Category Archives: degraffenrj

Benediction by Kent Haruf

Posted on May 16, 2013 by degraffenrj

Haruf once again sets his story—this slice of life—in Holt, Colorado, a fictional town on the high plains.  Dad and Mary Lewis have been married for over 50 years.  The book chronicles the last few months of Dad’s life as … Continue reading →

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The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton

Posted on March 30, 2013 by degraffenrj

This sometimes drawn-out tale revolves around the life of Dorothy Nicolson and her family.  It moves between present day, 1959 and 1942.  Chapter headings help the reader keep track of the time frame.  Dorothy is dying and her daughter, Laurel, … Continue reading →

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American Ghost by Janis Owens

Posted on March 22, 2013 by degraffenrj

The author has been compared to Marjorie Rawlings and other famous Southern writers who provide insight into Southern culture.  This interesting saga delves into the culture of a backwater town in northern Florida where the residents – an inbred mix … Continue reading →

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Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver

Posted on December 14, 2012 by degraffenrj

Dellarobia wishes her life were even a fraction as interesting as her name.  Pregnant and married at 17, she lives with her husband in a home his parents built for them in the shadow of their own and under their … Continue reading →

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Prague Fatale by Phillip Kerr

Posted on November 26, 2012 by degraffenrj

This rambling mystery moves from Berlin to Prague as Bernie Gunther, recently on the Eastern Front with the German army, resumes his work as detective.  While investigating the death of a Dutch railway worker he becomes involved with a local … Continue reading →

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The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon

Posted on November 18, 2012 by degraffenrj

Mental institutions were exposed for the unspeakable places they were in the 1970’s.  The exposure led to the closing of most of these human warehouses and the development of education and community services for families and individuals with disabilities.  Laws … Continue reading →

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White Doves at Morning by James Lee Burke

Posted on October 30, 2012 by degraffenrj

Burke strays from his usual mystery genre, but not from his geography.   This Civil War tale is in part a story of his ancestors, Robert Perry and Willie Burke, and is set in and around New Iberia, Louisiana.  Willie is … Continue reading →

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The Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle

Posted on October 23, 2012 by degraffenrj

Sometimes called The Grapes of Wrath for Mexicans seeking refuge in the U.S., this political novel follows two families:  Candido and America; and Kyra and Delaney.  Candido has been to the U.S. many times, working and sending money home to … Continue reading →

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The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson

Posted on October 12, 2012 by degraffenrj

Laurel’s life is going according to plan.  She has come a long way from her trailer- trash beginnings in the hills of Alabama.  Happily married with an adored 12-year-old daughter, she lives in a “perfect” gated Florida community.  She hasn’t … Continue reading →

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Broken Harbor by Tana French

Posted on October 5, 2012 by degraffenrj

“Scorcher” Kennedy, top detective in Dublin’s Murder Squad, has been assigned a high priority, high profile case.  His bright and innovative partner is a rookie to the squad and eager to prove he is worthy.  Broken Harbor, now known as … Continue reading →

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