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HOSO4U@aol.com
COLD NOSES AT THE PEARLY GATES
by Gary Kurz, 5 stars
I lost a precious pet and as you might imagine, I was distraught, crushed. I read a lot of books, but never in my life did I think there was a book like this. This book is one of the most helpful and comforting works I have ever read on any topic where emotions are present. We all wonder about death, and there is no shortage of religions to tell us about it. But when it comes to our animals, this is an area where there is nothing but silence. The author breaks the silence and speaks so loudly and clearly. The title not only captures the essence of the book, but the imagination and hopes of the reader. Get this book.
BEVERLYBUZZARD@aol.com
THE OATH
by Frank Peretti, 5 stars
PFLucas@aol.com
TULIP FEVER
by Deborah Moggach, 5 stars
A story that describes life in the 17th century Amsterdam art world where those in the upper society commission portraits for their immortality. Amid the beauty of the art world lies the risky market of the tulip trade and it seems that everyone has tulip fever. It is a tale of lust and greed with an unexpected ending.
BIG CHERRY HOLLER
by Adriana Trigiani, 5 stars
A sequel to Big Stone Gap with the same delightful characters and a few interesting twists in the plot.
christiehaack@home.com
TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE
by Mitch Album
My husband received it for a gift at Christmas and I grabbed it first!
dbschlosser@analects-ink.com
LIAR'S POKER
by Michael Lewis, 5 stars
Rising through the Wreckage on Wall Street, his unique perspectives on the rise and fall of the bond traders at Salomon Brothers. As in his other work, Lewis's writing is insightful and witty, his observations incisive and well worth reading.
WHEN GENIUS FAILED: The Rise and Fall of Long Term Capital Management
by Roger Lowenstein
An excellent and fast-paced review of the colossal, spectacular, and expensive failure of LTCM (headed by a former Salomon trader). The book is thoroughly enjoyable, but earns slightly less favorable praise because Lowenstein makes the book exceedingly readable by failing to adequately explain some of the more complicated financial concepts that are integral to the story. Also, Lowenstein occasionally forgets his generally good journalistic objectivity to insert a number of explanation points. I next plan to read Against the Odds: The Remarkable Story of Risk, by Peter L. Bernstein, and get my fill of the fascinating world of speculating on what people do with their money.
Kellmor2@aol.com
COMING HOME
by Rosmunde Pilcher, 4 1/2 stars
Curl up by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate topped with cool whip and read.
loosegat@earthlink.net
THE GOLDEN COMPASS
by Phillip Pullman
I've been meaning to read this for two years, and I finally did last week, in two days. Great for young adults moving beyond Harry Potter and for just plain adults who like great fantasy with serious overtones. The first book in a trilogy.
GIDEON'S SPIES: The Secret History of the Mossad
by Gordon Thomas
The behind the scenes stories of Israel's most secret service. Exciting, and scary.
HEAVYLENNY@aol.com
JACKDAWS
by Ken Follett, 5 stars
About my favorite topic, WWII resistance/espionage. Ken Follett along with Jack Higgins are the best storytellers I know especially focusing on WWII thrillers. The characters are heroic and the plots not implausible.
THE GOOD GERMAN
by Joseph Kanon, 3 1/2 stars
Also is post WWII themed and a bit more reserved and almost narrated in style. It is dry as a Le Carre would be instead of action-packed as Follett.
LAST MAN STANDING
by David Baldacci
Already has me anxious.
pbennett@westga.edu
THE PIANO SHOP ON THE LEFT BANK
by Thad Carhart, 5 stars.
This book is hard to categorize. It is basically a memoir but encompased so much more. It includes living as an expat in Paris, reflections on music and music lessons and I've only scratched the surface.
Staceykb72@aol.com
DEADHOUSE
by Linda Fairstein, 1 star
Being interested in mysteries and the whole practice of forensics, I thought this book would be great. Well, let me say that myself and my fellow book club readers thought very little of this book. A female district attorney who is trying to solve a crime of a murder stumbles upon a bigger mystery, that of the "deadhouse". Not only was this book very easy to put down, it was very hard to pick back up. The author puts WAY too much filler in the book about totally non-related cases, which we could only assume was to make it a full size book, instead of a short story. If you want a book to make you fall asleep, this would be the one. Otherwise, don't waste good reading time.
Bjglu@aol.com
A FINE BALANCE
by Mistry, 4 1/2 stars
Excellent story, great characters, wonderful sense of time and place.
polarbear90@mediaone.net
WE WERE THE MULVANEYS
by Joyce Carol Oates, 3 stars
I'm only about a quarter of the way through this, and it's pretty good. I was reluctant to try it at first because it's an Oprah book and those seem consistently depressing. I'm starting to wonder if this is the right book to read when you are raising teenagers.
Lankford0714@aol.com
ELLA MINNOW PEA
by Dunn, 5 stars
Five stars for originality and cleverness. Anyone who enjoys the English language and the written word should read this book. It is not that it is deep or thought provoking commentary, it is just so darn clever!
BLACK DOG
by Stephan Booth, 4 stars
On of the best first novels I have read in a long time. It is a mystery that will keep you guessing for a long time.
L.A. REQUIEM
by Robert Crais, 5 stars
The best book Crais has ever done, before and since. I am so happy that another Elvis Cole mystery is about to be released. Crais has published 2 books since L.A. Requiem using new characters, I feared Elvis had gone to the graveyard!
KerryKerry45@aol.com
THE SHIPPING NEWS
by E. Annie Proulx
I am currently struggling with the characters and writing style of THE SHIPPING NEWS. I will persevere though. As I learned when reading Pigs In Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver, what began as a seeming chore turned into a very enjoyable reading experience. Sometimes the stories that initially present a challenge become real treasures.
GoingPlacesGal@aol.com
THE KINGDOM OF SHADOWS
by Alan Furst
A tale of Nazi occupied Europe and the small triumphs of resistance. Furst writes a terse tale with historical accuracy overlaid by a layer of intrigue and tensile tension. The novel feels as if you're sitting alone in a dark theater watching as black and white images slowly pulsate across the screen. You can feel the fear.
AUGER77777@aol.com
DESECRATION
by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, 5 stars
While their interpretation of Bible prophecy should not be taken as a dogmatic statement of what will absolutely occur, they are well-read in the scriptures and offer a realistic scenario of what COULD happen in the end times. This is a series well worth reading.
GDurisin@aol.com
THE EVIDENCE AGAINST HER
by Robb Forman Dew, 0 stars
Gave up on this one more than halfway through, when I realized, not for the first time, that I really didnt CARE what happened with the characters in this slow-paced novel.
MARTYR'S CROSSING
by Amy Wilentz, 5 stars
A Boston-born woman of Palestinian descent has returned to Palestine with her husband, a committed freedom-fighter now jailed by the Israelies. When their two year old son dies for lack of medical attention due to an Israeli-enforced border closing that separates him from the hospital, the Palestinians regard him as a martyr, and his death becomes a rallying point for political extremists. But Marina understands that a dead child is only that, not a symbol, not a martyr, only a dead child sadly mourned by those who loved him, and her new understanding of the cost of political and territorial conflict will tear her away from her husband and her adopted homeland. Very well done!
GOOD IN BED
by Jennifer Weiner, 4 1/2 stars
A column penned by her ex-boyfriend about the challenge of loving a large woman sends Jennifer Weinars alter ego first seeking revenge, then seeking resurrection, in the form of a medication-diet-exercise plan that she hopes will let her escape the self she has learned to hate, until a crisis enables her to see both the futility of her efforts to become what she is not, and the paltriness of her concerns when meaured against real life and death issues. Vivid and most enjoyable writing from a first-time novelist.
ORCHID BLUES
by Stuart Woods, 1 star
An interesting-enough plot, marred by far from believable characters, particularly a small-town policewoman who responds to her fiancés murder only hours before their wedding, by matter-of-factly working the case in consultation with her "new best friend", a man who witnessed the murder and tried to help the dying man.
THE DEEP END
by Joy Fielding, 2 stars
Deserted by her husband of twenty years and increasingly distanced from her best friend, Joanne is haunted by threatening phone calls that leave her fearing for her life. Despite multiple red herrings and unexpected twists right to the end, the too-pat conclusion was still unsatisfying.
CITY OF DREAMS: A Novel of Early Manhattan
by Beverly Swerling, 2 stars
Interesting fictionalized history of seventeenth to eighteenth century Nieuw Amsterdam/New York, with an emphasis on early developments in medical practice, offers an enlightening perspective on the conflicts and relationships among physicians, surgeons, and apothecaries. It would have been a more enjoyable book had it not seemed to be tainted with an excessive preoccupation with details of the characters sexual lives and a thread of anti-Semitism that I found discomfiting.
THE DEADHOUSE
by Linda Fairstein, 5 stars
A Manhattan Assistant DA investigates the murderof a woman whom she had tried unsuccessfully to protect from an abusive husband,and finds a multitude of suspects, each with his or her own reason for wantingthe woman dead. The best feature of this well-plotted mystery, though, is the detailed exploration of an abandoned hospitalon an island off the tip of Manhattan, and of nineteenth century NY life.
FLESH AND BLOOD
by Jonathan Kellerman, 5 stars
Alex Delaware gets a call from the mother of a former patient, a young girl he treated only briefly, who is now missing. His efforts to investigate bring him once again into personal danger, and jeopardize his relationship with Robin, his long-suffering girlfriend.
VIOLETS ARE BLUE
by James Patterson, 4 stars
Perhaps Patterson realized this series was losing momentum, because it seems likely that this is the last of the Alex Cross detective novels . . . unless Cross' resignation from the Washington police force is only the first step toward his moving to the FBI.
theaerie@skybest.com
MAX PERKINS, EDITOR OF GENIUS
by A. Scott Berg, 5 stars
Recently my reading group's selection was a biography of Lindbergh by Berg. I liked it so much I sought other books written by this author and discovered this gem. Published in 1978; it was a Winner of the National Book Award. It told the story of Max Perkins, editor for Charles Scribner's. He worked with the likes of Fitzgerald, Thomas Wolfe, Hemingway and Marjorie Rawlings. What a difference this quietly passionate, self effacing man made in the literature we revere as classics! He had this tremendous gift of recognizing genius, as well as being able to organize raw material into a finished product. In addition to learning about Perkins, the reader learns all sorts of details about his authors as well. I would consider it to be one of the best books I read in 2001.
TRAVELING MERCIES
by Anne Lamott, 2 1/2 stars
This is a fast moving little book about a woman's search for belief in God in an effort to fill that void in her downwardly spiraling life. It presents a very humanistic approach to religious faith.
marysarko@yahoo.com
BETWEEN THE ACTS and THE WAVES
by Virginia Woolf, 5 stars
Virginia Woolf, in both these novels, relies on the power of the image. She is never content to just see the world or tell a story; she fills every moment, every object with philosophical and poetic grandeur. BETWEEN THE ACTS has a satiric edge, and you can see Virginia Woolf laying bare the vapid response of the British genry to the rise of Fascism in Europe. THE WAVES is a reflection on loss and on the passage of time as well as on the complexity of individuals.
Jgerr@aol.com
LAST MAN STANDING
by David Baldacci
I am enjoying not only the story but characters of David Baldacci's latest book. The author is a master of suspense, sensitive to character traits and knows how to weave a story. His way of writing this bestseller has much of the style in his previous books. I heartily recommend it to all.
StormCnter@aol.com
PEACE LIKE A RIVER
by Leif Enger, 4 1/2 stars
DIANWILLY@aol.com
DEAD HAND
by Harold Coyle
Heringbess@aol.com
GESTURE LIFE
by Chang Rae Lee, 4 stars
A frustrating character who challenged me to understand all the problems in his life. Nevertheless, found myself wanting to underline gems of sentences and thoughts he had. And not overlong --- a rarity these days!
SEA BISCUIT
by Laura Hillengrand, 4 stars
Terrific book of 3 underdog characters --- one of them a horse who became the ultimate winner! Occasionally bogged down, but overall an unbelievable, inspiring, interesting page turner.
KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL
by Anthony Bourdain, 3 stars
Can't imagine a wide populace loving this book, but did have a unique and brave perspective on the "other side" of the restaurant/cooking industry.
BLIND ASSASSIN
by Margaret Atwood, 4 stars
Aside from being overlong, and lacking character development on a couple of key characters, this book was clever, informative and touching. Very subtly provided insights into the aging process.
RGNNNR@aol.com
FALL ON YOUR KNEES
by Ann-Marie MacDonald, 4 stars
This gothic thriller has been described as John Irving meets Joyce Carol Oates. I just started the book, but find it hard to put down. It covers 5 generations of a non-mining family in a mining town in Canada. If you like sagas, I highly recommend it. Warning: Although described as darkly humorous, I am yet to find the humor.
OUTLANDER
by Diana Gabaldon, 4 stars
Being a man, I was hesitant to start reading this one. I thought it would strictly be a romantic novel. However, I was pleasantly surprised. It's full of adventure and at times some of the darker scenes were definitely not for the squeemish. Although, due to the length of the novel (850 pages), I'm not going to pick up the 2nd book in this series for quite some time, others might read this and get hooked.
Dchi612@aol.com
VIOLETS ARE BLUE
by James Patterson, 5 stars
Another suspenseful book by James Patterson you just can't put down.
JWIsley@aol.com
24/7
by Jim Brown, 5 stars
A thrilling account of one woman's trials in
a contest she thought was going to challenge her-well, it did but in very bizarre, frightening ways. This is one of those books that keeps you reading far into the night. A can't put it down kind. Also, when you finish it, it never leaves you. You keep returning to thoughts about it --- like what would you do in the situations the main character finds herself in.
TUMBLEWEEDS
by Will Henry, 5 stars
A western. While reading it, you feel as if
you are sitting around the proverbial campfire and listening to a great storyteller. Mr. Henry has an excellent use of the English language.
CADeck97@aol.com
THE BONESETTER'S DAUGHTER
by Amy Tan, 4 stars
I'm not quite done with it to give an exact rating but at this point would give it 4 stars. It is, however, very much a "chick" book and I question whether men would be as engaged by its words as I have been thus far. This is the second novel I have read. A few year ago I read The Joy Luck Club by Amy also. I was attracted to Ms. Tan because I live in the Bay Area.
gojessgo@looped.com
MERCY
by Julie Garwood, 3 stars
I only read this a week ago and I can't remember what it was about. That should tell you something.
GRAND AVENUE
by Joy Fielding, 4 stars
A great book about 4 friends with daughters about the same age and the differing paths they each take. I couldn't put it down --- read into the wee hours.
FUNERAL IN BLUE
by Anne Perry, 5 stars
I have rarely ever been disappointed with Anne Perry's books and this one was no exception. It was a wonderful, intriguing addition to the Monk series. I had no idea who did the murder and couldn't believe it when she revealed who did! Wow!
MERCY
by Jodi Picoult, 5 stars
This book deals with the issue of euthanasia and the repercussions not on the one who died, but the ones left behind. Very excellent book.
VIOLETS ARE BLUE
by James Patterson, 5 stars
It isn't for no reason that I wait anxiously between Alex Cross installments --- they are SO good!
THE FORGOTTEN
by Faye Kellerman 5 stars
I am beginning to see the downside of a long running book series. I am starting to forget what happened two or three books ago. I am finding the same problem with the Anne Perry books as well. It would be nice if books had a "Last time in Rina and Peter's life we found out that....." it would be very helpful. I still loved this book however and was able to fill in the pieces with some deductive reasoning.
THE SURGEON
by Tess Gerritsen, 5 stars
Excellent book by and author I've never read before. A really good premise and a fab ending!
moorehdg@erols.com
WHAT ONCE WE LOVED
by Jane Kirkpatrick, 2 1/2 stars
The third in the Kinship and Courage series. It continues the story of a group of women making their way across the Oregon Trail and establishing themselves out West begun in All Together in One Place and continued in No Eye Can See. Overall, I give the series 2.5 stars; it's not as compelling as some historical fiction I've read.
NoelWillis@aol.com
WINGS OF FIRE
by Charles Todd
STONE DEAD
by Frank Smith
Two new (to me) authors. Charles Todd, whose elegant prose and insightful discussion of English veterans of WW1 makes for wonderful reading. There are two more by this author. Am also enjoying books by Frank Smith which are also English provincial procedurals. I inhaled all of the Mitford series after September 11 as comfort "food".
Caliauds@aol.com
DREAMCATCHER
by Stephen King, 4 stars
I highly recommend this book. It leaves you on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what already happened and what's going to happen.
AG106@aol.com
THEODORE REX
by Edmund Morris, 5 stars
An entertaining book that captures the essence of Roosevelt and his presidency. The brisk pace of the writing matches the exhuberance of TR in action. The man who assumed the presidency in 1901 remains relavent 100 years later.
THE BROTHER: The Untold Story of Atomic Spy David Greenglass and How He Sent His Sister, Ethel Rosenberg, to the Electric Chair
by Sam Roberts, 5 Stars
A riveting account of the Rosenberg case from the perspective of Ethel Rosenberg's brother, David Greenglass - the man who turned her, and Julies Rosenberg, in. It was his testimony, acknowledged after 50 years to be untrue, which resulted in her execution. Such is the power of the author that I still found myself shocked despite my familiarity with the case.
Rachie8412@aol.com
REDWALL series
by Brian Jacques
For those who like action and battle. Many of these books contain battle, romance, riddles. I have read twelve books in this series and I am trying to find the others. The Redwall books keep your intrest, you will not want to put the book down. Although the cast is composed of animals, you see them as people, just as in The Wind In the Willows. I treasure these books and intend to save them for my children to read.
ellaj@globes.co.il
BECOMING A MOTHER
by Daniel Stern
An interesting behind-the-curtains look at the wonderful yet ambiguous world of motherhood, by the author of the interesting, albeit sometimes tiring, Diary of a Baby.
mapmakr@aol.com
THE FORGOTTEN
by Faye Kellerman, 3 stars
It's a good read, but the reason for the murders is a little stretch. Like her style.
MegVT@aol.com
SOUL MOUNTAIN
5 stars
THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER AND CLAY
by Michael Chabon, 4 stars
THE RED TENT
by Anita Diamant, 3 1/2 stars
THE CITY OF GOD
by E. L. Doctorow, 2 1/2 stars
WISH YOU WELL
by David Baldacci, 1/2 star
Lucky4750@aol.com
CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE WOMAN'S SOUL
by Jack Canfield, Mark Hansen, Jennifer Hawthorne, Marci Shimoff, 5 stars
An excellent read. I laughed, cried and felt such emotion while reading this book. The stories are wonderful in themselves and will teach us what really makes life important. The Chicken Soup for the Soul series are a must for everyone struggling with any problem or just as a daily inspiration.
CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE TEENAGER
by Jack Canfield, 5 stars
A book I bought for my daughter's christmas stocking. I wanted her to see and read about other teenagers who have struggled with their emotions, friends and just being a teen. If you want a book for your teens then I would say "Please" get the Chicken Soup books, I watched my daughter read non-stop for an hour and a half and later she told me she thought the book was the best she has read so far. A great gift for daily living.
THE NAKED CHEF TAKES OFF
by Jamie Oliver, 5 stars
A great cook book, I love the simplicity of Oliver's recipes and
explanations. He makes cooking such fun. A new addition to my collection.
HIDDEN RICHES
by Nora Roberts, 5 stars
Another love story from Roberts filled with surprises and filled with
emotion. I love all her books so what other rating could I give it?
DaveRudy@aol.com
THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
by J.R.R. Tolkien
RYStorteboom@aol.com
THE SHADOW OF THE SUN
by Ryszard Kapuscinski
All of his past writing has been outstanding, capturing the nuances and essences of the places he's been in Africa in ways that travel writers and most of today's journalists miss.
Ginger.Louden@sendit.nodak.edu
THE CHRISTMAS BOX COLLECTION
by Richard Paul Evans
This includes The Christmas Box, Timepiece, and The Letter. It is a wonderful and heartwarming collection. It has many topics: love, death, racism, family, holidays, pride, wealth, and poverty. I would recommend it to anyone.
petrole@netway.com
SISTER
by A. Manette Ansay, 4 stars
A great read...a coming of age story about a woman who must navigate her past and her brother's mysterious diappearance in order to embrace her life as a wife, mother, and happy adult. Flashback plays a vital part in the plot. The writing is beautiful, incorporating great use of metaphor and description. I recommend it to anyone who is into books about family.
NESeminole@aol.com
ANGEL ON THE ROOF
by Russell Banks
After reading Continental Drift and Cloudsplitter Russell Banks' name has been added to my list of must read authors. But after finishing Angel On The Roof he has vaulted to the Number One spot. While both Continental Drift and Cloudsplitter were informative and highly entertaining, Angel On The Roof grabbed me by the chest, pinned me to my chair and kept me there until the last word. The short-story is Banks best format and a book I'm recommending to all my friends.
SHBueche@aol.com
A BEAUTIFUL MIND
by Sylvia Nasar, 4 stars
It is indeed interesting and compelling, however, I felt the book was filled with mathematical theories which made me want to speed read through those sections. I look forward to seeing the movie even though I have read the movie does not delve into John Nash's homosexual interests.
CNWMcFarland@aol.com
THE LAZARUS CHILD
by Robert Mawson, 5 stars
brady538_91208@yahoo.com
TEST OF COURAGE
by Christopher Robbins
A biography of Michel Thomas...an amazing human being. This is the story of a European Jew who escapes 2 or 3 times from being exterminated in the German ovens, then joins the French Underground to fight the Germans in WWII...then joins the Americans in finishing up the war in Europe against the enemy, and finally settles in California to create a language school that enlightens the reality of public and commercial education that does NOT want "easy to assimilate" courses. There is a lot of action, a lot of heartache, love interests, and the awe inspiring details of a most talented man. You won't put this book down for sure!
marychambers@yahoo.com
THE BELL JAR
by Sylvia Plath, 1 star
Uninteresting. I didn't even finish it. It's about a college girl
tring to find herself.
THE BLUE DAY BOOK
by Andrews McMeel, 5 stars
I loved this adorable little book so much that I gave away every copy I bought. It has animal pictures and great advice for a blue day.
THE BURNING MAN
by Phillip Margolin, 3 stars
about a lawyer failure in Oregon. It keeps you guessing to the end.
THE HUSBAND TEST
by Betina Krahn, 5 stars
I can always put a book down, but this one was so compelling
it kept me going and stayed up to finish it.
THE MUSIC OF SILENCE
by Andrea Bocelli, 2 stars
The autobiography of Andrea Bocelli. He's a much better singer than he is writer. It's short so you might find it worth reading if you are a fan.
NancyKWilson@aol.com
TRESPASSERS ON THE ROOF OF THE WORLD
by Peter Hopkirk, 4 stars
When preparing for a travel along the Silk Road, our group read Foreign Devils on the Silk Road by same author, Peter Hopkirk. As organizer and director of the tour, this was my recommendation. Now our delegation will travel into Tibet. I again go to Peter Hopkirk for his exciting, well researched accountings of the explorations of Central Asia/Western China of the 19th century. It is fascinating history and Hopkirk's writing serves as meaningful preparation for our travel that will probe deeper than the practice of Buddhism.
HSheri629@aol.com
FIERY CROSS
by Diana Gabaldon, 5 stars
I have read all of the Outlander series, beginning with the first one by that name. This is a 979 page book that never loses your attention. Even if you haven't read the other ones leading up to this, you could pick up this book and like it. This is an author that I admire so greatly, I just couldn't say enough good things about her. A very talented author who has written an extremely well-written book, as well as series.
bigshermama57@msn.com
A BEAUTIFUL MIND
by Sylvia Nasar, 3 stars
I had read an excerpt in "Vanity Fair" and thought it was very interesting. Unfortunately the author spends the first 160 pages or so of the book going into minute detail about John Nash, Jr.'s mathematical background as well as that of every student, teacher and colleague that he ever came in contact with. I am certainly interested in the whole story but I wanted to know more about his schizophrenia and recovery and at page 220 I am still not into that part of his life. Since I never like to quit on a book, and because the excerpt offers hope that the book will soon become more interesting I will read on.
beparoo@prodigy.net
FLESH AND BLOOD
by Jonathan Kellerman, 3 1/2 stars
It's an Alex Delaware book and it has been a pretty good read.
BEL CANTO
by Ann Patchett, 4 stars
I just finished listening to the unabridged audiobook. I liked it a lot...came to really care about the characters. Next on the top of my stack (literally) is The Evidence Against Her, by Robb Forman Dew. Thank God for libraries!!!
RichFlagg@aol.com
BLACK HAWK DOWN
by Mark Bowden
I am reading this book for several reasons including the fact that the movie is to be released next week on January, 18th 2002. Another is the fact that I am a veteran myself who served 2 years in a Third World country (Panama 87-89) as a paratrooper, though it in no way compares to what these fine young men went through there in Somalia. Reading this book gives me more insight in to what happened on that fateful day in October 1993 when the men of Task Force Ranger were supposed to go perform a quick mission and be back on base within 30 minutes. I am glad to be reading this book and recommend it to those who have not read it.
SommerSnow@aol.com
DEATH IN PARADISE
by Robert Parker
Easy read. Enjoyable. Recommended!
Anonymous
GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING
by Tracy Chevalier
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read. It really showed how people are easily pressured into doing this they would normally not do. I like this book also for the fictionalized view of the real artist Vermeer. It makes me want to learn more about Vermeer to see if I would have pictured him the same based on known facts.
A WALK TO REMEMBER
by Nicholas Sparks
I have enjoyed all of Nicholas Sparks books and they all make you cry. So if you need to clean out your sinus read any of his books. Upon rereading this book, I realize that the book left it to our imagination how the Landon life played out after his wedding. I mean what was the miracle? Did she live longer than expected? Did he remarry? To tell you the truth I image him visiting Hegbert and the ophans after Jamie dies. The first time I read this book I think I imaged him remarrying and tell his kids this story but now that I have reread it I don't know many woman who would let their husband continue to wear their first wife's wedding ring.
Anonymous
IN TROUBLE AGAIN: A Journey Between the Orinoco and the Amazon
by Redmond O'Hanlon
This is the first book I've read by him. I described this to a friend as being funny, frightening and fascinating, and it is. I'm really enjoying it.
Lgluhani@aol.com
PEACE LIKE A RIVER
by Leif Enger, 5 stars
This book has writing so beautiful it'll make you marvel, if not weep. Great story and wonderful characters make this a must-read.
Cairo1953@aol.com
WATCHERS
by Dean Koontz, 5 stars
Koontz is a brilliant storyteller. I truly did not want this book to end. It's one of those rare and magnificent novels that you actually welcome the characters into your heart and fear for their lives. It's based on "good vs. evil." At times you will even feel pity and sadness for the ugliest and savage monster in this story. Every emotion that I have ever experienced in my life surfaced while reading this book. It's thought provoking, stimulating, exciting, sad, horrifying and heartwarming all wrapped up in one.
CarolyngriffinNH@aol.com
THE SAILOR'S WIFE
by Helen Benedict, 4 stars
This is the most compelling book I've read in quite a while. A young Miami girl weds a Greek sailor and he takes her to his Greek island home. From that point on, life as Joyce has known it ended forever. Since her husband is gone months at a time, she is forced to spend her days and nights with his peasant parents, helping them to scrap together a living from their land. The book has wonderful descriptions of Greece, its history and its people and their ways. And the story of Joyce will stay with you.
ARomano895@aol.com
THE SIGMA PROTOCOL
by Robert Ludlum, 5 stars
I can't put this book down. His last work may well turn out to be his best.
ThomasM835@aol.com
ROOSEVELT'S SECRET WAR
by Joseph E. Persico, 4 stars
Entertaining look a president at war and his interest in espionage.
mstrasburg@netcarrier.com
MY LIFE ON A PLATE
by India Knight
I am finding parts of this book very true to life. It is about a married woman with children who has a strange family and a secretative husband.
Endorra@aol.com
THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER AND CLAY
by Michael Chabon, 5 stars
Anyone who remembers the time that comic books were king and read by every child as fast as they could secure same will love this book. It brings back a time remembered by many with a kind of longing.
HOME TOWN
by Tracy Kidder, 5 stars
Tells us a story of a small town and the many people who bring it to life. Non-fiction.
SEABISCUIT
by Laura Hillenbrand, 5 stars
Picked this book up at a local store. Had heard a great deal about it and said "what the heck, was never really interested in horseracing as such, but good comments came from so many that I felt it was worth a read. And it was --- it isn't just a story about a horse --- it is a story about a horse, an owner and a down and out trainer and their mutual admiration for each other(horse and men). You cannot come away from this book without being sorry you have reached the end. An experience to savor over and over again. By now, you must have realized, hands down, this is an absolute winner.
THE RED TENT
by Anita Diamant, 0 stars
Started to read this book for my reading club. Kept trying to read this book for my reading club. You guessed it. Could not finish it and am still trying to figure out why the writeups were so laudatory.
MY CAT SPIT MCGEE
by Willie Morris, 5 stars
If you've read My Dog Skip by Willie Morris, you definitely must read this. It shows how a born and bred dogperson and acknowledged feline hater(his words), can eventually be won over to embrace, love and adore a feline (and later friends of) named Spit Mcgee.
CARTER BEATS THE DEVIL
by Glen David Gold
CARRY ME ACROSS THE WATER
by Ethan Canin
These are both worthy of your time.
Ells50@aol.com
THE DRESS LODGER
by Sheri Homan
a terrific read. Set in 1850"s England, it combines a great story of a 15 yr. old prostitute with the cholera epidemic of the time. The cover caught my eye.
Padredon@aol.com
DESERT SOLITAIRE
by Edward Abbey, 4 stars
The record of his two year stay in the Four Corners area as a National Parks Ranger. Beautiful writing of beautiful country and a strong advocate of ecology and anti-commercial development of natural beauty.
Rh2gcg@aol.com
COMING SOON
by John Barth, 3 stars
This new Barth novel is hugely enjoyable, with everyone of the master's usual postmodern characteristics; but it's also too intellectual, in the way the preceding works weren't. Practically hermetic at times, and too clever for its own good. Shame. Still a good buy though, far surpassing most contemporaries.
RCrilley@aol.com
MIDGE MAGIC
by Don Holbrook and Ed Koch, 5 stars
One of the best flyfishing books I have ever read.
STEELGUIDE
by John Nagy, 5 stars
Every steelhead fisherman should have this
book.
KISS GUIDE TO PLAYING GUITAR
by Terry Burrows, 5 stars
One of the best.
tomstitt@cox.net
A DISTANT CROSSING
by Thomas Parks, 4 stars
It was uncanny how the events he writes about are unfolding right now in Argentina. Action, suspense, and a tight story. You won't put it down. If this book ever gets well publicized, look out.
falbo@villa.edu
ASHES AND DIAMONDS
by Jerzy Andrejewski, 3 stars
Set in Poland at the end of WWII, this novel explores the effects of political tension on acquaintances of diverse politcal allegiance. Good character studies!
cleas@earthlink.net
THE TRUE HISTORY OF THE KELLY GANG
by Peter Carey, 3 stars
Not quite what I'd hope for, but still entertaining -- good use of the protagonists' uneducated, uncouth, but trying voice.
MichelleM819@aol.com
VIOLETS ARE BLUE
by James Patterson, 2 stars
Alex Cross the forensic psychologist/cop is back and tracking a new serial killer as well as the Mastermind from Roses are Red. Unfortunately both killers deserve more attention than they get in this ho hum outing. Vampire cults, FBI agent killers, tigers, mad magicians, the Cross family and a new love interest make for one messy storyline. I can't believe I waited for a year and paid $20 for this book.
Litjohnny@aol.com
YEAR OF WONDER
by Geraldine Brooks
I was intrigued by the title which referred to the Plague year in England. The characters invoked sympathy and interest. The final outcome was quite a surprise and hard to believe. I will recommend it at my book club and to your readers.
Pfimaj@aol.com
THE SHARK MUTINY
by Patrick Robinson, 5 stars
For those readers who weren't all that interested in military heroes before 9-11, this book should introduce you to the world that few people are capable of living in --- the world of the US Navy Seal. For those who always respected and loved our military heroes, it is a great read as well. The story revolves around two good friends since childhood, one serving on a submarine and the other serving the elite SEALS of the strongest navy in the world. The backdrop is a military crisis provoked by China. The conclusion keeps you mesmerized until the last page. This is a great book with sympathetic characters, a layman's view of military technology and a very interesting story.
SLowe19513@aol.com
CHOSEN PREY
by John Sanford, 3 1/2 stars
Set in my home town so draws me more, enjoy series, good mystery.
THE FORGOTTEN
by Faye Kellerman, 3 1/2 stars
Love this series, good characterizations, good story.
THE POISONWOOD BIBLE
by Barbara Kingsolver, 5 stars
When I began this book I couldn't imagine where it was going. It is a beautiful story of family relationships as well as an interesting history of the Congo in the 1960's that I never would have read. The characterizations are suberbly developed and the story is told from everyone's viewpoint making it intriguing. I loved this book and will read all of Kingsolver!!
HARRY POTTER
by J.K. Rowling, 4 stars
Just finished #3. These are enchanting, wonderful stories and I love reading them. About to start #4 which looks at bit daunting @ 700+ pages. Will have to read this one sitting up!
MIKAELAM@prodigy.net
BACK ROADS
by Tawni O'Dell, 5 stars
Wow, what a page turner. I loved this book. I've never felt so many different emotions while reading a book before. I felt such compassion for the characters in this book. It's amazingly written by Ms. O'Dell. I was at the edge of my seat almost from page one, I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to read! Truly amazing!
Hooch95proof@aol.com
BLACKBIRD AND STILL WATERS
by Jennifer Lauck, 4 stars
A moving true story of a young child and the chaos of growing up without parents. Despite hardships and uncaring adults Ms Lauck actually seems to be an ok person who can handle whatever comes her way.
SEVEN UP
by Janet Evanovich, 4 stars
If you love detecive books with a good laugh thrown in you'll love Evanovich's books. A bounty hunter by the name of Stephanie Plum who is very hard on cars and has a really great bunch of sidekicks keeps you guessing about whodunit and why while you're holding your side. All 8 of her books are 4 stars.
Dchi612@aol.com
SKIPPING CHRISTMAS
by John Grisham, 4 stars
A good book to read around the Holidays, some good laughs and the end is what Christmas is all about.
FINAL DAYS
by Barbara Olson, 5 stars
Interesting reading about the corruption in the Clinton White House.
RosieposeyC@aol.com
STOLEN AWAY
by Max Allan Collins
Really good. I thought I would be bored with reading another book on the Lindberg kidnapping but Max Collins really made it interesting.
Lucky4750@aol.com
TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY
by Sandra Brown, 5 stars
An enjoyable book about love and romance and what happens when a popular Interior Decorator meets up with a Mayor elect at a Christmas party. After spending an evening together after the party, read what happens from one night of love and how these two find themselves having to get married. Enjoyed this read.
WEEP NO MORE MY LADY
by Mary Higgins Clark, 5 stars
A book filled with lots of emotion and guessing at who did it . Clark surely knows how to keep you wondering. A lot of characters and just when you think you know who it was, in comes another character with a motive even if it is sick.
ppalaska@tws.org
SEARCHING FOR INTRUDERS
by Stephen Raleigh Byler, 3 1/2 stars
it is a wonderful book it is a novel made up of 11 short stories, all connected by the narrator.
borzois@adelphia.net
BABY E.R.
by Edward Humes
This is the latest book by this Pulitzer Prize-winning author and it's just tremendous. So human. So compelling. So beautifully written. Baby E.R. is non-fiction and set in a major West Coast hospital, but the narrative style is so lyrical it reads like the best fiction story. Great characters and cutting-edge medicine, too. I couldn't put it down.
sckoch@lacon.net
BLACKWATER SOUND
by James W. Hall
Excellent so far.
HOSTAGE
by Robert Crais
Excellent so far.
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