A Complicated Kindness (Other)

from Allisinner

A very intersting read that I couldn't put down. Nomi's voice is complicaed yet clear at the same time. Her feeling of isolation is very reminiscent of Holden Caulfield but her devotion to her father and belief that her family will have a happy ending gives her an anchor. Nomi feels like a real t...

from Niecierpek

a very critical look at the Mennonite community in Manitoba, the way of life and oppressive fundamentalist upbringing by a former member of the church. Narrated by a 16 year old girl's voice, which, I don't have much doubt belongs to the author herself. Great narration, interlaced with deadpan hu...

from kellyn

This was my second reading of this wonderful novel. I paid more attention to the language this time since I already knew the heartbreaking, redemptive outcome. Toews knows of what she writes: the spirit-deadening restrictions imposed by religious leaders, the desire to fit in yet free to explore ...

from Boekenbeestje

This book cheered me up and made me laugh during a time in my life when the last thing I felt like was laughing. In between the funny bits are some deep and insighful observations (sometimes the two go together) about life and religion. Although I felt that the story itself was't as strong as it ...

from wiremonkey

The cracking of my heart seems to be happening all too frequently when I read these days. I would make an effort to avoid the damage (my heart is beginning to look like a crumpled piece of paper left out in the rain) but the unlikeliest books keep scrunching it up in their cardboard fists. A Comp...