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AUGER77777@aol.com
I am almost finished with John Grisham's newest book, The Broker, and I must say it has been a disappointment. Grisham has delved into the world of espionage and political intrigue involving the FBI, CIA, Mossad, and several other organizations without creating a great deal of excitement or suspense. This book would be put to better use as an Italian/English language book, similar to what Berlitz offers. It seems that the main character spends most of his time drinking espresso and studying Italian. This does not add suspense to the plot, which is thinly veiled. The characters do offer some variety of interest and the reader is left to wonder how it will all end, which keeps one reading. I would advise Grisham to go back to his roots and write about sleazy Southern lawyers. 3 stars.
Lori Goldstein - Northridge, CA
Recently I read My Stroke of Luck by Kirk Douglas. 5 stars. Audio Version.
It was a powerful retelling of what occurred during and after Mr. Douglas had his stroke. It starts off with a brief intro by Kirk Douglas and then his eldest son, Michael, begins the "reading" of this powerful book, which I would recommend for anyone who is taking care of or has a relative that has had a stroke.
I'm just starting Barbara Taylor Bradford's Unexpected Blessings (4 stars), the continuing saga of Emma Harte's legacy. After only a few pages it has already captured my attention. I particularly enjoyed seeing the family tree in written form at the front of the book to help recall who was related to whom and how.
All of Fern Michael's books in her Texas, Las Vegas and Kentucky series are a reader's delight in soap opera reading. These are books that once you pick them up, you won't want to put down. 5 stars all the way for Ms. Michael on these wonderful books. I highly recommend that you read in this specific order to understand who's related to who, but it isn't necessary as I myself read the Vegas books, then Texas, and finally the Kentucky ones, which are the most recent. In each you learn of not only the family history but their locations as well. The Vegas books in particular brought to light things I didn't know about Sin City's beginnings. Below are all the titles for these wonderful books.
Texas Rich
Texas Heat
Texas Fury
Texas Sunrise
Vegas Rich
Vegas Heat
Vegas Sunrise
Kentucky Rich
Kentucky Heat
Kentucky Sunrise
bradylee@myway.com
Ferney by James Long. Fiction. Published 1998 with 339 pages. 3 stars.
This English author has written a novel about reincarnation that has much history of Olde England. Others think this is a wonderful story, but it just held my interest enough to finish the book. The characters were filled with life, yet it was quite contrived for me and the history involved King Arthur as well as other incidents backward in time. I would imagine this would be far more interesting to a native of Great Britain as the storyline talks about many landmarks that should be familiar to Englishmen. I have to pass on this as regards exuberance to the book.
tacdill@fuse.net
Right now I am reading Most Wanted by Michele Martinez. Good characters and a good story. A good first book for Michele Martinez. 4 stars.
jane_b_williams@yahoo.com
Beneath a Marble Sky by John Shors. 5 stars.
I'd give it a 10 if I could. This new novel is based on the amazing story behind the Taj Mahal. It's a beautiful, moving, gripping story that completely dominated my world for a few days. I can't recall being so engrossed within a book. It has literally been years since I've been so sad to finish a book. The author's writing is like poetry, and yet, his story is a page-turner in the biggest way.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. 5 stars.
Again, a great novel set overseas. I especially loved the start and end of this book. It really is a beautiful tale, quite unique and moving.
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. 4 1/2 stars.
The author's words are quite lovely. I really liked how relationships formed between the victims of this kidnapping. An extraordinary book, expect for the last three pages, which I found hard to believe.
jreimold@cox.net
Summer Island by Kristin Hannah. 5 stars.
It was a fast-moving amazing story about family. One family in particular, the mother and her daughters, had built up walls between them for reasons that were so valid to them they couldn't see beyond them and the walls had made them to be different people from what they otherwise would have been. The story goes into what made them build the walls and their outcome. Another family had been unforgiving for reasons of their own. The stories show you what can possibly be gained and what can be a terrible loss. I was crying so hard my husband brought me some tissues. It was so heartwrenching because this type of thing goes on so often. It had with my daughter and myself. I called my daughter and recommended the book and told her how much I loved her as soon as I got the crying under control from reading it. It's absolutely a 5 given that it's not just a good story but it also can be motivating if we let it. There are circumstances like this for all of us.
amusingjoy@sbcglobal.net
My recent reading experiences include:
Sacred Time by Ursula Hegi. 4 stars.
What constitutes "sacred time" for us? For Hegi's characters: opera, cooking. Also included is the reminder to the reader to reclaim the absence of fear (in the aftermath of terror attacks) and keep a vision of hope in the face of despair.
Good Grief by Lolly Winston. 4 stars.
A first novel for this author that portrays the first-year struggles of Sophie Stanton, a 36-year-old childless widow. It's filled (surprisingly) with laugh-out-loud humor, struggles (of course), and triumphs. I'll watch for other novels by Winston.
Just One Look by Harlan Coben. 4 stars.
A real page-turner! A wife/mom picks up her roll of pictures from a photo developer. Mixed in with her kids' pictures is one that she didn't take --- her husband in a 20-year-old snapshot. All other people in that picture have been murdered: Is her spouse the murderer or will he be next? How well do we know each other? Interesting.
Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman by Elizabeth Buchan. 5 stars.
Patience, observation and experience...overcoming life's struggles to discover that living well is the best revenge. A positive outlook continues after negative/trying life experiences.
lgoldham@businessroundtable.org
The Third Victim by Lisa Gardner.
An amazing suspense novel! I'm a big fan of James Patterson and this book held me in more than any of Patterson's have. From literally the first page I was drawn into the main character. Gardner gives you enough but keeps you wanting more. The subject of the book is a difficult one to read or think about, but Gardner does an amazing job of keeping the book light at times without losing the seriousness of the subject. I thought I had the ending all figured out just to find that I was totally wrong! A must-read for suspense fans, it was my first to have read by her and I've now bought four more of her books!
Chris-Anthem by Mona Telor.
It's hard to describe a book like this one. It is an inspiring and encouraging story of survival, struggle, change, friendship, love, and, basically, life. The relationship between Mona and Chris is one that I think most people can relate to on some level. I think everyone has someone in their life who inspires them to be who they are. The development of characters and the journey they take together through some of life's hardest lessons are so beautifully written that you find yourself wrapped up in their world, and rooting for them to overcome hardships and not lose sight of who they are. I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially if you need a little life and need to feel a bit better about the world.
b.nolan@insightbb.com
I just finished reading All I Want Is Everything by Cecily von Ziegesar. It's a book about a group of fabulously wealthy teens in New York. An easy read. I give it 3 stars.
bencanada1@yahoo.com
A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell. 5 stars.
A sensitively written story about the Italian resistance during World War II and the families involved. A masterpiece of a novel that is superlative in every way.
tomjac0850@charter.net
I recently picked up a signed copy of Moving Pictures, the autobiography by Ali MacGraw. I decided to read it before trying to sell it, and I finished it in a few hours. It was interesting reading, giving insights into Ali's difficult childhood and her rocky marriages, especially to Steve McQueen. I was disappointed in that her detox stay at the Betty Ford Clinic didn't seem to help her all that much. I got the impression she was still an emotional wreck after her month there, even if she had quit drinking. Her turn to New Age stuff only led to another disastrous relationship. I hope she is happy today and stays off the sauce. 4 stars.
MarshaNee@adelphia.net
My Antonia by Willa Cather. 4 stars.
What a joy to read a classic novel with a heartwarming story. This is perfect for the young readers also.
hmacleod645@hotmail.com
I have recently read A Salty Piece of Land by Jimmy Buffett (3 stars). I enjoyed it very much. It had a lot of folklore-like stories and how he brought in each character was unique.
I have read James Patterson's Suzanne's Diary For Nicholas (5 stars) over and over again. I really enjoyed the book and just bought Sam's Letters to Jennifer. I am a little late with it but I can't wait to start reading it. Both Nicholas Sparks books, The Notebook and A Walk to Remember, are my all-time favorites. Between Nicholas Sparks and James Patterson I am set. I believe they are both talented writers. I try to read other books and you just don't get that real southern hospitality/lifestyle like you do with Sparks. I have most of James Patterson's books and cannot wait for this one to come out. I am a new subscriber to your emails and this is my first time.
spferguson36870@ctvea.net
I tried to read I Am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe and found it tedious. Although Wolfe said his college-age children or grandchildren had vetted it for accuracy in slang, it seemed contrived and struggling to be "hip." I found the "f--- patois" offensive, the storyline weak, and I gave up about halfway through. I really enjoyed Bonfire of the Vanities and A Man in Full, but I was very disappointed in this book in comparison to them.
I am also reading The Broker by John Grisham. This book is not about lawyers or a court case, but it is written in the clear and economical Grisham style. The story is well-developed and carries the reader along in anticipation of what might be coming next. It is very suspenseful in places.
Finally, I am reading The Motive by John Lescroart. This is a typical lawyer and court case-type book with a couple of interesting twists. I am a fan of Abraham Glitsky and Dismas Hardy, and they do not disappoint in this novel.
charris@pctelecom.us
End Peace by Jon Cleary. 4 stars.
A Scobie Malone mystery in Australia series. These books are low key, laid back mysteries that also tell a lot about detectives and their families. Good.
The Amber Room by Steve Berry. 4 stars.
Atlanta judge Rachel Culter is a judge, has two kids and a husband she loves. When her father is killed and leaves strange clues to his secret from before he came to America, she goes to Europe to find the answer.
Choke by Stuart Woods. 5 stars.
Another good book by Woods. Different and funny. A Tennis playboy and his part of the story.
Blindsighted by Karin Slaughter. 4 stars.
The story of a serial rapist and killer who lives right near everyone. The sheriff, coroner and other characters are portrayed well.
sschmooch2@comcast.net
Run, Boy, Run by Uri Orlev. 5 stars.
The story of a boy who escapes the Jewish ghetto in Warsaw during WWII and struggles to survive. Based on a true story, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat and break your heart at the same time. Highly recommended.
In Pharaoh's Army by Tobias Wolff. 5 stars.
A memoir of Wolff's tour of duty in Vietnam. Interesting and honest. Not your usual grunt in the field stuff.
Dirty Work by Larry Brown. 4 stars.
The story of two men in a veteran's hospital dealing with terrible injuries suffered during the Vietnam War. The truth beyond the glory of war.
Plant Life by Pamela Duncan. 4 stars.
Southern women who work in the local mill share the ups and downs of life. Duncan is uncanny in the way she captures how women really think and feel. It starts off a bit slow, but don't give up on it.
Appalachian Mountain Girl by Rhoda Bailey Warren. 4 stars.
A memoir of growing up in pre-WWII Appalachia.
The Master by Colm Toibin. 4 stars.
I'm currently reading this book shortlisted for the Booker Prize and based on the life of Henry James. Not a quick read but fascinating if you're interested in James.
lisaavila2000@yahoo.com
I just finished Forced Mate by Rowena Cherry and unfortunately I had to force myself to finish it. I give it 1 star.
Nancy from Herscher
Under the Manhattan Bridge by Irene Marcuse. 5 stars.
Tool & Die by Sarah Graves. 4 stars.
Mittens0831@aol.com
I'm Watching You by Karen Rose. 5 stars.
This exciting romantic suspense has many twists and turns. It's a book that belongs on your "keeper" shelf!
siamese2wise@cs.com
The Dark Tower VII wasn't my favorite of Stephen King's. I haven't really enjoyed any books in the Dark Tower series so I'm glad he has finished that series.
Undead and Unwed, Undead and Unemployed by MaryJanice Davidson. I loved them and can't wait for more in her series.
I just discovered Charlaine Harris with her Southern Vampire series. They are a great read. I started reading the series at book 3 and now have to find the first ones. Club Dead was great. The pace of the book kept you reading with no "dead" spots.
MelJPrincess@aol.com
The Kitchen Witch by Annette Blair. 5 stars.
A very entertaining, contemporary romance set in Salem, Mass.
The Dim Sum of All Things by Kim Wong Keltner. 5 stars.
Asian Chick Lit that is extremely educational and funny.
maestraw@msn.com
I have read several books already this year. My favorites of the year, so far, are The Broker by John Grisham (3 1/2 stars) and Night Fall by Nelson DeMille (4 stars). I liked The Broker because it dealt so much with the learning of a second language, and I am a Spanish teacher. Night Fall was my first DeMille ever. However, it will not be my last. I did not see the ending coming until the last few pages, and all I could think was, Oh my gosh!
I am currently reading Same Sweet Girls by Cassandra King. I like it so far, with an early rating of 3 1/2 stars.
mpicc@verizon.net
Impossible by Danielle Steel. 3 stars.
I received this book as an advanced reading copy and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm not a Danielle Steel fan but found the story in this book to be just the thing to warm a cold winter's night.
The Rosary Girls by Richard Montanari. 5 stars.
This book is one that you don't want to start if you don't have plenty of time! It's a page-turner and the subject matter is very interesting. The best thing about this book, for me, is that it takes place in Philadelphia, PA, which is near my hometown, and makes reference to many thing that I'm very familiar with. If you're a fan of suspense novels, give this one a try.
DVSBum@aol.com
Forests of the Night by James W. Hall. 5 stars.
James Hall's exploration of human hatred vs. altruism against the background of Cherokee history is a superb tale filled with both vibrant and disturbing characters. For some, no life is too valuable to take; and for others, no sacrifice is too great to make.
Wolves Eat Dogs by Martin Cruz Smith. 4 stars
Smith has cast Arkady Renko as the consummate outsider. Once again he doggedly works his investigation from the new billionaire glitter of Moscow to the bleak remains of Chernobyl, always at the edges, always fighting politics, apathy and influence to dig out the truth.
BlindlyBookish@aol.com
The Autobiography of Henry VIII by Margaret George. 4 stars.
Very interesting with a strong voice and immensely detailed. A little tedious sometimes and seemingly repetitious. Overall, though, it is a fantastic read for any history fan, specifically a fan of the Tudor family.
Doomed Queen Anne by Carolyn Meyer. 5 stars.
Magnificent portrayal of Anne Boleyn and what led up to her tragic execution. Her life is shown in all its sadness of a loveless childhood and an insatiable ambition that would end up being her very downfall. Targeted for YA but enjoyable and educational for anyone.
Inezrossi@aol.com
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.
Great concept, first of all. The author handles time travel from an interesting point of view. Time travel is the background to the story of love, devotion, friendship, restraint, frustration, and hope. A beautiful read.
Diana Mosley by Anne de Courcy.
Excellent examination of a very interesting woman who left an attractive millionaire for the charismatic leader of the British fascists in pre-war England. Anything about the Mitford sisters is excellent to anyone interested in political and cultural history.
Whistler: A Biography by Stanley Weintraub.
Wow! I didn't know how much of a character he really was. It's the story of his life, not strong on artistic technique (although it is mentioned). A worthwhile read. I wish it had more illustrations, though. Good to read with a supplemental source for his paintings and etchings.
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris.
Just as funny as anything he's written, and written in such a way to inspire the reader to recall the absurdities in his or her own life. The pathos surprised me.
Noreen Brown, Richmond, VA
I just finished Twisted by Jonathan Kellerman and give it 4 stars. I've read all of his books and they all keep me in the dark. I can never solve them.
A completely different book was The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. 4 stars for this sad, funny, and quite believable book. It makes one's everyday problems seem so inconsequential.
Sismilli@aol.com
I recently read two very good books that I am excited to share with everyone:
Bobbed Hair and Bathtub Gin by Marion Meade. 5 stars (for entertainability).
This book was such great fun. It follows several great literary figures from the twenties, including but not limited to Dorothy Parker, Edna Feber, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, and Edna St. Vincent Milay. Although there is a lot of great historical detail I would describe this book as more of a tabloid from the twenties. You'll find all the juicy stuff here: the drinking, parties, affairs, mental breakdowns. Don't get me wrong, it is tasteful and is written in vignettes so it bounces around to give a snippet from this one and then another one. You may have to call this book a guilty pleasure, but seeing the personal lives of these great figures and their struggles in creating did more to spark my interest in reading their works than any strictly academic tome could have ever hoped to do.
The Coal Tattoo by Silas House. 5 stars (for great style).
Now this is a classy book. I picked this one up in the library just to have something to take home but really didn't think I would be that interested in it. It is the story of two sisters, Anneth and Easter, in a Kentucky coal mining area. Once I picked it up it was completely compelling. The individual characters are so interesting and the relationships they have with each other are beautiful. The third major character in the story is the land and how the sisters are so bound to it. This is a beautifully written and elegant story, on the one hand so simple and on another so complex. If your bookclub is looking for something to read this would be a great choice. Lots to talk about in this one.
kerin0874@yahoo.com
The Heart of a Woman by Maya Angelou. 5 stars.
This book is the continuation of her life story that began with I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Very well-written and inspirational!
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. 4 stars.
A great love story, though at times a tad unrealistic.
tunaross@nc.rr.com
Alone by Lisa Gardner. 4 1/2 stars.
It was very difficult to put the book down once I started it. This thrilling tale with twisting plots, riveting characters, dysfunctional family insights and nonstop action is a great read. Was Cat really a victim, a plotting murderer, or a little of both? Would Bobby find redemption? Will Nathan be cured, or is he really sick? When the bodies start piling up, who will be next? Who will survive and who will perish? It transported me into another dimension and had me guessing to the end.
Deadly Emotions by Don Colbert, M.D. 4 stars.
This book describes how negative emotions (anger, hostility, resentment, bitterness, anxiety, etc.) can cause a host of physical and mental illnesses. It is written in layman's terms and easy to understand. Better yet, it provides simple, common sense remedies to such negativity. While bible quotes are provided, it is not overly geared toward religion.
tfranzen2124@comcast.net
I'm going to go finish The Rule of Four by Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason. I haven't been able to fully engage in it, but I'm so far now that I got to keep going. Unless things change fast, I'm giving it 3 stars. Guess I'm not much of a Renaissance reader.
Jane from Kentucky
I just finished Slammerkin by Emma Donoghue (4 stars) and Quietus by Vivian chilling (4 stars). I really like both and will be recommending to my book club. nother quick read I just finished is 102 Minutes by Jim Dwyer. Although a lot has been written about the terrorists attacks on the Twin Towers, this book is by far the best written and most gutwrenchingly emotional of any account I have read. I HIGHLY recommend it (5 stars).
I am just finishing a light read, Any Place I Hang My Hat by Susan Isaacs (3 stars). I usually enjoy her books as they are always full of GREAT one-liners to use at parties and they are good beach reads. This one wasn't quite as good as some of her others but still mildly enjoyable. A good break after being immersed in 102 Minutes.
My next book is Elliot Perlman's The Seven Types of Ambiguity. I'll let you know what I think maybe next time!
mbunting@sbcglobal.net
Liberating Paris by Linda Bloodworth-Thomasen. 5 stars.
You may know the author as the writer and producer of such sitcoms as "Designing Women" and "Evening Shade." This is her first book, and it is absolutely brilliant. It's the story of six high school friends who are entering their forties in a small town (that's right --- Paris, Arkansas, not France). Two of them are married, one is a paraplegic, one is a dangerous ex-girlfriend, one an overweight caterer, and the last a divorcee with two small girls. What happens to them --- and how they react --- is unpredictable, fascinating, and touching. The writing will make you laugh and cry --- really! The author is currently writing a movie, as well as looking into making a movie of this book. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Rickimc@aol.com
The Burnt Orange Sunrise by David Handler. 4 stars.
While the premise of this mystery was the usual "secluded guests who die one by one," it was more edgy than any English cozy. I also greatly enjoyed how the chapters changed point of view between the two main characters.
Murder Sets Seed by Janis Harrison. 3 stars.
Typical amateur female sleuth mystery. The pace was fast, the premise mysterious, but the ending was a little confusing.
janiekress@hotmail.com
Runaway by Alice Munro. 5 stars.
What a great collection of short stories this turned out to be by Canadian author Alice Munro. They are meant to be read in order and several are connected. This is the first thing I've read by Munro, but it definitely won't be the last.
The Children's Corner by Jackson Tippett McCrae. 5 stars.
I bought this along with the Munro book as they are both collections of short stories. I must say that I liked both a great deal, but the McCrae seemed to take the themes Munro was playing with and more expertly handle them. I was riveted. I highly suggest you buy both these books and compare the themes and styles.
willlatham1943@hotmail.com
I've recently read the most fantastic book, and I found it on this site. It is called The Bark of the Dogwood and is by Jackson McCrae. 5 stars definitely! Dogwood is essentially the story of one man's "inner" journey. Strekfus Beltzenschmidt is the main character and he is probably the funniest protagonist to come out of the south since Ignatius O'Reilley in Confederacy of Dunces. While this book is side-splitting funny, it turns dark and is also a fantastic study of a damaged psyche. I would say it is more a cross between Davis Sedaris's humor and the darkness of a Hitchock film, if you can imagine that. The writing is first-rate and the plot is mind-bending. If you have to choose one book this year, make it this one. A really, really, really, great author and a really great book!
Carosp@aol.com
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. 4 1/2 stars.
The story of a preacher's family who goes to the Belgian Congo in the late 1950s and how they learn about life there and what happens to them as a result of going to Africa. The family has four daughters, and it's interesting to see how they each grow up and what they become. The book also teaches a lot of the history of the Belgian Congo --- now Zaire --- which is very interesting.
bradylee@myway.com
Escape in Iraq: The Thomas Hamill Story by Thomas Hamill & Paul T. Brown. Nonfiction. Published 2004 with 285 pages. 4 stars.
The experience of living through an encounter while many of your friends have been killed and then being captured by the enemy not knowing if your life is going to be spared is a terrible happening. This book details before, during, and after this episode in Iraq to a non-military participant working for the military as a truck driver. Spiritual faith is what kept Mr. Hamill going along with his concern of his family. Without any kind of instruction (except prayer), he was able to satisfy his jailers where they did not do away with him and was finally able to escape on his own. The writing was not superb, but the story keeps you interested.
Catslady5@aol.com
The Eight by Katherine Neville. 5 stars.
I just completed this 600-page novel and found it fascinating. There are so many levels to this story. If you like history, mystery, intrigue and a story to really think about, then you will enjoy this book. There are constant surprises at every turn and many twists and turns to your journey, which culminates in an amazing finale.
vanderhoosj@yahoo.com
I'm not normally a James Patterson fan, but recently I picked up London Bridges and liked it well enough. I'd give it a solid 4 stars, but not 5. It has the usual suspense and plot building, and Alex Cross is the hero once again. So if you're a Patterson fan, you'll know what to expect.
Not having read short stories since high school, I approached Jackson Tippett McCrae's The Children's Corner with some caution. But I ended up loving this stellar collection of stories. Each one is fantastic, complete, and so different from anything else I've read. No wonder this little book has become an underground classic. 5 great big stars for this achievement.
Carl Hiaasen's Skinny Dip was the last book I read, and my first Hiaasen experience. Very good writer, this Hiaasen, and I'll be sure and check out all of his books from now on. Set in Florida, in the Everglades, this is funny and suspenseful. Not a great piece of literature but a good romp. 5 stars for this one.
kysexymewoods@yahoo.com
Deep South by Nevada Barr. 4 stars.
This is the story of a woman trying to make her living in the south (Mississippi) as a police officer. It is well-done without being formulaic and there is a romantic interest for those into that type of thing. Some really great descriptions of the area and a bit of history. The climax is great.
The Children's Corner by Jackson Tippett McCrae. 5 stars.
This is a group of short stories that have a wide range. Some are southern gothic and some are quite contemporary. A few will have your mind reeling. If you like great writing with colorful descriptions, plots that go somewhere, and memorable characters, then this is the book for you. Quite short but packed with good stuff.
tmzemke@hotmail.com
I just devoured the book Beneath a Marble Sky: A Novel of the Taj Mahal by John Shors. We all know the story of how the Taj Mahal was built in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, the most beloved wife of the Emperor of Hindustan. But this debut novel tells the story from a different angle...from the perspective of Jahanara, their daughter. It's beautifully written historical fiction, with just the right amount of historical details to make readers want to know more about the subject. The author even encourages readers to visit the Taj Mahal's interactive website. 4 stars.
I'm also just starting the new Michael Crichton book, State of Fear. I'm only 50 pages into it, but it has the Crichton potential.
KKbarash@aol.com
I am halfway through this book and have no desire to finish it. I absolutely loved her two previous novels, The Sparrow and Children of God, both of which I could not put own. The subject matter of this book appealed to me. It takes place in Italy during WWII and tells of the underground effort to save Jewish lives during the last part of the war. However, the characters and plot just do not work.
sknapp@stny.rr.com
I have just discovered Clifford Janeway, ex-cop and now a new book dealer, in Booked To Die by John Dunning. If you love mysteries and love books, this is for you. I am thoroughly hooked on Booked!!
BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. 5 stars.
A wonderful family saga about a couple from India in an arranged marriage who move to America and raise a family. The story draws us in to their customs, the challenges of adapting, and takes us through the son's childhood as he grows up and into adulthood.
lisaavila2000@yahoo.com
4 stars for Lori Handeland's book Hunter's Moon, the sequel to Blue Moon. A great combination of humor, romance, sexy "kick-ass" characters, and supernatural forces.
eplib@mchsi.com
I am currently reading The Da Vinci Code and probably one of the last people on earth to do so. It has not been a quick read for me, but only because I find the content so interesting that I have to keep going to my computer to look up different aspects of the book. Even though I have read many negative reviews about this book (as well as positive), I would recommend everyone read it and make up their own minds. The subject matter is engrossing and it is very quick moving. (I admit I have 100 pages to go and only seven hours has elapsed in the book.) Most people have probably already read it so I won't write a long description detailing what the book is about, but I will recommend it to my family, my friends and my library patrons. And you of course!
krasselkoff@yahoo.com
The Plot Against America by Philip Roth. 5 stars.
I had not read anything by this author since his book Portnoy's Complaint, and that was something really unusual. His latest book on a "what if" theory that has Lindbergh becoming president of the United States instead of Roosevelt in the 1940s. Told with actual characters from Roth's family and set in New Jersey, this is, if read properly, a harrowing tale of what could have been. That is, if you buy into what he's saying about Charles Lindbergh. But aside from this, the writing is excellent, and as usual, Roth is a master who doesn't disappoint.
The Children's Corner by Jackson McCrae. 5 stars.
I read the first story in this collection (which has the same title as the book) and thought, "Surely the author can't keep this level of writing and imagination up throughout the entire work." But he does, for each and every story is as compelling as the last. I kept waiting for there to be a lull in the quality and impact that the stories had, but that never happened. By far, the tales "Early Sunday Morning," "Rothko in Connecticut" and "Crook" were my favorites. The themes of these literary diamonds range from suicide, infidelity, and depression, to homophobia, fear, and denial. Some are laugh-out-loud funny and others are morose, but all have one thing in common --- great writing, style, wonderful come-to-life characters, and an actual "arc" to each story.
CorinnaBonk@westat.com
Sideways by Rex Pickett. 3 stars.
The Oscar/Golden Globe nominated movie was based on this book. I JUST started it. I am not even a quarter of the way through but so far I really like it. There is a lot of wine talk, but if you can get through that, the story and characters are quite intriguing. So far, not much has happened but you can see the potential for a story like this especially with the humorous two friends. It has a 'Swingers' feel to it. I will definitely review again once I am done. Also, it seems like a very good read for men!
susanrjensen@yahoo.com
Girl From the South by Joanna Trollope. 2 stars.
The story of a young woman from Charleston, desperate to escape the South and her family, who just can't seem to understand her. She ends up in London where she gains some independence and a man who she would like to love. If the plot sounds dull, it really is. I also thought the book was full of unlikable characters and was written in a very cold, distant style. I just didn't like it, although I have to admit it was well-written.
In stark contrast is:
Big Cherry Holler by Adriana Trigiani. 5 stars.
This sequel to Big Stone Gap continues the story of Ava Marie Mulligan MacChesney. After 8 years of marriage to Jack Mack, Ava is beginning to feel the life drain out of her marriage. Her own disillusionment, paired with rumors of an affair between her husband and a pretty blonde, propel Ava to take her daughter and find refuge in Italy. There, a very interested American businessman forces her to make a life-changing choice between a life of passion in Italy or her old, routine life in Big Stone Gap. A great novel, with all the charm and warmth for which Trigiani is known.
Peter and the Starcatchers by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. 4 stars.
Although this young adult novel surely doesn't live up to all the hype it's received, it is a fun, action-packed adventure story. It opens with Peter and his orphan friends boarding a rusty ship, headed for a life of slavery in faraway Rundoon. Peter soon realizes that the ship is carrying a mysterious trunk, the secrets of which he vows to discover. But Peter is not the only interested party --- he soon finds himself facing foes and friends of all shapes and species. The story is fast-paced and exciting --- a good old fashioned adventure tale. Sloppy editing distracts from the story, but otherwise a great read.
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. 4 stars.
I'm not sure this one lives up to the hype either, but it's a different, engaging novel. It stars Precious Ramotswe, the only female detective in Botswana, who is busy solving cases of all kinds. She discusses her bread and butter cases (cheating husbands) as well as her most heartbreaking (the murder of a small boy) in an easy, understated way. A fun read.
Beth from Maryland
Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult. 5 stars.
I just finished reading an advance copy of Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult and I loved it! Fans of hers will be thrilled with another good novel. Well-written and researched, touching and interesting, the book tells the story of what happens when a woman discovers a past she never knew she had. Picoult tells the story, and the tangential stories that result, from different perspectives, which is quite engaging. Strongly recommended!
lgoldham@businessroundtable.org
The Only Girl in the Car by Kathy Dobie.
I've been going through a phase where all I want to read are memoirs, and this one was a great find! At times heartbreaking, but also so encouraging, Dobie tells the story of her childhood and her teenage years, coming into who she was through several unsettling years as the only girl, surrounded by a bunch of boys. It's a coming-of-age story of a girl who is confused, heading down a dangerous road but is forced to take a look at her life after a disturbing incident threatens to crush her. My heart hurt for her, but then celebrated her --- a touching and extremely candid story.
bfjohnston@mpamacs.org
I just finished a terrific book, Liars and Saints, by Maile Meloy. Only 260 pages to cover more than 50 years in the Santerre family but the spare prose is rich and full. By book's end (a book that's hard to put down) you know and maybe even love this complicated, troubled family. 5-plus stars!
Also 5 stars for Case Histories by Kate Atkinson, another great read. A disappointing 2 stars for Light on Snow by Anita Shreve, a boring, predictable book. She's lost her touch recently.
dtwill@hotmail.com
My three book recommendations are as follows:
You Remind Me of Me by Dan Chaon. 5 stars.
Three lives are intertwined expertly in this novel by Dan Chaon. It's basically though the story of Jonah, who lives in a small South Dakota town with his suicidal mother. At one point he's attacked by a doberman. Things go from bad to worse as he matures and his life eventually falls apart. The pacing and writing are excellent. The subject material may make some squirm, but then that's what good books do.
The Children's Corner by Jackson T. McCrae. 5 stars.
A collection of stunning short stories, this book is filled with ideas and scenes that I'd never imagined existed. In some ways it reminded me of the Chaon book with its ideas of suicide, etc. Some of the short stories are quite funny, though. One in particular, "Christmas Comes But Once A Year," is hysterical. It is a take-off on those horrible "family letters" that everyone gets from some self-serving relative during the Christmas season.
What To Keep by Rachel Cline. 4 stars.
In keeping with my coming-of-age type books and those dealing with childhood, this is my third pick. I really enjoyed this impressive first novel because it captured two of life's essential themes through a contemporary lens: struggling when life does not deal us all the cards that we would have liked, and our search for meaning in life when we are coming to terms with that reality. From the beginning of the story, the main character reflects a common experience of coping with parental imperfections, divorce, adolescent social tensions, and the like in a very human way.
niener987@jam.rr.com
The Same Sweet Girls by Cassandra King. 5 stars.
After a little bit of a slow start, this one really took off. It is so reminiscent of my college years and beyond. Most Southern women can identify with all these characters --- and they ARE characters! I was excited to see this new release, get my very own SSG rhinestone pin, and listen to this lovely author read a selection from the book. I had so enjoyed her last book, The Sunday Wife.
The Broker by John Grisham. 5 stars.
This one is a bit of a departure from the usual Grisham plot. It almost makes one think she's reading Greg Iles for part of the book.
The Bookman's Promise by John Dunning. 5 stars.
I am so glad I discovered this delightful author. The plot and characters were so rich and unpredictable.
Eventide by Kent Haruf. 5 stars.
What a gentle man, Kent Haruf. Eventide carries us past Plainsong so that we can enjoy the cast of characters again. Can you imagine sitting in one of Haruf's creative writing classes?
The Divine Husband by Francisco Goldman. 2 stars.
I was just thrilled to FINALLY finish this one! I'm not much into Central American/Cuban history, but I do have a notch in my belt as a reward! My independent book seller who brings all of the above authors to our town thought I would really enjoy it. Maybe I was just not willing to struggle through the Spanish/Portuguese (?) passages with no translations; however, I am proud to say I did not give up. Looking back, I probably enjoyed it more than I am willing to admit.
kzstephens@hotmail.com
Live at 10:00, Dead at 10:15 by Elsa Klensch. 3 stars.
Good debut about the journalism and fashion world from someone who knows about both.
Puppet by Joy Fielding. 3 stars.
A woman goes back to her Canadian hometown after her mother is arrested for murder.
The Hot Flash Club Strikes Again by Nancy Thayer. 3 stars.
Great sequel. The ladies are back to help another group of women dealing with obnoxious mothers-in-law.
Marshamar@cox.net
Cry of the Peacock by Gina B. Nahai. 5 stars.
Fascinating book. Written by an Iranian exile, it covers Iranian Jews from the mid-1700s to the current Islamist regime. Short on character development but filled with vivid images and emotions. I learned a great deal about global politics past and present, including the genesis of the yellow star.
The Falls by Joyce Carol Oates. 5 stars.
This book was absolutely spellbinding. The story was told in rich, sometimes lyrical, sometimes fluorescent prose, detailing the marriages of its protagonist Ariah, first to a closeted homosexual preacher who throws himself into the falls the day after their marriage, and then to Dirk Burnaby, a vivacious lawyer and member of the upper class in the Niagara region. Ariah, betrayed by her first husband, feels betrayed by Dirk when he becomes a "traitor to his class" for attempting to do something about the environmental abuses of Love Canal. Ariah is not always a likeable protagonist but she is always displayed honestly, warts and all. All of the characters are beautifully drawn and nuanced. And the Falls and their overwhelming presence are depicted in a manner evocative of Thomas Hardy.
Mflet@aol.com
I loved Dies the Fire by S. M. Stirling. This is not a true Science Fiction book but rather is in the vein of an alternative history. It is 1998 and a mysterious electrical storm stops all electrical devices and explosives from working. The cast is in the Pacific Northwest and must learn to survive without automobiles, planes (which crash when the catastrophe happens) computers, factories, telephones, guns, and indeed most all of our society's machines. Imagine a life without canned foods, dependent on subsistence agriculture, hunting with bow and arrow, riding horses and old bicycles, organized into communes and criminal gangs according to the
morals of the group heads. Very imaginative! 5 stars!
buckeye14@tampabay.rr.com
I just finished reading Between Friends by Debbie Macomber. I love Debbie Macomber books but when I started reading Between Friends I didn't think I was going to like this one. However, after reading only a few pages I was hooked. I loved it. It is different from most other books. I highly recommend it to everyone. I give it 5 stars.
AnneK7@aol.com
Broken For You by Stephanie Kallos. 5 stars.
This book was a great read. I had a hard time putting it down. You will not be disappointed.
The Virgin's Lover by Philippa Gregory. 3 stars.
The first book I have read by this author. It really started out slow and didn't pick up for me. I did finish it, but was not thrilled by the book. I have heard good things about her other books and will read them sometime soon.
Iam.Teri@verizon.net
My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult.
Leisure reading style. The chapter title tells you from whose point of view the action is centered on and their view of the topic. Great for book clubs since there is a lot to talk about. All types of twists and turns. Lots to think about.
d.cronley@worldnet.att.net
Reap What You Sow by Daniel Cronley. 5 stars.
I found an exhilarating book by a new author. Once I started reading I could not put it down. His style of writing made me feel as if I knew each character personally. It's a powerful story (fiction) about a wife Molly who is a prisoner of inescapable abuse at the hands of her husband Steven. With no way out she decides to use forensic science to aid in her escape. I look forward to reading more of this author's work in the future. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
SalbyC@aol.com
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. 5 stars.
I enjoyed this book even more than The Da Vinci Code. A fascinating look at the Papacy along with an exceptional thriller.
bradylee@myway.com
Destiny of Souls: New Case Studies of Life Between Lives by Michael Newton, Ph.D. Published 2000 with 401 pages + index. 5 stars.
A specific rundown on what happens in the afterlife and how brand new entities are formed and nurtured are delineated in this book. A convincing utterance of many facts concerning what happens to each individual on the other side of this life is spelled out in abundance. It is somewhat technical and always interesting in discovering the many facets of this thing called life...you and me together. His first book of this subject is titled Journey of Souls and I plan on reading that soon.
Kathy from Maryland
Divine Evil by Nora Roberts. 5 stars.
This is a great book. Though written and published several years ago, it is still very current and a tough one to put down.
Murder at the National Cathedral by Margaret Truman. 4 1/2 stars.
Great book by the author. As usual, there is plenty of intrigue and excitement as the plot develops. I highly recommend this or any of her murder series novels.
Murder at Union Station by Margaret Truman. 4 1/2 stars.
Her latest in the murder series. Well-written, tough to put down. Now that I am hooked on her novels, I am going to read all of them.
bjbookman@msn.com
Whiskey Sour by J. A. Konrath. 5 stars.
This book had everything: suspense, humor, and the best characters to grace the mystery scene in a long time. The suspense builds expertly and the humor flows naturally, never forced. This book left me wanting more.
The Halo Effect by M. J. Rose. 4 stars.
A thriller featuring sex therapist Dr. Morgan Snow. We did this book at my last mystery group discussion. It has been a long time since a book has generated so much discussion in our group. The relationship between Dr. Snow and Cleo, a high price call girl, was the topic that everyone had a opinion on. A very lively evening was had by all.
janet.mcdougal@thorntonmccain.ca
Open on my bedside table is Open and Shut by David Rosenfelt. This is the first time I have read his work and am really enjoying it. I also have his second novel, First Degree. This one sounds as good as the first.
Like millions of other readers James Patterson is probably my all-time favourite author. His books are so hard to put down --- "just one more chapter" is my favourite saying once I have started a James Patterson novel. There are many other authors who I count as second favourites. A few of these are Robert B. Parker, Ridley Pearson, Jonathan Kellerman and his wife Faye Kellerman. Nonfiction crime novels are usually a good read as well.
Bjglu@aol.com
Franny and Zooey by J.D. Salinger. 5 stars.
I always reread Salinger's books every few years. They're worth it.
A Fan's Notes by Frederick Exley. 4 stars.
A memoir --- not an easy, light read, but well-worth the effort.
bethfranzen@yahoo.com
The Children's Corner by Jackson McCrae. 5 stars.
This is the only book I've read recently that deserves mentioning here. It is, without a doubt, the best collection of short stories I've ever read --- and I've read them all. The first story in the bunch has the same title as the book, and deals with a small town teenage pianist in Mississippi and the alleged "grown-ups" around him. Their lies and manipulations come back on them and I was simply amazed at the twists and turns of the story. Another tale, "The Diaphanous Leaves of the Alocasia," is set in New Orleans and perfectly captures that city's decadence and elegance. The funniest of the stories (and there are two really great ones) is without a doubt "Christmas Comes But Once a Year." It's a brilliant study in denial and composed of a series of Christmas letters that a National Book Award-winning author receives each year. "Crook" is the last story and is actually a novella. It is touching in the way that Capote's Grass Harp is, or possibly some of James Agee's stories.
Touching is actually an understatement. Better get the tissues ready for this one. It deals with Alzheimer's and remembering, or lack thereof. There's not a bad tale in the bunch and you'll find yourself hating that you've finished this great little book. The only bad thing about this latest McCrae addition to the canon is that you won't be able to hold on to your own copy, having given it away for others to read. I'm on my fifth copy now and someone's asked for that one.
michellecallan77@hotmail.com
I have just finished reading The Queen's Fool by Philippa Gregory. This was a wonderful book. It was the first book of hers I had read and I will be reading more of them. It's an amazing tale of devotion and betrayal. I would recommend this book to everyone!
DKlokis@aol.com
I just finished The Same Sweet Girls by Cassandra King. While the book kept me interested enough to finish, it was the same sweet story I've read many times, beginning with the Ya-Ya's and the Sweet Potato Queens, and so on. This book did redeem itself with an extremely moving ending. It is rare that an obvious ending will still have a strong effect on me. For this, I give the book 4 stars.
I just finished The Heirloom by Colleen Reese and I rate it 5 stars. It is a wonderful, inspiring book.
Mittens0831@aol.com
Code Name: Nanny by Christina Skye. 4 stars.
A Navy Seal and an FBI agent get together to save an assistant DA and her two daughters who are being threatened, and in the process they both discover the one person who can make a difference in their own lives. I'm looking forward to reading more about them in another of Christina's books.
MysteryNut19@aol.com
The Lake House by James Patterson. 3 stars.
The sequel to When the Wind Blows with the winged children. Good until the last third when it seemed like he tried to wrap up too much in a hurry.
stephejl@stclair.k12.il.us
A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell. 5++ stars.
This was a most rewarding historical fiction. It depicted how a myriad of Europeans, especially Italian peasants, "neutral" Catholics, disguised Jews, army deserters and socialists sheltered Hebrews during the last years of WWII. Extremely character-driven, it's the best novel I've had the pleasure of reading since The Kite Runner a year ago.
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya. 4 1/2 stars.
I started this because it's required reading for my son's high school literature class. A genuine Southwestern coming-of-age story with a young protagonist torn between cultural and religious values. I was pleasantly surprised!
MHaury2@aol.com
Tagged for Murder by Elaine Flinn 4 1/2 stars.
This is the second in what I hope will be a long series (and one of the few I actually pre-ordered to be sent to me upon publication!) The protagonist, Molly Doyle, is a wonderful female antiques dealer "of a certain age" who has escaped to Carmel to start over after an unpleasant parting with her former husband. Some characters in this second installment were more fleshed out and more interesting characters were introduced. The author evokes the California landscape skillfully and throws in lots of tidbits about antiques, all which I find fascinating.
Goodnight Steve McQueen by Louise Wener. 4 stars.
This was British humor at its youthful and exuberant best! It is the story of Danny McQueen (who doesn't use his real name, Steve, for obvious reasons), who is sweet, immature and talented. He is trying to follow his dream but fears he will have to choose between it and his girlfriend, Alison. He has some hilarious times with his "mates" who, as a favorite pastime, try to think of new and ingenious ways to kill Jamie Oliver. It's at times laugh-out-loud funny and at many times very innocently sweet with some good bathroom humor mixed in. I highly recommend.
Tool & Die by Sarah Graves. 3 1/2 stars.
This is the latest installment in the great series of "home repair" murder mysteries featuring amateur sleuth Jake Tiptree of Eastport, Maine. This is a good addition to the series and I would recommend this to anyone who likes the Diane Mott Davidson books.
eswaim@ec.rr.com
London Bridges by James Patterson. 4 stars.
Incubus Dreams by Laurell K. Hamilton. 4 stars.
It's not as bad as I've heard people talk about. I rather enjoyed the book even though it took me two weeks off and on to finish it. It was 600+ pages long.
Vamped by David Sosnowski. 4 stars.
Metro Girl by Janet Evanovich. 5 stars.
A great new series from this author. Not a Plum novel but just as good.
Love Overboard by Janet Evanovich. 4 stars.
It's a reissue of hers but just as good.
Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye by Victoria Laurie. 5 stars.
I just absolutely loved this book. I can't wait for more of Abby and Dutch.
roxie_29812@yahoo.com
I recently read Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner. I loved it. It tells the story of an overweight women whose ex-boyfriend writes a column in a magazine about loving and sleeping with an overweight women. Of course the main character is embarrassed. But she's witty and fun. It's a wonderful light read for everyone. 5 stars.
I just finished a true crime book Written in Blood by Diane Fanning. It tells the story of novelist Michael Peterson, who murdered his wife, and 16 years earlier he murdered another lady using the same method, making it look like they fell down the stairs. It's a wonderful book for fiction readers as well as True Crime readers as the story is so crazy it reads like fiction. 5 stars.
I am currently reading Welcome to the World, Baby Girl! by Fannie Flagg. I haven't gotten very far but so far its great. Rich in characters and humorous. This is my first Fannie Flagg book but I don't think it will be my last.
charris@pctelecom.us
Into the Night by Suzanne Brockmann. 5 stars.
A good mystery about men and their women in the Navy Seals.
In the Moon of the Red Ponies by James Lee Burke. 4 stars.
Mystery and suspense. A good story and good portrait of the mountain area in Montana.
The Windsor Knot by Sharyn McCrumb. 4 stars.
A mystery about a forensic student who has a big wedding in Georgia and marries a man from Scotland. They get over there and she meets the Queen of England.
Family Business by Fern Michaels. 5 stars.
This is a novella. It should be read around Christmas but since that day has passed, read it now. It is a family story and fun to read.
charleydog@glen.net
I am reading Jenny Walton's Packing for a Woman's Journey by Nancy Lindemeyer. This is a down-home story, an easy read and totally enjoyable. The author draws you in to the narrator's life by the use of plain language, everyday events, and just plain good writing.
Rn2327@aol.com
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks. 5 stars.
I truly enjoy Mr. Sparks's books but The Wedding exceeded prior novels I've read written by him. The words convey human emotions at their best and worst. A wonderful story of a man trying to remember and find fulfillment in his life, something we all strive for. If you haven't read one of Mr. Sparks's books go out and get one!!!
Aileen in Methuen, MA
Songs of the Humpback Whale: A Novel in Five Voices by Jodi Picoult. So far, 3 1/2 stars.
Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors. This book was Ms. Picoult's debut and I'm glad it wasn't the first book I read by her. I have read some of her other books, and I loved them!! I have yet to finish this book. I don't hate it or think it's a waste of time, but it's certainly not one of Picoult's favorites. Having said that, I still plan on reading Ms. Picoult's other books and am looking forward to reading her new release Vanishing Acts in March.
Deb1teach@aol.com
I read Honeymoon by James Patterson and Howard Roughan. If you'd like a quick read with a fast-moving plot, this is the book for you. I really enjoyed reading the mystery and the "love" aspect of the book. I give it 4 stars.
tacdill@fuse.net
The Burglar on the Prowl by Lawrence Block.
Grigoro@aol.com
The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant. 2 stars.
Very disappointing. I expected an intelligent historical story of life in the art world of 14th-century Florence, but the book descended into teeny-bopper romance and an uninteresting mystery story. I wanted fudge but got marshmallow fluff.
schot@cox.net
I just finished reading The Broker by John Grisham. This was a book I couldn't put down and also didn't want to end. He is back to writing an interesting and exciting story, not like his slow southern ones. I highly recommend this one. 5 stars.
lasanam@sympatico.ca
I just finished reading The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, and I give it a definite 5 stars. It was intriguing from the first page and never dulled for a moment. A thrilling, twisting story of a boy's fascination with an unusual book and its enigmatic author.
I've just begun The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant and I'm already hooked! I love the voice of the main character Allessandra (though I have trouble believing hers is a voice from the 1400s...she sounds more like a teen from our day!) and the story has already intrigued me.
nll9017@earthlink.net
Alone by Lisa Gardner. 5 stars.
A police sniper shoots and kills a husband who had a gun in his hand with his wife and child present in the room. In State Trooper Bobby Dodge's view, the killing was justified. The facts and the secrets slowly come out and make you want to say, "Who's to blame here?" Bobby Dodge's life starts to unravel when the parents of the "victim" decide to sue him. At the same time the widow Catherine Gagnon is calling him for help. Catherine was the victim of a pedophile 25 years ago, and he is unexplainably released early from prison. People close to Catherine are murdered and fingers start pointing at Bobby. You feel for her helplessly sick son and are shocked further when a secret is revealed.
Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld. 5 stars.
Lee Fiora, an outstanding grammar school student in South Bend, Indiana, receives a scholarship to attend the prominent Ault School, a boarding school in Massachusetts. For the majority of students at Ault, money is not an issue. As Lee learns, it is simply not discussed among her fellow students. Lee is unsettled by the fact that she is no longer the outstanding student she was in Indiana. Prep is written in such an intimate style that you feel what Lee feels during her four years at Ault. Chapters are semester-length so you get an in-depth view of Lee, her friends, and boarding school culture.
Puppet by Joy Fielding. 4 stars.
Amanda Travis is determined to have a normal, successful life as a criminal lawyer, in Palm Beach, Florida --- as far away from Toronto and her mother as possible. She gets a call from Ben Travis, her first ex-husband, that turns her life upside-down. Her mother is in jail for shooting at point-blank range a supposedly complete stranger in the upscale Four Seasons hotel. Her mother is the last person in the world Amanda would want to help. However, she does fly to Toronto to find out what happened. Her mother, much to her dismay, is not the evil monster she remembers from her childhood. Amanda is perplexed by her mother's determination to plead guilty. She battles her own past demons and stays at her childhood home. Amanda, the determined lawyer, pursues the case details further and finds out the unsettling truth.
Diana from Stauffer, Alberta
I am presently enjoying a collection of mystery short stories by Jeffery Deaver called Twisted (4 stars). Each offering is an enjoyable, quick read that admirably reflects the title in a surprisingly ingenious ending twist.
susanrjensen@yahoo.com
The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde. 4 stars.
This is the third book in Fforde's quirky series about Thursday Next, a SpecOps officer who polices books in search of any literary criminals. In this novel, she is vacationing inside a trashy detective book, hiding from her enemies, and continuing her apprenticeship to Miss Havisham. With the help of her Gran, Thursday is fighting to remember her husband, who has been eradicated. To top it all off, her friends in Jurisfiction are being murdered, and the crime screams of an inside job. This is another fun romp through the literary world where books truly come alive.
kwayne19510730@hotmail.com
The Awakening by Kate Chopin. 4 stars.
A romantic interlude triggers self-realization and rebellion in a turn-of-the-century New Orleans woman. Unfortunately, the social strictures of her time cannot allow these traits to survive. To loosely paraphrase the heroine, "I'll give my life for my children, but not myself," or words to that effect. A smoothly written career-ender for the author (Kate forgot to say "bad girl, bad girl, no, no!").
Isn't It Romantic? by Ron Hansen. 3 stars.
A light-hearted, pleasant, romantic farce from a sometimes very serious writer (Mariette in Ecstasy). Good fare if you're looking to take a break from the heavy stuff. Along the way, you pick up some Nebraska folklore, like the predilection of Husker fans to substitue cat food for escargot.
Anja the Liar by Thomas Moran. 5 stars.
A chetnik (Serbian resistance fighter), a German Wehrmacht officer, and a Polish Nazi collaborator and their travails in the wreckage that was Europe after the War. Can you outrun the past? Possibly. Can you silence the memories? Read it and decide. Amazingly, two of the three principals are reasonably likeable. Difficult people in a difficult situation. Extremely well-written.
JFWisherd@aol.com
The First Counsel by Brad Meltzer. 5 stars.
Since reading Meltzer's The Zero Game and The Millionaires, I have bought all his other books. If you like suspense and "can't-put-down" types of reading then you will enjoy these books. Set in Washington, D.C. his characters work in some form of the government. Besides enjoying a good story I have learned a lot about the workings of the Senate and the White House and the kinds of people who work there.
BDB530@aol.com
Good Oldies:
Moonflower by Phyllis A. Whitney. 4 stars.
A woman and her daughter fly to Japan, Kyoto, to try to win back her husband, who has become distant. They end by leaving him gladly after spending a beautiful yet harrowing experience there.
The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford. 5 stars.
Have patience with this somewhat frustrating story by an impressionist writer who, similar to Henry James, gets at the inner workings of two couples, complex people. By the end we realize how totally he is able to show us these men and women.
DancingGram7@aol.com
I started to read two books by Nora Roberts: Jewels in the Sun and Hot Ice, and I got to about the middle of both books and decided that these books are not for me. I found them predictable and boring and give them 2 stars.
I started another book, The Four Seasons by Mary Alice Monroe, and finally found a book that was interesting and the subject matter to my liking. It's about a family of four sisters (The Seasons --- family name) and the gathering for a funeral of one of the sisters who died at the age of 32. Her death and the legacy she leaves them triggers a cross country journey in the search of a stranger --- a stranger with the power to mend their shattered lives. I give the book 5 stars.
I also read Until the Real Thing Comes Along by Elizabeth Berg and give it 3 stars. I managed to finished the book but the content was unbelievable. The prominent character at age 36 was unmarried and childless. She just broke up with her boyfriend who tells her he is "gay." She has a problem falling in love with another man and is determined to have a child by the "gay" boyfriend, which she does. It all ends quite nicely of course.
tomjac0850@charter.net
I recently finished reading Favre, the coffee table book about Brett Favre, by Brett and his mother, Bonita Favre. It was a quick read (a couple hours) since there were a lot of photos. This was an interesting book that gave some good insight into the life and times of Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, his early years, and particularly the death of his beloved father in 2003. Brett went on to play against the Oakland Raiders just 26 hours later, winning the game 41-7 in what is considered the best game of his life. Though not the type of book I normally read, it was very enjoyable. 5 stars.
I just finished an early book by E.L. Doctorow, Welcome to Hard Times. This book is a western, about a town called Hard Times, and the various people who settle there after a "Bad Man from Bodie" rides in, kills several of the residents, and burns the town to the ground. Gradually the town rebuilds, on the hope that a nearby gold mine will produce enough ore to bring more people, a new road, and a railroad. In the mind of Blue, the "mayor" and teller of the story, there is always the fear that Turner (the bad outlaw) will someday return to Hard Times and bring renewed hardship and devastation. 4 stars.
Marlie Warren, St. George, Utah
I've recently discovered an author who I've only heard of and not read. Her name is Eudora Welty and she's fantastic! Her book The Optimist's Daughter deserves 4 stars.
I am currently almost finished with Mount Vernon Love Story by Mary Higgins Clark. I enjoyed the history that I learned in the book and also Ms. Clark's smooth, ever enjoyable way of writing and describing the events. I would give this book a BIG 5 STARS for Valentine's Day!
Bberrycrk@aol.com
I just finished How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff. It was an interesting story about a young girl going to live with relatives in England just before a world war changes their world. 4 stars.
Arlene, Lawrence, MA
Heir to the Glimmering World by Cynthia Ozick.
A well-written novel with intellectual depth. Written with Ms. Ozick's lyrical prose and mild humor. I rate it 3 stars. It would not be on my list of favorite books.
The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant, an amazing story that is brilliantly written. I enjoy historical novels, so I would give this 4 stars.
Just One Look by Harlan Coben. Definitely a thriller. I couldn't put the book down. I rate this 4 stars.
OcalaRose@aol.com
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. 3 stars.
I just finished reading this book, just out of curiosity. I found it very heartwarming, and heartbreaking. The book covers a long span of time that reads quickly. The ending had a lump in my throat and tears burning my eyes. Enjoyable.
Pudgypb@aol.com
Puppet by Joy Fielding.
What can I say about this author? She writes books with twists and you never know what is going to happen next. I love her books.
Alone by Lisa Gardner.
Here is another author I love. This book was a page-turner. I loved it.
Safe Harbour by Danielle Steel.
I read Danielle Steel in between thrillers. This was enjoyable but a typical Danielle Steel novel.
mbennett32003@earthlink.net
I just finished two books:
The Ladies Auxiliary by Tova Mirvis. 4 stars.
It's about a community of Orthodox Jews living in Memphis, TN. Their community becomes unsettled after a new person moves into their community.
The Swallows of Kabul by Yasmina Khadra. 5 stars.
It's a short book that's fabulously written. It tells the stories of two couples whose lives intersect, and it gives enlightenment about what it is like to live in Afghanistan under the Taliban rule.
KATHLAU@aol.com
The Rule of Four by Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason. 3 stars.
A storyline that jumps on the Dan Brown bandwagon. The mystery is fair but this Central Jersey girl lives near Princeton and loves all the local references.
Trace by Patricia Cornwell. 3 stars.
Sacrpetta can't really decide if you can go home again as she's called back to Richmond for a case too "tough" for her wimp of a replacement. The case is intriguing but you feel like you missed a beat with what happened between Kay and Benson, Kay and Lucy, and all the other personal stuff that always adds to the storyline. I wouldn't have passed on this one, but it's just so-so.
DananNat@aol.com
I just finished The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and thought it was excellent and very timely in light of what's going on in the world. I am also starting Islam by Karen Armstrong, as Mr. Hosseini stated that was one of his top 10 books and that it would explain Islam in simple terms. How can I not read more about what's going on in the world? And I love reading what an author I like recommended.
dmilburn@alltel.net
Madam, the Grass is High by Dennis H. Christen. 5 stars plus!!
I really loved this book. It's a quick read and you'll want to stay right with it to find out what's next with Clara... I won't tell what happens in Chapter 1...it is VERY sad. But read on...definitely a "feel good" story about the unexpected. Don't miss it!
bradylee@myway.com
M.D.: One Doctor's Adventures Among the Famous and Infamous from the Jungles of Panama to a Park Avenue Practice by B. H. Kean, M.D. with Tracy Dahlby. Nonfiction. Published in 1990 with 402 pages. 5 stars.
A masterful autobiography is this one; a story of the author's life that will keep you interested...guaranteed…if you enjoy reading about a life filled with accomplishment and a person who, early on, had no inkling that he would become a doctor. How he was turned on to becoming an international force in the science of parasitology and how he really wanted to work in a laboratory and not be subjected to the follies of patients yet became the personal physician to important world figures and those creators and actors on Broadway in NYC. A most normal human being fraught with the wonderment of what he wanted to do in life as a young man and subjected to financial poverty in the beginning because all he wanted to do was "save the world" from disease and to heck with money. All changed, of course, which you will learn if you read this wonderful book, a tome most readers look for all their life by finding it most difficult to stop reading once started because it is "that good."
catfish@millardmanor.com
I am reading The Queen's Fool by Philippa Gregory (and loving it --- 5 stars) and have just started our book club's March selection, Cheat and Charmer by Elizabeth Frank, which so far gets 5 stars for narrative and 3 for dialogue.
Laura from Portland, OR
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. 5 stars!!
Couldn't put it down!
Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson. 3 stars
A little too predictable.
Alone by Lisa Gardner. 3 stars.
Not as good as I thought it was going to be.
mcgillrmcgill@charter.net
I found a doubleheader this week with two new books by two of my favorite authors. I had an excellent reading week!
Therapy by Jonathan Kellerman is another excellent book about psychologist Alex Delaware and his friend, detective Milo Sturgis. The plot is complex enough to be interesting, the suspicions don't always turn out, and the ending is very satisfying.
I expected Double Homicide by Faye and Jonathan Kellerman to be a book co-authored by the two. Instead, it's two short books, one by each author. Both are departures from their standard characters and locales, and both are as well done as I expect from them.
Catslady5@aol.com
Shadow Soldier by Dana Marton. 4 stars.
A romantic suspense, an enjoyable read with a little of both.
clckmt@charter.net
Survivor in Death by Nora Roberts. I would recommend this to anyone. It keeps you on the edge and is a great book to read as I find all of her books I have enjoyed.
Entombed by Linda Fairstein is a book also that keeps you on the edge of your seat and keeps you up all night to finish the read. A chilling crime novel.
Gina from Cranberry, PA
Before I Say Good-Bye by Mary Higgins Clark. 5 stars to this mystery that left me guessing until the very end. I just started Love Overboard by Janet Evanovich. So far I am giving this one 5 stars as well since it entertains from page one! Ms. Evanovich never ceases to deliver a great story!
ejudy@okstate.edu
Dangerous Women, a collection of short stories edited by Otto Penzler. 4 stars.
This is a great pick up book with short stories by 17 authors all related to the "gentler" sex?? Some though I wouldn't read just before going to sleep --- or rather trying to go to sleep!
Judyal7@aol.com
I just finished State of Fear by Michael Crichton, which I found very thought-provoking on the issue of environmental activism. I enjoyed this book tremendously and would give it 4 stars.
I'm currently reading The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and simply can't put it down. This is one of the best books I've read in a long time. It's hard to believe it's a first-time novel. 5 stars plus.
Next on my list is A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell and Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult.
pcalabre@tampabay.rr.com
I must disagree with jefrob@earthlink.net who was disappointed in James Patterson's London Bridges. I loved it and think that it is as much of a page-turner as all the other J.P. books. I am always afraid to start one of this author's books after 6 pm because I know that I will read until I finish it. If I don't, I am obsessed until I get it finished. Alex Cross keeps getting better and better, and though I missed some of NanaMama's pithy comments this time, I think the storyline flowed.
Cloish049@aol.com
I have just finished reading Baker Towers by Jennifer Haigh. It was a wonderful read! 4 stars.
Dorinda
I just finished two great books: The Rule of Four by Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason (4 stars) and The Broker by John Grisham (4 stars). I think Mr. Grisham is getting his groove back. I am presently reading Faking It by Jennifer Crusie and liking it. So far I would give 4 stars.
dsalanitro1967@yahoo.com
Tending Roses by Lisa Wingate. 5 stars.
A beautifully crafted novel about love, life and truly living. Have the tissues nearby as you read the journal written for a special granddaughter by a cantankerous and ornery grandmother who you can't help but love by the end! Tending Roses is one of those books that gives us cause to take stock in our own lives --- and stop and smell the roses! This was excellent!
Jennifer Jern
My recommendation is Watch the Wall, My Darling by Jane Aiken Hodge. I loved this book. I found it in my great-grandmother's house shortly before she passed away. It is the only book I've ever been able to read that revolved around a war. The characters are amazing, you really feel for them and with them. And of course, where there's war, there's love. It was just an awesome book. To give a description I think ruins the book. I had no idea what it was about. I didn't even read the back of the book. I just started at the beginning and couldn't put it down. As you can tell, I give this book 5 stars.
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. This book is fantastic! I am a huge British and Tudor history buff. I just love reading about it. I have read so many books about Anne Boleyn that I can't keep track. This book is something that I never would have thought of. It is told from the viewpoint of her sister, Mary. She was the king's mistress before he ever even met Anne. I always thought that Mary was just a dim-witted girl who fell in the king's path. But this book makes you realize that everyone has a brain and feelings. You get to see her life and the trials that she went through. And even though, in the end, she was far luckier than her sister for getting to keep her head, you wonder if she really was that blessed. Having to deal with being replaced, having a husband that you never really knew but who you loved, having a greedy family dictate your life's course... Was she really that much better off? At least Anne got to be queen for a little while. Just some points I considered as I read this great book. If you love kings and queens, love, betrayal, greed, longing, the idea of courting and courtly love, then this book will at least keep you pretty entertained for a couple of weeks. I give it 5 stars.
booklover25729@hotmail.com
Alone by Lisa Gardner. 4 stars.
I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. It was very exciting and moved at a great pace. I did find that the end of the book left me feeling a bit let down though. All in all a great read
Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner. 5 stars.
This was a wonderful book. Very interesting and rooted in real life but at the same time extremely entertaining. At first I thought that it might be a bit mundane because of the premise of the book, being that I am a stay-at-home mother and deal with similar issues daily. I was pleasantly surprised to find I really enjoyed this book and found it to be true and funny and honest. I found this author accidentally while reading a review in my local newspaper and it interested me enough to purchase all three books this author has written to date. I have now put her on my must-buy list. Highly recommended.
White Hot by Sandra Brown. 4 stars.
Another great book from a wonderful writer. It was a bit predictable but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Great read.
Northern Lights by Nora Roberts. 5 stars.
What can I say? I loved this book. I really had a hard time putting this book down and read it in record time.
Killer Smile by Lisa Scottoline. 3 stars.
I have read all of Lisa Scottoline's books and I have to say that this one was not one of my favorites. Don't get me wrong, it was a good book, but I found there to be a little too much history involved with the story. I am not a history buff and found that because of the amount of historical background the story seemed to me to drag a bit. All in all it was a good book though, and I am looking forward to the next. I love this series.
DStegmanCrawford@aol.com
State of Fear by Michael Crichton. 2 stars.
This was a very disappointing "lecture" from a master novelist. The topic: global warming is a myth. Lots of action, but the characters were one-dimensional and I found it sorely lacking as a story.
I'm Watching You by Karen Rose. 2 stars.
Too much romance in a book that is supposed to be a thriller. It was more about the boy and girl than about the man who is murdering rapists, judges and lawyers who beat the system.
The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber. 4 stars.
You will want to put this down, but don't. This is a very engaging and maddening story about one year in the life of a prostitute in Victorian London. She finds a sugar daddy, but life doesn't turn out like anything she had imagined. You will want to read along with someone so that you can talk and scream about it after you are done. LONG = 900 pages!!
quiltin_maniac@sbcglobal.net
Retribution by Jilliane Hoffman.
Talk about a book you can't put down. Loving this one.
The Poet by Michael Connelly. 4 stars.
Another gripper. This one has a sequel that I am going to start very soon.
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. No stars.
I think I'm the only person in the world who doesn't like Dan Brown's writing at all. After forcing myself through 150 miserable pages of this one, I finally gave myself the Valentine's Day gift of not finishing this book. How sweet that was!
I just whipped through Janet Evanovich's To the Nines and Ten Big Ones. I love Plum's hysterical misadventures.
jprechtl@satx.rr.com
I am currently almost through Stephen King's Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three, and I should state up front that I always thought of myself as NOT a "fantasy" fan, but this book is even better that Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger. I held off starting the series until I owned all seven volumes (what a Stephen King fan I am - I buy seven books without knowing if I'd like them or not), and so far I am absolutely delighted. Both books are action-packed and fascinating, and I am sure they would hold the attention of any thriller or shoot-em-up fan. So far I am definitely set on finishing the series, but I can't imagine the next book being better than this one, and that's what I thought about book #1.
lket@johnroberts.com
October Suite by Maxine Clair. 4 stars.
I listened to this title as an audiobook. The reader was fantastic. Great story. Characters were very three-dimensional.
The Four Spirits by Sena Jeter Naslund. 5 stars.
Wonderful depiction of Birmingham during the time of segregation and civil unrest. I wasn't too excited about reading it, but the characters really caught me up in the story about this turbulent period in our history. It made the era much more personal for me, and it dealt with much more that just the civil unrest of the times.
Wicked by Gregory Macguire. 3 1/2 stars.
A fun read, especially since I had read many of the books in the "Oz" series by Frank L. Baum that this book is loosely based on.
PFLucas@aol.com
Scarlett: The Sequel to Margaret Mitchell's Gone With the Wind by Alexandra Ripley. 4 stars.
For every new book I read, I am taking an old "unread book" off the shelf. A very lengthy and detailed book, but worth the time. I especially enjoyed the detailed descriptions of plantation life.
loritg99@yahoo.com
Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn by Kris Radish.
This was simply an amazing book. I went into it thinking that it was going to be a mindless Chick Lit novel but it turned out to be so different, and so much better then I thought it would be. It is the story of a woman who finds her husband in bed with another woman, and how she is forced to face her life head on and make changes that have been long overdue. With the help of some extraordinary women she takes a journey into herself that helps her realize who she is, what she wants and where she wants to be. A beautiful novel and a must-read for women!
torreneadmanak@yahoo.com
Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier. 4 stars.
I saw the movie and read the boo. The book was much better as is usually the case. The strength of this book was Frazier's descriptions and details.
The Bark of the Dogwood by Jackson McCrae. 5 stars.
I had seen this book in the New York Times and other review locales and hesitated buying it. Finally I broke down. Now I know what all the fuss is about, and it was worth the hype. Child abuse, family dysfunction, humor, and social commentaries litter this bestseller. When you get to chapter 28 you'll know why the description reads, "Not for the faint hearted."
The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers. 5 stars.
The truest of all southern books, McCullers's classic is just that --- a classic. It holds up as well today as it did decades ago. The characters are dimensional to the point of distraction and the plot is warmhearted and believable. A book to be read over and over.
ereimer@carr.org
Beauty For Ashes by Dorothy Clark.
I just started it but I am enjoying it very much.
BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
Moonlight Becomes You by Mary Higgins Clark. 4 stars.
An old one of Clark's but a good mystery with her usual twists and turns that keep you guessing.
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