ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE, by AUTHOR, ANTHONY DOERR, recommended by AUTHOR, LAURA LANE MCNEAL

Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you?

LLM ~ (Author of DOLLBABY) If you’re an author, being a writer and a book lover go hand in hand. The only way to become a better writer is to read, read, read. Not just for pleasure, although that is the joy of reading, but to learn from what they have read. I’m sure many authors have had those aha moments while reading, discovering a new style of writing, a new way to say the same old thing, a new perspective on an age old conundrum. Reading opens the door to new ideas, to greater knowledge and wisdom. It sharpens your craft. And it lets you discover new worlds. Does it get any better than that?  
***Laura will be giving away a signed copy of DOLLBABY(which is up for a 2014 Goodreads award!)  See below for how to enter.

Title and year published   ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE         May 2014

Author name         Anthony Doerr  

Type of book         Historical Fiction

What is it about this book that pulled you in?

LLM ~ I’m a sucker for historical fiction. The title pulled me in first, so intriguing, then the plot sold me – it’s about a young Austrian girl that becomes blind. We learn to see the world through her eyes, so to speak. There is a parallel story about a young orphaned German boy. We watch their lives evolve, knowing that one day in the future, their paths will collide in the midst of WWII.

Is there a relationship in the story that resonated with you?

LLM ~ The relationship that resonated with me in the novel was the one between the young blind girl, Marie-Laure, and her great-uncle Etienne, whom she seeks shelter with in Saint-Malo, France after the Germans invade Austria. Etienne suffers his own demons, and it takes the strength of a blind girl to set him on the path of recovery as well as discovery. 

Do you think that relationship was portrayed realistically?

The relationship between Etienne and his great-niece is not perfect, confined to the constraints of war and German occupation, but is bittersweet in its conclusion. This would have been a realistic portrayal during wartime.

Anything else you want to tell us about the book without giving away too much of the plot?

LLM ~ Doerr uses extremely short chapters to tell the story, usually only about a page and a half long, always ending his chapters with either a question or a metaphorical image that keeps the reader turning the page. I’m not sure my editor would have let me get away with it, but for me it works in the scope of the novel.

JHA ~ Thanks so much, Laura, for recommending what sounds like a terrific book! The first we've featured by a male author, with more male authors to follow.  And, just a side-note, he must be a really terrific guy since I see Anthony and I share the same birth date (yes, he is way younger than me!)

If you'd like to connect with Laura, you can find her here:

Facebook: Laura Lane McNeal

https://www.facebook.com/LauraLaneMcNeal

Twitter: @llmcneal

https://twitter.com/llmcneal?lang=en

Website:

http://www.lauralanemcneal.com/

To leave a comment here, just click on the 'comment' word below the book photo. To follow this weekly book blog, just click the "Follow by email" link on the right side of this page, or sign up on my website through blogger or google plus.  

***TO WIN A COPY OF LAURA'S BOOK, DOLLBABY ~ Please leave a comment below (if the comment box doesn't show, open the comments by clicking on the red 'comment' word below photo of the book), or comment on my Facebook page (under Jill Hannah Anderson). If you 'LIKE' my Facebook page, (not the post itself, but my page) you get an extra entry in the drawing!  Winner will be picked on Sunday, November 30TH.

THE KITCHEN HOUSE, by author, KATHLEEN GRISSOM ~ recommended by book lover, Jamie Leigh Anderson

Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you?

JLA ~ Book Lover

Title of Fiction book

The Kitchen House             published in 2010

Author name                    Type of book

Kathleen Grissom              Historical Fiction

***A signed copy of this great book will be given away this weekend!  See information below!*** Also, Kathleen will be stopping in here to answer a few questions or comments!

What is it about this book that pulled you in?

JLA ~ The constant tragedy and that these things actually happened to people back then.

The book takes place in 1791. Lavinia arrives on a tobacco plantation after coming over on a ship with her family from Ireland. She becomes orphaned on the trip over and is sent to live with the slaves who work in the kitchen house. She becomes part of their family and doesn't understand the differences between her new family and the family who lives in the big house. Lavinia is taken under the wing of Belle, who is the master's illegitimate daughter and eventually is allowed into the big house, again not understanding the two different worlds. 
 
The relationships are realistic, the plantation workers all watch out for each other, while the master's son Marshall, along with the plantation overseer, make the plantation workers lives miserable. It is full of tragedy and holds your attention throughout the entire book.
 

Is there a relationship in the story that resonated with you?  

JLA ~ Probably Belle’s relationships with everyone, that she doesn’t have a real family but feels like she is a part of her kitchen house family. The fact that Marshall and Martha hate her but have no idea who she really is.

Do you think that relationship was portrayed realistically?

JLA ~ Yes, I’m sure that happened often where the master of the house had children with the slaves and those children weren’t allowed to be a part of the family.

Anything else you want to tell us about the book without giving away too much of the plot?

JLA ~ It is good from start to finish. You don’t have to take time to get into it, it is interesting and devastating right from the beginning and I absolutely loved it. It’s the best book I’ve ever read!

JHA ~ Thanks so much, Jamie, for taking the time to recommend a terrific book to us! 

Attention readers ~ Have YOU read this book?  If so, tell us what YOU thought of it!

To follow our weekly book recommendations by guests, just click the "Follow by email" link on the right side of this page, or sign up on my website through blogger or google plus.  

***TO WIN A COPY OF THIS GREAT BOOK - Please leave a comment below (you can open the comments by clicking on the red 'comment' word below photo of the book), or comment on my Facebook page (under Jill Hannah Anderson). If you 'LIKE' my Facebook page (not the post itself) at https://www.facebook.com/jillhannah.anderson?ref=hl  you get an extra entry in the drawing!  Winner will be picked on Sunday, November 23rd.

LEFT NEGLECTED, by AUTHOR, LISA GENOVA recommended by writer, MARY AALGAARD

Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you?

MA ~ I am all of the above. I have articles in local publications, including Her Voice and Lake Country Journal. I am also a playwright and teach theatre classes for kids where I help them write an original script. My play Coffee Shop Confessions was performed in the Brainerd lakes area in 2012.

  

Title of Fiction book and year published

Left Neglected by Lisa Genova, published 2011.

Type of book 

MA ~ Left Neglected is probably considered women’s fiction, but it is not a romance, or just about women’s issues. In fact, I believe anyone who is interested in the brain, what happens after a traumatic brain injury, and the complicated relationships that surround the main character would be interested in reading this book.

What is it about this book that pulled you in?

MA ~ Lisa Genova is the author of the bestseller Still Alice, about a woman who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease, (coming soon to a movie theater near you). It is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. When I saw that she had written two more books, I quickly bought them. Lisa Genova has a PhD. in Neuroscience from Harvard University. She has studied the brain. She brings this knowledge to her books, and creates authentic, credible characters to tell their story. She writes in a way that the story seems more like a memoir than a novel.

Is there a relationship in the story that resonated with you?

MA ~ Yes. The main character, Sarah, has to examine all her relationships after the accident that caused her Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). I was especially curious how her mom found her way back into Sarah’s life after the accident.

Do you think that relationship was portrayed realistically?

MA ~ Lisa Genova is a very realistic writer. All her characters and setting, including the relationships feel very real.

Anything else you want to tell us about the book without giving away too much of the plot?

MA ~ I truly cared about the characters in this book. I was rooting for Sarah, agonizing over her injuries and limitations, and praying for recovery of both her body and relationships. Before the accident, her life was like a whirling fan spinning out of control, always set on top speed. Her relationships weren’t good before the accident. And, after it, they all needed to gain some perspective. I was fascinated by Genova’s descriptions of what it is like to experience TBI and have one half of your world disappear. It was like Sarah didn’t realize she had a left arm or leg, or that the room extended past her mid-line.

JHA ~ Thank you so much, Mary, for sharing this great book (my favorite of Lisa Genova's!)

To Connect with Mary:

MA ~ My website is Play off the Page, where I write reviews for theatre, events, food, travel, and sometimes books, as well as whatever inspires me. You can also find me on facebook or twitter. Go. Create. Inspire!

Attention readers ~ Have YOU read this book?  If so, tell us what YOU thought of it!

***To leave a comment - Click the red 'comment' word below photo of book.

To follow this weekly book blog, just click the "Follow by email" link on the right side of this page, or sign up on my website through blogger or google plus.  

Interested in being a contributor? Contact me via email link on my website home page (www.JillHannahAnderson.com) You will also find the list of upcoming contributors under the Fridayfictionfriend tab.  I'd love to hear from you if you have a great book to recommend.

HUSH LITTLE BABY, by AUTHOR, SUZANNE REDFEARN, recommended by AUTHOR, MARY KUBICA

Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you?

MK ~ All of the above!  My debut novel THE GOOD GIRL was published by Harlequin MIRA in July 2014.  I’m also an avid reader. 

(Side note by Jill here... our guest contributor's book, THE GOOD GIRL, is currently one of the nominees listed in the 2014 Goodreads debut author category!)

Title of Fiction book and year published

HUSH LITTLE BABY  ~ 2013

Author name                          Type of book 

Suzanne Redfearn                     Suspense

***This book will be given away to one lucky winner ~ see below***

What is it about this book that pulled you in?

MK ~ HUSH LITTLE BABY is the story of Jillian Kane, a successful mother and architect, trapped in an abusive marriage.  I loved the suspense element, as well as the family bonds that are explored during the novel.  It is a profound, edge-of-your-seat thriller that does not let up until you reach the very last page.  The most intensity lies in the relationship of Jillian and her abusive, controlling police officer husband, Gordon.  There is no way out of this marriage for Jillian other than to run – and even that, Jillian comes to discover quite quickly, is not so easy.  I can’t recall the last time a book sucked me in as suddenly and as vehemently as HUSH LITTLE BABY.  An excellent, thought-provoking, haunting read!    

Is there a relationship in the story that resonated with you?

MK ~ The relationship that resonated with me was that of Jillian and her children, Addie and Drew.  As a mother myself, I saw the ways that Jillian struggled in her role as mother, while simultaneously putting her children’s needs and safety before her own.  She grows as a mother throughout the novel.  I was also quite taken with Jillian’s relationship with her own parents, in particular her father.  Jillian and her father have a very close knit bond, though he is in a powerless position and unable to save her from Gordon.

Do you think that relationship was portrayed realistically?

MK ~Yes, the relationships were portrayed realistically, which made the novel all the more terrifying - and poignant – for me to read.  Redfearn shows how the victims of abuse are found sometimes where we least expect them.  On the surface the Kane family is your typical family next door – she the successful architect, he the revered police officer – but under the surface there is much, much more. 

Anything else you want to tell us about the book without giving away too much of the plot?

MK ~ HUSH LITTLE BABY is a fast paced, wild ride - and once you get on this ride, there’s no getting off.  I could not put the book down once I began to read.  I was touched and haunted and horrified by the turns of events all at the same time.  I don’t want to spoil any of the heart-pounding, heart-wrenching details, but this is one book you don’t want to miss.  Highly recommended! 

JHA ~ Thanks so much, Mary, for recommending what sounds like a fantastic book!  Definitely have to add it to my TBR stack!

If you'd like to connect with Mary, you can find her here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-Kubica-Author/529093127112073

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryKubica

Website: http://www.marykubica.com/

Attention readers ~ Have YOU read this book?  If so, tell us what YOU thought of it!

***TO WIN A COPY OF THIS GREAT BOOK - Please leave a comment below (if the comment box doesn't show, open the comments by clicking on the red 'comment' word below photo of the book), or comment on my Facebook page (under Jill Hannah Anderson). If you 'LIKE' my Facebook page, you get an extra entry in the drawing!  Winner will be picked on Sunday, November 9th.

Thank you so much, Suzanne Redfearn for your generous donation!

To follow this weekly book blog, just click the "Follow by email" link on the right side of this page, or sign up on my website through blogger or google plus.  

Interested in being a contributor? Contact me via email link on my website home page (www.JillHannahAnderson.com) You will also find the list of upcoming contributors under the Fridayfictionfriend tab.  I'd love to hear from you if you have a great book to recommend.