This contest period's winners were Barbara F., Linda S. and Theresa C., who each received a copy of THE NEVER GAME by Jeffery Deaver and THE NIGHT BEFORE by Wendy Walker.
Michelle
The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner
The has been one of my favorite reads of 2019. I love historical fiction, especially when the subject was previous unknown to me, as in this book that delves into not only Japanese Americans in internment camps during WWII, but German Americans as well, of which I had not been previously aware. The historical facts combine seamlessly with the fiction, with strong, relatable, lovable characters.
Gil
The Plot Against America by Philip Roth
The time is 1940 and in this alternative-history novel Charles Lindbergh has defeated Franklin Roosevelt and is president of the United States. Lindbergh is an isolationist and wants the U.S. to avoid getting into World War II. He is also aligned with Hitler and supports his aggressive moves against other European nations. In the U.S., Lindbergh encourages anti-Semitism, and this book tells the story of a Jewish family's fears of violence against them. A few years ago, I could not get interested in this book because I thought singling out a group of people for full oppression on a national scale could not happen here. But, unfortunately recent events demonstrate it could. This book opened my eyes, and I recommend it.
Carol Pirtle
The Last Thing You Surrender: A Novel of World War II by Leonard Pitts, Jr.
This is the best book I have read this year. It tells the story of racism and heroism during World War II. Though it is historical fiction (my favorite type of book), much of it is based on real life events during the War. I felt I knew the characters so well that they could have been my next door neighbors. Leonard Pitts, Jr. is a newspaper columnist who I have long admired, and he is, in my opinion, one of the most outstanding wordsmiths of our time. This book should be required reading in every high school. I loved it!
Amanda
Beachcombers by Nancy Thayer
A great summer/beach read!
Rebecca
Emily, Gone by Bette Lee Crosby
Mothers who lose a child for any reason feel the emptiness over the loss and grieve forever! This is portrayed in the amazing book EMILY, GONE by Bette Lee Crosby. Rachel Dixon, a mother who takes her baby into her room and places her into the crib at bedtime. She then goes to her room to sleep herself. The next morning, Rachel finds her baby gone from the crib and home.
Vickie Robert loses her baby through death. This loss drives her to do the unthinkable and kidnap a baby. The lives of these two women and also Vickie's sister, Angela are changed forever by Vickie's action. This book is a page-turner, can't put down read that shows the motherly love of these three women. Well worth reading!
Jill Price
Tell No One by Harlan Coben
Very good, compelling with a nice twist at the end.
Jan
The Fifth Risk by Michael Lewis
This is a scary book. The author is well known for his in-depth research and for writing for the layman. In this book, Lewis looks carefully at the departments in the federal government and at the transfer of information (or lack of transfer) between the Obama administration and the incoming Trump administration. Without exception, Trump appointees did not bother to learn about the departments they were heading; they ignored the career professionals who had developed models and know a lot of department information that was not written. The result is cabinet heads who do not know what the departments are offering. It is scary to read the interviews and opinions of career employees who point out what is at risk. What will happen?
Loryn
The Lake on Fire by Rosellen Brown
I really enjoyed this novel. It is set during the 1893 Columbian World Exposition in Chicago, and includes real historical figures and locations, so, since we live here and are well versed in Chicago history, our book group discussed that aspect of it in addition to the story itself. The characters were well developed, which also resulted in much conversation. Also, Ms. Brown’s writing style was so descriptive! We learned this may be due to her poetry background. This book was our community’s annual One Book, Everybody Reads selection for 2019; Ms. Brown was here to give a talk last Sunday. It was one of the best author talks I’ve been to. She spoke of what inspired her to write it, and gave us much insight into the characters themselves.
Jayme
The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin
I am very conflicted with my thoughts towards this book. I loved the first book, THE FIFTH SEASON, but this book did not live up to the first book. I know that in a trilogy usually the second book is the bridge and set-up between the first and third book, but this book left me confused and scratching my head. I never completely grasped what was going on and felt lost within the plot during the first two-thirds of the book. Hopefully the third book will bring some clarification. Crossing my fingers.
Jayme
The Real by Kate Stewart
This book has a lot of sex wrapped around an interesting plot; however, the sexy parts really deterred from the importance of the message that the author was trying to make. Did I mention there was a lot of sex? A. L.O.T.
Patty
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This book had it all: well-defined characters, mystery, beautiful writing. It was very well-received by our book club.
Sheree
Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman
It was just okay. The storyline did not really grab me and I was surprised since I usually enjoy a Reese Witherspoon pick.
Nancy
Confessions of an Innocent Man by David R. Dow
There's an adage that says, "Don't get mad. Get even." It's a perfect description for this book. Rafa Zhettah is a simple man, owner of a Houston restaurant, who grew up poor and has no concern for material goods. He falls for, and marries, Tieresse, a much older billionaire. They are wildly happy until Tieresse is murdered and Rafa is charged, found guilty and sentenced to die. Saved at the last minute and free with time, money and an intent to seek revenge against those who have wronged him, Rafa sets out on a new path. I read this book while two more school shootings were in the news, and it added to my thinking about bullying and how far do you go to take revenge? The author is strongly anti-death penalty, which sets the perspective.
Alice
Marathon by Brian Freeman
It is our book club selection. I really enjoyed the twists and turns. My husband has read all of his books, this was my second. Very hard to put down.
Nina
The Last Year of the War by Susan Meissner
Wonderful character development and an intriguing story makes this novel very enjoyable. The story line spans decades of friendship, love and loss between two girls who met as young girls during the war.
Virginia
London Calling by Helen Carey
This is the last in a series by Carey about a neighborhood, Lavender Lane, which is the title of the first book in the series, in London during the early 1900s. Though some of the characters are relatively one-dimensional, others are well drawn. I've been fascinated by the range of involvement in the war effort by ordinary people and the hardships they endured. I've never seen war close-up and hope I never do.
Virginia
The Huntress by Kate Quinn
This is the story of what happens to a family when a Nazi fugitive imbeds herself into their lives. It is beautifully written and well worth your time.
Rosa
Patrick Melrose by Edward St. Aubyn
I have not seen the Showtime series of this book, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Patrick Melrose, but I definitely need to see it after reading this book. I am curious to see how such extraordinary writing is portrayed on the small screen. This is a series of five books about a very, very dysfunctional family. It is the author's commentary on the very wealthy and privileged and how this family's circumstances have contributed to its darkness. The writing is sharp, funny, and clever. Truly remarkable.
Rochelle
Redemption by David Baldacci
I have been reading David Baldacci for many years. I love all his series as well as this stand-alone.
This political thriller once again gives the reader a lot to think about long after the last page.
Lois
Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
I enjoyed reading this book. It took me back to my years living in Nicaragua, before "the revolution".
The romantic interest helped make it a must-read for me.
Dana
The Guest Book by Sarah Blake
This is a thought-provoking story about prejudice. The Milton family is wealthy, white and privileged. There are family secrets that are never spoken of. This is a time in America when we were growing and changing long-held attitudes about religious and racial differences. This is a perfect book for book club discussions.
Debra
Brave Souls by Belinda Bauman
Empathy is a much needed skill that we all must learn and develop. Our very world is depending on it. This book will help you to begin working on the skills of empathy. You will be guided through perspective-taking, empathetic listening and peacemaking. Read this book and allow yourself to experience the transforming power of empathy. This book touched my heart and spoke into my soul.
Susan
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Loved it - it was my generation. Found myself wanting to hear the songs.
Marilyn
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Interesting to read contentious relationship between Japan and Korea, but far too long and sex scenes did not add depth.
Elizabeth
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
This book was a really hard read. I wasn't liking it much at the beginning as I thought it was just a book about hockey. It is a book about hockey, but so much more. Hockey permeates Beartown and affects all its inhabitants in good ways and in bad.
Donna
Tear It Down by Nick Petrie
Petrie's hero, Peter Ash, is a veteran with PTSD that has left him with severe claustrophobia. This is the 4th book in this very enjoyable series. He writes in a similar vein to Lee Child, and I think he is just as good.
Patricia
I'll Be Your Blue Sky by Marisa de los Santos
This story was a love story mixed with a not-so-great love story mixed with a mystery. The not-so-great love story is a must-read. Great advice for people contemplating marriage. The first 95 or so pages really struck me. I thought that part alone was a must-read and wish I had read such a story when I was young. The mystery that unraveled was totally unpredictable. The initial love story was so sweet and heartwarming. A book that actually made me cry, and that doesn't happen very often with books.
Tessa
Two Little Girls in Blue by Mary Higgins Clark
This is a fast-paced thriller with a building sense of suspense. The reader is always in on the crime, knowing the identity of the kidnappers and even the “secretive” Pied Piper long before the characters catch on. But the changing points of view keeps the novel moving forward and helps maintain that sense of suspense.
Barbara
Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan
Anna lives in NYC with her parents and handicapped sister. Her father works at some shadowy job while Anna and her mother care for the child. Anna is bright, strong, and assertive, as is seen later when, after her father's disappearance, she becomes one of the women like a Rosie the Riveter. However, deep water diving, for the government, interests her more. Fascinated by that as well as by the mysterious "gangsters" of that area, her new occupation coincides with her determination to get answers to what happened to her father. Characters in MANHATTAN BEACH are somewhat stereotypes though Anna is well-drawn. Her daring is a bit hard to accept. The reader can get an interesting look at WWII, New York Harbor and the syndicates.
Jud
Treasure (Dirk Pitt Adventures) by Clive Cussler
One of the best Pitt books I've read. It combines the customary adventure Cussler is known for with a dash of political intrigue.
Linda
Whatever We Are: A Highland Springs Romance (Whatever Series, Volume 3) by Leigh Fleming
For years, Tucker had been a big man as it ran in his family, but for the past eight months he had worked out and now that he was slimmer he hoped to get Lisa's attention to let her know he wanted to be more than just friends, but instead she wanted to be a matchmaker and help him find another woman! Liza hated everything about Christmas and she needed to convince Tucker to play Santa Clause while she searched for Santa's wife, unaware that he had eyes on her great grandfather's vacant castle when SHE wanted to turn it into a art gallery.
Linda
Witch Way Down Under: A Witch Way Paranormal Cozy Mystery by Jane Hinchey
Goodness! When Harper's parents go missing, it's all she can do to stay calm! Gran, her best friend, Archie, her cat, and Blake fly to Australia to search for them when Blake hires a private plane. Once at the place where her parent's camper was parked, she finds that it was ransacked. As the team searched for clues, a man is murdered and then a woman. The stakes were high as she must find her parents without letting the Aussies in on her skills.
Linda
Lust Abroad by Whitley Cox
What a way to get over loss!! I loved everything about this novel, although how Derrick could have sex so many times I don't know! LUST ABROAD is filed with action, twists and turns to make your head spin as you rapidly read to see what happened next, and now I am second guessing as to go south of the border! Derrick is a seasoned traveler flying all over the world and not letting his divorce sour him off women just because his wife cheated on him with her boss! He was taken in by the scent of the woman that sat next to him, unaware of how his life would be affected by her...
Linda
Riwenne & The Mechanical Beasts by Kristen S. Walker
What a good novel! I rapidly read this book and it's appropriate for YA and teens, both boys and girls. I liked that fifteen-year-old Riwenne stuck by her long time friend even though she wasn't selected to become a priestess and how Riwenne always tried to include her in everything that she did. Mechanical beasts are attacking people in the floating city and she is chosen by one of the gods to become a sacred warrior to fight the evil. Between her duties as a priestess in training during the day and a warrior at night, it's a wonder that she didn't fall face down into her meals, but she couldn't do it by herself and she searched for others to help her. Thank goodness this is Book One as I just have to know the ending!
Linda
Witch Way to Romance & Ruin: A Witch Way Paranormal Cozy Mystery by Jane Hinchey
Hold onto your seats as Harper Jones is at it again!! There has been another murder, only this time her Gran is charged and it's off to the races to clear her. Seems her Gran was in a witch fight with her cake competition and as the last to see her alive she was taken and put in a cell, plus there is more male competition and a shock at the annual fundraiser.
Linda
First Blade (Awakening Book 1) by Jane Hinchey
Oh my stars, I loved this book! I was so captivated that the book was over before I wanted it to be! I loved the foul mouth and gutsy Georgia the moment we "met" and she didn't disappoint me at all! Forced to take care of her little sister when she was just twenty when both of her parents died, the two of then took the money from their parent's death to open a shop in Redmeadow and little town where humans and paranormals mingled. Then the famous book author, Zak Goodwin, arrives and bought the place just down the street from her farm. Fast-paced and filled with hot sex and gory body parts, I practically INHALED this book!
Linda
The Path Keeper (The Indigo Chronicles) by N. J. Simmonds
Oh my goodness! What a unique twist of a tale and I loved the foul-mouth Ella, although when she was just sixteen I didn't approve of her drinking! This novel spans through generations as Ella searches for her soulmate, and come hell or high water, she is determined to find her other half! Book One was a rapid read filled with twists and turns.Now I can't wait to read Book Two!
Donna
No Middle Name by Lee Child
A group of short stories featuring Jack Reacher, starting when he was a young child.
Trezeline
Song of the Lion by Anne Hillerman
A story rich in Native American customs, history and mystery.
Susan
After the Crash by Michel Bussi
Keeps you guessing.
Marian
Redemption by David Baldacci
Loved it.
Christine
Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronovitch
This is the first in a series featuring police constable/apprentice wizard Peter Grant. You may have the idea that this is just a British version of the Harry Dresden series, but aside from a character named Molly and a cute blonde fellow constable, it is very different. If you are American, you may not understand some of the British terminology at first, but you will eventually. My only "problem" was that the author so thoroughly described the locations in London that I felt compelled to Google street view everything. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
Emily
Fall and Rise: The Story of 9/11 by Mitchell Zuckoff
A riveting read, brilliant writing, and thoroughly researched. Best book I read this year. A must-read.
Helen
Love in Lower Case by Francesc Miralles
Unusual story. Quirky but fun. Quite entertaining.
Charlene
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt
John Berendt is a great author and I was sucked into regalities of fake aristocracy and the rich affluent that thrived and lived in the great contained city of Savannah. I felt in a sense that Berendt was writing his own memoir - a memoir discussing his life and journey in Savannah, GA. But truth to be told I enjoyed the story more this way. Every corner of life was mentioned and spoken of. Savannah the beautiful, Savannah the terrible. Savannah of good charms and wit, but immune to outsider's influence and perspectives. Black Savannah, white Savannah, the city in turmoil with its residents. Savannah has a great backstory.
Jan
Bone on Bone by Julia Keller
What a great writer. Keller takes us into West Virginia to the poorest areas and shows us that there are good people still there and still helping others. The writing is beautiful, very descriptive and clear. There is always a mystery -- this time a local banker is shot dead in his driveway. Who would want to kill him? His drug-addicted, rude son who just argued with his parents? The son's dealer? The widow is almost lost to everything - her son is hopeless, never makes it in any rehab facility, despite the bundles of money his parents pay. Bell has returned from prison and is working pro bono with a former deputy to help the sheriff and the county prosecutor. The ending is a knockout. All the usual suspects are eliminated. Last page!
sherry
Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens
I love physiological suspense and this one was good from start to finish!! She really pulls you into the characters. The ending was quite a surprise!
Linda
Vox by Christina Dalcher
This book scared me because I saw too many similarities to things happening in society today. So while it is fiction, it seemed a bit too real to me. Essentially, females can use only 100 words a day. They must wear a shock bracelet that counts their words each day. This is a story about mothers' love, romantic love and the power of smart women who work together. Everyone should read this.
Robin
The Book of Dreams by Nina George
An act of heroism leaves Henri Malo Skinner in a coma. His 13-year-old son Sam, a synesthete, spends hours sitting by his bedside visiting and ‘feeling’ his father. Also visiting Henri is Eddie Tomlin, a woman facing her own insights. Together Sam and Eddie share and discover the truth of Henri Skinner. And there is Madelyn, or Maddie, another coma patient whom Sam starts visiting. Through a series of ‘dreams’ the reading audience meets Henri and learns about his past. Touching, thought-provoking, the reader will find themselves examining their own feelings and ideas of what happens when someone is in a deep coma.
ILene
Charlotte Gray by Sebastian Faulks
CHARLOTTE GRAY is a highly educated Scottish woman who falls passionately in love with an RAF Pilot during WWII. They have a brief affair. But when his plane is shot down in France she fears the worst. This gives her an idea to help with the war effort. She now goes undercover in France and works with the Resistance and finds herself drawn into the frightening destiny of the people she meets. We learn so much about the history of the time. And the destiny of Peter Gregory her RAF pilot. This is the third of Sebastian Faulks trilogy, what a great storyteller he is.
Kelley
Under the Big Top: A Season with the Circus by Bruce Feiler
I loved the way he wrote the book as though it was a circus show, then told the stories of the performers he met in that section.
Kelley
Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood
When you read Margaret Atwood books, you know she will not leave you with a definitive "what happened" sort of answer. But her writing draws you in and you go back and forth on whether Grace is innocent or guilty.
Jo Anne
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
This book is thick, 564 pages. When I received it, along with two other books, I decided to read it last because I just knew it would take me forever to get through. Not so!!! I could not put this book down. I could not wait to find the time each day to delve back into this story. I've read many WWII stories, but never one focused entirely on France and the French Occupation. This book was inspired by true events and very well researched. It is a story of heartbreak, resiliency, family and heroism. A must-read.
Jill
The Other Widow by Susan Crawford
A really well done book that keeps the reader wondering where it will go next. I would recommend this book wholeheartedly.
Donna
Neon Prey by John Sandford
I always enjoy Lucas Davenport and his crime-solving mysteries. NEON PREY was just as exciting as previous Davenport books.
Annemarie
The Good Girl by Mary Kubica
Fascinating read! Couldn't put the book down. Each page pushed me to continue on. This was my first book from this author and I was not disappointed.
Francisca
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers
A huge disappointment. I’d read another book by Eggers and enjoyed it. It’s clear that Eggers is intelligent. Obviously, the circumstances that resulted in his guardianship of his baby brother were tragic, and every older sibling’s nightmare. But I found Eggers self-absorbed, immature, irresponsible and totally lacking in any insight. The most entertaining part was the preface, copyright and acknowledgements.
Louise
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
This book was an enjoyable read. The did justice with every character. The all were very interesting and well developed. My book club read this and we all liked the book. Peope in the group wanted to read more of this author's books.
Bonnie
What My Mother and I Don't Talk About by Michele Filgate
Book of essays by daughters on a varied group of mother-daughter issues.
Bonnie
Southern Lady Code by Helen Ellis
Amusing book of essays.
Bonnie
Golden Child by Claire Adam
Well-written novel about family dynamics but ultimately depressing.
Michelle
The Summer List by Amy Mason Doan
I absolutely adored THE SUMMER LIST! A true "summer read", about growing up, friendship and love, found, lost, and found again. The characters and story were written and developed beautifully, making me want to know each of them in real life.
Adrien
The Ensemble by Aja Gabel
I think that THE ENSEMBLE is a special book but may be for specific readers. An interest or history with classical music and/or string instruments will help you enjoy this story about the lives of the four individuals who make up the Van Ness String Quartet. Aja Gabel beautifully describes the pressures and complexities of Jana, Brit, Henry, and Daniel's interwoven lives.
Gretchen
The Child by Fiona Barton
A loose mystery with a number of characters. A journalist decides to do an old-time investigation to enhance her career. She becomes obsessed when workers find a skeleton of a baby buried in a flower bed. Who did this baby belong and why was it buried? In the same neighborhood years before a baby was kidnapped from a hospital. Is this the missing baby?
Julie
Boulevard Dreams by E Ryan Janz
BOULEVARD DREAMS by E Ryan Janz is an exceptional one-of-a-kind story filled with intrigue, mystery, mayhem, and suspense, in which readers will love and revel in. It is 1958 in San Francisco’s smoky noir world, and private detective, Joe Nails is having reoccurring lucid dreams about his friend crying out to him for help, and then he puts a gun to his head and kills himself. Joe finally becomes concerned, and goes out to find his friend, but discovers that he has gone missing, and it has been a month since he has been seen. Joe begins to investigate and finds many shock-worthy things about his friend’s life, and some peculiar people that try to convince him of his friend’s supposed death.
Jill
No Exit by Taylor Adams
Holy moly, what a fantastic ride!! Darby, a young woman driving from Boulder to Utah to visit her estranged and dying mother, gets stranded at a mountainside rest stop in a blinding blizzard along with four random strangers. There is no way out because the roads are blocked by the raging snowstorm and a traffic accident which leaves them trapped until the snow stops and snow plows arrive. Darby wanders outside in an attempt to make a phone call or send a text message but there is no cell phone reception. To her horror, she discovers a nine-year-old girl locked in a van and it's clear that the vehicle must belong to one of the strangers stranded in the building. Darby is determined to rescue the kidnapped girl.
Bonnie
What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures by Malcolm Gladwell
Essays by the author of THE TIPPING POINT that run the gamut from Ron Popiel and marketing to training dogs, how to hire an employee, women's health, etc. So fascinating and educational.
Judith
The Library Book by Susan Orleans
This is undoubtedly one of the best books that I have ever read! It is a history of the LA County Library system, particularly the main branch, since it began and, specifically, a fire that took place in the mid 1980s in the main library and how the main library in the system recovered. It is about how libraries have changed over the years and how they serve their customers with more than books! Excellent!
Becky
Beirut Hellfire Society by Rawi Hage
This tale presents the raw outrage, fear, misery, and indelible sadness of a country at war. The writing is excellent. Unfortunately, it is so filled with sex and depravity that I can not recommend this book. After having to force myself to read past the first few chapters, the book did offer some moments of humor (of the black variety) and the final pages did offer some version of hope after the devastation of hopelessness that war engenders. The feelings of the outcast (religion, societal, employment, mental illness, etc) are clearly shown. I had hoped for a better read.
Debbie
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
BEFORE WE WERE YOURS presented adoption as I have never seen. The story hints at true-to-life adoption in Tennessee from the 1920s to the 1950s. I have never heard of this horrible practice of stealing babies and children from biological parents and selling these children to the wealthy. The story tore at my heart with the cruelty rendered the children and poor parents. The story follows five poor children living with their parents on a riverboat. The mother is pregnant, and the parents leave the five children on the boat while the mother, Queenie, goes to the hospital. Queenie and her husband, Briny, are told that the twins are born dead. When the pair returns to the boat, the five children are missing.
Debbie
Triple Jeopardy by Anne Perry
Anne Perry writes interesting mysteries, but this novel, TRIPLE JEOPARDY, falls flat. The case of triple jeopardy for Daniel Pitt presents an interesting array of legal moves, but the presentation was dull, and the characters non-dimensional. The love of siblings, Daniel and Jemima, hints at strong emotions, but these emotions never surface Charlotte and Thomas Pitt appear as a sneeze in the story, of course they are only minor characters in their son’s series, but they are shown as a passing thought. The setting falls back as a nonexistent portrayal. The story quickly ends with a feeling that something has not been completed. This is one of Anne Perry’s weaker novels.
Margaret
The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn
This is a psychological thriller about a woman, Anna, who lives alone, watches old movies on TV, drinks too much wine, and spends a lot of time spying on her neighbors. One day as she spies on some new neighbors, she sees something out of the ordinary and that's where the story starts getting very interesting. Luckily, I had seen the Hitchcock films, Rear Window, & Vertigo, so it made this novel more fun. Don't read too many reviews because the less you know about the plot, the better it will be. There were several twists I didn't see coming. The novel held my interest throughout although I did get tired of the repetition of Anna's thoughts due to the PTSD she had. I think the author could have shortened it without affecting the storyline.
Megan
The Death and Life of Aida Hernandez by Aaron Bobrow-Strain
This book tells the story of Aida Hernandez, a woman born in Mexico but raised in America, as she builds a life even as she falls through the cracks of the immigration system. Aida's struggles highlight the ways that immigration policies fail to account for the complexity of life and the humanity of those affected. The author covers decades of history to explain how the situation at the border has evolved. Some chapters, like those about Aida's father, and Ema, another woman attempting to enter the U.S., felt like a distraction from the main story, and I wish their information and been incorporated more smoothly. But overall the author does an excellent job conveying the failures of the system without condemning it as hopeless.
Tessa
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
3.5 stars. Oh, the teenage angst of young adulthood! Been there, done that…don’t want to relive it. And yet, I found myself really engaged in this story. There were times when I thought Rowell had thrown too many wrenches into the mix. Still, Rowell kept the story moving forward, and gave us a heroine to root for.
Dorothy
Hausfrau by Jill Alexander Essbaum
Not my type of book. I didn’t enjoy reading it but it was a book club selection so I read it so I could participate in discussion.
Gladys
The Rogue You Know by Shana Galen
He's a thief and she's a lady, but the contrast between them just seems to prove a reason for attraction. She's tired of being perfect and he is ready to reform himself. Can they benefit each other? This story includes an adorable dog you will fall in love with.
Ivy
Blood Oath by Linda Fairstein
A good suspense perches you on the edge. That is exactly where BLOOD OATH leaves you right up until the end. Fairstein has the gift of bringing a plot to a boiling climax. Loved it!
Denise
Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
I loved the story, the characters and the writing style of this book. It was delightful to be immersed in this beautiful story!
Sandra
The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves
I loved this book. Annika reminded me of me, when I was innocent, before bad things happened.
I too, am bookish, and tend to keep to myself these days. She and her first love, reconnect after years. Johnathan accepts her for herself, and makes allowances for her quirky behaviors. They decide they want to be together, then 9/11 happens. Johnathan is in the towers, and she ends up caring for him, as he always cared for her!
Sandra
Manual for Survival: A Chenobyl Guide to the Future by Kate Brown
I read this, a bit at a time. What was done to those people was criminal. Saying their food and water were safe, after the accident. As stated, I could only read a bit at a time. I was so angry!
She did a ton of research on this. I had gone to a high hilly area, by 3 Mile Island, several months after the accident there. It glowed at night.
Sally-Jo
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Good mystery. Kept you guessing right up to the end. Also saw the mini-series which followed the book very closely. I liked both. Usually I read the book first followed by the movie. This time I reversed it.
Shannon
Never Tell by Lisa Gardner
A really great thriller! Main characters have enough good and enough baggage that they are so believable, seemingly normal people with histories. Enough actions and twists to keep you reading but not make you tired. Even when you know who did it you can’t be sure til almost the end!
Dianna
Breakfast with the FBI by Erina Bridget Ring
Rose absolutely did the right thing! She was much braver than I would’ve been and I worked at a bank! Recommend this very quick read.
Sharon
The Other Mother by Carol Goodman
A fantastic read about mothers, children and the decisions they make. Highly recommend.
Gladess
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren
This is my book club pick for May. I would not normally read a memoir but surprisingly this book was very interesting. In between each chapter Hope gives a lecture on a tree, plant etc., very interesting. Her manic depression keeps her going opening labs, Bill a student joins her to help and stays with her for all the moves and helps keep her on an even mood. She does find love and gets help for her depression. She feels guilt about keeping Bill with her when he should have married and started a family.
Nancy
The Dutch Wife by Ellen Keith
I've read a lot of Holocaust-themed books, but knew nothing about this aspect of history -- the prisoner brothels that were established in Buchenwald Concentration Camp based on the theory that such rewards would improve worker morale and productivity. The three main characters are Marijke, the Dutch wife of the title, who had sworn with her husband, Theo, that they would do anything to survive the war, Karl, an SS officer who falls in love with her, and, in a subplot set 30 years later in Buenos Aires, Luciano, an Argentine dissident picked up by the secret police, interrogated and tortured during the era of "the disappeared." The book is well written and held my interest, but it is graphic and not for the weak-stomached.
Kristin
I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reed
This book is amazing! It starts off with a girl and her boyfriend going to meet his parents, told from her point of view. But then, after meeting the parents, things get very strange. I can’t talk too much without giving away important plot points, but suffice it to say that this is a weird, creepy book and I loved it! The ending was, in my opinion, amazing. I really recommend you listen to the audiobook in addition to it instead of reading the book, as it really helps in understanding what is happening.
Laurie
The Flight Portfolio by Julie Orringer
This excellent fictional history tells the story of one American’s quest to save the lives of artists and writers fleeing the Nazis after the invasion of France.
Helen
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
Very different style, but mesmerizing.
James
Red Knife by William Kent Krueger
Another wonderful visit with Cork O’Connor. The death of a big time businessman’s daughter and an execution-style murder of a gang leader leads the former sheriff on a quest to stop additional bloodshed. You feel as though you are residing in Tamarack County and part of the action.
Annmarie
Normal People by Sally Rooney
A complex examination of relationships as they form and grow during the most complex times of everyone's lives - high school through college. Deep and haunting this book stays with you long after you have finished reading it.
Donna
The Wonder of Lost Causes by Nick Trout
A boy and a dog story! The boy has cystic fibrosis and the dog is a shelter dog scheduled for death if he isn't adopted in 14 days. Wonderful story and I learned so much about CF.
Kathy
Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah
MAGIC HOUR by Kristin Hannah is a novel about a little girl imprisoned and nearly starved in a cave in the deep Pacific coast forests of Washington State from the time she was two years of age until she escaped three years later. Initially, the police could not find anyone who had reported a missing child so the police chief, Ellie, and her sister, a famous psychologist, living in the small town where the wild child turned up became this girl’s family and teacher and protector. This book was heart-wrenching.
Claudia
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
The book was a combination of nature, loneliness and survival, and a murder mystery. I especially enjoyed the author’s descriptions of the marsh and its inhabitants. The revelation of the poet at the end was a surprise.
Lois
Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton
Thoroughly enjoyed the book. A great combination of history, current events and romance. Maybe having lived in the Miami area made it more real to me.
ILene
Where We Went Wrong by Andi Holloway
Harper Stone’s life is nothing like she imagined it, a writer married to a writer where she is the second wife. One night they get a call that their son is found murdered. They haven’t heard from him for years. But when her husband is the main suspect, she wonders about his past and their marriage, and about a young girl whose remains have never been found. What a great psychological thriller - you will never guess the ending.
Noreen
The Witch Elm by Tana French
I started off thinking, "Do I want to continue reading this?" Did not care for the main character. But I continued. The characters were very realistic. A brutal beating, a murder, a coverup, and several twists. I'd rate this 3-1/2 stars.
Joy
Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts
It’s about Elizabeth’s journey into the lives of Frank and Maud Baum. It’s a novel but it’s very close to the real story.
Jane
Danger on the Ranch by Dana Mentink
Suspense keeps you sitting on edge of your seat. Jane Reyes will do anything to protect her son's life. Her ex-husband escapes from prison. Jane shows up at his brother's cabin just as Wade tries to kill him. She saves Mitch's life. Mitch and Jane being sought to kill. People aren't whom you think. But Ward's family protect Jane and son. Mistrust and mistakes almost cost Jane and Ben their lives.
Pam
Have You Seen Luis Velez? by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Heartwarming and inspiring, this is a story about a young teen who is struggling to figure out where he fits into society and his family. It's filled with emotion - sadness, despair, guilt, compassion, and hope. It's a quick read that drew me in from the first chapter and held my attention to the very end.
Elizabeth
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This is the author’s first novel - she is a nature writer - but it didn’t feel like a debut. The story is haunting and lyrical. There is much description about the marshes of North Carolina but it doesn’t detract from the story - it adds to its beauty. I’m a lawyer so I knew the courtroom scenes were not quite right - there was a lot of objectionable questioning by the lawyers, but I was able to forgive that for the story. A good read!
Gretchen
Cemetery Road by Greg Iles
Many twists and turns in this novel of the South. Love and hate mixed together. One of those books that you can't put down and you wish it would never end.
Katherine
Rise and Shine by Anna Quindlen
This is an interesting read about the lives of two sisters and how they intersect.
Bill
Redemption by David Baldacci
The Memory Man, Amos Decker, returns to his hometown to lay flowers on his dead daughter's grave on the date of her birthday. A sickly looking man walks up and asks if Decker remembers him. Decker says no and the man describes being convicted of murdering four people and Decker was the one who arrested him. He claims his innocence and Decker and his old partner begin looking into the claim. The book takes off like a jet plane with Decker rushing from lead to lead, avoiding several attempts on his life while the body count begins to pile up. The plot is a bit convoluted and at times I felt I needed a scorecard to keep all the characters straight. Regardless, it is a fast-paced read and I raced through it to its satisfying conclusion.
Linda
Sleeping Dogs Don't Lie: An Animal Cozy Mystery (Albertus Eagle Detective Beagle Book 1) by Chloe Grace
Golly gee, talk about an intriguing novel!! Of course the author just HAD to draw you in and now I just HAVE to know what happened next! I just loved the overweight beagle named Albie who could understand human talk and how be became Detective Beagle as he tries to solve the mystery of his owner, Milly's death. With the help of "the cat" and Bella I just cannot wait to read the rest of the series as it's a fun read!!
Mona
Temper by Layne Fargo
The apt title sets the tone and is also the name of the play at the heart of this novel. I enjoy the theater, but I had no clue how much work went into the prep and/or the action behind the scenes. This provided a fascinating glimpse. Set in Chicago’s theater world, Fargo’s debut novel centers around protagonist, Kira, an aspiring actress, and Joanna, co-founder of the Indifferent Honest Theater Company. The short chapters alternate from the perspectives of these two characters. Both are ambitious and passionate about their career...and about the devastatingly handsome and charismatic Malcolm Mercer (“Mal”). Thank you, Goodreads, for my complimentary review copy.
mike
Scowl by Mark Lages
Clever - it's three stories in one: Scowl's, the interviewer's (to a lesser extent) and an abbreviated version of America's history during the last half of the 20th century. Scowl rockets to fame as a singer/songwriter and opines about life and his philosophy during his career. Scowl is a compelling character and I wanted to learn more about him as I read the story. In fact, as I read, I found myself experiencing many of his feelings and thoughts. Since I associated with the character, you could say there was a fourth story in this book - mine. Perhaps you could find yourself in this book, too.
Margaret
Best Day Ever by Kaira Rouda
Rouda has written a dark novel that has suspense & slowly builds over a 24-hour period. Paul has planned a day with his wife, Mia, at their lakeside cottage. It's to be a romantic getaway & he has planned every detail. Paul is so full of himself, always gets what he wants, is controlling, & is a total Jerk with a capital J. Entire novel is narrated by Paul so we get his point-of-view. Paul is so well-written that, at times, I had serious emotions: disbelief, exasperation, repulsion, & laugh-out-loud humor. You know from the start this is not going to be the best day ever for either. They are going through a rough time in their marriage & it will take more than a day's getaway to solve it. Sum it up by asking "How well do you know someone?"
Trezeline
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
A very good mystery. Suspenseful and informative. Unexpected ending.
Sandy
Henry's Sisters by Cathy Lamb
One of the best books ever!! Story of a very dysfunctional family and how they all came home to be with their brother Henry.
Rosemary
Bittersweet by Colleen McCullough
Two sets of identical twins growing up in New South Wales following WWI as daughters of a Church of England Rector all have individual dreams. They enter a new nursing program while trying to find their ways in life. While known for their extreme beauty, they are all intelligent with charm and drive, Will any of they finds their dreams? Or will they find that even with dreams fulfilled, life will always be bittersweet?
Daphne
The Chef by James Patterson
I have been a Patterson fan for forever, so this new character was a welcome diversion from his usual fare. I also detected bits of humor in this one which was also a nice change in format. I can fully recommend this addition to the stable of characters Patterson continues to unleash. I hope he will give us another case to solve very soon.
Gil
Defense Of An Other by Grace Mead
Matt Durant is a brilliant young lawyer in New Orleans who has just broken up with his girlfriend, becomes conflicted about his sexual orientation, and got drunk at a gay bar that ended in a deadly fight. What else could have happened? What follows is betrayal and a trial which involves bias against gays in jury selection where a guilty verdict could lead to the death penalty and time in prison would expose a gay person to brutality. Matt has to deal with all of this and it's not easy. The book was spellbinding and kept me guessing. Thank you Grace Mead and Clink Street Publishing.
Bonnie
The Matriarch by Susan Page
Very readable biography of the inimitable Barbara Bush. I liked her before I read it and like her even more now.
ILene
The Gifted School by Bruce Holsinger
THE GIFTED SCHOOL starts in the fictional town of Crystal Colorado when four young mothers first meet and start best relationships. Then a decade later when their children are in elementary school, they hear of a gifted magnet school just being built. Now who doesn’t think they have a highly gifted child. With such highly competitive parents each one embellishes their applications and so many secrets come out. Will they still be friends? What a great book! Thank you Penguin Random House for the chance to read it.
Mona
Their Little Secret (Tom Thorne #16) by Mark Billingham
Although sixteenth in Billingham’s Tom Thorne crime fiction collection, it’s the first one I’ve read. It functioned well enough as a standalone, but admittedly, as with any series, I would have preferred to read them in chronological order. It gives me a better sense of the characters as they are introduced and their interpersonal relationship dynamics. Tom Thorne, the protagonist, is a middle-aged detective inspector living in London. He is investigating the gruesome suicide of a young woman.
Barbara
Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult
I think that anything Jodi writes is worth 5 stars. Mind-blowing the controversial issues she takes on. This one is about religion and capital punishment. Very thought-provoking. Priest, prisoner, rabbi, atheist - you get them all.
Geri
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
It was so interesting to read about the fire in 1986 of the Los Angeles Public library and the services that libraries give.
Francisca E B
Delicious! by Ruth Reichl
3.5 stars. I’ve read several of Reichl’s memoirs and really enjoyed them. Now she’s taken a turn at writing a novel. This is part romance, part coming-of-age, part mystery. I enjoyed the story and was caught up in the intrigue. Reichl really shines when she is writing about food. I can practically taste the cheeses, smell the spices, and feel the warmth of steam rising from a simmering pot. All-in-all, I found it enjoyable and entertaining. A great beach read.
Robert
Saving Stacy: The Untold Story of the Moody Massacre by Rob St. Clair
Stacy was shot in the face – twice – and left to die. The first time the killer thought he had succeeded, and he left Stacy bleeding in her bed. But a few minutes later he must have heard her moaning and returned to her upstairs bedroom. This time he approached the bed, pointed a .22 caliber rifle at her young face, and pulled the trigger again. Then he left. The sheriff declared it a murder/suicide. Six bodies in two farmhouses. But Stacy lived to tell a different story.
Elizabeth
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
Although the story is predictable, THE TEA GIRL OF HUMMINGBIRD LANE is impressive for its descriptions of a part of the world that few of us know anything about and of the people who live there. Also notable are the explanations of tea, its history and industry. It might make you want to trade your coffee for tea. The story begins in China in a remote village up in a mountain. The reader watches a young girl, Li-yan, grow up there. The descriptions of her family life, her interactions with friends and others in the village, and especially her growing involvement in the tea industry are all interesting, and that was enough to make continue reading. Almost from the start, though, I was horrified with the villagers’ superstitions.
Theresa
I'll Be Your Blue Sky by Marisa De Los Santos
What a great story! I couldn’t stop reading as what seemed to be a chance encounter proved to be so much more. Clare is a compelling character - it was a joy to get to know her as a person with her unique views on life and love.
Becky
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
In the depths of the depression and hidden in the deep mountains of Kentucky was Troublesome Creek. The people were starving for both and learning. The WPA hired women to ride packhorses or mules and take “learning” in the form of books to the cabins hidden in the hills and hollows. Also hidden in those hollows were the “Blue" people. Blues suffered from a genetic abnormality that caused their skin to range from pale blue to deep indigo. They were feared and ostracized even more than “normal” black skinned people. Cussy is both Blue and a Book Woman. This is her story.
Debbie
A Well-Behaved Woman by Therese Anne Fowler
A fictional rendering of Alva Smith Vanderbilt life provided hours of delight and enjoyment. Alva Smith had the breeding and “savoir faire” that the Vanderbilt family needed to enter New York society. A determined Alva Smith married William K. Vanderbilt and launched the family into New York society. Alva grows talons to claw her family into the best parties and circles. The story centers on New York in the late 1890s when the world jumped into new conveniences and pleasures. Amid all the changes, women fought to gain the right to vote, which happened in 1920. Therese Anne Fowler presents a vivid and disciplined Alva in a remarkable story. Alva fought for suffrage and aided in the building and designing of her houses.
Hannah
The River by Peter Heller
I became a fan of Peter Heller's work years ago and was sure that none of his novels would ever compete with THE DOG STARS for the #1 place in my heart...and then I read THE RIVER. Jack and Wynn, two 20-something friends who met in college, are in the midst of an intense canoe trip in northern Canada when they realize a wildfire is headed their way. They are without a satellite radio or cell phone so no one is coming to save them, but that's just the start of their troubles. They encounter some unsavory characters and quickly realize that not everyone on the river can be trusted. This is a fast-paced, emotional read and features Heller's truly lovely descriptions of nature and what it means to spend time there. Loved it!
Gladys
A Rendezvous To Remember by Geri Krotow
Romance can get complicated during wartime. Many journey entries in this book tell of how complicated romances were during World war II, Vietnam and the current war while following the current romance that is the main story of the book. One learns what life was like while one's country is under the control of another country. This book is quite different from the usual romance book.
Linda
The River by Peter Heller
THE RIVER is a book about friendship, survival, nature and kindness. Best friends and college-aged Jack and Wynn are enjoying their well planned Canadian canoe trip until they see a large fire pressing down on them. They encounter two groups of people that become important to the plot as their leisurely fun trip turns into one of danger and survival. The prose is rather vague at times and I could have used more explanations, and also it does have a slow start. But when the action begins to happen, it takes off at a page-turning pace. This is a good one that I will be recommending.
Patti
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
The story starts in Memphis, the year 1939. Children were snatched and thrown into an orphanage. These children were sold to wealthy families. It is an eye-opener!
Donna
How We Disappeared by Jing-Jing Lee
Singapore, 1942, and the Japanese are bringing the war and all its horror to a small village. This story is written in two timelines and by two survivors of the ravages of the Japanese. One survivor was forcibly taken by the Japanese military to become a "comfort woman" for their soldiers. The cruelty of her enslavement is heartbreaking. Her escape and survival shows her strength and courage. I was a child when this was happening and didn't know this kind of thing happened.
Kathy
Origin by Dan Brown
This was a mystery where the main characters traveled throughout Spain either trying to solve a problem and/or avoid being killed. Lots of red herrings and no real clues.
Tessa
Love Potion Number 10 by Betsy Woodman
Book Two in the Jana Bibi Adventures series. Jana and Mr. Ganguly’s fame grows, making him the target of a bird-napping plot. Woodman populates the fictional hill town with an array of colorful characters, and really gives one a flavor of the 1960s culture of India. Just charming.
Jane
A Season of Grace by Lauraine Snelling
The title of this book brings it all together at the end. Nilda finds herself living her dreams when a nightmare from the past springs its ugly head. Some people do not change and use their charm to catch others off guard. I love how families look out for each other. And they are there when you need them. I personally would prefer the life on the farm over society ways. Life can be hard but expand as family all pull together. Ready for the next book.
Janice
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This was mesmerizing. Sad yet eloquent writing. Surprise at the end you will not see coming.
Linda
The Red Address Book by Sophia Lundberg
This book is a must-read for all ages. I could not put it down and was so sad when it ended. I got completely lost in the characters. What a very interesting life Doris had. There is so much joy and so much heartache in this book. Not very often does a book bring me to tears but this one did. It is not necessarily sad but Miss Lundberg has a way of pulling at your heartstrings. Don't go through life without reading this wonderful book.
Barbara
The Guest Book by Sarah Blake
It took me about 100 pages to get into this book, but once I did, wow! It's a powerful story of family history, changing times, racism, and acceptance. The characters are extremely well written, each with his or her own unique voice. The author must have read/studied a lot of James Baldwin, because his ideas are clearly communicated. It's a thoughtful must-read in this era of nationalism and exclusion. It would be a great book group read, sure to lead to a lot of discussion. I do wish the author had included a family tree -- the Evie, Evelyns were a bit confusing in the beginning.
Christine
The Bachman Books by Stephen King
This collection encompasses four of the books Stephen King wrote under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. The stories are Rage, Roadwork, The Long Walk, and The Running Man. (Rage has since been removed from newer editions, at Mr. King's request) These are early works, and it shows. Some of the writing just is not that good, but in some places you can see hints of the powerhouse author waiting in the wings. I recommend for hardcore King fans, as it is a nice addition to a collection, but it is not necessarily an engrossing read.
Dorothy
Two Weeks by Karen Kingsbury
Too much repletion, a lot of praying. Two high school students one a wild girl who is pregnant and a young man who tries to help her. A couple who want to adopt. Will they all get together?
Bonnie
The Other Americns by Laila Lalami
This novel took me a few chapters to get into since it's told from many different characters. But once I got into the rhythm of it, I couldn't put it down.
