The Week of February 2nd

MichelleM819@aol.com
PARADISE COUNTY by Karen Robards, 3 stars
Not one of her best, but a satisfying quick read. Rich heiress and handsome horse trainer trying to solve a murder at a Kentucky racing stable.

Whheee@aol.com
FROM THE CORNER OF HIS EYE by Dean Koontz, 3 stars
A departure from Mr. Koontz' latest series starring Chris Snow, the man who keeps to the night. Though I can see Eye being a good vs. evil setup, with 2 stories at page 56, and a third branch yet to come, I can't wait to see how they will all converge. Fast paced intriguing storyline.

Cipsi2@aol.com
AN HOUR BEFORE DAYLIGHT by Jimmy Carter, 3 stars
For those of us whose experiences of the south are nil, this book gives an astounding look at how different life was for Jimmy Carter and his family in that Georgia rural area. I found the book less interesting when he reminisces about the toys and games he played as a child but exceptionally interesting when he details the work he did as a child, the responsibility and the capability both.
THE TERRIBLE HOURS by Peter Maas, 4 stars
The unexpected sinking of a new submarine during a test dive off the coast of New Hampshire just before WWII, trapping the entire crew, brought to the forefront Charles "Swede" Momsen, who had been working for years trying to develop methods to rescue men in just such circumstances. This gripping story is a tribute to Momsen and his willingness to take risks with his career to provide methods and equipment to save lives.
LAMORNA WINK by Martha Grimes, 3 stars
A typical English mystery with her usual coterie of characters, whom we've come to consider friends.
THE BONE COLLECTOR by Jeffery Deaver, 5 stars
After having read several of his later books, it was good to go back and find out "how it all started." It is quite gruesome, but the story is gripping and the ending a surprise.

ChBth@aol.com
TWO FOR THE DOUGH by Janet Evanovich, 4 stars
What a hoot. After reading Hot Six, just had to start at the beginning and read the whole series. Laugh after Laugh! Stephanie Plum is a bounty hunter, and none too good at it. So many weapons and such an attitude! Always a man turning up somewhere when you least expect it. Then there's Grandma always willing to lend a hand. The funniest books I've read in years!!!!!!

nana@toast.net
THE RUNAWAY JURY by John Grisham, 5 stars
Excellent!

j.stienstra@quicknet.nl
A PLACE OF EXECUTION by Val McDermid, 5 stars
I think it's the best book she's ever written. I hope she can write a next one as well as this one

Cairo1953@aol.com
THE ALCHEMIST by Paulo Coelho, 5 stars
The Alchemist is truly a wonderful book. A fable that is full of wisdom. The reader will be swept away into another time & place. It gently teaches us the meaning of what is most important in life. "Follow your dreams, but never loose sight." I didn't want this book to end.

Pyskie@aol.com
DOOMS DAY BOOK by Connie Willis, 4 1/2 stars
The characters in this compelling and quite believable book are brought to life, and death. Historically based in the time of the black plague in Europe, with an intriguing viewpoint of today, makes the time periods come alive.
THE BEAK OF THE FINCH by Jonathan Weiner, 5 stars
Excellent for anyone interested in birds or/and evolution. Don't have to be a scientist to enjoy. Great reading.
KINGBIRD HIGHWAY by Kenn Kaufman, 5 stars
A delightful fast reading birding adventure story, touched by the enthusiasm of youth, he comes of age. The seventies are revisted, as are some terrific characters, as he hitch hikes across North America. Very enjoyable.
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN J. K. Rowling, 5 stars
Now into the 3rd book, reading aloud to my grandson of 7, I find that both our interests are peaked by the trials of Harry. Adventure, fantasy, and great characters who travel through each book.

KWol971102@aol.com
FROM THE CORNER OF HIS EYE by Dean Koontz, 5 stars
Although the book is over 600 pages long, it reads very fast. I cannot wait to find out how the deranged killer meets his end with a gifted baby, who was just born named Bartholomew.

savinggrace@essex1.com
THE RED TENT by Anita Diamant, 4 stars
This is an easy read for Book Clubs. This isn't great literature but it is good storytelling. There are several issues raised which are of interest to women. If you select this for a Book Club, see if you can get a copy of the Jewish commentaries from the Torah on Dinah; it will add to the discussion.
A MAN IN FULL by Tom Wolfe, 5 stars
What a rollicking ride this one is, even at 800+ pages. For a scathing account of modern American life, let Wolfe transport you to Atlanta (actually read Anywhere America) and indulge yourself with these finely tuned scoundrels.

PNormart@aol.com
BIZARRE WORLD by Bill Bryson, 5 stars
A hilarious little book of paragraph-long stories that make you laugh and/or shake your head. Here's one favorite: Janos Zeklos, a professional soccer player in Romania, decided to hang up his cleats in 1979 after accidentally scoring against his own team for the twenty-third time in his career.
THE DARWIN AWARDS: Evolution in Action by Wendy Northcutt, 4 stars
People do stupid things (I mean really, really stupid), and sometimes they pay for their idiocy with their lives. This book is best read a little at a time; too much at once and the stories begin to sound repetitive and to dishearten one about the future of the human race.
THE ANIMAL FACTORY by Edward Bunker, 5 stars
The author was an inmate of California's penal system for 18 years, so he knows what he's talking about. The story is about a drug dealer, Ron Decker, sent to San Quentin for two years -- if he can keep his nose clean. He meets up with Earl Copen, a gang leader who knows how to work the system, and the two form an unlikely friendship. I thoroughly enjoyed the realistic details about prison life and the people living it. My only complaint is that the book was only 202 pages long.

lskett@yahoo.com
THE RED TENT by Anita Diamant
This is a wonderful story from the Bible told from a woman's point of view. The story is told by Dinah, daughter of Jacob and niece to Leah, Rachel, Bilhah and Zilpah. A truly memorable book!

burnzy@voyager.net
A SUITABLE BOY by Vikram Seth, 5 stars
1300-page saga of 4 families in India in the early 50's--funny, tragic, mysterious, and romantic
THE SAVAGE DAMSEL AND THE DWARF by Gerald Morris, 4 stars
Third in a series about the Knights of the Round Table, great reading for pre-teens and young teenagers.

GDurisin@aol.com
SPEAKING IN TONGUES by Jeffery Deaver, 3 1/2 stars
A fast-paced thriller with a bit less depth than some of his earlier books, but still an enjoyable read.
A GOOD HOUSE by Bonnie Burnard, 1 star
Didn't live up to the reviewers' promise. Paper-thin characters, with events reported in a sparse, superficial style more suited to headline writing than a novel. The author didn't stay with any one event or character long enough to make the reader care what comes next.
LOSING JULIA by Jonathan Hull, 6 stars
(I know 5 is supposed to be the max, but this book outdoes all the others!) One of the BEST books I've read. I fell in love with the main character, Patrick Delaney, who tells his story both as a young man on the battle lines of World War I and as an 81-year-old (but still lively) resident of an assisted-living facility.
LAMB IN LOVE by Carrie Brown, 4 stars
Two lonely people in a small English village find love in middle age.
SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson, 5 stars
Though written for young adults, this book also resonated with the many adults I know who read it recently as part of a book-talk weekend. A young girl entering high school finds herself isolated, outcast, and unable to speak after a traumatic summer event that has been misinterpreted by her former friends. The description of her finding her voice and learning to speak up for herself is fascinating in its very realistic portrayal of adolescence today. MUST reading for parents and teachers of teens, as well as the teens themselves. I'd love to hear a male response to this novel, as so far all the readers I know have been girls and women.

XUchief@aol.com
THE LAST PRECINCT by Patricia Cornwell, 4 stars
Lower expectations developed after reading the last several books in this series caused me to be pleasantly surprised that this was better than expected.

StickerQueen W@aol.com
CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE CAT AND DOG LOVER'S SOUL by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hanse, 5 stars
Alot of the stories I just sobbed when I read them - it is a TRUE pet lovers book for me!

PansyMonkey@aol.com
HANNIBAL by Thomas Harris, 3 stars
Continuing in typical "Hannibal, The Cannibal" style, this tale is gruesome and dark, but maddeningly engaging. With voyeuristic plunges into the depths of ingenious insanity, relentless masochism, and earnest ambition, one is snared into continuing -- willingly or reluctantly -- to the surprising end. Not for the weak of heart.

Joyfuljess@aol.com
MINDHUNTER by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker, 3 stars
A little more self-indulgent than his other books. I thought John Douglas talked about himself too much. I don't give a rip how he met his wife, that isn't why I read real-life crime fiction.
DEAD SOULS by Ian Rankin, 4 stars
I love Rebus books, and this one was great. I loved the bad guy and I love the fact that Rebus is so complex. He isn't the typical hero, he has a lot of darkness in him and as a cop isn't afraid to be toeing the line of the law. I like that.
DISCOVERING THE BODY by Mary Howard, 4 stars
What a great book from a first time author! This book had a really interesting premise and a surprise ending which I love. I couldn't figure out who did it, which for me, is a lot of fun.

J6r6t6@aol.com
CLOUDSPLITTER by Russell Banks, 4 stars
The fictionalized account of John Brown as told by one of his sons. So good in fact I am reading a nonfiction about the civil war.
THE PASSION by Jeanette Winterson, 5 stars
Amazing story about two people who are carried away by passion and together try to find a way back to life before.

CHUBBYGIRLS2000@aol.com
COME RAIN, COME SHINE by Shannon Anderson, 4 stars
LOVE OF MY LIFE By Elizabeth Eliot, 4 stars
READY OR NOT By Kathy Allred, 5 stars
TONIGHT By Penny McCusker. 4 stars
THE UNEXPECTED HUSBAND By Lindsay Armstrong, 5 stars
They are all very good books to read if you are interested in reading Romance Books. Some of them describe what people are actually going through.

msmimi5x@aol.com
WHAT'S SO AMAZING ABOUT GRACE by Philip Yancey, 5 stars
When I first picked up this book (for a church class study) I browsed and randomly read one story. It was a life-changing read. I will never again look at people who we think might not deserve our love, such as murders, child molesters, etc., the same again. After all, the question in the book is - Who does God love more the murderer or the victim? I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants insight on how to change the world to a better place.

BillMGCAR@aol.com
THE LAST PRECINCT by Patricia Cornwell, 5 stars

Ratacheck1234@aol.com
MOONLIGHT BECOMES YOU by Mary Higgins Clark, 4 stars
Set in Newport, RI. Young independent woman has put personal tragedy behind her and has become a successful photographer. She meets with her step-mother and finds her will has been changed - then there is a murder and she becomes a target.
TRAVELING MERCIES by Anne Lamott 4 stars
Collection of essays. Trademark wit and irreverence in describing a reluctant journey into faith.
KILLING CASSIDY by Jeanne Dams, 4 stars
Dorothy returns to Hillsburg IN to claim a small inheritance from Kevin Cassidy. A suggestion of murder leads Dorothy and her husband, Alan, on a search. Cozy style, the 6th in this series.
POBBY AND DINGAN by Ben Rice, 5 stars
In Australia, a young girl grieves her missing imaginary friends. Lovely little book. Not a feel good, but one where you see the pictures painted by the author with his words.
HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG by Andre Debus III, 4 stars
A recent Oprah book. I enjoyed the portrayal of the characters, although I didn't like many of them.
SACRED SINS by Nora Roberts, 4 stars
In Washington DC, murders of young women are happening - all being strangled with a priest's scarf. Psychiatrist Tess Court plays an instrumental part in the solving of this crime. mystery/romance

Booksagain@aol.com
JUST BEYOND THE FIRELIGHT by Robert James Waller, 5 stars

Nsuck1982@aol.com
CALLING CARDS OF A SERIAL KILLER Author not given, 5 stars
THE BELL JAR by Sylvia Plath, 4 stars
THE RIGHT HAND OF EVIL by John Saul, 5 stars
WHAT THE CORPSE REVEALED by Hugh Miller, 4 stars
BORDERLANDS by Mike Dash, 3 stars
WOMEN IN PACIFIC NORTHWEST HISTORY by Karen J. Blair, 2 1/2 stars
HEART OF THE TRAIL by Mary Barmeyer O'Brien, 5 stars
TOWARDS THE SETTING SUN by Mary Barmeyer O'Brien, 5 stars

Jacktar627@aol.com
FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS by James Bradley
This is the gripping story of the Battle of Iwo Jima and the glory, triumph, heartbreak, and legacy of the six men who raised the flag on Mount Suribachi. I have read a lot of books about WWII battles, but this is by far the most outstanding.

NMBA@aol.com
NIGHT SINS by Tami Hoag, 5 stars
Have read many books by Tami Hoag. It's always nice knowing you don't even have to read the book cover to know it's excellent. You have only to look for the author and you know you have a good book. This one's only about half done but is getting harder and harder to put down. A peaceful town where crimes don't happen has just had a young boy disappear. His mother, a doctor , was late and a call to his father went unanswered. The boy disappears. Parents blame each other. A local cop fears big city evils are coming to stalk this small quiet town and a new investigator on her first big case has to deal not only with this but also with being female and being hired for this job over a local male contender. Together they are looking for a madman and possibly a reawakening of a long quiet serial killer.

kaos@bhsu.edu
THE SPARROW by Mary Doria Russell, 4 1/2 stars
A little difficult to get used to the jumps in time at the beginning, but worth the time to work through that! Science Fiction only in that it involves aliens--don't let that scare you off. A wonderful read.

Krebsman@aol.com
EARLY HAVOC by June Havoc, 5 stars
Brilliant Depression Era memoir of teenage has-been vaudeville star desperately trying to survive a grueling dance marathon - a classic.
GAY NEW YORK by George Chauncey, 5 stars
Eye-opening social history - great book
THE PAINTED BIRD by Jerzy Kosinski, 3 stars
Overrated. Sadism 101 for the politically correct.
THE COLLECTED STORIES OF CHARLES W. CHESSNUT by Charles W. Chessnut, 5 stars
Beautifully crafted stories of African-American life in the last half of the 19th century. Best story collection I've read in a long time.

hutchjen@hotmail.com
THE JACKET by Charles Elgee, 5 stars
This is an excellent horror novel which I think is better than Stephen King. Found it at Amazon.