NEPR@aol.com
THE HONEY THIEF by Elizabeth Graver.
The story of a little girl growing into adolescence. But it's more. It's the story of a mother/daughter relationship, the effect of mental illness on a family, of an unusual friendship between the girl and a reclusive beekeeper. Tightly written, it's a quick read.

Wrldpcc@aol.com
BLOOD LURE by Nevada Barr
As always, an excellent page turner.

lotusponds@mindspring.com
THIS CRAFT OF VERSE by Jorge Luis Borges
Based on lectures given at Harvard during late Sixties, runs down his views on peculiar aspects of writing that strike his fancy. Excellent riffs. Very impressive reach thru all kinds of literatures & old tales & poetics.

THE DOGS OF WINTER by Kem Nunn
Surfers and Native Americans and locals in northern California go thru all kinds of changes in this novel about how the past is always with us and never is changed but the future in how we decide, so of course this is irresolvable.

KISS by Ed McBain
Just started, tho I'm not partial to such styles & have tried him before. But like Evan Hunter lots. So what are you going to do???? Cornball and catchy, with tasties flying around enuf to keep interest.

BBran68450@aol.com
THE SEVENTH SENSE by T.J. MacGregor, 2 stars
It's a suspense novel about an FBI agent, whose husband and unborn baby are killed when a Miami attorney purposefully rams his car into theirs in an alcohol-fueled rage. Her near-death experience awakens a seventh-sense in her and she teams up with a retired agent, also with psychic powers, to find the killer. It had a good base storyline and could have been developed into a killer tale by someone the likes of King or Cornwell, but the psychic hogwash and the all-too-easy way the killer is found, made for a less than thrilling book. But, it beats the heck out of television!!

Whimsey03@aol.com
IF EVER I RETURN, PRETTY PEGGY-O by Sharyn McCrumb, 4 stars
The fist of McCrumb's Ballad series. She's a wonderful storyteller. An excellent read.

MY DREAM OF YOU by Nuala O'Faolain, 4 stars
For those of us who find love difficult to define after the age of 40, O'Faolain tells a tale that rings true. I enjoyed this book.

BLhasdogs@aol.com
THE LAST PRECINCT by Patricia Cornwall.
Excellent. Less gore but much more substance.

C17itzme@aol.com
BAND OF BROTHERS by Stephen Ambrose, 5 stars

SPECIAL FORCES by Tom Clancy, 4 stars

BLACK HAWK DOWN by Mark Bowden, 4 stars

HOSTBKPGMada@aol.com
FIRST TO DIE by James Patterson, 5 stars
In fact, it may be the best thing Patterson has written in years.

Seashell17@aol.com
A PAINTED HOUSE by John Grisham, 5 stars
I am not too big of a Grisham fan, though this most recent book is a definite winner. In my opinion this book tops the stack of must read books. It is an "emotional" thriller that takes you up and down the paths of the characters developing lives. It is interesting how Grisham brings to the readers mind the memories or terrors we might have had as an innocent child, or the lust of a teenager, the dreams of an adult, or even the shame of loss...all from the point of view of a child and all the while weaving a storyline for each character. It is an intriguing story that I think is among his best pieces.

Lucky4750@aol.com
TEMPEST IN EDEN by Sandra Brown, 5 stars
Another "can't put down" romance. Sandra introduces us to Shay Morrison and Ian Douglas. Their parents marry and invite Ian and Shay to their cabin so they can meet each other and sped some time together. Shay, a nude model and Ian, a minister arrive and then the sparks start flying as Shay walks in on Ian is just getting out of the shower. Strong emotions fill the atmosphere during the weekend. But keep reading, it gets better and better with each page, as Ian tries to block his feelings for Shay. A great ending. Every time I thought it was ending, another chapter came along. Excellent read!

THE VINEYARD by Barbara Delinsky, 5 stars
Get out your tissues, sit in a comfy chair, because you won't put this one down. Filled with romance, heartache and more romance you're going to enjoy this one. The story of the Seebrings, vineyard owners, whose mother Natalie, recently widowed, decides to marry the manager of the vineyards. Outraged, her children will not accept her marrying "beneath" her. Natalie is going through with it. Then she hires Olivia Jones to come out to the vineyards and work on a family history project. Natalie hopes she can present to her family all the love, loss and heartache she has gone through in her life and now, has found true love and happiness. But it gets even more enticing when Olivia meets Carl's son Simon. A definite 5 + stars.

Appleby600@aol.com
BIRDS OF PREY by J.A. Jance, 5 stars.
Murder on a cruise ship, with Jonas Piedmont Beaumont to solve. Anyone that has ever been on a cruise will love this book.

GOFFERME@aol.com
STONEHENGE:2000 BC by Bernard Cornwell, 4 stars
This book is a combination of history and fiction, so you wind up with the best of two worlds.

Aimee geee@aol.com
IN GOOD COMPANY by James Martin, S.J.
About a UPenn Wharton School graduate who works in NYC for GE in their Finance Department. He feels "something is missing" from his life and becomes a Jesuit priest. Informative, concise and amusing.

DThomas201@aol.com
BROKEN WINGS by the duo who brought us MINDHUNTER, J. Douglas and M. Olshaker, 3.5 stars

DEVIL'S CODE by John Sandford, 4 stars

AGATHA RAISIN AND THE FAIRIES OF FRYFAM by M.C. Beaton, 5 stars
Those who have followed Agatha and keep wondering about her love for her neighbor James will be delighted with the story and of course our dear Agatha solves a murder to boot.

Iceblinkxo@aol.com
ALL AROUND THE TOWN by Mary Higgins Clark, 5 stars
I started reading this wonderful story and can't put it down. Great characters as well as having a gripping storyline.

FIRST TO DIE by James Patterson, 5 stars
I love his novels and wait anxiously for each new one. What a beautiful, fast past story this is!!!!

Carosp@aol.com
THE MYSTERIES OF PITTSBURGH by Michael Chabon, 3 stars.
I started reading it after reading liking WONDER BOYS. It's a sort of coming-of-age story that takes place in the '80s, and is interesting, but not as good as WONDER BOYS.

FOOBIETWO@aol.com
THE DRESS LODGER by Sherri Holman, 5 stars
Just finished this book and would love to turn around and start it again if I didn't have more in my stack! Shifting focus and the detailed characters pull you into the story and hold you there wanting to know what happens to them all!

Halobear1@aol.com
A PAINTED HOUSE by John Grisham
Very good read. Quite different than anything else he has written. His descriptive writing really allows the reader to get a picture of the characters and the settings of this story. A definite recommend.

Gotham5000@aol.com
EATING NAKED by Stephen Dobyns, 5 stars
A great selection of short stories by the author of CHURCH OF DEAD GIRLS

THE GIANT'S HOUSE by Elizabeth McKraken, 5 stars
Wonderful, quirky tale about a spinster librarian who falls in love with the local attraction, a young boy who is a giant. (Neat book cover also)

RAISING HOLY HELL by Bruce Olds, 3 stars
Fictionalized account of the life of John Brown, Interesting writing style makes this book worth a look.

MLWReader@aol.com
PROTECT AND DEFEND by Richard North Patterson, one of the best, all around reads I've encountered in a long time. Very well written, well crafted, thoroughly enjoyable. I was sorry when it was finished.

INTUITIVE HEALING by Judith Orloff, M.D.
Not for everyone, but I love this kind of stuff. Stopping to get in touch with messages and signs from your own self, listening to your body, and things of that nature. She is an awesome lady, I saw her speak recently and she has a child like quality mixed with an incredible wisdom.

A COURSE IN MIRACLES - No author listed
Again not for everyone, but beautiful, spiritual, difficult, challenging, and the single most beneficial book I have ever read.

Gdurisin@aol.com
PROTECT AND DEFEND by Richard North Patterson, 5 stars
This is one worth reading more than once: first to enjoy a great story line, with engaging characters and suspenseful plotting, and then again for a fascinating look at power plays in our political system, and a thorough treatment of the very complex issues related to government regulation of abortion.

FIRST TO DIE by James Patterson, 4.5 stars
In this first book of a new series featuring Detective Lindsey Boxer, Patterson introduces "The Women's Murder Club", consisting of a police detective, a medical examiner, a young reporter, and an assistant D.A., as they join together to solve a string of murders. Patterson keeps the suspense going until the very end. Very fast paced, quick read.

FROM THE CORNER OF HIS EYE by Dean Koontz, 4 stars
Koontz uses his quantum physics-based concept of the interrelatedness of all human life as the basis for a story connecting a rapist/murderer, the daughter he sired when he raped a fifteen year old daughter of a minister, a former priest turned police detective, a blind boy named Bartholomew, and a multitude of other eccentric but interesting characters.

BANKER TO THE POOR by Mohammed Yunus, 3 stars.
Writing in a clear, almost conversational style that makes his ideas readily accessible, Yunus describes his transformation from ivory tower economics professor to activist. Working to alleviate poverty in his native Bangladesh, he began by extending small loans to the poorest of the poor, and ended up creating a banking system that has been replicated in numerous Third World countries, based on his belief that credit, not handouts or training, is the primary need of the poor and the most promising means to enable them to take control of their own lives and better their circumstances.

monysmom@mediaone.net
FOREVER AMBER By Katherine Winsor, 4 stars
Recently re-released with a forward by Barbara Taylor Bradford, I cannot believe I had missed this up until now. It is like a GONE WITH THE WIND set in Restoration period England, and Amber is truly a woman of the millenium, stuck in that period!

OLTLFREAK@aol.com
BAD TO THE BONE by Katy Munger, 5 stars
This book is definitely worthy of the five star rating! Casey Jones, PI, is one chick everyone can identify with. You might want to be like her, hey, you might even want TO BE her. She is tough, speaks her mind, goes for what she wants and gets the job done. In this book, her ex-husband comes back into the picture. As always, her boss Bobby D. and her lovers are there in the picture. Katy Mungers writing is sooo smooth, its like breathing in air! Once you start to read this book, you will not be able to put it down. That's why I hate to go to work everyday; it interrupts my reading schedule! Try her other books in the series, starting with LEGWORK, OUT OF TIME, and MONEY TO BURN.

RGrace734@aol.com
These are the two books I read this month. They are so different from one another and I loved each of them, not only for the style in which they were written, but because the characters showed love and respect for their fellowmen. Sex, violence and vulgarity, were not sensationalized. In THE RED TENT, physical abuse by a husband was dealt with. In THE HONK...ethnic cruelty was shown, but in both stories, resolution came about

THE RED TENT by Anita Diamant, 5 stars
Beautifully written fictional account of what might have occurred. Author describes characters as they are entered into the story. Narrator (Dinah) relives the day-to-day life experiences as they applied to her life from childhood to adult. A delight -- and the actual bible verses in Genesis help one who is not familiar with daughters of Jacob, Leah and Rachel -- to understand their place in biblical history.

THE HONK AND HOLLER OPENING SOON by Billie Letts, 5 stars
Another sweet story by the author of WHERE THE HEART IS that gathers a group of minority ethnic characters in their times of strife and shows the strengths they have to overcome obstacles in their lives with one another's love and caring. An African American woman, a Vietnamese young man and a Native American young woman find themselves with a disabled American Vietnam veteran who looks out for them in his own special way. And they do the same for him. Each has a unique gift inside themselves which they share so unselfishly with one another. It is a delightfully uplifting story that Billie has to tell.

CShank1246@aol.com
ALEXANDRIA QUARTET by Lawrence Durrell, 5 stars
The four-part story of a journalist who spends part of "the war years" in Alexandria and the perspectives of events from different characters.

THE DIVINE SECRETS OF THE YA YA SISTERHOOD by Rebecca Wells, 4 stars
A daughter searches her mother through a scrapbook and finds healing and reconciliation.

A YEAR IN PROVENCE by Peter Mayle, 5 stars
Wonderful humor when the author and his wife move to the South of France and buy a home.

PamMacHig@aol.com
PRODIGAL SUMMER by Barbara Kingsolver

DESTINY OF SOULS by Michael Newton

DAUGHTER OF FORTUNE by Isabel Allende

BAD BOY by Olivia Goldsmith

THE ELEGANT UNIVERSE by Brian Greene

INSTANT EMOTIONAL HEALING by Peter Lambrou and George Pratt
I keep a book or two in the car, in the bedroom, in the bathroom, in the den and on the lanai so I usually read more than one at a time.

tstorms@erie.ne
THE WITCH'S DAUGHTER (Blair Witch Files, Book #1) by Cade Merrill, 4 Stars

THE DARK ROOM (Blair Witch Files, Book #2) by Cade Merrill, 4 stars
First two books in a new series which continues the legend of the Blair Witch. True fans of the movie will love these scary tales.

Contributor's email address withheld at their request
OPEN HOUSE by Elizabeth Berg, 4 stars
Well written with rich characters

KLASSLESS@aol.com
AFRICANS IN AMERICA: America's Journey
Through Slavery by Charleston Johnson & Patricia Smith & the WGBH Series Research Team, 4 1/2 Stars

The only reason this isn't a five-star selection is because of the narrative. It is too choppy for my personal preferences, but I also recognize that it is because of the many contributors to the work. I am certainly enjoying this glimpse into American history--from a different perspective; I am currently about 1/2 of the way through and heartily recommend it to all Americans interested in forming a true sense of community.

WHO MOVED MY CHEESE? by Spencer Johnson, M.D, 5 stars
A great, easy-to-read and yet enlightening book about dealing with change. It is wonderful to help you realize your personal comfort zone, and, if it is not one that reacts well to change, offers some insights to help you adjust. Change is inevitable, and this book is good for one and all.

Qoesls@aol.com
THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM - 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis, 4 stars
A young adult book that takes me back to my own childhood. It is both funny and poignant.

FROM THE CORNER OF HIS EYE, by Dean Koontz
Have read the first dozen chapters and still don't know where this is going, but I have to find out.

MichelleM819@aol.com
77th ST. REQUIUM by Wendy Hornsby, 3 stars
Someone is killing off filmmaker Maggie MacGowen's subjects as she tries to make a documentary about a fallen police officer. A bit difficult to keep track of all the players' stories, but a good whodunnit. Uses some of the SLA/Patty Hearst story for background.

TTYUSER@aol.com
EASY PREY by John Sanford, 3 stars

Shakee5@aol.com
HEARTS IN ATLANTIS by Stephen King
I am a huge Stephen King fan. I have read all of his books except one that was given to me in paper back in August of 2000. It just didn't seem like a good King book so I let it sit for six months. Big mistake! The book I am referring to is HEARTS IN ATLANTIS. This book tells different stories that end when you want them to keep going on and on and on! In true Stephen King form he brings it all together in the end. For those who haven't read it, please do. For those who haven't read Stephen King, you don't know what you are missing!

Msangels2008@aol.com
WILL'S BONES, 3 stars
It makes you want to find out what happens, but it doesn't describe the characters too well and it goes on about things that are not interesting nor have much to do with what the book is about.

HARRY POTTER by J.K. Rowling, a four books, 5 stars
They keep you interested and you can't put them down. I want to read them again. Can't wait for a 5th book.

DROWNING RUTH by CHRISTINA SCHWARZ, 5+
You can't put it down. You want to keep reading to find out the truth

HEAVENLY by V.C. ANDREWS, 5+++
I have read this twice. I often forget when I am not reading and think to myself that I want to finish watching it like it's a movie. I see it in my head like it is real. Can't put this book down. You connect with the main character in this book. This is my favorite book and was even better this time around even after 16 years. No other book has mesmerized me like this one.

Netteatym@aol.com
A CUP OF LOVE by Franklin White
Dating is complicated enough without the added stress of political corruption and bribery and death. Franklin White combines all three expertly yet tenderly delivers a story line with many life lessons taught and learned. He weaves together two generational love stories with realistic ups and downs in their relationships that include life and death situations. In the end the true lesson of love, family and friends all sometimes found in a cup that we all have drank from, time after time.

dbelk105@adelphia.net
NORA, NORA by Anne Rivers Siddons, 3 stars
Not up to the quality of her earlier books. Good enough for a "light read"; probably a good "beach book".

Epaton@aol.com
MERRICK by Ann Rice, 5 stars.
David Talbot is not content just to relate to Merrick on his own. He gets Louis involved and Merrick performs some magic for him. Lestat is mentioned frequently and although not part of the story yet, I'm willing to bet that he will be. David's description of his emotional/physical and loving feelings for Merrick can easily be related to by just about anyone, because even though he is a vampire and living in a younger man's body (remember THE BODY THIEF Ann Rice?) he surprisingly has VERY human feelings and it is that which makes this book so wonderful that I am having a hard time putting it down.

Mavisjh@aol.com
EMPRESS OF ONE by Faith Sullivan, 5 stars

WEEDS by Edith Summers Kelley, 5 stars

BASTARD OUT OF CAROLINA by Dorothy Ellison, 5 stars
A hard book to read because of the subject.

DINNER AT THE HOMESICK RESTAURANT by Anne Tyler, 4 stars
If you don't mind a depressing story about a dysfunctional family.

mrsmlh@norcom2000.com
WHITE CHAPEL CONSPIRACY by Anne Perry
So far, it is not as good as her usual books about the Pitts. It is more of a commentary on the political issues in England in the time period of the book.

astern@san.rr.com
BACK ROADS by Tawni O'Dell, 3 stars

SEX AND THE CITY by Candace Bushnell, 2 stars

THE HOURS by Michael Cunningham, 4 stars

Torin8o@aol.com
WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN by Mary Higgins Clark, 5 stars
The story is well written just like all of Clark's novels.

NancyWomin@aol.com
BASTARD OUT OF CAROLINA by Dorothy Allison

LAZYANDLOVINGIT@aol.com
TARA ROAD by Maeve Binchey, 4 stars
I read it for a book club meeting. I give it 4 stars just because it's an entertaining read. I got a bit exasperated with the main character's naiveté, but it was an enjoyable story overall.

nana@toast.net
THE WEDDING by Danielle Steele, 5 stars
Excellent

burnzy@voyager.net
HUNDRED SECRET SENSES by Amy Tan, 4 stars

NIGHT FLYING by Rita Murphy, 4 stars
A YA book

DEMOCRACY DERAILED by Broder, 3 stars

GrayDeer@aol.com
KISS OF THE BEES by J.A. Jance, 5 stars

DEATH DU JOUR by Kathy Reich, 5 stars

COLD HIT by Linda Fairstein, 4 stars

DeCampCera@aol.com
BAD HEIR DAY by Wendy Holden, 5 stars
The funniest book I've read in a long time. I literally laugh out loud every other page. Perfect for the reader who just wants to read a good story and have fun doing so.

janice@careerkids.com
THE MAGIC LIFE by Ace Starry

Dvbjo@aol.com
HANNIBAL by Thomas Harris, 4 stars

BIG STONE GAP by Adriana Trigiani, 5 stars

UNDAUNTED COURAGE, by Stephen Ambrose, 5 stars

MOUNTAIN CITY by Gregory Martin, 4 stars

A & R by Bill Flanagan, 3 stars

CARELESS: The Unmaking of Elvis Presley, 4 stars

hjharver@home.com
THE ART OF HAPPINESS by Dalai Lama
So far it is enjoyable; I haven't yet finished it

WE WERE THE MULVANEYS by Joyce Carol Oates
Compelling family drama. It really made me think about lifetime after effects of one event in one's life and how it can touch many lives.

WONDER BOYS by Michael Chabon
Even though I saw the movie version last year; I had to read it! Very witty and well written. I am laughing out loud.

Mad Taz1@aol.com
ON WRITING by Steven King
Excellent, insightful look at his life before and after success.

TALKING TO HORSES by Henry Blake
Very good reference

THE COMING PLAGUE by Laurie Garret
Fascinating and scary, almost like an anthology of non fiction horror stories.

KenRTeel@aol.com
FIRST TO DIE by James Patterson, 5 stars
A mystery full of surprises.

FROM THE CORNEY OF HIS EYE by Dean Koontz
Always suspenseful; always something wonderfully different.

GandmaRI@aol.com
BLOOD LURE by Nevada Barr, 5 stars.
Another book about Anna Pidgeon a ranger with the National Park Service. As always, the book is a fast read with adventure, suspense, and page turning qualities. Can't put it down.

A SHORT GUIDE TO A HAPPY LIFE by Anna Quindlen, 5 stars
A short book with lots of insight. I read the book in 20 minutes but have been thinking about it ever since. It is about LIVING each day and being aware and grateful for what we do have and just not existing and always wanting more without realizing what we REALLY have.

r.b.lang@worldnet.att.net
BLOOD LURE Nevada Barr, 5 stars
Another good out of doors mystery.

Charrlygrl@aol.com
CORELLI'S MANDOLIN by Louis de Bernieres, 5 stars
This novel is set in Greece during WWII. It centers on a Greek village during the Italian occupation. It is wickedly funny and sorrowful at the same time.

A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY by John Irving, 5 stars
This is an oldie but a goody. Focusing on a smaller than average boy and his call from God. I've never read a book quite like it.

THE O'REILLY FACTOR by Bill O'Reilly, 3 stars
The host of television's hottest news/talk program gives his take on a variety of Factors: sex, marriage, and of course...politics. If you are a fan of Bill's you will love it, and if you're like me in the middle, you'll at least find it humorous and entertaining.

RG1202@aol.com
THE FIRST COUNSEL by Brad Meltzer, 4 stars
Murder mystery in the White House involving the First Daughter. Kind of like watching a James Bond movie. Many times you will say to yourself, "no way that could happen like that", but in the end it doesn't matter, because it's a fun and quick read. Not to mention some details you learn about the White House grounds and its security.

pastorleon@cubsmvp.com
ALL WE KNOW OF LOVE by Katie Schneider, 5 stars
This novel starts out like a Yugo and ends up like a Ferrari. I must admit the first few chapters ran like molasses is December. However, like riding a bicycle down hill, going faster and faster until you just lean your head back and enjoy the ride, this first effort of Katie Schneider fulfills a need for speed. We are bounced back and forth between eastern Washington, Florence, Italy and New York City quicker than a tilt a-whirl. Then, just when you think, "Is this ever going to make sense?" the surprises start to come, and boy do they come. Again, if you can get by the drudgery of the basic groundwork being laid, then this work will bring you much reading pleasure. But don't get comfortable; keep your seatbelt fastened.

rhsu@concentric.net
ONE THOUSAND PAPER CRANES: The Story of Sadako and the Children's

PEACE STATUE by Takayuki Ishii, 8 stars
*This is a poignant account of a young victim of radiation effects from Hiroshima's bombing. Sadako is a brave, talented girl who lives a happy life with her family until she is diagnosed with leukemia. She is full of hope and shows kindness to everyone until the last day of her life. The cranes are a symbol of fullfillment of wish and are incorporated into a monument that honors all children who died from the war. It is emotional tale of triumph and defeat.

WHEN THE WIND BLOWS by James Patterson, 7 stars
This is a mystery novel about medical miracles through genetic mutations. A doctor and FBI agent encounters children who are born with incredible strength, senses and physical "wings". When they escape from the compound, their "makers" attempt to hunt them for capture or death.

This seems like the inspiration for the new TV series, "Dark Angel".

LadyHwk17@aol.com
SNOW FALCON by Stuart Harrison, 4 stars
Interesting facts on falconry woven into the story line

A GIRL NAMED ZIPPY by Haven Kimmel, 5 stars
New author. Clever, hilarious! Due out March 20th

CROOKED LITTLE HEART by Anne Lamott, 5 stars

A VIEW FROM A MONASTERY by Brother Benet Tvedten, 5 stars
Delightful and affectionate!

DstegmanCrawford@aol.com
THE EAGLE CATCHER

SPIRIT WOMAN

THE LOST BIRD
I am reading a series of books based on characters Vicky and Fr. John who are based at Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. The stories are rich in Arapaho culture, and the vivid descriptions of life on the reservations are very revealing.The author is Margaret Coel and I believe there are about 6 titles in the series.

Patti911@aol.com
THE OPENING by Susannah Ellis Wilds
I just finished this one. This is the author's first novel and she has done well. It's the story of a group of girls, just entering their teen years that share their childhoods in a small southern town. Two of the girls, on one boring afternoon, decide to write down how they think each girl's life will turn out based on how well they think they know each one. The predictions are not rediscovered until 30 years later. They manage to find each other again and gather together to open the envelope and compare the predictions with how their lives really turned out. This book brings back all the childhood fears and joys as well as memories of friendships that affected us, more than we ever realized, until we were old enough to see their value. You know a book is a good one when you can't get it off your mind for days. This one did that to me. I liked this author so much I had to get her second novel that just came out, WITH FORKED TONGUE, and am reading it now. Just FYI, the back of the book has her web address. That's how I found out about her second novel, www.bywilds.com. I love to find new authors and this one has just found a new fan.

Whheee@aol.com
GANGSTER by Lorenzo Carcaterra, 5 stars
As fast reading and character driven as SLEEPERS

kaos@bhsu.edu
CONFESSIONS OF AN UGLY STEPSISTER by Gregory Maguire,3.5 stars
Interesting adaptation of the Cinderella story and a very quick read.

Metoomama@aol.com
NIGHT OVER WATER by Ken Follett
This story centers around one of the few transatlantic flights of the Pan American Clipper in 1939 just as England is entering the war and the elite passengers who paid dearly for seats. The plane is brought down by hijackers but not before the many insights into the lives of the passengers and crew. The twists and turns in the plot have you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't wait to see how it ended.

ESCAPE THE NIGHT by Richard North Patterson
This psychological thriller is filled with suspense, scandal and intrigue.

Cipsi2@aol.com
A GOOSE IN TOULOUSE by Mort Rosenblum, 3 stars
This is a very interesting and informative book. Rosenblum is a special correspondent for The Associated Press, based in France, who has lived in Europe for many years for many years. He writes of all French things edible but weaves wonderful tales of the places he's been, the people he has met, the stories behind the foods and the big fingers of the European Union messing around with French cuisine.

GOB'S GRIEF by Chris Adrian, 4 stars
An amazing first novel which interweaves Civil War times, personages both real and fiction, and a time-machine whose invention by a man devastated by the loss of his twin brother in that war hopefully will reunite the two. It is beautifully and grippingly written.

KelRat31@aol.com
Redwall by Brian Jacques, 5 stars.

EPaton@aol.com
From the Corner of His Eye by Dean Koontz. I just started it and in classic Koontz style, it is already shocking. His books always are. Its' too new to rate yet but it promises to be interesting and a possibly bumpy ride.

Bberrycrk@aol.com
I just finished Bill Bryson's book about Australia, IN A SUNBURNED COUNTRY. This man is a great writer; he could make mopping the floor sound interesting. When he takes an already fascinating subject and puts it in his own unique way, then you have some good reading. The book has all sorts of bits and pieces of trivia from the land down under. He tells us about how their Prime Minister, Harold Holt, just disappeared into the surf in 1967, never to be seen again. He tells us all the ways one can be pronged or stung to death by the myriad of toxic creatures that dwell in Australia. One can be baked in the desert in 140-degree heat. There is no end to the choice morsels of interest that he spreads out before us. He makes me laugh out loud and not many authors are able to do that.

I read his book A WALK IN THE WOODS a while back and fell in love with his style. You might want to give him a try.

OuiNikita@aol.com
JIMMY'S GIRL by Stephanie Gertler, 5 stars
This may be considered a romantic book --- about finding your first love again after 30 yrs --- but wait --- the book is so much more. It's not only about "what if's" and "what might be" --- but more importantly --- "what was". This is a story about what happened to those young guys many who were barely out of high school who enlisted in the service and were sent to Vietnam. They were kids one day and became men the next day with guns in their hand and orders to kill. Emily Hudson, the "girl left behind", wonders after 30 yrs what has happened to her first love. Her "first love", James Moran, is married and living a life the best he can, but his emotions, his true feelings --- the "real Jimmy" --- he has never shared with anyone until the two meet again for a weekend in Washington DC. This was a very thought provoking book for me since I saw many guys like Jimmy change before my eyes once they did enlist in the service. And the sad part is that we tend to forget what happened to them once they "came home". They were forever changed. At first I was ambivalent about Emily stirring up old emotions just because she was doing some searching on her own but the end result is that she gave Jimmy back a piece of himself which enabled him at last to arrive a some sort of peace with his own life.

EX LIBRIS by Anne Fadiman, 5 stars
This book can be read in an evening. It's a book for every book lover and everyone who is in love with words. The essays are delightful and often quite humorous. You really feel you are in the presence of someone who truly reveres the written word.

WNiel2406@aol.com
DOMAIN by Steve Alten, 3 stars
An interesting premise linking the ancient pyramids to a doomsday scenario. The story is well done but the characters were not interesting enough to carry the story. I found some inaccuracies in the references to the US Navy that left me doubting other facts. In spite of this, it is worth reading.

THE CUTOUT by Francine Mathews, 5 stars
I bought this based on the Bookreporter.com review and recommendation and was thrilled by the book. It was clever and inviting, sucking me in with strong characters and a tense plot. Ms. Mathews is an excellent writer with a real command of the thriller genre. This was one of the few books I could not put down. I'm now a fan.

PengmanGF90@aol.com
I am reading ICE BOUND: A DOCTOR'S INCREDIBLE BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL AT THE SOUTH POLE by Dr. Jerri Nielsen with Maryanne Vollers, 3 1/2 stars

A really good, fascinating story, but the writing isn't all that great. I would still recommend it, though.

"O" IS FOR OUTLAW by Sue Grafton, 5 stars
I highly recommend any Sue Grafton books. Wonderful reading. Funny and engaging. If you haven't read any Sue Grafton, don't start with this one, start at the beginning with "A."

Ksh52@aol.com
HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG by Andre Dubus III, 5 stars
The subject matter is new and original and written with great insight into his characters, their history and traditions. This is a must read.

Irulan3478@aol.com
BLACK MOON INN by Laurell K Hamilton, 5 stars
Could not put it down. It's a must read. Action, romance, horror, sex, drama, and fantasy, it has it all.

theaerie@skybest.com
BODY & Soul by Frank Conroy, 5 stars
I read this book several years ago and had hoped for a sequel. Recommended it to my book club recently, and everyone loved it. This musical prodigy grows up in abject poverty, attaining success and giving hope to all. You feel the music through his emotion.

LETTERS FROM YELLOWSTONE by Diane Smith, 4 stars
This wonderful little gem of a book transports you back to a time where botany was a common interest for many and new plants were being discovered and catalogued. However, the real story here is the character development, told entirely through a collection of their letters written to friends and family back home.

GIRL IN HYACINTH BLUE by Susan Vreeland, 4 stars
A Vermeer painting is the main character of this interestingly different book. A collection of stories about the owners of the painting weaves its common thread through history. One also more fully understands the importance of art in our everyday lives.