The 39th Book Reviews Blog Carnival

Booksnyc from Books in the City believes that:

The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai is a complex novel which weaves themes of class, family and the experience of living as an outsider into a beautiful narrative.

Missy from Incurable Disease of Writing, had this to say:

I recommend this book to all Jane Austen fans as well as lovers of romance. I also look forward to reading Patillo’s follow-up — Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart.

Dr Bill from Dr Bill’s Books Bazaar, thought this was:

…unlike anything I’ve read before, and that is a compliment…

Beth from Beth Fish Reads, listened to this one and had this to say:

I listened to the unabridged audio edition (by BBC Audiobooks America) read by Deborah Hazlett. Hazlett does a fine job presenting Tess as an intelligent, level-headed young woman…

Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart is a splendid read from beginning to end. Beth Pattillo has created interesting characters, took them from their comfort zones and let them muddle things up, much like real life human beings.

Elena from Rusianize This: reviews Crime and Punishment.

It’s dark, it’s twisted, it makes you think, and it’s a perfect example of what not to do if you are a broke ex-student

Jim Murdoch says:

I don’t want to tell you about this book. No, seriously, if I could get away with saying, “Listen guys, this is a great book. Buy it. Read it. You’ll love it,” I would…

The plot of The Big Sleep is simultaneously brilliant and sloppy. The book is set out as a series of mysteries but these are not the kind of mysteries that you’re supposed to follow along and figure out by the clues left along the way…

Simcha from SFF Chat reviews this one, and ponders that:

The problem with reading a really good book is that eventually you have to finish it…

Posted by Melissa @ 1lb, who said that:

…I loved the gorgeous illustrations that blended so well with the text.  It is a very visually appealing book, meant to be savored…

Darren from Bart’s Bookshelf read this one and thinks that:

A good if not brilliant selection of stories, one that is eminently readable, just not one that was as engaging as I was hoping for.

Jeanne from the blog Necromancy Never Pays: reminisces:

As a child, I read a lot of those children’s books in which the parents have to be dead or missing in order to allow the children to have adventures. Reading Saffy’s Angel, by Hilary McKay, made me think of those

‘Riddled with Errors’ the début collection of poetry and prose from the Scottish poet McGuire. Includes an interview where he talks about his influences and why he doesn’t use his first name. Straightforward, in-your-face writing – exactly what you’d expect to come out of Glasgow.

Alyce had this to say:

But the real reason why this is such a good read is that you get to see beyond Norman Mailer the writer to view him as a person apart from his writing…

Mark from Broadcasting Brain, thought:

This book is a good read:  it’s written in an upbeat, humble and encouraging tone…

Clark Bjorke reviews: The Making of the King James Bible by Adam Nicholson, saying:

…Maybe Congress should read this book….

Written more than five decades ago, Norman Vincent Peale’s book The Power of Positive Thinking contains wisdom that can still be applied in our lives today.

Ben from Effective Family Communication thinks that:

The Happiness Project (and Gretchen’s writing in general) maintains the light, upbeat style great for feeling happy…

Bryan from Secret Basket of Eggs, enjoyed this one enough to:

buy …5 copies and gave them to those that I felt would greatly appreciate the gold mine that is: The Art of Shen Ku…

Mike from Learn This.Ca reviews: I shall Raise Thee Up and thinks that:

So, overall I did enjoy the book and I’m sure any Christian would gain much from it and find pieces that really mean something to them.

Missy Frye from Incurable Disease of Writing, thinks that this one:

This book isn’t for the faint of heart. It isn’t graphic but it tells the truth of this young woman’s circumstances. While it does make you want to cry at times it is also inspiring.