Two Dogs and a Book

Frances and Bernard by Carlene Bauer My rating: 4 of 5 stars Absolutely loved this book!!! So clever and well written. Frances' internal battle with her faith was so well depicted in this passage: "Some of us have a talent for suffering -- but I guess I don't. What is the point of believing in something all-powerful if he cannot give you the strength to go on at this very moment? What is the point of other people if you cannot keep your hands on them? I refuse to think, as my aunts might suggest, that these are God-given lessons. That just makes God a scold, and I refuse to believe that he is." And Bernard's need to be loved is also well explained in this passage: "But love is another law, too, and it will judge you if you do not bend to it when it asks." I loved the way the author used correspondence between several people to make you journey thought the story. The characters are well formed and mature. I am so happy I got to read this book. E

Snowdrops by A.D. Miller My rating: 3 of 5 stars Surprisingly a quick read. This is a book I had to read for my bookclub and was not sure I would like it, but i did. The one person narrative leaves you wondering what the other characters think and feel, but I guess that is the point of this book. I am going to St. Petersburg this summer and the main character's visit to that town was particularly interesting to me. The book also painted a very good picture of the illegal activities in Russia and the collective struggle of a nation in the process to be reborn. View all my reviews