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Meadchinacourt@aol.com
THE BRONZE HORSEMAN
by Paullina Simons, 5 stars
Epic love story set during the seige of Leningrad during WWII. Strong characters that jump off the page, vivid descriptions --- this book is one that is impossible to put down. I immediately began to re-read this book the next day after finishing it the first time. I have decided the book is a metaphor for life. It is a must read.
GDurisin@aol.com
THE ENEMY WITHIN
by Robert Tanenbaum, 3 stars
The latest in the Butch Karp series is not the best, though it's still an OK read. Butch continues to struggle with ethical issues and political pressures in the DA's office. Marlene's security firm goes public, earning her mega bucks and sending her off on a crazed spending spree, and 17-year-old Lucy trolls the sewers of Manhattan searching for a homeless man who's suspected of being a serial killer.
THE SURGEON
by Tess Gerritsen, 5 stars
Two years after she was raped and almost killed in Savannah, a trauma surgeon's nightmare returns, as an apparent copy-cat killer murders women in her new hometown of Boston and sends gruesome photos and frightening messages to her about his victims. A thriller that kept me reading right to the end in one sitting.
THE ASSOCIATE
by Phillip Margolin, 3 stars
A young associate in a high-powered law firm suspects that his firm's client, a major drug company, is marketing a drug they know is unsafe. Certainly not the best that Margolin has written, with limited character development and too many implausible connections some of them red herrings among characters and events.
WHAT YOU OWE ME
by Bebe Moore Campbell, 3 stars
Much longer, and not as well-written, as Campbell's previous books this one could have benefited from a lot more editing. Too many characters and subplots, but none of them sufficiently developed. The basic story focuses on the daughter of a black woman, Hosanna, who helped Gilda, a Jewish immigrant, start up a cosmetics company in the late 40s. But Gilda disappears, leaving Hosanna with a worthless bank book for a cleared-out account, and Hosanna's ambition and her desire for revenge become her legacy to her daughter. Intertwined with this are numerous other stories of parent-child relationships, making Campbell's point that our responses accepting or not to our parents hope and dreams for us as children determine whom we will become as adults.
THE SHOT
by Philip Kerr, 4 1/2 stars
Kerr's thriller puts a new spin on the Kennedy assassination myth, and one that's quite believable, supported as it is by a cast of characters including politicians, CIA & FBI agents, the Secret Service, mobsters, Cubans on both sides of the Castro issue, and a freelance assassin who may have reasons of his own for wanting Kennedy dead. Great plotting and good portrayal of the time period, with twists and surprises that kept me wondering just who was working with whom until the very end.
JUSTICE: Crimes, Trials and Punishments
by Dominick Dunne, 1 star
Dunne has gathered a number of essays he wrote for Vanity Fair magazine about celebrity crimes and trials. The writing seems very uneven, with the best two essays, in my opinion, placed first and last. The first centers on the murder of Dunne's daughter, Dominique, by an ex-boyfriend who had been stalking her. The last focuses on the Martha Moxley murder, in which Michael Skaakel was recently charged, twenty-five years after the fact. Also covered: OJ (ten separate essays, none of them as well-written as the fictionalized account by Dunne, ANOTHER CITY NOT MY OWN, take up fully one-third of this book), the Mendenez brothers, and others. I had considered purchasing this one, as I have a number of Dunne's novels on my shelves, and usually enjoy his writing. I'm glad I didn't waste my money.
A BEND IN THE ROAD
by Nicholas Sparks, 3 stars
A deputy sheriff whose wife was killed in a car accident three years earlier meets and falls in love with his son's young divorced teacher, but his obsession with finding out the identity of the hit-and-run driver who caused his wife's death jeopardizes their relationship.
THE WOMAN NEXT DOOR
by Barbara Delinsky, 4 stars
Three couples share a quiet suburban cul-de-sac with a young widow. Her neighbor's discovery that she is pregnant sparks a heated debate over the identify of the father, as well as much soul searching about the couples' own relationships.
bizwomen@softhome.net
THE FAMILY
by Mario Puzo
I have to say it was a "can't put it down" book. Mario writes about the Borgia Pope's family and now I know where the mafia got it's true start!!!! Carol Gino did a great job finishing the book. I can't wait to see more of her work in the future! THE FAMILY will be at bookstores by October 4th!
Hourflight@aol.com
PETER SQUARED
by Ken Goldberg, 4 1/2 stars
Dr. Goldberg, novelist and clinical psychologist, takes us on an incredible journey into the life of one man's struggle for "sanity" and humanity, and the unforgettable people he encounters. Written clearly with vivid imagery that makes it very difficult to put this book down until the very satisfying last sentence. It is funny, sometimes hilarious, very sad and tragic, while always being intense and deep. You will learn, among many other things, how to become ambi-lung-uous, smoking with only one lung while giving the other one a rest! I highly recommend this novel to all adults and older, mature teens, as it touches upon universal themes we can all relate to. The book will hold special interest to all "helping" professionals and all those especially interested in the issues of mental illness, social services, psychotherapy, the power of human relationships and the quest for our humanity.
Bjglu@aol.com
BODY AND SOUL
by Frank Conroy, 4 1/2 stars
Reading this for a book club and wonder how I missed this terrific author before. It's the story of a boy, a musical prodigy, who grows into manhood in 50's New York and beyond. Music is integral to the story and if you know and understand music you'll probably enjoy it even more than I did. Great characters and believable plot.
patmead@hunsicker.org
THE BRONZE HORSEMAN
by Paullina Simons, 5 stars
This is an epic love story set during the siege of Leningrad during WWII. The author's vivid descriptions of the deprivations of the people of Leningrad during the siege take your breath away. And your breath is taken away again as the impossible love between Tatiana and Alexander unfolds with the complications of Tatiana's sister, Dasha, also in love with Alexander and the betrayals of Alexander's "friend" Dimitri. Sweeping story of love and betrayal, impossible to put down.
CNacon@aol.com
IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ENEMY
by Elizabeth George, 4 stars
This is probably not a new book, and the characters in this book are familiar to Elizabeth George readers. The plot is superb. Kept me turning the pages.
Dchi612@aol.com
ENVY
by Sandra Brown, 4 1/2 stars
It explores the way love and hatred shape lives, creating a breathtaking story of suspense.
VALAITISH@aol.com
HOW TO BE GOOD
by Nick Hornby, 4 1/2 stars
A witty, allegorical and realistic novel about what it means to be a good person, and whether it's really possible to be truly good. A woman doctor and mother of two thinks of herself as BEING a good person until her bitter, angry husband is transformed by a New Age guru into person who DOES good.
BEE SEASON
by Myla Goldberg - 4 stars
A Jewish cantor uses his daughter's natural talent for spelling to unlock the mysteries of God. An interesting, thought-provoking read. Good characters.
A WIDOW FOR A YEAR
by John Irvin, 3 stars
A "slice of life" novel that highlights a woman's life at three different periods. Mildly interesting, sometimes amusing, but doesn't quite pass the "so what?" test.
nosideco@jymis.com
GHOSTWRITTEN
by David Mitchell
It certainly deserves the attention that it has generated on both sides of the Atlantic pond. A well woven tale by an author who is deep in the talent department; a successor for Delillo's brand of vision. I can not wait to get a hold of a copy of NUMBER9DREAM and see if he's good enough to win the Booker or just good enough to garner a nomination. I think probably both.
Cairo1953@aol.com
THE RESCUE
by Nicholas Sparks, 5 stars
This book touched my heart like no other. Be prepared to loose control of your emotions. It was hard to hold back the tears at times. An absolutely beautiful story. A must read!!!
tarheel@jcn.net
ONE DREAM: the NFL
by Woody Falgoux
Although I am not an avid football fan, I was quickly drawn into the lives of undrafted rookies as they compete for a spot on the roster of the New Orleans Saints. This book reminded me of the ups and downs that occur in everyone's life.
Books4mel@yahoo.com
THE LAST CHANCE SALOON
by Marian Keyes, 4 stars
Another winner by Keyes; she's the Maeve Binchy of the 21st century.
THE ABSENCE OF NECTAR
by Kathy Hepinstall, 5 stars
Hepinstall can really write! NECTAR is a great follow-up to her first novel, THE HOUSE OF GENTLE MEN.
Lucky4750@aol.com
BORN IN FIRE
by Nora Roberts, 5 stars
Another trilogy set in Ireland. This first book takes you to Clare, Ireland where Maggie and Brianna, two sisters who love their Father intensly , don't understand why their Mother is so distant when it comes to expressing love or why she makes their Dad's life nothing but misery. This story deals mostly with the introduction of Maggie, the older sister, and how she finds love with the wealthy Rogin who is one of the most famous art dealers in Europe.
BORN IN ICE
by Nora Roberts, 5 stars
This story continues with Brianna, the domestic and saintly sister who runs a Bed and Breakfast in her childhood home. Her cooking is famous; everything she touches is done perfectly. Now that Maggie and Brianna have bought a house for their mother who is now widowed, Brianna is free to pursue her dreams. Then she meets Gray, a well known author who stops at the B and B for a tempory stay --- until he falls in love with Brianna. Then Brianna and Maggie find love letters from a woman to their father, Thomas, and learn they have a sister in America.
BORN IN SHAME
by Nora Roberts, 5 stars
As Brianna and Maggie hire an investigator to find their sister in America, Shannon, who is now 28 and is the sister they are searching for, finds out the man she believed her father is not her biological father. Angry and feeling betrayed by her parents she can't believe her real father is from Ireland and wants nothing to do with her family there. The investigator finds her and tells her she has 2 sisters in Clare and they would like to meet her. After balking about going she decides she may as well go because she needs a vacation. She meets Brianna and Maggie and even though she fights the emotions of being drawn to them , she finds comfort with them, and then she meets their neighbor and close friend Murphy. You won't be able to put the book down after that.
FINDING THE DREAM
by Nora Roberts, 5 stars
Another excellent story of love, I had a hard time putting this one down once I started reading.
rohara@Princeton.EDU
NIGHT
by Elie Wiesel, 5 stars
I don't know what drew me to this book at this particular time; perhaps it was the feeling of helplessness we've all been experiencing, many of us at a safe remove from the site of the tragedy, but all of us so close to it yet the same. Night is Wiesel's first person tale of his time as a 15-year-old Jew in Auschwitz and Buna, his separation from the women in his family, and the eventual loss of his father. There was something here for me at this time of national tragedy: some strength to be gleaned from reading about perseverance, about overcoming, about the indomitable human spirit that rebounds and goes on. This is not an easy read. In fact, at times it was extremely difficult, but it gave me release. This should be read by everyone.
Momclg@aol.com
1,000 WHITE WOMEN
by Jim Fergus, 5 stars
The book is a historical novel based on an actual event but carried out differently. When the Cheyenne Indians asked President Grant to send them 1,000 white women for brides President Grant naturally refused. This book is written on the idea that he agreed.
Pjwhome@aol.com
THREE TO GET DEADLY
by Stephanie Plum
I love these Stephanie Plum novels. She brings a lot of fun to crime fiction. As a fledgling bounty hunter she relies on her New Jersey upbringing and her assortment of downright odd friends and family members to find her quarry. The characters are hilariously eccentric but somehow remind you of your own family members. THREE TO GET DEADLY --- the third in the series --- requires Stephanie to bring in a "burg" favorite who turns out to be not as friendly and lovable as everyone believes him to be. It's a fun fast read from start to finish.
pseidel@dcgrp.com
IN THE FALL
by Jeffery Lent, 4 stars
When 17-year-old Norman Pelham departs his father's Vermont farm to join the Union army, he can little anticipate the incredulity and scorn that his return --- accompanied by his former-slave bride --- will elicit. The newlyweds make a go of country life, Leah's industry wins the locals' begrudging respect, and the two transact a fidelity that only rarely acknowledges their racial dissimilarities. Leah, however, who fled her native North Carolina after lashing out violently against a lifetime of abuse, believes an inescapable retribution stalks her. And so, beset with guilt and anxious to confront her own past, she briefly leaves Norman and their three children, throwing all five lives into disarray. Her desperation eventually reemerges in her youngest child, the volatile Jamie, who abandons farm life for bootlegging and rash romance. When his own ruthlessness undoes him, it falls to his son, Foster, to uncover the lingering mystery of Leah's life and death, as well as the obstinate racism that has stalked the Pelhams.
Author40@aol.com
FAR ABOVE RUBIES
by Cynthia Polansky
This is a new book that has been passed around my local book club and it's a real sleeper: a page-turning, fast-reading novel about a Holocaust survivor. It's based on a real woman who survived Auschwitz, and in light of the recent terrorist attacks on the U.S., I think we could all use a dose of courage and integrity.
cleas@earthlink.net
ISABEL'S BED
by Elinor Lipman, 4 stars
A smart, fun comedy of manners with a heroine that I can certainly relate to: Forty-one, single, and an aspiring writer, she finds more fulfillment than she bargained for (and in much different form) when she accepts a gigas, a ghost writer in a lovely modern house in Truro, Cape Cod. A good tonic for these otherwise depressing times!
Bicx@aol.com
ALIAS GRACE
by Margaret Atwood, 4 stars
An interesting character study of an immigrant girl of poor family background who becomes employed and has many adventures within the households she works. There is a murder (or two) - did Grace do it or not?
ELLA IN BLOOM
by Ms. Hearon, 4 stars
A lovely, sweet tale about a woman who doesn't think much of herself but wins out in the end.
NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH
by John Lescroart, 5 stars
An exciting mystery that you cannot put down.
THE VINEYARD
by Barbara Delinsky, 4 stars
A good easy read about a family in the wine producing business. Many twists and turns to the story and good character development.
PARALLEL LIES
by Ridley Pearson, 5 stars
A good mystery about an injustice involving a train crashing into a car with a woman and children - good mix between the detective and the perp.
Vikkivand@aol.com
LAKE WOBEGON 1956
by Garrison Keillor, 1 Star
I could not get into this book and after reading up to 150 pages, I stopped forcing myself to keep reading.
SUZANNE'S DIARY FOR NICHOLAS
by James Patterson, 3 stars
If you liked The Notebook and Bridges of Madison County, you'll like this book. The story was okay, but nothing spectacular. Considering it has been on the bestsellers list for awhile, I guess I expected more.
MomProvo@aol.com
DROWNING RUTH
A MAP OF THE WORLD
OPEN HOUSE
I am currently trying to get through the Oprah picks. I am reading Drowning Ruth right now and just finished A Map of the World and Open House. Enjoy them all although some are deeply depressing and a little harder to get through, especially A Map of the World.
Susmu@aol.com
OCTOBER SKY
by Homer H. Hickam, Jr., 5 stars
This is a beautifully written memoir about a boy growing up in a coalmining town in West Virginia. It's about a time of innocence and insight in a boy's life. The book conveys a sense of hopefulness for the future that is especially comforting at this time in light of recent events. I loved it. I've already started Hickam's other memoir, THE COALWOOD WAY.
BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
OUTER BANKS
by Anne Rivers Siddons, 4 stars
A well-written story about friendship, love, jealousy and revenge.
Hon2724@aol.com
THE QUIET GAME
by Greg Iles, 5 stars
BSch195680@aol.com
THE BALANCE WITHIN
by Esther M. Sternberg, 3 stars
Entertaining and educational.
FMR1@aol.com
OPEN SEASON
by Linda Howard, 3 Stars
Although this book was not as good as her previous publication, it is still worth the read. For those who like both romance and suspense, Open Season is a good fit.
BLACK AND BLUE
by Anna Quindlen, 5 Stars
For those who haven't read it, get it NOW. For those who have read it, read it again. This book brings domestic abuse to the forefront of our minds in the most eloquent fashion. Although I usually don't like books written in the first person, BLACK AND BLUE couldn't be written any other way. The strength, love, and undeniable will to survive flows from the pages straight to your heart. Definitely worth the read.
UKHRH@aol.com
MOZART'S WIFE
by Juliet Waldron, 5 stars
Evocative, sensual and with a brilliant talent for the narrative, Waldron not only brings an obscure figure from the past to life she positively deflates Mozart down to a human genius, with faults and humor.
PFLucas@aol.com
THE BONESETTER'S DAUGHTER
by Amy Tan, 5 stars
This book is divided into three parts: the story of Ruth who is a ghostwriter by profession, the story of LuLing, Ruth's mother who has Alzheimer's, and the story of LuLing's past in China. There are many secrets and miscommunication which keep relations difficult between the generations. It is an interesting mother and daughter relationship with many loving side stories.
THE PERSIAN PICKLE CLUB
by Sandra Dallas, 5 stars
A great book about the friendship of women and their community spirit in helping one another.
joe_dante@flashmail.com
PAIN MANAGEMENT
by Andrew Vachss, 5 stars
One of the best Burke novels to date. As always, great and unique characters, fantastic plot twists and an important message wrapped up in spare and steely prose, that will have you on the edge of your seat until the totally unexpected ending. Highly recommended reading!
CAPTAINS OUTRAGEOUS
by Joe R. Lansdale, 5 stars
Hap and Leonard on the high seas! The two best characters being written today on another of their perilous and hilarious adventures. A can't-put-down wild read that sees a "kinder, gentler" Hap and Leonard looking at life and love ... yeah right! A great read!
dbelk105@adelphia.net
FLOATING IN MY MOTHER'S PALM
by Ursula Hegi, 4 stars
By the author of STONES FROM THE RIVER, which was set in a small village in Germany, this novel is set in the same village, but after the war. Written before Stones....the stories are about some of the same people we learned to care about in the later book.
COALWOOD
by Homer Hickam, 4 stars
The author shares more of his life in Coalwood, W.VA as he did in ROCKET BOYS, his previous book. The reader develops a new awareness of the harsh, uncompromising life of the miners and their families, always subservient to the "company".
Chanz1000@aol.com
UNDER THE LAKE
by Stuart Wood, 2 stars
The story revolves around an investigative reporter who goes to a small town to write the life story of a millionaire food distributor. During this time, his curiosity is piqued by the presence of another investigative reporter. This second reporter has gone undercover at the Sheriff's office, trying to discover the town's troubling secrets. I found the story contrived and coincidental. Mr. Wood's female characters are annoyingly disturbing. Each woman in the book spends an inordinate amount of time ruminating about having sex with men. As a woman, I find this a ridiculous mentality to apply to women in general. And any attempt at developing the relationships in the story into a romance was poorly done. The clues that lead the protagonist in his quest are based on coincidence and the paranormal. The former is obvious and tedious; the latter is barely believable. Of the rest of the story, there are circumstances that are completely absurd. Notably, the time when the sheriff enlists the help of the main character in foiling a robbery attempt.
EPaton@aol.com
DREAMCATCHER
by Stephen King, 4 stars
It has classic elements of King's style. He reveals some, parts of others, and then leaves you hanging while he goes on to something else only to pick up the stuff he left you hanging with later. This style is a little maddening but, truth be told, it's one of the reasons I love King so much. I am thoroughly enjoying this book and others will too.
Ratacheck1234@aol.com
INNKEEPING WITH MURDER
by Tim Myers, 5 stars
In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mts is a charming inn and lighthouse. This is a debut book with innkeeper Alex Winston who has had his share of worry since he found a
murder! This is a delightful book to read and I hope this will be a series.
KILLER STUFF
by Sharon Fiffer, 4 1/2 stars
Another debut book that is a cozy with a modern voice. Jane Wheeler, recently laid off from her job, loves to go to antique auctions, garage sales and flea markets. She is trying to earn some money this way and finds more than what she bargained. This takes place in Chicago and has interesting, full dimensional characters.
Dchi612@aol.com
THE ASSOCIATE
by Phillip Margolin, 4 stars
A courtroom thriller about a pharmaceutical research which leads to deceit and murder. Once you get started it is hard to put the book down.
LSzerlip@cs.com
16 LIGHTHOUSE ROAD
by Debbie Macomber, 4 stars
I think this was a good and quick read. A great beach or weekend book, not too much to think about. It is just a nice and decent story.
OTHER PEOPLE'S MARRIAGES
by Rosie Thomas, 3 stars
The writing style of this book is very good, but the subject matter makes every marriage look like a bad one. I was very depressed by the end of the story.
Expose
by Laura Van Wormer, 4 stars
Easy and a pleasure to read. I would recommend it and enjoy the sometimes lighthearted sections.
Vikkivand@aol.com
MIDDLE AGE
by Joyce Carol Oates, 4 Stars
The story is about the friends of a mysterious sculptor named Adam Berendt who had accidentally lost his life while saving a young girl in a boating mishap on the Hudson River. During the year after his death, these friends transform their lives in ways that you wouldn't believe possible. The book was dragging initially, but by the end of the book I actually "liked" the characters. Good writing. I enjoyed it.
BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
CHANG AND ENG
by Darin Strauss, 3 stars
Very unusual book. A look at the fictional lives of Siamese twins.
Bjglu@aol.com
UP IN THE AIR
by Walter Kirn 2 1/2 stars
Odd little story about a man attempting to get 1 million frequent-flyer miles and the story of this attempt. We follow him from place to place, meeting people along the way. He lives in Airworld, a parallel universe from the rest of us. Amusing at times, and certainly different.
gojessgo@looped.com
JUSTICE
by Dominick Dunne, 5 stars
For someone who is interested in the "behind the scene" action like me, this book was great. Dunne shares his experiences from many of the world's greatest trials in the past 20 years. My favorite story was Dunne's own about his beloved daughter, murdered by a obsessive ex-boyfriend. As the first chapter in the book, it sets the stage for why Dunne is so passionate about justice.
ENVY
by Sandra Brown, 4 stars
I was bummed out by Brown's last book THE SWITCH so I was a little reluctant to read this new one, but I am so glad that I did! What a great book! There were no REAL surprises, but who cares? It was great anyway!
SALEM FALLS
by Jodi Picoult, 5 stars
If you have never read any of Jodi Picoult's books, run don't walk to the library and get this book. It was fantastic! The story is of Jack St. Bride, wrongfully accused of rape not once but twice in his short lifetime. This book has many twists and turns and also turns out a pretty good mystery as well. I also very highly recommend her book PLAIN TRUTH.
mi3son@bellsouth.net
THE FORGOTTEN
by Faye Kellerman 5 Stars
This Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus novel is about the desecration of a Jewish synagogue, and how Rina gets the community together of all religions to help with the cleanup, and the investigation by her husband Peter Decker to find out who did it, and the murders that occurred because of it. It was a very good book. It also tells how a stepfather and his stepson come to an understanding of each other. It was a very interesting read and it kept you interested until the end.
ckarp@catherinekarp.com
MOZART'S WIFE
by Juliet Waldron, 5 stars
An overlooked gem of a novel that brings to life the story of Konstanze Mozart, wife of the talented, eccentric, irresponsible, and promiscuous genius Wolfgang Amadeus. Waldron clearly poured years of research and passion into her novel, for her 18th-century world springs vividly to life, and each character --- from Konstanze to the lowliest servant --- is intricately and thoughtfully drawn. Proving that "historical fiction" should not automatically be equated with a dry, heavy read, MOZART'S WIFE successfully combines romance, history, music, and even erotica, and leads the reader on a memorable journey into the life of a long-ago superstar. A must have.
KarenKkric@aol.com
FEAST OF LOVE
by Charles Baxter, 4 1/2 Stars
This is a poetic, moving examination of love in its many different forms. One of the best books I've read this year. The only reason I did not give it 5 Stars is because I reserve that for my most favorite books.
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