|
NEPR@aol.com
ELLA IN BLOOM
by Shelby Hearon, 4 stars
A quick read. Delightful characters. A story of sibling rivalry with an interesting twist.
CShank1246@aol.com
THE OUTLANDER Series
by Diana Gabaldon, 4 stars
It is a great read. I work at a bookstore and the women I work with recommended this. I am on the first book, over 800 pages, whew. The fifth book in the series will be published in November. At least November is the plan. The books are a combination of historical/romance with a little scifi thrown in. A 1945 English woman falls through the henge in Scotland and ends up in 1743 Scotland and it's love and adventure par excellence.
Lucky4750@aol.com
MURDER ME NOW
by Annette Meyers, 4 stars
My first read by this author. Set in the 1920's it's an Olivia Brown mystery. Pretty good read.
SOMEONE TO LOVE
by Kasey Michaels, 2 stars
Typical romance story ! Nothing special as far as I was concerned.
THIS HEART OF MINE
by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, 5 stars
So far this book has me captured and waiting for the next page with anticipation. Molly, who writes children's stories, is happy with her life as everything seems to go smoothly, with the exception of the feelings she has for a quarterback for the Chicago Stars (team owned by Molly's brother-in-law named Kevin). Heartbreak, love etc etc.
CPres64735@aol.com
DAUGHTER OF FORTUNE
by Isabel Allende, 5 stars
Great book with lots of historical information about the early days of Californina and the people who came to find gold.
WIMJO@aol.com
THE VILLA
by Nora Roberts
NORA, NORA
by Anne Rivers Siddons
I was struck by how the families in these stories stuck together through difficult times. I also have recently finished Nora Roberts first novel in a new trilogy (not sure of the title and have passed it on to my sister so I can't look it up). It is the trilogy that takes place on the Three Sisters Island in Mass. I was disappointed by all of the description and time spent on modern day witch craft.
UKHRH@aol.com
DEAD SOULS
by Ian Rankin, 5 stars
Scottish detective John Rebus is chasing pedophiles and a serial killer through the streets of Edinburgh. Startling page-turner.
Dchi612@aol.com
THE JURY
by Steve Martini
Not one of his better books. Stuck with it till the end but was very disappointed, it just didn't keep your interest. I have read all his books and you just couldn't put them down but this one was boring. My husband gave up after 130 pages and my mother-in-law also gave up on it.
MURDER ONE
by William Bernhardt
It was excellent. Kept your interest going at
all times just couldn't put the book down. Have read several of his books and again very good reading and look forward to reading more of his books.
KATFEVER1121@aol.com
SUZANNE'S DIARY FOR NICHOLAS
by James Patterson
I read it in one night sitting. I have his other books. His others are crimes type reading. His new novel is new style for him. It was better than I expected for a love story from a man author and of James Patterson. You can not put it down once you start it. It was loving, touching, heart breaking at times and romanced at the same time. I can not say enough about this book. It was great and love every page of it. I would recommend any woman who has never read any of James Patterson's books due to his past type of books of crime to get this book.
Bjglu@aol.com
CLOSE TO SHORE
by Michael Capuzzo, 4 stars
If you enjoyed the movie, Jaws, you're going to love this book. It's the true story of the first known shark attack on humans in the US in the early 20th century. Reads like a novel with a great sense of place, time and characters.
Lgluhani@aol.com
MODEL PATIENT: My Life as an Incurable Wiseass
by Karen Duffy, 3 1/2 stars
You'll recognize her photo immediately. Karen Duffy is a major model, the "face" of Almay products and this is her story of an ongoing battle with the sometimes fatal disease, sarcoidosis. It's a terrific read and makes you wish you knew this funny, feisty, amazing woman.
SIROLIVER@aol.com
TRADING ROSES
by Lisa Wingate, 5 stars
Large family determined to ship grandmother off to a nursing home. Lots of reality in this one.
THE PACT
by Jodi Picoult, 4 stars
The story of two close families, one whose son
and one whose daughter decide on a sucide pact. Very moving. Character studies excellent.
THE LAST GIFT OF TIME
by Carolyn Heilbrun, 5 stars
She writes the Amanda Cross mysteries. This is about life after sixty and contains more wisdom that I have found in one book.
GDurisin@aol.com
BEST FRIENDS
by Martha Moody, 4 stars
Follows the lives and friendship of two women from their first meeting as freshman roommates at
Oberlin College through middle age. Fascinating look at a relationship sustained over a long time and great distances, and the impact each woman had
on the other's life.
SLAMMERKIN
by Emma Donoghue, 4 1/2 stars
Interesting historical novel based on a real event -- the 1764 execution by hanging (and/or burning) of a sixteen-year-old apprentice seamstress for murdering her mistress, supposedly because she wanted nice clothes. Donoghue's story develops a much more complex reason for the murder, and brings her characters to life with much descriptive detail.
CARRY ME ACROSS THE WATER
by Ethan Canin, 5 stars
In some ways, reminiscent of LOSING JULIA, still one of my all-time favorites. An old man travels to Japan to bring to its intended recipient a love letter he found among the effects of a Japanese soldier he killed during WWII.
THE FOURTH HAND
by John Irving, 4 stars
Having his left hand bitten off by a lion during a live TV interview is a turning point in the life of a handsome, self-absorbed newscaster. Good but not great. Less compelling, I thought, than CIDER HOUSE RULES. Will likely make a good movie, though.
THE SKULL MANTRA
by Eliot Pattison, 3 1/2 stars
It's likely I'd have enjoyed this even more if I were more knowledgeable about Tibet under Chinese domination. As it is, I'm sure I missed major details, but the basic plot, which involved a murder investigation and political and religious intrigue all overlayered with individual greed and corruption was strong enough to hold my interest anyway. I believe I originally read about this title in Bookreporter.com, but at the time couldn't find it in my local library. The recent release of a sequel, WATER TOUCHING STONE, prompted me to read this one first.
falbo@villa.edu
TELL NO ONE
by Harlan Coben, 4 stars
I read this thriller in a single sitting. Lots of plot twists, and you don't understand the "whole picture" until the final page.
mowit1@brightok.net
OUTLANDER
by Diana Gabaldon, 5 stars
LOVED this book.
ONE THOUSAND WHITE WOMEN
by Jim Fergus, 4 stars
HSuss89012@aol.com
KILLING PABLO
by Mark Bowden, 5 stars
This book has a plethora of information about the hunt for, and death of, Pablo Escobar who was a kingpin of the Colombian drug trade. Unfortunately, it appears his death has meant little even though his organization has been destroyed. Juxtapose this book against the movie "Traffic", and you can see the difficulty this problem presents. Very worthwhile reading.
DEAD SLEEP and 24 HOURS
by Greg Iles, 5 stars
Simply put, this author today is one of the best fiction writers around. He really knows how to make a novel grab and hold the reader. His background settings (Mississippi and Louisiana) are realistic (and I have been to most of these). DEAD SLEEP is his best book, and I hope someday Hollywood sees the virtue of making this into a movie.
THE LAST INNOCENT YEAR 1964
by Jon Margolis, 5 stars
As someone who was in his mid-twenties in 1964, I found this book of enormous interest. Much of what the author wrote about, I was unaware of. That year seems to be a fault line in our nation's history. Published 2 years ago, it is relevant today. A good, detailed, read.
jlharver@yahoo.com
THE RED TENT
by Anita Diamont, 5 Stars
It kept my interest and I feel I learned much about that period in history. I enjoyed hearing the women's viewpoint of what was only briefly mentioned in the Bible. Dinah's life was well worth reading about.
COLD PARADISE
by Stuart Woods, 4 stars
I must confess to being addicted to Mr. Woods' novels. Stone Barrington is suave, sexy, and his adventures usually occur in parts of the world that I would like to visit! It was a quick read, and a good summer escape.
CIRCLE OF THREE
by Patricia Gaffney, 4 stars
I am just reaching the end of this one. A good beach paperback. I loved her first novel: THE SAVING GRACES (a 5 star), so I thought I'd pick this one up. The story line keeps your interest, and the characters seem true to life. It is a study of the mother-daughter relationship through 2 generations. Since I went through these difficulties myself, I could identify with the characters.
A WIDOW FOR ONE YEAR
by John Irving, 5 stars
This was one I couldn't put down. I took it on an airplane and by my return trip 3 days later I had finished it! I found myself laughing and crying while reading. I think it is one of his best.
smb341@prodigy.net
THE SONGCATCHER
by Sharyn McCrumb
Recommend it highly. Her use of the language is marvelous; the setting is wonderful --- the mountains of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. The characters are real.
PFLucas@aol.com
FIVE QUARTERS OF THE ORANGE
by Joanne Harris, 5 stars
By the same author of CHOCOLAT, this is a book that you want to read without interruption, yet dread coming to the end. It is set in a small French village during the Nazi occupation. The villagers keep and share secrets with each other and at times with the German soldiers. The author's descriptive use of food and aromas lends to the intrigue.
A PAINTED HOUSE
by John Grisham, 4 1/2 stars
If you read this book in the comfort of your air-conditioned home, you'll soon feel the heat of the Arkansas cotton fields. As a diversion to the heat, the author provides small town gossip, St. Louis baseball, and murder. The weight of the family secrets are equivalent to the daily required pickings of a 100 pound bag of cotton, but seem to lessen as they move from farm life.
BREATH, EYES, MEMORY
by Edwidge Danticat, 4 stars
A haunting story of a mother/daughter relationship.
GeriDos@aol.com
I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE
by Wally Lamb, 5 Stars
This book is 900 pages long. The size of it was daunting. I must admit that I decided to read it because it was an Oprah's Book Club selection. I was glad I made the right choice. It is a character study seen primarily through the character, Domenick. You view his life in a number of ways, and through his associations with other people --- his identical twin, his mother, his stepfather, his relationships, etc. You also learn about the history of his grandfather through the journal that Domenick inherits. It is the kind of book that you relish until the final page. The author did a tremendous job of tying all the loose ends together, thus completing the circle. The book was a marvelous saga, and well worth the investment of time.
ROENI82@aol.com
THE PACT
by Jodi Picoult
I discovered this book (not a new one) by chance..and have since become a big fan of Jodi Picoult. I have now read all her books and consider this one to be her best....This is a great tale of two children who grow up together, fall in love, and then make a tragic pact. Don't miss this book. Everyone I have recommended it to, has told me it is riveting. I have not had one person tell me they did not like this book. Read it for yourself.
bigshermama57@msn.com
THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD
by Zora Neale Hurston, 5 stars
This is a great example of the blossoming of a woman from the age of sixteen through her forties. With each husband, of which she had three, you can see the opening of the bud until with the final man she fully blooms. He is the man that those around her thought would be the worst for her, but in his own way he "allows" her to be her own woman. I say "allows" because this takes place in the 1930s in the southern USA when most women still needed the OK from their husbands to become the women they could be. This is a wonderful book that teaches the reader that you can't judge a person by the way they look.
kaqua@swbell.net
BITTERROOT
by James Lee Burke, 4 1/2 stars
As always Mr. Burke's characters intrigue me from the 1st page.
Fafajane@aol.com
LOSING JULIA
by Jonathan Hull
This is a funny, sad book about old age and about youth, about today and WWI. Once the reader gets used to the narrator's transitions from past to present and back to the past again, it is a delightful read. The narrator's comments on the aging process are priceless and the reader wishes that she could meet this 81-year-old who has come to life on the pages of FINDING JULIA.
Bossu49@aol.com
SUZANNE'S DIARY FOR NICHOLAS
by James Patterson, 4 stars
A KISS TO REMEMBER
by Teresa Medeiros, 5 stars
VALAITISH@aol.com
THE ART OF HAPPINESS
by Dalai Lama, 4 stars
A practical, how-to guide on how to create happiness from a Buddhist's perspective.
MR. PERFECT
by Linda Howard, 3 stars
GATGKT@aol.com
NOTHING LASTS FOREVER
by Sidney Sheldon, 4 stars
This is not as well-written as some of his more famous books, but still has a variety of heroes and villains and plot surprises.
Hon2724@aol.com
THE PRAYER OF JABES
by Bruce Wilkinson, 5 stars
Interest in this book....liking it or not liking it ....would depend to some degree on the role a faith plays in your life. It is a facinating story of one little passage in the Bible. It sent me on a "treasure" hunt looking into what was behind this small, magic book. In a time when everyone is looking for magic, it could be found in this little book. Interesting and attention grabbing no matter what your religious beliefs.
judyjtg@netzero.net
LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS: 375 Great Books for Readers 2-14
by Erica Bauermeister and Holly Smith
5 stars
Great way to find women positive books for the girls.
DBFlight@aol.com
The Jim Chee Mysteries
by Tony Hillerman
This week, I can strongly recommend some wonderful summertime reading in the trilogy, "The Jim Chee Mysteries," three classic Hillerman mysteries featuring Officer Jim Chee by Tony Hillerman. A Hillerman mystery is a mystery on several levels: first of all, of course, a true detective story. The second and obvious layer is the mystery of the Navajo spiritual world. Officer Jim Chee is learning to be a "singer," and his grandfather is teaching him the secrets of the Navajo medicine man's world. Even though he is often torn between the world of the white man and his Navajo culture, Jim Chee is a man of tremendous honor....it's a wonderful way to learn this cultural difference. If that isn't enough, often there are other Native American cultural mysteries woven into the fabric of the stories. THE DARK WIND, the second of this trilogy, for example, features Hopi sacred practices. As a native of the Southwest myself, I am constantly awed by Hillerman's way of making the mystery of the land itself a living part of every novel. I have driven through much of this country. Before reading Hillerman, I found it to be desolate and uninviting, at best. Hillerman makes it beautiful and expansive and yes, a wonderous mystery of its own! For a quick read that segues into another and then another, pick up this book now!
VALAITISH@aol.com
BEHIND THE SMILE
by Marie Osmond, 4 stars
Most of the book is about Marie's experience with post-partum depression. The final few chapters concern treatments and suggestions for PPD recommended by Marie's doctor.
Carosp@aol.com
SEVEN UP
by Janet Evanovich, 4 stars
Her usual good read, although admittedly very light reading! Stephanie Plum mysteries always hold my interest.
A PAINTED HOUSE
by John Grisham, 4 1/2 stars
Although very different from Grisham's usual books, it has in common with the others that it holds your interest and makes you want to keep reading. As with his other books, I also found the ending somewhat disappointing.
CROOKED RIVER BURNING
by Mark Winegardner, 4 1/2 stars
Very interesting and entertaining book, especially interesting to anyone who is from or has ever lived in Cleveland, Ohio, as it takes place there and follows 2 major characters from the early 1950's until, I assume, the present (I haven't finished it). As the tale is told, the other includes short histories of well-known Cleveland personalities such as Eliot Ness, Alan Freed, and Dorothy Fuldheim. Interesting characters, good book.
Whimsey03@aol.com
DROWNING RUTH
by Christina Schwarz, 4 stars
Excellent read. Holds your interest throughout and you don't know what
happened until the very last page.
ONE LAST TIME
by John Edward, 4 stars
The host of the Sci-Fi Channel's "Crossing Over," John Edward is more fun than James Van Praagh, cuter than Sylvia Browne, and the author of an an entertaining non-fiction book. Edward's experiences as a psychic medium are enjoyable, uplifting, and believable. Warning: John can be highly addictive. Sales of pink roses are climbing.
Lucky4750@aol.com
THE WOMAN NEXT DOOR
by Barbara Delinsky, 5 stars
Another great read by Delinsky, once I started reading I couldn't put it down until I was finished.
GANGSTER
by Lorenzo Carcaterra, 3 stars
Typical gangster story but it fell short of what I was expecting. Author of SLEEPERS and APACHE didn't do nearly as well with this story. Too drawn out and just didn't have it.
Booksagain@aol.com
SAILING ALONE AROUND THE WORLD
by Captain Joshua Slocum, 5 Stars
This book is a reprint of Slocum's circa 1900 journal of his sailing around the world alone. We read about people doing it today but Slocum was among, if not the first, to do it. Slocum was not only an accomplished sea captain, but a builder of ships and a leader of men. A fine exapmle of what one man can do.
SHIGIGGLES@aol.com
ROSES ARE RED
by James Patterson, 5 stars
My favorite summer reading book was ROSES ARE RED by James Patterson. It was a great mystery book which kept me guessing till the end.
CLAIRE120@aol.com
DEVIL WENT DOWN TO AUSTIN
by Rick Riordan, 4 stars
This is a rather exciting mystery that encompasses the tech world business acquisition, sibling rivalry, revenge by an adoptive child, murders, and PI at work. Lots of intrigue here.
Nobbia@aol.com
INTO THIN AIR
by John Krakauer
Interesting true account of climbing Mt Everest that ended in tragedy. Hard to put down.
THE HOURS
by Michael Cunningham
Three interlocking stories relating to Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway. Beautifully written.
THE SHIPPING NEWS
by E. Annie Proulx
A man returns to his roots in New Foundland to uncover a new rich life. Interestingly drawn characters.
Vikkivand@aol.com
GOOD IN BED
by Jennifer Weiner, 5 stars
Loved it. Couldn't put it down. It is about a full figured journalist named Cannie who has had a life long struggle with her weight. She ends a relationship with her boyfriend of 3 years. He then begins writing a monthly article about his experiences with loving a larger woman in a popular magazine. The book is funny, but a serious side also as she learns about herself and accepts her issues with her weight, appearance and expectations that she has of others.
THEORY OF RELATIVITY
by Jacqueline Mitchard, 5 stars
This is about two adopted adults, Gordon and Georgia. Georgia and her husband die in a car accident, leaving their baby daughter Keefer. What happens next is a custody dispute between the husband's family in Florida and the mother's family in Wisconsin. Gordon, Georgia's brother, is told that he can't petition the courts to adopt the baby because he himself is adopted and not a "blood relative." An old law that remained on the books. The ending was not what I expected, but I liked how it turned out for everyone.
BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
THE BONESETTER'S DAUGHTER
by Amy Tan, 5 stars
I always enjoy Amy Tan, and I think this is one of her best. It explores how little we really know about each other, and follows a daughter's discovery of who her Mother really is.
cleas@earthlink.net
OF CATS AND MEN
by Nina de Gramont, 5 stars
This debut collection of ten short stories all have a cat in them (which hooked me!) and all revolve around male-female interactions. But beyond that, they're delicate and varied --- no "men are dogs" jokes --- with the kind of gradual, logical emotional developments that draw you in. I hope she does a novel next!
creffner@rochester.rr.com
THE GLASS LAKE
by Maeve Binchy, 4 stars
BEE SEASON
by Myla Goldberg, 5 stars
COLD SASSY TREE
by Olive Ann Burns, 5 stars
LUCY SULLIVAN IS GETTING MARRIED
by Marian Keyes, 4 stars
UNVEILED
by Francine Rivers, 4 stars
pseidel@dcgrp.com
GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING
by Tracy Chevalier, 5 stars
GandmaRI@aol.com
HOME TOWN TALES
by Philip Gulley, 5 stars
A fast read in short increments. Short takes on memorable moments (but ordinary moments) in the author's life. One of those quick spiritual feel good books.
FRONT PORCH TALES
by Philip Gulley, 5 stars
Stories of the author's family, faith, laughter, and love. Lets us common ordinary folk ponder all of the wonder and love in everyday life.
ICE BOUND
by Jeri Neilson, 5 stars
The true story of a woman doctor's fight for survival after discovering a lump in her breast while wintering over in Antarctica. Gives wonderful detail of everyday life on the ice and the forging of friendships and of becoming "of the ice." A great read.
MAPARKER6621@gateway.net
P IS FOR PERIL
by Sue Grafton, 4 stars
SEVEN UP
by Janet Evanovich, 4 stars
NEITHER EAST NOR WEST
by Bird, 5 stars
A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN
, 5 stars
ROAD TO WEALTH
by Orman, 5 stars
appleduchi@aol.com
I WISH I HAD A RED DRESS
by Pearl Cleage, 3 stars
cleas@earthlink.net
TULIP FEVER
by Deborah Moggach, 5 stars
I feel like I'm behind the curve on this (all my friends had been raving about it), but glad I finally got here. Lovely historical fiction with a break-your-heart romance thrown in, rather like Rose Tremain's "Music and Silence." Lovely use of voices as well, the alternating narrators are distinctive, clear and true to themselves.
SKende@aol.com
THE BONESETTER'S DAUGHTER
by Amy Tan, 5 stars
A heart warming story of a Chinese woman married to a man with 2 daughters, a mother with Alzheimer's and her struggles.
dbelk105@adelphia.net
FAULT LINES
by Anne Rivers Siddons, 5 stars
I throughly enjoyed this book (once I got into it). Great story and character portrayals in addition to a perfect title.
Kelley0424@hotmail.com
FIREFLY BEACH
, 5 stars
A combination of a love story and a story about strength, indifferences, and reconnections. Three sisters struggle with the present and future as past ghosts tempt and tear them apart. Old and new relationships will form and be tested. Will the past be put to rest so that fate and love can prevail? A love story in its truest form that will move you to desire such a feeling.
Bettys1870@aol.com
THE OPPERMANNS
by Lion Feuchtwanger with an introduction by Ruth Gruber Originally published in 1934, this book tells of the coming of the Third Reich and the imagining of what is to come to Germany in the ensuing years. Very prophetic! A German-Jewish family, who have for three generations owned a business in cosmopolitan Berlin must face the reality that they are no longer considered true Germans. Yet, they love Germany, feel more related to Germany than to their Jewishness. The Oppermanns relates a tragedy for the German people that is greater than the tragedy inflicted on the Oppermanns.
Bjglu@aol.com
LIFE IS SO GOOD
by George Dawson, 5 stars
A lovely, thoughtful book by a 101-year-old African American man who is the son of slaves and learned to read at the age of 98. His life is a testament to the human spirit. A wonderful book for all.
GROBBE@aol.com
THE MERCY RULE
by John Lescroart, 4 stars
An excellent courtroom drama surrounding assisted suicide (or was it murder?). Very well drawn characters.
Marooch17@aol.com
THE INN AT LAKE DEVINE
by Elinor Lipman
This book takes bias and turns it on its head with a humorous twist. It is very funny, as are all of Lipman's books that I have read (THE LADIES MAN, DEARLY DEPARTED)
HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG
by Andre Dubus III
An interesting plot, which makes the reader see each side of a story, and empathize in turns with each character. Powerfully written and realized, but the ending was a little sad...
|
