March 4, 2011 - March 17, 2011
Last contest period's winners were Roe, Bahareh, Jami, GalleyGuyand B. Semararo, who each received a copy of EMILY AND EINSTEINby Linda Francis Lee, LOVE YOU MORE by Lisa Gardner and SILENT MERCY by Linda Fairstein.
| Tanya F. in CO |
| The Book Thief by Markus Zusak |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A very unique take on WWII Germany! |
| julie |
| A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a continuation of Geroge R.R. Martin's A GAME OF THRONES. I love Martin's writing style, and I can't put these books down. If you love the English era of knights and valor and court intrigue, you'll love this books. This is the second book in a series of six, and Martin is in the process of writing the sixth book now. I can't wait to read all of them! |
| Bonnie |
| Just Kids by Patti Smith |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a memoir about Smith's life with the artist Robert Mapplethorpe and others, and it tells mainly of the artsy world of 1970s New York. It's beautifully written, but I'm not sure why it won the National Book Award. There are better memoirs out there. |
| Sherrie |
| Russian Winter by Daphne Kalotay |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wonderful! |
| Phyllis |
| In Too Deep: Book One of The Looking Glass Trilogy by Jayne Ann Krentz |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Reading another book in the Jayne Ann Krentz's, Amanda Quick's and Jayne Castle's Arcane Society series is like spending time with good friends. I enjoy all of them, and I always look forward to a new one. IN TOO DEEP is the first book in The Looking Glass Trilogy. Fallon Jones of Jones & Jones Investigative Agency has been a secondary character in many of Jayne Ann Krentz's Arcane Society novels, but he becomes the main character in this one. He feels that he's sinking too deep into his psi talent of seeing and solving conspiracies, until Isabella Valdez, who has a finding talent, moves into Scargill Cove. They find themselves complimenting each others' talents, working together to solve mysteries involving clockwork devices and falling in love. This book has good dialogue, a fun mystery and romance --- Enjoy! |
| Sharon |
| True Colors by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Good characterization, believable plots, and an interesting description of the geographic setting. The plot focuses on the prejudices of the "locals" towards those who are of a different ethnic background, and the conflicts --- both inner and outer --- that people experience. |
| Sharon |
| Ape House by Sara Gruen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Animal lovers will love this book, and others will undoubtedly find themselves drawn into the issues surrounding the use, abuse and care of this species, which is considered endangered. This fictionalized account of the bonobos points out how so many differences of opinion and the desire for power come into conflict with each other in our world. |
| CherylS22 |
| Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This gothic romance was beautifully written. My only problem with the book was that it was so dark, and Heathcliff was so destructive. Also, as the story wore on, it became really difficult to remember who was related to whom and which characters were enemies. Regardless of these problems, I would recommend this classic to anyone. |
| Stacey K |
| The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The second part of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy is definitely not as good as the first. I find this book slow moving and hard to follow. I have seen all three of the movies, and I really liked the first book. Hopefully I will like the last part of the trilogy better. |
| Tanya |
| Delirium by Lauren Oliver |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a YA fiction book about a girl who grows up being told that falling in love is a sickness. By age 18, almost everyone has had "the cure," and they are subsequently paired up with a chosen mate. Lena struggles between her desire to be cured and her impulse to avoid the procedure before it is too late. |
| Reva W. |
| 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper, with Cecil Murphey |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a true story about a man who is killed in a car accident and goes to heaven. A minister comes along and asks if he can pray for him. He is told that the man is dead, but he still insists, so they let him. He starts praying singing, and the next thing he knows, the dead man is singing with him. They rush him to the hospital, where he spends many months recovering from the accident. This is a book that everyone, both Christians and non-Christians, should read. It will change your life. |
| Debbie |
| Reckless by Andrew Gross |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I have never read a novel by Andrew Gross, but I have enjoyed Gross's joint ventures with James Patterson. Gross and Patterson both employ the technique of writing short chapters, which tricks a reader into completing another one. Both men also utilize a range of characters and settings, forcing the reader to continue reading just so he or she can discover what is happening. This novel centers on a worldwide plot to topple the financial world, and it reeks of reality. Has the world become like King Midas, who never has enough power and wealth? As usual, both Patterson and Gross write a fast paced novel that demands that the reader stop and think about the world's corrupt practices. |
| Jami |
| Those Who Saved Us by Jenna Blum |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This novel looks at the world of WWII Germany from the viewpoint of the Germans as well as the Jews. It is also about complicated relationships between adult children and their parents, and getting to know each other before it is too late. |
| Michelle B. |
| Sam's Weird Afternoon by Sally Gilchrest-Unrau |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A fun, whimsical book for young children. Children will never look at shoes in the same way after they read about Sam's weird day. |
| Priscilla |
| The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A great story about the South in the 1700s. Lavinia is orphaned while on board ship traveling from Ireland to America, and she ends up working and living with the kitchen slaves on a tobacco plantation. A good read! |
| Phyllis |
| The Matchmaker of Kenmare: A Novel of Ireland by Frank Delaney |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Through his work for the Irish Folklore Commission, Ben McCarthy travels around Ireland gathering stories. On one of his trips, he meets Kate Begley, who makes her living as a matchmaker, connecting local single men and women. Ben did not realize how his meeting with Kate would define his life from that time on. World War II is going on, but Ben finds himself traveling with Kate from neutral Ireland into European war zones. He allows her to talk him into an espionage adventure into France, where they hope to rescue a German man that the Americans want. Later, they go into Germany to look for the American officer that Kate married. Barely escaping with their lives each time, their odd bond deepens. THE MATCHMAKER OF KENMARE is full of unusual characters, and is about love, friendship, history, matchmaking, mystery and adventure. I was totally involved in the story, wanting to read what Ben and Kate did next. I loved the descriptions of Ireland; the fighting scenes were suspenseful. It's a good book to settle in with if you're looking for a very entertaining story. I received the book through one of the First Reads giveaways. |
| Phyllis |
| The Tangled Webb by Elisabeth Rose |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Tess bought a Mercedes convertible, and now she has to find a way to make the payments. Enter David, the new concert master for the City Symphony; he's from her past, and he's as serious-minded as ever. When he becomes her boarder, how will he accept her --- as the party girl he remembers, or as the adult she has become? |
| Carol G |
| Art and Madness: A Memoir of Lust Without Reason by Anne Roiphe |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Reading this book felt like being on a porch swing, with drink in hand, and listening to an old friend fill me in on her life since we last met. I loved it. |
| T. Thomas |
| Such a Pretty Face by Cathy Lamb |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is really a pretty good book. The main character is remaking her life after suffering a heart attack, having lap band surgery, and losing 170 lbs. She is also coming to grips with the childhood trauma that led to her overeating. I know authors are trying to give characters an authentic voice, but in most cases it can be done with proper grammar. "Me, Lance, and Polly" is not grammatically correct, and making it grammatically correct would not have detracted from the main character's voice, and it would not have made the author's prose the distraction that it was. |
| T. Thoms |
| This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection by Carol Burnett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A wonderful book! I absolutely loved it. I remember watching Carol Burnett on TV. |
| Sandra F. |
| When the Killing's Done by T.C. Boyle |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
T.C. Boyle's book WHEN THE KILLING'S DONE is a compelling work. The battle between Dave LaJoy, who is the leader of an animal rights group, and Alma Boyd Takesue, a biologist with the National Park Service, over the fate of the plant and animal life on the Channel Islands off the California coast is vicious. The sad fact is that, most of the time, this battle is also self-serving. The author has created a cast of characters who are, in most cases, unlikable. The battle over the Park Service's mandate to eradicate all plant and animal life that is not indigenous to the islands, along with Lajoy's desire to protect all plant and animal life regardless of where it originated, is the backdrop against which the action of the novel takes place. However, the most enjoyable parts of the novel are those that depict the people who have, at various times, made their homes on these islands. It is the human story that is really the heart of this novel. |
| Jud H. |
| Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
While investigating a series of murders, Brennan discovers a connection to a former childhood friend. |
| Kellie |
| Sea Glass by Anita Shreve |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This book took place on the coast of New England during the Great Depression. It is the story of a handful of characters. Honora just got married to Sexton, a typewriter salesman. They buy an old convent on the water. Honora is adjusting to married life and likes to walk the beach and collect sea glass. Vivian is a rich lady from Boston who is bored. She comes to the ocean to waste time with her rich friends. She meets Honora on the beach one day, and they become friends. She buys her friend Dickie's beach house when the market crashes. McDermott is a supervisor at the local mill. He is trying to organize a union. Alphonse is a young boy who works in the mill. He befriends McDermott, who takes him under his wing. They go fishing, and Alphonse helps McDermott with his union duties. This was a very interesting portrayal of life in a mill town during the Depression. Families were barely scraping by. Kids were working to try to help their parents make ends meet. I normally enjoy Shreve's books --- not that I didn't like this one. However, there were some slow parts, and I didn't always feel compelled to keep reading on. I was a little disappointed in the ending, but it seemed to be vintage Shreve style. Not one of my favorites, but I didn't dislike it. |
| Catherine L. |
| Ape House by Sara Gruen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Although the title is not inspiring, I grabbed this book due to her previous novel, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS. From the very first sentence, it drew me in, and I could not --- and did not want to --- put it down until the very last page. The characters are very real (I still miss them), and the story line is so interesting and engaging. It has a bit of everything in it. I highly recommend this book. |
| Brenda K. |
| The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was an easy read. The story was true-to-life, with no real twists or turns. Spence's character was a little unbelievable; I have never known a man to be so in-tune with his wife's emotions. I was glad that Natalie did not loose her faith and grew to accept her mom. This book is worth reading. |
| Crystal |
| Postern of Fate: A Tommy & Tuppence Mystery by Agatha Chrisite |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Tuppence and Tommy Beresford are retired, but they still manage to get tangled up in a situation involving fascists, spies and murder. |
| Mary R. |
| Cat Sitter Among the Pigeons by Blaize Clement |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Good reading group book that's very entertaining. |
| Kathy S. |
| Wear This, Toss That! by Amy E. Goodman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is for women of any size, age, or lifestyle who want to change what they're wearing and what's in their closet. Fantastic! |
| Suz |
| The Insider by Reece Hirsch |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great book! Wonderful characters and lots of action make this a thrill to read. I liked the plot twists --- they kept me guessing until the end. |
| Suz |
| One for the Money: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great book! A fast pace, great characters and plenty of action make this book an enjoyable, quick read. I also like the idea of a woman becoming a bounty hunter --- it made me want to cheer for her whenever she overcame any obstacles. This was my first book by this author, and I am looking forward to reading the other books in the series! I would definitely recommend it! |
| Fran |
| Before I Wake by Robert J. Wiersema |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A haunting tale about a family whose three-year-old child is the victim of a hit-and-run accident that leaves her in a coma. When the child starts to heal those who come in contact with her, the reader is taken on a magnificent journey through the line between science and faith. It is a supernatural tale, a thriller, a romance, a spiritual tale and an action-packed drama all wrapped up into one package, with perfectly real, yet fallible characters that you cannot help but root for. I could not put this book down! This book will stay with me for a long time after I've finished it. What a unique little gem. |
| DC |
| Freedom by Jonathan Franzen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Almost 800 reviewers commented on this book on Amazon. I am one who really liked it! He's definitely polarizing, but this is another great novel about a dysfunctional American family, and I urge you to give it a go. |
| mimi |
| The Last Patriot by Brad Thor |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Harvath is trying to uncover an ancient secret that will end militant Islam. There is a lot of hidden political plotting that makes the reader question how much of the fiction is based on fact. |
| shyeyes |
| How Starbucks Saved My Live by Michael Gates Gill |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An aging executive gets let go from a job that he's had for 25 years. What next? First he tries consulting, but that dries up, so then what? As he ponders this question, he goes to Starbucks for a last latte and ends up with a job. This is a good book about lots of life lessons. |
| Marion M. |
| The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I loved the Shakespearean references throughout this book. The story line was not unusual, except for the fact that the three sisters were all named for Shakespearean characters. They lived their lives different, and each sister's story was a reflection of her name (the sisters were Cordelia, Bianca and Rosalind). |
| Ali |
| The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A great book, but it's hard to read. It's the sad story of a dysfunctional family. I am so blessed to have my family. |
| Gina B. |
| Apple Turnover Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery by Joanne Fluke |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Easy, light reading that's enjoyable enough, however I'm almost halfway through the book, and apparently there is yet to be a murder?? I'm a little disappointed in the latest installment in this series... |
| Mellena |
| Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a YA book that I found very creative and enteraining. I wouldn't let anyone under 15 read it because of the emotional content of the book, but the emotional content is what made it such a great book. I had a hard time putting it down, and I'm now going to read the second book in this series. |
| Lorna |
| Cold As Ice by Anne Stuart |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Manhattan lawyer Genevieve Spencer is at the wrong place at the wrong time. She is aboard her client's yacht with papers for him to sign, and then it all goes downhill from there. She gets caught up in her client's kidnapping, and then she finds out some things about him that she can't be sure about. I read a little over 100 pages before I decided that I was wasting my time. This is the second book in a series, so maybe the first one is better... |
| Sandy |
| Chasing the Night by Iris Johansen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A CIA agent's two-year-old child was stolen in the night as a brutal act of vengeance. Now, nine years later, Catherine Ling still awakens to this nightmare every day. Her friends and family tell her to accept that her son is never coming back. Catherine needs to find someone as driven as she is to help her find him --- and that person is Eve Duncan. It's a very good book, and I want to find the next book in this series. |
| gypsysmom |
| The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Henrietta Lacks was a poor, black woman who died of cervical cancer in 1951. When the doctors at Johns Hopkins operated on her, they took come of her malignant cells without her knowledge or consent and cultured them. The resulting HeLa cells were the first human cells to keep dividing indefinitely. Henrietta's family never knew that her cells were still alive until decades after her death. HeLa cells have contributed immensely to modern medicine, but Henrietta's descendants can't afford medical insurance. This book will make you think about medical ethics and your rights as a patient, but it is also a great personal story. |
| Pattie B. |
| Inside Out by Barry Eisler |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
A complicated story about the FBI and the CIA. It's kind of bland...I kept thinking it would get better. |
| loretta s. |
| Dark Road to Darjeeling: A Lady Julia Grey Novel by Deanna Raybourn |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I read her first book featuring these characters a while back, and I really enjoyed it. I found the next three at the library and read them straight through. A little Victorian romance and a little mystery...not at all my usual reading! |
| Mary-Lynne |
| The Paris Wife by Paula McLain |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just started reading this, and I'm finding it very hard to put down. Fascinating! |
| Booklover2 |
| Left Neglected by Lisa Genova |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An interesting book! It makes one feel gratitude for the simple things in life. |
| Booklover2 |
| Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A very good read. |
| Brady |
| Extraordinary Psychic by Debra Lynne Katz |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you really want to know what life is like on the other side, read this book. If you follow the author's teachings, you will learn first-hand. I surely learned a lot about the spirit world and the reality of "the other side." |
| Mimi |
| The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I was fortunate enough to hear Shane speak at a justice conference, so as I read the book, I enjoyed hearing it in his humorous, eastern Tennessee voice. He is a founder of TheSimpleWay.org in downtown Philadelphia, and he tells stories about how you can really put love and compassion to work in your life. He challenges, but does not judge or shame. When there were hundreds of homeless in downtown Philadelphia, his group supported those that decided to move into an empty cathedral. As the authorities came to evict and arrest them, they found a sign draped over the church: Jesus Was Homeless. They asked how can you worship a homeless man on Sunday and evict him on Monday? (Imagine that story being told in a great Southern voice, filled with surprise and humor.) His conclusion is that violence is the result of a lack of "e-magin-aation"! Love this guy... |
| Lynn W |
| The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Renee and Paloma are hiding their talents and their intelligence. When a new tenant moves in, they discover that they are kindred souls. This book is funny and heartbreaking --- a good read. |
| Elaine W. |
| River Angel by A. Manette Ansay |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Set in the Great Lakes region where Ansay grew up, this novel perfectly portrays its people and its terrain. In a small community, a young outcast disappears in a swollen stream that's said to be guarded by a "river angel," only to be found further downstream, his lifeless body lying in a barn. The bullying teens are likely responsible for the boy's death, as well as the community of believers and nonbelievers, all have their lives changed by this event. Ansay explores families, faith, lack of faith, religion and the unexpected changes that happen when a loss of a young life occurs. Her lyrical language soars like music. The plot --- well, you can't put it down. |
| Bonnie |
| The True Story of Hansel and Gretel by Louise Murphy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Subtitled "A Novel of War and Survival," this book is all that and more. Set in Poland during World War II, it's about two Jewish children and their plight, but it's also the story of a village and how its people take refuge. It's one of the most honest and harrowing fictional accounts of the Holocaust I've read. |
| Brenda C. |
| Cold River by Carla Neggers |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It is a very good book, and I loved it!! |
| Debbie |
| Murder on Gramercy Park: A Gaslight Mystery by Victoria Thompson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I very much enjoy this series, which is set in New York in the 1890s. In this installment, Sarah Brandt must help Mallory discover who killed a notable healer. At first, the police think that this "doctor" has committed suicide, but Mallory notices too many clues. The chief suspect is a son from Dr. Blackwell's first marriage, until another mystery changes everything. Sarah takes the reader behind the scenes and into the secrets wealthy people who live sordid lives. As usual, Thompson demonstrates the innovations in medicine that were occurring at the time --- in this instance, with talk of x-rays. The nosey neighbor, Mrs. Ellsworth, provides a look into the world of superstition and offers comic relief throughout the story. |
| Booklover2 |
| Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Interesting and fast-paced. It's hard to put down! |
| Linda H. |
| The Bourne Betrayal by Eric Van Lustbader |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
When Martin Lindros, a CI deputy director, goes missing in Ethiopa, the Old Man sends Jason Bourne to find him and bring him home. Martin was searching for a group of terrorists, who were believed to be building a nuclear bomb with the intent of using the weapons against the United States. His Chinook helicopter was blown up, but it is unknown whether Martin was killed or kidnapped by the terrorists. As Jason is drawn into the search, he and Soraya Moore, a CI agent, meet old adversaries. |
| Linda H. |
| The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Two little girls are missing from their homes. Were they taken by someone, or did they voluntarily leave? As each family searches for the missing girls, they have to deal with their own feelings of inadequacy, as well as with the authorities and the media. A great book. |
| Martha |
| A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Tassie Keltjin comes from an unusual family farm to a college town, where she becomes a student at the local university. She finds a job as a part-time nanny for a couple who has adopted a mixed-race toddler. Her experience with this situation is life-changing. The narrative is well written, with many literary references and a great sense of humor, which is what I love. It made the NY Times Best Books of 2009 list. It is the best book I've read this month. |
| Fran |
| Clara and Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Loved it! The turn-of-the-19th-century, New York City setting, the characters --- both real and imagined, especially the women who work in factories and make the way for the rest of us --- and the clear and lovely writing combined to make this a memorable, five-star read for me. I would recommend this to book clubs --- there's lots to discuss! |
| Fran |
| Lord of Misrule by Jaimy Gordon |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A National Book Award winner. It's beautifully written, with an incredible use of vocabulary, but the dense details about horse racing made it a difficult read for me...although I still found it to be compelling. I'm not sure who I'd recommend it to. |
| Linda H. |
| The Paris Wife by Paula McLain |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Hadley Richardson becomes the first wife of Ernest Hemingway and embarks on worldly travels, as Hemingway meets and becomes friends with many literary figures of the day. They travel to Paris, which becomes their home base. While Ernest was writing and waiting to become famous, the Hemingways lived off of a small trust that Hadley had received from her grandmother. Although he outwardly appears to be strong and masculine, Hemingway has many fears and insecurities. He does what he wants, regardless of Hadley's feelings, and she always gives in to him. |
| freckles |
| Love Bites: An Argeneau Novel by Lynsay Sands |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The book in Sands's Argeneau series, a cute, vampire chick lit! This book is a great way to kill a lazy Saturday afternoon. Etienne and Rachel are great characters, and you really find yourself rooting for them throughout the story! |
| Rosemary S. |
| Secrets to the Grave by Tami Hoag |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A page-turner. |
| Linda H. |
| The Whisperers by John Connolly |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The museum was looted during the siege of Iraq, and several artifacts were stolen. Some of them ended up in the hands of American soldiers and were shipped to the US. Now, three of the soldiers have committed suicide. While the remaining soldiers have plans to sell the artifacts, others are searching for them. One is a former museum curator, while another has more nefarious plans for a particular gold box. Who will win in the end? |
| Diane |
| Bridges: A Tale of Niagara by dk LeVick |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I had the wonderful privilege of reading an advance copy of this new author's book. I found this book to be very well written, and it was a easy read. Mr. LeVick has his own way of writing, which I found quite interesting. He takes you on this amazing trip to the bottom of Niagara Gorge, and he makes you feel as if you are right there with these five young men. You will find a mixture of historical facts and adventure in his tale. You can almost hear the Falls, and you can feel yourself running with the slave girl and hear the beating of your heart during the battle with the drummer boy. I fell in love with Lizzie, the runaway slave girl, and her story. This is an amazing tale of five young men and their journey into the Niagara Gorge. You will find how this adventure and the wall of pictures will change their lives forever. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. |
| Linda H. |
| Burn Out: A Sharon McCone Mystery by Marcia Muller |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Sharon McCone owns her own investigation firm in San Francisco, but she is burnt out from her responsibilities, so she goes to the ranch that she and her husband own in the mountainous Sierra Nevadas. When the sister-in-law of her ranch foreman disappears and one of his nieces turns up missing, Sharon's investigative instincts go into high gear, and she decides to help the local police find the missing women. |
| Connie |
| Rough Weather: A Spenser Novel by Robert B. Parker |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It feels good to hear the voice of Robert B. Parker's character, Spenser, again. I had forgotten how comfortable it is to read his books; it's like running into an old friend and having coffee. |
| Roe |
| A Thousand Cuts by Simon Lelic |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Written in several voices, which are speaking about one crime. Bullying and school shootings are very timely subjects. |
| Joyce D. |
| Though Not Dead: A Kate Shugak Novel by Dana Stabenow |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the latest book in a great series. Kate Shugak and native Alaskan lore make for an unbeatable combination. I actually made myself put the book down from time to time so that it didn't end too soon. This is really a five-star read. |
| Jud H. |
| Coils of the Serpent by Raymond Clark Lutz |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An amazing book that weaves an examination of the Bible as a science book into a novel. |
| barbara s |
| Winter of the Wolves by James N. Frey |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Tom Croft is a former agent with a CIA-like agency. An incident that he can't forget occurs, so he retires to the Adirondacks and leads a simple reclusive life. The agency wants him to do one last job, which he refuses. The story picks up from there, with a surprise twist at the end. |
| Rita S. |
| Spider Bones by Kathy Reichs |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This story starts with the discovery of the body of a man, who is thought to have died in the Vietnam War. The search for answers leads Temperance to Hawaii, where there's a facility that identifies the remains of war victims. You feel like you're inside the facility learning how the process works, while also enjoying the sights of Hawaii with Temperance and Ryan. Since I've never been to Hawaii, I got to see it through the characters' eyes while they explored the island. |
| Crystal |
| Savages: A Nameless Detective Novel by Bill Pronzini |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Nameless (Bill), along with his colleagues at his detective agency and his wife, works through a couple of cases that turn out to be way more complicated than they appeared to be at first. |
| Bea |
| Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A great historical novel with good, strong characters. I loved it! |
| Linda H. |
| The Postcard Killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Couples are being found dead across Europe, and the killers are sending postcards to reporters at the local newspapers alluding to the crimes. The dead bodies are posed, and the poses are traced to works of art in the city in which the crime has been committed. An American policeman arrives in Sweden to try to catch the killers. Not only is he a policeman, but his daughter was one of the victims. As he works with the local police and the newspaper reporter responsible for identifying the art aspect of the crimes, everyone works feverishly to try and catch the murderers before any more killings occur. Jewelry and valuables that were stolen from the latest couple have been found at a local pawn shop, and cameras show the same man pictured in ATM surveillance cameras, where he is seen beside the victim. Can the investigators catch the killers before any more people are killed? |
| Parker |
| Dead or Alive by Tom Clancy and Grant Blackwood |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book brings back all of the characters in his previous books. I am wondering whether or not there will be another one --- former President Jack Ryan indicates that he's preparing to run for the presidency again. |
| Teresa |
| A Lonely Death by Charles Todd |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A LONELY DEATH sends Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge on a chase to solve the deaths of three WWI veterans before the killer strikes again. |
| Sandy |
| The Rook: The Patrick Bowers Files, Book 2 by Steven James |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Steven James is an incredible mystery writer. No matter how many times you think you know what is happening, IT CHANGES, and there's another twist for you to add to the puzzle. |
| Allie |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A great read. |
| F Tessa B |
| The Maytrees by Annie Dillard |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
I found the style off-putting, and it was just torture to read to read this book. I cared nothing about the characters, and I did not relate to any of them. I finished it only because it was a book club selection. There are a few memorable passages that show that the author has talent, but in general, I did not like this book, and I would not recommend it. |
| F Tessa B |
| The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Sparks is a master at emotional manipulation, and he excels here. It's a compelling story, and I couldn't help but try to "cast the movie" as I read. Not great literature, but an enjoyable read. |
| 1morechapter.com |
| Woman at Point Zero: Second Edition by Nawal El Saadawi |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
"Now I realized that the least deluded of all women was the prostitute. That marriage was the system built on the most cruel suffering of women." WOMAN AT POINT ZERO was written by Nawal El Saadawi in 1975. This feminist Egyptian author has quite a resume. She became a doctor in her early 20s, in 1955. She campaigned against female circumcision in Egypt for over 50 years, but the practice did not become illegal there until 2008. Early in her career, she lost her job as Director of Public Health because of her campaign. Later on, she was even imprisoned by the Sadat regime over a political matter. And not only that, but she has also written at least 16 books on women's issues. This book was written as a result of her visit to a woman who was in prison. While she was studying neurosis in women, another doctor told her about a prisoner who refused to ask for a pardon from the President when she killed her pimp. After the author heard the woman's story, she couldn't sleep for days until she started writing this bool. (Source: BBC interview below) Firdaus tells her life story from the beginning, from being touched by her uncle inappropriately, to being married off and beaten by her 60-something-year-old husband, to being raped, to finally becoming a prostitute. It is a harrowing story and one that I won't easily forget. The book is short, and it is structured to repeat itslef in a few places, but this was done intentionally by the author and to good effect. Highly recommended for those interested in women's issues and feminist fiction: "Everybody has to die. I prefer to die for a crime I have committed rather than to die for one of the crimes which you have committed." |
| Richard |
| The Fates Will Find Their Way by Hannah Pittard |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The way this book is written is enough to take your breath away. I hope it gets the attention it deserves. |
| Richard |
| Leviathans of Jupiter by Ben Bova |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I've read many Ben Bova books, and this is no exception in terms of quality and suspense --- except this one features intelligent giants that live in the oceans of Jupiter. The humans want to prove they are real, and the accountants want to cut the funds for this adventure. A wonderful story. |
| Richard |
| Ten Thousand Saints by Eleanor Henderson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I'd give this book six stars if it were possible. What a great look into families and the problems of devotion! If you want to learn about our young people and what they're made of, then this is the book for you. Look for it in June. This author is going places folks, so look for her, because she's about knock some people off the top. |
| Judy S. |
| Little Bee by Chris Cleave |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I haven't even finished it yet, but I have to rave about the writing. He had me at page one! I have read one other book by Cleave, INCENDIARY, which was also good. |
| Dusty J. |
| Keepsake: A Rizzoli and Isles Novel by Tess Gerritsen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An interesting read --- it's part of Tess's Rizzoli and Isles series. It's hard to put down, and it does a great job of holding your interest. Another fantastic Tess Gerritsen book with a great plot twist. |
| Audrey A. |
| Hex and the City: Nightside, Book 4 by Simon R. Green |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a novel from the Nightside series. The setting is described as the dark heart of London, where it's always 3:00am and where the human and the inhuman can feed their darkest desires. John Taylor is the main character, and he is a private eye. In this book, he is hired by Lady Luck to find the origins of the Nightside, and he hopes to find out who is mother is as well. All he knows is that, when his father found out her real identity, he drank himself to death. A fun, far-out read. |
| Rosemary S. |
| The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady by Elizabeth Stuckey French |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Literature of the absurd. It's very interesting, and for me, it was a nice change of pace. |
| Sally G |
| Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I enjoyed this novel, which continues the story of the main characters from GONE, BABY, GONE. It picks up the story 12 years later, with lots of excitement and mystery galore. |
| Sharon K. |
| Promise Me by Nancy G. Brinkner, with Joni Rodgers |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It's wonderful reading about what's possible. |
| Sharon K. |
| Cocaine's Son: A Memoir by Davd Itzkoff |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A good memoir. |
| Bahareh |
| Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Twin brothers are orphaned at birth. A story of love, betrayal and miracles. |
| Judy C. |
| Treachery in Death by J.D. Robb |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I've read all of the In Death series in order, and this ranks right at the top. I got it yesterday and didn't put it down until I was finished. |
| Reva W. |
| Hide and Seek by Fern Michaels |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a book from The Sisterhood series, which is about a group of women who try to find justice when the system fails. They are currently hiding out in Spain after almost getting arrested for their last mission. But when a friendly judge gets framed, they risk going back to the States to help her. |
| Lori B. |
| Under the Mercy Trees by Heather Newton |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I truly enjoyed this story!! The family members had so many different personalities that they made the story really come to life. After being gone for 30 years, Martin Owenby has to go back home to the Owenby farm in Solace, N.C. He had moved away to New York City in the hope of becoming a writer. He gets word that his older brother, Leon, has gone missing, so he returns to home to the place where he had left his very different family and the girl whose heart he had broken. The only reason I didn't give this book five stars was that, as is the case with a lot of books that have multiple narrators, it takes some time for the reader to get a vivid feel of who the characters are. But it was a truly enjoyable read, nonetheless, and it held my interest until the end! |
| SallyAnn |
| The Promised World by Lisa Tucker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Lisa Tucker, who was born in Missouri and now lives in Pennsylvania, is the author of five novels. This is the first one that I've read, but it will not be the last, as this lady can really tell a story! She has a brilliant way of pacing the story; only after the main theme and the characters have been established does she let each character speak from his or her point of view. The story starts with the twins, Billy and Lila, who are brainy orphaned adults. Lila has married Patrick, but she does not want children, while Billy marries a showgirl named Ashley and has three children. With these facts, the real story starts when Billy commits suicide by cop. If anyone has ever had a doubt about a childhood memory, this story will be a fascinating, psychological look into the secrets that Billy hides so that his sister can have a shot at "the promised world." My book club, which has 15 members, talked about this book for longer than many of the others we've read before. We are all at an age where we can barely remember our childhood, so this book was not about the kinds of life stories that we usually read about. Everyone liked it, which is another unusual fact. It will be my pick for my other book club, which is a younger bunch. |
| Jace |
| Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I like historical fiction, and this is interesting. I plan on reading the other books in this series. |
| Jud H. |
| Himmler's Crusade by Christopher Hale |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This recounts the Nazi expedition to find the birthplace of the Aryan race. |
| Judy O. |
| Now You See Her by Joy Fielding |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was an entertaining book, however I thought the plot was very implausible. It takes place in Ireland, where 50-year-old Marcy Taggert has gone for vacation. While she is there, she thinks that she sees her daughter, Devon, who disappeared while canoeing on the river. Is Devon really alive after all? She immediately embroils herself in a convoluted plot to find out what happened to her daughter. |
| Sean from OHIO |
| Beach House by James Patterson and Peter de Jonge |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I was really enjoying this book by Patterson and de Jonge, but about three-quarters of the way through, the book becomes laughably ridiculous. It's hard to fathom some of the events that take place and the lack of consequences. Also, Patterson, who has a habit of doing this, gets preachy. I liked most of the characters here, and I wish they were developed more and that the story was slowed down. Overall, a decent book with a terrible ending. |
| Coral H. |
| As Husbands Go by Susan Isaacs |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Susan B. Anthony Rabinowitz Gersten is married to plastic surgeon Jonah Gersten, MD, and they have 4-year-old triplets, Dashiell, Evan and Mason. She believes that they have a very happy marriage, and that her husband is true to her and is a very good, honest, caring man. But then he is murdered, and his body is found in an escort's room. This is a good story, and I love how it all works out. It's easy to read, also. |
| Ivy |
| Storm Prey by John Sandford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
When some low-lifes decide to rob the pharmacy at the hospital, things go oh-so-wrong, and it puts a surgeon's life in danger. Idiots, egos, druggies, drunks and commandos reign in this suspense novel. |
| Lynn |
| A Secret Kept by Tatiana de Rosnay |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
In one 24-hour period, the 14-year-old best friend of Antoine Rey's dies in gym class, his 16-year-old son is arrested for vandalizing an apartment, and his sister remembers the secret she was going to tell him before she ran her car off the road and seriously injured herself. Too bad this day happened more than halfway through the book. |
| Harriet S. |
| The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Some place in time I stopped reading Hamilton's Alex McKnight mysteries. It may have been that my taste changed, but the books felt repetitive, and I didn't like the stories. In any case, I decided to read his stand-alone. I tried to like it; I had heard lots of favorable comments, but my inner voice told me where this story was leading. Well, the story begins in prison, where Michael is writing his memoir --- which was a big hint --- and time switches back and forth between the past and the present. The gimmick (and I don't mean that in a derogatory way) is that Michael, the protagonist, can't talk, and he hasn't talked since he was eight years old (10 years ago). And no surprise, he's the lock artist, which makes him a hot commodity for the wrong people. If I could have developed a liking for Michael, then I think I may have felt differently about the story. Instead, I chose not to finish the book. I did read the final chapter, but it didn't change my mind. Just to prove that my taste is different from many others, this book was short-listed for the 2011 Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Novel. |
| T. Thomas |
| Treachery in Death by J.D. Robb |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Actually, four and a half. I would have given it five stars, but the name of a major case keep referring to changes about about halfway through the book. Does anyone proofread books anymore? |
| SallyAnn |
| Agent X by Noah Boyd |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Noah Boyd's life makes for a remarkably authentic background. In his own life, he is a former FBI agent, and his character, Steve Vail (a.k.a. Bricklayer) was derived from his father's occupation. As I did not read his first book, these are my thoughts about Bricklayer came from. He was a disenchanted FBI agent, and the rules prevented him from doing his job effectively. Therefore, Steve Vail becomes a nomad with the skills of an officer of the law, but none of the stops. Despite these information gaps, this book does stand on it's own, even if you haven't read the first one. Kate Banning starts the story as someone who knows something, or has something someone wants. The first pages get you hooked. You do not have to wait until page 100 to get into this story. The story moved up, down and sideways. When you think you're done, something else pops up to grab your attention. The book is very readable. Steve is a superman-type hero, and he has Clark Kent's romantic skills, so as a result, his romance with Kate falls flat. The cover is quite eye-catching, though, and it would make a great Mark Valley movie! |
| Harriet S. |
| Love Songs from a Shallow Grave by Colin Cotterill |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
"I celebrate the dawn of my seventy-fourth birthday handcuffed to a lead pipe." This is the novel's opening sentence, and it's certainly not what Dr. Siri Paiboun had in mind for his celebration. For those of you who are not acquainted with this series, Dr. Siri is the national (and only) coroner of the People's Democratic Republic of Laos, and it appears that he is in deep trouble once again. The tale unfolds with two stories, one leading to the other. Oh, the year is 1978, and we are brought back to the team at the morgue: Nurse Dtui and Mr. Geung, Dr. Siri's wife, Madame Daeng (ho runs the noodle shop), plus a few others (including an official policeman), who are all engaged in solving multiple murders. The primary mystery for me was figuring out why and how Dr. Siri became handcuffed to a lead pipe with another young man, who was chained to the other end. All of Colin Cotterill's books have been a delight, beginning with THE CORONER'S LUNCH. His writing is top-notch, the stories are quirky with a touch of wit, and the characters are original and memorable. They've become like family to me. Not all of the mysteries I read and enjoy are somber and grim. The extra bonus is learning about an unfamiliar country. Colin Cotterill is British, but he taught in Laos until he was expelled for smuggling in books for his students. Go figure. |
| Harriet S. |
| Think of a Number by John Verdon |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
(Four and a half stars). They that, "You can't judge a book by its cover," but the title (and little has been said about it) made this book tempting enough for me to try it. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise. This is John Verdon's debut novel, yet it exhibits a sure hand with writing and imagination. Most of all, I liked Dave Gurney, with his linear, logical mind; he was refreshing for a police detective...or rather a retired NYPD homicide detective. Gurney is presented with a puzzle he can't resist. It all begins when a former college classmate, Mark Mellery, receives a strange poem, but hints vaguely at a past misdeed. The poem asks Mark to think of a number, any number between one and 1,000. It also instructs Mark to send cash or a check for $289.87 to a post office box, so that the letter-writer can cover the expense of finding him. I should tell you no more, as I don't want to spoil the surprise. I certainly hope this will not be a one-time book. |
| Diane D. |
| Bright Lights, Big A** by Jen Lancaster |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I picked up BITTER IS THE NEW BLACK, and oh my gosh, is she funny! I have read all of the rest of her books, and now I am reading BRIGHT LIGHTS, Big A**, which makes me laugh out loud in bed --- I can't wait for her next memoir. |
| kaye |
| Bones & Scones: A Tea Shop Mystery by Laura Childs |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
"All this running around to dig up information on jolly old Blackbeard and his so-called treasure is mucking things up and getting in the way of my official--need I repeat that word? Oh, yes, official police investigation." "But we're not meddling," said Thodosia. "We're concerned citizens who are trying to uncover useful information." Not meddling? Theodosia? That'll be the day! I love it when Theodosia meddles --- it always makes for an intriguing mystery with some wonderful characters! Of course, the local flavor of Charleston is almost a character in itself, as is the Indigo Tea Shop, which is owned by Theosodia. This time the Heritage Society has a fundraiser featuring Blackbeard's skull, which has been made into a cup, as the main event for their Pirates and Plunder party. The skull, which is embedded with a diamond, is just too tempting for one of the greedy guests, and so the skull is stolen, and a young history intern is murdered. What ensues is a mystery plot complex enough to stump anyone, as well as lots of intrigue with the gang at The Indigo Tea Shop and the Heritage Society. |
| Rhoda M. |
| En Route by Steven "Kelly" Grayson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A true-to-life story about an EMT's tour of duty. Sad, funny and interesting. |
| Kaye |
| Night of the Living Dandelion: A Flower Shop Myste by Kate Collins |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A fun cozy mystery featuring Abby, the owner of Bloomers flower shop, and her fiance, Marco, who owns the Down the Hatch bar just up the street. When a missing woman is found behind Marco's bar, his new bartender, Vlad, is blamed. Everyone in town is convinced that Vlad is a vampire, and since the victim's cause of death was exsanguination, Vlad becomes the prime suspect. Marco knows Vlad is innocent, but proving it turns out to be risky business. That's where the fun comes in! |
| CC |
| Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I almost stopped reading this book because, at first, I just couldn't get into it, but I'm glad I stuck with it. Before long, I couldn't put it down! |
| Gail |
| Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth hoffman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I'm loving it --- it's very sweet so far. It reminds me of ELLEN FOSTER by Kaye Gibbons. |
| Antoinette from calgary |
| Crooked Letter, Crooked letter by Tom Franklin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An excellent book that's set in Mississippi. Two boys (one black and one white), who secretly became friends when they were younger, are forced to reconnect with their past when a young girl goes missing. The prime suspect is Larry (white guy), who was suspected of killing another girl many years ago. Silas is now a constable, and their lives become intertwined again. The writing in this book was wonderful, and I couldn't put it down --- there were definitely a few surprises. |
| Antoinette from Calgary |
| Mudbound by Hillary Jordan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved this book. It kept me up late into the night, as I could not go to sleep without knowing how it would end. It takes place in the Mississippi River Delta in 1946, when racial strife was very strong. At heart of the novel are two brothers, who are so different from each other. One always wanted to be a farmer, so he buys a farm and moves his "city" wife and kids there. The other, who has just returned from WWII, is a damaged individual. When he befriends a returning black soldier, it sets the scene for a conflict to occur. The characters were all so believable. The writing was phenomenal --- it is hard to that this is the author's first book. I highly recommend it. |
| Shana |
| Don't Blink by James Patterson and Howard Roughan |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was a typical Patterson book ---it had short chapters, it was very suspenseful, and it can be read in one sitting. I was entertained and intrigued, but not quite enthralled. |
| Lynn |
| On Mystic Lake by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A nice, easy, weekend read. |
| Judy O. |
| Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just read this wonderful, nonfiction dog book for the second time. As a lifetime dog lover, I found this to be an extremely heartwarming story; it's about a dog named Merle, and the bond that he shared with his owner, Ted. Ted and some of his friends found Merle when he was just a puppy. The guys were getting ready to raft down the San Juan River near Moab, Utah. Then Merle showed up at their campsite, looked at Ted, and said with his eyes, "I'm your dog now." And he was. Merle lived out his life with Ted in Kelly, WY, which is next to the Teton National Park. They spent their days hunting, skiing and enjoying the wildlife. If you are a dog lover or a nature lover, you will particularly enjoy this book. |
| Kellie |
| Body Double: A Rizzoli and Isles Novel by Tess Gerritsen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Book Four in the Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles series, this was an incredible thriller. This is a series that is getting better with every book. I could not put this one down. Maura Isles gets home from Paris, and there are emergency vehicles in front of her house. The victim is someone who looks just like her. And so it begins.Rizzoli, a homicide detective and a friend of Maura's, is working the case. She's pregnant, which plays an interesting part in this mystery. The characters in the series are getting more and more interesting. As a reader, I'm learning more about their personalities. Maybe that"s why I'm enjoying this series so much. The setting is New England, in Boston and Maine, which I like. This author is great at grabbing you from the first few pages and not letting go until the end. I can't wait to read the next one. |
| Elizabeth |
| Solomon's Oak by Jo-Ann Mapson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
"The chapel had been Dan's final project. One summer morning over his oatmeal he'd said, "I've got a bug to build myself a chapel. Nothing fancy, just a place to worship out of the rain" (page 9) Glory Solomon had to do something after Dan died...her savings were gone, and her part-time job didn't really pay the bills. One day, someone asked/begged her to hold a wedding reception in the chapel that Dan had built. Glory hesitated at first, but then she decided that the $3,000 she would get would definitely help pay the bills, which were mounting up fast. The wedding party also wanted a Thanksgiving dinner, as well as a reception with a pirate theme and a sword fight. The wedding was a huge success, and it brought a few surprises as well --- a former policeman, who happened to be photographing the oak tree, and a new foster child that, unbeknownst to Glory, was connected her family dog. The connection was too close to home, and Juniper wasn't going to be too bad to have around --- or so she thought ---Glory told Caroline she would keep the new foster child. Joseph, the policeman, was also pretty interesting...his grandmother had lived a few miles down the road from Glory when he was a child, and he remembered the oak trees of California --- especially the one on the Solomon property. SOLOMON'S OAK told the life stories of the three main characters, who definitely fit and worked well together, even though they were connected to each other through their misfortunes. This book was a cozy read for me; it's about family life, real-life situations, the talents we all have hiding inside, waiting to emerge, and just plain, heartfelt warmth. You will fall in love with Glory, Juniper will drive you crazy, and Joseph's patience will amaze you. Enjoy the book...I definitely did. SOLOMON'S OAK was very touching...it will make you smile, it will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will restore your faith in mankind's goodness. Five out of five. |
| Elizabeth |
| Georgia Bottoms by Mark Childress |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A locked dresser with seven drawers --- one for each day of the week. What is in each drawer Well, all the things Georgia needs to make each of her nightly lovers believe he's the only one: pictures of their mother, their favorite clothes, anything to make them feel "special." But when the wife of one of the lover's finds out about the affair, there's nothing for her to do but empty that drawer. Georgia has enough worries, for now. She has her September luncheon to think of. She can't disappoint the ladies. They looked forward to this luncheon each year, and she certainly can't let them know how poor she actually is. She hasn't always been poor, and she hasn't always been the pillar of society either...but then a letter arrives from someone who has been keeping a secret for 20 years and who she had told to stay away from her. Things aren't turning out the way Georgia had planned. But everything ALWAYS goes her way, and she can't let this happen. What will she do now? You will love this book; it was funny and it talked about everyday situations that we all have to deal with at some point. This book had me laughing from the first page --- I knew she was another Scarlet O'Hara, even before the author commented about it. I really enjoyed the book, and I will definitely be reading more of Mark Childress's novels. Five out of five. |
| Debbie |
| The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This is a book that was first published in the 1860s, when the style of writing greatly differed from today's. This epistolary novel is difficult to follow at times, and the lengthy discourses can be boring. Just when you begin to enjoy the novel, a new character begins a tirade. This is not a novel that I enjoyed. |
| Marisa P. |
| Almost Dead by Assaf Gavron |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Israeli author Gavron offers an unusual perspective on Palestinian suicide bombings in this offbeat, often satirical political thriller. The main character, Eitan Einoch, nicknamed "Croc," is an ordinary Israeli 30-something. He works as a time management expert, lives with his girlfriend, and goes about his life. Then, he narrowly escapes dying in three separate terrorist attacks. Suddenly, Croc is a national celebrity, and he finds himself re-examining his relationships and his life. Meanwhile, Fahmi Sabich, a young Palestinian suicide bomber, lies in a coma, alternately aware of his surroundings and lost in the events that led him to become an unwilling terrorist. What is the connection between this man and Croc? Are there more attacks to come? The dual story line creates two equally sympathetic and interesting characters, while adding a sense of suspense. Without resorting to moral relativism, Gavron sheds light on the region's intractable conflict by allowing readers to relate to both Fahmi and Croc. |
| Marisa P. |
| Innocence by David Hosp |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A STELLAR LEGAL THRILLER. In 1992, a Boston policewoman is attacked and left for dead. But she survives and fingers Vincente Salazar, an El Salvadorian immigrant, as the perp. He is quickly arrested and just as quickly convicted. In 2007, Scott Finn, a private-practice attorney, is approached by a representative from the Innocence Project, a group dedicated to freeing people who were wrongly convicted. Salazar is innocent, the man tells Finn, and not only that, but the evidence --- some of which was suppressed by police in 1992 --- points to a conspiracy involving the very people who put the El Salvadorian away. Finn must risk his career, not to mention his life, to see that justice is done. Great secondary characters, fast-moving action, and some really great surprising twists at the end. I Couldn't put it down. |
| Debbie |
| Murder on Astor Place: A Gaslight Mystery by Victoria Thompson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Of course, I never read series books in order. This is the first book in the Gaslight Mystery series, which is set in New York City in the 1890s. I have already read two later books, and I've enjoyed the series so much, that I have purchased all the earlier books. The characters are introduced, and they range from Sarah Brandt to Frank Mallory to Teddy Roosevelt. Thompson does a wonderful job showing the huge gap between the rich and the poor in terms of their lodgings, their character, their rules and their clothing. I like Sarah, who like a curious mouse, can go anywhere in the city and fit in. In this episode, a girl from a wealthy family is murdered, but the family seems content to allow the murder fade away. An interesting adventure into New York history. |
| Vikki C. |
| Stiltsville by Susanna Daniel |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the best book I've read in a very long time. Well written. |
| Anita N. |
| Hidden by Victoria Lustbader |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just finished reading this wonderful novel --- a diversion from my usual mystery/thriller books, this was a welcome change. It tells the story of two young men, who are from totally opposite backgrounds. The differences between them are both religious and economical. They meet at the beginning of World War II, and over the next 10 years, their lives become intertwined in ways that one would never expect. The read is lead into the lives of all of their family members, and many of them have something to hide (that's where the book's title comes from). As I kept reading, I felt as though I actually knew these people. It is a heartwarming novel, and I am hoping that Ms. Lustbader will continue writing --- however, it will be difficult for her to outdo this excellent story. If it were possible, I would give this book many more stars. |
| GalleyGuy |
| An American Dream by Norman Mailer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Disturbingly manic. |
| JEAN M |
| Live to Tell: A Detective D.D. Warren Novel by LISA GARDNER |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A mystery that's full of twists and turns, although the subject matter might be rather upsetting to people who have dealt with mental illness in their family. But as I came to the end of the book, I was glad that I read it. |
| Kathy |
| Pictures of You by Caroline Leavitt |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Two women meet on a foggy night, and a tragic accident occurs. We see how these two families deal with the loss. This is a rewarding novel about love, grief and forgiveness. It's beautifully written, and it will stay with you for a long time. |
| Marion M. |
| The Marriage Artist by Andrew Winer |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This book left me with too many unanswered questions. It's well written and has an interesting theme, but I need a discussion group to clarify some of the issues it presented. |
| Barb |
| Under This Unbroken Sky by Shandi Mitchell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wow --- how do you hold your breath for 343 pages? This book will push your emotions to the limit. The characters become a part of you. The beautiful imagery will hook you right into the story. You'll find yourself rooting for certain family members and being enraged with others. The ending will leave you feeling stunned, yet not ready to let go. An excellent read, but definitely not for those who like their endings tied up in a pretty bow. |
| Barb |
| The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
THE KITCHEN HOUSE is an impossible-to-put-down story about the powerful relationships between an indentured servant and the slaves on a tobacco plantation, who become her family in every sense of the word. Kathleen Grissom does a beautiful job of creating characters that grab your heart and pull you back to a time when the everyday horrors of slavery were all too real. Mama Mae, Lavinia, Belle, Ben and the others will stay with you long after you read the last sentence. |
| Linda J. |
| Mudbound by Hillary Jordan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
In the 1940s, Laura, who is thought by many to be an old maid, marries Henry at the "old" age of 31. He purchases a farm in the Mississippi Delta taking her away from her sisters and brother and parents. Henry has a father, Pappy, whom Laura despises because of the way he treats her and his condescending attitude towards African Americans. Jamie is Henry's younger brother, who has just returned from World War II as a decorated bomber. The author also throws in an African American family that helps Henry with the farm and Laura with the house --- and also has a son who experienced a life in Europe as a soldier that he had not experienced in Mississippi. Mix this with a smattering of older white men who think they know the proper place for African Americans and refuse to submit to them, and the result is a recipe for disaster. |
| Wendy J. |
| These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Along the lines of a Jodi Picoult book, it keeps you turning the pages! |
| T. Thomas |
| Clara and Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It took a little while for me to really get into this book, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. |
| J. Kauder |
| The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A compelling, well written story. We read it in our book club, and all 10 of us really liked it. We had a good discussion about it, too. |
| Suz |
| One of Our Thursdays is Missing by Jasper Fforde |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another excellent book in the Thursday Next series! I love the witty writing, the clever character names and the interesting story. |
| Laurie C. |
| A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Wow! What a nice retreat from the regular books I am used to reading! Here is my review for this nice Christmas book: The great thing about reading books about the holidays is that they are very different from the daily, "run-of-the-mill" books we read. The difference is that they always point out the good in things every time. This is what I call "an escape." A REDBIRD CHRISTMAS by Fannie Flagg has humor and a very good story line, as usual. Fannie Flagg has a knack for using humor in her books, which is what I love about her! We started off with the main character, who moves down to Alabama so that he can improve his health. Then we are introduced to practically the whole town! They are ALL nice people, and they SO different from --- should I say Chicagoites? Their busy, busy, non-stop lifestyle never ends! A big city, with lots of people, who are always on the go, etc. Down south in Alabama, things are much slower, and it seems to be a simpler way of life --- people do take time to smell the roses! As Oswald, our main character, settles into this wonderful town (and wait till you read about how he gets to Alabama!), we are introduced to a little girl named Patsy. Poor, little Patsy. She seems to be a vagabond, but she does disappear at nighttime, so she must have a home, right? The rest of the story unfolds beautifully, as Patsy makes a friend named Jack. Jack is a Cardinal. A little, red bird that lives in the local store! Yes! A bird! You'll have to read the rest, including the parts I left out, to enjoy this book fully. It is a very nice escape from our normal reading, and a joy to read during holiday season! Enjoy! Laurie |
| Jane S. |
| The Protector by Carla Capshaw |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A book about gladiators and a time when it was hard to live for your faith. A person could be arrested just because of their beliefs. There is an assassination attempt in this book that will leave you in awe, as you try to figure out who is trying to kill Adiona. Adiona is a wealthy socialite, and Quintus is a slave. In those days, wealthy people were not supposed to fall in love with slaves. Even today, society tries to tell the wealthy that they should marry someone within their own social circle. But sometimes, people have to look outside of it to find true love. How many of us today would be willing to give up everything for what we believe in? |
| Laurie C. |
| Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was VERY good! Kathy Reichs is a VERY detailed writer and EXCELLENT at writing about forensics. Her books keep you turning the pages, so much so, that they are hard to put down. These are my favorite types of books --- the ones you CAN'T put down! The story was captivating, and it kept you on the edge of your seat. Her life was in danger, and I was always worried that she was going to become a victim of the crime she was trying to solve! |
| Tanya |
| Emily and Einstein by Linda Francis Lee |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This one definitely deserves four and a half stars. I received an ARC of EMILY AND EINSTEIN from Librarything. This is a wonderful story of second chances. The main characters are Emily, her husband, Sandy, and Einstein. I love dog stories, and Einstein is one special dog. The book is released on March 1st, and I highly recommend reading it. |
| Marsha |
| Total Control by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This fast-paced thriller shows us what can happen when access to computer knowledge drives a person into a deadly game. Relentless! |
| Crystal |
| Wrecked: A Regan Reilly Mystery by Carol Higgins Clark |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A funny and entertaining mystery featuring Regan Reilly and her husband, Jack Reilly, who are on vacation in Cape Cod celebrating their first wedding anniversary. |
| Susan |
| Blackveil: Book Four of Green Rider by Kristen Britain |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The fourth in the series. I am always amazed at where the Green Riders venture. There is magic and Eletians (elves) and Kings and romance, and it has been an interesting series. This one ended with the heroine being in a pickle --- I guess there will be a fifth book. |
| B. Klaassen |
| Hidden Wives by Claire Avery |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book turned out to be a true page-turner. My emotions were touched by this story. The author really did her research, so the story was full of true facts. I am going to try and get my friends and my book group to read this one. |
| Rosanne |
| The Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I was greatly disappointed in THE LAKE OF DREAMS by Kim Edwards. I was hoping for a story like her first novel, THE MEMORY KEEPER'S DAUGHTER, but unfortunately that is not what I got. Lucy Jarrett is living in Japan with her boyfriend, Yoshi, and things aren't going well. She is unsettled and has a need to return home to the US and visit her family in a town in upstate NY. She hasn't been back since the untimely and questionable death of her father. Once she returns, she is haunted by memories and secrets, as well as an urgent need to unravel a mystery surrounding some papers she finds in her family's home. The papers are old and date back to the women's suffrage movement, and they indicate that, perhaps, someone who was living in her home at the time was not only involved, but was also a family member. Lucy uncovers more information than she expects, and these discoveries lead the family to many conclusions. I lost interest several times and had to urge myself to continue reading. I enjoyed reading the letters she found, but I felt that the rest of the story was slow and rather long-winded. Perhaps some may find this book captivating, but it fell severely short of my expectations. |
| Jackie R. |
| The Cypress House by Michael Koryta |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A fantastic book with exciting and well developed characters. Dubbed a supernatural thriller, the book was more of a suspense novel with a subtle supernatural twist. I am normally not a fan of supernatural novels, but author Michael Koryta makes the main character's supernatural abilities so subtle, that the reader will come to think of them as being quite normal. I only wish that this book was the start of a new series. I would love to see more of these characters. |
| Quetzi F. |
| Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a young adult book that will appeal to any age group! Kat is a spunky girl living in England in 1803, when children are to be seen and not heard! She's just discovered that she has inherited her mother's magical powers, and she sets out to save her older sister from an arranged marriage to the wicked Sir Neville, who has taken an unusual interest in Kat's powers. This book is filled with delicious characters --- and even a "wicked" step Mama --- and it will delight you from beginning to end. I am enthusiastically awaiting the next book in this series! It's a truly rewarding read, with lots of action and mystery involved. You won't want to miss out on reading this book! |
| Suz |
| The Golden Compass: His Dark Materials, Book 1 by Philip Pullman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a great book! I liked the creative story, the fast pace and the wonderful characters. I can't wait to read the second book in the series! |
| B. Klaassen |
| On Hummingbird Wings by Lauraine Snelling |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I read this book because it had a hummingbird on the cover, and I have enjoyed reading this author's works in the past. I found this story to be interesting and easy reading. The characters could be real people; I found their situations to be real, and the relationships between them to be true-to-life. I plan on sharing this book with friends and family. |
| Cindy |
| The Whole Truth by Nancy Pickard |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was a very good book. It makes you wonder, "If someone was a murderer, might their be extenuating circumstances beyond their control that could explain why they did it?" |
| Jane S. |
| When the Hurt Runs Deep by Kay Arthur |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is for everyone because all of us, at one time or another, will face disappointment and hurt in our lives. I got this book while I was trying to deal with being rejected by my pastor and my church board over a call God that put on my life. Instead of letting me take an adult class after the teacher passed away, they voted to shut it down. I know that this was partially because one board member wanted all of the students back in his class. But when it hit me hard, I was also hurt by several class members who could not see that God had called me. If we would admit it, all of us have asked ourselves, "Why me? Why now? And what did I do to deserve this?" We may begin to feel worthless and think that our hope is slipping away. In 52 years of serving God, I have walked through a lot, but God has lifted me out of many pits. Kay Arthur also helped me when I had my knee replacement in 2006 by sending me her book, AS SILVER REFINED, which is also very good. |
| Ann |
| The Last Surgeon by Michael Palmer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An excellent read. I will be reading more of Michael Palmer. I like a book that starts out with an attention grabber; this book does that and keeps it, with twists and turns until the end. |
| Laura K |
| The Far Pavillions by M. M. Kaye |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I just started this book a few days ago. Each time I read it, I feel like I'm being transported to India. The author's writing draws me into the story. This chunky novel will take me a while to read, yet I know I will enjoy every minute of it. |
| Karel |
| When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A very good book. A story of hope, redemption and love. |
| Marjorie C. |
| Willow by Julia Hoban |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I just started it, but so far, so good. |
| Cheryle |
| The Wake of Forgiveness by Bruce Machart |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm currently reading THE WAKE OF FORGIVENESS, which is set in Texas in the early 1900s. It's a story about a family of men, who are coping (or not coping) with life after their mother dies giving birth to her youngest son. It's very well written, and it provides an interesting look at family dynamics. |
| Laurie C. |
| The Bone Garden by Tess Garritsen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book is 370 pages. It takes place in both the present day and the past, during the early 1830s. It switches back and forth between the two time periods in an easy way. The author will tell you whether the events are taking place in the present day or during the 1830s, so you will NOT get lost while reading this. She even brings in the real Oliver Wendell Holmes. The premise of this book is this, so far: A woman buys a new house, and while she is gardening, she comes across a complete skeleton. A forensic anthropologist is called in to identify the body. The book goes back to the 1830s, and tells a story about medical students, grave robbers and a grim reaper, who seems to be living among the people of Boston. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat! A very worthwhile read. I AM DONE WITH THIS BOOK!!! I cannot go on to review any more of it so that I can avoid SPOILERS! I can suggest that you read this book VERY carefully because ALL of the clues are right in front of you! Tess Gerritsen is very sneaky with her writing! I was astonished by the end of this book! The clues were there all along! I would need to go back and read this a second time to actually notice the clues! Since the clues are right in front of your face, you don't notice them like you would otherwise! Oh, the ending IS good! ENJOY this book! It's a good one! Laurie |
| Erin C. |
| Zora and Me by Victoria Bond and T. R. Simon |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Four and a half stars. I will start off by highly recommending this book to young and old, and everyone in between! This book is not only an enthusiastic adventure, but also a unique look into the life and culture of the people and times of a real town with a big heart. This story is told from the eyes of Zora's best friend, Carrie, and it is written with raw emotion. Carrie takes us along as she, Teddy and Zora figure out how old Mr. Pendir turns himself into the gator man, meet and mourn over Ivory and his beautiful music, and learn the secrets of Gold and the world they are living in. Each journey makes them grow up a little, but it never dulls their spirit. Although this story is a work of fiction, Zora Neale Hurston did grow up in Eatonville, and her imagination inspired those around her. |
| dianne |
| In the Woods by Tana French |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A very intriguing concept. A good police procedural. |
| Lorna |
| The Shop on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I give a book five stars when I can't put it down, as this was the case for me with this book. I loved the characters, especially how they came together and became friends. I can't wait to meet everyone else on Blossom Street. Just a nice read for a snowy day. |
| Joan |
| The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great characters and a great story --- and a new-to-me narration technique! This is a story about three sisters, and it is narrated in the first person. Now that I've finished the book, I can't imagine the story being told any other way. |
| Wendy |
| A Red Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Flavia de Luce is a wonderful heroine. She's 11, precocious, spunky and smart. If you haven't read the first book in the series, THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE, then get to it!! |
| Dara |
| The Dangerous Edge of Things by Tina Whittle |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I had never heard of this author until I read about her here. I loved the character of Tai Randolph. |
| julie |
| A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This novel is the second book in Martin's series. It picks up right where the first one (A GAME OF THRONES) leaves off. If you love the era of knights and kings, and a little magic thrown in for good measure, you'll really enjoy this series. I highly recommend this. |
| Sharon |
| So Cold the River by Michael Koryta |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An engrossing mystery/thriller, filled with wonderfully accurate descriptions of Southern Indiana --- if I didn't already live here, I'd want to go. And if I had not already seen the marvelous West Baden Hotel, I'd have it on my bucket list, right near the top. This book had great plot twists, which were completely believable in spite of being so far from my own sense of reality. |
| Vanessa |
| Wild Man Creek: A Virgin River Novel by Robyn Carr |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Gardens grow and love blooms in WILD MAN CREEK by Robyn Carr. This poignant tale of second chances and redemption makes a wonderful addition to the Virgin River series. |
| Sandy |
| The Improper Life of Bezellia Grove by Susan Gregg Gilmore |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I wish I could give this book more than five stars!! All I can say is that it is the best book I have read in a very long time, and I didn't get anything done today besides reading!! |
| freckles |
| Prairie Tale: A Memoir by Melissa Gilbert |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is Melissa Gilbert's autobiography. As a longtime fan of "Little House on the Prairie," I enjoyed reading about how it was for Melissa to grow up on the set of "Little House" and about her relationships with her various family members. Interesting. |
| Crystal |
| Schemers: A Nameless Detective Novel by Bill Pronzini |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Nameless works on a case involving the mystery surrounding a locked room, which is library full of classic mysteries! |
| Karen T |
| The Inner Circle by Brad Meltzer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just finished THE INNER CIRCLE, and it was a great read. It kept me on the edge of my seat, and I could not put it down --- but I did have to get some sleep. It is about Beecher White, an archivist who finds a dictionary by George Washington. His discovery leads to murder and a betrayal --- the book's secret involves the office of the President, and if it is revealed, it could cause a scandal that would affect the presidency for years to come. I think it is one of his best. |
| Mike D. |
| Hellhound on His Trail by Hampton Sides |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Provides enlightening information on James Earl Ray (a.k.a. Eric Starvo Galt) and his exploits. |
| Anthony R. |
| Fall of Giants: Book One of the Century Trilogy by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is book part of The Century Trilogy, and it contains 985 pages of exceptional reading. It takes during WW I, and it includes both fictional characters and real, historical ones. I found it very difficult to put the book down --- even at 3am --- and I can hardly wait for book two. |
| dlayres |
| The Jungle by Upton Sinclair |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I've always wanted to read this classic. It's difficult to get through --- I have to take it in little doses because the immigrant workers in the meatpacking factories, whose stories are being told, are so downtrodden and beset by tragedy. Skip the audible disc narrated by Casey Affleck, though --- just read the book. |
| F Tessa B |
| The Queen of the Big Time by Adriana Trigiani |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
3.5 stars Nella Costelucca narrates her story of growing up on a farm in Pennsylvania, but loving school and wanting to be a teacher. But her father's injury forces her to quit school and go to work at the blouse factory, where she thrives and propsers. Trigiani lets the reader into her characters' lives, with all the twists and turns that their lives take. |
| F Tessa B |
| Miss Julia Paints the Town by Ann B. Ross |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I love Miss Julia, and I read the books mostly for her and the other characters. But Ross is stretching her plot, and this one just misses the mark. The missing investor and the slimy developer would have been enough by themselves, and her attempt to incorporate each of these things did a disservice to both. Two and a half stars. |
| Karen |
| Clara and Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An enjoyable book that takes you inside the world of Tiffany Glass. It explores women in the workplace, unions and New York in the 1900s. It's a love story about a man, a woman and her passion. |
| Kaye |
| The Matchmaker of Kenmare: A Novel of Ireland by Frank Delaney |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Ben McCarthy is the narrator of the book, and he is recounting his friendship with Miss Begley, who was the matchmaker of Kenmare, to his two children. He begs their forgiveness for his habit of digression. And digress he does --- sometimes to the point of exasperation! But when he reminisces about their dangerous adventures during the war, I was enthralled. From a historical point of view, the issue of Ireland's neutrality was interesting. Ben and Kate discuss their own feelings of neutrality towards each other and the war itself. Ben says it best when he admits to himself: "How tired I am from this swinging, this side-to-side movement of my allegiances; on this side for a time, then on that side; supporters of "our" armies because I met "their" soldiers, and "their" ordinary countryside people. Neutrality, or is it indecision, and worse, cowardice? I'm tired of it." These thoughts made me wonder how I would feel about neutrality during wartime. Is it possible to maintain from a personal point of view? I really wanted to like this one so much, and I had high hopes of being enmeshed in the characters' lives and not wanting to put the book down. With a WII time frame, an Ireland setting and a love story, this book had the potential to be a stellar, five-star read. Unfortunately, I was somewhat disappointed in how slowly the book started. The narrative felt choppy, and it did not flow smoothly for me until almost page 100. This is when the book started to get interesting, although some of the scenarios in which Kate and Ben roam around France and Germany looking for Charles Miller had me questioning the plausibility of their actions. On the positive side, the author does give the reader a real sense of place; I felt as if I was in Ireland listening to some of the matchmaker's discussions in her windswept cottage by the sea. By the end of the book, the reader definitely gets to know the characters well, including their thoughts, their feelings and their flaws. |
| Linda H. |
| Foreign Influence by Brad Thor |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Scott Harvath is called upon to investigate a bombing in Rome, in which several American tourists were killed. He is told to capture "the troll," who is rumored to have been behind the attack, but Scott doesn't think Nicholas ("the troll") is responsible. He is determined to find Nicholas and get the answers, but this is not as easy as it sounds. With the help of a priest, Scott finds Nicholas and learns that his gut instinct is correct. Nicholas is innocent, but who is framing him for the murders and why? |
| F Tessa B |
| The Gorillas of Gill Park by Amy Gordon |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A mildly entertaining book for middle schoolers about a teenage boy who is having some difficulty growing into his own skin. He visits his Aunt Bridget for the summer and meets a whole new group of friends, gaining confidence as well as a sense of purpose. |
| Linda H. |
| In Spite of Myself: A Memoir by Christopher Plummer |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
At 647 pages, this book is a tad long. I've been an admirer of Christopher Plummer ever since his role as "The Captain," but his autobiography is too detailed. |
| Sean from OHIO |
| The Faithful Spy by Alex Berenson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Alex Berenson's debut novel seemed so real to me that, at times, I wasn't sure I wanted to read any more aobut terrorism in our country. The plot was well thought-out, and the way his writing style focused on several characters really moved the story along. I enjoyed the main character, John Wells; he was believable and heroic, but still sad. I wasn't sure the romance worked for me, but maybe it'll get fleshed-out in the next novel. Overall, a very good book. |
| Teresa |
| House Rules by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a book that I didn't want to put down. |
| Linda H. |
| The 9th Judgment by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Patterson's books are always great, and this one is no exception. In this book, Lindsey Boxer and her partner, Joe Conklin, are investigating the murder of a young mother and her baby, when they are told to drop this investigation and are assigned the robbery/murder of a movie star's wife. Apparently, the cat burglar known as Miss Kitty was absconding with the jewels, when the robbery was discovered by the owner. The burglar then shot and killed the movie star's wife. Yet Lindsey has her doubts. The burglar has never killed before, and she has an intuition that the husband shot his wife. During this investigation, another mother and child are killed for no reason. Who is to blame for these senseless murders, and why are they being committed? |
| Linda H. |
| Love Me To Death by Allison Brennan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A very suspenseful book that will be hard for you to put down. Allison Brennan brings back the Kincaid family, and this book focuses on Lucy Kincaid. She now lives in DC with her brother, Dillon, and his wife, Kate Donovan, who is an FBI agent. Lucy now works for Women and Children First (WCF), an agency that tracks sexual predators and paroled offenders who prey on children. Using Internet chat rooms, Lucy tries to lure the predators to a meeting. At the meeting, they are met by police, who send them back to prison. But one of these men did not show up because he feared the meeting was a trap, and he is now targeting Lucy as his victim. Can he be found and stopped before Lucy gets hurt? A great book |
| Kaye |
| McNally's Luck by Lawrence Sanders |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Another crack-me-up adventure for Archie McNally, Palm Beach's man-of-town and bon vivant charmer. Son of the staid Prescott McNally, Esq., Archy does discreet inquiries for his father's firm, McNally and Son. This time, a grumpy rich man's cat, Peaches, has been catnapped and is being held for ransom. Archie, in between romancing several woman simultaneously and tooting about town in his red Miata, has also been asked to look into death threats that are being made against the local poet's wealthy wife. Several similarities between the notes lead Archie in quite a few directions, most of them involving women, crazy antics and hysterical dialogue --- and even a medium and a seance. I love the Archie McNally series just because Archy is such a character; he's filled with wit, joie-de-vivre, and his love of sartorial splendor is evident. The interactions between Archy and his Dickens-reading, wing-tip wearing, ever-so-correct father just make me laugh out loud. The cases are usually quirky ,but Archy manages to solve them in his own inimical, round-about way, with a little help from his pal, Sergeant Al Rogoff. Lawrence Sanders started the series, and it was finished by Vincent Lardo, with nary a variation from the original. Lardo managed to get Archy down perfectly. Any reader would be hard pressed to know where Sanders left off and Lardo picked up. Some of the characterizations and scenarios could be termed cliched and over the top, but even still, the books in this series are always fun reads. |
| Linda H. |
| The Bourne Objective by Eric Van Lustbader |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
There were a lot of characters, but it was still a good book. This is a continuation of the Jason Bourne (a.k.a David Webb) saga. Jason has an unusual ring, with engravings on it that he is unable to read. He takes it to a college professor at Oxford, and he finds out that it is written in an ancient language --- and that it supposedly tells where King Solomon's treasure is located. But before Jason can learn anything further, several men burst into the room and aim guns at him, so Jason has to go on the run again. Who are these men who are trying to kill him? Jason again meets his old foe, Arkadin, and they work together to try and solve the mystery. Who is working for whom? |
| kaye |
| Beautiful Disaster by Laura Spinella |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
For college student Mia Montgomery, it's just another day hanging out with friends until she lays eyes on Flynn, a scruffy-looking, coarse-mouthed, motorcycling drifter with a past full of secrets and a future full of nothing but uncertainty. When they meet later on at a bar, it's as if the two of them just knew they were soul mates: "Silence settled between them as Flynn searched the busy bar for a place to hide his vulnerability. He rubbed his palms over his denim-covered thighs, realizing his hands were sweaty. The attraction, like the tide to the moon, kept pulling the two of them toward each other. " Mia's youth, freshness and naivete crumbles Flynn's defenses and brings out his vulnerabilities. Flynn is like no one Mia has ever known before. Despite their obvious differences and against all advice from Mia's best friend, Roxanne, Mia and Flynn begin an intense love affair that will change both their of destinies --- and almost destroy them in the process. On the other hand, it might just be their salvation. Flynn is the kind of man who cannot be pinned down; it would be like trying to chain a rainbow or a breeze to earth. Even though Flynn cannot promise her any future, Mia has complete faith in him and believes that he would never hurt her. The best he can promise is that he will not leave her. That's why it's so devastating when he suddenly leaves without a word of explanation, leaving Mia to agonize over her lost love and wonder how she will take her next breath --- never mind get on with her life. Now he is back, but not in the way Mia had wanted. Roxanne, who is now a doctor at the local hospital, has called Mia to let her know that Flynn has been in a motorcycle crash and is now in a coma in the ER. Mia leaves a life-changing business meeting to rush to Flynn's side. Oh, yeah, there is a slight complication. In the 12 years that Flynn has been gone, Mia married Michael Wells after waiting for some word or news from Flynn. Along with the main plot line, there is a bit of a mysterious sub-plot going on. College girls have been murdered from the Midwest all the way to Alabama, and Roxanne is convinced that Flynn was somehow involved. This suspicion jeopardizes her long friendship with Mia. This was beautifully written and very enjoyable for a debut novel. In fact, other than one scene in the middle, I had a hard time putting this one down. I was so captivated by the characterizations, the Southern setting, the depth of emotions and the plot line that I couldn't wait to see what happened next; I just kept turning the pages almost non-stop. Laura Spinella has dug deep to flesh out her characters' feelings and thoughts. It's as if I had been a close friend of Mia, Flynn and Roxanne for years --- I feel like I went through all that heartache right along with them. |
| kaye |
| Stitch Me Deadly: An Embroidery Mystery by Amanda Lee |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Having left her ex-fiance and her mom back in San Francisco, Marcy Singer is now living in Tallulah Falls, Oregon and is the proud owner of an embroidery store called The Seven Year Stitch. One morning while she is on her way to open the store, Marcy sees an elderly woman, who is just about to enter her shop. Marcy lets the woman into the store and proceeds to introduce herself. The woman, Louisa Ralston, begs Marcy to help her find "ivy" after showing her an antique sampler made by her grandmother. Marcy is perplexed as to what or who ivy is --- is it the shade of embroidery thread, or is it a person? Before Marcy can ask that question, Louisa collapses. Marcy immediately calls 911, and to her dismay, Louisa dies while in the hospital. It is determined the cause of death was an overdose of a drug that's used to treat manic-depression. Unfortunately for Marcy, the police think she had something to do with what is now being called a homicide. Marcy, who knows she is innocent of any wrongdoing, gives them permission to search her shop and home. So, when the police find a bottle of the exact same medication in her guest room night stand, Marcy is flabbergasted. In order to clear her name and satisfy her own curiosity, Marcy sets out to prove that she is not the killer and expose the real one. Can Marcy find the real killer before he or she puts a stop to her snooping for good? |
| Kaye |
| The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
THE WINTER GHOSTS is a beautifully written novel based on the tragic end of the Cathars, who lived during the 14th century, with a little bit of the paranormal thrown in. Freddy Watson has spent years trying to recover from the death of his brother George, who was killed in WWI. He's had such a hard time dealing with his grief and survivor's guilt, that he even had to spend some years in a sanatorium. Years later after he has somewhat recovered, he takes a trip to the Languedoc region of France, which is high in the mountains. On an extremely snowy night that will change his life forever, he crashes his car and then makes his way to a small inn in the village of Nulle. The proprietor invites him to a feast that night, and that's where he meets Fabrissa, a young woman who has also experienced a lot of grief. They spend the night talking about their sorrows, and in the morning Freddy, delirious with fever, is not sure what was real and what wasn't. Although this book starts slowly, it is beautifully written, and it has a real sense of place. Mosse definitely sets the mood and gives the reader a thorough feel for Freddy's state of mind. It's somewhat predictable in a few places, but it's still an enjoyable read. I don't normally gravitate to stories with a paranormal bent to them, but this one was okay. I liked the post-WWI time frame and the setting. Having never heard of the Cathars, I thought the author's note was very interesting. |
| kaye |
| Town in a Lobster Stew by B.B. Haywood |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It's just before Memorial Day in the little town of Cape Willington, Maine, and the residents are getting all excited in anticipation of the town's 29th annual lobster stew cook-off. Much prestige is associated with winning the coveted trophy, so the competition is very cut-throat. Candy Holliday, who is a part-time writer for the Cape Crier and a part-owner of Blueberry Acres, has a bit of a reputation as a detective. When she is asked by the elderly Wilma Mae to help her find her trophy-winning lobster stew recipe, at first, Candy is a little reluctant. But then things started heating up, and Candy is sucked into the intrigue, as Wilma Mae insists that the recipe was stolen from her secret drawer. Who knew emotions would run so high over this competition, or is there something bigger at stake? Is it enough to inspire theft, rigged entries, clandestine meetings, skulduggery, collusion and jealous backstabbings? Oh, and did I mention a missing person and murder? Despite the fact that Chief Durr warned her to mind her own business, Candy and her best friend Maggie just can't seem to leave well enough alone. Candy keeps thinking that whoever stole the recipe is also the murderer. And so the adventure begins . . . In this second installment of the Candy Holliday series, B.B. Haywood ingeniously incorporates all these elements into a cohesive and well plotted mystery. There are enough red herrings to keep any reader guessing. Just when I thought I knew for sure "whodunit," I discovered that I was wrong. Several times, in fact! There are some really good twists in the story that will keep cozy/mystery fans very happy. B. B. Haywood is a pseudonym for the writing team of Beth Feeman and Robert Feeman. They conceived the idea for the Candy Holliday mysteries while they were driving around the Maine countryside, stopping at different small towns throughout the state. They sure have the flavor of New England and the characteristics of its inhabitants down to perfection. There are so many wonderfully quirky characters that populate any small town --- and some with stronger personalities and less ethics than others! I could picture the fog, and I could hear the foghorns in my head as Candy tootled around the waterfront back roads in her little jeep, looking for clues. Some of the descriptions of the area actually made me homesick! |
| Kaye |
| Elvis and the Memphis Mambo Murders by Peggy Webb |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
An okay read for a Southern cozy. Normally, I love these types of books, but the idea of a basset hound that thinks he's Elvis reincarnated just made me suspend my disbelief too much. The story is told from two different viewpoints --- mostly from Callie's perspective, but a few chapters are narrated by Elvis. Callie, along with her cousin Lovie, accompanies her Mama, Ruby Nell, to Memphis for a dance contest. The dead body count starts to escalate rapidly in the Peabody Hotel. After Mama insists that someone tried to kill her, Callie and Lovie try to figure out who the murderer is. Elvis, of course, thinks they should listen to him. Apparently he can not only put on a show, but he can also help solve crimes. In what universe does that happen? There were too many bodies too quickly, with not enough real suspects and almost no motives. I felt like I didn't even get to know the characters before they wound up dead. Maybe it's just me, but talking and rationalizing animals just doesn't do it for me. I guess it is a cute shtick, and it works for some people. On the plus side, it was a quick read with a few laughs along the way, even with the stereotypical Southern female characters. The Peabody Hotel setting and the ducks helped somewhat. |
| Reva W. |
| The Overton Window by Glenn Beck |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is one of those books that's frightening because it could really happen. I was impressed with the author's skill at writing fiction, since he is primarily a nonfiction writer. It's about the son of a big PR man, who meets and falls in love with a girl that is a member of a group that is considered radical. Before he knows it, he's involved with something that's beyond his control. |
| Coral H. |
| The Reversal by Michael Connelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A Mickey Haller and Harry Bosch story. It is about a retrial, and how it all worked out. A good mystery --- Connelly is a good writer. |
| Coral H. |
| Bird Cloud by Annie Proulx |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is the story of how the author built a house on 640 acres in Wyoming wetlands, which she called Bird Cloud. The place where she builds her house is located on the North Platte River, which has great, big, interesting cliffs. She loves watching the birds there. She spends a lot of money getting the house just right, but afterwards she realizes that she cannot live there in the winter, as she cannot get in or out due to the snow and strong winds. So during the winter, she has to live in her home in New Mexico. It is quite interesting to learn about how she built her place. |
| Rebekah M. |
| Memento Nora by Angie Smibert |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A good, YA dystopian story --- I thought the part about memory loss was cool. It's told through a series of reports that are made by different people, so it's a bit dissociative. It's a quick read though, and the themes will make it worth your time. |
| Gil |
| Blind Your Ponies by Stanley Gordon West |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A truly remarkable book about the Willow Creek High School basketball team, which had not won a game for five years. The team had only six players, which it drew from a student body of 18. When somebody fouled out, they had to play four players against five. There were times when tears came to my eyes. The coach instilled in them the belief that it takes real courage to prepare and play your hardest, and they often played to the point of exhaustion, even though they knew that the chances of winning were slim. Willow Creek was a hard-luck town, and the book describes the hardships and interrelations of the various interesting and oddball characters. I did not want the book to end. |
| Madeline |
| The Mistress of Nothing by Kate Pullinger |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This delves into the lives of a lady and her maid, who are on a expidition to Egypt. I'm enjoying reading about the humbling experience of being a nobody in 1850s Egypt, and the trials that this woman experienced after she married outside of her social rank. |
| Jill P. |
| Rescue by Anita Shreve |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A good story about whether or not we can actually rescue another person, either emotionally or otherwise. Shreve is in good form with her storytelling. |
| JEAN M |
| Blood Vines by Erica Spindler |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An interesting mystery set in the wine country. A woman is trying to discover the secrets surrounding her background, and then a cop gets involved with her, which causes conflicts at his job. A fast read. |
| Betty Jo |
| The Final Journey by Gudrun Pausewang |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This young adult novel set in Germany during WWII is the story of Anna, who secretly hides a Russian soldier and has doubts about Hitler himself. It's translated from German, and I think it would be good read for my high school history class. |
| L. Hann |
| Total Control by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What would you do if your husband was killed in a plane crash, and you found out that he wasn't working on what you thought he was? There are many twists and turns in this one. |
| Betty Jo |
| The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I like the narrator, Caelum Quirk, whose life is deeply affected by the Columbine shootings, his strict Catholic upbringing, Hurricane Katrina, and his wife's addiction problem --- which eventually lands her in "the slammer," as he puts it. Lamb is a great storyteller, and I have enjoyed this one immensely. |
| Robert R. |
| The Athena Project by Brad Thor |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I have read all of Mr. Thor's works, and I have found them to be enjoyable and easy reads. If you have read any of his other books, you will not be disappointed. They are all thrillers, and they are all good. |
| Phyllis |
| Sea Glass by Anita Shreve |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
There are many interesting characters in this story about the Great Depression, which is set on the Atlantic coast. It's terrific all the way through --- it presents many challenges to the reader, and the author does a great job telling the story. |
| Sally G |
| The Janus Stone: A Ruth Galloway Mystery by Elly Griffiths |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A great read. I pictured myself being right there with the story's characters. |
| Ilene |
| Ordinary Thunderstorms by William Boyd |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A man is falsely accused of murder when a man tries to return a lost briefcase to a dead pharmaceutical executive that he met in a bar. By running away from the police, he lost everything and had to live like a homeless person. Meanwhile, he still has the briefcase, and the actual murderer is after its contents. |
| Jill P. |
| Spider Bones by Kathy Reichs |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A very good mystery about mixed identities and Vietnam war veterans. The story of Tempe and Ryan's tempestuous, on-again-off-again also continues to play out here, and it has its amusing moments. |
| Judy O. |
| Little Princes by Conor Grennan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This nonfiction book will now be at the top of my "best books I've ever read" list. 29-year-old Conor Grennan quits his job in the US to take a trip around the globe. He commits himself to a three-month stint as a volunteer in the country of Nepal, where he works in the Little Princes Orphanage near Kathmandu. He is so taken with the children and their situation that he goes back and works there for several more years. His mission is to bring home the lost children of Nepal --- those children who were stolen from remote villages by child traffickers. This is just a heartwarming story! |
| Betty Jo |
| Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I have heard that, after page 200, I will quickly raise this to a five-star rating. We will see...I like that the story is set in Ethiopia and India, but it hasn't sucked me in yet. |
| Madeline |
| American Rose: A Nation Laid Bare by Karen Abbott |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Being of a different generation, I was not aware of the trials and tribulations of burlesque women. Karen Abbott unfolds a true picture of Gypsy and the persona she had to develop in order to succeed and support her family. |
| Connie |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is filled with genuine voices and a humor that is redolent of Faulkner. |
| Sharon |
| The Novice's Tale by Margaret Frazer |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A medieval nunnery, vile murder, familial conflict, deceit, betrayal and unrequited love --- it's all there. A good read. |
| Sharon |
| Ape House by Sara Gruen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A fascinating story about Bonobo apes, filled with excellent research, great illustrations of a journalist's trials, the ways we abuse our cousins, and the need to care for and protect the Bonobos. I read it in one afternoon and evening. |
| Santa Fe cowgirl |
| Legacy by Danielle Steele |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The historical part was the best part of the story. |
| BC |
| Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A book that you'll want to read again, POPE JOAN is the a story of a woman who takes on the identity of a man and eventually becomes the pope. Fact or fiction? ...You decide, but it's an awesome read either way! |
| Frankie |
| Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed this book, which was filled with surprises. Franklin did a good job describing life in Mississippi and the dilemmas that faced two young boys of different races, who were trying to be friends. There were so many secrets and so many obstacles, yet Franklin found a resolution and tied it all up very neatly, creating an interesting ride along the way. |
| Santa Fe cowgirl |
| Beach Music by Pat Conroy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Not as good as SOUTH OF BROAD, but still very enjoyable! |
| Santa Fe cowgirl |
| The Unlikely Spy by Daniel Silva |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just discovered Daniel Silva, and this is a real page-turner! |
| Tanya |
| To Fetch a Thief: A Chet and Bernie Mystery by Spencer Quinn |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love this series about a private investigator and his sidekick, Chet. This is the third book, and it's just as good as the first two. If you want a good detective story, then I highly recommend it. |
| Kellie |
| The Outer Banks House by Diann Ducharme |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I really liked this story. It takes place in 1868, just after the Civil War, on the Outer Banks. Abby is a strong-willed 17-year-old, who immediately falls in love with the place as soon as she steps foot on the shore. Her father is a plantation owner, who just lost all of his slaves to freedom. His hunting guide, Ben, wants to learn how to read, so he asks Abby to tutor him. Abby is not at all happy about this request, but she obediently obliges. She reads him ROBINSON CRUSOE, and passages from the book preclude every chapter. I liked the correlation. The tumultuous times influence the plot in a big way. The author does a wonderful job placing you right on the shores of the Outer Banks. I was pleasantly surprised by this book, and I am so glad I read it. I highly recommend reading this at the beach. You can really get caught up in the pages. |
| b semeraro |
| Strangers at the Feast by Jennifer Vanderbes |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A sad story about a wealthy, well-educated and dysfunctional family. The family falls apart after a tragedy occurs at a family dinner on Thanksgiving day. There was lot of narration in the beginning, and I did not really enjoy the book until I had almost reached the end of the story. |
| Susanb |
| Mr. Chartwell by Rebecca Hunt |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I just finished reading an advanced reader's edition of MR. CHARTWELL. It is a strange, yet insightful book about depression, and how it affected Winston Churchill and a young librarian named Esther Hammerhans. In the book, depression appears in the form of a big, black dog! www.Fridaymorningbookclub.com |
| Suzanne |
| Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A charming, easy-to-read story, with likable characters. It was chosen as our book club selection for this month. |
| Bonnie |
| Left Neglected by Lisa Genova |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was a decent novel. I think I would've given it an extra star if I hadn't already read the author's other book, STILL ALICE. After reading that book, this one felt like deja vu --- it was about a different medical issue, but it was the story of the same type of woman (both books had female main characters). |
| Benita |
| Lottery by Patricia Wood |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is a slim volume. I had resisted reading it for quite a while, since I prefer meatier reads, but I am so glad I changed my mind. Simply put, this book was a joy to read. Told through the voice of the main character, Perry, it is narrated with simple prose, since Perry is "slow," but not retarded. After all, his Gram told him so. Perry took his Gram's life lessons to heart, and they serve him well as he tries to navigate everything that life throws at him. Winning the lottery brings out the best and the worst in people, and he must handle both. The book will run rampant with your emotions, and even though it's small, it still packs a mighty punch. Ultimately, you will come away with a reaffirmation of the important things in life and a knowledge of how to tell the difference. I highly recommend this book to anyone --- male or female. I read a library copy, but I will definitely purchase one of my own so that I can reread it. This book is a definite keeper. |
| Lynn |
| Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Lives are lost, and hearts are broken, but the human spirit keeps shining through this disturbing history. This powerful story kept me reading far into the night. A MUST-read. |
| Sue L |
| Tick Tock by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Not his best, but it's still exciting. |
| Debbie W. |
| The Disappeared by M. R. Hall |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
English coroner Jenny Cooper looks into the disappearance of two Muslim students, revealing corruption and a terrorist plot! |
| Jean M |
| Plum Island by Nelson DeMille |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The title did little to entice me to read this one, but as the author was recommended to me and I had not read anything by him yet, I decided to try this it. I am so glad that I did. I really enjoyed the book, and I intend to follow the rest of the books in the series (this one's the first). |
| Jean M |
| Uncivil Seasons by Michael Malone |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is an older book, which was published in 1983 and is the first in a series. Justin Savile and Cuddy Mangum, who are police detectives in a small town in North Carolina, solve both old and new crimes. I enjoyed this book, and I will next read TIME'S WITNESS (published in 1989) and FIRST LADY (published in 2001). |
| bookczuk |
| Take Charge of Parkinson's Disease by Anne Cutter Mikkelsen and Carolyn Stinson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I am a nurse by profession, though I cannot practice at the moment because of a disability. I was the primary caregiver for my mother, who recently passed away from cancer, but I carried another neurological illness for nearly 50 years. Her baby brother had Parkinson's Disease, as did a dear friend. Two of these individuals were incredibly hopeful people, who did not let their neurological illness rule them, but chose to take control where they could. I realized when my uncle and my friend were diagnosed with PD that my understanding of the condition was limited to now-dated information from my early training (I worked in pediatrics, and PD is not something we saw) and Michael J. Fox's brilliant books. I hoped that this book would be a good refresher course for me, as well as catch-me-up on some of the newer information that's out there. This book is primarily the story of Ann and Mike Mikkelsen, and how they have reshaped their lives to accommodate Mike's PD-related needs --- both in terms of treatment and prevention. It is a tale of creativity, love, patience, endurance and hope. At 77, Mike is still involved in his art, exercises regularly, and even drives. (I know a number of 77-year-olds who don't have PD and should not be on the roads.) Anne, his primary caregiver and a former professional chef, has retrained herself to provide the mental, emotional and physical support necessary to help Mike, and she's also redesigned her approach to food to help support his nutritional needs and provide an optimal diet. The fact that it is high in antioxidants, fruits, veggies and whole grains and low in animal proteins isn't hurting her any either. The book is smattered with recipes and stories, making it an easy read. There is medical information sandwiched in between, but most folks will get a lot of that from their primary medical provider. What this book pursues most is retaining hope. It struck me that the basic message of this book is not limited to PD. It is a helpful one for anyone whose family has been mired in chronic illness and/or neurological disease. It would have some help for the family of an end-stage cancer patient, just as much as it would help someone in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's. The message is universal, and it's written in easy, clear terms: Take control of what you can, strive for optimal health and stay hopeful. My one complaint is that I would have loved to see some of Mikes sculptures in the book. There is just one black-and-white picture of his birds toward the end. They sound bright, colorful and optimistic. I bet they would have looked lovely as part of the cover montage, too. |
| Ozark Reader |
| Room by Emma Donoghue |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I know most readers would probably have given ROOM 5 stars, but I found it to be a real challenge to read. Written from the perspective of a five-year-old boy, it is sometimes hard to follow. But, soon, you begin to realize when he is talking and what he's talking about. This story is very dark and, in my estimation, unbelievable. Once you get really into it and learn how it is presented, you are compelled to read on so that you can find out how such an impossible and horrible situation can finally come to an end. And even when it does, it is still dark --- very dark. |
| Jean M |
| Injustice for All by Scott Pratt |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a good legal thriller. When an infamous judge is murdered, the legal world of Tennessee turns upside down. For prosecutor Joe Dillard, it's anything but business as usual. This is a good series. |
| Carolann |
| Port Mortuary: A Scarpetta Novel by Patricia Cornwell |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I'm just getting started on this one, and so far, it is going fast. Once again, Scarpetta is bossy and unlikeable. |
| Rosemary S. |
| Secrets to the Grave by Tami Hoag |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm within 100 pages of finishing, and I'm still guessing! I have to force myself to put it down and attend to my chores. |
| Ivy P. |
| One Day by David Nicholls |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Emma and Dex have such a history together. This is a funny and sad novel, and I hated to see it end the way it did. |
| bookczuk |
| Dreaming in English by Laura Fitzgerald |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I enjoyed Fitzgerald's first book quite a bit, especially some of the descriptions about living in a third-world country and making the transition to living in America. Along the way, the characters in that novel worked their way into that spot in my heart that's reserved for endearing characters. I was interested to see how this book would pick up the story. Only days away from having to go back to Iran after her tourist visa runs out, Tami Soroush ends up marrying not the Iranian men who have been paraded before her as candidates for an arranged marriage, but the boy she has a crush on, who works at the local Starbucks. But it's not a "green card" marriage --- the two genuinely love each other, despite the shortness of their relationship. Whereas the first book, VEIL OF ROSES, focused on Tami's struggle to adjust to a new culture, this book focused more on her settling into a marriage and a relationship, and at the same time, having to battle the skepticism of her new husband's family. It's all about Tami learning to find her voice and believe in herself. And when her application to remain in the US is denied, and she must either go to court or be deported, Tami's hardest fight is against herself. While there were moments when Tami's unfamiliarity with the English language were humorous (i.e. when she texted "LOL" to her husband after a fight because she thought it meant "lots of love") ,there were times when her very proficiency in English made me dubious. But all in all, reading this book was a pleasant way to spend a rainy day. |
| Pattie B. |
| Full Dark, No Stars by Stephen King |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An excellent read. |
| Sharon K. |
| Cocaine's Son by Dave Itzkoff |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A good memoir about something that no one used to talk about. |
| Jill |
| Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I want some of my girlfriends to read this so that I can have someone to talk about it with!! As a fairly newly-married person, this book really made me think about marriage in a different (and good) way. |
| Carolann |
| True Grit by Charles Portis |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Very enjoyable. A quick read. |
| Brady |
| Talking to Heaven by James Van Praagh |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I have read this type of subject matter for much of my life, and if you read this book, you would see that there is a heaven or another side of life. So many examples are related here that one should become elated about the permancy of life and concerned about how well they lead their life now. This is a heartening and joyful book. |
| Shana S. |
| The Legal Limit by Martin Clark |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I am so drawn into this book. Martin Clark has taken me on a ride through the justice system in Virginia, where the lines between right and wrong are blurred. |
| Heather L. |
| Scared to Death by Wendy Corsi Staub |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The book moves quickly, but I've been confused about who all the characters are and how they are connected from the beginning. Otherwise, it's a page-turner. |
| Heather L. |
| Left Neglected by Lisa Genova |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I kept trying to imagine what it would be like to have no awareness of your left side, and I found it to be very trying. The book was very well written, it flowed smoothly, and I didn't really want it to end. |
| Tanya F. in CO |
| The Paris Wife by Paula McLain |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I won an ARC of this book and have been devouring it since it arrived. It is about Ernest Hemingway's first marriage, and it is told from the perspective of his first wife. It reminds me of LOVING FRANK. |
| CC |
| Very Valentine by Adriana Trigiani |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the first book in a trilogy about Valentine and her family, and I loved it. I can't wait to see what happens to her next. |
| Katie |
| The Paris Wife by Paula McLain |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I'm only a third of the way through. |
| Eileen K., Ph.D. |
| The Widower's Tale by Julia Glass |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A great story about what happens to a widower and his relatives and friends. The name of the hero is Percy Darling...who wouldn't love a darling! It reads like ice cream melting in your mouth! |
| Sheree W. |
| The Last Surgeon by Michael Palmer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A veteran MD who has post-traumatic stress disorder takes care of homeless people out of a mobile clinic. He is searching for other vets that are friends, but are missing, and he works alongside a nurse whose sister recently died. Her sister was murdered, but it was made to look like a suicide. Strange things are happening at a local spa and surgery center. I'm still reading this one, but it is keeping me interested. |
| librarygal |
| Just Like Heaven by Marc Levy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really wanted to see the movie when it came out, but I didn't know it was a novel. The fact that I never got a chance to see the movie was wonderful, because the book was so good. I find that, often, the original books are much better than the movies. I really enjoyed this read, which is about a man who sees an out-of-body comatose woman in his closet. Together, they share interesting scenarios, as he tries desperately to save her comatose form from being unplugged. Do they succeed? You'll have to read the book to find out. And I hope that, like me, you haven't seen the movie. That made the book better, in my opinion. |
| Karina |
| Truck: A Love Story by Michael Perry |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
| I had read a good review of this book somewhere, so I picked it up. Honestly, if it had not been for the review, I probably would not have read it. The description on the back didn't sound like my kind of book. But then I actually started reading it, and I just love the way he writes. I think I don't even care what the plot is --- I just want to soak up his descriptions and bask in his prose. |
