P L Gurney

One of the best books I’ve read

Reviewed: 01-16-23

I’m such a Barbara Kingsolver fan, and I can’t help but worry with each new book that she’ll disappoint since I love her books so much. I’m here to tell you this one did not! On the contrary, it is probably my favorite of hers to date, and that’s saying something. The title character is so beautifully and vividly drawn; I fell in love with this kid by the end of the first page. As always, we are transported to a place that is vastly underrepresented. Those who complain the book is “too sad” are missing the point. This is as real as fiction can get, and I believe is a central function of true art. The artist/writer illuminates something our eyes have perhaps seen, but have refused or perhaps been unable to perceive until their work uncovers it. I will be thinking about this book and the people brought to life in it for a long time. The Audible book is a treat; so well done. Don’t miss this one.

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1 person found this helpful

Well done, Beth!

Reviewed: 02-02-21

I know little to nothing about chess, but that deficit on my part did nothing to dim the brilliance of this wonderful tale. We root for orphan Beth from the first pages, and her triumphs and failures feel personal. The TV series strayed a bit from the book, but both are well worth enjoying from start to finish.

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Just. Could. Not.

Reviewed: 01-06-21

I tried. I really did. I have impeccable Latinx and Mestizo cred: my paternal family are descendants of original land grant holdings from the Spanish empire settlers of the early 18th century in SW New Mexico. My maternal grandparents emigrated to NM in 1912 for work. My mat Great GF was Tarahuamara Indian; my mat GF's mother was Chiricahua Apache, from the same people of Geronimo. I found these tales incredibly stilted and pandering view of our people that only contribute to the ongoing misunderstanding of our heritage. I beg you. Don't waste your time (like I did). And please don't listen to this author.

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Great rollicking read from start to finish.

Reviewed: 12-17-20

Entertaining and riveting tale of intrigue amd current.post cild war undercover action. love these characters.

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Great tale by a master storyteller

Reviewed: 11-02-20

I love the way Dean Koontz seamlessly weaves magical elements into his wonderful stories. Anyone who loves dogs (or any animals) will appreciate the way he honors his non human characters. I would have given this 5 stars but the way the narrator annoyingly portrayed the women in this book (breathless, a bit ditzy sounding, when they are upset or angry?) really detracted from my overall employment of and ability to get lost in the story.

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I tried. I really did. Made no sense.

Reviewed: 05-04-19

Maybe aome people liked this performance. It's obviously the soundtrack to a short film. I really really really did not like this.

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A can't miss: one of my favorite books this year

Reviewed: 01-13-19

I was mesmerized from the start. I appreciate so much her honesty and vulnerability as she tells us about her struggles and triumphs. I especially loved hearing it told in her voice.
I especially resonated with her ongoing wrestling with issues of race, poverty, privilege, womanhood, motherhood. I laughed and wept: few books have moved me as this one has.
I've talked with a few other women, my age, older, younger, who have also read it. We all feel like she's our friend: a real friend who tells it straight and sticks with us through thick and thin.
Thank you, Michelle (I can't help but speak this way! You opened your heart to the world; my address is acknowledgement of a deep connection you make wherever you go, whatever you do.) You go, girl.

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