Literary Sojourn 2016


Sojourn 2016 Authors and Bookies

Authors at Sojourn 2016Bookies who attended
Jessie BurtonJudy Bush
Ethan CaninSheryl Davidson
Patrick deWittNora Ruppert
Lauren GroffMartha Boon
Anthony MarraSuzanne Rigby
Jess Walter

2016 Book Reviews by the Bookies

AuthorBookBookie GradeReview
Jessie BurtonThe MuseJudyAThis was a great book. Beautifully written with a great story to back it up. It kept you guessing, but led you gently to the final reveal. I loved the setting in 1936 Spain. It was described with such love and appreciation. Olive and Theresa were great characters. Good job!
Ethan CaninCarry Me Across the WaterJudyA Well written story that skips between time periods. Sometimes I wish a story could be just told chronologically, but that is not the modern way. I suppose it would be difficult to build suspense if you knew everything from theI enjoyed this book very much. I I loved the setting and Templeton and the comparison to Cooperstown. I thought the monster in the background was very clever. I thought the characters were well-developed and interesting. It had a few interesting twists and kept my interest the entire time. I thought the writing was also very fun and clever. Good job! beginning. I'm also a little WWII'd out. But that is not the fault of the author. Interesting plot
Patrick deWittThe Sisters BrothersJudyB This seemed like a bloody version of the Princess Bride, with ridiculous events woven into the story of a couple of killers. It was entertaining and interesting, but somewhat pointless in the end.
Lauren GroffThe Monsters of TempletonJudyAI enjoyed this book very much. I I loved the setting and Templeton and the comparison to Cooperstown. I thought the monster in the background was very clever. I thought the characters were well-developed and interesting. It had a few interesting twists and kept my interest the entire time. I thought the writing was also very fun and clever. Good job!
Anthony MarraThe Tsar of Love amd TechnoJudyAI loved the way the stories interconnected. The writing style was beautiful and fluid. The story was so well researched, and I learned a lot about Russia and Chechnya. Some if it was hard to hear, but it kept my interest till the very end.
Lauren GroffArcadiaSherylCThe 60's commune experience was interesting but I did not enjoy the last half of the book after leaving the commune.
Patrick DewittUndermajordomo MinorSherylDI did't really enjoy the fairytale story however the best part was the romance of Klara and the main character Lucy , who was a wimpy liar.
Canin, EthanThe Palace TheemeSheryl?I read this book and all I remember is that it was 4 individual stories and I cannot remember one. Oops!!! Old age or boring stories, not sure!
Jessie BurtonThe MuseSherylAI thought this book was beautifully written and I found the characters interesting and fun to follow.
Jess WalterThe Financial Lives of PoetsSherylBThe subject matter was not my favorite but I recognized the struggle to live out your dreams in ways that are not always how you imagined.
Jess WalterBeautiful RuinsSherylCMy favorite character was Pasquale from Italy but did Richard Burton really have an illigitimate child? Can't wait to find out at the Sojourn.
Anthony MarraThe Tsar of LoveMarthaAI listened to this book, which made it challenging to follow with Russian character names. However I loved the intricacy of how the stories were intertwined. I enjoyed the history and the depth of character development.
Lauren GroffFates and FuriesMarthaA-It was fascinating to learn that this started as two separate books, that she eventually merged into one. This really pointed out how perspectives in a relationship can be SO different.
Jessie BurtonThe MiniaturistNoraB+Interesting presentation from the author--she seems an unlikely writer, Well developed sense of what Amsterdam during this era, and also how puritanical it was,
Ethan CanianAmerica, AmericaNoraB+Interesting story of corruption in politics--big surprise. More interesting is how that corruption affects everyone who surrounds them.
Patrick de WittUndermajordomo MinorNoraBVery funny presenter. Not what I suspected from reading the book. The book is kind of a fairy tale which is not a genre that turns me on.
Lauren GroffFates and FuriesNoraB+Interesting to hear the author talk about separate realities in a marriage--also not what I had thought about in reading the book. So I did get some insight from listening to the author.
Anthony MarraTsar of Love & TechnoNoraALoved this author's writing and he didn't disappoint in person. Not only is his writing inspired, but his view of the world is compassionate and optimistic in a world that is so desperate.
Jess WalterFinancial Lives of PoetsNoraCLiked the author's presentation but didn't like the book about losers making stupid choices and learning nothing.
Jessie BurtonSuzanne
Ethan CaninSuzanne
Patrick deWittSuzanne
Lauren GroffSuzanne
Anthony MaraaSuzanne