Rickimc@aol.com
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis. 4 stars.
Some parts did not make much sense, but other than that, it was as imaginative as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Magician's Nephew, and Prince Caspian.

bookfairy@rogers.com
I just finished an advanced reading copy of How to Meet Cute Boys by Deanna Kizis (to be released in October). I loved the first person writing style. The main character, Benjamina, is witty, intelligent, clever and emotional. She's just like every other insecure 20-something, looking for a relationship and wondering whether she's just doomed to die alone. The supporting characters were brilliantly done, if a little stereotypical and over the top … but it worked!

Unfortunately, I did get a little annoyed with Benjamina at times, especially when she got whiny and insecure. A little common sense would have gone a long way! And when she flipped about her new boyfriend being so much younger, it just made things worse. I mean, seriously, dating a younger guy is not that big a deal --- IF he's the right guy! But Benjamina took forever to realize that, which made me really impatient with her whole "growing-up" process.

Overall, a very funny and mostly realistic story about one woman's struggles with relationships and self-esteem. 3 1/2 stars.

CPerona@aol.com
I am reading Fatal Tide by Iris Johansen. It's fantastic; the mystery and romance involved would make everyone sorry to put the book down!!

I just finished Sense of Evil by Kay Hooper. As usual her romantic suspense is the best!!

I also really enjoyed Gone Too Far by Suzanne Brockmann. It's a continuance of her "Tall, Dark and Dangerous" series and I really believe it's one of the best!!

justme@xmission.com
Waltzing the Cat and Cowboys Are My Weakness, both by Pam Houston
Houston is an absolutely SUPERB author! I like these two books because they are collections of short stories and so real to life. I would recommend them to everyone! I read one and then the other, and wished she had MORE!

Also, All Over But the Shoutin' and Ava's Man, both by Rick Bragg. I love memoirs and these are WONDERFUL!

lindaharriet@msn.com
I'm reading Brick Lane by Monica Ali, the story of Nazneen, born in a Bangladeshi village and sent to London for an arranged marriage, while her sister remains in Bangladesh and marries for love. Nazneen gradually learns that she can control her own destiny, and she falls in love. Through letters, we find out what happens to her sister Hassin. Beaten by her husband, she runs away into a world filled with adversity, yet she prevails. This is an impressive debut novel. 5 stars.

lsteiner312@yahoo.com
It might be a good idea for all of us to take another look at the following book of historical significance: The Constitution of the United States. The edition I have has an introduction by Floyd G. Cullop, a high school history teacher. It is very readable. A quick read of this book will make you realize there are many, many grounds for impeachment in the Bush administration. Let's face it, this country is fast turning into something much, much worse than the McCarthy era. Here in Marin, where I live, there is a bumper sticker stating: "If you are not outraged, you are not paying attention." After a re-reading of The Constitution, and a quick glance at the morning headlines, you will definitely be outraged, I can assure you! 5 stars.

Second, check out the Bay Area bestseller by Sheldon Rampton and John Stauber, Weapons of Mass Deception: The Uses of Propaganda in Bush's War on Iraq. 5 stars.

Then, get the video from PBS, Watergate - 30 Years Later. You will certainly be alarmed after watching the video and comparing it to what is happening now. Only to make matters worse, we have morally bankrupt people running all departments and agencies of the Executive branch now!!! Very frightening --- just in time for Halloween.

KendraPT@aol.com
For once I'm only reading one or two books! First, I'm reading Fatal Tide by Iris Johansen, a great suspense to keep you guessing! I like how Johansen ties her books together with repeat characters. People just keep popping up in cameo or supporting roles from previous books, or become a main character after being a supporting character. It keeps things familiar and fun.

I recently finished The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks and just loved it. This book was less weepy for me than his other books, but it was a wonderful romantic book. If only there was really a guy out there like Wilson...

Next up on my list is Bleachers by John Grisham, James Patterson's The Lake House, and a heap of paperbacks!

gojessicago@juno.com
All He Ever Wanted by Anita Shreve. 2 stars.
Ick, blech and yuck. What a yawn of a book with a major bummer ending.

Imitation in Death by J. D. Robb. 5 stars.
I have never been bored with the Eve Dallas series. I am always intrigued, impressed and unable to put it down.

The Anniversary by Amy Gutman. 4 stars.
I wonder if Ms. Gutman meant to make this book so easy to figure out. She is an excellent writer and very enjoyable to read, but I feel like she overplayed her hand too early in the game. It would have been more fun to read had there been any surprises left.

24/7 by Jim Brown. 5 stars.
Wow, what great book! This is a thriller about a reality game show taken over by a freaky guy with a freaky agenda. I LOVED IT!

Fireplay by Suzanne Chazin. 5 stars.
I love this series about Fire Marshall Georgia Sheehan. This one truly was a mystery in the highest order. Well-done.

Thanks for the opportunity to opine. I can't remember what I ever did before Word of Mouth!!!

Dianna@mail2her.com
I just finished reading A Cruel Season for Dying by Harker Moore. Despite a slow beginning in the first few pages, once the story line picked up, I could not put the book down. The ending was a surprise. Even in a mystery, I still root for the good guys to win.

I give this book 5 stars and recommend it to anyone who wants to read a mystery that will keep them guessing until the end --- especially if you find it gratifying to discover that you will most likely have incorrectly identified the killer.

GerryD8784@aol.com
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. 5 stars.
The book that introduced symbologist Robert Langdon, the protagonist of The Da Vinci Code, has been re-released now in the wake of The Da Vinci Code's success, and I find myself surprised this one didn't get a better reception when it came out three years ago, as it's actually better written than the newer book.

Langdon is summoned to Switzerland, where he learns of the murder of a physicist and the apparent resurrection of the Illuminati, a secret society long believed to have gone out of existence but "dedicated since the time of Galileo to promoting the interests of science and condemning the blind faith of Catholicism." It appears that the Illuminati have stolen the fruit of the physicist's research, particles of anti-matter capable of destroying Vatican City, and are holding that city hostage while ritually murdering the top leadership of the Catholic Church in an act of vengeance for the Church's rejection of science and persecution of scientists centuries ago.

Great plotting and pacing, better character development than The Da Vinci Code, and fascinating historical and artistic detail make this one a must-read!

JohnBloomsplace@aol.com
I'm reading a book by author Dr. James Dobson on raising boys and the challenges that go along with it, Bringing Up Boys.

scrim@blueyonder.co.uk
I have just finished reading Time and Chance by Sharon Kay Penman. It is the second book in a three-part series about King Henry II and his wife, Eleanor of Aquitane. I am an avid history reader, not just of British history but other countries as well. I think Eleanor of Aquitaine was one remarkable woman, considering the constraints women lived under in the 12th century. I am looking forward to the third volume very much. Sharon Penman writes a good novel while keeping true to her characters.

EMMONSMC@msn.com
I am reading Sweet Hush by Deborah Smith. I would give it 5 stars because it was a treat to read about Hush. She is a great character and the pages flew.

khartshorn@comcast.net
Our group is reading Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani. She is a local author for us and we read the book in preparation for a book signing/author reading fundraiser. We are also lucky enough to have a teleconference with her scheduled for our November meeting. It was a great story and should be a good discussion. 5 stars.

DFSn180@aol.com
Harker Moore's new series featuring a Japanese-American homicide detective is going to be a great series and gets 5 stars from me. Mr. Moore writes beautifully, even when the events in the story get pretty graphic. His characters are strong and believable.

Mrandbud@aol.com
I was so disappointed when I picked up John Grisham's new book, Bleachers. I thought this would be a good article in a magazine because it's so small. What a surprise for me! I recommend it to every woman who has had to watch Saturday football and to all jocks who have played the game, from pee-wee to pro. I am recommending it to my husband, sons and brothers. We will all understand the football fever after reading it. What a delight! A nice, relaxing, and easy read.

Ginnylazar@aol.com
Barbara Delinsky has a special gift for creating sensitive, believable characters. Flirting With Pete, which I just finished, is a multilayered tale of love, vulnerability, and the ability of people to grow and change, with the added element of mystery. I had trouble putting Flirting With Pete down, and there are not many books that can capture my imagination this way.

Ginnylazar@aol.com
I love mysteries, and those with brave women tickle my fancy just a little more than those with totally male heroes. Stephen White's Warning Signs is an intense, action-packed, unusual book with enough bravado, tension, danger and nail-chewing moments to keep me reading even after the lights should have been off.

suyme@earthlink.net
Slander by Ann Coulter. 5 stars.
Treason by Ann Coulter. 5 stars.
The Death of Right and Wrong by Tammy Bruce. 5 stars.
The New Thought Police by Tammy Bruce. 5 stars.

OLTLFREAK@aol.com
I just finished the book Top O' the Mournin' by Maddy Hunter. I give this book 5 stars. It's the second in her series, and even better then the first. I can't wait for her next book to come out, which takes place in Italy!

Kfettresources@msn.com
I read until 3:00 this morning to finish another Nelson DeMille book. The only other that I need to read is the last one, Up Country. I read other authors, just to be exposed to another style, but I continue to return to DeMille. The plots grab me immediately --- I look for opportunities each day to get a few chapters in. Other authors don't intrigue me as much as he does. I complete his books much faster than any others. I love his style, his storylines and his humor!

robertsljr@earthlink.net
Death Masks by Jim Butcher, the fifth book in the Dresden Files series.
Life has its up and downs for our hero, Harry, the down-on-his-luck wizard from modern-day Chicago. I do enjoy this series. It's definitely darker than Harry Potter, but I like Harry Dresden and the world Butcher has created.

Dark Spectre by Michael Dibdin, a stand alone.
Random murders without motives are taking place all over America with victims of every age and background. For a writer who is so successful, this was so bad I couldn't get through it.

Cold Justice by Jonnie Jacobs, the fifth book in the Kali O'Brien series.
San Francisco lawyer Kali O'Brien gets the shocking news that her friend Anne has been murdered in an apparent copycat killing. Interesting secondary characters, very good suspense, and an unexpected ending provide a very good read. But the most interesting thing is that, with the Kali being a prosecuting attorney, none of the story is in the courtroom --- a refreshing change. I have always enjoyed this series, and this book is particularly good.

The Pusher by Ed McBain, the third book in the 87th Precinct series.
2am in the bitter cold of winter: the young Hispanic man's body was found in a tenement basement. The rope around his neck suggested a clear case of suicide --- until the autopsy revealed he had overdosed on heroin. This is a police procedural at its very best --- tight plots, believable characters, excellent dialogue, well-drawn sense of place and time. I've read all of the 87th Precinct books and have never been disappointed.

Cold Pursuit by T. Jefferson Parker.
When Homicide Sergeant Tom McMichael gets the call about Pete Braga's murder, he can't help but feeling a bit of pleasure due to a long-standing family hatred. This is a story of relationships, police procedure, and good red herrings and surprises. It was a very good read.

Buck Fever by Ben Rehder, his first novel.
County game warden John Marlin and Sheriff Herbert Mackey lock horns when two dumb-and-dumber poachers accidentally shoot another idiotic guy wearing a deer costume. This was a hard book for me to rate. It is very well written with interesting characters (a couple of the sadly pathetic) and I can see why it was selected as a Publishers Weekly Best Mystery of the Year, but I think it would help if you were a hunter.

Imitation in Death by J.D. Robb, the 17th book in her "In Death" series
Lt. Eve Dallas investigates the grisly killing of a New York City prostitute only to find a note signed "Jack" and that the murder was specifically planned to imitate Jack the Ripper. As she investigates, a second killing occurs, this time in the manner of the Boston Strangler. I feel the series is getting better with Eve relying less on Roarke, but still having the wonderful dialogue, occasional hot sex, and usual supporting characters. I freely admit that I love this series (which should be read in order).

No Good Deed by Manda Scott.
Glasgow Police DI Orla McLeod is involved in a shootout in a dismal flat where she has been living undercover. Her cover is blown, her partner is killed, and she is saved from certain death by 9-year-old Jamie, whose mother also dies in the flat. There were things about this book I loved, such as Orla's relationship with Jamie, and things I really disliked. I felt as though I had entered the series in the middle, but then realized it's not yet part of a series. I felt as though I was expected to know the backstory of the characters but wasn't really given that information until well into the story. While the writing had elements of the lyrical, the plotting felt muddy. I know others loved it, but it didn't work for me.

KLOZIER40@aol.com
If Looks Could Kill by Kate White. 4 stars.
An intriguing murder mystery with protagonist Bailey Weggins solving a magazine editor's near-death situation.

BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. 5 stars!
This was the best book I've read in a long time. It was a thriller but it was also educational with interesting facts and theories. A very well-written, thought-provoking book that I couldn't put down!

MECUSTER@aol.com
Good Faith by Jane Smiley. 2 stars.
This isn't as good as other Smiley books. It's not that it was BAD exactly --- I just didn't care much about what happened to the characters and there wasn't really much of a story that couldn't be predicted from the first chapter.

SEEDCAKEANDJOE@aol.com
Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand. 5 stars.
This was a fabulous book. I had just seen the movie and it was wonderful to read "the rest of the story." It's amazing to me the amount of research and work that went into this book --- especially considering the author has physical problems. This is a nonfiction work that reads like fiction.

rbreznay@epix.net
What I've read so far this month:
The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger (revised, expanded edition) by Stephen King. 5 stars.
Even though I read this book three times in the past, this reading seemed as fresh as ever. My last reading of it was six years ago, so I couldn't pick out the revisions and expansions, but it did seem different and flowed very smoothly. If you haven't yet read any of King's Dark Tower books, now is a great time to start.

Red Angel by Andrew Harper. 5 stars.
I started this one afternoon and by evening I was almost half-finished. It sucks you right in and doesn't let go.

Triage edited by Matt Johnson, with novellas by Richard Laymon, Ed Lee, and Jack Ketchum. 5 stars.
Very suspenseful novellas.

shifel02@aol.com
I'm in the middle of Lawrence Block's Small Town. It is full of his usual intriguing characters and convoluted plots. It takes place in New York City, and in publishing circles even New York can be like a small town.

shifel02@aol.com
I just finished reading Seizure by Robin Cook. It was one of his best, about how politics can effect medical research and hamper scientist-doctors to kowtow to politicians.

Pudgypb@aol.com
Lost by Joy Fielding.
As always, her books tell wonderful stories. An added bonus is her twist on the endings. She is one author I can't get enough of.

The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks.
Another wonderful author. It's hard to believe a man can write such wonderful romantic novels.

Separate Beds by LaVyrle Spencer.
Her books are very good reads. I really enjoyed this one.

Mystrytx@aol.com
Hard Rain by Barry Eisler. 2 stars.
A new twist on the prostitute with the 'heart of gold', a hit man who won't kill women or children, etc., etc. Although it got rave reviews from booksellers, I found it very slow going. Also, it is set in Japan where the author has obviously spent a lot of time and I found that trying to read the 20-letter long Japanese words every few lines slowed down the story and was very distracting.

pooka@dontgotmail.com
Power by Linda Hogan. It was published in 1998 but I just read it. Read it yourself, you'll be enthralled. 5 stars.

staceyfh@rogers.com
I just finished reading Man and Boy by Tony Parsons. I would rate this novel 4 1/2 stars. It was a cleverly written perspective of a father who, after causing the end to his marriage, is trying to do his best to raise his young son. I was constantly amazed at the insights and social commentary that Parsons was able to open my mind to. I just found it to be a very honest and gritty story from a 30-year-old father's perspective, which is not one that I have heard before. I loved it.

NGroves@aol.com
The True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey. 5 stars.
Australian writer Peter Carey takes the known facts about his country's most famous outlaw, Ned Kelly, and creates a marvelous historical novel that provides background, motivation and insights into what might have made this young man turn from his desired life as a peaceful farmer into a "bush ranger" and somewhat of a Robin Hood character who helped his fellow Irish immigrants in their endless struggle with corrupt police and brutal English landowners. A terrific book, especially if you listen to the audio version.

Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands by Jorge Amado. 4 stars.
Attractive young window Dona Flor has remarried after her gambling, womanizing scoundrel of a husband dropped dead during a Brazilian carnival celebration. Her new husband, a pharmacist, is kind, respectable and loving, but Flor finds life with him just a bit dull after living with her first man. When she inadvertently summons him back from the dead, she's torn between her strong desire to resume their passionate love life and her determination to remain faithful to her new husband. A delicious comedy.

Until the Real Thing Comes Along by Elizabeth Berg. 3 stars.
Patty Murphy is 36, single, and has a biological clock not merely ticking but blaring. She's found the perfect man to fulfill her rather juvenile fantasies about marriage, pregnancy and motherhood, but there's a problem: he's gay and seeking Mr. Right as desperately as Patty is. He agrees to get Patty pregnant, although not for the reasons she thinks, and she assumes she can eventually move the relationship beyond platonic. She's finally forced to grow up and start living with reality, not fairy tales, which gives the book a bit more depth than I suspected when I first started it.

Child of My Heart by Alice McDermott. 3 stars.
This novel depicts a brief period in the life of an attractive 15-year-old, everyone's favorite babysitter and pet caregiver in an upscale neighborhood. In this coming-of- age story, she deals with the suspected serious illness of a young cousin who has come for a visit and has to decide how to respond to the subtle and not so subtle flirtations of the men she meets while caring for their kids and pets. While it's a beautifully written story, I found it hard to believe in a 15-year-old girl who showed no interest in hanging out with people her age, boys or girls, and is strongly attracted to an artist old enough to be her grandfather.

JFWisherd@aol.com
I am currently reading Pushing 30 by Whitney Gaskell as a reviewer for a local book club. I rate it 2 stars. It has some funny parts to it, but since I have "pushed 30" years ago it really doesn't appeal to me. I think it is a book best suited for people around 30 years old --- they will enjoy it best.

Elderlemon2001@aol.com
I've just finished reading Kealan Patrick Burke's wonderful short story collection Ravenous Ghosts. It's reminiscent of those classic Twilight Zone stories when Matheson was at the helm. Highly recommended for dark and stormy nights!

gregc2@bellsouth.net
East of Eden by John Steinbeck. 5 stars.
This may be one of the best books I've ever read. It's about good and evil and family secrets over 3 generations. It keeps you turning the pages wanting more and withstands the test of time as some classics do not.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. 3 stars.
I do not understand the hype on this book. While it was intriguing as a mystery and travel log (I want to visit the sites mentioned), the plot was contrived at times, the characters underdeveloped and the codes easy to decipher. (Maybe the author's idea to make the reader think he/she was pretty clever.) You WILL look at Da Vinci's art more closely!

PandoraO5@aol.com
A Painted House by John Grisham. 5 stars.
This is an amazingly well-written book that will capture your attention and never lose it. Luke Chandler's life completely changes one year during cotton picking season (his family farms) in Arkansas. You'll find yourself amazed that a book about a little boy and his secrets could be so good, but then you'll realize that Grisham is just an extremely talented writer who can take any story and go with it.

MAP5402@aol.com
In Silence by Erica Spindler. 4 stars.
Sense of Evil by Kay Hooper. 5 stars.
Beachcomber by Karen Robards. 3 stars.
Bloody Bones by Laurell K. Hamilton. 5 stars. (I love this vampire series)
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. 5 stars.

AUGER77777@aol.com
I just finished a marvelous book by Randy Alcorn titled Lord Foulgrin's Letters. This book is a sort of sequel to the C.S. Lewis classic, The Screwtape Letters. Lord Foulgrin is a senior demon who writes to his apprentice demon Squaltaint on how to subvert and misdirect his assigned subject away from becoming a Christian. This book differs from The Screwtape Letters in that every other chapter is devoted to following the actual lives of the family members (especially the husband/father) who Squaltaint and other demons are attempting to win over. For fans of C.S. Lewis, this is a must-read. 5 stars.

I am currently reading Janet Evanovich's latest, To the Nines. Once again, Stephanie Plum is up to her eyebrows in trouble. With the help of Morelli, Ranger and the ever-present, ever-dieting Lulu, she has managed to accomplish nothing except barely staying alive. It's a mystery to me how Evanovich can write so many Stephanie Plum books with the same characters and same basic plot, and still manage to keep them endlessly entertaining. 5 stars.

baxtergr@msn.com
I am recovering from surgery, which isn't all bad as it gives me extra reading time. While indulging in some "fluff" books, I also finally had time to read The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Then by some wonderful coincidence, The Confessor by Daniel Silva became available to me at my public library. Wow, two 5's in a row with somewhat related subject matter. Wonderful.

CPerk31966@aol.com
For California's Gold by JoAnn Levy
Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles
Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

Evidently I'm in my historical fiction phase, and I am enjoying it thanks to the three books above. Well written with language and story that transport one to the era and characters one cares about, these three books are well worth reading.

Lonarifka@aol.com
I am reading A Widow for One Year by John Irving. It is a great book, filled with fascinating and real people. As you read you can picture each of the characters and they seem to come alive. I would give this book a rating of 5 stars.

CallMeDabo@aol.com
I'm currently halfway through The Little Friend by Donna Tartt. I'd give it about a 3 so far. I did enjoy her first book, The Secret History, a lot more than this one.

Bjglu@aol.com
What Was She Thinking? by Zoe Heller. 3 stars.
Reviews were great for this, but I found it rather sad and pedestrian. Basically, it's the story of a middle-aged married female teacher having an affair with a teenage student.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis. 4 stars.
This is Muskegon, Michigan's "One City, One Book" novel. It's a wonderful book that the entire family can read and discuss today --- about family and racism.

Fbower444@aol.com
I am currently reading Tom Clancy's The Teeth of the Tiger. I give it 5 stars. Clancy brings his stories into the present world of terrorism with this book. Old Clancy characters are prominently mentioned but new characters are Jack Ryan Jr. and his cousins Dominic and Brian Caruso. They are all employed by the seemingly private organization, Hendley Associates. But Hendley Associates is a cover for a super-secret government organization.

Bberrycrk@aol.com
Angels in Disguise by Lou Dean. 4+ stars.
A book about growing up with a dysfunctional family that is as good if not better than The Liar's Club. This book is about the animals in the author's life. They saved her life figuratively and literally.

tunaross@nc.rr.com
Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews. 4 stars.
Interesting, realistic characters and lots of local color made this a great summer read. The plot is a bit contrived but it was enjoyable and fast-moving.

Fallen Idols by J. F. Freedman. 3 stars.
From one of my favorite authors, this book was a little disappointing. The story was rather predictable and too drawn out.

hmcewen@accesscomm.ca
I just finished reading Sense of Evil by Kay Hooper. Definitely 5 stars.

Newcrain@aol.com
A Place of Hiding by Elizabeth George. 4-5 stars.
Good characterization. The island setting is interesting with historical background.

MACOBB@aol.com
I just finished reading Blackbird and Stillwaters, both by Jennifer Lauck. They are books about her life from the time she was very young to the present. The death of her mother and father, living with her stepfamily, living on her own at age 9 or so). Both books keep you turning the pages to find out how she is going to survive and get through the events in her life. Both deserve 5 stars.

storm8810@yahoo.com
I have recently finished two books. The first is To The Nines by Janet Evanovich. Another great book by this author that left me with tears in my eyes from laughing so hard at certain parts! I always recommend her books and one of the great things about them is that you don't have to start from the beginning of this series to have an idea of what's going on. Definitely light yet enjoyable reading. 4 stars.

The second book I highly recommend is Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand. What a fantastic read! The book takes place in the mid to late 1930's when the country needed something to take their minds away from the Depression. The excitement that this horse, his owners, his trainer, and his jockey brought to the country is mind blowing. The author captured the feeling of being at the races so vividly that you feel like you are there. 5 STARS!! (More if I could!!)

aalessio@stdl.org
I just finished Blindside by Catherine Coulter and was pleasantly surprised! Her latest FBI Sherlock and Savich has lots of surprises and plenty of scenes with the great couple. Some romance readers are not able to pull off thrillers, but Coulter does a pretty good job. If readers have not read this series, they should really start with The Maze and move through the series. (Otherwise, as you know, I'm reading a ton of teen books!)

Donnaleggate@aol.com
I just finished The Face by Dean Koontz. What an excellent, suspenseful and thrilling read. I couldn't put it down! 5 stars

I also just started Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling. An excellent adventure as was the rest of the series. 5 stars.

LKarlak@aol.com
I just finished reading Death of a Village by M.C. Beaton, the latest in her series of Hamish MacBeth mysteries. Hamish, the spectacularly unambitious Highlands policeman, solves a series of mysteries along the Scottish coast and ponders a possible new romance. A quick and enjoyable read. 4 stars.

DStegmanCrawford@aol.com
I just finished a trio of books featuring Marie Lightfoot, true crime novelist and quasi detective, by Nancy Pickard: The Whole Truth, Ring of Truth, and The Truth Hurts. I would give them about 3 stars each. Fast-paced, superficial reading. I don't care for the way the book bounces from the novel the heroine is currently writing to the present day action. Loose ends tie up really fast at the end.

ginawjax@comcast.net
Crow Lake by Mary Lawson. 3 1/2 stars.
I read this book because it was a New York Times Notable Book. It was well-written but the ending left me with a "is that all there is?" feeling. I enjoyed the book up until the un-climax at the end

Lgluhani@aol.com
Liars and Saints by Maile Meloy. 3 stars.
Flatbellies by A.B. Hollingsworth. 4 stars.

cama@pnx.com
I am currently finishing True to Form by Elizabeth Berg, which is the third book in a triology about a 13-year-old girl named Katie Nash. Berg really captures the essence and feelings of being 13 (at least as far as I am able to remember). Her writing is simply exquisite and her attention to detail and ability to describe the most hard-to-describe thoughts and feelings often leave me in awe. A definite 5-star read!

John1rosie@aol.com
Heavenly Date and Other Flirtations by Alexander McCall Smith. 4 stars.
This is a 199-page volume of nine short stories that may be said to both be into the Twilight Zone and to be the kind of writing that others (read I, Richard by Elizabeth George) would like to be writing. Published in England in 1995, these stories are now here for us to enjoy and think about. Next up, Prague by Arthur Phillips. My previous book was A Place of Hiding by Elizabeth George, which I found to be a 1-star cobbled together effort.

billiegirl20@hotmail.com
I'm currently reading Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer. So far, I'm finding it beautifully written and a bit comical in just the first couple pages.

Susmu@aol.com
I recently read She's Not There by Jennifer Finney Boylan. I LOVED it!!! 5 stars.

I just finished Straight Man by Richard Russo. Very good, 4 stars.

I'm now reading The Center of Everything by Laura Moriarty. Very good so far but way too early to rate it.

KINDLEELF@aol.com
Shadow Dancers, The Green Train and Nightbloom, all by Herbert Liberman. 4 stars each.
They all have marvelous plots and attention grabbing action.

The Autobiography of Henry VIII by Margaret George. 5 stars for sure!
True to history and not the least bit dry.

Time Between Trains by Anthony Bukoski. 3 stars.
Short, interesting read.

The Book of Dead Birds by Gayle Brandeis. 5 stars.
This is narrated by the daughter of a Korean prostitute, expressing incidents in the life of mother and daughter and coming to terms with the past.

Hell at the Breech by Tom Franklin. 5 stars.
A fast moving western filled with violence caused by the inability of the country folk to understand the city folk

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. 5 stars.
A study in futility and hope.

A Garden of Earthly Delights by Joyce Carol Oates. 5 stars.
A rewrite of the original published in 1967.

Cry Me A River by Ernest Hill. 4 stars.
Is the justice system stacked against black people?

Taras Bulba by Nikolai Gogol. 5 stars.
This speaks to the constant world problems caused by ancient hatreds, not allowed to end as they are passed down from generation to generation

Slatewiper by Lewis Perdue. 5 stars.
This novel delves into bio-warfare, with a different twist.

cgstarllc@hotmail.com
I just finished The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews. It's a must read! 5 stars. Before that I also read Madam, The Grass is High by Dennis H. Christen. It too was a super read! 5 stars.

Rochelle017@aol.com
My recommendation is Lost by Joy Fielding. I rate it 5 stars and once you start you won't be able to put it down.

dpalmer614@sbcglobal.net
I just finished To the Nines by Janet Evanovich (4 stars) and The Brethren by John Grisham (5 stars).

dlhart@bellsouth.net
Mission Flats by William Landay

"The quality of a nation's civilization can be largely measured by the methods it uses in the enforcement of its criminal law."
- Miranda v. Arizona, 1966

Well, the methods depicted (and well described) in Mission Flats might not be smiled upon by Miranda, but the journey to arrive at its quality results are miles provokingly traveled. Interesting, entertaining, insightful, and disturbing are words that relate to the events portrayed, but it is "rich and intense" that best reveal the action. First-time author and former D.A. William Landay has dropped a bombshell onto the scene of crime-suspense fiction with this shocking tale of the criminal justice system.

hudsnhawke@aol.com
I recently finished reading Faye Kellerman's new book Street Dreams and truly enjoyed it. I would give it 4 stars.

caliauds66@aol.com
Travels by Michael Crichton. 5 stars.
This is a book I have read before. I find it inspiring and read it for motivation.

amusingjoy@sbcglobal.net
I am currently reading All He Ever Wanted by Anita Shreve. It's not quite as intriguing to me as Sea Glass but Shreve is an author I will continue to follow and read. I'm looking forward to how she concludes the novel. 4 stars.

I just finished reading A Yellow Raft in Blue Water by Michael Dorris. It's a novel about 3 generations (grandmother, mother, daughter) of Native American females and their different experiences on and off the reservation. Wonderful imagery --- I felt that I was there and seeing the landscape. 4 stars.

jbloom52@comcast.net
I just finished Seabiscut by Lauren Hillenbrand. Excellent book! The author makes you feel as though you are at each of the races Seabiscut ran. 5 stars.

I am just starting Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich. It is a book club read and another nonfiction. I haven't finished it yet but so far give it 5 stars. It flows well and holds my interest.

angie@angieonline.net
In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner.

alacombe@belfastlibrary.org
The Proposing Tree: A Love Story by James F. Twyman. 4 stars so far.
I have just started it, but it seems to be a very endearing little story. It's a small book and will be a quick read, which fits my schedule at the moment.

A Miracle for St. Cecilia's by Katherine Valentine. 5 stars!!
I can't wait to pick up the next in the series, A Gathering of Angels.

missourigirl62@earthlink.net
Rachel's Holiday by Marian Keyes. 4 stars.
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. 5 stars.
In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner. 4 stars.
Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner. 5 stars.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. 4 stars.

mel.sills@warnerchappell.com
I am reading The Beach House by James Patterson (5 stars) and I finished Wish You Well by David Baldacci (5 stars).

TLWood61@aol.com
The Center of Everything by Laura Moriarty. 3 1/2 stars.
I loved this book in the beginning, but just when things started to look up for Evelyn, the 10-year-old narrator, the book abruptly ended. I found myself thinking about Evelyn for days and had no answers.

No Second Chance by Harlan Coben. 5 stars.
Harlan's stories just keep getting better and better. I can't wait until the next!

Lost by Joy Fielding. 4 stars.
Every mother's nightmare! What a surprise ending!

zingarelli@FAIR1.FAIRFIELD.EDU
Lost in America: A Journey With My Father by Sherwin Nuland. He's just
terrific.

zippety4@yahoo.com
The book I am reading at the moment is Ilium by Dan Simmons. It spins a wonderful yarn by interweaving three main subplots into a weird tale of the Trojan wars with real GODS. Sounds funny but is a very good read.

John1rosie@aol.com
A Place of Hiding by Elizabeth George. 1 star.
Elizabeth George still does some things really well. She knows how to provide emotional support for young female victims: "Right now you want to grieve. The strength of your grieving marks the strength of your love. And letting grief go when the time comes to do it honors that love." She knows how to tell a boy's story and to tug on the heart strings of males, if not everyone: "Paul reached out and stayed the doctor's hand. 'I've got the money,' he said to Mr. Knight so clearly, he might have been speaking the first words ever spoken between two people. 'I don't care what it costs me. Save my dog.'

But golly this detective novel is a test of endurance. The first eighteen chapters, in my opinion, are as slow as any. The heroine is as self pitying as an-unhappy-but-well-off-woman can be when she is not adored by an audience for her insight into her vocation. Yes, Deborah shows the eventual philosophical triviality of the thought, "I am the job and the job is me." Thankfully Deborah wasn't this in Ms. George's previous novels. Ah, days to be missed and savored. The hero used to be in charge of his life. In this novel he can be outrun and certainly outsmarted or made to look ineffectual to himself by the heroine whenever she chooses.

The killer is murdered early on. Who dunit? The novel is written like a soap. Every 4-8 pages the scene shifts. Perfect spot for commercials. Each character has an agenda. Anyone could have done it but who did and did the murder have anything much to do with anything significant about the murdered man or the murderer? As previously stated, the heroine is as self pitying as an-unhappy-but-well-off-woman can be when she is not adored. Is the murderer very different?

CFEIRRELL@aol.com
The Santa Claus Chronicles, Book I: The Discovery by Charles O'Fearghail.
If you ever wanted to believe in Santa Claus, you need to read this book.

lisam902@adelphia.net
Lost by Joy Fielding. 5 stars.
I just finished reading this book and was thankfully able to do so in one sitting. If not I don't know where I could have put it down.

The Face by Dean Koontz. 5 stars.
Absolutely AMAZING. By far this is the best book I have read this year, if not the best book I have ever read. Koontz's best book to date. A must read for any mystery/suspense fans. It was very hard to put down and I finished it in record time. I would recommend this book to all.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. 5 stars.
I read this book while on vacation and found that it was very hard to put down. It was a fabulous book --- fast-paced and very interesting.

Johnny Angel by Danielle Steel. 4 stars.
Another great book from the master of romance.

Diary by Chuck Palahniuk. 5 stars.
I just started reading this book and so far it is incredible.

Flirting with Pete by Barbara Delinsky. 5 stars.
I finished this book a few weeks ago and I really enjoyed it. It got a little slow in the middle but I am glad that I stuck with it. By the end of the book I really cared about the characters and was moved by the story.

jalocke@comcast.net
When the Wind Blows by James Patterson. 5 stars.
A must-read, When the Wind Blows by James Patterson is riveting, joyful, sad, maddening, wondrous and mysterious, with a sprinkling of sci-fi. I can't think of any book of Mr. Patterson's that I would value less than five stars. This is a riveting book that you don't want to put down. You can't help but cheer for the flyers. The intertwining of characters in this book makes for a suspenseful, absorbing read. And don't forget to read the sequel, The Lake House, published in 2003.

FATDADMKT@aol.com
Blindside by Catherine Coulter. 4 stars.

donna@whitenet.com
I just read all eight of Catherine Coulter's FBI thrillers: The Cove, The Maze, The Target, The Edge, Riptide, Hemlock Bay, Eleventh Hour and Blindside. I wish there were more!! They were all wonderful, fast-paced, engaging thrillers with good characters and a little romance. I would recommend these to everyone. 5 stars each.

bencanada1@yahoo.com
The Devil's Banker by Christopher Reich. 4 stars.
Excellent, suspenseful, non-stop thrills and great dialogue and portrayal of characters.

Kpbarnett331@aol.com
I am not reading anything this week because I was notified of a really nice sweepstakes win on Monday --- my first "Biggie Win" --- and am too antsy to sit down and concentrate on anything!! Maybe by next week I will be settled down enough to delve into a good book!!

KLOZIER40@aol.com
Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje. 3 1/2 stars.
A confusing forensic story that jumps around but comes together at the end, somewhat.

pjcassell@earthlink.net
I am just beginning The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri and so far I absolutely love it!! My book club picked this book and I reluctantly agreed but I am so glad I did. I give it 5 stars so far!!!

BDM1215@aol.com
The three books I have read lately are The Sunday Wife by Cassandra King (4 stars), The MacGregor Grooms by Nora Roberts (3 stars), and my personal favorite Without Reservations by Alice Steinbach (5+ stars).

Marric77@aol.com
I am reading Dead Sleep by Greg Isles. This is a good suspense by a great author. I'll probably rate this book a 4.

lindaharriet@msn.com
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides is the best book I've read all year. It's imaginative, inventive, irreverent, funny and truly extraordinary. It tells the story of Calliope Stephidies and three generations of her family, emigrating from Greece to Detroit, where we witness the changes in Detroit from the Black Bottom to Motor City to Motown, through the race riots of 1967 and white flight. In order to fully understand why Calliope is not like other girls, she must uncover a family secret and the amazing genetic discovery that turns Callie into Cal. This book was definitely worthy of the Pulitzer Prize. 5 stars.

Mittens0831@aol.com
I very much enjoyed Whispers by Lisa Jackson. Like all of her books, I just couldn't put it down! I give it 5 stars.

I'm almost finished with Lover in the Shadows by Lindsay Longford. This is the first book I've read by her and I can't wait to read more. I love murder mysteries and this is one of the best. I give it 5 stars.

Psytoad@aol.com
It's a bit old but The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell is at the top of my list right now. This 5-star read is a morality tale that challenges the reader to define God. On a mission to a newly discovered planet populated by unknown but intelligent life, the characters in this novel struggle with their humanity, their understanding of life, and their beliefs in a god who is not only the God of humanity but of other lifeforms as well. Not a "Christian" book but a book to make you examine your own beliefs.

Tigersmama43213@aol.com
I am currently reading Deception by John Altman, Blind Run by Patricia Lewin, and Path of the Assassin by Brad Thor. All of them are very good.

BEVBOOKS@aol.com
Given Up for Dead by Bill Sloan. 5 stars.
This is a nonfiction book about America's heroic stand at Wake Island, the first American battle of World War II. It was 60 years ago, so most of us weren't around then, but history generally doesn't tell us how ill prepared we were for a war. Sloan did his homework, the research is impeccable. He interviews most of the guys who are still alive that were in that little known battle. Given Up For Dead reads like a great suspense story.

No Graves as Yet by Anne Perry. 3 stars.
This book is a very good, leisurely read. Perry is a very good writer, but I was disappointed in the ending. I just thought the plot wilted and the murder motive wasn't quite up to the excellence that I expected.

joswood@adiis.net
Trial by Fire and Ice by Cinton McKinzie. 5 stars.
Another book in the Antonio Burns series by this author. It was exciting and extremely compelling reading. Someone is stalking Wyoming prosecutor Cali Morrow, the daughter of a famous movie star. Antonio is sent to guard her and also to find the stalker. The story takes place in the Grand Tetons area near Jackson, Wyoming. There is lots of exciting climbing in the Rockies to add to the plot.

Street Dreams by Faye Kellerman. 5 stars.
Cindy Decker, daughter of Peter Decker, is the main protagonist in this book. She is involved in a new romance as well as being very busy solving a crime. Peter and wife Rina are involved in a sub-plot about finding the murderer of Rina's grandmother during WWII. This is Kellerman at her best. An extremely readable book.

CPerona@aol.com
I am reading When the Storm Breaks by Heather Lowell. They always say the acorn doesn't fall from the tree --- HOW TRUE!! This book is fantastic; the story line keeps you glued to the book, and it never falters or slows like some stories. I really look forward to more of her writing!!

I just finished The Other Twin by Hunter Morgan. It was a great book with a twist on a serial killer. It seemed to drag in a few spots but then picked up with a bang. Very good reading!

hibar14@earthlink.net
I'm reading 1st to Die by James Patterson. Brides and grooms are being murdered on their wedding day. It's very good. I give it 5 stars.

Carosp@aol.com
The Kalahari Typing School for Men by Alexander McCall Smith. 4 stars. Another great book about Precious Ramotswe and her adventures as Botswana's only lady detective. This time she has competition, as another detective agency opens and her secretary/assistant detective finally has a romance. This is the last in the series so far, so I hope Mr. Smith is writing furiously! A great series.

Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot by Al Franken. 4 1/2 stars.
I loved this book! You might have to be interested in politics to really enjoy it, but it's very funny and makes many salient points, not only about Rush Limbaugh but about many of the blowhards and hypocrites in the political world. I can't wait to read his latest.

Glorrybe@aol.com
First to Die by James Grippando. 5 stars.
I really enjoy all of James Grippando's novels. He writes those kind that you don't want to put down.

Kisscut by Karin Slaughter. 5 stars.
I had read Blindsighted and enjoyed it. I was glad to read on Bookreporter that Kisscut was her second in the series. The book is great, one you don't want to put down.

A Body to Die For by Kate White. 4 stars.
I read this book because I had read her other book If Looks Could Kill. This book was really good and got better toward the end.

The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen. 5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book. Gerritsen writes a novel that keeps you turning the pages.

Street Dreams by Faye Kellerman. 3 stars.
I didn't quite enjoy this book as well as some of her others. I didn't care for the story line with Peter Decker's daughter. His wife, Rina, had an interesting story going, which I'm hoping will be continued in her next novel.

The Killing Hour by Lisa Gardner. 5 stars.
After reading The Survivor's Club by Gardner I couldn't wait to read her next novel and was not at all disappointed. She keeps you turning pages and not wanting to have the story end.

Naked Prey by John Sandford. 5 stars.
Just one of Sandford's best!

Mystic River by Dennis Lehane. 5 stars.
I read this because I knew the movie was coming out. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The characters are great and I'm anxious to see how the movie is. I can't see how they can give us all the insight into these characters that the writer has shown us.

The Last Detective by Robert Crais.
I just completed this novel. I have read all his novels with character Elvis Cole. I really enjoy the humor of his main character, Elvis. Crais writes a great novel --- easy reading and good story lines.

bookfairy@rogers.com
I just finished reading Summer Island by Kristin Hannah. It's a novel about forgiveness, redemption and the choices we make. It also raises some interesting questions: How well do we really know our parents? And when we lose one of them, do we lose a part of ourselves as well? Among the exploration of the mother-daughter relationship lies another story of familial heartbreak along with a deeply moving portrayal of a young man on his deathbed. All these themes necessitate a full box of tissues nearby. Summer Island is a definite tearjerker and a must-read for fans of passionate and dramatic family sagas. 4 stars.

Sterrberrs@aol.com
I just finished reading Homestead by Rosina Luppi. I was given this book by a new friend. I found it beautifully subtle. I don't like books that spell everything out as if the reader had no sense or imagination, so this one was instantly popular with me. I read it start to finish on a traveling day. Having lived in Austria, it had special meaning for me. 4+ stars.

User116712@aol.com
I have recently finished The Footprints of God by Greg Iles. I cannot recommend it enough. This is a real page-turner and an intelligent one at that. From high tech labs to the Holyland, espionage, paranoia and religion all play vital parts in this exceptionally plotted story. Ethics, philosophy and religion all are in play. Even though some aspects of the story seem somewhat far-fetched, they are totally believable in the context of the story as it unfolds. If you want a great story that will also make you ponder and rethink some of the most basic questions of belief plus the addition of cutting edge science along with questions raised by artificial intelligence, this is the book for you.

Warning: Do not begin this book when you have pressing matters to attend to. You will not be able to put it down once you begin. I thought the book was stunning for lack of a better word.

Die in Plain Sight by Elizabeth Lowell is good summer beach fare. It's part of the Rarities series. Susa Donovan comes to the aid of an aspiring artist who is caught in the undertow of a situation not of her making and finds the solution and the man of her dreams while solving the mystery of her grandfather's life and her inheritance.

I just started on Bushwhacked by Molly Ivins. I always enjoy her take on our former governor and now president.

AUGER77777@aol.com
I am currently reading The Vanished Man by Jeffery Deaver. This latest Lincoln Rhymes novel has been out for a few months, but it was worth the wait. Pitting the brilliant Rhymes against a master magician/serial killer is a real stroke of genius. I have had a hard time putting this book down since I picked it up...today. It won't take long to finish this one. 5 stars.

afalbo49@yahoo.com
A Gathering of Spies by John Altman. 4 stars!
This is a treat for espionage lovers!

maestraw@msn.com
My son (17) and his girlfriend (16) both read Claws by Will Weaver and loved it! My husband just finished If Grace is True by Philip Gulley and James Mulholland. He was intrigued by their writing and has talked about this book for days. We are going to meet the authors today.

Fbower444@aol.com
I just finished Tom Clancy's The Teeth of the Tiger. I give it 5 stars. This book brings Clancy into the world of dealing with terrorism. It promises more to come.

I just started Shattered by Dick Francis. No recommendation on stars yet but I haven't read a Dick Francis story that I did not thoroughly enjoy.

ItalianWishes@aol.com
I just finished reading Gianna by Mary-Jo Holmes. I found this to be a wonderfully written, soulful romance with endearing characters, several plot twists, and an inspiring ending. For anyone who's ever been in love or wants to be in love, Gianna is a great read. 5 stars!

DStegmanCrawford@aol.com
The Hour Before Dark by Douglas Clegg.
OK, but I'm not into supernatural stories and I figured out what had happened by about the 50th page. I give it 2 stars at best.

The Second Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares.
This is a 5-star young adult fiction novel, the sequel to The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. A must-read for all teenage girls. By the way, one of my 8th grade students (a boy) has read them as well --- better to know what girls are reading and thinking!

Blindsighted by Karin Slaughter.
I just started this one and I have Kisscut, the second book in the series, on my reading pile as well. I like it so far!

susanrjensen@yahoo.com
Mount Vernon Love Story by Mary Higgins Clark. 2 1/2 stars.
Although I found the subject of this book very fascinating, I thought the writing was flat and dull. George and Martha Washington didn't really come alive for me. The book was okay, but not wonderful.

Jkrmuich@aol.com
I am such a slow reader. I want to read every word, so I chose my books very carefully. I am currently reading A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. It is a long book (almost 500 pages) but I have so loved his earlier books, I couldn't resist the challenge. I only read one book at a time, but I always request books from the library so I have books "ready to read." I love your column every week, too!

srydell@charter.net
I just finished reading The Five People You Meet in Heaven a few hours ago and was really disappointed. I'm a huge fan of Mr. Albom's writing and never miss his columns in our Detroit paper. Perhaps I was expecting too much, or perhaps Tuesdays With Morrie is just a really "hard act" to follow but his new book should be sold in Hallmark stores --- or in the grocery store next to the syrup.

tiffani_ba@hotmail.com
I just read Black Robe by Brian Moore. Set in 17th century Canada, it is the story of a Jesuit missionary who journeys to New France to minister to the Hurons and try to convert them to Christianity. I enjoyed the book but I thought there were many historical inaccuracies, especially regarding the native peoples. 3 stars.

dmilburn@alltel.net
I know I should give The Da Vinci Code 5 stars, but I am only giving it 4. Why?? It gets SO wordy sometimes that you can get absolutely buried in words. Also, many times I had to go back and try to figure out where we were going. I read it to the end and am glad I did, but I wouldn't struggle through it again.

marychambers@yahoo.com
Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult. 5 stars.
A legal tale centered on a dairy farm in Amish Pennsylvania. It's about an Amish teenage girl. Well worth reading!

Never Sniff a Gift Fish by Patrick McManus. 5 stars.
McManus writes unique and refreshing short stories about the great outdoors.

The Midlife Miracle Diet by Adele Puhn. 3 stars.
Puhn has done a turnaround in her diet thinking since her first book. She now supports the low-carb idea, but there are no new ideas in her book.

Bottom Line Faith by Larry Kreider. 5 stars.
Kreider gives excellent, down-to-earth thoughts on living your daily life.

Princess Sultana's Circle by Jean Sasson. 3 stars.
This is the third book in Sasson's series on a princess of the royal family of Saudi Arabia. The first book, Princess, is the best of the three.

Firestorm by Nevada Barr. 2 stars.
I don't care for Anna Pigeon, but I like to read about the Forest Service.

Vikkivand@aol.com
The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks. 5 stars.
A combined love story and thriller. A delightful change from the author's other novels. I liked this one.

The Difference Between You and Me by Kathleen DeMarco. 4 Stars.
Two women with very different backgrounds. One is ambitious and living in Beverly Hills, the other has just moved to California from New York. Both are eager to work in the film industry. The story involves a script written by a new writer, openings and parties, and the shallow individuals in Hollywood. I thought this was funny.

Tuffy2Fo@aol.com
I am currently reading The Lake House by James Patterson. I love his books because the chapters are short, and they are a quick easy read when looking for something a little on the lighter side. I couldn't wait to read this sequel to When the Wind Blows because I really enjoyed it. Although I know it is fictional story, I still have a little trouble imagining these very special kids at home with their parents and enrolled in mainstream schools

Havetoread@aol.com
Hard Laughter by Annie Lamott. 5 stars.
This is her first novel. Her dry humor and quirky outlook on life has me giggling at things I would normally find sad or pathetic. She is a wonderful writer.

Hon2724@aol.com
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks. 4 stars.
One of his best.....and I refer to his books as "pollyanna" books. That is because there is no sex and gore or just wild events. It is a pleasant read, makes your heart feel good, and in this case has a surprise ending. I thought it was a wonderful deviation from the regular books on the shelf today.

Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. 5 stars.
I thought The Da Vinci Code could not be equaled. However, this will give it a run for its money. It grabs you from the opening until the ending. It provokes thought, teaches you things perhaps you did not know or dream of, and entertains you completely. A true treasure.

Bflolinda@aol.com
I am reading Not Guilty by Patricia MacDonald. It is definitely a 5-star read. The reviews say it will twist and turn, right to an unexpected ending. After 250 pages I can say, the reviews have it nailed. Just when you think you have it all figured out, there's another turn and you start over.

GandmaRI@aol.com
Since I've been on vacation I've had time to read lots! I finally got around to reading:

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. 5 stars.
Although this book has been out several years, I finally got around to reading it. There is so much information in so few chapters. I think I fell in love with Morrie! Such a funny, life-loving, insightful gentleman! The world needs more Morries! Since I read a library copy and liked it so well, I've since ordered a copy of my own so that I can make notes, highlights, etc. in it and keep it on my shelf. A fast read. I'm also looking forward to reading Mr. Albom's latest book, The Five People You Meet in Heaven.

Bad Company by Jack Higgins. 5 stars.
Since Jack Higgins is a favorite author, I might be a bit prejudiced in my scoring. This is another book about the Rashid empire, involving the enchanting "bad boy" Sean Dillon. A page-turner.

The Interfacers by David Swenson. 4 stars.
A novel about man's search to find what happens to our spirits during a near death experience. It is the story of a medical team trying to reconcile their individual scientific and medical training with evidence of life forces that seem to occur at death or in a near-death scenario. Fascinating.

Sense of Evil by Kay Hooper. 5 stars.
The latest "Evil" novel, it is every bit of a page-turner as are her other novels in both the "Evil" and the "Shadow" series. A serial killer is on the loose in a small town and it is a race to solve the mystery of the killer's identity using both conventional and psychic methods before he (or she) kills again. Don't start this book if you have other things to do! You can't put it down!

lonewolf333333@hotmail.com
Orchid by Jayne Castle. 5 stars.
It is an excellent blend of romance, paranormal, suspense and futuristic. Each factor accentuates the tonal qualities of one another and enhances its taste. A must-read. Here's a scoop: Orchid is a psychic talent and Rafe is a strat-talent. Their union really has the spark that combines both their powers and intimacy into a high mastery level to solve crimes and family affairs. You can even picture a movie scene unfolding, of prisms and powers.

SalbyC@aol.com
I just finished reading In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner. An entertaining book and a quick read, but rather predictable. I would give it 3 stars.

Kec200@aol.com
July, July by Tim O'Brien. 2 stars.
This story revolves around the 30th reunion for a group of college kids. It alternates between now and then (July 1969) and different members of the class. Several members had died and others wished they were dead themselves. Not exactly a happy read but very interesting. It makes you want to get off your butt and do something with your life.

Newcrain@aol.com
Deception Point by Dan Brown. 4 stars.
Starts quickly. Another good thriller from the author of The Da Vinci Code.

winterfallone@yahoo.com
Chosen Prey by John Sandford. 5 stars.
A real page-turner.
Candyland by Evan Hunter/Ed McBain. 5 stars.
I love his writing style.
Hello, Knight Mayor by Jack X. Crawford. 3 stars.
It's about a talk show host and is filled with radio jargon but has a good ending. It made me angry and also made me laugh.

readeradam@yahoo.com
I just finished reading Black Maps by Peter Spiegelman. It is an incredible debut mystery novel featuring John March, one of the most exciting new PI characters to come along in a while. Although this is classified as a financial thriller by many, I can tell you that it is much more than that. The Wall Street backdrop is interesting, well-explained, and not overly technical. The banking elements are all neatly woven into the fabric of this complex but well thought-out story.

Black Maps has it all --- a great story, a fabulous suite of characters, and an exciting locale. But most important, it is the incredible writing style and narrative that set it apart from many other works of fiction. A must-read in my opinion. Definitely 5 stars!

Amigone495@aol.com
I just finished reading East of Eden by John Steinbeck. I give it 5 stars but would give it 500 if that were possible. He developed his characters very well in this tale of two families at the turn of the century. I found many of the insights offered by Steinbeck to be profound

FATDADMKT@aol.com
Beachcomber by Karen Robards. 3++ stars!
It was a good story --- a little romance, a little mystery and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I liked it!

bradylee@myway.com
Pointing From the Grave: A True Story of Murder and DNA by Samantha Weinberg. 4 stars.
David Paul Frediani is the perpetrator and Helena Greenwood is (one) of the victims. Around 15 years is the time period of investigation and this case was finalized in the year 2000. All up-to-date stuff. You discover the history of DNA and its application to crime detection, which is a fascinating subject, and also the fact that hundreds of inmates have been released from prison as it was proven they were innocent. The thrust of this story, however, are the deeds of David Frediani, his incredible self-made alibis, those who helped him (a handful of people), and how he was eventually brought to justice because of the work of a handful of law enforcement people. A good read for true crime buffs.


Comella2729@aol.com
The Mammoth Cheese by Sheri Holman. 4 stars.
Yes, the premise of the novel sounds a bit bizarre. However, it is a worthy read. Holman's writing is crisp and fast-paced, the characters are people you care about, and you learn about early American history (at least about Thomas Jefferson). I thoroughly enjoyed it. I also enjoyed Holman's earlier novel The Dress Lodger.

TaraGel@aol.com
I am currently reading a couple of books: Goddess of the Sea by P.C. Cast, a cute, light, amusing romance novel with some original twists, plus Cornelia Funke's beautifully written (and beautifully illustrated --- check out the cover!) second novel for children, Inkheart. Inkheart is a book that will appeal to any person who ever uttered the words, "Tell me a story..."

Buffettsmom@aol.com
I've just finished Beach Music by Pat Conroy and have that sickening feeling in my stomach that it will be a long, long time before I find another book that will satisfy my need for a really good story as well as this book has. I'm rating it my all-time top five favorites. I give it a 9 out of 10.

PFLucas@aol.com
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. 5 stars.
This book combines fiction with a view of biblical women's society. The story is told in Dinah's voice and tells a story of the biblical history. Diamant has written other books of which I have placed on my "to read" list.

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