Saturday, October 29, 2016

Review: A Gentleman In Moscow

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From Amazon: From the New York Times bestselling author of Rules of Civility—a transporting novel about a man who is ordered to spend the rest of his life inside a luxury hotel

In 1922, Count Alexander Rostov is deemed an unrepentant aristocrat by a Bolshevik tribunal, and is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. Rostov, an indomitable man of erudition and wit, has never worked a day in his life, and must now live in an attic room while some of the most tumultuous decades in Russian history are unfolding outside the hotel’s doors. Unexpectedly, his reduced circumstances provide him entry into a much larger world of emotional discovery.

Brimming with humor, a glittering cast of characters, and one beautifully rendered scene after another, this singular novel casts a spell as it relates the count’s endeavor to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a man of purpose.

My Review: Count Alexander Rostov is in the wrong place at the right time (or vice versa) at the beginning of the Russian Revolution. Saved from internment in Siberia or, more likely, death, a poem written in praise of soviet ideals has earned him a more comfortable prison – the Metropol Hotel in Moscow. For the course of some thirty years with only one extreme exception, Rostov, a “former person,” does not step outside the hotel. A rare combination of intelligent, wise, and kind, Rostov is the epitome of the perfect gentleman. In spite of one small lapse, he remains optimistic and self-reliant. And though the novel takes place almost completely within the walls of the Metropol, adventures and intrigue abound.

This is the best book I’ve read in recent memory – recent meaning probably ten years or more. The language is brilliant and beautiful. The characters are believable and delightful. I loved the enlightening historical footnotes giving insight into things going on behind the scenes. I can’t think of a single thing that bothered me as I read, and that’s saying something! I can’t help thinking Mr. Towles must have drawn deeply on his own character to write Rostov, as there is such a light but unerring touch to his prose. In fact, though it took a long time for me to finish the book, that’s because I have so little time to read, not because I was reluctant to continue. Reading this novel was completely enjoyable. It will have a permanent place on my shelves and I will return to it when I need a guaranteed great read. I had started Rules of Civility and was enjoying it before stopping to read Gentleman (as it was a book club read). So it is waiting in the wings. But I’m going to save it for a little while, like a treat saved for a special occasion. When I’m in need of another guaranteed good read, I will turn to it.

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Visit theglisterjournals.com for news, excerpts, and more about The Glister Journals series.
Reviews for The Glister Journals: Bronze
The Glister Journals: Bronze can be purchased through any bookseller or purchase now at Amazon.com

All original text and materials by or commissioned by B. B. Shepherd are copyright 2012-2016 to B B Shepherd.

Friday, October 21, 2016

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop


Welcome to this year's Spooktacular Giveaway Hop, hosted by Bookhounds

I am giving away a $15 gift card to one winner to the book store of their choice. This giveaway runs from October 22 to Halloween (the 31st). Good luck!

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive, and use a book store Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW
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Visit theglisterjournals.com for news, excerpts, and more about The Glister Journals series.
Reviews for The Glister Journals: Bronze
The Glister Journals: Bronze can be purchased through any bookseller or purchase now at Amazon.com

All original text and materials by or commissioned by B. B. Shepherd are copyright 2012-2016 to B B Shepherd.

Friday, October 14, 2016

Fall Into Cash


Fall Into Cash $250 Giveaway

October 15th to November 15th


Enter for your chance to win a $250 Amazon Gift Code or $250 in Paypal Cash.

Thanks to this awesome group of bloggers and authors who have joined with I Am A Reader to bring you one fabulous prize!

Sponsor List
I Am A Reader
Kris Bock Romantic Suspense author
Chris Eboch, children's book author
Coupons and Freebies Mom
Simple Wyrdings
Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Krysten Lindsay Hager
Author Melissa Wright
B. Kristin McMichael
Author Dorothy Dreyer
Suzi Love
Helen Smith
Kindle and Me
Elizabeth Isaacs
Glistering: B's Blog
Heather Gray
ACME Teen Books - Kids & YA Too!
Crystal Collier, YA Author
Eric Buffington YA Fantasy Adventure
My Life. One Story at a Time.
Fat Free Faith
Diana's Book Reviews
Author D.E. Haggerty
Lori's Reading Corner
LOVE. WITHOUT YOU
CoolCatMysteries

Giveaway Details

$250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com eGift Card

Ends 11/15/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Visit theglisterjournals.com for news, excerpts, and more about The Glister Journals series.
Reviews for Bronze
The Glister Journals: Bronze can be purchased through any bookseller or purchase now at Amazon.com

All original text and materials by or commissioned by B. B. Shepherd are copyright 2012-2016 to B B Shepherd.

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Books to Movies Giveaway Hop


Welcome to the Books to Movies Giveaway Hop hosted by Bookhounds!

I really wracked my brains to try to think of a recent book/movie pairing that I love and can recommend, but I couldn't. So I'm turning back to the classics, and who is more classic than Jane Austen? Most people are familiar with Pride and Prejudice and have seen the various screen versions, but not as many are familiar with her last novel, Persuasion.

Jane Austen has been my favorite author since I was in my teens. I've read all her novels at least once (except Emma - I have it, I just haven't read it) and I'm sure I've seen every screen version of all of them. Second only to P & P, my favorite is Persuasion. It's a gentle story with now familiar themes: a quiet young woman with a strong sense of familial duty gives up her own wishes, longings, and dreams because of the opinions and for the convenience of others. But of course that's not the end of the story!

I'm giving away two film versions of Persuasion, plus a paperback of the novel! The novel edition I've chosen is new and has a GORGEOUS cover. It also has illustrations by the same artist. I'm going to have to get my own copy of this!


I'm including two screen versions as, while I prefer the newer (2007) version, the older (1995) version is, I think, a little truer to the text. Both are British adaptations and are beautifully acted and filmed.


I'd love to hear what your favorite Austen book, movie, or spinoff is. Good luck!


Open only to those who can legally enter. United States and Canada residents only. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW
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Reading: A Gentleman In Moscow
Watching: Mansfield Park (1999) and Persuasion (2007)
Listening: MUTEMATH - Vitals (and Changes)


Visit theglisterjournals.com for news, excerpts, and more about The Glister Journals series.
Reviews for The Glister Journals: Bronze
The Glister Journals: Bronze can be purchased through any bookseller or purchase now at Amazon.com

All original text and materials by or commissioned by B. B. Shepherd are copyright 2012-2016 to B B Shepherd.