lovelyla's reviews
282 reviews

What Happened to Sophie Wilder? Life, I suppose. The subject matter of Beha's work isn't unique or new. Life, death, faith, love, and misunderstanding are all a part of the human condition. I must say I enjoy the way in which Beha presents these things. He uses flashback and constant transition of character perspective to present a real humanism. We all, whether real or fictional, have something to reveal about what we see and experience daily. I am moved by Beha's characters, especially the way in which the book, and our lives with these characters, end.

I remember reading this book about 12 years ago when I was fresh out of my family's home and on my own. Every few years since, the read would run across my mind because I vividly recalled the book cover, but I could never quite settle on the book's thesis. A week ago, when I finally found, purchased, and began reading the book again, I suddenly realized why the plot didn't stay with me. I'm not fond of the "single-woman-can't-get-along-with-men" subtext, plus it's a bore. Bank's writing is magnificent, but the random injection of tales which may or may not have any connection to Jane's life is, well...random. And it's distracting. I devoured the book, but by the end, I was still hungry.

This is one of the best autobiographical/ coffee table/ art books I've come across in a long time, if ever. Since I didn't want it to end, I flipped right back to the beginning just to analyze the art work. The grammar and syntax is a bit off-putting, but I admire how dream hampton didn't allow her gift of words to overshadow Jay telling his story, from his own mouth, the way he would in ordinary conversation. And did I mention the art work? What an engaging read!

*May contain some spoiler info*


A few years ago, I read "Pawleys Island," and I remember asking myself why had I not read anything by this fantastic author before. As a South Carolinian, I was rather ashamed. I picked up "Folly Beach" believing I could get the same magnificent feeling...not so much. I feel the rhythm of the narrative is moving too fast; why is Cate falling in love and "finding herself" only weeks after her husband's death? Wait, who exactly IS John Risley? And that wife of his? She certainly ended rather conveniently.

Now, I must say I simply LOVE Dorothy and DuBose as an additional storyline. Oh, how I wish Ms. Frank would have focused a bit more on this couple, especially the fabulous Ms. Dorothy.

Additionally, it would have been wonderful for Cate to find her passion and create her own life after spending so many years engrossed in her husband and children. As soon as Mr. Risley appeared, I felt a bit cheated out of a great story about a woman coming into her own.

I am a huge Wendy Williams fan. And I adore her becasue she's a woman comfortable in her skin and completely honest about her Self and her life. I must preface the book review with this: I've only become familiar with Ms. Williams within the last few years, and was not privy to her during her radio days. The "Wendy" I love now may not have been the same "Wendy" of the 90s, so there are parts of the book that caught me a bit off guard. There were many a moment where I said aloud, "No, no, no...WENDY!?" But no judgement here! We all have our moments of living and learning, and Ms. Williams is open about her moments. I wasn't too keen on the simplistic writing style or the lanugage, but the read is 100% Wendy.