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SnugglBuns2@aol.com
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom.
This book is absolutely incredible. I read this before they even showed the movie on television and it is so much better. When reading it I actually felt like I was there with characters seeing it all firsthand. I have never read a book that made me feel more emotions or that provoked more thought as to if it is true or not.
schot@cox.net
Derailed by James Siegel. 5 stars plus.
The best book I read in a long time. Does anyone know when this author is coming out with another book? I can't wait. This had so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Kept me up way past my bedtime.
BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. 4 stars.
This is a very unusual book about time travel. It takes a while to get into the rhythm, but it's a fascinating read.
John1rosie@aol.com
The Double by Jose Saramago.
Perhaps Mr. Saramago has never heard of Rod Serling's "The Twilight Zone" or has never read any of the "Tales From The Crypt" comics and so he believes that he has come up with some idea that is new or original. So be it. For the American audience with those historical backgrounds, this novel can and should be begun on page 177 or, better yet, on page 276. Do that and then decide whether the previous pages are worthy of your reading effort. Yes, I think that you will find those first 177 pages an effort in reading. Is the effort that it takes to read this yawner worth the effort it will take to suspend disbelief in the worthiness of the basic premise or in the actions of the main character? Clearly I think that it is not. My advice, if you are not a fan of Mr. Saramago --- do not start to read him with this book. My thought: if you are a fan of his, you might want to consider not reading this one at all. I award The Double no stars.
danitaj@charter.net
I am currently reading Life Expectancy by Dean Koontz. This is a riveting --- and quite humorous --- tale of a young pastry chef who is facing several terrible ordeals in his life, beginning with his strange birth. Once again, Dean Koontz has not let this reader down. 5 stars.
I recently completed James Patterson's Sam's Letters to Jennifer. This was another excellent story of love by Patterson, who also wrote Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. Both were very fast reads but were very satisfying. 4 stars.
blacksnake@mchsi.com
I am currently reading the fantastic new fantasy novel by Susanna Clarke, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. I bought this on ebay after reading the great review it received in The Week magazine, and so far it certainly lives up to its billing! More of an adult fantasy than the Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket books, and yet still accessible to older children. I give it 5 stars!
charris@pctelecom.us
His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis. 5 stars.
I am a George Washington buff and this is the best book I have read about him. It tells so much about the beginning of our country
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. 5 stars.
An easy reading story about the woman who starts the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency in Africa. We did this book for our Book Club this month (December) and we all liked it and recommended this high rating. It is different, smart and interesting
Reckless Abandon by Stuart Woods. 4 stars.
Another Stone Barrington mystery with Holly Barker. Stuart Woods writes a good mystery.
Mission Flats by William Landay. 5 stars.
First novel by the author. Good mystery, hard to lay down. Will watch for his next books.
The Mysterious North edited by Dana Stabenow. 4 stars.
Twelve authors wrote short stories about Alaska, both in the past and present times. Good book to read especially if you like to read about Alaska.
PK
I'm reading Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (the one who wrote The Da Vinci Code) and find it more spellbinding than DVC. 4 stars.
Kim Moore
I just finished reading Blue Blood by Susan McBride, and it was a fun and light mystery. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the sequel. 4 stars.
The Hot Flash Club by Nancy Thayer is a great book about the changes in one's life as she ages, and not just the physical part. I am so happy to learn that a sequel is coming out as I loved the characters and hated to see the book come to an end. 5 stars.
myrtleme@sbcglobal.net
I'm reading Second Chance by Danielle Steel. Lots of interesting fashion industry info, but pretty much "run of the mill" Steel writing. I find most of her books follow the same track. 3 stars.
Deb1teach@aol.com
A great read this time of year is A Perfect Day by Richard Paul Evans. This book grabbed me immediately and kept me reading during this buy time of the year. 4 stars.
lisaavila2000@yahoo.com
I am currently reading The Elder Gods: The Treasured One by David Eddings. It is quite good and I give it 4 stars.
susan@westofmars.com
I'm reading:
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. 4 stars.
My mom handed it to me and told me I HAD to read it; it's certainly a look at the restaurant business I'd never expected to get a glimpse of. Neat reading --- and a lot of fun, too. Remember: never order fish on Mondays!
The Last Report of the Miracles at Little Horse by Louise Erdrich. 4 stars.
This has been on my To Be Read pile for a bit over a year; I was hesitant to read it because I thought it was about a war against the Indians. Nope. Not even close. It's the story of a woman who masquerades as a priest; fascinating, fun, and thought-provoking. Erdrich inhabits her characters; they are all so alive, so clearly drawn. She is truly a master.
Jack.P.Charlton@wellsfargo.com
The Runaway Jury by John Grisham.
So far this year this would be my favorite book. On a whim, I picked up this book not knowing anything about the author's writing. I really enjoyed it. It actually educated me on some of the processes of picking jury members and how the courts are run.
Karen Barash
I have just read One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus, which is my book club's next selection. As the author tells you in his note at the beginning, the "novel was sown in the author's imagination by an actual historical event: in 1854 at a peace conference at Fort Laramie, a prominent Northern Cheyenne chief requested of the US Army authorities the gift of one thousand white women as brides for his young warriors." In reality, the request was denied. In Jim Fergus's debut novel, a group of unforgettable women embark on this adventure and what results is a wonderful evocation of the American West that is hard to put down. 4 stars.
Jane from Owensboro, KY
I just finished the funniest book I have read in a long time...The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore. It is a very quick read but I have to tell you I have never laughed out loud so many times reading a book ... this beats even Carl Hiaasen's best! This would make a great offbeat Christmas movie for next year --- SOMEONE snap up the movie rights for this one.
mohendies@earthlink.net
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. 5+ stars.
One of the best books I've read.
London Bridges by James Patterson. 1 star.
He never explains why the Wolf wanted to work with the Weasel. I usually love his Alex Cross books, but this one was a big disappointment.
Life Expectancy by Dean Koontz. 4 stars.
Not my favorite of Koontz's, but worth the read.
In the Night Room by Peter Straub. 5 stars.
Great sequel to lost boy, lost girl!
The Hearse You Came in On by Tim Cockey. 5 stars.
The first in a funny mystery series featuring an undertaker in Baltimore. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik. 5 stars.
I loved this funny, sad and insightful book.
mittens0831@aol.com
Tough Cookie by Diane Mott Davidson. 5 stars.
This is a fun mystery novel with great recipes included. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
tunaross@nc.rr.com
Skeleton Man by Tonly Hillerman. 5 stars.
The master is back at it once again in the latest of the Chee/Leaphorn series. This perfect blend of Indian lore, history, romance and mystery makes for the great read we've come to expect from Hillerman.
The Toltec Way by Dr. Susan Gregg. 4 1/2 stars.
Dr. Gregg, a former student of Don Miguel Ruiz (The Four Agreements), details her understanding of Toltec tradition/teachings with the emphasis of bringing clarity and peace in your daily life. As a doctor of clinical hypnotherapy and a practicing counselor for the past decade, she included several wonderful guided meditations and learning stories that demonstrate the principles.
K. Wayne Wincey
This month I read The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant, an enthusiastic 5 stars. Also, How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez, 4 stars. Unfortunately, I also tackled The Old Gringo by Carlos Fuentes, 1 star for inaccessibility. I'm moving on to Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. Film at eleven on it.
MHaury2@aol.com
The Big Year: A Tale of Man, Nature and Fowl Obsession by Mark Obmascik. 5 stars.
This was a wonderful book about birds and crazy people. It chronicles three birders' "Big Year" --- a competition to list as many bird species in North America as possible in one year. The book is informative and interesting, which is about as good as it gets.
Florida by Christine Schutt. 5 stars.
What an unusual and mesmerizing book! The prose style is unusual, but after a while you realize that it's just perfect. Highly recommended.
dvolkenannt@charter.net
Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. 5 stars.
Barry and Pearson teamed up to write this whimsical adventure story as a prequel to J. M. Barrie's classic, Peter Pan. A fun read for children of all ages and for the young at heart!
Vikkivand@aol.com
Will They Ever Trust Us Again? by Michael Moore. 5 Stars.
As a military Mom, I couldn't help but be affected by this collection of letters from our troops in Iraq. I encourage anyone who supports this war to read what our military is really feeling.
EBpooh@aol.com
My current reading list is small, due to the season:
Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs. HIGHEST RATING!!! 5 stars.
This is an autobiography of a young man, Augusten, whose manic-depressive mother basicly turns over legal custody of her young son to HER psychiatrist, who needs a doc himself! At the same time that you are rolling on the floor with laughter you will find yourself horrified at young Augusten's new lifestyle. I started this on a short flight to NYC and have not put it down yet! An eye-opener BUT not for the faint of heart. I cannot put this book down and am running to the bookstore to get the sequel, Dry. A MUST read for those who think their childhood was screwy! I promise you will laugh and shake your head in wonderment with this fab read.
LINDALSHOT@aol.com
Bubbles Unbound by Sara Strohmeyer. 4 stars.
Amusing, quick-paced and a fairly easy read. On the downside, the characters are introduced without being fleshed out. I found myself asking, "Now, which one is that?" as I was reading through.
Bubbles, the main character, as well as much of the cast reminds you of the Stephanie Plum characters developed by Janet Evanovich.
Still, it's a nice book.
mia@jacobsracing.com
I have just finished Sick Puppy by Carl Hiaasen. It was very funny and kept me wondering what could possibly happen next. 4 stars.
mbennett@carmel.lib.in.us
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. 5 stars.
I tried this in high school and never finished, but I really enjoyed this as an adult. It was great to read about the living conditions of the farmers in China during that time and to learn a little more about the culture. Buck has a wonderful, simple writing style.
The Confessions of Max Tivoli by Andrew Sean Greer. 4 1/2 stars.
This was an interesting book about a boy who was born with the body of a seventy-year-old man, and rather than aging, he got younger looking over the years. This allowed him to have three different relationships with the love of his life.
In the Land of Second Chances by George Shaffner. 4 stars.
Easy, light read about a man who comes to a small town in Nebraska claiming to be a traveling salesman. What he manages to "sell" though is hope and second chances to the troubled individuals in the town.
Tsbrown62@aol.com
If you liked The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller, you will like his A Thousand Country Roads. It's a quick read of 181 pages. I read it from beginning to end last night. 5 stars.
wimer52@infonline.net
The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier. 3 1/2 stars.
If you liked Girl with a Pearl Earring you'll like this. It has the same flavor.
Linda Caldwell, Paint Lick, KY
I just finished The Coal Tattoo by Silas House. 5 stars.
vickikondovski@yahoo.com
I'm currently reading The Taking by Dean Koontz. It's a little strange for the type of books I enjoy but it's not too bad. I give it 4 stars.
Pat76273@aol.com
Lately, I have been obsessed about reading Elizabeth Berg novels. She writes in a personal way --- the way women think about things in their lives --- as no one else I've read. I read her trilogy of books that included the character Katie, a young girl whose mother died, and she and her older sister are being raised by a military-strict father. These were Durable Goods, Joy School and True to Form in that order. Another one of hers, Never Change, touches on the high school girl who never dated but was everyone's friend and how this affected her as she aged and also when she was called upon to minister to the needs of an old classmate in his 40s who was the man-on-campus in high school.
Lastly, I read her novel Pull of the Moon, about a woman who had a college degree but stayed home to raise a daughter. After the daughter graduates from college, the mother gets in the car and starts driving with no particular destination in mind to sort out her life. She writes daily to her husband and reassures him that she loves him and doesn't want to leave him; however, she needs this time, and when she returns she wants some things to change in their life. She felt he would listen more carefully reading her letters than if she had talked to him in person.
barnesml@hotmail.com
Offspring of a Deathless Soul by Beth Nonte Russell.
Just released. I normally do not read this type of book, but a friend recommended it to me. I stayed up until 1:30 to finish it! Combines two stories interwoven: a story set in modern day China about a woman adopting a baby and a tale of an empress in ancient China. Will be a very good word of mouth book!
Rickimc@aol.com
Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanna Fluke. 2 stars.
Nothing special about this mystery. It read pretty much like a Nancy Drew Files book, and I would expect more from a novel written for adults rather than preteens.
A High and Hidden Place by Marie Claire Lucas. 5 stars.
I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this novel a few days ago and started reading it immediately. I could not put it down! A wonderful, touching story about the horrors of WWII, but not about the Holocaust.
kingmiller@tcsn.net
I just finished a wonderful new book in one sitting. It's Silver Bells by Luanne Rice. It's full of sadness, redemption, angels and miracles, and most of all, love. Love for family, and finding new love. This author is one of my favorites. I give it 4 stars.
KARLWG@aol.com
Double Vision by Pat Barker
This is a book from the Utne Reader online book club. Just started reading it and hard to rate just yet. She is an award-winning author and looking forward to her writing. I thought it would be interesting to read a book in an online book club this time.
AnneK7@aol.com
Light on Snow by Anita Shreve. 5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a very moving book and I found it hard to put down.
How to Be Lost by Amanda Eyre Ward. 5 stars.
This is a great book also. I would recommend it.
The Windmill by Stephanie Gertler. 5 stars.
Another great read for me. I am hoping to read more by this author. I highly recommend this book.
Patricia Rose Pflaumer
The books I'm reading right now are:
Life of Pi by Yann Martel. 3 stars.
The book began with an exposition I did not find engaging, and I almost gave up, but it was followed by an entertaining part regarding comparative religions. After that humor, followed by some suspense, it seems to have fallen somewhat flat again and it is hard for me to finish it.
Young Gentlemen's School by David R. Surette. 5 stars.
A collection of poetry with vivid images that transport me to a different place. Some poems are humorous and make me laugh aloud, while others fill me with profound sadness. True art, as Aristotle defined it.
Local Wonders by Ted Kooser. 4 stars.
I just started it, having received it as a gift. I love the imagery and it reminds me a bit of Thoreau's Walden, one of my all-time favorite books.
Cactus Tracks & Cowboy Philosophy by Baxter Black. 3 stars.
I picked this up over the summer in NM, and I have been thumbing through the poems and short stories. I like this book because it allows me to be an armchair traveler and visit a region I know so little about (cowboy territory), yet there is a universal, human appeal to the stories/poems that ground me in a connection.
The New Jerusalem Bible. 5 stars.
As a poet, I relish the psalms and find much inspiration for my own writing there. The New Jerusalem Bible is one of my favorite translations and seems to sing off the page for me.
Marie from Winnipeg, Manitoba
I just finished reading The Sugar House by Laura Lippman. It was pretty good. It seemed like most of the female characters had eating disorders...not something I can really relate to. I think this book would be fun to read if you were from Baltimore; there's lots of descriptions about the locations. 3 1/2 stars.
Grigoro@aol.com
Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks. 5 stars.
Subtitled "A Novel of the Plague," it is a fascinating historical novel of seventeenth-century England. Inspired by a true story, Brooks tells the story of a small English village where half of the population is succumbing to the plague. A riveting, haunting read. I loved it and recommend it most highly.
newcrain@aol.com
Hello, Darkness by Sandra Brown.
If you like her mysteries, this one is 5 stars. Fast-paced. Keeps you guessing. Heroine with a mysterious past that takes a while to be revealed.
catslady5@aol.com
The Eight by Katherine Neville. 4 stars.
I'm only a fourth of the way into this story but it is extremely intriguing. It takes a bit of thought, which makes it even more compelling. I'm thinking it will be a 5 by the time I finish it.
Kathy from Maryland
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. 5 stars.
I almost chose not to read this book because after the first 25-30 pages or so, I concluded I would not like the story. However, I kept reading and became immersed in the story. The author provides a fascinating story of two boys and their relationship, growing up in Afghanistan. The story presents a good portrayal of how an incident can affect and change a relationship as well as have lifelong consequences. Wonderful read. I recommend it to everyone.
The Gift by Nora Roberts. 1 star.
This book is not really worth going through the motions of reading it. It seems almost as if Nora Roberts has written it to capitalize on her name and the season. Both stories in the book are badly constructed and have such obvious plots that they leave nothing to the imagination and are not even well developed. Nora Roberts should stick to novels, as this book shows her forte is not short stories.
storm8810@yahoo.com
I just finished Trace by Patricia Cornwell. I had trouble with Blowfly so I wasn't sure how I'd like this book. It was great. Kay Scarpetta comes back to Virginia by invitation to help solve a case that has the new M.E. stumped. A few different subplots to keep it interesting. Good read. 5 stars.
Donna of New Berlin
Agatha Raisin and the Potted Gardener by M.C. Beaton. 5 stars.
I have read all of the Agatha Raisin series (three so far) and enjoyed them very much. In this book, Agatha Raisin is interested in a bachelor by the name of James Lacey. But he is interested in a beautiful blond newcomer named Mary Fortune who joins the prestigious Carsley Horticultural Society and will be entering the contest they hold. Mary is pretty, intelligent and adored by all. Agatha is jealous and decides to join as well to try and regain James's attentions. Agatha plants her seedlings too soon even though she was warned about a frost by Mary Fortune. She tries to hide the fact that everything died and plans to cheat by getting full grown plants at the last moment. As the contest approaches, plants throughout the village are mysteriously being uprooted, poisoned and burned. A murder soon follows, and Agatha and James get together and try to solve it. It's very entertaining.
Ginger.Louden@sendit.nodak.edu
I am reading Thomas More's old book, Utopia. I remember having to read it while in school, but I forgot how difficult the reading was. It is a good book, but like many old books that I consider classics, it may be hard to follow. It is even hard to read because of the small print on the thin pages. I believe there are books that all avid readers should read at some point in their lives, and this is one of them. I give it 3 stars, but I'm sure some would disagree with me.
bradylee@myway.com
Laughter is a Wonderful Thing by Joe E. Brown, as told to Ralph Hancock. Published 1956 with 308 pages. 5 stars.
This is an autobiography that is simply wonderful! Most of you have never heard of Joe E. Brown (the comedian) as he started as an acrobat at age 10 in 1902 and was one of my favorite movie comedians in the '30s and '40s. This man earned every penny he made (and he made many) and for decades he barely got by with enough money just for food and shelter. To read the story of his life is awe inspiring and the part where he entertained the troops during WWII brought lumps to my throat and a couple of tears to my eyes. What a role model he is. For some reason the thought of this man traveled through my memory bank and I wondered if he had ever written a book. I got on the 'net and discovered the existence of this book. The Las Vegas library did not have it so I went interlibrary and it came to me on loan from the Washburn University Library in Topeka, Kansas. Thank you Washburn.
TGreco@steptoe.com
I am currently reading Whispers and Lies by Joy Fielding. This is a good mystery novel with a twist. I read it twice and it surprised me both times. You just don't see it coming. I give this book 4 stars. It's a page-turner to the end.
maestraw@msn.com
I am snowed in! I do not have anything to do on the 22nd of December except bake and read. I am on book 147 for 2004. Here is what I have read lately.
Derailed by James Siegel. (Movie due out soon.) 4 stars.
I liked the twists and turns in this one. Some I could guess in advance, others came out of the blue.
Death by Inferior Design by Leslie Caine. 1 stars.
I did not care for this one much. It was pretty choppy, and went over the same information again and again. The concept is cute, but it did not work for me.
The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore was a complete waste of my time. I am so sorry I bothered. I thought it would be funny, just by the blurb I read on the back of the book. It was terrible. I did finish it, hoping it would redeem itself. It did not. I do not give it any stars.
Avoiding Prison and Other Noble Vacation Goals by Wendy Dale is one of the best nonfiction books I have read in a while. It was funny, clever, and thought-provoking. Dale had some adventures in her younger years, that is for certain. I rate this one 3 stars.
The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down by Neta Jackson is MUCH better than the first book in this series. It is a lot more realistic, and did more for me spiritually than the original. 3 stars.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is one of my top 5 books for the year! I did not plan to read it, but so many on this site raved about it. I finally broke down and got it. Thank you to all who recommended it. What a story. It is sweet, moving, heartwrenching, and timely. I am recommending it to everyone. I rate it 5 stars. It is right up there with Life of Pi, The Shadow of the Wind, and All That Matters as my top reads of the year.
Shirley in PA
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. 4 stars.
It doesn't fall into a specific category, sort of science fiction/fantasy with a love story interwoven throughout. The two main characters meet each other at different times in their lives, and you see them as children and in the present as adults. You never know when the time traveler would disappear (he has no control over his actions) and where and when he would surface. Good story, well told. I am currently reading Ed McBain's Hark. Not into it very far, but already enjoying it. His books are always good.
bradylee@myway.com
Ill-Equipped for a Life of Sex: A Memoir by Jennifer Lehr. Published 2004 with 330 pages. Nonfiction and 4 stars.
A lot of humor in this book while talking about a serious subject in a woman who enjoyed financial freedom through her parents, but most exasperated in finding a man who could please her needs...both sexual and financial. The search for satisfying sex is the main theme of the book and is well done. I am sure many readers wil acknowledge some part of themselves in searching for the perfect mate, which, of course, doesn't exist.
MyBakPages@aol.com
Chronicles, Vol. 1 by Bob Dylan. 5 stars.
Bob Dylan tells his story as well as he writes his music and lyrics. The folk scene in NY and the rest of the country comes alive in this remarkable story of Dylan's life. He's known all the greats of folk music such as Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Fred Hellerman, Arlo Guthrie, Dave VanRonk, and the list goes on. After you read the book, you will join the ranks of fans awaiting Volume Two.
bev208@bellsouth.net
I have just finished reading The Conspiracy Club by Jonathan Kellerman. I would rate it 5 stars. The story was really great as all of Jonathan Kellerman's books are. They keep you on your toes wondering what is going to happen next. I was disappointed that Alex Delaware was not in it, but Dr. Jeremy Carrier was a very interesting character.
Also I just read The Last Juror by John Grisham. I rate it 5 stars also. I do enjoy John Grisham's books. He puts a lot of background in his books. You could just imagine seeing what happens through Willie Traynor's eyes as he writes the story. I love the crime, the courtrooms and the attorneys who are always in his books. John Grisham really brings everything to life. It is hard to put the book down as you keep wanting to read to see what is going to happen next.
lisaavila2000@yahoo.com
I just finished The Treasured One, Book Two of The Dreamers by David and Leigh Eddings. I give this book 4 stars. It's a great book and I love the characters. Any book by the Eddings is good.
bradylee@myway.com
Only Love is Real: A Story of Soulmates Reunited by Brian L. Weiss, M.D. Published 1996 with 176 pages. Nonfiction and 5 stars.
This author proves eternal life through his book Many Lives, Many Masters; now this book does so by regressing lives of only two people: a man and a woman. Each are missing finding a mate and are very lonely, although other areas of life are good, but they yearn for continuity. He is from Mexico, due to return after his sessions with Dr. Weiss and she is from New England. You read about many past lives for each of them. Toward the end of the book the author finally realizes they were lovers in past lives and he sees that they at least meet each other in his office, thinking they would latch on to each other due to their past. That doesn't happen. You won't believe how it does eventually happen and I think their guardian angels made the arrangement that shook their world. A very good read about a most meaningful subject.
BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
White Hot by Sandra Brown. 2 stars.
This was a ho-hum book. Disappointing, because the last couple I've read by Brown were more in "thriller mode" whereas this one seemed more from her original roots as romance writer.
DancingGram7@aol.com
I just read Echos by Danielle Steel and give it 5 stars! I am not usually a fan of Ms. Steel's books as I find them sappy and unrealistic, but this book hits the mark this time! This is a story of a Jewish family whose daughter falls in love with a French Officer who is a Catholic. The father objects to this relationship so the couple are disowned by both their parents and start life on their own as a married couple. They have two children and keep the information that the mother is a Jew from the children. Consequently, they grow up thinking they are French and Catholic until Hitler starts his elimination of the Jewish people. The oldest daughter joins the Carmelite nuns but the family is still threatened by Hitler's terror. Ms. Steel draws us into a vanished world, weaving a tapestry of a mother's love and a daughter's courage and unwavering faith that substains in history's darkest hour.
bradylee@myway.com
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris. Published 2004 with 316 pages (large print) and 4 stars.
This is an autobiography taking place in North Carolina not necessarily in chronological order and later the author is living in France. The details are laced with humor and the interest stays firm as Mr. Sedaris imagines many things somewhat different from others' experience as to the relationship between his mother and his siblings. The writing keeps you going to a life not necessarily as extreme as others I have read. I would recommend this for a fast read.
Britadon@aol.com
Coastliners by Joanne Harris. 3 stars
I am really a fan of Joanne Harris but this book was not as good as the others I have read. The plot was rather trite and the characterization was weak.
Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore. 3 stars.
This is meant to be a humorous look at the unknown years of Christ's life (from 1 - 30) as told by a fictional childhood friend. There are some very funny scenes and pieces of dialogue, but overall it felt like the author was trying too hard and the book was too long. Some serious editing would have improved it immensely.
TLWood61@aol.com
Trace by Patricia Cornwell. 3 stars.
The basis of the book was very good. The story was one I was very interested in reading. I just couldn't seem to get completely interested in this book. I wanted to like this book so much. I wanted it to be a page-turner that I just couldn't put down. I was quite disappointed that this book fell short of my expectations. In Cornwell's latest installment, Scarpetta and Marino seemed tired and washed out; the two made me tired. Sad because I really enjoyed the early Scarpetta books.
Hour Game by David Baldacci. 5 stars.
I cannot think of a new serial killer mystery that I have enjoyed any more in the last few years. Hour Game features a slightly over-the-top killing spree that provides many twists in the plot. The characters were great and I was excited about seeing where the book would go. The identity of the serial killer is well hidden until about two-thirds of the way through the book.
The Virgin's Lover by Philippa Gregory. 2 1/2 stars.
I loved Gregory's other two recent novels, The Other Boleyn Girl and The Queen's Fool, but was disappointed with The Virgin's Lover. This story is about the early days of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England. This book wasn't terribly written but it got rather boring and repetitive halfway through.
tfranzen2124@comcast.net
Please read this book: Broken for You by Stephanie Kallos. 5 stars. I haven't stayed up all night reading since Peace Like a River by Leaf Enger, my other 5-star favorite. What a beautifully writen story!
MECUSTER@aol.com
Firestorm by Iris Johansen. 2 stars.
Disappointing book from this author. Contrived plot and one-dimensional characters.
Britadon@aol.com
Broken for You by Stephanie Kallos. 5 stars.
The very first two pages had me wondering if this was going to be too weird for me, and then I was caught. It is not weird at all, but rather a very thought-provoking story. The first shattering of the glass brought chills to me and then I began to question my values. This is a different slant on the Holocaust but is not really about the Holocaust. Read it!
Beneath a Marble Sky by John Shors. 5 stars.
What a beautiful love story! It centers on the building of the Taj Mahal during the reign of Shah Jahan, Emperor of Hindustan in the early 1630s. It is told by his daughter Princess Jahanara and is the story of two parallel loves amidst the intrigues of the court. This piece of historical fiction now has me exploring the facts about the Taj Mahal and the more I learn, the more I am intrigued. This is fast and absorbing reading and one of the best books that I have read in 2004.
kerry-c@cox.net
I just finished The Siege by Helen Dunmore, a very moving novel about the siege of Leningrad in the winter of 1941. I would give it 4 stars. Another novel that I would highly recommend that has the same setting is The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons. It is a beautiful love story of a young Russian girl and an American who is a soldier in the Red Guard.
For lighter fare, two of my recent favorites are The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood and Sweet and Vicious by David Schickler. Both are great, fast reads and definitely deserve 5 stars.
lasanam@sympatico.ca
I am currently engrossed in Fall on Your Knees by Anne-Marie MacDonald. If you haven't read it yet, you must! It's a big, bountiful, curl up on the couch read everyone must have!
I've also recently finished The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B by Sandra Gulland. I really enjoyed it! What a truly amazing woman I found in Josephine. (I may just become interested in French history yet....)
Another really interesting and witty read is The Preservationist by David Maine. A very clever look at the story of Noah and the Flood with a keen sense of humour and warmth. I adored Noah's wife!
kelley899@iowadsl.net
I've recently read Much Ado About You by Eloisa James and give it 5 stars. Wonderful historical romance with loads of wit and humor. I also read Through Violet Eyes by Stephen Woodworth and give it 5 stars. Creepy and intriguing, it's a book you just can't put down.
Lthobbs1@aol.com
Patrick by Stephen Lawhead. 4 stars.
I like to read fictional history, then read a history text.
First Frontier by Diane Carey and Dr. James Kirkland. 4 stars.
It is Star Trek and I will read them all before I die. Just too many books. If only I would quit work...
keithgen@telusplanet.net
My reading list is:
Life Expectancy by Dean Koontz
Flesh and Blood by Kenneth Radu
The Devil is Clever by Kenneth Radu
I expect to read these in the next coming weeks as I have read the awesome reviews about them from book sites and from friend recommendations!
bradylee@myway.com
The Last Run: A True Story of Rescue and Redemption on the Alaska Seas by Todd Lewan. Nonfiction. Published 2004. 652 pages (large print). 5 stars.
This is a real adventure story that gives you background of the principals' lives, then a detailed story that encompasses the life of a fisherman in the Alaskan waters with a lot of boat talk and fishing smarts, then the storm and events that lead up to the storm...the sinking and then the rescue. The rescue is awe-inspiring as are the five men in the water in hellish seas and how they stay alive. Details of flying a helicopter in horrendous weather is most interesting. The reader surely gets wrapped up in this adventure and a postscript gets you up-to-date on what has happened to all of the participants.
Tmzemke@comcast.net
Some books that I just finished reading:
Le Colonial by Kien Nguyen. 4 stars.
Historical fiction at its best! Southeast Asia in the 1770s-1800s.
The Sultan's Harem by Colin Falconer. 4 stars.
This book is about the sixteenth-century Ottoman sultan Suleyman I, called "the Magnificent." This novel has it all: war, love, obsession and history. A real page-turner.
Tales from the Bed: On Living, Dying, and Having it All by Jenifer Estess. 3 stars.
Moving memoir of a young woman stricken in the prime of her life with ALS.
Angela
Troy by Adele Geras. 5 stars.
This book was heartwrenching and magnificent.
Beware, Princess Elizabeth by Carolyn Meyer. 3 1/2 stars.
Very good, historical, true.
Mary, Bloody Mary by Carolyn Meyer. 5 stars.
Amazing, incredibly interesting, great.
The Boy Next Door by Meg Cabot. 4 stars.
Funny, entertaining, light, and romantic.
PFLucas@aol.com
Double Shot by Diane Mott Davidson. 4 stars.
This is the latest book in her series set in an affluent ski area of Colorado. The main character, Goldy, runs a catering business and leads the local police in solving murder cases. Each book in the series follows a theme, and recipes for the catering dishes are included. This particular book had a little "twist" and just when the reader thinks he/she has the case solved, there is a surprise. It is a good weekend book.
Light on Snow by Anita Shreve. 5 stars.
This is my favorite of her books. When you read the descriptions of the snowstorms, you will need to grab a blanket to keep warm. After finishing the book I found myself thinking about the characters and imagining different scenarios for their future. I didn't want the book to end.
Mary A Parker
A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg. 4 stars.
It's lighthearted and a nice easy read.
Live Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen. 5 stars.
So good I am reading it twice. Best self help in a long time.
The Year Ahead 2005 by Susan Miller. 4 stars.
Uncanny how she is right on target. At least she was in 2004.
EGWGOMA@aol.com
The Creek by J. T. Glisson is a memoir of a bygone era when Florida was just beginning to be a boom state. A time when neighbors helped each other and times were hard but as long as the fish were biting, everyone had plenty to eat. J.T. is also neighbor to Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (The Yearling) and what a character she turns out to be. An enchanting story of real people who when they had an argument met at the bridge to discuss it and then it was never spoken of again. 4 stars.
bmailward@gmail.com
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole. 5 stars.
I just now got around to reading this book and now I wish I had read it long ago. Ignatius J. Reilly is one of the most unique characters you'll ever find in a novel. I really recommend reading this book if you haven't gotten around to it yet.
Britadon@aol.com
Queen of Dreams by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. 4 stars.
This is a very interesting book involving a young woman who finds out that she did not know her parents as well as she thought she did. The vocation of a dream interpreter within the East Indian culture of her parents' background is almost as foreign to their daughter as it would be to most Americans. The book is set in current times, post 9-11, and also relates to current prejudices and values. It is a rather quick read.
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