in a series of killings. The perp has earned the nickname Doc Holiday because the bodies have all been found on holidays.

When the story led to a group of troubled teens, including Liska's son, I wasn't sure if I'd really like the book. After learning their stories I couldn't help but sympathize with the kids. Is that the former 5th grade teacher in me? Absolutely.

It was surprising when the villain introduced himself in chapter 12 and announced his plans! I didn't expect to know the murderer so soon in the story but there's a reason for that....

About the quote above: The song "Wild Things" was used in a Jazzercise routine and when I listened to the lyrics, I couldn't help thinking of character Penny Gray and her poetry. I was also reminded of Jodi Picoult's novel Nineteen Minutes with its teen characters.

I was surprised by the ending with its unexpected twist. If you like crime novels, I think you'll enjoy The 9th Girl.