barleykw@appstate.edu
The Last Juror by John Grisham. 4 stars.
Excellent! I was growing weary of his courtroom thrillers and this book has renewed by interest in Grisham. I loved going back to the setting of A Time to Kill.
kwmallet@sympatico.ca
I just finished The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. It wasn't spectacular, but it was a sweet little book. It lacked substance but had a nice message and would be the kind of book I would recommend to my grandmother. I also finished A Painted House by John Grisham. Pretty good, about 3 1/2 stars. It wasn't a real "page-turner" but it was a well done coming-of-age novel written from a young farm boy's perspective.
Bjglu@aol.com
Riding the Iron Rooster by Paul Theroux. 4 stars.
I love travel books and this is a fine one. Wonderful depiction of China and its uniqueness --- makes one realize that there's a great big world out there. Theroux is a wonderful writer as well.
Day of Atonement by Faye Kellerman. 3 stars.
Easy, fun beach read. Can't justify more stars because in 3 days I will have forgotten plot, characters, etc. They're all pretty interchangeable to me (i.e. this type of book). But fun while it lasts!
DancingGram7@aol.com
The Midnight Side by Natasha Mostert. 4 stars.
This is an unusual book as it deals with a seductive dead woman who even from the grave is able to manipulate events to her satisfaction. It's a story of a haunting obsession and loss. It involves two women who are cousins and live in different countries. One lives in South Africa and the other lives in London. It also involves the husband of the dead woman and a male friend of the dead woman all interacting with the innocent cousin Isabelle, who is asked to come to London to settle the affairs of her cousin Alette who has just been killed in an auto accident. It is fast-paced and has a twist ending and is very readable. I recommend it.
Catslady5@aol.com
Ransom for a Killing by Fred Hunter. 3 stars.
A nice quick mystery read.
resan@nyc.rr.com
The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor and Embers by Sandor Marai.
Rickimc@aol.com
The Killing of the Tinkers by Ken Bruen. 1 star.
Not my type of book. Too much drinking and drugs and not enough detective work. It is a fast read, though.
The Gift Shop by Charlotte Armstong. 1 star.
While nothing in the text really dates it, it is still very obviously a book from the 60s. Also, the plot was confusing and a lot of the characters' reasoning did not make sense.
bev208@bellsouth.net
One week or so ago I finished reading Still Life with Crows by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. It was very good as I rate it 5 stars. The two men always write a really good book. It makes it interesting when they have Special Agent Pendergast in their books. He is one weird man but a great detective.
Carosp@aol.com
Night Passage, Death in Paradise and Trouble in Paradise. All three books are by Robert B. Parker of Spenser fame. I've read all the Spenser books and thought I'd try something else by Parker. These three books all center on a police chief in the small town of Paradise, Massachusetts. I can't say I liked them as well as the Spenser books, but I did like them quite a bit. Stone is an interesting character, sure of himself like Spenser, but a different person. I'll read the next in the series.
The Tail of the Tip-off and Murder, She Meowed by Rita Mae Brown. 3 1/2 stars.
Light reading about a woman and her two cats and dog, all of whom help to solve mysteries in Charlottesville, VA. I really enjoyed them --- entertaining, but fluffy.
mariamou68@email.msn.com
The Murder Room by P.D. James. 4 stars.
I am loving this book about a murder in the Dupayne museum. I found it hard to get into --- she describes her surroundings and characters. After the first 20 pages it grabbed me and I cannot put it down. I am a big fan of Adam Dagliesh and P.D. James, and eagerly await her new books --- and this one to be put to screen.
YMuso@aol.com
I am reading Charming Billy by Annie McDermott, a simple story about a simple man who could not cope with life after the love of his life betrays him and dies an alcoholic. Told from many points of view --- his wife, his friends and family. Written in the style of The Transit of Venus by Shirley Hazzard. 5 stars (plus)
My second pick is A Fist in the Hornets Nest by Richard Engel. Excellent eyewitness account of the recent attack on Baghdad. I rate this a 5-star book, a must read for firsthand knowledge about the war in Iraq.
t_bergba@bellsouth.net
Equivocal Death by Amy Gutman. 5 stars.
Never suspected the bad guy. Great read!
Blindsighted by Karin Slaughter. 5 stars.
Wow! Different and enthralling!
Retribution by Jilliane Hoffman. 5 stars.
Heart racing read, great till the end! Can't wait for the sequel!
tiffani_ba@hotmail.com
The Magdalene Gospel by Mary Ellen Ashcroft. 4 stars.
A short but great book. I picked it up after reading The Da Vinci Code. It is the fictionalized story of the female followers of Jesus, as they talk about their lives in the night after the crucifixion. The reader learns a lot about what it was like for women back then and what the female followers might have been like from what we know. Very interesting and quick read.
ingersollfamily@hotmail.com
Blessings by Anna Quindlen. 5 stars.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. 3 stars.
The Center of Everything by Laura Moriarty. 4 stars.
The Last Juror by John Grisham. 4 stars.
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. 4 stars.
nandasingh@yahoo.com
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. 4 1/2 stars.
Love the writing, hate the epilogue.
Couldn't Keep It to Myself by Wally Lamb. Just started it, 5 stars thus far.
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. 3 stars.
Have been reading it for a hundred years.
That Old Ace in the Hole by Annie Proulx. 4 stars.
Life of Pi by Yann Martel. 4 stars.
rmbeldon@iowatelecom.net
Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross. 5 stars.
Well-researched, well-written, and a page-turner besides. This raised many interesting questions at my book club this month.
Aunt Dimity's Death by Nancy Atherton. 5 stars.
This is the first in a cozy mystery series where the heroine solves the mystery with the aid of the ghost of dear, departed Aunt Dimity.
CPerona@aol.com
I am reading Divided in Death by J.D. Robb. I give this book 5 stars. It is terrific. As usual Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb really does a wonderful job of keeping readers on the edge of their seats with suspense. I highly recommend Divided in Death!
I just finished Blinded by Stephen White. I also give this psychological suspense 5 stars. As usual Stephen White does a very fine job of building the suspense and ending with a surprising finish!
AUGER77777@aol.com
I just finished A Map of the World by Jane Hamilton. This was an excellent story of a family going through a period of turmoil in their lives, none of which they asked for or deserved, but got handed nonetheless. It was sort of reminiscent of We Were the Mulvaneys, but wasn't quite so depressing. Jane is an excellent writer and I look forward to more books from her. 5 stars.
blacksnake@mchsi.com
I'm currently reading Archer's Goon by Diana Wynne Jones. A wonderful, captivating fantasy! I learned about it when it was reviewed in The Week magazine, and finally found a copy on ebay --- so glad I did! 5 stars.
tunaross@nc.rr.com
Deadly Decisions by Kathy Reichs. 3 stars.
A friend recommended the series and I bought all the books. This is third in the series. It's a bit more on the violent side than I'd like, but the story is engrossing nonetheless. I like the character definitions and insights into everyday events. I'll continue on with the series . . .
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling. 5 stars.
I finally got to read this great book (great in more than size). I think this is the best in the series.
Past Due by William Lashner. 4 stars.
First Look Program by HarperColllins, proving to be a great read. Will be available in May 2004.
GandmaRI@aol.com
This week I'm reading three totally different books.
Since "journalist books" tend to catch my attention, I started to read Politicians, Partisans and Parasites: My Adventures in Cable News by Tucker Carlson. I'd rate it 4 stars. It is much more readable than I'd first thought. (Try it and if you don't like it take it back to the library) Needless to say, I'm still reading it. It's full of information and wit of life behind the curtain and in front of the camera of a political talk show.
Hunting Season by Nevada Barr is my current fictional read. Park Ranger Anna Pigeon is once again sleuthing mystery in the National Park system. I'm 90% through the book and still don't have it figured out.
Honoring the Body: Meditations on a Christian Practice by Stephanie Paulsell.
Can't quite decide how to rate this book. I'm reading it for a Lenten meditation series offered by my church. We are having lively discussions every Wednesday evening. It gives a different approach to loving the body that God has given us and also gives a different perspective on daily life with that body as seen as a holy vessel entrusted to our care. Interesting.
FtLicky@aol.com
I'm currently reading Tom Clancy's Net Force: Virtual Vandals. It is an amazing futuristic novel set in 2025, filled with computers and hackers --- not to mention children of diplomats partaking in crimes. 5 stars.
I recently read Surviving the Applewhites by Stephanie S. Tolan. It is an enjoyable book for readers of all ages, about a homeschool created by a family of creative geniuses. 5 stars.
JDDistef@aol.com
I just finished Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. 5 stars for a book that was beautifully paced and moving. We read it for our book group and the discussion was great. I recommend it highly.
I also just read The Morning Star by Nick Bantock. The final supposed "illumination" of the Griffin and Sabine series was anything but illuminating. The first part of the series was perfect in its innuendo and mystery. The last few books were confusing and murky. I was hoping for some perfect ending to the stories, and I was totally disappointed. 1 star.
Melonyfawn@aol.com
I am reading Deep Pockets by Linda Barnes. I have read all her books and think they are fantastic. This one is the best yet. I love her style of writing --- she keeps me turning the pages way beyond my bedtime. 5 stars.
KLOZIER40@aol.com
The Mulberry Tree by Jude Devereaux. 3 1/3 stars.
A "fluffy" story of a wealthy woman whose husband dies and leaves her a run down farm house. She learns to take care of herself and also learns a secret.
Chrisacarroll@wmconnect.com
The Third Victim by Lisa Gardner. 4 stars.
Stone of Tears by Terry Goodkind. 4 stars (this is the 2nd book in his series).
Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind. 5 stars (the first book in the series).
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon. 4 stars.
Everything's Eventual by Stephen King. 5 stars.
The Nature of Balance by Tim Lebbon. 3 stars.
Deep in the Darkness by Michael Laimo. 4 stars.
The Rising by Brian Keene. 4 stars.
Mystrytx@aol.com
3rd Degree by James Patterson. 5 stars.
The best Women's Murder Club yet!
Hibar14@earthlink.net
The Holiday Present by Johanna Lindsey. 5 stars.
An entertaining read that will brighten your day. I loved it!
Ells50@aol.com
The Elegant Gathering of White Snows by Kris Radish. 5 stars. A group of seven friends start to walk one night after one of them announces that she is pregnant. They dont stop for a week. They attract international attention. The chapters tell about each character and the people they affect. Great discussion book. Women's themes, friendship, mother-daughter relationships. I have recommended this to many others.
The Dress Lodger by Sheri Holman. 5 stars.
15 yr. old prostitute in Dickens' England survives during the cholera epidemic. Great historical novel, the haunting themes stick with me 6 months after reading this book. Great group discussion.
simpson_490@hotmail.com
This week I'm reading High Wind Rising by Shirley Martin, a great read. I give it 5 stars. And Hexes by Tom Piccirilli, which is also a great book. I also give it 5 stars.
GeoBarb636@aol.com
Paranoia by Joseph Finder. 5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book. It is one that may keep you up past your bedtime. Hated to put it down.
ginawjax@comcast.net
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. 3 stars.
I read this book because it was listed as one of the most romantic books ever written. It is not. (Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier is.) Outlander was interesting but overblown. It was lusty but also had long descriptions of torture. The overall premise was preposterous but, even suspending reason, this book did not match the hype about it.
womackcm@sbcglobal.net
I just finished reading Jinxed by Carol Higgins Clark. As always, I love a good mystery, and this is another good one. 4 stars.
OLTLFREAK@aol.com
The Solomon Sisters Wise Up by Melissa Senate. 5 stars.
This book was a great read and kept me entertained to the end. I have been a fan of the Red Dress Ink books, and this is one of the best so far. I can't wait for the next one by Melissa to come out!
Britadon@aol.com
The Seduction of Water by Carol Goodman. 3 stars.
There were many good things about this book, particularly the very lyrical prose whenever Ms. Goodman was discussing anything related to water --- it was very seductive prose! However, the overall story seemed unlikely and somewhat forced.
Dating Dead Men by Harley Jane Kozak. 2 stars.
The title should have warned me. The book flowed okay but just didn't have much mystery to it and some of the concepts were downright silly.
The Blessing Stone by Barbara Wood. 5 stars.
Yes, this is a book worth reading. It is obviously well-researched and entrancing as it moves you through history from early man to the present while following the path of the blessing stone. I absolutely loved the Martinique episode but all the episodes were compelling!
baxtergr@msn.com
For some reason the fiction I've picked up to read of late have not held my interest long enough for me to finish them. I have, however, enjoyed several nonfiction books. Among them are Skid Road by Murray Morgan, which is a history of Seattle, WA, where I just happen to live. It was delightful to read the names of the pioneers of this area and then to recognize those names on local streets, etc. This book may not appeal as greatly to those in other areas, but for myself I score it a high 3 or a low 4, simply because it's a rather old book and needs some updating.
Madam Secretary by Madeleine Albright is a fascinating volume, filled with both personal and public history as well as quite a few interesting photographs. This book is so timely and is very well written. 5 stars.
1421: The Year China Discovered America by Gavin Menzies. 5 stars.
Wow!!! This book was recommended to me by my history buff son, and I'm so glad. While I am still in the process of reading it, it is absolutely mesmerizing. Filled with charts, pictures and references, this book takes on the task of proving that it was the Chinese who made many of the discoveries later credited to Spain, Portugal and England, among others. When China became an isolationist nation, most, in fact almost all, of the records of sea exploration were deliberately destroyed. For anyone who enjoys history, or adventure for that matter, this book is a must read.
Vikkivand@aol.com
The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant. 4 stars.
The story was reminiscent of Girl With a Pearl Earring. The first chapter draws you in, but the story sort of lost its spunk as you read though. Well-written.
Ship Sooner by Mary Sullivan. 3 stars.
A coming-of-age story about a young girl named Ship growing up in Massachusetts. She has exceptional hearing abilities that allow her to learn things about family, friends and neighbors.
Southern Living by Ad Hudler. 4 stars.
Another story about spoiled, Southern rich ladies. I visualized Patsy Ramsey as I read about the antics of Suzanne Parley. Amusing.
gsheehan@wideopenwest.com
Paranoia by Joseph Finder. 5 stars!
Extremely entertaining and fast-paced. It has never slowed down from the opening pages.
Giunbones@aol.com
We are currently reading The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. Our just finished novel was The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama. 4 stars!
sthomas@conejo.k12.ca.us
The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands by Dr. Laura Schlessinger. 3 stars.
The Last Juror by John Grisham. Just started, so far 4 stars.
susanrjensen@yahoo.com
Chocolat by Joanne Harris. 5 stars.
I just got around to reading this wonderful book, which I've had sitting on my shelf for a couple of years. It is the beautifully written story of Vianne, a vibrant traveler who opens a chocolate shop in a small, conservative French town. With her own source of magic, she lures people to her shop, winning important friendships, but putting on edge the local minister as well as many of the town's elite. A rich, delicious read.
Deadly Decisions by Kathy Reichs. 4 stars.
Another gripping novel featuring forensic anthropologist Tempe Brennan. This time she is deep in corpses resulting from a Montreal biker gang war; the bodies are both bikers and innocents caught in the crossfire. As she investigates the deaths of the innocent, she finds herself trapped in the deadly underworld, along with several of her loved ones. A smart, gripping story from one of my favorite authors!
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci. 3 stars.
I expected a lot more out of this book, which I had been hearing so much about. It was okay, although very predictable. The writing was choppy, the plotting loose, and the characters just didn't really come alive for me, despite Baldacci's best effort to make them unpredictable.
Legacy of Silence by Belva Plain. 4 stars.
This is the engrossing saga of Caroline Hartzinger, a young half-Jewish woman who escaped to America just before World War II began. With her faithful adopted sister, Lore, Caroline plows through life, leaving a legacy of success and love, as well as a darker legacy of secrets and betrayal. As Caroline's descendants probe the past, the whole truth of the past is revealed. An enjoyable read.
Linelle@aol.com
The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl is now exciting and very interesting, especially after reading Dante's Inferno.
I rate it 5 stars, though it was difficult to get into. The use of some of the 1800th syntax was bothersome at first but it's better now.
Mlauerba@aol.com
Sun Road by Hannah MacDonald. 3 stars.
What happens to a family when secrets are kept.
kayaker9@juno.com
Persuader by Lee Child.
Having read all of his previous Jack Reacher thrillers, I have just finished Persuader and was as impressed with it as I was with all his others. His Reacher character is an ex-MP, a loner moving from place to place without possessions or commitments, finding trouble or trouble finding him along the way. He is fearless, resolute and ruthless, but moral in his own way in seeking justice. In Persuader, Reacher discovers that an evil nemesis from the past who he thought he had killed years ago is still alive, and Reacher won't rest until he now finishes the task. From the first chapter to the very end, Child spins an intriguing plot with many twists to keep you reading and reading and not wanting to put the book down. Definitely 5 stars.
SalbyC@aol.com
I have just finished reading The Last Precinct by Patricia Cornwell. First of all, I did make an error by reading this one out of order. I'm sure it would be improved by reading the book prior to this in the series. However, despite that disclaimer, this book is far inferior to her earlier work. It takes at least the first third of the book to get into the forensic investigation that Cornwell writes about best, and I almost gave up before the book started to grab me. The initial chapters are slow, repetitive and almost whiny in tone. It does pick up steam, fortunately. Still, I would only give this one 2-3 stars.
kathrynpatton@earthlink.net
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. 5 stars.
The Kitchen Boy: A Novel of the Last Tsar by Robert Alexander. 5 stars.
Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman by Elizabeth Buchan. 5 stars.
rojosho@hotmail.com
A Death in Vienna by Daniel Silva. 5 stars.
A thrilling adventure about Gabriel Allon, the most wonderful hero and protagonist who overcomes hurdles and problems and once again foils all the foes. Great characters and descriptions about the various locales and the way that the individuals are portrayed and viewed. Loved every minute of this fabulous novel.
bradylee@myway.com
Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing by Ted Conover. 4 stars.
In 1948, after my discharge from the military service, I got my first job at the reformatory in Monroe, WA, which housed primarily younger men, and I thought I knew a little bit about guards in prisons. Can you imagine 55 years later that prisons have changed? Have they ever!...per this book written by a news reporter who got the job in New York. First, all new employees must attend a boot camp type induction that has about 25% of reality of what it is really like "on the job." It is a grueling process, but nothing like the real thing. Your brain will learn many new things about life in a prison in New York State and how hazardous the job really is. You really want to know about this life through a book and not experience the danger personally.
VickyRD@aol.com
This is my month to catch up on older books I have not read:
The Eight by Katherine Neville. 5 stars.
I am almost done with this book and I cannot put it down. It is about chess pieces once owned by Charlemagne and hidden in 1790. In present day, a client is willing to pay a generous fee to find the set, especially eight of the pieces. The problem is that when the eight pieces are brought together they give the owner unlimited power. This book was published in 1988, but I do not know how I missed such a wonderful mystery.
No Witnesses by Ridley Pearson. 3 stars.
The book was good but it had a weak ending. His books are usually better than this one.
Five Fortunes by Beth Gutcheon. 5 stars.
A wonderful book about five women and their friendships.
DancingGram7@aol.com
I just listened to The House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III on tape. It was a library tape. I thought this book tape was excellent. Andre and his wife Fontaine Dollas Dubus, who do the reading, greatly added to the enjoyment of the story. I plan to see the movie on DVD when it comes out just to see how much they stayed with the original book.
Ginnylazar@aol.com
I've finished the wonderful The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. What a treasure this book is. It will be one of my all-time favorites. I'm now about in the middle of All is Vanity by Christina Schwarz. Though there is some humor, I'm still really waiting for this to get going.
megalon22@yahoo.com
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson. 5 stars.
This book is a must read. It is a complete departure from what James Patterson usually writes about and is a very quick read. It is a love story about a man and the women (and children) he loves and loses. It's a story of how the human spirit comes through in the best and worst of circumstances.
beparoo@prodigy.net
I just finished a wonderful book, Name All the Animals, by Alison Smith. It is a memoir that deals with, among other things, the deep and lingering grief one feels at the loss of a close loved one --- in this case, a brother --- and sexuality issues of a teenaged girl, in this case, in a Catholic girls' school. I loved this book. Since nothing is perfect, I give this 4.7 stars :-).
KINDLEELF@aol.com
Light a Penny Candle by Maeve Binchy. 5 stars.
Classic Binchy at her best. I have so enjoyed Maeve Binchy's recent books, Tara Road, Scarlet Feather and Quentins, that I went in search of her earlier works. I read Light a Penny Candle, a story of friendship between Irish Aisling and English Elisabeth that lasted a lifetime. It was exceptional. Also, The Copper Beech was filled with unforgettable characters: Father Gunn, Dr. Jinn, Leo and Nessa, to name a few.
The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier. 5 stars.
Ella Turner and Isabelle Moulin, two women born centuries apart, jet tied together by a haunting family legacy.
Fatal Tide by Iris Johanson. 4 stars.
Full of secrets and intrigue.
We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver 5+ stars.
The narrator of this story has a son, Kevin, who has murdered seven of his classmates. The novel takes the form of letters written to the narrator's estranged husband.
Timeline by Michael Crichton. 4 stars.
A group of historians, through quantum technology, enter the fourteenth century in feudal France.
Dark Sister by Graham Joyce. 5 stars.
I love this author. Great style
Requiem by Graham Joyce. 5 stars.
Somewhat darker than Dark Sister.
Paranoia by Joseph Finder. 4 stars.
Fast moving, quick read, entertaining.
rflynn@booksource.com
Bee Season by Myla Goldberg. 5 stars.
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. 5 stars.
The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl. 3 stars.
OLTLFREAK@aol.com
The Not-So-Perfect Man by Valerie Frankel. 5 stars.
I loved her book Accidental Virgin, and her latest hasn't let me down either. You can relate to each character and live vicariously through them. I finished the book before I knew it. Now I will have to wait for her next one! Try both of these, you will love them too!
NRK18@aol.com
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
The Swallows of Kabul by Yasmina Khadra
Seven Blessings by Ruchama King
So Many Books, So Little Time by Sara Nelson
Newcrain@aol.com
Banker by Dick Francis. 5 stars.
I love Dick Francis and wish he was still issuing new mystery books. This one has such sad parts but such an intriguing plot.
mariamou68@email.msn.com
I am reading The Murder Room by P.D. James. I would give it a rating of 4 stars. It is another great read by P.D. James and the plot is ripe with a lot of suspects. It is a little slow to get into in the first part of the book --- I would say the first 50 pages, but it hooks you right after that.
cheesygiraffe@yahoo.com
I just finished reading The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. I give it 5 stars. She definitely drew me in with this tale of Mary Boleyn. I want to go out and read more historical fiction now. I also just started We'll Always Have Parrots by Donna Andrews. It's a cozy mystery. I really enjoy this series, always funny. I'd give it 4 stars.
bev208@bellsouth.net
I am reading my first book by Jeffery Deaver, The Empty Chair. I have had this quite a while, but I am just now finding time to read it. It is very good. I do like Lincoln Rhyme. I definitely will read more of his books. In fact, I have The Stone Monkey to read next. You sure can't feel sorry for Lincoln being in a wheelchair. He is very capable of finding a murderer just by checking all the evidence from a person and from the murder scene. His partner Amelia Sachs and his aide Thom are a good addition to his main character. All this and I haven't even read half of the book yet. I would recommend this author to anyone who likes mysteries. Also, for anyone who likes to see mysteries solved in different ways. 5 stars.
Catslady5@aol.com
Death by Candlelight by Billie Williams. 3 1/2 stars.
A mystery that keeps you reading.
charris@pctelecom.us
Books I have been reading:
High Country by Nevada Barr. 5 stars.
This is a continuation of the books about Anna Pigeon, who works for the National Forest Service. It is well written as always and solves the mystery.
Parallel Lies by Ridley Pearson. 5 stars.
A very good mystery about a man trying to get revenge.
Last Call by Laura Pedersen. 5 stars.
A new author for me but I really enjoyed the easy reading, funny book.
The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie. 3 stars.
This is written by a young Native American man who lived on the Spokane Indian Reservation in the state of Washington. It was very well written but I didn't like it very well. We had this book at my last book club and it made for a very interesting discussion. I enjoyed that.
AUGER77777@aol.com
I just finished the following books:
A Map of the World by Jane Hamilton was an excellent read. It reminded me in some ways of We Were the Mulvaneys, a story of how certain events that one has no control over can spiral out of control and bring total disruption to a family. 5 stars.
The Burning by Frank Norwood was a fairly disappointing book. It was about a race riot sparked by an event that should have sparked nothing. The characters, with a couple of exceptions, seemed to have nothing in common with each other. Even the bad guys (the militant gang leaders/arsonists/snipers, etc.) had no real depth. I would not recommend this book to anyone except those who appreciate a lot of foul language. The relationship between Arletha Mae, a black 15-year-old mother and Larry, a frightened white cop hiding from the rioters, was the one relationship that showed some redeeming value. 2 1/2 stars.
myraberry@earthlink.net
I would like to highly recommend Blind to the Bones by Stephen Booth. Readers who like Peter Robinson, Ian Rankin or Val McDermid will not want to miss the latest from this author! 5 stars.
Rrrcaron@aol.com
Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher.
Pilcher did it for me again in her descriptive writing style of a young girl coming to age at a time when the country was at war. Separated from her family, experiencing wealth, love, and death, she still manages to find her way home. Great book!
No Second Chance by Harlan Coben was a page-turner that I will not soon forget. A first Coben read for me, and it won't be the last. The journey Marc took to find his daughter after being left for dead was very exciting to say the least. Learning things about his wife, his best friend and a past love had me madly turning pages to find out more! A must read for thriller lovers!
cmlanphere@JoiMail.com
I highly recommend Life Goes On: A Harmony Novel by Philip Gulley. 5 stars!
umagirish@vsnl.com
I have just finished reading Amanda Eyre Ward's book titled Sleep Toward Heaven. I would give it a rating of 5 stars without blinking an eye, for it touched me very deeply with its brilliant characterization and unputdownable storytelling style.
FtLicky@aol.com
I'm currently reading Pendragon: The Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale. It is about a 14-year-old boy who is taken on a journey into another world called Denduron, where he must lead a revolution against a magical tyrant. Anyone who enjoys a good science fiction/fantasy story would love this book. 5 stars.
dvolkenannt@charter.net
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. 5 stars.
Beautifully written historical account of two men --- one a visionary architect and the other a scheming serial killer --- set during the 1893 World's Fair. This book reads like a tightly woven suspense novel.
cable854@earthlink.net
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. 5 stars.
Everyone needs to reread this book, or read it for the first time if that is the case. This epic novel, Lee's only novel, is timeless. The characters live in your head and heart for days.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. 5 stars.
Gabaldon writes a historical novel that mixes all the genres. A little slow start, but oh my gosh! What a page turner! I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves to read a "can't put it down" book.
tunaross@nc.rr.com
Deadly Decisions by Kathy Reichs. 3 1/2 stars.
On recommendation of a friend, I bought the entire series. I'm up to the third book now, but I don't know if I would be reading all of these if I hadn't impulsively bought them. They are certainly filled with graphic details and quite more violence than I'd like, but her characters are well-defined and I enjoy the complex level of interaction throughout the series. Sometimes her simple descriptions (regarding a blue sky or sunny day) fill me with awe and allow me to see things a bit differently. So I continue to read . . .
Awaken to the Sacred by Lama Surya Das. 5 stars.
Surya Das is one of my favorite authors. He blends Buddhist wisdom with Western religions in a simple, easy-to-grasp manner. With good doses of humor as well as personal experiences/tales, this is a wonderful, life-enhancing book.
amigo1@comcast.net
Coyote Waits by Tony Hillerman. 5 stars.
A great mystery involving Navajo culture in the Southwest.
The Club Dumas by Arturo Perez-Reverte. 5 stars.
A mystery involving a book scout as he investigates a book supposedly written by Lucifer himself.
Happy135@aol.com
A Dog Year: Twelve Months, Four Dogs, and Me by Jon Katz. 4 stars.
The relationship between Jon Katz and his dogs is heartwarming. I envy his understanding of dogs and his ability to train them (though this is not a training manual).
A Few Short Notes on Tropical Butterflies by John Murphy. 3 stars.
Poetic prose, exotic locations, eight short stories.
GandmaRI@aol.com
This week I'm multi-reading again. Not so sure it's a good thing but it's happening.
The most compelling book I'm reading this week is Hiding in the Shadows by Kay Hooper. So far, I'd rate it 5 stars. It's coming together quite nicely. Kay Hooper is one of those authors who keeps you guessing until the end.
I'm also reading Q is for Quarry by Sue Grafton. I'd rate it 4 stars. This is the first book I've read in this series. So far, I'd say it's too flowery in detail and not filling in the storyline as quickly as I'd like. We'll see....
I'm also reading Reflections by Barbara Bush. So far, no rating. It is the reflections by Mrs. Bush of life after the White House. Should be interesting. Is it a letdown or a relief? We'll see.
Spizzyone@aol.com
Jemima J: A Novel About Ugly Ducklings by Jane Green. 5 stars.
A funny and sweet and real story about the life of a heavy girl who is either invisible because of her size or conspicuous because of it.
This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. 5 stars.
I love this author, and I loved this book. Molly was a millionaire until she gave away all of her inheritance on impulse. She does many things on impulse, and is the author of children's books about bunnies. This was a nice book, and if you like Phillips you will not be disappointed.
Dating Dead Men by Harley Jane Kozak. 5 stars.
I enjoyed this mystery about a woman whose brother is in a mental hospital. Her brother tells her about a murder he witnessed, and she believes it is another hallucination. Until she goes to visit him and sees the body, and finds herself kidnapped by a man disguised as a doctor, carrying a ferret in his pocket. This is a lighthearted, funny story.
buckeye14@ij.net
I recently read Club Dead by Charlaine Harris. It is a different kind of book than what I usually read but I enjoyed it very much. I am currently reading A Deadly Agent by Susan Sweet. This book has mystery and romance. I enjoyed the romance between Penny and Devin. They fell in love without going to bed. This was refreshing as most books describe in detail the sex between the hero and heroine. It was nice not to have to read the same thing over again.
micheleserrani@carolina.rr.com
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. 5 stars.
I was sorry to get to the last page. Wonderfully written. All of the women had strength and courage in their own way. A very powerful read.
Life of Pi by Yann Martel. 5 stars.
Beautifully written and thought provoking. I thought about this book long after I had finished.
Ptclayton2@aol.com
I am reading The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo as I am a teacher's aide and sub, so I preread books and pick which ones would be suitable to read to the students. This book is definitely a 5-star book.
KLOZIER40@aol.com
Shadow Baby by Alison McGhee. 4 1/2 stars.
A young 12-year-old, Clara winter (small w), tells the tale of being born in a blizzard as a twin. Her mother Tamar never speaks to her of her father or grandfather, but she learns that her twin died at birth.
DStegmanCrawford@aol.com
I just finished Retribution by Jillianne Hoffman. It was a definite 5 stars. The story revolves around a prosecutor who was brutally raped and left sterile after a hysterectomy 12 years prior to the current legal action. The rapist has been arrested with a body in his car trunk, suspected of being an infamous serial killer known as Cupid --- who steals the woman's heart after he kills her. What follows is pure thriller, suspense and action. I loved it!
lgettle@iserv.net
3rd Degree by James Patterson and Andrew Gross. 5 stars.
A killer has targeted one of four friends. A very engrossing tale.
JHIDEY@aol.com
I just finished The God I Love by Joni Eareckson Tada. It is a memoir of the woman who lost the use of her body from the neck down due to a diving accident. She draws with her mouth and has done much for people with disabilities with her Joni and Friend organization. Wonderful. 5 stars.
Last Man Standing by David Baldacci. Only about halfway through but enjoying it. 5 stars so far.
Comella2729@aol.com
The Language of Light by Meg Waite Clayton. 4 stars.
This is a well-written, insightful novel about Nelly Grace, who moves to her great-grandfather's farm in Baltimore horse country after her husband unexpectedly dies. As Nelly sorts through a variety of issues, she begins to consider realizing her dream of becoming a photojournalist, following the footsteps of her famous father. 4 stars to Ms. Clayton for her first novel.
LoneyThree@aol.com
I am reading The Coil by Gayle Lynds. So far, it's very intriguing and mysterious. I'd give it 4 stars.
coolcat@shelby.net
Right now I am re-reading I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb. 5 stars!
BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
The Short Forever by Stuart Woods. 4 stars.
My first introduction to the Stone Barrington novels. Very enjoyable mystery.
MECUSTER@aol.com
Four Blind Mice by James Patterson. 3 1/2 stars.
Pretty good Alex Cross mystery.
Jrnrbownh@aol.com
I have just finished reading all of Margaret Coel's books about Arapho Indians and a Jesuit priest on the reservation. They are wonderful and very informative with mystery involved. 5 stars.
GLiebsack@msn.com
The Color of Water by James McBride. 5 stars.
I don't usually like memoirs, but this one is great.
atomic@isle.net
I'm reading and laughing out loud at Autobiography of a Fat Bride by Laurie Notaro. It's a raucous read and involves situations you can imagine yourself getting into just as easily as our heroine does. I have to read it during the day so I don't wake up my kids and husband at night!
I just started Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella. If you've ever had a few and said too much, only to have it come back and bite you in the behind, then you'll sympathize with Emma. Same author as Confessions of a Shopaholic; a fun, easy spring read.
John1rosie@aol.com
On Writing by Stephen King. 4 stars.
Seldom Disappointed by Tony Hillerman. 1 star.
Stephen King and Tony Hillerman are two authors whom I believe to be special. Shouldn't a book about them make a reader even more interested in Mr. King and Mr. Hillerman and in their work? Well, yes and no. On Writing defines Stephen King as having strong feelings, commitments, thoughts and values regarding reading, writing and living. If Mr. King isolates himself in his compulsion he never complains or makes excuses. In all he also comes across as someone who is interesting and who would be very educational to know.
In my opinion Mr. Hillerman does not come off nearly as well. Tony complains but never explains. He identifies where his body has been, but have his experiences netted him any special thoughts or insights that are useful? He thinks that "military intelligence" is an oxymoron but he was never in military intelligence. He thinks taxpayer money is wasted but he has never been a political insider or a political activist. He proudly throws stones at other people's houses. Is being the novelist face in a crowd of rock throwers enough to make us want to excuse him for rock throwing or throw one ourselves? We are interested in Tony Hillerman because he has written the Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn books that we've loved. I hope that he has one or two more of those kinds of books for us. But if a reader takes up Seldom Disappointed expecting to validate the thought that Tony Hillerman has something special to say about writing or reading or authorship, be prepared to be disappointed.
hibar14@earthlink.net
I'm reading The Short Forever by Stuart Woods. Fast paced, good plot. A Stone Barrington novel. I give it 5 stars.
rwenz1@optonline.net
I just finished Dearly Beloved by Wendy Corsi Staub. I give it 4 stars.
The book is about three different women who "befriend" through the years a man who is deranged. The reason he is deranged is that he gets completely possessive of them that they must leave him during their relationship with him.
He invites each woman to this vacation island near Rhode Island with a bogus story as to why they are there. He gets them to the island and has them staying at a bed and breakfast run by his gay friend, who he has promised a relationship with if he helps him carry out his plan of murdering all three of them.
I enjoyed it alot, and recommend it to those who love action and thrills.
queengp@aol.com
I vote for A Risk Worth Taking by Robin Pilcher. I am reading it now and I love it.
OLTLFREAK@aol.com
3rd Degree by James Patterson. 5 stars.
My first love of James Patterson will always be the Alex Cross novels, but the Women's Murder Club series is running a close second. I finished this book in a day, as soon as you start to read you are pulled into the story to its finish. I'm ready for more James Patterson soon!
TCS1002@aol.com
I have just finished Alexander McCall Smith's Tears of the Giraffe. This is the same unique characters from The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. Smith's characters are sweet and the insight into African life is interesting. If you need a life-affirming read and want to learn something along the way, this is the book for you.
vitale@grantsburgtelcom.net
I just finished reading an advance copy of Shout Down the Moon by Lisa Tucker. I loved it. It made me cry. I think it would do the same for any mom with young children. It's about a singer who's trying to make a living for herself and her 2-year-old son by performing with a band that travels from gig to gig. Then the father of the boy gets out of jail, and her life goes from hard but predictable to dangerous in a heartbeat. Lisa Tucker gets the mom's and the son's emotional responses just right. I'm going to read her first novel, The Song Reader, as soon as I can get my hands on it. Shout Down the Moon comes out in April. You won't want to put this book down.
lopsided@socal.rr.com
White Death: A Kurt Austin Adventure by Clive Cussler. 5 stars.
Looks like Cussler has another winner with this series. I can't wait for the next installment in this series!
monysmom@comcast.net
Everything by Pauline Gedge --- great historical novels about ancient Egypt. I would recommend readers start with Lady of the Reeds and then the sequel. Or the Horus Road trilogy, which starts off with The Hippopotamus Marsh and details the recovery of Egypt from the Hyksos and return to pharoahnic rule. All at least 4 stars.
jalocke@comcast.net
I have read The Coil and offer the following:
My Reviewer's quote: The Coil is taut, it slackens and releases its tension… not knowing how stretched the coil can become … nor when it will be taut again.
In The Coil, author Gayle Lynds has created a marvelously rendered, tantalizing, suspenseful drama of global intrigue, with an exceptionally brilliant writing style. Lynds's book will no doubt be one of the top performers in the world of espionage and intrigue.
Lynds instantly peaks the reader's interest within the opening pages, traveling from scene to scene, chapter to chapter with ease in following the author's ingenious connection of descriptive words and sentences in relation to each other, creating a high desire to continue reading The Coil to the end. Just when the reader is hooked on a probability, it becomes a possibility that does not become a reality. There is no opportunity for the reader to chance a viable guess to the outcome. Characters make their appearance, some are murdered, while others come and go --- never knowing who is to be or not to be trusted.
Liz Sansborough, Professor in Psychology Department, at the University of California at Santa Barbara, and a past intelligence agent, begins to spin backward into a world she thought was left behind five years ago. An abduction of her look-alike cousin Sarah and attempted murder of Sarah's husband Asher while on their vacation in Paris, several attempts on Liz's life, a suspicious sudden "hold" placed on her TV series Secrets of the Cold War, plus a break-in to her office research files are the beginnings of a tailspin into her past. The peaceful five years she created begin to shatter.
The story evolves around a search for special files, the Carnivore's files, once belonging to Liz's father and his past as an assassin. An organization of high-power Titans, --- a.k.a. The Coil, --- each a controlling power assigned password names such as Cronus, Hyperion, Themis; wanting worldwide globalization, but specifically the Carnivore files, before the organization can reach its goals.
Liz Sansborough's character is astute and discerning, strong and determined to survive the investigation and search for the file, the organization behind it all and the compelling desire to put an end to complex events.
Caught in a high wind, the windmill revolves faster and faster, uncovering a whirlwind of events. Liz Sansborough again faces individuals from her past and into the present, among whom are cousin Simon, Kirk Tedesco, Angus MacIntosh, Nicholas Inglethorpe, Gino Malko, Aunt Tish and Cesar Duchesne. The reader struggles along with the heroine to determine who's the bad guy? who's the good guy? who is friend? and who is foe?
Liz Sansborough and the reader continue throughout the gripping fast-paced pages until the ending. Or is it…?
harrises@bayou.com
East of Eden by John Steinbeck. 5 stars.
I have waited for this one and glad to be an adult on my first reading. I read The Grapes of Wrath a year ago because my 15-year-old son was required to do so by an English teacher. In fact I listened to it on audio while traveling to a soccer tournament. Wonderful reader and wonderful story. He describes America that my grandparents experienced (they were born in the 1890s) and one that my generation has a hard time relating to in our fast-paced lives.
rknrobyn10@sbcglobal.net
I am currently reading Revelation by L. Christian Balling. I give it 5 stars. It's a high-tech thriller that explores science, religion and greed. It is a wonderful action-packed suspense novel. I couldn't put it down.
ALEMESH@aol.com
I am reading Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani, author of The Big Stone Gap trilogy. She writes about Italian-American families with the most wonderful insight and love that comes from growing up in a close-knit family. The same dilemmas, tragedies and happiness that come to every family, but with a little bit more drama. Very tender, funny and wise. I would give it 4 stars while giving The Big Stone Gap trilogy 5 stars.
rbfontes@msn.com
Portrait in Sepia by Isabel Allende. 3 stars.
This historical novel takes us into the lives of Chilean citizens at the turn of the century. It is told from the point of view of a young woman who loses the people who are raising her --- her grandparents --- at the age of five, gains a new grandparent and finds after many travails who her father was. A good picture of the period of time and attitudes toward sex and males and females during that period.
bookldy@penn.com
I have just finished both The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons, by Dan Brown, primarily because The Da Vinci Code was the recent selection of both book groups I belong to. While neither is my favorite genre, the plots were intriguing, and the author is obviously an accomplished writer. I appreciated each title more after going to the author's website to read all the material that supports his work.
WinstonCupGal2@aol.com
Hard Way to Heaven by Douglas Osborne. 5 stars.
I just finished reading Hard Way to Heaven. I couldn't put it down. It is about the hard times in WV from the 50s and 60s. Also about the Korean War and the hard times before and after. It showed me how strong families were together back then, before all this technology, through the good and bad! Big twist at the end. This book had me laughing and in tears and even in love. It's a special treat!
sharoncerasoli@hotmail.com
Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi.
This book is amazing! Dr. Nafisi has written an extraordinary book that tells of the repression during the Islamic Revolution while interweaving the tales of women in her private book lecture/discussion series and interspersing how fine fiction such as Lolita and The Great Gatsby relates to their lives at this point.
Wow, this really moved me and impacted me, as great writing should.
James and the Giant Peach. I'm reading this Roald Dahl classic with my 8-year-old son, and enjoying this immensely. Dahl is a master writer!
KimyAlesia@aol.com
Unwed and Undead by Mary Janice Davidson.
This is a simple read. The caricatures were a little underdeveloped … but who cares if you have Prada shoes to wear! The main caricature is a hoot, with all the worries of a small town girl gone big city. Then she dies, but then she rises from the dead (in bad knock off shoes). She is not happy! Now the adventure begins. Meeting with the local vampire "king" and going home for Easter dinner are all in a day's/night's work. Now to top it off the vampires think she is the long awaited Queen. Can't a dead girl just go shopping?!
I love this little book and read it in just one night. I know this is a first book for this author and hope that she digs a little deeper in her next book in this new series.
bradylee@myway.com
Blinded by the Sunlight by Matthew McAllester. 4 stars.
A news reporter (the author) for Newsday was in Baghdad sending in his reports as to the conditions in the city just prior, during and after the 2003 war. Just about the time shooting started, he and his photographer were put into prison for a handful of days, and this is his story of his treatment while in prison as well as out. Of much greater importance and interest is his assessment of the citizenry's day to day life under Hussein. On page 110, a quote: "But he said later that everyone there appeared to want the end of Saddam desperately..." The majority hated Saddam and were upset that America didn't capture or kill him 10 years earlier. The information in this book is most current of how life is and was in Iraq.
JoyZoo@aol.com
The Distant Echo by Val McDermid. 4 stars.
I was initially put off by the "blokes" and "blimeys" and references to musical groups, but this story of four friends who stumble on a raped and dying barmaid with whom they are acquainted and then are suspected of having committed the crime is worth the Scottish slang that peppers it. I'm tempted to give it 5 stars because it is the best of what I've read lately, but it is not in the class of To Kill A Mockingbird, so it only rates 4 stars.
I have just begun, and am charmed by, Ed McBain's Frumious Bandersnatch. The Bandersnatch is a CD and it is being promoted in the outrageous classic McBain style as the book opens. Fat Ollie is back, and I can't wait to get back to reading.
Rohde99@aol.com
In For a Penny by Hathryn R. Wall
I was so pleased to have found this new (for me) author and a new series, written well with humour and suspense and characters that you get to know well. I give this 5 stars. A great read. I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of the next two books in the series.
Bleachers by John Grisham. 1 star.
Hard to believe Grisham authored this one. I only finished the book thinking there might be a great surprise ending ... wrong.
Bitteroot@aol.com
Beloved by Toni Morrison, audio read by Toni Morrison. 5 stars.
This book is awe inspiring. To have Ms. Morrison be the reader is a true gift. I prefer the audio version to print because I am able to concentrate more on a book of this depth. This is a book I'll probably read several more times in both versions because of its depth and complexity. Of all the books I have read dealing with the cost of slavery, this one, which is so beautifully written, makes it very clear why the health of this country as a republic is still deeply affected by the infliction of this abomination by one group of people on another.
Drop City by T.C. Boyle. 4 stars.
I am greatly enjoying this story of the Hippie era. The characters are well drawn and, as usual, Boyle writes a great story. I'm still reading, and at this time give it 4 stars.
Deception Point by Dan Brown. 3 1/2 stars.
Well written fiction about the conflicts inherent in the relationship between politics and science.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X, as told to Alex Haley.
This the firsthand story of one of the very important people of the mid-twentieth century. I first read it when it came out in the mid 1960s and thought it was time to read it again. I'm glad I did. This is not a great book in the sense of its writing. It is the story of a very brilliant and charismatic man who, along with Martin Luther King, whom he greatly disagreed with for some time, was very influential in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. Also, along with Martin Luther King, he was tragically assassinated. The book clearly describes his personality, commitment and strength of character. I rate it 5 stars for content, 3 stars for the writing --- I think everyone should read it.
Dana_Cherrier@commerce.state.il.us
For Whom the Minivan Rolls and Farewell to Legs, both by Jeffrey Cohen. 4 stars. Both were really fun, light reads. I look forward to the next one.
The Promise of a Lie by Howard Roughan. 5 stars.
The Last Juror by John Grisham. 5 stars.
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert O'Brien. 5 stars.
One of my favorite books from my younger years. A joy to read even now.
nct49@cox.net
Our book club reached back in time to read The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers, which was published in 1940 and was an immediate literary sensation. It is a definite classic and holds my attention completely, as each character is brought to life in vivid descriptions. A 5-star read for sure.
Rosen2000@aol.com
I have started reading Dow Mossman's The Stones of Summer. It is a lengthy book, but it is the type of book upon reading the first page that I just know his writing style is unique and that this is going to be some great book.
yvettemb@earthlink.net
Mildred Pierced by Stuart Kaminksy. 5 stars.
This series is set in 1940s Los Angeles and is the often laugh-out-loud funny, continued exploits of my favorite private eye to the stars, Toby Peters. This one features Joan Crawford. Mildred Pierce … Mildred Pierced, get it? Kaminksy captures the homefront during WWII perfectly. Peters and Kaminsky can do no wrong.
Midnight Pass by Stuart Kaminsky. 5 stars.
How one man can write two such different series is beyond me. This one features the perpetually gloomy process server Lew Fonesca and is set in the Sarasota Florida of today. Finely wrought characters and terrific dialogue set it apart from most of the thrillers out there today. I LOVED this book.
Dirty South by Ace Atkins. 5 stars.
Another winner in the darkly moody Nick Travers series. Atkins graduated from the straight-to-the-gut hardboiled school of writing and there's no one better at this sort of thing. Travers is a 'blues collector,' a kind of blues Robin Hood who travels around the south picking up songs and helping out his fellow man. His last book, Dark End of the Street, was also fabulous.
A Farewell to Legs by Jeffrey Cohen. 5 stars.
No one knows the screwy ins and outs of loony suburban life more than suburban dweller himself, Jeff Cohen. His hero is stay-at-home dad and freelance writer Aaron Tucker, who takes care of the kids after school and solves murders in his spare time. A wonderful, little known series, well worth seeking out.
sueh@olivia.lib.mn.us
A book I recently finished and enjoyed was River Town by Peter Hessler, a nonfiction book about a small city in China.
bradylee@myway.com
The Jester by James Patterson & Andrew Gross. 5 stars.
This is the best novel I have read in two years, though I read primarily nonfiction. I held my breath for over 400 pages awaiting to find out what was going to happen next and how did the main character get out of his predicament. This is my first book by this author and I am glad I finally read one, as many word of mouthers applaud him. I enjoyed the fact that each chapter was from 1 to 4 pages long and you just had to go to the next one to see what was going to happen. The setting of the story in 1068 or thereabouts was well done and the main characters had flesh on their bones. A grand read by a grand storyteller!
rojosho@hotmail.com
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. 5 stars.
A wonderful and sensitively written novel about a young girl who observes her family from heaven. Her perceptions and insights are finely described throughout the book as this is how we are looking at all the characters that make up her world. After this young girl's murder, everyone is deeply affected and this is how the book shows the transition the family and friends have to make without her.
realbencann@yahoo.com
The Amber Room by Steve Berry. 5 stars.
A thriller of a novel that takes place in Germany and the U.S. and that has its roots during World War II. The Crux of the suspense takes place when the art is looted during the war and the individuals involved are eager to locate the finds. Excellent and vivid character portrayal and wonderful thrills and chills throughout.
jimrene2@juno.com
I am currently reading Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman by Elizabeth Buchan. I give it 4 stars. It tells the story of a woman whose husband of 25 years leaves her for a younger woman who, incidentally, also steals her job.
mjeanperry@msn.com
I have just reread The Dollmaker by Harriette Arnow. It is definitely 5 stars. Arnow puts you right into the scene and her writing of dialect puts you right into the conversation. The story is about an Appalachian woman who gets uprooted when her husband goes to Detroit to work during WWII. Our book group had an energetic discussion about it. I'm also reading a recent biography of Pearl Buck by Peter Conn. She was so much more than an advocate of adopting Asian children and an author; she was involved in most 20th century human rights movements. A 4-star bio. I'm also reading the fun mysteries of Diane Davidson and Susan Albert, which I think I first learned about from your newsletter. Thank You.
Wendybrooks10@aol.com
Hello Book Rejoicers: I have two books in mind that I would give top honors or 5's: Dry: A Memoir by Augusten Burroughs and Small Graces by Kent Nerburn.
bradylee@myway.com
Boy With a Loaded Gun: A Memoir by Lewis Nordan. 5 stars.
This most interesting memoir is unlike any other I have ever read. I would call the author a "commoner" as his life story is filled with hope, despair, recrimination and tragedy just like yours and mine. I have not had the hand wringing experiences he has, but I have not dug a hole to crawl into like he has, either. I would call the ending somewhat hazardous, i.e., his life seemed to be on an even keel when he could have toppled back into the hole he had dug while meeting a long lost "friend." This memoir is a winner.
clschomer@dmci.net
The Swallows of Kabul by Yasmina Khadra. 4 stars.
FtLicky@aol.com
I just finished reading Daughter of Venice by Donna Jo Napoli. It takes place during the year 1592, in Venice, Italy, and is about a 14-year-old girl named Donata who is unhappy with the decision that she will be sent to a convent for the rest of her life, as she is not the oldest daughter of the family and, therefore, is unable to be married off. It's an interesting look into the historical background of the city of lights and love. 5 stars.
I am currently reading the book The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi. It takes place during the year 1832, and is about a 13-year-old girl named Charlotte Doyle who is sent from England to America by ship across the Atlantic Ocean, by herself, and on the way there is accused of murder, brought to trial and found guilty. This is a masterpiece for anyone interested in historical fiction and/or mystery. 5 stars.
mdcarter@netidea.com
Quicksilver by Neal Stephenson. 4 stars.
The White Russian by Tom Bradby. 4 stars.
Both books are very good reads.
catfish@millardmanor.com
I just finished the paperback version of John Updike's Seek My Face. This is the first Updike book I've made it through. I don't know if that says more about me or about the book! If you are interested in modern art (and haven't already discovered this book) I would urge you to pick it up. I would also recommend viewing the movie Pollock prior to or concurrent to reading, as it will definitely inform your understanding of the story. (Also, it's a great film.) 4 and 1/2 stars.
Bbd33@aol.com
The Night of the Radishes by Sandra Benitez. 5 stars. Sublime.
kerri1973@mchsi.com
I've recently finished reading the following books:
At the Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava. 3 1/2 stars.
This is the fourth book in the series by Kava featuring Special Agent Maggie O'Dell. The FBI agent travels to New England to help her friend look for a missing patient. She ends up using her vacation days to help solve a rash of murders that is shaking up a small town. It is a good mystery with a quick moving plot. It is definitely worth a read, but it still does not measure up to the first two books of the series. Kava's stories seem to get less complex and shorter as the series continues. For first time readers of this author, I would recommend reading the books in order. There are character plot spoilers in the subsequent books that may ruin the prior books for you. There will undoubtedly be more books in the series as the story line was left with loose ends. The author seems to have a lot of talent but perhaps she should try writing something outside this series.
Sure Bet by Maggie Price. 3 stars.
This is a mystery book that may get overlooked due to its publisher. I was pleasantly surprised when reading this short mystery published by Harlequin/Silhouette books. It features a young rookie female cop who has been chosen to work in a deep undercover operation due to her anonymity as a cop. There is very little romance in the book but the sexual tension between the two undercover cops is palpable throughout the book. Their assignment is to pose as husband and wife to attract the attention of a wealthy neighbor who is believed to be responsible for several deaths. This is the first in a series of books by this author that will feature other siblings from the same "cop family." I'm interested enough to see what other adventures the McCall sisters and brothers will embark on.
Guilt By Association by Susan R. Sloan. 4 stars.
This is a true novel in that it carries the reader through three decades with the characters. The main characters are a woman who is raped in 1962 and the man who raped her and got away with it. Throughout the story, there are numerous characters who come in and out of these two people's lives and each character is well developed. Actually, the only complaint that I have about this book is that it is way too long. A lot of the characters could have been less developed and some of the middle of the book could have been cut. These are the only reasons that I give the book 4 stars. This is a great story and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
Ain't She Sweet? by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. 4 stars.
For a light and fun reading experience, check out this new book by Susan E. Phillips. Set in the deep south and featuring characters who have a little trouble forgetting that they are not in high school anymore, even though they've been out of school for 15 years! It goes to show that emotional scars can survive the test of time. Along the way, this book was great for me because I was in high school during the same time frame as the characters and it was a great way to take a stroll down memory lane. The book also has a great grasp of southern small town way of life and quite a few laughs for the readers as well. An enjoyable book that is far from complicated.
bkgobbler@aol.com
I had met John Connolly briefly a couple of years ago at a mystery convention, and he was a charming and very funny Irishman. I was shocked (but not dismayed) to find that The Killing Kind (the first Connolly novel I had read --- I had not read the first books of his series) was very dark, nuanced and quite gruesome in places. I say "not dismayed" because even though the book was very different from the author's personality seemed to be, it was very beautifully written and thought-provoking --- as well as being a real page-turner. I'd give it 4 1/2 out of 5 stars, and will definitely go back and read the first few Connolly books, as well as his new one coming out in April.
hucshe@sympatico.ca
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. 5 stars.
Valhalla Rising by Clive Cussler. 5 stars.
ramage@videotron.ca
I am reading Baltimore Mansion by Wayne Johnston. If you have started reading Mr. Johnston's books from the first one, The Divine Ryans, you can see how this author's writing has gradually moved from the openly hilarious to the refined hilarious. He is a superb Canadian writer. Baltimore Mansion is a fictionalized autobiographical book.
Rrrcaron@aol.com
No Second Chance by Harlan Coben was a page-turner that I couldn't put down until I'd read the last page. Because of this read, I ordered his newest book. I never figured out for my myself who the guilty character actually was. I was so shocked. I love unpredictable books like this. Those who love to read suspense/thrillers must read Harlan Coben!
Kedrn@aol.com
Paranoia by Joseph Finder.
I loved the book and couldn't put it down, very suspenseful. I was a little disappointed at the ending. It seems to leave me up in the air, but maybe that is just what the author intended.
The Last Juror by John Grisham.
As usual, once you start to read a legal thriller written by Grisham, it is hard to put down and get any cooking or housework done. I am a fan and have read all of his books.
The Kills by Linda Fairstein.
I really enjoy the camaraderie, cooperation and respect shown between her characters Alex, Mike and Mercer as they keep me in suspense while solving the murders. Again I can hardly put down the book once I start reading.
alacombe@belfastlibrary.org
Arena by Karen Hancock. 4 1/2 stars!!
I am enjoying this book tremendously. It is an allegory written in the Fantasy Genre. It all begins with volunteering to be part of an experiment... So far, SO GOOD!
Debbie_Moore@nynd.uscourts.gov
Balance of Power by Richard North Patterson. 5 stars.
Mary, Called Magdalene by Margaret George. 4 stars.
Living a Life That Matters by Harold S. Kushner. 5 stars.
One Hundred Million Hearts by Kerri Sakamoto. 3 stars.
NFrazelle@aol.com
The Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson. Next on the list is Patterson's 3rd Degree!
Pudgypb@aol.com
I just finished reading The Other Woman by Joy Fielding, and it was excellent. It was recommended to me by many people, but since it was an older book I had to order a used copy from out of state. The first page grabs you to the point where you can't put it down until the last page is read. I rate this a definite 5 stars.
Ery222@aol.com
The Passion of Artemisia by Susan Vreeland. 2 stars.
Historical fiction.
hushpup@optonline.net
I just finished Impostress by Lisa Jackson and rate it 3 stars. I thought this book really started out great. I liked the idea of two sisters who looked very similar to each other, and how the older sister Elyn was to wed Kelan and how she "talked" her sister into marrying him "in name only" until she returned from her tryst with her lover whom was betrothed to another woman. The sister, Kiera, marries Kelan and she falls in love with him. Elyn, after having a terrible fight with Brock, disappears.
I liked this book until about 3/4 or a little more of the ways in when books are supposed to really "heat" up. Well, this one sort of fizzled out, and I was disappointed.
joswood@adiis.net
Blinded by Stephen White. 4 stars.
Did Sterling Story really kill all those women, as reported to Alan Gregory by his wife, Gibbs? That is the mystery that comprises the plot of this new book in this series by White. It has a somewhat surprising plot twist at the end, and it is a good read.
Playing With Fire by Peter Robinson. 5 stars.
This is a police procedural in Robinson's series with Yorkshire DCI Alan Banks and Annie Cabbot as the main characters. Somebody is killing people by setting fires. Inspectors Banks and Cabbot must find the culprit before any more lives are lost. This is a compelling read with an unexpected villain at the end.
QueenGP@aol.com
I am currently reading Emma's Secret and loving it. It is the latest book written by Barbara Taylor Bradford. I say it has all 5 stars.
M2ikel@aol.com
Sabriel by Garth Nix. 5 stars.
A wonderful magical tale that takes place in a kingdom infested by the dead with only an untrained girl to defend the world against them.
Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce. 5 stars.
A girl on a quest to be a knight must defend her friend and prince from his evil uncle who is plotting to take over the world!
JShapspob@aol.com
The Last Juror by John Grisham. 3 stars.
The Bookman's Promise by John Dunning. 2 stars.
Very disappointing considering his first, Booked to Die, was absolutely great. From the first few pages, it doesn't seem to be the same Clifford Janeway as in the first book. The unnecessary foul language turned me off.
kbest10@msn.com
Anya by Susan Fromberg Schaeffer. 5 stars.
The Annunciation of Francesca Dunn by Janis Hallowell. 5 stars.
lindaharriet@netzero.net
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. 5 stars.
Gregory Maguire creates such an amazingly imaginary world that the reader will never look at Oz in the same way again. At least, I won't. This book will surprise you as it plumbs the true nature of evil --- a thought-provoking observation, very subtly written about the true nature of good and evil.
Betty.warner@att.net
The Anatomy of Hope by Jerome Groopman, M.D.
Beyond Therapy: Biotechnology and the Pursuit of Happiness by The President's Council on Bioethics
Cairo1953@aol.com
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. 5 stars.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. 5 stars.
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks. 4 stars.
The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson. 5+++ stars (a must read!!)
All for Jesus by Franklin Graham. 5 stars.
Child of the Dawn by Gautama Chopra. 5 stars (wonderful parable!!)
GandmaRI@aol.com
This week I'm reading The President's House by Margaret Truman. It covers the history of the White House and of the presidential families, staff and visitors that makes the White House what it is. I was amazed at how readable the book is. I'd rate it 4+ stars.
informationwiz@yahoo.com
All is Vanity by Christina Schwarz.
Explores the competitive side of friendship.
I Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson.
It made me tired just reading about Kate's busy life!
Susmu@aol.com
I've been reading several books by Elinor Lipman: The Inn at Lake Devine, The Pursuit of Alice Thrift and Then She Found Me. I would give them all 5 stars. I'm also reading The Ladies' Man by Elinor Lipman --- very good so far, I think it will be another 5. Of the three I've finished I enjoyed Then She Found Me the most. I have also recently finished The Last Juror by John Grisham. Excellent! Definitely 5 stars!
KateKMc@aol.com
The Intelligencer by Leslie Silbert. 5 stars!!
This is a current and historical thriller all-in-one. The story moves between Elizabethian England and a current day story that travels around the world. Each chapter leaves you wanting more. Highly recommend it.
Vikkivand@aol.com
The Confessions of Max Tivoli by Andrew Sean Greer. 5 stars.
A sad love story that spans a lifetime in reverse. Some excellent writing and great lines! "Alice, I pity everyone who has not known you." "We are each the love of someone's life." I enjoyed this book.
Are You There Alone? The Unspeakable Crime of Andrea Yates by Suzanne O'Malley. 2 stars.
The true story of a young mother, Andrea Yates, who murders her five children by drowning them in the bathtub. The author chronicles the investigation and trial well, but I struggled with what led up to the crime. I had difficulty understanding the hold the athlete/wrestler turned preacher Michael Woroneiki had on the lives of Rusty and Andrea Yates, two educated individuals. There was a well-documented history of mental illness, so I found it irresponsible for this couple to keep having more children. I had to stop reading, Rusty and Andrea aggravated me too much. This was a crime waiting to happen.
Mayada, Daughter of Iraq by Jean Sasson. 3 stars.
A true story of Mayada, who was imprisoned and tortured while Suddam Hussein was in power in Iraq. I found parts of the book hard to get through, but was interested in the stories of the "shadow" women in cell 52.
The Epicure's Lament by Kate Christensen. 5 stars.
Hugo Whittier is so negative and miserable that I couldn't help but like him. The writing was witty and entertaining. I found myself smiling throughout the whole book.
JudyG1958@aol.com
I have read quite a few books on the subject of "Why we are here," mainly to get different views on what God really wants from us during our short stay here. The best book by far that I have found and am currently reading is The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I will go so far as to say that it not only confirms what I have always believed to be true, but by putting the messages of the Bible into plain English, is helping to truly change lives, including, and thankfully, mine! I have no doubt that Mr. Warren's purpose for being here is clear by the many lives he has touched by doing so, and that He will be eternally blessed! This is, in my opinion, at the very least a 5-star book.
JDDistef@aol.com
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Crossing the Line by Clinton McKinzie. The story is about two brothers, one a cop, one an outlaw, teaming with the FBI to take down a murderous drug lord. McKinzie skillfully described the Mexican drug trade, rock climbing, and the world of the FBI and police.
As an avid reader, I am often able to predict what will happen in a novel, even from the most popular suspense authors. I was so pleased to be surprised by Crossing the Line. The twists and turns kept me guessing until the end. 5 stars.
Debby236@aol.com
I am presently reading Shady Lady by Elizabeth Thornton. I am really enjoying the suspense and would rate this one 4 1/2 stars.
Helenme23@wmconnect.com
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling. 5 stars.
The master of "children's lit" does it again. I'm over 40 and loving the series. I have to wonder, though, how much more can Harry take? In his mid-teens and fighting the ultimate evil. Can't Harry have a little light fun every once in a while?
res1tc3k@verizon.net
Prescription Pot by George McMahon. 5 stars.
WordBird8@aol.com
Angry Housewives Eating Bon-Bons by Lorna Landvik. 4 1/2 stars.
An exceptionally entertaining tale of a group of housewives in suburban Minneapolis who start a book club. The book follows the women and their lives from the late '60s through the late '90s.
ImNpieces@aol.com
The Cat Who..... books by Lillian Jackson Braun.
After reading some of the middle of the series, I have been collecting all I could get and am now reading from the first. They are such fun, light reading! Recommended for anyone who enjoys good, clean reading!
NGroves@aol.com
Barney's Version by Mordecai Richler. 4 stars.
This wickedly satirical novel is 67-year-old Barney Panofsky's attempt to tell his version of events when he learns that a literary colleague is publishing an autobiography that includes a lot of negative allegations against him, including a charge of murder. His rambling, digressive memoir takes him through his messy life, which includes three divorces, his career as a producer of trashy television shows (his company is called "Totally Useless Productions"), his overindulgence in alcohol, his obsession with the Montreal Canadiens hockey team (when he found out that a championship game was on the same night as his second wedding, his preference was to skip the wedding in favor of the game), and of course the events surrounding the murder accusation. While Barney is clearly a rogue and a rascal who has, to a large degree, ruined his own life and that of several others close to him, it's also easy to sympathize with the lonely old man that he has become, particularly when we realize that his memory lapses are the symptoms of a serious condition, not just included in the narrative for laughs.
Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs. 3 stars.
This memoir of the author's teen years describes a period in his life that was dysfunctional with a capital D. After his mother, who has mental health problems and completely unrealistic ambitions of being a great poet, and his alcoholic, distant father get divorced, adolescent Augusten spends the better part of his teen years in the household of his mother's therapist. It's a household with no rules, inhabited not only by family members but an occasional patient and a pedophile who becomes Augusten's homosexual lover. With no responsible adults to guide him (the psychiatrist seems to be as much in need of help as his patients and is clearly a candidate for malpractice suits), it's a wonder Augusten made it through without losing his own sanity. The book moves along at a breakneck speed and is frequently funny, although it's also somewhat like watching a train wreck.
A Theory of Relativity by Jacquelyn Mitchard. 3 stars.
As the pun in the title implies, this novel explores the concept of being related. The central issue is a custody battle that hinges on the legal definition of who is considered a relative. One-year-old Keefer is left an orphan when her parents are killed in a car crash. Her mother's parents have been caring for her since their daughter, the girl's mother, was terminally ill with breast cancer. They assume that they will get to keep her and also encourage their single son, Gordon, to file for adoption. However, Keefer's father's parents also want her, and a judge awards custody to cousins on that side of the family because of some fine print in a law regarding blood relatives. Gordon is not a "blood relative" of Keefer's since both he and his sister, Keefer's mother, were adopted and were not biologically related to each other. The novel portrays efforts to change the law and to move beyond legal and traditional ways of defining families, while portraying both the good and bad points of all the families on both sides of the struggle. The message is a bit heavy handed it times, but it's a good read.
Killing Orders by Sara Paretsky. 4 stars.
Chicago private detective V.I. Warshawski is drawn into the case when her bitter, elderly aunt is accused of stealing millions in stock certificates from the order of Dominican brothers where she has worked for years. When mysterious callers start threatening her and set fire to her apartment, V.I. realizes that more is at stake than the theft, and that big names, and big money, are probably involved behind the scenes. Published in 1993, this is one of the earlier books in this mystery series.
Cloish049@aol.com
I have just finished reading Ella in Bloom by Shelby Hearon. Ella's life changes drastically when her husband walks out on her. With the background of World War II, Ella finds love again in a way she would never have imagined! 5 stars.
amusingjoy@sbcglobal.net
I just started One Vacant Chair by Joe Coomer. So far it's 3 stars and I can't wait to get back to it.
I just decided I couldn't continue reading Thursday Next in The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde. He lost me with SciFi ... I should have known better so I can't give him less than 3 stars because the rave reviews intrigued me ... also just to have named a character Jack Schitt amuses the heck out of me!
I just finished Anne Lamott's Blue Shoe and loved it. 4 stars. I'm looking forward to Joe Jones.
BDB530@aol.com
Falling Angels by Tracy Chevalier. 5 stars.
Another winner by Chevalier. Historical fiction where she gets into the minds of at least six characters and uses the early 1900s to get at attitudes of men and women during the early suffragette movement.
martysmarty@hotmail.com
I just finished reading Mark Victor Hansen and Robert G. Allen's The One Minute Millionaire and found it very interesting. There is a novel on the right hand (odd numbered) pages, which concerns a woman trying to earn a million dollars in 90 days to recover her children from spiteful in-laws who got custody after her husband died. The left hand (even numbered) pages has nonfiction information about making money using multiple streams of income.
The authors of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and The Multiple Streams of Income books have combined to write something unique and inspirational.
RAYSMUSIC@webtv.net
Thorn in My Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs. 5 stars.
Fair is the Rose by Liz Curtis Higgs. 5 stars.
Right as Rain by Bev Marshall. 5 stars.
The Book of Joe by Jonathan Trooper. 5 stars.
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. 5 stars.
Sismilli@aol.com
I recently finished reading The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc by Loraine Despres. I thought the cover art and even the publisher's blurbs for this were a little misleading. I was expecting a light humorous southern story and found this one has a much darker and more depressing tone than I anticipated. I felt like the author couldn't really decide which tone to take --- sometimes it was a light, quirky southern romance and sometimes a tragic story of pretty dysfunctional folks. The combo didn't really work for me and at times I considered not finishing it at all. I would give it 2 1/2 stars.
I also finished Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. Yes, it was as good as everyone says, no new news there. I am halfway through The Da Vinci Code now and am liking it slightly better. Angels & Demons was a bit gory for me in parts. 5 stars.
jhershey@verizon.net
Retribution by Jillianne Hoffman is probably the best first novel I've read in a long time! Ms. Hoffman has the reader riveted from the beginning chapter. I give this 5 stars.
Riding the Bus With My Sister by Rachel Simon is a heartwarming memoir of two sisters, each very different from the other. Rachel's sister is mentally disabled. She shares with the reader the year she spent with her sister "riding the buses." Thank you Ms. Simon for sharing. 5 stars!
Tmert9@cs.com
I just finished reading 1st to Die by James Patterson. This is a great book, I can't wait to catch up with 2nd Chance.
PFLucas@aol.com
The Simple Truth by David Baldacci. 5 stars.
RKCKSYST@aol.com
I'd happily recommend two recent reads of mine, both rated 5 stars by me. One is old and one is new!
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens is considered a classic for good reason. The ending cannot be beat for its perfection.
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides may well become a classic. It's funny and poignant and just about flawless in every way.
bradylee@myway.com
Higher Authority by Stephen White. 4 stars.
Lauren Crowder, an attorney and her sister Teresa, a stand-up comedienne, and another attorney Robin Torr are the main characters in this mystery. There is a little romantic interest and a few murders, along with some pretty interesting settings in Utah and Colorado and a few men to flesh out the story of intrigue in this fine story. There is a lot of data about the Mormon church that most people would not know … if they're not Mormons. The reader is able to determine who the killer is about three quarters through the book and it is all in the name of "saving the church." You wonder what is going to happen next all the way through, which is the purpose of a good mystery.
trishlaura@careerblazerswest.com
I am presently reading The Confessions of Max Tivoli by Andrew Sean Greer. It is a lovely story about a man who is aging backwards and the story of his life. It is wonderfully written with a bit of melancholy, a lovely story that puts a whole different perspective on "growing old."
I also recently finished Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. This book has been around for a few years but is such a great novel. Full on intrigue, drama, sexual undertones and plenty of twists and turns, this book will keep you coming back for more. Don't let the Victorian Age fool you, life is really not that different from present day. A 5-star book. Enjoy!
OLTLFREAK@aol.com
For Matrimonial Purposes by Kavita Daswani. 5 stars.
The main character Anju is single and reaching 30, and in the Indian culture that is considered to be an old maid. Her family in Bombay keeps trying to find a husband for her. A good look into the Indian lifestyle.
3rd Degree by James Patterson. 5 stars.
What can I say??? Great read, almost as good as the Alex Cross books :)
stephejl@stclair.k12.il.us
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a 5-star classic. I always thought it was primarily about the trial, but it's really a Southern coming-of-age story.
The Disapparation of James by Anne Ursu. 2 stars.
Very disappointing despite all the hype. Narrated in the third person, so I didn't develop empathy for any of the characters.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. 5+ stars.
I highly recommend the fictional tale of Afghanistan's class system and culture, both pre/post war with Russia and then Taliban rule. This treasure includes themes of friendship, morality, deception, loyalty, immigration and honor. The depth and breadth of joy and sorrow create a contrast that is both powerful and mesmerizing. A Wonderful Read!!!
JUSTINIVINS@aol.com
Sun Death by Robert Michael was an awesome experience. It has action, government conspiracy and an ironic ending to it all. It's not on all bookshelves, but it's available at online bookstores. CHECK IT OUT!
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