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dixmil@yahoo.com
The Rock Orchard by Paula Wall. 5 stars.
My first read written by Ms. Wall but hopefully not my last. When I was reading on my lunch hour, people near my desk kept asking why I was laughing. You can't help it when you read this book. I loved all the characters...well almost all. The Belle girls are unbelievable....Old South personified with a few rough edges. Don't miss this one.
yourstrulee@sasktel.net
Nerd in Shining Armor by Vicki Lewis Thompson. 5 stars.
Secret Soldier by Dana Marton. 4 stars.
Special Delivery by Linda Wallace. 4 stars.
Dasras50@aol.com
Johnny Angel by Danielle Steel. 4 stars
Impossible by Danielle Steel. 2 stars
Family Blessings by Fern Michaels. 3 stars.
When Christmas Comes by Debbie Macomber. 4 stars.
The Excellent 11 by Ron Clark. 4 stars.
The Hot Flash Club Strikes Again by Nancy Thayer. 4 stars.
He's Just Not That Into You by Greg Behrendt & Liz Tuiccillo. 4 stars.
Carly.Bohach@SourceMedia.com
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. I was sure I'd think this book was cheesy, but I must admit it was a quick and enjoyable read. Although I do feel he tries a little too hard --- some sentences just seemed to contrived.
bradylee@myway.com
Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani. Fiction. Published 2003 with 453 pages (large print). 4 stars.
I read this book because it is the March selection of my book club. It is particularly meant for women as it deals with clothing, family, love inteests, and packs an emotional wallop toward the end where a lump-in-throat appears. I believe most women would enjoy this story very much due to the high quality of writing and an interesting story.
b.nolan@insightbb.com
I just finished reading Firestorm by Nevada Barr. The suspense is never-ending all the way through the book. I think it is her best. I give it an A+.
harrises@bayou.com
The News from Paraguay by Lily Tuck (National Book Award Winner). 4 stars.
I am only halfway through this one but I LOVE it. I am forcing myself to read slower because the writing is so wonderful and I am afraid I have missed some because I also want to know how the story is going to end.
gloriafeit@att.net
At Risk by Stella Rimington. 4 stars.
A novel by the first woman head of MI5. Very exciting and suspenseful. 4 stars.
Suspect by Michael Robotham. 4 stars.
Excellent suspenseful nonvel whose protagonist, a psychologist, becomes the prime suspect when a woman he knew years earlier, both as a patient and a nurse, is murdered, and he himself starts to suspect another patient is the murderer. 4 stars.
Bloodlines by Jan Burke. 4 stars.
The latest entry in the Irene Kelly series, covering several generations and delving into the hitherto unknown backgrounds of the series characters.
The Forgotten Man by Robert Crais. 5 stars.
The newest Elvis Cole novel. A man is discovered who apparently identified Elvis Cole as his son just before he dies. Elvis, who tried unsuccessfully for years to find his father, must find out if he has finally found him, too late.
In the Company of Liars by David Ellis. 4 stars.
An excellent novel told somewhat intimidatingly in reverse chronological order, with each chapter going back one day [more or less] before the last. Surprises all the way.
rclive@twcny.rr.com
I am currently reading Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane. It is a fast-paced novel with interesting characters. A hidden code that needs to be cracked by the main characters adds to the intrigue of the story.
Carosp@aol.com
Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi. 4 stars.
I found this book hard to get into and slow-going at first, but it was worth the effort. The descriptions and dissections of some of the classic books made me want to read or re-read a couple of them, and the description of life in Iran under the Ayatollah Khomeini was also interesting. The author and some of her students ended up leaving Iran eventually, although some chose to stay and live their lives there.
blacksnake@mchsi.com
I am currently reading Empire of the Ants by Bernard Werber, a French author! It is a wonderful suspenseful science fiction book, not to be missed! The ant's battles are very exciting, and the description of their lifestyle amazing. And what the heck is going on in the cellar?!!! 5 stars!
myrtleme@sbcglobal.net
I'm reading The Clinic by Jonathan Kellerman. I've always been a big Kellerman fan, and found this book at a local used bookstore. I can't believe I missed it. It's an older book, but I guess things just improve with age cause "I'm lovin it." I give this book 7 stars and 3 thumbs up.
dquintie@hotmail.com
Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella. 5 stars.
For me this book is the best comedy book ever!!! It has a great romantic story, not too complex but really sweet, and I had to laugh at loud many times!! I can recommend this book to anyone who wants some enjoyable, sweet, funny, light literature. Even on a busy day this book will make you relax at 1-2-3! A must-buy if you like this genre.
KeizerFire@aol.com
I just finished The Red Hat Club by Haywood Smith, and I would give it 4 stars. This book is one I carried around and read whenever I had the chance. It was a great story, and also easy to remember the characters.
I also read Land of Echoes by Daniel Hecht and I would give it 5 stars. An unusual book, I read it straight through! I am looking for the previous book in this series, and definitely hope there will be more to follow!!
rsedwards@sympatico.ca
I am currently reading two books by Malcolm Gladwell: The Tipping Point and Blink. I decided to cut from the novel for a bit of a business foray.
buckeye14@tampabay.rr.com
I love all of Debbie Macomber's books. I especially like Between Friends. I give it 5 stars. I recommended it to my family and friends. It is about two girls who became friends when just young girls and stayed friends throughout their lives. It is a good clean book.
lilypad12@comcast.net
Dark Angel by Sally Beauman. 5 stars.
Compulsive reading. A potent love story, a dark psychological thriller, an opulent family drama set in Edwardian England. A can't put down book!
GerryD8784@aol.com
A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell. 4 stars.
Historical fiction. "No matter how dark a tapestry God weaves for us, there's always a thread of grace." In this case, that thread is the goodwill of Northern Italians who hid and protected thousands of Jews, preventing them from being transported out of Italy to Nazi death camps. Doria sheds light on this little-known slice of WWII history with a narrative peopled with realistic and sympathetic characters.
BlindlyBookish@aol.com
The Queen of Everything by Deb Caletti. 4 stars.
Pretty good, suspenseful, coming-of-age story.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne. 4 stars.
Intriguing and interesting.
Carolyn K.
I've been enjoying George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, the first being A Game of Thrones, the second A Clash of Kings, the third A Storm of Swords, and the fourth A Feast for Crows. I'd rate them a "B." They're dense and rich and extremely complex --- altogether a superb reading experience!
PK
I'm now reading Roméo Dallaire's Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda. This is a difficult book to read --- a firsthand account of annihilation in Rwanda and the military's inability to stop it. And what is worse --- the world having turned its back on the slaughter despite being told about it.
When author Lt-Gen. Roméo Dallaire received the call to serve as force commander of the UN intervention in Rwanda in 1993, he thought he was heading off on a modest and straightforward peacekeeping mission. Thirteen months later he flew home from Africa, broken, disillusioned and suicidal, having witnessed the slaughter of 800,000 Rwandans in only a hundred days. In Shake Hands with the Devil, he takes us with him on a return voyage into the hell of Rwanda, vividly recreating the events the international community turned its back on. This book is an unsparing eyewitness account of the failure by humanity to stop the genocide, despite timely warnings.
At the same time, woven through the story of this disastrous mission is Dallaire's own journey from confident Cold Warrior, to devastated UN commander, to retired general engaged in a painful struggle to find a measure of peace, reconciliation and hope. This book is General Dallaire's personal account of his conversion from a man certain of his worth and secure in his assumptions to a man conscious of his own weaknesses and failures and critical of the institutions he'd relied on. It might not sit easily with standard ideas of military leadership, but understanding what happened to General Dallaire and his mission to Rwanda is crucial to understanding the moral minefields our peacekeepers are forced to negotiate when the world asks them to believe in and step into the world's dirty wars.
5 very difficult but crucial stars.
Noreen Brown
I just finished Trace by Patricia Cornwell. She gets 4 stars for bringing Scarpetta and Marino back. They work a lot better than Jack The Ripper.
Now on to Murder List by Julie Garwood, which is racking up stars along the way.
charris@pctelecom.us
L. A. Times by Stuart Woods. 4 stars.
I am trying to read all of Woods's books as he writes a good story. This one is no exception.
Split Second by David Baldacci. 5 stars.
Good story of two Secret Service people who had their Presidential candidates killed or kidnapped. This is how they got together and solved the mystery.
Prince Joe by Suzanne Brockmann. 4 stars.
This is the story of a Prince who wants money from America. An attempt is made on his life so a Navy SEAL impersonates him to help catch the terrorists.
Decoy by Jasmine Cresswell. 5 stars.
A young woman discovered her identify is a lie. She is recruited by Unit One. All kinds of excitement and a good story
Helen in Buffalo
The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant. 4 stars.
A historical fiction novel set during the Renaissance in Florence Italy. I had read the first five chapters online through our public library's "chapter a day" website and was intrigued immediately by the book's main character Alessandra. This strong-willed woman's life story set in 15th-century Florence is a great blend of historical romance and suspense. One you will not want to stop reading.
fclemett@aol.com
I have just finished reading a book called The Dark Queen by Susan Carroll. It is a great book! I would rate it 4 stars. The story is very interesting and sucks you in right from the beginning. At first I was a bit overwhelmed by the size of it --- 530 pages --- but once I started reading I couldn't put it down!
Mimi
I just completed Dark Eye by William Bernhardt, and I couldn't put it down!! Anyone who loves Thomas Harris's books will adore this one, if you like serial killers. I give this book 4 stars.
tmzemke@hotmail.com
I just finished or rather devoured March by Geraldine Brooks. It's told from the point of view of Bronson, the absent father in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. Most of this book was based on correspondence between Bronson March and Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Another great novel by Brooks who also wrote Year of Wonders. 4 stars.
landis@arm-tek.net
Lost Lake by Philip Margolin. 5 stars.
Kama in Central Illinois
I just finished The Same Sweet Girls by Cassandra King. 3 stars. The book was enjoyable, but I expected more. I thought readers would learn more about the relationship among the six women. Instead, the book focused more on them individually than as a group. The characters were engaging, and I was interested in what was happening to them. But this was a book that I could put down and leave down for as long as I liked. It didn't compel me to read and find out what was happening. I felt some plot lines were left unfinished and some of the characters were too peripheral. The ending left me feeling like King was tired of writing, didn't want to explore some characters lives further, and simply decided to end the book. Kaput.
Donna from New Berlin
I just finished reading Speak Softly, She Can Hear by Pam Lewis. 4 stars. It was really a good suspense/thriller that kept you wondering why someone would keep a horrible secret like Carol Mason does. Also, who wants friends like Naomi and the young man Naomi sets Carole up with to help Carole lose her virginity? The book grabs you right from the beginning and throughout you wonder why Carole puts up with the guilt, the torture, and the running she does for so many years. It's really a good book but parts of it are a bit drawn out. Enjoy!
dashofbasenji@charter.net
State of Fear by Michael Crichton is a fast-paced and informative thriller that spans the globe as the good guys rush to put a stop to the murderous plans of an eco-terrorist ring. I enjoyed this novel overall, but I found the characters unbelievable and at times unlikable. The story read more like a script for an action movie than a well-rounded book. 3 stars.
More Than You Know by Beth Gutcheon is a touching ghost/love story that takes readers back in time. An elderly Hannah recalls the summer of her first love as the story of Claris and Daniel several years before that runs right alongside it. 3 stars.
Before You Know Kindness by Chris Bohjalian was a heart-wrenching story about a family struggling through the aftermath of an accidental shooting. Mr. Bohjalian is a gifted storyteller; his characters were complex and the story was well crafted. 4 stars.
Missing Monday by Matthew Costello is an entertaining horror novel that reads more like one of suspense. Although I had fun reading this book, I wish the characters had been more developed. I felt that there were a lot of loose ends left dangling that I wish the author had addressed. 3 stars.
Vikkivand@aol.com
The Good Neighbor by William Kowalski. 4 stars.
A New York couple buys an old house in Pennsylvania. In the events that follow, each on their own learns what is most important to them and realizes things about themselves that need changing.
bradylee@myway.com
Nature Noir: A Park Ranger's Patrol in the Sierra by Jordan Fisher Smith. Published 2005 with 216 pages. 3 stars.
I was expecting a great read from this book, but was disappointed as the author did not talk enough about his personal experiences and went into histories of dams, histories of places, and got somewhat technical about a few of his subjects. I was enjoying the book a lot until a little over halfway through when I would say the subject matter became spotty as to my interest. The life of a forest ranger is not easy and a most interesting part in the book is talking about dust and its ramifications. This book is not a dud, but just didn't meet my expectations.
Marie from Winnipeg
I just finished reading two mysteries: Booked to Die by John Dunning (4 stars) and Murder, She Wrote: Dying to Retire by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain (2 stars). I'm just about finished with Silver Wedding by Maeve Binchy (4 stars).
kwayne19510730@hotmail.com
The Optimist's Daughter by Eudora Welty. 3 stars.
A bereaved daughter is trying to make sense of her past, while a not-so-bereaved widow lusts for whatever is next. Very tedious going. And someone will have to enlighten me: I still don't quite get the symbolism of the pigeons eating each others' regurgitated food, or of the chimney swift's soiling of the curtains with his dirty little wings. Sorry, I found this classic to be a sure cure for a serious Sominex habit.
How to Be Lost by Amanda Ward. 5 stars.
Being lost emotionally versus being lost physically, and the apparent resolution of both. Well written, easy to read. A very carefully structured novel, and a good effort for this young writer.
The Sucker's Kiss by Alan Parker. 4 stars.
The life and times of a small-time hoodlum from the San Francisco earthquake through the Depression. Basically, what goes around comes around; if you're lucky you survive; then, unfortunately, you have to live. An excellent effort by a first-time novelist. Oh, and don't forget to duck!
rojosho@hotmail.com
In a Dark House by Deborah Crombie. 5 stars.
A masterpiece of a mystery set in England with atmosphere and feeling. Vivid descriptions of the locale, the area and great character portrayal. Suspense and thrills compose this great story and we are riveted throughout.
lisaavila2000@yahoo.com
Tiger Eye by Marjorie M. Liu. 5 stars.
Everything you could want in a book is in this story --- magic, psychic abilities, shape shifting, a curse, revenge and a sexy group of "detectives" to go along with it. I can't wait to read her next book.
JONIVERSON@aol.com
I just finished Frederick Forsyth's The Day of the Jackal. Witty, exuberant, suspenseful, and crackling with nonstop action, this novel deserves to be ranked high on anyone's list.
himanjali101@yahoo.co.in
I am a huge fan of Barbara Kingsolver but have read her novels in reverse chronological order. So not expecting too much from her first novel, The Bean Trees, especially since I read the sequel, Pigs in Heaven, earlier, I thought it was not as subtle as The Poisonwood Bible or The Prodigal Summer. However, The Bean Trees gets 5 flying stars from me, for its completely honest portrayal of a young person struggling to make sense of an unfair world without judging it or giving way to any moral angst. Her instinctive responses, the way she grapples to give meaning to her relationship with her adopted daughter is simply sensitive, alive and warm, without any romanticization. Barbara Kingsolver is always a winner for me, for her amazingly balanced novels, which never fail to teach me something new, about the environment, about minority issues or simply, about the human mind.
SalbyC@aol.com
I have just finished the unabridged audio version of Life of Pi by Yann Martel. I had previously read this Man Booker Prize winner, but it was so much more enjoyable on audio. It is read beautifully by Jeff Woodman, who gives so much life and expression to this tale. Definitely a 5-star rating.
jberger@salud.unm.edu
A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell. 5 stars.
A poignant story set during the Nazi regime in Italy. Written with sensitivity, insight, humor and a wonderful knowledge of the era and the place. This novel is hearltfelt and heartwarming. We are entranced with this fulfilling and empathetic story.
tomjac0850@charter.net
I hadn't realized that L.A Requiem by Robert Crais was part of a series involving Elvis Cole and Joe Pike. This is a great thriller and I will be sure to read the exploits of these two in previous and subsequently published books. Demolition Angel was a favorite of mine. Crais is obviously a gifted writer who keeps the reader in suspense throughout his books. 5 stars.
Bjglu@aol.com
A Fan's Notes by Frederick Exley. 4 stars.
An excruciatingly real memoir.
A Summons to Memphis by Peter Taylor. 3 stars.
I read it for a book club. An interesting novel but average.
Alone by Lisa Gardner. 4 stars.
A riveting murder mystery.
Dana_Cherrier@commerce.state.il.us
I am just now discovering the books of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. What a find! Definitely an addition to my favorite authors list. I have read the following so far:
Relic. 5 stars.
Reliquary. 5 stars.
Still Life With Crows. 4 stars.
The Cabinet of Curiosities. 5 stars.
And I'm currently reading Mount Dragon. If you haven't discovered these guys already I highly recommend you give their books a try.
CorinnaBonk@westat.com
The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket (book 2). 4 stars.
I have heard that these get repetitive, but I am only on the second so I have not found that to be the case yet. I found this one very fast-paced. I just got into a mood and wanted to read and read. Very cute book --- even though it's frustrating because its all so "unfortunate."
Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophia Kinsella. 4 stars.
I finally got around to reading this book. I like to read light humor after reading serious and heavy books (just finished My Sister's Keeper). Although I never felt too sorry for the main character because she brings most of it on herself, it's still a cute book. Quite hilarious at times. About 3/4 of the way through, I got really into it and finally felt vested in the book. I would recommend it for a light read.
The Gunslinger by Stephen King (Book 1 of the Dark Tower Series). 4 1/2 stars.
I am only midway through but I have found it to be pleasantly surprising! I was slightly worried because I am not always a fan of Stephen King. I find him overly descriptive and sometimes confusing. I really wanted to read a long series and be captivated as Lord of the Rings fans. This is what I am hoping for and so far I have received it. I can see the story going many different directions. I am excited to continue with these books and will write another review once I have finished the book! So far, I would highly recommend it.
Jeff.Cook@grainger.com
I am currently reading The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King, The Runes of the Earth by Stephen R. Donaldson, and Mary Hunt's Debt-Proof Living by Mary Hunt.
adwalberry@aol.com
I just finished reading Passion v. Arrogance: A Dana & Goliath Story of Wine, Women and Wrong! by Margaret E.J. Broderick. An excellent nonfiction by a first-time author who pours her heart out for all to read of the tragic events that destroyed her entrepreneur dream. A definite 5!
tfranzen2124@comcast.net
I've just finished the title story from Yann Martel's The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios (5 stars). This is a great collection of short stories written before his Life of Pi, which I read this fall. Martel is a hypnotic storyteller and starting with either book will prove that.
Rickimc@aol.com
The Last Masquerade by Antonio Orlando Rodriguez. 5 stars.
This is a wonderful well-written book. I was pulled into the lives of characters from the first paragraph. I love the theatre history in the story.
susanrjensen@yahoo.com
Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier. 4 stars.
I enjoyed this story about a young servant girl working in the Vermeer household, and her interaction with the great painter. Chevalier paints such a vivid portrait of 17th-century Delft that I definitely felt transported there. Great detail, compelling story.
Falling Angels by Tracy Chevalier. 5 stars.
I actually liked this one better than Girl With a Pearl Earring, although the books are very different. This one focuses on the friendship between two young girls, and the events in their lives that draw them close and then rip them apart. It's a deep and compelling story, peopled with complex characters and set in a rapidly changing London.
Comella2729@aol.com
A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell. 5 stars.
Russell has written a well-researched historical novel of Italy in World War II. At this time in its history Italy served as the background for the Nazis, the Allies, the resistance fighters, Jews in hiding, and Italian civilians trying to survive the war. Russell raises the complex issues that arise at the intersection of war and peace, ethics and morality. Because the characters are well-drawn, the reader can empathize with each one within the context of his/her situation. This moving and compassionate novel is a must-read.
zekebamm@yahoo.com
I am currently reading an oldie but goodie: Swimming to Catalina by Stuart Woods. I'm about 1/3 through the book, and would give it 4 stars so far.
SEEDCAKEANDJOE@aol.com
Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner. 4 stars (as a beach-book).
This is an amusing story about a "larger woman" and her journey to find self-acceptance. The main character is funny and appealing; the book is an easy read.
Haneymeh@aol.com
I love Barbara Parker's books with lawyer Gail Connor and Anthony Quintana. The latest one, Suspicion of Rage, takes place in Cuba. It tells details of daily life under Castro's regime. It delivers a strong political thriller plus a look at families whose ties withstand the divisions of politics and geography. Connor being a part of old Miami and Quintana a Cuban-American. I give it 5 stars.
xiaoqunw@hotmail.com
I just finished London Bridges by James Patterson. Although a page-turner, it's not as much as I expected. 3 stars.
I'm currently halfway through Whiteout by Ken Follet. Like always, Follet gives us the most fascinating story, smart plot, and live characters. 5 stars.
tomjac0850@charter.net
I just finished reading L. A. Requiem by Robert Crais. This is an excellent novel by a very gifted writer. Private detective Elvis Cole must defend his friend, Joe Pike, against a murder charge that seems airtight. This is a novel of great suspense and plot twists that keep the reader riveted till the end. 5 stars.
s.hughes@rocketmail.com
I am currently reading The Same Sweet Girls by Cassandra King. It's similar to Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood but different in other ways. A 4-star rating!
FalseMillennium@aol.com
Suspect by Michael Robotham (Doubleday, 2005). 3 stars.
Robotham's thriller spins on the concept of "the wrong man," as psychologist Joe O'Loughlin (recently diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease) finds himself at the center of an investigation into the murder of a former patient. What starts as a role in assisting police in analyzing her murder rapidly turns into the revelation of a painful doctor-patient relationship and the potential that he may be the prime suspect. Tied into this storyline is new patient Bobby Moran, experiencing violent dreams that bleed into his waking life, and that Moran may be the true killer. As the plot evolves, O'Loughlin spends time trying to establish just that, but the police remain in doubt. The interesting twist is that you must follow O'Loughlin's efforts while watching him hampered by his disease, physically and emotionally fighting his way to uncover the true culprit. It is O'Loughlin's own compassion as a psychologist that got him into the position he is in, and it remains his compassion as a healer to resolve this dilemma.
The Geographer's Library by Jon Fasman (Penguin Press, 2005). 4 stars.
A debut mystery for readers who enjoy esoteric historical mysteries such as The Da Vinci Code or Name of the Rose. Fasman's writing is intelligent and polymathic following the narrative of small town reporter Paul Tomm, who thinks he is researching an obituary for a local Baltic history professor: a man it turns out little is known about, but like the onion, there are layers. Tomm's first-person story alternates with chapters that comprise the contents of a "library" put together by a 12th century figure, a man of many interests and talents himself, including thief. The stolen items (the "library") are traced through time and each ties into the practice of alchemy. Alternating chapters in Tomm's story retell the history of an object from its 12th century source into the present until it becomes clear that the library contents and Tomm's investigation are intriguingly connected. As you read, you will bounce from a small town in western Connecticut to Córdoba, Baghdad, Bukhara, Mikkouni, the Khamantor Mountains of the Khazars, the cities of Yazd, Eshahan, Ahvaz, Dimashq, Beirut and Jerusalem, the islands of Sicily, Malta and Minorca, always returning to New England, where Tomm is working to unravel the mystery of the professor's death. It is a fascinating journey for the reader, involving numerous interesting characters and engrossing situations. Ultimately, as in alchemy, this story evolves into one of transformation and evolution.
MoxeyH@mjsc.com
The Ordinary by Jim Grimsley. 2 stars.
Normally I have to finish every book I start, even if it's not that great, just to see how it ends. In this case, however, I gave up about halfway through. I like science fiction, but this book couldn't keep my interest. Although the author did a good job of creating an alternate reality, the book moved slowly and I didn't feel connected to the protagonist.
stephanie@krantz.name
I just finished reading The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. I definitely give this book 5 stars. It is set in South Carolina in 1964 and revolves around a 14-year-old girl, Lily Owens, whose mother is killed in an accident when Lily is just 4. Her father owns a peach orchard and brings one of his workers, Rosaleen, into the home to be Lily's stand-in mother. He is abusive and controlling and when Lily is 14, there is a racial incident between Rosaleen and some white men. Rosaleen is black and Lily is white. Lily and Rosaleen end up leaving town and head for Tiburon, SC because of a link to her mother, who Lily knows nothing about but longs for with all her heart. It is heartwrenching at times and uplifting at others, but I didn't want the book to end. I wanted to know what happened to the characters down the road --- to me, getting that "into" the characters is the sign of a great book. It's the story of Lily looking for the truth and a family who will care for her and how she finds it in a most unlikely place.
I also finished this week Black House by Stephen King & Peter Straub. Talk about diversity!! Another 5 stars --- even a 5-star plus. Not something you will read overnight, but I promise you it's engrossing and heartstopping at times. Wonderful character development and use of characters from their previous book, The Talisman. It's mind-bending, so you have to be able to let your imagination go, but when you do, you are in for the ride of your life. I read all of Stephen King's books and have not been disappointed yet. Though I have to say, I don't care as much for his short stories.
bradylee@myway.com
Magical Thinking by Augusten Burroughs. Nonfiction. Published 2004 with 268 pages. 5 stars.
This book is downright hilarious and billed as "true stories." I am sure there is a grain of truth in much of what he says, but there is also a lot that has tongue in cheek in the saying. I have not yet read his other books: Sellevision, Running With Scissors and Dry, but I shall in the near future. One of his major occupations (before becoming an author) was creating advertising copy and he talks about that a little bit, but his funny declarations all involve his personal life, from being a complete slob and an alcoholic to becoming civilized due to the discipline of his roommate. I do not want to tell you about anything specific as it might take the joy away from discovering events in his life that are too funny for words...almost.
kelley899@yahoo.com
I'm currently reading Exes and Ohs by Beth Kendrick and I must say, Kendrick has such a fresh voice. I just love reading this book. 5 stars!
loritg99@yahoo.com
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult.
I can't say enough about this book of Jodi's. Simply put, it is amazing! She has taken an issue that is so controversial and put a human voice on it in a way that helps people to be able to relate to the characters and what they are going through. Picoult has a wonderful talent for creating a story around an issue that will get you thinking and spark amazing discussions with others. The characters in this story are so endearing, each in their own way, that it makes it so hard to choose who you agree with, what you want to happen. I'm a huge fan of Picoult's and would highly recommend this to anyone who has heard of her, and thought about reading her books as a starter book. It is one of her best!
Solomon Sisters Wise Up by Melissa Senate
This was a great Chick Lit! I love Chick Lit but lately I have read a couple that I just wasn't impressed with. This one is the opposite. It is the story of the lives of three sisters who, while trying to find themselves, wind up finding each other. An easy read, but one that leaves you feeling happy and thankful for all the friends in your life!
The Lady & the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier.
I've read all of her others and I think that with the exception of Girl With a Pearl Earring, this one is my favorite. The way she takes a little piece of history and a few real people with little known about them and creates a story about them and their lives is incredible! I'm not normally a fan of historical fiction, but she writes in a way that keeps you interested in both learning about the history behind the book and intrigued with the characters in the book. Highly recommend!
Claire from Duluth
I love, love Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross! I loved The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and see so many similarities between the two novels. Woolfolk takes the few known details of a woman who may have become Pope in the 8th century, and uses what little is recorded to weave a swashbuckling tale of suspense and intrigue, focusing on a young woman who disguises herself as a man so that she can enter a monastery and obtain an education. Through various accidents and just being at the right place at the right time, the woman becomes Pope. What an intelligent page-turner of a book. Just like The Da Vinci Code.
tomjac0850@charter.net
I just finished reading Down These Mean Streets by Piri Thomas. This was a fairly interesting and gritty nonfiction work of a dark-skinned Puerto Rican growing up in Spanish Harlem in the 1930s and '40s. Thomas tells of the gang activity, drugs, and crimes he was involved with during these years, culminating in a six-year prison sentence for an attempted armed robbery. Much of the book deals with racial issues and of his confusion over his own identity. 4 stars.
Crsntmoon3@aol.com
As a 5th grade teacher, I'm always on the lookout for great books to share with my kids. Here are a few of the ones I've read in the last week:
Sahara Special by Esme Raji Codell is the charming story of the effect that a caring, inspiring teacher has on the life of a 5th grade girl with learning differences and her classmates. 5 stars.
Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliet has been hailed as The Da Vinci Code for kids. 4 stars.
Among the Hidden, Among the Imposters, and Among the Betrayed by Margaret Peterson Haddix have completely captured me with their frighteningly plausible plot of a not-too-distant future ruled by a totalitarian government (catalyst = famine) where families are forbidden to have more than two children. Those who do doom their "exnays" to lives of hiding and desperation. 5 stars.
And for sheer pleasure, my class and I followed along with the fabulously read audio version of Roald Dahl's The Twits. Pure genius and hilarity packed into a mere 60 minutes! 5++++ stars.
pboylecharley@hotmail.com
I have just finished reading The Evil That Men Do by Stephen G. Michaud and Roy Hazelwood. Anybody following current criminal cases should read this book as it is the real thing --- cases reviewed by an FBI profiler. We can all theorize about why people commit particular crimes but a little knowledge of psychology and criminal behaviour could enlighten us so we can understand today's serial killers better. Nothing beats the real thing for suspense and you actually learn something in the process.
tcarrico@aol.com
Currently I am working through the list of Edgar Award nominees. I really enjoyed T. Jefferson Parker's California Girl (4 stars) with all of its references to 1960s pop culture. I enjoyed Julia Spencer-Fleming's Out of the Deep I Cry (3 stars) somewhat less. The main character (a female Episcopal priest) is a little difficult to buy as a sleuth. I am almost finished with Chris Mooney's Remembering Sarah (4 stars), which has been really good so far. This book starts out like Deep End of the Ocean but has enough plot twists and turns to be different.
patoct@optonline.net
I recently finished Falling for Gracie by Susan Mallery. 5 stars. The characters are wonderful and Gracie is such a GOOD person it makes it impossible not to love her. She has a not so nice family to put up with and manages to find love along the way managing a successful wedding cake business.
MScaramell@aol.com
A high 5 for The Lost Mother by Mary McGarry Morris! This is a coming of age story, a tale of the depression, and a portrait of the relationships that shape us. There are many exquisite moments in this novel and the reader is left understanding how intertwined our lives truly are. Morris based much of this on her own mother's story of being abandoned by a parent.
Another high 5 for The Problem of Murmer Lee by Connie May Fowler! I just keep telling everyone about this magnificent work!!!! It is the soul story of a young woman who dies under mysterious conditions. We get to meet her, her friends, and experience her life through her no longer clouded eyes. What a treasure this book is!!!
zandercage2003@yahoo.com
I'm currently reading Table of Five by Susan Wiggs. This fiction story is extremely well-written and deeply emotional. Ms. Wiggs knows how to make her characters come alive, and the reader totally feels like a part of the story. Don't miss this one, coming April 2005. So far, I give this story a 4.
tunaross@nc.rr.com
Second Sight by Philip R. Craig and William G. Tapply. 4 1/2 stars.
These real-life fishing buddies are at it once again. In the follow-up to First Light, Brady Coyne and J. W. Jackson are involved in separate ventures on Martha's Vineyard. Soon it becomes evident that their "cases" (or, better yet, causes) intersect. Each chapter switches back between Brady and J.W. as they work to solve this new mystery. Once again, they do not disappoint the reader.
Kim in Boston
I just finished Family History by Dani Shapiro. A beautifully written page turner. 4 stars.
SCARTER163@aol.com
The Club Dumas by Arturo Perez-Reverte introduces an offbeat, middle-aged main character who I would hope to see again. He is caught up in an incredible quest for information and verification of part of an original Dumas manuscript and a book whose publisher was burned at the stake in the mid-seventeenth century for producing a book that could summon the devil. Literary references, murder and intrigue with a wonderful spiritual touch. 5 stars.
Killing Critics by Carol O'Connell is the third in the Kathleen Mallory series that features a very unique detective who works at the fringes of department guidelines to try and solve brutal murders in New York City's art world. The cast of characters keeping an eye out for Mallory is as interesting as her past. A very quick read that leaves you wanting to move on to her next adventure. 4 stars.
Mimiklein43@aol.com
Dark Eye by William Bernhardt was a wonderful read. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery. I give it 4 stars.
Also, Almost Paradise by Kiernan Crowley is a true story about the murder of Ted Ammon, by his ex-wife Generosa and her husband Danny Pelosi. A very enjoyable read. I give it 4 stars.
Since Bobby Darin was one of my favorite singers, and I loved the recent movie about him, I had to read Roman Candle by David Evanier. He died much too young, and it was fascinating reading his marriage to Sandra Dee, and the fact that for many years, he was made to believe that his Grandmother was his Mother, and his biological Mother, was his sister. I give this book 4 stars.
Carol in Farmington
Naked by David Sedaris. 4 stars.
This book was recommended to me by a friend. I am just into the first few pages and already I find it to be a very funny and engaging story.
Myrnapen@aol.com
I'm currently reading Ahab's Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund. I never thought I'd be interested in the story of Captain Ahab's (of Moby Dick) wife, but I'm loving it. 5 stars.
I also recently read My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult, a great story that makes us think about the ethical issues created by scientific technology's possibilities. 4 stars.
bjohnson-att@comcast.net
Air Battle Force by Dale Brown. 4 stars.
A good book with lots of action, which is normal for Dale Brown. I have all his books and love them.
Sandn2shoes@aol.com
I am rereading Many Lives, Many Masters by Dr. Brian Weiss, MD. This is his account of the conduction of past life regression with a very special patient. It does give a new perspective to what may have gone on before and what will go on after our lives as we now know them. I am reading this for a church book discussion group! Definitely a 5-star read for me!
peggyprobus@netscape.net
Valley of Bones by Michael Gruber. 2 stars.
This is a book that immediately grabs your attention and starts out a good read. Unfortunately it's a little TOO long and gets draggy in the middle.
All the Flowers Are Dying by Lawrence Block
I'm just getting into this book and it's a good one. Fast reading and entertaining.
lekyta@comcast.net
I recently finished reading Blood Memory by Greg Iles. 5 stars. It is an excellent murder mystery delving into a topic very much in the limelight today. It is not mentioned on the book flap so I won't give it away. Suffice it to say the reader learns a great deal about the topic and why people are affected by it throughout their lives. It helps one to understand behaviors caused by this tragedy, so it can be a real eye-opener for anyone who has gone through it or knows someone who has. Find out why murders are committed due to this life-altering experience. Sometimes very explicit but necessarily so. I found this book very hard to put down and read into the wee hours of the morning. Keeps you guessing right from the start.
joanne@goes.com
I am re-reading and again enjoying Michael Crichton's Congo, in which he resurrects the wonder of H. Rider Haggard's African adventure stories like King Solomon's Mines and makes it contemporary and exciting. I had forgotten how truly enjoyable an adventure novel could be and Crichton does it to a fare thee well in Congo.
Janis S. Hahn
God's Politics by Jim Wallis. 5 stars.
This is a must for anyone frustrated with the role religion is playing in world politics.
Sheila1029@aol.com
I' m reading Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult. The story is very riveting, told by many different points of view.
mnmari@mn.rr.com
I just finished reading The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. I think I went through every emotion. 5 stars for sure.
lmjrocko@aol.com
Double Shot by Diane Mott Davidson. 3 stars.
It's a quick read. I've read all of the series. I'm glad the ex-husband is finally out of the picture. I find her stories simple but the characters fun.
MarshaNee@adelphia.net
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. 4 stars.
A fascinating picture of the struggle to put together a successful Chicago Exposition to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus discovering America with a parallel of the spiraling madness of a serial killer.
Kate Remembered by A. Scott Berg. 5 stars.
A fascinating account of Berg's years as a friend of Kate Hepburn as she reveals her life story.
b.nolan@insightbb.com
I just finished reading Running Scared by Elizabeth Lowell. It's a romantic/suspense novel and was fun to read. I give it 4 stars.
Mipalew@aol.com
I have recently finished The Info Mesa by Ed Regis, a nonfiction book about the boutique technology firms and their founders in Santa Fe, New Mexico. An interesting look at developing technology. 3 stars
maestraw@msn.com
I just finished Clean Cut by Theresa Monsour. From the beginning of the book, Monsour makes you aware of the identity of the killer. However, there are enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested long after the final page is turned. Luckily, Monsour has written Cold Blood, which continues the story of Paris Murphy, her husband, and her lover. Both rate 3 1/2 stars.
Anonymous
The Memory of Running by Ron McLarty. Great reading, cannot put it aside. You just get involved with the characters right off as they mingle between past and present.
prwamsley@msn.com
Do You Promise Not To Tell? by Mary Jane Clark. 3 stars.
This is the first book I have read by her but it won't be the last. The story is about a TV news producer who gets involved in a forged art scandal that involves murder. I thought I had it figured out who the murderer was but I was completely wrong.
Danannat@aol.com
I just finished The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and thought it was excellent. I'm 54 years old and learned a lot of life lessons. I haven't read a book that made me think like that in a long time. It is my gift to everyone this year.
I am reading right now for my book club Life of Pi. I like the zoology part of it and the varied spiritual aspects of the book. Our book club will start Middlesex next by Jeffrey Eugenides.
Aileen in MA
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver. 4 1/2 stars.
This was a wonderful story. It was slow in some parts for me, but once you get to know the characters the story just flows. I have already started reading the sequel Pigs in Heaven and like it.
Newcrain@aol.com
Vienna Prelude by Bodie Thoene. 5 stars.
This is Book 1 in the Zion Covenant series. It paints a very real picture of pre-World War II Austria and how the influence of Hitler is starting to be felt.
SEEDCAKEANDJOE@aol.com
Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs. 3 1/2 stars.
This is rather graphic in places, but well-written and fascinating to get an inside look at these MOST dysfunctional people. Amazing that it's a true story.
Hon2724@aol.com
Blood Memory by Greg Iles is a burning page-turner. As a fast reader, I had to slow down to make this one last. These don't come often. The story is woven so intricately that it is like shuffling cards; you know they fit but not how. And you never know which will fall at any given time. I have liked his books but this one goes on my all-time top ten list.
Annie from Orlando
The Alienist by Caleb Carr. 4 stars.
While searching for historical mysteries, this one was highly recommended and so far, I recommend it.
Entombed by Linda Fairstein. 5 stars.
Excellent! Her best, so far. And it inspired me to research and learn more about Edgar Allan Poe.
Kate from Peoria, AZ
I just finished Honeymoon with My Brother by Franz Wisner. It details two years of far-flung travel by two brothers getting to know each another again as adults. Great story, great travel book, great idea. 5 stars.
JONIVERSON@aol.com
I am reading The Rule of Four by Ian Caldwell & Dustin Thomason. The novel is full of sagacious literary references and spins a splendid mystery. 4 stars!
kerry-c@cox.net
I spent all of last weekend reading 102 Minutes: The Untold Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers by Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn. It is an absolutely amazing recounting of some of what went on inside the World Trade Center towers during the 102 minutes between the moment the first plane hit the first tower until the collapse of the second tower. Through hundreds of interviews with survivors, fire and police department personnel, family members and loved ones who talked on the phone with people inside the towers, and listening to tapes of 911 calls and radio transmissions, these two journalists have written a riveting and heartwrenching account, giving all of us who weren't there some insight into what individuals actually went through in their fight to survive and to help others survive inside the twin towers on the morning of September 11th. As heartbreaking and intense as it is, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. 5 stars is truly not enough.
Denwal1@aol.com
I just finished Death is Forever by Elizabeth Lowell. It is a fast-paced story that gives you insight into the diamond trade in the late 1980s. Also, it gives you an idea about life in the outback of Australia, which is a lot more difficult than you see on TV. There's intrigue, romance, and a treasure hunt. What more could you ask for? It is a rewrite of her book The Diamond Tiger. I give it 5 stars.
bradylee@myway.com
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Fiction. Published 2003 with 324 pages. 5 stars.
Now it is my turn to say this is one of the better first novels by an M.D. that I have read in many a moon. It is true to life in most ways and gives an excellent flavor of the country of Afghanistan. Each character is well defined and there is a villain of great proportion. I don't know how much writing Mr. Hosseini has done in preparation for becoming a novelist, but he surely hit the jackpot with this one...a book worthy of your time and effort! I would guess a movie will be coming out titled The Kite Runner.
MomOMol@aol.com
Peony by Pearl S. Buck.
I'm reading this for my synagogue's reading group. I'd never ready anything by Pearl Buck before and was pleasantly surprised. Very lyrical.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.
I couldn't put it down. Beautifully written, gripping, and at times heartbreaking.
tiffani_ba@hotmail.com
I just finished Meg Rosoff's How I Live Now, about a girl who goes to England to visit her cousins and finds herself in a struggle for survival duing a war. Sad but satisfying, with a unique style and voice. 4 stars.
gregc2@bellsouth.net
Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult. 3 1/2 stars.
While still a page-turner, it was not as riveting as My Sister's Keeper. The story revolves around a child kidnapping by a father that is not discovered for 28 years and then accidentally revealed.
Resistance by Anita Shreve. 4 1/2 stars.
A fascinating story about the resistance fighters in Belgium during WWII. This book reads so well you feel you are almost there. Interesting history, too. Ms. Shreve says this is one of her favorites.
AZNikkiD@aol.com
I'm reading the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde. The Eyre Affair was very enjoyable. Right now I'm Lost in a Good Book and will soon be in The Well of Lost Plots. After that comes Something Rotten and then I'll be waiting for The Big Over Easy. I give the entire series 4 stars.
catslady5@aol.com
The Secret by Julie Garwood. 5 stars.
An historical romance set in the Scottish Highlands. You can't help but fall in love with the characters, and it's one of those stories that you just don't want to end.
A. Brown from Ft. Lauderdale
The Sideways Dance of Blue Crabs by W.R. Marshall. 5 stars.
New release of literary fiction. Tom Sawyer meets Thomas Pynchon. A light look at life that can sometimes be pretty heavy. I was touched --- this is a lovely book.
Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood. 5 stars.
What can you say about Margaret Atwood? It's wonderful, she creeps through the sci-fi future, and we're left to be scared and wonder what we are making of this world.
Judy Lovett, Stockton, CA
I just finished Jodi Picoult's new book Vanishing Acts. It was wonderful and thought-provoking, as are all of her books. I am now reading Atonement by Ian McEwan and really enjoying it as well.
Ginger.Louden@sendit.nodak.edu
I just got done reading Little Children by Tom Perrotta. I give it 5 stars. It is a book that tells of some daily occurrences of typical people --- the stay-at-home dad, the busy wife, the stay-at-home wife, the busy husband, etc. It basically takes place during one summer in a suburb. The boring summer. Then the affair, the child molester, friendships, and the outcome of these events. I had not read Tom Perrotta before, but I will surely read his other books.
ritahunt@adelphia.net
I just finished reading Puppet by Joy Fielding. I'd have to give it 3 1/2 stars. I have read every one of her books over the years, but I feel that her style of writing has changed since the earlier ones, such as Life Penalty, The Other Woman and See Jane Run. While I still routinely purchase her books as they are published, I do miss the more fleshed-out, plot-driven previous works, and hope Ms. Fielding will back off from her recent narrow character-study storylines.
deb@shillingsales.com
I am currently reading Ordinary Wolves by Seth Kantner. This book compares the Alaskan wilderness experience with modern society. I give it 4 1/2 stars.
nll9017@earthlink.net
Lost Lake by Phillip Margolian. 4 stars.
A Single mom, a lawyer, also a painter, Ami Vergano meets Daniel Morelli at the Portland Spring Arts Fair. Ami strikes up a conversation with Daniel and as a result offers to rent him the extra apartment she has over her garage. Ami and Daniel attend one of Ryan's baseball games. A confrontation quickly escalates into unforeseen violence resulting in Daniel's hospitalization and criminal charges. Vanessa Kohler, a tabloid reporter, flies to Oregon to rescue Daniel, aka Carl Rice, from the hospital before her father, General Morris Wingate, realizes that he is alive. Vanessa hires Ami as Carl's lawyer, despite her objections that she has no criminal legal experience. Carl and Vanessa's history unfolds back to when it first began in high school back in 1969. Carl and Vanessa seemingly convince Ami that her father was in charge of a secret military unit thirty years ago. General Wingate, currently running for president, claims his daughter is a sick woman, and Carl Rice is an insane killer. Is it a conspiracy that the only people who could help Carl Rice's case are killed? Fake documents attesting to Carl's diminished mental state appear as the only evidence. Who to believe? An engrossing conspiracy that keep you guessing until the end.
Speak Softly, She Can Hear by Pam Lewis. 4 stars.
It's 1965, on a ski vacation in Vermont; 16-year-old Carole Mason loses her virginity to 26-year-old Eddie, an unemployed actor and college dropout. What she did not expect was Rita Bodreau joining them. Rita has sex with Eddie and dies in their shared bed afterwards. Eddie blames the overweight and drunk Carole for breaking her neck when she was sitting at the top of the bed. Eddie, Carole, and her best friend Naomi, dump the body and make a pact never to tell. Carole, normally a well-behaved, shy, studious teenager, has a hard time dealing with the consequences. Eddie haunts her throughout her life, taking full advantage of the situation. Her secret distances herself from her parents. They were so proud of Carole going to Vassar upon graduating from the prestigious Spence School in New York City. Carole drops out of Vassar in her first year. Once her mother dies, Carole takes off for California. Ten years later, Carole ends up back in Vermont, still haunted by what happened. Finally she opens up to Will Burbank, her lover, who convinces her that she was not guilty. When Carole finally confronts Eddie, he manages one last time to inflict more physical pain but it turns out the emotional blackmail was far worse. A haunting read that shows secrets never truly go away no matter how much we want them to.
Carol from Livingston, Texas
I just finished reading two books by Keith Lee Johnson: Pretenses and Sugar & Spice. They are both about an FBI Special Agent with twists, turns, surprises, and intrigue --- real page-turners. 4 and 5 stars, respectively. Mr. Johnson is a relatively new author on the rise.
JJern@trustcorp.com
It seems like everyone in reading The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant. After reading it, I know why. I bought this book because I liked the cover, and the blurb on the back made it seem like a book that I could enjoy. I love history so practically anything set in a different time appeals to me. This book though far exceeded my expectations. First of all, it opens up with this crazy nun and her secrets. Then goes on to this wonderful story of a girl who will not compromise herself or her values and priorities, so she signs up for a less than perfect marriage that affords her the space to follow her dreams, mainly painting. It was just a great book. Her humor and wit, combined with the vulnerability of a girl her age, is the perfect combination. It's real. You feel yourself in everything she says and does. I would recommend this for every woman because no matter who you are, there's something of her in you. 5 stars.
PFLucas@aol.com
Saint Maybe by Anne Tyler. 4 stars.
After reading The Amateur Marriage, I decided that I should read the Tyler books that I had missed. Saint Maybe, a complex structure of families, is a good read. There are many characters introduced early in the story, but it soon becomes easy to sort the relationships.
Local Girls by Alice Hoffman. 4 stars.
Hoffman once again shows her talent for mixing emotional and moving segments of the book with outright humor. She must understand the human spirit better than most. A lot is said in a mere 197 pages.
Malika Henderson from Santa Cruz
I just finished Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani (the author of the Big Stone Gap trilogy). It's not a deep or complicated book, but it was definitely an enjoyable read. 3 1/2 stars.
But the best book I've read lately is I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. Sweet, funny, romantic --- one of those books that sweeps you up and makes you read nonstop. You don't want the story to end. 5 stars.
joswood@msn.com
Strange Affair by Peter Robinson. 5 stars.
If you are not familiar with Robinson's Alan Banks series, you are missing good reading. This book takes place in England --- both in London and north in the Yorkshire region. Alan's brother, Ray, is missing from his home in London. Alan leaves Yorkshire to go to London to try to find him. Also, in Yorkshire, a young woman is found shot to death in a car, and she has Banks's name and address in her pocket. Are these two incidents related? Banks sets about to find his brother and helps his ex-lover Annie Cabot try to find the murderer of the young woman. Robinson makes frequent references to an earlier book, Playing With Fire. I also recommend this book, and his references would make more sense after reading it.
The Forgotten Man by Robert Crais. 5 stars.
This is another series you shouldn't miss --- PI Elvis Cole. A man found murdered in an alley in Los Angeles says in his last breaths, "Elvis Cole is my son." Then he dies. Elvis, who does not know who his father is, wonders if this could really be the man. Cole has spent most of his lifetime looking for and wondering about his father. So Elvis decides to help the police to find out the true identity of this man and, most importantly, who killed him. Lots of suspense and good police work go into his investigation. You would enjoy any of the books in this series by Robert Crais.
Humorreader01@aol.com
One More Time, comedian Carol Burnett's touching autobiographical account of her childhood spent in squalor with her highly dysfunctional family. 4 stars.
Mirth of a Nation, a mixed bag of humor with some big names (Merrill Markoe, Fran Leibowitz, David Sedaris, et. al.) and some lesser knowns. Some of the essays are real side splitters. Others, for me, fall flat. 4 stars.
Me Talk Pretty One Day, David Sedaris's much acclaimed book of humorous essays about his life and family. 5 stars.
Moe Howard Died For Our Sins, a collection of short stories by Dale Andrew White. Very funny and very imaginative! 5 stars.
A Confederacy of Dunces, the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by John Kennedy Toole presents one of the most unforgettable characters in 20th century American literature, the bloated and pompous brainiac Ignatius Riley.
PoPoPoSsUm@aol.com
Dear Zoe by Philip Beard. 4+ stars.
It has been said that if you liked The Lovely Bones that you would surely like this one. I would say that this book goes to the heart just as much but has something to say all in itself. Tess DeNunzio goes from the girl who spent two hours every morning with makeup and clothes to trying to figure out how to get past the tragic death of her younger sister Zoe. In a letter to Zoe we see Tess's desire and transformation in getting past guilt and going forward while not forgetting her.
Chang and Eng by David Strauss. 3+ stars.
In this book Strauss gives the infamous Siamese Twins their own voice and is told from Chang's point of view. From their birth and childhood on the Mekong River, to their travels across America, to their marrying and settling with their family in North Carolina. Though I am not finished with it quite yet, the story it colorful.
Icesong927@aol.com
I just finished reading Coyote Dream by Jessica Davis Stein. This is one of the best fiction books I have read in a long time. I am hoping to get a chance to read more books by this author in the future. This book definitely deserves a 5-star rating.
jddistef@aol.com
I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of Meg Wolitzer's The Position. This 5-star book tells the story of the Mellow family. The elder Mellows have written a "Joy of Sex" type of book illustrated with paintings of themselves demonstrating the various positions. The Mellow children can never quite escape the odd fame that their parents established.
The Killing Club by Marcie Walsh and Michael Malone is a 2-star mystery "written" by fictional character Walsh from ABC-TV's "One Life to Live." The book, even for fans of OLTL, is fair at best. The situations are contrived and the ending predictable. If you are looking for a fun suspense/mystery, stick with Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels.
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