I'm a reading completist. I did not realize completist was a word until I typed this review. I felt it's appropriate for my latest Wisdom From Kammbia review. In 2015, I read and wrote a review for The Sportswriter by Richard Ford, the first Frank Bascombe novel. I...
Book Review 141: The 6:41 to Paris by Jean-Phillippe Blondel
by MHill | Aug 31, 2018 | 2018 Book Reviews, Marion's Favorite Books
One of my reading goals for 2018 and beyond is to read more translated fiction. Reading is one of those activities that can take you to another place, another culture, or another perspective with little risk to the reader. The only risk is a few dollars (if you buy it...
Book Review 128: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
by MHill | Feb 28, 2018 | 2018 Book Reviews, Black History Month, Book Reviews, Marion's All-Time Favorite Novels, Marion's Favorite Books, Marion's Favorites, Rereading Series, Wisdom From Kammbia Column
Can a novel you read in your early 20s effect you in the same manner when you re-read it in your mid-40s? Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison gives this reviewer a split verdict to the aforementioned question. It is the story of an unnamed protagonist who leaves the...
Book Review 123: South of the Border, West of the Sun by Haruki Murakami
by MHill | Jan 12, 2018 | 2018 Book Reviews, Haruki Murakami, Marion's Favorite Books
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, Marion's Favorite Books, 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 All-Time Favorite Novels, 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...