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Luvs2read328@aol.com
MY LAST DAYS AS ROY ROGERS
by Pat Cunningham Devoto
This is a great read that will make you feel like a kid again.
OUT OF THE NIGHT THAT COVERS ME
by Pat Cunningham Devoto
By the same author, but a much darker theme.
A WALK THROUGH FIRE
by William Cobb
Fictional account of the beginning of the civil rights movement in Alabama. Can you tell that I am into "Alabama fiction"?
BOOSKEE@aol.com
ENVY
by Sandra Brown
Once again Sandra Brown delivers. Very good mystery; it will keep you turning pages.
Caroline@swtexas.com
MURDER ON A GIRLS' NIGHT OUT
by Anne George, 3 1/2 stars
The first book of the adventures of sisters Mary Alice Crane and Patricia Ann Hollowell. The story is about a murder of a man that occurs in a nightclub that was just purchased by Mary Alice. The sisters are as different as night and day, but have a very close relationship. They and the employees are questioned by the police to try to determine who might have wanted to kill Ed (the previous owner, who had decided to stay on and help Mary Alice learn the ropes of the nightclub/dance hall). There is lots of comedy in their efforts to find the killer or killers. I look forward to reading the rest of their adventures.
wedofish@att.net
MAKING THE CALL
by Pat Hines
It is about a female baseball umpire and takes place in Pittsburg, PA. It's a good read!
RTURANIN@aol.com
JOSHUA'S HAMMER
by David Hagberg, 5 stars
This book is so timely, I could not believe it. Mr. Hagberg published it in 2000 and describes Osama Bin Laden's hatred for Americans and his terrorist attacks. It takes us through his caves in Afghanistan and the way the CIA handles his threats, including a plan to place a nuclear bomb under the Golden Gate Bridge. I have recommended this book to all my friends.
jupe77_2000@yahoo.com
THE FOREST
by Edward Rutherfurd, 4 stars
BIBLIOHOLISM: The Literary Addiction
5 stars
A great fun book!
MRJ1234@aol.com
THE DEAD HOUSE
by Linda Fairstein, 4 stars
Great story and interplay between characters. Never saw the ending coming. Fairstein has a handle on personal relationships.
MarionK105@aol.com
HUSBAND AND WIFE
by Andrew Klavan, 5 stars
It's so well written, it's different, it has so many plot twists, it develops the characters so well, but most importantly, my snooty sweetheart, who never really likes anything I recommend, LOVES this book.
AUGER77777@aol.com
GHOST SOLDIERS
by Hampton Sides, 5 stars
It is a riveting book about the internment of American soldiers during World War II in the Philippines. These are the survivors of the Bataan Death March. It is an unbelievable story of the horrific conditions experienced by the Americans and their Filipino allies at the hands of their brutal, sadistic, and murderous Japanese captors. How any of these brave souls survived is beyond my comprehension. Intertwined in separate chapters is the story of a group of U.S. Army Rangers who, along with their Filipino guerilla fighters, plan to rescue these Allied prisoners before they can be executed by the Japanese. Ghost Soldiers reads like a novel of high suspense. I highly recommend it.
Tiggi47@aol.com
THE SMOKE JUMPER
by Nicholas Evans, 5 stars
This book is a bit different than his other two books. His descriptions are fantastic. THE SMOKE JUMPER is the story of three people's quest for happiness and self-fulfillment, played out against the heroism of fire fighting in the wilderness and photojournalism at the edge of human experience a mesmerizing adventure for the spirit, told in the grandest tradition.
TenajSpyce@aol.com
THE HOBBIT
by J.R.R. Tolkein
Yes! I've given in to the trends of the common crowd and began reading the prelude to the Lord of the Rings trilogy (the upcoming epic movie). But surprise! This classic book written in the early 50's turns out to be more than expected. A "hobbit" turns out to be quite a pleasant little fellow with his few bothersome habits and flaws, but seems all to familiar with another sort of species (humans). But when a mysterious wizard sends him with a group of dwarves to find a hidden treasure in a isolated, dark mountain with a dragon lurking inside... the hobbit's eyes are much more open and understanding of the world and himself. I cannot put this book down... I'm not a fan of fantasy, but this one has got me by the leash. Recommend to all!
LMorris804@aol.com
CHAPEL NOIR
by Carole Nelson Douglas, 4 stars
I just finished Chapel Noir by Carole Nelson Douglas. After waiting many years for the next book in this series about Irene Adler, Sherlock Holmes' female equal and his "true love" I finished this book today and give it a rating of 4 stars. I'd have given it 5 stars, as it is truly an intriguing mystery, one that had me neglecting more mundane things, such as household chores, in order to read it, but the author cruelly leaves her readers hanging until the next book is published at this time next year to learn the solution to this yarn.
EllynPolansky@webtv.net
NAKED
by David Sedaris, 5 stars
An outrageously funny (and sometimes touching) collection of autobiographical essays.
HIGH TIDE IN TUCSON
by Barbara Kingsolver, 5 stars
A wonderful humantistic collection of essays by a gifted author best known for popular novels including The Bean Trees, Pigs in Heaven andThe Poisonwood Bible.
GCassie51@aol.com
OUR FATHER
by Marilyn French, 3 stars
I just started it and am only two chapters in. It is about 4 daughters (all different mothers) dealing with their father being in a coma after a stroke and also with each other.
Ferrellac@aol.com
CIRCLE OF THREE
by Patricia Gaffney, 4 stars
Fairly nice story about a woman's relationship with her mother and her daughter.
THE WEDDING PARTY
by Robyn Carr, 5 Stars
Fun story about the relationships of a soon-to-be bride!
BriggMc@aol.com
DEADLINE
by Randy Alcorn, 4 stars
MY GRANDFATHER'S BLESSINGS
by Rachel Naomi Remen, MD
FIRE OF HEAVEN
by Bill Myers, 5 stars
LMarshall5@aol.com
THE DANGEROUS HUSBAND
by Jane Shapiro
A humorous story about meeting the love of your life and then settling into
the real world 'happilier ever after'. The author writes like a good friend telling you a funny story. Her husband is accident prone, she is irritated by it all, and you'll get a good laff.
Shell725@aol.com
OPEN SEASON
by Linda Howard, 5 stars
IMPERFECT STRANGERS
by Stuard Woods, 5 stars
MOONLIGHT BECOMES YOU
by Mary Higgins Clark, 3 stars
THE PLAIN TRUTH
by Jodi Picoult, 5 stars
Harlequin Duets #61 Operation Babe Magnet/Operation Beauty
by Kristin Gabriel, 4 stars
Wyomingmama1@aol.com
CONFEDERATES IN THE ATTIC
by Tony Horowitz
Having been born and raised in the south, and the daughter of a dedicated, "Hard Core" Civil War re-enactor, I find so much of myself and my childhood in this book. Tony Horowitz managed to capture exactly what it means to be a southerner, both the good and the bad. I have tried all my life to explain to non-southerners what it is to grow up southern, but could never explain it satisfactorally, now I just hand them this book to read. After reading it, they realize that I'm not really eccentric for having portraits of Robert E. Lee and Willie Nelson in my living room, I'm just southern!
jennysnell@netspeed.com.au
ON WRITING
by Stephen King
In the past I have enjoyed many books from this author and I have always been so intrigued as to the creative nature of his wonderful imagination. This novel is in part autobiographical and gives an insight into the man and his craft and his early years as a struggling writer.. He also gives any aspiring writers some valuable tips on the writing process. His near fatal accident is mentioned and I felt from reading this novel that this life altering event was perhaps the reason behind its creation as a means of helping with his recovery. I especially enjoyed his booklist of those books he has read and enjoyed and he too is a "Harry Potter" fan.
Lucky4750@aol.com
THE KISS
by Danielle Steel, 5 stars
An enjoyable story about two couples, and how their lives come together in an unexpected turn of events. Bill and Cindy Robinson from the U.S. and Gordon and Isabelle Forrester from London, both marriages have lasted over twenty years and are void of any love. Bill is a Washington power broker and Gordon is a respected and powerful banker. Then Isabelle and Bill become friends, secretly maintaining a long distance friendship over the phone and eventually find love they never thought they'd experience. Then tragedy strikes. A wonderful read.
SNAPSHOTS
by William Norris, 5 stars
A triumphant story about the Mahoney family. It starts with the four Mahoney siblings, all in their thirties, going to the family New Jersey Shore house, it's Christmas Eve. The story goes backwards in time. It takes you through 25 years in their lives. Good story.
JRConover1@aol.com
ENVY
by Sandra Brown, 5 stars
DRMOLSEN@aol.com
PILOT'S WIFE
Well written, fast read
FACE OF DECEPTION
by Iris Johansen, 3-4 stars
Only 1/3 finished but I like what I have seen so far.
Carosp@aol.com
ROBERT KENNEDY: His Life
by Evan Thomas, 4 stars
Robert Kennedy has always been a personal hero of mine, and this book starts with his life as a young child in a household where the 3 eldest children, Kathleen, Joe, and John were expected to shine, and the younger Robert was ignored by his father, whom he desperately wanted to please. It takes you through his life, college, marriage, his career as Attorney General, and shows you the various, and sometimes contrary, aspects of his personality. I'm learning a lot, and also remembering a lot.
MurielJ@aol.com
SUMMER ISLAND
by Kristin Hannah
It is a sad story of the tragic relationships between a woman and her daughters. It is also poignant and funny, as complex as a life can be. It is a story of loss and the process of finding and reuniting. It takes place on an island in the San Juans. The mother is of all things, an advice colmnist and radio host who is able to give great advice to others in need, but has not been able to straighten out her own life. It is a worthwhile read.
RocKat81@aol.com
TOTAL RECALL
by Sara Paretsky
Not her usual but still holding me
ORANGE CRUSH
by Tim Dorsey
Always making fun of my beloved Florida.
BITTERROOT
by James Lee Burke
Not Robicheaux - we love him
SPIRIT SICKNESS
by Kirk Mitchell
Good regional writer
Neila1215@aol.com
THE BLUE LAST
by Martha Grimes, 5 stars
I can't get enough of her Richard Jury books. This one is darker than the others, IMO, but a great read nonetheless.
ODE TO A BANKER
by Lindsey Davis, 4 stars
I just love her Marcus Didius Falco series. Ms. Davis has a great sense of humor. I'm hooked on period mysteries (of just about any historical period), but adding humor to the history and mystery makes it that much better.
JEarh13191@aol.com
OVERKILL
by Susan McBride
Litchfield, Texas, a quiet suburb of Dallas, hasn't had a homicide in more than four years. That's why police detective Maggie Ryan transferred to Litchfield from the DPD, because she could no longer stomach the fights, the shootings, and the knifings. But when Maggie and her partner, John Phillips, are called to investigate the murder of sixteen-year-old Pauletta Thomas while she sat peacefully on her school bus, it's almost more than she can handle. In her second suspense novel, Overkill, author Susan McBride weaves a taut suspense/mystery tale that leaves the reader looking over his/her shoulder. Pauletta is a victim of Williams' Syndrome, a physical and mental disability in which its sufferers "test like retarded children, talk like gifted children, behave like disturbed children and function like a learning disabled child." Was Pauletta's murder just another random of violence, or was she the intended target? Why was the murderer so brutal in his attack on the happy-go-lucky teenager? And perhaps, more important, why did the gunman leave the school bus driver critically injured and two Downs Syndrome girls alive and untouched? What could Pauletta possible have done? Or seen?
Along the way, the investigation into Pauletta's murder stirs up old memories that Maggie has never resolved. While her mother lies in a coma in a nearby hospital, Maggie fights her own hatred, her own vulnerability, her own demons. McBride does an outstanding job in creating a character that is tough enough to handle the job of a twenty-first century cop. In handling Maggie's demons, McBride does the reader a service by not giving away all the gory details, but lets the readers fills them in along the way. Gleaned from today's society of school shootings and increasingly violence by and toward children, McBride shatters not only the tiny town of Litchfield, but makes the reader feel vulnerable as well. Overkill is every parent's, and every police officer's, nightmare. First the desperate hunt to find the killer, the hot tips that lead to a cold trail, then coming to grips that with the horrific realities that no one is ever really safe.
songoden@earthlink.net
FALLING ANGELS
by Tracy Chevalier
No doubt because I am a docent in the cemetery here, I found the passage in the voice of 11-year-old Maude Coleman particularly appealing. The inevitable question arises, Did I prefer it over Chevalier's Girl with a Pearl Earring. I found each enjoyable in its own way. I have enjoyed Chevalier's style in both works and look forward, in a few years, to her next.
TLWood61@aol.com
GRAND AVENUE
by Joy Fielding, 4 stars
Women meet at the park and become instant friends. They are there for each other through the good and bad. Surprise ending!
lyn1256@execpc.com
K-PAX
by Gene Brewer 5 stars
THE STORY OF B
by Daniel Quinn, 5 stars
Actually I'd give Quinn's book 10 stars if the ratings went that high.
Vikkivand@aol.com
THE CIDER HOUSE RULES
by John Irving, 5 stars
I heard about this book, but never got around to reading it. It's about an orphan named Homer Wells, who is never adopted from St. Cloud's Orphanage. Dr. Wilbur Larch is an obstetrician/abortionist at the orphanage and the story relates to the lives of Dr. Larch and Homer Wells over the span many years.
Dchi612@aol.com
MIDNIGHT BAYOU
by Nora Roberts, 4 stars
Enjoyed the book.
UKHRH@aol.com
WHEN CHRIST AND HIS SAINTS SLEPT
by Sharon Kay Penman, 4 stars
Historical fiction revolving around the reigns of Stephen & Maude (daughter and nephew of Henry I of England) and their endless struggle for the throne of England. Slightly bounces around from one character's POV to another, which cause a tad bit of confusion...other than that it's pure Penman!
THE STAND
by Stephen King, 5 stars
This classic can't be revisited enough as far as I'm concerned, especially since the addition of over 500 pages of the original manuscript. The extra pages doesn't overload it enlightens the reader...and is even more profound in today's world than when it was initially issued.
pnutgirl@ivillage.com
FEARLESS
by Rafael Yglesias, 4 stars
VINCENT PRICE
by Victoria Price, 4 stars
THE MUMMY
by Anne Rice, 5 stars
toriphile20@yahoo.com
WUTHERING HEIGHTS
by Emily Bronte, 4 stars
I'm reading this for class, and liking it pretty well, but the
characters are so awful! It's well-written, I think, and interesting,
but it's driving me just a bit crazy. I think it's supposed to.
HSheri629@aol.com
RAGGED RIDGE ROAD
by Leonard Foglia and David Richards, 4 stars
I recommended this book to many of my friends the moment I started reading it. I thought It to be one of the best books I'd read in a long time, and that's saying something. Unfortunately, it didn't quite meet my expectations. By the time I was half way through it I realized it was not what I had expected. Still a very good book.
PASSAGES
by Connie Willis, 5 stars
Here is a phenominal book, written with intelligence and obviously much
research. A new twist on the lighter books written about the near-death experiences (NDEs). Almost 600 pages, and I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book.
kaos@mato.com
THE REDEMPTION OF ALTHALUS
by David and Leigh Eddings, 4.5 stars
The Eddings do what they do well, and this book is no exception. Light, fast, funny. A good read.
TIMELINE
by Michael Crichton, 4 stars
Also reads very quickly--and very much like a movie. Another good escape.
GreeneJane@aol.com
MERCY
by Julie Garwood, 4 stars
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I didn't want to put down until I had finished it.
Hooch95proof@aol.com
SUZANNE'S DIARY FOR NICHOLAS
by James Patterson, 5 stars
I have read everything Patterson has written and this is very different for him. I read this book in 2 hrs. and passed it to every woman in my office building. 8 women read it in 1 week. I recommended it to a nurse in my doctor's office last week because she said she didn't have time to read. It makes you think one thing when something entirely different is going on. You want the guy for one woman but also for Suzanne.
THE SONG CATCHER
by Sharyn McCrumb, 5 stars
I really enjoy McCrumb's Ballad stories set in rural East Tenn. The characters are so special, each has their own problems or "demons" that they deal with. My favorite character is Mrs. Bonesteel who has "the sight". She has some wonderful visitors. I highly recommend reading all her ballad books: The Rosewood Casket, She Walks These Hills, and Frankie Silver to name a few.
alison@acenet.net.au
THE BRONZE HORSEMAN
by Paullina Simons, 5 stars
Such a compelling and captivating story, and so unforgettable -- if you don't want to have to excuse yourself from work, then I'd recommend you start it at the beginning of a week end.
WELCOME TO TEMPTATION
by Jennifer Crusie, 4 stars
The perfect antidote to "The Bronze Horseman" -- racy, witty, a little on the smutty side, and totally delightful; it was an easy and very enjoyable read.
POSTCARDS FROM THE BED
by Marion Keyes, 4 stars
I suspect it is a "must have" for Marion Keyes fans.
AFTER YOU'D GONE
by Maggie O'Farrel, 5 stars
Esther Freud's review shown on the front cover claimed it was "beautifully constructed ... unashamedly passionate" -- in my opinion, the book earned the excellent testimonials it received.
HSuss89012@aol.com
WAR IN A TIME OF PEACE
by David Halberstam, 5 Stars
This is a difficult book to read, but as usual, Halberstam has done his homework. His work just keeps getting better with each tome. Anyone interested in reading about foreign and military policy during the Bush and Clinton administrations should spend the time reading this. I learned much from this book that was not in daily papers.
THE BEST OF TIMES
by Haynes Johnson, 5 Stars
This journalist has put together one of the best books which will be written about the Clinton Presidency, and the deade of the 90's. Anyone interested in recounting this period should read this book. While the bulk of the book is about the Lewinsky affair and its associated scandals, the other sections are equally informative and have much useful information. Like Halberstam, his books cry out to be read.
THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN
by Richard Overy, 4 stars
This book purports to separate myth from reality and the author does a commedable job in doing so. This is a short, but incisive work with much new information of which I was unaware.
ORCHID BEACH
by Stuart Woods, 5 Stars
Once again, this author is at the top of his game.
matate10@swbell.net
ENVY
by Sandra Brown 5 stars
Her best book yet. Such a complicated plot.
SHOCK
by Robin Cook, 2 stars
The plot was hard to believe because it didn't seem like the characters
were very credible. The technical part was good, farout, believable
Robin Cook.
SHAMBLET@MIMHP.com
THE BONESETTER'S DAUGHTER
by Amy Tan, 4 1/2 stars
THE POISONWOOD BIBLE
by Barbara Kingsolver, 4 1/2 stars
STONE FROM THE RIVER
by Ursula Hegi, 5 stars
BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
LOCAL GIRLS
by Alice Hoffman, 4 stars
Fadrea@aol.com
A PERFECT EVIL
by Alex Kava
LScott2304@aol.com
CROSSING OVER
by John Edward
Just finished ONE LAST TIME by John Edward.
TALIBAN
by Ahmed Rashid
Interesting but difficult to keep up with the author.
SYLVIA BROWNE LIFE ON THE OTHER SIDE
by Lindsay Harrison
EVERYTHING AND A KITE
by Ray Romano
Just started but I enjoy humor.
MY POINT...AND I DO HAVE ONE
by Ellen Degeneres
Just finished, she is as funny in her book as on stage.
MITFORD
by Jan Karon, 5 stars
this is a series of books about the everyday events of
a fictitious small town (Mitford) told by the friendly Episcopal
rector,Father Tim, who has a big heart.Mitford has all of the characters you would expect of a small town...and more. A recent book out that I have yet to read is followed by THE MITFORD SNOWMEN, A CHRISTMAS STORY.
jotav42@yahoo.com
BARGAINED FOR EXCHANGE
by James Macomber, 5 stars
An "edge of your seat", "can't put down" legal suspense thriller with frighteningly strong parallels to today's terrorist situation. Its multiple plot lines, alternating between a southern U.S. college campus, a Middle Eastern terrorist organization infiltrating the same college campus, and deadly events on the other side of the world, result in a fast-paced story line in the style of Tom Clancy and Stephen Coonts. I found Macomber's character development particularly memorable. John Cann's rough and tough exterior in one set of circumstances becomes compassionate and caring in another. His relationship with young student, Janie Reston, can bring the reader to tears. I am happy to hear that Macomber is working on his 3rd John Cann novel. As the Director of a small library in New York State, I see this first novel by James Macomber continually circulating and I hear comments from our patrons such as, "when is the next book coming out?" and "I've got 60 pages left to read and I can't wait to get home to finish". Macomber's intricately woven plot lines, along with his memorable characterizations, leave the reader demanding MORE, MORE, MORE!
derekhart59@juno.com
FOR LOVE OR HONOR BOUND
by Derek Hart, 5 stars
A page-turning and very intriguing Civil War historical novel. Highly recommend, with action, sex and accurate history.
A DAWN LIKE THUNDER
by Douglas Reeman, 5 stars
Solid WWII submarine novel with a very likeable main character.
HIGH STAKES
by Dick Francis, 5 stars
Neat little mystery with a toy collector/race horse owner as the central character. Excellent and light reading.
MIDNIGHT NEVER COMES
by Jack Higgins, 4 stars
Little known Higgins novel, but Paul Chavasse makes a good secret agent. Intrigue and espionage mix well.
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