Bjglu@aol.com
We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver. 5 stars.
I haven't enjoyed a book this much since The Poisonwood Bible. A novel written from the point of view of the mother of a Columbine-type school mass murderer, it delves into the family dynamic like nothing I've read in a long time. Gut-wrenching and one you won't soon forget. Highly recommended.
Bringing Down the House by Bob Mezrich. 3 1/2 stars.
Interesting read about a group of MIT students who bamboozled Las Vegas and other casinos out of millions by counting cards in blackjack. If you're interested in gambling, math or just a fun read, this may be to your liking.
Roscoe@drizzle.com
I'm reading a wonderful book due out in March, Summer of the Big Bachi by Naomi Hirahara (4 stars) and have started Flash House by Aimee Liu, which looks very interesting.
I just finished The 37th Hour by Jodi Compton. Very interesting and unique protagonist, impressive first book. 4 stars.
Family Circle: The Boudins and the Aristocracy of the Left by Susan Braudy. 3 1/2 stars.
Good, but I think the author sometimes reaches conclusions she can't back up.
AUGER77777@aol.com
I am currently reading The Face by Dean Koontz. This is a fascinating book, though it doesn't read like a typical Koontz work. It reminds me more of Jeffery Deaver's The Vanished Man. There are a lot of twists and turns that have me totally befuddled as to what is really going on, who is doing the killing, why Ethan keeps having premonitions of his own death, who keeps calling Fric and seems to know everything about him to the last detail. Knowing Koontz, I am confident all the loose ends will be neatly wrapped up in a most intriguing and satisfying manner. 5 stars.
rsaxe@utoledo.edu
Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde. 5 stars.
A witty combination of Harry Potter, Monty Python and your favorite English Lit book.
Fbower444@aol.com
Today I finished The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Excellently crafted and well done. This is better than two of his previous books. Brown is really developing as an author. 5 stars.
I am just starting The King of Torts by John Grisham. Too early to rate this one, but based on Grisham's other stories I am expecting an excellent story.
keishla@sbcglobal.net
Currently I am reading The Farming of Bones by Edwidge Danticat. It a beautifully written story, and so far I am really enjoying it. Danticat presents a story of a young Haitian maid living in the Dominican Republic, the struggle of the displaced Haitians who serve in the cane fields in the face of extreme physical and discriminating hardships. I rate this book 4 stars.
I recently finished Sheri Reynold's The Rapture of Canaan, and I would rate that 4 1/2 stars. Reynold's weaves a tale that can show us the dangerous roads we can end up on when we immerse ourselves so deeply and literally into something to the point that we isolate ourselves. The community of Fire and Brimstone struggles to maintain strict values in an ever-changing world, but eventually finds that their way may not be.
tiffani_ba@hotmail.com
I am currently reading The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman. It is a fascinating fantasy story set in the far North, about a girl caught up in mysterious and dangerous circumstances who must fulfill her destiny without knowing about it. It is the first in "His Dark Materials" trilogy. A book to buy, not just to borrow from the library. It's in the youth fiction section, but everyone will enjoy it. 4 1/2 stars.
LJWASSON@msn.com
Avenger by Frederick Forsyth. 4 stars.
Like all of Forsyth's novels it is hard to put down.
Carford@aol.com
A Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks. 4 stars.
Heavenly Days by James Wilcox. 3 stars.
I keep waiting for this book to get funny since the Atlanta Journal Constitution described it as being humorous. I'm half way through it and so far it isn't funny.
Carosp@aol.com
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. 3 1/2 stars.
Had I read this before I read The Da Vinci Code, I might have rated it higher, but I think the plots are very similar, and The Da Vinci Code is the better book. I did like this one, and there's a lot of suspense and mysteries to figure out, but was disappointed in that so much of it had parallels in The Da Vinci Code. I hope Dan Brown writes a completely original book next --- I won't be reading any more by him if they continue to be so similar.
In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson. 5 stars.
I just happened to see this book on tape while looking for something to make my long drive to work go faster. A friend who grew up in Australia had mentioned how much she liked it a couple years ago. I've always wanted to visit Australia, and this is a kind of travel book about Australia, but a different kind of travel book, as it tells you all about the author's travels. The author is very witty and tells a good story about all his experiences, as well as recounting many stories about Australia's history and unusual flora and fauna. I often laughed out loud while listening in the car!
Bobbewig@aol.com
The Last Days by Joel C. Rosenberg. 4 stars.
Its Slam-Bang Action Will Leave You Gasping For Breath!
As was true in The Last Jihad, The Last Days --- its sequel --- is filled with exciting, suspenseful non-stop action. The plot is based on Jon Bennett's attempt to implement the Arab-Israeli peace plan, of which he is the chief architect. While reading this book I felt like I was on a treadmill that was out of control --- going faster and faster the longer I stayed on. While character development isn't Rosenberg's strong suit and some of his dialogue is at times a bit corny, these deficiencies are mostly overcome by his ability to create a very suspenseful and realistic plot --- a plot that is all too plausible and one that I hope we only have to deal with in fiction. Once you start The Last Days be prepared to change your plans for the next few days, because you won't want to put this book down.
Avenger by Frederick Forsyth. 4 1/2 stars.
Some Crimes Are Better Left Unpunished!
With Forsyth's latest, Avenger, he has catapulted himself back to the forefront of thriller writers. Avenger is for anyone interested in a very well written book with a highly intelligent plot, excellent character development and a pace that --- while not always fast-moving --- will keep your eyes glued to the pages. I should warn you, though, that if you looking for a thriller with lot of slam-bang action, Avenger may not be for you. The basic plot is about a young American volunteer who is killed in Bosnia and the hiring of the Avenger to try to seek vengeance on the person responsible. However, the real plot of this book is much more involved and covert than this --- but is one that I won't describe further so as to not reveal the story line that really makes Avenger suspenseful. All I will say again is what I said in my title for this review --- Some crimes are better left unpunished.
Split Second by David Baldacci
A Total Waste of Time And Money!
I have been a big fan of most of David Baldacci's books and loved his first, Absolute Power. However his newest book, Split Second, is one of the worst books I've read in quite a while, and I feel so cheated by Baldacci that I'm uncertain if I'll take a chance on future books by him. While Split Second started off like it was going to be an enjoyable book, it deteriorated at warp-speed. The following lists just some of the problems with this stinker --- the plot is unbelievably far-fetched, the dialogue is so amateurish it seems like it was written by a child, the characters are not credible and cartoon-like in their development, the intended suspense is (for the most part) ho-hummish, and the ending --- oh, that ending --- is ridiculous! While I try to point out good aspects in books that are not so good overall, I cannot do so for this book. The only mystery associated with Split Second for me was why I bothered to finish this very poorly written book.
Paranoia by Joseph Finder
Beware! Nothing Is As it Seems. And I'm Not Being Paranoid!
I've enjoyed all of Joseph Finder's books, but Paranoia is unquestionably his best! The plot is very fast-paced, the characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional and the suspense involving corporate spying is non-stop. If this isn't enough to make you want to rush right out to get a copy of this compelling thriller, be aware that Finder provides twists and turns that will keep you intrigued and surprised right up to the very end. Be prepared for a very exciting and fun reading experience. Paranoia will keep you glued to the edge of your seat. It is one of the most enjoyable books I've read in quite awhile. Paranoia deserves to be at the top of the bestseller lists, and it should help Joseph Finder become one of the elite group of today's popular writers.
The Oath by John Lescroart
Worth Reading!
The Oath is the first book I've read by John Lescroart but it won't be the last. Lescroart's strong suits are in his ability to develop multidimensional, credible major as well as secondary characters, believable multilayered story lines, and witty dialogue --- all of which are intertwined in an entertaining, fast-moving mystery. The basic plot involves an HMO executive who becomes a victim of a hit-and-run driver and then a murder victim after being brought to one of his own hospitals for treatment. Dismas Hardy becomes the defense attorney for the doctor presumed to be the murderer and Lt. Glitsky is in charge of the murder investigation. The relationship between Hardy and Glitsky is one I enjoyed very much and am looking forward to learning more about when I read other books in the series. Without going into detail (and perhaps spoiling things for potential readers), what keeps me from giving The Oath a higher rating is that I found its ending to be a bit predictable in some ways and a bit far-fetched in others. Nonetheless, The Oath is worth reading and is a book I think you'll enjoy.
rollingmel@comcast.net
Today (January 10, 2004) I finished reading The Meaning of Everything: The Story of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester, published in 2003 by Oxford University Press. I give it 5 stars and would award twice that if possible.
This 250-page nonfiction book is fascinating. It tells the history of the origins of the English language and the birth of the concept of a dictionary. The OED, as the dictionary became known, was proposed in 1857 to be a complete listing of all known English words with their multiple meanings and source references. Work began in 1860 and was expected to comprise three volumes to be completed in ten years. Sixty-eight (68) years later in 1928, the 12-volume project was completed to define 414,825 words. Mr. Winchester tells the stories of the lives of several editors, and the numerous sub-editors and assistants who worked on the project. He describes the problems maintaining funding and a physical location to work with and store the tons of paper source documents that were solicited and received from hundreds of volunteer readers from throughout the English-speaking world.
This is the third book by Simon Winchester I have read in the last three years. All three were exceptional reading experiences. The other two were The Map That Changed The World and Krakatoa. These two both drew on Mr. Winchester's training in geology and have a strong focus on scientific history.
There are fourteen (14) additional books by Simon Winchester listed in the front of The Meaning of Everything. I will be reading more of them as time permits.
mcgillrmcgill@charter.net
I just finished Ghost Riders by Sharyn McCrumb and rate it 4 stars. I enjoy fiction mixed with my history, and this book provides both. I think Ms. McCrumb is at her best when she's writing about Appalachia, and this novel provides lots of interesting history of the Civil War era.
pureevil25@yahoo.com
I've just started to read The Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson. I give it 5 stars! I've been looking forward to it for a while now, and it is as exciting as I had hoped it would be!
joes_books@netzero.com
I am currently reading The Trivial Pursuit Quiz Book, published by Carlton Books, 2001. It is well-laid out into seven major subdivisions with over 2,500 carefully chosen questions and a highlighted trivial fact featured every other page. In its category, it's 5-star all the way.
Hrselover326@aol.com
Thursdays at Eight by Debbie Macomber. 4 stars.
This is the January selection for our book club and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it.
The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier. 4 stars.
A short but intriguing tale woven by Ms. Chevalier!
EMMONSMC@msn.com
I am reading Linda Howard's Cry No More, which I would rate a 5 stars.
Jakapn@aol.com
Bleachers by John Grisham. 2 stars.
Unfortunately, another sappy "short story" from an author who used to hold my interest with more sophisticated and complex fare. John, please go back to your established style.
Meenmom714@aol.com
Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik.
I love this book...am literally lost in it!
dmilburn@alltel.net
Old Sins by Penny Vincenzi. Definitely 5 BIG stars.
I am almost through with this very long book. I can hardly put it down and yet I really hate to see it end. The characters are so well defined that I know each one personally. Each has good traits and bad so I really haven't decided who I hope "wins." If you like British stories, Rosamunde Pilcher or Maeve Binchy, you'll want to read this.
DStegmanCrawford@aol.com
I recently finished Footprints of God by Greg Iles and it was SLOW GOING, especially at first. I give it 3 stars as it was a pretty predicable thriller with good guys on the run. Lots of technical stuff about artificial intelligence and neurons and computers.
I'm now reading Blow Fly by Patricia Cornwell. 3 stars as well. Is anyone else tired of wonderful, beautiful, brilliant Kay and stupid Benson??? Lucy is nothing but a killer in this book. There is nothing happening and I'm half way through it. I miss her first books where we had some really interesting forensics and in-depth criminal investigation. The characters are tired and old and this will be the last novel of hers I bother to read unless Kay gets back to investigative forensics with the scientific detail she became known for!!!
Ery222@aol.com
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. 5 stars.
Another great read.
susanrjensen@yahoo.com
Ring of Truth by Nancy Pickard. 4 stars.
This is Pickard's second novel about Marie Lightfoot, a true crime writer whose search for the "real story" continually lands her in danger. This time, Marie is writing about a preacher in jail for brutally murdering his wife. As Marie investigates the case, she discovers long-buried secrets that will prove who murdered the dead woman. Fast-paced and well-written, although the wrap-up was kind of clumsy. A good read.
The Truth Hurts by Nancy Pickard. 4 stars.
Another great thriller from Pickard. This one focuses on Marie Lightfoot's family secrets. As she is terrorized by a cyber stalker, Marie digs deeply into her past, determined to seek answers about her parents' disappearance when she was just a baby. Very suspenseful.
The Beach House by James Patterson and Peter de Jonge. 2 1/2 stars.
I have to agree with another recent reviewer that the plot of this book is a bit "ridiculous." Very far-fetched. I gave it 3 stars because I thought SOME of the characters were interesting, and because it was fast-moving, in true Patterson style. All in all, a page-turner, but not really worth the time.
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. 4 1/2 stars.
Although the content of this book is disturbing --- it centers on a serial killer who preys on children --- it is beautifully written and very compelling. The main character is 14-year-old Susie Salmon, who is already dead when the book opens. She is watching Earth from her perch in heaven, observing the way her family deals with their grief as well as the investigation into her murder. Very interesting in many ways. This one lives up to the hype --- it's captivating, although I didn't find the ending very satisfying.
The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini. 3 stars.
This amateurish novel focuses on a lonely old widow and the young couple she hires to help her prepare her family mansion for sale. The two women become friends, especially as the older teaches the younger to quilt. As they quilt together, the older woman reveals the secrets of her tragic past. Although the storyline was okay, I felt the characters were dull, the ending was very predictable, and everything wrapped up way too easily.
GandmaRI@aol.com
This week I'm reading The Brethren by John Grisham. I can't give a review yet, as I'm not quite through the 1st chapter, but I'm sure that I won't be disappointed.
Heringbess@aol.com
I just finished A Widow for One Year by John Irving, and enjoyed the process of getting through an Irving book! I would rate it 4 stars. I'm currently reading The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri --- another quality work of fiction with great reviews, but I am not sure yet. I finished The Amber Room --- very good and a great opening! I also read Life of Pi in December and found it completely unique. I rate it 4 stars. Is anyone reading the winner of the National Book Award, The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard? I do not see it mentioned anywhere, yet the biggest award for fiction was just given in November to her!
cathom@starpower.net
I'm reading Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. I had trouble getting into the first couple of chapters, but am thoroughly enjoying the story of a family secret (genetic in nature) that affects a daughter/son in a Greek-American family. I would rate it 4 stars so far. The story begins during the prohibition era and covers three generations. The author is very good at describing the emotions of the characters and the social mood of the times. Definitely a good read.
Britadon@aol.com
Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer. 4 stars.
A nonfiction book that gives a lot of insight into the Mormon religion and the extremists in this religion.
The King of Torts by John Grisham. 3 stars.
A typical Grisham legal suspense that takes on the world of class-action lawsuits.
The Painted House by John Grisham. 4 stars.
A very enjoyable adventure into a different genre for Grisham. I really enjoyed this book about a young boy growing up in rural Arkansas. The only criticism I have is that at times it seemed that the boy's thoughts and ideas were a little advanced for a seven-year-old.
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger. 3 stars.
What a delightful and funny book, though not great literature. I only fear that too much might be based upon reality as I understand that the writer did work for Vogue. But the absolute extreme demands of a young woman with her first job as an assistant to the czarina of the fashion world were mind-boggling. I listened to this on tape and the reader was excellent.
The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen. 4 stars.
A very interesting story that begins in a cloistered convent and exposes corporate coverup. I enjoyed this more than The Apprentice, as it was not quite so graphic.
billiegirl20@hotmail.com
I've just finished Healing Grief by James Van Praagh and must give it 5 stars. What a truly wonderful book that will certainly help anyone suffering through the pain of any loss. I've learned so much. In addition, the author gives exercises in the back of the book to continue and grow as you're healing. I am blessed to have read this book.
maestraw@msn.com
I have decided to be more diligent about logging the books I read in 2004. My January books (so far) include:
The Opposite of Fate by Amy Tan. 4 stars.
I could see so much of The Bonesetter's Daughter in it, and enjoyed reading about her family and her psychic abilities.
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich. 3 stars.
My mom made me read it!
Good Girls Gone Bad by Jillian Medoff. 4 stars.
Fooled me with a plot twist!
The Book Borrower by Alice Mattison. 3 stars.
With a book within a book, a pretty dark story.
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. 5 stars so far.
I am so glad my Word of Mouth friend Christy told me this one was a "must read." As usual, she is right on target!
KLOZIER40@aol.com
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. 4 1/2 stars.
I read The Da Vinci Code first, so this book was in the same vein, even though it was of a different group called the Illuminati. I felt the mystery, with all its twists and turns, actually went on a little too long.
SuzyQ1955@aol.com
I'm currently reading The Lost Treasure of the Knights Templar by Steven Sora, and so far I am vastly disappointed. I give it 2 1/2 stars. Though packed with facts and footnotes I am over halfway through the book and it is reading as a history of the New World text. Less than a handful of pages touch on the Mystery of Oak Island or what the treasure is. Intrigued by this mystery, I did not expect to be taking a history class that needs a genealogy chart to follow.
lslott@optonline.net
I am reading my first Julie Garwood book, Killjoy. It's a suspense thriller with some romance thrown in, similar in vein to Sandra Brown. I am enjoying it, even though I think some of it is preposterous. I like the pacing and the alternating points of view. I also like the main character, Avery Delaney. I like strong heroines and she fits the bill. There isn't a lot of romance in the book, which is fine with me. I understand that this book is part of a series; I will need to go back and read the other two.
Susmu@aol.com
I'm reading The Russian Debutante's Handbook by Gary Shteyngart. It's very good, and funny too. I'm also reading Crackpots by Sarah Pritchard. It's also good, and different.
Fgiitter@aol.com
Flyboys by James Bradley. 4 stars.
It's an interesting account of WWII air combat experiences during the U.S. offensive against Japanese-held islands in the Pacific, particularly the fates of nine fliers shot down over the island of Chichi Jima. Only one pilot, George H. W. Bush (who later became President) was rescued. Information about what happened to the others was suppressed until recently, when this book was written.
Inspired by a visit to Gettysburg last year, I recently completed reading the trilogy of Civil War books written by Michael Shaara (The Killer Angels) and his son, Jeff (Gods and Generals and The Last Full Measure). Centered on a few key leaders and some of the major battles, these books present a humanized version of that great conflict.
Two other books that have brought raves from family and friends are Katherine Valentine's A Miracle for St. Cecilia's and her sequel, A Gathering of Angels. I read the first book after buying it for my wife, and immediately bought three more copies to give as presents. The second book, issued two years later, continues the humorous events that happen to a Catholic priest and local characters in the community of Dorsetville, Connecticut. These are the most lent, most appreciated books I know of.
ATENC3@aol.com
War of the Heart by Steve Meyer. 4 stars.
This novel tells the up-front and personal story of Iowans involved in the Civil War. It shows how those who went to war were affected, plus those they left behind. A very, very good read from a very different point of view.
lindaharriet@netzero.net
I just finished A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. It was a truly remarkable book. During a State of Emergency in a 'city by the sea in India' in 1975, four disparate people come together: a seamstress, two lower caste tailors and a student. The characters share one cramped apartment and move from doubt to friendship to love. Mistry catches the indescribable strength and sorrow in India, and its goodness as well. 5 stars.
NFrazelle@aol.com
Two extremely fun, light and informative books are:
Queen Bee of Mimosa Branch by Haywood Smith. I can't wait to read The Red Hat Club. Smith is a most delightful writer. I loved the expressions from her Grannie Beth!
Crime Brulee by Nancy Fairbanks. This is the first in this particular series for Fairbanks ... I will be busy for a while trying out the recipes she added to this wonderful book. If you like to cook, entertain or just are interested in New Orleans cuisine, this book has over a dozen wonderful recipes to select from! Try the book or the recipes, you are sure to love both!
kpmannix@hotmail.com
I just finished The Guards by Ken Bruen. It's what you would expect if Robert Parker wrote in Galway instead of Boston --- witty, intense, dark. 5 stars.
I'm currently reading Forty Words for Sorrow by Giles Blunt. Excellent procedural. The killer is sinister, the cop is driven. Add in some interesting side stories about corruption, and it's a great book. 4 stars.
M.Bastic@comcast.net
I just finished reading The 37th Hour by Jodi Compton. The author does an excellent job of drawing you into the story and holding your attention throughout the end. 4 stars!
bradylee@myway.com
Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, A Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder. 4 stars.
If you want to learn to be more efficient in dealing with accomplishments you should read this book. It is all about a doctor who prefers being in Haiti, yet travels all over the world in serving the poor people who have health afflictions, particularly TB and AIDS. Everyone likes him and he accomplishes more than any human being I have ever read about. He seems to be frantic, but just loves what he does. If your interests are in Public Health, then you should definitely read this book.
kmboucher@adelphia.net
Our book club has recently read The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory, a story of Anne Boleyn becoming Queen of England told from her sister Mary's perspective. It was a huge hit with everyone in the group --- such a big hit that many members have gone on to read other books about the same time period. Hands down, 5 stars.
Trishajr@aol.com
I enjoy very much the series "The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror" edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling. It's great to get it every year and see who's been writing what and reading new writers. Good fantasy seems hard to find but using this book as a starting place works. I read a story I like, even poems, then go out and find more that the author wrote. There are lists of prizes, honors, who died that year, even children's literature and films. Check this series out!
sharoncerasoli@hotmail.com
I just finished a few books:
Notes from a Liar and Her Dog by Gennifer Choldenko. 5 stars.
Juvenile fiction, grades 4-6 or so.
Very good story about a girl, Antonia a.k.a. "Ant" who does not feel as if she fits into her family, is unlike her siblings and has a strained relationship with her mother. She writes notes and postcards to an imagined biological family and is very attached to her tiny dog Pistachio. Her art teacher intervenes, becomes a mentor of sorts and the story unfolds. Great read!
I am just starting A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers --- it's very good so far. This is a book club choice.
Also I am reading The 37th Hour by Jodi Compton, a first novel by this author and a fun thriller thus far.
Rickimc@aol.com
Playing with Fire by Peter Robinson. 4 stars.
This book does not come out until February, but if you like police procedurals, you might want to pre-order. Playing with Fire reads like a British Law & Order: Criminal Intent. However, the English police title abbreviations are rather confusing.
The Messenger by Douglas Niles. 4 stars.
A typical, engrossing fantasy novel with magic, war, ogres and elves. Coraltop was my favorite character --- he was a riot! The Messenger is the first volume of the Icewall Trilogy in the DragonLance series.
Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde. 5 stars.
Fforde does it again! However, some (OK, most) of the plot line will be confusing if you have not read The Eyre Affair first.
In a Dark Dream by Charles L. Grant. 2 stars.
Grant is my favorite horror author, but this book just seemed average. Nothing really stood out about it, and it was a little scary, but the climax was wanting.
Midnight Flight by V. C. Andrews. 4 stars.
A very good V. C. Andrews book. A new slant on her old story lines.
Lyra's Oxford by Philip Pullman. 5 stars.
Pullman's "His Dark Materials" is one of the greatest trilogies of all time, ranking right up there with Tolkein's "The Lord of the Rings." Pullman's new short story set in the alternative England he introduced first in The Golden Compass does not disappoint! It could be longer, though...
Between the Sheets by Jeanie London. 3 stars.
I have never read a Harlequin before, but I won an autographed copy of this one, so I thought I might as well try it. London's writing was smooth and it read quick, but the premise of the story was simply ridiculous.
Catslady5@aol.com
The Way the Crow Flies by Ann Marie MacDonald. 3 stars.
It's not a happy read but insightful and disturbing at the same time.
books105105@yahoo.com
House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III. 5+ stars.
I read this book about three years ago and thought it was great. We just saw the movie and it was excellent, though not as good as the book. Then I decided to reread the book (something I hardly ever do), and it was even better than the first time. What a great author! This probably be on my list of the best books I've ever read if I had such a list.
DKRnj@aol.com
Books I have read recently:
A Place to Call Home by Deborah Smith. 5 stars.
She is a favorite author and has written a big book about Southern family life. I enjoyed it very much.
The Crossword Murder by Nero Blanc. 3 stars.
Interesting as I do many crossword puzzles and will read others in the series.
The Cat Who Went Underground and The Cat Who Lived High, both by Lillian Jackson Braun. 5 stars each.
Another favorite author and I thoroughly enjoy all of her Cat Who stories.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. 5 stars.
I was very surprised at the extreme difference in star ratings given by people. Someone even gave it 1 star, but most gave more. I thought it was great, different, and very thought-provoking.
jalocke@comcast.net
Lucky You by Carl Hiaasen. 3 stars.
I just started reading this book. Unusual, funny, and a lot of mayhem! This tale pivots around Lottery Winners. 2 tickets, the same numbers have won $28,000,000 to split. JoLayne Lucks is the name of one winner, and Bode and Chub, two buddies, have the other winning ticket. Although humorous it is also a serious tale of prejudice and greed, and what those evils can lead to.
Trunk Music by Michael Connelly. 5 stars.
After a leave of absence, LAPD detective Harry Bosch comes forward via request to investigate the circle of circumstances involving the death of Anthony Aliso, whose body is found in the trunk of the victim's car, parked on Mulholland Drive. Author Connelly immediately catches the reader's attention with depth, each "clue" leads to another piece of solving this thriller --- such clues as the mysterious substance found around the victim's eyes. Each time Bosch thinks he has the biggest lead to the murder of Aliso, another corner is turned, leading to more information that detours Bosch to trail the killer(s).
Is Aliso's wife involved in any way? Are the individuals who Bosch meets in Las Vegas gambling casinos involved? In the process of investigation, Bosch is taken back in time to a former acquaintance, more-than-friend Eleanor Wish. Bosch encounters "enemies" within the LAPD and FBI who "hold" information over him, attempting to deter and dismiss Bosch from the case. With supportive efforts of the investigation team including head of department Billets, and department members Kiz Rider and Edgar, Bosch continues his travails to catch a killer.
Connelly spins this mystery like a smooth operating gambling wheel --- each piece of information, each character, each action, fits into a slot, making for a pleasurable, entertaining, suspenseful, intricate and clever mystery.
tmzemke@comcast.net
I just finished reading The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. I can't say enough about this novel by a first time author! I can't wait to talk about it this book with others who have read it. If anyone had told me that I would be reading a book about a man who has a genetic disease that causes him to travel back and forth in time, well, let's just say that I would scoff. It's a delicious read that happens to raise many questions, both ethical and moral. Just make sure that you have at least one hour near the end, because you won't want to put it down.
newcrain@aol.com
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. 5 stars.
What an intriguing concept to see yourself and others important to you at various times in your life. Do you act upon that knowledge? Do you not? This made for a good book club discussion for my group.
Anne516@aol.com
This week I just finished Gone for Good by Harlan Coben. It was terrific and I give it 5 stars. I also read Moment of Truth by Christiane Heggan. What a wonderful author. It also gets 5 stars. At the moment I am reading a fun book called A Dilly of a Death by Susan Wittig Albert. There are several in this series, and this is the current one. I give it 4 stars.
baxtergr@msn.com
I've begun the new year with a contrast in books read. The first book was An Execution in the Family: One Son's Journey by Robert Meeropol, son of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg. For those here who are younger than my 71 years, Ethel and Julius Rosenberg were arrested in 1950 and executed in 1953 for allegedly selling atomic secrets to Russia. Their sons were 6 and 10 years old at the time of the execution. This book, written by the younger son, not only tells us about those early years, but about the growing up and the adulthood of the brothers, especially of the author. It is not a happy book, but certainly an enlightening one and well worth reading, especially given today's political climate. 4 1/2 stars.
Moving on to something lighter, I have so far this month read 3 of the 4 books so far published in "The Ladies of Covington" series, which MUST be read in order (well, the sky won't fall, but you will enjoy them more that way). The books are written by Joan Medlicott and are (in order) The Ladies of Covington Send Their Love, The Gardens of Covington, From the Heart of Covington and The Spirit of Covington. They follow the lives of three ladies in their late 60s, early 70s who move from a dreary boarding house to a home in North Carolina where they lead extraordinarily rich lives in their new community. They transport me and encourage me; definitely enrich me. Very special books. 5 stars for each one.
BDB530@aol.com
Arshile Gorky by Hayden Herrera. 3 1/2 stars.
I was attracted to the biography since I am an artist and was curious about this abstract expressionist artist whose work is strange. The author wrote the book Frida that was made into a film. It is quite detailed, almost too detailed, but one gets a sense of what made the man such a good artist and also so depressed.
tomcomellasr11@earthlink.net
The weather in the Northeast is very cold and unappetizing. However, it is great for reading with a cup of hot tea and a warm blanket. That's exactly what I've been doing. I have the following recommendations:
The Interpreter by Suki Kim. 4 stars.
A novel about a 29-year-old Korean American interpreter for the New York City court system who makes a startling discovery about her parents' murders.
Over the Moat: Love Among the Ruins of Imperial Vietnam by James Sullivan. 5 stars.
If you like travel essays, as I do, you will love this one. The author travels to Vietnam to bicycle from Saigon to Hanoi in 1992. On the way he falls in love with a beautiful Vietnam woman. Sullivan tells the story of his efforts to win her favor, while he immerses himself in the Vietnamese culture.
NEPR@aol.com
Knee Deep in Wonder by April Reynolds.
Reynolds' first book reminds me of Zora Neale Hurston. She undoubtedly grew up in the South. I did, and this novel truly depicts black southern life as accurately as Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
To The Nines by Janet Evanovich.
If you are in the mood for a light read just for fun, this is it. Evanovich's strength is her characters; the plot is definitely secondary.
amanda_turnock@charter.net
Blow Fly by Patricia Cornwell.
I have been eagerly awaiting the next Kay Scarpetta mystery/thriller, and once again, Patricia Cornwell delivers as only she can! I can't put the book down. There are more surprises in this view into the life of forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta, the people she loves, and those who hate her, than in any other volume to date. Without giving anything away, let me say that the ending holds great promise for the next Scarpetta novel in the series.
Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews.
It's incredible to realize that this is a first novel. Mary Kay Andrews is a name to remember, and Savannah Blues is a title to write down and buy NOW. If you like mystery, Southern humor, and can relate to the pitfalls of being a divorcee with overprotective parents and friends, then you will love Weezie Foley, once a society darling, now in a uncomfortably close living arrangement with her ex-husband and his fiancee, to the dismay of all relatives and all of Savannah. The book is rich with Savannah history and culture and is a laugh a minute. Highly recommend.
smaf@villa.edu
The Babes in the Wood by Ruth Rendell. 2 stars.
I'm a long-time fan of Rendell, but this book was so slow! There was very little tension and the story meandered beyond the strength of my patience.
A Bitter Feast by S. J. Rozan. 4 stars.
Tight plotting makes this mystery a winner!
bcasto@wvmi.org
I just finished reading White Noise by Don DeLillo. Although I thought the end was a little inconsistent, on the whole the book was very good. Perceptive, and downright hilarious at times. I'd give it 4 stars (out of 5). I am now beginning to re-read an old favorite of mine, Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy, which I give 5 bright shiny stars.
rileyslemming@hotmail.com
Juno & Juliet by Julian Gough. 3 stars.
This is a story about two Irish twins away to college for their first year, told by Juliet Taylor, one of the twins. The story is sort of a coming-of-age story that involves love, betrayal and death. I liked the book for the most part. It was well written and the author is a true artist of words.
Harvest by Tess Gerritsen. 5 stars.
Gerritsen creates an edge-of-the-seat medical thriller that is set in Boston, but begins in Russia. This is the story of a second year resident with a promising career ahead of her who uncovers a conspiracy that puts her life in peril. I enjoyed this book immensely.
marychambers@yahoo.com
The Purpose-Drive Life by Rick Warren. 5 stars.
Alpine Christmas by Mary Daheim. 3 stars.
How Far to Bethlehem by Norah Lofts. 5 stars.
Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton. 4 stars.
Fool's Puzzle by Earlene Fowler. 4 stars.
Miss Fontenot by Stephen Bly. 3 stars.
Runaway Jury by John Grisham. 2 stars.
Then She Found Me by Elinor Lipman. 4 stars.
A Superior Death by Nevada Barr. 3 stars.
Total Recall by Sara Paretsky. 4 stars.
The Curve of the World by Marcus Stevens. 5 stars.
storm8810@yahoo.com
I thoroughly enjoyed both of these books and highly recommend each of them:
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. 5 stars.
An older gentleman dies while at his job at an amusement pier and goes to Heaven. After arriving he is visited (and sometimes comforted by) people who he met or knew during his lifetime --- maybe in a fleeting way or someone he actually had a relationship with. It makes you wonder who your five people could be. A great read.
Shepherds Abiding by Jan Karon. 5 stars.
I've never read anything by this author before but I have heard of the Mitford series. There was a lot of buzz about this particular title, so I thought I'd try it. It's a heartwarming story that's perfect for the holidays. Even though the holidays have come and gone, I would still recommend this to people simply because it's a nice story and a change of pace from the ordinary.
ROXYprincess1982@aol.com
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. 5 stars.
It looks like I don't need to say any more about this book.
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. 5 stars.
I loved this book. I would say that I liked this book even better than The Da Vinci Code. It involves a place that we all know, the Vatican. It is a fabulous, fast-paced thriller. I finished it in two days.
Deception Point by Dan Brown. 4 stars.
This was a good book. It kept me on my toes like all of Dan Brown's other books. It is a little too high tech than I usually like, but still a recommended read.
The Manhattan Hunt Club by John Saul. 5 stars.
It takes place in the sewer system underneath Manhattan, and it was wonderful. Tons of twists and turns. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a thriller that meets a love story --- a love story not in a sappy kind of way either.
Holy Blood, Holy Grail by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh and Henry Lincoln. 4 stars.
Good book. At some points I felt like I should have to be a scholar to read it. I was looking for a "relaxing" read and this book wasn't it. It really makes you think.
nanderso@maine.rr.com
Right now I'm reading Perfume by Patrick Suskind. It tells the story of a man with an uncanny sense of smell who is born under terrible circumstances in the 1700s to a mother who does not want him. He becomes obsessed with finding the 'scent of life,' and nothing will stop him on his quest. He is a monster in the most classic sense, a killer of beautiful young women. It is a chilling story, and I will give it 4 out of 5 stars.
Dumpnme@aol.com
Tilt: Every Family Spins on Its Own Axis by Elizabeth Burns.
This is about a young mother whose life is turned around when her oldest daughter is diagnosed with autism and her husband is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Her life is going along pretty smoothly as a newlywed, then as a wife and mother, until she realizes her daughter isn't like other kids. And to make matters worse, her husband loses it. She must cope with these problems plus try to be a loving, caring mother to her younger daughter. This is the kind of book that makes you realize that the problems in your life aren't always as bad as the ones other people have.
The Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson.
Another one of Patterson's books about Alex Cross, now at his new job with the FBI. His first case is to help find who is kidnapping outstanding men and women, and why. I love the way these books always includes his children and his mother, showing his home side as well as his career side. The ending is so full of suspense (and questions) I'm counting the months until his next book comes out.
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks.
Another touching book just like all of his past ones. In the hectic days before the wedding of the daughter of Wilson Lewis (whose in-laws were Noah and Allie of The Notebook), he starts to realize his own marriage is just not what it used to be. The spark is gone. He determines to do all he can to make his wife love him like she used to. There would be far fewer divorces if many others would work on their marriages as hard as he does.
bradylee@myway.com
Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books by Azar Nafisi. 4 stars.
"Living in the Islamic Republic is like having sex with a man you loathe" is how the author puts in on page 329. This book is most revealing about everyday life in Iran and how the tenant of religion strangles the entire population. Mrs. Nafisi, who now lives in the U.S.A., states "Polished nails, like makeup, were a punishable offense, resulting in flogging, monetary fines and up to one year imprisonment." Another quote, "The age of marriage was lowered to nine; adultery and prostitution were to be punished by stoning to death, and women, under law, were considered to have half the worth of men." These are the facts as it is today in Iran. You will read many discussions of the author's favorite books with her students, but you will learn more about the amazing demands of the government into each person's life ... even inside their homes. This book is an eye-opener!
mohendies@earthlink.net
The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier. 5 stars.
I loved this book. I have seen the unicorn tapestries that hang in the Cloisters in NYC. The book I have on these tapestries also has pictures of The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries that hang in Paris. Tracy Chevalier did an excellent job bringing the story of these tapestries to life. If you liked Girl With a Pearl Earring, you will definitely enjoy this book.
The Distant Echo by Val McDermid. 4 stars.
Well-written mystery that begins in 1978 and ends in 2003. Four students stumble upon the body of a girl who has been raped and stabbed. Due to lack of forensics at that time, her killer is never found. The four students, however, remain suspects because of this. Fast forward to 2003, and we see how this has affected their lives. The case is reopened because of DNA testing, and the four men are targeted for revenge. I guessed the murderer, which always disappoints me, but the writing is so well done, it makes up for this.
bab@tennis.com
Emma's Secret by Barbara Taylor Bradford. 5 stars.
A wonderful generational novel written with pathos, sensitivity and beauty. Emma, who is the heroine in this novel, is drawn from her diaries but the main characters are her grandchildren. This story is told in flashback and present day concentrating on the lives and the loves etc. of the entire family in England where they have a successful and famous business.
rojosho@hotmail.com
The Hot Flash Club by Nancy Thayer. 5 stars.
An irresistible, amusing, entertaining novel of four women of disparate backgrounds who meet and form this special club to help them understand each other and to create the bonds of friendship that are enduring. Characters are wonderful and realistically portrayed. Each unique individual has her own special qualities and is appreciated fully by the group. Brilliantly funny and touching.
realbencann@yahoo.com
Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende. 5 stars.
This family saga and adventure story is told through the eyes of a young girl who escapes her family bonds and travels to California during the Gold Rush era. The setting of this novel is in Chile and is vividly described with wonderful setting and peopled with characters. Absorbing and sensitively portrayed. Thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile reading.
debbyjota@yahoo.com.br
Anthropology of an American Girl by Hilary T. Hamann. 5 stars.
Anthropology of an American Girl is one of the most amazing books I've ever read. This is a book for people who love strong, unforgettable characters and books with substance and depth (it is long, not like these little two hundred page books that are over in two days and leave you with nothing, no feeling). I am Brazilian and I love books that are lyrical (usually Latin or South American ones) and strange in terms of descriptions, but this book was written by an American, which is rare. There is the love story between a girl and this boxer that is truly beautiful and will be legendary one day and also, there is a boy who dies named Jack who is kind of the leading character and he will also be legendary.
joswood@adiis.net
Persuader by Lee Child. 5 stars.
This is the newest book in a series about Jack Reacher, a nomadic private investigator. He was hired to find a missing female CIA operative who has gone missing in an elaborate house on an island in Maine. He also is looking for a known criminal who has done unspeakable things. This man is also believed to have ties to the people who live in this house. It is an exciting, excellently plotted book that kept the action notched up to its highest level for most of the book. I am now anxious to read some of the other books in this series.
Niagara Falls All Over Again by Elizabeth McCraken. 3 stars.
I read this book because it is the "All Iowa Reads Book" for 2004. It is about two men who are partners in a vaudeville act. I liked the Iowa flavor in some of the book, but the plot just did not have enough action or mystery for my taste.
Dream House by Rochelle Krich. 4 stars.
This was a great mystery with a female protagonist. She is a newspaper reporter, Molly Blume, who is trying to find out who is responsible for a series of vandalism episodes in many expensive homes in the Los Angeles area. During the investigation, she solves the mystery of who set fire to a house and caused the death of an elderly man. She also solves the mystery of the elderly man's missing daughter. She is a Kinsey Milhone type of character, and I enjoyed this book greatly.
Juju531@aol.com
I just finished reading The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. I finished it in three days and couldn't put it down. Excellent book. Some parts almost brought me to tears. Very touching book. 5 stars!!!
hjb3749@comcast.net
My Life Without Bars by Pete Rose. 3 stars.
What a bunch of bull from a guy who can't quit lying.
24 Days: How Two Wall Street Journal Reporters Uncovered the Lies that Destroyed Faith in Corporate America by Rebecca Smith and John R. Emshwiller. 5 stars.
Pretty good at telling what corporate greed can do
SheilaD@aol.com
Personal History by Katharine Graham. 5 stars.
The Murder Book by Jonathan Kellerman. 3 1/2 stars.
A Single Pebble by John Hersey. 3 1/2 stars.
No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson. 4 stars.
The Oasis at Flame Lake by Lorna Landvik. 4 stars.
High Fidelity by Nick Hornby. 5 stars.
All is Vanity by Christina Schwarz. 3 1/2 stars.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. 3 stars.
Swanksax@aol.com
I just bought The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. I heard him on an interview on NPR and had it on my list of those books to buy and read once I got caught up on my stash by the bed. When my daughter and I were at a book store and she expressed an interest, I couldn't resist any longer. Now we are both reading it together (she is a 21-year-old college student) and so far it is up to expectations. We both would rate it with at least 4 stars!
Also I am reading Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand. I know…I am behind there as well. I would give this 5 stars. Such a great story with a message for all of us!
donnaleggate@aol.com
I am currently reading Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz. I was not sure I wanted to read this one at first but I am glad I am. It is really fascinating and I am enjoying it very much. 5 stars.
Cali_LB@msn.com
Right now I'm reading Patricia Cornwell's Blow Fly. Another Kay Scarpetta book and some might say she is losing her touch, but this one is building up to an explosive ending and has everything Ms. Cornwell is known for in the world of suspense. You won't want to put this book down, believe me. I give it 5 stars. Ms. Cornwell is clearly at the top of her game.
mcgillrmcgill@charter.net
I just finished The Last Temptation by Val McDermid and give it 5 stars. This is a mystery set in several European countries, with realistic characters such as psychologist Dr. Tony Hill. The interactions between characters are believable and interesting. I plan to look for more of Ms. McDermid's writings.
KLOZIER40@aol.com
Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier. 5 stars.
I finished the book in the morning and went to see the movie in the afternoon. Here's a case where the movie followed the book pretty well. It was well written, and well acted.
BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
The Conspiracy Club by Jonathan Kellerman. 4 stars.
Enjoyable book and easy read. Fun whodunit.
DFazio6994@aol.com
Split Second by David Baldacci.
As always Baldacci leaves you on the edge of your seat. I find his characters to be so real that it is easy to compare with people I know. Keep them coming … I love the book and the author.
Myallan@aol.com
I am reading Emma's Secret by Barbara Taylor Bradford. I would give it 3 stars. I would not miss one of her books, but this one has too much family and it is hard to remember who belongs to whom.
Fbower444@aol.com
I just finished The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. I rate it 5 stars. This is my third book by Brown and it is by far his best. There has been a thesis apparently for some time that Christ was married and left children. The Da Vinci Code weaves that into a fictional story about the hunt for clues and facts passed down through members of a secret society to the present time.
I just started The King of Torts by John Grisham. Too early yet to give it a rating. It was recommended by several people when our discussion turned to 'ambulance chasing lawyers' and how they can continue with and make money on almost frivolous law suits. Grisham has been one of my favorite authors, so I am expecting a very good read.
susanrjensen@yahoo.com
Confession by Nancy Pickard. 5 stars.
This is the first book of the Jenny Cain series that I have read. I found it to be grittier than other books I've read by Pickard; nevertheless, it was engrossing and utterly bone chilling. The story centers on Jenny's husband, who receives a visit from a teenage boy claiming to be his son. The boy insists that Cain's husband, a police officer, re-investigate the murder/suicide deaths of his parents. In the investigation, the Cains learn the chilling truth about the boy's family.
Bare Bones by Kathy Reichs. 5 stars.
This is the first Reichs mystery that I have read, and I LOVED it. The story centers on Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist who has a pile of corpses to deal with. As she is digging into the various bones, she also has to deal with threatening e-mail, a relationship-in-the-making, and her daughter's boyfriend, who seems suspicious. A great mystery. Well-written and fast-paced.
lindaharriet@netzero.net
How can a middle-aged woman start all over after her husband leaves her for her assistant editor, and she loses her job? Elizabeth Buchan, author of Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman, proves that new beginnings don't have an age limit. At first, Rose is terrified, and then she becomes energized. The story is told with wit and empathy. 4 stars.
sbartle@e2ccboces.wnyric.org
Perfect Partners by Jayne Ann Krentz. 4 stars.
Librarian Letitia Thornquist takes over Thornquist Gear, Inc. and contends with Joel Blackstone.
Last Lessons of Summer by Margaret Maron. 4 stars.
A mystery about Grandmother's house and family --- centers on Amy Steadman's actions as a child.
justme@xmission.com
Secondhand Smoke by Patty Friedmann, author of Eleanor Rushing, is a VERY GOOD read. Patty has a fresh and real way of writing; you can SEE everything you read! Try Eleanor Rushing also --- you won't be disappointed in either one!
Shadow Baby by Alison McGhee is an awesome book --- a great story by a great new author!
Debby236@aol.com
I just finished The Wife Test by Betina Krahn. I give it a 4+ stars. It had everything you could want --- a mystery with danger, romance and some humor.
rwenz1@optonline.net
Currently I am reading Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner. So far I rate it 5 stars.
I finished Seven Days and Seven Sins by Pamela Ditchoff. I would rate this one 5 stars. It is a book about a girl looking into the lives of all the people on her street, house by house. It was amusing and it felt like you were being "nosy" into people's private life.
Sometimes I Dream in Italian by Rita Ciresi. I give this one 2 stars. The book jumped around too much for me.
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci. I give the beginning of this 5 stars and the idea of it 5 stars, but I give the ending 2 stars. It got a little "too much" at the end of the book, but I read it anyway.
jules72653@yahoo.com
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. 4 stars.
Beautifully written, this book is a joy to read. Enger really knows how to craft a sentence.
tnakens@charter.net
A Parchment of Leaves by Silas House. 5 stars.
I was, at times, breathless when reading this book. It was difficult to put it down. Excellent period piece.
BeckyC3694@aol.com
The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters by Elisabeth Robinson. 4 stars.
The story is told in letters, all written by one person. Interesting book.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. 5 stars.
Based in Afghanistan, this is the story of two boys growing up together, yet they are very different --- one wealthy, while the other is the servant's son. But they have many of the same issues, such as father-son relationships.
BERNTONE@aol.com
My New Year's resolution was to do more reading, and I am very happy to say that I have already accomplished that this month. The first book that I have completed moved me to tears and will stay with me for a long time. It was The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. I think anyone who has read this book has had the same reaction. There are so many wonderful insights into life, death and love that dies. And the connections that we all have to each other as human beings (even when we may not be aware of it) are so beautifully illustrated in this book. I give this book 5 stars.
Another book I just started that is a definite winner is Triangle: The Fire That Changed America by David Von Drehle. This is a terrific book about the historic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911 in NYC. But, unlike many history books, this is a very well written and gripping book that grabs you right from the first page. The history of this fire and its significance lies not only in the politics of the day, but also the way immigrants were treated at the time, particularly women. I rate this book also 5 stars.
I am also in the midst of reading Three Weeks in October by Charles A. Moose and Charles Fleming. This is the biography of the police chief who headed the investigation of the snipers in Maryland. While I find the story of his life interesting, as a book I give it 3 stars.
Lastly, I also completed the book Shattered Love: A Memoir by Richard Chamberlain. It is his autobiography. I found his writing to be surprisingly poetic, and his life extremely fascinating. However, I also would have to give this book 3 stars.
Piscesadel@aol.com
Hunting Season by Nevada Barr. 4 stars.
Park Ranger Anna Pigeon has to solve a murder that takes place in a National Park. She also has to overcome local prejudices. She is a single woman who must supervise local men, she is not from the South, and to add to the mix there are still long-standing racial conflicts. Anna bumbles along, making mistakes along the way.
Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919 by Stephen Puleo. 5 stars.
At last someone has done research and put together a book about this little known event in history that took place in Boston's North End. Stephen Puleo's style makes it a very easy and thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. He is a former award-winning newspaper reporter with a Master's degree in history. He puts the "flood" in the context of the time in our recent history: immigrants, local politics, Prohibition, anarchist movement, big business and World War I. It is not just dry facts, but incorporates a number of personal stories involving people who actually lived through the events.
bradylee@myway.com
In the Company of Heroes: A True Story by Michael J. Durant, with Steven Hartov. 4 stars.
This is a memoir about a specific incident where the author was shot down while flying his helicopter during the Somali uprising. He talks about how he was treated during the approximately two weeks time and about some of his other accomplishments, including his part in capturing Noriega in Panama. You learn a lot about helicopters and the workings of the military as well as about the Somali uprising. A story well told that keeps your interest throughout.
anders.clausen@btinternet.com
I'm reading Blowfly by Partricia Cornwell (1 star) and Utopia by Lincoln Child (4 stars).
MIDGEORAMA@aol.com
Black Maps by Peter Spieglman. 4 stars.
Stylish, literate and fast paced, this book from last year's publications was a great read. The writing is taut and zings along seamlessly. The subject of corporate financial shenanigans that lead to dangerous places is very timely in these days of insidious white-collar crimes. This page-turner with a complex story line will keep you hooked on these long winter nights.
jdeval@juno.com
Half a Heart by Rosellen Brown. 5 stars.
This is the story of a white woman who in her forties tries to find the daughter she gave up when she was in her twenties. The daughter has been living with her black father. The ensuing encounter, told from each woman's point of view, is a clash of races and generations. The book is enormously moving.
WRKGRK@aol.com
I am currently reading Patricia Cornwell's Blow Fly and just finished The Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson. They are two of my favorite authors and their new works are not disappointing.
DStegmanCrawford@aol.com
Blow Fly by Patricia Cornwell. 1 star.
I am OVER this series of Kay Scarpetta and the rest of her dysfunctional crew, including niece Lucy.
Stone Cold by Robert Parker. 1 star.
The main character does nothing but bed women while supposedly LOVING his ex. In this book, Jesse is trying to catch a serial killing couple who think they are too smart. (Does this sound familiar?)
Balance of Power by Richard North Patterson. 4 stars.
This book starts out very well and then dwindles into boring detail. Goes on too long. About gun control, lobbying, the second amendment. Includes spousal abuse/murder.
Seizure by Robin Cook. 2 stars.
This story about gene techniques to prevent or cure was not satisfying. The end was a bit shocking.
Footprints of God by Greg Iles. 2 stars.
Artificial intelligence (supercomputer) and visions of the Passion of Christ. A bit too far fetched for me.
JFWisherd@aol.com
I just finished reading Captured Dreams by May McGoldrick. I rate this book 5 stars. I enjoyed it so much that I went and bought the first book in this Scottish Dreams Trilogy and am awaiting the arrival of the third book. There is a lot of emotion and love in this period story built around historical facts.
Currently I am reading Someone to Watch Over Me by Judith McNaught. If you like intrigue and romance you will enjoy this page-turner. So far it is a 5-star book for me.
NGroves@aol.com
Nora, Nora by Anne Rivers Siddons. 4 stars.
Peyton McKenzie, raised by a widowed father and bearing a lifelong burden of guilt thinking she caused her mother's death, is resisting the transition to adolescence and young womanhood with all the strength she can muster. When her worldly cousin Nora breezes into her small, Georgia town in the early 60s, driving a pink Thunderbird, not wearing a bra and openly discussing her views about race in a strictly segregated community, it's clear things are going to change. For all the new life she brings to Peyton and her father, Nora also threatens to push things too far, ultimately resulting in a dual betrayal.
The Journey Home by Olaf Olafsson. 4 stars.
This is a "quiet" novel featuring a middle-aged woman, diagnosed with a terminal illness, who decides to make a last journey back to her homeland of Iceland after living in England for many years. As she makes the journey, flashbacks to different periods of her life reveal the defining moments, such as her estrangement from her mother when she decided to become a chef rather than an accountant; the death of a fiance in a Nazi concentration camp; and the political and sexual atmosphere in the private home where she worked as a young woman. It all adds up to a full portrait of this woman, flaws and all, doing her best to cope with the good and the bad that life has sent her way.
The Murder Room by P.D. James. 4 stars.
In her latest mystery featuring Scotland Yard inspector Dalgliesh, James sets the story in a small museum that will close unless all three children of the late founder sign a new lease. When the brother, who refuses to sign, is found burned to death in his car, the motive seems clear. Someone was willing to kill to keep the museum open, but who was that ruthless? As Dalgliesh and his team investigate the case, the question also looms about whether his long hours and unpredictable schedule will ruin his new romance with the only woman he's truly loved since his wife died years before. A well-done mystery written at James's usual methodical pace: the first body doesn't even show up until one-third of the way into the story.
smleonetti@msn.com
I am reading two great books: Old Goriot by Honore De Balzac and the city of Portland (Oregon) is reading Fahrenheit 451. I am a discussion leader at two Starbuck's. This is our second year and we get unbelievable support for local employers!
Cloish049@aol.com
I am currently reading The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler. The story centers on Pauline and Michael, and takes us through the ups and downs of their 30-year marriage. The book is thought-provoking, and speaks to anyone who has worked hard at staying married! This is a great read. 5 stars.
hibar14@earthlink.net
I'm reading The Klone and I by Danielle Steel for the second time. It's a cute, romantic book. I give it 4 stars.
eesserman@stny.rr.com
I just read Sara Nelson's So Many Books, So Little Time: A Year of Passionate Reading. The book was great fun, even when I disagreed with her about how and what to read.
yodasmommy@woh.rr.com
Since we had freezing rain all day I got to finish reading Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. I loved it and it definitely gets 5 stars!!
bookldy@penn.com
I am currently reading The Blackwater Lightship by Colm Toibin, shortlisted for the Booker Prize in England. Set in Ireland, the plot brings three generations of women who've been estranged for years together to care for their brother, son and grandson, respectively, who is dying of AIDS. This book is to appear as a feature film February 4th on the Hallmark Hall of Fame and will star Angela Lansbury as the grandmother, Dora. The story is fast-paced and makes for excellent reading. I would give it at least a 4-star rating.
Mammakim@aol.com
Her Mother's Shadow by Diane Chamberlain. 4 stars.
Great book --- a story of a young girl who saw her mother murdered and comes to terms with some instances as an adult.
AUGER77777@aol.com
I just finished reading The Face by Dean Koontz. I didn't consider this to be his best work, though it was an enjoyable read. The plot kept me riveted to the end, but left me feeling that Koontz was in a hurry to finish the book (it was over 600 pages) and could have added some details to tie the loose ends together at the end. I thought this book could have gone on for a couple more chapters, adding happy endings where deserved, and hellfire and brimstone to those who deserved it. I like closure in a novel like this. 4 stars.
mbmartin@prodigy.net
The Nine Tailors by Dorothy L. Sayers. 5 stars.
This mystery is considered the best written by Sayers and the favorite of her readers. I truly enjoyed it and especially since it is part of the Lord Peter Wimsey series. The Nine Tailors refer to the nine strokes from the belfrey of an ancient country church that announces the death of an unknown man. A great read that will keep you guessing!
mo-n-cats@worldnet.att.net
Madame Secretary by Madeline Albright. 5 stars.
The Hornet's Nest by Jimmy Carter. 4 stars.
A different perspective of the Revolutionary War from what is usually presented.
Blow Fly by Patricia Cornwell. 3 stars.
I couldn't wait to read the next book in the Kay Scarpetta series, but this just didn't hold my attention. I usually want to read them in one sitting cover to cover.
Waterpam1@aol.com
Widow's Walk by Robert B. Parker.
Spenser is back in fine form, along with Susan, Hawk and our beloved Pearl.
The Hornet's Nest by Jimmy Carter.
A good story but too pedantic.
yodasmommy@woh.rr.com
No Second Chance by Harlan Coben. 4 stars.
Marc Seidman has been shot, his wife killed, and his baby daughter stolen. When he receives a ransom note, he knows he has a chance to save his daughter, but the police are looking at him as a suspect and he can't trust anyone. Very suspenseful with a surprise ending.
askinsjp@earthlink.net
I just read Ad Hudler's newest Southern Living. A really good story about Southern women (lots of humor). It is now one of my favorite books. 5 stars.
I'm also reading The Red Hat Club by Haywood Smith. As you can probably tell I'm kind of into the South thingie right now, but it's because the Southern people are so interesting. This one was also good. 4 stars.
I'm getting ready to start The Ladies Auxilary by Tova Mirvis. I think I've done this one before, but it's my Book Club's choice for next month. The ladies in this book are gossipy and nosy. No rating yet, I've only gotten to page 6 or so.
malabeas@hotmail.com
The Distant Echo by Val McDermid. 2 1/2 stars.
I had never read this author before and doubt I will again. The plot was good and the characters were interesting, but it took f-o-r-e-v-e-r to get going and when it finally did, I just wanted it done. There is a nice twist at the end but it wasn't enough to make me recommend it to anyone. I am used to fast-paced authors like Harlan Coben or James Patterson, and this definitely was not in that league at all. It wasn't horrible, but it just wasn't great.
KINDLEELF@aol.com
Quicksilver by Neal Stephenson. 5 stars.
What a whale of a book, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Issac Newton, William of Orange, Benjamin Franklin and King Louis XIV. A tantalizing cast of unknown characters round out this wonderful book.
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks. 5 stars.
As always this author does splendid work. For some reason this book reminded me of To Dance With the White Dog, starring Jessica Tandy in the film version.
Empire of Light by David Czuchlewski. 4 stars.
Interesting read.
Deep Fire Rising by Jack Du Brul. 5 stars.
This is the first novel I have read by this author, and I plan on finding some of his earlier works.
craigsbookclub@yahoo.com
One More Train to Ride by Cliff Williams. 4 stars.
A collection of writings from modern American hoboes telling of life on the rails.
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde. 4 stars.
The debut of the Thursday Next series, a metafictive romp with a literary detective.
Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film by Adam Rockoff. 5 stars.
A wonderful, insightful look at the history and influences of this film subgenre, from the godfather of slashers, Psycho, to the recent resurgence via Scream and its ilk.
John Bonham: A Thunder of Drums by Chris Welch and Geoff Nicholls. 3 stars.
A biography of the famous Led Zeppelin drummer with an analysis of his technique. Full of information, but middlingly written. Still, it's short and fun to read.
laustinsmith@ns.sympatico.ca
First Lady by Michael Malone. 4 stars.
Third in the Justin and Cuddy mystery series set in North Carolina. A well-written book with some humour and interesting characters.
The Birth of Blue Satan by Patricia Wynn. 3 1/2 stars.
First in a historical mystery series set in 1715 England. Good read.
Rattle His Bones by Carola Dunn. 4 stars.
Eighth in the historical mystery series set in 1920s England featuring Daisy Dalrymple. Good, easy, cozy read.
Pbc403gs@aol.com
Foul Matter by Martha Grimes. 5 stars.
She writes well about the publishing scene and actually got a few laughs out loud (in public!) from me. I'm about half way finished and don't want to put it down. As always, her characterizations are wonderful caricatures.
Sismilli@aol.com
I have just finished reading Lucy's Launderette by Betsy Burke. It is in the Chick Lit genre. I would give it 3 stars because it is funny and sweet without being too sappy or cynical. It is great lite bedtime reading.
The Secret Life of a Schoolgirl by Rosemary Kingsland is a delicious memoir. I have not finished it yet but so far it is 5 stars all the way. The writing style is absolutely engrossing and it contains many juicy elements including this fourteen-year-old girl's affair with Richard Burton. This one is not to be missed.
bradylee@myway.com
Sickened: The Memoir of a Munchausen by Proxy Childhood by Julie Gregory. 5 stars.
If you are not happy with the way things are going right now, then go out and get this book as you will discover others are much worse off than you. I had never heard of "Munchausen by Proxy" until I read this book. The author's mother is mentally unbalanced regarding her outlook on her children (and herself, actually) and they suffer in untold ways. Well, actually, she is an unfinished human being and this book tells about it in a myriad of ways. Julie was unable to realign her life to positive ways 'til somewhere in her 30s, as I assume she is a relatively "normal" person now. This story will keep you reading to the end. You should know about this defect in a person and hope there are not many mothers like the author's.
Peanutpet@aol.com
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. 5 stars.
A read-in-one-sitting book. Wonderful character development centered in and around the capital of Botswana. I've fallen in love with this series.
evelyn5@houston.rr.com
Bitter Sweet by G.A. McKevett. 4.5 stars.
Savannah Reid is a great character!
bradylee@myway.com
News is a Verb: Journalism at the End of the Twentieth Century by Pete Hamill. 4 stars.
This slim volume (100 pages, including 22 for the Introduction) is an essay by one of my favorite authors about the health of newspapers. He talks of why so many newspapers have gone out of business and how to increase their circulation. If you aspire to get into that business or are already a newspaperman, you should definitely read this as there are many good ideas to help in that occupation.
Kedrn@aol.com
I have just started reading Last Man Standing, an older book by David Baldacci. I have only read a couple of chapters but am already intrigued by it. I have read many of his books and always find myself hating to put them down. I have been homebound and disabled for the last 3 months due to a fractured wrist, which led to surgery. I have been trying to catch up on some of my old books I have acquired from rummage sales and can't do much but read, which just happens to be one of my favorite things to do. I just finished an old J.A. Jance book, Without Due Process, and as always enjoyed it very much. I only have one left to go and will have read all of hers. I am 76 years old and can remember well my first BIG book that I read, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, and I have been hooked ever since.
tfranzen2124@comcast.net
The Place of the Lion by Charles Williams. 3 stars.
A challenging read by a contemporary and friend of Tolkien.
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien. 4 stars.
Very readable since the film versions have made it all so easy to "see." Usually the film interferes with the book, but not so here.
Stones for Ibarra by Harriet Doerr. 4 stars plus.
I read this last week in Mexico. I always try to read something in the place and setting I find myself. Harriet Doerr is a mesmerizing writer and I would fall in love with this book even if I had read it in stormy Minnesota. Beautiful story.
mvrdr@yahoo.com
Blues in the Night by Rochelle Krich. 4 1/2 stars.
This is the first time I have read Ms. Krich. I love her characters in the book. It has mystery, humor and a good story.
EZREADER1265@aol.com
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. 4 stars.
Fast moving and exciting. I loved it.
Deception Point by Dan Brown. 3 stars.
Exciting, fast, NASA, assassins.
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. 4 stars.
A wonderful novel with great characters, set in the south in the 60s
The Conspiracy Club by Jonathan Kellerman. 5 stars.
I love Kellerman, and I like the new guy. A great story.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling. 4 stars.
A wonderful story, and I can't wait until the next installment. The characters are evolving, and the magic is getting darker.
The Murder Room by P.D. James. 4 stars.
P.D. James is at her best. I'm not finished with this book, but am loving it so far.
PFLucas@aol.com
Heart Full of Lies by Ann Rule. 4 stars.
Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House by M.C. Beaton. 5 stars.
This is the fourteenth book in the series. If you haven't tried an Agatha Raisin, they are really entertaining and short mysteries. An Agatha book makes for a good evening or weekend read. I always look forward to the next installment.
NEPR@aol.com
The Best Lawyer in a One-Lawyer Town by Dale Bumpers.
Bumpers is a retired U.S. Senator and former Governor of Arkansas. He grew up in a small town in the foothills of the Ozarks where he practiced law and owned a hardware store. He became a real statesman who never backed down from his positions, even when they were unpopular. He is a good storyteller, and the book is packed with jewels, both from his Arkansas background and his political career.
A Bed by the Window by Scott Peck.
Peck is best known for his self help books (e.g., The Road Less Traveled). He probably should have stuck to that genre (and I think he has with this one exception). Peck is a psychiatrist, and we learn about the characters in this mystery through their appointments with a psychiatrist. Unfortunately, there is more emphasis on the case studies than on the mystery of "who dunnit."
PhotoJaq@aol.com
I've been reading through Barbara Neely's series about a black housekeeper, Blanche White (Blanche on the Lam, Blanche Among the Talented Tenth, Blanche Cleans Up, and Blanche Passes Go). The locale is the East Coast --- Raleigh, North Carolina, Boston, Cape Cod. They are delightful mysteries in which the savvy protagonist solves a variety of crimes while working in rich peoples' homes and caring for a couple of foster kids. Blanche is wise, feisty, stubborn and vulnerable to the temptations of us all. I also love learning about the African-American culture, history and lifestyle.
Shastapower@aol.com
I am currently reading All He Ever Wanted by Anita Shreve. I would rate this book 3 stars. It is a good story, but did not grab me like The Pilot's Wife did.
Suet926@aol.com
The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler. 5 stars.
Without Anne Tyler's magical prose and quirky characters, this would be just another story of a failed marriage. Instead we find stodgy Michael and spunky Pauline getting married at the onset of WWII, disparate lovers to be sure and the resultant quarrels, the story of the 3 children and the grandchild they take into their home. This is all told against Ms. Tyler's usual setting of Baltimore. This novel departs in format from the rest in that she names the chapters and provides an index. Her sixteenth novel is as fresh and wonderful as the first fifteen --- with every one she just gets better and better. Her fans know her --- more should read her.
lindaharriet@netzero.net
Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith is the third and latest of the series about The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. As usual, things are not what they seem. There's a possible poisoning of the brother of a Government Man, and the moral (or immoral) character of the four finalists of the Miss Beauty and Integrity contest. There are problems with Mma Ramotse's fiancé, Mr. J.L.B. Maketoni; he's depressed and is more complex than he was in the first two books. Similarly, Mma Maketoni, the secretary, has now become an assistant detective and acting manager of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors Co. Just when you think you know the characters, you don't, and you keep wanting to read on and on and on...
bfjohnston@mpamacs.org
Some recently read books:
A Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffeneger. 3 stars.
I thought it was overrated.
Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith by Jon Krakauer. 5 stars.
Krakauer is the best at this kind of nonfiction.
A Palestine Affair by Jonathan Wilson. 5 stars.
A great find.
The best books I read last year (all 5 stars) are Derailed by James Siegel, The Other Boleyn by Philippa Gregory, and The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith, plus all the books by John Smolens, especially Cold.
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