Category Archives: American Literature

The Hunted by Brian Haig

American Literature

Synopsis: A political thriller about a Russian businessman on the wrong side of his own country–and the United States. Review: I picked up The Hunted because I’m intrigued by Russia, having spent 10 days in St. Petersburg about a decade ago. However, the book turned out to be the kind of manly political thriller that I just can’t get into. I was hoping for John Le Carre but it was more Tom Clancy/Nelson DeMille (I’m actually just guessing on those, because I don’t know the…

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Enna Burning by Shannon Hale

American Literature

Synopsis: Given the power to summon fire, a young girl finds herself torn between duty to her country and her fears that she will be consumed by magic. Review: Enna Burning is a sequel of sorts to The Goose Girl, but as far as I know it is not based on a fairy tale. Enna is goose girl Isi’s confidante, and her adventure begins when her brother Leifert shows up with a mysterious vellum that has granted him the ability to summon fire. But his…

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Live Deeply and Live Relationally

American Literature

Synopsis: Two Bible study guides, one on the parables and the other on the women of the Bible. Review: Live Deeply and Live Relationally are part of the Fresh Life series of Bible studies. Set up to take about 20 minutes a day, these studies are inductive in nature and take you through Bible passages in order to deepen your understanding of the Bible. They present historical context and make ample use of cross-references. They look to be educational in nature, as opposed to therapeutic,…

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I Can See You by Karen Rose

American Literature

Synopsis: A serial killer stalks women through a virtual reality world. Review: I Can See You is a pretty formulaic serial killer story. I’m always hoping for something more when I pick up books like this, but unfortunately it didn’t hold any surprises. I’m sure if you are a fan of the genre, you will enjoy the book. I can take or leave serial killer thrillers, so this one just didn’t do it for me.

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You Can’t Hide by Karen Rose

American Literature 1 Comment

Synopsis: When a troubled psychiatrist’s patients start committing suicide, it appears that she is a murderer. Review: You Can’t Hide is the second Karen Rose thriller I was sent to review. I was hoping to discover a new favorite crime writer, but unfortunately I just couldn’t get into either book. I always want something more out of a genre read, but these books just don’t deliver. She’s a very strong writer and a good plotter

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The Red Wolf Conspiracy by Robert V.S. Redick

American Literature 2 Comments

Synopsis: A tarboy on a magnificent sailing vessel finds himself at the center of a conspiracy to start a war by magical means, and his friendship with a betrothed young Lady might be the beginnings of a plot to defeat an evil mage. Review: I’ve mentioned a million times how much I hate summarizing epic fantasy in one sentence. You need a little more backstory to really get what a story is about. But rules is rules, sez I, and one sentence synopses is my…

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Spindle’s End by Robin McKinley

American Literature 6 Comments

Synopsis: A retelling of Sleeping Beauty, filled with magic and adventure. Review: I tried to read Spindle’s End when it first came out, and I gave up after about 50 pages. This time, I made it to the end, but it still left me cold. Robin McKinley’s writing is absolutely gorgeous, and I applaud the plot she devised for her retelling, but I never really connected with the story. I would definitely read another of her books, though, because I did enjoy Beauty. Any recommendations?

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Jesus and Justice by Peter Goodwin Hetzel

American Literature

Synopsis: Subtitled “Evangelicals, Race, and American Politics,” an overview of the history of 20th-21st century evangelicalism as it moved from ignoring race to embracing the Christology of Martin Luther King, Jr. Review: In Jesus and Justice, author Peter Goodwin Hetzel writes an incredibly detailed history of Focus on the Family, Sojourners, and the National Association of Evangelicals, among others. He also presents a thorough examination of Martin Luther King Jr.’s theology, which was a topic I’d never really explored before. I knew that King was…

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I’m So Happy For You by Lucinda Rosenfeld

American Literature 1 Comment

Synopsis: When her flighty best friend all of a sudden lands her Prince Charming, bitter Wendy tries to be happy–she really, really tries. Really. Review: Frenemies + schadenfreude = a book I very much enjoyed reading. I’m So Happy For You takes a very funny and insightful look at best friends who’ve long since forgotten what drew them together in the first place. Lucinda Rosenfeld’s acutely honest depiction of the ways that women hurt each other with a smile kept me absolutely riveted. This is…

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Hollywood is Like High School with Money by Zoey Dean

American Literature

Synopsis: Taylor’s lucky break landing a job as an assistant at a major film studio turns into a disaster, until she enlists the help of her boss’s alpha girl high school daughter to help her navigate the social landscape. Review: Hollywood is Like High School With Money is not the most original book to come down the pike, but it’s a quick and relaxing read. There’s some good insider-y stuff, which I found amusing because I was a “creative associate” for a film producer once…

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