roginaru@yahoo.com
I just finished The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler, which is truly a delicious little book. Really quite wonderful. I am now reading an ARC of Chango's Fire by Ernesto Quinonez, which has me on the edge of my seat. Next in line are two ARCs: The Empire of the Wolves by Jean-Christophe Grange and The Darling by Russell Banks.
NGroves@aol.com
Mirror Mirror by Gregory Maguire. 4 stars.
Maguire has somewhat of a specialty of converting fairy tales into adult novels. This one is his rendition of Snow White, set in early 16th century Italy. A girl named Bianca de Nevada, daughter of a widowed Spanish gentleman-farmer who has acquired a country estate in Italy, fills the Snow White role. She falls into the clutches of historical figure Lucretia Borgia (one of a family renowned for attempting to gain and hold onto power through skillful use of poisons) after Lucretia's brother sends Bianca's father on a quest for a holy relic. Dwarves do indeed play a role in the story, but thankfully they're nothing like the singing/dancing Disney cartoon types. A compelling read.
The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean. 5 stars.
A nonfiction account of orchid obsession, centering on a Floridian named John Laroche, a horticultural consultant convicted of attempting to steal endangered orchids from a Florida nature preserve to "save" them rather than make a profit (or so he says). Orlean explores the history of orchid fever, from its earliest days to the present, and also paints a vivid picture of the state of Florida, a place surely like no other.
The Passion of Reverend Nash by Rachel Basch. 4 stars.
Jordanna Nash is the minister of a church in a small New England town. Although somewhat marching to the beat of a different drummer, she is committed to her faith, and most of the congregation supports her. But her faith is tested by the breakup of her commuter marriage; the disappearance of a young mother she had counseled, who may have committed suicide after becoming depressed over the death of her sister; and the pregnancy of a teenager in the church youth group.
Last Light of the Sun by Guy Gavriel Kay. 4 stars.
The latest fantasy epic from Kay that, as is always the case, reads more like a historical novel. This one is set in the Viking era and involves the battles of the English and Welsh peoples against the Norse raiders as well as a few interventions from the fairy world.
Bangkok 8 by John Burdett. 5 stars.
A wild mystery/detective yarn that opens with a bang, when a U.S. Marine stationed at the American Embassy in Bangkok is murdered in his car by a pack of drug-crazed cobras, accompanied by one equally zonked, and very large, python. Along the way a local cop, apparently the only non-corrupt man on the entire force due to his Buddhist principles, investigates connections with the legal and illegal jade trade, drug trafficking, and sex change surgery. And did I mention his mother's plan to open a club catering to elderly foreigners who, pumped up on Viagra, can spend their last days in the company of beautiful and skilled Thai prostitutes rather than playing bridge at the local senior citizens' center? A dynamite read.
joswood@adiis.net
Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen. 5 stars.
I've read all of Hiaasen's books, and this is by far his best. It is absolutely hilarious and a compelling read. Chaz and Joey Perrone are on a cruise ship celebrating their 2nd anniversary. Chaz throws his wife off of the ship intending to kill her, but she doesn't die. She is rescued by an ex-cop who lives on a nearby island. Instead of telling the authorities that she is alive, she decides to get even with Chaz. The way she goes about it is very funny. I have not been so thoroughly entertained by a book in a long time.
justme@xmission.com
I'm reading a very fine book called Fifth Born by an author I've never heard of but hope to hear more from in the future. Her name is Zelda Lockhart.
I accidentally ran upon her book in the bookstore the other day and liked what I read on the inside jacket cover. I was interested enough to buy it and so glad that I did!
This book is fiction, but I can't help but wonder if it's inspired by truth. It's so poignant and raw, I cry right along with little Odessa as I read her tell about her Daddy and how horrible he is.
I hope there are more books out there by this author, and you can be sure that I'm looking for them! I was up all night last night finishing the book! FIVE great big stars! YOU GO GIRL!
Rn2327@aol.com
Hello, Darkness by Sandra Brown. Definite 5 stars.
I have always enjoyed this author's books and am happy this is out in paperback now. She takes you on a ride filled with suspense. A suspense thriller that is hard to put down and makes you want to read all her other books. Sandra Brown is a gifted and talented writer who keeps me, the reader, at the edge of my bed. A great read and highly recommended to all who love a good suspenseful book about a powerful woman at a cross road in her life.
tunaross@nc.rr.com
Unlucky in Law by Perri O'Shaughnessy. 5 stars.
Although I'm only halfway through the book, I'm already hooked. I eagerly await every book in this series and have never been disappointed. Somehow, there's always a fresh perspective on the legal system and life in general.
Nancy10107@aol.com
Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre. 4 stars.
This is not a fun book to read but was very interesting. A Catcher in the Rye type book. The author is focusing on commercialism, bullying in the schools, and school shootings. Vernon Little tells the story of how his best friend has shot and killed many students in a small town in Texas. The police and town think Vernon also had something to do with it. It is the story of Vernon coming of age, coming to grips with the reality of what has happened, and a whole lot more. A good book for a book group.
AcornLiz@aol.com
I just finished A Rage to Live by John O'Hara. I like to take time each summer to read a classic title --- or a really long book. I read O'Hara's From the Terrace a couple of summers ago and loved it. From the Terrace is definitely 5 stars, but I would give Rage only 2 1/2.
GerryD8784@aol.com
Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts. 3 stars.
Interesting characters peopled most of this story, but an important character remained under-developed, making the resolution seem to come from nowhere. The plot centers on a small town in Oklahoma where a young woman was murdered and her baby disappeared and was believed also to be dead. But he turns up in town nearly thirty years later having just learned that he was adopted, and hoping to find his mother. Learning she is dead, he sets off to discover who his father was and who might have killed her.
Garden of Beasts by Jeffery Deaver. 4 1/2 stars.
Deaver's latest is a stand-alone novel, unrelated to his Lincoln Rhyme series, but I found it as engrossing as any he's written. Set in Berlin at the time of the 1936 Olympics, Garden of Beasts centers on an American hit man who is offered an expunging of his criminal record to kill a high ranking Nazi official. The novel is well-researched, with detailed descriptions that give an excellent sense of the setting of the story, and both character development and plot are up to Deaver's past standards. All in all, a very enjoyable read.
Four Souls by Louise Erdrich. 2 stars.
Though I've enjoyed other books by this author, Four Souls was a disappointment. Written in alternating chapters with two different narrators, this seemed more like two books than one, and neither one offered well-developed characters or plot. A handful of well-done passages sprinkled through the book made me keep reading, but overall the effort to finish this novel of revenge set mostly in Erdrich's often-visited North Dakota Indian reservation went unrewarded.
You Remind Me of Me by Dan Chaon. 4 1/2 stars.
This was a challenging novel to read at times, as the story jumped forward and back through some apparently disconnected lives and times. In the end, though, it was well worth persisting while Chaon wove together those disparate, desperate lives and showed how life just goes on, whether we're ready or not, whether we've succeeded in planning or not, whether we've set our goals or not. Lyrical and sad, but well worth reading. One reviewer calls it a book about adoption, but it's much more than that --- it's a book about living and connecting in the present without letting go of the past.
The Codex by Lev Grossman. 3 1/2 stars.
In a novel that required some suspension of disbelief and immersion into a gaming subculture that was very foreign to me, Grossman focuses on an up-and-coming young banker who is inexplicably tapped to sort some old library materials for a mysterious British family. Though initially insulted by the mindlessness of his chore and the presumption of his employer, Edward is quickly drawn more and more deeply into the mystery of a missing book as well as into an odd computer game that seems to be mirroring his real life.
Family History by Dani Shapiro. 4 1/2 stars.
A touching and all-too-realistic story about a family spiraling out of control in the wake of disturbing accusations by the teenaged daughter.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. 5+ stars.
I hope Stephen Deusner's snobbishly negative review didn't cause too many Bookreporter.com readers to ignore this wonderful book, which I found to be definitely the best book I've read this summer, in fact the best of the year so far! The Kite Runner tells the story of two boys --- one the son of a wealthy and influential businessman, the other the son of the man's servant --- growing up together in Afghanistan, from the final days of monarchy in the '70s through the present day. It's a story of love and loyalty, treachery and betrayal, and finally redemption, all interwoven with a fascinating history of a part of the world we Americans knew virtually nothing of prior to 9/11. Beautiful writing, with vivid descriptions that make the characters and their country come to life. Highly recommended!
Plain Heathen Mischief by Martin Clark. 4 stars.
A modern Job story in some ways, in which a Baptist preacher is seduced by a seventeen-year-old girl he's supposed to be counseling. When she accuses him of assault, he pleads guilty to the criminal charges, serves six months in jail, and is released only to find his wife has filed for divorce, and his accuser is now suing him for five million dollars. Unable to get a job, he is persuaded to participate in an insurance scam, and soon finds himself so enmeshed in criminality and misfortune that his faith is shaken. Clark has created great characters you'll care about despite their repeated failures.
Take Me, Take Me With You by Lauren Kelly. 2 1/2 stars.
In a book I've been told was written by Joyce Carol Oates under a pseudonym, a young woman receives an anonymous gift, a ticket to a concert, and finds herself seated next to a man who says he too received his ticket anonymously. The two seem drawn to one another, and their developing relationship causes Lara to question what she thinks she knows about her own past and her family's history. Rather bizarre characters populate this story of domestic violence and infidelity in upstate New York.
The Boy on the Bus by Deborah Schupack. 3 stars.
There's more atmosphere than plot in this somewhat odd tale of a fragmented rural family of four: a mother and father who never married because they reject the conformity that marriage represents, a thirteen-year-old daughter full of rebellion and self-pity, and an eight-year old asthmatic son who has become his mother's only reason to continue a life she can no longer bear.
marblehead@dhamel.com
The Sex Lives of Cannibals by J. Maarten Troost. 5 stars.
Troost's fish-out-of-water account of his years spent on a tiny atoll in the equatorial Pacific is funny and charming and very well-written.
The Music Lesson by Katharine Weber. 4 stars.
Katharine Weber's The Music Lesson is an elegant little novel about loyalty and loss and disillusionment. Its protagonist is not always empathetic, but she regains our support in the tense but quiet action of the book's end. As with her first book, Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear, Weber's sophomore effort proves that she is an author worth watching.
Amazonia by James Marcus. 4 1/2 stars.
For an Amazon enthusiast like myself, Amazonia offers a titillating view of life behind the web site.
Superstition by David Ambrose. 4 stars.
David Ambrose's thriller Superstition is intelligent and genuinely scary in parts, and its conclusion, despite being hinted at in a prologue, is impossible to figure out in advance. Part Jack Finney's Time and Again and part ghost story, the book --- if not offering the sort of suspense that will keep you glued to the pages all night --- is well worth the read.
Tea4g@aol.com
Quentins by Maeve Binchy. 5 stars.
Maeve weaves another wonderful story through the eyes of characters who frequent the Quentins Restaurant. I enjoy her easy, relaxing style of writing.
And Still We Rise by Miles Corwin. 5 stars.
This was given to me as a gift. I put it aside to finish another novel; however, when I skimmed through the pages, I could not put it down. It is a book about 12 gifted inner-city students who attend Crenshaw High in south central L.A. The author spent a year observing these students and their teachers, and the book explores the challenges and issues the students must deal with, while at the same time trying to read, study, write papers, etc., for their AP classes. It was an eye-opener for me --- very, very interesting. These kids are truly amazing in that they try so hard to "rise" above the temptations of their neighborhoods without the support that students in more affluent neighborhoods might have.
smazzei@myactv.net
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. 4 stars.
I can't put it down...it's pulling at my heart. A topic that could happen to any of us!
Mathsolver@aol.com
I just finished reading Charleston by John Jakes. It was very good. I happen to be a fan of John Jakes's novels. I read the Kent Family series years ago and also the North and South series. Since I am not much of a history buff, he makes reading history enjoyable by taking interesting real facts and also gets you hooked into the life of the fictional characters. Charleston started with the Revolutionary War and brought you all the way to after the Civil War, which was slightly different from North and South. He also mentions the characters of North and South in this book, which I found a really good touch. I rate it 4 stars.
NFrazelle@aol.com
A Traitor to Memory by Elizabeth George. 5 stars.
Sullivan's Island and Plantation by Dorothy Frank Benton. 4 stars.
Islands by Anne Rivers Siddon. 4 stars.
OLTLFREAK@aol.com
Pasta Imperfect by Maddy Hunter. 5 stars.
This is the third in her series featuring Emily, who is a tour guide on trips with the senior citizens from her home town. These books are so funny and fast reading that you are done before you know it, and wanting more! Her first two are Alpine for You and Top O' the Mournin. She needs to write faster.
robertmcginnis@hotmail.com
As a University Professor, what I really like about Robert K. Greenleaf: A Life of Servant Leadership is how well Don Frick reflected on the people, historical events and experiences that evolved Greenleaf's management style and ultimately the Servant-Leadership Philosophy. It is one thing to understand the concept, but the richness of that understanding is greatly enhanced with an understanding of the experiences that supported Greenleaf's theories. I think the book will have a very broad appeal. It is a "How To" management book that comes alive in the form of a BIO. I think it will appeal to a broad audience. The Greenleaf bio will appeal to research scientists, because of how effectively Greenleaf understood the human factors of scientific research and how those factors drove results and the success of large corporate projects. Bob was a research scientist for ATT. Finally, in terms of a broad appeal, this is a story of a man whose integrity and personal values were reflected in how a corporation managed a business. It is a great contrast to the ENRON and TYCO stories, in which the lack of integrity and personal values ultimately resulted in the demise of the company and the retirement funds of thousands of people.
Those who feel a biography ought to recount mundane details of its subject's personal life won't be enthused by Frick's Robert K. Greenleaf: A Life of Servant Leadership. It is very much an intellectual biography. The book's historical and biographical view concentrates on Greenleaf's life and work (thirty eight years of it with ATT) as it connects to the role of a Servant Leader. Attention is paid, for example, to his father's work as a community leader and the advice that he gave Robert when he married Ester. Robert and Ester were married at the Community Church by Reverend John Haynes Holmes in Terre Haute, Indiana. The Community Church had more than 1,800 members of 34 nationalities from six continents. In its paper The Register, Holmes's own American Unitarian Association denounced his pacifist stand as treason, former U.S. President William Howard Taft accused him of using freedom of speech to mask sedition, and his worship services were regularly visited by Secret Service men.
Greenleaf later had also become involved with the Quakers. Frick's book touches briefly on the influence of Quaker thought and practice on Robert Greenleaf's corporate work and servant writings. The Quakers had been organizational pioneers for three-hundred years. They evolved the art of consensus decision-making, designed meetings for full participation by every member, and replaced professional clerics with lay leadership. From their earliest days, Quakers had seen themselves as "seekers." Clearly, one can see the influence of the Quakers on Roberts life. Greenleaf's writings project him as a kindly Quaker icon, a wise sage who urged a more humane way of leading, managing and directing organizations, a prophet-preacher in the temples of organizations who invited us to replace money and egotistical power with active service to his fellow man.
Greenleaf graduated from Carleton College in 1926. Robert's first job was with ATT. Robert rose through the ranks over an illustrious 38-year career, retiring as the head of management research. He retired in 1964 to found the Center for Applied Ethics and begin a peripatetic journey among the leaders of America's universities, corporations and foundations. His servant-leader philosophy emerged into public view with the publication of his first essay in 1970, and continued blooming through numerous writings until his death in 1990. Three themes define Robert Greenleaf's life and work: servant, seeker and leader. His way is not soft, but hard --- hard in the way it is hard to accept that our personal answers are not always right, to believe that organizations really are breathing organisms, to understand that we are capable of projecting our shadows onto the world and believing the problems are "out there," to embrace the truth that we each have it in us to engage in outrageous manipulation and brilliant, ethical genius. The easy way to personal and organizational effectiveness is to dwell on externals; the hard way is to first go inside --- the path Robert Greenleaf chose.
Lavenderdew12472@aol.com
Shout Down the Moon by Lisa Tucker.
The book revolves around a single mother trying to get her life together. Music is one of the central themes. It's an easy read...perfect for summer.
DancingGram7@aol.com
I just finished The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. I give the book 4 stars! When I chose this book, I had no idea what it was about as it had no description on the jacket. To my surprise, I am visiting Africa this week via The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. The great thing about reading is that you can go to a different country each book. The last two books I read, I covered Hong Kong, Switzerland, England and Italy! The author writes very simply, and with each chapter we are treated to another episode in the life of the #1 detective while she investigates goings-on in Botswana and surrounding territories. I found the book entertaining with only about 240 pages to read. I recommend the book for easy reading.
fochler@erols.com
Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho. 4 stars.
A wonderful story --- what you would expect from the Master. He has a way that all his stories hold your attention from beginning to end. The story is about a young Brazilian girl, Maria, and the artist who steals her heart. Also, it's about the pervasive and soul-destroying effects of prostitution.
The Wedding of the Two-Headed Woman by Alice Mattison. 5 stars.
Any female over the age of 20 will identify with Daisy. This book is hysterically funny --- laugh out loud funny. Daisy has a husband but also finds herself having sex with another man. Honestly written and oh so funny. Daisy is searching for the things in life that will fulfill her and is ultimately surprised by what they are.
Colors Insulting to Nature by Cintra Wilson. 4 stars.
This is a disturbing, alarming look at the entertainment industry and our young entertainers. I found myself cringing, crying, laughing and wanting to protect the "Normal" children who are anything but normal --- Liza is incredibly strong and above all else a "survivor" no matter what life tosses her way, while her brother is so traumatized by the events in his life that he retreats into his room and will not leave. Yet ultimately love does manage to "rescue" him at the end. I was sorry to see this book end --- I wanted to read more.
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson. 5 stars.
Usually I steer clear of James Patterson --- not my type of author. A friend gave me this book as a gift. It's a beautiful love story, well-written, easy to read and hauntingly attesting to our ability to recover from loss and love again. This book opened the door for me to read the next book --- also by James Patterson.
Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson. 4 stars.
Not as much of a tear jerker as Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas but close enough. Another beautiful love story --- a realistic, sweet, sad and wonderful story. These two books gave me a different perspective on James Patterson.
Johnny Angel by Danielle Steel. 2 stars.
This was a good story but boringly predictable. I would have liked to see the characters a little more developed with a few twists to the storyline. This is not what I would expect from this very good author. It's just your average everyday book, but it's still a good fast read. Compare it to whip cream --- light and fluffy with no substance --- yet still very enjoyable.
antiesusy@msn.com
I am reading The Perfect Summer by Luanne Rice. I'm not quite halfway through, but this is a really good story with romance and mystery --- just the right mix for a light summer read.
I just finished The Coil by Gail Lynds --- tooooo many twists and turns and no way to tell the good guys from the bad! It took me forever to read this one because I couldn't handle but about 10 pages at a time!
Lilac482@aol.com
Heartless by Kat Martin. 4 stars.
I finished this book in one day, it was so good. A historical romance with lots of conflict.
The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks. Definitely 5 stars.
Another really good book. I have read all of Sparks's novels, and he does not disappoint with this one.
When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn. 4 stars.
Anyone who is a fan of historical romance will love this book by Julia Quinn. It is her latest in the Bridgerton family series, and it was very good.
JDDistef@aol.com
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult was a 4-star read. The compelling story of a girl who is conceived to be a donor for her ailing sister was incredible. The only thing that kept this book from being 5 stars was the ending. Disappointing and too tidy for a book with so many controversial and thought-provoking issues.
Hidden Prey by John Sandford gets 5 stars. This is the latest addition to the "Prey" series featuring protagonist Lucas Davenport. Sandford delivers another compelling thriller with everything from mysterious women to Russian spies.
kringley2000@yahoo.com
I have not yet read a review of the following book and would like to let others know how much I enjoyed Finding God in the Questions by Dr. Timothy Johnson. Dr. Johnson has a degree in Theology and Medicine; his book helps answer the questions of the believer and nonbeliever. Can our Universe be Accident (Chance) or was it Design? My rating for this book is 5+ stars!
flowerpowr@bellsouth.net
Recent reads I recommend:
Wicked by Gregory Maguire. 5 stars.
A wonderful fantasy book about the "real life" of the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz. Beautifully written, it's the type of book you think of for a long time after finishing. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
A Girl's Best Friend by Elizabeth Young. 3 stars.
A fun "chick lit" book in the line of Bridget Jones and similar reads, it features a single woman who has had bad luck with men, her lovable Irish Wolfhound mix dog, and a scruffy but charming vet.
Anonymous
Black by Christopher Whitcomb. 5 stars!
A thriller that reads like tomorrow's headlines, except that much of the story, if true, would never be covered by the media. It's just too hot to handle.
Across the Nightingale Floor (and its 2 sequels) by Lian Hearn. 4+ stars.
A beautiful fantasy of feudal Japan. Harry Potter for grownups.
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. 5 stars.
Nonfiction thriller that interweaves two fin de siecle stories in Chicago: the World's Columbian Exposition and the first documented U.S. serial killer. Each tale lends perspective to the other, and both are little known, but major, events of the waning days of the 19th century. Beautifully written with compelling suspense.
stephejl@stclair.k12.il.us
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. 5 stars
A missionary takes his wife and four daughters to Africa as he proselytizes his version of Bible teachings. The girls get out of the situation by being married, ferried, buried, or carried.
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. 3 stars.
Unusual story of terrorists taking over a dinner party and the developing relationships during the 4 1/2 month siege. A character-driven plot.
DStegmanCrawford@aol.com
I finished Kill the Messenger by Tami Hoag and I would give it 3 stars. A predictable tale about an orphaned bike messenger and his little "genius" brother. The messenger picks up a package and soon finds that someone wants it very badly --- enough to kill. Of course he doesn't trust or go to the police. Conspiracy at the usual levels. OK.
I'm currently reading #11 and #12 of the JD Robb Death Series. I love Eve Dallas. The books commonly have the same elements, but there is enough variety that they keep me interested. They usually rate about 4 stars each from me.
bradylee@myway.com
Three Weeks With My Brother by Nicholas Sparks and Micah Sparks. 5 stars.
This is 70% memoir and 30% travelogue and 100% interesting from beginning to end. The authors are both young, but so much has happened in their life (Nicholas Sparks particularly) that they have a lot to talk about. You learn a lot about a family that was so poor they didn't know how they were going to manage from day to day, yet the personalities of each person (parents, two boys and one girl) were so different to each other that you wondered how they were able to get along. The children had to depend on each other much of the time, and their mother was the major influence in their life. Much tragedy occurs in their young lives and to tell specifics would be a disfavor to the reader; suffice to say that my wife read this first and thought it so good that I had to read it and affirm her opinion. No wonder it is on the bestseller list!
anniesbooks@comcast.net
I finished reading Beach Girls by Luanne Rice. It was the perfect summer book and I gave it 4 stars.
Elann121@aol.com
The Summer I Dared by Barbara Delinsky. 4 stars.
I really enjoyed this book. I like her books.
Ain't She Sweet? by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. 3 stars.
I liked this book also.
Lgluhani@aol.com
Blue Blood by Edward Conlon. 4 stars.
Fascinating true story of a policeman's life. Much more riveting than fiction.
Cloish049@aol.com
Shoot the Moon by Billie Letts. 5 stars. Wonderful!
Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquivel. 4 stars. Powerful.
Bjglu@aol.com
The Big Year by Mark Obmascik. 4 1/2 stars.
Nonfiction account of a "birder"'s attempt to sight the most birds in a single year. Funny, interesting, well-written. Wonderful sense of place and amazing characters.
Bush Country by John Podhoretz. 5 stars.
Subtitled "How Dubya Became a Great President While Driving Liberals Insane"
Kellyw31@aol.com
Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane. 4 stars
I just read Mystic River by Dennis Lehane, but I preferred Shutter Island, currently out in paperback. This was an awesome book. The twist at the end is great.
hushpup@optonline.net
This week I have read the following:
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger. 4 stars.
Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani. 5 stars.
Songs of the Humpback Whale by Jodi Picoult. 5 stars.
Autumn from Newtown, PA
The Witching Hour by Anne Rice. 4 stars.
Still trudging through this monster.
Naked by David Sedaris. 4 stars.
Just began this next one for my book club. So far I've laughed non-stop!
jbayley@hotmail.com
Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Sykes. 3 stars.
Leave it to the ever-expanding world of Chick Lit to remind me of just how tragically unhip I truly am. I can't even keep up with escapist fiction!
I hardly caught on to half the fashion forward references in Plum Sykes's Bergdorf Blondes. Following the lives of a few Park Avenue Princesses as they jet set about the globe left my head spinning. Keeping up with all the shorthand is equally daunting. PH is a prospective husband, while a boyfriend is simply an ATM, and a MIT (mogul in training) is an ATM on his way to PH status. Got that?
The love lives of these women were hilarious and pitiable. Men are required to exclusively date them, but they had to have at least two PH's lined up and be engaged. Men are not allowed to break up with a Park Avenue Princess; she will dump him as soon as a more eligible candidate is acquired. You should text message your friends to let them know whenever your man of the moment is in Brazil --- the code word for having sex, implying they must have Brazilian bikini wax. The rules of dating are intricate and deadly.
It was wonderful to spend a moment in the world of the Bergdorf Blondes, so named for their pricey highlights. It made me grateful that in my world I can actually eat at dinner and leave the house whether my highlights are current (within the last two weeks) or not.
lockmp@sjr.mb.ca
I have just finished The Da Vinci Code --- what a wonderful, rollicking romp! It's hard to tell where the "real" and imagined history change places! It had me going to the art books to get a closer look at The Last Supper and it provided my bookclub with the most lively discussion we've had in months! A definite 5!
Cheryl, Allison Park, PA
Misdemeanor Man by Dylan Schaffer. 5 stars.
This is Mr. Schaffer's first novel and I think it's a great book. It's about a public defender named Gordon Seegerman who only handles misdemeanor cases and is also the front man for a Barry Manilow cover band. Gordon is assigned a case involving a flashing incident --- little did he know where it would lead him when he took the case. This book tells the story of the case, the band and Gordon's life.
Anonymous
The Dew Breaker by Edwidge Danticat. 4 stars.
Very interesting read about Haiti.
Eat Cake by Jeanne Ray. 3 stars.
Easy, light read that made me want to eat cake all the time while reading it.
Liars and Saints by Maile Meloy 4 stars.
Interesting read about several generations of one family.
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. 5 stars so far.
I am halfway through it and absolutely love it.
mvrdr@yahoo.com
Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich.
Another visit with Stephanie and friends. It's like watching your favorite sitcom on TV. The mystery is light but the humor is great and I love every last one of her characters, even the bad guys.
feministgirl86@yahoo.com
All the Days of My Life (So Far) by Alison Sweeney. 5 stars.
An excellent and honest life story of the struggles that an actress and a woman faces trying to make it in Hollywood. This book talks about her struggles with weight, finding the love of her life, and some interesting inside looks at her favorite storylines over the years from "Days of Our Lives."
Flyboys by James Bradley. 4 stars.
Mr. Bradley is a master storyteller, as he recounts recently declassified documents and talks with a man who really was in the courtroom that day. Both moving and shocking as to what happened to our missing flyboys and just how far men are willing to go in a time of war.
shivers079@yahoo.com
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger was probably one of the best books I have read in the past year or so. With all six stars it joins books like Kittle's Traveling Light and Gone with the Wind in my top ten list. I laughed and then I sobbed as I stayed up late each night not wanting to put the book down. I recommend this to all readers and I hope she writes another book soon.
yourstrulee@sasktel.net
I am currently reading Nerd in Shining Armor by Vicki Lewis Thompson. I give it a 5. It is humorous, sometimes a little tense and somewhat sexy.
cummings112@cableone.net
Currently I am reading the older fantasy novel The Sword of Shannara and just finished the newer, but still older prequel to it, The First King of Shannara, both by Terry Brooks. They are obvious take-offs on Tolkien's series, but not too bad for fantasy novels. I'm not liking them nearly as much as the Lord of the Rings series or The Mists of Avalon, though.
I also just read a great little book, When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuko. It was a fascinating look at the Japanese-American experience in internment camps during WWII.
OLTLFREAK@aol.com
Psychopath by Keith Ablow. 4 stars.
A good engaging story, but the way it's written was a bit hard to read. It didn't flow as smooth as others. But I loved the story line and the characters. This is his third book, and I'm going to read the first two.
Lisa in Mississippi
Currently reading:
3rd Degree by James Patterson (addicting!) 4 stars.
Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson (can't tell yet --- maybe 4 stars).
bradylee@myway.com
Stranger in My Bed: The True Story of Marriage, Murder, and the Body in the Box by Michael Fleeman.
This true crime pocketbook is well written and confounds the imagination of how a human being can be so corrupt, have the appearance of an "angelic" individual, and show no emotion whatsoever when confronted with the facts. If you read this book you will discover how dangerous life can be and unbeknownst to the victim. You learn the important place of the police, detectives, investigators, and especially the FBI who was instrumental in turning the corner of a murder that happened decades earlier. The reader gets a good picture of the perpetrator's personality and lifestyle, and the loose ends tied up and in place.
harrises@bayou.com
We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver.
Narrator Eva is the mother of Kevin, who murdered seven of his high school peers with his crossbow. This book offers no pat explanation for why so many white, well-to-do adolescents explode in rage, killing fellow students in their high schools (Pearl, MS, Jonesboro, AR, Columbine). It was hard to read but very well-written as Eva considers motherhood, marriage, family and career...and WHY this happened. Could she have prevented it?
Anonymous
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. 4 stars.
The main character, Precious Ramotswe, is a delight to get to know as she solves and gets involved with her cases.
MelJPrincess@aol.com
Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane. 4 stars
OK, I'm giving this book 4 stars because it freaked me out! This book is a shocking and intense psychological thriller. Once you start reading you won't want to stop. Yet it will unnerve you and make you wonder... You will not believe the ending!
The Mysterious Miss M by Diane Gaston. 5 stars.
Go back in time to the regency period in this well-written romance. Ms. Gaston pens a delightful story of two people overcoming some serious obstacles (very scandalous for that era) to secure their love for one another.
charris@pctelecom.us
Picture Me Dead by Heather Graham. 4 stars.
A good cop mystery, true love and a good story.
After the Fire by J. A. Jance. 5 stars.
Book of poems written during her first miserable marriage to an alcoholic. It is an annotated edition with both poems and personal vignettes. Very good.
Scent of Danger by Andrea Kane. 4 stars.
Good romantic mystery, compelling and surprising.
Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamont. 4 stars.
Story about a woman finding her faith and her travel to do that.
tunaross@nc.rr.com
Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich. 4 1/2 stars.
I really enjoy this wonderfully dysfunctional series, especially the interaction between Stephanie and Lula. It's a light, comical, thoroughly enjoyable read. The surprise ending to this one is a stroke of genius.
Unlucky in Law by Perri O'Shaughnessy. 5 stars.
Although I have just started this book, I'm already hooked. I eagerly await every book in this series and have never been disappointed. Somehow, there's always a fresh perspective on the legal system and life in general.
Rn2327@aol.com
I have just finished reading The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks. It was a wonderful story that combined so many aspects --- suspense, romance and humour --- all tied together in a great little book. I for one give this book a 5-star rating and would refer it to anyone.
Lora from Illinois
What I've Been Reading:
Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear. 4 stars.
2nd in a mystery series, set in 1930's London. Interesting characters.
A Lovesome Thing by Prue Leith. 3 stars.
Rosamunde Pilcher read-a-like. Especially for people who like fiction involving gardening.
Antosi8@aol.com
I am presently reading The Big Dig by Linda Barnes and rate it 4 stars. The title of this book interested me because I live not that far from the "Big Dig" in Boston, so naturally the cover caught my eye. The story begins with Carlotta Carlyle, six-foot tall redhead private investigator who thought that working undercover searching out fraud on Boston's big dig would be challenging. The big dig is the tearing up of old Boston and putting the traffic problem (mostly) underground. She takes the job of a mild-mannered secretary in order to find out if there is any hanky panky going on. She also moonlights on a missing person case, which gives the book another story to think about. It's easy reading, the book only has less than 300 pages and is entertaining.
DancingGram7@aol.com
I just finished reading The English Assassin by Daniel Silva. 4 stars.
This is the story of Gabriel Allon, sometimes Israeli spy and sometimes art restorer by preference. He becomes swept in a spiraling chain of events involving stolen art, killings and a battle against the assassin he helped to train! Much is learned about the workings of the Swiss banks and the part they played in World War II. There is a love interest along with traveling to Venice, London and Zurich. The author keeps us interested, the book is far from boring and is a good read.
rpryan1@pacbell.net
This week I just finished reading Mortal Prey by John Sandford, and am trying to get caught up on the whole series. The book was at least 4 stars. I like the way John Sandford explains things. You keep wondering just who Clara is going to kill next and why. I kept wondering just how she was going to get away this time. I must admit the ending was not what I expected. Davenport and his interaction with the FBI is just great…their interaction sounds just like the few I know.
Ola of Traphill, NC
I highly recommend Sam's Letters to Jennifer by James Patterson and rate it 5 stars. It kept me up all night reading it.
caddgirl7@yahoo.com
I'm in the midst of two books now. I am loving Life of Pi by Yann Martel. I don't know why it took me so long to get to this book --- maybe something about the title put me off. Not only are the characters great, (animals, too) and the story fascinating, but I learned so much about life and religion as well. I am also reading Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy, who died in 2002. She struggled with facial disfigurement because of cancer for most of her life, and wrote about it in her book. Next I plan on reading Truth & Beauty: A Friendship by Ann Patchett. It's a memoir of her friendship with Lucy Grealy.
KATHLAU@aol.com
3rd Degree by James Patterson. 3 stars.
Just so-so. I'm a bit disappointed, because this series started out so well.
T. Loney, Falls Church, VA
I just finished reading The Inconvenient Wife by Megan Chance. I truly enjoyed this book, as it seemed to be very "advanced" for the time period it was written in. The book kept me interested all the way through. I would give it 4 stars.
pattyemb@earthlink.net
I just finished reading The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory, which is the story of Mary Boleyn, Ann Boleyn's sister. The author made each character fascinating and the story so interesting that you felt as though you were living in that time period of Tudor England and the court of Henry VIII. This is considered historical fiction, but the people and events that happened are true. I absolutely could not put this book down and read long into the night. I give this book 5 stars!
WATERLEO@aol.com
Last Man Standing by David Baldacci.
A gripping thriller. Web London is an FBI agent with a scarred background who is the only survivor of a ambush on his fellow agents. Although sometimes you can see the next twist coming, there are many of them. Good reading for the summer...keeps you on your toes.
Ptclayton2@aol.com
The book that I am about to start is All Fall Down by Erica Spindler. I heard from my reading club president that it is a 5-star book, so I will write more about it next week. Looking forward to reading this!
FtLicky@aol.com
I'm currently reading Dead Canaries Don't Sing by Cynthia Baxter, which is an intrepid, fast-paced mystery, filled with animal facts and crazy clues. 5 stars.
I just finished reading The Flower Faeries by Emily Rodda, which is the second book in the Fairy Realm series. 5 stars.
Deb1teach@aol.com
I just read my first Karin Slaughter book, Blindsighted. If you love a fast-paced thriller, Karin Slaughter is the author for you. I'd give the book a 5 for being a fast read that keeps you guessing.
Mamachan@aol.com
I will be reading Bait and Switch, Shadow Divers, Unlucky in Law and Four Souls, as soon as I finish Whisker of Evil (unusual writing with cats and dogs talking, but good), R is for Ricochet (I love Grafton's books), and Ten Big Ones (it holds you). As you can see I DO like mystery books.
GailTitle@aol.com
Light This Candle: The Life and Times of Alan Shepard by Neal Thompson. 4 stars.
Until Thompson did this book, Shepard was the only one of the 7 original Mercury Astronauts who hadn't had a book done about him. This book is really good for us who aren't such "technical" people --- while we are learning about what it took to get to the moon, it focuses on the people and their personalities, and how that shaped those first critical years in space. I couldn't put the book down.
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. 5 stars.
Yikes. A first child dying of a disastrous form of leukemia, a second child acting out terribly, and a third child who was brought into this world to supply replacement parts for the first. When the youngest child, Anna for Andromeda, turns 13, she files a lawsuit against her parents so she won't have to donate a kidney to keep her older sister alive, though she has given blood and platelets and bone marrow over and over again, which is why the sister has lived this long, but now is the final chapter: The sister needs one of Anna's kidneys. The story is told by chapters in the voice of various characters. I could not put it down. It is VERY good, even though it's a little melodramatic and has a somewhat contrived ending. I think it will be discussed in book groups in the same manner as The Lovely Bones --- no right or wrong, but certainly ethical dilemmas.
Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History by Erik Larson. 3 stars.
A very interesting look at the terrible hurricane that hit Galveston in the early part of the 20th century and took thousands of lives. Anyone liking this type of book will enjoy Larson's last one, The Devil in the White City, that deals with the juxtaposition of the Chicago World's Fair and a mass murder that is taking place at the same time.
Tsbrown62@aol.com
These Granite Islands by Sarah Stonich. 4 stars.
This book flip flops between 1936 and 1999, which is a little distracting, but still a very good read.
schlesinger43@optonline.net
Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynn Truss. 4 stars.
An absolute must for anyone who cares about English.
Blowout by Catherine Coulter. 3 stars.
A good read…fast moving...absorbing plot...keeps you guessing.
JerJanKel@aol.com
I just finished reading a book by a new author I thought was exceptional: Coiled in the Heart by Scott Elliott. The writing was exceptional, very evocative of remembered times as a child. The ending was less than what I expected but overall I would give this book 4 1/2 stars. I can't wait to read more by this author.
Also, two of my favorite authors' new books were great! Carl Hiaasen's Skinny Dip and David Sedaris's Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. Both 5 BIG stars!
Rickimc@aol.com
Celeste by V. C. Andrews. 4 stars.
The writing in Celeste comes the closest so far in matching the original V.C. Andrews. Could have used a little more romance, though.
The Horus Killings by P. C. Doherty. 4 stars.
A great mystery for fans of ancient Egypt. Keeps you guessing until the end.
Kaye Barley of Boone, NC
Live Bait by P. J. Tracy. Next I'll be reading new books by Dorothea Benton Frank (Shem Creek), Margaret Maron (High Country Fall), and Mary Kay Andrews (Hissy Fit).
bradylee@myway.com
Ready for the People: My Most Chilling Cases As a Prosecutor by Marissa N. Batt. 5 stars.
This book holds three cases that the author prosecuted and each one is most interesting. This is individual as the perpetrator and the victim ... no commercial firms involved. "Hair raising" is a good, simple term to describe each case. I thought justice was met with only one of the trials and the other two involved judges who were the cause of many problems, including prejudice. A good, easy read for court trials made clear and understandable.
Comella2729@aol.com
Any Human Heart by William Boyd. 5 stars.
An exceptionally written novel told in a series of journal entries. It covers the life of Logan Mountstuart as he lives his years through the 20th century. If you are looking for an intelligent novel, this one is for you.
lasanam@sympatico.ca
I have recently finished reading:
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. 5 stars!!!
A wonderful, engrossing historical novel that captivated me from start to finish!
The Nautical Chart by Arturo Perez-Reverte. 2 stars.
A well-written narrative, but a rather uneventful story. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen.
Dark Matter by Phillip Kerr. 2 stars.
The premise was interesting, but it was way more sexually and violently graphic than it needed to be.
The Shifting Tide by Anne Perry. 3 stars.
Good story, well written…I'll definitely try more of Anne Perry's books! 3 stars.
Last Summer at Barebones by Diane Baker Mason. 3 stars.
Very good story, though a little far-fetched at the end.
thenson@mit.midco.net
The Wedding Knight by Joanne Rock. 5 stars.
This historical was very entertaining and gave me the desire to read more of this author's books!
Kahoho@aol.com
I've had the book since 2001, but I just finished The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon. I give this book 5 stars; in fact, I think it is the best of the five she's written about time travelers Jaime, Claire, Brianna and Roger, and I am looking forward to the next.
I also just finished Last Car to Elysian Fields by James Lee Burke. I have read everything Burke has written, and I prefer the books set in New Iberia featuring Dave Robicheaux and Clete Purcell.
I am currently reading I Love You Like a Tomato by Marie Giordano. This coming-of-age novel opens just after WWII and is told through the eyes of a young Italian girl and her family who have immigrated to the Minneapolis area.
homerbearrick@cableone.net
I just finished reading Real Ghosts, Restless Spirits, and Haunted Places by Brad Steiger. It's a quick, easy read but very fascinating and entertaining --- even if you don't really believe. Nobody could make up some of those stories! 5 stars.
Kathy from Maryland
The Jane Austin Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler. 1 star.
You need to be a Jane Austen fan to appreciate this one. I found it very difficult to get into the book and finally gave up. I didn't appreciate her choice of characters. I guess that comes from the fact that I am not a Jane Austen fan.
Memorial Day by Vince Flynn. 5 stars.
I generally don't get into this sort of book very easily. I am not one to read spy thrillers. However, this one has held my attention from page one. It is an interestingly developed story, though not too overdone that you cannot believe it.
Up Island by Anne River Siddons. 5 stars.
This is a book I have re-read after several years, and it still was as good as the first go-around. The author definitely brings the reader through the development of the characters and the story line is very realistic. It also provided a good glimpse at the real life of Martha's Vineyard.
kirkleyfam@msn.com
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory is excellent! An exciting story for anyone who loves historical fiction. I can't wait to read her other novels as well.
I just finished The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and After Long Silence by Helen Freemont. While The Kite Runner was an incredible story (a little graphic for some perhaps), Silence irritated me. The story was one thing, but the fact that the author even wrote the story, exposing and hurting her family like that, made me dislike the book altogether.
I rate Kite and Boleyn 5 stars each!!!! Silence can have 1.
bradylee@myway.com
Shadow Divers: The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II by Robert Kurson. 5 stars.
This story is about as good as it gets with high adventure and nail biting tension. This book deserves all the hoopla and accolades it can get as it is a tome to remember. A female friend suggested I get it as she thought it was one of the best she had read for some time and now I do agree. As a youngster I used to read a lot of books about deep sea diving with the huge, heavy diving suits. The suits are now different, but the daring and danger remain. This is also a detective story of how and what happened, and it is most interesting to read about all the preparation done to finally come up a winner. A reading joy for sure!
DIANWILLY@aol.com
The Bourne Legacy by Eric Van Lustbader. 5 stars.
Great Thriller. Twists and turns throughout. I will look for more from Eric Van Lustbader.
sonia.chopra@worldnet.att.net
I am reading The Other Side of the Story by Marian Keyes and I am lovin' it. I like that her characters are very humane, flawed and can quite easily be the girl next door. I enjoy that they are loosely based in Ireland and that she has a great sense of humor about the Irish eccentricities.
SBrowdy1@aol.com
Just One Look by Harlan Coben. 4 stars.
A good read that keeps you turning the page. Not as good as No Second Chance but a fun read nonetheless and good for poolside or the beach.
The Narrows by Michael Connelly. 4 stars.
The return of The Poet and Harry Bosch have taken me back to earlier works by Connelly that I found to be great reads! His last few books have not quite done it for me, but this one returns me to the world of Harry Bosch that I came to love and I am glad I came back for The Narrows.
Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen. 5 stars.
What fun to read a book whose characters make me laugh and are a scream. This is my first by Hiaasen and I will definitely look for others. I loved it!
travelingpeggy@yahoo.com
Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich. 3 stars.
R is for Ricochet by Sue Grafton. 4 stars.
This was the Audiobook version --- great narration also.
Funeral in Blue by Anne Perry. 3 stars.
Her endings are so abrupt, but I love the Monk character
Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie. 4 stars.
I grew up on romance novels, and I'm so glad to see them get updated by authors like this one.
Catslady5@aol.com
Extreme Measures by Brenda Harlen. 4 stars.
Nice easy romantic read that was quite enjoyable. The first book of a series.
MHaury2@aol.com
Summer reading! It's still pretty hit and miss and not always "mind candy."
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris. 5 stars.
I think this guy is hilarious and these essays are witty and somewhat disturbing. The book was easy to read and invited skimming, if one so desires.
The Color of Death by Elizabeth Lowell. 2 stars.
I enjoyed her earlier Die in Plain Sight, but little did I know that this book would be exactly the same --- even down to the descriptions and dialogue. It just irritated me.
The Pearl Diver by Sujata Massey. 4 stars.
This is a great addition to a wonderful series --- I have read them all. They star the smart and stylish Rei Shimura, part Japanese and young and hip. She (in general) lives is Tokyo, is an antiques dealer and part-time murder mystery solver.
Dear Prince Charming by Donna Kauffman. 3 1/2 stars.
Good romance with some witty dialogue and perfect for the lazy days of summer.
sandyllny@yahoo.com
The Art of Mending by Elizabeth Berg tells a story about adult siblings coming to terms with their sister's remembered childhood abuse. I didn't find it as compelling as her previous books, but Berg still tells a good story. 3 stars.
Our Lady of the Forest by David Guterson. In this book, a young forest camp dwelling girl has sightings of the Virgin Mary. The involvement of a young priest shows good character development and some interesting situations. I have not quite finished the book yet, but must find out what will happen to establish or destroy the truth of the visions. 4 stars.
Envy by Sandra Brown. As a young publisher pursues an interesting but mysterious author, her publishing empire is coming apart back home. Interesting twist at the ending. 3 stars.
kzstephens@hotmail.com
White Hot by Sandra Brown
A Steamy Southern Read.
Sleeping Beauty by Phillip Margolin
I could not put this one down. What a twist at the end…I didn't see this one coming. I recommended it to several people.
amuller38@hotmail.com
Brimstone by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. Perhaps not quite up to the standards of my favorites, The Cabinet of Curiosities or Thunderhead, but a quick, fun read. I give it 4 1/2 stars. It combines suspense, polcie procedural and just a touch of the supernatural.
I loved Angels & Demons and The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, 5 stars each. Just keep in mind that it's fiction and don't try to prove or disprove the doctrine.
Vikkivand@aol.com
The Pursuit of Alice Thrift by Elinor Lipman. 4 stars.
I liked the story, but couldn't help but be a little disappointed with the ending.
wolfdreamer53@earthlink.net
I just finished two books this summer that were great. The Da Vinci Code. 5 stars for sure! So much happens! Great reading. Another great book was The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.
TrayMona@aol.com
Abarat is a fantasy story by one of the great horror writers. This story is about a young girl, Candy Quackenbush, who ends up in a different world consisting of islands, each representing a different hour of the day and night. It has lots of unusual characters and a fast pace to the storyline. The story is pure fantasy with a dollop of moral lessons thrown in. The hardback edition is a work of art. Glossy pages, lots of full-color artwork illustrating the story, created by Clive Barker.
Goycrazy@aol.com
Dark Star Safari by Paul Theroux. 4 1/2 stars.
The renowned travel writer is his grumpy yet insightful self in this epic and thought-provoking journey down the African continent.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. 4 1/2 stars.
You will never forget the narrator of this "murder" mystery, a 15-year-old autistic boy who sees the world in a remarkably clear-eyed fashion as he tries to make sense of it all.
Mabud04@aol.com
I just finished Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen. I liked the plot and the premise, but I think the author could have been more creative in Joey's "appearances," which would have given readers an exciting mystery --- and kept them on the edge of their seat!
catfish@millardmanor.com
I've been catching up on fun, end-of-summer reading so I just finished The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger (4 stars). And turning to something a little more substantial I have just begun The Coffee Trader by David Liss, which, if it continues the way it begins, I would also give 4 stars (although these stars are weighted a little differently because it's a more serious book.)
traphilllibrary@yahoo.com
I have just finished Joan Medlicott's third book in her series of the Covington ladies.
The Ladies of Covington Send Their Love. 5 stars.
The Gardens of Covington. 5 stars
From the Heart of Covington. 5 stars.
…and looking forward to reading The Spirit of Covington, which I'm sure will be a 5- star book also.
s.bucher@insightbb.com
I just finished Deborah Crombie's And Justice There Is None. I really enjoyed this one. I don't know why I haven't tried her books before. Those who like Martha Grimes or Elizabeth George would enjoy this, I think. 5 stars.
susanrjensen@yahoo.com
Sweet Hush by Deborah Smith. 3 stars.
When Hush McGillen Thackery receives a frantic call from her college-age son, her world is thrown into an uncontrollable spin. Not only is he bringing home the daughter of the President of the United States, but he also admits that they are married and that she is pregnant. With these startling announcements, Hush finds it more and more difficult to keep her secrets in the past. Although the book is far-fetched and predictable, it is an okay read.
Monday Mourning by Kathy Reichs. 5 stars.
This is the newest Temperance Brennan book, and it is just as exciting as all of Reichs's previous books. This time, Tempe is working in snow-shrouded Quebec, trying to decipher clues to the identities of three corpses found in the basement beneath a pizza joint. As she gets closer to the sinister truth, Tempe realizes that she may be the next corpse laying on an autopsy table.
ngovero1@comcast.net
Nights in Rodanthe by Nicholas Sparks. 4 stars.
It's exciting and draws you in, but I haven't found it to be a book I can't put down. I can read a chapter at a time before I go to bed at night, then enjoy thinking about it during the day and looking forward to the next chapter each night.
Lucy.Lunt@elpaso.com
Rosie by Anne Lamott. 4 stars.
Well-written, compelling, young, informative...lots of food for other reading sessions. Ms. Lamott got me interested in the Mark Morris Dance Group and I will always be grateful for that!
P is for Peril by Sue Grafton. 3 stars.
So heavy on the references to fast food! And somehow not entirely convincing in its portrayal of human relationships...but it is a tale of justice done to a foster child and is therefore sort of hopeful and satisfying. I haven't read one of these mysteries in a while, and I think I will read another just because Ms. Grafton does treat the ordinary as if it is special, unique, never to be repeated, and I like that.
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkein. 5 stars.
I love the dragons, the spiders, and the descriptions of dinners and breakfasts and cloaks and rings.
Breathe! You Are Alive! by Thich Naht Hanh. 5 stars.
This teacher makes the Buddha's words so beautiful, simple and accessible. And he is an excellent prose writer as well.
Alligators All Around by Maurice Sendak. 5 stars.
My favorite ABC, especially around M N O P....
tfranzen2124@comcast.net
Red Beans and Vice by Lou Jane Temple is a very fun mystery I ran across. This is part of the Heaven Lee series, and I will look for more (great recipees too). 4 stars.
84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff, an oldie but a goodie. This book is a compilation of letters between a New York book buyer and a book store in England. Read it and remember why books do what they do. 5 stars.
WATERLEO@aol.com
Le Divorce by Diane Johnson. 4 stars.
A National Book Award finalist. Divorce, its funny aspects, its devastating effects, its confusion...all are expressed through the eyes of a young woman living in France.
Mimiklein43@aol.com
Since I am a retired bookseller, I thoroughly enjoyed Shelf Life by Suzanne Strempek Shea. She is a wonderful author, who recently went to work in a bookstore, and this story details what occurs on a daily business in bookselling.
tunaross@nc.rr.com
Unlucky in Law by Perri O'Shaughnessy. 5 stars.
I eagerly await every book in this series and have never been disappointed. Somehow, there's always a fresh perspective on the legal system and life in general.
I can't believe it's taking so long to read this one book (even though it's really interesting) but there's so much going on right now, I've been neglecting my reading. Got to get back on track!
jdeval@yahoo.com
Traitor's Kiss by Gerald Seymour and The Untouchable by Gerald Seymour. Both 5 stars.
I never understood why this British thriller writer isn't bigger in the U.S. --- his plotting is high speed and gripping. Traitor's Kiss is about the rescue of a Soviet informer by his British spy masters; The Untouchable is about an English gangster looking to expand his territory into Eastern Europe. All of Seymour's novels are set in present day against the backdrop of political events. His earlier IRA novels are terrific, too.
jackandnicksmom@comcast.net
East of Eden by John Steinbeck. 5+ stars.
I cannot believe I lived my whole life without reading this book. It was chosen by our book club and everyone was scared because it was so long, but I read it in 3 days as I could not put it down!!
Blue Angel by Francine Prose. 5 stars.
One of my favorite books.
Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik. 4 stars.
A great book about a book club that gets you interested in other books. I enjoyed it immensely but am only giving it 4 stars because 5 stars, in my opinion, is a book that moved me.
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. 5+ stars.
The best book I have ever read. The character development is amazing. Not for those who like happy, feel-good books. This book has the potential to change your life.
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. 5 stars.
I struggled with my last pick. Should I choose The Poisonwood Bible or House of Sand and Fog? Having been to Africa I could relate to a lot of things in this book. I will give it 5 stars, though I think the very ending lost a bit of steam. Loved it though!!
Carosp@aol.com
Two books by Dennis Lehane:
Mystic River. 4 1/2 stars.
Very taut story about the murder of a young woman and what happens after. It was made into a recent movie with Sean Penn, Tim Robbins and Kevin Bacon. I liked it a lot, and having seen the movie already somehow only added to the suspense.
Shutter Island. 2 1/2 stars.
I read this because I liked Mystic River so much, but it doesn't meet the standard set by Mystic River. It's kind of a paranoid mystery with a twist at the end. Interesting, but disappointing.
vicklea@earthlink.net
I just finished reading The Things We Do For Love by Kristin Hannah. Although the book is a real tearjerker, it has a lot of twists and turns to keep the reader interested and even has a semi-happy ending. A must-read for all women who have desired to have a child...whether they ended up having one or not. It shows the closeness of an Italian family and the triumph of love over selfishness, a hard-to-find commodity these days. 4 stars!
Deb1teach@aol.com
The book Firestorm by Iris Johansen is a 5-star summer read. It kept me going from the very beginning, even though I was reading in Las Vegas. Great book!!
Debby236@aol.com
I just finished Visions in Death by JD Robb. I give this 4 1/2 stars. Another excellent addition to her futuristic series about a cop.
Kathryn@revealedheartministries.org
I am currently reading Changing Habits by Debbie Macomber, a real change of style for me. I've only read the first 3 chapters so I can't really rate it, but it is very interesting so far.
I give 5 stars to The Annunciation of Francesca Dunn by Janice Hallowell. I read the advanced copy of it, and fell in love with all of the characters. It was very believable to me.
I also give 5 stars to John Searles's Strange But True --- a compelling and intriguing read. It kept me up too late for a few nights!
charris@pctelecom.us
Stone Cold by Robert B. Parker. 4 stars.
A Jesse Stone novel about his life in the Northeast in a small town with many murders.
Ultimate Punishment by Scott Turow. 3 stars.
A lawyer's reflections on the death penalty. Turow was on a board that studied the death penalty for the state of Illinois. He decided they should not have it. Thoughtful reading.
The Dangerous Hour by Marcia Muller. 4 stars.
A Very good Sharon Cone mystery. A complex book.
Day of the Dead by J. A. Jance. 5 stars.
Any book by J. A. Jance rates 5 stars for me. This is a mystery in Arizona.
Delcain@aol.com
Finally! A new book from Henry Chappell. I read his book, The Callings, set in 1830s Texas and couldn't believe it was a first novel. I just finished Blood Kin, again set in early Texas, filled with real and superbly imagined characters whose lives are shaped by the conflict between the Comanche world and the Anglo conquerors of the newly independent Republic of Texas. This is historical fiction at its very best. 5 stars at least…more if I can find them!
tiffani_ba@hotmail.com
I'm currently reading The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett. It is one of the Discworld books, though not officially in the series. It's hilarious so far, a light read but not a brainless one. A great break, very different from what I've been reading. 4 stars.
Georgepaw@aol.com
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larsen is a thick, juicy bite of history surrounding the creation of the World's Fair Columbian Exposition in Chicago during the late 1800s. Accompanied by its parallel story of a cold-blooded serial killer, this book is one you'll look forward to picking up each day.
AUGER77777@aol.com
I am currently rereading The Stand by Stephen King. This is such a great book I feel a need to read it every few years. It is a classic novel about Good vs. Evil in a post-apocryphal world, with the most unlikely characters becoming leaders in the final battle. 5 stars.
anniesbooks@comcast.net
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. 5 stars.
Jodi Picoult is a hit or miss author for me, but My Sister's Keeper is her best work so far. It is touching and gripping.
mbennett32003@earthlink.net
I just finished Hunting Midnight by Richard Zimler. It's about a boy growing up in Portugal in the early 1800s. His family is Jewish and have been hiding their religion since the inquisition. He becomes friends with an African his father brings back with him. This really isn't a good summary, but it's good historical fiction with a great story. It's by the same author who wrote The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon and the main character is a descendent of one of the characters of that book. It's definitely 5 stars.
I also finished Simon Said by Sarah Shaber. It's a traditional mystery set in North Carolina. A body with a bullet hole in the skull determined to have been buried about 50 years is found at a dig on the property of a house located on a small college campus. Simon Shaw, college professor and Pulitzer Prize-winning author is the most knowledgeable person about the history of the house. Thus the police ask for his assistance in trying to identify the body. Simon gets involved in solving the mystery and it looks like someone may be making attempts on his life to stop him. 5 stars.
dandolino@sc.rr.com
Killer Smile by Lisa Scottoline was wonderful. I never realized that Italians were interned during WWII as the Japanese were. She educated me, and gave me some hours of entertaining reading. What more could I ask for? Definitely 5 stars!
PFLucas@aol.com
Blackbird House by Alice Hoffman. 5 stars.
By the same author of Blue Diary, Blackbird House is a series of stories set in the same house over a period of about 100 years. Each story is descriptive and unlike any other, except for the disturbing appearance of blackbirds. This book could almost be compared to a song cycle with each story set in a minor key.
Cooking for Harry by Kay-Marie James. 5 stars.
A very entertaining read about Harry, who goes on a low carbohydrate diet and how this change of lifestyle affects his family and friends. The main problem about this diet is that Harry's greatest joy in life is cooking elaborate gourmet meals. Kay-Marie James, a pseudonym for a bestselling author, provides a couple of "twists," but the ending is great. It seems that this author "Kay-Marie James" is doing a great job of keeping secret his/her true identity as research could not provide any information.
Holy Fools by Joanne Harris. 5 stars.
Set in the year 1605, a young pregnant widow makes her home at a small abbey. After the birth of her daughter, she finds solitude in joining the other nuns under the protection of a beloved Reverend Mother. Before long her past catches up with her, along with other problems such as the plague and accusations of witchcraft.
gregc2@bellsouth.net
Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir by Azar Nafisi. 1 star.
I didn't get the "hype" for this book. The author needed to focus more on the "characters" (women who came to her home discussion group) than on the various books. I realize that she is an English professor, but the book was more like taking an English course focusing on Lolita than understanding the women of Tehran and the constantly changing society they were living in.
Henderson the Rain King by Saul Bellow. 2 1/2 stars.
Someone had told me how funny this book was. It did have its light moments. A rich man went on a missionary-type trip to Africa and didn't like the experience, so he and his guide took off on their own. The experiences in the wilds of Africa includes trying to help one tribe whose water supply has been contaminated by frogs, and since all life is sacred, they could not harm the frogs, thus all the animals and tribesmen were wasting from thirst. Henderson's humanitarian attempt to help...well, if you're curious, read the book. It would be a great movie.
The Known World by Edward P. Jones. 3 1/2 stars.
A story of various characters, mostly black in a small area of Virginia before the Civil War. The day-to-day lives of the characters, some free black slaveowners and some slaves, are explored through the individual view of "the known world." This is a subject we know little about and is certainly an interesting read. There doesn't seem to be a central character, and it seems like the characters surely must be based on real stories passed down, though the author claims to have done no research in this area.
ehubertz@fmlh.edu
I've just currently read the following: Moloka'i by Alan Brennert (5+ stars) and Wish You Were Here by Stewart O'Nan (4 stars)
KMC84DR@aol.com
In Search of Dorothy by David Anthony. 5 stars. A must read!
Sandn2shoes@aol.com
I just finished Bel Canto by Ann Patchett and give it 2 stars. While the writing was excellent, the story was not. Maybe it was because of all the hype, but I was not impressed. I'm glad that I finished it, though. There is so much diversity in opinions about this book, I may use it anyway for a face-to-face discussion group.
Sally.Bergstedt@cen.amedd.army.mil
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling. 3 1/2 stars.
Yes, I'm still reading this book (I took a week off when on vacation --- the book was too big to carry along!). It does seem like it is taking forever to get through this book. I have another 250 pages to go. The 3 1/2 star rating is down from 4 stars a few weeks ago.
My Life by Bill Clinton. Abridged Audiobook. 3 stars.
Some parts drag on, and in others he speeds up too fast! This is read by the author.
BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
Void Moon by Michael Connelly. 4 stars.
Connelly's mysteries are always good --- he makes you care about the characters.
Kedrn@aol.com
I am about 1/3 through Unlucky in Law by Perri O'Shaughnessy and I find that it is moving very slowly and not too interesting so far. I have always enjoyed their books and hope it gets more interesting as I get further along. I do wish Nina would make up her mind in this book whether she really wants Paul or not. I am sort of getting tired of her being "whishy-washy" about their relationship and I would think he is too. 2 1/2 stars for now.
scrapbook4us@hotmail.com
I'm getting caught up on my back log of books.
Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier. I'm reading it for a book club. It's one of my favorites. Lots of rich detail and suspense.
About a Boy by Nick Hornby. It was okay. I just wanted to smack Will.
bradylee@myway.com
Scribbling the Cat by Alexandra Fuller. 3 stars.
The title was intriguing to me and the content is exactly as stated, "Travels With an African Soldier." Three fourths of the book kept me interested, but the latter part I guess I just grew tired of reading about all the poverty, thievery, the danger of bug and fly infested land, and the never ending tales of what happened in the past during a multitude of wars in Africa in what was Rhodesia. The author talks in depth about a unique personality and a good friend, Mr. K. He is an imposing figure and created a fantastic banana farm from nothing in an area of barren and arid land in the Sole Valley, Zambia. You do get an excellent description of the land and its people and an imposing man named Mr. K.
Dani420@aol.com
I am currently reading Queen of the Big Time by Adriana Trigiani. This is a definite 4 1/2 star book! I'm casually reading the flowing story, and all of a sudden I only have 20 pages left!
I just finished Kissing Your Ex by Brooke Stevens, which I rate a full 5 stars. I didn't have very high expectations for this book based on the title --- it sounds like a fluffy romance. It turned out to be much more than that. The writing alone makes this book a compulsive read. The author takes you deeper into past and present relationships of the main character and creates a flowing story that sticks with you. I was very impressed with the author's ability to weave in and out of the past without the choppy transitions found in many novels. Great read!
jberger@salud.unm.edu
Priceless by Marne Davis Kellogg. 4 stars.
An excellent, thrilling, and gripping mystery set in England, and the French Riviera. Wonderful and vivid descriptions of the homes, countryside and area. Loved this well-written and amusing story, which gave insight into the life of a seasoned and entertaining burglar who is harmless and fun.
realbencann@yahoo.com
A Road Through the Mountains by Elizabeth McGregor. 4 stars.
A beautifully written story that touches the heartstrings and enthralls the reader. Each individual is portrayed in a realistic and touching way so that we can relate with them. A sensitively and extremely uniquely written book about love lost and found with realistic lives and background.
rojosho@hotmail.com
The Summer Guest by Justin Cronin. 4 stars.
A wonderful novel that is well-written, with an excellent storyline and fabulous character portrayal. A gripping and heartfelt story that tells various individuals' life stories. Realistic, touching and sensitive with beautiful descriptive passages throughout.
bab@tennis.com
Royal Heist by Lynda LaPlante. 4 stars.
Well-written, interesting and suspenseful story with excellent plot, well-portrayed characters and nonstop action. A wealthy horse owner whose financial planner loses his fortune plans a heist that is unbelievable and totally unique.
jkirkpatrick@core.com
Population 485 by Michael Perry. 4 stars.
An interesting read. It was a good book to have in my gym bag, so that I could read a chapter or two at a time on the elliptical trainer. It was fascinating to read about the world of EMTs and life in a small northern Wisconsin town. He mixes the humor of small town life with the tragedies that every family faces sometime in its history. I think the last essay in the book was the best and probably the hardest for him to write.
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris. 5+ stars.
This was laugh out loud funny! I loved Sedaris's Me Talk Pretty One Day, and this one seems a bit softer or sweeter. I heard Sedaris read a couple of his short stories from Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim on NPR, and when I came upon them in the book my reaction was, "Oh, I remember this one!" I wasn't in the least disappointed that I'd heard them already. The stories about his one and only brother's marriage and first child are hilarious and sweet at the same time.
Second Glance by Jodi Picoult. 5 stars.
I've just recently become an avid fan of Picoult's books. This is the 4th one I've read --- and not the order they're published. I think this one might be my favorite. If you like a good ghost story, a good love story and a good mystery, this one is for you. The mystery and the ghost stories are the best, so two out of three isn't bad. In this book she uses a lot of Vermont history on the eugenics projects that were popular in the 1920s and '30s...scary stuff. She compares it to DNA and gene manipulation in today's scientific world, and calls to question if it is the same thing
Suet926@aol.com
The Cat Who Sang for the Birds by Lilian Jackson Braun. 3 1/2 stars.
Someone gave me this book because I like both cats and mysteries. It was the first I've read by this author. While I enjoyed the description of the cats' antics, I found the reading a little tedious. However, it all came together at the end and I was glad I stuck with it.
Solstice by Joyce Carol Oates. 3 1/2 stars.
This is one of Oates's earlier novels and perhaps one of the more interesting ones. It's the story of a friendship between two females --- a teacher and an artist --- and the progression of that relationship.
lgettle@iserv.net
Blow Out by Catherine Coulter. 5 stars.
Someone has brutally eliminated a Supreme Court Justice and his staff. Savich and Sherlock have to find out who and why. Excellent.
Memorial Day by Vince Flynn.
Only one man can prevent an attack against the President. Very exciting.
Cloish049@aol.com
Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote. 5 stars.
Not at all like the movie!
The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler. 5 stars.
An interesting look into the book club members, as well as Austen.
TDoyle9412@aol.com
I am currently reading Washington and Caesar by Christian Cameron based on the book review I read on Bookreporter. It is an excellent story about the Revolution told from the side of Washington and a slave who ran away and joined the British Army. It gives a real feel for the problems the salves endured in our country as well as the patriots.
barleykw@appstate.edu
I'm reading Shem Creek by Dorothea Benton Frank. I love all of Ms. Frank's books and I give this one 4 stars.
jmoomaugh@smcoe.k12.ca.us
You Remind Me of Me by Dan Chaon. 4 1/2 stars.
jbafaith@cox.net
I am reading The Face by Dean Koontz. So far it is good. I am a Dean Koontz fan and have only read one I did not like.
One of my favorite books is Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer. I have read this book at least 5 times.
lslott@optonline.net
The Poet by Michael Connelly. 4 stars.
Intricately and well-plotted suspense book. A serial killer is on the loose and Jack McEvoy, a reporter for the Colorado Rocky, is caught in his web when his twin brother is murdered.
Michael Connelly writes some of the best police procedurals around. His plotting is tight and never seems to leave any loose ends. A really great "stay up all night with the lights on" read.
sheilaag1935@earthlink.net
The book that my group is reading now is The House of Sand & Fog. The author, Andre Dubus III, has written with skill in portraying two very different cultures, the head long collision of which creates a rapid downward spiral of disaster and unavoidable tragedy. This book has many important lessons for us all. It was extremely well-written with excellently drawn characters, each of whom were victims except for the Police Officer who was unable to redeem himself. I give this book 4 stars. Not recommended for gentle readers.
Britadon@aol.com
Whiskey Island by Emilie Richards. 4 stars.
This is light romance reading about a family of Irish descent in an imaginary place in Ohio in the late 1800s. It does give a good feel for the real sentiment against the Irish at that time and the characters are enjoyable.
Garden of Martyrs by Michael C. White. 5 stars.
I found this to be a compelling story based upon historical fact about the prosecution of two Irishmen for a murder in the early 1800s in Massachusetts. The prejudice portrayed in this book still exists; the direction of the prejudice has simply changed to other nationalities. This book is very well-written and would make an excellent book for a discussion group.
thenson@mit.midco.net
Texas Star by Elaine Barbieri. 5 stars.
A wonderful western romance that keeps your wanting more.
Rebel Baron by Shirl Henke. 5 stars.
Terrific and entertaining, a heartwarming romance that hooks you from the first page.
Thomls@aol.com
I just finished reading My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult and found it very good and very thought provoking. I'm currently reading Coal Run by Tawni O'Dell and can't wait to find out what the "twist" will be.
Antosi8@aol.com
I just finished The Mermaids Singing by Lisa Carey and give it 5 stars! This is a book about relationships --- Cliona, the mother, Grace, the daughter and Grainne, the granddaughter. It takes us to Boston and then to Inis Muruch, an island west of the coast of Ireland. The story weaves from mother to daughter to granddaughter with their view of what is happening according to their thoughts and feelings. I would say that it was a different adventure in reading. This is the author's first book and I would say that she did a remarkable job of developing a story of three women, their relationships, and the country they either love or hate. Ms. Carey has written a second book The Country of the Young, which I will read next. On the jacket of the second book it states that The Mermaids Singing has been optioned for a movie. This book was written in 1998, so I do not know if the movie was ever made.
bradylee@myway.com
The Great Santini by Pat Conroy. 5 stars.
This is the first book my favorite author wrote and I am glad I finally read it as it brought back certain memories for me. This is the story of a teenager who has a father who is a pilot in the USMC and he runs his household, wife and children like they were all in boot camp all the time. I was in the Marines a long, long time ago and there are some real life Marines somewhat like Bull Meecham, the father. Granted, this story is a little exaggerated, but the incidents are all interesting and true to life. You feel the flavor of living in a new house every year because of military transfers and small town environments. Ben Meecham, the teenager, is telling the story and he never lets you down. There is a segment about playing basketball that is outstanding and that is a passion of the author as well. Though I read more nonfiction, books like this keep me loving fiction as well!
Vikkivand@aol.com
Truth & Beauty: A Friendship by Ann Patchett. 4 stars.
Details the friendship between the author and Lucy Grealy, a poet.
Blackbird House by Alice Hoffman. 2 stars.
I was just too bored to even finish it.
Burned Alive by Souad. 5 stars.
The true story of a young girl from the West Bank who was burned by her family as part of an "honor crime" custom of her country.
leslier@nbnet.nb.ca
I just finished reading Amy Tan's The Bonesetter's Daughter and would give it a 4 stars. And I have just started Lisa Jackson's See How She Dies, which starts off with a good beginning but it's kind of going downhill from there with a rating of 3 stars.
Kellyw31@aol.com
I'm reading Of Human Bondage by Somerset Maugham. 3 stars.
It's been a little slow going, but I'm getting into it. It's hard to understand some of the references because the story was written in the early 1900s and it's set in England.
All The King's Men by Robert Penn Warren. 4 stars.
Although this book was written in the 1940s, the themes are still appropriate today. It's a story that parallels the life of Huey Long. Excellent book.
bmailward@HotPOP.com
Gone For Good by Harlan Coben. 4 1/2 stars.
His past love of his life was murdered, his brother is missing since then, now his current love winds up dead and he has some killers chasing him.
charris@pctelecom.us
Breach of Trust by D. W. Buffa. 5 stars.
A Lawyer mystery and a very good one. Ethnic courtroom scenes as well as a good story. But it left a person disillusioned.
All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren. 5 stars.
A book that was written over 50 years ago and some say the main character is like Huey Long. There are several stories within this story. We are reading it in our Book Club this month and it should make for a wonderful discussion.
Eleventh Hour by Catherine Coulter. 3 stars.
Exciting mystery with two murders going on at once.
Summer Secrets by Barbara Freethy. 4 stars.
Good book about sailing, an investigative reporter and love.
MadTaz1@aol.com
A Year at the Races by Jane Smiley.
A can't put down account of the ups and downs, colorful characters and romantic draw of the horses and the track.
baware@comporium.net
Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges. 5 stars.
A book both children and adults should read. Ruby Bridges was the brave and beautiful little girl who was sent to an all-white school in New Orleans as a first grader.
We're Just Like You, Only Prettier by Celia Rivenbark. 3 stars.
A former columnist for the Star News in Wilmington, NC. This is written like a series of columns, which it may be. It's very clever and funny; and although she writes Southern, it's really a book any mother can understand fully.
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. Less than 1 star.
David Sedaris tried to write Southern, and I felt failed miserably. I couldn't read it past the first chapter I found it so embarrassing.
Dry by Augusten Burroughs. 5 stars.
Like A Million Little Pieces, this is a nonfiction book written by an alcoholic. Both these books are very, very good.
Nytrane@aol.com
Interested in the role of women in the Middle East, particularly in a family such as the Bin Laden family, I read Inside the Kingdom by Carmen Bin Laden. Although there are a few points of information that speak to the heart of the plight of women and to the Bin Laden clan, I look at it as a vanity piece and was disappointed. 2 stars.
However, the great joy of reading a book is the way it spurs one on to read more by pursuing what one feels they are missing, so I then read The Swallows of Kabul by Yasmina Khadra, which gave me another view of the Muslim women. 3 stars.
And I am currently reading Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, which is a fascinating study of generations of one family with an interesting "take" on narration. The narration in itself is a statement of belief! So far it is destined for 4 stars!
eswaim@ec.rr.com
I know this might look bad that I gave most (if not all) of these books 5 stars, but it's not my fault if I thought they were REALLY REALLY GOOD. lol
Slightly Married, Slightly Wicked, Slightly Scandalous, Slightly Tempted, Slightly Sinful, and Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh. 5 stars for the series.
It's about the Bedwyns, 4 brothers and 2 sisters in the town of England. I just couldn't put the series down. I've listed all the titles in order. There are 2 books that are prequels to the series but only one of them even mentions the Bedwyns.
Fire Along the Sky by Sara Donati. 5 stars.
I was fortunate to get this book as an Advance Reading Copy. It comes out the end of August. Its the 4th book in a series. Basically a continuation of Daniel Bonner, the guy from The Last of the Mohicans. After I read this one I ran out to buy the first book in the series. I just couldn't put this book down.
Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich. 5 stars.
I literally read this book in a few hours. As anyone who has ever heard of Evanovich knows, this is the 10th book in the Stephanie Plum series. She's a bounty hunter with her flaws *wink, wink* (she's got Morelli and Ranger to choose between... LOL).
Five Days in Summer by Kate Pepper. 5 stars.
Unfortunately for me, this is her first book so I cant just run out and buy more of her books...I have to wait.. *pouts* It's about a serial killer who kidnaps a mom first and then a few days later kidnaps her son. You'll just have to go out and buy it if you want to know more. It will keep you guessing till the end. Well, it at least kept me guessing lol.
Aint She Sweet? by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. 5 stars.
Here's a short blurb from the author's webpage: "ONCE UPON A TIME, Sugar Beth Carey was the richest girl in Parrish, Mississippi...the most beautiful...the most powerful. But fifteen years have passed, and the town's former princess has fallen on hard times. She's lost her money, her handmaidens have deserted her, and the town's dark prince has moved into her old castle. Even worse...he expects her to sweep out his fireplace! "
Hot Stuff by Carly Phillips. 5 stars.
This is the first in a new trilogy. Three sisters are raised by their uncle who is a sports agent (like Jerry Maguire lol). The girls do the public relations aspect of the business, Hot Zone. This book is about Annabelle Jordan and Carly isnt saying which sister is coming in the next book.
Under the Boardwalk by Carly Phillips. 4 1/2 stars.
Yet another book by one of the best authors. If you loved the Chandler brothers, you'll love the Costas sisters (which is what it says on the author's website). At first I didn't think I was gonna get into it...but then it sucked me in.
Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah. 5 stars.
All her stuff is great. She's one I'll always buy.
The Ideal Bride by Stephanie Laurens. 5 stars.
She's another author who does a family theme. This is the 12th book in the Bar Cynster series. The Ideal Bride is the story of Devil Cynster's brother-in-law, Michael.
Joyce from La Salle, Illinois
I just finished Janet Evanovich's Ten Big Ones and loved it. Like all the previous books in the Stephanie Plum series, I laughed through the entire book and truely enjoyed the antics that Stephanie and Lulu get themselves into. I give it 5 stars.
I just picked up Maggie Sweet by Judith Minthorn Stacy. This is the first of her books that I have read, but look forward to reading more. At times hilariously funny and other times painfully sad, it is a delightful story. I give it 4 stars.
BDM1215@aol.com
I just finished My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. I rate it 5 stars. It kept me up reading late into the night...just couldn't put it down.
Cloish049@aol.com
I am reading The Hills at Home by Nancy Clark, an often funny family saga. 5 stars.
bradylee@myway.com
The Freedom Line: The Brave Men and Women Who Rescued Allied Airmen From the Nazis During World War II by Peter Eisner. 4 stars.
I have read many books about WWII and this is a good one about underground activities in combating the Germans. If you haven't read anything about those times, give yourself a treat and read this one to find out the death defying activities that took place, even toward the end of the war when the Germans became even more viscous though they knew they were losing. This is a derring-do story with vivid characters and , of great interest, there is an epilogue that tells you what happened to the main survivors as of right now. This book will put you in the early forties in France and Spain.
Dawnymae@mld.org
Body Double by Tess Gerritsen. 4 stars.
Once again she does her best keeping you in suspense until the end.
Glorious Appearing by Tim LaHaye by Jerry B. Jenkins. 5 stars.
It is wonderful to wrap up this series with Jesus's appearing and the wonderful word pictures of what it might be like when he returns.
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