| J. Kaye Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
My Funny Dad, Harry by Karen Arlettaz Zemek |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This book is about living and dying, and dealing with aging parents and the struggles both sides must go through. Most of all, it is a loving daughter’s tribute to her special father.
|
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
T is for Trespass by Sue Grafton |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Wow, this is one of the best books in this series! Solana Rojas is the new caretaker of PI Kinsey Millhone's elderly neighbor, Gus Vronsky. Kinsey's suspicions of Rojas crop up soon, but the PI has to prove that the caretaker is a fraud and a sociopath. In the meantime, Rojas continues to physically mistreat her charge and also to steal his assets. Great suspense and characterization. Don't miss this one in the popular "alphabet" series.
|
| Christy H. |
White Hot Holidays: Volume 1 by Lora Leigh, Leda Swann, Cricket Starr, Trista Ann |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This 9-book anthology was a quick and fun read with lots of hot and steamy holiday romance.
|
| Catrina Pomerleau |
Oh My Stars by Lorna Landvik |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The tale of a young woman growing up in the Great Depression.
|
| Gaye McGill |
The Quickie by James Patterson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Some of the series of events were just too pat, but overall, it was an excellent (quickie) read.
|
| Fran |
Perfect Match by Jodi Picoult |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book examines the question, "How far should a mother go to protect her child?"
Nina is prosecutor who understands the court system and all its flaws. However, when her own child is traumatized, how far would/ should she go to protect him? I had a bit of trouble relating to Nina in this book; however the strength of the other characters kept my interest. I adored Patrick and loved any part of the book that included him. Caleb and Nathaniel were also great characters that will stay with me a long time.
Once again, Jodi Picoult amazes me with her writing style. She has a wonderful ability to take a difficult topic and create a beautiful novel out of it. Her characters are compelling and she manages to have the reader see the issue from all perspectives. I really enjoyed this book, despite the difficult topic.
|
| Bob Keck |
Michael Tolliver Lives by Armistead Maupin |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A playful, fun reworking of the Barbary Lane characters. The book contained loving portrayals of unflinching aging issues without being preachy or boring.
|
| Kay Z |
No Country for Old Men by Cormac MCarthy |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I recommend reading this BEFORE seeing the new movie. I always enjoy envisioning the story in my mind before seeing the movie. They are both great.
|
| Sally B., San Antonio TX |
Clapton: The Autobiography by Eric Clapton |
Rating: 2 Stars |
2.5 stars. The beginning was slow, but you have to get use to his style of writing, which was more like letter-writing. I got tired of reading about all his failed relationships with women though (it went back to when his Mother deserted him and his grandparents raised him). He didn't say directly how he felt about fame (other than the drugs and booze). There were numerous contradictions in words and actions, but then again, people change. The writing needed a lot more editing (additional paragraph starts and pauses). I get the impression that Clapton had a hard time trying to express his true feelings, but wanted to also tell a honest story without bashing anyone. No great literary feat here, but it's interesting if you like his music.
|
| Tanta |
Killing Floor by Lee Child |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This "first novel" got rave reviews from critics, as well it should. It's an excellent and complex story with a twist around every turn.
|
| Chris |
Over Hexed by Vicki Lewis Thompson |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I've enjoyed the book, but not as much as the Nerd books. This book is still a light, fun read, just not quite as good as the others.
|
| Christopher H. |
Hogfather by Terry Pratchett |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A great fantasy Christmas novel.
|
| Linda Moeller (LINDALSHOT@aol.com) |
Blue Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A nice holiday book. Not as good as her longer novels but still a nice, quick holiday read.
|
| Dorothy |
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill |
Rating: 5 Stars |
If you are a fan of Stephen King, you are going to love this book . The characters are interesting, and the story is creepy --- everything a horror fan is looking for.
|
| Laura Emerson (a.l.emerson@worldnet.att.net) |
Cotton Song by Tom Bailey |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book has strong characters and covers all emotions. The writer has done such a wonderful job describing the South and MS in this era that you almost feel as if you were there. I live in MS and can say that he has captured it beautifully. You will find yourself angry at the injustice which has befallen Letitia and cheering Baby Allen every step of the way for her courage. This book is one of the best books I have ever read.
|
| Tommy Nichols (Tommyotommy@yahoo.com) |
The Mist by Stephen King |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I'm half way through and it's very disappointing so far.
|
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
The Gift by Richard Paul Evans |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Collin --- a child dying of leukemia and heart disease --- can heal the people he loves, but each healing throws him closer to death. A remarkable story of love and greed, and forgiveness.
|
| Christian Diaz |
Chronicles of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Amazing! This book will catch you as soon as you begin reading. Santiago Nassar story is a completely interesting.
|
| Bonnie |
The Turnaround Kid: What I learned rescuing Ameri by Steve Miller |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I got a preview copy (it'll be out in Feb.) to read and it's terrific. Miller worked on the Chrysler bail-out with Lee Iacocca and the Delphi turnaround, among others. He makes the world of business and finance very understandable to the layman and the stories read like an adventure. It's obvious he enjoyed what he did. The personal side of his story is riveting as well.
|
| J. Kaye Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
The Prometheus Project: Captured by Douglas E. Richards |
Rating: 5 Stars |
THE PROMETHEUS PROJECT: CAPTURED by Douglas Richards is the second book in the Prometheus Project Series. This young teenager Sci-fi series is about an underground alien city left as an outpost to watch the emerging human race. The main characters are a brother and sister whose parents are brilliant scientists working on a top-secret team to explore and learn all about the alien technology.
|
| Gloria Williams |
Murder by Dewey Decimal by Stephen B. Bagley |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Don't start this book late at night. If you do, you won't get any sleep as you tell yourself that you'll read just one more page. The characters are funny and intelligent. I really liked the chief and his wife. Their relationship was witty and wise and seemed like the natural result of their many years of marriage. Bernard and Lisa took longer to grow on me, probably because they're much younger than I am, but they soon had me hooked. The mystery and the murders --- linked to a local library --- are puzzling, but when they're explained at the end, it all makes perfect sense. Stephen Bagley does a good job of hiding the clues in plain sight. The next book in the series, MURDER BY THE ACRE, is supposed to be out in early 2008, and I'm looking forward to it. The author needs to write faster! Faster!
|
| Paula C. |
The Careful Use Of Compliments by Alexander McCall Smith |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the fourth book in the Isabel Dalhousie series (Sunday Philosophy Club) and I enjoyed it just as much as the others. I will look forward to the next installment. Isabel has such interesting relationships and is known for "interfering" at times with things that she finds amiss. Although it is somewhat of a mystery, it is more of a philosophical study.
|
| Joan B. |
Double Cross by James Patterson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Alex Cross is back on the police force and confronts a serial killer who loves the limelight. A fast-paced read. I'm glad to see Patterson can still write after the let down of YOU'VE BEEN WARNED.
|
| Marsha |
Leftovers by Laura Wiess |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Two young girls bond together to offset their strange lives and loneliness, and the consequences of their actions will cause you to wonder if they made a proper decision. The road through puberty is a rough one, indeed.
|
| Patricia (patriciart@aol.com) |
Operation Shylock by Philip Roth |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I must admit I am having a bit of trouble staying awake through this one. This is strange and often interesting, but he is spending a lot of pages bashing Israel and its existence in the wake of the Palestinians' loss of their lands. I intend to continue to the end and hope I can stay awake and finish this before Christmas takes over. I am not Jewish but find the topics Roth covers usually very riveting.
|
| Carol Hoyer from VA (pageant4u@hotmail.com) |
Girlbomb: A Halfway Homeless Memoir by Janlice Erlbaum |
Rating: 4 Stars |
At the age of 15, Janice Erlbaum left her chaotic home life to the streets of New York. Having no money and nowhere to go, she ended up in a girls' shelter. Not having the necessary coping skills she still managed to survive --- but not without using drugs, drinking and having unprotected sex.
I found this to be rather slow in the beginning; however, it did give good details about how she ended up on the streets.
|
| 1dogyear |
The Watchman by Harlen Coben |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is the latest in Coben's Elvis Cole series, this time featuring Joe Pike, Cole's partner and the classic man of few words. The plot moves apace, but what made this book memorable to me is the insight into Pike's character. Melancholy envelops him and he accepts it stoically. Yet, the more we learn about Pike, the less we really know.
|
| Claudia Graff |
Buffalo for the Broken Heart by Dan O'Brien |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the best book I've read all year! It is a memoir about living and ranching in western South Dakota. You'll fall in love with the people of the prairie and you'll also fall in love with the buffalo! There are many important lessons here on life, loss, and love. Mr. O'Brien is passionate about S.D. and the buffalo he raises, and it translates into a warm and tender book. I can't recommend it enough!
|
| ck |
Mrs. Kimble by Jennifer Haigh |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Three wives tell the strange story of Ken Kimble's rise from being a minister of music to a real estate tycoon. Strong, memorable characters make this book very satisfying.
|
| ck |
The Innocent Man by John Grisham |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Ada, OK is certainly not a place to find yourself in jail. This is a frightening true story where law enforcement officials were determined to prosecute without proper evidence. Credos to The Innocents Project. Grisham is a masterful storyteller, but there is a bit too much repetition of facts.
|
| ck |
Angela and the Baby Jesus by Frank McCourt |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Do you like to add one new Christmas book to your collection each year? This is a lovely picture book by the author of ANGELA'S ASHES. It is appropriate to read aloud to adults as well as children.
|
| Priscilla E. |
The Owl & Moon Cafe by Jo-Ann Mapson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book is a nice read. It is about the Moons --- a family who has problems and secrets. I think you'll enjoy it.
|
| Julie Towson |
The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a wonderful memoir of the author's coming of age in the fifties and sixties. Some parts are laugh-out-loud funny. Bill Bryson is a gifted writer, as anyone who has read A WALK IN THE WOODS will surely agree.
|
| Melanie |
Agnes and the Hitman by Julie Crusie and Bob Mayer |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A really enjoyable read that is lots of fun. I actually read it in one afternoon because I was enjoying it so much.
|
| Cynthia baxter |
Run by Ann Patchett |
Rating: 3 Stars |
While I enjoyed the story of the Doyle inter-racial family, I was disappointed that ultimately, this book became predictable. I was hoping for more from Ann Patchett. Relationships are messy and families are imperfect --- what started out as a wonderfully complex mixture of characters ended in a hurried clean-up job. It didn't need to be buttoned-down so abruptly; it gave the impression that the writer became tired of the subject.
|
| Susan D (susandyer1962@aol.com) |
Thriller by Various authors |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a collection of short thriller stories! I'm only on the seventh story and this book is really getting to me! If you like these kinds of stories, do not hesitate to get this book! You won't be sorry! Once you start reading, you wont be able to stop!!
|
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This is about a of small, Southern town, and the baggage that we all carry of family obligations and how we handle them. It's a story of blindness, deafness, love, and responsibility.
|
| Susan De Feo |
Beach Music by Pat Conroy |
Rating: 2 Stars |
Yes, I liked THE PRINCE OF TIDES, written by this author, but this book made me fall asleep after a few pages each night. Yes, I loved the settings in Rome and South Carolina, but the characters were many and they were all boring. I never cared for any of them and could care less about the so-called plot line.
|
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the story of Nonny Frett, an illegitimate child who was adopted by another family. Both families live in a small southern town and both families hate each other. Nonny is loyal to her adoptive family but she is pulled to her birth family in a way she does not understand. Add to that, a husband who has done her wrong and whom she can’t seem to leave, and a lifelong friend who has stolen her heart. This book grabbed me from the beginning and held me right up to the last word. A funny, heartwarming, entertaining read. I highly recommend it.
|
| Genie |
Web of Evil by J. A. Jance |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Ali Reynolds is going back to L. A. to finalize her divorce with her estranged husband, Paul. She is looking forward to the closure of her broken marriage, knowing that she will finally be able to get on with her life. The process, however, comes to a standstill when Paul is murdered and his body (hands and feet bound) found in the desert. The answers to who did it and why are especially important to Ali since the L.A.P.D. put her name at the top of the list of suspects.
|
| Marsha |
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a beautifully written book that brings to mind the challenges of all immigrants who face losing part of their culture to become enmeshed in American culture. It is a finely detailed family saga that will appeal to all.
|
| Kate |
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I enjoyed this Gothic story about the biographer of a famous author, with many references back to JANE EYRE and SENSE AND SENSIBILITY. Everyone in my book club liked it also --- a first for us as a group!
|
| Judy O. |
The Rest of Her Life by Laura Moriarty |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Eighteen-year-old Kara Churchill accidentally runs over and kills another teenage girl on the last day of school before summer break. She is consumed with guilt, and her family is vainly trying to make sense of the tragedy themselves. Their struggle to do this is the plot of this compelling book. It certainly makes one think about what they would do if this were to happen to one of their teenage drivers. Thought-provoking story.
|
| L. Hann |
Our Iceberg Is Melting by John Kotter |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book is great for anyone, at any age, at any time in their lives. This book can be applied to everyday life, work, school etc. Find out how to deal with change and what type of person you are on adapting to change.
|
| M Monahan |
River God by Wilbur Smith |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A fascinating novel about ancient Egypt that is based on real scrolls that were found in a tomb in 1988. Some may consider this more of a "man" book as there are quite a few battle and hunting scenes.
|
| J. Kaye Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
A Walk for Sunshine by Jeff Alt |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I found so many endearing anecdotes in this book. I couldn’t keep quiet when I stumbled across one. Every couple of pages or so, I’d yell to my husband, Steve, “Hey, listen to this,” and I’d read a passage out of the book.
|
| L. Hann |
Black Creek Crossing by John Saul |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Can't put this book down. Angel and her parents move to a house that everyone thinks is haunted. Angel's friend Seth sees something in the house that Angel has seen. Join them as they try to figure out what really happened in the house years ago and why it is haunted.
|
| Kathy Kasten |
Girl in the Mirror by Mary Alice Monroe |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A disfigured young woman has plastic surgery and becomes a real beauty and movie star. She finds love along the way and then discovers there's a problem that will harm her looks.
|
| Kathy Kasten |
The 5th Horseman by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro |
Rating: 3 Stars |
The Women's Murder Club is back in this mediocre book by Patterson. Murders are occurring in the hospital, including the mother of one of the women. This was not as good as his other books.
|
| J. P. Feingold |
A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A fast read that could help change your life. Very inspirational.
|
| CC |
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Loved this book!! Mystery, romance, thriller --- it had it all.
|
| Kathy Kasten |
Lost & Found by Jacqueline Sheehan |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A recent widow starts over and becomes an animal control officer on a remote island. She finds a dog that has been struck by an arrow and rehabilitates him. She must solve the mystery of who hurt the dog, why, and who the owner is.
|
| Callista (calllista83@cogeco.ca) |
Through a Brief Darkness by Richard Peck |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I had major deja vu when reading this book. I think I may have read it before, but I couldn't remember what happened before it happened so if I did, it was many years ago. This is the first Richard Peck I've ever read and I loved it.
It's the story of Karen Beatty, who --- after switching schools many times --- is called into the Principal's office and told her father's secretary called and she is to take her passport and leave school immediately. She is met at the airport by a new employee of her dad's she's never met before and is sent off to London. She is told little, mostly just that she's going to live with her cousins for a while till her dad contacts her. There is something very strange about her cousins and the whole situation, but by the time she figures things out, she's running for her life.
It was very involving, I had trouble putting it down, which doesn't usually happen with teen fiction, no matter how good it is. I hope the rest of Richard Peck's books are this good.
|
| Diane Dubay |
Privilege & Scandal by Janet Gleeson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A lot of people know about Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, but not as many know about her sister Harriett, who was a figurehead in her own right in the ages of George III. Think Nicky and Paris Hilton except with style, brains AND political acumen and sway!
|
| Kate Sender |
Deadly Beloved by Max Allan Collins |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Really 4.5 --- a return to the classic pulp fiction in the style of Raymond Chandler. DEADLY BELOVED is a tight, action-adventure, detective mystery featuring a believable female PI who doesn't give up and keeps the reader engrossed as well through intricate plotting to the the satisfying ending.
|
| Callista (calllista83@cogeco.ca) |
Life's Little Rituals by Alexandria |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A very neat book of rituals for any and every occasion, from first tooth to first blood, to first job ,to having a sibling leave home, to divorce, to death, and everything in between...
Morning and Bed routine, laundry ritual, new car, new roommate, decision to live together, pregnancy, home alone, graduation, beginning of seasons, work commutes, hiring, new credit card, change in eating habits, mammogram, speaking in public and more.
What’s better, they are non-religious rituals. You can be any religion or no religion and still use them. By ritual, the author means any little thing you do to commemorate the event. Great book.
|
| Karen |
The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Funny novel about a family of PIs. I hope there's a sequel, similar to the Evanavich style. The first chapter absolutely hooked me.
|
| J. Kaye Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book has the WOW factor! I didn't know who the killer was until the end. But be warned, this book is graphic, dark, and disturbing --- not for the faint at heart. What an awesome ending! I didn't see it coming.
|
| Linda Sheehan (linda.lsheehan@gmail.com) |
Broken For You by Stepahie Kallos |
Rating: 5 Stars |
It amazed me that this well-crafted novel was Kallos's first novel. I absolutely loved it and the characters portrayed. I didn't want it to end. I got totally immersed in the lives of the characters and cared for them. From the lonely, long-divorced elderly Margaret to the young woman, Wanda, that she takes in as a boarder, you will be enchanted. The title infers much more than the breaking of china. I hope the author has many more books to offer in future.
|
| Bert |
Double Cross by James Patterson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
James Patterson's books are much more interesting, when he writes alone. When he has other authors included in his novels, there is always something missing.
|
| Patty Shogren (p12a11s49@aol.com) |
Moloka'i by Alan Brennert |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is one of the best books I have read. It's a fictional story with the true history of the island of Moloka'i in Hawaii. It's about a young girl with leprosy and her life on the island in captivity. I can't say enough good things about it.
|
| Bonnie |
Stoner by John Williams |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This remarkable character study starts slowly and builds. I can't recall the last time I read a book that so got into the head of the central character.
|
| Marsha |
The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A comic account of what could happen if the Queen took up the hobby of reading. "Books do not care who was reading them or whether one read them or not. All readers were equal, herself included." The love of literature is contagious and we often forget what a precious gift it is.
|
| Elaine Campbell |
The Night In Question by Tobias Wolff |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Incredibly written short stories that will have you clamoring for more. I now search out his material whenever I can. The New Yorker is a good source.
|
| Elaine Campbell |
Lolita by Vladamir Nabakov |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The opening lines alone are enough to set one off on an interesting journey...
"Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta."
|
| J. Kaye Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
The Sky's Not Falling! by Holly Fretwell |
Rating: 5 Stars |
She encourages the reader to research global warming. Knowledge is power and her belief is clear. “Human innovation and creativity have already changed the world for the better countless times…and they will again.”
|
| A. Thomas |
The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I just finished this one last night, and it's very good. Recommended.
|
| Ana |
Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a very different story from the one found in the first book of the series, POISON STUDY. POISON STUDY is a coming-of-age story in many ways. It follows a battered (but, by no means, broken) girl on her path to herself and her freedom. The second book, MAGIC STUDY, finds her on her own again, this time so she can learn how to wield the power she has found within herself to help others. It is the perfect setup in the sense that the amazing repertoire between Valek and Yelena (our girl) may be lost for most of the story, but we see Yelena truly find her own (something that would have been hard to do with her highly protective, nearly invincible lover cracking his knuckles over her shoulder...not that Valek would ever be so overt). I have high hopes that the soon-to-be-released FIRE STUDY will reach the bar set by its predecessors. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I don't give anything 5 stars.
|
| Thomas |
The Night Gardener by George Pelecanos |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Detective Gus Ramone works the Violent Crimes Branch in a bad area of D.C. A serial killer, not heard from in many years, has apparently resurfaced. Called The Palindrome Killer, since the names of his victims can be spelled forward or backward, his latest victim is a school friend of Gus' son. Meanwhile, a couple of serious troublemakers, Conrad Gaskins and Romeo Brock, are cruising the 'hood, looking for any number of ways to make a quick buck and not caring who gets hurt. Pelecanos has a way of making the reader feel like you're right there where the action is.
|
| Monica Jordan (mjordan1@yahoo.com) |
Gone, Baby, Gone by Dennis Lehane |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I have read several Dennis Lehane books and this one is, by far, my favorite. It is quite suspenseful with many twists and turns that keep you guessing. At times, the descriptions are so vivid, you can hardly stand it. It is a story about a search for a missing girl with a bunch of grisly characters as suspects. This book shows the darker side of human nature.
|
| Janice |
Now You See Him by Eli Gottlieb |
Rating: 3 Stars |
The author is a very gifted storyteller; however, this story lacks substance. It was only 261 pages. More time could have been spent developing the story and characters instead of only a fast read.
|
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
Our Iceberg is Melting by John Kotter |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Another book I had to read for work. This is a fable about a colony of penguins who discover their iceberg is melting and come together to decide what to do about it. Employees can use this fable as a guide in helping them put through change in their company. It is an interesting book and I am glad I read it.
|
| Gale |
Double Cross by James Patterson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Patterson's best books are his Alex Cross series and DOUBLE CROSS doesn't disappoint. Cross assists the D. C. Police in chasing a vicious killer who craves attention. Cross also has to watch his back because his old nemesis, Kyle Craig, is back in the picture.
|
| Ana |
Poison Sudy by Maria V. Snyder |
Rating: 4 Stars |
POISON STUDY is the book that you see in the store and you think, "...hmmm cool name...Way better cover art than the rest of my SF/Fantasy collection...I wonder." You pick it up, flip through the pages, don’t really read any, and decide it is probably a gimmick. Then you buy it anyway because the cover is so pretty (and maybe hate yourself a little for being so shallow). You go home, sit on the sofa then read the first page. After than you can't possibly move for the next few hours and finally come up for air with a horrible neck cramp and the utter satisfaction that comes with being in the middle of a great story. You decide that it was your amazing subconscious book radar that led you to your purchase, not a pretty cover. It has enough of the regular markers of the genre to make it a comfortable read, but it is told in such a fresh way with very original twists that make it completely new and enjoyable. Yelena's is a world you will not want to leave. The story continues at full speed through the sequel, MAGIC STUDY, which tells a very new tale but still upholds the quality of the first. The third book. FIRE STUDY, should prove to continue this tradition upon its release.
I only don't give it 5 stars because I never give anything 5 stars.
|
| Dot L. |
Cloud Nine by Luanne Rice |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Normally I consider her books "beach reads", but CLOUD NINE really struck a chord with me. I could relate to the main character's love for her family, friends and especially for the man she falls in love with. I cried at the sad ending.
|
| Diana (bearzwitch) (bearzwitch@gmail.com) |
The Missing by Chris Mooney |
Rating: 5 Stars |
It had me spellbound from the very first page. Mr. Mooney writes well and draws people into his characters' lives. To imaging surviving a harrowing experience and have it come back to haunt you all over again is the premise of the plot. I can only tell you that you won't be disappointed and you will find yourself trying to keep reading, no matter what is going on.
|
| Joanna |
Dissolution by C. J. Sansom |
Rating: 4 Stars |
England in the year 1537. Henry VIII has proclaimed himself head of the church. Thomas Cromwell is sending commissioners to the monasteries to find reasons for dissolution. One of his commissioners is brutally murdered and Matthew Shardlake is sent to find the killer. I could almost smell the odors as described and the story was also great with a surprising ending. I have ordered another of C. J. Sansom's books from my library and will probably read them all. I do that when I find an author I really like.
|
| Neil Wasserman |
Playing for Pizza by John Grisham |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Good light read. I enjoyed it more than my wife did.
|
| Karen |
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I'm listening to the author read his book on tape. What a lyrical writer.
|
| Neil Wasserman |
Snow in August by Pete Hamill |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Highly recommended --- I've added it to my "all-time best reading list"
|
| Neil Wasserman |
The Book Thief by Michael Zusak |
Rating: 5 Stars |
An intimate view of Holocaust victims, this book is written from a different perspective than most. It is highly recommended and an addition to my all-time best reads list.
|
| Dena |
Atlantis Awakening by Alyssa Day |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This was such a good story, I didn't want to put it down. The lost continent of Atlantis is lost no more and Alyssa brings to life wonderful characters that have many different gifts and powers.
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| Janice |
The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright |
Rating: 4 Stars |
If you are a Nicholas Sparks fan and enjoyed THE NOTEBOOK, you will definitely enjoy THE WEDNESDAY LETTERS.
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
High Five by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Could being a bounty hunter really be this much fun? Well maybe not for the rest of us, but when Stephanie Plum is behind the wheel, the adventures never cease. Go along with Stephanie for the ride of your life when you pick this book up. And be prepared to not be able to put it down.
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Another hilarious installment in the Stephanie Plum series. You cannot read this book and not find yourself completely drawn in. The characters are so colorful and full of life.
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| Lorna |
Step On a Crack by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This book was just okay. It took me a long time to read it; I felt I was wasting my time and I could have been reading something better. I haven't enjoyed the last two Patterson books I have read, but despite being disappointed, he is still one of my favorite authors.
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| Lorna |
Crash by Jerry Spinelli |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I read this "tween" book because my 6th grade daughter had to read it and do a project on it. The book touches upon middle-school situations and relationships between the kids and of course a moral at the end.
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| J. Kaye Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
The Last Noel by Heather Graham |
Rating: 2 Stars |
There is so much wrong with this book. Bottom line, it lacks believability.
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
Lottery by Patricia Wood |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Excellent story! Wood did an awesome job of drawing up her characters and breathing life into them. Perry's story is not only interesting, but it makes you put your treatment of others into perspective as well.
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
Eye Contact by Cammie McGovern |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Great book! A must read for anyone, whether you have ties with someone autistic or not. It shoes that shows labels aren't all they're cracked up to be.
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This YA fiction book is a great one for women or men of all ages. If you or anyone you know has been affected sexual abuse, no matter at what age, this is a great book for you to read and/or recommend. The story, though fiction, deals with the main character's attack and the lasting affects it has had on her life. This book shows that while sometimes silence is easiest, it is not the way you have to go. It shows you that you can open up to someone else for help and support.
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Superb chick-lit! If you need a light but engaging read, this is one for you. Stephanie Plum is a hoot!
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| Ivy |
Feeling for Bones by Bethany Price |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A deep and incisive trip into the world of a girl who is anorexic, although society hasn't yet to define it as such. The daughter of a preacher, she struggles to think and be normal. A great piece of writing by a new writer!
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| Wendy Catalano |
Immoral by Brian Freeman |
Rating: 5 Stars |
An amazing read! I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough. It's the first in a series, followed by STRIPPED and STALKED.
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| Sue |
Cell: A Novel by Stephen King |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This man can weave a story about anything and keep you riveted. In Cell, a phenomenon occurs, later referred to as The Pulse, delivered via cell phone to all with those little gadgets. Basically, their brains crash like a computer, and the world becomes a very dark and scary place.
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
Three for the Money by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Surely it can't get better than this?! Stephanie Plum is at it again, and her misadventures aren't getting any duller.
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| Jane (JerJanKel@aol.com) |
The Blade Itself by Marcus Sakey |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I'm not quite finished with this book so I can't give it five stars, but it is shaping up to be a terrific read. It's a story about a former thief, clean for seven years, who inadvertently is drawn back into the life of crime to try and save the new life he has carved out for himself. Finely drawn characters and on-the-edge-of-your-seat action makes this little talked-about title a keeper for me!
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| Bobbe Banks Salkowitz |
Abstinence by Tom Perotta |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Tom Perotta creates a world that most of us can easily step into, and then creates a twist that makes it his special world
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| Marsha |
Gallows View by Peter Robinson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is the first Inspector Banks mystery, which introduces you to his family and working mates. It's a well-crafted police procedural in the British manner.
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Will Stephanie's bounty hunter lifestyle finally prove to be too dangerous for those around her? Don't miss this 7th installment in Evanovich's sure to please chick-lit series. Funny funny funny!
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
Hot Six by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Another guilty pleasure. Stephanie Plum is so addicting; I love this series!
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| Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net) |
Four to Score by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The fun just keeps coming! Janet Evanovich does it again. You can't beat Stephanie, Grandma Mazur, Joe, Ranger, and the gang.
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| Fran |
Speak Softly, She Can Hear by Pam Lewis |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A good psychological thriller with a manipulative villain. Overall, not a bad first book for this author; however, some parts in the middle dragged a bit. I enjoyed it overall.
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| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
The Simple Truth by David Baldacci |
Rating: 4 Stars |
An eye opener concerning the Supreme Court and the military. THE SIMPLE TRUTH is about a wrongly accused man in a military prison for 25 years and his attempts at freedom, and the working of the Supreme Court.
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| Elaine |
The Woods by Harlan Coben |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I read this book because it was highly recommended by a number of readers from this site. However, I thought there were too many story lines. After the last chapter, I had to review in my mind all the different people, who had murdered who and why...the story could have been more interesting if there had been less plot lines and less people involved.
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| Carole (leonebear@aol.com) |
Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book was a fictionalized account of the author's real experiences during the war, in which German troops occupied her home while the men were fighting or imprisoned.
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| Lisa M. |
You've Been Warned by James Patterson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
An absolutely amazing book with a mind-blowing ending. I had no idea what was coming!
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| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
Crimson Joy by Robert B. Parker |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I always enjoy the Spenser mysteries, but this was one of the better ones. A serial killer (Red Rose Killer) is loose in Boston and he could possibly be a patient of Susan’s. Susan and Spenser have gone through quite a transformation in their relationship. I respect Parker’s effort in setting a great example of what a very close and intimate relationship can be like. Communication is key and Parker nailed it. I felt like Susan and Spenser became closer in this book. Their jobs became interlinked and they handled it well. Parker has not lost his touch with the wit and humor of the Spenser series either. I have great respect for Parker and his infamous character.
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| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The central character of the story is Tom Langdon, an investigative reporter who is currently writing about furniture, following his more adventurous existence with his longtime girl friend, Eleanor, in foreign lands covering wars and such. He decides to take a cross-country train trip partly to fulfill a request from his now deceased father, partly to reflect on his own life, and to see a friend on the West Coast. There are colorful characters on the train and one gets good insight into the domain of travel by rail. Tom is very surprised to find that Eleanor is on the same train. He has never forgotten her, but has not seen her since she left him while overseas. He is overwhelmed by the coincidence and does some checking to try to verify that it, indeed, was a coincidence.
For Eleanor, seeing Tom was certainly not love at second sight. After being snowbound in Colorado, the train continues to L.A., where mysteries are solved and some surprises revealed. This was a great Christmas story. I read it in 2004, but since it was an assigned book for one of my bookclubs, I read it again. I am glad I did. I had forgotten a lot. I recommend reading this, if merely for the trains.
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| Tony Banks |
The Oasis by Wilson Crawford |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book is Southern fiction and takes place in Charleston and in North Carolina. The characters are developed well and the story takes interesting twists and turns. I think this is Crawford's best book yet.
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| J. Kaye Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
Breath of Scandal by Sandra Brown |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I personally thought this was her best work. That said, the format was a MP3 audio. If I had to read it, then maybe I wouldn't have felt so strongly. But I have no way of knowing.
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| Danna Lambert (dannalamb@aol.com) |
Anatomy of Fear by Jonathan Santlofer |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Very interesting approach, with each turning point illustrated by a police sketch artist's impressions. Engrossing and unique.
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| Christy H. |
Sugar and Spice by Fern Michaels, Beverly Barton, et al |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The reason I bought this Christmas-themed anthology is to read "The Twelve Desserts of Christmas" by Joanne Fluke. I have fallen in love with Fluke's Hannah Swensen Murder Mysteries and this novella did not disappoint. It was filled with her fun and lovable characters and delicious recipes this was a lighthearted treat.
Fern Michaels is another author that I enjoy and her story, "The Christmas Stocking" was a fun tale.
"The Ghost Of Christmas Past" by Beverly Barton is set in a cabin in the woods with her snowbound characters and a lot of sexual tension.
And, add another yummy holiday recipe in Shirley Jump's "Twelve Days" office romance story to conclude this fun holiday themed book.
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| Sally B., San Antonio TX |
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling |
Rating: 3 Stars |
3.5 stars. I think out of all the books, this one was the most juvenile. The action was almost nonstop and, to me, confusing. Someone said that this book tied up a lot of loose ends, but after reading the series for over an 8-year span, I couldn't remember all the loose ends! I think Rowling crammed too much into this last book to end the series.
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| Lisa M. |
Choosing Sophie by Leslie Carroll |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A wonderful surprise. While at times it could be a little predictable, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A very warm, heartfelt book, with a bit of realism thrown in.
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| Lisa M. |
7th Heaven by James Patterson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Outstanding new book in the Women's Murder Club series, to be published in February 2008. I really enjoyed this book from the first page to the last.
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| Lisa M. |
Playing for Pizza by John Grisham |
Rating: 2 Stars |
Dreadfully slow read. I really did not enjoy it whatsoever, and had a really hard time getting to the end of the book. I wish that Grisham would go back to the good ole days of books such as THE FIRM and A TIME TO KILL. His recent books have not been a hit with me.
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| Kathleen Vogel (kvsoon@aol.com) |
The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book is amazing for a debut author. It is the coming-of-age story of a 12-year-old girl, Alice, who is coping with the death of a schoolmate, a depressed mother, a runaway sister and a dreaming father. This is not a warm, fuzzy, feel-good novel. If you like happy endings all tied up in a knot, beware --- this novel might not be for you. But as a wonderful seemingly realistic narrative of an adolescent trying to figure out what life is about, it will keep you thinking well into the New Year.
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| Kathy |
The Cat Who Killed Lilian Jackson Braun: A Parody by Robert Kaplan |
Rating: 1 Stars |
If I could give this book a lower number of stars, I would. I eagerly sought out this book, as I am a big fan of Ms. Braun's The Cat Who... books. I think parodies can be amusing and fun, but this author has gone beyond being funny and/or amusing. In fact, if I were Ms. Braun, I would be embarrassed to have my name on this book. Mr. Kaplan has filled this book with many other than wholesome scenes, vocabulary, etc. --- which is so unlike those in Ms. Braun's books. I am glad I borrowed the book from my library and did not waste money on it. Even the storyline is very, very weak and unrealistic (and an insult to Ms. Braun) and much of the "parody" is so bad and includes so much junk, I had difficulty reading it. I definitely do not recommend this or any of this author's books to anyone, if this is an example of his writing. As I said, a parody can be fun to read, and many of them are. Had the author stuck with being funny, the book might have had a chance.
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| Kathy |
Alexander and the Wondeful, Marvelous, Excellent by Judith Viorst |
Rating: 5 Stars |
ALEXANDER AND THE WONDERFUL, MARVELOUS, EXCELLENT TERRIFIC 90 DAYS s Viorst at her best for adults. This is the account of her youngest son (of ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY), his wife and their three children moving back home while their own house is being renovated. Anyone who has had a child move back home --- or even return from college for the summer --- will relate. Loved it.
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| Christy H |
Sugar Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This 6th book in the series is a delight. It's filled with Ms. Fluke's wonderful sense of humor, the characters that I've come to love, and a buffet of recipes. I highly recommend this holiday mystery.
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| Lisa M. |
High Noon by Nora Roberts |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Nora Robert's at her best. A remarkable page turner that which was hard to put down.
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| Cynthia Harney |
Dawn of Empire by Sam Barone |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the author's first book and I know it will not be the last. It is written so well and with so much detail. It is a novel that takes you back before Christ. It has action, love and drama. I could not stop turning the pages.
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| Patricia in Calgary |
You've Been Warned by James Patterson & Howard Roughan |
Rating: 2 Stars |
I have always loved James Patterson's books. This one was a little different and had a somewhat confusing ending. If anyone can explain it, please do! It is easy reading with short chapters. I finished it in one night. I think the storyline was a bit weak and I kept comparing it with all the other books I have read by him. It just doesn't measure up. It still has an entertainment factor, though, and I will continue to read books with his name on them.
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| Carol Hoyer from VA (pageant4u@hotmail.com) |
Shattered Dreams, Broken Promises by Michael Viner |
Rating: 5 Stars |
An excellent read on young Russian women wanting to come to America for a better life regardless of cost. He talks about internet marriages, marrying for the green card, the abuses, and sex trade that women sometimes go through to get to their ideal life.
I was stunned by what these women would go through to get what they wanted.
I couldn't put this book down.
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| Gerry Chevalier |
The Sixth Target by James Patterson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I have always enjoyed Patterson for his style of writing, short chapters, and interesting characters, particularly the Women`s Murder Club Mysteries, which is currently airing on television every Friday evening. His writing captures your attention and has you waiting for each new book to hit the shelves.
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| Susan De Feo |
90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper |
Rating: 2 Stars |
It is touted as a true story. The only believable part is the fact that he survived a horrific ordeal and lived to write the book.
His visualization of heaven was somewhat unbelievable, especially the scene of the apparently small gate of heaven, small walls and no ceiling. The title should read, "My Survival of a Near Death Experience."
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| J. Kaye Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
The Meaning Of Life by Ronnie Lee |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This book describes life, its problems and solutions to these problems. It's divided in two parts. Part One is ‘The Meaning of Life,’ which consists of 35 poems, and Part Two, ‘A Return to Existentialism’, has 91 poems. Lee’s use of poetry allows the reader to feel the interrelatedness, and also allows the reader to explore deeper on the meanings.
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| Karen |
Another Country by Mary Pipher, PHD |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The subtitle sums it up for this non-fiction account: "Navigating the emotional terrain of our elders." This is a frank, poignant, truthful account of our elders in this country, their needs, and their wants. Very informative for any age!
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| J. Kaye Oldner (jkayeoldner@yahoo.com) |
The Amen Sisters by Angela Benson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book has a suicide, a trip to a mental health clinic, and a cheating husband all before chapter one is over.
This drama centers around two sisters, their church, and its parishioners with a tough issue to deal with --- infidelity.
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| Marsha |
Vapor Trail by Chuck Logan |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Another Phil Broker book that never fails to please. I think this is his best yet. Fantastic action and fascinating characters along with a plot that keeps you turning pages.
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| LouBabe |
Sanctuary by Brenda Novak |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Hope Tanner was raised in a polygamist town and had been lucky enough to get away. Now she is determined to go back and risk facing the ghosts of her past in order to help her sister get out.
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| Cynthia Baxter |
The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Nothing like diving into the twisted mind of Christopher Moore at Christmas time.
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| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
Good to Great by Jim Collins |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I was assigned to read this book for a leadership class I am taking for work. I was not looking forward to reading this book; however, when I read the first few chapters I was really excited, it was turning out to be a very interesting book. I enjoy books where you can learn, not by reading terms, definitions and boring data, but by reading about real life examples of the terms, definitions and data. There was a lot of information about companies like Gillette, Kimberly Clark, Circuit City, Nukor, Fannie Mae and Kruger (to name a few). These are companies that Collins’s team ear marked as “Good to Great” companies. The book was a lesson on how these companies became “Good to Great”. Part of the research was a comparison of these “Good to Great” companies to other companies that had several similar characteristics but were not as successful like Bank of America, Chrysler, A&P and R. J. Reynolds. The excitement of this book wore off, however, in the middle when to me it started to get a bit redundant and wordy. I actually couldn’t wait to finish it and read something I want to, not have to.
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| Clare Pyle (pyle.clare@yahoo.com) |
Rainbow Walking by Marie Fras Cribari |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I predict RAINBOW WALKING to be a real surprise sleeper. I am an avid reader of suspense and couldn't put this book down. The story reads like a fast-paced movie. The characters are darkly humorous and more than a little quirky. I found myself wanting to hang out with them long after the unexpected and jolting twist at the end of their run. There were a few editorial mistakes, but nothing that kept me from being engrossed. This unknown new author is worth reading and watching. I can't wait for the sequel. I had to go online to find it at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.
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| Dottie Mallerich |
Moloka'i by Alan Brennert |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I really loved this book despite its dark subject matter of Hansen's disease. The characters were so real and the storyline very easy to follow
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| Christy H |
Bayou Justice by Robin Caroll |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Ms. Caroll's debut novel BAYOU JUSTICE is the first book in the Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense line of books that I've read and I was very impressed not only with the author, but also with the book and this line. This suspenseful thriller set in the Louisiana Bayou is an entertaining and riveting read. The relationship of main characters, Coco and Luc, as they work together to solve a murder and the transformation that comes with second chances and forgiveness will touch your heart. The interesting and intriguing secondary characters and the beautiful and vivid descriptions left me anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
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| Laura Suttell (suttell@gmail.com) |
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book tells the fictional story of Mamah Borthwick Cheney's relationship with Frank Lloyd Wright.
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| Paula |
White Corridor by Christopher Fowler |
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