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sammarx@comcast.net
Summer Sisters by Judy Blume. 4 stars.
Sea Glass by Anita Shreve. 3 stars.
Nancy from Atlanta
I just finished Case Histories by Kate Atkinson. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. It has such a surprise ending and was so enjoyable I couldn't put it down. I would recommend it to anyone.
Sandy from Centennial WY
The End of Faith: Religion, Terror and the Future of Reason by Sam Harris. 5 stars.
Author Sam Harris bravely makes the argument that we must put aside "political correctness" and speak our true feelings about the dangers of organized religion. Focusing on Islam and Christianity, Harris makes the point that any religion that claims its God is THE God is a religion that itself leaves no room for discussion and therefore no room for tolerance.
A frightening, convincing argument, Harris backs it up with nearly five pages of quotes from the Koran encouraging violence towards nonbelievers and rewards for those who kill in "his" name; killing without guilt, too, as nonbelievers are already cursed by God being the "non-chosen ones," and therefore doomed. The horrific and terrifying practices of honor killings and female genital mutilation are also discussed, mirroring the less violent, yet still blatant control of, women in Christianity's bible, from blaming women for "the fall" to demanding obedience to men and removing choice over one's own body and therefore one's personal destiny. Christianity has infiltrated our government, and men and women who should be making decisions based on reason and intelligence are making decisions based on faith. Harris shows the connection between this and doors slamming in the face of scientific research; how our drug laws waste billions of dollars because people should only find comfort through Jesus; how it affects school text books; how it rules through fear of the unknown beyond death and much, much more.
Relating the history and birth of both religions, Harris makes an excellent argument for moderate Christians and Muslims alike to take a good look at how their moderation (and ours) is allowing these dangers to grow exponentially.
The only thing I did not like about this book were Harris's occasional little insults to people of faith. This, I'm afraid, will stop many a reader short, and keep some from finishing this important book.
Not a bedtime read, a true tale of horror. A very meaningful, intelligent book that should be read by all --- before it's too late.
eplib@mchsi.com
I am just finishing Dating Dead Men by Harley Jane Kozak. Although it is a little light for my taste, her cast of characters and the way they interact with one another is amazing and very enjoyable. Mental insanity, the mob and bad dates run amok in this easy read. If you're not into a lot of gore but like a mystery with some humor on the side, I'd recommend this 4-star book.
Dasras50@aol.com
The Real Freshman Handbook by Jennifer Hanson. 3 stars.
Had some good advice, but the author tried too hard to be humorous.
Being Perfect by Anna Quindlen. 4 stars.
Picked up a new perspective on perfection, and it only took a few minutes to read.
Baby Laughs by Jenny McCarthy. 5 stars.
The humor was just right in this book. Enjoyed it as much as Belly Laughs.
The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd. 4 stars.
I'm probably one of the few people who have read this book without reading Secret Life of Bees first, so I didn't have a source of comparison. I thought the ending was a bit abrupt.
Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. 4 stars.
I finally got around to reading this classic book of inspiration.
Girls in Pants by Ann Brashares. 5 stars.
Both my teenage daughter and I enjoy this series about the traveling pants.
The Secret Language of Girlfriends by Karen Neuburger. 5 stars.
I read an excerpt in one of my magazines and was excited to find the book at my local library. Now, I've also subscribed to the email newsletter.
flowerpowr@bellsouth.net
I am currently reading Savannah from Savannah by Denise Hildreth. It is a Chick Lit novel set in Savannah, Georgia --- and it has a Christian slant. I am really enjoying it and would recommend it to other readers. 4 stars from me!
kathy@universaldrum.com
I am currently reading Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs. I would give this book 5 stars. I really like Kathy Reichs in general. This book is less technical than some of her other books with a quick moving story line. If you liked The Da Vinci Code, you'll like this as well.
kathy@universaldrum.com
I just finished reading A Marriage Most Scandalous by Johanna Lindsey. With a cheeky heroine and a sultry hero, what more could a girl ask for in a romance novel? I'd give this book a 4; it's a quick, smooth read that's hard to put down.
js1960@hotmail.com
I am currently reading Nelson DeMille's The Lion's Game. His books are great...I love the characters and the storylines keep you hooked.
OLTLFREAK@aol.com
The Innocent by Harlan Coben. 4 stars.
This is the first book by Harlan I have read, and I did enjoy it. The first half moved slow, but then it really picked up.
4th of July by James Patterson. 4 stars.
Enjoyed it, fourth in a series.
This Dame For Hire by Sandra Scoppettone. 1 star.
Horrible. I loved her mystery series, but didn't enjoy this at all.
The Mermaid Chair by Susan Monk Kidd. 2 stars.
So so. Expected more after I read her first book. I dreamt about monks after reading this.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. 4 stars.
Loved it. Took me about 100 pages to get into it.
hagarrpt@earthlink.net
Runner in the Dark by Ed Gorman. 3 1/2 stars.
This thriller by Ed Gorman begins with a courtroom scene in which an accused man, Roy Gerard, is being tried for murder. Assistant District Attorney Jessica Dennis is questioning a witness when gunmen, including Gerard's brother, David, enter the courtroom, open fire, and escape via helicopter with Gerard in tow. Jessica is wounded, and a reporter, Michael Shaw, comes to her aid.
Flash forward five years, and the action continues with Roy Gerard scheduled to be put to death and now District Attorney Jessica Dennis preparing to debate the issue of the death penalty on national television. Brother David, having kept a low profile abroad, is back and determined to exact revenge on all people responsible for Roy's incarceration and to rescue his brother before the execution can take place. This book is action-packed and fast-moving. The suspense continues to the last page.
Plunder of the Sun by David Dodge. 4 stars.
Originally published in 1949 and recently reissued by Hard Case Crime, this is a story of an ancient Quechua manuscript, buried Inca treasure, and greed. Al Colby is hired by an antiques dealer, Alfredo Berrien, to smuggle a small package from Chile to Peru via the ship Talco. Once in Lima, Colby is to turn the package over to Berrien, but as luck would have it, something happens to Berrien. By now, several others know of the manuscript and will stop at nothing to take it from Colby.
Joyce from La Salle, IL
I just finished Eleven on Top, Janet Evanovich's latest in the Stephanie Plum series. I have read every one of the series and enjoyed this one like all the others. I can hardly wait to see what kind of hilarious mess Stephanie is in next! A great read, I gave it 4 stars.
cindywoo44@hotmail.com
I read my first Jodi Picoult novel, My Sister's Keeper. This one will stay with you for a long time. 4 1/2 stars.
I am nearly finished with Leaving the Saints by Martha Beck. A real eye-opener about the Mormon religion. 3 1/2 stars.
On audio I listened to The Storyteller's Daughter, the true story of a woman of Afghan descent raised in Britain who decides to look for the Afghanistan her father described to her in stories all through her childhood (it no longer exists). She becomes a journalist and travels in secret at times. Those who read The Kite Runner should like this. 3 1/2 stars.
Finally, I just finished listening to Saturday by Ian McEwan, which relates the story of a British neurosurgeon and what happens to him and his family in the span of 24 hours with the Iraqi war looming in the background. He is such an intelligent writer and his character development is extraordinary. 4 stars.
Myrnapen@aol.com
I recently attended a book signing by Adriana Trigiani and am now reading her newest novel, Rococo. It's a very enjoyable, funny book. Anyone in an Italian family (or married into one) will identify with Adriana's humor. 4 stars.
4sugar9@charter.net
I am currently reading the new James Patterson book Lifeguard. As usual, he has written a winner. Good suspenseful story line, enjoyable characters, and of course, the short chapters that make you want to keep on reading.
I am also reading Haunted by Kelly Armstrong. A good supernatural story about the women of the Otherworld. These books are well written and the storyline is very believable, but you almost have to read the books in order to be able to follow the story. The first book in this series was Dime Store Magic. If you like ghosts, werewolves, vampires and witches, this is just the thing.
Dotteez@aol.com
Cases by Joe Gores.
This is an autobiographical novel and it is very well written. Hard to put down. Try one of his other books about the DKA detective agency. 32 Cadillacs is very funny.
diva_web@bellsouth.net
I just started reading Sara Bennett's Lessons in Seduction. I find it funny, thought-provoking (for a romance LOL) and entertaining. It is about a prim and proper woman who has a "haven for orphans." When she is about to lose the orphanage, she goes to the property owner for help. He is a heartless scoundrel that won't be swayed to help her. So she decides she must persuade him in another way, so she goes to see a notorious courtesan (Madame Aphrodite) in London to learn the sensual secrets of making a man weak with desire (don't we ALL want to know those secrets?). To find out more, ya gotta read the book for yourself
nortomb@webtv.net
I am reading Wall of Silence by Gibson and Singh. It is a nonfiction book on medical mistakes. It should be required reading for everyone. Scary! 4 stars.
As I can only read so much of that at a time I'm alternating with Double Homicide by Jonathan and Faye Kellerman. 4 stars so far...I'm wondering if the two stories will somehow connect.
myrtleme@sbcglobal.net
Life Expectancy by Dean Koontz.
As usual, Koontz grabs you by the "scary bone" and doesn't let you go. I give this book 5 stars (and an additional 5 stars for keeping me awake).
Debby236@aol.com
I just finished Every Which Way But Dead by Kim Harrison. It was excellent. She has several books in this series. If you enjoy Laurel K. Hamilton's Anita Clark, these books are for you! I give it a 5.
Kellyw31@aol.com
I just finished reading The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. What a deep and moving book it was. It's the story of architect Howard Roarke and his struggle to remain true to himself, never selling out. It's also the story of two men who try to destroy him and about Roarke's true love. I can't wait to read Atlas Shrugged.
nunu@cogeco.ca
I just finished reading Lifeguard by James Patterson. I give it a 5 PLUS. He does not disappoint. It is fast-moving with lots of twists and turns. I could not put it down and read it in one day.
fplastini@yahoo.com
I just finished reading The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. I would give it 5 stars. It was an incredible book that captivated me from the beginning till end. It's about a man who dies and meets five significant people in heaven who explain the importance of his life.
I also just finished the third Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants book by Ann Brashares. This is also a 5-star book. It's about four friends and the magic of the pants they all share. All three books were 5 stars and well worth the read. I am sad to know there isn't more books because now that the four have gone off to college I want to know what happens next in their lives.
by.my11@verizon.net
I just finished, sadly enough, the Alexander McCall Smith's #1 Ladies Detective Agency series and loved them all --- even my husband gained interest. I listened to them on audio CD and better yet the reading by Lisette was great --- beautiful stories.
Mimiklein43@aol.com
I just completed Incidental Findings, a nonfiction book by Dr. Danielle Ofri. I give it 4 stars, because I enjoyed reading about a doctor with such a wonderful bedside manner. I also read Shadows by Edna Buchanan, which I also give 4 stars. She grabs you immediately, and I couldn't put the book down until I finished it --- all in one evening!!
TCarrico@aol.com
I am currently reading Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian. I have enjoyed it very much, although it takes a lot of effort to read. The details of the locales in Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria are fantastic. I have found that "Googling" some of the sites mentioned, particularly the Risa Monastery, has produced some fantastic photographs that enhance the reading of the book. I was a little disappointed that Vlad Tepes III (Dracula himself) doesn't show up until page 572, but it is worth the wait.
I am also reading 100 People Who are Screwing Up America by Bernard Goldberg, which is a little over the top but makes good points about our world's general lack of civility.
FRANCES732@aol.com
The Human Stain by Philip Roth. 5 stars.
I have enjoyed Mr. Roth's books over the years and find that he can still delve deep into the souls of people and expose their true nature.
Crocodile on the Bank by Elizabeth Peters. 4 stars.
This is the first mystery I have read by Ms. Peters and it won't be the last. Amelia Peabody is a wonderful woman and a great sleuth.
JFriday77@aol.com
I just finished Irish Stew by Andrew Greeley. This is a new author for me and I really enjoyed the book. He tells a lot about Irish characterizations and Irish habits. The book is really two stories at once. One takes place in the 1880s and the other takes place in the present. The stories flip back and forth and involve lots of characters. This book is part of a series and I plan to look for more of the series when I return to my favorite resell book store.
I have also read No Place Like Home by Mary Higgins Clark and enjoyed it very much.
I read The Broker by John Grisham and I believe it is one of his best. Very fast read that makes you wonder if anyone is really safe.
The Things We Do for Love by Kristen Hannah restores the mind to believing that there are great people here.
Night Train to Lisbon by Emily Grayson is a beautiful story about true faithful love.
Murder Artist by John Case may frighten parents of young children or maybe just awake them to the idea that children need to be watched at all times.
Lynne from Harrisburg
I just finished Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs. I've loved all of her books since picking up Deja Dead (her first). The plot involves religious and international intrigue, a trip to Israel, and archaeology. The background research of early Christianity and current politics in Israel is interesting. Highly recommended!
I am also reading Never Let Me Go by Kasuo Ishiguro. I may not have chosen it in a bookstore, but ordered it from my independent bookseller after reading the New York Times review. I liked his Remains of the Day, so I figured this would be similar. I'm halfway through and each page gives more clues to the secret. Friendship, trust, and love are explored through the eyes of children at a private school in England who are completely isolated from the outside world. Some seem oddly sophisticated at times, then utterly childlike in another sense. I'm thoroughly enjoying the book, so I'm not rushing through it.
I'm also reading Brooklyn Noir 2 edited by Tim McLoughlin, which is a collection of classic short stories set in various Brooklyn neighborhoods. It's great lunchtime reading. I also recommend Brooklyn Noir, also edited by Tim McLoughlin.
Jan from Edmonds, WA
Currently I'm listening to Honeymoon by James Patterson and Howard Roughan. I'm thoroughly enjoying this light yet enchanting thriller about Nora Sinclair who may not be who she says she is. This book was named the 2005 International Thriller of the Year and spent nine weeks on the NY Times Bestseller list earlier this year. The CD is performed by Scott Campbell and Hope Davis and adds to the charm of listening to the story. 4 stars.
TCS1002@aol.com
I just finished The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. A translation from Spanish, it is a well-written mystery. It is also a coming-of-age story. A young motherless boy in Spain during the mid-1900s finds love and mystery all bound together. Zafon does a great job of making the reader care deeply about what happens to his characters.
Catslady5@aol.com
The Second Sister by Carrie Weaver. 4 stars.
This is the sequel to The Road to Echo Point, which I also gave 4 stars. It's a nice continuation that involves a character from the first book so you would want to read it in order if possible.
Again, a nice romance with lots of good characterization.
Maureen from Middletown
I am currently reading Rosie Dunne by Cecelia Ahern. So far I love it. It's an easy, light read and very funny. 4 stars.
I just purchased Freddy and Fredericka and am looking forward to reading that.
smleonetti@yahoo.com
I have just finished The Shop on Blossom Street and its sequel, The Good Yarn. They are sort of Chick Lit for older chicks! Just nice stories...
Sally B. from San Antonio TX
I finished Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer and give it 2 1/2 stars. Doesn't even compare to other children's/adult novels. The Potter series is much better.
I finished the audiobook by Jennifer Lauck, Blackbird. 4 stars. I bought this at the local dollar store, so I wasn't expecting much but was very surprised. It's the author's memoir of growing up with a very sick mother. Quite moving and sad.
I also finished Split Second by David Baldacci. 3 1/2 stars. The ending was just a little too farfetched.
I just started The Eight by Katherine Neville. Recommended by two different people and is supposed to be better than The Da Vinci Code.
tunaross@nc.rr.com
She Smiled Sweetly by Mary-Ann Tirone Smith. 4 1/2 stars.
This is the third book in the Poppy Rice (FBI agent) series. They seem to get better and better. This book concerns two cases that are separated by a thirty-year time span but liked by DNA. The author delves into the criminal mind in a very complex, revealing manner. I especially liked her co-investigater, Boston homicide detective Rocky Patel, who dispenses some great Eastern wisdom. It was a great summer read.
Georgepaw@aol.com
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova is one great read --- but only if you're not put off by 600+ pages, sometimes overly dramatic tales of a young man's search for Dracula's tomb. It's full of Eastern European history and excitement. 4 stars.
quilterofwords@bonbon.net
Are You Afraid of the Dark? by Sidney Sheldon. 5 stars.
This book had me smiling, laughing and crying while reading it.
The Dangerous Hour by Marcia Muller. 5 stars.
This book is so well written that it made me feel like I was the heroine, Sharon McCone.
Grant Comes East by Newt Gingrich. 5 stars.
This really makes you think, if the Civil War really went the way that this book describes, what would our country be like now? This is a thrilling and believable work of fiction.
The Saints and Sinners of Okay County by Dayna Dunbar. 5 stars.
This book is fabulous. It has everything in it that can relate to any woman who has had relationship issues, grief, struggles of any shape or size. It really cuts into the heart of things that many have found themselves dealing with throughout life. This is a most excellent read!
A Hole in Texas by Herman Wouk. 5 stars.
One would think by reading the description of this book that it would be a long, drawn-out, boring read of scientific gobly-goop. But instead it is humorous and informative, in a way that made me want to keep on reading.
The Last Goodbye by Reed Arvin. 5 stars.
Jack Hammond reminds me of Colombo as an attorney. I enjoyed this journey with him in solving the mystery of who did what and to whom. This is a very well-written story that keeps you interested in what is coming next.
bradylee@myway.com
War Trash by Ha Jin. Published 2004 with 659 pages (large print), 4 stars.
This story is an interesting perspective as its action takes place in Communist China and then in an American POW camp in Korea. It is the story of how the Chinese think, and many of the ways that Communism works...through fear.
I would call this a mans' book, primarily as it deals with war and prisoners and military activity with nary a female as any main character in the whole story. This did keep my interest as it was very different to hear how life went in a society foreign to me.
Christine.Preston@verizon.net
I just finished The Queen's Fool by Philippa Gregory. It is the sequel to The Other Boleyn Girl. I would give them both 5 stars. Historical Fiction, which is my favorite genre. I didn't want it to end.
I'm currently reading Double Shot by Diane Mott Davidson. I love to cook and even though these are very predictable mysteries, you get some good recipes and Goldy is such a lovable character. 4 stars only because it just doesn't have the meat of the others.
charris@pctelecom.us
Dying to Cross: The Worst Immigration Tragedy in American History by Jorge Ramos. 5 stars.
A story of illegal Latino immigrations who were crossing to Houston in an enclosed trailer in hot weather. It tells of the "Coyotes" who made the arrangements and how their trials came out. It is a tragedy.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. 5 stars.
This is fiction but could be true. It is a book about friendship, betrayal, and the price of loyalty. It is about a boy in Afghanistan when he and his father leave for America. He goes back to see an old friend when he is 36. It starts when he is about 11 and ends after 9/11 and he is back in California. A gripping story.
The Colonel and Little Missie by Larry McMurtry. 5 stars.
A nonfiction book about the life of William Cody and Annie Oakley. It is one of the most interesting books of the old west I have read. It also tells about their showmanship of both of them. I enjoyed it.
The Mercy of Thin Air by Ronlyn Domingue. 4 stars.
A new author with much potential. The main character is accidentally killed and went to stay between for 70 years. Later, she haunts a young couple in their house. Very well written.
Denwal1@aol.com
Much Ado About You by Eloisa James. 4 stars.
Much Ado is a wonderful story about four girls who are orphaned and left in the care of a drunken duke who has no idea how to raise children. Thankfully, all the girls are grown --- the youngest in her teens. He is left to chaperone and find good matches for his wards. You can imagine that the duke is overwhelmed but rises to the task. If you love historical romance, this book is for you.
rtb4284@verizon.net
The latest author I have been reading has definitely become one of my favorites. I have read all of her books over the last 2 months and eagerly await all future stories: Tess Gerritsen, and all are 5-star reads: The Apprentice, The Surgeon, The Sinner, Harvest, Bloodstream, Gravity, and Life Support.
Prior to reading Tess, I read all of Michael Connelly's books, and he immediately became one of my TOP authors to watch! Absolutely excellent stories! The last two books, one of which I have just finished, have been by Michael: The Poet and The Last Coyote.
All of Michael's books are a solid 5 stars. I look forward to reading his very latest, The Closers, which should be coming in the mail any day.
BarbaraKC01@aol.com
I am reading Tales of a Female Nomad by Rita Golden Gelman and loving every minute of it. As a middle-aged woman its great to read about another of the same who actually has the courage to pursue her dreams. It is really inspiring to me and I think I will make a few changes in my own life --- nothing as drastic as taking off anf becoming a nomad though!
Cjlineberry@aol.com
Tulip Fever by Deborah Moggach. 5 stars.
I had to order this novel, it was not on the shelf.
Anchored in 1630 Amsterdam, this story begins with a wealthy, self-centered merchant, Cornelis, who wishes to be adored by his beautiful young wife.
Most of all, he longs for a male heir. Sophia has been a devoted wife to Cornelis, yet deep down she yearns for the passion she has seen in the relationship between her maid and her maid's lover. To immortalize the perfect image of his distinguished self and his prize of a wife, Cornelis commissions a portrait to be painted by a new talented artist, Jan van Loos. As the artist begins the painting, he is able to see into Sophia's soul. Soon tulipomania begins to stir the pot, entangling the entire cast of characters in a mixture of desires, lust, greed, ambition, and devastating failures.
I am reading A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers. 5 stars, so far. I am not finished with this one yet, but so far it's an interesting read. Mr. Eggers provides the reader with notes, corrections, clarifications, apologies and mistakes, which are interesting enough. It begins with a mother's battle with cancer and the children she leaves behind. Death leaves its mark on these young people, a scar that they don't seem to realize is there screams out to the reader. It sounds like a sad storyline, yet Eggers has been able to bring a different view point, in a manic sort of way, to an otherwise terrible situation. When tragedy strikes, we all find our own way to deal. I anticipate a writing twist of this story to be found in dealing with tragedy with a sense of humor. I think I am going to enjoy this one a great deal.
JASSCS@aol.com
There are so many good books this summer! I read 1776 by David McCullough and it was wonderful. Not only did I learn about my country, I laughed and I cried. The book will keep everyone interested and entertained, ever if you are not a history buff.
My next book was Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs, and it was a page-turner. The book is a combination of mystery and history with enough "Da Vinci " religion to keep everyone guessing until the end. The book is so entertaining, but every chapter is based on facts. I spent many interesting hours on the Internet and from what I could read, her facts are correct.
Last but not least, I read The Innocent by Harlan Coben and it is a book to read from start to finish. I do not want to give any part of it away, but let me say I will never see a camera phone again and not think about this book. And could nuns really have breast implants? One can never by sure! The book is the best of the summer.
GandmaRI@aol.com
This week I read Night Fall by Nelson DeMille. It is a sequel to Plum Island (or at least many of the same characters). The book will stand alone on its own. I'd rate the book a 3. The first 2/3 of the book kept bringing up "there is a cover up here" quite repetitiously. There was quite a build up toward the end...finally...and then the ending leaves you hanging. Will there be book # 3? Not so sure that I'll read it if there is.
Gladys
I am currently reading The Ideal Husband by Shari Anton. It is a great book, but the book I wish to recommend to everyone here is The Honeymoon Man by Suzanne Dye. It's definitely a 5-star read. Having the honeymoon without a wedding might be a switch, but Suzanne has written a fast-moving, can't-put-it-down book. The hero is so lovable and the heroine sweet and not bitchy. I guarantee everyone will love this story.
vbsami@qwest.net
I am reading about 8 books right now...
First: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - of course I am loving it. I am obviously behind in the series! However, I think the books are wonderful. I only wish my 8-year-old son was as interested in them as I am. The books are full of mystery and excitement. How can you go wrong?
Second: The Lake of Dead Languages by Carol Goodman - loving this as well. Full of interesting characters and mystery. I find this one to be one of those books you can't put down. You are waiting to get through a chapter to start the next. This is my first book by Goodman and won't be the last. I (so far) find this a book that should be a part of a book club feature since there are so many interesting topics that could arise from this. I especially am intrigued by the lake and the kids getting together to watch it ice over the first time each winter. A super read.
maestraw@msn.com
Our book club is reading The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. I know that it has been around for a long time, but I am glad we selected it. It was a fairly quick read, well-written and thought provoking. I would give it a 3.
I also read Looking for Peyton Place by Barbara Delinsky. Although it begins slowly, it does not take long to become interesting. I am a big fan of Delinsky's, and this one does not disappoint. I would give it a 4.
Thanks to all who recommended The Laments by George Hagen. I concur that if I had known it would be so good, I would not have kept moving it to the bottom of my stack. I would rate it a 4 also.
Kathy from Flushing, MI
5 stars definitely goes to Jodi Picoult for Vanishing Acts. Not to sound cliche, but I was hooked from the very first line of the prologue. The novel centers on what a parent will do out of love for a child. But with Picoult's use of first person presentation from each of the main characters, it turns into a story of love from all different angles: parental love; unrequited love; love between friends; and, of course, the love between lovers. And for those who might think it is just a love story, Picoult includes gritty, gripping scenes about life in jail that were actually hard, at times, to stomach. The ending was totally unexpected. In fact, I wish the story hadn't ended! I will definitely seek out Picoult's work in the future!
Eleven on Top by Janet Evanovich deserves 4 1/2 stars. While I thought the book started slow, I feel Evanovich is in the process of maturing Stephanie Plum. Just a fun, laugh-out-loud read. I can't wait to see what kind of trouble will be brewing for Plum next.
My current book of choice is Now You See Her by Cecelia Tishy.
Anonymous
I am currently reading The Sign of the Book by John Dunning. I would definitely give it 4 stars. It is the story of a retired policeman who now owns a second-hand bookstore. His lover and co-owner of the bookstore is a lawyer who has agreed to defend an old friend charged with killing her husband. (Oh, the plot thickens!). I have also just read Two O'Clock Eastern Wartime by Mr. Dunning. He is a superb author!
Frillyfemme@aol.com
I am currently reading Where Love Dwells by Elizabeth Stuart.
A heart-wrenching story of two people crossing paths amidst a war ravaged country. She is Elen, a Celtic warrior's daughter, and the last of her line. He is Sir Richard Kent, trusted knight of Edward Plantagenet.
How can two people find love and trust surrounded by death and war, while supporting different factions?
I love this story, as it seems so inconceivable that these two could ever love one another. He has killed her betrothed, she has tried to kill him, while the ugly face of war seethes around them...and yet...there is something...
I give this tale 5 stars. It depicts the historical events credibly, and allows emotional aspects of the realities to surface without seeming sublime.
tfranzen2124@comcast.net
Good reading for a heat wave: Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher (4 stars). This will cool you off. Pilcher has that way of putting you right in the story and being submerged in the telling.
bradylee@myway.com
They Poured Fire On Us From the Sky: The True Story of Three Lost Boys from Sudan by Benson Deng, Alephonsion Deng, and Benjamin Ajak with Judy A. Bernstein. Published 2005 with 311 pages. 3 1/2 stars.
There are 3 authors for this book and each one writes their autobiography during their youthful days. It's about life in Sudan and it's such a heartbreaking mess. Untold countries in this world seem to enjoy killing many of their citizens over an extended period of time. Sudan citizens live lives of sadness and fear, and if you read this book you will certainly appreciate the good ole' U.S.A. more than ever.
The writing is not wonderful; yet, the story is adequate due to the powerful events happening and the realization of what these boys went through to stay alive.
ABamaBecky@aol.com
I just finished Thief of Hearts by Katherine Stone. This is a wonderful book that combines romance with medical drama. 5 stars
I have also recently read The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd. Contrary to some of the reviews I have seen posted here, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. 4 stars.
maestraw@msn.com
I just completed Leeway Cottage by Beth Gutcheon. It started out very interesting, but when I reached the last third, I was bored. I found I did not care about the characters at all. They did not seem to be well-developed. I kept thinking it would get better, and it never did. I would rate this a 1.
ingenueheart@aim.com
I just finished Specimen Days by Michael Cunningham. Another triumph on his part. He has yet to disappoint. 4 stars.
Also completed Anna's Trinity by Howard Cobiskey. Powerfully moving and thought-provoking novel of a former nun in the 1940s and 1950s searching for her past. One of the most beautiful pieces of literature I've read in a long time. 5 stars.
Lori from Manahawkin, NJ
I am currently reading Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom --- again!!! (5+ stars). It's been a while since I've read it, and I wanted to experience it again. It is a most beautiful story about life and death. Keep your tissues on hand, and plan to read it all at once, because you won't be able to put it down!
BlondeFairy1975@aol.com
This is my current reading list, and I have just started reading Missing Persons.
Missing Persons by Stephen White
All The Flowers Are Dying by Lawrence Block
Me and Emma by Elizabeth Flock
Dear Zoe by Phillip Beard
Lie By Moonlight by Amanda Quick
The Canterbury Papers by Judith Healey
Swing by Rupert Holmes
lgettle@iserv.net
Origin in Death by Nora Roberts writing as J.D. Robb. 2 stars.
I totally enjoy this series featuring Lieutenant Eve Dallas and Roarke, but I found this book to be radically different from the previous ones. Eve Dallas has had some rough breaks, but she is one tough cookie who doesn't take any guff from anyone. But in this book, she was kind of sweet and nice. She didn't pound on anyone. No one pounded on her. There was no stimulating argument with Roarke and very little comment on her violent childhood. I have my own theory about her childhood and look forward to each book to see if I'll eventually be proven correct.
The Traveler by John Twelve Hawks. 4 stars.
For centuries the Harlequins have protected Travelers, but an evil society called the Tabula is out to destroy them once and for all. The scariest thing about this book is that a great deal of it could actually happen.
Sunny from Bonita Springs
I would like to recommend I Know Just What You Mean by Ellen Goodman and Patricia O'Brien. I give this book, which is in paperback, 5 stars. It is about women and their friendships as told by the two authors. It researches many women as well as the authors' own friendship with each other, including their ups and downs. I felt it was exactly how I felt toward my very close friends and realized how it differs from men's friendships. I really knew this, but it reinforced my beliefs. The title says it all.
kcalkins5@comcast.net
I just re-read The Red Tent by Anita Diamant for a book club. Funny, I would have given it 5 stars after the first read, but this time I would rate it a 4. I think the story is intriguing and the author is excellent. Definitely thought-provoking; a quick read that is difficult to put down until you've finished.
Also, The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck is great. I give it 5 stars. Not a quick read, but well worth the time.
bencanada1@yahoo.com
The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly. 5 stars.
A beautifully written novel about a young woman's search for her success in business and love. Wonderful character portrayal with depth and feeling. Set in England in the late nineteenth century, this book is enthralling and captivating.
SalbyC@aol.com
Bee Season by Myla Goldberg. 3+ stars.
I had heard of the many accolades that this book had received, and I was greatly anticipating it. The book began wonderfully with the spelling bees and the effect of Eliza's success on her family life. However, the book soon turns to the harrowing descent of this very dysfunctional family. The second half of the book was much more tedious, and it lacked insight into the degree of dysfunction that they manage to achieve. There is an incredible amount of descriptive religious information, especially about the mystic Abulafia. But other issues were not explored in any depth.
Tamara from Sioux Falls, SD
Rage by Jonathan Kellerman. 4 stars.
Eleven on Top by Janet Evanovich. 3 1/2 stars.
The Closers by Michael Connelly. 5+ stars.
Never Change by Elizabeth Berg. 4 stars.
This is a great book. It brings our imagination around to what we would do if the person we loved in high school, but had other prospects, came back into our lives and suddenly needed us. It was extremely introspective for me.
gratefulmom@hotmail.com
I am just getting around to reading Glitz by Elmore Leonard. I give it 4 stars so far.
h_golightly19@yahoo.com
Like most of the world, this week I read Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Is the fact that I stayed awake past 1:00 a.m. to finish it enough of a positive review? 5 stars.
bradylee@myway.com
My Friend Leonard by James Frey. Nonfiction. Published 2005 with 357 pages. 5 stars.
I read A Million Little Pieces and loved it and now this sequel is its equal.
The author's grammar and sentence structure is horrible (used for effect I would guess), but the force of what he has to say dilutes anything potentially damaging. His friend Leonard is something else; a complex human being who loves Mr. Frey dearly and can never do enough for him.
This life story will keep you involved to the last sentence. A must read as the author has many, many personal problems, but is able to keep improving his life as time goes by. He writes a couple of screenplays that fail, and if that writing is like his book, then the movie dialogue would be a jumbled mess on the screen. If you get this book, you will read it to the very end!
lynx88@att.net
Velocity by Dean Koontz. 4 stars. Very creepy!
mandy41283@yahoo.com
Sympathy Between Humans by Jodi Compton. 4 stars.
This book was as shocking to me as its prequel, The 37th Hour. Compton created a protagonist who is not only a cop, but a real human being who makes mistakes like the rest of us. She breaks the law in order to do what she believes in. I definitely recommend reading The 37th Hour first, but this book is a great read.
The Baker's Apprentice by Judith Ryan Hendricks. 4 stars.
Another sequel, but just as worthy as her first book, Bread Alone. This book follows the protagonist on her new life in Seattle as a bread maker in a quirky bakery. It put me in the mood to eat exotic bread and drink coffee with my best friends. Very good book!
True Believer by Nicholas Sparks. 5 stars.
I'm not a huge romance fan, but Sparks does it for me every time. I just love his writing. Again, he manages to hit you right in the heart and want more of the story after the book ends. Good news, there is a sequel coming out October 15th!
The Wonder Spot by Melissa Banks. 4 stars.
When a book gets as much press as this one, I have to read it. I can't even put this book into a genre...but it's great! The main character, Sophie, can be found in every reader. She struggles to learn who she is as she discovers new things about each of her family members. One of the most thought-provoking books that I have read.
A Reader from Virginia
Now that I have found Word of Mouth, I have some catching up to do. I guess I'll start with what I've read in 2005 so far...
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. 4 1/2 stars.
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. 4 stars.
Then had to give my brain a break, and switched over to some lighter reading:
Frankenstein Book #1: Prodigal Son by Dean Koontz. 5 stars. WOW
I can't wait for Book #2 coming out this month.
Some action books:
Amazonia by James Rollins. 3 1/2 stars.
Icefire by Judith & Garland Reeves-Stevens. 4 stars.
Freefall by Judith & Garland Reeves-Stevens --- next in a series. 4 stars.
Haneymeh@aol.com
Rococo by Adriana Trigiani. 5 stars.
I am halfway through Rococo and love it. The characters are such fun. Also, I am learning a lot about Italian Catholics and the methods of an interior decorator. The dialogue between Bartolomeo di Crespi and his sister, Toot, are funny and loving.
Gettingitdone04@aol.com
Black Wind by Clive Cussler. 5 stars.
I have read almost all of Clive Cussler's books, and while it's not my typical read, I always find myself swept away by the powerful stories he writes. The action is outstanding, the story lines are always surprising, and the "love" scenes are written more for men (no mush, and little description), but I love the way he moved from Dirk Pitt to adventures involving his children, making the timeline seem more realistic. Definitely 5 stars for him once again.
KINDLEELF@aol.com
The Untelling by Tayari Jones. 4 stars.
Everyday life in a bad neighborhood, living with a mentally disturbed mother.
The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher.
This story seemed familiar, maybe played by Angela Lansbury on Hallmark Hall of Fame. I picked this book up at the library after reading Winter Solstice by the same author; the former I would give 5 stars, and 4 stars for the latter.
The Hummingbird's Daughter by Alberto Urrea. 5 stars.
Terista longs for a plain and simple life, but she is destined to become a saint; her life is not her own.
Angry Housewives Eating Bon-Bons by Lorna Landvik. 5 stars.
I had to read this after seeing how many people enjoyed it on WOM.
The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing.
This novel was written in 1969 or 1970, but it's still a stellar read. A more current book of Lessing's is Mara and Dan. This is set far in the future, but living conditions are much like the 1700s...food for thought.
Bloodlines by Jan Burke. 4+ stars.
As usual, a good mystery by this author.
Hocus by Jan Burke: An Irene Kelly book. 4 stars.
Lost Lake by Phillip Margolin. 5 stars.
What a mystery, twists and turns that make you dizzy.
Perpend311@aol.com
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling. For me, other reading must stop until this one gets read. So a scene here is disappointing and a piece of character development there is disappointing --- in the end, I am so not looking forward to the Harry Potter series ending even as I am looking forward to the movie and the next Potter novel. Thank you J. K. Rowling. 5 stars for sheer entertainment!
For sheer abundance in historical trend setting, 1968 wasn't any slouch of a year. In his 1968: The Year That Rocked The World, author Mark Kurlansky gives all of us who lived in and through 1968 a book that becomes a friend. Like any good friend, this history arouses memories and provides insights. Call Mr. Kurlansky a writer or a historian if you will, I call him a time traveler. His 1968 is a time traveler's gift. Thank you Mr. Kurlansky, you make history worth reading. 5 stars.
bobblevens@hotmail.com
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. 5 stars.
Claire in Royal Oak, MI
I just finished Pawley's Island by Dorothea Benton Frank. She is a new writer to me. The main character is a lawyer who gets her life on track as she helps a woman who has been wronged in a divorce. Many interesting supporting characters. This reminded me somewhat of a cross between Pat Conroy and Margaret Maron. A little deeper than Maron and much less so than Conroy. The setting is the low country of SC. I'll get more of her books. I'd give it a 4+.
I also read Always Time to Die by Elizabeth Lowell. I'd give it a 3 1/2 and Appaloosa by Robert B. Parker 3 1/2. I just like his Spenser ones better.
VeronicaMarsFan@aol.com
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling. 5 stars.
etsucop155@yahoo.com
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling. 5 stars.
Until I Find You by John Irving. 5 stars.
Lifeguard by James Patterson & Andrew Gross. 5 stars.
Evelyn from Toronto
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. 5 stars.
I loved The Da Vinci Code but this book is even better. Kostova's way with words, her eloquent descriptions, her characterization, and the intertwining of the interconnected tales of different people in different eras kept me glued to the page. This was a thick tome that I could hardly put down. I found myself reading late into the night to see what would happen next and how the characters would fare. Although not a travelogue, as the story traveled through various locales in Central and Eastern Europe, I learned so much about the culture and history of the area --- enough to make me want to learn more and to visit. Kostova got it just right --- the pace, the authenticity, the suspense, the tingles of fear. I highly recommend this book from a new writer who does impeccable research, engages her readers from the very first words, and holds on to them to the very end.
lifdrop@mac.com
Troubles of Being a Girl by Lane Kennedy
I love this book and give it 5 stars! How can you go wrong with a book about three girls and a guy who aren't out to kill each other in Los Angeles, no less? Quirky and fun, with real TRUTH!
A1bengal@aol.com
I'm No Angel by Patti Berg is a great book and is very entertaining. This book takes us on a romp in Palm Beach with girl detective Angel Devlin, and features Tom Donovan as her love interest. The investigations are fun, the PB characters amuse, and her quadruplet brothers have different ways of approaching the problems. A good read. 5 stars !!
I also finished Kate White's 'Till Death Do Us Part, a mystery surrounding the Peyton Cross domestic diva and her Bridesmaids, who are being killed off one by one. The investigator from previous books, Bailey Weggins, takes the bit in her mouth and solves the who-done-it. It's a fun-and-intriguing-and-I-could-not-put-it-down read!! Cheers!
SheilaD@aol.com
Here are some of the books I've read lately:
The Children's War by Monique Charlesworth. 3 stars.
Two young people are caught in the "relentless, random path of war." It's a well-researched, interesting book, but I thought the plot was flawed, especially the ending.
The Egyptologist by Arthur Phillips. 3 stars.
Loved the book, generally, but it did get wordy at the end and I was less than thrilled by the ending.
Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl. 3 stars.
Ruth assumes various personae as food critic for the NYT. Oh, the food...
Room with a View by E. M. Forrester. 4 stars.
How have I lived this long and not read this book?
Rules of Engagement by Anita Brookner. 3 stars.
Two women --- childhood friends --- who must live with the consequences of their choices. A sad but beautiful book about loneliness, control and, ultimately, fear.
Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich. 4 stars.
When I need a laugh, I know I can count on Stephanie Plum. Fun.
joswood@msn.com
Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy. 5 stars.
I love Pat Conroy, but for some reason I had never read this book. I am finding it fascinating but disturbing, so far. It is partly autobiographical and details his life at a military school in Charleston, SC. He calls the school The Carolina Military Institute, but he is really talking about The Citadel in Charleston. Conroy himself graduated from there in 1967. It's too bad Conroy is not a more prolific writer, because his books are so good. Of course, if he turned out a book a year, the quality would suffer.
Sweetgrass by Mary Alice Monroe. 5 stars.
This book also takes place in the Charleston, SC area. It is about a dysfunctional family who owns an old plantation called Sweetgrass. They are in danger of losing all the land because of a group of people in the area who want to buy it and build housing developments on it. Watching this family reconnect is heartwarming, and also heartwarming is the lengths they will go to keep Sweetgrass from the developers.
abromber@optonline.net
I am reading Zorro by Isabel Allende. If you are a fan of the old Errol Flynn movies, this book is for you. The book tells how the legend of Zorro is born. I rate it a 4.
LupineA@aol.com
I am just devouring books this summer:
My current recommendations are:
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. 5 stars.
Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer. 3 1/2 stars.
The Wonder Worker by Susan Howatch. 5 stars.
Glittering Images by Susan Howatch. 4 stars.
dixmil@yahoo.com
Walking into the Night by Olaf Olafsson. 2 stars.
Although I had read good reviews, I found this book terribly hard to follow. But for some unknown reason, I pursued. Very near the end, it all came together more or less. The author jumps back and forth from one character to another and it's hard to decide who we're reading about now. Not recommended for an enjoyable read.
hgdavis@rcn.com
What can I say? I guess I'm just a kid at heart but I can't wait to dip into Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling. My husband just finished it and I'm planning to start reading tomorrow. By the way, I'm 64 and my husband is 56 and we're both Harry Potter fans.
baxtergr@msn.com
Some of the books that I've read during July to date include:
The Opposite of Fate by Amy Tan. 4 1/2 stars.
She calls this book one of "musings." One could also call it a memoir, as it takes us into the life and the mind of this popular author. I have read and enjoyed her fiction, but I do believe that this volume is my favorite to date.
Broken for You by Stephanie Kallos. 4 stars.
A book set in Seattle by a Seattle author and selected by one of the Seattle suburbs as their "What if Everyone Read the Same Book." For a Seattle reader, I was hooked before I opened the first page. After reading this book, however, I know that I would have enjoyed this tale of broken people coming together over a period of time and finding the "glue" they need to put their lives back to normal. Good, good read.
Dear Heart, Come Home: The Path of Mid-life Spirituality by Joyce Rupp. 4 stars.
Though I am many years beyond mid-life, I found Ms. Rupp's thoughts on this topic to be well-worth reading and considering.
The Three Mrs. Parkers by Joan Medlicott. 4 1/2 stars.
I've enjoyed every one of her books about The Ladies of Covington and found, to my delight, that I also enjoyed this book. We have a grandmother/mother-in-law, daughter-in-law/mother and daughter/granddaughter who have been estranged for years living together because of the illness of one and the reduced financial circumstances of another. A lovely book with twists and turns but always realistic looks at lives and loves.
Inside the Kingdom: My Life in Saudi Arabia by Carmen Bin Ladin. 4 stars.
This book, by a sister-in-law of Osama Bin Ladin, is an education on life in Saudi America for women. Ms. Bin Ladin is a Swiss citizen, born of a Swiss father and an Iranian mother, who marries and then lives in Saudi Arabia with her husband. As life there becomes more and more difficult, as her brother-in-law grasps religious control of all Muslim countries in that part of the world, Ms. Bin Ladin flees back to Switzerland with her daughters where they can have the freedoms with which she grew up.
NannetteRy@aol.com
No Place Like Home by Mary Higgins Clark. 5 stars.
melanieshrader@yahoo.com
I have recently discovered Ann B. Ross and have enjoyed all of her books. I am reading Miss Julia Hits the Road, which is one in a delightful series of books about Julia Springer. She is a good-natured Southern woman of a "certain" age who is a spitfire and always manages to find herself in unusual predicaments. She has "adopted" her dead husband's mistress and illegitimate son into her family, rode on the back of a motorcycle on a "Poker Run," driven on the tracks of Nascar, and was married to her "sweetheart" by an unauthorized preacher at Pigeon Forge, TN. I have laughed out loud at all of her antics.
Anyone who has ever enjoyed Fannie Flagg's books will enjoy these as well.
Joni from Grand Ledge
Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles. 5 stars.
This is Paulette Jiles's first novel; she normally writes poetry. She is a fantastic writer, and this is the best historical novel I have ever read.
When the Wind Blows by James Patterson. 1 star!
Very predictable and not well written.
JQuick5342@aol.com
Faithless by Karin Slaughter.
The publicity blurb says Faithless will be [Slaughter's] breakthrough hardcover bestseller. It's the same cast as Slaughter's previous Grant County, Georgia novels with Coroner Sara Linton, ex-husband Sheriff Jeffrey Tolliver, and Detective Lena Adams. Sara and Frank find the body of a young woman who had been buried alive in a wooden box with a breathing tube, but then poisoned with cyanide. The autopsy reveals she is pregnant, and it turns out she is part of the Church of Greater Good --- associated with a soybean cooperative that uses Atlanta homeless people as workers. Each character is involved with no single focus, which makes for very interesting reading. With sentences like this one "[Lena] wasn't used to being around religious people unless they were down at the police station," I agree with the publicity blurb. This is the best one yet.
The Belen Hitch by Pari Noskin Taichert.
No sophomore slump here in Taichert's second mystery featuring Sasha Solomon, PR Consultant and self-styled "super sleuth." The Belen Hitch starts with the murder of a local artist that may or may not be related to controversy over what to do with one of Belen, New Mexico's few assets --- a Harvey House restaurant/railroad boarding house from the town's early days. One faction wants to restore it into a train museum, the other to create an artists' cooperative, but will either side kill to get their wishes? Solomon's mother is part of the mystery also, but her stroke-damaged brain can't seem to make the connections for Sasha. The book is crisply written with lines like "Once her mind had been like a fine painting, but stroke after stroke --- the paint thinners of brain injury --- has created a horrid mess."
Pat M of Omaha
I highly recommend the new book by Margaret Leroy, The River House. I would give it 5 stars. This book has it all: elegant language, stunning images, clear insight into a woman's psyche, memorable characters, and a wonderfully intricate plot. Don't miss it.
Hunny3@aol.com
I recently picked up Night Passage by Robert B. Parker, and "fell in love" with Jesse Stone! I have since read the remaining three in the series: Trouble in Paradise, Death in Paradise and Stone Cold. While I, hopefully, wait for another Jesse Stone adventure, I am becoming acquainted with Spenser, beginning with Parker's first Spenser novel, Godwulf Manuscript. Robert B. Parker has given each of these detectives a unique, and marvelous, sense of humor and has given the reader a genuine insight into their characters. Lots of fun and 5 stars!
myrtleme@sbcglobal.net
Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole. 4 stars.
A very funny book --- a nice diversion from "heavy" summer reading.
miroberts@columbus.rr.com
Nothing But Blue Skies by Thomas McGuane. 4 stars.
Great writing, not much of a story. If you like Larry McMurtry's non-Western novels, you'll love this.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling. 5 stars
Have barely begun, but how could it be anything less?
The Collected Poems of Amy Clampitt. 5 stars. Fantastic.
Waiting for My Cats to Die by Stacy Horn. 3 stars.
Again, great writing, but not much going on.
sears@lsol.net
I just finished Helen Oyeyemi's The Icarus Girl, an unusual and interesting book about a mysterious twin --- ghost? 4 1/2 stars. I also am in the middle of The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova, an enthralling novel about Dracula. So far it gets 5 stars.
Mimiklein43@aol.com
I just completed reading Lewis Black's book Nothing's Sacred. From the dedication to the book's finish, I couldn't stop laughing. If you want a book that's truthful, and full of laughs, don't miss this one!! I give it 5 stars.
KateDonely@aol.com
Carnal Innocence by Nora Roberts. 3 stars.
Combination of romance and mystery. Good summer read.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. 3 stars.
More a story of humanity than one of Afghani culture. Provides a little insight into Middle East difficulties.
Gone for Good by Harlan Coban. 4 stars.
Suspenseful till the end. Not as good as Tell No One, but still a very good read.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashears. 4 stars.
Great book for the young at heart. Magic is a great part of being young.
jscady@efieldguide.com
I just finished Valley of Bones by Michael Gruber, a 5-star pick, but you should read Tropic of Night first by Gruber. Set in Miami, an inside look at Cuban life with a Cuban detective and an African anthropologist involved with native religions was another 5-star read. His second book, Valley of Bones, continues with some of the same characters and expands on the first book's subjects, fresh and fascinating.
Point Deception by Marcia Muller was a good read, but I rate it only 4 stars due to less than perfectly drawn characters. The plot held you but I never got that interested in the hero.
Dark Voyage by Alan Furst is a page-turner. This one had everything --- historical fiction, suspense, even a little romance. In addition, the locales were familiar to me, having sailed for a year in the same areas of the Med. 5 stars.
clee@dppl.org
I just devoured Dearly Devoted Dexter --- great thriller. Just gotta love Dexter!!
Also listened to Fade by Kyle Mills --- another involved thriller that touches on some social/political issues that more of us perhaps need to be aware of.
wyrewrks@iowatelecom.net
Isaac's Storm by Erik Larson. 4 stars.
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. 5 stars.
Wow, both great historical reads. Larson has a great style for bringing you right into the action.
Eiger Dreams by Jon Krakauer. 5 stars.
Another great voice in nonfiction. These are vignettes related to rock and mountain climbing and are definitely worth the read. Also great on CD. I would rate others by Krakauer in the 5-star range also (Into Thin Air and Under the Banner of Heaven).
Thr3e by Ted Dekker. 5 stars.
Looking for suspense? Don't want to be able to see what's coming? This is the book for you. Couldn't put it down and when I thought I knew what was coming, a big twist, and then another one!
Midwives by Chris Bohjalian. 5 stars.
Another one with a huge surprise ending. Don't peek!
Life of Pi by Yann Martel. 4 stars.
I would love to meet Richard Parker! A little bit theological in the beginning, but as I was reading short snippets of the voyage to my kids, at the end we all couldn't help wondering, is this fiction or nonfiction?
The True Story of Hansel & Gretel by Louise Murphy. 5 stars.
A wonderful and moving story of WWII. Very cool how the author wove in the fairy tale.
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen. 5 stars.
A page-turner and funny story great for all ages. Hiaasen's first book aimed at the younger set has wonderful humor and a fast-paced story line.
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde. 5 stars.
Hilarious! A wonderful gallop through literary pages come to life. Gotta love Thursday Next!
dschraier@comcast.net
Confessions of a Homing Pigeon by Nicholas Meyer.
This is the best coming-of-age novel since Catcher in the Rye.
Mspiggy253@cox-internet.com
Name All the Animals by Allison Smith.
This was a true story told by a girl who loses her brother in an accident. It explores that heartwrenching grief that we all feel when we lose someone close. The questions and remorse that we all feel. Very well-written and honest.
Heaven Lake by John Dalton.
A compelling and interesting story about a young missionary in Tiawan who agrees to help someone get a certain lady to come from China to marry him. Lots of details and stories about life in Tiawan and China. An excellent read!
dvolkenannt@charter.net
The Taking by Dean Koontz. 4 stars.
Opens with a bang. It's chilling and creepy, with vivid and unusual description, interesting characters (both good and evil). Peppered with creative language and quotes from the works of T.S. Eliot, the story sags a bit towards the middle, then picks up momentum at the end. Definitely scary stuff that will keep you guessing and, at times, reaching for your dictionary.
O'Hara's Choice by Leon Uris. 4 stars.
I will miss reading books written by this masterful storyteller.
mcgillrmcgill@charter.net
Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis. 4 stars.
This was recommended by my granddaughter and I enjoyed it very much too. It's an excellent book, especially for teenaged girls, about a girl's life in Afghanistan, one that is totally alien to an American girl.
lgettle@iserv.net
4th of July by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. 4 stars.
Detective Lindsay Box and her partner are viciously attacked by two young teens they're attempting to help. Now the parents of the teens are suing her for excessive force, police misconduct, and wrongful death. She retreats to Half Moon Bay only to be plagued by a series of murders in that peaceful little town.
Tell Me Your Dreams by Sidney Sheldon. 4 stars.
Evidence at the scene of several brutal murders all point to one person committing the crimes, yet Ashley, Toni, and Alette are all arrested.
spartanjohn@comcast.net
I recently completed reading Elmore Leonard's The Hot Kid and Michael Connelly's The Closers. I have long been a fan of both authors, but enjoyed Elmore Leonard's entering a different era with a page-turner about 1920s gangsters and lawmen. Michael Connelly's The Closers ranks as his best effort in the Harry Bosch series, and I have enjoyed them all. I highly recommend both books and would rate 4 stars for Leonard and 5 stars for Connelly.
Cloish049@aol.com
I have just finished reading The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. This book was both very funny and hauntingly sad. This is a must read! 5 stars.
gmor@farmwagon.com
Dead Heat by Caroline Carver. 5 stars.
Bberrycrk@aol.com
I just finished Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. It was a very well written memoir about a childhood that would make any of us feel better about our own. 4 1/2 stars.
Also, The Ballad of Frankie Silver by Sharyn McCrumb. Fascinating tale worked around the true story of a woman's hanging. 4 stars.
Christophercherd@aol.com
Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc by Mark Twain
sweeper4@verizon.net
I recommend James Patterson's 4th of July.
Mjnauset@aol.com
I read To The Power of Three by Laura Lippman and would rate it 5 stars. It's a great stand-alone novel.
JOBSNOB@aol.com
The images of the night sky are so full of color and light in The Mating Season by Alex Brunkhorst, it's easy to miss the lessons.
Dreams are lived in full color and shattered in sharp contrast in this tale of living in glass houses. And the rule of moving forward from the past are immersed in the tiniest heart of a Lady Bug, to the grand
architecture piercing the clouds.
I loved this very visual book and am looking forward to sharing it. I give it a bold 4 1/2 rating.
bjohnson-att@comcast.net
The Teeth of the Tiger by Tom Clancy. 4 stars.
I love Clancy's books.
The Narrows by Michael Connelly. 4 stars.
Great book.
Catslady5@aol.com
The Second Sister by Carrie Weaver. 4 stars.
A pleasantly surprising book that is more than just a romance. A sequel to The Road to Echo Point, it accomplishes the mixture of romance with very sensitive topics that are very poignant and thought-provoking.
JONIVERSON@aol.com
5 stars for Donald Rayfield's Stalin and His Hangmen: The Tyrant and Those Who Killed for Him. This book's footnotes are fascinating in themselves. Rayfield paints a full portrait of Stalin and his USSR.
manada@insightbb.com
I just finished Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri. This was a wonderful book that actually made me jealous! Her debut was so wonderfully written and won a Pulitzer. I'm currently reading Midwives by Chris Bohjalian. So far, this is turning into an excellent story that really makes you think.
LDS1979@aol.com
I am currently reading:
The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber.
It is set during the Victorian times and is very very sensual representation of that period. I have had this book on my shelf for at least a year and will take it with me to read on vacation next week.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova.
I purchased this book while on vacation as it was highly recommended by the staff at The Book Nook in Montague, Michigan. It appears to be historical fiction regarding Dracula. The first chapter of this book truly draws the reader in.
Lori from NJ
I just finished a book that I read in grade school, The Chronicles of Narnia: Book 1 - The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis. I give it 5 stars. I ended up reading it again at my age (42), because my son has it on his summer reading list for school. I haven't read it in ages, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience! I didn't want to put it down, and I think I'll probably continue and read all 7 books...
Myrnapen@aol.com
I recently finished Adriana Trigiani's Rococo, which was very funny. 3 stars. Now I'm reading Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead, which is quite a challenge! 5 stars.
gregc2@bellsouth.net
A Hole in the Universe by Mary McGarry Morris. 4 1/2 stars.
Story of a man who is released from prison after 25 years for being involved in a pregnant woman's murder when he was a teenager. He has a difficult time assimilating back into society.
Eleven on Top by Janet Evanovich. 3 1/2 stars.
Stephanie Plum mystery is back on track with further adventures. She decides to leave bounty hunting and gets in more trouble than ever. Always an entertaining humorous read.
Last German Slave Girl by John Bailey. 4 stars.
True story about a young girl brought to this country and put into "temporary" slavery to pay her way --- a redemptioner. She is sold and stays a slave until someone recognizes her 25 years later. A true story, well researched, which becomes a mystery. Is she the "real" Sally Miller or someone who looks like her and is trying to gain her freedom? There are lots of documented testimonies of this case as it went through the courts.
Debby236@aol.com
Right now I am reading a book by Alison Kent. It is part of a series of books where all the heroes work for this underground agency. It reminds me of James Bond. This one is called Larger Than Life. If you enjoy spy stories with romance included, this one is for you. I give it a 5.
tomjac0850@charter.net
I just completed reading a book titled Waiting by Frank M. Robinson. I was never sure where this story was headed, but it seemed a bit far-fetched. In the modern world, people discover that, living among them, are people who are descended from ancient cavemen, who have retained the memories of their ancestors. These "Old Ones" have the objective of wiping out the new people who all but destroyed the culture of the Old Ones and are headed for destruction themselves, through nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare. It is a far-fetched tale but may make for some light summer reading. 3 stars.
Adele from Akron Ohio
This has been a good reading month:
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling. 5 stars.
Had to review and prepare for....
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling. 5 stars.
As good as I expected, deeper and more adult then the previous books.
Eragon by Christopher Paolini. 5 stars.
Amazing that this was started when the author was 15?!! Very good read, looking forward to 8/23/05 when the 2nd book comes out.
The Second Summer of the Sisterhood by Anne Brashares. 5 stars.
Great read but I would save it for 15 years and up.
Why Men Don't Have a Clue and Women Always Need New Shoes by Barbara and Allan Pease. 3 stars.
Insightful; not quite done with it but it is pretty good so far.
RothAd@ci.akron.oh.us
My book club (Bas Bleu) in Akron, Ohio meets once a month to share food and dish on a monthly book. Over the last 6 years we have developed some habits: a romance novel in February, a women's biography in March, a young adult fiction sometime in the summer, and a story of survivorship in October.
One of our early members was active in our local Making Strides against Breast Cancer. Each October the American Cancer Society stages the fundraising walk, and Therese, who was battling the disease herself, worked on the fund raiser. I am not sure how it evolved but our October meeting evolved into a joint walk and then brunch to discuss that month's book.
About 3 years ago we started to look for a book that talked about survivorship. This is what we read:
It's Not About the Bike by Lance Armstrong
Ice Bound: A Doctor's Battle for Survival by Jerri Nielson
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
If any readers have any recommendations of discussable books about survivorship, nonfiction or fiction, I'd appreciate it if you let me know. And it doesn't have to be about surviving cancer --- any kind of survival would be welcome.
Therese lost her battle in December of 2003, but we still walk and meet in October and think of her and the many other friends who battle for survivorship around us.
maestraw@msn.com
I am getting to the bottom of my huge stack of books and discovered The Bark of the Dogwood by Jackson Tippett McCrae. This book is incredible! Little Strekfus is such a heartbreakingly funny kid, even though his childhood is dysfunctional, to say the least. As Strekfus grows, his stories become more and more complex and interwoven. This is a 4 1/2 out of 5. I cannot recommend it highly enough!
marychambers@yahoo.com
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. 5 stars.
This classic is one of my all-time favorites.
The Cruelest Miles by Gay & Laney Salisbury. 5 stars.
It tells the story for which Balto is famous. It's about the Diphtheria epidemic in Nome, Alaska.
As Silver Refined by Kay Arthur. 5 stars.
Everyone has problems and struggles. How do you respond when the going gets tough?
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. 5 stars.
Two boys growing up in Kabul on the brink of war.
Mittens0831@aol.com
Fox River by Emilie Richards. 5 stars.
I can't say enough good things about this book. It is the story of two women and the men they married and the men they loved. It is the story of scandal, secrets, murder, and what caused a woman's hysterical blindness. It is the story of a mother's love. I recommend this book very highly. You won't be disappointed!
Haneymeh@aol.com
The Forgotten Man by Robert Crais. 5 stars.
I had been waiting for Crais's new book about Elivs Cole, and I wasn't disappointed in The Forgotten Man. We learn more about Cole and his childhood, about his dream of finding his father. His friend Joe Pike is there when Elvis needs him. Surprise ending that keeps you
guessing up to the end.
brownbookloft@gmail.com
Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear
The author does an excellent job of portraying what life was like during an era that was full of pain even as it held new opportunities. Maisie is a warmhearted, likable character who takes a humanistic approach to problem-solving. This book is highly recommended for anyone who likes mysteries with an intelligent, insightful protagonist and a historically accurate atmosphere. Four stars.
The Typhoon Lover by Sujata Massey. 4 stars.
While I was reading this book, the remnants of Hurricane Cindy were lashing against my window, adding a bit of atmospheric realism to the typhoon scenes in the book. I am also a native Washingtonian and enjoyed a virtual stroll through the downtown streets with Rei.
This was one of the most entertaining books that I have read in a while. I completely relaxed while reading it and soaked up the gentle atmosphere. Sujata Massey has a created a complex, enduring character in Rei Shimura. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling. 5 stars.
I've enjoyed watching the characters grow up. Harry and his friends are much more mature and willing to accept responsibility and risk on their own terms. Even the adults around them treat them with more respect. I enjoyed the humor in this book and it looks like the author had a good time writing it. Right now, I think this was my second favorite in the series.
krisgirl@comcast.net
Monster by Frank Peretti. Excellent.
JOY_VEN@wideopenwest.com
Devil's Corner by Lisa Scottoline. 5 stars.
Murder and intrigue, what we all like.
wandahatescmmc@hotmail.com
Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver is a delightful coming-of-age story set in the prehistory of 6,000 years ago somewhere on earth. The author's use of very modern language makes for easy reading and serves as a counterpoint to the cultural and spiritual ambiance of that older time, while emphasizing and celebrating the commonality twenty-first century man shares with his ancestors of 4000 B.C. The "sidekick" character is especially endearing. The book, the flagship volume in a trinity called Chronicles of Ancient Darkness, is intended for readers 10 years old and above. While it may be a little emotionally taxing for the very young, older children and adults will find much to ponder and enjoy in this story. 3 stars.
garrettsambo@aol.com
My recommendations this month:
Always Time to Die by Elizabeth Lowell. 4 stars, alomst 5.
This is a great read. It mesmorizes the reader. The story intrigues you.
The Summer I Dared by Barbara Delinsky. 2 stars.
This was a very disappointing read. The book seemed dull and it was a chore to read.
To the Power of Three by Laura Lippman. 3 stars.
This read was not as good as it should have been. The setting in Baltimore was great, but there seemed to be something missing in the story. Maybe the characters were not developed as well as they should have been.
ABamaBecky@aol.com
I have recently finished 3 good summer reads:
Twelve Times Blessed by Jacqueline Mitchard. 4 stars.
This is a great book with very believable characters.
The Future Scrolls by Fern Michaels. 5+ stars.
Wonderful! She is fast becoming one of my favorite authors!
A Promise to Cherish by LaVyrle Spencer. 3 stars.
This is a true romance novel.
bradylee@myway.com
Niv: The Authorized Biography of David Niven by Graham Lord. Published 2005 with 741 pages (large print) + notes. 5 stars.
No matter how successful or renown one is, there is always tragedy in a life it seems. David Niven, loved by most people, had two major tragedys in his life that I believe were singularly responsible for his eventual death.
Here is a marvelous story of a life filled with accomplishment, joy, sorrow, and just plain fun...in abundance. Youth of today probably are unaware of Mr. Niven, but he was a major movie star and this book will give you a lot of Hollywood history.
Like most actors, he constantly worried that he was washed up after his last film, but he was employed far longer than most stars and made huge sums of money in films and other areas also. A grand read for those who enjoy bios.
tfranzen2124@comcast.net
I have finally found it! A book that is vying for Favorite ever book with my beloved, Peace Like a River by Leif Enger (5 stars, of course). I have just finished The Monk Downstairs by Tim Farrington (5 stars of course). The afterglow of this beautiful story lingers. I am not ready to say it has moved into a tie with Peace Like a River, because I've just set it down now, but what a hold it has on me. How I love my books!
BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffery Eugenides. 4 stars.
A disturbing book, but very well written. This is Eugenides's first novel and shows the promise of his later work Middlesex.
Jaime from Fredonia, NY
I just finished reading The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks. I'm a real fan of Sparks after The Notebook --- but in all honesty this was not Sparks's best work. Usually, he has a lot of different elements in the book that pull together to form a good story. Other than a clever hook at the end, this book, while it tries to explore the charm of a sleepy Southern town, misses the mark. I would give it 3 stars.
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