Suelwright@aol.com
Light in August by William Faulkner
One of my late summer reads will be a reread of William Faulkner's Light in August, one of his finest novels, and one which I have agreed to lead the discussion of at my book club's September meeting. Not an easy novel, but one which is filled with so many wonderful avenues for discussion.
*****
Nancy10107@aol.com
The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler. 3-1/2 stars.
There are excellent character descriptions in this book. The main character, Macon Leary is obsessive/compulsive. While in normal life he would drive me crazy, in reading his story I like him. His wife has just left him --- you can understand why. His family is as dysfunctional as he is. And his new friend, Muriel, is the opposite. Anyway, I am thoroughly enjoying it and finding it to be a really quick read. 3-1/2 stars out of 5.
*****
goldathome40@hotmail.com
Last Man Standing by David Baldacci. 4 stars.
It had suspence all the way and was a pretty easy read. Get tired of sex and rough language. Good "cop" story.
A Painted House by John Grisham. 4.5 stars.
I didn't think I'd enjoy this novel as much as I did. The characters are true and stay with you long after the book is finished.
Madam, the Grass is High by Dennis H. Christen. 4.5 stars.
Again, didn't think I'd like a love story about old people, me being one myself. Kinda thought falling in love was for the younger set, but this writer, I think it's his first, set the stage right off and didn't let me down at any point. One of the better books I've read this year. A really simple story that has bite.
*****
Carosp@aol.com
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. 4 1/2 stars.
A classic which probably needs no description, but I had never read it, and decided it was time to mark one book off the long list of "should reads." Fortunately, this book is a classic for a reason --- it's great, funny, and has good lessons about people and prejudice. I'm glad I missed it, so that it's all new to me now.
Omar! My Life On and Off the Field by Omar Vizquel. 2 1/2 stars.
A slight change from Mark Twain. I'm a big fan of Omar's, so reading about his life and his thoughts on life and baseball was interesting, but the book is really pretty mundane. For Omar Vizquel fans only, I'd say.
*****
BEVBOOKS@aol.com
The Reunion by Curt Autry. 4 stars.
A fantastic debut novel. It is a mystery about nine surviving members of a german U-Boat crew that were captured during World War II, and now they gather in North Carolina for their 60th reunion and find themselves the targets of a murderer. Exciting plot and great characters.
Clutch of Phantoms by Clare Layton. 5 stars.
British suspense novel. Three women trying to escape from the clutches of the past.
Cass Evesham, devastated by the ending of an affair, finds out that the famous murderess, Livia Claughton, who is just being released from prison is the grandmother she thought was dead. Julie Gainsborough is the actress daughter of the famous diva that was murdered my Livia, and is trying to restart her flagging career. Their stories intertwine in a fast paced, powerful novel that you just can't put down.
Empty Holster by Marvin L. Brown. 4 stars.
An epic western by a first time author. The main character, "Whistler" is a hard man in a hard land. It's a novel of a western lawman and his need for revenge on the outlaw "Scabbed Nose John." The history is well researched, and the action is fierce. A great summer read.
Lawdog: The Life and Times of Hayden Tilden by J. Lee Butts. 5 stars.
Another epic western. Butts spins a tale of one of the Marshals that worked for Hanging Judge Parker. It too is a tale of the chase, the hunt and revenge. There are some real life characters in this story too...Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp are there, though they don't play a big part in the story. Great plot...great characters. A new voice in Westerns that makes you want more.
*****
gojessgo@looped.com
The Short Forever by Stuart Woods. 3 stars.
Another installment in the Stone Barrington series. Sometimes this book was a little much for me to take. I can't believe Stone Barrington ever has any time to "investigate" anything because it seems every other woman wants to hop in the sack with him. This guy must have an excellent vitamin retailer.
Baltimore Blues by Laura Lippman. 4 stars.
I liked this first installment in the Tess Mognahan series. She is a sharp, enjoyable lead character with interesting people to interact with.
Forty Words for Sorrow by Giles Blunt. 5 Big Stars.
This book was excellent!!! I read it in two sittings on my camping trip and stayed up to the wee hours with a flashlight in my tent to finish it. It was THAT good. I cannot even begin to express my admiration for Mr. Blunts descriptive powers regarding Algonquin Bay, Canada; the setting of this book. It is at the same time bleak and beautiful but all the warmth of the place coming from the people in the story. It was a great, complex mystery.
*****
Cairo1953@aol.com
The Witness by Sandra Brown. 5 stars.
Excellent! A must read. Brown continues to produce "page-turning" stories.
Journey by Danielle Steel by 5 stars.
Superb! The best book ever written by Steel. This book should be rated above the 5 star level. Deals with domestic violence & abuse. Although this is a fictional story, the information & subject matter would benefit all those who may be touched by abuse.
*****
June528@aol.com
2nd Chance by James Patterson.
Hi, I am currently reading James Patterson's 2nd Chance. I will definitely finish it this weekend (probably today) but it is an awesome book and I have a hard time putting it down.
*****
Bjglu@aol.com
Lucky by Alice Sebold. 5 + stars.
A tour de force. Must read.
City of Light by Lauren Belfer. 3 stars.
Some interesting information about Niagara Falls and the early years of electricity in this novel, but otherwise a predictable story.
*****
Vikkivand@aol.com
The Good People of New York by Thisbe Nissen. 1 Star.
Although the book was well written, I just didn't care for the overall story and it's characters.
The Red Tent by Anita Diamante. 3 1/2-4 Stars.
This was recommended to me by many people. It was well-written and interesting, but it dragged at certain parts of the book.
Running in Heels by Annie Maxted. 1 Star.
Another Brigette Jones wannabe. How many more London Career Girls trying to be witty about their lives can we expect out on the book shelves? Enough is enough already.
A Winter's Haunting by Dan Simmons. 1 Star.
I was kind of bored by it all and couldn't relate to any of the characters in the book. Dale Stewart was just to wishy-washy for me to even like.
Her by Laura Zigman. 5 Stars.
Loved it! If you want something witty, entertaining and different to read, try this!!!! Elise meets Donald and is overcome with insecurity when Donald's ex moves to Washington. The story is about the crazy surveillances, funny situations and interactions with Adrienna (i.e. Her) as Elise plans her wedding to Donald. You come to love all the characters in the book. I highly recommend this one.
*****
RGNNNR@aol.com
Mortal Prey by John Sandford. 3 stars.
I've read all of Sandford's "Prey" books and feel that he has reached the stage where they are beginning to read like episodes of a TV police drama. I really don't recommend this book. It's predictable and the action is far less convincing than in earlier books by the same author.
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers. 4 stars.
Eggers' sense of humor is evident in the title of his book, a novel based on true experiences about a 22 year old raising his 7 year old brother after both are orphaned. Although this 370 page work had a few boring stretches, I found myself laughing out loud so many times that I recommend this book wholeheartedly, especially to those who have suffered a loss in the family and feel the need for a little cheering up. I kept thinking of The Catcher in the Rye as I was reading this. Not as good, certainly, but if the book had been shortened by about 25% and had a more satisfying conclusion, the similarity would have been striking.
*****
DIANWILLY@aol.com
Wings of Fire by Dale Brown. 4 stars.
Another Dale Brown modern warfare book. The technology is a little far fetched (it seems), but air force/modern warfare buffs will enjoyed his stories.
*****
Colagirl05@aol.com
Everything's Eventual by Stephen King. 4 stars.
Everything's Eventual is a series of short stories by Stephen King. I would give this book a rating of 4 for its originality. It gives you goosebumps and some of the stories seem like they could really happen to you which makes it even more frightening.
*****
Bunzy18@aol.com
I am reading "Fall On Your Knees."
*****
Dchi612@aol.com
City of Bones by Michael Connelly. 5 stars.
Very good book about a 20 year old murder. Couldn't put this book down.
*****
BettyB6768@aol.com
Art Lover by Gill. 4 stars.
This is a biography of Peggy Guggenheim, the art collector and famed museum owner of the modern art museum in Venice. If you
yearn to read all about the lives of the rich and famous in the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, this is the book for you. How she got into the art collecting business is fascinating.
*****
mjprodstracy@hotmail.com
In This Mountain by Jan Karon. 4.5 stars.
A wonderful picture of aging by Father Tim and his friends. They deal with illnesses and limitations of growing old. Enjoyable but also uplifting.
Madam, The Grass Is High by Dennis H. Christen. 4.5 Stars.
Like the first book listed, it deals with seniors. Only difference is that this wonderful story shows a quality of life we all wish for our elders. Fun, suspense, new love, first time love, and how to deal with family when they don't agree with seniors having a second chance at romance. It touches several generations and the fun of moving through this story almost made me feel like I couldn't wait to get older.
*****
janemc4@hotmail.com
BETWEEN FRIENDS by Debbie Macomber. 5 Stars.
I laughed and cried and didn't want it to end.
WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR by Doris Kearns Goodwin. 5 stars.
A skillfully written memoir about her true love for baseball and the Brooklyn Dodgers. Made me remember the good old days as a kid loving the Dodgers (before they moved to Los Angeles were I still love them).
MADAM, THE GRASS IS HIGH by Dennis H. Christen. 5 Stars.
A feel-good love story about several older people. It skillfully weaves a new budding love affair between a widow (had loved only once in her life) and an older man that had never been married, never been in love until he meets this woman who takes him off his feet. The younger characters bring this story to a wonderful balance as they all try, in their own ways, to deal with this romance between the two elderly, but alive, man and woman. I couldn't put this one down either.
*****
joswood@adiis.net
BUFFALO SOLDIER by Chris Bohjalian. 4 1/2 stars.
A 10-year-old African-American boy comes to be a foster child in the home of a white couple who have previously lost twin daughters in a flood in Vermont. The husband, in his grief, rejects the boy and his wife by turning to another woman. Watching these people congeal into a real family is heartwarming and compelling reading. By the author of MIDWIVES --- a former Oprah pick.
COURTING TROUBLE by Lisa Scottoline. 2 stars.
A young woman lawyer in Philadelphia escapes being murdered by unexpectedly being absent from her apartment. Another woman is murdered in her place. The rest of the book involves the woman lawyer finding the murderer before he realizes his mistake and comes after her for real. The author's attempt to make this book humorous as well as a murder mystery falls flat. Many of the
events are almost slapstick. Silly reading.
*****
BookstoreJunky@aol.com
The Shape of Snakes.
SWEET MOTHER OF JESUS --- WILL THIS BOOK EVER END???????????? AND BY NOW <75 pages left>- WHO CARES?????????? A Voracious Reader. PS Thank God for John Katzenback/Richard Russo/Patterson/J.C.OATES
*****
Shrimpy816@aol.com
Seduction in Death by JD Robb. 10 stars.
I am currently reading "Seduction in Death" by JD Robb. It is the 13th of her in death series. I give it 10 stars (which I am assuming is the highest). The characters are wonderful and have you wanting more as soon as you finish a book. The main character is a homicide detective named Eve Dallas and take place in the year 2058-59. The 14th book is out and #15 due in Sept. I hope JD Robb (Nora Roberts) never stops writing these books. They are addicting to say the least. Do not miss them--but be sure to start at #1 Naked in Death and read them ALL. My favorite series by far...
*****
TLWoods61@aol.com
Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult. 5 stars.
Keeps you guessing to the very last page. Finely written story that doesn't disappoint.
Last Chance Cafe by Linda Lael Miller. 5 stars.
Romance at its best!
*****
pbennett@westga.edu
These Hollow Hills by Mary Stewart. 5 stars.
I'm rereading after 17 years THESE HOLLOW HILLS by Mary Stewart. It's as good as the first time.
*****
billiegirl20@hotmail.com
Jane Eyre.
Our reading group chose Jane Eyre for it's July discussion and I am LOVING this classic. Jane is a woman after my own heart and was a lady WAY before her time. If you haven't read this classic (or if you have), take the first available opportunity. It's beautifully written and takes you back into the Victorian age the minute you sit down with it. It also has a lot of elements of the gothic novel, which is always GREAT. Enjoy!
*****
susanrjensen@yahoo.com
South of Resurrection by Jonis Agee. 4 stars.
An absorbing story about a widow who returns to her hometown on family business. In spite of herself, she finds herself wrapped up in town politics, ancient family quarrels, and a romance with the town's bad boy.
*****
JWIsley@aol.com
Leave No Trace by Hannah Nyala. 5 stars.
It is the story of a Search and Rescue person that is stranded in the Tanami desert of Australia and tells of her survival --- not only of the challenges of nature she faces but also the challenges of humans --- others bent on her demise. At first, I thought it was an adventure story, then a mystery, and then an experience of one person finding herself. It is all three of these and more. I am recommending this one over and over. This is a new author that I will definitely read again.
*****
[anonymous]
Sky Blue by Vicki Hendricks. 4 stars.
Sky Blue is the story about a young, lonely, veterinarian who is just starting her practice in Florida. She falls for the wrong guy --- a sky diving instructor who is handsome, dangerous, and married. She hops into bed with him and believes it when he says he's in love with her, when all the signs say he's lying and manipulating her. She knows this, and conscientiously ignores all the facts because she wants him to be Mr. Right. Every time her brains starts to function, she get naked with him to stop thinking.
Sky Blue is fast paced, well written and tightly plotted. For those reasons I have rated it highly. I felt tremendous sadness as I read the story of an intelligent young woman who makes incredibly stupid and life-threatening choices for a man. Therefore, I cannot recommend Sky Blue without adding that I found this a frustrating book to read.
*****
COMELLASR@aol.com
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. 5+ stars.
I give five+ stars to Alice Sebold for her first novel THE LOVELY BONES. Narrated by a 14 year old female murder victim, the reader learns how the impact of her murder affects both her family members and her schoolmates. Sebold reminds us once again that while we walk through the "valleys of the shadow of death," we can and do come out to the other side where we find light and joy. This is a lesson that we need to relearn from time to time as we travel on our life's journey.
*****
KATHLAU@aol.com
Hard Eight by Janet Evanovich. 5 stars.
The latest installment in laugh till you cry exploits of Stephanie Plum. This time, she just doing a favor for a neighbor -- find her missing daughter and granddaughter. The usual suspects are here, Grandma, Morelli and (be still may heart) Ranger. I promise, you'll never look at a Honda CRV or the Easter bunny the same way again,
Beach House by James Patterson. 4 1/2 stars.
My faith in Patterson is renewed. As much as I didn't like Violets are Blue, I liked this one. A great beach or airplane read with a first half that will keep you wondering and a second half that has you rooting for the good-gone-bad guys.
*****
MysteryNut19@aol.com
One Door Away From Heaven by Dean Koontz. 4 stars.
Koontz books always have disturbing takes on reality. This one has evil aliens hunting do-gooder aliens and humans killing each other in the name of Darwinism. The ending puts an interesting spin on Christianity. Even if you ultimately don't like the book, it's a heck of a conversation starter!
*****
songoden@earthlink.net
Let's see. Just spent a long weekend traveling to Portland, Oregon, and back. En route I managed to read both Lisa Jewell's One Hit Wonder and Kevin Brooks's Martyn Pig. The protagonist in Jewell's novel reflects that "Music had always conjured up a sense of another life. . . of other, better ways of feeling and existing and being." I liked that (kind of reminded me of the Top Fives in High Fidelity). And Kevin Brooks handles the peculiar situations in which Martyn and Alex are immersed with aplomb. Now I'm
indulging myself with one of those massive tomes which have become almost the norm, Iain Pears's An Instance of the Fingerpost.
*****
shelly3@charter.net
I am currently in the middle of Diane Mott Davidson's Chopping Spree. I've been a big fan of her culinary mysteries from the beginning, simply anticipating the next book as soon as I finish the most recent. I get great visuals from Davidson's writing style and character descriptions which keep me even more interested in the plot. I've cooked up her books' recipes with great success, too. The second book I am reading is Mr. Maybe by Jane Green. I enjoyed Green's Jemima J. and, upon comparing the two, find Mr. Maybe entertaining but not as much as Jemima J. The third book which is most enthralling is Icy Sparks by Gwyn Hymn Rubio. Psychological and physical challenges intrigue me and Rubio does a remarkable job in using the main character to give a personal view of the hardships (and triumphs) associated with Tourrette's Syndrome.
*****
dmilburn@alltel.net
Bad Desire by Gary Devon. 4 stars
I would have given this book 5 stars except at the end I thought some loose ends didn't get tied up. Don't start this book until you can stay with it. Unbelievable what Henry dreams up to reach his goal ...Suspense at its best.
*****
parkcar1@iwon.com
Killing Time Between Buses by Bassel Warner. 4 stars.
My reading schedule is roughly 4 books a month. I check many book-related websites to decide on my new fiction purchases. On authorsden.com I found Killing Time Between Buses by Bassel Warner, ordered it, read it and loved it. There is very little widely available good fiction by Caribbean writers. This book, set in America, is one (Nobel Laureate V. S. Naipaul notwithstanding). The story is told by a disenchanted young actor who loses his parents to a street accident, finds the going afterwards hard and reacts by being an antisocial of a different and silent sort. But his upbringing and background eventually prevails, he turns around his life just in time and everything works out in very unique fashion. I liked the language, the pace, the mood and the plot of this book. My only complaints are the occasional typos. Still, the story remains intact as is well told from start to finish. Without the typos, this would rate 5 stars. Hating typos, I give it 4.
*****
EZREADER1265@aol.com
Murder in Volume by DR Meredith. 3 stars.
1st book in a series of light mysteries that take place in Amarillo, Texas. A murder mystery that involves all the members of a Mystery Book Club at the Time and Again Bookstore. Lots of fun and a great read for the beach.
Red Dragon by Thomas Harris. 4 stars.
For everyone who enjoyed Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal. 1st Book in the series and introduces Hannibal Lector. Exciting, keeps you in suspense.
*****
violintig@yahoo.com
I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb. 4 stars.
At first I was intimidated by the size of the book but it is well worth reading the almost 900 pages. The bond between twins that is explored in this novel and the insight into the life of a twin that considered normal in society compared to the life of his schizophrenic brother creates a gripping story line.
*****
Sesame705@aol.com
Going Home: Jesus and Buddha as Brothers by Thich Nhat Hanh. 5 stars.
Hanh brings the teachings of Jesus and Buddha alive to inspire a message of peace and hope. Hanh shows the reader that the connection between Christianity and Buddhism may be found in deep understanding and mindfulness of ourselves, each other, and all things in our world. Hanh is a natural, gifted teacher and his writing is thoughtful and easy to comprehend. You will go back to this one again and again, for inspiration and reflection --- it's a true gem.
*****
marychambers@yahoo.com
A VINTAGE YEAR by Helen S. Vanderhort. 3 stars.
A woman in her 40's inherits a vineyard and beautiful house along with a testy maid and gorgeous young male vineyard manager.
JUMPING FIRE by Murry A. Taylor. 4 stars.
A memoir written by the oldest smokejumper in the most dangerous areas. Perfect for the season.
SEABISCUIT: AN AMERICAN LEGEND by Laura Hillenbrand. 3 stars.
Seabiscuit had more news articles written about him in his era than presidents and financial casualties.
BIG CHERRY HOLLER by Adriana Trigiani. 5 stars.
The best book I've read in a long while. A woman and her young daughter visit Italy and deal with marriage problems.
*****
MACN4MONEY@worldnet.att.net
When We Were Orphans by Kazou Ishigura (author of Remains of the Day). 5 STARS.
Takes place in early 20th century in Shanghai. A private investigator looks for his missing parents. The ending was a surprise to me. The book contained descriptions of the times and place which added interest for me. I could visualize what he wrote.
These Granite Islands by Sarah Stonich. Debut novel by a Minnesota author. 5 STARS.
I had looked at this book several times and the synopsis on the book jacket didn't appeal to me-a dying woman reviewing her past and a secret is revealed. The book kept popping up on must read lists so I decided, "What the heck? I'll give it a try." Well, I'm glad I did. The woman is in the hospital and her son visits her and it jumps back and forth between present day and the past and she slowly tells her story to her son. Sort of like Fannie Flaggs "Green Fried Tomatoes."
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane. 5 STARS.
Fabulous. Kept me reading on and on --- I didn't want to put it down. The impact of a childhood incident on the main characters adult lives and the tragedy that ensues was captivatingly written. I picked it up because of all the hype and it was worth it.
Empire Falls by Richard Russo. 5 STARS.
Another book I didn't want to put down. The small town characters were a hoot. The plot was interesting. He wrote with humor and pathos both-I have heard it said many times that comedy is close to tragedy.
I know I've given them all 5 stars, but I have been on a solid run lately --- guess I've been lucky with my choices and I do read reviews and consider suggestions from friends so most of the time it's not a total shot in the dark.
*****
Hooch95proof@aol.com
I've just discovered a couple of new authors (new to me that is) Sue Grafton and Iris Johansen. I'm trying to read Grafton's books in order. I have read up to "J" is for judgment. Ms. Grafton's books are easy to read and have good plots. Sometimes they get a little too wordy but I just skim those parts. I would rate the books I've read so far 4 stars. Ms. Johansen's books Body of Lies, and The Ugly Duckling are just two of her books I've recently read. The characters in the book Body Of Lies are a little hard to digest at times. They come across as being know-it-alls and nobody can do it as well as I can type. Good guys are needed but these two are a little over the top. Overall her books are a good quick read (especially when you have 2 young children and reading in done about an hour or two before bed). I'd give them 3 1/2 stars.
*****
Yodasmommy@aol.com
Milk Glass Moon by Adriana Trigiani.
I am just beginning Milk Glass Moon by Adriana Trigiani. Anyone who has read Big Stone Gap and Big Cherry Holler will not be disappointed!!! Ave Maria is facing the challenges of raising an adolescent daughter in southwest Virginia. This author is a great storyteller and I love all of her books.
*****
MinnowHarper@aol.com
I am a big Janet Evanovich fan. Her grandmother in her books reminds me of my grandmother who died many years ago. She was a woman's libber before they were fashionable and she was a gutsy lady but obviously she did not carry a 45 in her bag or burn down funeral homes. I really love the books and read them as they come out.
My favorite mystery writer by far though is Jeffery Deaver. He writes wonderful books that stump me as far as the murderer is concerned every time. I usually have the killer pegged half way through the book and am so upset because I wasted my money on a book that I already know the ending but with his that is never happening. When he writes you get to the last chapter before he tells us who the killer is and at the very end why. So I love to read his books and they are so suspenseful that they are a joy to read.
*****
Britadon@aol.com
Up Island by Anne Rivers Siddons. 4 stars.
Wonderful summer read. Although it begins in the South, this book moves to New England. The swans are really delightful and the characters are well developed.
Snow in August by Pete Hamill. 3 stars.
Our governor's choice for our state. Story about a young Catholic boy and a Jewish rabbi in Brooklyn in the late 1940s. Interesting treatment of the Golem and does leave one thinking about the power of belief.
The Stone Monkey by Jeffery Deaver. 5 stars.
Really excellent mystery with interesting twists and a not easily predicted ending. Certainly a page-turner.
*****
Mads1989@aol.com
Milk Glass Moon by Adriana Trigiani. 5 stars.
Flesh Tones by MJ Rose. 4 stars.
Marrying The Mistress by Joanna Trollope. 4 stars.
16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber. 4 stars.
Mother of the Bride by Lynn Michaels. 4 stars.
*****
tmzemke@comcast.net
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. 4 1/2 stars.
This is the funniest book that I have read in a long time. Sedaris writes about growing up in a family of six children, all who are very
different from their engineer, jazz loving father. Instead, they all take after their mother, especially her penchant for smoking, napping and reading Sidney Sheldon. Sedaris, an author of three prior books, is a regular contributor to Public Radio International's "This American Life."
*****
buterfl2@optonline.net
Hard Eight by Janet Evanovich. 2 stars.
As a devoted fan of the Stephanie Plum series I was quite disappointed --- the book lacked the laughs and sustenance of past adventures. Lula was boring, Grandma did nor said anything exciting or funny, missed those family dinners and Moreli & Ranger were just "There"and the blowing up of Stephanie's cars are old hat --- hope the next in the series has more of the old flavors!
*****
smb341@prodigy.net
I'm reading The Runaway Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini, about a present-day quilter who finds a memoir and quilts made by her ancestors; the quilts and memoir involve the Underground Railroad. I recommend all the Elm Creek Quilts novels. Runaway Quilt is #4. Read them in order.
*****
rmurd@metrocast.net
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. 5 stars.
I am about 3/4 of the way thru The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. The book came in the mail Wednesday morning and my 13 year old daughter finished in one day. It was a book she couldn't put down. I started on Thursday and today, Friday, I am about 3/4 of the way thru. The book is captivating, the narrator being the young girl who was murdered telling about her observations afterwards of her family. I would highly recommend this book to older teens and others.
*****
H1justme@aol.com
Face the Fire by Nora Roberts. 5 stars.
This weeks read is Face the Fire by Nora Roberts. I have been waiting for months to get my hands on it. When faced with a recent four hour car trip, I decided to pop into my local book store and check out the new releases. Nora never lets me down. The book was fantastic. Romance with a twist of intrigue and a few drops of mystery. A definite five star read.
*****
Starrwy@aol.com
The Remnant by LaHaye and Jenkins. It is OK...3 stars.
*****
joyceglad@aol.com
Gone for Good by Harlan Coben.
You must read "Gone for Good" by Harlan Coben. It is a page-turner with all kinds of twists and turns. A "can't put down book." If you love mystery and suspense this is the book for you and even if you're not a fan of mystery novels try this one and I'm sure you will be glad you did. Don't miss it!
*****
pattylw@hotmail.com
I just read "Lovely Bones." It was an interesting read...especially the authors idea of heaven. Now I am reading "Empire Falls" and loving it. What an excellent view of small town life.
*****
KTBug931@aol.com
Beach Music by Pat Conroy. 5 stars.
Thanks to the overwhelming response to the question the Bookreporter asked a couple weeks ago about what was the best beach read, I decided to read Beach Music. Despite all the build up it got on the website, it is everything I hoped it would be. Of course, it helps that I am reading the book on the shores of South Carolina, where a lot of the action takes place.
*****
Bonnie4101@aol.com
I am reading The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. While this book is not an entertaining story, it is engaging and informative. I have learned a great deal about life in a jungle village in Africa, its people, its customs, the climate, plant and animal life, and its moral code. Barbara Kingsolver is an amazing writer and this book is worth reading.
I just finished reading (for the first time) War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. When I began the 1300 plus page novel I wondered if I would ever finish. I believed that I would have to discipline myself to plow through the unending pages. NOT TRUE! This book has stood the test of time for a reason. It is a wonderful story about people who become your closest friends. I was very sad when the end came. I purchased a copy of the film with Audrey Hepburn, Mel Ferrer and Henry Fonda as the lead characters. That was a 3 and a half hour film! Of course, the book is better, but the film was well done also. I highly recommend this book about the great war between Napoleon and Russia. You may be amazed as I was how European the Russians of the 19th Century were, before the Soviet Union was formed.
*****
Walk553@aol.com
A Dive from Clausen's Pier was very disappointing. There is no motivation for the ending and it left me very frustrated. Jean Auel's Clan Bear series remains a winner. A new writer for me, Nicola Griffith appears to be very good.
*****
LUCKY MAN by Michael J. Fox. 5 stars.
This author, not star struck, is very well written and most interesting. This talented actor knows how to tell his story and the emphasis is on his personal ups and downs rather than as a celebrity. He had his starving time (about 3 yrs.) while working toward his big break, but the main story is about his life; his drinking that almost "done him in," and his bouts with the realization of Parkinson's Disease and it's insidious interference with his life and, eventually, his career. There is plenty of conflict to keep you interested, however, this is a very positive story and a book you will be glad you read!
*****
violintig@yahoo.com
Her by Laura Zigman. 3 stars.
The zany characters make the book worth reading but it wasn't as funny as I had hoped.
Two Truths and a Lie by Katrina Kittle. 4 stars.
A murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.
*****
Grif76@aol.com
YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS by John McEnroe. 4 stars.
Tennis fans will love this, regardless of whether or not they actually like him (which, let's face it, is kind of impossible). McEnroe gives a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to be a touring tennis pro during the 1970s and 1980s. It was fascinating to read his analysis of his big matches, the big tournaments, etc. And, he gives a no-holds-barred examination of his rivals --- Jimmy Connors, Boris Becker, Bjorn Borg, Vitas Geralitis, and Ivan Lendl. PLUS, he owns up to the fact that he came off as an arrogant fool during his famed flip-outs on court. The reason I don't give this 5 stars is that his family and his personal life get the short end of the stick. For someone so firmly entrenched in the gossip pages as a result of his private life, I was hoping for a little more input on what Johnny Mac is like at home.
THE CORRECTIONS by Jonathan Franzen. 5 stars.
Every good thing that has been said about this book is true. His characters --- human and flawed --- are so real that it is nearly painful. Wonderfully developed and written with deliciously dark humor, this book is easily one of the best I have read in a very long time.
ONE FOR THE MONEY by Janet Evanovich. 2 stars.
I felt compelled to read this being that the Stephanie Plum series is so wildly popular. And, sadly, I just don't get it. The twists and turns are innumerable, totally unbelievable, and developed with the grace and subtlety of a freight train. That said, Stephanie Plum is an interesting enough character, but Evanovich's famed humor is a little heavy-handed and obvious.
*****
Bookrec@aol.com
Shelters of Stone by Jean Auel. 2 1/2 stars.
Not as good as the first three (I wasn't crazy about #4). It is very repetitive.
*****
lgettle@iserv.net
I've just finished absorbing THE REMNANT by LaHaye/Jenkins. I also enjoyed THE WAILING WIND by Tony Hillerman, and THE CASSANDRA COMPACT by Ludlum/Shelby. I plan on reading MORTAL PREY by John Sandford this week. All are excellent authors.
*****
Njm0629@aol.com
Step ~ Ball ~ Change by Jeanne Ray. 4 stars.
It's not often that a book causes me to laugh loud enough and long enough that I fear waking my family. Step ~ Ball ~ Change is one book that did just that. The extended family provides various forms of support as its members traverse different stages of relationships. The perfect sister is getting a divorce; the charismatic niece elopes following a one-night stand; the darling daughter is forced to question her engagement; and the sensitive son loses his heart to the contractor's daughter. Ray weaves all of these characters, and more, into a delightful story that is a pleasure to read.
*****
Whimsey03@aol.com
DIVINE INSPIRATION by Jane Langton. 4 1/2 stars.
I truly enjoyed this finely crafted mystery. For those who love music, organs, churches, or just a well-designed plot, this is an excellent read. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading more of Langton's work.
*****
PFLucas@aol.com
Sophie and the Rising Sun by Augusta Trobaugh.
Set in a small Georgia town named Salty Creek, where everyone knows everyone else's business, a stranger arrives under mysterious circumstances. The stranger, Mr. Oto, a quiet and reserved man is taken in as a gardener by a pillar of the community. Only when the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor does his new life come under siege and some of the small town inhabitants act in courage and sacrifice.
Nickel and Dimed On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich.
Inspired by welfare reform, the author moved to three different states and worked at minimum wage jobs in order to write a rare perspective of how prosperity looks from the bottom. It is good investigative journalism, and thoughtful reading.
*****
brady538_91208@yahoo.com
PHOENIX: A Brother's Life by J. D. Dolan. 4 stars.
This is a salute to an older brother and a description of a dysfunctional family and points out the great differences of personality within a large family. Silence plays a major part in this family and the bickering among sisters rears its head. A good read of nonfiction.
*****
VRX722@aol.com
Letters from an Age of Reason by Nora Hague.
Most satisfying novel I've read in years. Rich background, complex characters. All in all, a great read.
Back to top.
