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Recommend this book:
The Broken Hummingbird
A Novel
Ann Marie Jackson
2024 Finalist
328 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite
Jane, her husband, Kevin, and two young sons, Liam and Connor, are part of a vibrant community of other ex-pats from the United States in San Miguel, Mexico. A local organization, Casa Mía, funds the construction of ten houses per year for families without a solid roof over their heads. Jane's heart aches for a hard-working woman named Nayeli. She wants her daughters, Dulce and Lupita, to get a proper education instead of making bricks with their mother. Jane vows to find additional funding to build them a house and soothe Nayeli's husband Pablo's violent temper. But Jane is trapped in a dysfunctional marriage with a bully husband who threatens to take her sons away. Jane cannot leave San Miguel, her true home, where her children are happy. An artistic soul, she has eerie dreams with heavenly messengers, hummingbirds. Will she be able to stand her ground against Kevin and help Nayeli? The Broken Hummingbird by Ann Marie Jackson is for fans of family and psychological drama, and novels centered around women.
The Broken Hummingbird shows us many sides of Mexico. Ann Marie Jackson creates an impressive background to reveal a dangerous world of domestic violence, kidnapping, and even "brujas," Mexican fortune-tellers, hidden behind the bright facade of a festive and beautiful San Miguel. Jackson's prose is psychologically profound and realistic, which makes us realize that she is familiar with San Miguel de Allende. I loved the powerful message of the novel. Jackson uncompromisingly raises the themes of women's rights, bullying, and domestic abuse, be it physical violence or psychological pressure on a victim. We follow Jane's development through many trials and confrontations with her manipulative husband. Also, we witness how passionately Jane absorbs Mexican culture, refining her inner world. Jackson crafted a reliable main character calling for our sympathy and compassion. Rich symbolism complements the strong plotline of this inspirational novel. Overall, The Broken Hummingbird is a remarkable debut of a talented author.
Jane, her husband, Kevin, and two young sons, Liam and Connor, are part of a vibrant community of other ex-pats from the United States in San Miguel, Mexico. A local organization, Casa Mía, funds the construction of ten houses per year for families without a solid roof over their heads. Jane's heart aches for a hard-working woman named Nayeli. She wants her daughters, Dulce and Lupita, to get a proper education instead of making bricks with their mother. Jane vows to find additional funding to build them a house and soothe Nayeli's husband Pablo's violent temper. But Jane is trapped in a dysfunctional marriage with a bully husband who threatens to take her sons away. Jane cannot leave San Miguel, her true home, where her children are happy. An artistic soul, she has eerie dreams with heavenly messengers, hummingbirds. Will she be able to stand her ground against Kevin and help Nayeli? The Broken Hummingbird by Ann Marie Jackson is for fans of family and psychological drama, and novels centered around women.
The Broken Hummingbird shows us many sides of Mexico. Ann Marie Jackson creates an impressive background to reveal a dangerous world of domestic violence, kidnapping, and even "brujas," Mexican fortune-tellers, hidden behind the bright facade of a festive and beautiful San Miguel. Jackson's prose is psychologically profound and realistic, which makes us realize that she is familiar with San Miguel de Allende. I loved the powerful message of the novel. Jackson uncompromisingly raises the themes of women's rights, bullying, and domestic abuse, be it physical violence or psychological pressure on a victim. We follow Jane's development through many trials and confrontations with her manipulative husband. Also, we witness how passionately Jane absorbs Mexican culture, refining her inner world. Jackson crafted a reliable main character calling for our sympathy and compassion. Rich symbolism complements the strong plotline of this inspirational novel. Overall, The Broken Hummingbird is a remarkable debut of a talented author.
Recommend this book:
When Banana Stains Fade
A Jamaican Family Saga of Adversity and Redemption
Frances-Marie Coke
2024 Honorable Mention
325 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
When Banana Stains Fade by Frances-Marie Coke tells the story of the women in a Jamaican family across generations. When Zarah returns home to Kingston, Jamaica, from the United States, she is full of regret over the past three years. She feels she has fallen into the trap of her family curse, which her mother and grandmother Naomi always warned her about. Every woman in her family had either fallen in love with the wrong man or made bad choices that led to severe consequences. Fortunately, Zarah's mother Esther, and her loving father Bradley, who are separated, help her get back on her feet. The book takes readers on Zarah's journey toward healing and also tells the stories of the women who came before her.
When Banana Stains Fade explores family dynamics, generational patterns, and the struggles faced by Jamaican women. The story delves into themes of infidelity, family secrets, sexual abuse, and the lasting impact of choices on our lives and families. It also touches on Jamaican culture and history, including societal divisions based on skin complexion and speaking tone. Frances-Marie Coke's rhythmic narration makes the story engaging and easy to read. She has included interactive questions at the end that can be useful for book clubs. Each character is from a different era, and the author perfectly captures the different cultural norms and how these changed over the years. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author. Her work is emotionally engaging and a life-changing experience.
When Banana Stains Fade by Frances-Marie Coke tells the story of the women in a Jamaican family across generations. When Zarah returns home to Kingston, Jamaica, from the United States, she is full of regret over the past three years. She feels she has fallen into the trap of her family curse, which her mother and grandmother Naomi always warned her about. Every woman in her family had either fallen in love with the wrong man or made bad choices that led to severe consequences. Fortunately, Zarah's mother Esther, and her loving father Bradley, who are separated, help her get back on her feet. The book takes readers on Zarah's journey toward healing and also tells the stories of the women who came before her.
When Banana Stains Fade explores family dynamics, generational patterns, and the struggles faced by Jamaican women. The story delves into themes of infidelity, family secrets, sexual abuse, and the lasting impact of choices on our lives and families. It also touches on Jamaican culture and history, including societal divisions based on skin complexion and speaking tone. Frances-Marie Coke's rhythmic narration makes the story engaging and easy to read. She has included interactive questions at the end that can be useful for book clubs. Each character is from a different era, and the author perfectly captures the different cultural norms and how these changed over the years. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author. Her work is emotionally engaging and a life-changing experience.
Recommend this book:
Life at the Precipice
R F Vincent
2024 Bronze Medal
300 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Life at the Precipice by R F Vincent is a fantasy that revolves around Travis Sivart, a former air navigator haunted by PTSD, who takes an interest in the mystery of The Segway, a secluded community formed after a catastrophic earthquake in 1959. Cut off from the world by landslides and nestled atop a seismic abyss, The Segway lures Travis in with a clipping detailing a mythical sea creature lurking in its depths. As Travis immerses himself in the eccentric world of The Segway, he encounters a diverse array of inhabitants, each harboring secrets and stories of their own. Through his exploration, Travis confronts his past traumas while seeking redemption, solace, and even answers that dance somewhere between the past and the present, against the backdrop of an unconventional existence.
Life at the Precipice by R F Vincent is an immediate drop into fantasy and a masterclass in subverting a reader's expectations and inviting them instead to consider the limitations of their own perceptions and interpretations. Whether it is Jub's posh tuxedo and reliance on outdated newspapers to convey The Segway's remoteness and detachment from the outside world, Travis's search for answers that reflect his sense of isolation and longing for connection, or the General's penchant for embellishment and forgetfulness that demonstrate the subjective nature of truth, nothing in Vincent's incredible storytelling is predictable. The dialogue is intelligent, with turns of phrase, innuendo, and patterns that distinguish one quirky character from the next, and all from Travis. No surprise is greater than the one Travis must confront in the search for his truth, and the mission that evolves as a powerful, albeit heartbreaking symbol of remembrance and closure. Very highly recommended.
Life at the Precipice by R F Vincent is a fantasy that revolves around Travis Sivart, a former air navigator haunted by PTSD, who takes an interest in the mystery of The Segway, a secluded community formed after a catastrophic earthquake in 1959. Cut off from the world by landslides and nestled atop a seismic abyss, The Segway lures Travis in with a clipping detailing a mythical sea creature lurking in its depths. As Travis immerses himself in the eccentric world of The Segway, he encounters a diverse array of inhabitants, each harboring secrets and stories of their own. Through his exploration, Travis confronts his past traumas while seeking redemption, solace, and even answers that dance somewhere between the past and the present, against the backdrop of an unconventional existence.
Life at the Precipice by R F Vincent is an immediate drop into fantasy and a masterclass in subverting a reader's expectations and inviting them instead to consider the limitations of their own perceptions and interpretations. Whether it is Jub's posh tuxedo and reliance on outdated newspapers to convey The Segway's remoteness and detachment from the outside world, Travis's search for answers that reflect his sense of isolation and longing for connection, or the General's penchant for embellishment and forgetfulness that demonstrate the subjective nature of truth, nothing in Vincent's incredible storytelling is predictable. The dialogue is intelligent, with turns of phrase, innuendo, and patterns that distinguish one quirky character from the next, and all from Travis. No surprise is greater than the one Travis must confront in the search for his truth, and the mission that evolves as a powerful, albeit heartbreaking symbol of remembrance and closure. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Dancing With Dragons
Jenni Ogden
2024 Silver Medal
350 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
Jenni Ogden’s Dancing With Dragons is a beautifully crafted tale set in the late 1970s on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, where teenagers Gaia and her brother Bron live a secluded life with their parents. Gaia is intensively trained by her mother, a former Principal Dancer of the American Ballet Theater, for a career in professional ballet. Her love for ballet is matched only by her passion for snorkeling over the coral reef. Her life is irrevocably changed when she discovers a rare pair of seadragons and witnesses their mesmerizing courtship dance, only to lose her entire family and her dreams of dancing that same night. Two years later, Gaia returns to her abandoned family property, determined to live off the land. For years, her only companions are the wild animals and an Aboriginal couple, Mary and Eddie, who work for a nearby racist farmer. Her solitude is broken one morning when Mary’s 11-year-old orphaned nephew, Jarrah, sees Gaia dancing on the beach, sparking an unlikely and healing friendship.
Jenni Ogden masterfully captures the emotional depth of Gaia’s journey from loss and isolation to healing and connection. The character development is rich and nuanced, particularly in Gaia’s transition from a traumatized teenager to a resilient young woman finding solace in nature and new relationships. The bond between Gaia and Jarrah is depicted with sensitivity and authenticity, showing how two scarred individuals can find strength and hope in each other. The setting of the Coral Coast, with its vivid descriptions of the reef and bush, adds a lyrical quality to the narrative, drawing readers into the natural beauty that surrounds Gaia’s healing process. Fans of literary fiction will appreciate the eloquent prose, intricate character arcs, and the exploration of themes such as loss, resilience, and the transformative power of friendship. Dancing With Dragons is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and flourish despite profound adversity, making it a deeply moving and inspiring read.
Jenni Ogden’s Dancing With Dragons is a beautifully crafted tale set in the late 1970s on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, where teenagers Gaia and her brother Bron live a secluded life with their parents. Gaia is intensively trained by her mother, a former Principal Dancer of the American Ballet Theater, for a career in professional ballet. Her love for ballet is matched only by her passion for snorkeling over the coral reef. Her life is irrevocably changed when she discovers a rare pair of seadragons and witnesses their mesmerizing courtship dance, only to lose her entire family and her dreams of dancing that same night. Two years later, Gaia returns to her abandoned family property, determined to live off the land. For years, her only companions are the wild animals and an Aboriginal couple, Mary and Eddie, who work for a nearby racist farmer. Her solitude is broken one morning when Mary’s 11-year-old orphaned nephew, Jarrah, sees Gaia dancing on the beach, sparking an unlikely and healing friendship.
Jenni Ogden masterfully captures the emotional depth of Gaia’s journey from loss and isolation to healing and connection. The character development is rich and nuanced, particularly in Gaia’s transition from a traumatized teenager to a resilient young woman finding solace in nature and new relationships. The bond between Gaia and Jarrah is depicted with sensitivity and authenticity, showing how two scarred individuals can find strength and hope in each other. The setting of the Coral Coast, with its vivid descriptions of the reef and bush, adds a lyrical quality to the narrative, drawing readers into the natural beauty that surrounds Gaia’s healing process. Fans of literary fiction will appreciate the eloquent prose, intricate character arcs, and the exploration of themes such as loss, resilience, and the transformative power of friendship. Dancing With Dragons is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and flourish despite profound adversity, making it a deeply moving and inspiring read.
Recommend this book:
The Taste of Her Silence
A Jensy Willett Novel
Sara Scott
2024 Gold Medal
327 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Taste of Her Silence is a work of fiction in the LGBTQ+, interpersonal drama, and slice-of-life genres. It is best suited to the adult reading audience owing to some scenes of a sexual nature. Penned by author Sara Scott, this novel presents the unforgettable conclusion to the Jensy Willett trilogy, delving into themes of love, loss, resilience, and renewal. Jensy Willett reflects on the extraordinary events of her life over the past eight years, from her recovery as a school shooting victim to her success as a photographer and her deepening love for her wife, Sophie. However, an unexpected phone call shatters her world, forcing her to confront devastating loss and test the limits of her strength. Will Jensy succumb to despair or rise from the ashes to embrace the pleasures life still offers? This poignant tale explores the transcendent power of love in the face of unbearable sadness, making it a powerful conclusion to Jensy's story.
Author Sara Scott has crafted an emotional journey that brings together several threads of emotional storytelling to reach a strong conclusion against impossible challenges. The smooth flow of the narrative captures the complexities of love and loss with subtle realism, drawing readers into Jensy's world with vivid, descriptive prose and authentic emotion conveyed in speech and thought. The character development throughout the novel is exceptional, and I found myself deeply invested in Jensy's journey, thanks to the close narration that allows us to see every high and low and her reactions and processing. The unexpected twists and turns of the plot are placed well to keep the action fresh, but they never feel gimmicky or melodramatic, and the powerful themes of resilience and renewal resonated long after I finished the book. Overall, The Taste of Her Silence is a beautifully written concluding novel, showcasing Sara Scott's talent for storytelling and leaving readers with a profound appreciation for life's joys and sorrows.
The Taste of Her Silence is a work of fiction in the LGBTQ+, interpersonal drama, and slice-of-life genres. It is best suited to the adult reading audience owing to some scenes of a sexual nature. Penned by author Sara Scott, this novel presents the unforgettable conclusion to the Jensy Willett trilogy, delving into themes of love, loss, resilience, and renewal. Jensy Willett reflects on the extraordinary events of her life over the past eight years, from her recovery as a school shooting victim to her success as a photographer and her deepening love for her wife, Sophie. However, an unexpected phone call shatters her world, forcing her to confront devastating loss and test the limits of her strength. Will Jensy succumb to despair or rise from the ashes to embrace the pleasures life still offers? This poignant tale explores the transcendent power of love in the face of unbearable sadness, making it a powerful conclusion to Jensy's story.
Author Sara Scott has crafted an emotional journey that brings together several threads of emotional storytelling to reach a strong conclusion against impossible challenges. The smooth flow of the narrative captures the complexities of love and loss with subtle realism, drawing readers into Jensy's world with vivid, descriptive prose and authentic emotion conveyed in speech and thought. The character development throughout the novel is exceptional, and I found myself deeply invested in Jensy's journey, thanks to the close narration that allows us to see every high and low and her reactions and processing. The unexpected twists and turns of the plot are placed well to keep the action fresh, but they never feel gimmicky or melodramatic, and the powerful themes of resilience and renewal resonated long after I finished the book. Overall, The Taste of Her Silence is a beautifully written concluding novel, showcasing Sara Scott's talent for storytelling and leaving readers with a profound appreciation for life's joys and sorrows.
Recommend this book:
Margaret Anne
Child of the West Wind
Ronan James Cassidy
2023 Finalist
656 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Margaret Anne: Child of the West Wind is a work of fiction in the historical fiction, Western, and interpersonal drama subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Ronan James Cassidy, this captivating historical drama delves into the life of its titular character, Margaret Anne Basseterre. Born as the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy plantation owner and a Haitian woman during a time of slavery and turmoil, Margaret Anne's life is marked by adversity from the very beginning. The novel explores her unique gifts and the dark forces that threaten her, painting a vivid picture of the struggles faced during the Civil War era in America.
Author Ronan James Cassidy has crafted a compelling and atmospheric tale rich with family secrets, social unrest, and the divine will that surrounds Margaret Anne. One of the most striking aspects of the book for me personally was the author’s command of a multi-perspective narrative, which offers a deep and poetic exploration of the societal and spiritual battles of the time. As readers, we witness Margaret Anne's journey as a guiding light in a turbulent period of American history, but we’re also treated to so many other unheard voices coming to the fore with their suffering and triumphs. Cassidy's storytelling is both evocative and thought-provoking, providing a unique perspective on an important period in American history whilst also offering a rich descriptive style that feels not just cinematic but visceral and multi-sensory, as if you’re really there at the time. Overall, Margaret Anne is a beautifully written novel that offers a multi-faceted view of the Civil War era and sets the stage for the Redemption Series. I am immensely looking forward to reading more.
Margaret Anne: Child of the West Wind is a work of fiction in the historical fiction, Western, and interpersonal drama subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Ronan James Cassidy, this captivating historical drama delves into the life of its titular character, Margaret Anne Basseterre. Born as the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy plantation owner and a Haitian woman during a time of slavery and turmoil, Margaret Anne's life is marked by adversity from the very beginning. The novel explores her unique gifts and the dark forces that threaten her, painting a vivid picture of the struggles faced during the Civil War era in America.
Author Ronan James Cassidy has crafted a compelling and atmospheric tale rich with family secrets, social unrest, and the divine will that surrounds Margaret Anne. One of the most striking aspects of the book for me personally was the author’s command of a multi-perspective narrative, which offers a deep and poetic exploration of the societal and spiritual battles of the time. As readers, we witness Margaret Anne's journey as a guiding light in a turbulent period of American history, but we’re also treated to so many other unheard voices coming to the fore with their suffering and triumphs. Cassidy's storytelling is both evocative and thought-provoking, providing a unique perspective on an important period in American history whilst also offering a rich descriptive style that feels not just cinematic but visceral and multi-sensory, as if you’re really there at the time. Overall, Margaret Anne is a beautifully written novel that offers a multi-faceted view of the Civil War era and sets the stage for the Redemption Series. I am immensely looking forward to reading more.
Recommend this book:
A Week of Warm Weather
A Novel
Lee Bukowski
2023 Finalist
344 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
A Week of Warm Weather by Lee Bukowski is a powerful and compelling novel about addiction, codependency, and family secrets that will reverberate to the very core of your soul. It all begins with Tessa Cordelia, the main protagonist, living a life that seems close to being perfect. With her husband embarking on a promising dental practice, a beautiful baby girl nicknamed Ronnie, a fine suburban house, and a supportive family, she couldn’t ask for anything more. But she is about to discover that Ken has an addiction, and his choices will trigger Tessa’s own traumatic past to haunt her once again. To keep up with appearances, she tries to live as if everything is fine, concealing the truth from everyone except CeCe, a new woman in the area that Tessa befriends. But once she discovers CeCe’s true identity, she realizes that she is tired of being duped and that Ken is going to dupe her for as long as she lets him.
As the problem of addiction is real and terrifying, A Week of Warm Weather certainly hits where it hurts. The story unfolds in a way that slowly reveals that something in Tessa’s life is rotten. This theme makes a strong appearance in every chapter, consistently illustrating the ramifications when addiction and family secrets intermingle. Lee Bukowski’s narrative is all about character and behavior that are taken to a specific destination. This makes the conclusion so powerful and convincing. The plot, having succeeded in providing intense character conflict, is resolved with a good structure and doesn’t cut corners as Tessa tries to get out of her predicament in whatever way she can--a test of human courage that is masking deep wounds. This work commands more readership. Absolutely worth reading.
A Week of Warm Weather by Lee Bukowski is a powerful and compelling novel about addiction, codependency, and family secrets that will reverberate to the very core of your soul. It all begins with Tessa Cordelia, the main protagonist, living a life that seems close to being perfect. With her husband embarking on a promising dental practice, a beautiful baby girl nicknamed Ronnie, a fine suburban house, and a supportive family, she couldn’t ask for anything more. But she is about to discover that Ken has an addiction, and his choices will trigger Tessa’s own traumatic past to haunt her once again. To keep up with appearances, she tries to live as if everything is fine, concealing the truth from everyone except CeCe, a new woman in the area that Tessa befriends. But once she discovers CeCe’s true identity, she realizes that she is tired of being duped and that Ken is going to dupe her for as long as she lets him.
As the problem of addiction is real and terrifying, A Week of Warm Weather certainly hits where it hurts. The story unfolds in a way that slowly reveals that something in Tessa’s life is rotten. This theme makes a strong appearance in every chapter, consistently illustrating the ramifications when addiction and family secrets intermingle. Lee Bukowski’s narrative is all about character and behavior that are taken to a specific destination. This makes the conclusion so powerful and convincing. The plot, having succeeded in providing intense character conflict, is resolved with a good structure and doesn’t cut corners as Tessa tries to get out of her predicament in whatever way she can--a test of human courage that is masking deep wounds. This work commands more readership. Absolutely worth reading.
Recommend this book:
Susan
A Jane Austen Prequel
Alice McVeigh
2023 Honorable Mention
342 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Susan: A Jane Austen Prequel by Alice McVeigh grants a fresh look at some of the characters of Jane Austen novels in their earlier years. Recently expelled from Mrs. Ansruther's school, sixteen-year-old Susan Smithson returns to London, only to find herself embroiled in yet another scandal. After vehemently rejecting a marriage proposal made by an older gentleman named Mr. Hawthorne, Susan places herself under the tutelage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who accompanies her when she is sent to live in Kent County with her relatives. Reunited with her favorite cousin Alicia Collins, Susan inadvertently becomes the center of attention again when she joins Mrs. Inchbald's play. In the meantime, Alicia's blossoming romance with the Johnson family heir, Henry, threatens to create a major scandal.
Susan: A Jane Austen Prequel is a delightful rendition of Susan Smithson's earlier years that is bound to entertain fans of Jane Austen novels. Alice McVeigh's book is filled with romance, mischief, gossip, and drama that makes you breeze past the pages with absolute relish. I found the characters colorful and thoroughly entertaining. The dialogue is witty and laced with humor. Alice McVeigh writes with a flow and eloquence that makes the narrative as smooth as melted butter, and it perfectly captures the era that the book is set in. Susan's inner thoughts and her scheming with Alicia were some of my favorite aspects of the book. I had a wonderful time reading Susan: A Jane Austen Prequel. I will recommend it to readers who love books set in this era.
Susan: A Jane Austen Prequel by Alice McVeigh grants a fresh look at some of the characters of Jane Austen novels in their earlier years. Recently expelled from Mrs. Ansruther's school, sixteen-year-old Susan Smithson returns to London, only to find herself embroiled in yet another scandal. After vehemently rejecting a marriage proposal made by an older gentleman named Mr. Hawthorne, Susan places herself under the tutelage of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who accompanies her when she is sent to live in Kent County with her relatives. Reunited with her favorite cousin Alicia Collins, Susan inadvertently becomes the center of attention again when she joins Mrs. Inchbald's play. In the meantime, Alicia's blossoming romance with the Johnson family heir, Henry, threatens to create a major scandal.
Susan: A Jane Austen Prequel is a delightful rendition of Susan Smithson's earlier years that is bound to entertain fans of Jane Austen novels. Alice McVeigh's book is filled with romance, mischief, gossip, and drama that makes you breeze past the pages with absolute relish. I found the characters colorful and thoroughly entertaining. The dialogue is witty and laced with humor. Alice McVeigh writes with a flow and eloquence that makes the narrative as smooth as melted butter, and it perfectly captures the era that the book is set in. Susan's inner thoughts and her scheming with Alicia were some of my favorite aspects of the book. I had a wonderful time reading Susan: A Jane Austen Prequel. I will recommend it to readers who love books set in this era.
Recommend this book:
Where Butterflies Go to Die
Michael Ringering
2023 Bronze Medal
234 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Lynda Faye Schmidt for Readers' Favorite
Where Butterflies Go to Die by Michael Ringering tells a story of transformation and redemption. It all begins when the protagonist, Bobby Lee Darrow, is arrested and charged with drinking while driving. Ringering fills in the details of the backstory, of Bobby Lee’s history of misguided choices and the tragic circumstances of his father’s death. Having served with him in the war, Judge Cannon knew and loved Bobby Lee’s father. He serves Bobby the harshest fine possible, including two hundred hours of community service at Timberland Assisted Living. A series of events have Bobby on a wild goose chase, driving across the country, obsessed with solving the mystery of veteran John MacDonald’s past. Along the way, Bobby meets Meredith, a nurse in training at the center, whose compassionate attitude sparks his interest. Bobby Lee wants to become a better man and discover his life purpose.
For me, Bobby Lee’s quest felt like a familiar story. There were plenty of life lessons and nuggets of wisdom weaved into the plot line. While a little predictable, Michael Ringering painted an empathetic portrait of Bobby Lee that touched my heart. I found myself rooting for Bobby Lee to take Judge Cannon’s one last chance at redemption and make the most of it. The pace held my attention and I was curious to find out how all the loose ends would come together. I could relate to the emotional responses portrayed by the characters as they dealt with loss and grief. Where Butterflies Go to Die ends with a final nod to the virtue of standing up for what you believe in, and reminds us that miracles can happen.
Where Butterflies Go to Die by Michael Ringering tells a story of transformation and redemption. It all begins when the protagonist, Bobby Lee Darrow, is arrested and charged with drinking while driving. Ringering fills in the details of the backstory, of Bobby Lee’s history of misguided choices and the tragic circumstances of his father’s death. Having served with him in the war, Judge Cannon knew and loved Bobby Lee’s father. He serves Bobby the harshest fine possible, including two hundred hours of community service at Timberland Assisted Living. A series of events have Bobby on a wild goose chase, driving across the country, obsessed with solving the mystery of veteran John MacDonald’s past. Along the way, Bobby meets Meredith, a nurse in training at the center, whose compassionate attitude sparks his interest. Bobby Lee wants to become a better man and discover his life purpose.
For me, Bobby Lee’s quest felt like a familiar story. There were plenty of life lessons and nuggets of wisdom weaved into the plot line. While a little predictable, Michael Ringering painted an empathetic portrait of Bobby Lee that touched my heart. I found myself rooting for Bobby Lee to take Judge Cannon’s one last chance at redemption and make the most of it. The pace held my attention and I was curious to find out how all the loose ends would come together. I could relate to the emotional responses portrayed by the characters as they dealt with loss and grief. Where Butterflies Go to Die ends with a final nod to the virtue of standing up for what you believe in, and reminds us that miracles can happen.
Recommend this book:
Water Memory
A Novel
Tom Strelich
2023 Bronze Medal
292 Pages
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Fiction - Literary
Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite
In Water Memory by Tom Strelich, Hertell noticed that there were a growing number of people becoming forgetful. They were unable to answer questions about simple day-to-day things that should have generated an automatic response. The magnetic compasses that pointed in the opposite direction were evidence of a polar shift that no one had seemed to notice. Others were noticing that they were losing their longer-term memories as well. MRI scans showed that something had changed in their brains, but Hertell remembered everything because of the copper shards inside his brain from the gunshot he had suffered. He took on the responsibility of setting humans back on the right path. Was the world ending for mankind, or is there something else waiting for people other than a mass extinction? Will Hertell be able to help the community of Mustard Seed, or will he be viewed as an insane scientist with bullet fragments in his brain?
Water Memory by Tom Strelich embraces the scientific concept that magnetic poles can reverse direction, which gives this story a mild, yet enjoyable, science fiction feel. The community above and below ground suffered ill effects from the shift in polarity that prompted Hertell to help the people in the best way he knew how. I loved the suspense and the fear of the unknown as the characters followed Hertell’s instructions and headed out of their underground world. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a mystery with layers of science fiction and suspense that will keep them reading to see what happens next.
In Water Memory by Tom Strelich, Hertell noticed that there were a growing number of people becoming forgetful. They were unable to answer questions about simple day-to-day things that should have generated an automatic response. The magnetic compasses that pointed in the opposite direction were evidence of a polar shift that no one had seemed to notice. Others were noticing that they were losing their longer-term memories as well. MRI scans showed that something had changed in their brains, but Hertell remembered everything because of the copper shards inside his brain from the gunshot he had suffered. He took on the responsibility of setting humans back on the right path. Was the world ending for mankind, or is there something else waiting for people other than a mass extinction? Will Hertell be able to help the community of Mustard Seed, or will he be viewed as an insane scientist with bullet fragments in his brain?
Water Memory by Tom Strelich embraces the scientific concept that magnetic poles can reverse direction, which gives this story a mild, yet enjoyable, science fiction feel. The community above and below ground suffered ill effects from the shift in polarity that prompted Hertell to help the people in the best way he knew how. I loved the suspense and the fear of the unknown as the characters followed Hertell’s instructions and headed out of their underground world. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a mystery with layers of science fiction and suspense that will keep them reading to see what happens next.
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