"The Jesus Horse"

Almost unreadable. Strange style and construction. Supposed message lost on me. Author never uses one word where she can use five. Overwrought is the best description that comes to mind. Appreciate the opportunity to check it out. Rating not lower because the author did seem genuine.

"9 1/2 Narrow"

Upon receipt of “9 ½ Narrow” by Patricia Morrisroe, I made a mental note to take greater care when clicking my way through Goodreads and Library Thing’s Early Reviewers.  Everything from the cover to the synopsis made me want to pretend I never received this.  As a middle-aged man with a strong dislike for exposed feet and a shoe collection that includes exactly two pair of New Balance running shoes, I could not imagine making much progress with this thing.  Wow, was I wrong!  I couldn’t put this book down, finishing the whole thing in two evenings.

This is a very funny first-class autobiographical effort.  Yes, the author uses shoes, especially early in the book, as a connecting thread through her life story, but not in a way that overwhelms her very well written personal story and alienates crabby old men like me.  The Sopranos is an organized crime story that is really about family, and this is a shoe story that is really about family.  The central interaction is between the author and her mother, and while abrasive on the surface, was always tender and loving in a modern sort of way.  After finishing the book I wondered if the author would have portrayed her mother in quite the same way had she still been alive.  I believe the answer is yes, only based on the way her sister Emily is depicted, probably deservedly so.

Despite all the foreign-to-me shoe terminology and designers, I was envious of the life of travel and interesting relationships.  This is the best memoir of its type that I have read since Jeanette Walls’ “The Glass Castle.”  Thank you for sending me a copy!!

"Trespassers"

You never know exactly what to expect upon receipt of the latest First Reads offering from Goodreads.  If unfamiliar with the author or the title I often begin with low expectations, as was the case with "Trespassers" from Todd and Tim Wynn.  This book was far from a disappointment - engaging plot, well drawn characters, and excellent prose combined to make this a surprising "must read" for 2015.  Set on some version of a familiar Earth, we are drawn into a tale of intrigue, love and suspense as members of the Limestone Deposit Survey Group face off with aliens on a murky mission, and a federal agent out to expose them all.  At times hilarious, and at others emotional, this book is always intelligent and fast paced. My only disappointment was learning that a sequel is not imminent!  In any case I definitely want to read more from these brothers, whatever the story.