The Homecoming

by Dan Walsh

*** [3/5]

This story follows the life of a young pilot in WWII who lost his wife during the war. His son and his father try to build a life together with a nanny hired to watch the son. This story had no surprises and ended just as one would expect. It is also written in a simplistic style that has little thrall. Not great.

Heir to the Glimmering World

by Cynthia Ozick

** [2/5]

This book chronicles the story of a young girl who takes a job as the typist in a family of German emigrants. The author explores the relationship the girl has with her father and her distant cousin in the backdrop of the 1930s. The story weaves around the life of a famed literary character who finances the existence of the family. This book was dark and seemingly a bit distant. Don't expect much closure, but the plot has one or two unexpected turns.

The Solitude of Prime Numbers

by Paolo Giordano

*** [3/5]

This is a well written book that explores the life of the two main characters in the context of "prime numbers". The mathematical analogy is used to illustrate the loneliness and dispair of two people scarred by early tragedies. The prose is excellent and the character development is great but the story was dissatisfying. Not because it didn't have a happy ending, rather it is simply unfinished feeling with a host of unresolved issues. Don't read it for closure.

Water for Elephants

by Sara Gruen

*** [3/5]

This story explores the life of a young veterinarian student who ends up joining one of the great train circus groups. He quickly becomes involved in the subtle challenges of elephants, performers, and the big top. The story is whimsical and provides a pleasant look into the circus life of the period.