The Return

Review: Lullaby Road: A Novel James Anderson Crown 2018 I’d read The Never-Open Desert Diner from this author, and when I found this book I knew I had to read it too.   This author has a way of constructing his stories that really works for me.   Easy reading narrative, simple narrative, belies its power.   I have not read any other I like better in quite a while.   He can weave so many colors and patterns without losing a thread or the reader along the way.    Ben, a single, amiable, independent trucker with a bit of a past who lives in a Utah desert town, lets himself be talked into babysitting for a neighbor girl who is OK with him taking the baby with him while he makes his deliveries.   She was desperate, and Ben couldn’t say no.   Sounds a bit unusual, but they have the history that makes it work.   Within a few minutes he also has gained two more passengers for the run, an abandoned child and a dog. ...

Review: The Little French Bistro Nina George Crown 2017 I have to admit that I'm not a fan of romance novels, but I think this one goes beyond the boy meets girl idea.   By a bunch.   If adults had coming of age stories this one would fit there.   Marianne travels a road many people I know would love to, but fear taking the steps needed. And that is the basis of this book.   Taking the steps.   Joy, sorrow, whatever comes and keep on taking the steps.    I agree with many of the comments already made about George's ability to build wonderful characters, paint scenes that vibrate with energy, and tell a story too.   Her writing touches the heart and not in some sappy, maudlin way.   A place of real emotions and desire.   Speaking of desire---her intimate scenes are just that, intimate.   In body and mind.   And not for just spicing things up a bit.   She captures the true nature of intimacy...

The Power of Meaning: Crafting a Life That Matters Emily Esfahani Smith Crown 2017 Smith has put together an interesting array of material to point her reader toward a life that matters, borrowing from her title.   Through her research work she finds several common factors that in the end become necessary to living a life that a person can claim as important in some way whether its feeding giraffes, turning a well-honed illicit drug business into a legitimate business venture, or surviving a concentration camp.   Yes, she covers that much ground in this short book.   And it is all to illustrate how meaning and a satisfying life emerge. The worth of this book isn’t necessarily that Smith has found some new silver bullet approach, but it’s readability.   The ease with which she leads a person through the various discussions helps the reader relax and absorb what she says.   Change doesn’t come easy for any of us so a soft, gentle approach cush...