| Readingrat |
The Dark Half by Stephen King |
Rating: 3 Stars |
The premise is a little too far out there to support believability, as are some of the ways King moves the plot along. But, he has created a great villain here, who provides more than a few chilling moments for the reader.
|
| Judy |
The Black Tower by Louis Bayard |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A man is found brutally murdered in Paris in 1818. The only clue is a name found in his pocket, Hector Carpentier (a med student). The feared inspector Vidocq investigates and soon draws Hector into the case, which leads them into an unsuspected arena. The Dauphin, Louis Charles, son of Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI, was said to have died at 10 years old in the dreaded Temple, but there has been speculation he was smuggled out. Is the heir apparent to the French throne, indeed, alive? And what was the murdered man's relationship to all of this?
A fast-paced, historical novel.
|
| Janet |
Sixtyfive Roses by Heather Summerhayes Cariou |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Page by page, month after month, my friend Heather read from her manuscript, Sixtyfive Roses to our writer's group. We had come to look forward to the wonder and emotion of her words and to the emerging character of Pam, her sister and the heart of the book.
I am thrilled that Heather's brilliant and moving memoir of her family and how they coped with the devastating news of Pam's life-threatening illness (and her death at the age of 26 ) is out in the world. Filled with a fierce life force, Heather has fashioned a book that opens our eyes to family drama (we all know what that's about) and opens our heart to the possibility of joy and redemption after guilt and grief. No one is spared; SIXTYFIVE ROSES is seeringly honest. Like exposing a wound to the sun, the story is ultimately healing.
|
| Sandy |
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski |
Rating: 5 Stars |
When I saw the size of this book I thought, "oh no, it will take me all summer to read," but it only took one week. I loved every page!
This book will make a great Christmas present for lots of my friends!
|
| Deb Bull |
The Faith Club by Ranya Idliby, Suzanne Oliver, Priscilla Warner |
Rating: 4 Stars |
It had great information about the three major religions, but there was too much angst to give it 5 stars.
|
| Deb Bull |
Stealing Buddha's Dinner by Bich Minh Nguyen |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A small girl feels disconnected from her environment. She is a refugee raised in a family that contains its own mix & match cultural confusion. She then becomes a young woman who is drawn to reconnect to her past after she learns about the lies, evasions and secrets that were designed to "protect her."
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| Barbara |
Virgin of the Plains by Nancy Pickard |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Great story --- a different type of mystery.
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| Alice (ahenry262@yahoo.com) |
Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I could not put this book down. It's the story of a woman who discovers the truth about who she is.
|
| Vicki |
Last Night At The Lobster by Stewart O'Nan |
Rating: 4 Stars |
With O'Nan, I believe you either love it, or you hate it. Personally, I love his writing style. This one follows the manager of a Red Lobster and his staff on the last day the restaurant is open. Real-life stuff.
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| Linda Bergman |
Sixthfive Roses: A Sister's Memoir by Heather Summerhayes Cariou |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book touched the deepest recesses of my heart and explored the fragility of sisterhood, of families. and of life itself.
|
| Alice (ahenry262@yahoo.com) |
Keeping Faith by Jodi Picoult |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I could not put down this book! If you love Jodi Picoult, you will love this story about a girl who is talking to God amid her parents' nasty divorce and custody battle.
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| Alice (ahenry262@yahoo.com) |
Odd Mom Out by Jane Porter |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Another great read by Jane Porter about a single mom.
|
| Alice (ahenry262@yahoo.com) |
Native Tongue by Carl Hiassen |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Good change-of-pace mystery that will have you turning pages and will make you think about our environment!
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| Alice (ahenry262@yahoo.com) |
The Perfect Husband by Lisa Gardner |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Suspense at its best! If you love mysteries, go get this book.
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| Alice (ahenry262@yahoo.com) |
Flirting with Forty by Jane Porter |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Wonderful story about a mom who re-discovers herself and love.
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| Brenda Mudry (bgmudry@hotmail.com) |
SixtyFive Roses: A Sister's Memoir by Heather Summerhayes Cariou |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A wonderful story of a families dealing with the devastation of Cystic Fibrosis.
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| Alan Sweatman |
Sixtyfive Roses by Heather Summerhayes Cariou |
Rating: 5 Stars |
If you have ever lost a sibling or know someone who is going through that most awful of times, this is a must read.
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| Glynis Davies |
Sixtyfive Roses by Heather Summerhayes Cariou |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book warms your heart, makes you laugh and cry, and think real hard about how much you love your sister.
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| Kerrie Keane |
Sixtyfive Roses by Heather Summerhayes Cariou |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A beautifully written, heartfelt story about a family pioneering new territories both in emotional and practical ways. This memoir reads like the best of novels, and is a promise to a sister well kept.
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| Paula J. Blake |
Picture Perfect by Jodi Picoult |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Fiction with some outside knowledge of cultures you might not read about but could (can) hold truths.
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| Rhonda Hayter |
Sixtyfive Roses by Heather Summerhayes Cariou |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A lovely memoir that reads like an affecting novel. Deeply moving.
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| Marlene Moore Gordon (serenitygarden1@aol.com) |
Sixtyfive Roses by Heather Summerhayes Cariou |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A magnificently written memoir about a family's triumph over adversity. This is an amazing book that I highly recommend.
|
| Christine Graf |
Sixtyfive Roses by Heather Summerhayes Cariou |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A beautifully written book in poetic writing style about a sibling with cystic fibrosis and how the family deals with it.
|
| Lorna |
Somethng Borrowed by Emily Giffin |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The story starts out as Rachel is celebrating her 30th birthday with her friends. She hooks up with her best friend's fiance and the plot begins. At first, I thought I was too old (not quite 50) to be reading this book but as the story unwinds, I became more interested as to what the outcome would be. It's about friendships and love and about being hurt. I wasn't thrilled with the ending, but I understand there is a sequel that I will eventually read.
|
| Kay Keller |
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
OK, now I'm hooked on the Twilight series and book #3, ECLIPSE, is just as exciting as TWILIGHT and NEW MOON! In this book, the vampires (the Cullen family) and werewolves (Jacob Black's pack) work together to protect Bella. Of course, Edward and now Jacob are both in love with Bella. I have book #4, BREAKING DAWN, in hand.
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| Merrilee (map5402@aol.com) |
Exposed by Alex Kava |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I always enjoy any visit with Maggie O'Dell and this was no exception. Fast paced and very interesting subject --- Ebola virus!!!
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| Joyce Jacobson (JJacobson8@aol.com) |
Sixtyfive Roses by Heather Summerhayes Cariou |
Rating: 5 Stars |
An inspiring story written like pure poetry. A memoir to remember for a very long time. I loved it.
|
| Alan Sweatman |
Collapse by Jared Diamond |
Rating: 5 Stars |
If you would like to find out where the U.S. Empire is going and why it collapsing, this is the book to read. It traces the collapse of several empires and walks us through the checklist of reasons why they failed.
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| Bonnie Sweeney |
Sixtyfive Roses by Heather Summerhayes Cariou |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The author creates a vivid picture of truth from a sibling's point of view, dealing with an illness within a family many of us can relate to. Raw truth is not easily digested but in this case, I simply could not put the book down!
|
| Norma |
Sixtyfive Roses by Heather Summerhayes Cariou |
Rating: 5 Stars |
"Sixtyfive roses" was how a young girl pronounced her newly diagnosed disease of cystic fibrosis. This book is a literary memoir of growing up in a family with 2 siblings with this terminal disease that, at that time, was fatal for children. It's also the extraordinary, inspiring story of how her tenacious parents came to found the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, despite the jaw-dropping amount of work and heart-breaking difficulty they went through to keep their daughter alive: true heroes, in every definition of the word.
Pam, the sister who died in 1980, was the wise-beyond-her-years glue who kept them going, while her older sister Heather was struggling with her own feelings of survivor guilt, rage and abandonment. (The forward is by Celine Dion, and it's been optioned for film by Eva Longoria's production company --- both had young relatives with the disease.) This book is an exquisitely written story of family, growing up, and the power of love.
Loved this book! Highly recommend it!
|
| Farnham Maxwell |
Sixtyfive Roses by Heather Summerhayes Cariou |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Just a great read.
|
| Drew Yowell |
Sixtyfive Roses by Heather Summerhayes Cariou |
Rating: 5 Stars |
One of the most heartfelt and inspiring books I've ever read. I'll never forget it...
|
| Fran |
The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Caretta Rutledge is a single, career-minded 40 year old, who left home on negative terms. In response to a letter from her mother, she returns to make amends. A touching story with likable characters, this was a fun read that kept me occupied during a sick day from work.
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| Carol Hoyer from VA (pageant4u@hotmail.com) |
Look Before You Leap by Sandra L. Ceren |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Dr. Ceren has written a guide for everyone who is contemplating getting married or even delving into a committed relationship. The easy-to-understand language coupled with her forty years of experience is a must read for all couples.
LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP provides readers with important questions to ask prior to getting into a relationship and stresses that one should know themselves well before making a commitment. Many times, couples go into relationships and have no idea what they want, what their roles should be, nor do they have good communication skills. Often times, as Dr.Ceren states, couples rush into marriage and end up having problems down the road.
This guide originally was used as a professional text for marriage counselors; however, it is a good guide for all couples to utilize even if they are not in couples therapy. The easy-to-read chapters, quizzes and recommendations should be on every therapists and couples bookshelves. Dr. Ceren’s ability to come across as interested, compassionate if found throughout the book. Many other books like this make one sometimes feel guilty and at fault for choosing the wrong person.
The first chapter talks about what makes a good relationship or marriage. One important fact is that we cannot change our partner, we can only work on ourselves. In addition, she recommends that when one takes the quizzes, they share their responses with their partner. This opens up the lines of communication.
Chapter 8 was a very interesting and important chapter to read. The chapter deals with Personality Disorders, which is something this reviewer feels many couples do not address. Dr. Ceren discusses the anti-social personality disorder; the hypersensitive personality as well as the borderline and paranoid personality. She provides easy to read and understand case studies of couples. As a psychologist, I thought the examples were excellent and made me think of my own daughter, who got into a relationship with a borderline personality. These relationships are doomed from the start and unless one knows what to look for, one partner can become a victim in the relationship.
The appendix provides a wealth of resources, including financial help and different types of therapy. I am a firm believer in using movies in therapy. One it allows an individual to watch in the comfort of their homes and make comparisons to their own relationships. Sometimes it is easier for couples to discuss issues presented in the movies while not directly focusing on themselves. In addition, Dr. Ceren gives recommendations on how to watch the movies; provides questions to ask such as “which character did you relate to? Were there some attributes that you would like to develop?”
LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP is an excellent book that one can read over and over and make new notes each time.
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| Carol Hoyer from VA (pageant4u@hotmail.com) |
The Man In The Woods by Theresa J. Gonsalves |
Rating: 5 Stars |
As a psychologist for over twenty-five years, I thought I had seen and heard it all. However, Ms Gonsalves's story gave me chills and angered me --- what is society doing to help poor souls like her brothers? Her account and vivid details of the deviant behavior of her brothers will send chills up your spine.
THE MAN IN THE WOODS is about one of Theresa’s brothers, Stephen, who was a child molester and deviant in society. He took pleasure in intimidating and threatening others around him even when he was a young child. Everyone feared him, including his own mother. Ms. Gonsalves herself was a tormented victim at the hands of her brother.
Stephan was jealous of anyone who took the attention away from him, even pets. He once took a dog and tied it to the railroad tracks and watched a train run it over. He felt no remorse.
Throughout the years, Stephan’s behavior got more deviant ---- he was sexually molested by a teacher, and then he turned to young boys. The interesting thing is that parents liked him and the way he would mentor their children. Little did they know what the outcome was going to be. Young boys loved him and saw him as their father.
Readers will be shocked, sick to their stomachs as they read this true account. They will wonder how this kept going on for years and nothing was done. Was there any mental health treatment? Why would innocent people let a man like Stephan live on their property in a shed with no basic resources? Unfortunately, this happens each and everyday where deviant people can con, manipulate and torment people.
Reading this book should give you strength to take a stand against this type of person and question authorities on why nothing is being done? I applaud Ms. Gonsalves for writing this book --- it takes great strength to write and re-live this. I hope that it was therapeutic for her as well as show everyone that we must be more diligent in our assertion to get these type of people off the street and get the help they need. If Stephen had gotten help early in life, would this book ever be written?
|
| L. Hann |
Alone by Lisa Gardner |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Very suspenseful. Catherine Gagnon was kidnapped when she was a child. She escaped, but years later her kidnapper is after her again. Did Catherine have anything to do with the death of her current husband? And what man is safe in her presence?
|
| Diana Lekus (dlekus@queenslibrary.org) |
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is one of the most richly crafted books I have ever read. It's a mystery, a wonderful character study and the proverbial "page turner." It starts slowly, but once you're hooked, you're hooked.
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| Diana Lekus (dlekus@queenslibrary.org) |
Destination Owl by Chuck Klosterman |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Sometimes this novel was laugh- out-loud funny and other times it was depressing because these people seem to leading lives of quiet desperation.
A book has to have interesting characters, whether you like them or not. That's what kept me intrigued till the end.
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| L. Hann |
The Second Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares |
Rating: 4 Stars |
If you liked the first one, then you'll like this one. Great read.
|
| L. Hann |
Girls in Pants by Ann Brashares |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Another good read.
|
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
Stone Cold by David Baldacci |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The return of the Camel Club members to aide Annabelle, again. Baldacci continues to write page-turners. This involves the CIA, Soviets, and special killers turned politicians. In the end, one of the Camel Club has fallen; and the outcome of Oliver Sone/John Carr is left hanging.
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| Carol Hoyer from VA (pageant4u@hotmail.com) |
The Road Home by Rose Tremain |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Rose Tremain has given us the opportunity to explore the world of immigrants through her captivating writing style and excellent characters. THE ROAD HOME is a book you won’t want to put down --- how can you leave Lev, the main character, all alone?
Lev is a 42-year-old widower, who leaves his Eastern European home to find employment and happiness in his life. His daughter and mother remain in his town, which causes him sadness and depression. He knows if he gets to London he will find good employment and a healthy environment, which will enable him to send money to his left behind family. After riding a bus “forever,” he is in cultural shock to find that immigrants aren’t welcomed and jobs are hard to come by.
Finding that his English isn’t good enough to express himself and jobs are hard to find, he turns to Lydia, his seat partner on the bus, to help him gain employment. Lydia is most helpful and finds him a job in a restaurant. The job requires much strength, patience and a willingness to put up with verbal abuse. But what choice does he have? Sending money home to his mother takes up most of his salary and he has little to live on.
Since becoming a widow, Lev decides it might be nice to have a romance and he gets involved with Sophie, a chef at the restaurant where he works. The romance has its ups and downs as most do. With the description of Lev, Tremain gives us the opportunity to get into his mind --- we can hear every thought and feel every sore muscle. The author gives one a true feel for what it is like to immigrate to a new country fighting language and custom barriers.
Lev’s hopes are to send enough money home to be able to return and open his own restaurant. Throughout his journey Lev is hit by many obstacles, greedy people who use him for their good, and thoughts that he will never get back home. The one bright star in his life is his good friend Rudi, who provides hilarious stories to cheer Lev up and information on what is going on back home.
Tremain has given us all a wonderful, captivating read that tugs at your heart.
|
| Judy O. |
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry |
Rating: 3 Stars |
For me, the sense of place ---Salem, Massachusetts --- was the best part of this book. I've never been there, so I enjoyed reading about it. Otherwise, the story just didn't grab me and was somewhat confusing at the end.
|
| Marsha |
The Faithful Spy by Alex Berenson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a heart-pounding page turner that pits Al Queda against the US powerful CIA. An agent embedded in the terrorist organization must now make a choice between the country of his birth and the new found Islamic faith.
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| Cathey (dbinpgh@aol.com) |
The Art of Racing In The Rain by Garth Stein |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Wow! What a great story! I wouldn't have known about it if I hadn't come to this site! Thanks!
It is a great story through the eyes of a dog.
|
| Venessa |
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I'm not done, but so far, I am really enjoying it.
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| Carol Hoyer from VA (pageant4u@hotmail.com) |
Jewish Renewal: A Journey by Rabbi Sholom Groesberg |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Rabbi Groesberg has written a very informative and uplifting book on the Jewish religion. From the perspective of one who doesn’t really know much about the Jewish faith, the reviewer feels now she has a better understanding.
In Chapter 1, Rabbi Groesberg discusses how the Jewish Renewal movement came about in the 1960s. One of the reasons stated was dissatisfaction with the religious community in not providing needs of its youth. The second concern was the lack of understanding and social injustices done to the Jewish community. Part of the last issue (and I’m sure there are more) is that people felt the power of the country was self-serving and greedy, and did not address the needs of all the people.
As with many individuals, when they are frustrated with the government and spiritual needs, they begin to rebel. What came about was the hippie movement and the New Left movements. The thought was if they did the opposite of what was “the norm” maybe someone would listen to them and make changes. The goal was to increase positive elements in the community.
Chapter 2 discusses individuals who were influential in the Jewish movement. Rabbi Groesberg wrote, “All were European Jews, who were victimized by the Holocaust.” These individuals combined their love for their religion and community and made an impressionable impact.
The remainder of the book addresses: Judaism Code of Law; Re-Invigorating the Worship Service; and Promoting Social Responsibility. This is something that all individuals want --- follow guidelines that are beneficial to all; having their spiritual needs met and making each individual responsible for setting good examples and helping others. Readers should know that there is more important information in the remainder of the book; the reviewer only addressed a few.
Not only did Rabbi Groesberg provide historical data of the Jewish Renewal, he provider readers with informative information about the Jewish community that should dispel myths about this religion.
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| Carol Hoyer from VA (pageant4u@hotmail.com) |
She Doesn't Look Deaf by Corinne Cheatham |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Ms. Cheatham has written a very powerful book on living with a deaf daughter when services aren’t available, the struggles the family went through to help their daughter, and apathy of many of those in the helping field.
A prior military soldier, Ms Cheatham gives birth to her daughter on May 21st. Aaliyah was born premature by c-section and transferred to another hospital for critical care. After much separation anxiety, little Aaliyah was able to go home with her family. At the time, Louisiana was one of many states that required hearing tests for newborns. In her first test, Aaliyah scored extreme hearing loss. As all parents do when told their child has issues, the parents decided to test their daughter at home --- same results.
SHE DOESN'T LOOK DEAF goes into detail about how the parents had to self-educate themselves on resources available for them through the military and specialty doctors. The Army has a program --- the Exceptional Family Member Program --- which assists soldiers with special needs family members, providing services including schools, housing and transfers. Having been the Director of the Exceptional Family Member Program for 15 years, it is not a perfect program. There is so much paperwork and frustration on getting services in a timely manner and soldiers are still deployable worldwide. Although the military paid for tests and hearing aids, the struggle seemed to continue to get their daughter the services she needed, like sign language and cued speech. I believe if it weren’t for the fact that the parents were so assertive in their search, Aaliyah would have not received the specific services she needed.
From a psychologist’s point of view, this book should be on the bookshelves of all practitioners, school personnel and parents of any child who has special needs. Ms. Cheatham stresses throughout the book that parents are the best advocates for their children. It is very important for parents to be knowledgeable about services available that not only include school resources and medical care, but the need to know the law and what has to be offered.
The author provides many many resources to help parents who have the same concerns regarding their child. If the parent(s) don’t act on behalf of their child, who will?
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| New Orleans reader |
Song Yet Sung by James McBride |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Just finished this for my book club. It's an interesting story about slavery and the Underground Railroad in Maryland. Combining a bit of magical realism with the realities of slavery, McBride develops his characters and his plot well. I found it lagged a bit at times, hence the middle rating, but his writing evokes a time and a place with lyrical descriptions and fascinating characters.
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| Paul Armstrong |
In the Land of Invisible Women by Qanta A. Ahmed |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Fascinating account of a UK doctor living in the US who decides to spend two years in Saudi Arabia when her Visa is canceled. It's full of quirky, weird, but insightful observations.
|
| Paul Armstrong |
The Armageddon Conspiracy by John Thompson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a great page turner mystery/thriller set in the world of Wall Street Hedge funds, and money swaps. Great hissable bad guys --- all fundamentalists of various religious denominations. Written with style, intelligence, and insight. The author spent 25 years working on Wall Street.
|
| Julianne Perretta |
Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz |
Rating: 5 Stars |
ODD THOMAS is the start of yet another series.
This one is about a quirky short order cook (named Odd Thomas) who communicates with the dead. "The dead don't talk," Odd says, "I don't know why."
In the first installment of this series, Odd must determine who a serial killer is before he destroys an entire town.
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| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
Damage Control by J. A. Jance |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A torrential rain storm has caused flash floods in the washes of southeastern Arizona. When the waters recede, human remains are found wrapped in black plastic. While investigating this mystery, Sheriff Joanna Brady is informed that two elderly people have been killed when their car mysteriously careens off a mountainside. During the investigation, neither case is not as “cut and dried” as first thought. Another great book by J.A. Jance.
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| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
The Assassin by Andrew Britton |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The second in the series involving CIA operative Ryan Kealy, he once again faces Jason March. Jason’s real name is found to be William Vanderveen, a native of South Africa. Kealy proves that Vanderveen is working with former members of the Hussein regime to advance terrorist activities and to place the blame on Iran.
Vanderveen also plans to smuggle a bomb into the United States that will cause a greater destruction than 9/11. Kealy also finds that a member of the FBI is assisting Vanderveen. Who is the mole and how can Vanderveen be stopped? Another great book that you won’t be able to put down!
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| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
See No Evil by Allison Brennan |
Rating: 5 Stars |
When Deputy District Attorney Julia Chandler tries to determine who killed her niece’s stepfather, she asks for the assistance of private investigator Connor Kincaid. Together they uncovered a plot of vengeance undertaken by several teenagers. But someone is “pulling their strings” --- who is the mysterious leader? The book is very suspenseful and will keep you guessing who the “bad guy” is until the end.
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| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
Sizzle and Burn by Jayne Ann Krentz |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Raine Tallentyre came to the small town of Shelbyville to sell her deceased aunt’s house but she didn’t count on finding a bound woman in a basement storage room. With her psychic abilities, she “knew” the woman was in the room. With the help of another psychic, she begins the search for a serial killer.
|
| Louise Pledge |
The Baby Inheritance by Ann Roth |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A warm-hearted, fun story about a country veterinarian who has her life all in order when she suddenly inherits a tiny baby.
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| MaryinHB (mljacobsinhb@msn.com) |
The Faerie Path #3: The Sorcerer King by Frewin Jones |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A great conclusion to the Faerie Path Trilogy. I am sad that this is the last book in the series. This is a great read for anyone who enjoyed Harry Potter and TWILIGHT-type books.
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| New Orleans reader |
Sorrow without End by Priscilla Royal |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Third in a series about Prioress Eleanor of Tyndale. Royal continues to put her characters in interesting situations and is adept at throwing out clues without giving away the ending to the mystery too quickly.
|
| Readingrat |
City of Night by Dean Koontz |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book moves along the story which was begun in PRODIGAL SON and sets us up for the ultimate battle of good vs. evil. However the actual end of this story is still at least one book away.
|
| Readingrat |
Undead and Unemployed by MaryJanice Davidson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is probably more like 4.5 stars for me. The story started to drag a bit for me when the vamps and the vamp hunters all sit down to a tea party, but fortunately that didn't last for long. Plus, the author needs to dig up some new alliterations pretty quickly, or the recycled prose is going to start getting annoying. It's still a really fun read, though.
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| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
Nothing to Lose by Lee Child |
Rating: 3 Stars |
In Jack Reacher’s westward trip across the United States, he notices towns by the names of Hope and Despair. In walking from Hope to Despair, he is picked up by the police and arrested for vagrancy. After being released from jail and put on the road back to Hope, he meets a policewoman who gives him a ride and some information about Despair. However, this information just whets his curiosity. A stubborn man, Reacher is determined to find out what is going on at the mysterious metal recycling plant in Despair and why the town is so determined to keep outsiders out.
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| RitaB |
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I cannot believe this YA series has such a huge following among teens and adults alike!
I really expected this to be very sappy, but it has held my interest like no other book has in a long time! It took me two days to read it and I couldn't put it down. Well done!
|
| Fran |
Breadfruit by Celestine Vaite |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Celestine Vaite gives us a birds-eye view into a fictional Tahitian family. I adored the main character Matarena and her journey to get married to her longtime lover and children's father, Pito. This is the sequel to FRANGIPANI, which I also enjoyed greatly.
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| MaryinHB (mljacobsinhb@msn.com) |
50 Ways to Hex Your Lover by Linda Wisdom |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Really a 3.5 for me. This would have been a really cute paranormal romance if it had been edited down a little to make the plot quicker. It has everything going for it except it was too descriptive for my tastes.
|
| RitaB |
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I continue to love this series. Again, I couldn't put the book down, although I didn't
like it quite as much as TWILIGHT. It's not as good without Edward, plus now it introduces new monsters --- teenage werewolves. Despite that, it is still a page-turner.
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| MaryinHB (mljacobsinhb@msn.com) |
Notebook for Fantastical Observations by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A very nice companion to The Spiderwick Chronicles. Several short stories about the creatures told by children who have "sighted" mythical beings.
|
| RitaB |
The Memory of Running by Ron McLarty |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I wasn't so sure I'd like this, but it was chosen by one of my book clubs and I lead the discussions. I really liked it a lot. The main character, who is middle aged, heavy and drinks heavily, loses both his parents to an automobile accident and then discovers that his schizophrenic sister has died in LA. In the middle of a major drunk, he hops on his bicycle and off he goes to ride across country to get his sister's body. Along the way, he meets all sorts of people, develops a relationship with a woman and comes to terms with himself and his childhood.
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| Michele |
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This unreliable narrator will keep you guessing throughout the long night that you will want to sit up reading this mystery work of fiction.
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| Julie H. |
Mudbound by Hillary Jordan |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A well-written family saga set just after World War II in a farming community in Mississippi. Laura, Henry's wife, is city-bred and educated. She must adapt to a very rough farm life --- both as a woman and as the wife of a landowner. The racial lines are drawn early on in the book and are a difficult time to read about in our recent history.
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| Kathy V. |
Twin Killing by Marshall Cook |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A story about several families whose children are getting into the world of Meth. One of them dies and they are totally in the dark since she was an A student.
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| Kathy V. |
Dashing Through The Mall by Sherryl Woods |
Rating: 4 Stars |
In this book, there are three stories, which are very heartfelt romances around the Christmas time.
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| MaryinHB (mljacobsinhb@msn.com) |
A Match Made in Hell (Nicki Styx, Book 2) by Terri Garey |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book didn't catch me right from the beginning like the author's first book, but it was still enjoyable. A very light and fun read.
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| MaryinHB (mljacobsinhb@msn.com) |
Sex And The Single Ghost by Tawny Taylor |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I guess I shouldn't have been surprised that this story had a lot of sex in it! It did have a plot, which helped the steamy side of the book a little easier to read.
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| Debi |
Looking for Alaska by John Green |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book was recommended by my students, and, once I got past the bad language, cigarettes, and alcohol, I really liked it! In fact, it led to the best book club discussion we have had so far. Even several adults joined us. Alaska is a student with a secretive past at a boarding school. Her friends adored her, and Pudge loved her. It's a good psychological study of teenagers with a hopeful ending.
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| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
Dancing in the Lowcountry by James Villas |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A story of Charlotte and Charleston, and World War II, homosexuality, old age, Jewish ideals; and the Southern attitude on life. Ella is a feisty old lady, determined that life has not ended as she struggles with secrets.
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| Linda |
Bound by Sally Gunning |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This historical fiction holds your attention through all the travails of a young girl sold as an indentured servant in the early 1700s.
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| Mary |
The Book of Marie by Terry Kay |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book by the author of TO DANCE WITH THE WHITE DOG featured a man going home for the first time in years to a high school reunion. He remembers a very unique girl, the title character, and the book explores their relationship.
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| Sue L |
Too CLose to Home by Linwood Barclay |
Rating: 5 Stars |
An excellent thriller that starts and never stops. It has kept me up to midnight for two nights and the household chores will have to wait...
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| Sue L |
Exposed by Alex Kava |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Another great book from Alex Kava. I read my first book from her about a year ago and then ordered all the others from the library! I have been anxiously awaiting this one and I wasn't disappointed!
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| Mary |
We Need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This was the best book I read this year. On the same topic as Jodi Picoult's NINETEEN MINUTES, it is a much more powerful account of the "reasons" behind school shootings. Told from the standpoint of the murderer's mother, it presents a fascinating tale of a guilt-ridden mother.
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| Margie |
The Tale of Briar Bank by Susan Wittig Albert |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I've loved all of Albert's Cottage Tales so far --- this one a bit less (I'd give it 3.5 stars if I could). A little too much explanation and not enough story. But, I'll keep on reading because they really do transport me to another place and time.
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| Barb |
Desperate Journey by Julie Ellis |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Fast-paced story that keeps your attention going to the very end. A young American woman living in Tehran with her young son finds a way to flee the country back to the US to get away from her tyrannical husband.
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| Kathleen |
A Cupful of Poison by M. C. Beaton |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I like this series very much and always watch for the new ones by M. C. Beaton. She tells a very good story.
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| Reva Wamsley (prwamsley@roadrunner.com) |
Book of the Dead by Patricia Cornwell |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Another story of Kay Scarpetta and the gang. In this book, she has set up shop in Charleston, but Benton is working in Boston. This was not one of Cornwell's better books. I was looking forward to reading it but was disappointed. I think the earlier books were a lot better.
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| Bonnie |
Stealing Buddha's Dinner by Bich Minh Nguyen |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Very good memoir about the author's move from Saigon to Grand Rapids, MI when she was a young girl, and her subsequent attempts to assimilate into American culture. Meanwhile, she's torn between her Vietnamese heritage and language, wanting to "fit in" with her staunch Christian friends, her stepmother's Mexican-Catholic family...
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| kg |
The Babysitter by John Fraser |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is truly a novel of horror and suspense! I found it at a yard sale this summer.
What makes the book so chilling is the author's ability to tell a story so frightening (about the obsession of a babysitter for the small handicapped boy she cares for) even while conveying the babysitter's desperate need for love, and the mother's own love and guilt for the strange child that is hers. This is a real psychological piece of work.
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| Marion Miller (lamamil@aol.com) |
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a most intriguing story of Dracula. The research for it is overwhelming. You are taken all over Europe, tracking Count Dracula. However, you must have patience for the length of the story.
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| Billie Mcham |
Laughing in the Dark by Chonda Pierce |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Interesting information about her bout with depression. Those with depression or family members of depressed persons should consider reading this book.
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| Susan C |
Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Excellent historical fiction --- Alison Weir is at her best with this genre!
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| Susan C. |
Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Excellent memoir of a child growing up in communist China --- as youngest step-daughter of a family who ignored her every need, Adeline writes a powerful memoir of her life.
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| Christy H. |
Deadly Night by Heather Graham |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Just in time for Halloween, DEADLY NIGHT is the first book in the The Flynn Brothers Trilogy, telling oldest brother, Aidan's story. This paranormal thriller is full of mystery, suspense and romance. Ms. Graham is the Queen of keeping you on the edge of your seat and wondering WHO in her cast of characters is the serial killer.
A ghostly tale from the past is intertwined with this modern-day New Orleans post-Katrina story and you will not be able to put this book down until you have read all 389 pages! The next two books, DEADLY HARVEST and DEADLY GIFT, are due out just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas and I'm anxiously waiting to read brothers, Jeremy and Zachary's stories.
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| Sandie Kirkland (skirkland@triad.rr.com) |
Half Of A Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This follows various characters during the short Biafran independance and the war and starvation that ended the country as a separate entity. Great depiction of how quickly lives can change when faced with chaotic events.
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| Sandie Kirkland (skirkland@triad.rr.com) |
The Snake Charmer by Jamie James |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A biography of a famous herpetologist and his professional life up to the point where he lost his life by being bitten by a poisonous snake while on an expedition. It's full of facts about different reptiles and is quite interesting.
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| Connie E. |
Smoke Screen by Sandra Brown |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Some of Sandra Brown's books are pure romance and some are more mystery/adventure. This one is a blend of both. It's a good story --- you're wondering who the true culprit is right to the end. There are many good twists and the romance part is good too.
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| Sandie Kirkland (skirkland@triad.rr.com) |
Music And Silence by Rose Tremain |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I loved this book. It is set in the 1630s in the court of the Danish king, Christian. The characters are so well developed and the plotlines merge successfully. Very highly rated.
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| Elizabeth V |
The Given Day by Dennis Lehane |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is Lehane's latest book. If you've liked his previous work, here's a warning: this isn't at all like them except that the story takes place mostly in Boston.
Lehane's other books (I've read almost all of them) are thrillers, very good thrillers. But, THE GIVEN DAY isn't. It's historical fiction.
The story takes place around the end of World War I and explores what was going on in this country, particularly Boston. at that time with race relations, unions, foreign terrorists, the flu epidemic, etc.
It's great historical fiction, but I know Lehane can do better. This could have been both a thriller and historical fiction. Lehane can do that, and I wish he would have.
Still, this is an excellent look at the US, particularly Boston, at the end of World War I. It's longer than Lehane's other books, and I haven't quite finished yet.
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| Sharon K. Wilk |
Poland by James A. Michener |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Great book. Parts of it are very accurate, but since it is historical fiction, there are certain factual "errors". So if you are a stickler for dates, times, names, etc, this is not for you. The book tells much about the history of Poland, but in a way that it is easy to understand as it is based on a fictional surrounding. I would recommend this book to anyone who is curious about Poland and Eastern Europe. If you are of Polish extraction, this book is a must. It covers the history of Poland through the lives of successive generations of 3 families --- the aristocratic Lubonskis, the Bukowski's (gentry) and the peasant Buk clans. The book spans eras from the Mongol invasions through to the Solidarity movement in the 1980s. The book is a great epic, describing Poland throughout the ages. It helps you to come away with a view of the Polish people, albeit rather simplistically. It's a good book to get an overview of Poland and its history. If you are new to Polish history, this makes an excellent starting point. It will ease you into other Poland-related books, like those by James Conroyd Miller books.
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| Coral Harrison |
The Appeal by John Grisham |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This is an interesting book, as all of John Grisham's are. You hope that life really isn't like this.
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| Coral Harrison |
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Stein is a wonderful writer. This book is from the perspective of a dog. He tells what the family does and how he helps them. The man is a race car driver and you learn a lot about that as well as the rest of the story, about the family life. I highly recommend this book.
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| Kellie |
I'm A Stranger Here Myself by Bill Bryson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is the 2nd book I have read by Bill Bryson. I enjoyed it! I admire someone who can take normal life in America and write about it with such humor. I found myself giggling every few paragraphs. Such talent this writer has. Basically, this book is filled with essays that are organized by chapters. He writes about all kinds of things about America, upon moving to New Hampshire after living in Britain for 20 years. He writes about baseball, shopping, lawyers, over-the-counter medicine, drive-inn movies, computers, waste, airplanes and taxes among countless other things that set America apart from other countries. What I love about Bryson’s writing is that I learn something as I laugh through the pages. His outlook on things is sometimes like reading my mind and putting it on paper. I highly recommend these books and look forward to reading others by this author.
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| Sandie Kirkland (skirkland@triad.rr.com) |
Grotesque by Natsuo Kirino |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Set in Japan, this book follows the lives of several women, two of whom are sisters. One sister is so beautiful that she is considered exceptional, or monstrous by the other. She and a friend of the unattractive sister both become prostitutes and are murdered. This book is interesting in terms of character development, but I can't say I liked any of the characters.
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| DW |
Wicked Games by Jeri Smith-Ready |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Ciara is a former con artist who tries to get a legitimate job at a small radio station. As she is introduced to the unique DJs who wear costumes from the era of Rock and Roll they play, she is told that they are really vampires who were turned in that era. Before she can recover from that shock, she is plunged into a race to save the station and a race to save their lives. The vampires will be lost forever if they lose their home to a big corporation. They also could lose their lives if they don't keep the secret of their true existence. Another group of vamps don't want to be revealed and would kill to keep the secret. This story is a neat idea with the music from different eras. I liked how it tied into the characters, but I would have liked more background on them.
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| Richard Bartels |
Vector by Robin Cook |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I'm not usually interested in "medical thrillers," but this one captured my attention. A disillusioned, angry Russian emigree to the USA, who happens to have experience in the biologic weapons industry, teams up with a pair of far-right survivalists to wreak vengeance on the US government they all hate. I was completely captivated.
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| Lynn |
The Widow's War by Sally Gunning |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The book is about a women's struggle to keep her home after her husband dies at sea. Our group read BOUND first and totally loved it.
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| MsAnnie |
The Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I have been a nut for all things Tudor since I was in middle school and Alison Weir does a very good job of bringing young Elizabeth to life, from her childhood through her teen years. You forget, with Elizabeth on the throne, just how unlikely it was for her to get there. Also she gives an insight to Mary, and how fond of Elizabeth she really was, and how difficult it was for her to be fond of her. A good addition to anyone who finds the Tudors one of the best soap operas ever.
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| Mary Ann |
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Very well-written book. An excellent historical fiction novel, this chronicles a time in which Frank Lloyd Wright --- while making a name for himself as a famous architect --- takes up with a married client and has a 7-year affair. My opinion of Frank plummetted, thinking the both of them were really selfish. But, the book also looks into women's rights, the suffrage movement, and the role of working women. Actually a lot of worries and propaganda from 100 years ago are still around. Despite not loving the characters, the book was well written.
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| CC |
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult |
Rating: 5 Stars |
As always, Picoult has written a thought-provoking book that takes on current events and makes the reader see and feel.
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| Mary |
Hold Tight by Harlan Coben |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Another good thriller by Harlan Coben. A son goes missing after the suicide of his friend and the parents worry there is something more involved after reading a mysterious message on his computer.
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| Marsha |
A Silent Ocean Away by Deva Gantt |
Rating: 2 Stars |
This is part one of a trilogy and doesn't stand alone. It simply leaves you dangling and has no resolution. The historical data was well drawn as it took us to the islands during sugar cane production and the shipping industry. But beyond that, it was rather lifeless.
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| Mary |
Moloka'i by Alan Brennert |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Very good story about the leper colony in the 1800s. This is an easy read, a good story, and is educational as well.
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| Pattie Berryhill (pattiberr@aol.com) |
Swan Peak by James Lee Burke |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Kept me up reading into the night. Rural Montana is the setting, and murder is what is happening. A rich family is suspected.
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| Dorothy |
The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Nicholas Sparks didn't disappoint me. A marine in Iraq finds a picture of a girl that he belives brings him luck. He walks across the country to find her with his beloved dog. You know the rest. It was a good, easy read.
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| Mary Ferwerda |
The Master Butchers Singing Club by Louise Erdrich |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A totally believable story of German immigrants who settle into North Dakota. There's something going in every minute of the book, and it has a can't-put-down ending.
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| Susan |
Hounded to Death by Rita Mae Brown |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I have learned a great deal about fox hunting reading this series. This time, it's the hounds that make fox hunting possible, along with a few murders. Animal cruelty is the justifucation used by the murderer and I felt some empathy for the killer as financial gain was the motive for the cruelty.
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| Mary Ferwerda |
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein |
Rating: 5 Stars |
An awesome story told by the family dog. I love dog stories, and this is one of the best
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| Sherri |
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A wonderful historical fiction novel about one of the wives of Brigham Young. It's just fascinating.
|
| Madeline |
When The Devil Holds the Candle by Karin Fossum |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I really enjoy this series, even though I'm reading out of order. The stories are taut and suspenseful, and yet the characters are not sacrificed for the plot. All of the people who inhabit the pages are well drawn and real.
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| MsAnnie |
The Last Summer (of You and Me) by Ann Bashares |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is one of my favorite genres ---- coming of age --- even though Alice, Riley and Paul are at the start relatively grown up. This was a very bittersweet book even before Riley's illness, Paul's unhappiness and dissatisfaction with everything (because if he cared about anything at all it could go away), Alices' classic caught-in-the-middle behavior. I loved Riley --- so charismatic, so her own person. I miss her and think I will remember her even when the rest of the book has faded. Read it for a good sneaks-up-on-you cry.
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| Lynn |
The Condition by Jennifer Haigh |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The book is focused on a family's struggle to cope after their young daughter is diagnosed with Turner's Syndrome. After you finish the book, you wonder who really has "the condition". All family members have their own issues.
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| Deanna Harwell |
The Madonnas Of Leningrad by Debra Dean |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a wonderful book about Marina who was a docent at the Hermitage Museum in Russia during World War I. Now, she is elderly and has Alzheimer's disease. However, her memories of the war torn-days remain vivid in her mind. The book goes back and forth between her daily life in America at the present and her memories as a young woman. This is a novel about the human condition, passionate and heartfelt. Our local library and museum are collaborating by reviewing this book and then presenting a guided tour of our own collection of Madonnas.
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| Sandy |
Time is a River by Mary Alice Monroe |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Recovering from breast cancer and reeling from her husband's infidelity, Mia Landan
flees her charleston home to heal in the mountains of North Carolina. Mia finds a new man and tries to uncover the past of Kate Watkins, whose life fell into ruins after she was accused of murdering her lover.
Very entertaining!
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| Stac |
