Book Reviews

Trust  by Hernan Diaz (2022) Four versions of a couple’s rise to power. Laura’s Rating: 3/5 Stars Plot : Benjamin Rask and his wife Helen are New York legends. Benjamin is a Wall Street tycoon and Helen’s aristocratic roots give her social clout. How exactly did they accumulate their wealth and influence? Well it depends on who you ask. Analysis : Okay, so the various perspectives and different documents are a great idea and work as an effective concept. However, most of the

A Short Stay in Hell  by Stephen L. Peck (2012) “ Anticipation is a gift. Perhaps there is none greater. Anticipation is born of hope. Indeed, it is hope’s finest expression. ”  Laura’s Rating: 4/5 Stars Plot : After devout Morman Soren Johansson dies, he wakes up in an afterlife that is nothing like what he expected. He finds himself in a seemingly endless library and is tasked with finding the book containing his life story. Analysis : It turns out Hell is nothing like what

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell (2012) “He made her feel like more than the sum of her parts.” Sigh .  Laura’s Rating: 4/5 Stars Plot : Awkward Eleanor has nowhere to sit on the bus. Until Park, the semi-outsider, reluctantly scoots over and shares his seat. What follows is a story of first time love among two misfits. Analysis : The adolescent yearning is absolute perfection. The love story is so simple, but so effective. Author Rainbow Rowell perfectly captures the awkward

Murder in Old Bombay  by Dev March (2020) A historical mystery set in British India and based on a true story. Laura’s Rating: 3/5 Stars Plot : Captain Jim Agnihotri is recovering in a military hospital in British India. After reading Sherlock Holmes to pass the time, he becomes intrigued by a case of two women falling to their deaths under mysterious circumstances. Analysis : This book isn’t bad, but it’s not great either. I was bored shortly after the initial setup and it f