December 3, 2010 - December 16, 2010
Last contest period's winners were Andrew, Leslie, Meme, Tollie S.and Dfrazeur, who each received a copy of THE EMPEROR'S TOMB by Steve Berry and RESCUE by Anita Shreve.
| Maksure |
| Predator by Terri Blackstock |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I have been reading lots from Ted Dekker. I picked up Terri's PREDATOR from the new book display, never having heard of her before, and I found a new favorite author in her. It's about a serial killer and is a fast and easy read, and I am planning to get lots more of her books that I have missed. |
| Wendy |
| The Coroner's Lunch by Colin Cotterill |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the start of a wonderful, engaging series about Dr. Siri, a 72-year-old reluctant coroner in Laos. The blend of characterization, the information about Laos and its new communist government, an interesting plot, and a dash of mysticism make this a great read! |
| M. Gray-Gor |
| The Reader by Bernhard Schlink |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A captivating book containing love, betrayal and a trial, that's about a woman who was a guard in a German prisoner-of-war camp, and the personal secret she guards so forcefully. |
| Rebecca F. |
| Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was not one I intended to read...it was a book group selection, and I'm so glad it was!!! |
| Stacey K. |
| Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just read this for the second time after seeing the movie. It is even better the second time around! Ms. Rowling did a fantastic job wrapping up the amazing story of Harry and his friends! I am going to miss the Harry Potter series so much! |
| Linda Z. |
| The Reluctant King: The Life and Reign of George I by Sarah Bradford |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I plan to see the movie The King's Speech with Colin Firth, so I wanted to learn more about King George VI. I am finding out a lot about how royal children were raised in that era, including both Edward VII and George. No wonder he stammered! |
| Debbie |
| Last Night in Twisted River by John Irving |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Irving begins the story with a detailed description of logging in the 1950s. The history is interesting, but very detailed. The main characters --- Ketchum, Dominic, Daniel, Rosie and Injun Jane --- propel the story. The reader wonders why a brilliant chef like Dominic cooks for hungry and life-weary loggers. Irving waits to reveal the startling reason why until halfway through the book. The novel's structure begins to fall apart in the middle; Irving jumps back and forth between the different settings of Vermont, Iowa, Boston and New Hampshire, all in one chapter. Also, the reader loses the flow of the writing, as he or she tries to determine what is happening and to whom. I enjoyed the first third of the novel, but found the final two thirds to be unreadable, and I would not recommend it. |
| Linda G. |
| Progeny: The Children of the White Lions by R.T. Kaelin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I had a chance to read this new book by R. T. Kaelin before it was actually on the market, and I believe that all readers who like good fantasy fiction --- such as Eragon and, yes, Harry Potter --- will really enjoy this read. The main characters, Nikalys and Kenders (brother and sister), are so real, that you can imagine they are young people you actually know or would like to know. The story takes you across fascinating landscapes and introduces you to engaging individuals --- some human, some partially human, some who aren't human at all --- as well as a cast of Gods, some good and some extremely evil. It's one of those books that leaves you wanting more, even as you finish that last paragraph. I highly recommend that you give it a try and then tell all your friends! |
| Tanya |
| Decision Points by George W. Bush |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a memoir about some of the decisions former President Bush made during his eight years in the White House. It lets the reader know the thought processes that he went through to reach those decisions. I really enjoyed the book. I did not agree with every decision he made, but I now realize that he is a very deliberative man, and that none of his decisions were made without extensive discussions of both sides of the issues. Former President and Mrs. Bush brought dignity to the White House, and I appreciate their service to our country. |
| Judy O. |
| Carry Me Home by Sandra Kring |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
16-year-old Earl "Earwig" Gunderman is the narrator of this wonderful story, which is set in rural Wisconsin in 1940. Earwig is mentally disabled, but he has an enormous understanding of life and his fellow man. WWII starts, and his brother Jimmy and several of Jimmy's friends go off to fight the "Japs." Life is not the same when Jimmy is gone; and when he comes home, he is a changed man. This is a wonderful story of life in a small town with real people. |
| Debbie |
| A Catered Murder: A Mystery with Recipes by Isis Crawford |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This is the first of the Mystery with Recipes series, and of course, I have not read them in order. This introduced the main characters, but I felt that the characters are presented better in A CATERED WEDDING. Bernie's love of expensive clothes presents a mystery --- where is she getting the money for them? Also, A Taste of Honey, the store run by the Simmons sisters is supposedly a simple down-home cooking/baking store, yet the recipes for the catering events run the gamut from chic-city cooking to haute couture. the Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs presents recipes and meals that the average individual might attempt to follow. Crawford gives readers an average murder without the grim details, and provides many moments of comic relief through the escapades of Libby and Bernie. Crawford presents a fun mystery, complete with cooking hints and recipes. |
| Susan |
| Coming Back: A Sharon McCone Mystery by Marcia Muller |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Sharon McCone Mysteries are always great reads --- this was good, but the previous novel, LOCKED IN, was so awesome. Sharon is recovering from her brain injury and is not as sharp as she used to be. (Old age strikes fictional characters, too.) The plot was good --- I guess I like super-heroines. |
| Brady |
| Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Woman's by Piper Kerman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the true story of how a well-educated, middle-class woman went to prison 10 years after the fact, and it points out how important our friends are in our life. This is a "woman's" book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I am a man. It shows how important it is to treat others in a courteous and helpful fashion. |
| Karen |
| In the Company of Others: A Father Tim Novel by Jan Karon |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
This was a very difficult book for me to try to muddle through. Jan Karon'sMitford series has been a favorite of mine, and I was looking forward to reading this book. The story line seemed to be all over the place. My book club chose it for our November selection, and not one of us thought much of it. |
| Sharon |
| Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A delightful story of love between older people, cultural clashes, generational gaps and disparate values. Major Pettigrew, is retired and 68. He's widowed, and the father of one son --- whose career is in finance provides him with excuses for not visiting his father more frequently. And when Roger does visit, the Major is inevitably annoyed with what he sees as Roger's lack of character. Romance blooms in the form of Mrs. Ali, who was born in England but of Pakistani parents, and is the widow of the local convenience store owner. Mrs. Ali continues to run the store, but her nephew, a dour young man, has arrived to "help" her --- with the intent of eventually taking over the business. |
| Sharon |
| You Know When the Men Are Gone by Siobhan Fallon |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This series of short stories --- which are only loosely connected --- was disturbing, due both to the content (I have an aversion to war and its consequences and ramifications) and the fact that none were truly finished --- the reader is left hanging, not knowing the conclusion of the story. But the author is articulate and has a gift for drawing the characters. |
| Carolyn M. |
| Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan H by Immaculee Ilibagiza, with Steve Erwin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The enlightening, inspiring story of a girl who discovered God amidst the Rwandan holocaust. |
| Sharon O. |
| That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Russo is at his best in this novel, which centers on the life of a screenwriter-turned-professor. The protagonist has to deal with the fact that his marriage is falling apart as his own daughter gets married. He also rethinks his childhood experiences, as the voices of his dead mother and father continue to visit him. |
| Melydia |
| The Hound of the Baskervilles: A Sherlock Holmes M by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I've read a fair number of Sherlock Holmes mysteries, but this was the first novel-length one I've picked up. Holmes is called in to get to the bottom of the death of a man, who's connected to a family legend about a hellhound. Of course, Holmes and Watson do not believe in the supernatural, and their methodical tying up of all the loose threads is fascinating, particularly considering that this was written in a time before fingerprinting and DNA evidence. I suppose there are those who do not enjoy having every single minute detail explained to them, but for me, that's what delights me most about Holmes stories: He loves to explain how he came to every single one of his seemingly random deductions. I especially like Holmes's childlike enthusiasm when he's faced with a challenge: The more difficult it is, the more he enjoys himself. Perhaps the most memorable aspect of this story, however, is how much of it is solved by Watson on his own. Evidently his many years as Holmes's companion have rubbed off on him. My husband has a huge tome o' Holmes on our bookshelf; I may have to read more of it. |
| Elaine W. |
| 1 Dead in Attic: After Katrina by Chris Rose |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
As a columnist for the Times-Picayune, Chris Rose chronicled Katrina and the devastation that it caused in New Orleans --- property damage, cultural damage and damage to human beings --- as it unfolded. Now, his columns have been collected in one book, and what a book it is! This riveting journal is one that stays with you. I couldn't put it down. For full effect, read it to the sound of a Neville Brothers CD. |
| Sally B., San Antonio, TX |
| Night Road by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A teenager befriends a lonely girl and falls in love with her brother, but a tragedy occurs that separates them all. The characters and events sometimes did not feel realistic to me. The second half was very emotional, and it deals a lot with how people deal with grief. If you like romances from Roberts or Steele, you'll like this book. |
| Sally B., San Antonio, TX |
| Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Not my cup of tea. There's very little emotion, but lots of business talk, and some of it just didn't ring true to me. I ended up reading only 194 pages (out of 1000+) before I bought the SparkNotes version, but that didn't even keep my interest. |
| Abbi |
| The Reversal by Michael Connelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved the fact that the author wrote the book in third person, instead of from the main character's perspective! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a fast-paced and enjoyable book! |
| Marie S. |
| Exploration Fawcett: Journey to the Lost City of Z by Col. Percy Fawcett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It is a creative nonfiction book, and I'm really enjoying it. |
| LG |
| Thereby Hangs a Tail: A Chet and Bernie Mystery by Spencer Quinn |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I just discovered this hilarious yet suspenseful mystery series, and I really enjoyed how the story was told from a dog's point of view. This crime solving duo teams up to solve the case of the missing show dog and her owner. |
| Kaye |
| Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Major Pettigrew, a somewhat fussy and old-fashioned, pedantic widower, finds himself in a world that has lost it's sense of decorum and appropriate behavior, and he doesn't like it one little bit. He still lives in his own little world of responsible behavior, living the way generations of Englishmen have done in the past, with a sense of duty to family and country. So when his brother dies suddenly and Major Pettigrew is on the receiving end of a small act of kindness from the local shopkeeper, Mrs. Ali, his world is turned upside down. Mrs. Ali not only shares his grief because she lost a beloved spouse, but also his love of classic books --- especially Kipling's works. She is also a woman who holds duty and responsibility to one's family in the highest regard. Realizing how lonely he has been since his wife, Nancy, died, Major Pettigrew seems to relax a little bit in Mrs. Ali's company. The two embark on a friendship that soon blossoms into more, much to the chagrin of the surrounding neighborhood and the local golf club. Even their own families have their share of doubts about a relationship at their age, never mind their cultural differences. The Major and Mrs. Ali finally concede that they are not ready to be put on a shelf to just live out the rest of their lives alone. When these two sensible people behave a little out of character, some decisive action is called for, and what a delightful story ensues! Here's just one of my favorite quotes: "Careful, careful," he said, feeling a splash of scalding tea on his wrist. "Passion is all very well, but it wouldn't do to spill the tea." Oh, heaven forbid! MAJOR PETTIGREW'S LAST STAND is one of the most charming first novels I've read in a long time. I'm not really sure what I expected, but what I found was a comedy of manners filled with characters who felt so real to me, it's as if I know them in real life. Simonson vividly brings the retired Major Ernest Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali to life on the pages, and she does so with realistic dialogue and quite a bit of quiet humor. The Major's changing and sometimes strained relationship with his ambitious, adult son, Roger, is an added bonus to the plot. I truly enjoyed my little sojourn in the British village of Edgecombe St. Mary and hope to get a chance to visit it again. Ms. Simonson, please give us more! Highly recommended. |
| Sean from OHIO |
| Lie Down with Lions by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I have enjoyed many of Ken Follett's novels in the past, as he was always able to balance action, romance and intrigue so well. Sadly, this book reads more like a romance novel set in a potentially intriguing location. The female lead was incredibly hard to like, and it was absolutely impossible to not see the ending coming. I would still highly recommend Follett, just not this piece. |
| Linda B. |
| The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Everyone should read this and become aware of the situations like this that arise. I highly recommend it. |
| Allie |
| The Recipe Club: A Novel About Food and Friendship by Andrea Israel and Nancy Garfinkel |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A cute story about the friendship between two girls, who exchanged recipes. It includes real recipes. |
| Sangeeta P. |
| The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The last book in Larsson's trilogy. It's a conspiracy within another conspiracy. There are a lot Swedish politics to muddle through, but it's so worth it to see how Blomkvist saves Salander from her past, present and, perhaps, even her future! |
| Reva W. |
| Roses Are Red: An Alex Cross Novel by James Patterson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm working my way through the Alex Cross books. A mastermind is planning bank robberies, in which someone will get killed. Then a bus-load of people is kidnapped for ransom. Alex is having problmes in his personal life, too. Little Jannie has brain surgery. This one has a surprise ending. A very good book in all. |
| Emily C. |
| Every Man Dies Alone by Hans Fallada |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This beautifully written novel is based on a true story. It presents a detailed portrait of life in Berlin under the Nazis, and it tells the story of a working-class couple that decides to take a stand against them after their only son is killed on the Russian front. It's a deeply stirring story of two people standing up for what's right --- and for one another --- in the face of ultimate evil. |
| Brooke D. |
| Winter Shadows by Margaret Buffie |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I adored WINTER SHADOWS. As I read it, it completely consumed me. I was so drawn in by both Cass's and Beatrice's stories because I felt like they were so relevant to my own life and experiences. Reading their optimistic yet realistic outcomes filled me with hope for the future for my own situation. Neither Cass nor Beatrice are perfect by any means, but they are both such likable, relatable characters --- to both each other and the reader. The parallelism in this story was wonderfully executed, and Buffie wove Cass's and Beatrice's stories together seamlessly. I found the ending extremely satisfying, with excellent closure for all parties involved. Overall, this is a beautifully crafted book, and I thoroughly enjoyed every page. |
| Marsha |
| Worth Dying For: A Reacher Novel by Lee Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wow! Jack Reacher just gets better and better. This is the best of all the books --- and possibly the most violent. You will cheer him on as he takes on a local clan that has terrified a county in Nebraska. The unsolved case of a child that went missing decades ago sparks his interest, and everything erupts into chaos. |
| Bonnie |
| Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved this book. I didn't expect to, but it's written in the vain of Jane Austen and Edith Wharton. That is, it's intelligent and funny, and it mocks high-falutin' folks for their uppity ways. A great read. |
| Fran |
| Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A cute romance that's easy read --- a no-brainer. |
| Priscilla |
| The White Queen by Philippa Gregory |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
It is a good story about Queen Elizabeth and King Edward, but parts of it tend to drag. It's still worth the read, though. |
| Jodi |
| Juliet by Anne Fortier |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved this book!! I couldn't put it down; it just kept getting better and better. At first, I thought it would be a retelling of the typical "Romeo and Juliet," but it's so much deeper than that --- and the history of Siena, Italy is fascinating. |
| Michele |
| Drawing in the Dust by Zoe Klein |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This story about an American archaeologist in Israel draws you in. She excavates beneath a house and discovers a pair of lovers. |
| Marsha |
| Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban by Carlos Eire |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This beautiful memoir tells the story of a privileged child in Havana before Castro's revolution. His memories of the smells, childhood games, friends, relatives, etc. will fill your heart. At age 11, he was one of the 14,000 children airlifted from Cuba to America to await their parents ---most of whom were never allowed to leave Cuba. His descriptions are vivid and powerful, as his heart yearns for his native land. |
| Judy O. |
| What I Thought I Knew: A Memoir by Alice Eve Cohen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Alice Eve Cohen writes and performs solo plays in NY City. She is married to Michael and has two daughters, Julia and Eliana. When she was 44 years old, Alice started having health problems. Her doctors subjected her to CT Scans, X Rays, Drugs and various other means of treatment. Since Alice was proven to be unfertile, doctors did not seriously consider a pregnancy, even though she was examined several times. After six months, they discovered that she was pregnant after all. This is Alice's memoir of that awful time and the birth of her daughter, Eliana. This is a beautiful, true story. |
| M. V. Joseph |
| The Seventh Wish by Toby O'Day, edited by Sidra Kain |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Synopsis: Julian captures a magical horseshoe. He is assigned by the Leprechaun Council the responsibility of granting a selfish wish to six strangers. The last wish, the seventh wish, must be his selfish wish. Not only must he choose who receives the wishes, but he must also keep the golden horseshoe away from the evil trolls. Julian and his leprechaun companion, Lawrence, travel from coast to coast to fulfill the ancient legacy of the wishes and learn the many powers of the golden horseshoe. |
| Sally |
| The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm almost finished with this very enjoyable continuation of the trilogy. This book took longer to hook me than the first one, THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO, did. It seemed a little disjointed, and the plot took longer to come together. This is the only reason why I didn't give it five stars. |
| F. Tessa B. |
| Somebody Owes Me Money by Donald E. Westlake |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Chet, a cab driver and occasional gambler, finds himself in the middle of a murder mystery when his bookie is killed. Everyone assumes he did it, and he's got to solve the case to get everyone off his back --- and find a person to pay off the bet his bookie reneged on. |
| Gloria R. |
| Daniel X: Demons and Druids by James Patterson and Adam Sadler |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I began this book with great expectations, as I had no idea what it was about; I just knew that James Patterson is one of my favorite authors. I have to assume this book was written for someone younger than me. I am 67, and I just couldn't get into this kind of book. I must say, I was disappointed, but it is probably because I was expecting a different type of book. I have read James Patterson books for years, especially the Alex Cross series, and I absolutely love them. This one is probably a really great read for someone much younger than I am. |
| Sally B., San Antonio, TX |
| I'd Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippman |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Two and a half stars. An inmate on death row tries to correspond with his only victim that he did not kill. The characters did not seem real to me. |
| Cathy D. |
| Sizzling Sixteen: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
As soon as another Stephanie Plum novel comes out, I just devour it! Janet Evanovich really knows how to tell a story. I literally laughed out loud many times. I can't wait to see what comes next! |
| Susan J. |
| The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Polygamy is a serious subject, and fundamentalists are no laughing matter. So why am I laughing? Because of quotes like this: "Golden flinched, struck by the moment he found himself in: standing in a dark closet, knuckles smeared with barbecue sauce, tinkling into a bucket while delivering a lecture about bathroom manners to a dog wearing jockey shorts. Could it get, he wondered, any worse than this? Sure it could." I've read several books about LDS --- both mainstream and fundamentalist, both fiction and non-fiction. Some have been better than others, and all have been interesting, but none have been told mainly from the point of view of the polygamist husband and father, and none have been funny...until now. But the book is also heartfelt and touching. This fundamentalist sect is a gentler, kinder FLDS: There's no child abuse and no forced marriages between girls and old men. The children behave like children --- unruly, with their own quirks. Especially Rusty, a misfit in his own family. The characters in this book are richly drawn. Golden, an unlikely polygamist, has four wives and 28 children. As head of the family, he is doing a terrible job. His first wife makes all the decisions, his children are out of control, he is maintaining three separate households, and Golden just wants a little peace and quiet...not to mention freedom from his enormous responsibilities. Throw in a beautiful woman, her brothel-owning, common law, thug husband --- who is also Golden's boss --- and a loner who is building an extensive bomb shelter, and it all makes for a highly entertaining read. America's love affair with open-air bomb testing in the desert, with the callously intended as well as the accidental cruelties and repercussions...these things are integral to the story and very sad to read about. At about 600 pages, this isn't a short novel, but I loved all of it. |
| Meme |
| Bad Blood: A Virgil Flowers Novel by John Sandford |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A casual mystery --- and a little romance --- with Flowers as the main detective. He's trying to solve several, recent murders that seem to be tied to a local church. |
| Debbie |
| Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the first time that I have read Scott Turow, and I thoroughly enjoyed this immersion into a police investigation, the preparation for the trial and the actual trial. I do not plan to present a detailed summary of the story because the reader needs to discover what happens. The story begins with the murder of a female lawyer who works in the prosecuting attorney's office. This is a campaign year, and the prosecuting attorney is struggling to remain in office, and he hopes to locate and arrest the murderer. The opposing candidate for the PA position makes an arrest, and the preparation for the trial begins. Turow skillfully presents the case. The outcome is unexpected. |
| Debbie |
| 17 Christmases by Dandi Daley Mackerall with illustrations by Michel |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This is an illustrated children's book about Christmas and the difficulties that surround an extended family. The story centers on a family that's taking the month of December to visit and celebrate Christmas with many relatives in 17 different locations in the United States. The story shows the different climate and celebrations in these cities. The illustrations are rich in primary colors, but the majority of the scenes show nighttime --- almost like the whole story is happening as a dream. The language/vocabulary of the story seems too advanced for younger children. Children and even adults may have trouble with words such as "miraculous," "possibly" and "translations." The rhyme scheme does not flow smoothly. The use of numbers (from one to 17) can be good or bad, depending on the age of the child who's reading the story. I liked the concept, but felt that the presentation needed polishing. |
| Judy O. |
| The Diplomat's Wife by Pam Jenoff |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This story takes place in Europe in 1945. It is the story of the love between Marta Nederman and Paul Mattison, but it is also a story of spies and evil people. It was a good read, but it stretched the bounds of credibility at times. |
| Dianne |
| The Debba by Avner Mandelman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The story seems to jump around from one loose end to another. I'm hoping that everything will come together in the last third of the story. |
| Fran |
| The Tenth Gift by Jane Johnson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
As a parting gift, Julia Lovat's boyfriend gives her a book of embroidery patterns when he ends their relationship. Within its pages, Julia finds the diary of a woman from 1625, who was captured by pirates and kept as a slave. Each woman's story is interwoven throughout this magnificent novel. |
| Sue V. |
| Still Alice by Lisa Genova |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An awesome story --- my heart aches for families who are dealing with Alzheimer's --- this must be so hard to deal with... |
| Susan J. |
| Bad to the Bone: Memoir of a Rebel Doggie Blogger by Bo Hoefinger |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Bo, the author of this book, claims to be 1'10" --- 63 pounds of mutt on the outside, purebred on the inside. His memoir mostly covers his life after he was adopted from a doggie prison --- more of a revenge adoption than a well-planned decision. It's okay though; it all works out. Well, except for Rudy, Rocky and other unnamed creatures. Not that there weren't some difficult times, but together, the family --- all of them --- was able to weather them. This is a feel-good book --- great for laughs, for cheering up, for entertainment and for the pure fun of it. And it's good for showing the many great things there are about caring for a dog, and the amount of patience it takes to survive those great things. Bo, if you read this, you might want to know that not all humans are quite as interested in poo and its various forms as dogs are. Sure, it is a fascinating subject, but a little poo goes a long way...quite literally, in the case of Moose. And you might want to try smiling a little more in some of your photos. I know that you want to be taken seriously as a writer, but there is nothing like the smile of a toothy golden/chow/unknown dog to make people feel good. And I especially loved your answer to the next-to-last question in your Q and A section. And on behalf of Bo, I'd like to emphasize: If you want to have a great dog (or cat or other adoptable creature), and you have the patience for some Bo-like adventures, adopt one from a shelter or rescue group. Money can buy love. And thanks to Tara and Bo for signing my book. |
| Linda H. |
| Evidence: An Alex Delaware Novel by Jonathan Kellerman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
As LAPD Detective Milo Sturgis and psychologist Alex Delaware arrive at the crime scene, they find two bodies posed suggestively. The man's wallet identifies him as an architect, but there is no identification for the woman. As Milo and Alex go to the man's place of employment, they meet a strange woman, who used to be his boss. She stated that the business is no longer in operation. After Milo and Alex talk with other employees, they find that there were no clients, and they think that the business was a sham for something. Then they hear talk that a Swedish woman was supposedly killed at the property where the bodies were found, yet there is no missing persons report linked to this rumor. The property is owned by a foreign national, and Milo and Alex are blocked at all attempts to find out anything about the owners. A fire later consumes the house, and another body is found inside. Milo and Alex have their hands full trying to figure out what is going on and who the guilty party is. A good book. |
| Linda H. |
| Forbidden Falls: A Virgin River Novel by Robyn Carr |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Noah Kincaid has arrived in Virgin River to look at a church that was advertised as being for sale. After purchasing the building, he advertises for a pastor''s assistant and interviews three women. When interviewing the third young woman, he is momentarily taken by her sexy looks. When he hires her and works with her, he realizes that his first impression was all wrong. Ellie Baldwin is not only a hard worker, but a good person that has faced many obstacles in her life and overcome all but the present one, which involves her ex-husband. He had persuaded a judge to give him temporary custody of the children, even though he was not their biological father, and Ellie had to abide by the judge's ruling and wait 90 days to regain custody. This was killing Ellie as she worried about her children, and Noah is determined to help her anyway he can. A great story. |
| Linda H. |
| The Secret Servant by Daniel Silva |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the seventh book about Israeli agent Gabriel Allon. In this book, he is called into action when his superiors learn of the death of Solomon Rosner, one of their assets in Amsterdam. When Gabriel arrives there and begins to go through Rosner's papers, he encounters an aged Arab who insists that he is responsible for Rosner's death. He later learns that this man was once a member of the Sword of Allah, a terrorist group originating in Egypt. Ibrahim tells Gabriel that he left Egypt and the Sword to come to Amsterdam to start a new life. His son, however, is another story. He is a member of the Sword, and Ibrahim thinks that he is part of the group that kidnapped the American ambassador's daughter. After checking further, the Israelis find that an unknown individual, known only as the Sphinx, is the leader of the Sword. But who is the Sphinx, and how can the terror of the Sword be stopped? Another great book. |
| Linda H. |
| The Messenger by Daniel Silva |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
In this sixth book involving Israeli agent Gabriel Allon, al-Qaeda terrorists are plotting the death of the Pope and the destruction of the Vatican. Gabriel foils one attack and saves the life of the Pope. Finding that the source of the plot is a Saudi billionaire, Israeli agents zero in on Zizi al-Bakari and join forces with the CIA. The CIA has found it difficult to get the US to do anything about the Saudi's involvement with terrorists because so many US officials are on the Saudi payroll. But Adrian Carter --- a deputy director of the CIA --- isn't. He contacts Gabriel about using an American girl who is knowledgeable about art. They can get to Zizi by using his greed for priceless art. Zizi ultimately hires Sarah Bancroft, and she works undercover to locate one of Zizi's assistants, who the Israelis have been searching for. As Sarah gets word to Gabriel, she is found out by Zizi. Now she must be saved. Gabriel finds that Zizi has another plan in place to destroy the Vatican, and he has to ensure that this plan does not succeed. Another great book. |
| Annie |
| Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The heartwarming story of a young Chinese boy and Japanese girl during the internment following the attack on Pearl Harbor. |
| Annie |
| Up from the Blue by Susan Henderson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I can't put this book down! A daughter recalls her difficult childhood with her "perfect" father, and a mother who has disappeared. |
| Susan K. |
| The Last Child by John Hart |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A well written mystery. I love the 13-year-old boy narrator. |
| MsAnnie |
| The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A great follow up to THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO --- I like getting more background on Salander; their world is a weird one, but it was another good read. His books are like onions --- peel back one layer, and you get another one. |
| Sheryl |
| The Brave by Nicholas Evans |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A wonderful book! I loved it. |
| Chichalina |
| Inside the Dzanga Sangha Rain Forest by edited by Francesca Lyman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A great photo book for ages 9 to 90 ---junior high kids on up. |
| Chichalina |
| The Autobiography of Mark Twain by edited by Harriet Elinor Smith and other editors o |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A wonderful compilation of Mark Twain's letters, journal entries, fragments of collected news and other tidbits, and his controversial political views and musings...a must-read. |
| Julie |
| Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The story starts in 1954 in Ethiopia and spans 50 years. It chronicles the lives of twins born to a nun, the love they had for this same woman, and how this drastically affected the paths their lives took. I highly recommend this book; it's a very absorbing, wonderful read. |
| Reva W. |
| Scavenger by David Morrell |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a sequel to CREEPERS that I read several years ago. Frank Balenger, the hero from CREEPERS, and Amanda, the woman he rescued, are now living together. They go to a lecture about a time capsule, and Frank wakes up in the ruins of the Paragon Hotel and discovers that Amanda is missing.mShe finds herself the unwitting player in a scavanger game. It makes for an interesting story. |
| Marion M. |
| The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a novel of history.mThe author traces a family's survival and extermination during World War II in Hungary.mThe book begins in Paris, takes you to Hungary, and ends in the US. |
| Sandra |
| Safe from the Sea by Peter Geye |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Just finished reading the advance copy of this book, which was a first-time novel for this author, and a really moving story of a father and son who finally come together after many years. The father spent his seafaring life on the Great Lakes and was absent a lot, but calls the son back when he is dying, and old wounds are mended. A story you will remember for a long time. |
| Jsiemek |
| Prior Bad Acts by Tammy Hoag |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another great book by this author. An excellent detective/manhunt read. |
| F. Tessa B. |
| The First Patient by Michael Palmer |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
What a disappointment --- an unrealistic plot, wooden characters and major holes in the logic. And an ending that is completely unbelievable...not to mention devoid of ethics. |
| Lola L. |
| The Sweet By and By by Todd Johnson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A beautiful read. It made me laugh and cry, and it made me think about aging and the changes we go through. |
| Barbara |
| The House at Riverton by Kate Morton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A wonderful book set in England during the first part of the 20th century. It has everything an English novel needs: the wealthy but declining family in the manor house, the hinted-at affair between master and servant, the daughters' coming of age and their rebellion against the mores of the time, the mystery and the family secret. I am looking forward to reading more from Ms. Morton, |
| F. Tessa B. |
| Who Stole Sassi Manoon? by Donald E. Westlake |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A fun kidnapping caper from the master of this genre. Bumbling "criminals," a victim who isn't, and double crosses galore. His books are just a joy to read. |
| Jud H. |
| Hugger Mugger by Robert B. Parker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Spenser is hired by a race horse owner to find out who is targeting his horses. |
| Sandy |
| The False Friend by Myla Goldberg |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I finished it, but I was glad when it was over. I'm not interested in trying any more of her books. |
| Patty S. |
| Look Again by Lisa Scottoline |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book was hard to put down right from the beginning. A mother sees what she thinks is her son's picture on a flyer abut a missing child. Of course, her son is adopted. |
| Andrew |
| The Finder by Colin G. Harrison |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
It moves quickly --- perhaps too quickly --- among 15 or so major characters. It goes too fast to really develop personalities, but my how the story spins, capturing so many different aspects of contemporary New York City. At the end, though, you question the substance of what you read, but oh! What a ride! |
| Allie |
| The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humbl by A.J. Jacobs |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
An interesting book about living life as the Bible says. |
| Patty S. |
| Still Missing by Chevy Stevens |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Three and a half to four stars. A woman's story about her abduction, and her life after being kept captive. It's compelling and, at times, unsettling. It kept me reading right to the end. |
| Phyllis |
| Buried Secrets by Joseph Finder |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
From the first sentence, BURIED SECRETS is constant suspense and action, and it continues to the very end. When Alexa Marcus left to meet her friend, Taylor Armstrong, for a night out at the hot new club, Slammer, she had no idea the night would end with her being held hostage as a pawn in an international intrigue. After her father, Marshall Marcus, receives an email with a link showing Alexa alive but held enclosed in a coffin underground, he calls on his friend, Nick Heller, a private investigator. Nick has known Alexa all of her life, and he immediately starts trying to find out who has her, why she was taken, and where she is being held captive. His search, aided by his office staff Dorothy and Jillian, leads him into areas of high finance and governmental corruption. Each update sent by Alexa's captor shows her deterioration. Each step forward in locating her captor heightens the urgency, as they learn of the cruelties he has performed in the past. I was really glad to read another book featuring Nick Heller; Joseph Finder, as usual, pulled me into the story and held me hostage until the last word. |
| Patty S. |
| The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A powerful and memorable book about how two boys become friends during the Holocaust. A quick read. |
| Patty S. |
| Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A great book; I think it's one her best. The death of their father brings the sisters together, and then the book tells the tale of their mother's history and her distance from them. |
| Renee |
| Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I'm giving this five stars because I haven't even finished the first chapter, yet I'm already loving it:) |
| Ivy P. |
| The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Rose has a gift. She can tell what is going on inside of a person's soul just by tasting anything they have made. While this story starts off as a cute tale, Rose's ability to zoom in on secrets in her home becomes tenuous and...well, sad. |
| Andrew |
| Room by Emma Donoghue |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A wondrously creative achievement! Absolutely gripping and involving. Vivid in its descriptions and absolutely tender in its depiction of the mind, thoughts and understanding of a very bright five-year-old. |
| Andrew |
| The Death of the Liberal Class by Chris Hedges |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Chris Hedges offers another insightful look at a current political topic that has been seriously overlooked by the major media --- how the lack of a strong, organized, "liberal" sensibility is allowing the rich and corporate America to dramatically alter America's class structure to benefit them. |
| Karen R. |
| Veronika Decides to Die: A Novel of Redemption by Paulo Coelho |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Not the type of novel I would typically read, but as it had been so highly rated, I thought I'd give it a try. It keeps my interest with its unique theme. I'm looking forward to reading other books by Paulo Coelho. |
| Jean M. |
| The Lions of Lucerne by Brad Thor |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A very exciting thriller, with many twists and turns; it is the first of a series featuring Scot Harvath, an ex-Navy Seal. The President of the U.S. is kidnapped, and Scot is made to look like a traitor. |
| Jud H. |
| Found Money by James Grippando |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An excellent book with a multitude of twists and turns. The plot centers around a mysterious cache of money and a false rape conviction from decades earlier. |
| Marie |
| The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. It's like a grown-up version of THE SECRET GARDEN --- full of mystery and wonderful characters. |
| Diane D. |
| The Traitor's Wife by Susan Higginbotham |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I just finished THE STOLEN CROWN and loved it, so I had to get this one too --- she makes history very interesting. I can't wait to buy HUGH AND BESS! |
| Suzanne |
| Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It's been quite a while since our book club has read a book that we all enjoyed! It was hard to put down, and it's one that I highly recommend! |
| Andrew |
| Three Stations: An Arkady Renko Novel by Martin Cruz Smith |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An excellent addition to the Arkady Renko series --- it was good to see his young, chess-playing-friend in a key role. A bit slimmer volume than previous outings, but worthwhile nonetheless. |
| CK |
| Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Soooo good! A man walks on a tightrope between the World Trade Center towers. He is never named, although we learn a great deal about his training and the execution of the feat. Down below in New York, are people who are loosely tied together in short stories. A priest. A prostitute and her daughter and her grandchildren. A woman whose son died in Vietnam. Her friend. Others. It's beautifully written. The characters relate to each, other even when they don't meet. I'll hang onto my copy because I know I want to read this one again. |
| Leslie |
| Keep the Change: A Clueless Tipper's Quest to by Steve Dublanica |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Steve Dublanica has made a book about tipping interesting and entertaining. He traveled the county doing research --- observing, interviewing and even working with people in a multitude of industries in which tipping is a significant part of the worker's income. Writing in a humorous, witty and engaging style, he explains the ins and out of tipping. |
| Marsha |
| Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a plodding novel that's 534 pages. Although it is informative regarding surgical procedures, the story unfolds rather slowly as we journey through the life of twins who were born to a nun and surgeon in Ethiopia. I loved the ending, but I thought it took too long to develop. |
| Judy O. |
| The Brave by Nicholas Evans |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Tom Bedford has dealt with a lot of heartache in his life. We now meet him as a 50-plus-year-old man who's living in Montana, and pretty much estranged from those he should love best. This is a story of exposed family secrets and the ultimate triumph of family ties. I really enjoyed this book. |
| Tanya |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love to get a book that consumes me --- that I can't put down, that I take to the dinner table with me, that I read in bed until I can no longer hold my eyes open. This is that book. Read it --- you will love it. |
| Tricia D. |
| The Prostitutes' Ball by Stephen J. Cannell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was the first book that I've read by this author, and he's definitely a winner. His characters are true to life, and the setting is pure Hollywood. Cannell was a well-known screen writer for many TV series. He recently passed away in September 2010. I will have to find more of his books to read. Cannell is a great author. |
| Tricia D. |
| Without Fail: A Jack Reacher Novel by Lee Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Jack Reacher is one of my favorite characters in the Lee Child's thriller series. There's never a situation that Jack can't find his way out of. Every book that Lee Child has written has been a winner for me. You can't go wrong. |
| Kellie |
| Where the Lake Becomes the River by Kater Betterton |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This book won the Novello Literary Award. It is a book club book. I didn't hate this. I liked the story line, and I liked the main character. The story is about Parrish McCullough. Her father dies when she is six. She spends the rest of her childhood trying to figure out the relationship between life and death. Race relations play a big part in the story line. The author starts out the book in Mississippi, right before Parrish goes to college. Then she takes us back to when Parrish was born in Japan. One of the things I thought was very interesting is that, at the beginning of each chapter, the author wrote a paper and then included comments by various teachers and professors. The problem is, this book did not flow. It was choppy. The relationships between one chapter and the next were not bound together in some cases. I'm not sure exactly what the main theme is --- especially after reading the ending. I have no clue what it means and why the book ended the way it did. This book was long and too drawn-out. I was ready to have it end. I am disappointed with it because I thought it had the potential to be really good. |
| Erin C. |
| Still Missing by Chevy Stevens |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
WOW --- just WOW! |
| Brady |
| Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the funniest book I have read in a very long time. It is funny due to the language and the responses the author's father gives to Justin as he is growing up, and also into the present day. His father, a highly educated man, uses many expletives, but they do not come off as being bad, since they are really made in the spirit of love. If you want a laugh, read this book; 'tis a great memoir. |
| Rosario |
| Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother and Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Kidd Taylor |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a wonderful story about how a mother and daughter can lose the close bond they once had, as each goes through different phases of their lives. It is nice to see each person's perspective of what the other is facing and dealing with. It is also filled with Greek mythology, history and lively descriptions of some famous Greek sites and customs. |
| Pat S. |
| The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Loved it --- it's causing me to re-read Austen's books so that I can enjoy them all over again. My heart broke for Jane when she had to lose her great love. An excellent read!! |
| Cheryle |
| My Reading Life by Pat Conroy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really enjoy reading books about books and reading. Pat Conroy has long been an author I want to read, but I still have not. After reading this, I will be pulling at least one of his novels off my shelf of "to read" books. |
| Cheryle |
| Breath: A Lifetime in the Rhythm of an Iron Lung by Martha Mason |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What a life!! The things this author accomplished while living with an iron lung...Martha had a brilliant mind, but her body succombed to the polio virus and sentenced her to more than 50 years in the bondage of a machine. What an inspiring life. |
| Diane |
| Misery Loves Cabernet by Kim Gruenenfelder-Smith |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
When you're looking for something light with humor, this book is a winner. It has the same characters from A TOTAL WASTE OF MAKEUP. The escapades she gets into...you can't wait to see how she'll get out of them. |
| Carol |
| Sin in the Second City: Madams, Ministers, Playboy by Karen Abbott |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An excellent book --- well documented and finely written. |
| Pat S. |
| The Christian Atheist: Believing in God but Living by Craig Groeschel |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Extremely thought-provoking...each of us, as Christians, actually does have these questions, doubts and difficulties, even though we don't want to admit to them. A very good, interesting book. |
| Brady |
| In the Still of the Night: The Strange Death of Ro by Ann Rule |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The author, a specialist in true crime, has another winner with this title. Timing is one of the most important things in life, and this story points that out. The ineptness of some crime fighting squads in small towns is most evident, as is the laziness of some of their employees. A good read here. |
| Sean from OHIO |
| 1st To Die: A Women's Murder Club Novel by James Patterson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This right here is classic James Patterson --- interesting characters, intensely eerie villains, realistic dialogue and great plotting! In this first book in theWomen's Murder Club, Patterson really treats his readers. This is the type of book that many different people from all walks of life can really get into. Great stuff! |
| Tollie S. |
| Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I am really loving this book. My book club picked it for our December read, and I am so glad we did. For some reason, this book has a major calming effect on me. The characters are so warmly written. I will spread the word on this book. |
| Lindacbugg |
| A Secret Gift: How One Man's Kindness --- and by Ted Gup |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A really heartwarming story about a Washington Post reporter who discovers his Grandfather anonymously gave out five dollars --- no strings attached (which is $100 in today's money) --- to 150 people in Depression-scarred Canton, Ohio who submitted letters describing their hardships. It really makes you think about your own life and appreciate the good times or the hardships you've endured. |
| Debbie |
| I'm Dreaming of A Black Christmas by Lewis Black |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I saw Lewis Black's promotional appearance on CNN for this book, and I decided the book would be fun for my Christmas spirit. Of course, Lewis Black is Jewish, but that does not stop him from partaking in the Christmas festivities. The book shows the humor and irony of this special time of the year. Black delves into the psyche of this season and the tons of money and food that seem to signify Christmas. I adore how Black still believes in donating money to causes at Christmas. Why not donate time or money at some other time of the year? The last chapter describes the Christmas shows for the military and Black's involvement in them. Black shows that, in the end, even a Scrooge can get caught up in the season. |
| Debbie |
| A Catered Christmas: Mystery with Recipes, No. 3 by Isis Crawford |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I am having a great time reading these holiday books, plus this is also a mystery. This is the second Mystery with Recipes book that I have read, and the stories are light and delicious entertainment. The characters are "real" people, who are not perfect individuals with perfect bodies and perfect lives. Libby Simmons constantly nibbles on chocolate, but her cooking ideas are mouthwatering. Libby is a bit timid and a little overweight --- a likeable character. Her boyfriend is a timid undertaker, who also loves eating. But Bernie Simmons, the other sister, is a fashion connoisseur and walking Wikipedia. This episode delves into televised cooking shows, the world of cooking and the gullibility of people. Crawford presents a PG-rated mystery with many delicious ideas intertwined in the story. |
| Pat S. |
| Decision Points by George W. Bush |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I very much like the way he broke it down into categories or "decisions," which is different from most memoirs. It's very interesting to get "behind the scene" and understand the reasons behind such decisions. I love the book. |
| Glenn |
| Room by Emma Donoghue |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Three and a half stars. An interesting story concept. A decent read. On the positive side, Emma does a great job depicting how Jack, as a 5-year-old, takes things literally, which in many cases causes confusion for him. On the negative side, there were times when Jack was depicted as knowing langauge and specific words that no 5-year-old would ever know. Emma's not the first to do this --- I've come across that in other books, and also in some movies where young kids are given lines that don't match their age. Even given that, overall, it's a pretty good read that held my interest. |
| Carolyn M. |
| Wolves of Andover by Kathleen Kent |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I haven't finished this yet, but I am captivated by the story and can't put it down! |
| D. Lohrding |
| The Daughters of Witching Hill by Mary Sharratt |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
At first, it's hard to get used to the Old English dialect, yet that changes quickly. The story is about generations of daughters who are born on what the town calls "Witches Hill," mixing religion and good deeds with evildoers. A very intense and good read! |
| Nancy |
| The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A story of ultimate survival. It also has romance and a fantastic ending. |
| Kay |
| My Reading Life by Pat Conroy |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a wonderful nonfiction book about the specific literature that had a profound effect on his writing, as well as the authors, teachers and family members who were influential and important to him. Pat Conroy loves words, and I love to read his words. The book is wonderful, and I am giving copies to my friends and colleagues for Christmas. |
| Jean |
| The House on Tradd Street by Karen White |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I was so excited to read this gothic, Southern tale. It sounded like it featured everything I love in a novel. Sadly, I was disappointed. I read the entire book, but I found it to be shallow and lacking. |
| Nancy |
| Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Historical fiction that has complex characters that you feel like you really get to know. It also includes romance and is about the science of medicine in a simpler time. |
| Jean M. |
| Easy Prey by John Sandford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Poor Lucas! Too many problems with women AGAIN. This is (as usual) a very good read. It's very exciting and has many turns. I really like this series. |
| Jean M. |
| Immoral by Brian Freeman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I believe that I will not read any more of Brian Freeman's books. IMMORAL wasn't a bad book, and I have read some that I liked less, BUT there are so many good books that I want to read that I think I'll pass on any more of his. I was disappointed in this one. It had won the 2006 Macavity for Best First Novel, and it was a finalist for four other awards, so I thought it should be a sure thing. The characters were not really likable. Usually after I begin a series, I want to read the next one because I like the characters, but not this one. |
| Carol |
| The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I am thoroughly enjoying this book --- even more than the first in the series. I would recommend that people read THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO first before going on to this one. They are both full of twists and turns, and they will keep you engrossed until the very end. I can't wait to finish this one and go on to THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST. |
| Nancy |
| Still Missing by Chevy Stevens |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An intense psychological thriller that you can't put down. |
| Kathy V. |
| Probable Claws: A Theda Krakow Mystery by Clea Simon |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Theda helps her friend, as the cats in her shelter get sick, and it leads to bigger things --- one of them being another friends murder, and the police think Theda killed her. It's time for her to clear her name and get her life back in order, as well as her job |
| Carmen |
| A Plague of Secrets by John Lescroart |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A good, fast read. |
| Mary Lynn |
| Charley's Web by Joy Fielding |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Someone gave me a sack of books, and I pulled this one out first. A writer for the Palm Beach Post is asked to write the biography of a female inmate on death row. Charley goes for the career opportunity. This is really a good book; I was surpised. I thought it would be dull and boring, but it isn't. I highly recommend it. |
| Ann B. |
| 1022 Evergreen Place: A Cedar Cove Novel by Debbie Macomber |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I've read most of Debbie Macomber's books and enjoyed them. But I really enjoyed this one. Romance and mystery make a great read. |
| Ann B. |
| The Collectors by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
It took about half of the book for all of the characters to come together, but it went fast after that. It's all about book collectors and spies. |
| Sharon E. |
| Death of a Cozy Writer: A St. Just Mystery by G.M. Malliet |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A "cozy" read --- it kept me wondering, even though the clues were revealed throughout the book. |
| Stacey K. |
| The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O'Connor McNees |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What a great piece of historical fiction about one of the greatest female American authors --- and one that we know so little about! Ms. O'Connor McNees makes the reader feel as if the events of this summer really happened. I definitely recommend this book to anyone, especially if you enjoyed LITTLE WOMEN! |
| Sandy H. |
| Born to Bite: An Argeneau Novel by Lynsay Sands |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is part of a series about very industrious vampires --- each book is about a different member. This one is about a many-centuries old vampire, who is currently a farmer and is being investigated to see if he killed his 3 wives --- and the investigator is a "hot" female who is 100 years older! You laugh, you cry, and overall, you just enjoy!! |
| Casey |
| Solomon's Oak by Jo-Ann Mapson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I have read all of Jo-Ann Mapson's books, and this new one is one of her best. It is the story of three lost souls, each searching in their own way for happiness. They meet at a wedding --- one has just lost her husband, another one has abandoned a child, and the third is trying to escape a career as a policeman. A very good story, and you'll think of the characters long after the last page. |
| Ilene |
| 31 Hours by Masha Hamilton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What a great edge-of-your-seat book --- it's so hard to put down. The best thriller I've read all year. |
| Carol W. |
| Simply Irresistible: A Lucky Harbor Novel by Jill Shalvis |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE is an easy, enjoyable read. The story centers around three sisters, but everything is told through one of them, Maddie, who is nicknamed "Mouse" by their mother. The mother passed away and left a resort in bad repair to the three sisters. She had hopes that they would fix it up and operate as a team. Maddie, the middle sister, who is newly divorced and now jobless, is all for that idea. Her two sisters, Tara, "the steel magnolia," and Chole, the "wild one," disagree; they want to sell and split. Maddie meets an incredibly handsome contractor, but is understandably reluctant to start a new relationship. She was burned so badly by her broken marriage that she swore to stay away from men. This story hooks you quickly and it's a page-turner all the way. The writer, Jill Shalvis, is extremely skillful. She injects humor at unpredictable times and portrays sexual scenes expertly through a woman's voice. I found sometimes that I felt the same way as Mattie. When I was a child, I always wanted a sister, and Jill Shalvis has made me jealous of Mattie for having two distinctly different but enjoyable sisters. There is a whole lot of heart in this book. It is funny, serious, sexy and romantic. This book is the first in a series of three. I am already looking forward to book the about Tara, THE SWEETEST THING, which comes out in March 2011. |
| CC |
| Solar by Ian McEwan |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I usually like this author, but this book was a snooze for me. |
| M.L. Rosendale |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An excellent read. |
| Berna L. |
| Frank: The Voice by James Kaplan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I have only just begun reading this book, which is over 700 pages long. But so far, it has peaked my interest. Mr. Kaplan has written a comprehensive history of Frank Sinatra, from his traumatic birth to his rise to fame. A very engrossing book so far. |
| Kathryn |
| Adam and Eve by Sena Jeter Naslund |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Started out with interessting premise...then fell flat. And it's hard to believe. Also, it didn't feel that far off into the future. |
| Kathryn |
| Travels in Siberia by Ian Frazier |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Extremely interesting --- reads like a novel. It's about his trips to and through Siberia --- the land, people, food, roads --- and it's so very descriptive...you'll feel like you are there. I enjoyed this one! |
| Kathryn |
| Great House by Nicole Krauss |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Reads like a group of short stories until about the middle, when they all start to become connected. You'll then enjoy the entire complexity of this book. Lots to think about here...and enjoy! |
| Kathryn |
| Romancing Miss Bronte by Juliet Gael |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I found this novel interesting, as I knew nothing about the Bronte family. Now I want to read all their novels! |
| Kathryn |
| A Novel Bookstore by Laurence Cosse |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Extremely good! The more you read, the better it gets. The premise involves the pros and cons of elite bookstores, paperbacks, hardbacks, etc. It also addresses the public and the press. And this one is just in France --- there are several throughout the globe. A very, very good read! |
| Susan |
| Still Alice by Lisa Genova |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Anyone whose life has ever been affected by a family member or friend that has been or is dealing with Alzheimer's will appreciate this book. It is a beautifully written story and one that will be hard to forget. |
| Pam C. |
| Running the Books: The Adventures of an Accidental by Avi Steinberg |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love this because it gives one quite a view of just what a library means to those in prison. Using books to leave messages for other inmates is certainly a novel way to use books; sometimes the books they are left in are part of the message and the meaning. This should be read by everyone. |
| Bill |
| The Confession by John Grisham |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
One of Grisham's best. In spite of the occasional preachiness against the death penalty, the book is an intense and gripping thriller on what can happen when politics and personal agendas become more important than applying justice fairly. |
| Barb K. |
| Triple by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Almost as good as his EYE OF THE NEEDLE. |
| Barbara B. |
| The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I was hesitant to read this book after all of the hype it got because I was afraid it wouldn't meet my expectations. Boy, was I wrong!!! It is a real page-turner and a great story. I was transported to North Sweden and loved it. I am looking forward to watching the movie. |
| GG |
| Freedom by Jonathan Franzen |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I am about 1/3 of the way through, and I am finding it a slog. I get the satire on our culture, and I agree with the sentiment, but Franzen just seems to drone on with narrarator's point of view. It is boring and redundant with cookie-cutter characters that I care nothing about. They just represent cliches. I am hoping that there is a point to all this --- other than a commentary on American life. It puts me to sleep at times. |
| Myrna L. |
| To the End of the Land by David Grossman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
When Ora's son goes off to fight for Israel, she decides to take a long journey through the country so she won't be available for the "notifiers," those military personnel who report to the families about the death of their child. Grossman has written a moving story about three friends and his country, Israel. |
| Gina |
| Room by Emma Donoghue |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Intriguing, haunting and inventive. The story is told by a five-year-old, and it is both creepy and fascinating. Best book of 2010 --- I could not put it down. |
| Tina W. |
| The Laughing Corpse by Laurell K. Hamilton |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Anita Blake is a wonderful character. I love reading about her and her fearlessness. |
| Maureen |
| Deadly Intent: The Mindhunters, Book 4 by Kylie Brant |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a romantic suspense that kept the suspense going throughout the story. |
| ssizemore |
| Fall of Giants by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Interweaving the stories of several people and families, Follett chronicles the First World War and its effect on those fighting and those left behind. I'm enjoying it. |
| Sharon |
| Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A fun, fun read! I love the era, and the protagonist was great! A female dominating in a male world. Yeah! |
| Sharon |
| The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Took a while to get into, but once I did, I was hooked! |
| Julie |
| Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book is wonderfully written and engrossing. It begins in 1954, when Ethiopia is under the rule of Haile Selassie. The story follows turbulent lives of twin brothers as they try to become physicians. |
| Mary |
| The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Cooking is my hobby, so the cover and the concept grabbed me from the start. This book is sad, funny and surprising. Aimee Bender knows how to tell a story. This is a good holiday gift for someone to read on a cold winter night. |
| Fran |
| The Match: "Savior Siblings" and One Famil by Beth Whitehouse |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A well written, well researched novel about one family's choice to create a biogenetically engineered savior sibling for their daughter, who has been diagnosed with Diamond Black Fan Anemia. Whitehouse looks at this grueling illness and the impact it has on the family. She sensitively walks you through the Trebling family's painstaking decision to have a child using preimplantation genetic diagnosis and in vitro fertilization, as well as the numerous ethical and moral questions posed by this medical technology. Not only was it an interesting depiction of one family's struggle with an ill child, but it provides the reader with food for thought, as science takes hold of more genetic and reproductive technologies now and into the future. |
| Barbara |
| Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A very enjoyable book about a girl who's growing up with a mentally disturbed mother and an absent father, who must raise herself. After her mother's death, she goes south to Savannah to live with a great aunt, and she lives with a very caring family of friends...and comes to understand a little more about how people do the best they can. |
| Carolyn S. |
| Getting To Happy by Terry McMillan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I couldn't wait to pick up this sequel to WAITING TO EXHALE, and I wasn't disappointed. Yes, it is true chick lit, but I'm not much into using labels, so I didn't care. A good, fast, entertaining read, regardless of the label! |
| Betty Jo |
| Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Amazing historical fiction...a young girl is captured by slave traders and shipped to American in the mid 1700s to begin her life in slavery. I'm enjoying this one tremendously. |
| SallyAnn |
| Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
"People is wise 'cause they get out in the world and live. Wisdom comes from experience --- from knowin' each day a is gift and accepting it with gladness. But ain't no book in the world gonna make you wise." Beth Hoffman has written a feel-good story that has a delightful cast of characters and involves the loss of a mother, first in mind and then in body. CeeCee is a smart 12-year-old, and by today's definition, she was abused as a child. And on top of everything else, her mother is nuts in a sad way. Her mother, Camille, is a Georgia belle who's rotting in the cold of Willoughby Ohio and keeps reliving her glory days as an Onion Queen. The father is unable to cope with his wife's illness --- and CeeCee --- so he becomes mostly absent. This all takes place in the 1960s. As her mother's illness results in her death, CeeCee goes to Savannah, Ga to live with her wealthy great, great aunt, Tootie Caldwell, and her household help Oletta Jones. This is where the fun and adventures begin. I am not sure why everyone lumps this book together with THE HELP, except they are both set in the South in 1960. It is more a poor girl to rich girl story, with the good and evil witches along for the ride. Once you meet Violene and Thelma, you will fully enjoy this book --- complete with a cat fight at a posh garden party. |
| Tanya F. in CO |
| Ape House by Sara Gruen |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
What a disappointment this was compared to WATER FOR ELEPHANTS. I'm so glad I borrowed it from the library. Don't waste your time and money on this one! |
| Tom C. |
| The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at by Kevin Roose |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I thought this would be a diatribe against Liberty University, but it is a very balanced and reasoned discussion of this evangelical Christian university. The author is mature way beyond his years. |
| Pam |
| Time Is a River by Mary Alice Monroe |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A woman suffering the double whammy of breast cancer and infidelity goes to the woods to find out who she really is. |
| Lydia B. |
| Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The author combines history, culture, romance, life stages and mystery. Just the right length for a wonderful read. |
| Gretchen |
| Smash Cut by Sandra Brown |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Just a cookie-cutter mystery. |
| LeAnn B. |
| My Nest Isn't Empty, It Just Has More Closet S by Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Scottoline Serritell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
First I enjoyed Lisa Scottoline's legal thrillers, but now I'm hooked on her two books subtitled "The Amazing Adventures of An Ordinary Woman." The first book was WHY MY THIRD HUSBAND WILL BE A DOG, and the recently released second one is MY NEST ISN'T EMPTY, IT JUST HAS MORE CLOSET SPACE. Both books are terrific. Being a woman of a similar age, I could identify with her stories and the events she talks about. She kept me laughing with her adventures about her, Mother Mary and daughter Francesca. It is fun to hear the stories of the relationships between these three women. Francesca is the co-author of the second book. This is a great book for moms to share with their adult daughters. Scottoline's stories may be about ordinary events in a woman's life, but she is an extraordinarily talented storyteller with a unique style of humor. Having a bad day? Pick up this book, and have a good laugh. |
| Mary B. |
| The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A fascinating story of the woman behind the HeLa cells! |
| Linda H. |
| The Killing Edge by Heather Graham |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
One dark night at a Miami mansion, many teenagers were killed by masked man. A few escaped, including Chloe Marin and her friends Victoria, Brad and Jared. Several years have passed, and now Victoria is a model, and Chloe is a psychologist and part-time model. While on an island shoot, one of the models has disappeared, and her parents call in Luke Cane, a private investigator, to help find her. While everyone thinks the girl is dead, Luke is determined to find out what happened. Victoria and Chloe go to the director's house for fittings, and they find the director and her employees dead. All have their throats slit. This is eerily similar to the teenage massacre that happened 10 years ago. Who is behind the murders and why? Another Heather Graham novel that won't disappoint you. |
| Linda H. |
| Prince of Fire by Daniel Silva |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
In Silva's fifth book about Gabriel Allon, Allon is working in Venice where he's restoring a priceless painting, when he is visited by Ari Shamron. The Israeli embassy in Rome has been bombed, and Israeli agents have found a dossier on Gabriel. Since his cover is blown, Ari has come to accompany Gabriel back to Israel. Once back in Israel, Gabriel selects his team from the young recruits, and all work to find a common thread between the various bombings and try to determine who is responsible. Dina, one of the recruits, whose mother and sisters were killed in a bus bombing, thinks she has discovered who is responsible and relates her theories to Gabriel. As the team works to uncover more facts, Gabriel's wife is kidnapped from the hospital in England. Gabriel is given a choice by the terrorists: He must either cooperate with them, or his wife will be killed. Another great book. |
| Linda H. |
| Swimsuit by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Ben Hawkins had a brief fling with success as a writer, but is now a reporter for the LA Times. He has gotten the job of investigating the disappearance of a model who was at a photo shoot in Hawaii. Ben meets the model's parents and is hired to look into the disappearance, as the police do not seem concerned. As Ben gets deeper into the investigation, he meets a man who tells Ben that he is the murderer, but that he kills people for the money he gets when the murder is filmed and shown to a group known as the Alliance. He wants Ben to write his life story. As Ben is drawn deeper and deeper into his investigation, he wonders if he will ever get out alive. |
| Linda H. |
| The Lion by Nelson DeMille |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
John Corey is a retired NYPD detective who's now working for the Anti-Terrorist Task Force. His wife, Kate Mayfield, is an agent with the FBI. Kate has talked John into skydiving and, after they jump, John wonders why Kate's chute has not opened. He looks and sees that someone has jumped with Kate and has her in his grip. As John sees a knife cut across Kate's throat, he realizes that the man is an old enemy named Asad Khalil. Although John pulls his weapon and shoots at Khalil, he escapes while John gets Kate to the ground and then to the hospital. Then the task force has its work cut out for them, as they search for a terrorist who is not only after John, but also has greater plans for America. A great book. |
| Linda H. |
| Cross Roads by Fern Michaels |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The latest book involving the vigilantes, the girls have signed contracts to work for Hank Jellicoe and are spread out around the world. Unable to contact each other, they hate their new lives and wish they had never received the pardons from President Connor. As first one and then another resigns from their new job, they find their way back to Myra's farm. When Nikki and Katherine, along with Jack and Bert, are kidnapped, Charles tries to find out what happened. It seems that the intelligence agencies of several countries want to hire the girls to find out the truth about several rumors that are going around. As Lizzie draws up the contracts, the girls plot to find out the truth behind Hank Jellicoe. |
| Pattie B. |
| The Prostitutes' Ball: A Shane Scully Novel by Stephen J. Cannell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I will miss this author. |
| Annie |
| Freedom by Jonathan Franzen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Too long. It started out strong, but got a bit boring with its discussions about politics. |
| Gil |
| Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
An interesting story about a man in his sixties. who's dealing with various relationship issues after the death of his wife and brother. He wants to become romantically involved with a recently widowed shopkeeper. He has stressful encounters with his self-absorbed son, as well as his brother's widow and daughter. He is very proud of his prized rifle, and the story describes his pursuit of its mate, which he assumed he would inherit from his late brother. |
| Marilyn P. |
| The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I wish this series would go on and on!!! It has been a great read!! |
| Anna |
| The Scent of Rain and Lightning by Nancy Pickard |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book is a gripping story that holds you until the very end. Pickard is becoming one of my favorite authors. |
| Anna |
| My Name Is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is an amazing story of a woman during the time of the Civil War, who wants to be a surgeon. It is a book that you think about long after you are finished reading it. |
| Anna |
| Brava, Valentine by Adriana Trigiani |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love her books. They are about real people. She never disappoints. |
| Anna |
| Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
My book group discussed this book this month. It is a book that you either love or hate. Great for discussion! |
| Akela |
| The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A highly enjoyable tale --- thanks in no small way to its Maine setting --- of a reprobate father and his straight arrow, game warden son. It's told from the son's viewpoint, as he is thrown into the midst of shocking events, which arose from his father's criminality. |
| Daryl |
| Son of the Morning by Linda Howard |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I'm listening to this book on CD while I knit, and I am so engrossed that when a disc reaches the end, I am amazed that so much time has passed! |
| Daryl |
| Split Second by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm enjoying the interaction between the characters. |
| Judy O. |
| Capitol Betrayal by William Bernhardt |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A foreign dictator from the Middle Eastern country has taken over a ballistic missile computer center in the United States, threatening massive loss of life. White House lawyer Ben Kincaid and CIA operative Seamus McKay are both racing the clock to try to save the world. This was an entertaining read, but very predictable and implausible. It's the first book I've read by this author. |
| Barbara |
| Still Alice by Lisa Genova |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A very touching and realistic journey with a woman though her encounter and life with Alzheimer's. It's very ironic, as she is an expert in linguistics and begins to lose ability to use language. |
| Mary B. |
| Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A fascinating novel, set in Ethiopia, about twin brothers. It offers insight into the profession of surgery and has in-depth descriptions of familial relationships and bonds. |
| AnnC |
| The Heroes of Olympus, Book One: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Here is another 10. When you think he covered it all in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series he carries on. This series is great for young people, and adults should enjoy it also. No matter what your age is, you will enjoy the interaction that each person has in this series. Bring it on. |
| Linda H. |
| Caught by Harlan Cohen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I could not put this book down; I wanted to know what happen to the teenage girl so badly that I read all night. I think this is Harlan Coben's best book, and I have read them all. |
| Rachel K. |
| The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wonderfully written. An enthralling story. |
| Joy Q. |
| Call Me Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Truly a delight. I read this in one night, as I couldn't put it down. I'm looking forward to seeing Mrs. Miracle and Call Me Mrs. Miracle on the Hallmark channel. All of Debbie's books are uplifting, and they always make me feel good. I'm anxiously awaiting another book from Debbie. |
| Joy Q. |
| Happily Ever After: The Bride Quartet, Book Four by Nora Roberts |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I have loved all of the books in this series. This was truly a "happily ever after" story. Hopefully, this won't be the end of this series, as it was a delight to read. |
| CK |
| The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Helen Adams is an American photojournalist in Vietnam. She becomes addicted to the war as she works with her mentor/lover, Sam, and later with her Vietnam partner. It's a fascinating story that views the war from a new perspective. |
| Noelle the Dreamer |
| A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
There is nothing like starting the Christmas season with this classic and enjoying a cup of cocoa by the fire! |
| ConnieC |
| Indulgence In Death by J.D. Robb |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This should be a 10. Each book just gets better. Eve and her husband Roarke are at their best. The best part is that you learn more of his family past --- with each new book, your understanding of the two grows, making you want more. |
| Joy Q. |
| The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It took me a long time to get around to reading this. But once I did, it was one of those books you can't put down. It starts off a little slow, but it really grabbed me a few chapters in. I can see what all the fuss is about. I can hardly wait to read the next two. |
| Joy Q. |
| Fall of Giants by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
FALL OF GIANTS is Follett's magnificent new historical epic. The first novel in The Century Triology, it follows the fates of the five interrelated families --- American, German , Russian, English and Welsh --- as they move through the world-shaking dramas of the First World War, the Russian Revolution and the struggle for women's suffrage. |
| Annette S. |
| The Golden Tulip by Rosalind Laker |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A romance with a historical setting. It's set in Holland at the time of Tulipmania, when Europe was bewitched by the hybridization of the tulip, and it includes artists such as Jan Vermeer. A long but wonderful and informative read. |
| Linda H. |
| True Evil by Greg Iles |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is a true psychological thriller from start to finish. I think Greg Iles has written the best villain ever. You can not put it down; it's a real keeper. |
| Ivy P. |
| Disintegration: The Splintering of Black America by Eugene Robinson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An absolute must-read for black Americans, or for Americans who want to know about the divisions amongst black people and how they came to be. |
| Peggy |
| Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I know many readers may shy away from animal stories that can be painful to read. This book is special. You may cry, but you'll also laugh, and best of all, you'll meet a dog who was destined to survive terrible injuries to be loved by a great family. Oogy is simply amazing, and the memory of this book will be with you forever. |
| Peggy |
| The American by Andrew Britton |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
If you haven't discovered Andrew Britton yet and you love thrillers, you just have to read this book. I've had it sitting on my shelf for a long time, and I finally got the chance to read it. It's go great characterization and a storyline tht simply keeps you riveted. I can't wait to read the rest of Britton's books. Spies, counterspies, beautiful agents and a hero who is as good as Ludlum's Jason Bourne. |
| Sheltiemama |
| Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Still working on this. I'm on Part Seven of eight. I'm so glad I'm finally reading this. It's totally worth the time commitment. |
| Judy P. |
| Charlie Chan by Yunte Huang |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I watched the movies when I was younger, and when I saw the book about him, I became interested. |
| Dfrazeur |
| Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A very good book, especially if you liked Lehane's GONE, BABY, GONE, as this is the sequel. Interesting characters and a well-paced storyline. |
| Louise P. |
| Evil Without a Face by Jordan Dane |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Bounty hunter Jessie Beckett is working on her own (without pay) to bring down a local child abuser, and ends up chasing after a multinational organization that traffics young girls through the Internet. She is so intent that she risks her life to save the girls, and one in particular. There's lots of suspense, and one can't quit reading till he or she learns the outcome for these girls. I can hardly wait to start the next book! |
| Lou |
| Vanished by Danielle Steel |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I read this on a recent vacation, and I believe it is one of my favorite Danielle Steel's novels. Marielle Patterson lives a strange, rather secluded life, but her one love is her little boy, Teddy. When Teddy is kidnapped, her husband mercilessly blames her. The plot from hereon out is intriguing, and often surprising, as you find yourself pulling for Marielle. |
| Julie H. |
| Fundraising the Dead: A Museum Mystery by Shelia Connolly |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Nell Pratt drifted into development, finally landing at the Pennsylvania Antiquarian Society. After spending several years writing grant proposals and hitting up donors for extra money, the thought that there could be missing documents --- whether through mis-cataloging or theft --- at this quaint workplace starts to worry him. Martha Terwilliger is from a very old Pennsylavnia family that has bequeathed many documents and items to the Society. After Marty discovers that some of her own ancestors' letters are missing, Nell becomes involved in helping piece together what has happened. I enjoyed this new series very much. Nell is a likable character, surrounded by some great people, such as Marty and the stalwart FBI agent James Morrison. I hope to see some of the other Society workers and members expanded upon in another story! |
