News of the World

I don't know why but I had mix feelings about this book. I did like the story but I didn't. Nice story about an older soldier that helped a little girl out who was captured by the Kiowas.
I believe that relationship came about with Jefferson Kidd being like a grandfather (Kontah) to Johanna because Jefferson was a father himself. He protected his children. Why make matters worse. Not everyone wanted war
It's pretty neat that he traveled from town to town with newspapers to read aloud the news of the day from around the world even. As a retired soldier he did this for the people for 10 cents. From the beginning, he would think how great it was to travel with a message from one unit to another. He had responsibilities to get that message across. No wonder he went in the printing business after that. It takes dedication to get news out so the town will know what's going on in the world. He believed if people had true knowledge of the world perhaps they would not take up arms, and perhaps he could be this in between of the news of the world. And the world would be more peaceful

Why does Kidd worry what will become of Johanna when she's returned to her German family? He worries that they use their captives for work and not try to let them be to get back to their old lives in their own way. Which the Captain and Johanna connect and there is a trust that she feels.

The tensions between the Indians, whites, soldiers and civilization of how America at a time wasn't sure if they were going to be alright. These tensions do underlie the story of the Captain and Johanna just by the culture she picked up. A white soldier with a girl that acted like she was going to war like the Indians. When Kidd traveled  on his own he was able to move around without a thought. Now with a child he needed to find different ways of surviving. Including surviving a fight with Almay which probably wouldn't happen if he wasn't with Johanna.

In Jefferson Kidd's journey with Johanna he felt he was drawn back in the stream of things because he had a life to protect. I think it means that after the war, and his printing business there wasn't really anything he truly long for. Sure he wanted to be with his daughters, sadly his wife passed. But when he had someone to protect, a job that he must not fail, it was like the old days.

Now for what I didn't like about the story. Although I appreciate the author for closing the chapters on the characters. And we all know their end story, and didn't like how the author jammed everything in that I believe it was the last two chapters. It would of been nice to have that woven in to their chapters.
I do like how Johanna Kidd's life turned out. She gets to start a new life. And seems like Jefferson Kidd did get to live a full life after all.

I give News of the World 3

It feels that the author ran out of what to write and we had to wait til the end with this information.

Nine Perfect Strangers

Let me start off by saying this was a strange story. Although I thought the characters were very interesting and funny, at times the feeling of each chapter was super drawn out. I believe the author gave depth to the characters. The more you dug in the more you found out.

Some readers stopped, couldn't go on. I didn't think I was either. But I plugged through it and glad I did. Out of all the people that went to this retreat I think The Marconi family had the most trouble before and after. Zoe, the daughter did find that light at the end. Frances and Tony were good characters. And a relationship for good. It was nice to see Carmel, Lars get along with the group as well as Ben and Jessica.

Masha and Yao they were weird.

I did enjoy the story. And maybe someday will be able to get to read another of Liane Moriarty's books. I have to admit when I found out it was going to be a movie the actors that will play Frances and Masha, I could see them as those characters .

Spoiler Alert!

   In Masha's head she thought by helping women out was to show them that some carried this self-loathing about their bodies. Especially Jessica and Carmel. I think men and women see this differently. I think women sure anguish over their appearance, their weight, a lot for other women than men. Men always had a superiority to them which makes them feel as though they need not change but women do.Women are more critical with each other, as themselves. Where men are more carefree, don't give a damn what people, or other men think.

I think that Masha being Russian was important allowed her to view men and women in a different way because she wasn't from the country. They have a heartache of their own. Their culture is harder. And for her to see how others are soft she thought best to give them a focus.

I thought Zach's suicide was a terrible thing that happened to him and his family. I believe his asthma medicine did contribute to his mental state. But it was brought up that he wasn't feeling right before hand either. Yes, Heather was wrong of not telling Napoleon about the possible side effects. Something could of been done. At least they could of ruled out asthma meds.

I think these strangers didn't want to be "transformed". Not in the way the meaning is. I think they went to this retreat house to learn to be happy/ier and healthy. Transformation to me is being completely different, not all time happy, or  healthy. And in that weird way Masha and the strangers themselves made it happen. So Masha did do the job the strangers paid her for.

I do look at the older man and younger woman with judgement. Hell, I was one. Too young is not acceptable. In that case it's usually the woman that really haven't been around their own age too much.They go in naive.

Usually when people go to these retreats they go through whatever is given. Lars is right, the people do allow themselves to go through whatever. I believe that's their way of happiness and health. But usually it is relaxation Although in this book Masha went too far which should of been questionable. And to leave the house. 

I guess Frances was never praised as a child. And certainly she wasn't getting that from her mother being a feminist . So when she would apologize to men she saw herself as doing something not right. Something was wrong with her, Frances's self-loathing. She needed approval. It took this strange happening to find Tony.

How Napoleon felt about being too young and happy to know that love wasn't enough, I agree. I think it is a question of both, age and having a true tragedy in life before contributes to this. When your younger nothing matters except what is now and in front of you. If that person is making you happy you don't mind being around them. And you think it's forever. Until reality hits and bills need to be paid, you need to work with each other. Than people find they need to compromise and don't want to. When tragedy hits, you would hope brings you closer to see how much love is there, or not. That's when you see the true feelings come out.

It is a conscious choice to have a good or bad marriage. If there is a hold on hatred for a person than there is going to be a bad marriage. There needs to be a marriage that you compromise with each other. There are ways to work things out. And yes that is the secret of a good marriage.I've been married 36 years and everyday is something. I never take it for granted. As for Napoleon and Heather they need to work together and for themselves to make it work. Zoe found a way.

Really never thought the characters were figured out for me. Never really thought about it. I guess if I had to pick one, it would have to be Carmel. I felt that she always was about that Masha was going to make her different for her than she wouldn't have to work on it herself. When I read her story that until the tragedy happened at the house she had no one to give her positive feedback. Even her own children she couldn't take control. So when she took control, met the new girlfriend, was confident. That is when she came clear.

Good question. I think the author is making a statement for female characters like Frances. Here is a woman who is a writer, not to even think of romance. But you think that she is strong in a lot of ways. Frances writes like it's the old ages from her experiences with men. Not like todays world that we are strong and can have a bit of both worlds. 

My thought on the author having an agenda for female characters other than just finding a man is true. She is that women's author who shows they can be strong and soft at the same time. As for her other books this is 1st book I've read. But did watch the series Big Little Lies and author conveys the same thing. I think Frances that gets married is where she wanted to be. Frances still believed she is strong but could share her contentment with Tony. As for Carmel not getting married, I think she needs to find herself as one for now. Finding her voice and being content she may or may not find someone that will let her be her.

Don't agree that Masha 's comment about the best compliment is a successful woman is being humble. Why should she be humble? Because she is less of a person as a man? I find society isn't ready for women to be Commander-In Chief. But they better get used to it women are breaking that glass ceiling all the time. Men still have that stronghold that if a women is in charge than life would go backward. Although men still can't get it in their heads that women are the backbone of family, society, they are more than what you see.

I was surprised at the end to find out that Masha had 2 children. Reading on her son that died and what it did to her relationship with her husband. I was surprised that she had that same mentality that she would be no good as a mother after how she described herself. I'm guessing it goes back to her culture of how her country perceives women.

My thought would probably be the same if she were a man and left family. It's a cop out! Less of a mother, less of a father makes no difference.

I give Nine Perfect Strangers 4 

The reason being that it was a bit of waste from one chapter to next to set up the chacters. Hoping it will make a good show.

The Pale Horse

I've been reading some Agatha Christie books of lately. The Pale Horse does not disappoint. It was a bit slow in beginning and around the 100th page it started to pick up. I've read some reviews and I can see how it could be seen as dark. Speaking of witches,and rituals can be scary.

I like reading about the different characters that Christie weaves into her stories. Mark Easterbrook a stand alone for a stand alone book, is very interesting character. Usually these characters put themselves into situations that people don't ask for. Which is annoying. But Mark was different he was asked for his help. He had friends, cousin that could use his help. Ariadne Oliver that was a well known writer of detective stories. She had a weird way of getting into her story characters. She was very eccentric . "The moment you've done a murder the whole thing is terribly obvious", and there is where she needed to be creative and ran things by Mark.Too bad there wasn't so much about her this time. Hope to read more about her again. She seemed fun.

The story alluded to the Shakespeare play MacBeth. And Mark felt that Shakespeare might get a few surprises if he saw his plays acted nowadays. To be able to call up a handy murderer whenever you wanted a little job done. Sounds strange but it can happen. And there lies the plot of the story.

The Pale Horse I believe had a couple of mysteries in one story. A mysterious list of names, people being dead (murdered or died of other causes?). Visited my Mark Easterbrook and friends, The Pale Horse an Inn, more going on there than just what you see from outside. Inside maybe witchery. Mark had to find out if this to be true. After finding out about Mr. Bradley he and his lady friend Ginger put together for a nice, scary experiment .  Who would've ever thought that people would go to the extreme of knowing there is a business to get rid of people they just don't want around anymore.

Having other characters that might be the one that did it. To find out that it was a totally different person/s. So the simple truth behind the Pale Horse ------. You'll have to read it to find out.

And a little romance for a couple too ;)

Very cleverly done. When the real murder/s please stand up! I can see how that came together. Well done Ms Christie! I love the idea "And I look and behold a Pale Horse: And his name is death, and Hell followed him". Now that is creepy.

One of my enjoyable Agatha Christie stories so far I read. Looking forward to more.

I give The Pale Horse 5

The Favorite Daughter

This story was very interesting. I thought the character of Jane was way out there. As I read it was believable that Jane felt all these things that she was saying about her family. I kept trying to find out how her behavior came about. Why she would think this of her family treating her the way she said. From the beginning I knew Jane was obsessed with death. When she was looking out at neighbor, the little boy playing dangerously (or so she says) knowing that "child is about to die". From than on it was all about her and how her husband and daughter treated her. Hmm... interesting to the point that both her husband David, and daughter Betsy was scared of her. Leads me to wonder whatever happened to her other daughter Mary.

Up until chapter 23 I wasn't feeling sorry for Jane. But I started to question where is this story taking me through Jane. I thought, Oh No! the characters around her, including David and Betsy were playing a part to actually make her tell the truth. Like the move Shutter Island. Than I thought no the ending is going to play out fast. Bam! we will know what happened to Mary, the end. 

But not bad how it all lead up to what happened to Mary. For sure there were others who knew certain things and played out nicely. I actually didn't think of what Jane was til end.

Jane Harris is not much different in her mind of what is a perfect life. Her mind was a powerful tool to lead her to believe of everything she did was for the better to protect her family. Her life a perfect routine. And when that routine is disrupted is when it goes wonky.

I don't think Jane had a favorite daughter. It's a part of what she is. Jane would play both girls. Whoever sizes up with her yardstick and she felt at the time was her favorite. For Mary she was Jane's favorite because Mary was gone. It was agreed the Jane would be her mother. For all purposes Betsy was her favorite when Jane focused attention on her. But when Betsy didn't do what Jane wanted than Betsy was stupid, not as graceful as Mary.

Again in Jane's mind she really wanted to become a better mother. With Mary gone she knows something is not right. And again she needs routine .

I don't think Elizabeth James was going to steal Mary from Jane. Mary found out about her biological mother and wanted to know more about her. And with the tension that Mary and Jane had to begin with Mary found peace with Elizabeth. Than things took off from there. Why shouldn't Elizabeth James know and offer to Mary?

I believe society does have this picture of what an ideal mother is. And yes Jane keeping up the facade of being this ideal mother in which (Jane believed) covered the true self of Jane.

No it wasn't hard for me to imagine a mother who isn't what she seems. In a whole we as mothers do seem to have to live up to this idea that we need to be perfect. Our children are our blood, our extensions of ourselves. But we falter. Including me. My daughter at some point made me believe I was this awful mother. That I punished myself. Now that she has children everything is coming back to her, and i wasn't so bad after all.

I think Betsy is like Jane in some way. But what she was doing was protecting herself. What she thinks is right was from what her mother thought of her. Jane really had her on a rollercoaster . Betsy couldn't leave her guard down. But I believe Betsy to have a happy life needs help professionally.

I do in a way feel sorry for Jane. Her reality was a play in her head. She thought all men loved her, she thought she could do no wrong. Jane did mention quite a bit about her acting.

Now that is a tough question about Kylie. Did she deserve what she got? In the end the question was never answered . It was just said that Jane better be right about Kylie. And since Jane the way she was, I believe she was telling the truth and yes Kylie deserved it. She shouldn't been messing around anyway with another women's husband.

I think David liked the thrill of the feeling of a new woman that he can conquer and impress. Even before the weirdness of Jane he was on the hunt. Which is not impressive at all. I think he is just a waste of time.

The behavior of Jane I heard, read about but never thought of a name for it. Narcissist, yes so that's what it is. Jane the protector. Protecting so much that she intruded in her daughter's lives as well as her husband making them hate her. I guess being a narcissist that sadly they make what is good, horrible.

A mind is so powerful the tricks it can play. 

And I will be looking forward to the author's next book.

I give The Favorite Daughter 5 

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

I had mixed feelings about this book. I did like it. Very interesting about the culture. I agree with some reviews on the toughest thing to read is about the girls how their foot binding proceeds. Man that's tough!

Lily who is the narrator I believe her strengths were that she knew of the rules for a Chinese woman to abide by and did what was expected. She would think what she would have to do and do it. But on the other hand I believe the same was her weakness. Lily believed what she heard. She wanted to be loved, especially by her mother. So when someone paid attention like her "old same", she believed everything she was told. And that was forever.

I think there is a concept of "old sames". Women have been good friends for many years. Some will be there for each other, thick and thin. What I notice is that todays girls know more info on each others SO's than when I was young. It wouldn't take a second for them to get involved to make sure their friend has a back to lean on. No friend would be alone.

For me I never had a "old same" or a part of being a "sworn sister". I just wasn't that lucky. I wish I did maybe I wouldn't feel so alone at times.

I think Lily tells her story to Snow Flower so Lily feels less guilty about the way she treated Snow Flower toward the end. But I do believe the two did love each other. Certainly  Snow Flower excepted her fate because of her father. And Lily understanding Snow Flower would be there for her for life but the level that she married into was a hard juggle for her to Snow Flower. But forgot there might be things going on in Snow Flower's life that of all Snow Flower needed someone to listen, and Lily forgot that.

I think Snow Flower would tell her story a bit differently. I think she would tell her story how she was jealous of Lily coming from a farmer's life to being the wife of a prominent family. But Snow Flower would always say she loved Lily and would stand with her. And did what was asked.

I must say when I was reading about Lily and Snow Flower as girls I did think that they were taking their relationship in a different direction. But I believe it really wasn't anything more than friendship. To think about it the culture the girls being "old sames " brings them very close, are curious about each other since they learn things that normally girls don't know.

That is a tough question, being a mother I don't know what I would do if I had to make the choice about my daughter doing foot binding on her. If it was this century, no I would let her choose. I don't think she would do this willingly, if it was part of tradition or not.

For me, yes I would be like Third Sister. First I have something wrong with my one side anyway. But my mother may not push to have foot binding done. She thought me worthless anyway. I was only good for what she wanted.

"Mother Love" pain-love. I believe true. My own mother raised all of us with a yard stick. What ever came out of her mouth if it gave me pain so be it. It would make me stronger. Wouldn't see it was hurting and I would do opposite. I got away from my mother as soon as I could.

Like Lily was doing to SnowFlower at the end.

For the most part Lily and Snow Flower showed their valve by stepping up to what was needed in their marriage for their families and friends.

We are still bound in some way. Families that are big tends to lean always toward that big family, forgetting about the other side. Work, is always demanding. Can't get anything without giving. The rules of our own culture such as women are expected to do things a certain way. Rules of the country, there is always something. If not in some ways life would be chaos.

Yes very much there are times in this day people take a e-mail, text, the wrong way. I too had that happen to me. And explaining sometimes makes it worse. And a response sometimes happens so off the wall. It is hurtful. Communication is very lack now a days.

Madame Wang I don't think she was a necessary evil. She was a strong business woman. Something that the Chinese women of that century needed. Wang might of gave off the impression of evil. But to keep economy and hopefully good matches kept the country going.

Today we have strong women. Same thing always looked as not knowing anything to being evil. A job needs to be done. A world needs to turn.

I give Snow Flower and the Secret Fan 5