hibar14@earthlink.net
I'm reading Stones from the River by Ursula Hegi. I give it 4 stars. It's a powerful story about the life of a dwarf.
Dcher
Therapy by Jonathan Kellerman. 4 stars.
I really enjoyed it, but it is a bit all over the place.
Live Bait by P.J. Tracy. 5 stars!
Excellent --- best book I've read in a while.
Real Murders by Charlaine Harris. 4 stars.
Very enjoyable series.
The Kalahari Typing School for Men by Alexander McCall Smith. 5 stars.
One of my absolute favorite series.
Comella2729@aol.com
Hooray!! I recently discovered Nadine Gordimer. I am presently reading and thoroughly enjoying The Pickup. If you are interested in reading a novel about life in an Arab nation, this book is for you. Nobel Prize winner Gordimer's novel is a gripping story. I highly recommend it. 5 stars.
Mammakim@aol.com
Finger Prints by Barbara Delinsky. 4 stars.
Passion and Illusion by Barbara Delinsky. 4 stars.
Both books are set in the Boston area … great, quick reads that keep your interest.
Anonymous
I am reading The Good Earth by Pearl Buck. I can see why it had so many printings in the first few years after publication. I am enjoying the cyclical plot as we see the main character change just like the seasons his land is dependent on.
I am also reading Frightful's Mountain by Jean Craighead George, a sequel to My Side of the Mountain, which she wrote three decades earlier.
Tmert9@cs.com
I just finished reading James Patterson's 2nd Chance. As usual this was a great book! 5 stars.
Kris in Spartanburg, SC
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. 4 stars.
A fascinating love story/murder mystery with the most instantly memorable cast of characters I've read about since Donna Tartt's Secret History.
Killing Floor by Lee Child. 3 stars.
I just started it today or it would certainly get more stars. His lead character, Jack Reacher, is a must-know for fans of Block, Vachss and Rozan. Hard to put down.
Belmondo Style by Adam Berlin. 3 stars.
The most interesting father/son relationship story I've seen in a while, with a tough, smart woman introduced into the mix. I'm halfway through this one.
Blood Horses by John Jeremiah Sullivan. 4 stars.
Part memoir and part history of racing and Thoroughbreds, this book is perfect to read before watching any leg of the Triple Crown.
Mgeffen@aol.com
Memorial Day by Vince Flynn. 5 stars.
It is amazing that he could write a book that clearly illustrates the issues this country is currently facing in terms of the treatment of terrorist prisoners. He ties in the political climate, Al Qaeda and the issue of what the public should be told as well as the issues related to what the government knew before September 11 and what could have and should have been done.
Just One Look by Harlan Coben. 5 stars.
Once again Coben hooks you in on page one and leaves you wanting to stay up all night reading to find out what happens. It is full of mystery, suspense and intrigue with lots of twists and turns throughout. I lost a lot of sleep to finish this book.
RAYSMUSIC@webtv.net
Coming Home by David Lewis. 3 stars.
I like the book very much and the story is a good one, but it drags on and on and I felt like it needed more action. This Christian novel is a good lazy day read, though.
The Monster Within: Facing an Eating Disorder by Cynthia Rowland McClure. 5 strong stars.
This is one of the best biographies that I've read in quite some time. This young lady's struggle with bulimia is amazing, yet she survived and is well today. This is one great read!
wendysheltie@netscape.net
I am reading The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.
Debby236@aol.com
Tinker by Wen Spencer. 5 stars.
It is a fantasy and is very well-written.
Trisher2@aol.com
This week I am reading Whiskey Island by Emilie Richards. It is not heavy reading, so it is a good book if you have any waiting time. It is about an Irish family who has owned a saloon for several generations. The saloon is now being run by a group of sisters. I am on the fourth chapter and enjoying the book so far. Ms. Richards has the ability to actually make you visualize each scene. The book has romance, mystery and a little of Irish history as you look into the family's past. I would rate this book 5 stars. There's also a sequel that I will read next. I found this book after reading Iron Lace by Emilie Richards. This was also a 5-star book about an entirely different subject. Very well done.
MelJPrincess@aol.com
Guilty Pleasures by Laura Lee Guhrke. 5 stars!
Well-written, a great historical romance. It's sure to please romance readers everywhere. No wonder Ms. Guhrke is a RITA award winner!
Mumbo Gumbo by Jerrilyn Farmer. 5 stars!
Culinary Mystery fans will love this story set in Hollywood. Memorable characters. Very funny!
Vikkivand@aol.com
Little Children by Tom Perotta. 4 stars.
The story reveals the complexities of the adult relationships, as they raise their children and become increasingly disenchanted with their current spouses.
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. 4 1/2 stars.
An interesting story about a young girl who files a petition for medical emancipation after she was born to save her sister who has leukemia. This would be a great book to discuss at a book club. I was surprised at the ending.
Stichigh@aol.com
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Winner of the National Book Award by Jincy Willett
The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell
The Story of My Life by Helen Keller
edred@tampabay.rr.com
I am currently reading Angels & Demons by Dan Brown and would give it 5 stars. It is a prequel to The Da Vinci Code, which I also cannot wait to start reading. So far it is fascinating and I hate to have to put it down to deal with the mundane tasks such as cooking :)
FtLicky@aol.com
I'm currently reading the book Maine Squeeze by Catherine Clark, which is a cute tale about a wonderful summer romance on the beautiful coast of Maine. 5 stars.
I just finished reading A Body to Die For by Kate White, which was definitely no sophomore slump. The book followed journalist Bailey Weggins on her investigation of a murder at her friend's Inn and Spa. 5 stars.
fortnbry@cableone.net
I am currently reading The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint by Brady Udall. I just finished Charms for the Easy Life by Kaye Gibbons, The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. All of the above are 5-star books, but I would give The Kite Runner 5 1/2. It's the best book I've read this year. I plan to read The Time Traveler's Wife next, and I hope it lives up to its hype!
ginawjax@comcast.net
Just One Look by Harlen Coben. 3 stars.
This book did not live up to his previous great reads. There were too many characters and subplots, and the ending was a stretch. I never felt involved.
CindyS2449@aol.com
Lost Discoveries: The Ancient Roots of Modern Science by Dick Teresi.
Teresi takes a thorough look at ancient cultures and their knowledge and use of mathematics, astronomy, physics, geology, chemistry and technology. This book gives us a greater appreciation for the creativity and insight of ancient cultures around the world.
Teri in Irvine, CA
The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes. 5 stars.
I've been waiting a few months for this to come out as I'm a big Marian Keyes fan, and this story so far certainly meets my expectations.
jwalter@nappanee.lib.in.us
I am currently reading Murder Walks the Plank by Carolyn Hart, in which Annie Darling investigates what she insists is a murder, while the police call it an accident. I'm not finished yet, but I will probably give it 3-4 stars.
Where the Truth Lies by Rupert Holmes.
I'm only about halfway through this one, but Rupert Holmes proves that he can do it all. I'll probably end up giving it 5+ stars. It's a wonderful read.
Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson. 3 stars.
It gets off to a good start, then lags a bit but is now picking up. I am about three-quarters of the way through and can't wait to start the next in the series, Green Mars.
The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels.
A very thought-provoking book about the early days of Christianity and how the scrolls found in Nag Hammadi in 1945 shed new light on our current Bible.
eightsenuf@indy.rr.com
Motherhood & Hollywood by Patricia Heaton.
I just finished this very entertaining memoir by Patricia Heaton. She's the actress who plays Ray's wife on "Everybody Loves Raymond," though I'd barely noticed the show until I started reading her book. Since then I've tuned in to the 7 p.m. reruns and while it's not something I'd schedule my day around I do enjoy it...maybe more so because I feel like I "know" Patricia Heaton. Her book seemed so genuinely honest about herself, her life and her family that I found myself looking forward to the times I could sit down and read it as much as I look forward to reading a letter from an old friend!
ctritt@comcast.net
Just One Look by Harlan Coben.
An excellent read. This novel has so many twists and turns that you are suspicious of everyone involved and it was not easy to figure out the reason behind the disappearance of Jack. The ending was a surprise as well. Mr. Coben outdid himself with this one and I can't wait for the next book to be published!
lrctitus@hotmail.com
Prey by Michael Crichton.
A fast-paced pager-turner by the techno-thriller master. Denzel Washington should star if they make it into a movie!
Conan by Robert E. Howard.
Full blooded male adventure stories. It's better than you'd think!
The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke.
I'm still only halfway through. It's delightful thus far.
The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King
An underrated classic bestowing gifts of camaraderie and loyalty. A great friendship book.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling.
It's not quite as good as The Goblet of Fire. Still, Rowling improves as a writer with each book and the story of Harry Potter only gets better and better.
quaillady@sbcglobal.net
I have just finished The Face by Dean Koontz. I give this one 5 stars. Anyone who likes Dean Koontz will like this one.
I am currently reading The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. I give it 4 stars only because there are far too many French words and those who know very little or none at all will find it a hard read. And they may put the book down and never read it. It also starts out a little slow. It is interesting to me also how the female role is always played to make Robert Langdon look on the weak side.
Tsbrown62@aol.com
I'm still reading Janet Evanovich. I'm up to High Five, working my way to number eleven when it comes out.
DStegmanCrawford@aol.com
I just finished Watch Them Die by Kevin O'Brien. This is another super read, I'd give it 4 stars. In this thriller, the murderer sends videos with certain scenes cued --- it shows the way the next "chosen victim" is going to die...the director and his leading ladies...
Sleeping Beauty by Phillip Margolin. 5 stars.
This thriller was about a murderer who crept in one night and killed a girl's dad and best friend. The girl leaves with her mom, only to be trailed and stalked by this same killer. Fast-paced, good!!
Digital Fortress by Dan Brown. 4 stars.
This is a thriller about a secret cryptography section of the National Security Agency --- the ones who intercept messages and crack codes. The super computer has found a message it can't break.
smleonetti@yahoo.com
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
American Jezebel by Eve LaPlante
Book Lust by Nancy Pearl
Rickimc@aol.com
The Ships of Air by Martha Wells. 4 stars.
This book was so much better than the first in the Fall of Ile-Rein trilogy, The Wizard Hunters. Aside from being a fantasy, there are also elements of mystery, horror, and romance that override any sci-fi elements.
City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende. 4 stars.
Not quite as good as I had heard. Not everyone will enjoy this YA fantasy, but fans of Phillip Pullman should give it a try.
sharoncerasoli@hotmail.com
2 fun books:
The Tales of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, which won the Newbery Award this year in children's Literature. A great and suspenseful read, I would recommend it as a read-aloud with your child or children, as well.
I'm also reading Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I have not read this since high school, but my husband recently read it and proclaimed Austen brilliant. So I must read this again!
tunaross@nc.rr.com
Deep Pockets by Linda Barnes. 4 stars.
Yet another truly enjoyable book in the Carlotta Carlyle series. Investigations (and insight) into the Harvard educational community and human nature in general. As usual, reading Barnes's books transports me into another environment.
QueenGP@aol.com
I am reading The Sight of the Stars by Belva Plain. I rate it as a 5 stars. It is a very good book, as most of hers are.
vlindsey@nycap.rr.com
I'm currently reading The Unloved by John Saul. So far it's a 4-star book.
Mervin1967@aol.com
If you're looking for a great book about the Legend Mr. Johnny Cash, get a copy of Bill Miller's Cash: An American Man. It is in incredible look at a great American Hero.
clschomer@dmci.net
Desert Queen by Janet Wallach. 5 stars. So timely!!!!!
resan@nyc.rr.com
Embers by Sandor Marai
Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama
White Noise by Don DeLillo
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
Back When We Were Grownups by Anne Tyler
playa@sympatico.ca
Well, I have too many books on the go...
I just started a new Cloak & Dagger mystery series by Kaye Kellerman, Street Dreams. I have to go back and read the first few books of the series, but so far the book is a good read. Kellerman puts enough information into the story so that if we've missed the prior books we still understand the story.
I completed Private Screening by Richard North Patterson and it kept me reading non-stop. It is a memorable book because the main character, Lord, is still in my head. I keep wondering what he is up to.
jmmartinez@prtc.net
I just finished Dan Brown's Angels & Demons. I give it 4+ stars. Lots of historical data and facts from Rome and The Vatican. This book shows that Brown went through a lot of research. Very recommended.
CPerk31966@aol.com
Joshua by Joseph E. Girzone. 4 stars.
Simply written (it almost reads like a "young reader" level) but when finished it's the right tone for a simple story that asks the question, "What if Jesus showed up today?"
Mutant Message Down Under by Marlo Morgan. 4 stars.
Initially unbelievable but eventually thought-provoking enough to encourage one to ask what the possibilities of humankind are.
NGroves@aol.com
In the Name of Salome by Julia Alvarez. 4 stars.
Alvarez loosely based this novel on historical figures, Dominican poet Salome Urena and her daughter Camila. Moving back and forth in time for a period of a century or more, the novel traces the path of young Salome to a position as a national poet whose works inspired revolution in the Dominican Republic and that of her daughter, living in her mother's shadow, who leaves a teaching position at Vassar to join Castro's revolution in Cuba and tries to carry out the political ideals of her mother as well as her father, who was briefly the country's president. A rich novel about women, politics, love of country, and poetry.
The Shipping News by Annie Proulx. 4 stars.
For inept journalist and bewildered, jilted husband Quoyle, life starts anew when his wife is killed in a car accident while running off with another man, leaving him to raise their two small daughters. An aunt he had never known before helps him find a job and a house in their ancestral home of Killick-Claw, a Newfoundland harbor town. Writing for the local paper, which leans heavily toward topics like car crashes and sexual abuse, as well as the all-important shipping news, Quoyle gradually improves as a writer and develops a backbone after a lifetime of being a doormat. He also learns that love does not have to equal pain after striking up a romance with a local woman who had endured her own bad marriage. A quirky but interesting story by a superb writer.
The Assistant by Bernard Malamud. 5 stars.
This novel, written in 1957, is the story of a Jewish immigrant struggling to make a go of a small grocery store in Brooklyn and hoping that somehow, something better will come along that will make life easier for himself, his wife and their daughter, who has had to put college plans on hold to help support the family. When the store is robbed of what little cash is on hand, the grocer wonders if he's reached the end of the line until an Italian-American drifter comes along and offers to help with the store. He appears to have a flair for sales and marketing, although he's also dipping into the cash register, and things are looking up --- that is, until he falls in love with the grocer's daughter. Considered a literary classic, this book is an incisive look at the immigrant experience and the inner struggles of a small but memorable group of characters.
The Briar King by Greg Keyes. 4 stars.
A fantasy novel, the first in a projected series, set in a mythical kingdom in which an evil force, the Briar King, has awakened and threatens to destroy everything and everybody. Arrayed against this mysterious foe are an assortment of characters, including a gutsy princess, the king and his slippery brother, a young, idealistic knight, a novice priest whose intellect proves to be as effective a weapon as a sword, and a forester whose ties to a gypsy-like group of people are both a help and a hindrance. A great read for those who like this kind of thing.
Ginger.Louden@sendit.nodak.edu
I just finished reading Riding Lessons by Sara Gruen. This is a great book if you like to read about families, horses and romance. I give it 4 stars. Sometimes going back home can help a person understand his/her life so a new life can be started.
MabelJane14@aol.com
I am reading The Witching Hour by Anne Rice and Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice also. Actually I am reading a lot of books at the moment, but those two are very interesting.
carelsrb@yahoo.com
I just finished the book Ring of Fire, edited by Eric Flint. While this may not be for most of you, I think anyone who likes alternate history would enjoy it but would be advised to read two other books first. A brief explanation is in order here.
The first book was titled 1632 by Erik Flint. The story line is this: A small West Virginia town (present day) and adjacent area is mysteriously transporting people and all to 17th century Germany. What follows is how the townspeople adapted to their new environment. While everything that came with them was still operable (if it didn't depend on resources outside the area of dislocation) they had to rely on what they had with no hope of resupply and cope with the politics, mores, customs and physical conditions present in the surrounding country, and therein lies the meat of the book.
This was followed by 1633, which Flint co-authored with David Weber, that continued the story of the misplaced West Virginians and the efforts to make a viable home for themselves in their new locale.
Ring of Fire is a collection of short stories by various authors who have expanded on the original premise and created vignettes based on various characters introduced by the first two books. This was Flint's plan from the beginning and all the stories are good with a lot of local (time and place) history thrown into the mix --- fighting among various nobles and kings, the conflicts between the various religious groups and the conflicts that arise from the difference in views of 20th century America and 17th century Germany as the people interact as they must. I found them most enjoyable reading, and if you can put aside the unlikely fact of the dislocation, you may find them enjoyable too with well-drawn characters and believable situations. Action, humor and some sadness too.
lindaharriet@netzero.net
The unconventional love story of Jane Eyre has been transformed by Charlotte Bronte's imagination. It is the story of a passionate and intelligent woman who refuses to be satisfied by "her place in society" and upholds her dignity and indomitable spirit. Jane's love for Rochester is truly gripping, and the landscape descriptions are so realistic that you can feel the chill of the moors. Jane's early upbringing defines her character. I found this book thoroughly engrossing. 5 stars.
KimyAlesia@aol.com
Dying to Please by Linda Howard. 2 stars.
Sarah Stevens is a professionally trained butler and very good at her job. She also happens to be a trained bodyguard. After Sarah stops a burglary at her current employer's home she catches the eye of the public and a stalker.
Events happen one after another, leading to a romance with the local detective and then Sarah becomes the lead suspect in more killings.
The ending was quick and too pat. But the leads in the book are fleshed out and the two together are good. The villain was never given enough "book" time to round him out.
It moves slowly to the conclusion, but I did care what happened to the lead and it was enough to keep me reading to the end.
The Doors of Death and Life by Brenda W. Clough
This is the second book. You don't need to read the first but it does help to understand how an ordinary guy is given superhuman powers and his struggle to contain and use them.
The first book is How Like a God. Rob Lewis received his powers and gave the gift of immortality to his friend Edwin Barbarossa to save his life. In The Doors of Death and Life, Rob is living the simple life with wife and kids and Edwin is on the moon. While returning from the moon an accident leaves Ed the only survivor and bring him to the attention of a powerful man who would stop at nothing to gain Ed's powers.
Both books take a hard look at the responsibilities of God-like powers and the when and how to use them. Both are quick moving and keeps the questions coming. Not an action/adventure/hero book, more like "poor Rob has no idea what the heck is going on and would someone please clue him in."
Both books are a good read and I give each 3 stars.
SCARTER163@aol.com
I have taken a step back in time with my last two books. After reading Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley, a very light and enjoyable story written in 1917 about a traveling book salesman, I picked up The Haunted Bookshop. This sequel, written in 1919, is set in Brooklyn where the earnest and passionate bookseller has set up his secondhand book shop. He could never guess that his bookshop would become a focal point for foreign espionage and intrigue following the war. Simple characters and a wonderful style bring us back to an age lost, at least in Brooklyn and New York City. A quick, easy read, well worth the time. 4 stars.
Hyssop7@aol.com
Homicide Special by Miles Corwin. 5 stars for the interesting topic and great writing. It's best described by the author's subtitle: A Year with the LAPD's Elite Detective Unit.
Ginger.Louden@sendit.nodak.edu
I just finished reading The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers. I will give it 4 stars. It started out slow, but as the characters developed, it became much more interesting. The ending has a twist to it that I would not have guessed. The subjects covered are racism, humanity, politics, and the caring of others. A unique book.
bradylee@myway.com
When the Elephants Dance by Tess Uriza Holthe. 3 stars.
This novel has many levels and primarily is about native Filipinos trying to survive during the Japanese invasion of their land and just after MacArthur returns to free the island. Various guerilla groups fight on their own, and this story is about one such group and family members of a primary guerilla. There is a fair amount of fantasy in the story telling and the reality of superstition in their society. The last 50 pages are quite brutal in the telling of what the Japanese soldiers do to the civilians.
DIANWILLY@aol.com
Retreat, Hell! by WEB Griffin. 5 stars.
Another in the WWII series, but this time the early stages of Korea. Griffin really hits on the incompetence of higher ups who never listen and the damage they do. Great.
The Tristan Betrayal by Robert Ludlum. 5 stars.
Although not finished by Ludlum himself, the book keeps me intrigued like the Ludlum's novels. Spy thriller. Almost finished. Another great one.
jlmccready@hotmail.com
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. 3 stars.
This is a good book for a reading group/book club, especially one with quite a few women in it. The book's themes of womanhood, motherhood, and coming of age should resonate with many readers. The main character, Lily, is a skillfully drawn 14-year-old trying to come to terms with her past and with her unloving father. She ends up springing her nanny from jail and running to the only place she knows her now-dead mother to have lived in --- and finds shelter, friends, and "mothers" with a group of beekeeping sisters named April, June, and August. I loved the day-to-day details that made this story so realistic and its gentle, graceful pace. The use of the setting, the south in the 1960s, was also both an eye-opener and a colorful backdrop that sparked a lot of discussion in my book group.
lslott@optonline.net
I recently finished Bookends by Jane Green. I rate it 3 1/2 stars. This was another enjoyable book by Jane Green. A group of old college friends' lives are turned around when another friend from the past reappears and gets things stirred up. Green writes light, frothy and funny books about life in London, and this one is still in that vein, although there is a secondary storyline that takes a serious turn. This book is a perfect beach or rainy Sunday read. It goes fast and makes you smile, and may bring a tear to the eye too.
RKCKSYST@aol.com
I've just read the 2nd and 3rd Forsyte Saga books by John Galsworthy and couldn't recommend this series more highly --- 5 stars, easily! The three in order are The Man of Property, In Chancery and To Let. I'm now watching the 1967 BBC series based on these books. Terrific!
joswood@adiis.net
Crossing the Line by Clinton McKinzie. 5 stars.
This is the latest in a series about brothers, Antonio and Roberto Burns. Antonio is a cop and Roberto is a convicted felon. Two FBI agents have talked them into helping catch a Mexican drug lord and his band of merry men. The two brothers get into incredible trouble, but justice prevails at the end. There is a fair amount of rock climbing in Wyoming thrown into the mix. This was a VERY suspenseful book, and I enjoyed it tremendously.
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. 5 stars.
Thirteen-year-old Anna Fitzgerald was conceived in order to become a donor for her sister, Kate, who is very ill with leukemia. Now, Kate needs a kidney, and Anna is tired of her role as donor. She hires an attorney to gain rights to her own body. This is a very well-written book, and it sure gives the reader a lot to think about. Picoult's books are always thought-provoking and original.
Just One Look by Harlan Coben. 3 stars.
This book had a rather convoluted and unbelievable plot. It had many twists and turns that made it confusing --- not suspenseful. I just wasn't crazy about it.
The Full Cupboard of Life by Alexander McCall Smith. 3 stars.
Not enought happened in this book to make it interesting. I have read the other four books in this series and found them charming. There wasn't much sleuthing, which was the crux of the first book, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. It just didn't hold my attention as the others did.
kwmallet@sympatico.ca
I just finished reading The Last Crossing by Guy Vanderhaeghe and I LOVED it. A definite 5-star read. It starts off a little quirky, with different characters in the novel telling parts of the story from their own perspective. But just hang in there a chapter or two and you're hooked. It's a western, a romance, a story of sibling love and dynamics, and even a bit of a murder mystery. It is truly magnificent.
Before that, I finished The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. I definitely enjoyed it and it was a good read, but I think I expected more because of all the hype I had heard associated with it. It is most assuredly above average and a very lovely story, but I can't say that I walked away from it with any great insights or intense emotions (which is what constitutes a 5-star book, in my opinion). I'd give it a 3 3/4 to 4 stars.
CookieAnderson1@aol.com
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. 5 stars.
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller. 5 stars.
White Teeth by Zadie Smith. 5 stars.
Blue Angel by Francine Prose. 4 stars.
Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama. 5 stars.
Sally B., San Antonio, TX
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. 3 stars (barely)
An autistic young boy, being raised by his Father, tries to solve the mystery of the death of a neighbor's dog and in so doing finds out what really happened to his Mother. The first 100 pages or so appeared to be a story told by a young boy, albeit a very smart and superstitious one. This novel finally caught my attention when he found out the truth about his Mother and Father. Numerous other reviewers were taken with the insight of an autistic mind but in my opinion, numerous quirks of an autistic personality can be and are seen in so-called "normal" people. They aren't more pronounced and numerous in an autistic person, though.
The Paris Option by Robert Ludlum. 3 stars (finally)
I'm "listening" to this audiobook about Dr. Jonathan Smith, Lt. Col. in the U.S. Army, who is tasked to find the terrorists who are sabotaging the U.S.'s communication systems with a molecular computer. Typical espionage with chauvinistic overtones.
Kaye in Boone
I am currently reading Monkeewrench by P. J. Tracy. What a great book this is! I've already ordered her next one, which is Live Bait with some of the same characters. I hope this becomes a long running series.
SLKmoney@aol.com
I recently finished Bad Business by Robert B. Parker and it was a 5-star. I have read three or four of his books and all have been excellent --- especially the Spenser series. I am trying to get more of the old ones to read, but several are not carried at my local library because they are older. I plan on trying a larger library.
Peggy from Succasunna
Object Lessons by Anna Quindlen. 5 stars.
My son gave this book to me for Mother's Day. A truly wonderful gift. This has become one of my all-time favorite books.
Myrnapen@aol.com
I just finished Anna Quindlen's collection of essays, Loud and Clear. I've read all of Quindlen's novels and now enjoyed reading her nonfiction commentaries on a diversity of subjects. 4 stars.
Now I'm reading The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett. I loved her Bel Canto and The Magician's Assistant, both of which I'd give 5 stars. The Patron Saint of Liars is not disappointing, but not as strong as the other two. It could be because it's her first book. 4 stars.
Meditrinalia@aol.com
Rooms Where I Live by LeAne Austin.
This is a great book! She takes her life experiences and creates these beautiful and moving essays that anyone can relate to. Using metaphors, she describes some of her life events in a way that makes you want to keep reading, to find out how it ends. I would recommend this book to any woman who wants to look at her life in a new way.
kbest10@msn.com
Ella Minnow Pea: A Novel in Letters by Mark Dunn. 5 stars.
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers. 4 stars.
bab@tennis.com
A Road Through the Mountains by Elizabeth McGregor. 5 stars.
A beautiful and sensitive novel with realistic characters and a compelling story that is heartfelt and touching. Heartbreaking and understanding with the portrayal of the difficult situations handled so well. I could not put it down. The best.
rojosho@hotmail.com
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. 5 stars.
A humorous and entertaining story about the author and his travels with a friend along the Appalachian trail. Highly worthwhile and fun with amusing anecdotes and hilarious observations. I love all of Bill Bryson's books, and this is great.
realbencann@yahoo.com
P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahearn. 5 stars.
This sensitively written novel about death and grief is written with feeling and understanding as well as humor. An unusual type of request for the widow to embark upon. Very novel and unique.
BDORM@aol.com
Dreaming of Palestine by Randa Ghazy. 5 stars.
An amazing book by a 15-year-old Egyptian girl. It is the story of a group of young Palestinians making a family out of each other during the war, and trying to find love. Told from the Palestinian side of the conflict.
Dark Star Safari by Paul Theroux. 3 stars.
Returning to Africa after many years, he takes trains, buses and automobiles from Cairo to Capetown.
charris@pctelecom.us
The Zero Game by Brad Meltzer. 5 stars.
A good mystery about Washington, D.C. with a surprising end.
The Game by Laurie R. King. 3 stars.
A book about Sherlock Holmes. I found it little hard to keep up with what they were doing, but it's still a good read.
Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nifisi. 4 stars.
Nonfiction about the author's life as a teacher in Tehran and then here in America.
The Dog Walker by Leslie Schnur. 4 stars.
A romantic book about true love with a comic twist.
Josephine Anna Kaszuba Locke
Blacklist by Sara Paretsky. 5 stars.
V.I. at top form, classy, sassy and spirited… Dzien dobry, Sara Paretsky and Detective Warshawski… from a survivor --- thank you for noting 9/11 in Blacklist.
So, V.I., you are off on another assignment in Blacklist, hired by long-time client Darraugh Graham to investigate "goings-on" at his family's old home near Anodyne Park in New Solway. Darraugh's feisty mother Geraldine now lives in an apartment near the property and has seen lights in the attic of the empty house --- imagination or fact?
On the second late-night property stakeout, Detective Warshawski encounters a young teenage female heading toward the entry of the house. The teenager takes flight and escapes during pursuit, unfortunately. Giving chase, Detective V.I. falls into five feet of murky, weedy, pond water located on the property. As she rises out of the clay-like soil, she finds a drowned dead man; she attempts CPR but to no avail. The dead man is identified as freelance reporter Marcus Whitby. Cause of death is listed as "drowning" after consumption of alcohol, probably. His parents come to Chicago to claim the body and are eager to return home for burial ceremonies. The sister of Marcus engages V.I. to intervene for an autopsy to determine cause of death, officially. Why was he at the property? How come his automobile was not nearby? Why was there no identification on him other than a very wet matchbook and a pencil?
Warshawski learns the identity of the teenage trespasser who is linked to an affluent Chicago family, a publishing firm owned by the Bayard's. Interrogation of young Ms. Bayard brings shallow results. The news media reports on the mysterious disappearance of a young, male Egyptian named Benjamin Sadawi. Added to the building suspense are reports of terrorist activities under investigation, adding fire and energy of implications wrought in Blacklist. And more turmoil runs amok when "authorities" want to gain access to student files in the elite Vina Fields Academy on Chicago's Gold Coast.
The momentum builds with V.I. not deterred by any subtle hints or threats to her investigation. Suddenly her employer Darraugh Graham instructs V.I. to put a halt to the investigation of the once family-owned property. Warshawski fans know that such moments of "halt commands" only provide fuel to V.I.'s detective energy. Meanwhile, Warshawski's love of her life, Morrell, is on assignment in Afghanistan. To friend and neighbor Mr. Contreras (God love him), V.I. is known as "doll" or "cookie." He continues his vigil of watching over her, providing chicken soup and a breakfast of French toast with bacon to maintain her well-being.
As always, Sara Paretsky gives credence to the story with well-described, scenic places in Chicago, lovable and not-so-lovable characters --- some have been with Warshawski for years as others come and go. Along with the plots, questionable circumstantial deaths, and a not-to-be defeated Detective Warshawski, Blacklist will keep you reading through wonderfully captioned chapters such as "House of the Dead," "Stiffed at the Morgue," "Terrorist on the Run," and "Shootout at the Eagle River Corral." Review based on hardcover 2003 edition.
Another recommended read: By a Spider's Thread by Laura Lippman.
Crsntmoon3@aol.com
I'm currently working my way through Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser and Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi. I'd tentatively give them each in the neighborhood of 3 1/2 stars at this point, as they are informative but not engrossing.
pboylecharley@hotmail.com
I am reading The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. It is a story of an elderly gentleman who is killed in an amusement park accident while trying to save a little girl's life. When he arrives in heaven, he is greeted by five people whom he knew in life and who had an influence on him. He meets each person separately and the sum of the meetings is supposed to give him an understanding of how he lived his life on earth. This is a great book --- in the same league as the author's other one, Tuesdays with Morrie.
Heringbess@aol.com
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller. 4 stars.
Very readable for nonfiction. An amazing view of life and growing up in Africa without any editorializing! Written by an adult woman from her young girl's perspective, it manages to be engaging and even funny. The main character, really, is Africa --- Rhodesia primarily. Dangerous everyday from the war, the environs, and even her own mother. Terrific book!
The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood. 4 stars.
A mixture of sadness, warmth, hope and page-turning, it is a touching look at the damage to one's life that a single moment in time can do. Full of hope and wisdom.
Anonymous
The Color of Water by James McBride. 5 stars.
A wonderful inspirational read of a tribute to the author's mother and the twelve children she raises in the housing projects of Red Hook, Brooklyn.
mxwms@msn.com
I am currently reading The Narrows by Michael Connelly and I love it --- Harry Bosch is a great, great character.
Elise Devlin
I'm reading Eventide by Kent Haruf and just loving it. He has such a wonderful, meandering way of sliding you into the story. It's the continuation of Plainsong. 5 stars.
I'm also reading Eats, Shoots and Leaves by Lynne Truss. It's hilarious! For those who love words and word play, this is a must-read. 5 stars.
kmmjarko@highstream.net
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers. 4 1/2 stars.
Deafening by Francis Itani. 3 1/2 stars.
Sickened by Julie Gregory. 4 stars.
The Grifters by Jim Thompson. 4 stars.
jswsaw@greenapple.com
The Art of Mending by Elizabeth Berg. 4 stars.
Deep family problems are revealed as oldest child Laura and her family return for a visit to her childhood home during the annual MN state fair. Laura's troubled sister recalls events that plagued her during her childhood and blames their mother for being cold and indifferent. This is not the mother who Laura remembers, though, as she attempts to learn the truth and heal the conflicted sister's damaged self-esteem. Their brother cares but thinks that his sister has always been different. He takes a typically male stance on this emotional issue. I appreciated the story, as I related it to my own family "mending" as the oldest child. I always enjoy Elizabeth Berg's books. I have read most of them, and I've never been disappointed.
kryzewski@comcast.net
Presently I am reading:
Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books by Azar Nafisi. 5 stars.
Encompassing all genres, Professor Nafisi records her female book club beginning in 1995. Portrayed are the revolutionary mandates that she and her students encountered during her tenure at the University of Tehran, her difficulty finding books, and the two years she spent secretly discussing literature in her home.
Books that have affected me:
Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich. 5 stars.
How sad that this book vividly portrays a large segment of our society.
Favorite fiction:
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kid. 5 stars.
Les Miserables (unabridged edition) by Victor Hugo. 5 stars.
Anything by Elinor Lipman
Hannah Beck from Ridgefield, CT
Lab 257: The Disturbing Story of the Government's Secret Plum Island Germ Laboratory by Michael C. Carroll. 5 stars.
This could be a fiction thriller, but it's not fiction! It's an inside look at what went on in the government's germ laboratory on Plum Island, NY; how biological weapons are made, and prevented.
robroeb@metrocast.net
Here's just a few of the books I've been reading this month:
Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult. 4 stars.
Lisa Maria's Guide for the Perplexed by Susan Hubbard. 4 stars.
Quick reading without a lot of heavy thought going into it.
The Second Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares. 4 stars.
Even though it's meant to be a juvenile's book, I find that adults can get something out of it too. It's funny, too.
Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson. 5 stars.
Does this author ever put out a bad book??
SBrowdy1@aol.com
The Morning After by Lisa Jackson. 5 stars.
This is a book that is a real page-turner from the get-go, starting with a woman realizing that she is being buried alive in a coffin that is already occupied by another decomposing corpse. The serial killer known as "The Grave Robber" leads a reporter and a detective on a merry romp around Savannah, Georgia as his secrets are discovered in cemeteries and in the characters' lives. Hard to write about without giving it all away. A fun summertime or anytime read.
No Second Chance by Harlan Coben. 5 stars.
After reading about this book at Word of Mouth I am now hooked on a new author. (New to me at least) This book is fantastic! A kidnapping/ransom story from a new angle. This is a suspense-filled wild ride. On first opening the cover I was more than halfway through the story on my first sitting. Now I must read more Harlan Coben! Any recommendations?
Balance of Power by Richard North Patterson. 3 stars.
A big Patterson fan having read most of his past books, I enjoyed this one but felt it was a bit long. This story is about a pro-gun control president Kerry Kilcannon, who gets personally caught up in the issue when his new mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and niece are gunned down after his storybook wedding to Lara Costello. After the murder of her family at the hands of her brother-in-law, an abusive husband who illegally purchases an automatic weapon at a Las Vegas gun show, the President and new First Lady dive head first into gun control legislation, and after making deals with the gun manufacturers and the NRA in order to pass his new laws, he discovers that it really is every man for himself and promises made can be promises broken. A good read --- Patterson delivers again.
Blue Blood by Edward Conlon. 5 stars.
An excellent book about life as a police officer on the NYPD, written by a Harvard graduate turned police officer and now a detective. Having written pieces for the New Yorker in his column "Cop Diary" and also for other literary magazines, his full length nonfiction book reads like a novel and really tells it as it is from someone on the force who really believes the "to protect and serve credo." According to my fiance, a retired NYPD officer, this is a book not to be missed. It is NOT a typical book about life on the police force. He finished it and waxed eloquently about how true to real life this book actually is --- words that don't come easily from the mouth of one who actually lived the life for almost thirty years.
mtc350@hotmail.com
I just finished reading The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and absolutely loved it. The story was riveting and the information on the culture of Afghanistan was fascinating. My book group opted not to read it, fearing too much politicization, but I will have to re-suggest it as it is one of the better books I've read in the past year.
Secondly, I'm reading Tolkien's The Unfinished Tales, stories behind the stories in the Lord of the Rings series. It is enjoyable, but not as much fun as the series, though not as dry as the Silmarilion.
Kathryn@revealedheartministries.org
I just finished The Art of Mending by Elizabeth Berg, which was excellent, and also My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. This last book was phenomenal and I highly recommend it. I read many, many books, but this one was unusual and a cut above the rest, in my opinion.
I also just finished reading Blindness by Jose Saramago, a highly unusual, startling, disturbing, horrifying, fascinating book.
ritalyman@hotmail.com
The Dance of the Dissident Daughter by Sue Monk Kidd
Pat76273@aol.com
I'm reading A Hole in Texas by Herman Wouk, who is 88 years young --- he still has it. I give this 4 1/2 stars. He has his wit still going and shows us the interplay between scientists and politicians over the Superconducting Super Collider that was partially built (thus the hole in Texas) and then shut down due to budget concerns and lack of scientific understanding by politicians in Washington. Now the Chinese have completed theirs and America is suddenly behind, and a political storm ensues.
george.privat@hpmatty.com
Peril by Thomas Cook. 4 stars.
Interesting character study, on the dark side, with nice plot twists.
Good Blood by Aaron Elkins. 4 stars.
An entry in the Gideon Oliver series about a college professor who is a forensic anthropologist. Set in Italy, which is interesting, but overall not as good as most of the others since the book focuses on characters other than Oliver.
The Cabinet of Curiosities by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. 5 stars.
Terrific, fast-moving science-based thriller set in New York with very interesting characters.
RKCKSYST@aol.com
I'm actually RE-reading The Poet by Michael Connelly in preparation for reading his new The Narrows, which I understand builds on The Poet and brings Harry Bosch into the case introduced in The Poet. This is the first Connelly I ever read, and I liked it enough to go on to a bunch of others. And I'm enjoying it just as much the second time around!
hokajo2@yahoo.com
Since I just found out I'm going to be a first-time grandmother, I picked up Lois Wyse's Funny, You Don't Look Like a Grandmother. Halfway through, I'm giving it 2 1/2 stars. It's not that funny, and it's repetitive, much like, I imagine, new grandmothers talking about their grandchildren!
I'm also reading in spurts First Mothers: The Women Who Shaped the Presidents by Bonnie Angelo. The topic is interesting but the prose is not, and the author's chronology jumps back and forth. Again, 2 1/2 stars.
And finally I am reading Patricia Gaffney's The Goodbye Summer. Although I loved The Saving Graces and Circle of Three, this new one doesn't compare. The main character is not particularly appealing, and the story moves along slowly. The supporting cast of characters and their stories are more interesting. For that reason, I'll give it 3 1/2 stars.
kdj617@hotmail.com
The Intelligencer by Leslie Silbert. 4 stars.
A very entertaining first book, a nice blend of history and espionage.
BDB530@aol.com
The Angel of Darkness by Caleb Carr. 5 stars.
Maybe I'm late in jumping on the bandwagon for Caleb Carr, but I read (and did not skim) this long book about a mysterious woman who is both seducer and destroyer, and enjoyed the telling. The technique, told from the point of view of a young boy with "experience" and including real characters from the early 20th century, make this page-turner a delight.
donnaleggate@aol.com
The Skeleton in the Closet by M.C. Beaton. 4 stars.
This was a very good mystery about Fellworth Dolphin and his friend and coworker Maggie, who team up and try to find out where all the money came from when his mother dies and leaves him a small fortune. The town believes his father was involved in a train robbery 20 years ago and sat on it, but there is a huge twist to the story that will surprise you as it does Fellworth and Maggie. I really enjoyed the book.
zippety4@yahoo.com
The book I have just finished is John Grisham's The King of Torts. Grisham has turned out some great novels but this book is just a hack job --- no character development, the plot is raced through like an outline of a book. The story tells of the rise and fall of a lawyer in the Washington D.C. Public Defenders Office making a pittance. A mysterious stranger feeds him secret data that gets him into the slimy world of torts. He makes a mint and gets seduced by the money. Lawyer makes money, lawyer loses money. I would rate this book only 1 star.
hibar14@earthlink.net
The Weight of Water by Anita Shreve. 5 stars.
A very good book with a surprise ending.
Jan from Port Angeles
I am currently reading everything by Rochelle Majer Krich. I started with Angel of Death (5 stars), a mystery about anti-semitism on the streets of Los Angeles; Shadows of Sin (5 stars), about a triple murder in a plastic surgeon's office; and I just started Dream House.
I also really liked The Blessing Stone by Barbara Wood (5 stars), a story about a blue stone that takes you from the beginning of time through the 20th century, and Household Gods by Judith Tarr and Harry Turtledove (5 stars) about a single mother with two children whose life is falling apart and gets sent back through time to a Roman city in A.D. 170. Great read and very interesting.
AUGER77777@aol.com
I am currently reading The Last Full Measure by Jeff Shaara. This is the final book in the Civil War trilogy started by Jeff's father. An excellent read and very well written. 5 stars.
Heidi from Phoenix
I am reading The Narrows by Michael Connelly. So far, it is 5 stars --- a good puzzle to try to figure out.
Patricia from Omaha
I am reading Days of the Dead by Barbara Hambly. It is a wonderful blend of mystery, history and the wonderful Benjamin January character. Set in Mexico in 1835, it is an eye-opener to life on our continent at this time. 5 stars.
Fbower444@aol.com
I am currently reading Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks. An enjoyable story. I would rate it 4 stars.
GerryD8784@aol.com
Just One Look by Harlen Coben. 3 stars.
I have to disagree with Joe Hartlaub, who said in his review that "in the hands of a lesser writer, the explanation would have been a hurried, wrap-it-up affair," because that was precisely my reaction. Coben ruined (for me) a great story by throwing in too many complications at the end, and contradicting himself on the issue of who was involved in past events and how. A book that had been heading for 5 stars dropped to 3, in my opinion, with a bungled ending. Either of his earlier books beats this one hands down!
Therapy by Jonathan Kellerman. 3 stars.
Alex Delaware is helping his pal Milo Sturgis investigate the murder of a young couple, when the investigation is complicated by the discovery of another murder --- that of the first victim's therapist. Interesting, but not Kellerman's best by far, in my opinion.
The Working Poor by David Shipler. 4 stars.
Always readable and informative without becoming pedantic, Shipler's book describes the plight of the working poor --- those who work hard for minimum wage in an effort at self-improvement that is too often doomed to failure because of a complex combination of individual and societal problems.
Catslady5@aol.com
The Cat Who Went Up the Creek by Lilian Jackson Braun. 2 1/2 stars.
Cute little mystery. I like a little more characterization, but it's a nice, easy read.
smaf@villa.edu
Dune by Frank Herbert. 5 stars!
I finally got around to reading this sci-fi classic. It's dense but fascinating. Follow it up with the mini-series produced by the sci-fi channel.
Death of a Russian Priest by Stuart Kaminsky. 5 stars!
This "mystery" is actually a marvelous look at life in Moscow just after the Berlin Wall fell.
preid939@earthlink.net
Shaky Ground: A Bubba Mabry Mystery by Steve Brewer. 3 stars.
I would have enjoyed this book more had I read the three previous books in this series, but I do intend to buy them.
Bullets by Steve Brewer, a stand-alone. 5 stars.
A very good book, lots of twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the end and a little humor thrown in.
Persuader by Lee Child. 4 stars.
Very good, I can't wait for the next Lee Child book.
Revenge of the Wrought-Iron Flamingoes by Donna Andrews. 3 stars.
It's good to read a Donna Andrews if you are in the mood for something funny and lighter.
Bjglu@aol.com
Shadow Baby by Alison McGhee. 5 stars.
A wonderful novel about the friendship between a young girl and an elderly gentleman and sooo much more.
To the Nines by Janet Evanovich. 4 stars.
What can you say about a fun mystery that makes you laugh out loud? This one's got it all.
Lgluhani@aol.com
Dating Dead Men by Harley Jane Kozak. 4 stars.
Like the Red Panda by Andrea Seigel. 3 stars.
The Wife by Meg Wolitzer. 5 stars.
Dianna@mail2her.com
The Emperor of Ocean Park by Stephen Carter. 4 stars
Starts well, gets bogged down in places, but if you stick with it the story is informative and satisfying. I am glad I read it.
sherri5@pa.net
A Season of Grace by Bette Nordberg. 5 stars.
This is an incredibly touching fictional account of a twin's love for her brother, who is a homosexual dealing with AIDS.
CRome21695@aol.com
I am reading The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant. Although I have not finished it yet --- I am about 3/4 through the book --- there's no doubt I give it 5 stars. A novel set in Renaissance Florence, it is historical, intriguing and entertaining.
BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. 5 stars.
I thought this was one of the most unique books I've read in years. It was fascinating how the author told the story from the autistic boy's point of view and made the character likeable in spite of some pretty unlikeable traits. And he showed how hard it is to love someone like this.
GandmaRI@aol.com
This week I'm reading Educating Alice by Alice Steinbach. More travels by the author of Without Reservations. I love her spunk and her inquiring mind. It feels like I'm having a long chat with a good friend. I'd rate it 5 stars.
PTMFAMILY@aol.com
I just finished Hidden Prey by John Sandford. I love the Lucas Davenport series and his latest book continues with a Russian murder. Lucas is married now and it's odd to see him straight and not running after a woman, but I liked it and Sandford wrote the story fast paced and extremely interesting. How often do we read a book like that? Just another great book by Sandford. 5 stars.
I also just finished The Narrows by Michael Connelly. If you love Harry Bosch, you will absolutely go nuts over this last one. This book is the sequel to The Poet, and Harry takes him on. If you haven't read Connelly, please take time. Read the first one and you are hooked for life. Connelly changed to the first person on his last Bosch book and it only made it better. Getting into the head of Harry! What a treat! 5 stars or more.
MMSHEALY@aol.com
3rd Degree by James Patterson. 5 stars.
Patterson does it again. Keeps you turning the pages. A very good continuation of the Women's Murder Club series.
vitale@grantsburgtelcom.net
I recently finished reading Absolute Friends by John le Carre. This book is fabulous. It's all about how the political situation in the world has deteriorated because of the Bush administration's new policy of strike-first-ask-questions-later. In light of the prisoner-abuse scandal in Iraq, you can really believe that the situation le Carre describes in this book probably has already happened and certainly will happen again. It's horrendous and horrifying, and as citizens of this nation, there's not a darn thing we can do about it. I strongly urge you to read this. The reviews say it is le Carre's finest work, and I have no argument with that. 5 stars.
TEMAR, Los Angeles, CA
I'm reading:
On the Down Low by J.L. King. 1 star.
The author tells of his lifestyle as a married, straight black man who sleeps with other men on the side, but he's not gay nor remorseful for putting other's lives at risk. Very unnerving...be aware.
The Edge of Midnight by Beverly Jenkins. 4 stars.
A social worker makes a deal with the local drug dealer and stumbles into the middle of a covert vigilante group's operation retrieving blood diamonds and is forced into a marriage. Once it gets going, it's fast-paced and stimulating.
Starselma@aol.com
The Stone Monkey by Jeffery Deaver. 4 stars.
This is the story of Chinese immigrants smuggled into the U.S. by a murderous, thieving, heartless character called "The Ghost" because of his ability to evade detection. The many twists and turns kept me intrigued.
Death in Holy Orders by P.D. James. 3 stars.
Investigation of several deaths in a small theological college. Excellent characters and plenty of suspects. As far as I've read, almost all of the suspects have been eliminated. The book is well-written but a bit too descriptive for my taste. I am eager to find out who is guilty of the murders and why.
bradylee@myway.com
The Cider House Rules by John Irving. 5 stars.
My wife and I saw the movie when it came out and we enjoyed it a lot. Finally, I have read the book and it is better...of course. You get more details of the relationships between Dr. Wilbur Larch, the orphanage physician, and Homer Wells, the protege, and those working at St. Clouds along with the important people in Homer Wells's life as an adult. You learn a little bit about small towns, apple orchards, and the process of childbirth and abortion. You learn a lot about the life of each participant in this fine novel.
Barbara R. from Mill Valley, CA
Embers by Sandor Marai. Definitely 5 stars.
This is a superb book, beautifully written. I read it in two days. One of the jacket blurbs says the reader will be quietly riveted. I was most definitely riveted. It's the story of two men, now about 75 years old, who had been friends since the age of 10. Something happened (we learn exactly what late in the book) and they had not seen one another in over 40 years. Big wow!
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. 4 1/2 stars.
This is a wonderful story about the friendship of two boys growing up in Afghanistan and an irreparable rift that takes place between them. The story itself is terrific, definitely 5 stars. The ONLY reason I gave it 4 1/2 is because this is a debut novel and the author's writing is not as mature as it will no doubt become.
Antoinette from Calgary
Three books I have loved recently are:
The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler. 5 stars.
I loved the characters and how the author wove them in amidst book club discussions on Jane Austen's books.
Sarah by Marek Halter. 5 stars.
It is the first book of a trilogy that takes place in Biblical times.
The Sleeping Boy by Barbara J. Stewart. 5 stars.
It is a thinking person's mystery.
Newcrain@aol.com
The Summer I Dared by Barbara Delinsky. 5 stars.
Good read if you like her typical relationship-based books. Set on an island; lots of lobstering lore.
The Man in My Basement by Walter Mosley. 4 stars.
A black man receives a strange request from a white man to live in a cell in his basement. An odd little story in which both individuals grow.
PFLucas@aol.com
My pile of books that I have received as gifts is getting out of control, so I have just finished The King of Torts by John Grisham. It was not my favorite book by Grisham, but it was entertaining. I would give it 3 stars.
The Survivors Club by Lisa Gardner. 4 stars.
This is the first book that I have read by this author. The story grabs your attention right at the beginning and keeps you reading to the end. The story is original and the author weaves an interesting connection between survivors, suspect, and victim.
karenriccio@sbcglobal.net
She's Not There by Jennifer Boylan. 4 stars.
This is a true story about a trans-gendered person. It is well written and thought-provoking. I also enjoyed the afterward by Richard Russo, who discusses what it is like to have his best friend change from a man to a woman.
bradylee@myway.com
My Brother's Voice: How a Young Hungarian Boy Survived the Holocaust - A True Story by Stephen Nasser, with Sherry Rosenthal. 5 stars.
I have read many books about the Holocaust and they are all different; different circumstances, different challenges. This is one of the better ones and shows what it takes to survive even when subjected to death or near death many times. If you don't shed a tear or two toward the end of this book, then you would know that you are a rock and not a human being. This is a tragic, yet uplifting story where the human spirit and will to live conquers all. You will find out for yourself if you read this book.
barleykw@appstate.edu
I just finished reading Just One Look by Harlan Coben. I love his books!
John1rosie@aol.com
The Full Cupboard of Life by Alexander McCall Smith. 4 stars.
I found the recapitulation of the continuing characters in the series boring and unnecessary. Did Mr. Smith think that his faithful readers would forget who his characters were? Did he think that his new readers, at this particular time in the series, needed a recapitulation? Did he simply need filler to bring the book up to 198 pages? Each reader will decide. At the conclusion I found Mr. Smith to be not far off his game. He found ways to be entertaining and worthwhile. Will I read the next of his Mma Ramotswe series? Yes, eagerly! Would I expect that next book to be up to the standard of the original quartet? Not automatically. Mr. Smith is talented and professional. I continue to believe in his potential to surprise on the up side. But new dimensions to his characters are needed if they are to remain interesting and we are to remain highly engaged. I am eager to discover if Mr. Smith is up to the challenge of a sixth volume.
bev208@bellsouth.net
I am now reading Gone Too Far by Suzanne Brockmann. I would rate it about 4 stars. It is very interesting and I hate to put it down. I keep wondering who Alyssa will end up with and how Sam will find his soon-to-be ex-wife and his baby girl. I have never read her before, but I will read more of her. It is light reading but it is a romantic suspense book that holds your interest.
I just finished the paperback Presumption of Death by Perri O'Shaughnessy. I would definitely rate it 5 stars. The two sisters really tell a good story and keep you interested all the way through. It is so interesting to see what Nina Reilly and her boyfriend P.I. Paul van Wagoner will get into next. I have never read a bad book by them yet.
Haddow@aol.com
A Romantic Education by Mary Richie. 5 stars.
This is an undiscovered gem. Written in the early '70s, it is a devastatingly intelligent story of a young woman's marriage to an American esthete in Japan. Almost every sentence of this exquisitely written book takes an unexpectedly brilliant turn. Character vignettes are drawn with laser-like acuity. The book may be hard to find, but it's well worth the search.
Jean from Provo, UT
Our book group just read How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn, and they all absolutely loved it. The language is powerful and moving, the characters all sympathetic, though haunted by their own flaws, and the theme of home triumphs over the inevitable tragedies. We would all rate it 5 stars!
We also enjoyed The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith, which seems light but has rich characterizations and a wise take on solving the mysteries of life. Again 5 stars!
And for a real treat try the slim little book by Sharon Creech called Love That Dog! It is another 5 stars and is not by any means "merely a children's book." It will provide a moving story along with a wonderful access to a handful of discussion motivating poems!
Lgluhani@aol.com
Something Rising (Light and Swift) by Haven Kimmel. 4 1/2 stars.
Another wonderful novel by the author of A Girl Named Zippy.
The Pleasure of My Company by Steve Martin. 4 stars.
Yes, THAT Steve Martin. A charming novella written with wit and warmth.
Spizzyone@aol.com
The English Assassin by Daniel Silva. 4-5 stars.
Same main character as in his previous book, The Confessor, which better held my attention.
Jakapn@aol.com
The Hornet's Nest by Jimmy Carter. 4 stars.
Yes, THAT Jimmy Carter! With the same attention to detail (and perhaps some of the pedantic skills) he brought to the Presidency, Carter writes of the political and social extremes associated with the settlement and development of the South prior to and through the Revolutionary War.
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