| Rose |
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A beautiful, vivid story of friendship and love between two young girls in China during the 19th century. They develop a bond that lasts a lifetime, through all their joys and tragedies.
Bravo, Lisa!
|
| Mitch (fourthwhite@yahoo.com) |
The Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Wow. I am still enjoying this book. I began it two days ago and just wish I had more time to read because I know I could have finished it very quickly. I have always loved Gerritsen's books, but this is such a change of pace for her. It reads just like the old Gothic thrillers I used to love reading when I was much younger. It was very much like Daphne duMaurier in feel, with so much atmosphere. I cannot recommend it highly enough!!
|
| Bonnie |
The Zero Game by Brad Meltzer |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Fast-paced suspense thriller that reveals the inner workings of Washington, D. C. It kept me guessing til the end.
|
| Metalfiend (metalfiend11@yahoo.com) |
The Heroin Diaries by Nikki Sixx with Ian Gittins |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A very interesting book about the life of an addicted rock star. I was truly shocked by some of the things he did. It's hard to believe what drugs can do to people. This book may be hard for some people to read, but it's reality for so many who have fallen victim, and for their families.
|
| Maureen H |
Creation In Death by J. D. Robb |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy from bookreporter.com and this was another great installment in the Eve Dallas and Rourke mysteries. The mystery is about a killer that Eve has seen before, who is dubbed the "Groom" by the media. Eve and her partner Feeney feel deeply about the recent rash of killings because they were not able to catch him nine years ago. Rourke is brought along for the ride due to the fact that he has employed the recent victim. It was another satisfying addition to a great series.
|
| Alice |
Lottery by Patricia Wood |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Funny, uplifting story about a mentally challenged man who wins the lottery after his grandmother dies. Outstanding book.
|
| Heather |
The Rest of Her Life by Laura Moriarty |
Rating: 1 Stars |
This book had a lot of potential, but fell short of my expectations. The plot is great, but instead of focusing around the accident itself, it revolves more on a daughter/mother present and past relationship. I wouldn't recommend this book to my book club. I don't see it causing a great discussion.
|
| Marsha |
Friend of the Devil by Peter Robinson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A first-rate addictive book featuring Alan Banks. If you love police procedurals, try this series. Robinson engages you quickly and never lets the suspense waver.
|
| Lori S |
Dark Lover by J. R. Ward |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series got me hooked, so every once in a while, I have to check out another author. This is the first book in Ward's series and is very good. It is not as dark and complex as Hamilton's, but it dwells more on the romanticism of nearly star-crossed lovers, and acceptance. Of course, the tall, dark, and handsome leading man doesn't hurt. If you are interested in a romantic saga with a twist, you should give this a try.
|
| Kathy |
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield |
Rating: 5 Stars |
i really liked this book. It was very well written, with great imagery and a good story.
|
| Kathy |
Don't Look Back by Karin Fossum |
Rating: 5 Stars |
One of the best of the mystery genre I've read in a long time. The story and the characters stay with you.
|
| Kathy |
Mozart's Sister by Rita Charbonnier |
Rating: 3 Stars |
i wanted to like this book because thought the premise was great. But, it was overly dramatic and honestly, quite boring.
|
| Kathy |
The Pirate's Daughter by Margaret Cezair-Thompson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I really enjoyed this book. It made me want to jump on the next plane to Jamaica. It was very well written and the author did a great job of instilling a sense of both time and place.
|
| Kathy |
Ghostwalk by Rebecca Stott |
Rating: 1 Stars |
UGH, painful! This is nothing to recommend --- it was poorly written, trite, and the characters' actions make no sense.
|
| Kathy |
What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A great story that keeps you guessing. Lippman strays from her main character, Tess , with great success.
|
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
In For The Kill by John Lutz |
Rating: 4 Stars |
An exciting thriller about a serial killer, his victims, and the cops pursuing him. It's very much like the Japanese novel OUT, about the methodical dIsposal of bodies.
|
| Paula |
Mad Dash by Patricia Gaffney |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Who would think that an abandoned, shivering puppy left on a doorstep would initiate the breakup of a twenty-year marriage? This hearfelt story is told with humor and compassion. It is hard to put down.
|
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls |
Rating: 5 Stars |
After reading this book, I really appreciate my childhood. My parents were responsible --- they gave us food, water and shelter and they took care of us in every way. They put themselves before us. You can not say this about Jeanette’s parents. Yet, when I sat down and made a list of the good and bad things about Jeanette’s childhood, the good list was almost as long as the bad.
First, the bad list: Her parents were irresponsible, the father was a drunk, the father stole from his own children, the parents did not provide for them, their priorities were mixed up, thye were selfish, they ran from the law.
Now, the good list: The kids' circumstances taught them how to be independent, they learned to appreciate the smallest and simplest things, they were strong and had the will to survive, they were encouraged to read and were taught many interesting things, they became creative and learned to make things from nothing, their Mom was a free spirit and tried to show the positive side in everything, and finally, the kids leaned on each other and became each other’s friends and support (with maybe the exception of Maureen).
This was an excellent memoir. I could not put it down. I will probably be thinking about this book for a long time to come. I am surprised Jeanette and her siblings survived their childhood as well as they did. I am not sure I could.
|
| Lorna |
Oh My Stars by Lorna Landvik |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A nice heartwarming story that takes place during the Depression about a young women who has half her arm cut off while working in a factory, and then what transpires after that. She leaves home and meets up with a couple of musicians, and the story takes off from there. At times, it will make you cry, smile and laugh. Just a nice story you shouldn't miss.
|
| Judith Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
Painting the Invisible Man by Rita Schiano |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Have you ever read a book that left you so full of emotion that you found it hard to discuss its contents? It’s not often a book renders me searching for words that adequately express my feelings, but PAINTING THE INVISIBLE MAN has done just that.
Most novels I’d describe as easy-breezy reads. I enjoy them, love to discuss them, and then want to move on. But Rita Schiano’s book touched me in a place I rarely disclose to the public.
|
| Mary in HB (mljacobsinhb@msn.com) |
The Almost Moon: A Novel by Alice Sebold |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I am so confused about the ending of this book. Was this book written after the "Sopranos" finale aired? I just love Sebold's writing, though.
|
| Mary in HB (mljacobsinhb@msn.com) |
The Words of Every Song: A Novel by Liz Moore |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A great read, told by several different points of view. Each chapter is narrated by a different, interlinking character.
|
| Mary in HB (mljacobsinhb@msn.com) |
An Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes... by Brock Clarke |
Rating: 4 Stars |
AN ARSONIST'S GUIDE TO WRITERS' HOMES IN NEW ENGLAND is a very solid and funny book full of off-kilter characters. The writing will be appreciated by those who love word play and wanted to be English teachers.
|
| Mary in HB (mljacobsinhb@msn.com) |
Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale by Holly Black |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Good page turner. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone under 14, though it is marketed as a young adult book. There are sexual situations and drug references.
|
| Mary in HB (mljacobsinhb@msn.com) |
Jennifer Scales and the Messenger of Light (A Jenn by MaryJanice Davidson and Anthony Alongi |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Another wonderful series from MaryJanice Dickinson. It's also a great positive message for teens.
|
| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
The Hunt by Allison Brennan |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This 2nd book in this series is great, and this author is quickly becoming a favorite.
Twelve years ago, Miranda Moore survived the torture of a serial killer who was never caught. Since then, she has had FBI training and is now a member of the local search-and-rescue squad. She has witnessed the recovery of the mutilated bodies of seven women, all victims of her tormentor, known as The Butcher. When another Montana college student goes missing, the Feds get involved, and an agent that Miranda once trusted with her heart arrives to take over the investigation. Now, she must face her demons while caught in a race against time to find the missing girl.
|
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
Drenched in Light by Lisa Wingate |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A very interesting book about relationships, private schools, children, foster care, eating disorders, and drugs. This is the first time I have read Lisa Wingate and intend to read more by this author. The light mention of religion was a very nice touch.
|
| Louise |
Betrayal in Blood by Michael Benson |
Rating: 2 Stars |
Since I enjoy true crime stories, I expected to like this book, but after 120 pages, I just couldn't bring myself to finish. It feels like I have to force myself to sit down and read.
BETRAYAL IN BLOOD is about the murder of Tabatha Bryant of Rochester, NY. From the get-go (front cover), the reader already knows what the crime was, who the victim was, and who the perpetrators were. The details of the above just aren't all that interesting.
In the future, I believe I will stick to Ann Rule.
|
| Rachel |
Family Acts by Louise Shaffer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is Louise Shaffer's third book, and the characters are wonderful. The two main characters, with Shakespearian names, live on opposite coasts and have never met. Life takes an unpredictable turn for these two strangers when they jointly inherit the century-old Venable Opera House, a stately but run-down theater in small-town Georgia.
This is a good read for book clubs!
|
| Debbie Whittemore |
High Crimes by Michael Kodas |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A fascinating account of what it is like to climb Mt. Everest in today's climate of greed, fraud, theft, and violence. Not only are climbers at the mercy of the mountain, they are at the mercy of their own teammates and other climbers.
|
| Laura Guillory (LAURA.GUILLORY@INTERTEK.COM) |
Christine Falls by Benjamin Black and John Banville |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This audiobook is read by Timothy Dalton, which makes it quite interesting. It's set in 1950s London and is full of twists and turns.
|
| Juanita |
And You Know You Should Be Glad by Bob Greene |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a wonderful book. It's sad, yes; but it's also much more than that --- it's very enlightening. I'm sure I will always remember parts of this book. Plus it is about my generation!
|
| Steve (steveplank@aol.com) |
A Tourist in the Yucatan by James McNay Brumfeld |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I just finished this cult classic thriller, and what a fun read! This is a story about a couple of gringos who get in mucho big trouble while traveling down Mexico way. Great action and adventure are both wrapped in the mysterious Mayan culture. Highly recommended!
|
| Anita Nowak |
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a wonderful novel mixed with fiction and the history of England during the 16th century. It was a great story, and very hard to put down. Even though it was long (over 600 pages), it never got dull or boring. I am looking forward to reading more books by this wonderful author.
|
| Paula |
The Night Gardener by George Pelecanos |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A very compelling novel set in Washington D. C. about three policemen who have different views of their role in law enforcement. After decades, a disturbing murder reunites them and they must face their anger and regret with a sense of purpose. The characters are well developed and the plot is well designed.
|
| Fran |
The Queen's Fool by Philippa Gregory |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This was my first experience with a Philippa Gregory book and I must admit that I was impressed. I enjoyed the character Hannah, the fool, who was caught between the rivalry of Queen Mary and her sister, Elizabeth.
|
| Quinn (eqkmath@gmail.com) |
Skipping Christmas by John Grisham |
Rating: 4 Stars |
What a delightful book about wonderful people! The relationships that were established were funny and joy filled. It is a great holiday treat for all that makes you want to stop and reflect on all the good feelings and forget things!
|
| Judith Kobler |
Skinned by Joanne Clarey |
Rating: 5 Stars |
SKINNED is a chilling, fast-paced thriller that features a unique female protagonist, Dr.Christie McMorrow --- a forensic psychologist who is experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. She returns to work to help her recovery and ends up in an investigation of the deaths of three young women who were found frozen, skinned and missing body parts. She and detective Bill Drummond encounter many scary obstacles on their way to indict the traffickers. This thriller is the sequel to Clarey's thriller TWISTED TRUTH, but can be read alone.
|
| Diane Dubay (monysmom@comcast.net) |
Wicked by Gregory Maguire |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I LOVED this and didn't expect to --- I love the way he weaves current issues into a remaking of the WIZARD OF OZ story and gives a whole new background to all the characters! I couldn't put it down and it made me want to go out and get ALL his books, and buy this for everyone for Christmas!
|
| Liz Saure |
The Reincarnationist by M. J. Rose |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This original book had me rethinking my concept of organized religions of the world. REALLY original. A book that's hard to put down.
|
| Cammie |
Abundance by Sena Jeter Naslund |
Rating: 5 Stars |
If you want to read a little more about Marie Antoinette than you've read in history books, this is a book for you. It is a novel, but it gives one a view of what it was like to live as a Royal, and how Marie Antoinette went from being adored as the Queen to being reviled and ultimately beheaded as was her husband, Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Even though Naslund is very flowery and descriptive in her writing, it is a very interesting book to read.
|
| Rita |
The Road by Cormac McCarthy |
Rating: 2 Stars |
This is really a depressing book. It concerns father-and-son survivors after some horrible event has destroyed the world. Though their travels are somewhat interesting, I cannot really recommend somethingthat has no hope in it. There is love, but no hope.
|
| Lea Ann in Seattle (baxtergr@msn.com) |
The Street of a Thousand Blossoms by Gail Tsukiyama |
Rating: 5 Stars |
One of the finest books of fiction that I have read for some time. The story takes place in Japan between 1939 and 1966. The two main characters are two young boys whose parents drown while on an evening outing. The boys had been left in the care of their maternal grandparents, who raise them after the accident. The war is somewhat of an incidental character in the book as we watch the two become young men and then full-fledged adults. The written language is beautifully done, the story gripping; all in all, a book well worth the team devoted to reading it.
|
| John Dallal |
Downtown by Pete Hamill |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Having been a New Yorker over sixty years, this book deeply touched my heart, being written by a man with much insight, pride, and love regarding a city I've known, and loved, for so long. For anyone wishing to have a better appreciation for such a
wonderfully diverse and colorful city, I think you'll find DOWNTOWN a lovely ride.
|
| Judy O. |
Creation in Death by J. D. Robb |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I had the opportunity to preview this book, and I'm glad I did. It's an extremely detailed police procedural about Lieutenant Eve Dallas of the NYPD. She is trying to find a serial killer of young women, but she seems to be a target of the murderer herself. It looks like there are over 25 books in this series, but she is a new author to me.
|
| Terressa |
On Agate Hill by Lee Smith |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book is so intriguing as Smith writes from the perspective of many characters, some in narrative, some in letters, and some in diaries. Parts of the book are written in flashback and others in current time. A fascinating tale of hardship, love, tragedy and joy.
|
| Gina |
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I read this book warily at first, but then
felt like I was with a friend on a life-changing adventure. Some parts are slow --- the
mantras in India, for example --- but the philosophical insights are worth the wait.
|
| Coral Harrison |
Dead Heat by Dick & Felix Francis |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Another good book by Dick Francis, this time, assisted by his son Felix who helped with details and research. Naturally, this book is about horse racing, but also about a man who is a chef; race owners go to his restaurant and he caters an event where there is a bomb, and one of his help is killed. He meets his girlfriend who plays a viola. A good mystery and love story.
|
| Gloria Sexton |
Chronicles of the Host: Exile of Lucifer by D. Brian Shafer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
For anyone that likes Christian fiction; this is a must read! A wonderful book that really makes you think!!!
This gives you a glimpse into what if the creation of the world happened like this. This is book#1 in a 4 part series.
|
| Laurie Blum (laurieblum@hotmail.com) |
The Flamenco Academy by Sarah Bird |
Rating: 3 Stars |
If you would like to read a lovely novel which emphasizes the act of flamenco, Gypsy culture and Spanish history, Sara Bird's THE FLAMENCO ACADEMY would be perfect for your book review club --- a different and interesting adventure.
|
| Phyllis |
Jack's Widow by Eve Pollard |
Rating: 4 Stars |
An interesting twist on Jackie Kennedy's life after the death of Jack. A delightful mesh of facts and fiction.
|
| Lorinda |
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros |
Rating: 4 Stars |
My book club is reading this story about a year in the life of 12-year-old Esperanza, her crowded Latino neighborhood in Chicago's poor area, and segregation. This story made me laugh but yet, in the words from the ugly stories, you could hear Esperanza's own voice through the negative experiences.
|
| Sandi |
World Without End by Ken Follett |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I have not finished this yet but it is superb. Just as good as PILLOWS OF THE EARTH. This historical fiction takes place in the 1300s right before the Black Death. The descendants of many of the characters in PILLARS OF THE EARTH are here. Mr. Follett really knows how to write a story. I love it.
|
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The story is about Lily and Snow Flower, who are paired as laotongs and use nu shu, a unique language that Chinese women created to communicate in secret. The story takes their friendship from the beginning of the laotong pairing to the winter of their lives. See weaves the history of the time in with the novel, which makes the story even more intriguing. This was a very unique and interesting read. I have always thought Chinese culture was very mysterious. I think Lisa See revealed some of the ambiguity of very traditional and very unusual customs, like foot binding. This practice was absolutely fascinating to read about. I immediately went to the internet to see if there were any pictures to show what this looked liked. I am still haunted by this idea. This book has left quite an impression on me and I will be recommending it to all my reader friends.
|
| Julie Towson |
The Broker by John Grisham |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The story takes place mostly in northern Italy. Grisham really delves into the customs, sights and sounds of Italy. It has the great Grisham ending as well.
|
| Richard Bartels |
Power of the Sword by Wilbur Smith |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Smith is a fine writer with a wide command of many subjects. His adventure writing is among the very best. This book deals with South Africa from about World War I through the start of World War II. He captures the political situation --- the conflicting feels Pro-England vs Pro-Germany --- and also educates the reader about the fishing industry, gold and diamond mining. I highly recommend this author!
|
| F Tessa Bartels |
When Dad Killed Mom by Julius Lester |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Jeremy and Jenna struggle to come to terms with the fact that their father shot their mother. Powerful, emotional and yet simple. A very good book.
|
| F Tessa Bartels |
A Change of Heart by Philip Gulley |
Rating: 3 Stars |
It does my heart good to read these books. This is more from the village of Harmony and its inhabitants --- forgiveness and tolerance, family and love.
|
| Vikki (vikkivand@aol.com) |
Songs Without Words by Ann Packer |
Rating: 1 Stars |
I loved THE DIVE FROM CLAUSEN'S PIER and looked forward to this book, but I was disappointed. After getting through to page 184, I just couldn't continue anymore. I was not enjoying this. Sorry.
|
| Louise |
Forgiving by LaVyrle Spencer |
Rating: 4 Stars |
In true LaVyrle Spencer fashion, this is another story of warmth, forgiveness and other human emotions, and like most of the others I've read, set in 1800s America.
With rare courage and fortitude, Sarah Merritt travels alone to set up business in Dakota territory. Will she find her long-lost sister and be able to bring her back to the family fold? Will she find success, and even love? Not without a few hardships and trials in the process.
|
| Janet Stewart |
Clapton: The Autobiography by Eric Clapton |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I just started reading this phenomenal rock legend's autobiography, but I'm sure I'm going to love it.
|
| Carol (carford@aol.com) |
Critical by Robin Cook |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Somewhat slow moving, hence the reason for the 4-star rating. But, it is still interesting.
|
| Kristina S. Dickinson (ksdickinson@hotmail.com) |
Prisoner of Tehran by Marina Nemat |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A terrifyingly real account of a teenager in Tehran who was imprisoned for refusing to name classmates and friends as anti-government protesters. This story tells of her struggles to survive during and after her imprisonment and how she came to the US with her high school sweetheart to begin a new life of freedom. Its an excellent book and I highly recommend it to everyone.
|
| F Tessa Bartels |
Julie and Romeo by Jeanne Ray |
Rating: 3 Stars |
An absolutely delightful love story with a twist on Shakespeare's tragedy. Julie Roseman falls for Romeo Cacciamani though their families are sworn enemies and rival florists.
|
| Mary |
The Grave Tattoo by Val McDermid |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a book so full of surprises that I couldn't put it down. Gangs in London, envy and espionage in the academic world, William Wordsworth and Fletcher Christian, a bog man and those "grave tattoos" --- it's all here.
|
| Linda M |
Summer by Karen Kingsbury |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A very good book. Just keep the tissues handy.
|
| Karen |
Case Histories by Kate Atkinson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a literary thriller that keeps you guessing. It starts out with three case histories of murder cases that have gone cold. The author deftly intertwines these stories into the solution of the cases.
|
| J. J. Farris |
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book, about a young autistic boy whose parents are getting a divorce and the way he deals with the changes he must face, is a real page-turner. I read this book, which is not a long one, in one sitting because I could not find a good place to stop!
|
| Mary |
Loving Will Shakespeare by Carolyn Meyer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A unique look at life in Shakespeare's England --- everyday life in the country, not in London. The characters are vivid and the simple details make the story very real. Women's status, or lack of status, and the timeless theme of young love combine in this book.
|
| Mary |
Peony In Love by Lisa See |
Rating: 5 Stars |
By the author of SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN, this is another glimpse of the life and afterlife of women in China. It will resonate with mothers of daughters of any race. A great read!
|
| Sally |
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Excellent book following the author's success with THE KITE RUNNER. This gave incredible insight into life in Afghanistan during this period of time. Heartbreaking.
|
| Joan |
Consent to Kill by Vince Flynn |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the second book I have read by Vince Flynn and I was not disappointed. If you are fascinated by what goes on in the world of espionage, then these books are for you! Mitch Rapp is a well-known counter terrorist with a price is on his head. A very intriguing book, well worth reading.
|
| Carolyn |
A Woman in Jerusalem by A. B. Yehoshua |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A woman is killed by a suicide bombing and nobody comes to claim the body. A news reporter gets wind of this and accuses the employer of not caring about its workers. How far will the employer go to make sure the body is delivered to the rightful survivor/s? The ending will surprise the reader. (I would give this book 4.5 stars but had to choose between 4 or 5 in the menu.)
|
| Louise Pledge (LouBabe@juno.com) |
Guilty as Sin by Tami Hoag |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The conclusion to the mystery of the child kidnapper started in NIGHT SINS. Or is it (the conclusion)? The surprising twist at the end leaves open the possibility of yet another "chapter" to the story.
Highly recommended, but not without reading both books.
|
| Carole |
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book is a little slow to get into, but it really kept my interest. It is about Elizabeth's search for her true identity after a divorce, which takes her across Italy, India and Indonesia. Recommended.
|
| Ozarks Anne |
The Quickie by James Patterson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I've only had this book two days and am more than half way through. I keep getting shocking surprises --- nothing you'd ever guess. I also like Patterson's works because of the short chapters. This, of course, makes you read just one more, then just one more. I will stop here and get back to reading. You'll think you might know what's going to happen next, but you sure won't!!
|
| ck |
Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Most of the early troubles concerning the right to worship and ill treatment in England and Holland of those who sailed on the Mayflower have been documented frequently. However, my impression of the natives was sadly influenced by those early childhood versions of Squanto putting a fish into the hole the with corn and the wonderful feast of Thanksgiving where the Indians and Pilgrims ate and played games.
Philbrick has swept away the myths with his superb documentary of the hardships, manipulation and mean spirits of many of the "English" and the natives in and around Plymouth and Boston. The last half of the book is devoted to the bitter racial tension that preceded the ugly showdown known as King Philip's War.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, now is a good time to make a fire in the fireplace, curl up on the couch and enjoy the fascinating history of the first 50 to 60 years of the the area that became Massachusetts.
|
| Linda Pinto |
The Epidemic: A Global History of AIDS by Jonathan Engel |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This is an interesting and still timely history of the international AIDS epidemic. I know that for many, AIDS in developed countries is a serious but almost chronic disease. But, this book brings home the fact that the disease is still devastating in Africa and parts of Asia. It is not light reading but then the subject is serious too.
|
| Linda M |
Playing for Pizza by John Grisham |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A fun book to read. This was written in a different genre for Grisham, but it was still enjoyable.
|
| l ann |
How to Shovel Manure by Gwen Peterson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Summer is not my favorite time of year for reading. You know, too much outdoor time. This book is meant for people who are busy, as one can pick it up and become enchanted by the stories, recipes, poems, and even pictures for a few minutes at a time. Montana cowgirl wisdom is great for all.
|
| Marion Miller (lamamil@aol.com) |
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This was a very original story of World War II and Germany. The family is wonderful and their struggles during the war are very realistically portrayed. I highly recommend this book.
|
| Mark Deaver |
Derrick Sweat, Midwest Deep Freeze by George Wilder Jr. |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book is gripping, a page turner, it's filled with more twists and turns. I highly recommend this piece of work. Mr. Wilder is truly on his way. The blues has returned.
|
| Mark Deaver |
Raw Deception by George Wilder Jr. |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book is well written and the pace is smooth. The writer knew his subjects well. It's spellbinding, as I found myself turning each page. A must read for everyone.
|
| Mark Deaver |
Derrick Sweat Sings The Blues by George Wilder Jr. |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a very compelling story --- a story the reader can feel and grow to understand. It's a crime story that could be out of today's headlines. A great addition to the fiction reader's bookshelf.
|
| Gale |
Last Known Victim by Erica Spindler |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Spindler's return to post-Katrina New Orleans features familiar characters searching for a serial killer known as The Handyman. LAST KNOWN VICTIM is an enjoyable read, enhanced by Spindler's great appreciation for this unique city.
|
| Peter |
The Mess They Made by Gwynne Dyer |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is about the invasion of Iraq and how it will change the Middle East forever. A reasoned and well-researched book and an astute analysis of the consequences of the war by a military expert.
|
| E.Quinn (eqkmath@gmail.com) |
Songs Without Words by Ann Packer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a real psychological novel. The friendship started in childhood are somehow stretched and challenged decades later. It is interesting to see the facets of life that change and what people do to cope with that change.
|
| Tamara Randi |
Enrique's Journey by Sonia Nazario |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The first third of this book was very hard to read, and then it got easier. It is the tragic true story of thousands of young children trying to get into the United States from across the southern borders. They ride on the tops of trains coming north to find their mothers. It is about their flight as they are hunted like animals by gangsters, corrupt cops and bandits.
|
| Gale |
Pandora's Daughter by Iris Johansen |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Johansen offers a paranormal twist in her latest romantic suspense novel. Physician Megan Blair hears voices, a "gift" she inherited from her murdered mother. There are numerous plot twists that stretch the limits of belief, but all in all, PANDORA'S DAUGHTER is a fun book.
|
| Tamara Randi (sewradical@ncws.com) |
Frankie's Place: A Love Story by Jim Sterba |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A fun memoir about living on Bar Harbor for a summer. It is about the love of a woman, the love of the cottage, the love of food and the love of the island.
|
| Christy Hawkes |
The Kitchen Witch by Annette Blair |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This was such a great book! It has everything that I want in a romantic comedy with a fun plot and wonderful, warm, and caring characters that I fell in love with. I never wanted to stop reading. I've already purchased the next two books in Ms. Blair's series.
|
| Robin Coker (hillcoker@yahoo.com) |
Phone In the Fridge by Lorna J. Moorhead |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book will not interest you unless you have multiple sclerosis or live with someone who does. I have MS so found this to be very enjoyable. It takes a humorous look at how those of us with MS survive day to day --- how we misplace things, even words in our sentences can be misplaced. It also talks about the struggles that we have. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has this disease. Moorhead's other book is called COFFEE IN MY CEREAL, and don't think she has written any others.
|
| Lew |
Tripwire by Lee Child |
Rating: 4 Stars |
An exciting Jack Reacher adventure that keeps you guessing until the end.
|
| Christy Hawkes |
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the first novel of Ms. Hoffman's that I've read and I thought it was wonderful. It was an easy read, filled with with humor and beautiful descriptions. The characters were believable and lovable and the story of the two sisters, Gillian and Sally, was absolutely magical and delightful. Overall, this was a nicely written book that I would highly recommend.
|
| Carol H. |
On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This book begins on Edward and Florence's wedding night, and how it defines their marriage.
|
| Linda M. Johnson |
Strip Tease by Carl Hiaasen |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I'm continuing on my course of reading all of Hiaasen's books. In my mind, he never disappoints. In this book, Erin is a single mother who takes a job as an "exotic dancer" to support herself and her daughter. Unfortunately, her ex-husband gains custody because the judge overseeing the case is a Born-again Christian. Hiaasen knows how to write a hilarious book.
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| Rosalie Sambuco (tigersmama43213@aol.com) |
Sisters of the Heart by Chitra Divakaruni |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A wonderful story of 2 girls in India. They are cousins, but live in the same house. Both fathers are dead.
This is their story of growing up with many mothers. It is about arranged marriages, plus other trials and tribulations of young Indian girls.
|
| Rosalie Sambuco (tigersmama43213@aol.com) |
The Vines of Desire by Chitra Divakaruni |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This sequel to the book SISTERS OF THE HEART follows Anju and Sudha from India to America and the problems they have adapting to a new society. I highly recommend both books.
|
| Rosalie Sambuco (tigersmama43213@aol.com) |
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A story of two sisters who live with the memory of their mother leaving them, and the way it challenged their lives.
|
| Rosalie Sambuco (tigersmama43213@aol.com) |
The Hindi-Bindi Club by Monica Pradhan |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A wonderful story of three Indian ladies who come to America with their husbands. They each have a daughter and become friends forever. This story is the interaction of the 3 mothers and their daughters plus the 3 daughters with each other. A pleasure to read.
|
| Dodalodle from Beautiful British Columbia |
Woman In Red by Eileen Goudge |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a mesmerizing story about love and survival that weaves the past with the present. Alice Kessler spends nine years in prison for the "attempted murder" of a drunk driver who killed her oldest son. When she returns home to Gray Island, she has to start a new life as a divorcee and gets to know her youngest son, who is now a rebellious teenager. She meets Colin McGinty, a recovering alcoholic and widower. He also has just returned to Gray Island as he has inherited his grandfather's home. Colin's grandfather was a famous artist who painted a portrait of a "woman in red" --- this portrait just so happened to be Alice's grandmother. Alice and Colin are drawn to each other and discover secrets that connect both their families. This is a very enjoyable read and once I started it, was hard to put down.
FYI to "Debi", who also did a review on this book and ended her review with " I wonder what happened to Yoshi?" If you read the book then you should know that Yoshi was Mr. Yamamoto, the highest bidder at the auction house who bought "The Woman In Red."
|
| Linda Bass |
Alaskan Magic by Carol McPhee |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Amanda is a 52-year-old woman whose 23-year marriage died when Harold took his assets from his bankrupted airline and flew to Cancun with his 21-year-old lover, leaving her broke. She flies to Alaska to meet her dead mom's twin and tries to put her life back together.
|
| Julie |
Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This author just keeps putting out great mystery novels --- this is one of the best!
|
| Kate (melydia@hotmail.com) |
Not a Happy Camper by Mindy Schneider |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This memoir --- about the author's experiences at an eight-week camp in the summer of 1974 --- is not one I would have read had I not won it in a contest, but it was a nice story. The author spends most of her time in the woods bemoaning her unpopularity and chasing boys, which is made more interesting with a thorough sprinkling of amusing anecdotes. While I don't expect this quick little read to appeal to anyone who was never a 13-year-old girl or a camper, it was a pleasant diversion.
|
| Linda M. Johnson |
Away by Amy Bloom |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A well-written book. The main character, Lillian Leyb, arrives in New York City after escaping from Russia after the murder of her parents and husband. She did manage to help her young daughter out a window to escape harm. In New York, what seem denigrating circumstances are tolerated by Lillian since she has already experienced the worst any human can. When a relative arrives announcing that Lillian's daughter is alive in Siberia, Lillian travels, suffering more indignations along the way. This book does NOT read as dark as this write-up might make it seem. Lillian's dignity pervades each page.
|
| Salinas (SalinasBeth@hotmail.com) |
Dark of the Moon by John Sandford |
Rating: 4 Stars |
While romancing the sheriff's sister, Virgil Flowers solves five murders in small-town Minnesota. Virgil is a protégé of Lucas Davenport from the Prey series. He appeared in INVISIBLE PREY, and now has his own book, which will surely be a new series for Sandford. While it does not have the intensity of a Prey novel, it is a great read.
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| Kathy B (kboucher@cableone.net) |
House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Beautiful...heartbreaking...it took me a little while to get into it, and get the characters straight, but oh my! Once I did, I couldn't put it down. It is so real, and shows the misunderstandings that take place when two cultures come together and can't communicate. I loved this book!
|
| Lu |
The Last Chinese Chef by Nicole Mones |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A wonderful book describing the cooking of "real" Chinese food and the relationship of a food writer in China and an upcoming Chinese American chef in living in China.
|
| Christy H. |
Last Known Victim by Erica Spindler |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Ms. Spindler has written another great suspense thriller that will hook you from the very first page. Set in New Orleans after Katrina, this action-packed plot is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing right up to the end.
|
| Lauren Small |
Cooking Lessons by Nina Romano |
Rating: 5 Stars |
COOKING LESSONS is a wonderful poetry collection and would make a great gift to share with anyone who likes food, travel, family, and life. The poems are beautiful, lyrical, and evoke foreign landscapes, as well as scenes of family, memories, and shared meals. Even people who don't usually read poetry will find these poems heartwarming and accessible.
|
| Marsha |
Waiting to Surface by Emily Listfield |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Based on real events, this novel is filled with details about the disappearance of the husband of a young mother who is a senior editor of a woman's magazine. The horror of her situation, both personally and professionally, is hard to imagine. It will keep you mesmerized.
|
| Jen Mulsow |
A Cup of Tea by Amy Ephron |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I really enjoyed this book. It is very short but packs a lot into a small package.
|
| donn |
The Alienist by Caleb Carr |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Dr. Laszlo Kreizer is an alienist (a psychologist) who specializes in child and forensic psychology. He is a pioneer in the use of fingerprinting, pathology, and pre-profiling. When young male prostitutes' bodies are found mutilated, Dr. Kreizler, an ex con, a police reporter, two detectives, Theodore Roosevelt (the police commisioner) and Roosevelt's secretary, maybe the only people in New York in 1896 who care about finding the murderer. This novel brings up many social issues as well as being a entertaining mystery with great characters.
|
| Marlene C |
The Gift by Richard Paul Evans |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A quick read with a message about connection with loved ones, much in the same vein as THE CHOICE by Nicholas Sparks. I enjoyed both for their insights.
|
| Judy Goldsmith (judyjtg@sbcglobal.net) |
Dry: A Memoir by Augusten Burroughs |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A well-written account of an alcoholic going through the process of not drinking. It was a good follow-up to his first autobiographical RUNNING WITH SCISSORS.
|
| Jane (janebeatty92083@hotmail.com) |
The Center of Everything by Laura Moriarty |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This was a great book. I loved the characters in it. I would highly recommend it and will continue to read her books.
|
| Bonnie |
Cold Service by Robert B. Parker |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Sometimes it's fun to read a good mystery (even though there's no "mystery" involved) with entertaining characters that you can read in a few hours. This is it.
|
| Christy H. |
The Dead Room by Heather Graham |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Ms. Graham has written another gripping paranormal romance that will hook you from the very first page. The story line is fast paced and filled with suspense. Although this book does not have your typical "happily ever after", I found it to be an enjoyable read that I wanted to finish all in one sitting.
|
| Maureen H |
Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Dr. Maura Iles or Jane Rizzoli were not in this book. It took me awhile to get into, but once I did, I enjoyed this story. I was anticipating this to be another installment in the Dr. Iles and Jane Rizzoli saga and was disappointed it was not. The book stands alone and was a good read, and I am glad that I did read it.
|
| Fran |
The Road by Cormac McCarthy |
Rating: 2 Stars |
An unnamed man and his son walk through Burned America in an apocalyptic story. I found it to be dark and depressing. I can't believe that so many people rave about this book. I guess it just wasn't my cuppa tea.
|
| Janice G. |
Halfway to Heaven by Susan Wiggs |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Susan Wiggs is my new best friend. I LOVE her books and cannot get enough. Great escape romance.
|
| Anne Burley |
Gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Ms. Jackson breaks all the rules a southern gal is warned not to do! She masterfully builds a story of love, intrigue and family around a well-hidden secret. Just wonderful! I did not want to put the book down! I passed it along to another friend who thought the same!
|
| Robb (Booksagain@aol.com) |
Merle's Door by Ted Kerasote |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Kerasote chronicles the life and and his times with his dog Merle. If you don't have a canine best friend now, you'll want one after you read this book.
|
| Mitch |
The First Commandant by Brad Thor |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Very good, makes you want to keep reading to see what is going to happen next.
|
| Jere Duncan |
Those Self Evident Truths by Ted Magnuson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Great summary of the rise of democracy, including significant documents along the way --- from the Magna Carta to the Gettysburg Address. In audio format, it's perfect for use by commuters and while at the gym (73 minutes).
|
| Bonnie |
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David O. Relin |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I rarely give books 5 stars (perfect is hard to come by in my opinion), but this is a must read. You've read about Mortenson and seen him on Oprah --- he tried to climb K2, happened upon a village in Pakistan, came back to build a school and continues to build schools and other projects to help the people there to this day. Why this man didn't win the Nobel Peace Prize is beyond me!
|
| Thomas |
At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is an excellent sequel to TRUE BELIEVER. Jeremy Marsh has settled into little Boone Creek, NC, after becoming engaged to Lexie Darnell. It is a major change from his life in New York City, and Jeremy has started to wonder what he has gotten into. He has serious writer's block, has made no friends, and is bored to death with Boone Creek. He still loves Lexie, but is starting to have doubts about their relationship.
|
| Connie |
The Cinderella Pact by Sarah Strohmeyer |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I read this book because I saw a review here and it sounded very good. I really enjoyed this book. It was about Nola Devlin who has a secret identity. She is an overweight editor of Sass magazine. She applied to write for the trendy advice column but was laughed at. So by night, she becomes Belinda Apple, who is thin, gorgeous, British and writes the trendy advice column. Belinda writes a piece about how easy it is to lose weight. Nola's two friends read this and agree, and then they form the Cinderella Pact. This book is great chick-lit.
|
| Dustin Whitney |
The Great Upheaval by Jay Winik |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book primarily centers on the tumultuous years of 1788-1800, or post-Revolution. While our country's history normally focuses on events in our own backyard, Winik offers well-researched insight on how the worlds superpowers England, France, and Russia helped shape the USA into the superpower it is today. This book is very interesting and is a must for anyone interested in history.
|
| Callista (callista83@cogeco.ca) |
The Black Tattoo by Sam Enthoven |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I don't usually read scary books, YA or otherwise, but the blurb sounded interesting .
It's long for a YA book because it was originally made into three separate books, but was then put into one long volume. It was interesting, but not quite what I was expecting. A large portion of the book takes place in Hell, which isn't the same as what most people think of. God is in the book but he's nothing like most people believe, no matter what religion. Many times, Jack or Charlie will make a comment or ask a question, and then are told that their earthly beliefs are wrong and to stop being held back by them. I found this very interesting. Sam Enthoven was very creative, creating worlds and ideas that I'd never heard before. It was nice not to have the same old demons be the evil creatures of hell, which is where you go when you die if you've been bad, etc.... He's created something new.
I didn't have the can't-put-it-down feeling 'til near the end, but this is probably because demons are not the sort of thing I usually care to read about. I did enjoy this, though, and I am curious about his upcoming book.
What was really cool was the kung fu and weapons. It was like the fight scenes in Kill Bill but a little less gruesome. The whole tattoo thing was cool too.
It was scary in parts and I wouldn't allow my child to read it till at least 13, possibly 15 if they scare/upset easily.
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| Callista (callista83@cogeco.ca) |
Mosaic by Amy Grant |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I got this book from the publishers to review. I was supposed to receive it along with 3 giveaway copies weeks ago, but they must have got lost in the mail or held up at customs or something. I read the last bit of this during the Read-athon.
However, a replacement copy came in the mail on Wednesday so I was able to read it! Here is where I posted the summary and author bio.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I said yes to this book. I don't actually listen to Amy Grant's music and I'm not Christian, but I was intrigued and I just can't say no to books!
It was a very interesting read. It wasn't really an autobiography, more of a memoir. I liked that it wasn't set out chronologically. You might think that this would make it hard to follow, but it wasn't. Also mixed throughout the short story snippets were song lyrics and poems. I'm not a big poetry fan but I enjoyed her poetry and most of her song lyrics (which, without knowing the music, is like poetry.)
I could really identify with the stories "Hats" and "Winter." "Hats" was about having so many different tasks that you are responsible for, and "Winter" was about depression. Grant has a great writing style and I think she would do well writing other books too, perhaps even kid's books.
As a Christian Artist, parts of the book and her lyrics were about Jesus and God but this didn't bother me. I only skipped parts of one story because I wasn't interested. Most of what she wrote about God fits in with other religions that believe in a God.
It was a really good read and I recommend it to anyone who can get their hands on it, even if you aren't an Amy Grant fan, even if you aren't Christian.
|
| Dee4294 |
The Great Deluge by Douglas Brinkley |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Riveting, award-winning narration of the events of Hurricane Katrina. Very long, but impossible to put down.
|
| Mrs L A Ramsen |
Small Miracles by Yitta Halberstam and Judith Leventhal |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I hate sappy books. Trust me, this was NOT one of them. The beautiful, simple, true stories amused, amazed, and brought a tear to these jaundiced eyes. What a lovely surprise! This is the perfect gift for almost any occasion.
|
| Rita |
Angel and Apostle by Deborah Noyes |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This book is billed as a sequel to THE SCARLET LETTER by Nathaniel Hawthorne, but, of course, written much later by an entirely different author just as SCARLETT was to GONE WITH THE WIND. The story changes somewhat and this will bother many people. However, there is some very thought-provoking passages and a story worthy in its own right. I think the connection to THE SCARLET LETTER actually harms the enjoyment of this book and overshadows the story.
|
| Peggy Soler |
Fool's Gold by Jennifer Skully |
Rating: 3 Stars |
To all you readers who love to read romance novels, this might be your cup of tea. This story is about Sheriff Tyler Braxton, who is visiting his sister in Goldstone, Nevada. His sister Maggie believes that her husband is having an affair and she wants Tyler to find out with whom. Tyler meets Simone, who writes Internet erotica, and is smitten by her. In between trying to find out if Maggie's husband is having an affair and having sexual desires for Simone, Maggie's husband Carl is found dead.
Was Carl's death accidental, or was it murder? Explicit sex ladies, do not forget to get your fans.
|
| Joan B. |
The Good Guy by Dean Koontz |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A fast-paced thriller that had my heart racing. Tim Carrier is having a beer after work when he is approached by a man at the bar. He is mistaken for a killer and is given money and a picture of the intended victim. From here, the story takes off like a fast-moving train and you are holding on for life. Thanks for another great author!
|
| Judy O. |
Away by Amy Bloom |
Rating: 4 Stars |
In 1925 Lillian Leyb is on a journey from New York City to Siberia to try to find her kidnapped daughter. She has amazing adventures along the way and meets many fascinating people. This book has mixed reviews, but I really enjoyed it. Lillian's determination and free spirit were refreshing characteristics in this compelling book.
|
| Louise |
Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A refreshing change from Patterson's usual mysteries, this is a tender love story told through a mother's diary. The New York Times said, "You haven't guessed how this story ends.", but I thought it was pretty easy to foresee the outcome.
|
| Sandra |
You've Been Warned by James Patterson |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This has too much of a Dean Koontz feel to it. I liked Patterson better when he wrote by himself.
|
| Maranda |
The Gift by Nora Roberts |
Rating: 5 Stars |
It has three stories in it that are really good. They're Christmas stories about love. Nora Roberts is also an astounding author and I personal love her books.
|
| Fran |
Passing for Thin by Frances Kuffel |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A memoir about a woman who loses half her body weight. This book looks at the repercussions of weight loss, the search for self and the arduous task of maintenance. It was well written and interesting.
|
| Susan C |
Abundance by Seta Jena Naslund |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is the story of Marie Antoinette, who is the narrator of her own life. It's quite flowery and bogs down in the middle, but the climatic ending makes this book difficult to put down.
|
| Louise |
See How They Run by James Patterson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is the first James Patterson book I haven't thoroughly enjoyed. The plot was, basically, about present-day Jews wanting revenge for the Holocaust and other wrongs that had been perpetrated against them. Many innocent people were killed in the story and, I guess, it just rubbed me the wrong way. It took me a while to read it, because I wasn't eager to pick it back up (unlike other Patterson novels).
|
| Marlie Warren (justme1@q.com) |
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Love it! I love reading the history of the Boleyn Girls and their life with Henry VIII. Philippa Gregory is a great writer who can REALLY make you "see" what you're reading.
|
| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
Show Her The Money by Stephanie Feagan |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This was a funny, sexy, suspenseful book. Whitney "Pink" Pearl is a CPA with an attitude. She has just blown the whistle on the accounting scam of the decade and in true fashion, has lost her job and her reputation. No one will hire her and she resorts to moving back home to take a job working for her mother as a forensic accountant. Trouble seems to follow this character at every turn. She receives death threats, dog poo in the mail and is almost kidnapped, but she refuses to take back her accusations. She receives help from a local attorney who also happens to be the hottest man she has seen in a long time! Some of Pink's shenanigans had me laughing out loud!
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| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
The Mark of Abel by Larry Arnold |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is the story of 3 friends, Gabrielle, Merry and Sandalin, who live in the small town of Denim, Texas. They have a deep friendship that becomes their lifeline when violence shatters Denim County. I really liked this book and feel it would make a good selection for a book club to read because it addresses the issues of gun control, spousal abuse, and child molestation.
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| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
The Prey by Allison Brennan |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is Allison Brennan's debut novel, as well as the first book in a series of three. I loved this book and have already started the 2nd book.
Rowan Smith is a bestselling author and former FBI agent with a haunted past. She is living in a borrowed Malibu beach house while her novel is made into a Hollywood movie. A dismembered body is found in Colorado and the real-life victim has the same name, occupation and looks as a character in Rowan's novel. She is suddenly surrounded by the FBI, the LAPD and her own private bodyguard (who has secrets of his own!) and more murders are taking place, all of them taken from the pages of her books. She must face her past in order to stop this murderer.
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| Louise (LouBabe@juno.com) |
The Saudi Connection by Jack Anderson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book was of interest to me, because I live in Saudi Arabia (although Jack didn't exactly have positive things to say about the Saudis). The book was well researched, and he sure knew his stuff. The plot is about a terrorist group with plans to conduct a serious attack on the US. I'm sorry that Jack passed away shortly after writing it, as I would love to be able to read more from him.
|
| Lindy |
On the Ouside Looking In by Julie Ellis |
Rating: 5 Stars |
One of best books I have read this year.
This exceptional story, set in 1940s Castro's Cuba, is about friends who work in the hospital in Havana. They are disillusioned with their careers as doctors and nurses, the lack of food, the restrictions, the lack of clothing and housing. The novel follows their courtship, marriage and friendship, having children and the discovery that one of their sons desperately needs help not available in Cuba, and what they must do to get it for him.
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| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a classic American novel and was voted by many librarians as the best novel of the 20th century. It is one of my all-time favorites and I re-read it often. Based in small-town Alabama in the 1930s, it explores the irrational attitudes of adults toward race and class in the Deep South. A must-read book.
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| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
A Handyman's Best Tool by Alexis Fleming |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A very erotic adults-only book. But don't let the title fool you, this book actually has a pretty good story line and offers the reader suspense as well as lots and lots of sex!
|
| Kathy |
Sorcery and the Single Girl by Mindy Klasky |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Great follow-up to her first book about a modern-day witch, trying to reconcile her single life, her newly realized witching powers and her topsy-turvy world. In this book, the main character trains to succeed being brought into the Washington Coven with her ever-helpful Warder David and her familiar Necko, while developing a relationship with the new man in her life --- who looks like a real keeper. All goes well until the day of the test, when she learns that things are not necessarily what she thought they were. In the process, she learns that sometimes the most difficult decisions are the most rewarding. This was as delightful as her first book in the series.
|
| Kathy |
Switchcraft by Mary Castillo |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Great story about two good friends who switch places for a month because of some strange screw-up. How they adjust to their respective lives, as well as how their families and friends adjust to them, makes for fast and enjoyable reading.
|
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines |
Rating: 4 Stars |
There are so many lessons learned when reading this book. This is the story of Jefferson, who is at the wrong place at the wrong time and is accused and convicted of robbery and murder. He is referred to, by his own defense lawyer, as a “hog”. The reader knows he is innocent. He is convicted by a jury of 12 white men and is sentenced to death by electrocution. Even though he is innocent and all of the black people know it, it is accepted. This is the hardest thing for me to understand. There is no fight. The story takes place during the 50s in Louisiana, a time of obvious racial discrimination.
Grant Wiggins lives in the same small town as Jefferson. His aunt and Jefferson’s godmother ask Grant to help make Jefferson a man before his last day. Grant does not want any part of it, but does it for the two women. Grant is a school teacher and is not a man of faith. He does not think he can do anything to help Jefferson. He struggles with his own demons, as well as dealing with the conviction of this innocent man. This book is a great read, provokes great discussion and is very touching. I highly recommend it.
|
| Jean |
The Lottery by Patricia Wood |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I belong to a book club and this was our pick for October. We were very mixed on our reviews but most of us found the book very entertaining. A light read and a feel-good book!
|
| Louise Pledge |
You Belong to Me by Ann Rule |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Another compilation of Ann Rule's great true crime cases, this includes one long story (the title) and five short ones. There seems to be a pattern with possessive men, and it's interesting to read how the cases play out.
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| Book lover (thomasgerald@Juno.com) |
Dwelling Places by Vinita Hampton Wright |
Rating: 5 Stars |
My book club just finished reading this truly fantastic book. An Iowa family's loss of the family farm sets in motion the husband's depression, the wife's betrayal, the daughter's fascination with a cultish older man and the son's goth pretenses. Rita, the family matriarch, copes by feeding her neighbors and provides the reader with a dash of humor. A must read for anyone who has lived on a farm, lost a farm or just wants to meet expertly drawn characters and situations.
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| Marlie Warren (justme1@q.com) |
Peony In Love by Lisa See |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A great book, especially if you have read the author's earlier novel, SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN. I went to China this past spring so this book is even more interesting because of that.
|
| Connie |
Summer's Child by Diane Chamberlain |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This was a very good mystery. Early one morning on the beach, 11-year-old Daria discovers an abandoned newborn baby. When the infant's identity cannot be uncovered, she is adopted into Daria's loving family. But as the story goes on, silent secrets haunt Daria. Twenty years later, Shelly has grown into an unusual woman whom Daria protects. But when Rory Taylor, a friend from Daria's past returns to do a story on the mystery of Shelly's birth, something precarious shifts in the small town of kill Devil Hills. This was a great mystery that kept you reading until the end to find out who were the real parents of Shelly.
|
| Phil Reckford |
Cooking Lessons by Nina Romano |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I loved this collection of poetry, though I had to quit reading it to take a snack four times (overcome by hunger for food from the words). Seriously it was great fun ...
|
| Lindy |
Last Known Victim by Erica Spindler |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Hurricane Katrina has left New Orleans in a massive cleanup effort, and Patti O'Shay is here to clean up the criminal element. There is a serial killer who likes to cut off the right hands of his victims. Her husband has still not been found since the hurricane. She, in turn, stalks the killer.
|
| Lindy |
Shoot Him if He Runs by Woods, Stuart |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Stone Barrington is back in a new thriller with longtime friend and CIA agent Holly Barker and Dino Bascchetti of the New York City police force, who has brought his girlfriend to the lovely island of St. Marks to aid the President and his wife in finding Teddy Fay, an agent turned assassin who they think has followed his girlfriend, Irene to the island. Teddy is a sharp shooter unparalleled and a master at disguise.
|
| Lindy |
The Mc Caffertys: Thorne by Lisa Jackson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Thorn McCafferty is back home but not because he wants to be but instead because his half-sister Randi is fighting for her life after being in a car accident. The brothers (Slade, Matt and Thorn) had no idea that their baby half-sister was in Montana to begin with, and that she was pregnant to boot. There are more questions then answers and with both Randi and her baby fighting for their lives, Thorn doesn't need any more problems. Well, what Thorn needs, and what Thorn gets are two different things.
Dr. Nicole Stevenson is the admitting doctor when Randi comes to the E.R. She realizes right away who Randi is and what's about to walk through her doors, her past in the form of very handsome, very rich Thorn McCafferty. Nikki was once naïve enough to give her heart to this man. She won't do it again. No matter how nicely he apologizes for the past, and no matter how sweetly he kisses now. He's bad news and Nikki has had enough heartache to last her a lifetime. But, sometimes life doesn't go according to plan and feelings don't just go away, no matter how many years pass. Will Thorn and Nikki give their love another chance, or will they let it slip through their fingers once again?
This was a very sweet story about a second chance at love. Ms. Jackson has created a very dominating and arrogant hero, but he's turned around by the love of a good woman. This was a fun and quick read, but the romance doesn't suffer for it.
|
| Kathy L |
Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A single mom runs a yarn store in Manhattan that attracts customers as different as the yarns. Like the craft, their lives are woven together, get ripped when mistakes are made and get new starts. Debbie Macomber's Blossom Street knitters are more upbeat.
|
| Judith Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
Iraqi Icicle by Bernie Dowling |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book will appeal to mystery buffs looking for something a little different. It won’t disappoint, with the plenty of twists and turns combined with solid characters, as well as plenty of humor.
|
| Angel |
Cooking Lessons by Nina Romano |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I loved this collection of poetry --- it has something for everyone. Reading it is a wonderful way to spend an evening away from TV, and get into real-life stories written as poems.
|
| Andrea |
The Gathering by Anne Enright |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Anne Enright’s THE GATHERING is a novel about family secrets, dynamics, and the complexity of well-kept secrets. The story’s main focal point is Liam’s suicide and subsequent funeral, which causes the family to gather and mourn his loss. We get an inside to the family through three generations. Ada, the grandmother, is portrayed as a typical grandmother, but then her character becomes more ambiguous through Veronica’s imagination. Veronica is the narrator throughout this story; she is a complex character focusing not only on her grief at the loss of her brother Liam, but also in trying to find a way to reveal a secret about his past that is now haunting her.
The stories within the story are very descriptive. Enright is brilliant at giving insight into how families work and don’t work, especially when it comes down to important issues. Veronica is a woman trying to find her identity, which is lost to her through time and circumstance. Veronica is searching for a way to reveal the truth of what really happened to her brother years ago, and how it lead to his committing suicide.
Death, suicide, lust, and sexual impropriety are very difficult to discuss, let alone write about. Enright takes on this challenge and meets in every aspect with her use of language, symbolism, and euphemisms.
We experience Veronica growing up in what seems to be a traditional Irish household --- large family, Catholic upbringing, and deep focus on family. What we also discover is that like most families, there are hidden secrets deep within. Who knows and who doesn’t is apparent early on, but we get a sense that there may be more than meets the eye. This can be viewed as a depressing book or it can be viewed as a work that chooses to deal with controversial subject matter in a new light.
A few pages into the novel, it is easy for us to become intrigued by Enright’s style of writing and her tales within the stories. Each episode builds on another. This is one novel that can be read a few times, with each reading becoming more enhanced by details that may have been overlooked the first time. It no surprise that this cleverly written novel won the Man Booker prize.
|
| Valerie |
East by Edith Pattou |
Rating: 5 Stars |
One of the many books I would recommend, if you are a fairy tale lover. It's full of adventures and fantasy. It's a lot like Beauty and the Beast, but different in its own way.
|
| Peggy Haney |
You've Been Warned by James Patterson & Howard Roughan |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I really enjoyed this book. It was totally different from anything I've read before and I was not sure where it was going until the very end. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. Loved it!
|
| Lynn Johnston (Hon2724@aol.com) |
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I enjoy his books. He treats you to the good and the not so good in common folk. This book is a good example. It will appeal to women, as most of work does. While I prefer good mysteries, it is a respite from having to "get into" the book; it's something you can just read and enjoy. It's great to read if you are chucked up in bed on the sick side.
|
| Jean |
Blood from a Stone by Donna Leon |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I really enjoy these police procedurals that take place in Venice. Donna Leon really captures the beauty and mystique of the city.
|
| Ann Howard |
Almost Moon by Alice Seebold |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I get all my books from the library so if I don't like a book I don't mind not finishing it. However, I don't like this book, but I must finish it! I have to know how it ends. This book is disturbing and implausible. Don't get stuck in my position.
|
| Carol B |
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I love this book. It is divided into 3 parts (eat, pray, and love) and I am on the first part. Two family members and I have committed to reading this book and we will get together later to discuss it, sort of a mini reading group. It is funny, poignant, and insightful, and I recommend it as a great book for any woman to read.
|
| Noreen Brown |
'Lucky' by Alice Sebold |
Rating: 5 Stars |
An excellent and extremely honest memoir. You don't want to know too many details before you start reading it.
|
| Carol Hoyer from VA (pageant4u@hotmail.com) |
Land of a Thousand Hills: My Life in Rwanda by Rosamond Halsey Carr |
Rating: 5 Stars |
An absolutely captivating story of a woman's life in Rwanda --- it describes the wars, wild animals, struggling to make ends meet and genocide.
Ms. Carr is originally from North Carolina and moved to Rwanda with her explorer husband. Although the marriage didn't last, her love with Rwanda continued.
|
| Carol H. |
The Godmother by Carrie Adams |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a fun novel about a young woman who is always asked to be the godmother to her good friend's children, but with no partner or children of her own.
|
| Carol H. |
The Master Bedroom by Tessa Hedley |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A young woman leaves her life in London to take care of her aging mother. Trouble follows....
|
| Donn |
Dead Heat by Dick Francis and Felix Francis |
Rating: 5 Stars |
If you combine horse racing and culinary skills with food poisoning and a bomb exploding at the race track, you'll get DEAD HEAT. Max Moreton is catering at a famous horse race when his culinary reputation and even his life are in jeopardy. This is a winner; it is well crafted and suspenseful. A very enjoyable read.
|
| Kimberly Richardson (artgirl74@gmail.com) |
The Waste Lands: The Dark Tower Book Three by Stephen King |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The third book in the phenomenal series by Stephen King proves to be just as good, if not better, than the first two books in the series. It has it all: romance, creatures coming out the walls, cyborg animals that attack, and four people who are en route to the Dark Tower, which may or may not exist.
Stephen King is known for his horror books and movies, but the Dark Tower series gives the worlds something different, something magical, something beyond imagination.
|
| Lori S. |
Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I have read many reviews of this book in the last few months and picked it up a few times in the bookstore, but the story synopsis just didn't grab me. I finally broke down and bought the book. I immediately felt the synopsis did not do it justice. It is an excellent story of a man in his 90s, looking back over his life, loves and adventures while traveling with the circus. It grabs you from the first page and leads you into a world you have never imagined --- the hectic lifestyle, the sense of family, the drama and, of course, intrigue of circus life decades ago. A wonderful read.
|
| Russ in Nevada |
Flying Aces: Aviation Art of World War II by James H. Kitchens and Bernard C. Nalty |
Rating: 5 Stars |
An older (1999) table-top book with magnificent paintings and stories of airplanes and their pilots during World War II. I recommend it for history buffs.
|
| Jean |
Bury the Lead by David Rosenfelt |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Breezy and entertaining!
|
| Jean |
Playing for Pizza by John Grisham |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I enjoyed this light book about a football player living and playing American football in Parma, Italy.
|
| Russ in Nevada |
Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali |
Rating: 4 Stars |
From her personal life, she gives an account of a girl/woman growing up as a child or Islam --- and the fearsomeness of those who oppose Islamic women's freedom.
|
| Russ in Nevada |
Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Evanovich offers an exciting mystery in a simple, but satisfying fashion.
|
| Kay Keller |
If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer by O. J. Simpson |
Rating: 3 Stars |
The author trashes his ex-wife in the first part of the book and then explains how he and "a friend" killed her and Ron Goldman. It leaves no doubt in my mind of his guilt, and I feel so sorry for his children. The book also "explains" that long ride in the white Ford Bronco that everyone remembers. Karma . . .
|
| CJ (ajones1021@comcast.net) |
The Street of a Thousand Blossoms by Gail Tsukiyama |
Rating: 5 Stars |
An epic multi-generational tale of two brothers and the paths their lives take before, during and after World War II. You will learn much about the Japanese culture and philosophy, as well as a citizen's eye view of the devastation of the war to those who were not in the military and their views of the Allied Occupation. This fascinating narrative takes you into the world of Sumo and the art of mask carving for the Japanese opera. Well written in an easy-to-read style, you will feel you are a part of this time in history as you go through the pages.
|
| Kay Keller |
Soul Catcher by Michael White |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is one of the very best books I've read in a long, long time!! The book is set in pre-Civil War Virginia and is the story of Cain, a soul catcher or slave catcher, who falls in love with the woman he was hired to find and bring back to the slave owner she ran away from. The author is a wonderful storyteller and I found myself totally captured by the characters in this story. Don't miss this one if you love historical fiction!!
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| CJ Jones (ajones1021@comcast.net) |
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Much has been written about the celebrated life and talents of Frank Lloyd Wright. This fact/fiction novel tells a sweeping tale of the architect in his prime, the woman who gave everything up to love him and vignettes from their time together. Fascinating from page one until the ending, the two of them stood together in a time when divorce was not an option; they traveled the world, were vilified by the press at every turn and finally settled in rural Wisconsin in a home that brought them peace and acceptance. Even though I knew what the ending was going to be, I wept --- Ms. Horan brings the two of them to life. This is historical fiction at it's best; it is timeless, and I will add it my library. Highly recommended.
|
| Lori S. |
Wonderful Tonight by Pattie Boyd |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The autobiography of Pattie Boyd is quite a story. As a model in the '60s, she was in the center of the rock scene at it's most exciting, hanging with the Beatles, marrying George Harrison and later Eric Clapton, having the Rolling Stones drop in her home frequently, living in English manors, having the best of everything.....and on and on. The book takes you into a lifestyle most of can only imagine. As fascinating a read as this was, I found myself frustrated that she so willingly accepted her men's and husbands' infidelities as part of the territory and gave up her identity for them for so many years. Was it worth it? You need to read it yourself and decide.
|
| Julie Towson |
Outer Banks by Anne Rivers Siddons |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a wonderfully written book about a 30-year reunion of four women who grew up in the 60s. It takes place at Nag's Head, North Carolina.
|
| Linda |
Conviction by Richard North Patterson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I recently read EXILE by this author and then moved right on to this book. His books are absolutely absorbing, thought provoking, and demanding, in that you want to read them instead of doing other things! I am eagerly awaiting the release of THE RACE.
|
| Dusty Johnson (bjohnson-att@comcast.net) |
Dead Run by Erica Spindler |
Rating: 4 Stars |
In this intriguing story set in Key West, Spindler spins an intriguing tale of suspense and intrigue as a string of murders haunt idyllic Key West. Liz Ames moves from the Midwest in order to find out what happened to her sister, the Reverend Rachel Howard. Her search turns into a battle against Satan-worshiping serial killers, and nature's wraith. She seeks help from Rick Wells, local bar owner, and the only person she can trust to resolve the mystery and catch the killers. But does she find out what happened to her sister? Does her association with Wells turn into romance? Read it and see!
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| Dusty Johnson (bjohnson-att@comcast.net) |
Retribution by Jillianne Hoffman |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A wonderful read. Hoffman tells the intriguing story of Chloe Larson, brutally raped while in law school and left for dead. After therapy, changing her name and moving to Key West, she is able to get on with her life to find herself confronted with trying a serial killer who turns out to be the rapist from long ago. Is he the serial killer, though? That becomes the question during trial. Can Chloe try this man and hold it together for the duration?
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| Dusty Johnson (bjohnson-att@comcast.net) |
Memorial Day by Vince Flynn |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Mitch Rapp uses his exceptional skills to quickly foil an Al-Quada plot to kill the leaders of the US and the free world. But has it been foiled? Is there another WMD in the US ready to be set off? Mitch must not only fight the terrorists, but the PC crowd in Washington to protect the United States. Another great Flynn book!
|
| Maria Kisiel |
What if...? by Steve N. Lee |
Rating: 5 Stars |
WHAT IF...? is a suspense thriller that really does keep you hooked until the last page. It's not only full of twists and great characters, but it also has an intelligent commentary on the world we live in today, broaching the thorny issues of human rights, the environment, and a remarkable religious angle. It's a must read, especially for anyone who loves THE DA VINCI CODE-type thrillers.
|
| Gale |
An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the third book in the Harper Connelly/Tolliver Lang series, and it may be the best. The two travel to a small town to help a disbelieving sheriff's department discover why several teenage boys have disappeared, and find out, in horrifying detail. Well plotted and written, Harris's book quickly and convincingly deals with multiple character complexities.
|
| Pat D. |
One for Sorrow, Two for Joy by Elise Juska |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I am on vacation and just read this book in 24 hours! I couldn't put it down. It's a story about family, childhood memories, grief, heritage and love. There are so many levels in one book.
|
| Coral Harrison |
Stormy Weather by Paulette Jiles |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a story of a family whose father drank, gambled and played around. It is written in the early 30's until after World War II. This is of the time of the Depression and Dust Bowl. It tells how the family survived after the death of the father.
|
| Jane (JerJanKel@aol.com) |
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon |
Rating: 5 Stars |
It has been a while since I've read a book that REALLY grabbed me and held me tight until I finished. Probably the most recent was WATER FOR ELEPHANTS by Sara Gruen. So when my book club decided to read THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER AND CLAY, I pulled it out and decided to read it once again after having it sit on my shelf for a good 8 years. I remember being mesmerized by it then, and delighted when it won the Pulitzer in 2001, but I'm really not a big lover of reading books twice. I guess I've proved myself wrong because I think I enjoyed this book as much or perhaps more than I did when reading it years ago. Such a wonderful, involving story with memorable characters. If you haven't yet read this literary gem, you really should give yourself a bit of pleasure this Fall and pick up a copy. It is truly a wonderful book.
|
| Kelly |
Pandora's Daughter by Iris Johansen |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A departure from her popular forensic Eve Duncan series, Iris Johansen presents the story of Megan Blair, a young psychic whose amazing powers have put her in danger. Will the love and protection of a man with his own special abilities save her from a vendetta brought on by her murdered mother's actions years ago?
|
| Debra Guyette (Debby236@comcast.net) |
Demon's Kiss by Eve Silver |
Rating: 5 Stars |
DEMON'S KISS starts a new series for Eve, set in a new world with lots of exciting characters. We can look forward to more books.
|
| Mike |
Silent Witness by Richard North Patterson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
My wife recommended this author to me, and this is the book I started with. I got involved with the story right from the beginning and am having trouble putting it down! I will definitely read more of his books.
|
| Bridget |
Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A cute mystery about a very minor member of the House of Windsor. It's the thirties and Lady Georgie is out of money (as is her half brother, the Duke). She is the intended victim of a murderer and her brother is being framed for the murder. What's a penniless rich girl to do but rely on her wits. I liked the period details and references to real people. If more books follow (I believe this is the start of a series) , I 'd read them.
|
| Dusty Johnson (bjohnson-att@comcast.net) |
Black Wind by Clive Cussler |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Loved it! Another great Cussler novel full of action and suspense. This was hard to put down as Dirk Pitt (father and son) again are called on to prevent a WMD attack against the US as a catalyst for North Korean takeover of South Korea.
|
| Laurie Blum (laurieblum@hotmail.com) |
The Greatest Presidential Stories Never Told by Rick Beyer |
Rating: 4 Stars |
True tales of United States Presidents from 1620-2000 that are interesting, humorous, and told with a one-two punch of history! The perfect gift for all the history buffs in your life, it's full of facts you never learned in high school!
|
| L. Hann |
Obsession by Jonathan Kellerman |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Alex Delaware at his best. This fast read will keep you guessing the whole time.
|
| Mary in HB (mljacobsinhb@msn.com) |
No Rest for the Witches by MaryJanice Davidson, etc. |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is one of the better anthologies I have read lately, and the stories all have similiar themes. It's a very enjoyable book for MaryJanice Davidson lovers. I also discovered a new writer I really enjoyed, Cheyenne McCray.
|
| Mary in HB (mljacobsinhb@msn.com) |
Save Me from Myself by Brian "Head" Welch |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This book started out great, but quickly turned into a typical memoir about getting too much money, using that money to get addicted to drugs and then finding God to save your life. The end of the book became somewhat preachy.
|
| Mary in HB (mljacobsinhb@msn.com) |
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This book has some really good ideas, but they seem to get lost in the way the writing was formatted. The layout made it hard for me to read. It is all about the power of positive thinking.
|
| Coral Harrison |
Force of Nature by Suzanne Brockmann |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This book is one of a series. Most of the men are Navy Seals and they all fall for beautiful women. This book is along the same lines and is not as good as the previous installments. There is lots of excitement in all of them and each can stand alone without reading the previous books.
|
| Vikki (vikkivand@aol.com) |
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A historical fiction novel about Mamah Cheney, who has a love affair with architect Frank Lloyd Wright. She struggles between her role as mother and wife, and pursuing her own dreams in the early 1900s.
|
| ck |
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan |
Rating: 5 Stars |
LOVING FRANK begins as an intense love affair but develops into a fascinating story of the great Frank Lloyd Wright, as told by his mistress who was shunned and criticized for her behavior. I can't wait for my friends to read this so we can talk about the book.
|
| Lynn Johnston (Hon2724@aol.com) |
Playing for Pizza by John Grisham |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I was saddened by the bad reviews I read on Word of Mouth. I'm a big fan of Grisham and I live in his home state. While it is not his usual --- and it was a small book as well --- it was an amusing read about something I did not know existed. He researches any book well and I thought it was a great rainy-day read.
|
| Thomas |
True Believer by Nicholas Sparks |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Investigative journalist Jeremy Marsh travels to little Boone Creek, NC to investigate the legend of ghostly lights that appear in an old cemetery. There, he meets beautiful Lexie Darnell, the town librarian. While Lexie initially keeps her distance from Jeremy, the two quickly realize they have fallen in love with one another.
|
| Mary Branham (maryandlennybranham@yahoo.com) |
The Redemption series by Karen Kingsbury and Gary Smalley |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I am on book # 2 and my mom has read through # 4. We both are enjoying them very much. I love reading series so you can go on and on with the same people . The others are called REDEMPTION, REMEMBER, RETURN, REJOICE and REUNION.
|
| Shirley Akins |
Beyond Reach by Karin Slaughter |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This riveting tale of murder --- set in rural Grant City, GA --- has a troubled woman cop at the center of it all, and the shocking secrets that keep a killer "just beyond reach." Great reading as usual.
|
| Dena |
Dead Giveaway by Brenda Novak |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Brenda writes great stories that keep you turning the pages with anticipation of what will happen next, and this book is no different. This second installment in her Stillwater series is about Clay, the strong, good-looking, silent type. Everyone in town thinks he murdered his step-dad, the missing Reverend, when he was sixteen.That doesn't stop the ladies from wanting him, though. Not even Allie, the cold-case detective who has come back to town and is investigating the case.
|
| LauraWilliamsMusings (lauraw68@yahoo.com) |
Mosaic by Amy Grant |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I loved this book.
|
| Fran |
Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I really enjoyed this original novel by Lisa Unger. Ridley Jones led what she believed was a sheltered life, loved by her family and friends. That is, until one random event shatters all that she has held dear and leaves her questioning those she has always trusted. I really loved the characters in this book and the mystery kept the pages turning.
|
| Penney Kolb (mkolb48117@aol.com) |
A Peace To End All Peace by David Fromkin |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Subtitled "The Fall of The Ottoman Empire and The Creation of The Modern Middle East", this covers the years 1914-1922 and makes a very interesting springboard for understanding today's Middle East.
Historical people you thought you knew show different sides of their character when viewed from the Middle East. People such as Churchill, Lloyd George, Woodrow Wilson, Stalin, Lenin are all here, and all heavily involved in slicing up this region. Bad decisions they made then are what we're paying for today.
Fromkin is quite readable and the book is a good length for the topic, about 500 pages of material with copius endnotes and bibliographic references.
All in all, I highly recommend this book and, therefore, have given it 5 stars.
|
| NIcole (mike810nicole@aol.com) |
Dirty Martini by J. A. Konrath |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The best Jack Daniels novel yet! It was so scary that it makes you want to give up eating! What a scary concept this book is based on!
|
| Nicole (mike810nicole@aol.com) |
The Septembers of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A great read, with such believable and likable characters. It really made you realize what the Iranian culture was like during the revolution and what people had to go through. It definitely makes you appreciate your freedom.
|
| Joyce D. (jdunkie@aol.com) |
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This memoir reads like fiction, and you just can't put it down. It is the story of kids growing up with dysfunctional parents and live like nomads, but make the best of it.
|
| Mosker |
Burmese Days by George Orwell |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book is as loud and funny as it is grim. For those who've read only Orwell's non-fiction or the big two, this is highly recommended.
|
| Enid |
Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen |
Rating: 4 Stars |
An excellent glimpse into the gritty world of traveling circuses through the eyes of an aging man, recalling his past as a member of the show.
|
| Gale |
Next to Die by Marliss Melton |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is an enjoyable romantic suspense story about two sisters trying to find out the truth behind their father's death, and the Navy SEALS who help them.
|
| Kathryn M. |
Bright Lights, Big Ass by Jen Lancaster |
Rating: 3 Stars |
The title is an accurate description of the author and her view of life. While I think she needs to grow up, she has a unique and funny way of observing life.
|
| Cariola |
Edith Wharton by Hermione Lee |
Rating: 2 Stars |
I was eager to read this new biography of one of my favorite novelists, but unfortunately, either Wharton's life was simply duller than I anticipated, or Lee has rendered it so. The book flies through Wharton's childhood and early married years with few details and gets overly caught up in her travels abroad --- complete with long (and untranslated) passages in French and Italian from Wharton's journals that are particularly annoying. Lee does attempt to tie events in Wharton's life to characters, settings, and themes in in her novels, but the overall structure of the biography is uneven and the style and content dry.
|
| Rosalie Leon |
Orbit by John Nance |
Rating: 5 Stars |
After finishing it, I couldn't stop thinking about it. 6 months later, I bought the audiobook and enjoyed that as well.
|
| Cariola |
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Horan's novel is based on the real-life affair of architect Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Cheney. The Cheneys contracted Wright to build a house for them, and in the course of their planning discussions, the two fell in love. Despite the fact that both were married (Wright had six children and Mamah had two, and was also raising her deceased sister's child), they eloped to Europe in the early 1900s. While the book does detail their scandalous affair, it focuses equally on Mamah's burgeoning feminism and her efforts to use her intellect to forge a career as a translator and to help other women towards self-actualization. Details of the building of Talieson, their Wisconsin "love nest," are fascinating, as is their gradual acceptance into the community. Horan manages to give this couple's relationship a meaning beyond their own passion and the scandalous and tragic headlines that surround it.
|
| Debbie Koenig |
The Gift by Richard Paul Evans |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a very heartwarming novel that will bring tears to your eyes. This book would make a "nice gift" for someone you love at Christmas. This book is centered around the
holiday season, but it would be a success regardless of the season
|
| Dena Walton |
Dead Right by Brenda Novak |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the third and final story in her Stillwater series. It ties up everything and brings to light even more than the other two books eluded to. Madeline has wondered and searched for anything that will give her the answers about her father's disappearance, so she hires a private eye from California --- a move that no one in town is happy about, either. What he discovers will finally give her answers, whether they're what she wants to know or not. I couldn't put it down until the last page.
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| Lenny Bronstein |
The Secret Servant by Daniel Silva |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Gabriel Allon is now the character I most want to see a movie franchise based on. The sophistication and certainly the art world connections enhance Israel's greatest secret agent. This may be the best book in the series so far. His issues and extended family continue to color his actions and attack his conscience.
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| Linda Bass |
Best Laid Plans by Bronwyn Green |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Tessa was assaulted by the man her parents picked for her at 18, and her mom fumed when she broke up with him. Now, she works at a women's shelter counseling victims, but someone knows her every move, and is stalking her but she has no idea who!
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| Ricki (rickimc@aol.com) |
Friend of the Devil by Peter Robinson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A great addition to Robinson's long line of Inspector Banks novel. It was suspenseful with a good twist.
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| Denise M. DiFalco (dmdifalco@yahoo.com) |
Come On, People by Bill Cosby & Alvin F. Poussaint, MD |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A dynamic resource of hope, not only for
the poor and down-trodden, but for us all to
gain insight on how to move on from being
victims and become victors. Alvin F. Poussaint, MD (Professor of Psychiatry at
Harvard Medical School) gives instructions
on how to use our inner resources to rise
above current situations. Bill Cosby, best-selling author and actor lends
inspiration to motivate the reader to take
the challenge! Definitely a must read!
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| Laurel Foster |
The Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Intriguing story that goes back and forth from the 1800s to the present day. I couldn't put it down. Interesting twist on the medical examiner theme.
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| Denise the Bookseller |
Happiness Sold Separately by Lolly Winston |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This was an easy fast read, and I enjoyed it very much. The subject matter was serious (a failing marriage, an affair and inability to conceive a baby), but the author adeptly injected humor throughout the book in much the same way she did with her second novel, GOOD GRIEF. My only disappointment was that the book ended too soon.
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| Rina Weisman |
The Crazy School by Cornelia Read |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I read a proof of this book and couldn't put it down. I found her characters, particularly the teachers, very well-drawn, and liked how she ranged Madeline on the side of the students. This writer has a very original voice, and despite the downer of a storyline, I found myself laughing out loud at some of the dialogue, which was that true to life. It made me want to read her other book, and check out whatever comes along in the future.
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| Rina Weisman |
Rewired: The Post-Cyberpunk Anthology by ed. James Patrick Kelly & John Kessel |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Wow! As Kirkus reported, "Cyberpunk is dead. Long live post-cyberpunk." A great collection of stories featuring writers like Bruce Sterling, Charles Stross, and William Gibson, as well as Cory Doctorow and Pat Cadigan, these are the next wave of science fiction --- proof that once someone announces a genre is dead, it comes back better than ever. This collection include letters and email correspondence between Bruce Sterling and John Kessel on cyberpunk. The stories redefine cyberpunk for the next generation, while keeping the past one more than interested.
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| Linda M. Johnson |
Katie: The Real Story by Edward Klein |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This is supposedly not a whitewash or a hatchet job of Katie Couric. This guy does like to dish the dirt. His writing is reminiscent of a paper that has to be turned into the prof ("…in an interview with the author of this book…"), which is his usual style.
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| Lenny Bronstein |
The Bourne Betrayal by Eric Van Lustbader |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The Bourne character has grown with each book and the visual images of the movies. Matt Damon certainly colors your perception of the character versus the Richard Chamberlain portrayal. Eric has been a master storyteller since his earliest Ninja books and infuses an amazing energy and complexity in the story that Ludlum would be beaming at. The action moves a mile a minute, but is not cartoonish. The possibilities and character twists grab you and halt your breath.
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| Linda M. Johnson |
Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs |
Rating: 2 Stars |
The writing was excellent, but some of what he writes about in this memoir --- although true --- are painful to read. I felt parts of the book were close to pornographic. I read this for my book discussion group.
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