February 15, 2008 - February 29, 2008
Last contest period's winners were [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected], who each received a copy of FIREFLY LANE by Kristin Hannah and STRANGER IN PARADISE: A Jesse Stone Novel, by Robert B. Parker.
| Bonnie |
| In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
All of his books have been bestsellers and I can see why. His premise is "Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants." The author then goes on to explain what food is and that much of what is sold in supermarkets doesn't qualify. He says if your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize it as food, put it back. You'll never food shop the same way again! |
| Linda M. Johnson |
| Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I am usually one of the first to read Evanovich's numbered books, but this one is a waste of the trees it took to make it and the $17.95 to purchase it. I wish Evanovich would concentrate on quality rather than quantity. |
| Mark in OR |
| Tiny Dancer by Anthony Flacco |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A stunning story showing the love of a father for his daughter and what he does to save her. Many parties are involved in this wonderful example of human kindness. I found this gem while stranded in Ghazni, AF. Add it to your 2008 list First! |
| Mark in OR |
| A Thousand Slendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was maybe better than his first book, dealing with two generations of women focusing on existing together in a society in need of change. An example of love --- a must read. |
| Mark in OR |
| The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A very powerful and stunning first book to come out of Afghanistan and how its people survived the Soviet invasion and the Taliban. I just returned from Afghanistan and read many fine accounts of a proud nation. (This has now been made into a very important movie.) |
| Michelle Potala |
| The Feast of Roses by Indu Sundaresan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the 2nd book in the series, the first of which was was Indu's first book. It was so wonderful. it is rich with history, romance, and a bit of politics. I can't wait until she has another book out. It took me just 2 days to read it. I could not out it down. I always wanted to know what will happen next. |
| Christy Hawkes |
| Soul Deep by Lora Leigh |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I am absolutely in love with Ms. Leigh's Breed series and this book is at the top of my list. Filled with wonderful new characters and the return of characters from previous books (I suggest you read this series in order), this is an enjoyable fast read. I highly recommend not only this book, but the whole series. |
| Christy Hawkes |
| Shadow Music by Julie Garwood |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I absolutely loved and enjoyed this latest historical romance from Ms. Garwood. Filled with vivid descriptions, wonderful characters and an interesting storyline, I read this book from start to finish in just a few hours. Highly recommended! |
| Kristin |
| Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Read this in two sittings. It's a great story about lifelong friends, and even though their lives are so different they remain best friends. The only downside is that the story is almost identical to Beaches. |
| Readingrat |
| Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I read Joshilyn Jackson's GODS IN ALABAMA last year and enjoyed it, so I was really looking forward to reading this one. I wasn't disappointed. I'd have to say I liked this even better than GODS IN ALABAMA because this one really reaches out and touches your heart. It's funny and heartfelt and all about families (the love and the feuds) and small town life. |
| Christy H. |
| Beyond the Dark by Angela Knight, et al |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Four fantastic paranormal erotic stories by all four authors! I highly recommend this book, especially if you are a fan of Leigh's Breed series. |
| Judy O. |
| Souvenir by Therese Fowler |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was a terrific story about a woman dealing with a terminal illness. That makes it sound grim, but instead, it was very life-affirming. This is Fowler's first novel, and I hope it won't be the last. |
| Patricia ([email protected]) |
| The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I came across this book while searching the shelves of our local public library for something else entirely. I picked it up because of its obvious thickness and a sticker that advertised historical fiction, which I always enjoy. From the first paragraph written by an unseen guide to the streets of 19th-century England and until the very last page, I was engrossed. I hated to see it end. The characters were so real and interesting, I shall miss them all. Over 800 pages of a captivating journey thru Victorian slums, whore houses and society have been highly entertaining and even during my daily work schedule, I would find myself wondering what these colorful characters would do next. I Can't wait to find more by this author. |
| Christy H. |
| Jacob's Faith by Lora Leigh |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This 2nd book in the Wolf Breed series is a fun and fast read that you will want to devour all in one sitting. Great plot, interesting characters and lots and lots of hot, steamy sex make this book a highly recommended read. |
| Christy H. ([email protected]) |
| Mallets Aforethought by Sarah Graves |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed this 7th book in THE Home Repair is Homicidemystery series. Ms. Graves always delivers with a fascinating plot, vivid descriptions of Eastport, Maine (I want to visit there!), and a great cast of interesting and believable characters. I highly recommend this book. |
| Charles |
| The Envelope by Wilson Crawford |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
THE ENVELOPE is an interesting and suspenseful book that combines romance and intrigue. Crawford weaves a clever tale that is kind of a "pass it on" story with a twist. |
| Fran |
| Poster Child by Emily Rapp |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Emily Rapp shares her life story of growing up with a congenital defect, which required her leg be amputated at the ankle. An inspiring and at times heartbreaking account of a young woman's painful journey to adulthood in a world that doesn't value those who are different. I would highly recommend this book to others. |
| Christy H. ([email protected]) |
| Nail Biter by Sarah Graves |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This 9th book in the Home Repair is Homicide series is a fast-paced story with the return of characters that I've come to know and love, as well as a personal tragedy for Jacobia. You won't want to miss this read! |
| Mark in OR |
| Country Of My Skull by Antjie Krog |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A very revealing book having to do with the 'Truth and Reconciliation Commission' following the dimantling of apartheid. Very powerful and made into a movie. |
| Christy H. |
| Elizabeth's Wolf by Lora Leigh |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I was hooked with the very first Breeds book, and none of them have disappointed. This book was so emotional and Ms. Leigh's descriptions so vivid --- it was hard to put it down. |
| Jill |
| T is for Trespass by Sue Grafton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you're a follower of the Alphabet series, this one will not disappoint. I read the last half in 1 night --- I just could not put it down. A tale of identify theft is woven into Kinsey's multiple assignments, with a good bit of edge-of-your-seat stuff. All the usual characters are present, which makes it also a comfortable read. |
| Jo from Brooklyn |
| Morningside Heights by Cheryl Mendelson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a terrific potboiler about the lives and loves of middle-class intellectuals living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The book has a great New York feel. |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| Blue Heaven by C. J. Box |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
One of the better mysteries that I have read --- a real page turner about ex-cops retiring in northern Idaho, and the heartbeat of a small community. I had to finish even though I had other things to do. When the chips are down, where do you turn? And where do you find truth? |
| Judy S |
| The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Ms. Ackerman did an impressive job in researching the true accounts of the Zabinskis in Poland during World War II. More than a zookeeper & his wife, they hid Resistance fighters and refugee Jews from the Nazis. What the Zabinskis accomplished is truly noteworthy, but the writing style of Ms. Ackerman in this book made it a difficult read. The facts were there, but I did not feel the passion or spirit in those words. I really wish I could rate it higher. |
| Eileen ([email protected]) |
| Trail of Crumbs by Kim Sunee |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a wonderful biography of a woman who is a traveler and a chef! The book describes the places she has been and what those travels mean to her. It is similar to EAT, PRAY, LOVE but it has a bonus! There rare wonderful recipes at the end of each chapter! What a delight this book is.... |
| J. Kaye Oldner ([email protected]) |
| Glamour Job: A Fairy-Tale for Grown-Ups by Doug Farrell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
GLAMOUR JOB is a fun, fast-paced, and very enjoyable story. It has many twists and turns, and since it is for adults, there are sex and violence, but in a light tone. I do not ever remember reading anything quite like this. The mixture of ghosts and goblins with sci-fi make this plausible and it holds well together. I highly recommend this book to any sci-fi and fantasy readers. |
| Lori Barnes ([email protected]) |
| A Date With the Other Side by Erin McCarthy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was a really cute book. Shelby works as a tour guide for haunted houses and never experienced and ghost sightings until a new renter came to town he was there on business for a couple of months and strange things started happening when he was around. You'll enjoy this book. An easy read. |
| J. Kaye Oldner ([email protected]) |
| Smell of Death by F. M. Meredith |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The Rocky Bluff P.D. Series is a cross between "Law & Order" and "As the World Turns." The story centers on the everyday lives of the law enforcement who serve and protect citizens of Rocky Bluff, California, a beach community. |
| Patty Latona |
| Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was a very fast read. I read it in hree days. |
| Rebekah Crain ([email protected]) |
| Hot by Julia Harper |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A quick, fun page turner filled with action, romance, and a few good laughs. |
| Rebekah Crain ([email protected]) |
| Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shephard |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
YA Chick-Lit worth the time reading. This one is the first in a series, and I think it was good enough to drive you to read the rest. |
| Rebekah Crain ([email protected]) |
| The Hatbox Baby by Carrie Brown |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book had a good story, but lacked a little bit in character development and in closure (i.e. the ending). I'd recommend it, though. |
| Joan |
| Soul Catcher by Michael White |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was a wonderful book about a shameful time in our history. It really made me think about the slaves and how they were treated. I was very interested in seeing how Cain was reacting to the runaway slave Rosetta and applauded his choice at the end of the book. |
| Maureen H |
| The Tunnels by Michelle Gagnon |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a debut book about a serial killer targeting college students in the underground tunnels of a prestigious college in New England. This is a fast-paced book and I really enjoyed the FBI agent, Kelly Jones, assigned to investigate these killings. A very fast read, because you cannot put this book down! |
| Shawnee |
| The Translator by Daoud Hari |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Daoud Hari is from Darfur and as war came to his village, his family encouraged him to fight not with a gun but with his education. With his ability to translate, Daoud worked to help as many journalist and government officials as possible tell the story of what was happening to his people and his country despite the very real threat to his own life. Yet I doubt that any reporter could tell the world the heartbreaking truth of the genocide that has and is occurring in Darfur as eloquently as Daoud Hari does himself in this book. |
| Jill |
| Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A good read about small-town culture, involving a man with a well-to-do California upbringing who learns the truth about his birth mother and heritage. In the process, there's suspense, sadness, and a decent ending. If you're looking for deep character development, this is probably not the book for you. |
| Thomas |
| My Turn at the Bully Pulpit by Greta Van Susteren |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
While not particularly riveting, this book does a good job of presenting the views of the popular host of Fox News's "On The Record." Greta does have some common sense, and down-to-earth viewpoints. It helps that she is also a fellow Wisconsinite and Packers fan. |
| Kellie ([email protected]) |
| Parvana by Deborah Ellis |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I enjoy books like this. They help teach us about foreign lands, lands we know little about. This was a story about a young girl named Parvana, who lived in a small one room apartment with her family in Kabul during the Taliban regime. After her father is arrested and taken away, Parvana's mother cuts her hair really short, dresses her in boys' clothes and Parvana goes out to the streets to sell things to help support the rest of the family. This story is fascinating. It gives you a picture of a time and a place that is so primitive and unfamiliar and scary. It reminds us how lucky we are. Can't wait to read the journey. |
| Margo |
| Letters from Nuremberg by Sen. Christopher Dodd |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book gives an insight into the mindset of the Nazis. Sen. Dodd's father, Thomas Dodd, wrote very personal letters to his wife about the Nazis, life in the bombed city, and his reflections on the evil done by the Nazis. He was the chief American prosecutor of the Nazis at their trials. |
| Ellen |
| Anatomy of Deception by Lawrence Goldstone |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Just started. Perhaps it's too graphic for the horrific ways medicine was practiced after the Civil War, but it was so interesting to involve famous doctors and artists of the time. |
| Karin |
| The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I don't know if I enjoyed this book. It certainly was a page turner, and it haunted me when I wasn't reading it. I enjoyed the Architectural details that were sprinkled throughout the book. I didn't give it a 5 because I felt that there were a lot of repetitive scenes. I think I didn't enjoy it, because it was so intense with the violence an betrayals. I felt relief when I finished reading. |
| Fran |
| An Egg on Three Sticks by Jackie Moyer Fischer |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This book details the impact of mental illness on a family, from the eyes of a child. The author captures the mind of a 13-year-old girl and the devastating effect mental illness has on a family with harsh realism. Much of this book really rings true. The only unrealistic part of the book was the idea of anyone going into a mental hospital for the length of time this mother did. In real life, a 24-hour hold is the max.... and rarely longer than 28 days, regardless of the needs of the patient. Overall, it was a good depiction of life with a mentally ill family member, and the effect on a family. |
| Cat |
| The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The third of Penny's Three Pines mysteries featuring Inspector Gamache is the finest of her three in this series. She just keeps getting better with each new book. You will become as enamored with the characters in the small Canadian town as with the mystery involving a death that occurs during an apparently innocently organized séance. A secondary plot involving the charming Gamache is equally enticing. It was wonderful to return to quality writing and skip the serial killers for a while. Also, I do not miss the first two of the series, STILL LIFE and A FINAL GRACE. |
| Ellen |
| A Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I really enjoy her books. Can't wait for more! |
| Cat |
| The Silver Swan by Benjamin Black |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The second Quirk mystery is a smoothly written tale full of twists and turns. The characters come to life on the page as the pathologist Quirk struggles with murders, the conflicts between justice and vengeance, and his unending cravings for that drink that helps to relieve him of life's disappointments. A double whammy of an ending completes this superior novel. |
| Liza |
| March by Geraldine Brooks |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Fabulous. Anyone who has enjoyed LITTLE WOMEN must read this book. It's the story told from the point of view of Marmee's husband, Mr. Marsh (absent for most of "Little Women") who has gone off to war and left his wife and 4 daughters behind. While they are keeping the fires warm at home, he is experiencing the cruel and gruesome aspects of war. |
| Jen Mulsow |
| Unless by Carol Shields |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Very good! |
| Beth Reimer |
| Water for Elephants by Sara Guen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I can't stop reading this book, it's awesome. |
| J. Kaye Oldner ([email protected]) |
| A Hike For Mike by Jeff Alt |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed this book. His description of what they did and the explanation of why they did it shows what a great teacher and writer he is. The amount of detail is well integrated with the story and dialogue. Based on his book, I feel I can hike the trail and know what to expect. Personally, I now know I'm not going on that hike. It's too rugged for me. The importance of Jeff and Beth's purpose is Depression Awareness, which is highlighted by the stories from the other hikers and people they met along the trail. |
| Astoria Maloney ([email protected]) |
| Ivy's Twisted Vine by Latrivia S. Nelson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This interracial romance novel based in Memphis, TN is an intriguing tale of love, lust and passion. The author brought the characters to life with mind-blowing plots and true sex appeal. As an avid interracial romance reader, I think that she brought something new to the table. It's one of the most enjoyable books that I've read in a very long time. |
| Margo |
| Stone Cold by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The Camel Club rescues Annabelle, and Oliver Stone is under fire as someone from his past is killing all his former sniper mates. He risks everything to help his friends escape. I really liked this book. |
| Donna |
| The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Neffenneger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An amazing novel. This is the story of Henry and Claire and their love affair that transcended time. When it ends, you wish you could go back in time and start all over again. The interweaving of time lines and ages during which Henry finds himself is surprisingly easy to understand as the story is, in a word, timeless. |
| Deb Brandon ([email protected]) |
| The Book Thief by Markus Zusak |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book was one of the best I have read in a long time! I loved the way he had "Death" as the narrator. He had a wonderful way of telling the horrible story through the eyes of a child and the people who grew to love her so much! It was a story of courage, love and survival! I loved it! |
| Juanita |
| Atonement by Ian McEwan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was a difficult book to get into. I'm not at the halfway point and I sure wish I could stay home today and read! Very compelling! |
| Brent ([email protected]) |
| Tourist in the Yucatan by James McNay Brumfield |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A bit of pulp fiction that is actually quite good for what it is. The story follows a young American on a trip to the Yucatan, visiting a friend who is an archaeologist. But things don't go as planned and they soon find themselves in hot water and on the run from federals, gangsters, and maybe even agents from their own country! The plot weaves in some credible elements of Mayan archeology that I found quite interesting. A fun fast read! I will look for more from this author! |
| Shawnee |
| Baantjer by Daoud Hari |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Daoud Hari is from Darfur and as war came to his village, his family encouraged him to fight --- not with a gun, but with his education. With his ability to translate, Daoud worked to help as many journalist and government officials as possible tell the story of what was happening to his people and his country despite the very real threat to his own life. Yet I doubt that any reporter could tell the world the heartbreaking truth of the genocide that has and is occurring in Darfur as eloquently as Daoud Hari does himself in this book. |
| Ali |
| A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I am not a Hemingway fan, but I read this for my book club. There was a story hidden in the rhetoric. It had a kind of déjà vu quality. I may have seen the movie many many years ago. |
| Crystal |
| Murder in Amsterdam by A. C. Baantjer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The blurb on the back of the book states, "This first translation of Baantjer 's work into English supports the mystery writer's reputation in his nation of Holland as a Dutch Conan Doyle." So far this is the second one of his books that I have read. Both I have been wonderful. I am not yet convinced that the comparison to Conan Doyle is apt, but I do have great hope. Baantjer's Inspector DeKok is wonderful and quite a character. Already, I am quite fond of him; I can't wait to read another one of his adventures! |
| Gina |
| The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
Very disappointing second novel after Sebold's excellent THE LOVELY BONES. The plot was preposterous and not worth my time. I doubt this book would have been published at all if not for the acclaim of her first book. |
| Readingrat |
| The Blade Itself by Marcus Sakey |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A tremendously gripping debut novel about a man struggling to put his shady past behind him. |
| Readingrat |
| The City of Masks by Daniel Hecht |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A strong paranormal thriller set in New Orleans about a group of modern-day ghost chasers. The first book in Hecht's Cree Black series. |
| Allison Bernstein |
| Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
You can't go wrong with Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum. This between-the-numbers book is a riot. |
| Sally B., San Antonio TX |
| Souvenir by Therese Fowler |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
3.5 stars. I received this as an ARC through bookreporter. The beginning was somewhat abrupt, but it elapsed into a well-written, emotional novel with death at the end, but redemption too. That said, I don't know why the author or publisher didn't make this a trilogy. It would have been perfect. Book 1 - Carson & Meg growing up and her ultimate marriage to Brian. Book 2 - Marriage to Brian, Savannah (& paternity) and her escapades online and Carson dealing with his heartache via music and drugs. Book 3 - Her illness, results of Savannah and her "boyfriend", reunion with Carson and death. |
| Allison Bernstein |
| Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a fun, easy read. I loved the characters and found myself laughing out loud several times. I can't wait to read the follow up, QUEEN OF BABBLE in the Big City. |
| Susan ([email protected]) |
| Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is one of the funniest books I have ever read. I cant wait to read her others! I am talking laughing-out-loud funny! |
| Kellie ([email protected]) |
| Ghost Rider by Sharyn McCrumb |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This was an historical fiction book about the Civil War. Most of the places mentioned were right here in North Carolina. Asheville, Statesville, Blowing Rock and Raleigh were mentioned several times. Even Charlotte was mentioned towards the end. I really tried to enjoy this but after I finished it, I felt really let down. I am not sure if I was reading a history book or a sad attempt to weave some fiction with non-fiction. This just did not capture my interest. My ears perked up when I read the story of the Blalocks. There were parts of their story that was interesting. I kept waiting for an exciting climax, but it never came. The ending was suppose to pull everything together, but I am still sitting her trying to figure it out. For the most part, this book bored me. I thought, I would have enjoyed this more if you took out the fiction and just reported the history. At least I would have felt satisfied that I learned something. |
| Anne |
| Double Cross by James Patterson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Alex Cross, profiler and psychiatrist, has rejoined the police department to find two serial killers. One killer craves attention from the media and the other killer wants Dr. Cross dead. I just could not get into this novel. Neither the plot or the characters appealed to me. |
| Mary Kay Ball ([email protected]) |
| Doomesday Book by Connie Willis |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a Science-Fiction/Fantasy time travel book. I must confess, I don't read much Sci-Fi, but I REALLY liked this one. I was drawn into the story about the Middle Ages and the mid-21st Century. There were many parallels. The plot moved quickly as the characters struggled to find answers for the epidemics in both time periods. |
| JaneAnn Railey |
| Souvenir by Therese Fowler |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
5 stars and more. I was lucky to receive an advance reader copy of this book and I just finished couple nights ago. It was wonderful. You've got to look out for it on shelves on Feb. 26 --- mark the day on your book calendar, you won't be sorry! It was such a touching story --- I ended crying so hard that I had to put it down a few times to clear my eyes. I will be looking for her next story. |
| Julie Ann |
| My Hands Came Away Red by Lisa McKay |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the most moving book I have read in a very long time. When I was through, I wished I had read it slower just to make it last. I cannot believe this is Ms. McKay's 1st novel. Eagerly awaiting the next one... |
| Catie 75 |
| Resistance by Sheers |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great book! What if Germany had won World War II and occupied Great Britain? Told from many points of view, you are left wondering who is the good guy and who is the bad guy. |
| Readingrat |
| Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A touching story of friendship through the decades. I found it particularly appealing because I'm of an age that is very similar to the main characters, so this story really brought back memories of high school in the 70s, college in the 80s, getting married, and the stresses of early motherhood. This is the third book I've read by this author and my favorite so far. |
| Dottie M. |
| The Appeal by John Grisham |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I listened to this on CD and really enjoyed it. The two main characters --- lawyers in a small Mississippi --- town worked so very hard for the defendant against a big chemical company. |
| Crystal |
| Book of the Dead by Patricia Cornwell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Another thrilling, suspense-filled tale starring Dr. Kay Scarpetta, her niece Lucy, investigator Pet Marino and psychologist (and ex-FBI agent) Benton Wesley! This time around, the action travels from Scarpetta's new home base of Charleston, S.C. to Rome, Italy with the action also encompassing New York City and a Harvard-affiliated psychiatric hospital in New England. |
| Carol Hoyer from VA ([email protected]) |
| A Sister's Test by Wanda Brunstetter |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wanda Brunstetter's ability to capture the true life and lifestyle of the Amish once again comes out in true form. Her insight into what is important to the Amish is reflected in her words and style of writing. Ruth Hostettler is the oldest daughter, and her desire to marry and have a family are always on her mind. The is first courted by Luke, but he kept too many secrets and his behavior was always reckless. She often was very frightened of him. Martin Gingerich comes into Ruth's life at a time she is despairing over not finding a mate. He is kind, considerate and always concerned about her and her family's welfare. When things seem to be going well between them, someone starts targeting her family through burning down her sister's house, killing plants in the garden and leaving mysterious notes. The Hostettler family can't imagine who would be this destructive. After Martin and Ruth marry, calmness sets over all their families --- no destructive behavior comes about. Then one night, while riding in the buggy to Ruth's family home, the unthinkable happens --- a truck rams into the back of their buggy, pushing it down an embankment. Martin dies and Ruth has emergency surgery and is left without the ability to have children again. Ruth feels her life will never be the same and she has no reason for living. The questions that the reader wants answered in this heartwarming story include: who was responsible for all the problems that plagued the Hostetter family? Was it Luke? Her sister's old English boyfriend? And why? Readers should take the time to read this great story, and for a while, live the simple life. |
| Marla A. |
| The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Delinsky at her best. |
| Sal Williams |
| Fear and Loathing in America- The Gonzo Letters Vo by Hunter S. Thompson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Nothing reveals character as clearly as correspondence and these Gonzo letters, taken from a time when Thompson was at the top of his game, are both penetrating and hilarious. It's a stroll down Memory Lane with a guy who made common language sing for Hunter's fans.These letters make me want to go back and reread what he was writing at the time. |
| Sal Williams |
| Stories From The Blue Moon Cafe II by Sonny Brewer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Established and new Southern short story writers are included in this delightful anthology, the second of five edited by Mr. Brewer. You'll find Lee Standiford, Cassandra King,Fannie Flagg,William Gay and Gregory Benford included here. Read Eric Kingrea's first published work here,too. Excellent. |
| Sal Williams |
| Stories From The Blue Moon Cafe II by Sonny Brewer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Established and new Southern short story writers are included in this delightful anthology, the second of five edited by Mr. Brewer. You'll find Lee Standiford, Cassandra King, Fannie Flagg, William Gay and Gregory Benford included here. Read Eric Kingrea's first published work here,too. Excellent. |
| Nancy |
| 7th Heaven by James Patterson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This continues the Women's Murder Club series and is one of Patterson's best books to date. There are 2 mysteries going at the same time: a disappearance and serial arsonist/killers. I don't want to give anything away but I am usually very good at figuring out the killers and links. I was fooled with this one, which I like. This book hooks you on the first page! |
| Jim in Arizona |
| World Without End by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It's not often that I give a book 5 stars. I maintain a spreadsheet of books I read and it's been a long time since the last 5-star book. What's more, I shy away from long books. But, I have always enjoyed Ken Follett's stories and plunged in. I couldn't put it down, and 1015 pages later I was glad I read it. As with most Follett books, there are many subplots, villains, heroes, disasters and glorious recoveries from these disasters. My wife couldn't believe I read the book in less than a week. I usually take 2-3 weeks to read a 300 page book. I highly recommend it. |
| CC |
| The Husband by Dean Koontz |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A flat-out great mystery --- Koontz keeps the reader guessing throughout and is so descriptive you can practically see the movie this book is bound to become. |
| Carmie Peters ([email protected]) |
| The Boy's Tale by Margaret Frazer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
All of her books in this Medieval series are superb --- plot, characterization, and depiction of life in the 1400s. I am working my way through the entire series (10 or more). Great way to avoid the trials of winter! |
| Debi |
| A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This novel, written before Alcott's bestseller, LITTLE WOMEN, was not published until 1995. It was discovered by Kent Bicknell, who then edited it and had it published. I always loved LITTLE WOMEN as well as JO'S BOYS, but this novel has surpassed them both. I read it in one weekend, stopping only to do the necessary household chores! Rosamond is the best Victorian heroine, and Tempest is the greatest villain! It is wonderful! |
| Debi |
| The Art Thief by Noah Charney |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book was a little slow at the beginning, but it picked up quickly. I learned a lot about the art world --- both good and bad. It had so many twists and turns that, at times, I got lost and had to re-read. But the plot kept me interested, and I did not guess the ending! A very good book! |
| Debi |
| Run by Ann Patchett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a very well-written novel in which the characters were interwoven and the action flowed smoothly. Even though the main action takes place in 24 hours, Patchett has given the characters depth by flashbacks. A young man steps into the path of an oncoming car and is pushed to safety by a woman. She is rushed to the hospital, inadvertently leaving behind a 12-year-old daughter to find her way home. A very good story. |
| Carol Hoyer from VA ([email protected]) |
| Escape by Carolyn Jessop with Laura Palmer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A unbelievable account of one woman's escape from polygamy and the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints. At age eighteen, Carolyn was forced to marry a man 32 years her senior and live through seventeen years of abuse --- both physical and emotional --- and constantly be watched and reported on by his other wives. When Warren Jeffs became the leader for FLDS, her world became even stricter. You won't forget this woman's escape and her attempt to live a normal life. |
| Marion Miller ([email protected]) |
| Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A very sad but true commentary about life in India and and Indians in America. |
| Carol Hoyer from VA ([email protected]) |
| He's Not Autistic, But... by Tenna Merchant |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Ms. Merchant, if nothing else, is an exceptional mother and advocate for her child who the medical profession felt was "at a high risk for autism." The long journey she and her family made for two years to figure out what was going on with her son, as well as herself was long, hard and often heartbreaking. I can think of no family that I have worked with during my tenure as a Psychologist with families with special needs that did a complete 360-degree turn as Ms. Merchant did. At times during the reading of this book, I almost felt as if Ms. Merchant was almost aggressive to the point of being annoying. However, after reading all the failed treatments, diagnoses and pushing of vaccines by medical personnel, she had a right to be this way. My knowledge by reading this book has only added reinforcement to my own professional views that doctors aren't always right. I also found the information she provided on toxic aluminum and systemic yeast very informative and something I think every child should be tested for while looking at diagnosis of autism. Since alternative medical treatments have not been overly publicized, it is one area that I think all parents should explore. I know I found her experiences with alternative medicine exciting and least harmful to the body. This reader, not only as a parent, but as a professional, would recommend this book be reading for every parent, parent-to-be, special education personnel and school resource staff as well as up and coming medical professionals. |
| Carol Hoyer from VA ([email protected]) |
| Miscarriage of Justice by Kip Gayden |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
When you are one of the most upstanding family's in the community, what happens when you fall from Grace? Anna Dotson was soon to find out. A mother of 2, a doctor for a husband and part of the community's popular social circle had made one of the biggest mistakes possible and it might cause her her life. Charlie Cobb was the new barber in town; he had a way with the women and he knew it. He had set his sights on Anna Dotson and true to form, she became his until her husband and the whole town found out about them. Dr. Dotson went crazy and threatened to kill Charlie Cobb if he didn't leave town and leave his wife alone. But Dr. Dotson didn't kill the womanizing barber. Anna Dotson said, " She killed this thing, but didn't murder him." Did she know what she was doing? What would she resort to to protect her husband and children? This is Kip Gayden's first novel and the reader firmly believes he has a great gift of drawing one into his story by his style of writing and his ability to put you in Anna Dotson's body. |
| T. Thomas |
| The World Without Us by Alan Weisman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a fascinating and easy-to-read book. Mr. Weisman gives a history of what we have done to the planet and what would happen if we were to suddenly disappear. |
| fafajane |
| Look Me in the Eye by John Elder Robison |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I am about 1/4 of the way through. It is interesting, but not as enlightening as I anticipated. Love the cover! |
| Judy S |
| People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the first book I've read of Ms. Brooks and was thoroughly entranced. Inspired by facts, the tale of the Sarajevo Haggadah (a Jewish book) weaves its way from the discovery of the haggadah in Bosnia in 1996, back through history (including its safeguarding by the unlikeliest of people over the years) to its beginning in Seville in the 15th century. Very worthwhile reading. |
| Bonnie Waliezer ([email protected]) |
| The Sleeping Doll by Jeffery Deaver |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another thriller which gives you a look into the deranged mind of a killer. This Manson wannabe leads everyone on a merry chase. Well worth the time to read. |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| The Chicago Way by Michael Harvey |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A fabulous first murder mystery about Chicago, with many twists and turns. There are hilarkious and sad characters, as well as the despair of rape. Hope that Michael writes again. |
| Stella |
| Hidden Places by Lynn Austin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is historical fiction at its best and a beautiful story that will make you laugh and cry. Many family secrets are revealed as the years pass and strong characters are challenged with everyday living. |
| fafajane |
| A Walk in theWoods by Bill Bryson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Parts of this walk on the Appalachian Trail are hilarious! The people they meet, mostly! I was slightly disappointed in the ending; it just sort of slips away. |
| Joanne Latva |
| Last Call by James Grippando |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A good story that kept your interest. This is about how a person can be wrongly accused and, with a honest and caring lawyer, how he finds the truth. |
| Joanne Latva |
| All The Pretty Girls by J. T. Ellison |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
4 stars. This was a good story that keeps your interest and had good characters. It's he suspenseful 'til the end. |
| LouBabe ([email protected]) |
| Dead Silence by Brenda Novak |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The first of a trilogy, and I can hardly wait to read the other two. A much-respected reverend came up missing years ago, and the reader gradually learns more and more about the disappearance and about his real personality. I would like to see this book made into a movie. |
| Margaret |
| Atonement by Ian McEwan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It is not often that I reread books. Let's face it, there are so many wonderful books to be discovered. My book club chose this recently and I decided that I wanted to be an active person in our discussion, so I once again read this delightful novel. It is absolutely lyrical and riveting. I forgot how magical and interesting it was. I will keep it on my shelf and in ten years time read it again. It is outstanding. |
| Shawnee |
| Lottery by Patricia Wood |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Oh, what a wonderful discovery. I am so glad I found out about this debut novel by Patricia Wood. It is a lovely book about what constitutes a family and what really matters in life. An uplifting novel that is fun and satisfying. |
| Martha E |
| Iron Orchid by Stuart Woods |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the fourth of the Holly Barker series. Holly, Former Chief of Police in Florida, is going through CIA training at the Farm as a new recruit. Her class is pulled out of training early to go on special assignment. Teddy Fay, an ex-CIA technical wizard, is killing government "targets" with the help of a CIA insider. He is such a master of disguise that Holly and the team keep missing him. They keep trying to anticipate his next move to try to get him. I learned about other Woods's characters in this book whom I was not familiar with. Good action, but I was a little disappointed by the ending --- although I can't say why without giving it away! |
| Another Anne |
| Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
While hard to get into for nearly the whole first half, the second half makes you realize why and makes you realize just how brilliantly the author has written this book. I can already tell this will be a strong contender for one of the best books I've read in 2008. SPECIAL TOPICS IN CALAMITY PHYSICS is a literary murder mystery and journey of self-discovery for the protagonist, Blue van Meer. |
| Linda M. Johnson |
| Flush by Carl Hiaasen |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I've been listening to all of Carl Hiaasen's books on CD. Most of the adult books, published by Recorded Books, have the same narrator. The other children's book, Hoot, was read by Chad Lowe. This book's narrator, Michael Welch, is sometimes difficult to hear without turning the volume to an uncomfortable volume for the majority of his reading. Although Hiaasen continues to write about environmental issues affecting Florida, the writing in this book seems impetuous, not as well-developed as the other books I've read or listened to. |
| ritab |
| The Loveliest Woman in America by Bibi Gaston |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The biography of Rosamund Pinchot Gaston, a Broadway actress of the 1920s and 30s who was once called "the loveliest woman in America." Rosamund was born into one of the country's most aristocratic families of the time, and spent much of her short life in the company of America's most illustrious --- Eleanor Roosevelt, Elizabeth Arden, David O. Selznick and many more political, artistic and society stars. The biography is written by her granddaughter, who came into possession of Rosamund's lost diaries and other papers. This led the author into a search for the true story of Rosamund's life, ultimate suicide, and the causes and effects of her actions. Gaston starts the biography with a Buddhist adage that says a suicide affects a family for ten generations and proceeds to show how this was true for her family. THE LOVELIEST WOMAN IN AMERICA is a good social history of the country's wealthiest in the '20s and '30s. It is also a history of family tragedy and the sad story of one of the "It" girls of the time. |
| Reva Wamsley ([email protected]) |
| And Then You Die by Iris Johansen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Another great book from Iris Johansen. She never disappoints. This is about a plot to wipe out a whole city by using money tainted with anthrax. It starts out in a little town in Mexico and ends up in the United States. |
| Annie Chris |
| Here If You Need Me by Kate Braestrup |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
When Kate Braestrup's state trooper husband is killed in an accident, she completely changes her life. Attending a seminary while caring for her four children, becoming a Unitarian minister and landing the new position of Maine's chaplain for search and rescue, she relates her experiences with humor, compassion and wisdom. This is an extraordinary book, and it rates a five from me because I will reread it. |
| Annie Chris |
| The Alibi Man by Tami Hoag |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Good story. I listened to recorded book and it kept my attention well. The anger of Elena Estes for the majority of the story was a bit off-putting, however. The violence of the Russian element is graphic and probably not for everyone. |
| Annie Chris |
| Dead Past by Beverly Connor |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Excellent series with a forensic lab director/museum director in Georgia involved in solving murder. This is the fourth book, and involves a tragic fire that kills many students. I like the details of the books, describing the exhibits of the museum and the intricate investigations of what bodies can reveal. Highly recommended. |
| RitaB |
| The Murder Game by Beverly Barton |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
A suspense/romance novel that leans more toward romance, but the suspense is pretty good. This is about the stereotypical strong, yet damaged, and somehow frail woman, an FBI agent, who "detests" the man she is forced to work with --- a handsome, strong, manly, millionaire with his own secrets, who equally "detests" the agent. There is so much "history" between Nicole and Griffin (our heroes) that the reader feels she might have missed reading a previous book. The crime in this novel is a series of particularly gruesome murders. The victims, all athletic women, are kidnapped and transported to another location, mentally and physically tortured, then set "free" to be hunted down and ultimately shot and scalped. The killer enjoys leaving "clues" for Nicole and Griffin about his next victim and the suspense accelerates. Unfortunately, the final scenes are very trite and made me, at least, pretty disappointed. |
| F Tessa Bartels |
| Silk by Alessandro Baricco |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Poetic and sensual. A short novella about a love so all consuming that it obliterates all else. |
| Diana Petty-Stone |
| The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a tiny little book about The Queen of England who finds a mobile library behind the Palace while walking her Corgis and feels obligated to borrow a book. It is a story that celebrates the pleasure of reading while balancing obligation and tradition, and revels in the power of literature to change even the most common reader's life. It is funny and witty and makes you feel the Queen could be human after all. It also makes you want to read more of Mr. Bennett's work. |
| Diana Petty-Stone |
| People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a very complex story --- part love story, part mystery and all woven together in a vivid history lesson. The Sarajevo Haggadah was created in Medieval Spain. A rare book expert carefully removes a series of almost invisible artifacts which, under a microscope, reveals insight into the remarkable five-century long journey of the famous rarity and the people whose lives it has touched. |
| Cathey ([email protected]) |
| Marley & Me by John Grogan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I finally got around to reading this and I am so glad that I did! This was a great read and would be very enjoyable for any dog lover. |
| Coral |
| Stone Cold by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The Camel Club is back and have their work cut out for them. Baldacci writes very well, so it is easy to keep up with all the various turns in the story. It keeps you interested and guessing. |
| Coral |
| Song Yet Sung by James McBride |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This story, which takes place in around 1850, Maryland, is about a slave named Liz who was called the dreamer. SONG YET SUNG is a powerful book about slaves, their masters --- both good and bad --- and slave catchers. The colored have a Code and it tells how it was sent. Much of the book is from historical events. This is a story of tragedy, violence and unexpected kindness. I didn't think I would like the book when I started, but I do and it is a powerful book. |
| Margie Bunting |
| Blood and Circuses by Kerry Greenwood |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A little more intense and even more "adult" than Greenwood's other delightful novels about Australian flapper Phryne Fisher, this one provides insight into the somewhat seedy circuses and carnivals of the day. |
| Susan C |
| The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Interesting story by British author O'Farrell about a young girl who finds out she has an aunt who is being dismissed from an "insane asylum" after 60 years --- the only problem is that she didn't even know this aunt existed. Her grandmother (sister of the aunt) has Alzheimer's and her thoughts are muddled, but there's just enough there to get another perspective of the reason the sister was committed. Great story. |
| Kathleen Smith ([email protected]) |
| Never Enough by Joe McGinniss |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is one of those "can't put down" books. It's a true-crime story about the murder of a wealthy husband by his wife. For all parties involved, the amount of money they have is "never enough". Truth is definitely stranger than fiction. Absolutely riveting! |
| F Tessa Bartels |
| The Hearse You Came In On by Tim Cockey |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a fun mystery series. It's not new, but I just discovered it. |
| Athena Roth |
| The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a wonderful book about keeping a sense of humor during rough times and about the amazing relationships and support we can develop with our families. |
| Fran |
| No Bones by Anna Burns |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
I read approximately 150 pages of its 359 pages before throwing in the towel. I found the book to be very morbid and bleak and I couldn't connect with the characters at all. I guess this one was just not my cuppa tea! |
| Jennifer Wade ([email protected]) |
| Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is about relationships, family and neighbors as well as intimacy. There are life lessons to be learned about what is important . It's a great, drawn-back, hard-to-put down book. I'm anxiously awaiting this author's next release. |
| Judy O. |
| The Appeal by John Grisham |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a disturbing look at the Mississippi Supreme Court --- fictionalized, of course. But, could seats really be purchased by big business? As usual, Grisham makes me think and makes me mad, but he always teaches me something. I'm glad he is back to writing the type of book that he does so well. |
| Marsha Neesley |
| The Anatomy of Deception by Lawrence Goldstone |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a fascinating blend of forensics and morality in the field of medicine and surgery with a bit of mystery and detecting thrown in the mix. The year is 1889 and the historical and fictional characters will keep you enthralled. |
| Tasha T. |
| The Undead Next Door by Kerrylyn Sparks |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A great story --- a wonderful, very nice read! It wasn't as amusing as the rest of the series, but a lot of story in the storyline. |
| Jacklyn Briggs ([email protected]) |
| Forever Odd by Dean Koontz |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The follow up to ODD THOMAS. Even though I thought ODD THOMAS was it, I was wrong. FOREVER ODD fell in line with the first and answered questions left unanswered; it also opened the door for another Odd adventure. |
| Kathy ([email protected]) |
| Main Street by Sinclair Lewis |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A true "oldie but goodie"! I am so thoroughly enjoying this book; it was written in 1920, and has held up well through several generations. The story of a small Midwestern town as seen through the eyes of a newcomer --- its prejudices, meanness, cruelty, snobbery, and yes, caring and kindness. It is very much like life itself! |
| Jacklyn Briggs ([email protected]) |
| Bag of Bones by Stephen King |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Read this with the lights on. Twist and turns! With Stephen King, I have to go back and reread parts at times, but not with this one. It kept me moving and turning every page. I had to know what was coming next, and at the same time, hated for the book to end. |
| Mary A. ([email protected]) |
| Marley & Me by John Grogan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A sweet story of a man and his life with his furry friend. |
| Summer Dove |
| The Good Heart by James Michael Pratt |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A fast-moving, good-versus-bad novel, with clever twists that leave your heart tugging for the good one! |
| Sandra Smith ([email protected]) |
| Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follette |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is almost a thousand pages and I have only read 300 so far (in all it will be like reading 3 books, I think) --- but it's a fascinating read that takes place in the 1100s. Last night I googled some of the cathedrals mentioned in the book so I am getting a little more education on the side. It's very good reading! |
| Jacklyn Briggs ([email protected]) |
| Brother Odd by Dean Koontz |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wow. Mr Koontz has done it again. I don't know how he does it. Brother Odd kept me on the edge of my seat. It's a must read. |
| Brady ([email protected]) |
| Switching Time by Richard Baer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a true story that is almost unbelievable. Richard Baer is a psychiatrist and this is his story of how he handled a woman who had 17 personalities...and cured her, after about 17 years. The reason this happened is self-evident while reading her story. I don't wish to reveal any details except to say that she was treated badly as a child and into adulthood. |
| Andie Johnson |
| Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Marie Phillips is a new author, and she has written a great first book. The 12 gods of Olympus are in a London flat and their powers are alive and well and living in the 21st century. Their powers are fading and they have had to get jobs to survive. Artemis is a dog walker, Apollo a T.V. psychic, Aphrodite as a phone sex operator, Dionysus as a DJ. As their powers continue to weaken a battle ensues between Artemis and Apollo. Two mortals unforeseen to them become a part of the battle of wills between these two twin gods. And they need these mortals help to survive. This is a fun book by a new author! |
| T. Swaine |
| The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A great memoir! I couldn't put it down. |
| Marta ([email protected]) |
| Earthly Pleasures by Karen Neches |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This story was a light but extremely fun read. Her description of Heaven was heavenly. I also liked how it all tied together. |
| Jacklyn Briggs ([email protected]) |
| Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I think it was one of Koontz's best and I try to read all of his books. With, not all, books you can kind of figure out the plot, but not this one. What a surprise and ending. |
| Ricki ([email protected]) |
| This Is How It Happened (Not a Love Story) by Jo Barrett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a super fun book! A jilted woman hires a hit man to get back at her ex, but in subtle ways --- what could be more fun than that? |
| Margaret Nance |
| Down River by John Hart |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I enjoyed reading John Hart's first book and was happy to see him return to Rowan County, N. C. The book is filled with unforgettable characters. A "can't put down" read. |
| Margaret Nance |
| The Woods by Harlan Coben |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book grabs you from the first sentence: "I see my father with that shovel." It is a non-stop read. If you love suspense, you will love this book. |
| PhyllisG |
| Carpool Confidential by Jessica Benson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What would you do if your husband came in one night and told you he was leaving you and your children and his high finance job to find himself and do a retrospective about Barry Manilow? CARPOOL CONFIDENTIAL is the story of how Cassie Martin fell apart and then started taking steps to survive. A very funny look at her life and at the lives of New York's private-school moms. A most enjoyable book. |
| Janice |
| I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It took me a while to get caught up in the book, but soon I was engrossed and happy my book club selected this book. I found myself crying and just thinking about the storyline for a long, long time. The book caught me by surprise...all 897 pages. |
| Annie |
| Between the Tides by Patti Callahan Henry |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Story of how a tragedy affects so many lives. A 2 year old drowns as the babysitter is distracted. It has a beautiful Southern setting, and is so well written. Each chapter starts with a famous quote. |
| Annie Chris |
| No Time for Goodbye by Linwood Barclay |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
While this mystery/thriller has a good plot, and well-developed characters, I thought it slow until the midpoint. The entire premise of waking up as a 14 year old and finding your entire family has disappeared, and then having no resolution is terrifying. The suspense in the present, however, is low key for too long. When the action increases, it does keep you edge of the seat, and there is a twist in the end that is interesting. |
| Jill Olson |
| Dog Years by Mark Doty |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
With rich prose, this was a heartfelt memoir of love and loss. |
| Mary |
| My Life in France by Julia Child and Paul Prud'Homme |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is Julia Child's retelling of her life in France during the '50s. Her nephew co- authored the book. I read it last year, and now I'm listening to it on CD. It seems that every evening while I'm driving home, it's another very descriptive part about some new food Julia has cooked. This memoir flows like a good novel. |
| Betty Vincent ([email protected]) |
| My Cat Spit McGee by Willie Morris |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A must read for any pet lover. |
| Betty Vincent ([email protected]) |
| Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A great read! |
| Betty Vincent ([email protected]) |
| The Friendship Test by Elizabeth Noble |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Loved this story! |
| Merrilee ([email protected]) |
| Duma Key by Stephen King |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I've been a fan of King for years and this new book I think is one of his best. |
| Louise Pledge ([email protected]) |
| Just One Look by Harlan Coben |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book was SO good, I want to give it at least 6 stars! It was the first time I've read Harlan Coben but certainly not the last. There were several intermingling plots that kept me unable to put the book down till they all connected in the end (with a few surprises). I was out of town reading, and had such a difficult time putting it down that I had to pull over for a while on the way home to read some more! Another plus --- no sex! One doesn't have to worry about letting their teens read it. |
| Jacklyn Briggs ([email protected]) |
| The Husband by Dean Koontz |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I don't know where or how he can come up with the storylines for he does and not repeat, but he has done it again. I read this one in three nights and have begun to reread it. What a thriller. It may have been fiction but you wouldn't have guessed it. Your heart aches for Mitch. He's damned if he does and damned if he don't. His pain is leaping off every page. |
| Annie |
| The Sunday Wife by Cassandra King |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Loved it! The author makes the characters very real. A Southern setting I fell in love with. |
| Annie |
| Almost Moon by Alice Sebold |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A daughter kills her mother! Sounds shocking, but you begin to understand as you read on. |
| D. Lohrding |
| A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm still in the beginning chapters of this book, and I find myself rereading several passages in order for the information to "sink in". To get the most out of this book , I feel it is going to be a "slow read". But hey, what the heck, I'm ready to be "awakened"!! |
| Kathy |
| The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A fairly good, if somewhat contrived, mystery. I enjoyed the bookseller angle, but it was too much like a Gothic romance for my taste. |
| Gerald Rosen ([email protected]) |
| Die With Me by Elena Forbes |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Excellent debut novel. This is a police procedural/serial killer story set in modern day London. It is a very enjoyable quick read with a good plot and red herrings galore. |
| Julie Towson |
| Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The story takes place during the Crusades and is a murder mystery with a woman doctor as the CSI person. She is known for gathering information from the dead or "mistress of the art of death". It was very cleverly written and kept my interest to the end. |
| ck |
| The Saffron Kitchen by Yasmin Crowther |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Maryam Mazar is the middle daughter in a prosperous family in Iran. Her father wished to arrange a marriage, but she refused. Several events led to her exile from the family and her move to England, where she marries and raises a lovely daughter. Ahhh, but her past interferes and thus begins the story of a woman longing for closure to problems long suppressed. I found Crowther's description of Iran to be very interesting, as I know so little about the country. Her characters are strong and feisty; they jump from the page. |
| Linda M. Johnson |
| The Secret of Lost Things by Sheridan Hay |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
An 18-year-old girl from Tasmania moves to New York City after the death of her mother. She goes to work at a Strand-like bookstore, where other employees are unusual and protective of their respective book sections. Intrigue develops over a Herman Melville first edition. Hay does not rely on trite phrases ("the musician had the temperament of an anarchist and his breath smelled like a bartender's rag"). |
| Janice Hoaglin ([email protected]) |
| The Sweet Potato Queen's 1st Big-Ass Novel by Jill Browne |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed this book. The way the friends all rally around each other when any one of them is facing a crisis in her life is a testament to true friendship; these women (and one man) are always there to support, and sometimes challenge, each other. |
| Suzanne Knapp |
| Dragon Harper by Anne McCaffery & Todd J. McCaffery |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
How can you go wrong with any of McCaffery's books? I have been a fan of hers for years, and her son is continuing in her very big footsteps. Action, drama, comedy, her books have it all, along with escapism. Great read! |
| Geri |
| Speak of the Devil: A Novel of Suspense by Richard Hawke |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the first book in the Fritz Malone, Private Eye series. A shooting at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade starts the action and it never stops! a nice mix of serial killers, political shenanigans and smart-ass private eye antics make for a fast and fun read. |
| Carol |
| Loving Frank by Nancy Horan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A quick read with a stunning conclusion, this book keeps reader interested from start to finish. Loved it! |
| Geri |
| The Day the World Ended at Little Bighorn by Joseph M. Marshall III |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A history of the Sioux from a Native American point of view, focusing on the Battle at Little Bighorn. All of Joseph Marshall's books are thought-provoking; this one will make you rethink all the history you were taught from white history books. |
| Sheila M. |
| The Opposite of Fate by Amy Tan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Good book --- Tan writes a self-deprecating memoir. Her family history was very interesting as well as her time spent with the Rock Bottom Remainders. |
| Sheila M. |
| In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer by Irene Opdyke |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I listened to this excellent audiobook. The reader is very good. It's an amazing story of a young girl who did whatever she could to save people from execution. The accounts of the bombings she survived left me breathless. A mesmerizing story of a courageous girl. |
| Sheila M. |
| Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Demin by David Sedaris |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This book was ok, but it was nothing great. A few stories were laugh-out-loud funny, a few were just plain creepy, and the rest were rather ho-hum. One of the most over-hyped books I've picked up in awhile. |
| Dorothy Gordon |
| Thirteen Moons by Charles Fraser |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a great book and an excellent read. It's the story of the Cherokees of the Carolinas, many of whom were more white than Indian, as seen through the eyes of a formally "bound boy" who is sent to run a trading post near the "Nation". He becomes a tribal member, and as the years pass, documents the cruel deportation of the native Americans and his own participation in it. Fascinating characters in a great story. |
| Dorothy Flood |
| The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was good. I can see it happening to any family because it is only natural for a mother to protect her child. Not a must, but it's an enjoyable book. |
| Deanna |
| The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
4 and 1/2 stars, really. I think this is one book all women should read. It might be more helpful to read it when you are young, but I am not and I found it very useful. This contains everything you always wanted to know about protecting yourself and more. He says that it is already in you, but you just have to recognize it and he tells you how. |
| Marjorie L. Carmony |
| The Heir by Barbara Taylor Bradford |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Perhaps Barbara Taylor Bradford tried to cover too much time in this one. There are too many unanswered questions. Wonderful character development, as always. |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| Person of Interest by Theresa Schwegel |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is the author's 3rd novel and her writing is getting better. Again, this is about the Chicago police, but this time centers on an undercover cop and his family, as well as the underworld of the Chinese. An interesting tale with a little of the Greek culture thrown in. |
| Carole from Georgetown |
| Just Between Us by Barbara Delinsky |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Barbara writes a compelling story of the problems caused by a lie --- even a lie meant to help protect a child. Her interwoven characters and realistic family problems keep the book a page turner. |
| Norma ([email protected]) |
| The Pillars Of The Earth by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I am truly engrossed with this book and find it difficult to put down when life comes knocking on my door. I have stayed up late into the night wondering what will happen next. The characters of Prior Philip and Tom Builder as well as the rest have come to life with the author's descriptions of them. Follett has also made the process of building a Cathedral materialize before my eyes and in my mind with each intricate detail of the whole process of designing and building one. I hope the book never ends as it is a must read! |
| Karen |
| Things I want My Daughters to Know by Elizabeth Noble |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is not yet published, but it's coming out in April '08 and I was fortunate to win an ARC. The book is absolutely wonderful. It's full of stories and letters from a mother who has died all to soon, revealing parts of her life that her daughters had know idea about, along with all the "stuff" they were aware of. It's also about how each of the daughters deal with what their mother has told them (after her death). These are very believable characters and life experiences. I read the book in one sitting. |
| Nancy |
| Stones from the River by Ursula Heigi |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I first read this book about 10 years ago and am enjoying it as much the second time around, which is unusual for me. The story begins at the end of the first World War and continues into World War II. The main character, Trudi, is a dwarf and how other people treat her and how she is affected by that is a big part of the story, as well as the effects of the Nazis on the people in Trudi's small town. A wonderful book. |
| L. Hann |
| Circle of Grace by Penelope J. Stokes |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a great book to share with your girlfriends when you are done reading it. How powerful we can be together! |
| L. Hann |
| The Pull of the Moon by Elizabeth Berg |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It is not too early to start to get books together for a summer trip or a spring vacation. This is a great book for the beach! |
| Wendy Catalano |
| Slash by Slash and Anthony Bozza |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Slash (GunsNRoses) tells the story of his struggle through alcoholism, drug addiction, death, and the making of Guns'NRoses. He is now a husband and father and, hopefully, has turned his life around. |
| Adrienne |
| Crossed Bones by Carolyn Haines |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love Haines's character, Sarah Booth Delaney. She lives at Dahlia House, which has been in her family for years. She's being haunted by Jitty, the ghost of her great-great-grandmother's nanny. Jitty is constantly pressuring Sarah Booth to get married and have kids, while Sarah Booth is resistant to the idea. Along the way, she always stumbles upon a murder and ends up solving the cases while risking her life in the process. There are a whole series of Sarah Booth's adventures, and they are all very entertaining. I highly recommend this book and the whole Bones series. I promise you won't be disappointed! |
| Geri |
| Priest by Ken Bruen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is Book 5 of the Jack Taylor series about an alcoholic ex-guard officer, set in Ireland. It's Irish noir at it's best; you don't know whether to laugh or cry sometimes, as Jack tries to get to the bottom of the beheading of a pedophile priest. Great dialogue, as always, as well as tips on new authors to check out (our hero is a great reader!), and bits of Irish lore. |
| Caroline |
| The Quickie by James Patterson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm still reading this one. I started it a day ago and I'm already halfway done. It's a real page turner. Just when you think you know what will happen, trust me, you don't. Excellent! |
| Kathryn M. |
| Grayson by Lynne Cox |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great story about a 17-year old ocean swimmer who has an encounter with a baby whale while working out early one morning. While her experience was extremely rare and almost magical, I was also extremely inspired by her commitment to her sport as well as her knowledge and appreciation of the ocean. |
| Sandi |
| Pure in Heart by Susan Hill |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I just finished this book. It is the next book in the mystery series featuring Inspector Simon Serrailler. The first book is VARIOUS HAUNTS OF MEN and I do recommend you read that before PURE IN HEART. This book takes place in England and the characters are such that you believe they are your neighbors. A 9-year-old boy is abducted from his front gate while waiting for a neighbor to pick him up for school. This is the main mystery in the story but there are subplots about different families living in the area. I still feel like I'm living there and will probably think of the story throughout the day. |
| Geri |
| Liquor: A Novel by Poppy Z. Brite |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the 2nd book in the series about chefs Rickey and G-Man in New Orleans. They're trying to get funding to create their dream restaurant with a theme, liquor (all the dishes served will include a type of liquor). Lots of local New Orleans color, behind-the-scenes fine dining kitchen glimpses, and restaurant intrigue. If you love New Orleans, try this series --- you'll feel like you're there! |
| Linda |
| The Interior by Lisa See |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
If you want to get a feel for China's interior and its people, be sure to read this book. |
| Geri |
| The Shotgun Rule by Charlie Huston |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Four teens with nothing but time on their hands manage to get involved with meth labs, guns, and violence. Set in 1980s California suburbia, the boys set out to recapture their stolen bicycle and end up with part of the thieves' drug stash. All hell breaks loose and family secrets eventually come to light. Great dialogue and fast action. |
| Deanna |
| Prime Time by Hank Phillippi Ryan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a great read. The character of Charlotte (Charlie) McNally is true to life and has worries we all can recognize in ourselves. She is also determined to get to the bottom of a murder. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I wanted to give the book 4 and 1/2 stars. |
| Shawnee |
| Duma Key by Stephen King |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Stephen King is back to his gloriously creepy fine form. DUMA KEY is an engrossing thriller that reminds me the days when he produced psychological spinetinglers like THE SHINING. Things that go bump in the night and have the reading hanging on for the ride until the very end. I loved every minute of DUMA KEY, and it's another reminder that King is still the master of his game. |
| Harold N. Walters ([email protected]) |
| The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
One more in the #1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. If you don't already love Precious Ramotswe, you will if you read this novel. |
| Donna |
| Orchid Blues by Stuart Woods |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Stuart Woods writes great books, and this is another one you just can't put down. It features Chief of Police Holly Barker, who lives in Orchid Beach with her Doberman, Daisy, as well as her retired father, Ham. Ham is a retired Army chief master sergeant. Holly is about to get married when all plans are halted by a horrible crime. She will not stop until she finds the people involved. Holly and Ham uncover a group of mysterious clan members who are up to something bigger than they ever imagined. Holly, Ham and Harry Crisp, her FBI contact, get into deep and dark territory that little is known about. Ham is accepted by the clan because of his Army background. Once he discovers what they are asking of him, he suddenly has no way to contact anyone and no way out. You'll be on the edge of your seat reading this one! |
| J. Kaye Oldner ([email protected]) |
| The Truth About Fairy Tales by K. T. Casha |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
K. T. Casha understands the sweet vanity of the forty-something woman in this novel about self-discovery and love. |
| Harold N. Walters ([email protected]) |
| 20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a collection of excellent short stories, not about ghosts as such, but more in the vein of Stephen King. |
| Donna |
| Relic by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you've never read one of their books --- it's a must! Every one I have read grabs you by the seat of your pants and does not let go until the end. In RELIC, it's days before a huge museum exhibition that may cause a lot of controversy, but the museum needs the money and the director's won't let anything get in the way...not even the visitors who are savagely murdered. According to the autopsies, the murderer cannot be human. Can researcher Margo Green find out what this thing is in time to save others from meeting their deaths so horribly? |
| Fran |
| Solos by Kitty Burns Florey |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Emily Lime, whose name is the same spelled forward or backwards, and Marcus Mead are eccentric but lovable characters in this quirky novel. I read this in one sitting and found it to be cute. This book served its purpose as a quick, mindless read. |
| Martha E |
| The Last Bullet by Merline Lovelace |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Romantic Suspense. THE LAST BULLET is the last of a trilogy with former Air Force Office of Special Investigations Special Agent Cleo, now a private investigator. It has good mystery with fast-paced action and, of course, hot romance. This book involves an investigation in Britain that leads back to a World War II cargo transport that sank in the English Channel. Lots of interesting history included. |
| Martha E |
| Play Dead by David Rosenfelt |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the fourth tale I have read in the series of NJ millionaire criminal defense attorney Andy Carpenter. Start with the beginning books to get to know all his cohorts. Just a few: his love, investigative cop Laurie; his silent but intimidating part- time bodyguard, Malcolm; beloved golden retrievers,Tara; and his computer, financial whiz friend who challenges him with song games. Each story has an independent mystery and legal issues. Written with wit and humor, these are very fun reads. |
| Jud Hanson ([email protected]) |
| Liar's Market by Taylor Smith |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The deaths of a young woman in Hong Kong and London open this novel of intrigue. Carrie MacNeil gets drawn into the middle of the "spy game" when her husband, Drum MacNeil, vanishes without a trace. Soon her life is turned upside down as the search for her husband begins. This is the first book I've read by Taylor Smith, but I will be back for more. |
| Fran |
| The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A powerful tale of two boys who form a friendship during the Holocaust. One boy is the son of a Nazi soldier and the other a Jewish child in a work camp. The boys meet through the fence that divides their worlds and form a friendship like no other. Eventually, their two worlds collide, with tragic results. The reader is taken on a journey of the Holocaust from the eyes of two very different children, leading two very different lives yet drawn together into a cohesive friendship. The author captures the innocence of a child, trying to make sense out a world that does not make any sense at all. A heartbreaking, yet compelling read. |
| Maureen H |
| The Woods by Harlan Coban |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great read! I could not put this book down. |
| Maureen H |
| The Liar's Diary by Patry Francis |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What an incredible book. The writing is very true to life. This book does not let go, and you have to keep reading because you cannot wait to see what is going to happen next. I have really enjoyed this book. |
| Jane Squires |
| The Parting by Beverly Lewis |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you've ever wondered about the Amish, this is a great book to read. You will find out they go through all the same struggles you do with teenagers and young kids. They have different traditions and may live differently, but emotionally, they go through same struggles we do. It is a great read. But be prepared to stay up all night if you read it before bedtime. |
| Gloria |
| On Wings of the Morning by Marie Bostwick |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was the first book I've read by this author. I was attracted to its setting in Oklahoma. A surprise was learning about women's World War II contribution as pilots. The impact of war on families was cathartic for me. This is a sequel to FIELDS OF GOLD. I'm always glad to have another author to look forward to reading. |
| Harold N. Walters ([email protected]) |
| Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This novel follows Aminata Diallo from the time she captured and enslaved in Africa until she becomes one of the founding citizens of Freetown. |
| Anne |
| A Version of the Truth by Jennifer Kaufman and Karen Mack |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Cassie Shaw is reinventing herself. She is a widow, without a college degree, in search of a paycheck and a life. This is an excellent read. Full of humor, charm, and wisdom, this is a novel that you wlll not be able to put down. |
| Anne |
| The Widow's Mate by Ralph McInerny |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Wallace Flanagan, heir to a fortune, disappeared ten years ago. It was believed he ran away with his mistress, but now his body has been found. His family, his wife and his mistress want to know what happened to Wally. This is a Father Dowling mystery that leads you to a few dead ends before you get to the killer. |
| Mary Ann |
| When Madeline Was Young by Jane Hamilton |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A very unique approach to discussing a non-traditional family. The book had good characters and also brought in a little bit of Vietnam politics. A women in the 1940s suffers brain injury and her husband and new wife act as her caretakers, bringing her into their family. The story is told by the son, along with a lot of other family dynamics. |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| Probable Cause by Theresa Schwegel |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A police story set in Chicago that centers on the less-than-savory behavior by cops. The story is better developed than the author's first book, but still not up to par with an Elizabeth George novel. |
| Shawnee |
| Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A very well-crafted suspense novel. It had me hooked from the first page. throughout the book, I would think I had everything figured out, but then it would take another twist. Then when I thought I was at the end, there was yet another twist. How great is a suspense novel that keeps you thinking about the story after you've finished the book? Very smart. I would really recommend this book and can't wait to read more by Lisa Unger. |
| D. Lohrding |
| Room of Marvels by James Bryan Smith |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
ROOM OF MARVELS was a nice book, though it didn't really grab me; I kept reading in hopes of it picking up. Perhaps it is comforting to someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. |
| Jud Hanson |
| Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is one of my favorite Stephanie Plum books to date. Stephanie finds herself the subject of a stalker and the roller coaster ride begins. Soon the plot thickens, and Ranger discovers he has an obsessive admirer running around with less-than-noble intentions for both Ranger and Stephanie. If you have liked this series so far, you will enjoy this one. |
| Anne |
| Hitman by Parnell Hall |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Stanley Hastings may be the worst P. I. in New York. He does not carry a gun and keeps tripping over his own feet. A professional killer hires him to watch his back. When Stanley's client is killed, Stanley feels its his duty to find out out the facts. This is a humorous mystery about an "unconventional" private eye. Original, funny and a good read. |
| Jud Hanson |
| Compelling Evidence by Steve Martini |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is Steve Martini's debut novel, although I didn't realize it until I started reading the reviews inside the book. COMPELLING EVIDENCE is very engaging from the first page to the last. Martini develops his characters very well, and with this, creates a novel which is quite believable. The main character, Paul Madriani, is asked to defend the wife of Ben Potter when she is charged with his murder. As the story unfolds, Madriani launches an expert defense and pulls no punches when trying to discredit the State's witnesses. I can highly recommend this book to anyone who loves legal thrillers. |
| Jud Hanson |
| Stalemate by Iris Johansen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is another spirited installment in the series featuring forensic sculptor Eve Duncan. When Eve is approached by a notorious criminal in Colombia in an attempt to hire her for a job, Eve's first reaction is to turn him down flat. However, he baits her with the one thing she can't ignore: a chance to find out where her abducted daughter's body might be and the identity of the true killer. Eve finally agrees to help him and the rest of the book is a whirlwind ride as she tries to avoid getting killed by a rival drug lord. I thought the book was great and I recommend it to any fans of this series. |
| Shawnee |
| Playing For Pizza by John Grisham |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
John Grisham is definitely a member of the category, "authors I read everything by." I can honestly say there isn't a book he has written that I didn't like. I am definitely including PLAYING FOR PIZZA in that statement. This isn't one of his suspense novels, but is more like BLEACHERS, a human interest story. It is about the seriously inept underdog of the NFL, Rick Dockery. After this third-string quarterback gets his lights knocked out and becomes the most hated man in Cleveland, Rick decides to take his manager's advice and move to Parma, Italy and join the Italian National Football League. This is where Rick learns to fall in love with the game again while the readers, fall in love with Italy, with Rick, and with the whole Parma Panthers football team. You don't have to love football to enjoy this book, but for those of us who do, it makes this book even more of an engaging read. |
| Frannie |
| What is Mine by Anne Holt |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
In a small town in Norway, children are rapidly disappearing from their homes and families. Some of them are delivered back to their parents in a box. A police inspector and FBI profiler are working feverishly to find a clue with the hopes of rescuing one little girl. Very suspenseful and chilling! |
| Amanda ([email protected]) |
| Summer by Karen Kingsbury |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I just finished the last chapter of this book and though I typically love Kingsbury's novels, I'm growing just a tad bit tired of this series. It's the same problems and the same resolutions in every book. Again, Katie and Dayne are dealing with the paparrazi, while the rest of the Baxter family is busy being pregnant (again), falling in love, and having marital problems. I will, of course, keep reading Kingsbury's books, but I may just stay away from the series for a bit. |
| MsAnnie |
| Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book really captures the flavor of the times, depression-era USA. Not only is it a behind-the-scenes circus novel, but also a bit of a love story and character study. Ms. Gruen does a very good job of dropping facts into her fiction, and her tale of a down-and-out circus and how they handle no money for payday has a very true and chilling ring to it. Highly recommended. |
| Michele M. |
| The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A great historical novel. The author has the uncanny ability to weave emotions and embellishments in with a true historical account. We learned a lot about that time in Europe and the Church. It made for a great book club discussion. |
| Rosalie Leon |
| Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm listening to this on audiobook, and the reader makes it more interesting by using dialects. This is the true story of an American mountain climber who builds schools for girls in remote villages in Afghanistan & Pakistan. It gets more interesting at the end, full of action and intrigue. |
| Robin B. |
| Helping Me Help Myself by Beth Lisick |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was a fun memoir about the author's dabbles in the world of self-help. She attends a seminar by Stephen Covey, goes on a Cruise to Lose, and goes to a lecture by Sylvia Browne. Even though the tone is irreverent, the author conveys the charisma of various self-help gurus and admits that over the year she did improve her life. |
| Cristina |
| When Elvis Meets the Dalai Lama by Murray Silver |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
From the crazy world of rock and roll and movies, Murray Silver, author of GREAT BALLS OF FIRE, escapes slightly scathed and lives to tell the story. And it's a spiced- up one, filled with colorful people and descriptions to match. The chapters are almost independent stories, some hilarious, others intriguing, but they all keep you glued to the pages. Lives up to the adage: why write fiction when there's no better story than the truth? I highly recommend it. |
| J. P. Feingold |
| Sick Puppy by Carl Hiaasen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A typical Hiaasen romp, with eccentric characters and bizarre plot twists galore. But he's a bit heavy handed in making his environmental/political point. |
| Sandra |
| Stone Cold by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another winner about the Camel Club and with a surprise ending! |
| Carol N |
| The Girls by Lori Lansens |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This fascinating book was heartrending, heart-warming, painful, and compelling... all these things and more. I loved it and felt that I knew these twins --- each with their own personality, body shape, hopes, and dreams. These characters will remain in your heart long after you put on the shelf to be read again. It was probably my best read for the year, and in a year of excellent books that is quite saying something! |
| Kris |
| Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is part of a trilogy of stories by Coehlo. Each could be considered "extended metaphors." An excellent story of redemption within a young woman's life. |
| J. Kaye Oldner ([email protected]) |
| The River, By Moonlight by Camille Marchetta |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This would make the perfect book club read! |
| Betty |
| The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An easy read about family. When siblings arrive to arrange the funeral of their parents, they discover boxes of letters their father wrote to their mother every Wednesday. These letters cover thirty-nine years of marriage and hold some untold secrets. I enjoyed this very much. |
| Readingrat |
| 2027, New Madrid, Missouri by Arlinton Nuetzel |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
In the winter of 1811-1812, a series of earthquakes occurred in America's heartland, near New Madrid, MO. These earthquakes are listed among the some of the largest earthquakes of known history and are credited with affecting the topography of the North American continent more than any other known earthquake. They were responsible for forming new lakes, changing the course of the Mississippi River, and destroying over 150,000 acres of forest. There are estimates that these earthquakes were felt strongly over an area of 50,000 square miles. Experts predict that there is a 90% chance of an earthquake of magnitude 6.0 or greater occurring in the same area before the year 2040. The author of 2027, NEW MADRID, MISSOURI takes us back in time and puts us down smack in the middle of the action. We get to meet several people who are living and/or working in the area and spend many anxious minutes with them as they fight for their lives in the middle of one of the major seismic events in known history. The action is tense and the book moves along quickly. At the end, the author follows a descendant of one of those New Madrid pioneers into the year 2027 just when the New Madrid fault produces another great quake. We then get to see several predictions of what exactly could happen in the St. Louis area if an earthquake of the same intensity of the 1811-1812 earthquakes were to occur. |
| Readingrat |
| Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Evere by Jon Krakauer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This account of the fatal 1996 spring climbing season on Everest (like most similar accounts) paints a picture of an intensely tragic event that extracts both the best and the worst traits from those who are embroiled in the midst of it. |
| Cristina |
| Spirit Willing: A Savannah Haunting by Susan B. Johnson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
In a romantic suspenseful novel set in gorgeous Savannah, beautifully woven plots reach as distant a Ireland and as far back as 100 years to its resolution in a mansion on the park. A lovely read that was hard to put down. |
| Juanita |
| Strange Fits of Passion by Anita Shreve |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Loved it! I could not put it down. I loved the unusual way it was written. This is a great selection for book clubs and I know it will be one of our better discussions. |
| Erin |
| Lisey's Story by Stephen King |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The best book Stephen King has ever written, LISEY'S STORY showcases King's ear for language and his craft of storytelling. The characters are written honestly and are not devices for the plot. |
| Joan B. |
| The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
At last, the sequel to THE TEA ROSE, the second book in the trilogy. Once again, we are connected to Fiona and Sam but only as secondary characters. India Selwyn Jones falls in love with crime lord Sid Malone from the east end of London. A great read that takes us from London to Africa and introduces us to new characters. Follow India and Sid's journey to happiness. |
| Cat |
| Twilight by Stephenie Meyer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I had heard may good things about TWILIGHT but didn't get to it as it was classified as a young adult book. I finally decided to give it a try as the books have been compared to Anne Rice's earlier works, and am glad I did. It's stylish and descriptive as the relationship between a teen and her vampire boyfriend develops. I will follow up with her following tales for sure. |
| Cat ([email protected]) |
| The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I read a review of the new book by Donnelly but decided I wanted to follow the characters from the beginning, so I read THE TEA ROSE before starting THE WINTER ROSE. THE TEA ROSE is a big, wonderful tale of the struggles of Fiona Finnegan, a young woman living in the rough times and area of London during the exploits of Jack the Ripper. There is not a dull moment in this nice long read. |
| Adrienne |
| Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Typical Stephanie Plum fare, like lots of nutty antics and outrageous characters. How can you not want to spend a day curled up with this book? I gave it four stars and not five because it is too short. |
| Laura A. Adams ([email protected]) |
| Wish You Well by David Baldaci |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I am from the mountains of Eastern Kentucky so I could relate to the setting of this book (Virgina Appalachian Mountains in 1930s). I thought it was interesting and true to the characters of the region. |
| Readingrat |
| The Husband by Dean Koontz |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I enjoyed this book. Koontz kept the pressure on the whole way through. I was really rooting for this average-Joe main character as he battles bad guys, good guys, and time itself to try to save his wife. And, unlike the previous couple of Koontz books I have read, this one even had a decent ending. |
| Gerald rosen ([email protected]) |
| The Appeal by John Grisham |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
After a two-book hiatus, Grisham is back to writing legal fiction and this is one of his best. The topic is basically the manipulation of our legal system, but it might be better classified as a horror story. If you are worried about the direction in which this country is moving in relation to class-action law suits and huge monetary awards by the courts this book will very much interest you. As you read this book, if you think you are going to predict what is going to happen, you're going to be surprised. This is a quick "can't put it down" read. |
| Susan in AZ |
| Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Although it's a little sentimental and predictable, this is a wonderful classic. February is the perfect time to read this excellent romance. |
| Susan in AZ |
| The Boy Who Loved Anne Frank by Ellen Feldman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Feldman imagines a world in which Peter van Pels (the boy who hid with the Frank Family during World War II in Amsterdam) survived the concentration camps. When Anne's diary is published, it causes Peter to experience a mental breakdown. He has to confront his past to save his future. The book is somber and thought-provoking. |
| Readingrat |
| Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I unwittingly ended up reading the sequel to this, FAKING IT, before I read this one. Faking It was my first exposure to Jennifer Crusie's writing and I really enjoyed it. I like this one even better. Both books are chock-full of great characters, laugh-out- loud moments, believable dialogue, and a fast and fun plot. I also love that this author allows her characters to experience intimate encounters that aren't always earth-shattering. I'll definitely be looking for more books by this author. |
| Spike |
| The Oasis by Wilson Crawford |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A Southern regional fiction piece that has all the elements of a great read: love, loss and intrigue. |
| Dia |
| World Without End by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wow! Ken Follett's sequel to THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH was definitely worth the wait. His characters, though many, are well rounded and fairly easy to keep track of, and the story really holds your interest. If you love historical fiction, you'll love this book! |
| Kellie ([email protected]) |
| P. S., I Love You by Cecilia Ahern |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was pretty good chick lit. I thought the author did a really good job telling this story. Holly is a young widow, trying to get over the loss of her husband. About five months after he dies, Holly receives a package of letters written by Gerry before his death. She is to open one each month until the end of the year. The letters help her slowly get on with her life and yet keep a small part of Gerry alive. I liked the idea of this story. The main characters are very well developed. I wish I had a family like Holly's. The ending is definitely a surprise. I did not expect it. If definitely is not a Hollywood ending. I wonder if the movie is? |
| Shawnee |
| The Woods by Harlan Coben |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I finished this book and realized I just found a new suspense author whose books I can now go and pick up whenever I am looking for a great thriller. THE WOODS was a great thrill ride with lots of twists and turns that had me hooked on the first page. |
| Mitch |
| The Chase by Clive Cussler |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An exciting book that makes you want to keep reading to see what will happen next. |
| Michelle |
| The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I have just finished reading this wonderful sequel to THE TEA ROSE and I hope that I don't have to wait too terribly long for the next installment of this trilogy, but I have a feeling that it may be a while. I love the characters and I can't wait to find out what happens to them next. This novel is a must read! |
| Marion Miller ([email protected]) |
| The Journey to the End of the Millennium by Yehoshua |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I usually like this author, but I found this to be a one-idea book. Although well written, it did not move very fast. |
| Anne |
| Rumpole Misbehaves by John Mortimer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Horace Rumpole, barrister, lover of fine food, wine and cigars is back fighting for justice. A new law has been passed and because of it, a young man is jailed without trial for playing soccer on a posh street. Rumpole comes through again, linking this small case to much higher wrongdoings. This book is witty, thought provoking, and enjoyable. |
| Marion Miller ([email protected]) |
| When Shadows Fell at Notre Dame by Peter K. Connolly |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was a very entertaining book intent on giving a portrait of Notre Dame University in a not too favorable light. The story has an interesting Indian background that I loved. |
| Anne |
| Beware False Profits by Emilie Richards |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is an engaging, humorous mystery filled with quirky characters. Aggie Sloan-Wilcox and her minister husband Ed live in a small town in Ohio. Besides a really dysfunctional family, Aggie has to deal with a missing church member, a murder, and the usual duties of a minister's wife. This is a part of a series and and I intend to read the rest soon. A highly creative, amusing and charming mystery. |
| Anne |
| Hurricane Homicide by Nora Charles |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Kate Kennedy is a resident of the Ocean Vista Leisure Condominiums in Florida. Her neighbors are eccentric and one of them is a killer. With a hurricane headed straight for them, it maybe a toss up between the deadly winds and water and a killer, as to which one will get them first. This started off as a simple senior mystery and turned into a novel of intrigue. Very good and very well written. |
| Anne |
| Fatal Feng Shui by Leslie Caine |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Interior designers Erin Gilbert and Steve Sullivan may have gotten in over their heads in a feng shui makeover. There's a mysterious fire and a dead body that was not part of their plan. I could not get into this book or the characters, but there are some good decorating tips included. |
| Pattie Berryhill ([email protected]) |
| Boom by Tom Brokaw |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I feel like I am reliving the 60s all over again. It's a factual book that explains exactly what was going on back then, some of which I hadn't been aware of. |
| Mary |
| New England White by Stephen L. Carter |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Enticing --- I hate to put it down and can't wait to get back into it. It's a page turner to the very end. |
| Shawnee |
| The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More by Ronald Dahl |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
As a lifetime fan of Dahl's work, I was surprised that I had never come across this book before. This collection of great short fiction stories was very enjoyable and I was also surprised and pleased to discover the story of how Dahl began his writing career and the first story he ever had published were included in this collection. |
| Bonnie |
| In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
There's a good reason his books always are bestsellers: they're entertaining and educational in one very readable package. This book's main premise is "Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants" But, of course, he goes on to say that most items we consider food in the supermarket are not really food at all, but manufactured edible (maybe) nutrition bites that long ago have had the "food" knocked out of them. There are fascinating examples of research on why the western diet needs changing immediately and, at the end, simple steps we all can do to greatly improve our chances to live a longer, healthier life. As Pollan points out, if your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize it as food, don't eat it. |
| Priscilla |
| A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A LONG WAY GONE is about Ishmael Beah, a young boy in Sierra Leone. He was a child in a war torn country --- a county in which children were forced to bear arms. This is his story of survival. |
| Robin Lensing |
| Soldier's Heart: Reading Literature through Pe by Elizabeth D. Samet |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is interesting to me because my oldest son (and his wife!!) graduated from West Point in May '07, and are both 2LTs in the U.S. Army right now. Her book is very insightful and she talks about other things that influence her teaching, such as old movies. |
| Sunny |
| The Red Tent by Anita Diamant |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This story is told from the voice of a little-known character in the Bible named Dinah, who was Jacob's daughter. The book was very good at describing what may have happened during her daily life in that time period. |
| Anne |
| Killer Riff by Sheryl J. Anderson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Russell Elliot, legendary rock manager and producer, is dead of an accidental overdose. His daughter believes it was murder. Molly Forrester ,a fashion magazine columnist, has to find the killer, keep her boyfriend, discover some missing tapes, and keep a dead rock star's family from killing each other. This mystery, although probably true to rock star images, was slow and the characters too predictable. |
| Judy O. |
| The Senator's Wife by Sue Miller |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A great book about two women, Delia and Meri. Delia is the Senator's wife, and Meri is her friend and neighbor. The two families live parallel lives for many years, until one fateful day when something happens to change both families in a huge way. I really loved this book. |
| Sharon |
| The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I could have tried to keep warm and watched TV for one more winter's night, but instead, I had a delightful time reading a novella about the Queen learning to enjoy reading. It is so amusing to think of the Queen waving to the crowds from her carriage when she is really reading a book. Yet, it still has insights for those of us who consider reading next to breathing. One can read this as pure comedy as the Queen takes on a new hobby that throws Buckingham Palace in a uproar. Or one can read it as a testament to the pure joy in reading. I am a little jealous that the Queen, while working full time, was still able to indulge in her favorite pastime while performing her duties! |
| Shawnee |
| The UnValentine by Sam Beeson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Told in verse, the story is of young Lily and her distaste for the whole Valentine's Day hoopla, until she meets a boy in her class who seems to find it equally distasteful. I thought the story was a cute one but the best thing about the book was the artwork. I found it delightfully macabre in a way. I think Lily reminds me of a blond Wednesday from "The Addams Family". The whole book is like a Valentine's Day gift from Tim Burton. |
| Julie |
| The Woman Next Door by Barbara Delinsky |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
When the widow next door becomes pregnant, the rumors flow and accusations are made in the cul-de-sac as each wife has reasons to suspect her husband! |
| Tiffany |
| The Alchemyst by Michael Scott |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Michael Scott did a wonderful job of taking historical figures and weaving a story around them that draws you in right from the beginning and keeps you going throughout the whole book. This story chronicles how a teenage brother and sister, Sophie and Josh Newman, get caught between Nicholas Flamel and Dr. John Dee. Nicholas, a man born in 1330, has the Book of Abraham the Mage, through which he learns to make the elixir of life, giving him immortality. But, Dr. John Dee, who has been around since the time of Queen Elizabeth I, wants this book for his own purposes. Sophie and Josh soon learn that sometimes, legends are true. Juvenile fantasy books have become quite popular since the Harry Potter series began and in my opinion, the plot and the quality of writing here rival that of the J. K. Rowling series. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out. |
| Noreen |
| Breakfast with Buddha: a Novel by Roland Merullo |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I gave this book 4 stars because it resulted in one of our most lively book discussions ever. Religion, good and evil, today's busy society, hidden gems among us, and the unusual ending were some topics explored. |
| noreen |
| Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm not usually a fan of sci-fi, but this was a very enjoyable book. It would also be suitable for teens. It had mystery, fantasy, a strong hero and heroine, and two sequels. What would you choose, instant death or a position in court as the commander's food taster...a position that could result in death by poison. |
| Shawnee |
| Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I enjoyed this Young Adult novel. It was a unique story about what might happen after death. Liz, a fifteen-year-old girl, wakes up on a boat and discovers that she was hit by a car and is now on her way to "Elsewhere", or, the afterlife. Liz definitely isn't accepting of her fate and the book takes off from there. It wasn't a sappy book at all, but it did have some emotional moments. Zevin certainly came up with some very interesting ideas. I was especially fond of reading about the animals in Elsewhere. |
| Anne |
| St. Dale by Sharyn McCrumb |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I did not know if I would like this book because I know little about car racing, but I was delighted to find it as interesting and entertaining as McCrumb's other novels. The characters are people we all can relate to in our daily lives and the facts are well researched. Based very loosely on THE CANTERBURY TALES, this is about a pilgrimage to find answers and maybe miracles. The pilgrims are visiting the tracks where the late race car legend, Dale Earnhart, spent most of his career. |
| Sally B., San Antonio TX |
| The Book Thief by Markus Zusak |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
3.5 stars. Death tells this story of one community during Nazi Germany (1940s) and two young teens trying to deal with the prejudices against Jews and the depression of the times. The writing could be confusing at times, but the author gets 5 stars for originality --- the persona of Death telling the story. All of the main characters, except for one, die (and Death does warn you this is coming). |
| Danielle |
| The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A captivating read! I'm learning a lot about Afghan culture in the 1970s. The universal tale of friendship, loss of childhood innocence and the search for redemption is touching no matter you're background. |
| Shelby ([email protected]) |
| Across the High Lonesome by Brunsfield |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This modern-day western had me laughing and crying. It's a great slice-of-life story with great characters! If you have ever wondered what it would be like to ride a mule over a high mountain pass, then this is the book for you! |
| Peter ([email protected]) |
| Misfits Country by Arthur Knight |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a beautiful little novel that takes the reader behind the scenes for the making of the movie The Misfits. The story is told through the eyes of Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Montgomery Clift, and John Huston. The behind-the-scenes drama ended up being as exciting as the movie it self. The book is truly a character study of the different players, especially Marilyn. This is a must read for fans of Marilyn, Monty, Gable, Huston, and any fan of old Hollywood! |
| Brian ([email protected]) |
| Playing for Pizza by John Grisham |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
An ok read, but certainly not one of Grisham's better works. |
| Allison Bernstein |
| Table for Five by Susan Wiggs |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a very sad, but also uplifting book. It is not great literature, but an entertaining and thought-provoking book, especially for parents. It reminds you to make arrangements for your children, in case of emergency. |
| Michele Lauer-Bader |
| The Shape of Snakes by Minette Walters |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Walters is an excellent mystery writer, but there is always more than just the mystery. Over the span of 20+ years, we learn about the victim, and also about the racism in the community, the woman haunted by what she believed was a murder, family relationships and more. Check out this author. |
| Betty Jo ([email protected]) |
| Without a Map by Meredith Hall |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A heart-wrenching story of how a young woman copes with life after giving her baby boy up for adoption as a teenager in the late 1960s New Hampshire. She is a survivor, and I am sure this memoir helped her deal with her aftermath. |
| Dorothy Flood |
| The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I read this book a long time ago but when I learned that Jennifer was coming out with a sequel, THE WINTER ROSE, I decided to read it again so my memory would be fresh. It was even better the second time around, and I couldn't put this love story down. It was not a quick read, but it was wonderful. I now have THE WINTER ROSE and can't wait to start it. I'll let you know next week if it is another must read. |
| Peggy Haney |
| Blue Heaven by C. J. Box |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A great book full of of twists, turns, and unexpected connections. Loved it. |
| J. Kaye Oldner ([email protected]) |
| Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Best book I've read this year! |
| Cynthia Baxter |
| The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the kind of book that, while reading in bed, book makes you sit up during a particular passage and remain in the position surrounded by a sleeping husband, dog and two cats, while saying over and over again, "Wow!" |
| LouBabe ([email protected]) |
| Jonathan's Story by Julia London |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Being a 58-year fan of "Guiding Light," there was no way I could NOT buy this book! The story is good enough to merit reading, even if one has never watched the show, but it has special meaning to those who have. Otherwise, I might not have given it 5 stars :) I was out of the country during most of Jonathan's tenure on the show, so it was helpful to me to get a little background, and many viewers are wondering where he disappeared to. Regardless of any TV show, though, it's a tender love story with an adorable baby mixed in. |
| J. Kaye Oldner ([email protected]) |
| City of Masks: A Cree Black Novel by Daniel Hecht |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Hecht did a bang-up job of researching the world of a paranormal researcher, but this was a double edged sword as it drowned out whatever suspense the story might have had. |
| Mary A. Hebda ([email protected]) |
| Marley & Me by John Grogan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is an interesting, sweet tale of a man and his dog! |
| Karen |
| The Johnstown Flood by David McCullough |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Nonfiction at its best! I still have about 60 pages to read, but am finding this account of the 1889 disaster absolutely riveting. It was written in 1968, decades before Hurricane Katrina, but there are many similarities. I have learned a great deal about late 19th-century America. McCullough's style, particularly when he tells the stories of individuals who survived, is top notch. |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| Mermaids in the Basement by Michael Lee West |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A light-hearted THE SOUND AND THE FURY with many voices telling the story. It's set in Louisiana with many quirky characters, and is a story of love, forgiveness, and a daughter-father relationship. An interesting story, |
| Rita Herbst |
| People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A really fascinating book. The story holds your attention from the very beginning. It actually becomes believable, a sign of great fiction. |
| Sandra |
| Life Support by Tess Gerritsen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A shocking medical thriller that will give you plenty to think about. Parts of it are not for the squeamish. I listened to it on tape and loved it!!! |
| Margaret |
| Health and Happiness by Diane Johnson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
If you are a fan of light and frothy and you love watching medical shows on TV, than this could be the book for you. It was a little entertaining and definitely predictable. I found so many parts to be just unbelievable. |
| Book Momma |
| The Hearts of Horses by Molly Gloss |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is an absolutely lyrical novel set in Oregon during World War I. Martha Lessen is a shy, socially inept young woman who makes her living as a "horse whisperer". The setting and characters are first-rate. |
| Beth Cummings ([email protected]) |
| Peony in Love by Lisa see |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip into Chinese history, particularly the emphasis on historical women writers in China. While I was reading, I wasn't really aware that the characters had been real people, but the book is excellent with or without that knowledge. |
| Renee |
| The Seville Communion by Arturo Perez-Reverte |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Perez-Reverte is a wonderful writer who has created great characters that become more alive as you follow this story of a murder in a crumbling Baroque church in Seville. The book is filled with Intrique, love, mystery, warmth and humor. It also won the Monnet prize for European literature. |
| Julie |
| The Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This story takes place during the time of the Crusades. It begins with all the main characters coming back from Canterbury. It is "CSI" meets THE CANTERBURY TALES. It has humor and quite a lot of period detail. The main character is a woman who is known at the time as a "mistress of deathl," or someone who can collect information from the deceased to solve a crime. A most unusual and engrossing novel. |
| Sandi |
| Body Count by P. D. Martin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed this book. It kept me turning pages until the end. Sophie, an FBI agent who hails from Australia, has a job at Quantico. She also has psychic visions, but she really has no control over them. These visions have helped her in solving some cases. But when her friend Sam, a girl, is abducted, she has visions of what is happening to her but no idea where she is being kept. This was a great thriller and I look forward to reading the next in the series. |
| Linda Zabel ([email protected]) |
| People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This wonderful novel follows a Jewish book from a museum in Bosnia to its creation many years before, as well as the people involved in its creation and salvation. I plan to read her other two books very soon. |
| Beth Cummings ([email protected]) |
| A Broad Abroad in Thailand by Dodie Cross |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This memoir is a delightful romp through the difficulties of living in a foreign culture. It is one of those books where you laugh, in part, because you are so happy that the troubles are NOT happening to you. Cross is quite open with the problems she encountered --- both on a very personal level, and with cultural systems in general. |
| laurie blum ([email protected]) |
| Falling Boy by Alison McGhee |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Imaginative! This unique novel examines the mythic enigma of superheroes as seen through the eyes of children ... Joseph, the main character, will crawl into your heart! |
| Debbie |
| The Art of Deception by Ridley Pearson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
After checking out an "if you like..." site, Ridley Pearson was on the list of "If You Like James Patterson." This was the first book I've read of Pearson's and I thoroughly enjoyed it. |
| Merrilee ([email protected]) |
| Luck Be A Lady, Don't Die by Robert J. Randisi |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was the second in the series and just as good as the first one. I can't wait for number 3. |
| Debra GUyette ([email protected]) |
| Tonight and Forever by Brenda Jackson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Brenda Jackson writes really lovable characters that make you want success for them. Great job. |
| Dorothy Olson |
| March by Geraldine Brooks |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
No book in recent years has stirred my thoughts as much as this one. I not only enjoyed the reading but couldn't wait to find out more about The Alcotts, John Brown and other Civil War people. |
| Dorothy Olson ([email protected]) |
| Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Who wants to read a book about "The Plague"? This book not only has a riveting story, but carries you back to the times of the plague in the 1600s and a village's fight to survive. |
| Fran |
| Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I'm about 3/4 of the way through this book and am loving every minute of it. I've actually slowed down my reading so I can make it last longer. I can't recommend it highly enough. Lovable, quirky characters are enmeshed in the world of a traveling circus. A great read. |
| Tia Laws ([email protected]) |
| See Jane Run by Joy Fielding |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love Ms Fielding's books. I have just started reading her in last 6 months. I wish I would have discovered her earlier. This one --- like all of hers, except an occasional odd one --- is pure suspense and I find it very hard to put her books down once I start reading. This did start out a little slower than others, but it left you with an ending that blew your mind. You never saw it coming until the unthinkable happened in the last couple of chapters. I recommend this and any of her other books, they're great! |
| Debbie ([email protected]) |
| Officer Down by Theresa Schwegel |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I wanted to read a novel set in Chicago. The writing is not great, and I knew the guilty party too soon --- too predictable. It was fun to run down the streets of Chicago, though. |
| Tia Laws ([email protected]) |
| The Queen's Fool by Phillippa Gregory |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I think Ms. Gregory's books are fantastic. I love the fact that she can write a historical novel and throw a small bit of fiction into the mix and come up with truly entertaining works. Sometimes they don't have the outcome you want, due to history, but life is seldom sugar coated. |
| Kathie ([email protected]) |
| Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Very entertaining romantic novel that will keep you laughing and reading. This book deals with love, friendship, revenge,and getting even, It kept me laughing and reading! |
| Laura |
| Hollywood Girls Club by Maggie Marr |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Wow! Hollywood is just as cut throat as I have heard! Celeste, Lydia and Jessica work on a film Seven Minutes Past Midnight and it is that high school girl drama all over again, but this time even worse! |
| Amy Gross ([email protected]) |
| Simple Genius by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book was very good. I've read everything this author has written and haven't been disappointed. |
| Aileen |
| Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A beautiful love story with unique characters. This novel will always stay with me. It's definitely one that I will read again and again. |
| Coral |
| Protect and Defend by Vince Flynn |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Flynn is a good suspense author. This book is about Iran and the duplicity of their leaders. Of course, our people close to the President and leader of USA make this very interesting also. I am glad it is fiction. |
| Christina |
| Escape From Hitler's Europe by George Watt |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I have to say that this is one of the best books about World War II that I have read in a long time. While reading, you wonder if George Watt will be able to escape. |
| N. C. Andersen |
| Geek Love by Katherine Dunn |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Pulling yourself away from every other book you have read, GEEK LOVE is standing at the entrance to the path to real enjoyment. Totally off the wall, funny, and fun. Tighten your chin strap and read on. |
| snulfers |
| Silver Master by Jayne Castle |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a great book in a series that has had a long evolution. I had thought that this world was one the author was done with. I'm so glad she's not and am hoping for more books to follow. Go dust bunnies! |
| BarbaraW |
| Prisoner of Tehran: A Memoir by Marina Nemat |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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The author describes her life as a prisoner in Tehran, beginning at the age of 16. I marvel at her strength to survive all that she encountered during her imprisonment. |
| Reva Wamsley ([email protected]) |
| Blind Alley by Iris Johansen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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Another terrific book by Iris Johansen featuring forensic sculptor, Kay Duncan. This one focuses on her adopted daughter, Jane. A psychopath who thinks Jane is a resurrected actress from Pompeii wants to kill her and remove her face. |
| Noreen Brown |
| Stop Dressing Your Six-Year-Old Like A Skank by Celia Rivenbark |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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A funny book that isn't just for moms with six year olds. |
| Marjorie L. Carmony |
| Wizard's Daughter by Catherine Coulter |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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The Sherbrooke's are back, and what fun! As always, Coulter give us love, suspense, laughter and some "out of this world" creatures. |
| Gerald Rosen ([email protected]) |
| Duma Key by Stephen King |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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The master is back. I am a big Stephen King fan, but have been disappointed in his last four books. DUMA KEY brings us back to what he does best. He is basically a storyteller; and I can envision him sitting around a campfire telling this story. It would probably take more than a week for him to finish it, but it would be worth it. The images are vivid, the characters real, and the horror slowly rises to the surface never getting ahead of the story. A great, though lengthy read. |
| Debi |
| Exit the Milkman by Charlotte McCleod |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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This book caught my eye at a library sale, and I was not disappointed! It's a very well-developed mystery in the style of Agatha Christie. For a quick read, it was very enjoyable! |
| Debi |
| The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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Everyone has a story to tell, and Jeannette Walls tells hers in a manner that keeps you riveted. At times, I wanted to shake her mother and tell her to wake up!! This is an excellent memoir, and a quick read. |
| Jean |
| The Kommandant's Girl by Pam Jenoff |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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Fabulous! One of the best books I've read in months. It is a beautifully written historical romance. Simply told, fast moving, and riveting. Highest recommendation. |
| Debbie Deskin |
| Born Standing Up by Steve Martin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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This was a nice story with lots of history. I felt there were some parts that drug on for to long. |
| Debbie Deskin |
| Have You Found Her by Janice Erlbaum |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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This book is written so well. It will make you laugh and cry. There is a lot of heart and love in this book. |
| Amy Gross ([email protected]) |
| The Woods by Harlan Coben |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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I pre-order every book Mr. Coben writes without knowing what it's about. I know that I'll get a good read and will be entertained. I'd love a new Myron Bolitar book. |
| Patricia Bradley ([email protected]) |
| Shoot Him If He Runs by Stuart Woods |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Great winter escapism! On a Caribbean island that caters mainly to rich folks, Woods' series hero Stone Barrington, his CIA girlfriend Holly, NYPD cop pal Dino and his galpal Genevieve all hunt a rogue CIA equipment specialist turned assassin of global evildoers. Action, plots, seafood, tropical beverages, yachts, nude beaches --- just the read for a snowy day. Enjoy! |
| Amy Gross |
| Protect and Defend by Vince Flynn |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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Outstanding book. I love Mitch Rapp. This book is worth the time it takes to read it. |
| Amy Gross |
| Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
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Slow, slow, slow. I think Ms. Roberts needs to focus more on quality and less on churning out several books a year. |
| Amy Gross ([email protected]) |
| Double Cross by James Patterson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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I can always count on James Patterson's books to entertain me. The Cross books are especially good but I like the Women's Murder Club books too. I highly recommend this book. |
| Lainie H. |
| There's No Place Like Here by Cecilia Ahern |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
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Well written, with an original plot and lively characters. Unfortunately, the end left me feeling surprisingly flat after having enjoyed the bulk of the book. |
| Krys g |
| When The Nile Runs Red by Diann Mills |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
There was too much emphasis placed on religion, and the book had a very contrived ending. did not enjoy this book at all! |
| Lori Barnes ([email protected]) |
| The Forever Summer by Suzanne Macpherson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I'm giving this book 3 stars based on the fact that it may have became more interesting, but I stopped half-way through. A lady died in a grocery store and her ex-husband is a suspect; however, he has an alibi. The workers at the grocery store think she comes back to haunt the area on same day every week since she died. When I purchased this book the reviews were probably good or I wouldn't have ordered it, but I could not bring myself to finish it. Maybe it's just not my reading preference or maybe it just got a lot better; I'm not sure. |
| Vicki |
| Unleashing the Storm by Sydney Croft |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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It's a great paranormal tale with lots of action, romance and sex. I enjoyed reading it. |
| Katie S |
| Honeymoon by Amy Jenkins |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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I think this book is perfect if you want to read a book that requires no thought, but makes you laugh. On the first night of her honeymoon, the bride spots an old love in the hotel lobby...Yes, it is predictable, but Amy Jenkins makes it funny. |
| Amy Gross |
| Beyond Reach by Karin Slaughter |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
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This book was a disappointment. I have enjoyed all of Ms. Slaughter's Grant County series, but had a hard time sticking with the book. The ending was a big disappointment. |
| Kay Keller |
| People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a wonderful story of the journey of a rare Jewish book and the people who are responsible for saving it through the generations. The main character is a rare book expert, and her story is set in the present; so, the storyline goes back and forth between the wonderful characters of the past and the very believable characters of the present. I enjoyed this book so much! |
| Lori Barnes ([email protected]) |
| Summer Breeze by Catherine Anderson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was a great read. I had never read anything from this author, so I was glad I did. When Rachel was 12 years old, she saw her family get killed and was devastated. She has bordered one room in the house away from the other part of the house and has lived in this confined area for the last 5 years. An older man, a friend of their family, comes by over the years to keep an eye on her, and take things into town to sell for her so she never has to leave. One day, her isolated world becomes threatened when he is shot, and asks her neighbor Joseph to keep a eye on her because he didn't know if he was going to survive. Anyway, you will fall in love with Joseph and his tenderness and compassion he has toward Rachael, seeing he is strictly not the one-woman man. This one will keep you reading. |
| Genie |
| Micah by Laurell K. Hamilton |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Anita is called in to raise the dead for any number of reasons. In this case, the feds have a witness who died before he could testify in court. Now they want him raised so his testimony can be taken. Anita reluctantly agrees to get on a plane to Philadelphia, to do the job. This time, she doesn't travel alone. Micah, head of the St. Louis wereleopard pard, is with her as a companion-lover and as it turns out, back up when things go wrong. I've got to be honest, I liked Hamilton's earlier books in this series. They had a lot more action and plot. Raising the zombie for the FBI doesn't take place until well past the halfway point of the book. |
| Genie |
| Shrink Wrap by Robert B. Parker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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Sunny's working as a bodyguard for a famous writer, Melanie Joan, who's being stalked by her psychiatrist ex-husband. Turns out he is engaged in extremely unprofessional conduct with his female patients. To get the goods on Dr. John Melvin, Sunny goes undercover as a vulnerable divorcée. At the same time, she's also seeing another therapist who is coaching her for her undercover role, but as an added bonus, is also helping her understand her own troubled relationships. Danger is on the horizon as Sunny makes the effort to get the doctor off the street and put behind bars. |
| M Monahan |
| Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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I would like to give this 4.5 stars as I loved reading this book! |
| Sandra Smith ([email protected]) |
| Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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I have just gotten into this book (after many recommendations from friends) --- his style of writing, at least in this book, reminds me of Norah Lofts, an author whose work I loved. So I think I may want to upgrade to 5 stars after I finish reading it! |
| Linda |
| Flower Net by Lisa See |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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If you have been to Beijing, this is like going back. Great intrigue |
| Ken |
| Refraction by Jan Dynes |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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I have purchased a pre-release at a special advance signing. I don't think it will even be out until March for the general public. But what an amazing novel. It is fast and furious, but full of heart. I loved the good characters and the really bad one made my skin crawl. This is a must read for anyone who loves suspense, romance and crime thrillers in equal doses. I'm recommending it very highly. |
| nan |
| The Senator's Wife by Sue Miller |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I liked it. Sue Ann Miller writes in an interesting way, grabbing your attention. There are things you want to go back and catch again --- a phrase here, a comment there. The story is about relationships and their fragility, especially after betrayal. The oft-asked question: 'why does she stay with him?' hits home for many women. I found myself staying up late to finish a chapter or two. I was riveted by her characters' feelings, mainly Delia, the older, wiser and betrayed wife of the senator. |
| Terri ([email protected]) |
| Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I found this to be one of the most interestingly written books I have ever read. I loved the convention of learning about the "main character" by seeing how she fit into other people's lives. I certainly did not like Olive, but she became a proof of one of my favorite philosophies: that you can't really judge a person's behavior until you know what is going on behind the scenes of his or her life. We all have our own idiosyncrasies, and who we are is a mixture of our genetics and everyone whose life we have touched or been touched by. Using short, seemingly unrelated stories, the author creates Olive through the minds of others. |
| Lori Barnes ([email protected]) |
| Skyward by Mary Alice Monroe |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I absolutely love Mary Alice's writing! This was a wonderful story about 2 people finding each other by fate. A man is struggling trying to take care of his daughter and run a volunteer service for the Birds Of Prey Hospital. His Wife keeps coming back in his life while he's trying to move forward, do the best for him and his daughter, and make up for her mom not being around. His daughter's health becomes dangerous and he realizes needs help, so he gets a caretaker. This story is good enough by itself, but let's bring in Elijah to the story --- to me he makes this wonderful. Anyone who saw Song of the Southgrowing up remembers "Uncle Remus" --- this is who I thought of when Elijah entered the story I loved what Mary Alice done with this char. This is another keeper; you will be glad you read this book! |
| Katie Dugas |
| Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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This is an easy-to-read Shakespeare play, and VERY entertaining. By far, my favorite one yet! It's funny, and its message still holds true today! |
| Mathy Reader |
| Beverly Hills Dead by Stuart Woods |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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We always look forward to a Stuart Woods book. This one does not disappoint. It's set in the 1940s, when Vance Calder was just starting his Hollywood career and McCarthyism is underway. It's a very good read and my husband and I are both enjoying it. |
| Elizabeth |
| The Endless Knot by Gail Bowen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the latest in a series of excellent mysteries written by Canadian author Gail Bowen. The main protagonist is a female professor of politics in Saskatchewan, Canada. Because of a life involved with politics, (her first husband had been the Attorney General in the province, before he was murdered), she becomes increasingly active in solving the murders of a number of political and academic figures. This was just beautifully written and with wonderful charcters. I highly recommend this book, and any other ones you might find in this series! |
| Laura |
| Facets by Barbara Delinsky |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
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Reading about dysfunctionally functional families always takes me away and this book is no disappointment... |
| SpiritEyes |
| The Mark by Jason Pinter |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
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A debut novel for Pinter, THE MARK sets off as a premier for a remarkable series! It's a must read for suspense and mystery lovers alike. I believe those who love Romantic Suspense, adventure, and classics such as Agatha Christie will also love Pinter's style. One of the best new authors to date, he's up there with Dean Koontz and Stephen King. I look forward to THE GUILTY, his new book coming out at the end of February. |
| SpiritEyes |
| Blood Dreams by Kay Hooper |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
As usual, Hooper never disappoints. The Bishop Special Crimes Unit series just keeps getting better and better. Hooper continually delves deeper into the psychic realm and pulls out plausible ideas on how these gifts work and the reasoning behind them, then implements them cleverly into her writing. BLOOD DREAMS is the best to date. There are only a select few authors whose books earn the respect of my "keeper" shelf --- Hooper is one of them. A must read for suspense, romance and paranormal lovers alike. |
| Jon W. |
| Ronnie by Ronnie Wood |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Interesting autobiography of one of Rock's most prolific guitar players. His descriptions of his relationships with the Rolling Stones, The Faces and Jeff Beck are worth the time to read this one. However, there's too much focus on the usual drug use and other wastes of money and time. |
| Judy Melvin |
| Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez and Kristin Ohlson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
| After seeing the movie Charlie Wilson's War, someone gave me this book and it made it all the more enjoyable. It is the story of a woman's fight to teach the women of Kabul to become hairdressers. I could not put it down. |
