|
Miss Vespe@aol.com
REMEMBERING BLUE
by Connie May Fowler, 5 stars
THE CUSTOM OF THE COUNTRY
by Edith Wharton, 5 stars
THE NEXT STEP IN THE DANCE
by Tim Gautreaux, 4 stars
BEE SEASON
by Myla Goldberg, 5 stars
These books are great summer reads and full of depth, love, loss and the complexities of life in general. Enjoy.
LindaK525@aol.com
CHARMING BILLY
by Alice McDermott, 5 stars
THE POISONWOOD BIBLE
by Barbara Kingsolver, 5 stars
THE FOURTH HAND
by John Irving, 1 star
ANGEL OF REPOSE
by Wallace Stegner, 4 stars
PRODIGAL SUMMER
by Barbara Kingsolver, 4 stars
KATHLAU@aol.com
HONK AND HOLLER OPENING SOON
by Billie Letts, 4 stars
The second novel by the author of WHERE THE HEART IS --- a great beach read. Get to know the characters that work in and frequent this Oklahoma truck stop-- a Vietnam Vet who hasn't been outside the Honk in 12 years, his big haired waitress who's daughter is a Patsy Cline wanna be, a refugee who introduces Asian delight to the menus and a lovely Native American drifter in search of "something."
falbo@villa.edu
GREEN DOLPHIN STREET
by Elizabeth Goudge, 4 stars
If you're in the mood for a good old fashioned novel of adventure and romance, here it is!
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY
by by Jane Austen
Humor, romance, and heartbreak all in one can't-put-it-down novel!
Loveajoy@aol.com
THE OTHER WOMAN
by Patricia Kay, 5 stars
An excellent read. While there is a strong romance, the plot is women's fiction.
Sandn2shoes@aol.com
ICEBOUND
by Jerri Nielsen, 5 stars
His nonfiction account of the female M.D. who spent a year at the South Pole would chill you with her descriptions and warm you with the comeraderie among the crew of 41. What made her year so unusual was that during this time, she found a breast lump. She trained personnel to help with her biopsy and then after a special air-drop, she trained them to assist with the chemo. The first half of the book talks about how she came to apply for this assignment and about life at the South Pole. The second half includes her biopsy and treatment, and the support of the crew. This book has truly inspired me with the power of the human spirit to help and to survive.
Gidgemnstr@aol.com
SPINDLE'S END
by Robin McKinley, 4 Stars
It was an engrossing spin on the classic Sleeping Beauty story, told as though it were history that we just mis-remembered. I think that the greatest thing about this book is that the doomed princess isn't truly a beauty. She was given the many gifts of her fairy godmothers (perfect silken hair, pearly white teeth, etc), but no one remembered to actually make her beautiful. It's a fascinating read, if you like fairy tales.
Bettys1870@aol.com
STOLEN LIVES: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail
by Malika Oufir with Michele Fitoussi, 4 stars
This biography of a family who have been imprisoned, because of what their father /husband had been acused of, is very stark and revealing about middle eastern culture, especially Morocco. Malika had been raised in the palace just as if she were a princess. This was snatched away from her and the rest of her family (including a 3-year-old brother) because her father was accused of plotting against the king. (He was executed before the family was imprisioned.) The family spent 20 years in very difficult conditions until Malika and her brothers escaped, contacted foreign journalists and embarassed the crown. It still took several years to leave Morocco and find a bit of freedom.
In fiction I have enjoyed Tom Topor's CODICIL --- suspense fiction: A former lawyer turned private detective is hired to find the illigitimate child of a very important and wealthy deceased man. Story is hard to put down. I also enjoyed Janis Arnold's EXCUSE ME FOR ASKING. Female college roomates look back on their trials and tribulations with their families. Many secrets are revealed while they mature and have families of their own.
Goldbooks@aol.com
NEVER CHANGE
by Elizabeth Berg, 4 stars
I enjoyed this book as well as the rest of her novels. She incorporates her experience in healthcare, specifically home care in this book, which is a rare. It was touching and compasionate even if unrealistic at times, still a very good read.
JWIsley@aol.com
SILENT AS THE HUNTER
by Christopher Lane, 5 stars
It was fast paced, can't-wait-to-get-to-the next-chapter reading.
Anyone who has been to Alaska and seen the pristine wilderness will be anxious to re-discover it through Mr. Lane's narrative.
Netteatym@aol.com
WIND DONE GONE
by Alice Randall, 4 stars
I don't know what all the hoopla is about the description of that famous novel by Margaret Mitchell. Ms. Randal writes from a different perspective. The historical truth about life in American during pre and post civil war has three sides; ours, theirs and the truth. I think Ms. Randall blends them quite well in the telling of this time through the eyes of a young slave girl whose biological mother is the mammy of the plantation and biological father is the owner of the plantation. A situation that has been proven to be all too common during that time. This novel explores the thoughts and feelings of this young girl and her experiences of the times unfolding from her young childhood through adult life. I like this look from the other side, conceptually it is just as believable as the book that influenced it.
DLCRN77@aol.com
SPEAKING IN TONGUES
by Jeffrey Deaver, 5 stars
This book may qualify as Deaver's best yet. This is not part of the Lincoln Rhyme's series (that's his next novel!) but the characters in this book and the story line and prose will have you reading through dinner and way into the night. Deaver does not disappoint his loyal readers, and, most assuredly, will make a fan of first-time readers to this author.
Krebsman@aol.com
THE LATE MR. SHAKESPEARE
by Robert Nye, 3 stars
Entertaining biography of Shakespeare written by a fictional biographer.
THE GOD OF SMALL THINGS
by Arundhati Roy, 4 stars
Vivid novel of southwest India. Funny, tragic and poetic. Very impressive despite some flaws that emerge toward the end of the book.
TRAIN TO PAKISTAN
by Khushwant Singh, 5 stars
Powerful novel of the partition of India that is educational, suspenseful, and difficult to put down. Unsentimental and brutal at times, this is very much a "man's book." Recommended.
THE CLUB DUMAS
by Arturo Perez-Reverte, 2 stars
Literary detective novel that began intriguingly, but then it became a chore to finish, despite some interesting things along the way. I enjoyed the comic sex scene and I respected the book's ambition, but there were just too many red herrings.
Joyfuljess@aol.com
SEVEN UP
by Janet Evanovich, 4 stars
I am a HUGE Janet Evanovich fan, and I have been waiting for what seems like forever for this book. I guess with that kind of anticipation, it's easy to be disappointed, and I was. Although this book was good, it lacked something that I couldn't put my finger on. There was a whole lot less Joe Morelli in this book which, I understand, is a plot necessity, but Stephanie Plum is best when working off someone. I think also it lacked the sexual tension that is usually there (in no small part due, I am sure, to Morelli's absence). One cool thing about this book is Ranger makes more of an appearance. I love Ranger...what a man!
THE DEAD HOLLYWOOD MOM'S SOCIETY
by Lindsey Maracotta 5 stars
This was a very fun and enjoyable book about a traditional mom and wife cartoonist trying to deal with the Hollywood pitfalls. A fun and light mystery read.
THE TROUBLE WITH THIN ICE
by Camilla T. Crespi, 4 stars.
A Simona Griffo mystery. I liked this book, but it never really drew me in. I probably won't read the rest in the series.
STICKS AND SCONES
by Diane Mott Davidson, 5 stars
If I could give this book more stars I would. This was by far my favorite Goldy Shultz mystery! It drew me in from the very first page. Action packed and an excellent plot that just kept me guessing and trying to read as fast as I could to get to the bottom of it. I very highly recommend this book.
FAST FORWARD
by Judy Mercer, 5 stars
This was the first book I have read of Judy Mercer's and I am so excited to get more from the library. This was a wonderful and engrossing mystery. A woman awakens with complete amnesia in a trashed house and a gun wrapped in bloody clothes. She has to figure out who she is and why someone is trying to hurt her before they strike again. Excellent book.
Lucky4750@aol.com
KILL AND TELL
by Linda Howard, 5 stars
Linda Howard did good with this one. I enjoyed reading it. The inner workings of the CIA, VietNam, murder and falling in love in New Orleans.
OPEN SEASON
by Linda Howard, 2 stars
This is her new book about a plain looking librarian who decides she needs a complete makeover, not just in her appearance but in her lifestyle as well. Unfortunately, I just can't get into this story. I am a third into the book and I find it so dragged out and mundane I don't think I'll finish it.
cleas@earthlink.net
BLOOD AND GOLD
by Anne Rice, 2 stars
Got my hands on an advance and although it's much much better than some of her recent efforts (i.e., I'm still reading it) it's no Vampire Lestat or Interview with the Vampire.
A TRAITOR TO MEMORY
by Elizabeth George, 4 stars
Dark and complicated, just like we like our British mysteries....
Kmell33@aol.com
1ST TO DIE
by James Patterson, 2 stars
I was really disappointed in this book. It is the first in a new series about a women's murder club. I found it to be so predictable. There was really no surprise and really no mystery. It's an easy read so if you're into a quick read this might be for you. It definately wasn't for me.
Hiqsaw@aol.com
GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING
by Tracy Chevalier
Excellent book!!
Valjeang@aol.com
DARK MATERIALS trilogy
by Philip Pullman
There are some titles that may be shelved in a library as Young Adult, but everyone should know they're not only for kids! I had already discovered Philip Pullman's Dark Materials trilogy and thrilled to each one of those unique high fantasy novels. Recently I discovered Pullman's first trilogy from early in his career and I have been enjoying those nearly as much. THE RUBY IN THE SMOKE introduces us to a strong woman protagonist, Sally Lockhart, 17 and alone in London in the 1870's, unraveling the mystery of her father's death and the existence of a valuable gem. Her search takes her through the mysterious darkness of opium dens and dark alleys. The setting is so well written that it's almost a character itself. Now I've just finished the second book in the series, SHADOW IN THE NORTH. Sally is now 22 and has set herself up in business as a financial consultant. An intricate mystery again most be solved and again it is multi-layered and very satisfying for the reader. I can't wait to read the third and final novel about Sally and I want to share that for anyone not familiar with the name Philip Pullman, he is a unique and powerful author for adults as well as young people.
Vikkivand@aol.com
THE FOURTH HAND
by John Irving
Loved it as much as OWEN MEANY. Humorous and enjoyable. Great summer read.
theaerie@skybest.com
JOHN ADAMS
by David McCullough, 4 stars
Excellent, well written and documented from Adams's letters and journals. It's a step back into history with so many aspects I had never considered.
THE DROWNING PEOPLE
by Richard Mason, 1 star
This book is all hype, with weak characters and a thinly disguised plot. It had been recommended by a friend, but was a total waste of my time.
VALAITISH@aol.com
WHY GOD WON'T GO AWAY
by Andrew Newberg, Eugene D'Aquilli and Vince Rause, 4 stars
The subtitle of this book is Brain Science and the Biology of Belief. According to the authors, the experience of knowing God or a transcendent unity is neurologically hardwired into the brain. In short, the experience of knowing God is all in our heads. This does not mean that the experience is not real, because everything is all in our heads. Unlike many scientific studies, this book does not attempt to debunk spirituality, but instead gives credence to mysticism and other intense religious experiences.
THE RAPTURE OF CANAAN
by Sheri Reynolds, 4 1/2 stars
I couldn't put this one down. This was nearly a one-sitting read. A teenage girl grows up in a cult founded by her father. The girl's and the community's beliefs are put to the test when she becomes pregnant and claims the baby is Jesus.
WINTER SOLSTICE
by Rosamunde Pilcher, 2 stars
Five people at a crossroad in their lives spend the holidays together in Scotland. I loved Pilcher's COMING HOME, but this book moves as sloooooow as molasses. I can only take so much of people talking about going grocery shopping, walking the dog and discussing what to have for their next meal. I finally gave up about halfway through, read the end and tossed the book aside.
PFLucas@aol.com
FIVE QUARTERS OF THE ORANGE
by Joanne Harris, 5 stars
A book that you want to read without interruption, but don't want it to end. It is set during the Nazi occupation of a small French village. The aroma of an orange will remind me of the secrets and intrigue.
A PAINTED HOUSE
by John Grisham, 4 and 1/2 stars
If you read this book in the comfort of your air-conditioned home, you'll still feel the heat of the cotton fields. However, the author provides you with several diversions with baseball, small town gossip, and murder. The weight of the family secrets are equivalent to a 100 pound bag of cotton and seem to lesson as they move out of Arkansas.
|
