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Whimsey03@aol.com
THE SONGCATCHER by Sharyn McCrumb, 5 stars
Songcatchers were collectors of the American oral tradition--folk tunes passed on for
generations through families--making a permanent record of old-world ballads brought to
the new frontier. THE SONGCATCHER traces the life of one song and the lives it touched
over two centuries. Sharyn McCrumb is a modern-day bard. I love her writing and I love
this book.
Lucky4750@aol.com
THE VILLA by Nora Roberts, 5 stars
I waited for this book and it was just as I thought it would be, GREAT. Meet the
Giambelli's who have been making wine for three generations. When the head of the family
Tereza, announces a merger with a competitor everyone is shaken. This also includes many
changes in their jobs and lives. Tereza's granddaughter who is in charge of Marketing and
Distributing has to learn how the vines produce the grapes for their wines by working the
fields and grandson of the other winery,Tyler MacMillan, must learn Sophia's job in the
corporate world. Throw in love, sabotage, romance and family problems and you have another
great Nora Roberts book.
WHILE MY PRETTY ONE SLEEPS by Mary Higgins Clark, 5 stars
A story filled with suspense, love, and lots of excitement and throw in glamorous and
priviledged backgrounds for a great read.
LIFE MAKEOVERS by Cheryl Richardson, 4 stars
A book for you to make the best of your life using her experiences. How making little
changes gradually over time and using her recommendations will teach you how to be in
control of your happiness and life. Very challenging.
Libblack@aol.com
ON THE OCCASION OF MY LAST AFTERNOON by Kaye Gibbons, no rating given
I bought this book on a whim and although it was a tough 3 chapters of background in the
beginning I found I was completely addicted by the 4th. I highly recommend this book!!
Iceblinkxo@aol.com
STILLWATCH by Mary Higgins Clark, no rating given
A wonderful read!
THE BLUE NOWHERE by Jeffery Deaver, no rating given
This book is making me have spooky thoughts anytime my computer acts funny.
Bjglu@aol.com
EDEN CLOSE by Anita Shreve, 5 stars
I'm starting to believe that, like Barbara Kingsolver, Anita Shreve can do no wrong in her
writing. This is a memorable novel that will surprise and delight you.
RED LOBSTER, WHITE TRASH, AND THE BLUE LAGOON by Joe Queenan, 4 stars
Hysterical book of "rants" where Queenan skewers everything that he believes is
wrong in our culture from the musical Cats, Danielle Steele (hear, hear!), Michael Bolton
to Red Lobster and beyond. If you believe in the old saying "If you don't have
anything nice to say, come sit by me" (paraphrased) then you will love this book. In
any event, it's laugh-out-loud funny.
Cipsi2@aol.com
THE NAZI OFFICER'S WIFE by Edith Beer, 4 stars
A fascinating, touching book written from an unusual perspective.
MISSING JOSEPH by Elizabeth George, 3 stars
A mystery with an English setting, compelling characters and a good plot.
MY FATHER'S DAUGHTER by Tina Sinatra, 3 stars
Less interesting about the father than the daughter.
KATHLAU@aol.com
FIRST TO DIE by James Patterson, 3 1/2 stars
Patterson has created 4 intriguing female characters, any one of which will be able to
carry her own book in this new series. First up, a San Francisco homicide detective
battling the bad guys both on the job and in her personal life. I'll watch for the next
one.
BOHEMIAN MURDER by Diane Day, 3 stars
Another California murder mystery. This one in Carmel at the turn of the century. Freemont
Jones is a one woman detective agency as she attempts to discover the identity of the body
washed ashore near the lighthouse she is temporarily keeping as well as who killed her. A
fun look as a woman who may well have paved the way for Patterson's heroines.
UKHRH@aol.com
THUNDERHEAD by Lincoln Childs and Doug Preston, 4 stars
Archeological dig filled with tension and murder, a real page turner.
RIPTIDE by Lincoln Childs and Doug Preston, 5 stars
A hidden treasure in a diabolical maze of traps, intrigue and suspense with a well
developed cast of characters.
CUSTERCAROL@aol.com
ON THE STREET WHERE YOU LIVE by Mary Higgins Clark, 4 1/2 stars
As her books usually are, this is an enjoyable page-turner.
Sheldon51@aol.com
COLD FLAT JUNCTION by Martha Grimes, 4-5 stars
Wonderful coming of age mystery story. Great insight into a precocious 12-year-old
survivor and fascinating minor characters.
GDurisin@aol.com
THE BONESETTER'S DAUGHTER by Amy Tan, 5 stars
Ruth is a ghostwriter of self-help and similar books, and is struggling in her
relationship with a man she loves and lives with. Her mother’s increasing dementia
leads her to leave her partner and move in to her mother’s home, where she discovers
pages of Chinese calligraphy that her mother has written. From what she can decipher, it
seems to be the story of her mother’s life, but does not seem consistent with the
stories Ruth heard as a child. With the help of a translator, Ruth begins to know and
understand her mother and their painful family history, and the many mysteries and secrets
that have made both of them who they are. Beautiful writing, and this summary does not do
it justice. HIGHLY recommended!
THE WEIGHT OF WATER by Anita Shreve, 4 1/2 stars
Based on the comment of a contributer to last week's WORD OF MOUTH listing, I turned to
this one to resolve some of my puzzlement over THE LAST TIME THEY MET. Thomas Janes is a
main character in both novels, but this one focuses primarily on that part of his life
that was covered only in the middle section of THE LAST TIME THEY MET, during his marriage
to Jean (who is clearly a separate character from Regina, his second wife, something I was
not completely certain about while reading THE LAST TIME THEY MET), and ending with the
death of their daughter in a boating accident. It also focuses on a mystery dating from
one-hundred years earlier, about which Jean is shooting a photo-essay the murder of two
women on an isolated island off the coast of New Hampshire. Very well-written and for me,
a bit more accessible and satisfying than THE LAST TIME THEY MET.
Virginialee425@aol.com
THE RETURN JOURNEY by Maeve Binchy, 4 stars
I love all of Binchy's books. I've read all of them and I hear she is to stop writing and
I am broken hearted.
GAP CREEK by Robert Morgan, 4 stars
Allows a real feel and closeness to the lives of early Appalachian settlers -- I intend to
read more of his books. I'm starting on The Truest Pleasure and The Hinterlands.
kristinbennett@hotmail.com
ELIZABETH AND AFTER by Matt Cohen 4.5
Mature, engaging, funny and compassionate.
NO GREAT MISCHIEF by Alistair MacLeod, 5 stars
MACN4MONEY@worldnet.att.net
WE WERE THE MULVANEYS by Joyce Carol Oates 4 Stars
I am a great fan of Joyce Carol Oates and I have enjoyed every novel of hers that I have
read. This was a disturbing examination of how an event can cause a rift in a family that
can never be fully repaired. However, she writes of the resilience of wo(man) and
forgiveness, and hope.
EPaton@aol.com
PANIC SNAP by Laura Reese, 4 stars
The story involves mystery surrounding an attempted murder fifteen years before. The
victim survived with complete amnesia. Her struggle to find her past and unlock the clues
to the mystery of who she is leads her to the man who initiated her into an S&M
relationship fifteen years before. Unable to help herself, she gets involved again. This
relationship, while providing answers to her past identity, also raises more questions as
to why this type of relationship appeals to her BUT there is a twist at the end. The story
keeps you hooked and page turning BUT warning, you need a very strong stomach to read the
details of this relationship. They are hard to take.
BarbWhitti@aol.com
BACK WHEN WE WERE GROWNUPS by Anne Tyler, 5 stars
Like all Tyler's novels I want to live in them. I'm right there onstage with her
characters living their lives, rooting for them, grieving with them. I find I often feel
like "Beck" in Back When We Were Grown-ups. I'm having the wrong life. Surely
the life I'm living can't be the one I'm meant to have. As Beck when she chooses one life
over another and the question looms in her mind --- "What if I've taken the wrong
road?" Aren't we all at some point in our lives faced with that thought? I couldn't
put this book down. One cannot own too many copies of Tyler's books. Under "great
storyteller" in the dictionary is the name Anne Tyler.
JULIE AND ROMEO by , 5 stars
What luck to find true love at any age but most particularly when one is heading over the
other side of the mountain as Julie is when she finds her "Romeo" in the lovable
guy who is her rival in the business world. A funny book and a great read.
SCARLET FEATHER by Maeve Binchy, 5 stars
Another hit by this wonderful Irish writer. Another story to be savored. A book to be read
slower as the plot advances otherwise it's over too soon. Binchy captures the ups and
downs of married life, the trials of starting a new business, a woman in a man's world,
first love, then moving on to true love. Triumph over hardships. Many lessons to be
learned here. I know if I travel to Ireland I'll find the Scarlet Feather catering
business alive and well. If only in Maeve's head and my own! A must read.
PNormart@aol.com
TO-DO LISTS OF THE DEAD by Jonathan Katz, 5 stars
What a great idea for a humor book! And it was hilarious! There may be a few personalities
whose life stories you're not familiar with, so you won't get the joke. But for the most
part, these are well-known and familiar people, and you'll laugh yourself silly. I'll be
reading this little book over and over again.
THE GREATEST INVENTION IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND IS BEER AND OTHER MANLY INSIGHTS BY
DAVE BARRY by Dave Barry, 4 stars
Apparently it was "Funny Little Books Week" for me. I picked this up at the same
time I bought "To-Do Lists of the Dead." I enjoyed this book, don't get me
wrong, but Katz had raised the bar pretty high that afternoon, and Barry didn't quite
reach it. And ten dollars is a lot to pay for a 108-page book that measures 5.5" x
5.5".
nlephart@shol.com
ALONG CAME A SPIDER by James Patterson, 5 stars
This first book in the Alex Cross series kept me spellbound. It was very well-written and
at a fast pace that kept me turning the pages. I loved the short chapters that made me
read "just one more" while I was able to ignore housework.
KISS THE GIRLS by James Patterson, 5 stars
This second book in the Alex Cross series proved to be as good as the first one. I'm
trying to read this series in order as character development is best appreciated that way.
UNNATURAL EXPOSURE by Patricia Cornwell, 5 stars
Another great series featuring Kay Scarpetta who is a medical examiner for the state of
Virginia. Very well-written and was a hard book to put down.
OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon, 5 stars
Picked this book up this weekend and couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read the other
two books in the series. Time-travel romance going from 1945 back to 1742 Scotland. Makes
you really wonder...
Kasey5a@aol.com
HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG by Andre Dubus III, 5 stars
GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING by Tracy Chevalier, 5 stars
BODEGA DREAMS by Quinones, 5 stars
LIFE MAKEOVERS by Cheryl Richardson, 5 stars
All of the above books are well worth reading and will enhance your joy in life.
TristaAbshire@aol.com
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS by Dr. John DeMartini, 4 1/2 stars
This is one of the most profound self help/self love books I have ever read. Dr.
DeMartini's insight and studies of science, philosophy, and his own personal experiences
help you to turn negativity, fears, and problems into positive actions that will turn your
life around. The co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, Mark Victor Hansen also helped
write the book.
BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
ON THE STREET WHERE YOU LIVE by Mary Higgins Clark, 4 1/2 stars
If you're a Clark fan, this won't disappoint you! A page-turner, it keeps you guessing
until the end.
dmmay@yahoo.com
PERSIA CAFE by Melany Neilson, 5 stars
rasnick@pacbell.net
THIS BOOK IS FOR ALL KIDS, BUT ESPECIALLY MY SISTER LIBBY. LIBBY DIED. By Jack
Simon, 5 stars
This is a kid's book, but wow! It was written by a five-year-old when his little sister
died. If you know any children who are suffering the loss of a loved one, grab this one
and read it with them.
ZuchRN@aol.com
THE PROGRAM by Stephen White, 5 stars
This is the first book I have ever listened to on audio cassette. It was very well read
and written. This audio book captivated my attention.
DREAMCATCHER by Stephen King, 5 stars
Very good. Fast read.
kmell33@hotmail.com
GALILEO'S DAUGHTER by Dava Sobel, 3 stars
It was filled with a lot of scientific data. I had expected some but not to the extent
that it was. I was looking for more to do with the relationship between Galileo and his
daughter. I was disappointed in this book.
THE RED TENT by Anita Diamant, 5 stars
I loved this book. It's the fictional tale of Jacob and Dinah. It is so wonderfully
written, it just flows off the paper. I would recommend this to anyone.
petrole@netway.com
THEM by Joyce Carol Oates, 3 stars
I'm a huge Oates fan, although this dark tale of a family living in urban poverty was not
as "knock your socks off" great as so many of Oates's other novels. I thought it
was a bit drawn out, yet her grasp on the intense terrain of the human condition,
particularly the human condition amidst violence and hardship, remains unparalleled. I'd
recommend it to anyone who has a lot of patience with a book and doesn't mind a depressing
theme.
WASTED by Marya Hornbacher, 4 stars
This memoir of anorexia and bulimia is an important read for anyone who cares deeply about
the self-image of females today. It is filled with emotion, yet not melodramatic.
Hornbacher creates an appropriate distance from herself as subject of the book, and she
presents copious research on the topic as well.
Bossu49@aol.com
ON THE STREET WHERE YOU LIVE by Mary Higgins Clark, 5 stars
Great suspense.
THE HEIR by Johanna Lindsey, 4 stars
Sweet, touching story.
Joyfuljess@aol.com
SWITCH by Sandra Brown, 4 stars
Good read. Seemed a little implausible to me, but otherwise excellent. I like Sandra
Brown's mysteries.
MY SOUL TO KEEP by Tananarive Due, 4 stars
This was an excellent book with a well thought out premise. The character's were
intriguing, and the ending was a real surprise. Very good book.
Pegeth@aol.com
HORSE HEAVEN by Jane Smiley, 4 stars
I started out confused by the many characters, both animal and human. Now, halfway through
the book, I eagerly anticipate what will happen with each.
EKH965@aol.com
A PAINTED HOUSE by John Grisham, 3 stars
I gave it 3 stars because it was not one of his better books. I did kind of enjoy the boy
in the book as he was the only one to keep it going! His books are so exciting and then
there was this let down. I read it all the way through because it was by Grisham. I guess
into each life a little rain must fall.
lin111@juno.com
KILLING ME SOFTLY by Nicci French, 4 stars
"Unputdownable"
kindtb@ctrvax.Vanderbilt.Edu
BARK IF YOU LOVE ME by Louise Bernikow, no rating given
I also have a rescue boxer --- his name is Isaac and I really enjoyed reading this book.
DebbieNance@houston.rr.com
I seem to be starting more books these days than I am actually finishing them. I have
started and given up on: The Blind Assassin, The Long Goodbye, Orphan Trains, and The
Executioner's Song. I am a grownup. I decide! On the other hand, I have read many
wonderful books lately. Among the best were The Persian Pickle Club, The Painted House,
The Spectator Bird and The Girl with the Pearl Earring.
MRick212@aol.com
THE GIRL WHO CUT OFF HER FOOT AT THE MAIDSTONE CLUB by Julia Slaven, 5 stars
GIRL IN THE FLAMMABLE SKIRT by Aimee Bender, 5 stars
AN INVISIBLE SIGN OF MY OWN by Aimee Bender, 5 stars
CALIFORNIA'S OVER by Louis Jones, 5 stars
THE WRITER'S JOURNEY by Christopher Vogler, 5 stars
FALCONER by John Cheever, 5 stars
DAY OF THE LOCUSTS by N. West, 5 stars
BEING DEAD by Jim Crace, 5 stars
THE HUMAN STAIN by Philip Roth, 5 stars
CARSON MCCULLERS, A LIFE by J. Savigneau, 5 stars
WRITING NEW YORK by P. Lopate editor, 5 stars
A PATCHWORK PLANET by Anne Tyler, 5 stars
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