BOOKWORM REVIEW V

Peruse previous reviews posted on May 9, 2011, April 10, 2011, February 17, 2011 and September 14, 2010. Please become a follower of this blog, join me on Facebook and Twitter. I welcome suggestions of books to read which are available in the library system (MELSA in the Twin Cities, MN area).

Song Yet Sung by James McBride Three and a half worms
Difficult subject matter, slavery. Hard to read the “N-word” so much. I consider it distasteful since it is still used to dehumanize people. Compelling story but a bit confusing at times. A map in the front of the book would have helped with the geography. I had to take a break from it several times because the story was so horrific. The action was fast paced and exciting toward the end. Disturbingly well written.

Hit By a Farm by Catharine Friend Three worms
Two city-raised greenhorns encounter strife, sorrow and hilarity while starting a farm. Somehow they manage to raise sheep, poultry, and grow grape vines. I wonder why they didn’t serve an apprenticeship on a working farm before beginning their endeavor. They are fortunate to have survived physically, emotionally and financially. Good humor interspersed with the harsh reality of the life cycle. I know, I’ve spent a lot of time on farms.

Healer by Carol Cassella Three worms
Very descriptive focusing on a wealthy family thrown into financial crisis. It would have been nice to include a map in the front of the book. The character of the daughter is annoying. The ending is rushed. It could use more descriptors and a bit more follow up instead of an abrupt ceasing of the story line.

The Way Things Look To Me by Roopa Farooqi Two and a half worms
An interesting method of framing Asperger Syndrome (AS). I know several people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the description is authentic for those who are high functioning. However, the extended family wouldn’t have abandoned the kids. The ending is way too sappy.

Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom Two worms
Difficult connecting the disparate profiles until the final chapter. Pleasant fluffy literature. He completely excludes female religious leaders or even acknowledges that they exist, pathetic.


I have been favoring large type books lately. I really need a new pair of glasses with bifocals. No insurance and I can’t afford to purchase eyeglasses now. It would be nice if authors took time to make certain that the large type font books looked as nice as the regular edition. I really hate it when the text is hyphenated at the end of a line instead of bumped into the next line. It slows down reading when you have to assemble words. Some large type books bold all the words and that makes it difficult to read, too. Their paper is often of a lesser grade and no illustrations are included.

Seeking to reduce eyestrain.
©2011