kfrank@northshire.com's blog

Karen Frank

“ For to know nothing is nothing, not to know anything likewise, but to be beyond knowing anything, to know you are beyond knowing anything, that is when peace enters in, to the soul of the incurious seeker.”from Samuel Beckett's Molloy

The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry - Book Review

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The Essex Serpent: A Novel By Sarah Perry Cover Image
$26.99
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ISBN: 9780062666376
Published: Custom House - June 6th, 2017

The kind of splendid historical novel of which there are far too few. The perfect capture of the essence of Victorian sensibility during a time of wondrous advances in science and society. Each character a gem supported by superbly evocative writing. A true joy to read! ~ Reviewed by Karen Frank


There Your Heart Lies by Mary Gordon - Book Review

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There Your Heart Lies: A Novel By Mary Gordon Cover Image
$26.95
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ISBN: 9780307907943
Published: Pantheon - May 9th, 2017

A master at articulating for the reader the heart and soul of her characters, the author once again delivers the magic. The story is told to her granddaughter as remembered. In 1930’s New York, Marian is estranged from her wealthy Irish Catholic family. Looking to escape from their abhorrent values, she marries her dead gay brother’s lover and sails off to volunteer in The Spanish Civil War. The story brims with emotion and thoughtfulness, while marching the characters forward relentlessly in the sweep of history until the circle closes. Magnificent! ~ Reviewed by Karen Frank


The Outrun: A Memoir by Amy Liptrot - Book Review

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The Outrun: A Memoir By Amy Liptrot Cover Image
$25.95
ISBN: 9780393608960
Availability: Special Order
Published: W. W. Norton & Company - April 25th, 2017

This is a memoir for readers who are not fond of memoirs. A young woman returns to her home in the remote Orkney Islands to escape her demons and repair her life. She discovers and rediscovers purpose, life energy and beauty in an environment famous for its stark emptiness and lack of human contact. Wonderfully descriptive and detailed as well as uniquely captivating. ~ Reviewed by Karen Frank


Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari - Book Review

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Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow By Yuval Noah Harari Cover Image
$37.50
ISBN: 9780062464316
Availability: IN WAREHOUSE - Usually Ships in 3-7 Business Days
Published: Harper - February 21st, 2017

Where have we been, where are we now and where are we going as a species? Pitched for the general reader with clarity, humor and many “aha” examples, we journey from the dawn of humanity to the current Anthropocene Era dominated by man and the religion of Humanism. While pointing out possible pitfalls in our continuing evolution (including self-extinction), Harari remains cautiously hopeful. What separates human consciousness from other species is imagination and the drive to tell stories and Science, Politics and Religion are the tools. Is consciousness simply a sophisticated series of algorithms? Will the continued development of Artificial intelligence eventually put an end to the species? We are currently in the Age Of Dataism where information IS religion. Should be required reading for all. Magnificent, profound and delightfully readable. ~ Reviewed by Karen Frank


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