Wendy

The Afterword of this book is the best part!
It gives the background and motivation of the author as she pursues this oft-overdone topic. I found it the most heartfelt and sincere prose in the entire volume!

But... This book just tries too hard. The convuluted plot (hinting at Vatican intrique, for example, but never really resolving the issue) offers a semi-sweet plot about yet another adorable heroine who follows her heart and her head into a mystery that repeats the thoughts of Dan Brown and others. Was Mary Magdalene married to Jesus? If so, what are the political and religious implications?

Holy Blood, Holy Grail did this so much better, and without the thinly drawn characters.

My biggest objection was the interplay between pseudogospel to tell the story of MM and the present day mystery. I found myself wishing the gospel sequences had been shortened and summararized. I had a hard time relating to the reader as well.

It appears that this is the first of a trilogy, but I doubt I'll take the time to read the sequels.

Mary Mallon, a young, fiesty Irish immigrant, has been historically labeled as "Typhoid Mary" for over a century. Tied to multiple outbreaks of typhoid fever in families and facilities where she was employed as cook, she was eventually tracked down, and held in semi isolation for many years of her life.

The charm of this book is the fictionalization and glimpse into New York City at the turn of the 20th century. The medical climate is primitive by today's standards, but understandable and well portrayed. The plight of the residents of the ethnic neighborhoods generates a deeper understanding of the era.

The author weaves a wonderful mix of history and fiction, bringing characters to life as they share the challenges of their lives, their poverty, and their connections.

Well worth the read....

I've not been a total Barbara Kingsolver fan... some of her books were amazing, and others lost me in the first chapter .... I did have to listen to the first part 3 times before I understood where she was headed, but after that I was hooked.
This is a story of culture clashes, environmental issues, and the human condition. Dellarobia, an unlikely heroine, is a bright and articulate woman who is married to the dullard who fathered her children, and stuck in a life of second hand stores and family dysfunction. As she witnesses an environmental oddity, she is thrust into a world that has been hidden from her by her own fate.
Kingslover weaves a great tale of values, yet some of the story lines get tied up in a hurried manner. Her narration is crisp, but the character voices are a bit beyond her range. That aside, the story is satisfying and enlightening on many levels.

After devouring and adoring "Breakfast with Buddha," I found this book to be similar but not quite as earth shattering. As with most of us intrigued by Buddhism, the lead character, Eddy, becomes acquainted with Geoff, a practicing Buddhist. Their interactions form the context of the story, the ups and downs of everyday life. Geoff's gentle guidance helps Eddy begin to reassess his life and his responses. The story helps develop the pretexts of Buddhism without being preachy or overzealous.

The narrator's accent made some words difficult for my ear, but overall, well done with a great message.

Altho the story is a little contrived, the message and the teachings of Buddhism come thru in this wonderful book. I could easily picture the midwestern landmarks and the characters traversing the country. I wanted to be in the back seat llistening to their every word. I laughed and cried and had to back up the iPod several times to truly absorb the wisdom that the Rinpoche shared thru everyday experiences and delights. Even thought this is fiction, the teachings were clear and easy to understand.

I've been reading a lot about yoga (I'm a dedicated yoga practitioner), India, Buddhism and Hinduism.

The Rinpoche!

The gentle teachings of the Rinpoche, set in every day experiences.... much easier to internalize and integrate.

I didn't want it to end. I wish there was a sequel!

Short little book ... really no depth to the content, it's really more of Betty's recollections and thoughts and wisdom... but an enjoyable listen because there is no one like Betty White.

I had seen Gretchen Rubin on CBS Sunday Morning and immediately bought the book! And I'm so glad I did. I was constantly feeling uplifted and grateful for her Happiness Project and her candid journey through a year of her life. While I would have not had the patience or inclination to research the topic as thoroughly as she did, I appreciate the work she used to lay a sound foundation for her project. Her tenacity was amazing (I don't do flow sheets!).
I found this book to be uplifting and entertaining. It gave me a lot of food for thought and I came to appreciate more the things I do to bring happiness to my life. I've become an avid reader of her blog. The grass is greener in our own backyards, if we just know how to look at it. Her suggestions can be applied to just about any setting.
Highly recommended (and I'm going to get the print version, cuz underlining books makes me happy!)

I didn't think this would ever end... Too many characters, too many plot lines, and since I really am not interested in WW1 history, I was relieved when it was over. Unlike Follett's Pillars of the Earth and World Without End, I could not really embrace the characters (except for Billy-With-Jesus who ended up playing a minor role). Most of the stories revolved around more despicable individuals and the "accidental" meetings tried to tie the threads together. I was pleased to see Follett include the Christmas soccer game in No Man's Land, but the rest felt contrived and overwritten. I won't be buying the sequels. The Two Star rating is more for John Lee's wonderful narration than for the content. Lee's voice and pacing are simply amazing but not enough to overcome the content.

I hae truly enjoyed Kris Radish's books over the years. Stories of strong women becoming empowered and finding their paths. But this one was just a waste of time. It was almost painful to read, and I found myself drifing off and away from the story.
Addy Lipton, the somewhat protagonist, is shakled to her husband Lucky, for whom the many years of marriage have anesthesized him into a lackluster existance governed by his overflowing garage, the Kingdom of Krap.
There is, of course, the straw that breaks Lucky's back and the couple retreat to their own worlds. The ending is very unsatisfactory, and if I had been Addy, I would have kicked Lucky to the curb long before this story ended. Radish needs to stick to stories of women.... let the guys fnd their own entertainment.
A total waste of time.