| Margarita Haury |
A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny |
Rating: 5 Stars |
All three books in this (I hope continuing) series are just great. If you like literary mysteries with lots of character development, this is the writer for you! The setting is a fictional village outside Quebec.
|
| Readingrat |
Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A wonderful story told with a touch of quirky humor. Young ballet dancers and stage actors will find much that feels familiar here, but the themes of love, family, caring, and sacrifice combine to create a story that will still appeal to those who have never set foot on a stage before.
|
| kerri |
The Voice of Authority by Dianna Booher |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is about communication with others and how it determines your success. It also has everyday practical ideas that were easy. It's a good read if you enjoy self-help books.
|
| Ruth |
Pretending You Care: The Retail Employee Handbook by Norm Feuti |
Rating: 3 Stars |
After working in retail for almost 20 years, I can really relate to this author's observations.
|
| Ruth |
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Almost as good as MY SISTER'S KEEPER. Provided lots of discussion at my book club.
|
| Trish Thomas |
Dead Souls by Nikolai Gogol |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A comedy of manners set in Russia, Gogol wrote the second half twice, and burned it twice, then became sick and died without turning it into the story of redemption that he originally intended. It gives a good picture of the landscape, peasantry, and landowners of Russia in about 1842.
|
| Trish Thomas |
Our Daily Meds by Melody Petersen |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I would call this required reading for anybody in the medical field, if I thought anybody was listening to me. It's quite alarming --- the author is a writer for the New York Times, so very believable as well. She tells how drug companies hide study data that shows their drugs don't work, and how doctors are co-opted into prescribing by being hired as spokespeople and wined and dined by the companies.
|
| Sandra Bray |
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This novel, based upon historical fact, has it all... political intrigue, illicit relationships, societal norms, and much passion. You will love this book even if you are not a history buff, but especially if you are. It provides great insight into a period when you were defined by your pedigree.
|
| Readingrat |
The Hawkline Monster by Richard Brautigan |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Bizarre, surreal, and throughly memorable. This is my first novel by Brautigan but will not be my last.
|
| Alice (ahenry262@yahoo.com) |
P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Holly has a perfect marriage to her soul mate, when he succumbs to cancer. After his death she must make the painful journey to live life again. Not my normal quick read, I absorbed each and every page and detail and enjoyed this story of love and friendship.
|
| Gina |
N is for Noose by Sue Grafton |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I'm working my way through this series and have not been disappointed yet. In fact, these books just keep getting better! Such a strong female character in Kinsey Millhone. Love it...
|
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
Lost Light by Michael Connelly |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A great story with Harry Bosch, and the ending where Harry learns he has a daughter and meets her. Some of the adventures with the FBI and police department venture towards apprehension of these departments.
|
| Frannie |
The Uses of Enchantment by Heidi Julavits |
Rating: 2 Stars |
Well, I finished this book because I wanted to see how it would end. I thought it started out strong, and the idea of the story intrigued me. It is the story of a young girl abducted at the age of 16, who mysteriously reappears without any memory of what occurred. The question opens regarding whether or not Mary was raped or not during this ordeal. Unfortunately, the writing style and characters became boring to me after the first few chapters and did not sustain my interest.
|
| Readingrat |
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This was an interesting perspective on the life of Anne Boleyn and a very entertaining read.
|
| Andrea West |
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Our book club really enjoyed this somewhat gothic novel. Interesting characters, twisting plot and surprise story lines.
|
| Readingrat |
The Frog Princess by E. D. Baker |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A fun twist on the traditional "Princess kissing a frog" fairy tale.
|
| Amy Ballard (amy@amyballard.com) |
Body Surfing by Anita Shreve |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This gripping story of a love triangle is part guilty pleasure, part literary genius. Shreve's characters are as human as you'll find in fiction, any time, any place.
|
| Amy Ballard (amy@amyballard.com) |
On the Edge of the Rift by Elspeth Huxley |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A nonfiction glimpse of Kenya between the World Wars, this beautiful narrative will make you pause to savor the imagery on every page. Huxley writes with humor, humanity, relevance and eloquence about growing up as an English child in Africa.
|
| T. Thomas |
Shady Ladies by Suzann Ledbetter |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A series of short biographies of 19 women who chose to live life the way they wanted when there were few options open to women. A good read.
|
| Judy O. |
A Little Love Story by Roland Merullo |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is the love story of Jake Entwhistle, an artist/carpenter, and Janet Rossi, an aide to the governor. Janet suffers from a debilitating disease, but Jake can't bear to lose her. So, he sets upon a mission to save her life. This is not a maudlin book, but instead, a very inspirational book about the power of a loving relationship.
|
| Thomas |
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I liked THE KITE RUNNER, but loved this book. A thousand splendid words would not be sufficient to describe this remarkable story of Mariam and Laila, growing into womanhood in war-torn Afghanistan.
|
| Genie |
The Camelot Caper by Elizabeth Peters |
Rating: 3 Stars |
THE CAMELOT CAPER is a fun, light, laugh-out-loud read. Written in the 1960s and somewhat dated, it is somewhat prim in the romance department. It's a good read for those who enjoy a little lighthearted fun. The main focus is a to give readers a different aspect of the mythology of King Arthur that many seem to take seriously.
Young American Jessica Tregarth is summoned to England (a death bed request) by her grandfather, whom she has never met. On the way to Grandpa's, Jess must outrun two unsavory characters who follow her across England. Along the way she meets David Randall, a young writer of suspense novels, whose relationship begins with his helping Jess avoid the thugs and quickly develops into a romance.
|
| A Burke |
The Concrete Blond by Michael Connolly |
Rating: 4 Stars |
An old Harry Bosch novel. Very good.
|
| Sharon |
The Sense of Paper by Taylor Holden |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Amazing, beautifully written and wonderful novel that is heartfelt and sensitive.
|
| Sandra |
A Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Jodi does it again! Very interesting book about a man on death row who wants to donate his heart to a member of his victim's family. It is not as easy as it sounds. Lots of surprises.
|
| Karen McKinstry O'Connor |
Matrimony by Joshua Henkin |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This book was pretty good, all in all. The characters were worth investing my time in, and the twists kept me reading.
|
| Dawnymae |
Quicksand by Iris Johansen |
Rating: 4 Stars |
As always, a real page turner with Eve Duncan being manipulated by her need to find her long-lost daughter Bonnie's bones. Very well done!
|
| Paula Hess |
Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Once again, I have found a keeper from Mr. Bohjalian. This is World War II historical fiction at it's best. Finally, the end of the war is coming and this is the story of just a few of the many with a heart-wrenching story to tell. I was grabbed from the first few pages and was never let down from there. A strong story about the dehumanization of war and the resiliency of the human spirit. A must read.
|
| Paula C. |
Run by Ann Patchett |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book takes place within a 24-hour period. Patchett weaves several stories into one with suspense and emotion. The setting takes the reader from the Museum of Comparative Biology on Harvard's Campus to the Boston area. Patchett writes of a family having a sense of duty and responsibility to the community, but also underlying secrets.
|
| Kay Keller |
Family Inheritance by Deborah LeBlanc |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A really good horror story set in Cajun country!! I'm not a horror fan, but this one is really good and I plan to read more books by this Louisiana author!
|
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
The Girls by Lori Lansens |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I definitely have mixed feelings about this book. First of all, I found the idea ingenious. To write about conjoined twins who decide to write about their life is so interesting to me! Ruby and Rose are craniopagus conjoined twins that are born in Canada during a tornado. The mother doesn’t want to keep them so a nurse from the hospital, Nurse Darlen aka Aunt Lovey, adopts them with her husband Stash. The author did an excellent job describing the twins thoughts, feelings and physical characteristics. They almost seem real to me. The setting was unique. I have not read many books that take place in Canada and I enjoyed this. The story line was compelling and kept my attention. The biggest disappointment was the ending. I was expecting more of a climax, a more dramatic ending. The ending was distinctive but I felt unsettled when I finally closed the book. I am really glad I read this and I do recommend, it just didn’t end the way I expected it to.
|
| Donna |
The Stand by Stephen King |
Rating: 4 Stars |
If you like Stephen King and his early books, you will definitely find this interesting. The world has suffered a horrible virus that killed most of the population. The ones who have survived are learning to start over. Not all of them can stop hearing the calling and messages from the Dark Man. They are drawn to the other side of the mountains, but what waits cannot be good. They cannot stop themselves. The others know he is near and fear what is to come...
|
| Donna |
Worst Fears Realized by Stuart Woods |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I am a fan of Stuart Woods novels and this is another one that will keep you on edge 'til the last page.
|
| Sue |
God in the Wilderness by Rabbi Jamie S. Korngold |
Rating: 2 Stars |
I find traditional Judaism just fine, I don't reach spirituality in the wilderness (although I'm an outdoor lover with a great appreciation of the ocean) so I'm finding the book a little bit condescending.
|
| Sue |
Swim to Me by Betsy Carter |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I could almost give this 5 stars, but I'm not sure the book is that great. However, I loved Weeki Wachee as a child, and I love it still as an adult.
|
| Genie |
Dime Store Magic by Kelley Armstrong |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Paige Winterbourne inherited her mother's role as Leader of the American Coven of Witches. Although Paige is not anywhere near as experienced in witchcraft and lore as her deceased mother, she has a vision for the future. Known for her rebellious attitude, the elder coven witches believe Paige will never fit the profile as coven leader. Paige has a goal: to better her people and bring them into the 21st century, instead of hiding from the outside world. Paranoid Coven Elders insist this is the wrong path. On her own, Paige decides to find the hidden grimoires (filled with the ancient, stronger spells) and help all witches to regain their rightful power in the supernatural world. Seems the current-day witches are exclusively practicing "white magic," and have lost a great deal of power and status to Sorcerer Cabals (a kind of supernatural male dominated sorcerer Mafias) known to practice black magic for profit.
Nine months ago, Paige's mother was murdered along with another witch who had a young daughter. Savannah Levine was left in Paige's care to train and to raise. Savannah has extremely strong powers for one so young and the potential to make magic way beyond what most witches can ever achieve. Paige's main responsibility is to make sure Savannah's power is used appropriately. Just before her coming-of-age ceremony, they discover a powerful sorcerer and heir to the Nash Cabal, Kristof Nashis, is Savannah's father. He suddenly decides that he wants custody of his daughter whom he has, until now, totally ignored. Nash has obviously recognized his daughter's potential for working with the black arts and has decided he wants to direct her talents. Paige will do anything in her power to prevent Kristof from influencing Savannah. Enter Lucas Cortez, a young sorcerer-attorney and heir to the powerful Cortex Cabal. Since witches and sorcerers have always been enemies, it takes a lot of effort for Cortez to convince Paige that he is on her side. What Paige soon discovers is that it will take their combined knowledge and skills to combat the opposition.
|
| Mary |
Obedience by Will Lavender |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is an intriguing thriller. I could not put it down> It's one of the best mystery / suspense books I have read in a long time.
|
| Erin Oberdorfer (oberdorfer.erin@dorsey.com) |
The Book of Other People by Edited by Zadie Smith |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Wonderful collection of characters. Each one different from the others, but all are intriguing. Terrific read.
|
| Cynthia Stubbs (madstoryhorrorstory@yahoo.com) |
Watership Down by Richard Adams |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Not enough action, said my kids, but the descriptions of the English countryside were enchanting to me. Like a Disney movie, these are rabbits that talk, but not to humans. This is a classic, but I'd never heard of it. There is action at the end as Bigwig fights another rabbit and later defends his warren. This book is a heart warmer as much for adults as for kids. The main character is a rabbit with premonitions. Love, love, loved it.
|
| Laura Ann Adams (Laura.Adams@ky.gov) |
The Master Butcher's Singing Club by Louise Erdrich |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Very interesting read. Lots of unique characters that you will think about for weeks after you finish reading it.
|
| Ali |
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult |
Rating: 2 Stars |
I guess a sign of a good book is the emotions evoked by the author. I certainly have strong feelings about this book, but not good ones. The author, in her usual way, writes about controversial subjects, but I can't like most of her characters.
|
| Lori Barnes (photoquest@bellsouth.net) |
Good Man Hunting by Lisa Landolt |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book is awesome. I've had to put it down due to family needs, but I never forgot what was going on. There is a group of women who have a club that helps other women find good-looking, wealthy husbands. The women in this group pay a fee to play the game, and the names of the single woman go into hat and one is picked. They guarantee you will be married by 6 months to the one you've chosen, no matter how wealthy or good looking the man is. They take care of all of the preparations for the set up and meeting, how she looks, dresses, what she knows, etc. When she is married, in return, she has to give back a portion to the club from her husband's income for all the work and money that lead up to the marriage. You got to read this you will totally enjoy this read.
|
| Lori Barnes (photoquest@bellsouth.net) |
To My Senses by Alexandrea Weis |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a love story, but much more a story of love and finding yourself. I loved the characters and really felt like I knew them. If you're pondering your next book purchase, look no further. This is a definite must have read and keep book.
|
| Sharon |
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez |
Rating: 2 Stars |
I know that no one else will agree with me, but (in my opinion) this book does not live up to its hype. It is too long for the actual story --- the character with the most honor dies immediately and the so-called lovers believe that they are in love because of his longstanding obsession and her need for romance.
|
| Shelly |
The Butcher Of Beverly Hills by Jennifer Colt |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A light, mystery series that's new to me. It's similar to Stephanie Plum, but instead is about red-headed twins who are not quite as accident prone.
|
| Carol Grubbs (carol.grubbs@gmail.com) |
And Sometimes Why by Rebecca Johnson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A motorcycle accident sets the stage for this novel. The people associated with the members of the accident all act, react and interact differently, depending on how they see themselves and each other in the present and the past. I could not put the book down. An excellent read.
|
| Cynthia Baxter |
Stealing Athena by Karen Essex |
Rating: 4 Stars |
An epic about greed, intrigue and glory. This is a highly detailed story about the controversial Elgin Marbles. If you like to read historical fiction, this should be on your list!
|
| Cynthia Stubbs (madstoryhorrorstory@yahoo.com) |
Shopaholic and Sister by Spphie Kinsella |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Wow, do you know what it is like when you can't afford something but simply must have it? So do I! This lady had to find out that some things, like sisters, are much more important. My identification with the character was so strong it was like I knew her well by the end of the book. Will warm your heart.
|
| Cynthis Stubbs (madstoryhorrorstory@yahoo.com) |
Someone To Love by Jude Deveraux |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A good read. My favorite part is when a guy tells her no man would choose her. She tells him, "Don't be silly, women choose." I think she has got that right. Exciting ending. Deveraux has the magic that keeps on coming.
|
| Cynthia Stubbs (madstoryhorrorstory@yahoo.com) |
Duma Key by Stephen King |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I found this book slow, and the horror not so horrible as just sad. King is one of my favorites, however, and I read the whole thing. No big scares, though.
|
| Cynthia Stubbs (madstoryhorrorstory@yahoo.com) |
Naked Once More by Elizabeth Peters |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is my favorite by this author. She is a writer who remarks that books with the word naked in the title supposedly sell more copies and then puts the word in her own title, tongue in cheek I'm sure. I loved the character of Jacqueline and have high hopes she will drop the Peabody story and return to her. A great psychological puzzle in this one.
|
| Cynthis Stubbs (madstoryhorrorstory@yahoo.com) |
The Ruins by Scott Smith |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Gee, did this guy miss anything? Every horrible thing that can happen to a group of people seems to happen here. They don't seem to have any redeeming qualities at all. Still, I read the entire book to see what happened. Maybe I am not a true horror fan, but could not identify with any of the characters who die off one by one.
|
| Kathy V. |
Fashion Victim by Chloe Green |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This latest installment in the Dallas O'Connor mystery series it takes up right where the last one left off, and Dallas is right in the middle of the thick of things. It's up to her to get everyone to believe that she saw a body, and of course, she is falling in love. So, now she has to decide if she joins the FBI or not.
|
| Barbara Pollock |
The Host by Stephenie Meyer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Wow! Stephanie Meyer does it again. As with her Twilight series, Stephanie hooks readers and reels them in with her latest. I read all night to finish.
|
| Bonnie |
I Love You, Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Amusing novel of youth, but it's not as funny as it thinks it is.
|
| Renee (tfranzen2124@comcast.net) |
Homecoming by Bernhard Schlink |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A complicated story about a post-World War II German son, seeking to fill in the gaps about an always-missing father.
|
| Bobby T (BobbyGail@aol.com) |
Gardens of Water by Alan Drew |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Set in modern-day Turkey, this sensitive, moving book deals with struggles between teens and parents, between old customs and new, and between religions and ethnic groups. It is one of those books that doesn't take sides --- the author treats each side with respect and lets the story play out. For a first novel, it is a real keeper!
|
| Bobby T (BobbyGail@aol.com) |
The Republic of Suffering by Drew Gilpin Faust |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is like no other history book I've read before. Drew Gilpin Faust is a noted author, historian, and current President of Harvard; she writes a book so interesting that I picked it up and all but read it straight through. She approaches her subject as a social history, dealing with what society faced when, for the first time, they were involved in a war with suffering and deaths of such magnitude -- and how our government took note of their needs. She shows how procedures have been put in place to correct things, like not being able to identify dead on the battlefield, not having cemeteries to place them in, and especially ways to get the news of soldiers' deaths back to their families. Don't let the title of the book fool you --- it is not a book of blood and gore, but of identifying human problems and finding positive solutions.
|
| Bobby T (BobbyGail@aol.com) |
Home by Julie Andrews |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Every page of this book is interesting and engaging. She writes about the ordinary people in her life with as much care and class as she does with more famous. We here in America didn't know about her singing when she was a child, and we certainly didn't know about how she and her family were affected during the second world war. I'll certainly be waiting for her next installment!
|
| Heather Johnson (sharingmystory@yahoo.com) |
The Avengers by Rich Cohen |
Rating: 4 Stars |
So far, this is a fascinating look. It tells the story of 3 real-life heroes --- young Jews living in Poland during World War II, who fought back against the Germans in every way they could.
|
| Terri (terri.loeffler@sbcglobal.net) |
The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A different kind of book about "girlfriends." The characters are a lot more normal than they usually are in this genre. Covering a fairly short time span over the late 60s and early 70s, they relate their lives through their meeting, their writing, their reading, and the changes going on in the world at that time.
|
| Laurie |
The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs |
Rating: 4 Stars |
As an avid knitter who was taught the craft by some friends a few years ago, THE FRIDAY NIGHT KNITTING CLUB touched a note close to home. It made me want to start a new project and form a knitting club. Kate Jacobs illustrated how knitting is not a solitary project, but a skill that is entwined in relationships with those you care about. Bravo.
|
| Metalfiend11 in Rocksprings, TX (Metalfiend11@yahoo.com) |
Pomegranate Soup by Marsha Mehran |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This was recommended by the Celestial Seasonings book club. A story of three sisters who flee Tehran and open a cafe in Ireland. It includes several Persian recipes that are mentioned it the book. For me, this was a good, but not a great book. I will consider reading the sequel that is scheduled to be released in May 2008.
|
| Kathleen |
The Secret Portrait by Lillian Stewart Carl |
Rating: 4 Stars |
An intriguing and fun-to-read mystery. It also has some interesting historical facts about Scotland in it, too.
|
| Debi |
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I'm sorry I waited so long to read this! It is master storytelling! A young, autistic boy comes of age when he discovers that everything is not black and white. The point of view is what makes this unique. I even learned a few things! Great!
|
| Debbie |
Wolf at the Table by Augusten Burroughs |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This memoir was pretty good, though not quite up there with my favorite (so far), DRY. Some parts at the end were repetitive if you have read Burroughs's earlier books. Nevertheless, it was a very interesting read.
|
| Bonnie |
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Very good mystery with a touch of BRAVE NEW WORLD for good measure.
|
| Jeneen (Raistlanne@aol.com) |
The Art of Racing In The Rain by Garth Stein |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I kept hearing such rave reviews of this book from Bookreporter, so I bought it the day it came out. It was wonderful. Enzo is now one of my favorite literary characters. Anyone (which is everyone who read it) who enjoyed MARLEY & ME will love this.
|
| M. Blitz |
Odd Hours by Dean Koontz |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The story of Odd continues in one of the best series I have ever read.
|
| Debbie |
Thursday Next: First Among Sequels by Jasper Fforde |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This series is absolutely wonderful and I am eagerly awaiting the next book, next summer. If you like clever writing, terrific characters, and involved plots, this is the author for you!
|
| Joan |
Rough Justice by Lisa Scottoline |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Criminal lawyer Marta Richter is about to win an acquittal for her client on trial for murder. She soon learns the chilling truth about his innocence and she takes justice into her own hands. Full of suspense and intrigue.
|
| Bonnie |
Go with Me by Castle Freeman Jr. |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Short, spare book, with lots of dialogue. I'm not sure I "got it", because it got rave reviews and I'm not sure why.
|
| Laura (artzee1@pacbell.net) |
The Senator's Wife by Sue Miller |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Does one forgive infidelity for the sake of family? Can one close her eyes and still have self-esteem and a fulfilling life? And can tragedy change a person's moral barometer?
There are so many questions and Sue Miller seems to answer all of them while asking the reader to search within themselves....
I read this book in one sitting because I couldn't put it down and contemplated my own life and judgments and beliefs along the way. It's a treasure.
|
| Tina |
Attack of the Theater People by Marc Acito |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book was so much fun!! It's a follow up to his first book, HOW I PAID FOR COLLEGE. It's a book you don't want to put down!!
|
| AnneM |
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I just came across this while browsing at the library. I really like English history of this period, so I thought I would give it a try. What a great book! It really brings the characters to life! You can almost see the sights, colours and people who populate this book. You can look into their minds to see what it was like and what it meant to be a courtier. I would recommend this book highly to anyone who asked about it!
|
| Fran |
We Are All Fine Here by Mary Guterson |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A surprise pregnancy, a failing 15-year marriage, infidelity and a paternity question. Overall, it was a cute story and quick read.
|
| Cheryl Zeiszler |
Those Who Save Us by Jenna Baum |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Disturbing and enchanting, this book shows the pass of time (and goes back and forth between World War II in Germany and present-day Minnesota. We have many epics of this period, but this is told from the perspective of a young German woman of privilege and the life she led before and after the war. Her daughter is a history professor and takes on the project of Germans In WWII. It is such a contradiction as a reader; you want to read, and yet, what is described is incredulous.
|
| Cheryl |
Peony In Love by Lisa See |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I did not enjoy the way the book was written --- following Peony through her life and then through her afterlife. I also got nightmares from some of the images in the book.
|
| Julie |
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Although this book is almost a thousand pages, I found myself at the end before I knew it. I can't wait to read WORLD WITHOUT END.
|
| L. Hann |
The Husband by Dean Koontz |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Excellent. This book had me gripped from the first page. I would have never expected all the twists and turns.
|
| Karen Terry (mi3sons@mchsi.com) |
Dead Time by Stephen White |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Stephen White has done it again. DEAD TIME is a great novel and main character Dr. Alan Gregory finds out some truths about his ex-wife and current wife that will shake his marriage to the core. It is a great read.
|
| D. Lohrding |
The Woods by Harlan Coben |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the first book I've read by this author. I was introduced to him by the many positive reviews of his latest book. This book is great --- fast moving with multiple levels of "mystery". I can't wait to get my hands on his new novel!
|
| Phyllis |
Urban Shaman by C. E. Murphy |
Rating: 4 Stars |
On returning from Ireland, Joanne Walker discovers she is a shaman; she's not happy at all. Then, she finds that she has 3 days to save the world from The Hunt. She's really not happy! A fast-paced action book.
|
| Gale in Houston |
The Dark Tide by Andrew Gross |
Rating: 4 Stars |
THE DARK TIDE opens with a bang --- literally, a major explosion --- and doesn’t let up. Before breaking off on his own, Gross co-wrote several novels with best-selling author James Patterson (LIFEGUARD, JUDGE & JURY, THE JESTER). His solo books are better. Like 2007’s THE BLUE ZONE, this one convincingly combines suspense and action with great characters. It’s a winner.
|
| Jana Harver (jlharver@yahoo.com) |
Sky Burial by Xinran Xue |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Based on a true story of a Chinese Doctor, the novel begins in 1958 when Shu Wen joins the military in search for her husband who has been declared dead in Tibet. She spends the next 20 years looking for him. It is a story of true love and is well worth the read. I will not soon forget it.
|
| Mary Sue Russell |
Angel by Carla Neggers |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Her books are always excellent reads. This one was hard to lay down --- so I read it in 2 sessions. It's full of complex relationships, exciting mystery, and romance. All in all, a very good book.
|
| Susan Dawson |
What Now? by Anne Patchett |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I bought a second copy of WHAT NOW? as I had been so impressed by this short book (96 pages) when I first read it. In an expansion of her commencement address to the members of the Sarah Lawrence College graduating class just twenty years after she had been a student there, every graduating senior should be given a copy if he hasn't been wise enough to purchase his own.
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| Lois M. |
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The way the author traces the history and ownership of the haggadah over the years is fascinating. However, I found the way she throws foreign phrases and words around with no definition to be annoying. Certain words cannot be found in foreign dictionaries. I almost feel as if she is trying to show the reader up with her inside knowledge. A little more explanation and clarity would have made this a 5-star book.
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| Jessie |
The Shack by William P. Young |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I must say, there's something quite odd about this book; I keep thinking I should read something else, but there's something very compelling forcing me to keep reading. I'm not done yet, but at this point, three stars is all I can muster.
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| Suzanne |
Fidelity by Thomas Perry |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A good read that kept me flipping through the pages as fast as I could. With real people as characters, I enjoyed it.
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| Suzanne |
Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I was so immersed in this book that when I came up for air, I had to look around to see where I was. Very impressive. I had brothers in World War II, but was very young at the time. This was gut wrenching, but a story that had to be told.
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| Rita Carter (gandmari@aol.com) |
The Killing Ground by Jack Higgins |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I'm in love with Sean Dillon so I read all of those books by Jack Higgins. This is another books about the Rashids and their mission to wipe out Dillon, and gang. A good read, but I felt that the ending was a bit weak.
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| Ricki Marking-Camuto (rickimc@aol.com) |
Damage Control by J. A. Jance |
Rating: 2 Stars |
This would have been a better suspense novel if plot from the prologue made it into the main story sometime before the last 10th of the novel.
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| Ricki (rickimc@aol.com) |
Mason by Thomas Pendleton |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A good, unique teen horror novel with a ton of art technique references.
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| Sally Lincoln |
THE POSTCARD and CROSSROADS by Beverley Lewis |
Rating: 4 Stars |
These are actually two books in one binding. They can stand alone, but it was great to read the next installment right after the first, as you always want to know what happens next.
A well-written tale set in Amish country that tells of the simple, yet very structured life expected of these young women. A lot of religious beliefs I was unaware of.
I would certainly read more from Beverley Lewis.
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| Carmelita Peters (whpeters@citlink.net) |
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is not a new book, but better by far than THE WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP, in my estimation. Of course, I am very partial to anything by Irving. This book is spiritual, spellbinding, and worth re-reading. The life of a young boy, with deficits, is examined in detail. How he changes the world through a sense of purpose and unflagging effort has redeeming value. I have read this book often and get new insights each time.
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| Loretta Sanford (lorettasanford@hotmail.com) |
The Girl With No Shadow by Joanne Harris |
Rating: 5 Stars |
What an experience to read a book you love! It is a follow up to CHOCOLAT, another outstanding read. Every page is a small literary jewel. You want to read it quickly to find out the outcome, but yet you want to reread every page. The characters, chocolates, life in a Paris neighborhood, secrets, romance, and some witchcraft all make up a fabulous story.
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| Teri Meairs |
Guilty by Karen Robards |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I am just getting into it, but I have not been able to put it down. It's the perfect summer read!
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| Sue Pecaut Stark (sstark7060@aol.com) |
The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross |
Rating: 5 Stars |
THE BLUE ZONE is absolutely gripping and thrilling! Put your life on hold until you finish it! I practically tore through this thriller, and have been passing it around to my friends; so far, everyone has given it five stars! The perfect family, with the perfect life, and a father they are all "proud as punch" of, comes home one day to face impossible questions, and the departure from the life they know best. There are twists and turns in this story, right up to the end of the book. Wow! This book is a rare pleasure. An amazing read!
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| Janice Hoaglin (jhoaglin@sbcglobal.net) |
Murder Gets A Life by Anne George |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I love this Southern Sisters mystery series; this is the fifth one I have read. The relationship between the sisters, as well as all their extended family, is fun and heartwarming, especially in this age when families often live so far apart and have little time for each other. Some might call them "enmeshed", but I think they are great!!!
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| Janeene |
The English American by Alison Larkin |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Entertaining story of a woman, who was adopted as an infant, and her journey to find her real self. Yet, once she meets her birth parents, they may not be the people she expects. Larkin writes with humor and truthful feelings about the subject. As an adoption professional, I enjoyed the book.
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| Jon Weiman (jdweiman@optonline.net) |
Eat the Document by Dana Spiotta |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Very well-written novel. Great descriptions of people, emotion, communication, and psyche. The only thing that I didn't like was the structure of having every chapter be about a different person. I found it somewhat annoying. Overall great read, though.
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| Jon W. |
Losing It by Valerie Bertinelli |
Rating: 2 Stars |
Although it was interesting to read about her life, I found that as with most celebrity autobiographies, Valerie Bertinelli seems utterly self-obsessed and vapid. She has seemingly had a charmed life in many ways and is and has always been consumed by a set of neuroses that could have been addressed but wasn't.
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| Judy O. |
Charley's Web by Joy Fielding |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Charley Webb writes a column for a Florida newspaper, and one day she receives an e-mail that threatens her and her two small children. Days later, she gets a letter from Jill Rohmer, a convicted child murderer, asking Charley to do a true crime book about the killer's life. Are the two letters connected? Soon, Jim finds herself in a true-life nightmare.
Fielding writes these psychological thrillers, with all their twists and turns, better than most other authors.
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| Lucy |
Hold Tight by Harlan Coben |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Coben is great at creating a maze of false clues and twisty plots. The story was mesmerizing, but I thought he created a few too many characters for clarity's sake.
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| Lucy |
The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Lauren and her sister Thalia were so well developed, I was wishing for more and more about them. This author is new to me, but I will look for more by her.
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| Lucy |
The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz |
Rating: 2 Stars |
I was looking forward to the story of a golden retriever rescuer and her adventures. Instead, I got very little about them, and instead a lot of creepy New Age horror.
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| Diana Sullivan |
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I saw this on Bookreporter and gave it a try. It's a great, great story by Stephen King's son that is fast paced and trilling. I could not put it down.
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| GladysMP |
The Hot Flash Club Chills Out by Nancy Thayer |
Rating: 3 Stars |
The author has the most remarkable talent for making her characters seem like real, everyday individuals. The descriptions of Nantucket make me eager to visit the Island. I'd give the book more stars except that, with five heroines, I at first found it hard to keep their actions straight. That became easier as I read farther. The author is an extremely talented writer.
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| Eileen Quinn Knight (eqkmath@gmail.com) |
Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book has great dialogue! The author has humorous repartee with the characters. It is witty and filled with tenderness about the human condition. The author has great observations about what goes on in modern life.
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| Barbara Dormer (bdorm@aol.com) |
I Am Madame X by Gioia Nilberto |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A good historical fiction novel. There are cover plates of other art work of the heroine.
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| Anita Yancey |
The Witness by Dee Henderson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a romantic story, with a touch of suspense. The story starts with Amanda running for her life after witnessing a crime. She stays on the run for most of the book, but is finally able to come home with the help of Police Chief Luke Granger, whom she falls in love with. Luke and his men do everything to keep Amanda and her sisters alive, but events happen that they could not have foreseen. A good book that I would definitely recommend.
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| Jeff |
The Fortune Cookie Chronicles by Jennifer 8. Lee |
Rating: 4 Stars |
After dozens won the lottery in 2005 by using numbers on a fortune cookie, Lee travels to understand Chinese restaurants --- their food (both Americanized and typical Chinese); the immigrants to this country. A quick and fun read.
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| Jeff |
Mulberry Park by Judy Duarte |
Rating: 5 Stars |
MULBERRY PARK is about a mother whose son dies. She gets divorced, but reaches out to a young girl who lost her parents and is writing letters to God in a park. This story shows how this reaching out changed her life.
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| Carol H. |
Practically Perfect by Katie Fforde |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Anna is so interested in her old love, while a new, truer love is right in front of her. All this and remodeling a house!
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| sogamonk |
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A horror story about a haunting in today's computer age.
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| Karen Barash |
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyle |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a gem of a book. It is a powerful story that most people will read in one sitting.
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| Melbe |
Sun Going Down by Jack Todd |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Fast-paced multi generational story of the old west. I could not put it down.
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| J. Kaye Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
Book in a Month by Victoria Lynn Schmidt Ph.D. |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The book, subtitled The Fool-proof System for Writing A Novel in 30 Days, combines psychology with the mechanics of how to organize a novel from start to finish. This is by far the best on the market I've seen.
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| Alice MacDonald |
A Gathering of Finches by Jane Kirkpatrick |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This historical fiction novel made for a lively book group discussion. The two main characters will drive you crazy (and prove that money can't buy happiness), but learning about Oregon in the early 1900s is fascinating. It also makes you want to visit Shore Acres State Park to view the beautiful gardens that were planted by the original Simpson family.
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| Lynn (Hon2724@aol.com) |
Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Just found this author when someone left the book on by door. It's such a great read. Very entertaining, nicely plotted and good character development. Afterwards, I just had to order the other two books. She has only written three.
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| Pamela Priebe |
Cry Wolf by Tami Hoag |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This was released in 1996 and is an oldie but goodie. I thought it had a good beginning and end, but the middle was slow. Read the Cajun glossary in the back, It helps.
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| J. Kaye Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer |
Rating: 4 Stars |
If you aren't a YA reader, don't be quick to turn your back on this one. Every now and then, an author comes along who can entertain the old as well as the young. Pfeffer accomplished just that with LIFE AS WE KNEW IT.
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| Judith George (judeinsr@aol.com) |
The Watering of Stones by Whalen Colter Elmore |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A beautiful historical novel set in the Panama Canal and Jackson, WY, about the loves and lives of 4 generations of Stones. It is both harsh and haunting in it's beauty and so well written it reads like poetry.
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| Alice (ahenry262@yahoo.com) |
The Seasons of Beento Blackbird by Akosua Busia |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Great fictional tale of one man's quest to find his own wholeness by loving different women during the changing seasons of his life. I enjoyed this so much!
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| Ann Mellish |
The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai |
Rating: 2 Stars |
Very hard book to get into --- the writing feels rather disjointed to me, but this book has gotten excellent reviews from critics, so I continue to plow through it.
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| Ann Mellish |
The Good Earth by Pearl Buck |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Very enjoyable read.
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| Ann Mellish |
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I love O'Brien's writing style. This was a very moving and touching book.
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| Readingrat |
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This humorous YA magical adventure story has a fun combination of Greek Mythology and Pop Culture.
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| Kay Keller |
Bulls Island by Dorothea Benton Frank |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I enjoy all of the "Low Country" novels by this author, but this one is definitely a new favorite. The characters were strong, interesting, and believable; the story jumped back and forth between characters and it worked! Even though I guessed how the novel would end, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
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| Alice (ahenry262@yahoo.com) |
No Second Chance by Harlan Coben |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Another great ride by Harlan Coben, this story begins with a man who wakes up in a hospital to discover his wife has been murdered and their daughter kidnapped. He has only one chance to respond to the forthcoming ransom note and save his daughter. This book keeps you guessing until the very end!
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| Alice (ahenry262@yahoo.com) |
After Tupac and D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Wonderful coming-of-age story about 3 girls who experience friendship and family issues during the backdrop of Tupac Shakur and his upcoming demise. Great story!
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| Alice (ahenry262@yahoo.com) |
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Mesmerizing story of a family who struggles with the ethical issues of trying to keep one daughter alive at the cost of another. This book was even better the 2nd time I read it. Run and get a copy!
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| D. Lohrding |
Holloywood Crows by Joseph Wambaugh |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Wambaugh's book continues to surprise me --- lots of sick/dark (funny!) humor and sly mentions to previous characters and events...very good! It's as good, if not better than HOLLYWOOD STATION. His characters are so likable!
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| Dave Dornbush |
An Image of Death by Libby Fischer Hellman |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This was a gripping mystery right to the end. I had not read any of Ms. Hellman's previous books and was quite delighted. I want to go back and read her previous books now. The character of Ellie Foreman is reminiscent to me of Stephanie Plum, only Foreman is divorced with a teenage daughter. I like characters in mysteries with unusual occupations other than the standard P.I., Detective, or Spy. Hellman's character, much like herself in real life, makes video documentaries. In this particular book, Ellie Foreman receives a mysterious video left at her door. The video looks to be a surveillance tape, but after viewing it she realizes that what she has witnessed is obviously a murder of |
