Is it possible to recapture a childhood love as an adult? Haruki Murakami attempted to answer the question in South of the Border, West of the Sun. I made this novel my first review of 2018. I wanted to read something more introspective and intimate to start off my...
Wisdom From Kammbia 4.9: My Favorite Reads of 2017
by MHill | Jan 1, 2018 | Marion's Favorite Books, Wisdom From Kammbia Column
Another year has come and gone and I’ve read and reviewed 22 books for 2017. I had a good year reading and looking forward to a better reading year in 2018. Here’s my favorites in 2017: (click on the title to read that book’s review) A Man Called Ove by...
Book Review 113: The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami
by MHill | Jul 15, 2017 | 2017 Book Reviews, Haruki Murakami
I have slowly been indoctrinated into becoming a Haruki Murakami fan. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle will make the third novel I have read and reviewed for the blog and the excellent memoir, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running. I will write that so far in my...
Book Review 109: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
by MHill | Jun 10, 2017 | 2017 Book Reviews, Marion's Favorite Books
Are first impressions always true? Well, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman puts that aforementioned question to the test. Also, I believe this will be the first "get off of my lawn" novel that I have ever read. It is the story of a curmudgeon named Ove who has lived...
Book Review 104: Avenue of Mysteries by John Irving
by MHill | Apr 8, 2017 | 2017 Book Reviews
Sometimes you learn more about yourself as a reader when you read a book that gives you a myriad of feelings about it. Avenue of Mysteries by John Irving is such a book. The novel had me excited, disappointed, disdainful, and heartbroken throughout various stages of...
Book Review 100: The Lay of the Land by Richard Ford
by MHill | Feb 12, 2017 | 2017 Book Reviews, Frank Bascombe Series, Marion's Favorite Books, Richard Ford, Wisdom From Kammbia Column
It's my 100th Book Review. I must admit I did not think I would have posted as many book reviews over the past 6 years. It has been a pleasure and learning experience with writing and posting 100 reviews. I want to thank all the readers that have reached out...
Book Review 96: A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami
by MHill | Oct 30, 2016 | 2016 Book Reviews, Haruki Murakami, Marion's Favorite Books, Marion's Favorites, Marion's Reading Life Blog, Wisdom From Kammbia Column
I read my first Murakami novel, Dance Dance Dance, earlier this year. I learned from that book why Murakami has become an international favorite for many literary fiction readers. I decided I wanted to read another Murakami novel before the year ended. I chose A...
Book Review 88: Independence Day by Richard Ford
by MHill | Jul 23, 2016 | 2016 Book Reviews, Book Reviews, Frank Bascombe Series, Marion's Favorite Books, Marion's Favorites, Marion's Reading Life Blog, Richard Ford, Wisdom From Kammbia Column
Does living through your "existence period" mean you are truly an independent human being? Richard Ford attempted to answer that question in Independence Day, the second novel in the critically acclaimed Frank Bascombe series. Last year, I reviewed The Sportswriter,...
Book Review 76: Dance Dance Dance by Haruki Murakami
by MHill | Jan 23, 2016 | 2016 Book Reviews, Haruki Murakami
I finally heard of Haruki Muramaki when his latest novel, Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years Pilgrimage, was released in the summer 2014. It was on the Books of the Nightstand podcast where several independent bookstores across the country were having Murakami...
Book Review 65: The Sportswriter by Richard Ford
by MHill | Jun 4, 2015 | 2015 Book Reviews, Book Reviews, Frank Bascombe Series, Marion's Favorite Books, Marion's Favorites, Marion's Reading Life Blog, Richard Ford, Wisdom From Kammbia Column
The Sportswriter by Richard Ford chronicles an Easter Weekend in the life of Frank Bascombe, a failed novelist turned sportswriter. Ford's breakout third novel grapples with the themes of grief, a failed career, and unhealthy relationships. Bascombe's story is told...