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raloy@sc.rr.com
DOGHOUSE ROSES
by Steve Earle, 4 stars
A masterful collection of short stories by the legendary country street poet Steve Earle.
BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
THE SECOND SILENCE
by Eileen Goudge, 4 stars
Nice easy reading, a bit of mystery, good characters, really an enjoyable book.
Swanksax@aol.com
ENVY
by Sandra Brown
This will be available August 28. I just received it yesterday and cannot put it down! Wonderfully entertaining!
JBrown2511@aol.com
THE PATRON SAINT OF LIARS
by Ann Patchett, 5 stars
Yes another one by Ann Patchett. After finishing the aforementioned book I wanted to read more by this author. Very different but still a book where the characters and relationships made the story. This one about a home in rural Western, KY for unwed mothers...the setting very near where I live so that added an element of interest for me...but no matter where it was located the story was touching and the characters you grew to care for.
NEVER CHANGE
by Elizabeth Berg
I always love Berg's books. Find them perfect summer fare. This one the story of a nurse who had never found love...well until the summer her old high school friend comes back into her life. I read this one in one afternoon by the pool.
Jwan01@aol.com
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE
by J.K. Rowling, 5 stars
A shocking, thrilling book with it's own twist. Endearingly clever.
GOFFERME@aol.com
LEFT BEHIND
by Tim F. LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins, 5 stars
I looked at your section about series and decided to read The first in the Left Behind series. The book is called Left Behind. Not only is the writing good and the story line keeps you reading far into the night, but it makes you look deep within yourself and to ask yourself some tough questions. I plan on reading the whole series and I recommend it to every reader.
Ells50@aol.com
THE DRESS LODGER
by Sherri Homan, 4 stars
Dickensian in style. Title refers to 15-yr-old prostitute who rents out her gown to attract customers. Set in 1800's England, story includes much medical history of the day concerning cholera. Good mix of fact and fiction. Memorable characters.
nana@toast.net
THE STARS OF MITHRA SERIES
by Nora Roberts, 5 Stars
Excellent.
GDurisin@aol.com
BLACKBIRD: A Childhood Lost and Found
by Jennifer Lauck, 4 stars
Lauck aptly captures the perspective of a young child struggling to cope with circumstances she can't fully understand in this well-written memoir of a painful, lost childhood spent caring for her sick mother, and then enduring her loveless relationship with her step-mother. I wish she'd spent some time, though, on the aspect of her childhood that was found after she went to live with her grandparents at age eleven. It would be interesting to see how she progressed from a hardened and cynical little girl to the insightful woman she seems to have become.
THE GLASS PALACE
by Amitav Ghosh, 5 stars
Although this is a culture very much unfamiliar to me, Ghosh captured my interest from the very beginning of this story of love and war in Burma beginning in the late 1800s and following the families' fortunes and misfortunes through World War II and beyond. Although this is fiction, it is based on stories he heard from his parents, and comes across as a very realistic and empathetic portrayal of a land and people in crisis.
SUZANNE'S DIARY FOR NICHOLAS
by James Patterson, 1 star
Patterson should stick to mysteries. He does those quite well, and I've enjoyed every book in his Alex Cross series. This one, however, is just as trite and predictable as I'd feared. Its one saving grace is the metaphor of the five balls. That's worth remembering, but the characters and the story itself are not.
WASN'T THE GRASS GREENER? A Curmudgeon's Fond Memories
by Barbara Holland. 4.5 stars
A book of essays recalling in memorable fashion the mores of the
past that are no longer followed today. Holland has a wry humor and a style of writing that evokes fond memories about the most mundane topics. Very enjoyable!
THE JURY
by Steve Martini, 2 stars
The title seems a misnomer, since the
jury plays virtually no part in this story of a research scientist accused of murdering a colleague who was also, perhaps, a competitor. Not a good as previous books by Martini, with several places where he or his characters contradict themselves in ways that don't appear intentional, just careless.
KATHLAU@aol.com
SUZANNE'S DIARY FOR NICHOLAS
by James Patterson, 4 stars
Read it in one sitting. 100% pure romance and escape literature. No heavy message, just a nice little story. Great for a rainy afternoon or a day when it just too hot to do anything but read.
Thinkdaily@aol.com
HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG
by Andre Dubus III, 5 stars
Afnak@aol.com
CARRY ME ACROSS THE WATER
by Ethan Canin, 4 stars
He is one of my favorite writers, and this book, his latest, was one I enjoyed very much.
BACK WHEN WE WERE GROWNUPS
by Anne Tyler, 5 stars
Someone whose books are always good, and I consider this one her best yet.
NOT A DAY GOES BY
by E. Lynn Harris, 2 stars
I didn't care for the content of this book, although there were parts which were funny. The subject matter and the content of the book were interesting, but not something I'd have read if I had known more about it before I started it.
LOSING JULIA
by Jonathan Hull, 5 stars
This first novel of Hull's was one of the best books I've read in a long time. The plot was excellent, and the book was beautifully written. I heartily recommend it.
SHOPGIRL
by Steve Martin, 5 stars
Martin has written a terrific little book here, and he shows how talented a writer he is--along with his many other talents. Although a slender volume, SHOPGIRL is very worthwhile reading.
This list is just part of the reading I have done recently.
VALAITISH@aol.com
LOVINGKINDNESS
by Anne Roiphe, 4 stars
A feminist agnostic Jewish woman is dismayed when her 22-year-old daughter joins an Orthodox Jewish "commune" in Israel. For anyone battling mother-daughter relationships, this is a good novel about loving and letting go.
A YEAR BY THE SEA: Thoughts of An Unfinished Woman
by Joan Anderson, 5 stars
A woman chooses to separate from her husband for a year to find herself. I wasn't sure if I'd like this book, but I loved it. A memoir of sorts, it reads like a novel. Very well done.
LSzerlip@cs.com
DANCE UPON THE AIR
by Nora Roberts, 2 stars
I thought this book started out well but I didn't like the witch craft. Made me wonder about Nora Roberts?
SUZANNE'S DIARY FOR NICHOLAS
by James Patterson, 5 stars
You will want to pass this one along to a good friend. A great summer read.
LOSING JULIA
by Jonathan Hull, 3 stars
I could not get into the story and I really did not fall in love with the characters. I know many will disagree with this review.
dutch772@midtel.net
HAUNTED PAST
by Kathy Perry
This is a great mystery book to all of those mystery readers. Sarah was a sweet girl adopted by a couple who had 2 sons. The one son fell in love with Sarah, and the other son did too. Jake, the one brother that thought Sarah was cruel to him, was actually jealous of his brother Jay, and the relationship that Sarah and Jay had. Sarah moved to NYC from a town in Colorado wanting to further her education. She had hoped that Jay would follow. They kept in touch for a couple of years until Jay met with a very bad accident. It landed him in the hospital for a long time. He had a loss of memory. Sarah, not knowing what happened to Jay, sort of went on with her life. While in New York Sarah met this young guy whom she began to date. Something was wrong but Sarah couldn't put her hands on it. She began to trust this guy, and she agreed to go on a vacation to a great ski slope in Vermont with him. Her best friend Beth and her boyfriend was going to meet them there. There were a few of her friends going to Vermont as well. Sarah, not knowing what trouble she was going to be in, wished she had waited to leave and go up with her friends. But she really didn't know what laid ahead for her. A blizzard started on the way up to Vermont and they had to get off the road and find shelter. They must have traveled 20 or more miles to find this little hide-away Inn. Sarah was glad that they got off the dangerous roads. Of course this Keith knew what he was doing, and he thought his plan was going well! It snowed for days. Phone lines were down, the bridge was out. Nothing was moving. Suddenly Sarah began to piece things together, but was it too late? On the top of the ski slope where no one was around her fears became a reality. Was this really happening? Was this who she thought it was? What was she going to do now? Would she make it out of this alive? You be the judge.
Lucky4750@aol.com
A THEORY OF RELATIVITY
by Jaqueline Mitchard, 5 stars
The story of a one-year-old who is left orphaned when her parents are killed in a car accident. The story of the custody battle between the extended family of this child's mother and father shows us the many depths of love.
THE MAGREGORS ALAN GRANT
by Nora Roberts, 5 stars
Another excellent read of the offspring of Daniel MacGregor. Only Nora Roberts captivates me with her in-depth story telling of this family. I find it very captivating and very hard to put down when I'm reading Roberts stories of love, romance and all of her extended families. You will definitely enjoy this read.
ONE LAST TIME
by John Edwards, 5 stars
John Edwards who is host of "Crossing Over" on the Sci-fi Channel touches us as we read about his experiences as a psychic medium who receives messages from those who have crossed over. Very interesting and touching read.
Cairo1953@aol.com
IN FIDELITY
by M.J. Rose, 5 stars
I took this book with me on vacation and virtually could not put it down. This book is filled with suspense, love, excitement and relationships. M.J. Rose has the wonderful ability to capture the reader's attention, to lure them back to the pages of her book. I was totally absorbed with this story. She's fabulous. Great read!
elizajane202@aol.com
THE BOY UNDER THE BED
by Preston McClear, 5 stars
This is a terrific picture book for children that are afraid of monsters under their bed. With each page something changes in the picture. See if your child can figure it out.
ON WRITING
by Stephen King, 5 stars
What writer wouldn't want to read this book? A man with such an outstanding out pour of novels. What are the secrets to becoming a better writer? How many times was he rejected? Is he human like the rest of us?
smorancie@yahoo.com
DARK HARBOR HOUSE
by Tom DeMarco, 4 stars
This book, set on the island of Isleboro, Maine, is a touching and funny summer read.
THE GRASS DANCER
by Susan Power, 5 stars
A great read featuring the Dakota Indians, their folklore and heritage.
THE VERY PERSISTENT GAPPERS OF FRIP
by George Saunders, 4 stars.
This book is written for children but any adult who has not read it is missing out on a wonderful story and excellent illustrations.
Car159@aol.com
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
by E.B. White, 4 stars
A classic, I never read as a child. A surprising, spellbinding and clever book that takes you on a twisted journey of time travel with characters who you can almost recognize as being right in the room with you. Anything is possible. A delight.
A WRINKLE IN TIME
by Madeleine L'Engle
Me1Me4@aol.com
THE ROOT WORKER
by Rainelle Burton - 5 stars
The best book I have read in a long time!!! This book will make you cry and laugh as told by eleven-year-old Ellen. Ellen is a black girl growing up in urban Detroit in the 1960's. It tells a true to life story of a Root Worker(voodoo worker) and her control of this urban area. The root worker convinces The Mother that Ellen is being controlled by evil. Very well written.
SVaughan10@aol.com
JUST YOUR EVERYDAY PEOPLE
by Fred Yager and Jan Yager, 5 stars
it was the best suspense novel I have read in years. I was intriqued throughout the whole book waiting anxiously to figure out how the everyday characters in the story get through the tangled maze they create for themselves. I didn't want to put it down. It even gave me some heart pounding reading and surprise as it all unfolds.
Great read! Would recommend it to anyone!
Vikkivand@aol.com
THE CENTER OF THINGS
by Jenny McPhee, 3 stars
This is about a tabloid journalist who is writing an obituary of one of her favorite film stars Nora Mars. She gets a "scoop" for her paper through Nora Mars' sister and ex-husband. In the meantime, she is writing a paper on quantum physics and meets a stranger in the libary who engages conversation with her in regards to different theories. I found it hard to get through the quantum physics dialogue (and there was a lot of it). I did like the ending though.
TELL NO ONE
by Harlen Coben, 5 Stars
There was no way I was putting this one down until it was finished! A doctor's wife was murdered at a lake that he and his wife went to since childhood. Eight years later, he receives an email telling him to check a hyperlink at a designated time. He checks and it is a skycam overlooking a busy city and then his dead wife looks into the camera! What follows is lots of twists and turns. The last page tells it all.
SORTOFAWRITER@aol.com
SECOND SILENCE
by Eileen Goudge, 4 1/2 stars.
Easy reading and enjoyable book.
DStegmanCrawford@aol.com
I KNOW THIS MUCH IS TRUE
by Wally Lamb
Yes, it's long. Some parts are tedious, but for the most part it is an excellent study of a sibling's experience of loving a mentally ill relation. The twins' struggles are, of course, ambivalent and often hurtful, but they love each other nevertheless. The book is quite similar to The Prince of Tides in it's in-depth revelations about mental illness, but quite different in its scope. I really enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it. I was nonetheless irritated by the pat ending -- Dominic ends up with his previous wife and all is well that ends well.
THE LIVING BLOOD
by Tananarive Due
A thriller about a sect of men who have immortality because they have received the actual blood of Christ. The wife of one of these men has an immortal child and she goes to Africa to seek her mate and restore some sort of normalcy to her life. She and her sister (a physician), want to share precious bits of this blood with the terminally ill, but the secret sect won't allow that.
DEAD SLEEP
by Greg Iles
A painter of dead women is sought by the FBI and a photojournalist named Jordan Glass. It's OK.
PamMacHig@aol.com
ENVY
by Sandra Brown
I am reading an advanced copy. Have not quite finished it, but am enjoying it and cannot wait to see how it turns out. It will be out in September.
Cybermole@aol.com
THE MASTER EXECUTIONER
by Loren Estleman, 5 stars
It's a fascinating, human story of a hangman in the old West.
MAPARKER6621@gateway.net
FAST FOOD NATION
by Schlosser, 5 stars
IRRITABLE HEART
by Wheelwright, 5 stars
JOHN ADAMS
by David McCullough, 2 stars
LIVING THROUGH THE MEANTIME
by Vanzant, 5 stars
DAVENAYMEG@aol.com
THE TRUTH IS: My Life In Love And Music
by Melissa Etheridge, 4.5 stars
A very fast read as you don't want to put it down.
Pjajwa@aol.com
THE DRESS LODGER
by Sheri Holman, 4 stars
Endorsed on its front cover by Frank McCourt, this fiction story takes place in England in the early 1800's during a cholera outbreak. It is about poverty and sickness and a couple of beautiful relationships. A dress lodger is a "high class" prostitute who in return for a beautful dress and a place to live, gives her landlord her profits. Our dress lodger is a young girl who brings tears to your eyes. There are many other themes thrown into the story, including medical research during those times.
Lucky4750@aol.com
CHOSEN PREY
by John Sanford, 3 stars
James Qatar is a History Professor who has another side to him. One of his hobbies is photography, he starts to take pictures of women without them knowing. He puts their faces on different bodies and has a perverse liking of this new hobby. He mails them the pictures or tacks them to bulletin boards. When women start showing up dead, the police realize they have a real psycho on their hands.
HOLLYWOOD WIVES: The Next Generation
by Jackie Collins, 4 stars
The continuing saga of the Hollywood wives, only now they are younger and more eager to make a ame for themselves. Not like the first "Hollywood Wives" by Collins where the wives were satisfied to entertain and throw great dinner parties, these newer and younger wives are up to doing whatever it takes to make it in Hollywood in spite of their famous and respected husbands. A lighter version of the original with the usual sex, drugs, booze and kidnapping to fill their days.
WiscConnie@aol.com
DATING BIG BIRD
by Laura Zigman, 4 stars
This strangely titled book
tells the story of a single 35-year-old woman with a bad case of baby lust. It's funny, it's touching and it's affirming.
Momclg@aol.com
THE BINDING CHAIR
by Kathryn Harrison
It is a story of women, escape, love, revenge and fear. It is
different from many other books and I think it is a good read and a great book for discussion.
Dbharmonicat@aol.com
IT'S NOT ABOUT THE BIKE
by Lance Armstrong
Favorite read of mine.
nprenty@sprynet.com
THE MUSE ASYLUM
by David Czuchlewski, 4 stars
A short, interesting thriller with unexpected twists. The plot centers around a reporter trying to get an interview with a reclusive author. A wonderful debut novel.
Bjglu@aol.com
THE MIRACLE LIFE OF EDGAR MINT
by B. Udall, 4 1/2 stars
You'll laugh, you'll cry. Brings to mind Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meaney. This book is a novel about a boy who meets with lots of traumas in life but manages to overcome. A brilliant read.
afalbo49@yahoo.com
THE SHAPE OF SNAKES
by Minette Walters, 4 stars
This engrossing tale of long-awaited, carefully-plotted revenge is not as suspenseful as some of the author's earlier works, but it's still a fine mystery.
GraceP@aol.com
MARIANA
by Susanna Kearsley, 4 stars
BIRDSONG
by Sebastian Faulks, 5 stars
ALIAS, GRACE
by Margaret Atwood, 4 stars
SILK
by Alessandro Barrico, 5 stars
MahjMaven@aol.com
BACK WHEN WE WERE GROWNUPS
by Ann Tyler, 4 stars
I read this book in one day. It was a welcome relief from the book I read just before that!! I highly recommend this book.
Jnrmy@aol.com
PERSONAL HISTORY
by Katherine Graham, 5 stars
TRUMAN
by David McCullough, 5 stars
FOUNDING FATHERS: The Revolutionary Generation
by Joseph Ellis, 3 stars
SCARLET FEATHER
by Maeve Binchy, 2 stars
GLNRED@aol.com
LOSING JULIA
by Jonathan Hull, 5 stars
A book that I enjoyed and loved so much. What a wonderful story! Couldn't put the book down, and still pick it up to read different things that were quoted in it. Looking forward to reading more of Jonathan Hull. He's great!
KerryKerry45@aol.com
THE PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN
by Simon Winchester, 4 stars
For anyone in love with words and/or ready for a fascinating and strange tale of a murder, an insane man, and the making of the Oxford English Dictionary. Some may find it a bit difficult in the details about specific words, but the compilation process was mind-boggling, and the story of the two men intriguing. It sounds like a novel but is all true.
MIDWIVES
by Chris Bohjalian, 5 stars
A real page-turner, a terrific story written by a male, but with incredible insight, told from a female perspective. It involves a birth, a death, a young girl's memories, and a jury trial. I have loaned this to several friends telling them that when you get to the very last page ONE WORD changes everything! Don't peek!!
THE ALIENIST
by Caleb Carr, 5 stars
Extremely well-written story of a serial killer in the late 1800's and the beginning of what we now consider routine forensic investigation. Sometimes a bit gruesome and disturbing, but that is to be expected with a serial killer. I was up way past my bedtime many nights with this one.
Jigsymom@aol.com
DEAD MAN FALLS
by Paula Boyd
I have found her stories to be light and funny. She has some great characters including a gun packing granny. Great reading.
grudolph@ixi.net
TWO O'CLOCK EASTERN WARTIME
by John Dunne, 5 stars
A great story. I'd like to see more like this one.
MYSTIC RIVER
by Dennis LeHane, 5 stars
Also a great read.
DREAMCATCHER
by Stephen King, 4 stars
Pretty good. Enjoyable.
THE SHAPE OF SNAKES
by Minette Walters
Not bad!
THE CORNER OF HIS EYE
by Dean Koontz, 5 stars
Also good and very enjoyable.
Monahani@aol.com
DROWNING RUTH
by Christina Schwartz
Interesting and strange.
THE CHARTERHOUSE OF PARMA
by Stendhal
Long soap opera about the aristocracy of Milan set in 1800.
HORNET'S NEST
by Patricia Cornwell
Good mystery, consistent writer.
THE RAPE OF NANKING
by Irish Chang
Terrifying account of the invasion of China by Japan in the 30's.
vze2chw8@verizon.net
COURAGE OF THE HEART
by Chelle Cordero, 5 stars
It's a "can't put down novel." Adam is every gal's hero. Great story, great action, romantic love scenes, great technical stuff.
kaqua@swbell.net
MY CAT SPIT MCGEE
by Willie Morris, 5 stars
Willie Morris, who wrote My Dog Skip, tells of his conversion to a cat lover in his later years. This wonderful chronicle has caused me to begin reading his other books.
MoM3g2b@aol.com
MYSTIC RIVER
by Dennis Lehane
VENDETTA DEFENSE
by Lisa Scottoline
canesl59@aol.com
THE MARK OF THE LION TRILOGY
by Francine Rivers, 5 stars
This was one of the most amazing stories I have ever read. Read the first book overnight and immediately went out and bought the 2nd and 3rd. Francine touches your heart with her characters, and makes you think long and hard on how you live your own life. They come highly recommended.
THE TALISMAN
by Stephen King/Peter Straub, 5 stars
One of my all time favorites. You are actually transported into another time and place, where strange things happen. Makes you almost believe that there is a world on "the other side of the closet".
A GAME OF THRONES
by George R.R. Martin, 4 1/2 stars
The beginning of a truly wonderful series. George Martin develops his characters with such intensity that before the first book is done you come to know them all. He lays a wonderful foundation for the next books in the series to come. Every page is a constant surprise, couldn't wait to start the next, hated to see them end. A must read for avid Fantasy fans!!!
Wmlj98a@aol.com
SULLIVAN'S ISLAND
by Dorothea Benton Frank, 5 stars
PLANTATION
by Dorothea Benton Frank, 5 stars
Both take place in the Lowcountry and Frank's characters are well
developed and easy to identify with. Her writing is tinged with humor and I found myself reading several passages out loud to my husband they were so enjoyable. Although, SULLIVAN'S ISLAND was excellent, PLANTATION is probably one of the best books I have ever read. The character of Miss Lavinia will have you laughing, crying and wishing we could all live life in such a whimsical fashion. Both novels will take the reader through the whole gamut of emotions and are not to be missed!!!
rohara@Princeton.EDU
MAP OF THE WORLD
by Jane Hamilton, 5 stars
Absolutely exquisite writing. I've never felt more like I was inside the head of someone as I do with Alice, the main character.
FOURTH HAND
by John Irving, 4 stars
This is not Garp, and it's not A Widow for One Year, but it has most of the elements of a good Irving book ... quirky characters, outlandish circumstances, and that final desire at the end of the
book for more, more, more.
HOW TO BE GOOD
by Nick Hornby, 4 stars
Hornby is never disappointing. British sensibilities and sense of humor.
ELIXER
by Gary Braver, 4 stars
Exciting. Page-turner. In the vein of something by Crichton or Preston. Can't wait for his next book, Grey Matter.
JOHN ADAMS
by David McCullough, 5 stars
For a historical work, this is very lively and engaging.
NotSoSweetOne@aol.com
FLIGHT
by Jan Burke, 5 stars
Awesome book! Every character is well thought out and you care what happens to them (unlike many books I've read lately). Story of police detective Frank Harriman trying to solve a ten-year-old murder case which previously indicated a fellow policeman. Lots of intrigue and action throughout. Very well written. I found myself repeatedly changing my guess on who-dun-it. Definitely worth reading if you like mysteries.
Natalia.Forrest@defence.gov.au
THE CONSOLATIONS OF PHILOSOPHY
by Alain de Botton, 3 stars
De Botton has written a book where he uses the lives and work of six major philosophers to help people come to terms with some of the problems in everyday life. The author has attempted to find a place between a self-help book and philosophy primer, but doesn't quite make it. The self-help aspect is very elusive, and the examples given are not particularly encompassing examples of the philosophers' work. Most disappointing for this reader, who has encountered the philosophers mentioned only through studies of politics and history, none of the writing gives good examples of how to apply their philosophy to everyday life. That said, this book has some interesting little insights (I learned more about Montaigne's thoughts on his body functions than I really needed) and it does not set itself on too high a level for non-specialists to enjoy. I just wish that I had been consoled a little more by Mr. de Botton and his philosophers.
SONG OF SOLOMON
by Toni Morrison, 4 stars
The story of this novel is part coming of age, part exploring of past, part family saga and a whole lot besides. And as always, there are some fabulous characters: three men named Macon Dead, a woman named Pilate (yes, as in Pontius) and another woman named Sing. And there are great stories behind the names, let alone the characters and their actions. I suggest that if you are looking for an engrossing read that will make you think as well as make your day, this might be the book you are looking for.
OBLIVION
by Josephine Hart, 2 stars
Oblivion is the story of how a family (namely mother and husband) is coping with the death of a woman. At least, part of the story is. The middle half of this book is actually a play, written by a woman Andrew, the husband of the dead woman, is interviewing. Andrew goes to a reading of this play, which is made up of the monologues of dead people. The premise of the play is that it is not when people die that they disappear, rather that when we stop remembering them is when they slip into oblivion. I don't expect to enjoy a book to like it, but when that is the case, I do want what I read to move me. Oblivion, despite the fascinating topic and previously proven skill of the author, did not move me in the slightest. It was simply a very boring book.
IT'S NOT ABOUT THE BIKE: My Journey Back to Life
by Lance Armstrong with Sally Jenkins, 4 stars
Lance Armstrong is a three-time winner of the Tour de France, an
achievement that in itself is extremely praiseworthy. But what is amazing about Armstrong's victories is that he achieved them after recovering from cancer - at one stage the doctors had believed his chances of recovery were less than 20%. It's Not About the Bike is the story of Armstrong's life - his growing up, his riding, his becoming a father. Most of all, it is about his battle with cancer, and how it changed him for the better. You don't need to be a cyclist to enjoy this book - while there are sections on his riding, nothing is too technical, and all cycling terms used are explained. As the title says - it's not about the bike. It is about an amazing man that went to hell and back, and made the best of the second chance he was given. I guarantee this book will manage to make you laugh, make you think and inspire you all in the same reading. And there's not much more you can ask from a book than that.
HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG
by Andre Dubus III, 3 1/2 stars
The basic premise of this story is quite simple - Kathy Nicolo is evicted from her house due to a county tax bungle. Mr Behrani, an exiled colonel from the Shah's Iran, buys the house in an auction. One of the cops who helped evict Kathy from the house, Lester, becomes involved in a relationship with Kathy. Of course, nothing is ever as simple as the basic premise, and the sub-plots of these three characters, their pasts and actions, blend and spiral together into a distressing vortex of a no-win situation. Much has been made of the fact that none of the three main characters - Kathy, Behrani and Lester - are particularly likeable, and it's true. You find it very hard to feel sorry when bad things happen to these people - they seem to bring things upon themselves, sometimes in spectacular fashion. It is a measure of how good this book actually is when you want to keep reading to find out what is going to happen, even if you don't particularly empathize with the characters. That is not to say there are no faults with this book - the author's attempts to reveal Lester's motivations are extremely cliched and pretty boring. The ending may be a bit melodramatic for some, but I found it entirely plausible in the context of the build-up within the story. If you are looking for a cutting insight into modern America, there are other novels that could do a better job. But if you are looking for something a bit more modest, you have a good chance of enjoying this novel.
croths@isys.ca
FEVERSHAM
by Diane Davidson, 5 stars
This is an old book, printed in 1969, and not easy to find in hardback, but worth the search. This is medieval mystery in reality!! Based upon a true crime of passion in England during the reign of Henry VIII, this book is amazingly well researched and totally engrossing. I knew of this crime, my hometown in England is very close to Feversham, now called Faversham, and in my youth had read up on it. The book sticks to the facts but adds fiction just enough to make it a thoroughly good read.
Qoesls@aol.com
THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER AND CLAY
by Michael Chabon, 5 stars.
Mr. Chabon has created a very endearing character in Joe Kavalier, and boy, does he have a magic way with words! Just for fun I started jotting down some of the phrases that caught my eye, and soon I had several pages. A few favorites: "the ship...loomed like a mountain in a dinner jacket." And "disentangled from the tulle of a dream." Reading this book is like devouring a rich, decadent dessert.
falbo@villa.edu
FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON
by Daniel Keyes, 5 stars
A mentally retarded young man takes part in experimental surgery that may increase his intelligence. The experiment is wildly successful, but the happy results are only temporary. This is a real heartbreaker!
Bossu49@aol.com
OPEN SEASON
by Linda Howard, 5 stars
Fun suspense
HEMLOCK BAY
by Catherine Coulter, 5 stars
FBI thriller
HSuss89012@aol.com
NICKEL AND DIMED
by Barbara Ehrenreich, 5 stars
This book should be required reading for everyone; especially retirees like myself who have gone back to work just to have something to do. Some of the information, especially that in footnotes, came as a shock to me. I commend her for what she attempted.
P IS FOR PERIL
by Sue Grafton, 4 stars
As usual, her plot line is good, but I thought the ending fell flat. I also did not think that it was as good as some of her earlier works.
WHEN YOU COME TO A FORK IN THE ROAD - TAKE IT
by Yogi Berra, 5 stars
This is more of a self-help guide than a baseball book. I have always found him humorous and after watching him being interviewed by Tim Russert, decided to read it. A good evening's entertainment filled with great lessons and anecdotes.
NOW PITCHING FOR THE YANKEES
by Marty Appel - 5 stars
This is a great baseball book written from the inside "management" perspective. From his application for a summer job while in school to his rise to Director of PR for the Yankees, and subsequent other employment after he left, this book is a good page turner. Larry King even mentioned this book in a recent USA Today column.
SEVEN UP
by Janet Evanovich, 5 stars
I just love the adventures of Stephanie Plum, and this book grabs and holds you from the first page.
SUZANNE'S DIARY FOR NICHOLAS
by James Patterson, 5 stars
My first reaction when first seeing this book was 'Is Nicholas Sparks an alias?' What I discovered is that he has written a story that I will never forget, and has proven, like John Grisham, that you can be a writer than engages different venues. I loved it!!!!
dbelk105@adelphia.net
CANE RIVER
by Lolita Tademy, 5 stars
This is Oprah's current book selection and it is excellent. The author has used her family and woven a partly fictional story about their life as slaves before the Civil War and their life as free people after the War. She skillfully brings that period of our history to life. A "must read" for everyone.
THE PAINTED HOUSE
by John Grisham, 4 1/2 stars
A very different book than his other books, (not one lawyer appears), but very readable and engrossing. He tells the story of life on a poor Arkansas farm through the voice of a seven-year-old boy -- a very precocious seven-year-old. And that is possibly the only false note in the book. I can't imagine a boy that age thinking and acting as he does. We do learn a lot about the hardships of raising cotton in very rural Arkansas.
PFLucas@aol.com
THEY'RE EYES WERE WATCHING GOD
by Zora Neale Hurston, 4 stars
Recommended by a friend a few years ago. It is a classic of black
literature, a study in the relationship of men and women, and the
development of independence in the woman main character. It does not end happily nor does Hurston's life. The opening paragraphs of chapter one are worth reading more than once.
MORE THAN YOU KNOW
by Beth Gutcheon, 5 stars
Set in a small town on the coast of Maine, the story bridges two centuries and two love stories. It is a suspenseful " page-turner" and keeps you wondering even beyond the last page.
Sparklightvm29@aol.com
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
by Jane Austen, 5 stars
Well, if you're a classic book reader, this book is definitely a book to choose if you haven't read it yet. I enjoyed it much. Jane Austen is a terrific writer who turns such a subject that seems unimportant and common into a novel with humor at certain points.
THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY
by Patricia Highsmith, 5 stars
A crime fiction, the talented Mr. Ripley, is one of the books that I thought best. It's interesting to watch how Tom Ripley plans everything, the murder and how he got away with it.
THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA
by Ernest Hemingway, 5 stars
This is a very short book that it doesn't even have chapters. But it has a great story, with Hemingway's simple style of narrating. The way the author has described the old man and his tale of battling the fish was very great. I thought it was a good book.
THE GODFATHER
by Mario Puzo, 5 stars
I thought the book was as great as the movie was. Recommend it highly
Donbl96@aol.com
PRAYERS OF JABEZ
by Bruce Wilkerson, 5 stars
Being single and caught up in the very busy, fast pace, electronic and hectic world around me, I was told at the book store that this book was selling like crazy. Curious, I bought it and just bought the journal book. The prayer and the reading from the book gives you faith, hope and the peacful feeling that IT's SIMPLE. The Man above is waiting for us to only ASK for the blessings we waste our life "wanting" but never doing anything about it. An excellent motivational book for all who are trying to get what you want on your own.
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