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Dasras50@aol.com
A Good Yarn by Debbie Macomber. 4 stars.
Very pleasant story.
Live Well on Less Than You Think by Fred Brock. 4 stars.
Lots of practical advice.
The Lazy Husband by Oshua Coleman. 3 stars.
Nothing really new.
Don't Throw Away Tomorrow by Robert H. Schuller. 4 stars.
Positive inspiration.
Tuned Out by David Minich. 3 stars.
Too many statistics.
Reading Oprah by Cecilia Farr. 3 stars.
Interesting observations.
Coming to Term by Jon Cohen. 4 stars.
Sobering information about miscarriage.
EZREADER1265@aol.com
I have just finished reading:
Dead Man's Bones by Susan Wittig Albert. 4 stars.
Death of the Party by Carolyn Hart. 3 1/2 stars.
They were good reads for a couple of lazy days......
Mlsemones@aol.com
I highly recommend Safe Haven by Judy Turner and Cindy Smith. This work of fiction is an excellent read! The authors have successfully merged two seemingly different cultures into a wonderful story of love, acceptance, and the need for all of us to let go of the past. The story will evoke tears, laughter and above all else, lessons in understanding and healing. Great characters! 5 stars!
bradylee@myway.com
Lives of the Musicians by Kathleen Krull. Nonfiction. Published 1993 with 93 pages + index. 3 stars.
I haven't read anything about the lives of composers since I was a young adult and got this slim book from my library. It gives you thumbnail sketches of the major composers in 3 or 4 pages plus lovely illustrations done by Kathryn Hewitt. It is interesting and a particularly good introduction for those wanting to know about men like Beethoven, Mozart, etc. You can read it in an hour or so.
OLTLFREAK@aol.com
One False Move by Alex Kava. 3 stars.
This is a stand alone, not her usual Maggie O'Dell series. It was okay, but I think she should go back to the series. I love those!
A Dilly of a Death by Susan Wittig Albert. Five stars.
As usual, Susan writes an excellent mystery!
b.nolan@insightbb.com
I just finished reading The Broker by John Grisham. Loved it. Read it in two days. I give it 5 stars.
hagarrpt@earthlink.net
Kiss Her Goodbye by Allan Guthrie. 4 stars.
Joe Hope, enforcer for Edinburgh moneylender Cooper (no first name), prides himself on never having taken a life. With a baseball bat as his weapon of choice, he walks a fine line between inflicting pain and meting out death. Now, in close but seemingly unrelated incidents, Joe has lost two people in his life and finds himself the only suspect in a murder investigation. Heavy on both characterization and plot, this second book by Allan Guthrie (Two-Way Split) is not for the squeamish. The subject matter is dark, with intense violence and gutter language. The climax, with a twist in the last few pages, however, makes this an outstanding read!
The Confession by Domenic Stansberry. 4 stars.
Jake Danser, a handsome, vain, thirty-seven-year-old man, is a forensic psychologist in Marin County, California. Hired to evaluate people accused of murder, his job is to determine whether or not they are fit to stand trial. Danser is married to a wealthy, slightly older woman, and, because of her connections, moves in only the best circles. As the story opens, Danser is having an affair with a court clerk, Sara Johnson. He is also evaluating a man accused of strangling his wife.
Told in first person from the dark recesses of Danser's highly intelligent but very strange mind, the story is a flashback to events that occurred ten years before. Jake Danser can safely be classified an unreliable narrator, and tension remains taut throughout the book. Stansberry masterfully throws suspicion first on one character and then another without giving anything away until the epilogue.
Law of Return by Rebecca Pawel. 3 1/2 stars.
In this second-in-a-series Pawel book, Carlos Tejada has been reassigned to the Guardia Civil in Salamanca where he is reunited with Elena Fernandez, now living at home with her parents. This book wasn't as well plotted, IMO, as Death of a Nationalist.
jks@kershenbaum.com
I currently am reading Minority Report and Other Stories by Philip K. Dick. I give it 5 stars. He wrote some truly unique science fiction stories and the ones in this book are riveting.
jbayley@hotmail.com
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris. 3 stars.
I thought this would be better. After all, everyone is always going on and on about Sedaris's wit. I didn't get it. Sedaris is related to ridiculously funny people, but he's, well, boring.
No Plot? No Problem! by Chris Baty. 5 stars.
I am a NaNoWriMo fanatic, but never read the book. Baty gives a great overview of the program, and dishes up tons of advice that can be summed up as --- don't take yourself too seriously. Just get it done.
Good Body by Eve Ensler. 4 stars.
No Vagina Monologues, but good nonetheless. Women have such issues with their bodies, such disdain. Ensler tries to come to terms with her own struggle.
The Only Girl in the Car by Kathy Dobie. 4 stars.
No woman can be this stupid. That's what makes you realize she wasn't a woman, she was a needy fourteen-year-old girl trading attention with the only commodity she had, her body. It's disturbing and makes you want to ask all kinds of questions.
On Writing by Stephen King. 5 stars.
Stephen King books scare the daylights out of me, so I avoided his writing memoir. Until my friends started quoting it. Reading On Writing made me realize that I like Steve King. He's a great guy who watches too many movies. But I won't be buying his novels.
1001 Ways to Be Romantic by Gregory Godek. 3 stars.
The same 30 ideas are recycled at least a hundred times and given a new name. But I did get some good fodder for my latest romance novel.
MarshaNee@adelphia.net
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. 5 stars.
Excellent account of a father/son relationship, as well as a childhood friendship that haunts the character and forces him to face his insecurities.
myrtleme@sbcglobal.net
Paranoia by Joseph Finder and I'm lovin it! But then it's Joseph Finder --- he's great, along with Stephen King, one of my favs. While reading this book, you are living this book. 5 stars.
Marric77@aol.com
I'm listening to the audio of The Third Twin by Ken Follet. This is a suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what the heck is going on. I rate it 4 stars.
JQuick5342@aol.com
Midnight Hour by Mary Saums.
In her first book, Ms. Saums has created, with Willi Taft, a southern edition of V.I. Warshawski, Lydia Chin and Carlotta Carlyle --- believable but slightly quirky, and fun to be around. Although not as experienced as the others mentioned above, Willi proves she has a head for the detecting business. It will be interesting to see how she evolves in subsequent outings.
Long Time Gone by J. A. Jance.
J. P. Beaumont returns to wintry Seattle from his daughter's Hawaii wedding to be confronted with two challenges. One is a fifty-year-old "cold case" re-opened because of the "recovered memory" of a nun. The other is the current murder of the ex-wife of his former partner, the now paraplegic Ron Peters. J. P. tries to stay focused on the cold case as directed by his superiors, but elements of the Peters case keep dragging him back into that one, against the direct orders of his superiors.
Good News Bad News by David Wolstencroft.
By accident two spies are assigned together undercover without initially being informed of each other's background. Just after they each decide to retire, they realize they work for the same agency. Then they get orders. The good news is that it is their last assignment; the bad news is they are each ordered to eliminate the other. Will good sense override training? Will one or both die? Who is really pulling the strings?
By Order of the President by W.E.B. Griffin.
Under his own name and others, Griffin has written series about the US Army, Navy and Marines, the Philadelphia police department, and the US Secret Service. In this book he pulls many of the same elements together for a story from tomorrow's headlines, which starts with the hijacking of a 727 aircraft in Africa. While not a mystery per se, it is an excellent read with lots of action and plenty of law enforcement involvement.
The Hot Kid by Elmore Leonard.
If Elmore Leonard has ever written a bad book, it must have been published under another name. Taking a break from his recent work, in The Hot Kid Leonard returns to the classic western format, with a Cuban Indian Oklahoma boy becoming a United States Marshall, the result of an unfortunate childhood experience. Too bad the Duke has gone, because the part of Carl (Carlos) Webster has John Wayne written all over it, down to the "I only draw my gun to shoot" dialogue. Excellent read.
Two-Dollar Bill by Stuart Woods.
Stone Barrington's new client is Billy Bob Barnstormer from Texas, which proves Woods could probably tell a tale even after a couple of Stone's hits of Knob Creek. Throw in ex-partner Dino of the NYPD, some gunplay, a murder investigation and Stone's usual penchant for attracting beautiful women, and you have Woods's eleventh Barrington adventure.
At Risk by Stella Rimington
Ms. Rimington was the first female director general of MI5. In this, her first novel, she presents a taut, believable portrait of life in the service, warts and all. Her characters, particularly Intelligence Officer Liz Carlyle, seem genuine and realistic as they pursue the bad guys both within and outside the various branches that have to coordinate their activities. A good "Brit" story, well-told, and hopefully the beginning of a long relationship with Ms. Carlyle and company.
Melancholy Baby by Robert B. Parker.
Sunny Randall is no Spenser but her fourth adventure reaffirms Parker's ability to tell a story, and to tell it well. Sunny faces the emotional turmoil of her ex-husband's re-marriage while trying to solve a difficult case that has taken two lives already.
Karen from Wellington, FL
I was up till midnight for two evenings reading The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd. This is definitely a 5-star book for me. I found this much better than her Secret Life of Bees.
Mary Kaz from Michigan
Ordinary Wolves by Seth Kantner. 5 stars.
This novel opened a new window for me to life and culture in wild Alaska. The story is told through the eyes of Cutuk Hawcly, a boy who grows up searching for a place to fit in and longing to find peace for his restless soul. The scenery descriptions are at times astounding. Kantner does a good job of capturing life in the small Inupiaq village, drawing the reader into its rhythm and people. With the exception of a few slow spots, I enjoyed this debut novel and hope this author writes again.
chilibeans@cfl.rr.com
I just finished The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant. A well-written historical novel with a number of interesting twists.
bradylee@myway.com
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. Published 2000 with 569 pages. 5 stars.
I read this about a year ago and loved it, but just read it again for my book club. In fact, I have read all of his books now and recommend them. Why this particular book didn't make a name for Dan Brown is beyond me as it is almost as good as The Da Vinci Code. He mixes reality with make-believe so well that much of the world argues that what he has written is against the church or against some entrenched belief. After all, this is a story made up in the author's mind; it's fiction. Why all the hubbub? If you have not read this yet, do so if you love a good story.
hushpup@optonline.net
The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd. 3 1/2 stars.
This book doesn't give you the warm fuzzies like The Secret Life of Bees did. It was a good story that needed a little bit "more."
Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult. 4 stars.
I love this author but this book left me with a few unanswered questions. It also wrapped up in a bow at the end. I would have liked a little more about the characters and what happened to them.
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. 4 1/2 stars.
This book breaks your heart for all the characters and to hear it in their "voice" during the story makes the topic very emotional and tugs at your heartstrings! Excellent!
The Circus in Winter by Cathy Day. 4 stars.
This is a book of stories of circus performers and owners told through the years. Some of the stories written were in the early 1900s and some were in the present, today. The book was excellent and some of the stories really stay with you! I would recommend this to anyone.
Carosp@aol.com
Literary Murder by Batya Gur. 4 stars.
I stayed up too late more than once reading this book, about an Israeli investigator trying to solve two related crimes --- the murders of two professors in the same department at the same university. Very interesting. This is the second in a series of books about Michael Ohayon, the detective who looks at things from a psychological point of view.
Small Town Odds by Jason Headley. 3 1/2 stars.
Almost a coming-of-age story about a man who is really too old for that kind of story. The main character is in his middle twenties and disappointed in his life, acting almost as though he's already given up on having anything better. The light of his life is his young daughter, to whom he's a great father. I liked the book, but I guess I'd have liked more resolution at the end. The protagonist does seem headed in the right direction, though.
Blacklist by Sara Paretsky.
I am not far enough along yet to rate this one, but I love the V.I. Warshawski series, and this one does not look to be a disappointment. V.I. is checking out a house for intruders, at the request of a wealthy client and his mother, and comes across a dead man in the pool. The police say it was suicide, but I have a feeling V.I. will find out differently!
Crnroylman@aol.com
I just finished Under and Alone by William Queen. It is a memoir by a former ATF agent who goes underground to help crack "The Mongols," a motorcycle club from California. It was a very interesting read.
I'm currently reading Baker Towers by Jennifer Haigh. I think this will be a great book!
Julie Towson
I have just read The Alienist by Caleb Carr. It is a murder mystery that takes place at the turn of the 20th century in New York City. It is a most riveting and ingenious plot that will keep you turning the page in rapt anticipation of the next development. It kept me in suspense until the very last page. The story weaves around the chief of police of New York City at the time, Theodore Roosevelt. Carr describes the conditions of the city and the way of life in turn-of-the-century New York that makes you feel that you are there.
KennethRMartin@aol.com
Lost Lake by Phillip Margolin.
This is a conspiracy theory thriller that will have you changing your mind concerning the truth until the end.
Deb1teach@aol.com
Do No Harm by Gregg Hurwitz is a great psychological thriller. I couldn't put it down. Clyde, the killer, is both somebody you hate and feel sorry for. David, the doctor, trying to help him, is a very well-developed character. It is a great read.
fochler@erols.com
I just finished reading Anne Giardini's book The Sad Truth About Happiness, which is due out in May. A wonderful story. Ms. Giardini is Carol Shields's daughter. I was sent an ARC to review and was fascinated by it. A MUST read. 5 stars.
Also, I just finished The Girlfriend's Curse by Valerie Frankel, a good "beach" book or just to escape into. Lots of humor and mostly fluff, but a good escape. 3 stars.
ameliarand@yahoo.com
I am reading Lisa Gardner's The Killing Hour. It is a good suspense novel about a serial killer --- not your ordinary serial killer (is there an ordinary one??). I'm also finishing Sharon Ewell Foster's Ain't No River. It gives me a glimpse of the black community, especially the women. I want a friend like MeeMaw (since I am a grandma too). I just finished Harlan Coben's Tell No One. That was thriller to the very last sentence!
Bossu49@aol.com
The Bourne Identity & The Bourne Supremacy by Robert Ludlum. 5 stars.
I reread both again! The books are much better and very different from the movies.
vicklea@earthlink.net
I have just finished The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd. The style is the same as in The Secret Life of Bees, but this is definitely a book for adults to read. All about love and forbidden sex and discovering oneself and secrets kept for years. It is a mystery and a love story and a book about self-discovery that every middle-aged woman should read. 4 stars!
Alize55@aol.com
The Slightly True Story of Cedar B. Hartley by Martine Murray. 4 stars.
This is such a cute and uplifting book. It's written from the perspective of a young teen. It almost has a bit of the same feel as The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, but this girl is not autistic. The writing style I think is somewhat similar though.
The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King. 3 stars.
This is the second book in The Dark Tower series. I thought it was tremendously difficult to get into especially after reading The Gunslinger. I thought it got good at the end...of course. But I don't mind too much since there is another one to continue with.
Metro Girl by Janet Evanovich. 4 stars.
I really enjoyed this book. True, as most would say it was not as funny as the Plum series but I still thought it was quite funny and the characters were quite loveable. The story was somewhat unrealistic but for mysteries that typically does not bother me. I think they are more entertaining that way!
Little Children by Tom Perrotta.
I cant rate this yet because I am only a little ways into it, but so far I love it. It almost has a "Desperate Housewives" feel to it.
Rickimc@aol.com
A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L'Engle. 2 stars.
Seemed a little outdated. Also, the reason for some characters never truly came clear.
BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult. 5 stars.
This is the first book I've read by Jodi Picoult, but it certainly won't be the last. This was a well-written story set in an Amish community. Fascinating setting and interesting mystery.
KINDLEELF@aol.com
Savage Run by C.J. Box. 4 stars.
A killer is on the loose and Joe Pickett is on the hunt. C. J. Box also wrote Winterkill, also a very good read.
The Stone That the Builder Refused by Madison Smartt Bell. 5 stars.
The first in this trilogy was All Souls' Rising and the second Master of the Crossroads. They center on the revolution in the early 1800s in Haiti. Excellent.
Birds Without Wings by Louis DeBernieres. 5 stars.
This is the story of the dying days of the Ottoman Empire told in the voices of Muslim, Christian, Turkish, Greek, and Armenian descent.
Magic Seeds by V.S. Naipaul. 2 stars.
I kept reading this because I thought any minute it would get better. I stuck with it, but would give it 2 stars.
Marie of Winnepeg, Manitoba
I've just started The Day After Tomorrow by Allan Folsom. I'm only about 150 pages in, but already I'm loving it. 4 1/2 stars.
gregc2@bellsouth.net
Sacred Time by Ursula Hegi. 3 1/2 stars.
Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman. 3 1/2 stars.
Me & Emma by Elizabeth Flock. 2 stars.
Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson. 1 star.
Deneen Hazlett from Hedgesville, WV
I just really enjoyed a book and thought that other people would as well. I give it a rating of 5 stars. The book is called Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. It is one of those books that makes you go hmmmm. You would think that a book about economics would be boring when in fact this one is very entertaining. It poses questions like: Which is more dangerous, a gun or swimming pool? How is the Ku Klux Klan like a group of real estate agents? If drug dealers make so much money, why do they still live with their mothers? Which do we spend more money on, chewing gum or campaign contributions? What do sumo wrestlers and Chicago Public School teachers have in common?
Antoinette, Macungie, PA
The Carpenter's Notebook by Mark Clement. 4 1/2 stars.
Everyone has a story to tell, but not many of us can tell it like Mark Clement in this book. His main character, Brendan, is just a normal guy with today's normal problems: troubled marriage, faltering career, loss of a parent. Brendan, though, doesn't stew. He takes on a building project in memory of his father. It's a great way to sweat off his frustrations and think about where he is headed. He has no idea how much more he will learn and feel about life and living from his carpenter-father's plans and instructions. The author engages his readers so deeply that I felt a part of his struggle and ultimate mission to build a better life for him and for his family.
DStegmanCrawford@aol.com
I just finished Alone by Lisa Gardner. The story started out confusing and ended that way. Lots of extraneous information not needed to develop the plot. The characters were flat and uninteresting. Fast, escapist reading. 2 stars.
I also read Purity in Death by JD Robb. It is typical Eve Dallas fare --- a computer virus is infecting and killing the monsters who have hurt children. Who is behind it, and why? 3 1/2 stars.
lisaavila2000@yahoo.com
Single White Psychopath Seeks Same by Jeff Strand. 5 stars.
This is one seriously twisted book, a comic horror story of a man, Andrew Mayhem, who through no fault of his own ends up pretending to be a serial killer who's been invited to a party with other killers. He has to find a way to save himself, his best friend, and all the other victims who have been brought in to "play." Not a book for the easily offended.
Rev Andrea L. Stoeckel, Liverpool, NY
I have recently read two of Patricia Lewin's books: Blind Run and Out of Time. Fairly new to mystery reading, Pat's books will get you hooked on the first page and keep you hooked till the last, when you finally let your breath out and go looking for the next one. Well worth the ride.
Anonymous
I have just finished reading Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. What a wonderful book! The young brother and sister in the story remind me of the siblings in To Kill a Mockingbird --- even though the stories are not at all similar. A great read for all ages, and a keeper, for you surely will want to read it again and again. 4 stars.
Summertime by Liz Rigbey. 3 1/2 stars.
Not just a chilling murder mystery, it is a moving tale of love, loss, and confrontation with the past. (Would make a great movie!)
Shawn Freeman from Detroit, MI
The Living Incantation of Black Life by Shiyon Perriyon
Diary of a Groupie by Omar Tyree
Skyscraper by Zane
Cloish049@aol.com
The Year of Pleasures by Elizabeth Berg. 3 stars.
A widow goes on with the retirement plans she shared with her husband quickly after his death. This was not as good as most of Elizabeth Berg's work.
Everything Changes by Jonathan Tropper. 4 stars.
When a young man's long-lost father comes to town, his life turned upside down.
toythomas@comcast.net
No Graves As Yet and Shoulder the Sky by Anne Perry. 4 stars each.
These are mysteries set just before and during the first year of World War I. Well researched and well written. There should be others in this series and I am looking forward to reading them.
The Sign of the Book by John Dunning. 3 1/2 stars.
The Geographer's Library by Jon Fasman. 4 stars.
High Country Fall by Margaret Maron. 4 stars.
This is a series of mysteries that I have been reading for years and always enjoy them.
I am currently reading The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia Wrede. I read the fourth one first as I did not know it was part of a series. I've bought the first three and am currently reading the first one. These are delightful, and if they are all as good as the fourth one I would give the entire series 5 stars.
sherriemcp@yahoo.com
The Bourne Legacy by Eric Van Lustbader
lgettle@iserv.net
The President's Assassin by Brian Haig. 5 stars.
Sean Drummond has to find a brilliant killer-for-hire or the President will die. This is a well-paced novel with unexpected touches of humor.
Blood Memory by Greg Iles. 4 stars.
Someone is killing people with their teeth. The case falls to FBI forensic odontologist Catherine Ferry.
Light in Shadow by Jayne Ann Krentz. 5 stars.
Someone is out to get Zoe Luce. Can she trust PI Ethan Truax to help her? Very enjoyable.
Truth or Dare by Jayne Ann Krentz. 5 stars.
Zoe Luce and Ethan Truax team up to discover who is threatening Zoe's best friend. Zoe and Ethan are great characters and I'd like to read more of them.
OcalaRose@aol.com
Honeymoon by James Patterson and Howard Roughan was so predictable and such a letdown to all the media buildup of this novel. I kept waiting for a final punch at the end to make this worthwhile, but it wasn't there. 3 stars for holding my interest enough to finish it.
metalfiend11@yahoo.com
Hostage by Robert Crais. 4 stars.
I had to read the book before I saw the movie. The book was very good but I expected better. It does have some good twists and turns and it is a very fast read. I look forward to reading the rest of his books.
Pet Sematary by Stephen King. 5 stars.
Stephen King at his best!!!!!! One of the best storytellers ever!!!! When Louis, Rachel, Eileen and Gage Creed move to Ludlow, Maine, they have no idea of the horrors that await them. The fun starts when a young college student dies is Louis's office and tells him things that shock him. Later, Eileen's cat dies while she, Rachel and Gage are visiting Rachel's parents. Louis is introduced to a strange new world. Amazing he didn't end up in an asylum. I had dreams after reading this book. Awesome!!!!!
P.S. If you ever pass through Ludlow, Maine, don't stop!!!!!
Little Altars Everywhere by Rebecca Wells. 4 stars
I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did. Rebecca Wells did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. I laughed through most of the first half of the book, but the second half was extremely sad. I hope to read The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood soon.
Cpledger3@aol.com
The Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill (Scholastic) is one of the best YA books I've read. A great read for both boys and girls.
Debby236@aol.com
I just finished The Bride's Necklace by Kat Martin. I give it a 5 stars. It is a wonderful love story with some suspense in it. My interest was kept until the very end.
DHotetz@artelinc.com
The Taking by Dean Koontz.
Even though I have read a number of this author's books, I have never considered myself a big fan of his. Now I know why! This book, dealing with the taking over of the Earth by something (and therein lies the problem), never presents a viable and/or logical case, one way or the other. The premise throughout the first 90% is that the invaders are aliens from another world, but this is thrown into confusion at the end when a very strong religious basis is the reason for Earth's recent problem. While I did not have a problem with either scenarios, I did have a big problem with the way it ended (or should I say didn't end). While an interesting read, I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
Trace by Patricia Cornwell
I am usually very tuned in to this author's work, especially with the forensic science aspect of the heroine's background. However, this book spent much of the time on the relationship between the heroine and her subsequent successor in the Virginia Coroners office. The obvious antagonistic relationship is never fully resolved and this left me frustrated to no end. The eventual murderer was pretty obvious from the middle of the book, only the final realization was left for the back end. I did not think this to be one of the author's better works and can only give it 3 out of 5 stars.
Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen
This author is crazy and that is what I love about him! The visualization that he creates in the reader's eyes is incredible and truly realistic. The premise, while outrageous and unbelievable, keeps you enthralled throughout this short book. The author's ability to tie everything together without you seeing what is happening is something not many authors have. I loved this book and only wished it had been longer and contained many more characters. Buy this book and enjoy it! I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
bradylee@myway.com
State of Fear by Michael Crichton. Fiction. Published 2004 with 573 pages plus notes. 4 stars.
No matter which side of the fence you are on regarding world environment/pollution, this book should interest you and you will learn a lot. There is a lot of fact mixed up with the author's creation, with a multitude of references you can check for yourself.
The story will grab you immediately with a fair amount of mystery to keep you reading page after page. There is a good reason why this is now a bestseller; deservedly so. It also points out the stubbornness of some people after much proof is given of why they are wrong, yet they refuse to change their minds...usually because of vested interests. This should be interesting to all readers.
Ginger.Louden@sendit.nodak.edu
I just finished reading Me & Emma by Elizabeth Flock. I give this book 5 stars. It started out somewhat slow, but once I got into it I couldn't put it down. The ending took me totally by surprise, and that's a nice way to end a book! I also like the way the author goes from her childhood first person to her present first person writing. It keeps it interesting.
GerryD8784@aol.com
Bloodsworth by Tim Junkin. 4 stars.
The subtitle of this book tells it all: "The True Story Of The First Death Row Inmate Exonerated By DNA." Kirk Bloodsworth, a man with no prior criminal history, spent nine years in prison in Maryland for a crime he didn't commit. He was finally released through the efforts of a dedicated attorney and the discovery of new techniques of DNA fingerprinting that ultimately prove he could not have been the man who raped and murdered nine-year old Dawn Harrison.
The Ha-Ha by Dave King. 5 stars.
King's debut novel is a delight! Howard, a damaged and somewhat bitter Vietnam vet, is asked by his high school girlfriend, for whom he still carries a torch, to care for her son while she's in rehab. Ryan, Sylvia's nine-year-old son, is resentful and confused initially, but he and Howard soon develop an unshakable bond that ultimately helps draw Howard back into the world of the living, the loving, the loved.
The Year of Pleasures by Elizabeth Berg. 5 stars.
Beautifully written, and worth re-reading to enjoy again and again! A fifty-ish widow sets off from Boston to seek the fresh start she and her husband had planned in the Midwest. Bravely settling into a new life in a small town, she reconnects with old friends from college, and welcomes new friends and new experiences as she forges a new life of unexpected pleasures.
March by Geraldine Brooks. 3 1/2 stars.
The father of the girls in Alcott's Little Women comes to life, though at times barely so, in this novel of a family changed by the Civil War. Mr. March turns out to be a bit priggish and self-involved, though, and the book is most interesting during his illness, when Mrs. March takes center stage.
The Foreign Student by Susan Choi. 1 star.
This one never quite came together, and I ended up not finishing the last 100 or so pages. A former Korean soldier comes to America to attend college in the South, and is befriended by a young woman of about his own age who seems to relish the role of town odd-ball. A disappointing read following her much more interesting American Woman.
Due Preparations for the Plague by Janette Turner Hospital. 5 stars.
Lowell, a young man whose mother was killed when her plane was hijacked by terrorists, is contacted repeatedly by a young woman who claims to have survived the terror, and to have information about Lowell's father. He ignores her until his father dies suddenly, and Lowell receives a mysterious package that suggests his father may have known something about the hijacking. Then the two join forces to grapple with a mystery even bigger in scope than they suspected, and find their own lives may be endangered. Excellent plotting and character development make this book one I highly recommend.
Prom by Laurie Halse Anderson. 2 1/2 stars.
When the money for their prom is stolen by the faculty advisor, senior girls at a poor city high school decide to make their special night happen anyway. OK, but not up to the standard Anderson set in Speak.
Marlie, St. George, Utah
5 absolutely huge, giant stars for Me & Emma by Elizabeth Flock. Next to The Secret Life of Bees this little book is my next favorite EVER!!!! I love the surprise twist ending! You won't be disappointed when you read this gem!! Elizabeth Flock has a splendid way of telling the story of a precious little girl's survival in this world!
Sturtze56@aol.com
Notes from the Underbelly by Risa Green. 4 1/2 stars.
Absolutely hysterical piece of Chick Lit. I loved the main character, Lara, and following her pregnancy. Can't wait for the sequel. Ms. Green, get writing!
Alone by Lisa Gardner. 4 1/2 stars.
I was hooked from the very first page. Wonderful thriller with many twists and turns. I've read Ms. Gardner's other books...this one ranks up there.
TereseRose
The Heartbreak Lounge by Wallace Stroby is definitely 5 stars! Exciting crime fiction, it is full of twists and surprises. The characters are memorable!
houseconcert@lycos.com
The Piano Shop on the Left Bank by Thad Carhart. 5 stars.
An amazing book, especially for anyone interested in music.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. 5 stars.
Insightful novel, I just couldn't put it down.
Carolina Moon by Jill McCorkle. 5 stars.
Jill McCorkle is a brilliant Southern writer. You simply MUST read one of her works!
kelley899@yahoo.com
I recently finished Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach and give it 5 stars. It was just so incredibly fascinating.
Also, Star Quality by Lori Foster, Lucy Monroe and Dianne Castell was quite good. 4 out of 5 stars.
Donna L.
I just finished reading We'll Meet Again by Mary Higgins Clark. 5 stars. I really enjoy her mystery/thrillers. This one was really good and they all keep me on the edge of my seat. I recommend any of her books.
Nighttime Is My Time is also another good book of hers I finished. I have The Cradle Will Fall, On the Street Where You Live, Pretend You Don't See Her and He Sees You When You're Sleeping all on my reading pile. All Mary Higgins Clark!
I just finished reading Twisted by Jeffery Deaver. 5 stars. There are 16 short stories in this book and each one just seems to really catch you off-guard. They keep you guessing and some are just plain surprises you never expected. It was really worth reading.
I am just finishing up Burned by Carol Higgins Clark. 5 stars. It is the current Regan Reilly mystery and extremely enjoyable. It takes place on the Hawaiian Islands. If you have ever been there, it will really make you feel as though you have returned. It's a great mystery and has a special place in my heart, as I am a character in the book (because my last name was spelled incorrectly, future publications will be corrected as well as the paperback and I will now be in another one of her books -- I am so excited I had to share). I have read the rest of her mysteries and they are all good with some quirky characters, a touch of humor, and are thoroughly satisfying.
I am also in the middle of reading Hammerjack by Marc D. Giller. 5 stars so far. It is his first published book and is a dark, futuristic thriller. It has everything you would want in a fast-paced and thrilling read: murder, techno-terrorism, war between the corporate Collective and an anti-tech cult, and a conspiracy he has to uncover without ending up dead by many of the superhuman characters I've read about so far. It has been really good so far and I would definitely recommend it.
b.nolan@insightbb.com
I just finished reading Almost Like Being in Love by Christina Dodd. A sexy romance and a quick read. I liked it. 5 stars.
jberger@salud.unm.edu
Forever by Pete Hamill. 5 stars.
Wonderful saga set in Ireland and then New York. Masterpiece of writing with memorable story and characters whose lives are written with pathos and empathy.
realbencann@yahoo.com
In a Dark House by Deborah Crombie. 5 stars.
A master storyteller who weaves a suspense-filled tale with vivid characters and a multilayered plot. This author does a super job of writing mysteries filled with thrills and excellent character portrayal and vivid locales.
John1rosie@aol.com
The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios by Yann Martel. 4 stars.
If this book of short stories was a boxer he would be a middle weight, spare but able to hit with power. One of the top fighters for your attention in its weight class. Having your attention you might find this volume's Author's notes very well worth your immediate attention. As for me, I read it back to front and I was glad that I did. The first story, which gives title to the book, leaves one wanting to take a slight vacation from, rather than plunging into, further reading. Of the four stories, all of them are arguably about death, death by AIDS, death by failure to thrive, death by execution, life by memories. Each story will leave you thoughtful. I am looking forward to his next book.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. 1 star.
A great book in its day and for days afterward, no doubt, but one that has not withstood the test of time. Reading it one can imagine that facets of Socialism and Communism needed to be mixed with Capitalism in order to make Capitalism appealing to America in transition. Happily enough the powers that were recognized that and did it; armed conflict was minimized and revolution was avoided. Steinbeck was proclaimed a Nobel Prize winner. All was and is well and good. But gee, don't the characters and situations in Grapes seem just too melodramatic and essentially hollow?
beierbach@shaw.ca
Can You Keep A Secret? by Sophie Kinsella. 5 stars.
This book is great. It is a comedy, yet realistic and has the "life lessons" coming at you better than most fairy tales. I laughed and I cried. I couldn't put the book down and then missed the characters when I was done. If that wasn't all, I loved the way she would coin a phrase. It is a 5 for plot, characters, dialogue, and entertainment. Gotta love that Sophie!
ginawjax@comcast.net
Magical Thinking by Augusten Burroughs. 3 stars.
This is a collection of short stories from the author of the outstanding memoir Running With Scissors. The same witty, jaunty style as in the memoir but much more delving into the homosexual dating scene. I guess that turned me off.
Alars11@aol.com
I just finished reading Song of the Bones by M.K. Preston. I give it 5 stars. Song of the Bones is fascinating, and it kept my interest right to the end. I could hardly put the book down! I love a good mystery, and this one surely is. I highly recommend it!
Debby236@aol.com
I just finished up Lori Wilde's Mission: Irresistible. This is a romance and a mystery. It was fantastic. I give it 5 stars.
mpicc@verizon.net
I recently finished reading Honeymoon by James Patterson and found it to be one of his better books. The plot took some twists and turns that were totally unexpected. I loaned it to some friends at work and their opinion was the same --- excellent!! I give this 5 stars.
myrtleme@sbcglobal.net
When Elephants Weep by Jeffrey Moussaieff Mason. 5 stars.
This book was purchased and given to me by a dear friend. I collect elephants and she thought this would be a nice addition to my collection --- well it was. Doubly, it's a very nice looking book. But most importantly it's a very, very interesting read --- all about the emotional lives of animals, including elephants. I give this book 5 big stars.
Marric77@aol.com
Song of the Road by Dorothy Garlock. 4 stars.
This is the third installment in the Route 66 series. I have enjoyed spending time with the travelers on their way to a new life.
gwatts@attica.net
I've just finished reading Haunted by Kelley Armstrong. This is by all means a must read, if you're into fantasy, fiction or horror! Very impelling and hard to put down...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
dmilburn@alltel.net
Being Dead is No Excuse by Gayden Metcalfe and Charlotte Hays. 3 stars.
I live in the South --- although, granted, not the Deep South. So I could relate to most of this book. The premise is the social customs surrounding a death. In the beginning, I chuckled many times as I read expressions and ideas I had heard many times concerning taking dishes to the grieving family, what's proper and what's definitely not. There are several recipes throughout the book that are more or less standard "funeral meal" fare. After I had read the first half or so, it began to be so repetitive that had I not been on a car trip and more or less trapped for a while, I probably wouldn't have even finished it. Best way to read this book would be to read a chapter or two, go away, and then come back another day. If you're from the South, you'll think "been there, done that." Even if you're from the North, this book may be a new and almost unbelievable world.
Betty from NJ
During a recent plane trip I read Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier. It was a quick read and sets me up to see the movie. While I missed the depth of my typical suspense thrillers, it was an easy-to-read historical tale tangled round the creation of a painting. While the artist didn't seem world-class to me, the day-to-day life of the 17th century household is guaranteed to make you totally appreciate your appliances. 2 stars.
gwengp49@bellsouth.net
I am currently reading books about or written by African Americans. Having Our Say, a nonfiction book about Sarah and Elizabeth Delany, two mixed-race sisters who lived to be 104 and 109, tells the oral history of their lives through their first 100 years. I am also a fan of Ernest Gaines and have read most of his fiction books, most recently A Gathering of Old Men and A Lesson Before Dying.
Ery222@aol.com
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. 5 stars.
catslady5@aol.com
Hidden Secrets by Cait London. 3 1/2 stars.
Quick reading romantic suspense. If you prefer more romance then you will enjoy this book.
shirley@theansteys.freeserve.co.uk
Currently reading The Coffee Trader by David Liss. (Previously enjoyed his Conspiracy of Paper.) If you enjoyed Girl with a Pearl Earring (Tracy Chevalier) and Tulip Fever (Deborah Moggach) you may well enjoy this as it is set in Amsterdam during the same period so you'll feel as if you have been there before. The plot is set within the Portugese Jewish community who fled to escape the Inquisition and the intrigues of the commodities exchange (don't feel you have to know lots about the money markets). It's a well-paced story with the promise of intrigue, betrayal and possible romance. I am about halfway through and loving it. If I can rate something I haven't yet finished, then I anticipate I will be giving it at least 4 and probably 5 stars at the end. Incidentally I gave the other books I mentioned 5 stars and suggest you check them out if you don't know them. (The film of Girl with a Pearl Earring is also worth seeing --- very beautiful and "arty.")
BJ Deese
I just finished reading Blue Dahlia by Nora Roberts. It was a very engaging book with captivating characters. I'm definitely looking forward to the June release of the second book in this trilogy. 5 stars.
bookworm1957@adelphia.net
Company Man by Joseph Finder. Very interesting story.
One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus. A MUST READ.
Most Wanted by Michele Martinez is a great first novel, and I had the opportunity to meet the author. A BIG PLUS+
And finally The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. One of the best I have read in a long time...very informative.
GerryD8784@aol.com
The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman. 4 1/2 stars.
Slow starting, so much so that I considered putting it aside when I'd read about half the book. But well worth persisting, as it took off dramatically when the main character, the "Ice Queen" herself, begins to "thaw" after a lifetime of intentional isolation. Finally learning to risk caring for another person, she gives herself permission to begin living her own life, rather than passively existing. "The best way to die is while living, even here in New Jersey."
Doctored Evidence by Michael Biegl. 3 stars.
Karen Hayes, the in-house hospital attorney, discovers evidence of medical billing fraud and murder after her friend and colleague, the hospital's chief financial officer, dies on the operating table. Biehl has developed an interesting plot line and likeable characters, for an overall satisfying read.
102 Minutes by Jim Dwyer. 5 stars.
Written with such clarity and detail that the reader can almost smell the smoke and feel the oppressive heat, 102 Minutes captures the horror and heroism of 9/11/01 in the World Trade Center. In addition to blaming the terrorists for their reprehensible acts, Dwyer also doesn't hesitate to place blame on competing city agencies whose lack of coordination and communication with one another increased the death toll among both civilians and those attempting to rescue them.
The Memory of Running by Ron McLarty. 5 stars.
A grossly overweight, socially inept forty-three year old man finds himself suddenly alone after the deaths of both his parents and his long-lost mentally ill sister. Impulsively biking across the U.S. to claim his sister's body, he discovers much to love and appreciate in America, as well as in himself.
Honeymoon by James Patterson. 1 star.
Why do I keep wasting my time on Patterson's books? Only a week after I read it, I had almost NO recollection of what it was about; actually the basic plot involved an investigator falling for a female serial killer whose targets were her husbands. Guess I should be glad I didn't waste more than one evening on this one!
KennethRMartin@aol.com
Hot Target by Suzanne Brockmann. 4 stars.
Andrea Baltrus from Pittsburgh
The book I just finished reading is Ida B by Katherine Hannigan. While this is a children's book (ages 9 and up), I would highly recommend this book for adults as well. The storyline centers on one child's life circumstances and how she handles things when outside forces change her life. It is a charming story with important life lessons about attitude, making changes, and being open to accepting help when things get rough. Ida B is a child we all can identify with. I give it 5 stars.
Pat Schrot
I am currently reading The Sign of the Book by John Dunning and enjoying it. Good suspense and as always lots of great information about book collecting.
I just finished Lost Lake by Phillip Margolin and was very disappointed. It was not nearly as good as his earlier books --- a very ho-hum plot!
JHIDEY@aol.com
The Austere Academy by Lemony Snickett. 3 stars.
As an adult I find the books very repetitive but this one added some "real" other people and I liked it.
And Not a Penny More by Kathryn R. Wall. 5 stars.
I read the first in the Bay Tanner Mysteries and enjoy them. I'm now on the third one.
catlvr14@aol.com
As we are going to Alaska next month, I am re-reading James Michener's book Alaska. I read it the first time prior to our first trip to Alaska. It's a fabulous book that gives you insight into the history and the people that make up our great 50th state. This is a must-read book for everyone, but especially those who have been or are going to visit.
DAHATTORI@aol.com
I am reading Beautiful Jim Key: The Lost History of a Horse and a Man Who Changed the World by Mim Eichler Rivas. I rate it 5 stars. If you loved Seabiscuit, you will just fall in love with Beautiful Jim Key. This horse was trained by his owner and best friend Dr. William Key, a former slave, self-taught veterinarian. Beautiful Jim was reported to have an I.Q. equivalent to that of a human sixth grader and was able to read, write, spell, do mathematics, tell time, sort mail, cite biblical passages, and debate politics. This is a very interesting book. Dr. Key was instrumental in the early founding of various humane societies for the protection of animals, and Beautiful Jim played a big part in spreading the idea that animals should be treated humanely. I highly recommend this book.
tazaroo@mchsi.com
Dean Koontz's Frankenstein: Book One, Prodigal Son.
Halfway through and it is a great Dean Koontz book. I'm having problems putting it down. I can't wait for Book Two!
Sadiebelle238@aol.com
I have just finished The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. I enjoyed it and learned a lot about Africa but felt that it was a little wordy. At the end it seemed to go on and on. I gave it 3 stars. For a nice change of pace I am reading Big Cherry Holler by Andrea Trigiani. It is a sequel to her first novel, Big Stone Gap, and it is just as enjoyable. Her writing is full of quirky characters that you love and it's fun, easy reading. 4 stars.
JONIVERSON@aol.com
Time on My Hands by Peter Delacorte
The Making of the President, 1960 by Theodore White
baxtergr@msn.com
I seem to have more than the usual number of books going at the same time right now. I did finish When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka. This is the book chosen for 2005 for all of Seattle to read and what a read it is! It is a short book written in spare language that enhances the storyline of a Japanese family on the west coast sent into internment after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. We are given the points of view of both parents, an 11-year-old daughter and the 8-year-old son. This book rates a 5 from me.
I am not quite halfway through Heloise and Abelard: A New Biography by James Burge. This book is based on 113 letters exchanged by these two. This is a recent discovery. Their story is a fascinating one and also I am learning about the study of philosophy and rhetoric. At least a 4, probably a 5 by the time I have finished.
I have also begun The Gospel According to Tolkien by Ralph C. Wood. This is most certainly not a quick read. It demands attention and study, but is well worth the extra effort and time to learn what it is believed were Tolkien's beliefs at the time of his writing and how those beliefs are encompassed into his stories.
Lest you think me incredibly dull in my choice of books, I did recently read and enjoy Diane Mott Davidson's latest mystery featuring her intrepid caterer, Goldy, solving murders and cooking away. Her books are always fun to read and I also always come away with at least one new recipe from them. 4 stars.
yarraman@justinternet.com.au
Harlan Coben --- You gotta get your hands on anything by this exciting author. I've just finished Darkest Fear, which features Coben's ongoing character Myron Bolitar. A very different and interesting sorta hero in the suspense/crime genre. His stand-alone books are great too! I'm in the process of reading right through his backlist.
Reader256@aol.com
Here's what I've been reading:
Cast of Shadows by Kevin Guilfoile.
Easily the best thriller I have read in ages. I recommend this book to everyone!!!
The Family Tree by Carole Cadwalladr.
A terrific first novel --- lots of great 1970s and 1980s references. Great for dysfunctional family story lovers.
Baker Towers by Jennifer Haigh.
Fantastic story, I couldn't put it down. It follows the lives of a family in a mining town. Every character is memorable. A must-read!
True Believer by Nicholas Sparks.
Truly a terrible novel. Very predictable, and the happily-ever-after ending seems tacked on.
Brooke from New York
I just got done reading My Life in Orange: Growing Up with the Guru by Tim Guest. I really enjoyed this balanced look at an English boy's growing up on an ashram in India. He resists sensationalizing events but tells his family's story along with his own personal recollections of a very unusual childhood. Spiritual memoirs and autobiographies always hold a special interest for me, and this one doesn't disappoint. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.
GandmaRI@aol.com
I just finished reading Hard Truth by Nevada Barr. It's her latest novel. I'd rate it 4 stars. The suspense builds rapidly, but on two fronts that eventually meld together. There are quite a few characters and sometimes they are a bit difficult to follow. It's another great read about Anna Pigeon, a ranger in the National Park system. I'm definitely a fan of Nevada Barr.
BlindlyBookish@aol.com
Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. 4 stars.
Subtle characterization that makes a vivid story. Very good classic.
Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson. 5 stars.
Excellent adventure book full of twists, suspense, and humor. Very entertaining and addictive
charris@pctelecom.us
St. Dale by Sharyn McCrumb. 5 stars.
A novel about NASCAR racing and memorializing Dale Earnhardt. A bus load of his admirers go on a bus tour of all the race tracks he rode on. It is a good book and fun to read.
Robbing the Bees by Holly Bishop. 5 stars.
It is a nonfiction book about bees and raising them. Starts with the earliest record to present day. One of the best books I have read. I highly recommend it.
The Broker by John Grisham. 4 stars.
A lawyer mystery. Not the best that Grisham has written but still better than most writers.
Nowhere to Run by Mary Jane Clark. 4 stars.
A good mystery about an anthrax scare at the Key TV in New York.
gstibolt@sky-bolt.com
Shadow Patriots by Lucia St. Clair Robson is about the Culper Ring, a group of George Washington's spies operating out of Manhattan and Long Island. The city of New York itself can hold its own among the American Revolution's cast of pungent characters, but this story centers on the mysterious intelligencer known to history only as 355, the Culpers' code for "lady."
Daniel Mc Adam
I am reading Siren Song by Robert Edric. I would give it 4 out of 5. It is a great read and I would not be surprised if it goes to film soon.
TereseRose
I am reading Sullivan's Justice by Nancy Taylor Rosenberg. At this point I would have to rate the book a 3. The dialogues are stilted, quite a few of the characters are annoying, and the sex scenes foolish. I have been a fan of Nancy Taylor Rosenberg but I am quite disappointed with this latest work.
nortomb@webtv.net
Right now I'm reading Winds of Change by Martha Grimes. So far it's 4 stars. The ending will affect it! Right now I don't have a clue as to how it's going to conclude. I have to sign off so I can back to reading it.
4mitch@sbcglobal.net
I just finished The Forgotten Man by Robert Crais. It was not my favorite Elvis Cole mystery, but it was one that I thought explained a lot about Elvis Cole's troubled childhood. 4 stars.
My book group is now reading Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. It has been a slow start. 3 stars.
Carosp@aol.com
French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Giuliano. 4 stars.
I enjoyed this book. Although a lot of it is common sense and has been said before, Ms. Giuliano says it in a new and interesting way, and adds some twists that make it more interesting, such as saying that you shouldn't deprive yourself of things like wine and chocolate, but just have to compensate for them in other ways, and that is the essence of how you should eat for life. Moderation is the key to this diet. She also has what appears to be some great recipes in the book. I'm hoping to try some of them!
Karen Perrin
I am currently reading A Thousand Days in Venice (an unexpected romance) by Marlene de Blasi. It's a quick read and delightful so far! 4 stars.
GliJ9@aol.com
Donna Leon's new book Blood From a Stone is fabulous. I love these stories of a marriage and a fun family set in Venice. She really spins a great story. I have read all of hers.
Also really good to read is Laura Lippman who writes about Baltimore...and what's not to love about Baltimore? The Sugar House is very well written and Tess Monaghan is a feisty PI.
Pratt.Johnk@epamail.epa.gov
Gabrielle's Awakening by Alexandra Adams
It's a story about an unexpectedly widowed Gabriella, a sexually inexperienced author who turns for support to her late husband's closest friend, Michael. Michael tells her that he desires a slave willing to exist solely for his pleasure. Trained by Michael to submit and obey, Gabriella grows to crave both the pain and the pleasure he uses to lift her to astonishing heights of ecstasy. Just as she gets used to pleasing him, a friend of Michael's enters her life as Michael's guest. Michael's friend, Raoul, tells Michael about a favor that Michael owes Raoul and Michael agrees. Anyhow, both Michael and Raoul compete to win the slave's permanent favor. Gabriella eventually makes her choice and learns much about her sensual nature that enables her to finally resolve the dilemma tormenting her. It was an interesting and well written book that I would give 5 stars to.
sweeps_101@yahoo.com
I am reading or rereading Stephen King's Gerald's Game. I give it 4 stars. I have also just started I'm Not the New Me by Wendy McClure. So far I would give it 4 stars as well.
amy.gross@cingular.com
I just finished reading a great book by Jonathon King, Shadow Men. This is the fourth Max Freeman book I've read and all were very good. 5 stars.
I am currently reading The Forgotten Man by Robert Crais. This is my first Elvis Cole book and I'm enjoying it. I like the way the author writes, not too much but enough description to follow the flow of the book. 4 stars.
I love any book by Karin Slaughter, Harlan Coben (be sure to read the Myron Bolitar series --- they are hilarious), James Patterson, Michael Connolly, David Baldacci, Iris Johansen, John Sandford and Margaret Maron. I also love the Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum series. I'm anxiously awaiting the release of her latest, Eleven on Top.
I read John Grisham's latest, The Broker, and was disappointed. Same for Nora Roberts's last two books, Blue Dahlia and Northern Lights. 2 stars.
jreimold@cox.net
I've just finished Alex Kava's One False Move. As with the rest of her books I really enjoyed this one. I feel like I get to know her characters and when reading her books it's not hard to have a little movie video in my head of what I'm reading. Every book I've read of hers delivers. I give it a 4 but then I don't often give 5's, you have to have room for the extremely special. This was a very good read. A fast-moving, can't-wait-to-get-back-to book.
I also read Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs. It was a good suspenseful book. I hadn't read her before but will again. The book is a 4, leaving room for great books at 5.
I also tried to read John Grisham's Bleachers. Notice I said tried. BORING. I've read all his books and this along with The Chamber are the two I didn't care for. I didn't finish this one. Has he gone to getting them to press and meeting deadlines too fast to have a good plot? I gave this book a 1 as I couldn't even finish it. Men may like it...
maestraw@msn.com
I just finished The Turtle Warrior by Mary Relindes Ellis. I would rate it 1 1/2 stars. I think had I been made aware of the true horror of Bill's relationship with John, I would have been more sympathetic with the path his life took. There was simply not enough character development to make me care about Claire, Bill, and even Ernie and Rosemary.
Grigoro@aol.com
I just finished The Known World by Edward Jones, and I recommend it, although it is a long read. Winner of last year's Pulitzer Prize, it is about an African American slave owner in 1800s Virginia. This concept intrigued me, and the story was wonderful, but a bit rambling. A TON of characters that are hard to keep track of, but when I was finished, I realized how much I had enjoyed it. 4 stars.
shuwanna@cswnet.com
Company Man by Joseph Finder. 5 stars.
Great read.
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