THE HAJ, by author, LEON URIS, recommended by book lover, LAURA MARTIN

Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you?   

LM ~ Book Lover

Title of Fiction book and year it was published  

THE HAJ released in 1984

Author name 

Leon Uris

Type of book    

Historical Fiction

What is it about this book that pulled you in?

LM ~ The very detailed characters and descriptions of the landscape. It is a book that gives a glimpse into life in a given location and the trials and joys of two groups of people.

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

LM ~ The relationship between the son Ishmael, his father the Haj, and their neighbor Gideon Ashe (a Jew in the kibbutz across the road) is the main focus of this book and is at once a group of people who can make one hopeful and sad at the same time.

Do you think that relationship was portrayed realistically? 

LM ~ Absolutely, from other research I have done into the times portrayed in this book, these relationships are a likely reality.

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

LM ~ If you have ever been curious about how the tensions in the Middle-East developed and what motivates the Jewish nation in Israel, this book will bring fictitious characters to life while telling the surrounding history of this region.

JHA ~ Thank you so much, Laura, for taking the time to recommend a classic book by a famous author I've yet to read!  Best add this author to my TBR stack of books!

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

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THE RESURRECTION OF TESS BLESSING, by author Lesley Kagen, recommended by author Sandra Kring

Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you?

SK ~ Author, book lover.

Title of Fiction book and year published 

THE RESURRECTION OF TESS BLESSING (December, 2014)

A signed copy of this great book will be given away this weekend!  See information below!

Author name

Lesley Kagen

Type of book 

Contemporary women's fiction

What is it about this book that pulled you in?

SK ~ You know those people who have such soothing voices and gentle natures, that your whole being calms when they talk, and you wish you could listen to them speak forever?  Well, Grace, the enigmatic narrator of this book had that effect on me.  She drew me into the story and made me root for the floundering protagonist, Tess. Grace prompted me to care if Tess reconciled with her sister, rekindled her relationship with her husband, and resolved her lingering issues with her deceased mother. It was Grace who prompted me to root for Tess to find her strength to heal—and live!

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

SK ~ I was enthralled with the relationship between Tess and Grace.  While I can't say too much about their bond (it would be like telling you what you're getting for Christmas!), I will say that I couldn't wait for Grace's commentary to pop on the page. I found Grace's devotion to Tess, and Tess's dependence on Grace, very moving. Truly, this is one of the most unique, fascinating, and magical relationships in fiction. Everyone who reads this book will either long to be more like Grace, or to have a Grace of their own.

Do you think that relationship was portrayed realistically?

SK ~ Considering that Grace's character brings a touch of magical realism to the story, I'd have to say that no, their relationship is not  "realistic." Yet the love they feel for each other, as well as the patience Grace shows as she guides and watches over Tess during her tumultuous time, feels completely genuine. 

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

SK ~ Readers often shy away from books they think might be too heavy, too sad.  Anyone who tends to skip these types of books should know that, while the issues Tess is dealing with are heavy, Kagen's skill with humor makes this book every bit as up-lifting as it is poignant. I consider this Lesley Kagen's best book to date.

If author or writer, your social media links:

http://www.sandrakring.com

https://www.facebook.com/kring.sandra

JHA ~ Thank you so much, Sandra, for taking the time to recommend Lesley's new book!  I can't wait to get my hands on a copy as I'm a big fan of Lesley's WHISPERING IN THE DARK, and GOOD GRACES!

***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, December 14th.

THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY, by authors Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows, recommended by writer, Joan Hasskamp

Author / Writer / Book Lover - which are you?  

JH ~ I am all three.  

Title of book and year published 

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, 2008.

Authors ~ Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.  Shaffer died shortly before the book was published.  Her niece, Barrows, completed work on the book.

Type of book: Historical Fiction  

It’s set in London and on the nearby island of Guernsey right after the end of World War II.

What is it about this book that pulled you in? 

JH ~ The book is told exclusively in letters written back and forth between a considerable number of characters.  It’s a very clever and effective storytelling technique.  The characters are quirky, funny, slightly eccentric yet always-likable—sounds like me—no wonder I like it!

The story built quickly, grabbing my attention immediately. The main character, Juliet Ashton, a clever, quick-witted writer (my hero!), leaves London for Guernsey to meet the members of the book club she has corresponded with. The book club never existed until the residents needed an alibi to protect themselves from punishment by the Germans.  The residents quickly captivate her, as they did me.

The book made me laugh and cry.  It’s truly about the enduring power of friendship and love.  I love “feel good” books and this is one of the best.

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

JH ~ This book is all about relationships.  That’s what makes this book truly remarkable.  Even during the five-year occupation by Germany, the residents remained true to who they were.  I’d love to live next door to this wonderful group of people. 

It’s difficult to pick out only one relationship but the one between Elizabeth and everyone she touched in the story was the glue that held the story and the citizens together.  Her humanity and compassion never wavered even when her courageous actions meant she might have to pay the ultimate price of imprisonment or even death.

Do you think that relationship was portrayed realistically?

JH ~ Yes.  Many characters revealed Elizabeth’s character over the course of the story.  Like an onion that is slowly peeled, we learned the enormous impact Elizabeth had on the islanders during the war and eventually on Juliet. 

I also loved the relationship between Juliet and her publisher, Sidney.  The humorous and touching banter back and forth between them elicited many smiles from me.

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

JH ~ My favorite books seem to posses many of the same qualities—they are chock full of likable, funny, interesting characters who when faced with adversity, never lose their humanity. 

In fact, the authors cleverly made several references to one of my other favorite books, Pride and Prejudice.  Was it a coincidence that Juliet’s love interest was named Dawsey?  I think not!

Poignant, warm, life affirming—a real gem!

JHA ~ Thanks so much, Joan for recommending a book I've heard so much about but have yet to read.  It sounds very entertaining! 

If author or writer, your social media links:

I don’t have links yet but will in the near future.  I hope to have my humorous book titled: We Don’t Care Who Wins, as Long as Joan Loses published in the not too distant future.