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AWElmore@aol.com
C.S. LEWIS
by A. N. Wilson
PERSONAL HISTORY
by Katherine Graham
cleas@earthlink.net
NEW HOPE FOR THE DEAD
by Charles Willeford, 5 stars
Just discovered the great, out-of-print, Charles Willeford mysteries starring Hoke Mosely. I began with the second in the series, and am seeking the others. Five star fun.
camurray@webtv.net
THE UNSUNG HERO
by Suzanne Brockmann
I love her books and eagerly await each new one.
Nsfinder@aol.com
THE WORLD BELOW
by Sue Miller
A compelling, interesting novel, like her others. Sue Miller is a wonderful author.
DPanzy@aol.com
GRAND AVENUE
by Joy Fielding, 5 stars
Group of women met through their children. They shared everything good, bad and faced the challenges of life head-on.
Lgluhani@aol.com
THE CORRECTIONS
by Jonathan Franzen, 4 1/2 stars
This is a terrific book -- one that makes you think and consider life in new ways. It's hard to explain, but the author presents ideas and the "aha" factor comes into play. Or the "why didn't I think of that?" It's a book that makes you remember why you love to read in the first place!
VALAITISH@aol.com
CHOCOLAT
by Joanne Harris, 5 stars
Loved the movie, loved the book. The movie followed the book format closely, so if you've seen the movie, you know what the book is about. In the book, however, you get the internal dialog and motivations of Vianne and Reynaud, the latter being far less benign in the book than in the movie.
LetsJustDance@aol.com
BLOOD MONEY
by Thomas Perry
A wonderfully well-written book in the Jane Whitefield series. This is the best one that I've read so far. The situations and schemes have all been well-researched and it shows. The detail is a welcome surprise. So many times authors are vague about the particulars, but Perry wants us to know why Jane Whitefield is the best 'guide' that you can get, if you can find her. In this book, a teenager is one of the people she's "taking out of the world". The teen is wanted by the mob, and she does not fully understand the gravity of her situation. At one point, with time running out, the teen is being stubborn and refusing to cooperate and Jane simply grabs her, takes her down and out of the situation. The girl is left rubbing her shoulder and speechless...but alive. Sometimes author are afraid to have their characters do something that rough, but in life, no one is perfect, and it is nice to be able to identify with a woman who is nice when she can be, but will.
GDurisin@aol.com
THE WORLD BELOW
by Sue Miller, 3 stars
A disappointment, as I'd looked forward to reading this, but the relationships between mother, daughter, and granddaughter were never fully fleshed out. In parallel narratives partially revealed through diaries, a twice-divorced woman, returning after their deaths to live for a time in her grandparent's house, learns the secrets of her grandmother's life, and finds some parallels to her own.
GOOD HARBOR
by Anita Diamant, 5 stars
A friendship forms in Gloucester by the sea between a 59-year-old woman recently diagnosed with cancer, and a 42-year-old struggling with her own issues: her young teenaged daughter's moodiness and pulling away from mom, along with her husband's immersion in his work seemingly to the exclusion of any relationship with his family. Diamant is a wonderful observer of people, with a good understanding of how relationships work.
PEACE LIKE A RIVER
by Leif Enger, 4 1/2 stars
This is a book that doesn't belong on the bestseller list only because it's so much better than much of the pop-fiction that keeps it company there. Lyrical writing, deeply-drawn characters, and a wonderful, imaginative plot that keeps the readers interest, and when ended, makes me want more. A writer to watch!
BLACK HOUSE
by Stephen King and Peter Straub, 3 stars
In this sequel to Kings 1984 novel The Talisman, Jack Sawyer is called on again to solve a murder, and again is thrust into a parallel universe to do battle with evil. Though it dragged a bit toward the end, and had a lot more gore than I personally needed, overall this was a well-written fantasy that promises some fantastic special effects when it eventually (and inevitably) hits the big screen.
SHOCK
by Robin Cook, 1 star
Elliphant@aol.com
THE RED TENT
by Anita Diamant, 5 stars
I have loaned my book to many friends and recommended it to others who do notlive near me. Almost every friend has said, "Oh, that is the best book I ever read. I did not think I would like it when I started it."
Jsaofusa@aol.com
THE CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR
by Jean Auel, 5 stars
In anticipation of the April 30, 2002 release of Jean Auel's 5th Earth's Children book, The Shelters of Stone, I am rereading the other four books in the series. They are The Clan of the Cave Bear, The Valley of Horses, The Mammoth Hunters, and The Plains of Passage. Truthfully, however, I'm not going to reread every word of the four books. That would take too long and Jean has a habit of taking twenty pages to describe the surrounding landscape. But, I do want to refamiliarize myself with the story lines, the characters, the history, and the locales. My plan is to read "almost" every word and write an outline for myself (and for a few friends). It's been eleven years since the last book was published and because I read them as soon as they were released my 53-year old memory needs refreshing. I would give all four of Jean Auel's books 5 stars.
Hornetluv@aol.com
MIDNIGHT BAYOU
by Nora Roberts, 5 stars
Loving every minute of this book.
mi3son@bellsouth.net
PALE HORSE COMING
by Stephen Hunter, 5 stars
This is a great book. It is about Earl Swagger US Marine Corp who helps to liberate Thebes Penal Farm(Colored) in Thebes, Mississippi. It was a page turner --- could not put it down.
DBrass1940@aol.com
CHEYENNE AUTUMN
by Larry McMurtry
One of his earlier works, I found the relationship between two men and the woman they love to be poignant and satisfying.
GandmaRI@aol.com
HONG KONG
by Stephen Coonts, 4 stars
A book about a revolution in Hong Kongagainst the communists. Jake and Callie Grafton on old friends Toad Tarkington and Tiger Cole are all involved in the suspense. Great page turning Coonts fiction!
shifel02@aol.com
TIME LIMIT
by Vince Scully
It was exciting from beginning to end and probably has a grain of truth in it.
malaniek@netzero.net
THE RED TENT
by Anita Diamont, 5 stars
I highly recommend this book. It is family saga from the women's point of view, set in biblical times. It is beautifully written and very engaging.
FlaBecky@aol.com
NO-NO BOY
by John Okada, 5 stars
Japanese-Americans after WWII
OBASAN
by Joy Kogawa, 5 stars
Japanese-Canadians after WWII - very poetic writing
WATERLILY
by Ella Cara Deloria
Sioux Indian life prior to European invasion
NO TELEPHONE TO HEAVEN
by Michelle Cliff, 4 stars
Jamaican-Americans and what has happened to Jamaica itself - a bit overwhelming, emotionally
The last four novels that I have read were for an Ethnic American Literature course that I am taking in graduate school. All have been a good read and educational at the same time.
bmitchell2360@home.com
BIG STONE GAP
by Adriana Trigiani, 4 stars
HIGH FIVE
by Janet Evanovich, 4 stars
THE LADIES OF COVINGTON SEND THEIR LOVE
by Joan Medlicott, 4 stars
NORA, NORA
by Ann River Siddons, 4 stars
Vikkivand@aol.com
MAN AND BOY
by Tony Parsons, 5 stars
This book reminded me of Kramer vs. Kramer from the last 70's...only the English version. When Harry Silver turns 30 he has an affair with a colleague that destroys his marriage. His wife takes a job in Japan, which leaves him to raise their son as a single parent. At the same time, Harry loses his job and his father is dying of cancer. Harry's wife returns and wants their son to live with her. There were many parts of the book that were deeply moving and sometimes very sad. I loved the father's boots and kids sneakers on the corner of every page! Good story.
AS LONG AS SHE NEEDS ME
by Nicholas Weinstock, 4 Stars
Oscar Campbell is a personal assistant to Dawn of Dawn Books, A New York City Publishing House. Oscar is assigned to plan his boss's wedding when she plans to marry another big book publisher. Through coordinating this event (get this...the wedding and reception is held at the restaurant on the top floor of the World Trade Center in NYC), he meets and falls in love with Lauren LaRose, a wedding consultant. Quick read. I liked this book.
Lucky4750@aol.com
JOEY DEE GETS WISE
by Louise Ermelino, 3 stars
Set in Little Italy in New York , it's the story of one Joey Dee who longs to get away from the mafiosa type guys and little Italy. That is until a friend ends up needing his protection from those wise guys because he witnessed Joey Dee's father get hit. An okay read !
WEDDED TO CRIME
by Sandra Sadowsky w/ H.B. Gilmour, 5 stars
This is a true story about a nice Jewish girl who hooks up with Bernie Barton, a connected guy. It has lots of humor ? It has a few famous names of those involved with the mob , even if only in terms of being friends with. I enjoyed this story.
BLOW
by Bruce Porter, 3 stars
The story of a hometown boy, football hero who goes after a quick buck! The movie was probably much better than this 311 page detailed account of the Drug connections. The Escobar family etc.
Bettys1870@aol.com
PLAYING BOTTICELLI
by Liza Nelson, 4 stars
CANDYLAND
by Evan Hunter/Ed McBain, 1 star
Very disappointed in this book. I have always enjoyed Hunter/McBain, but this one is very poor. It is a novel in two parts: #1 tells of a man who cannot control his zipper. #2 is the detective work in trying to solve a homicide of a prostitute. The climax is too contrived!
DaveRudy@aol.com
GALILEO'S DAUGHTER
by Dava Sobel
MASON JARS IN THE FLOOD
by Gary Carden
SHAMAN'S DAUGHTER
by Nan Salerno
Each is a little different from what "normal" people read.
Britadon@aol.com
THE LAST REPORT ON THE MIRACLES AT LITTLE NO HORSE
by Louise Erdrich, 5 stars
Begins rather strangely and I almost put it down...so glad I went on
as it is one of the best books that I have read in a long time. Will be recommending it to my bookclub.
JUSTICE
by Faye Kellerman, 4 star
Been around for a while but is a really good mystery.
A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES
by Lawrence Block, 3 stars
Pretty graphic and violent. Nothing like his burglar series but well written.
Rutharmita@aol.com
HEART OF THE BEAST
by Joyce Weatherford
A novel encompassing family issues, farming and tribal rights, set in eastern Oregon. Great language and imagery, romance and drama, as we follow Iris Steele from childhood to adult facing issues from family to community. A hopeful tradgedy.
millerrb@netvision.net.il
BLACKBERRIES, BLACKBERRIES
by Crystal Wilkinson
A great collection of stories of Black women from rural Kentucky. They get across a real warmth and sincerity that more "sophisticated" writers just I know that books that make you "laugh and cry" might be pretty common, but these stories are really something special.
CHAINS AROUND THE GRASS
by Naomi Ragen
She's always been one of my favorites, but this book is very, very different from her earlier books, like Jepthe's Daughter of Sotah. This seems to be autobiographical, the story of Naomi's (well, in the book, Sara's) parents: the father who's always dreaming, the mother who's always (emotionally) dependent. The real story is after her father's death, and how the three main characters -- the girl, the older brother and the mother -- are forced to change and grow into their potential.
NGroves@aol.com
MY DREAM OF YOU
by Nuala O'Faolain
This novel by an Irish writer incorporates several stories: the current
activities of the protagonist, a female travel writer originally from Ireland who has lived in England for many years; scenes from her past; and her musings about a historical event, an alleged affair between an English woman and an Irish man who worked on the family's estate near the end of the Irish famine of the mid-1800s. The contemporary woman is researching the affair, hoping to write either a factual account or a fictionalized version based on what she thinks might have happened between the two of them, which is not necessarily something that would be found in court records of divorce proceedings initiated by the woman's husband. A common thread in the writer's past and present as well as in the historical affair is the search for love, both romantic and familial. I'd recommend this book for readers who like a novel with depth, rather than a quick read and simplistic characters and situations.
PFLucas@aol.com
IN THE COMPANY OF ANGELS
by N.M. Kelby, 4 stars
A short novel that is set in A small village in France and a convent in
Tournai, Belgium. A young French Jew, Marie Claire, lives with her
grandmother and learns to cultivate the rare black iris. During an attack by the Germans, she is separted from her grandmother and hides in the root cellar where she buries herself as like an iris bulb in the soil. After many days she is rescued by two Belgian nuns who keep her hidden in the convent and wait for an opportunity to transport her to Switzerland. During her stay in the convent, miracles begin to happen. It is a good story woven with faith, love, and war, that ended all to soon.
A GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING
by Tracy Chevalier, 4 stars
A story that describes social order, seventeenth century living, and the work of the artist Vermeer through the eyes of a fifteen year old maid. The author provides a very good description of Vermeer's work, and painting process. I especially enjoyed learning about the methods used to make various colors of paint.
Kaelesa@aol.com
JOHN ADAMS
by David McCullough
I think this is a good time to go back to the beginning of our democratic roots, and this book is an excellent guide to how our democracy came about. It might even put some of today's "hot" issues in perspective, like right-to-privacy and freedom of speech.
Babyroses6124@aol.com
THE CAT WHO WENT INTO THE CLOSET
by Lilian Jackson Braun, 5 stars
May210@aol.com
SAY GOODNIGHT GRACIE
by Julie Reece Deaver, 5 stars
This touching, realistic book is reminiscent of Ordinary People. It's about a seventeen-year-old girl, an actress, who must cope with mind-numbing grief when her lifelong best friend, a boy, is suddenly killed. I didn't realize this was a book written for young adults until after I had read it, but I believe any age would enjoy this story. I'd recommend it to those struggling to find a way to heal any grief they are experiencing in their own lives.
vicpryles@aol.com
THE DEVIL'S LARDER
by Jim Crace, 5 stars
These gastronomical delights of fiction will please everyone who enjoys inventive writing that uses really original prose.
Nancy.Fischer@cityofhouston.net
THE DYING ANIMAL
by Philip Roth, 4 stars
I had forgotten how much I enjoy reading his work. He tells a great story. We all know people just like those who inhabit his novels. However, I get angry and insulted by his antediluvian misogyny. I'm about his age, but he is, after 60 or so years, still a 12-year-old boy at heart and mind, whose only interest in women is as sex objects. This may be a compliment to him. Despite this rant, I am still intrigued by and enjoy his writing. What a dichotomy!
JuliBarr@aol.com
GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING
by Tracy Chevalier, 4 stars
Great period piece. It's nice to read something that is not written from the "upper crust's" point of view.
OUTLANDER
by Diana Gabaldon, 5 stars
I am re-reading this book in anticipation of The Fiery Cross, due out in November. This is absolutely on of my favorite books ever. The whole series about Jamie and Clair is fabulous. I read the original 900+ page book in two days. (Needless to say, I didn't get much else done!)
LibraAeon@aol.com
THE GIANT'S HOUSE
by Elizabeth McCracken
This book has such an original premise it's refreshing. It's a love story about an unusal friendship between a 26-year-old librarian and an "over-tall" 11-year-old boy named James. As the book starts James is 11 and six foot two. Peggy (the librarian)is drawn to him and his love for books and knowledge astime passes and as he continues to grow their friendship grows taking both of them to places they never would have gone had they not ever met. It's the kind of story that if you stay with it, it will stay with you forever and you won't regret having read it.
THE WARMEST DECEMBER
by Bernice L. McFadden, 5 stars
A great book. A story about redemption, breaking vicious cycles and healing. It's about a girl named Kenziewho grows up in a house with her father who is a horribly abusive alcoholic. In this story you also meet her mother and her baby brother who are also victims of his violence. In the beginning of the story her father (Hy-Lo) is lying on his deathbed. Kenzie finds herself going to visit him for some reason unknown to her. Now as an adult and an alcoholic herself she finds herself facing past demons, beating them and learning why they ever existed in the first place. IT'S JUST A GREAT READ.
ladyfriends2001@aol.com
I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE
by Wally Lamb, 5 stars
This book is great reading. It is about a man and his twin brother who is schitzophranic. As the story is told the writer takes you back to the childhood so you understand where the plot is coming from. Most of it is about the healthy brother and how he is torn between taking care of his brother and struggling to make his own life. Once you start reading, it's hard to put down.
MIKAELAM@prodigy.net
CRADLE AND ALL
by James Patterson, 4 stars
Good book. This is the first time reading a James Patterson book and so far so good. This particular book is a real page turner.
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