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1.1k reviews by:
heidirgorecki
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I haven’t read much about the Vietnam War before so I knew very little prior to this and learned so much following Frankie.
The story of the men and women who served in Vietnam is such a heartbreaking one. There were so many politics that went into that war and so much unrest and division - in the 60s and 70s in general - and the returning veterans took the brunt of it. It’s unfathomable to me how, regardless of people’s view at the time of the war, they could treat people like that who were just following orders or trying to help others like the nurses did. And I had no idea women were constantly invalidated by their fellow veterans as if they made up their service.
I thought the Frankie’s story was well told, loved her friendships with Barb and Ethel, and I thought the subject of PTSD, addiction and the ensuing destructive decisions were handled well and compassionately. It showed the ugly side of both the after affects of the war as well as how that mental state was compounded by how abominably the soldiers and nurses were treated and disrespected. Loved how an awful situation was redeemed, however, allowing a misery to become a passion and serve others who were hurting.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
The story of the men and women who served in Vietnam is such a heartbreaking one. There were so many politics that went into that war and so much unrest and division - in the 60s and 70s in general - and the returning veterans took the brunt of it. It’s unfathomable to me how, regardless of people’s view at the time of the war, they could treat people like that who were just following orders or trying to help others like the nurses did. And I had no idea women were constantly invalidated by their fellow veterans as if they made up their service.
I thought the Frankie’s story was well told, loved her friendships with Barb and Ethel, and I thought the subject of PTSD, addiction and the ensuing destructive decisions were handled well and compassionately. It showed the ugly side of both the after affects of the war as well as how that mental state was compounded by how abominably the soldiers and nurses were treated and disrespected. Loved how an awful situation was redeemed, however, allowing a misery to become a passion and serve others who were hurting.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
The Woman with the Blue Star ultimately is about not giving up no matter how bad the circumstances get, and about taking action and speaking up when someone needs help, rather than take the easy route. Also, the thought of living in a sewer for any length of time seems inconceivable but this actually happened with a group of Jews in Poland during WW2, as the author mentions at the end. I can’t even imagine.
The only reason I dropped a star was the writing seemed a bit choppy to me compared to Ms Jenoff’s typical writing and at times seemed a bit flat when there could have been more fleshing out of the story to give it more depth. Otherwise it was a great read and very inspiring.
The only reason I dropped a star was the writing seemed a bit choppy to me compared to Ms Jenoff’s typical writing and at times seemed a bit flat when there could have been more fleshing out of the story to give it more depth. Otherwise it was a great read and very inspiring.
While some things I figured out there was plenty that had me second guessing. A couple things were really unrealistic or didn’t fit tho. like the therapist telling everyone things about Anna that would be confidential as his patient, or a cop that was that vindictive and spiteful for no reason being allowed to interact with individuals like Norelli was.
Beautifully written, Woman at the Front was a fantastic story taking place during WW1, as Dr Eleanor Atherton tries to make a difference and put her medical degree and expertise to use in the midst of so many obstacles and so many ridiculous and demeaning rules during that time period that fiercely opposed women in any place but in the home.
The intense misogynistic environment females in general were treated with at the time was crazy and contradictory, but especially towards female doctors. It’s amazing how the military would allow nurses to enlist but not female doctors. The author does a great job showing Eleanors’ determination and drive despite so many, including her family, who were against her and didn’t think she could - or didn’t want her to - succeed. However, with her perseverance and selflessness, she ultimately won over so many with that same determination, including the love and admiration from 2 men who saw her and believed in her. It also showed how grim and destructive WW1 was. The book was hard to put down and I enjoyed it very much.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The intense misogynistic environment females in general were treated with at the time was crazy and contradictory, but especially towards female doctors. It’s amazing how the military would allow nurses to enlist but not female doctors. The author does a great job showing Eleanors’ determination and drive despite so many, including her family, who were against her and didn’t think she could - or didn’t want her to - succeed. However, with her perseverance and selflessness, she ultimately won over so many with that same determination, including the love and admiration from 2 men who saw her and believed in her. It also showed how grim and destructive WW1 was. The book was hard to put down and I enjoyed it very much.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Both very strange and very entertaining. It reminded me a lot of Princess Bride with tons of satire humor and far fetched scenarios. It played a good balance of the odd elements (namely spell-induced flying houses) not feeling too unnatural within the story line (still super odd but it fit nonetheless) and the constant comedy made it a light and ironic. Not my normal read but I rather enjoyed it.
I realize I seem to be in the minority on my average rating for this but honestly I just got really bored with this one. It was pretty predictable but was so slow getting there without a lot happening in the process.
Part of me wonders if the higher rating for people is because Maggie has cancer and people are afraid to separate rating the overall book from the events in it, as if they were rating the seriousness and tragedy of cancer, and therefore feel like it needs to be higher. I’ve had stage 3 cancer twice myself so that part is easy to separate for me I guess. I’m not holding my breath waiting to see how Maggie’s situation is going to end or feeling devastated by it because I’ve experienced a good portion of it. Yes cancer is terrible and Mr Sparks’ description is not wrong. It’s actually pretty accurate in most cases outside a few things.
But I wanted there to be more in the story. Half of it just felt like an interview between Maggie and Mark and that’s where I got lost. There just wasn’t a lot happening. But I realize that’s also a preference thing.
Part of me wonders if the higher rating for people is because Maggie has cancer and people are afraid to separate rating the overall book from the events in it, as if they were rating the seriousness and tragedy of cancer, and therefore feel like it needs to be higher. I’ve had stage 3 cancer twice myself so that part is easy to separate for me I guess. I’m not holding my breath waiting to see how Maggie’s situation is going to end or feeling devastated by it because I’ve experienced a good portion of it. Yes cancer is terrible and Mr Sparks’ description is not wrong. It’s actually pretty accurate in most cases outside a few things.
But I wanted there to be more in the story. Half of it just felt like an interview between Maggie and Mark and that’s where I got lost. There just wasn’t a lot happening. But I realize that’s also a preference thing.
The theme of “bent but not broken”, The Winter Rose tells a story of heartache, forgiveness, restoration and perseverance. The book shares of the struggle of a self-made family both fighting to survive WW2, but also struggling to survive the emotional and relational aftermath.
There were pieces in the writing that felt a little gappy and other sections that repeated a lot, but overall I enjoyed the book and the journey the characters went on to find healing and restoration.
There were pieces in the writing that felt a little gappy and other sections that repeated a lot, but overall I enjoyed the book and the journey the characters went on to find healing and restoration.
I feel like I related to so much to Neville and his struggle with getting words in his head out of his mouth. After 2 sets of chemo, I’ve struggled with this more than I already did prior. So while not to his extent, this resonated quite a bit for me and made me more invested in the story.
I loved how Neville risked his safety and security for an unknown but something he was sure he wanted. And I loved that Clara was open and honest and not afraid to talk to him or wait for him to struggle thru. So much of a risk for someone who doesn’t speak well is believing no one has the patience to wait for you to work thru it, so you might as well not say anything, or that you’ll sound utterly foolish. I love that she showed him unending grace for that, and they dreamed together no matter how far fetched it seemed.
I loved how Neville risked his safety and security for an unknown but something he was sure he wanted. And I loved that Clara was open and honest and not afraid to talk to him or wait for him to struggle thru. So much of a risk for someone who doesn’t speak well is believing no one has the patience to wait for you to work thru it, so you might as well not say anything, or that you’ll sound utterly foolish. I love that she showed him unending grace for that, and they dreamed together no matter how far fetched it seemed.