Jenni Gilmer

Jenni GilmerMr. Cartwright, a journalist who wrote for Texas Monthly, is a spell-binding author. It's one of those books that at the end, you're sad it's over. I felt that way about Laura Hillenbrand's Seabiscuit (infinitely better than the movie, which I also love) and the classic Watership Down by Richard Adams (I can guarantee you, that man had pet rabbits). Anyway, Mr. Cartwright guides us through everything from the earliest people on Galveston Island through its heyday during Prohibition and beyond. He told the brutal truth about the Great Storm and explained the ruling families that still influence the Island today. I heartily recommend this book to all, especially to those who think the Texas coast is "boring."

Jenni GilmerIt was a very good book but not an easy read. Obviously, one doesn't read a Lincoln biography to do a little light reading. Because of that, it took me several months to read it, and at times, I could only read about 15 minutes at a time before needing to put it down. The subject matter of course covered Lincoln's childhood and early life, his early career as a lawyer and politician, the political climate of the US leading up to the war, slavery, Lincoln's presidential campaign, the long, drawn-out war, the Emancipation Proclamation, the end of the war and Lincoln's death. I'm worn out just typing that sentence! What strikes me most is that Lincoln wasn't even the best man for the job, necessarily. He wasn't an experienced politician, he wasn't a military man, and he trusted some of those yahoos he had as generals too much. But Lincoln was the man in the job, and he faced it head on. Other men who could have been president during that time would have caved when Lincoln stood firm. In the end, he was the person who had to be there, and aren't we all grateful he didn't run from that destiny. Oates' book is very fine and I recommend it. Just be sure to read something light on the side so you don't get too overwhelmed while tackling such dark subject matter.

Jenni GilmerThis book is all about how Chester Carlson came up with the revolutionary idea of "electrophotography" (what we now call xerography -- as in Xerox copies) and how darn long it took him to get that invention from idea to a marketable product. His idea quite literally changed the world, and Owen skillfully explains the technical aspects to a novice like myself without bogging down the story. And Owen definitely puts Carlson's invention in perspective in the history of the printed word with an enjoyable tour through how printing/copying/reproducing has been done through the ages. One of the quotes from the book that has stuck with me is from a guy who worked with Carlson along the way. He said, "It just goes to prove that if you've got something unique, you don't take a poll." Yeah, buddy. What's fascinating is that Carlson invented xerography in the 1930s, and no one since then can come up with a better idea. It did consume Carlson's life, which was a bit sad. Still, great read -- highly recommended.

Jenni GilmerMesmerizing! Butler doesn't spend any time telling you how the time travel is happening to Dana (main character), but you don't care. The crushing weight of going back to a time when the main character was less than a person in society's eyes was tangible. You're rooting for Dana from page 1.

Jenni GilmerCompelling read that weaves together two story lines through a mysterious, forgotten diary. The book reminds those of us who didn't live through WWII that wartime isn't glamorous like the movies and that maybe our grandparents/great-grandparents weren't saints but just real people.

Jenni GilmerJenner has a wonderful ability to effortlessly turn a phrase and make you understand what a character feels. Great writing! The plot bogs down slightly about 3/4 way through. Still, the end is satisfying. You'll enjoy it!

Jenni GilmerI was rooting for this book because my grandmother grew up in Brownwood, Texas, and was a member of the Brownwood High Class of 1942. She would have known ALL these people. I wish I could ask her, but she passed in 2005. Sweet story about community, family, and school spirit. The writing gets a tad repetitive but not bad for a first-time author writing about real people.

Jenni GilmerEntertaining, charming story that really has your rooting for the main characters.

Jenni GilmerI love Hercule Poirot, so I was predisposed to like the book. While it was good, it didn't have the usual Agatha Christie sparkle. Perhaps because it was adapted. That's OK. Still a good story!

Jenni GilmerSweet, entertaining read. Perfect for an afternoon on a comfy couch with a cup of tea during the holidays.