| Marsha |
Nothing to Lose by Lee Child |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Jack Reacher continues to electrify us with his escapades. This time, he is in the middle of nowhere between the towns of Hope and Despair and when arrested for vagrancy, all hell breaks lose. Prepare for a fun ride.
|
| Debi |
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovitch |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Stephanie Plum, Lula, Morelli, and Tank --- some of the funniest characters in fictiondom!! I couldn't put this one down. I laughed out loud at the monkey scene! Granma Mazur is caught in a cemetery! You have to read it to believe it!
|
| Ardie Downing |
The Soloist by Steve Lopez |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A very interesting story about the friendship of two very different people. It's a shame that in this great country of ours, we have people living on the street. Shame on Ronald Reagan.
|
| Emmaleigh |
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is absolutely the best series I have ever read.It is so amazing that even if it's fiction, the realism is enough to make you believe that what's going on in the story is actually happening! I love vampire books and this is by far my favorite! Team Edward!
|
| Marjorie Clark |
Personal Days by Ed Park |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Great book for anyone who has worked in an office. This is the story of our daily lives, especially when you know that cutbacks (lay offs) are about to happen. I enjoyed the humor of the author when it comes to things like post-its, smoking outside in groups, etc.
|
| Kelly |
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher by Kate Summerscale |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A non-fiction title that reads like fiction. A true page turner that keeps you reading into the wee hours.
|
| Mary Champagne |
Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book touched me at so many levels. Revolt and blockades leave the villagers in Bouganville isolated and in fear in their tropical paradise. The fact that I have never heard of the incidents, even though I was a history major, brings home that there are so many struggles around the world that go unnoticed. This world is noticed and changed by a white man, Mr. Watts, and by "Mr. Dickens" and "Mr. Pipp."
The power of books, the power of story telling, and the power of the human spirit infuse this novel. We readers see this world through the eyes of 13-year-old Matilda, and also through the pages of GREAT EXPECTATIONS. This is the kind of book you can't put down and that you don't want to reveal too much of, because it makes such wonderful reading.
|
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
Shades of Earl Grey by Laura Childs |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A Tea Shop mystery set in Charleston, SC, with a little less of the magic of Charleston, and more emphasis on jewelry and the work of a cat thief. Theodosia's dog, Earl Grey, helps to capture the thief. Jory seems so lifeless, I do not believe that he and Theodosia ever kiss --- he seems more like a brother.
|
| Fran |
Come Back by Claire and Mia Fontaine |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A tumultuous story of a woman who fights to rescue her daughter from drug addiction. It was interesting. I couldn't put it down.
|
| Diane Dubay (monysmom@comcast.net) |
The Sparks Fly Upwards by Diana Norman |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The latest book in Diana Norman's historical novel series that began with A CATCH OF CONSEQUENCE, this was a great read that centers around the French Revolution and how it affects Makepeace Hedley's life back in England.
|
| Cheryl |
Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen |
Rating: 5 Stars |
At first, I thought I wouldn't like a novel set in the circus, but I found I couldn't put the book down once I started it. The characters are really well developed and the story holds your interest.
|
| Liza |
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I loved this book, the first Octavia Butler book I've read. It was mentioned during a radio segment about Butler's recent death. Half science fiction, half historical novel, it is the story of an African American woman who time travels from California in 1976 to Maryland in 1815. Against her will, she travels back to antebellum Baltimore where slavery is legal and an unaccompanied black woman is very unsafe. She makes friends and enemies, and worries about her husband who is waiting for her to return. Riveting. Read it!
|
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
Head Over Heels by Jill Mansell |
Rating: 4 Stars |
It’s nice to take a break from heavy reading and try something light. This was a typical Mansell book. I enjoy her style. She has several characters that she develops and they are all connected throughout the story. The link in this book is that they all live in the same neighborhood, and most of them have secrets they want kept from each other. The main plot has to do with Jessie and the new neighbors who have just moved in. Jessie has a history, with one of them and when it’s discovered it changes the lives of both families. The mini plots have their share of infidelities, romance and plain old gossip. The author makes it easy to keep track of the characters and there is always something to discover in each turn of the page. If you want a light summer read, I highly recommend a book by Jill Mansell!
|
| Judy |
Emperor: The Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Fictionalized account of the early life of Gaius Julius Caesar. Interestingly written and a quick read.
|
| Ozarks Anne |
The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The reader knows almost from page one that this plan is not going to work. You want to say, "Don't fall for that line!" But, of course, CeeCee does, in fact, fall head over heels for the the line and the handsome guy who spins the story. Eventually, through lots of unexpected happenings, and twenty plus years, things are straightened out.... not in a good way...but concluded. This was a fast read, because you'll want to learn how the author finally ties it all together.
|
| Lisa Kent |
Forever by Karen Kingsbury |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Fifth book in the series for her. Really a good book.
|
| Nan |
Looking For Salvation at the Dairy Queen by Susan Gregg Gilmore |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I read this book in two days. I couldn't wait to share it with my friends. It is a great summer read.
|
| Karen D. Haney |
The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella |
Rating: 4 Stars |
If this is your first encounter with Sophie Kinsella's joyous writing, you will not be disappointed and will be eager to read more of her work. For those fans of the Shopaholic series, this book will be another addition to your collection of fabulous, fun reads in the Kinsella style! However, be warned that Samantha Sweeting is not Becky Bloomwood. Although Bloomwood from the Shopaholic series is great fun and addictive reading; with Samantha Sweeting, Kinsella brings more depth to the main character.
Sweeting is a lawyer nearing her 30s and on her way to becoming a partner in a prestigious law firm. When in a panic, Samanatha leaves London and finds herself in the home of Trish and Eddie Geiger, and is mistaken for a housekeeper. With the reader's imagination allowing for a few impractical and unreal situations, Samantha is able to fool the Geigers with her quick thinking and chicanery. Enter a dreamy gardener, and things get out of hand. The hilarious situations, quirky almost-believable characters, and a Samantha that you care about are what Kinsella creates in THE UNDOMESTIC GODDESS and what makes for an enjoyable, funny, and light read that will entertain you and keep you turning the pages to find out what happens to Samantha.
|
| Trudy |
Welcome to the World, Baby Girl by Fannie Fladd |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A novel centered in small-town America written with humor that takes me back to the 1970s.
|
| Lori Barnes (photoquest@bellsouth.net) |
The Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This was a wonderful story! You'll find yourself really getting involved in these characters' lives. You will fall in love with the sea turtles and love the captions on each chapter. You'll be happy to know there's a follow up to this called SWIMMING LESSONS, and you will love that just as much!
|
| MarilynD |
Collective Marks by Nancy N. Feldman |
Rating: 4 Stars |
One of the few fiction works about horses that actually kept my interest to the very end. This was the story of a taskmaster dressage trainer and a young man in danger of being in prison the rest of his life. If you enjoy horse novels, you'll love this one.
|
| Bridget |
The Romanov Bride by Robert Alexander |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Disappointing novel about Ella, the Grand Duchess of Russia and sister to Alexandra. Apparently she had an unhappy marriage. Her husband's death at the hands of revolutionaries "frees" her to do good works. Ella's story is told parallel to that of "Pavel", a revolutionary who plotted her husband's death and then Ella's. The plot device was weak and the characterization is superficial. It was a good idea that could have been better.
|
| Rich (hjulstrom@juno.com) |
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The first part of a trilogy marketed for young adult readers, this story is set in a town of all men, where everyone can hear each others thoughts, and dogs can communicate with people. Todd Hewitt is about to turn thirteen when his life is turned upside down; he's forced to flee the only home he's known, following a map to a place he's not sure exists. The true nature of the town and answers to its many secrets are expertly and slowly revealed by Ness as Todd is pursued by its leaders, and the story is well paced. Don't be deceived --- this book is relevant to adults as well as young adults, and should appeal to a wide audience. It deals with loss, coming of age, love, and hope in a well-crafted manner which is easy to read. The American edition will be out this fall, but you can get the UK edition now. Highly recommended!
|
| Cynthia |
The Stolen Child by Keith Donohue |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Is there such thing as an adult fairytale? After reading Keith Donohue's THE STOLEN CHILD --- I believe there is! This is a story of changeling or hobgoblin that takes the place of young Henry Day and assumes his identity, while the child is changed into a hobgoblin. Each chapter alternates between the two characters' points of view as they live their new lives. Fascinating work --- riveting at best, just when you think you end on this chapter so you can catch some sleep --- you find yourself turning the page to start the next one! Good luck to you --- try to get some sleep...
|
| Debi |
Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos |
Rating: 5 Stars |
When I first began this book, I thought it would be another story about shallow women. It is not! It is a wonderfully-written character study of people whose lives intertwined as neighbors. The main character, Cornelia, makes good decisions, and the ending is not mushy!
|
| Ricki (rickimc@aol.com) |
What You Can't See by Allison Brennan, et al |
Rating: 3 Stars |
There are three paranormal romances in this collection. "Deliver Us From Evil" by Allison Brennan was my favorite.
|
| Jud Hanson |
Deep Sound Channel by Joe Buff |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is the first in a six or seven-book series about submarine warfare of the future. I first read a book in the series last year, not realizing until later that it was part of a series. The focus of the books is Commander Jeffrey Fuller, who assumes command of the SSN Challenger when the captain is badly injured during a fight with a German sub. The book opens with some background on the war: Germany and South Africa have both had military coups and have managed to take over much of Europe and part of the African continent. Challenger's mission is to destroy a bio-weapon facility. If you like military novels, this is a series you should enjoy.
|
| Candace |
The Space Between Us by Lisa Unger |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The ending is upsetting, but realistic! This gives readers a good look at India and its culture.
|
| Susan from NLR |
Drives Like A Dream by Porter Shreve |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I got this book by default, but I liked it. Lydia Modine lives in Detroit and is the daughter of a car designer. He worked for Ford, Tucker and GM. She writes works on how the automobile has affected society, etc. Her husband leaves her and marries a younger woman and her children are scattered across the US. She wants them home and sort of loses her grip. It's an interesting book on Detroit and the dynamics of family, etc.
|
| Judy O. |
Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a compelling novel set in Germany during World War II. For fifty years, Anna has refused to talk about her life in Germany during the war. Anna married an American soldier and moved to Minnesota with him and her 3-year-old daughter, Trudy. So, Trudy begins a search for the truth of their lives during that awful time. This book is so rich in details but is often very disturbing. This terrible history should never be repeated.
|
| Fran |
Little Children by Tom Perotta |
Rating: 4 Stars |
An interesting medley of stories from a small suburban town. A stay-at-home Mom and a stay-at-home dad meet at the park and start a wild affair. A town goes wild when a local pedophile/ suspected child murderer is released from prison and moves next door. A group of housewives share in their underlying loneliness and disillusionment. Although there are many storylines and characters in this book, Tom Perotta manages to pull it off where the story flows and the reader is pulled in to a small community with all its flaws. An original read!
|
| Hedy Biggers |
On Gold Mountain by Lisa See |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Lisa See presents to the reader a beautiful and powerful story of her love of her Chinese/American family's history. She chronicles the very personal story of her great-great-grandfather's arrival to United States in the 1800's, where the Chinese were treated somewhat better than slaves. His son builds a mercantile empire and marries a Caucasian woman.
Ms. See then invites the reader to experience her history of a Chinese/American family, which tells of the racism, love stories, entrepreneurial adventures, domestic heartaches and marriages. A very intimate and courageous family/love story.
|
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
The Dead Don't Dance by Charles Martin |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A story set in small South Carolina town about a white teacher and his wife, and the black students and friends. It deals with God's work and an individual's belief in God; also, the idea that life is not always fair, but that each person is responsible for dealing with life.
|
| John M |
Nothing to Lose by Lee Child |
Rating: 4 Stars |
When Mr. Child writes about Jack Reacher, his books are either 4 or 5 stars. While I don't consider this one of his best, it is still superior to most novels on the market. I enjoyed it very much; as usual, good escapist fare, and a primo read for the beach or a long trip. There is a good reason why every book Mr. Child writes starts out on the New York Times top ten list.
|
| TJ (tpowell52@bellsouth.net) |
The Reapers by John Connolly |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The latest in a great series.
|
| Coral Harrison |
Down Hill Lie by Carl Hiaasen |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I am not a golfer, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is about Hiaasen playing golf when he was younger, then going back to it again after about 20 years. It is a hoot.
|
| Coral Harrison |
The Dark Tide by Andrew Gross |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Karen's husband is killed when a train is bombed. A year later, she watches a tape of the bombing and sees him coming away from the area. The rest of the story is about how she tries to find him. Good mystery.
|
| Arleen |
Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I would have enjoyed this more if I had not just previously read PILLARS OF THE EARTH by Ken Follett. POPE JOAN paled by comparison, both in quality of writing and believability of story. I found it to be formulaic, predictable, and at times, like a soap opera.
|
| aliadam |
Salem Falls by Jodi Picoult |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I always love Jodi Picoult books and this older one didn't disappoint. As usual, it involves a courtroom case trying to figure out the truth of who is right and who is wrong. The story involves allegations of underage sexual improprieties and looks at the world of Wicca. As usual, once you get started, you can't put it down.
|
| Marcia (tzgkd5@aol.com) |
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak |
Rating: 5 Stars |
At the end of the book, there is a list of suggested books to read. On it was THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS, which is a book for children. I thought that book was also a wonderful story and a powerful read, but as much for adults as for children. I was surprised at the end to even think of THE BOOK THIEF as a children's book. It was heartbreaking and extremely moving as the narrator discussed life in Germany during the Nazi occupation from the eyes of children. When I finish a book like this, I don't want to read another one right away. I want to stay with it for a while and think about it more.
|
| Sandi |
Sail by James Patterson and Howard Roughan |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I read any and all books by this author and enjoy all of them. This is no exception. A mom takes her troubled children on a sailing trip, which turns into a fight for each of them to stay alive. This well-crafted, quick read held my interest and was suspenseful throughout. Slip this one into your beach bag for a great summer read!
|
| Margery |
Cost by Roxana Robinson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A wonderful, disturbing, informational, compulsive read! Robinson has an amazing ear and the great ability to tell a heart-wrenching story in sparse prose from within the mind of the main characters. You will never look at heroin addiction in the same way again. It's great to read or listen to. Two thumbs up!
|
| Wendy |
7th Heaven by James Patterson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The 7th book in the Womens Murder Club series. A quick read and a page turner. I read this in one sitting.
|
| Rita Carter (gandmari@aol.com) |
The Overlook by Michael Connelly |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A fast reading Harry Bosch mystery. As always, a great surprise ending that only Harry (and Michael) could think of.
|
| Mary |
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book expands one's knowledge of England's Royal Family's history, while engaging the reader in the saucy details of the characters' personal lives and how their actions shape world history.
|
| Dorothy |
The Senator's Wife by Sue Miller |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The Senator's wife, Delia Naughton, has stood by her husband through his extra-marital affairs. They have been separated for years but she still loves him, sleeps with him and supports him. When he has a stroke and is no longer able to care for himself, she takes him into her home against the advice of her daughter. Read more to find out what happens. This is a great read.
|
| Dorothy |
Domestic Affairs by Eileen Goudge |
Rating: 5 Stars |
DOMESTIC AFFAIRS is about two women who are raised together and grow up as best friends. One is the daughter of a wealthy family, and the other, the maid's daughter. This book tells a story of betrayal that happened 20 years ago. Their paths once again meet, and the roles are reversed.
I never finish a book if I'm not enjoying it. There are too many good ones out there and I can't read them all, although I try. This is one of the best.
|
| CC |
Justice by Faye Kellerman |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This was an entertaining enough mystery, though I was disappointed that I had already figured out all the "whodunnits" by the end. There were no surprise twists.
|
| Dorothy |
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a fictional biography of Frank Lloyd Wright, told by his mistress. I think she was insane. She gave up everything to be with him, her husband and her children. You'll enjoy it even thought you'll want to kick her.
|
| Julie |
Dumas Key by Stephen King |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Very suspenseful and masterfully written, it's a classic Stephen King.
|
| Dorothy |
Domestic Affairs by Eileen Goudge |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a must read. It was great.
|
| Tamara Randi |
The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A great book about Israeli / Palestinian history suurounding a house that was built by an Arab family and occupied by a Jewish family after the Holocaust. It discusses the war in Israel and a lemon tree in the backyard of the house that was to become a haven for both cultures.
|
| Corinna |
Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Not as good as her other books, but still very well written and capturing nonetheless!
|
| Angela Satalino |
The Appeal by John Grisham |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Not one of his best, but a good, quick read. The book does make you wonder about our separation of powers, or possible lack thereof.
|
| Corinna |
Jemima J by Jane Green |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Very very entertaining and sweet book. I read it on a 14-hour plane ride. I wanted something light that I could get lost in. This is a very good book for that. Loved it!
|
| Pat Miller |
Death Angel by Linda Howard |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book grabbed my interest in the first few pages. I couldn't put it down and read it in 1-1/2 days. Loved, loved, loved it!
|
| Ronda Anderson |
Odd Hours by Dean Koontz |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I love Odd Thomas and the Odd series, but was rather disappointed with ODD HOURS. It was hard to follow, and left too many unanswered questions.
|
| Ronda Anderson |
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I read other books while I wait for the next Stephanie Plum installment to come out. It's the only series that makes me laugh out loud while reading. Number 14 was not quite as good as some of the others in the series, but still a winner. For me, FEARLESS FOURTEEN needs more Ranger, and maybe more cliff-hanging danger. It was a little anti-clamactic. Still, I enjoyed it.
|
| Pat Miller |
The Widow by Carla Neggers |
Rating: 2 Stars |
I tried for months to finish reading this book but it was impossible. Too many character names to remember.
|
| Judy |
The 47th Samurai by Stephen Hunter |
Rating: 3 Stars |
One American soldier and one Japanese soldier meet in Iwo Jima in 1945. 60 years later, the son of the Japanese soldier comes to America to recover his father's sword and meets up with Bob Lee (the American's son). When Lee finds the sword and returns it to Yano in Japan, the samurai comes out. Allies and enemies abound in a culture foreign to this ex-Marine and Vietnam vet. This read like one of those low-budget martial arts films, and the ending was way too pat and contrived. I don't remember why I picked up this book, perhaps a recommendation for EW weekly. Although action packed, it was not my cup of sake.
|
| Candace |
Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This book could have been written as two. It took me a long time to finish, and actually, the second part of the book should be a story in itself. Too many subplots, as well as characters.
|
| Pat Miller |
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks |
Rating: 5 Stars |
What can you say about anything Nicholas Sparks writes? He's very good and the characters in his books are outstanding.
|
| Dorothy |
Playing for Pizza by John Grisham |
Rating: 1 Stars |
I never finish a book if I'm not enjoying it. I didn't finish this one.
|
| Suzy R |
The Spanish Bow by Andromeda Romano-Lax |
Rating: 4 Stars |
It's hard for me to put this book down as I follow the life of of a young cellist through professional and political changes in Spain of the early 1900s.
|
| D. Lohrding (darbyscloset@yahoo.com) |
True Evil by Greg Iles |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Great page turner mystery. It might be a bit graphic along and with to many snakes.....I just shut my eyes!
|
| Yolanda |
Sleuth Slayer by Bruce W. Burton and Jeffrey B. Burton |
Rating: 5 Stars |
America’s leading mystery writers are being brutally murdered. Third-tier author Guy Davitt --- a would-be Dashiell Hammett --- stumbles upon the killer’s bizarre M.O. Through a dark labyrinth of film studio power brokers, publishing industry politics, a decadent family's wealthy influence, police immorality --- as well as the dawning realization that he himself is on the killer's list --- Davitt pursues the truth.
SLEUTH SLAYER is a fun read with clever dialogue, but it's also a great satire on the mystery publishing industry.
|
| Gladys Paradowski |
Who Needs Cupid by Debra Solonen, Molly O'Keefe, Susan Floyd |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A fun read that isn't meant to be mind-taxing, just entertaining. It's great for Valentine's day gifting or reading, since all three stories center around that Holiday.
|
| Vicky |
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I am currently reading book #3 in the Twilight Saga. I am really enjoying this one --- it is a lot better than NEW MOON. I just thought Bella was a bit whiny in NEW MOON. I highly recommend this series if you are vampire and a romance fan.
|
| Marleen Davis |
The Murder Notebook by Jonathan Santlofer |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I just started this, and after his first book, featuring Rodriguez, a forensic sketch artist who is a little different, I couldn't wait to start it. The author puts drawings in the text so you can see what the artist is doing and that makes it really interesting. I'm hoping (so far it's so) that this one is as good as the first, ANATOMY OF FEAR.
|
| Donna Bassett (Edwards) |
The Forbidden Tales: Sword by Da Chen |
Rating: 5 Stars |
You will be flipping through pages effortlessly to read this beautifully written story by a master storyteller. Young Miu Miu is told on her fifteen birthday the truth about her father's death. He was known for crafting the most beautiful swords in the country. However, the sword he was commissioned to make for the evil emperor would be his last. Fearing the sword maker would replicate the masterpiece, he had him savagely killed. Now it was time for Miu Miu to honor her father by finding the emperor and killing him. This book is mostly suited for grades 5 and above. I can't wait to read more from this expert storyteller, who knows how to capture your attention from cover to cover.
|
| Fran |
Persian Girls by Nahid Rachlin |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A beautifully written memoir of a woman and her relationship with her sister in Iran. Nahid shares her childhood memories as well as her own journey to America for college. As with many of the stories from this region of the world, there is a sad undertone underlying the roles of women in Iran. This book was set in the '50s and '60s and doesn't even capture the oppression women in Iran face today!
|
| Sally Bowen (serra.ap.owen@comcast.net) |
The Pact by Jodi Picoult |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Slow for me at first, and a bit weird; but the most engaging thing in this book were not so much the characters; it was how the plot changed the characters. Also, how our justice system treated Chris was something I had to know. The book was most interesting from the middle to the denouement.
|
| Lori Barnes (photoquest@bellsouth.net) |
How to Love Your Retirement by Barbara Lynn Waxman and Robert Mendelson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a small book --- 214 pages that are packed with information and opinions from hundreds of people about retirement. Here are some of the things it covers: 50 and counting, is it time to retire? The R word, what does it mean to "retire"? Within your means: Money tips, dealing with domestic changes, settling into a new place, The possible dream, new hobbies etc... This book covers so many topics I had never thought of. There's also a place in the book that has Information and life-coaching excersises with plenty of resources you can look up on your computer. I love the way it is written and laid out to be easily read and understood. I love the opinions of so many of the people, and the book gives so many helpful suggestions to things you never thought of that could really make a difference in your retirement. I'm glad I got this book before my retirement. I think it has brought many things to mind to do before hand that will make life more enjoyable. I can't really think of anything this book didn't cover, I found it very insightful and useful.
|
| E.Quinn Knight (eqkmath@gmail.com) |
Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I love reading books about book clubs! This one takes a little twist as the book club also writes! The characters are easy to love. It is a page turner that takes about two hours to read. It is fun and light and delightful.
|
| RitaB |
The Burnt House by Faye Kellerman |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The latest Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus mystery. This one doesn't involve Rina at all, but the murder uncovered while solving a murder makes up for it. I enjoyed it.
|
| SuzannefromTexas |
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I don't know why I resisted this book for so long. Neither the title nor the subject matter (an old man's remembrances about working with a circus during the 1930s) seemed to grab me, but when I saw it at the library, I decided to give it a try. Thank goodness I didn't miss it! The character of Jacob Jankowski as an old man is so well done that I turned to find the author's picture to estimate her age. The description of him leaving his house for the last time, "bundled up like a cat on the way to a vet", captures a feeling perfectly.
|
| Pattirose |
The Woodlanders by Thomas Hardy |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I listened to the audiobook that was read to perfection by Rufus Sewell. It is so well written, so sweet, so sad, so annoying, it takes one through all the emotions. I would highly recommend it --- it truly is a classic that everyone should experience.
|
| Christy (oltlfreak@aol.com) |
The Last Oracle by James Rollins |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I love his books. Ever since THE MAP OF BONES, I've been hooked! THE LAST ORACLE had a good storyline, and at the end, I even shed a tear.
|
| Gail Meehan (GCMEE@aol.com) |
Bloody Bones by Laurell K. Hamilton |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I have recently started reading Hamilton's Anita Blake, Vampire Killer series and find them very entertaining --- gory and very bloody, but fun reading. BLOODY BONES is number 5 in the series.
|
| Lori Barnes (photoquest@bellsouth.net) |
Charanavi by Masahiro Tsurumoto |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This was a really fun book, something you can do with your friends, to see who you're compatible with. What kind of inner animal are you? What does your birthday say about you? Character navigation was developed as the 1st theory to analyze animal characters. This has an easy-to-read chart and has fortune-telling charts also. I was impressed with the author of this book --- what prompted him to explore Charanavi, his experience at age 4, and the things that transpired in his life. There is a chart also that shows how to use the system. I think all ages will have fun with this book; it's definitely something different.
|
| Nikki (gramanik2001@comcast.net) |
Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Another winner by Jodi Picoult. Some people might be put off by all the religious discussions in the book, but they are an integral part of the story and keep it from being a GREEN MILE ripoff. As she did in MY SISTER'S KEEPER, the last few lines of this book were not what I expected and made the end of the story unpredictable and enjoyable for me.
|
| Nikki (gramanik2001@comcast.net) |
Amy and Isabelle by Elizabeth Strout |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I read this book because of a Radio Readers Group. The story of a mother & daughter and the secrets they keep from one another was interesting and slightly entertaining. I was often frustrated by the lack of communication between the two main characters. I would definitely read this book, but it wouldn't be at the top of my "to be read" list.
|
| Bonnie |
You've Got To Read This Book! by Jack Canfield and Gay Hendricks |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Interesting suggestions, but they lean heavily toward self-help and touchy-feely suggestions. Most of the people interviewed on their choices are writers or speakers on self-help, new age and similar topics.
|
| L. Hann |
Book of the Dead by Patricia Cornwell |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Good read. Can't wait for the next book.
|
| Ladyslott (lslott@optonline.net) |
Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Jen Lancaster’s memoir is funny, very, very funny. It may not be for everyone, but I laughed ‘til I cried while reading her story.
During the go, go dot.com craze at the turn of the millennium Jen Lancaster is living high off the hog. She makes a ridiculous amount of money, as does her live-in boyfriend Fletch. They have a spectacular apartment in the hippest part of Chicago, and they spend money like crazy. Then comes the dot.com crash, and before you know it Jen is out of a job, and soon after so is Fletch. In the next two years, until re-employment comes her way, Jen mines her major lifestyle changes for some deliciously brutal comedy writing.
Jen doesn’t censor her thoughts and everything she thinks just comes out. Nobody escapes her wicked and wry commentary, not even herself. As she figures out how to go from the high life to please don’t turn my electricity off, she examines her irresponsible lifestyle and has an epiphany, but it hasn’t changed her sardonic outlook one bit; she’s as caustic as before, but now she is a bit more understanding of some of the plight of average wage earners. A bit!
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| Pattie Berryhill (pattiberr@aol.com) |
Clapton by Eric Clapton |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Eric talks about his childhood, family dynamics, music career and his addictions.
|
| Sandy Haber |
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Interesting story about a religious book. The author takes us from the present day [1996], when an Australian rare-book restorer is given the chance to preserve the Sarajevo Hagaddah, back in history, from 1940 to 1480. The story is fiction based on fact and includes family problems as well. A very interesting study of religion and all its problems in the past, which still hang over today.
|
| Lillian |
Black Order by James Rollins |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I enjoy thrillers and this book by James Rollins is the best of his recent Sigma novels.
Lisa Cummings is a doctor on a mountain-climbing expedition when her expertise is needed. She and Sigma Force operative Painter Crowe are investigating a Buddhist monastery in Nepal where something very strange seems to be happening to the monks, and one goes on a murderous rampage.
In Denmark, another Sigma Force operative, Grayson Pierce, is pulled by a young girl into an investigation on a stolen Bible that belonged to Darwin himself, and supposedly holds clues to a secret scientific experiment. In South Africa, something very strange is happening with some of the animals, causing them to brutally attack humans when unprovoked.
Three seemingly unrelated series of events unfolding appear to have chilling ties to a Nazi experiment conducted during World War II that was supposedly destroyed. Suddenly, Sigma Force operatives are in a race against time to get to the bottom of these events before it destroys them all.
Once again, James Rollins has written a good action thriller. He keeps up a good pace and the suspense builds up well to a satisfactory climax. I found, however, that the switching of points of view happened too frequently for me, but everything came together well and the climax was satisfactory. I look forward to more novels by this author.
|
| Anne F. |
Nefertiti by Michelle Moran |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Sibling from Hell! Have you ever thought that a brother or sister was too dependent or needy? Think of being at the beck and call of a sister who is the queen of Egypt, let alone a queen of Egypt who is setting herself up as a goddess! Moran makes this woman come to life, keeping the history accurate while giving the main characters a 21st-century voice that will make them completely recognizable to anyone who has a family. An engaging novel.
|
| Lori Schultz |
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I have loved Evanovich's Stephanie Plum since the 1st book, ONE FOR THE MONEY. All 13 have been chuckle-out-loud books also full of suspense and romance, and 14 is another great read. Evanovich is definitely one of my favorite writers.
|
| Robert E. Brown, Sr. (RBrow73538@aol.com) |
World Without End by Ken Follett |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I am a big fan of Ken Follett's books. I read THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH right after it came out. WORLD WITHOUT END brings the whole story to a thrilling read.
|
| Lori S. |
An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is not one of her humorous paranormal novels, but it's still very good. Harris always writes good mysteries, so you can't go wrong with her books.
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| Maryellen Goodwin (mgood222@hotmail.com) |
There's No Place Like Here by Cecelia Ahern |
Rating: 5 Stars |
THE WIZARD OF OZ with a modern metaphysical twist! I got "lost" in this book for two nights. For most of her life, P.I. Sandy Shortt has been a women obsessed with everything and everyone that has ever gone missing. It didn't matter if it was her sock that somehow escaped from the dryer or the little girl from across the street. She was consumed!
One day, while working on a missing persons case, she finds herself lost. She too is now missing. . .missing in the place she has been searching for all her life, the answer to her ultimate question, "where does everything and everyone missing go?"
|
| Shirley |
Collateral Damage by Fern Michaels |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is another book about the Sisterhood. I enjoyed it, though not as much as previous ones. The Sisters just didn't get as down and dirty as before. But all in all, still enjoyable.
|
| Debra T. |
The Other by David Guterson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Two friends --- one wealthy and brilliant, the other blue-collar and equally intelligent --- love exploring the wilderness areas around Seattle. The rich boy decides to disappear into the woods, and only his friend knows where. The book is a bit slow paced, but engrossing and beautifully written.
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| Lillian |
Blood Trail by C.J. Box |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Evoking the natural beauty of Wyoming's Big Horn Mountain, C.J. Box has penned a novel that is fast paced, packed with suspense, with more twists and turns than a forest trail.
Joe Pickett has been summoned by the governor to investigate the death of a hunter who was found hung in a tree and field dressed. A red poker chip is found near the body. Now forced to work with Randy Pope, who had him fired in his last outing, Joe discovers that this is not simply an isolated event --- two other hunters have been murdered, and a serial killer is hunting the hunters. This sends the state into a panic and the pressure mounts to find the killer.
BLOOD TRAIL holds your attention and is filled with local color. There are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing who the killer is. The book contains more graphic violence than in his earlier books, but is not overdone. The characters are well rounded and the plot is well executed. I look forward to reading more of C.J. Box's books.
|
| AnneMarie DeRemer |
Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Fast enjoyable read that is part of the women's fiction series, Blossom Street. It has wonderful characters, and the books keep getting better and better.
|
| Emry |
Charley's Web by Joy Fielding |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A very suspenseful and shocking book, excellent read.
|
| Debi |
Mr. Monk in Outer Space by Lee Goldberg |
Rating: 4 Stars |
If you like "Monk", the TV series, you'll be just as entertained by this book! Monk is an obsessive compulsive detective who finds himself in the middle of "aliens." Now who's strange? You gotta love that Monk!
|
| LaTatooie |
Handle Time by Lincoln Park |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Up until I read this book, I never considered what it would be like to work inside of a call center. I would basically dismiss the customer service reps I spoke to on the phone. HANDLE TIME has completely changed the way I behave when I call to pay a bill, or call my bank. This book is amazing!
|
| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
Lust's Betrayal by Debby Conrad |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a wonderful romantic suspense novel. Ross McLaughlin's wife died 14 years ago. No one's sure if it was murder, an accident, or suicide. He and his teenage daughter, Emily, receive word that a loved one is sick, so they go back home. Emily meets the family whom she doesn't remember, and the past comes to back to the future. A page-turner that had me hooked from the 1st chapter.
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| Patricia Phillips (melody_62801@yahoo.com) |
Murder Melts In Your Mouth by Nancy Martin |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I love mysteries, and this is more of a light-hearted one, with a little sex and a little chocolate, of course. I love this kind of mystery because, most of the time, it is in a series.
|
| Glenda |
Away by Amy Bloom |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Bloom captures and holds the reader's attention throughout the book, as we follow the immigrant, Lillian, in the quest to find her lost daughter. She encounters challenges that are both physical and emotional. Although Lillian seems willing to sacrifice herself in numerous (and often unemotional) ways, her journey is worth the read. It is an epic with some historical fiction mixed in. This is the first book I have read by this author and I will be reading more.
|
| Sandy |
Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This book has several different stories of people living in Los Angeles, and I enjoyed them. Several chapters told facts about L. A., which I didn't really understand why they were necessary, and skimmed over those to get to the end. It's not my favorite book by this author.
|
| Fran |
The Guy Not Taken by Jennifer Weiner |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I'm not a huge fan of short story novels because just as I start getting into a story, it ends. That being said, I rated this book a 3, which may have been higher if I were a fan of short story-style writing. Jennifer Weiner's writing style is funny and engaging in these stories, as it is with the other books I've read by her. I did enjoy them, but could only rate it a 3 because of the fact that I am left wanting to know more when the stories have ended. If this collection were not by this author, I probably wouldn't even have read it.
|
| Phoenix |
The Blood Knight by Greg Keyes |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The third book in the Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone series.
These books should appeal to those who enjoy high fantasy with complex, well-developed characters. Particularly appealing are several portrayals of strong non-stereotypical women.
With its Intelligent and witty writing, the world Keyes creates is believable, and filled with magic and intrigue.
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| Rita Carter (gandmari@aol.com) |
Winter Study by Nevada Barr |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Another Anna Pigeon novel set in Isle Royale during the winter. Anna was representing the National Park Service during a wolf study. Shortly after she arives, foulplay makes an appearance. Although the storyline and plot were excellent, the book kept getting bogged down in the snow, gore and too much repetitious detail. I'm a fan of Nevada Barr and I've read all of her books, but this one just didn't measure up.
|
| F Tessa Bartels |
The Yacoubian Building by Alaa Al Aswany |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This is an interesting look at modern-day Egyptian culture and society. But the confusing (to me) cast of characters made it a more difficult read.
|
| F Tessa Bartels |
Death du Jour by Kathy Reichs |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the 2nd Tempe Brennan mystery. It's a very good series.
|
| Margie Schroeder |
In This Mountain by Jan Karon |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is seventh story in series about Fr. Kavanaugh and the residents of small town, Mitford. It is well written, and the characters are well developed. A good leisurely read.
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| Thomas (tomjac0850@charter.net) |
The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a very enjoyable book by a very gifted author. As usual, some fairly ordinary but very decent people are pitted against the lowest form of twisted sociopaths. Helping the good folks is a wonderful golden retriever named Nickie, who seems to be part dog and part angel. This is no doubt a tribute to the author's recently departed golden, Trixie. Trixie would be proud.
|
| Renee |
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A slim book that reads like short journal entries, but packs a whallop in the fewest of words. Important.
|
| Renee |
Exiles by Ron Hansen |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A beautiful and haunting novel about Gerard Manley Hopkins' poetry, life, and spirituality. Woven along is the story of the loss of the Deutschland, in 1875, and five young vibrant nuns who went down with the ship in the north sea.
|
| Nan in Louisiana (nan_guidry@yahoo.com) |
Firefly Lane by kristan hannah |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I work in a library and come across plenty of books to read. My favorites are forensic thrillers. Every now and then, I need a change of pace. That 's when I can count on Hannah"s books to pull me through. FIREFLY LANE was a perfect change of pace. It covered 3 decades of the lives of 2 bbf girls. It made you think back to your own life, when the events are mentioned in the book (like the death of Kennedy). It shows the strength of friendship through the many years and what true friendship is all about. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will not be able to put it down. A must read for the summer or as a group.
|
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
Four Blind Mice by James Patterson |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This installment i the Alex Cross series concerns the murders of ex-soldiers from the Viet Nam War, Alex's decision to join FBI, Sampson and Billie's wedding, and of course, Jamilla --- the new love in Alex's life. The killers and their lack of morals are so scary.
|
| Donna |
Basket Case by Carl Hiaasen |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A reporter who once was a hard worker on the investigative beat is now working in Florida as an obituary writer. While writing an obituary, he finds that it was for a member of a once-famous band member who was murdered and did not die of natural causes, as the police had thought.
The book contains some very funny and ironic parts in it, and lots of twists and turns as well.
|
| F Tessa Bartels |
Something from the Oven by Laura Shapiro |
Rating: 1 Stars |
The book is subtitled: "Reinventing Dinner in 1950s America" and it had pretty good ratings on amazon.com. I was expecting it to be humorous and entertaining, but I was just bored. I couldn't finish it and that is rare for me. This could have been so interesting, but it reads more like a sociology text book. I gave up after 90 pages.
|
| Julie |
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Another great visit to the Burg. Evanovich keeps things hopping with a few new characters, plenty of humor and another new car design for Stephanie. More Ranger and we could have moved up a star!
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| Sue Pecaut Stark (sstark7060@aol.com) |
Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore |
Rating: 5 Stars |
My late Dad's "blue stocking" lady friend recommended this nonfiction book to me, and I immediately bought it (she hasn't steered me wrong yet). This little paperback is the fascinating story of two men, one is rich and white, the other poor and black, and the wonderful woman "warrior for God," who brought them together. This story makes the reader realize that there usually is hope, where acceptance and love grow rampant. Great story, and so very well told by two (formerly) non-writers. Grab your kleenex!! Fabulous, eye-opening look at life from two Southern viewpoints.
|
| Bridget |
Playing With the Grown-ups by Sophie Dahl |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Interesting coming-of-age novel. Mom is an artist with one illegitimate child, two from a failed marriage. She treats the oldest as a friend. They have a very dysfunctional household.
|
| Crystal Blackburn |
Quicksand by Iris Johansen |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Another Eve Duncan Forensics thriller. The nice little unexpected plot twist at end sets up storyline for a future book(s)!
|
| Bridget |
Born to Rule by Julia P. Gelardi |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Very good biography of five of Victoria's granddaughters. All were eventually consorts to ruling monarchs. Most of them led sad, unhappy lives with tragic endings (especially Alexandra, wife of Nicholas II). Reading this book made me wan*t to read more about these women and their contemporaries.
|
| Crystal Blackburn |
Not in the Flesh: A Wexford Novel by Ruth Rendell |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I was really excited, waiting for this book to be published in the US. It was every bit as good as I expected it to be!
|
| Sally (SalbyC@aol.com) |
The Prince of Beverly Hills by Stuart Woods |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This was an entertaining audiobook, which weaves the lives of real people in with the fictional characters. Although somewhat of a detective story involving the west coast mob, what I enjoyed most was the description of Hollywood in the late 1930s and the growing movie industry. It's quite fascinating. Not a blockbuster of a story, but definitely worthwhile.
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| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
Audition: A Memoir by Barbara Walters |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Who doesn't this woman know? And they all became dear friends. The book was interesting, but by the end, I was really tired of her chatty writing style and her guilt pangs.
|
| Ruby Davis |
The Morcai Battalion by Diana Palmer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is an excellent book written in the same vein as the Star Trek stories, and just as mesmerizing to a proclaimed Trekkie. The plot has a few twists and turns, and the ending is a bit of a surprise. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
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| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This is not brain surgery or nuclear science, but is a quick mind-candy read.
|
| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
About Alice by Calvin Trillin |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Trillin's homage to his late wife. I listened to the CD read by the author. I not only sensed the love through his words, but heard it in his voice.
|
| April Lemesh (alemesh@aol.com) |
Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I am a tremendous fan of Richard Russo and his style of writing. I am only 2/3's of the way through BRIDGE OF SIGHS and it is one of his best. If you like generational stories with secrets, betrayals and rich characters, you will love this.
|
| Barbara Sharpe (barbara.sharpe@yahoo.com) |
Turn Up the Heat by Jessica Conant-Parks and Susan Conant |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is the 3rd book in a series that is fun, engaging and highly entertaining. Perfect summer reading!
|
| Stephen Hughes |
Tuned In by Craig Stull, Phil Meyers, David Scott |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A great book on finding that new strategy to market your idea and get rich quick!
|
| Debi |
Careless in Red by Elizabeth George |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book draws you in before you realize that it's over 600 pages long! Then you have to finish it! Set in England, it is full of British expressions and dialect which, for me, detracted from the complete enjoyment. I didn't know what several of the terms meant, so I had to figure them out by context. A former police detective whose wife and child has been killed, stumbles upon a body, then the investigation begins. It is a very good psychological study.
|
| Diane |
Dying Breath by Wendy Corsi Staub |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a good summer read, partly because it takes place at the beach. A woman with psychic abilities sees girls taken from their loved ones. She's on the hunt to find out who's doing it, before her daughter becomes one of the missing. It's sure to keep you up into the late hours, wanting to know who the killer is.
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| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
Mirror, Mirror by Gregory Maguire |
Rating: 4 Stars |
By the author of WICKED, this book reformulates the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Maguire now steals my honorary funniest-line-I've-ever-read award from Bill Bryson for his visual explanation of the facts of life.
|
| Fran |
Eating Heaven by Jennie Shortridge |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A cute story about a young woman who becomes the primary caregiver of her uncle when he falls ill. This woman goes on a journey to make peace with her plus-sized body, food issues and self-esteem. It's like chick lit, with a little more substance.
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| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
The Woman Who Can't Forget by Jill Price |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A very interesting story of a woman who has hyper-autobiographical memory. She remembers everything about each day of her life since she was 14, if she experienced it, saw it or read about it at that time. Imagine reliving even bad situations over and over because of a trigger (sound, smell, etc.). The book is part memoir and a very small part scientific explanation. I would hope readers would gain a better understanding that we don't all process the same way.
|
| Catie 75 |
Which Brings Me To You by Steve Almond and Julianna Baggott |
Rating: 2 Stars |
Started out good, but then got a little bizarre. It did not hold my interest.
|
| Marion Miller (lamamil@aol.com) |
Run by Ann Patchett |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I like the idea of all the action taking place in one day, but I didn't think this book was as good as some of the author's previous books, such as BEL CANTO.
|
| Marsha |
The Color of Water by James McBride |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a memoir of a mixed-race author who unravels the past of his Jewish mother who married a black man. It is told in alternating chapters, revealing first his recollection, then hers. It is a most moving and loving tribute to a woman who embodies the best virtues of motherhood during a difficult time.
|
| Jaye |
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A wonderful and very touching story of a family, as told by the dog, Enzo. The father, a race car driver, is forced to battle for the daughter he loves, after his wife dies. It's really a story of good and evil, and real determination and fortitude. I gave this story four stars instead of five because of Enzo's enthusiasm for racing and details of races --- not my thing! But if you like stories of families under duress with terrific characters, this is a book for you. And if you like cars and car races, don't miss it!
|
| Jaye |
The Host by Stephenie Meyer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A wonderful story of conflict between aliens and humans, in one body (the host). It's philosophical, thoughtful and riveting --- don't miss it.
|
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
Wasted by Marya Hornbacher |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This was exceptionally written. Marya is a girl who suffers from severe anorexia and bulimia and lived to tell about it. When she begins her story and talks about when she first started her bulimia, her observations of things at this young age seemed far beyond her years. Her feelings and thoughts are described in the most intricate detail and intelligence. It isn’t a surprise that Marya won awards for her writing. I grew up during the '70s and '80s but I can’t really relate to the obsession with body, weight and food. Society may play a part in her eating disorder but I think her family, their lifestyle, her relationship with her parents and their eating habits all contributed to Marya’s eating disorder. I am amazed at how well Marya was able to put her experience, thoughts, feelings and diagnosis into words. Her ability to go back and interpret her disease and why she did the things she did is truly amazing. I think all girls, teenagers and adult woman should read this book --- not only for the perspective of the eating disorder but to get a true picture of how everywhere you go women are talking about their weight and the parts of their bodies they hate.
|
| Joan |
Before The Storm by Diane Chamberlain |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Laurel Lockwood has a young son suffering from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. She lost him at birth because of it, but since she has him back again, she has been an over-protective parent. Now a young teen, Andy goes to a church function that ends up in disaster --- a fire breaks out and three people are killed. Andy was a hero saving people, but after investigation, he is now a suspect. A great multi-layered story of a family struggling against the odds.
|
| Susan Myers (susanmy@verizon.net) |
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book could also be titled "Loving Mamah" as well, for the engaging and interesting main character, who has a love affair with the famous Frank Lloyd Wright. I loved the historical setting of the book (turn of the century), and found it to be an engaging and entertaining read. Divorce in those days was very uncommon, and considered very scandalous. How times have changed! This was an entertaining and enlightening read.
|
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
The English Breakfast Murder by Laura Childs |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A Tea Shop Mystery book finding Theodosia attempting to solve why an old man was killed and thrown in the sea. Of course, Childs interweaves the history of Charleston, the art of tea, and high fashion into the story. A fun read.
|
| Cynthia Baxter |
The Last Chinese Chef by Nicole Mones |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Nicole Mones also wrote LOST IN TRANSLATION, and is --- according to my friends from China and Taiwan --- able to capture effectively the Chinese passion for the culinary arts. This is a beautiful book and is definitely the best "foodie" book I've read in a long time. The recipes are available on her website. The story is told from different perspectives and timelines, and weaves together a wonderful tale about the efforts we must make to redefine ourselves after experiencing a traumatic loss.
|
| Judy |
Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This author's debut novel spans 5 decades of the wartime experiences of mother Anna Brandt and current German history professor, daughter Trudy. An interesting look at the innate need for survival and the legacy of shame.
|
| Judy |
Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife by Mary Roach |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Interesting look at scientific research into what happens to the soul after death. As always, Mary has a quick wit and her asides are as interesting as the actual data.
|
| Dennis Hotetz (djhllc@aol.com) |
Nothing to Lose by Lee Child |
Rating: 4 Stars |
In this 12th Jack Reacher thriller, the aptly named towns of Hope and Despair become the battleground for good and evil. As always, I was not able to put this book down (I have the previous 11 in the series), although I believe that this plot was not quite as believable as any of the others. To my way of thinking, the author spends an ad nauseum amount of time describing how Jack and the lady cop take in getting over a wall into the complex they need to be. I still enjoyed the book, but have to rate this only a 4 out of 5.
|
| Ali |
The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This was an outstanding read. The characters are so real and flawed and human. Read it, then watch the movie.
|
| Susan Myers (susanmy@verizon.net) |
Change of Heart by Jody Piccoult |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Once again, Jody Picoult manages to combine a compelling family drama with a moral dilemma, and a twist ending. This book provides much food for thought and will challenge you to think about your own beliefs --- religious as well as moral. A great read; I couldn't put it down!
|
| Erin Schutz |
Last Call by James Grippando |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A very well-written thriller that I couldn't put down. An ex-con tries to discover who murdered his mother 30 years ago and who is trying to kill him today, with the help of his lawyer and best friend. A great page turner, and a fairly fast read.
|
| ck |
Frank Lloyd Wright by Ada Louise Huxtable |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I re-read LOVING FRANK by Nancy Horan for a book group and wanted to find out more about FLW. Huxtable is an architecture critic for a newspaper. She researched her subject and wrote a fairly short biography. It's perfect for sharing additional info about this-20th Century icon. I also checked out 5 books with pictures of Talieisin, Oak Park residences, including the Cheney home, and other famous homes and buildings. It has been so much fun! And, I definitely recommend that readers who enjoyed LOVING FRANK discover what he did for the next half of his life.
|
| Joyce |
Rouge by Danielle Steel |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I love all of her books, and this one is no exception. If you haven't tried her, then do so. If you haven't read her for awhile, this book is a good place to start.
|
| Readingrat |
Icy Sparks by Gwyn Hyman Rubio |
Rating: 3 Stars |
The writing is not bad and I usually enjoy a well-written, character-driven story, but in this case, I found it very difficult to connect to Icy or maintain interest in her story. This story is told from 1st-person view, but somehow, the reader still seems to be kept at a distance.
|
| Karen |
The Thieves of Faith by Richard Doetsch |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This sequel to the THIEVES OF HEAVEN is another thrill ride from start to finish. Intrepid heroes Michael St. Pierre and friends, Busch and Simon, search for an ancient golden box, said to hold the key to eternal life. This story was infused with action, suspense, intrigue, loyalty and tender remembrance --- hallmarks of this author's novels. Outstanding series; highly recommended. I cannot wait for the next St. Pierre novel.
|
| Marsha Neesley |
Double Cross by James Patterson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Another fast-paced fast read from Patterson. He just cranks them out, but his Alex Cross novels are quick, wild rides as he tracks his mastermind killer, Kyle Craig, and perhaps a couple of copycat killers, as well.
|
| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
My Angel by Denise Skelton |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A nice contemporary romance that shows the struggles of an interracial relationship. Very believable story.
|
| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
90 Minutes In Heaven by Don Piper with Cecil Murphey |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A wonderful story by a man who died for 90 minutes, visited Heaven and was then returned to earth. This is the story of his recovery and struggle after his accident.
|
| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
Loyalty's Web by Joyce DiPastena |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I really enjoyed this book. It is a historical novel based in 12th-century France during King Henry II of England's reign. This is actually a romance, but I loved how it melds actual events into the story.
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| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
Cursed By Fire by Jennifer Cloud |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A great romantic suspense. This is a dark story that has loads of suspense! Daniel is searching for his missing brother and meets the woman who is probably the reason he is missing and she is being stalked by a serial killer! A great read.
|
| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
A Very Merry Christmas by Lori Foster, Gemma Bruce and Janice Maynard |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A very predictable romantic trilogy with a Christmas theme. The stories in this book are:
"Do You Hear What I Hear?" by Lori Foster
"Bah Humbug, Baby" by Gemma Bruce
"By Firelight" by Janice Maynard
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| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
Santa Baby by Jennifer Crusie, Lori Foster and Carly Phillips |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This is a collection of 3 holiday novellas written by 3 of my favorite authors!
"Hot Toy" by Jennifer Crusie
"Christmas Bonus" by Lori Foster
"Naughty Under the Mistletoe" by Carly Phillips
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| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
The Night Before Christmas by Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy, Jill Shalvis, Kathy Lo |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Another predictable collection of holiday romances.
"White Knight Christmas" by Lori Foster
"Snowed Under" by Erin McCarthy
"Ms. Humbug" by Jill Shalvis
"I'll Be Home For Christmas" by Kathy Love
"Seducing Scrooge" by Katherine Garbera
"The Good Girl's Guide To A Very Bad Christmas" by Kylie Adams
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| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
Passion and Ecstasy by Ruby Storm and Bella Andre |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Strictly Erotic!! Not for the easily offended. This collection leaves nothing to the imagination. This book contains 2 very sexy reads:
"Payton's Passion" by Ruby Storm
"Author's in Ecstasy" by Bella Andre
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| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
Waxing by Megan Powell |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a very interesting paranormal. Derek is a werewolf that has been cursed and the only person who can help him is Liz, who just happens to be a beautiful witch.
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| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
Equinox by Annie Windsor, Vonna Harper and Katherine Kingston |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Another collection of erotic romances. These 3 stories do all have a connection and cover past, present and future.
"Walpurgis Night" by Katherine Kingston
"Night of Fire" by Vonna Harper
"Handle with Care" by Annie Windsor
|
| Patricia Gibby (pgibby1@yahoo.com) |
Adam by Ted Dekker |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book is about a serial killer, but with weird circumstances. The newspaper in the book is really interesting.
|
| Readingrat |
Warriors #1: Into the Wild by Erin Hunter |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A cute animal adventure series. The storyline tends toward the predictable, but the non-stop action and the animal characters should make this series a hit with both boys and girls.
|
| Becky Cruz (ABamaBecky@aol.com) |
Realm Immortal: King of the Unblessed by Michelle M. Pillow |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A very unusual book and an interesting read. I would call it a paranormal/erotic novel. It's a story of love and desire, good and evil and lies and betrayal.
|
| Judy O. |
The Genius by Jesse Kellerman |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Ethan Muller is an art dealer who stumbles upon a huge batch of artwork by a man named Victor Cracke. Cracke has disappeared, but Ethan has a successful show of the work in his art gallery, and it becomes worth a lot of money. What follows is Ethan's quest for the truth, after it begins to look like Cracke is guilty of heinous crimes in his past. This is a highly original work and very compelling reading.
|
| Jim Mccormick |
The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Outstanding novel of pre-World War ll China and Malya seen through the eyes of a young man growing up. This was nominated for the Man Booker prize.
|
| Lisa |
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Another superbly done Stephanie Plum novel. I can hardly wait for the next one. I can't stop reading these, they are sooo funny.
|
| Fran |
Gracelin O'Malley by Ann Moore |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Ann Moore takes the reader on an emotional journey through one woman's life in Ireland prior to and during the potato famine. In GRACELIN O'MALLEY, the reader is treated to a heroine, who sacrificies herself for the good of her country and her family time and time again. The author pulls the reader into the horrors of the potato famine and all the underlying political upheaval that went along with it. The reader is compelled to keep the pages turning, desparate to find out what will happen next to Gracelin and her family. At times depressing and stark, the author highlights the tragedy of the Irish as millions of their people are affected by the plight of the potato famine and devasting illness that accompanies it. A must read for anyone who wants to learn more about Irish history within a historical fiction context.
|
| JAF (jafriday@windstream.net) |
The Angel by Carla Neggers |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I loved the mix of Irish folk stories with American drama. Prepare for some unnecessary sex scenes as you read this story.
|
| Marsha Neesley |
All Saints by Liam Callanan |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A complex heroine who teaches at a Catholic high school is the focus of this story. Sharp witted and full of surprises, she comtemplates her ideas about faith, redemption, love, remorse amid the revealing of several secrets.
|
| Ozarks Anne |
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein |
Rating: 5 Stars |
One of my favorite books of all time and that's saying a lot. I'll never forget Enzo, the dog, who is the main character and quite a philosopher. I laughed and cried. A great book --- don't miss it.
|
| Darlene Reilly |
Change of Heart by Jodi Piccoult |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book looked at the death penalty from various religious angles. Very insightful. It left you hanging until the end to see what happened. A must read.
|
| Karen Barash |
The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is the first book I have read by this author, and it was a real page turner --- so much so that I am going to read her previous books.
|
| Lori S. |
7th Heaven by James Patterson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I forget how much I enjoy Patterson's books until I start the next one of his. Ah yes! The short chapters make them fast and easy to read, the characters are likable and hateful and the suspense is gripping. Having said all that, this 7th book of the Women's Murder Club is as good, if not better than the 1st six. You will not be disappointed.
|
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
The Jasmine Moon Murder by Laura Childs |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A delightful, light mystery with no vivid details concerning the dead individual, and all the mention of food and tea and fashion, along with the lore of Charleston. A pleasant read.
|
| LouBabe |
The Wedding by Danielle Steel |
Rating: 5 Stars |
As I started reading this, I realized I had read it once before, but that didn't stop me from continuing. I enjoyed it just as much the second time. The book tells stories, both joyous and sad, of a show biz family in the LA area.
|
| GladysMP |
Who Needs Cupid? by Debra Salonen, Molly O'Keefe, Susan Floyd |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Three delightful stories by three very-talented authors, this book is hard to put down and definitely a keeper to repeat reading again and again each Valentine's Day.
|
| L. Hann |
Beyond Reach by Karin Slaughter |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Lena is at it again --- getting herself into situations that she can't get out of. As she tries to figure out what happened to Hank, Jeffrey and Sara are finding out what really happened to Lena's mother. But will Lena every find out the truth? You'll have to read this book to see.
|
| Helen T. |
Duma Key by Stephen King |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Not as good as BAG OF BONES, my favorite, but a big yummy read for grownups.
|
| Angela H. |
Bulls Island by Dorthea Benton Frank |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Ms. Frank is living proof that you can take the lady out of the South, but you can't take the South out of the lady. Her humor and her Southern background are in every phrase, which she crafts with a laid-back flare. Her characters are so real you are bound to think at least one of them has been spending time in your own mind.
|
| Linda H. |
The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a delightful little book that can be read in one or two sittings. The Queen of England visits a bookmobile and becomes enthralled with reading, much to the dismay of her staff. Full of wit and literary references.
|
| NMc |
The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The author seamlessly interweaves the life of the central character during the Nazi seige of Leningrad with her present life. Although much of the book was sad, I enjoyed the descriptions of the works of art in the Hermitage.
|
| BK |
Gardens of Water by Alan Drew |
Rating: 4 Stars |
If you loved THE KITE RUNNER, you will enjoy this book too. A poor Kurdish family is forced to move from their remote village to a town near Istanbul where they are working hard but managing to survive. At the same time, they are exposed to the undesirable modern ways of living that are tempting their modest teenage daughter and young son. An earthquake tears apart the region. Each of the family members are forced to confront issues as they are moved into a relief camp run by Christians from Texas. The characters are well written. I found myself seeing things from each of their ways.
|
| BK |
The Girl With No Shadow by Joanne Harris |
Rating: 4 Stars |
If you enjoyed the book CHOCOLAT or the movie (with Johnny Depp), then you’ll enjoy this sequel. The beautiful mother now has a second daughter and has mysteriously moved the family to the village of Montmartre in Paris, where she has opened another chocolate shop. A stranger appears in the shop and proceeds to turn things upside down for the happy little family. It’s full of the same kind of magic and mystery in CHOCOLAT. I listened on CD and thought the narrator was perfect.
|
| bk |
Dead Time by Stephen White |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Boulder psychologist Alan Gregory and his friend/detective Sam Purdy are again caught in a web of murder and psychological intrigue. This time, it begins with a group of young adults camping on the floor of the Grand Canyon. A hiker disappears and everyone touched by the missing person gets involved in the mystery.
|
| bk |
No Time For Goodbye by Linwood Barclay |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A 14-year-old girl wakes up with a hangover after getting caught for a night of misbehavior. Everything in her house is in perfect order…and empty. There is no sign of her family, and both cars are gone. 25 years later, she is still trying to find out what happened to them. It’s an interesting plot and cast of characters that kept me guessing to the end. I listened on tape and thought the narrator did a good job.
|
| Lori Barnes (photoquest@bellsouth.net) |
Pushing Up Daisies by Rosemary Harris |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Meet Paula Holliday --- she has moved to the suburbs to start a gardening buisness.The story starts out when she finds a 2 ft. x 3 ft. metal crate, and inside, it's not jewels she finds, but a shiny medal around a leathery doll-like shrunken head. This is where the adventure begins. This would be great for people who love gardening, and herbalists as well. Did you know people use genitan for feelings of discouragement, olive for lack of energy or walnut, to help adjust to a new situation? These are just a few things I learned while reading this mystery. Even if you're not a gardener or herbalist, you will enjoy the mystery and colorful characters. Paula Holliday is a funny and captivating character who you will enjoy.
|
| Andrea (jtrb@sbcglobal.net) |
Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult |
Rating: 5 Stars |
One of her older books, but in my mind, also one of her best. The depictions of Amish life and the tenuious line between reality and fantasy are explored expertly here. She really gets into the skin of her characters and no one, I mean no one, is doing troubled teens better than Jodi Picoult. You see yourself (or maybe your former self) in her characters; she really gets the details, and fans of her newer works should do themselves a favor and discover some of her older books, starting with this one.
|
| Kim from Runnemede, NJ |
Beverly HIlls Dead by Stuart Woods |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Although this book was okay, it wasn't up to Stuart Woods's usual work. Some of the charaters people will recognize. It is an easy read. But again, I missed the excitement and the thrill that is normally there.
|
| Crystal Blackburn |
The 6th Target by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Another installment of the Women's Murder Club series. Excellent!
|
| Lori Barnes (photoquest@bellsouth.net) |
Perfect on Paper by Maria Murnane |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I really enjoyed this story about Waverly Bryson. She has a high-powered job in sports PR. Two weeks before her wedding, her finance calls off the engagement. After the lenghthy time of mourning has passed, she tries to get back into the dating scene. It is absolutely hillarious following Waverly around through her dating episodes and hitting the bottle a little to much at times. You have to love this girl; we have either been a Waverly Bryson or have known one at some time. She has a wonderful set of friends who stuck by her while she tried to find what she really wants in life. Did I mention the Honey Cards? You'll love those. This story had a really good flow with no dry spots. You'll enjoy this read.
|
| Andrea (jtrb@sbcglobal.net) |
Sepulchre by Kate Mosse |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a story told in two voices, a mystery about a strange set of Tarot Cards set in France. It's a little bit DA VINCI CODE, a little bit THE HISTORIAN with a touch of THE SHADOW OF THE WIND thown in for good measure. Snap it up, read it under a tree with some iced tea or in a comfy chair with a cup of tea late into the night, but definitely do yourself a favor and read this book!
|
| Kathy V. |
Dahlia's Gone by Katie Estill |
Rating: 2 Stars |
I really had a hard time getting into this book. I thought I had it figured out in the first couple of chapters and unfortunately, I was right. I did finish the book, but it was very hard to instead of giving up on it.
|
| Eileen Quinn Knight |
Four Queens by Nancy Goldstone |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Although this is nonfiction, it reads like a whodunit! Four queens rule Europe during the Middle Ages and their lives are replete with influence, power and difficult husbands.
I read this on the way home from Europe, and it is outstanding!
|
| Crystal Blackburn |
The Broken Window: A Lincoln Rhyme Novel by Jeffery Deaver |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Excellent!
|
| bk |
Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A compelling tale of a 3-generation family in upstate NY who run a small corner store called Ikey Lubin’s. Through the eyes of the son of the 2 hard-working parents, the story unfolds about their family and the friends of the boy. If you enjoyed EMPIRE FALLS and the other Russo books, you will enjoy this one too. He reveals the story of the characters like the petals on an onion…one layer after another. You feel as though you know each of them, and care about their well being. These same people lived in my childhood, though with different names and places.
Disappointment, love, sadness, happiness…all the human emotions are there in Russo’s story.
|
| Richard Bartels |
Dead Hand by Harold Coyle |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A relic of the Cold War is triggered by an asteroid strike in Siberia. Will the international NATO special operations unit reach and disarm it in time?
|
| Sandra |
The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The year is 1867. Winter has just tightened its grip on Dove River, a tiny isolated settlement in the Northern Territory when a man is brutally murdered. This would make a great movie!
|
| Elizabeth V |
The Demon in the Freezer by Richard Preston |
Rating: 2 Stars |
Preston is one of the best writers around and may be *the* best because he can relate scientific facts, which would be dull to most of us ordinarily, not only in an interesting way but in such an interesting way that this book is a page turner. I didn't want to put it down. And I had the flu when I read it, which you'll see is very scary.
|
| Elizabeth V |
Gone, Baby, Gone by Dennis Lehane |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Lehane also wrote MYSTIC RIVER, which more people are familiar with because of the movie, but GONE, BABY, GONE is better. It will keep you at the edge of your seat. The story involves the hunt for a child supposedly kidnapped from her home while her mother was visiting a neighbor.
|
| Elizabeth V |
The Innocent Man by John Grisham |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Don't be put off if you don't like Grisham's fiction; neither do I. This book is his only nonfiction work, and it is far superior. It tells the true story of men unjustly convicted of crimes in their town, and will make you angry at the legal system there.
|
| F Tessa Bartels |
Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a novel twist on the psycho serial-killer genre --- Dexter is a sociopath, AND a cop, who only kills the bad guys. The author could have given more detail. I thought there were some inconsistencies, and we're left hanging in the end. But then, that does make you want to come back for more --- and I will.
|
| Cheryl |
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult |
Rating: 4 Stars |
In between reading CATCHER IN THE RYE for my book group selection, I am reading Jodi Picoult's NINETEEN MINUTES. The subject matter of this novel is a little difficult. It revolves around a school shooting, but the book itself is so riviting. The shooter, a high school student, goes to trial before a judge whose daughter was a witness to the horrible incident. Once I start one of Picoult's books, I can't seem to put them down! I also loved MY SISTER'S KEEPER by Picoult.
|
| Elizabeth V |
The Good German by Joseph Kanon |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Don't be put off by the movie of the same name. It's nothing like the book.
|
| janet hoyt (janet2@cfl.rr.com) |
Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore |
Rating: 4 Stars |
We read this book at our book club and everyone loved it...it's an inspirational story about two men who are transformed by the unconditional love of one woman. One man, homeless, having grown up picking cotton in Louisiana, the other man an art dealer accustomed to the high life, are brought together by a woman with a dream for a better world.
|
| Carol Hoyer from VA (pageant4u@hotmail.com) |
Yakuza Moon: Memoirs of a Gangster’s Daughter by Shoko Tendo |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Having been a Psychologist for over 25 years, I am still amazed at the pull gangs have on youth today. There are many reasons why youth join gangs --- one of the main is they need love and a family.
Shoko Tendo’s truthful story of her life from riches to rags, drugs, illicit sex and jail time gives all readers the opportunity to see what really happens in every city and town all over the world. Shoko came from a family of wealth in Japan; her father a part of a gang as well, called “yakuza”, made his money in very enterprising business deals as well as being the leader of the gang. Shoko not only had to follow her father’s rules, but those of his more prominent gang members. She had a difficult time following rules --- at home, in school and on the street. She was often teased and bullied by others due to her father’s involvement in the gang.
Her older sister, Maki, also couldn’t follow rules --- she ran away, had many sexual partners and stopped going to school. Her relationships always ended badly. Shoko envied her sister’s ability to adapt quickly to the prejudices of being a daughter of a gang member.
Shoko decided to take on the world herself and prove that she too could be respected and honored. What she got in return was drugs, many sexual partners, and numerous beatings by jealous boyfriends. Her father had problems of his own, he was losing money, hanging out with bar hostesses and getting large amounts of money to continue his lavious lifestyle. He finally ended up in jail for a long time. It is then that Shoko’s life changed dramatically. She started huffing paint thinner, doing speed and became emotionally detached for days and weeks at a time.
It wasn’t until her mother got sick and died that she decided to change her ways. It started with the tattoo she got. Even though the tattoo gave her strength, she still lost her parents, almost lost her sister and lost her own babies.
This book will make you laugh, cry and be filled with anger. Why do our kids do this? Are we not giving them enough? How do we make changes? This is a book I recommend to my Psychology students in the course Children and Violence. Until it affects you personally, you will never get a full feeling for gang life.
A must read for everyone and then get out and make a difference.
|
| Rita Carter (gandmari@aol.com) |
The Secret Servant by Danial Silva |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Another Gabriel Allon novel. Gabriel is an art restorer and an Israeli agent. Silva's books are always page-turning reads. As always, I'm looking forward to the next book.
|
| Elizabeth V |
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Although this looks like a very long book, it is so good it will seem like it's not long enough. This should probably be rated with five stars rather than three, except Rand's philosophy is what makes it good, not her storytelling gifts.
|
| Krysia |
The Open Door by Elizabeth Maguire |
Rating: 5 Stars |
After reading Toibin's THE MASTER, I became a bit intrigued by Constance Fenimore Woolson. This novel gives some insight into the life of this fascinating woman, who was a very popular regional novelist and short-story writer in her day, but today is probably only read by graduate students and professors. The novel explores and does a good job of explaining the relationship between Woolson and Henry James. She loved meeting and conversing with "the master", but felt that something was taken away from her after each visit. Henry James went as far as getting her to promise to destroy the letters he had written to her and he would do the same with hers.
|
| Carol B |
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a story told by a 90-something-year-old man, now residing in a nursing home and reflecting back on his life as a veterinarian for a traveling circus in the 1930s. It is a vivid historical tale of the glamorous and the sleazy aspects of the circus at that time. The book is a fascinating read and will hold the reader captive until the end.
|
| Reeca |
The Secret River by Kate Grenville |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is truly a wonderful book. I love the setting of Australia. I can actually see the aborigines and Thornhill's place. Very well written and truly enchanting.
|
| Shannon |
The Savage Garden by Mark Mills |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I just started this book. It is set in Italy in the 1950s, where a young man is researching a memorial garden for his thesis. There are lots of references to mythology and classical literature, as well as a good mystery. I am enjoying it so far!
|
| Sal Williams |
One Man's America by George Will |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Will is one of the best critics of the nation's faults and foibles writing today. These essays and columns manage to skewer the current government and our apathetic contemporary society with equal vigor. You may not agree with all he says, but his arguments offer plenty of food for thought for both conservatives and liberals.
|
| WISleo |
The Front by Patricia Cornwall |
Rating: 2 Stars |
Quite disappointing. The second book of her new series implodes at the end when the smooth state police investigator, 'Win', again saves his attorney general boss, who should be disbarred. Am glad I got it from the library, instead of paying $23 for the 175 pages in hard cover.
|
| Suzanne |
The Killer's Wife by Bill Floyd |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A first novel, and it's a good one. The story line is great, and the plot thickens. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a spine-tingling story.
|
| Geraldine Zwergel (gzwerg@webtv.net) |
Tall, Dark and Hungry by Lynsay Sands |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Summer reading, for sure. After all, vampires are only human! Written with tongue in cheek and fangs politely hidden, this is a fun read about the Argeneau family.
|
| D. Lohrding |
The Good Guy by Dean Koontz |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A page turner! At first, it reminded me of a one-person play, yet the characters do grow on you and they become interwoven as the story moves along. Good mystery, with blood, gore, guts and love.
|
| Marianna Gizzarelli |
In Full Bloom by Caroline Hwang |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book is about a Korean American woman, Ginger Lee, who is struggling with a controlling mother (who is constantly setting her up with nice Korean men...be they single or not). This book deals with Ginger's ordeal of accepting who she is, and loving both aspects of her identity. A nice story with some predictable twists, but I like the book nonetheless. Moreover, I never read anything by Korean American authors, and being that I am addicted o Korean TV dramas (aka soaps or mini series of the romance/drama/comedy variety) I had to come around to novels eventually.
|
| CC |
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin |
Rating: 2 Stars |
My friends raved about this book but I just couldn't get into it.
|
| Christina |
December by Elizabeth Hartley Winthrop |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Reminiscent of Jody Picoult, the author's writing style is very engaging and makes you feel for the three main characters. She alternates telling the story from each one's perspective. This young author is one to watch!
|
| Andrea W. |
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I loved this! I can't remember the last time I read a book that made me both laugh out loud and cry. A truly compelling story of a family in crisis, told by their loyal dog Enzo. While the premise sounds "cute", this book is far from that. It is rich in emotion, the power of love and parenthood; though it may sound odd until you read the book, it teaches us a lot about car-racing and how it parallels to life. Enzo can teach us all a thing or two about life and how to fully appreciate each day. You will never look at your dog the same way again. Thank you, Garth Stein.
|
| Sigrun Schulz |
Secrets of a Lady (reprint of DAUGHTER OF THE GAME by Tracy Grant |
Rating: 5 Stars |
In 1819, the son of an English diplomat and his French wife are kidnapped in London. As the young couple race against time to find the young boy, there are flashbacks to the Peninsular War and other surprising events in the young couple's life. This book has a wide base of interest as an adventure, mystery, history and the meaning of love in all its revelations and forms. It is the first in a series of books featuring Melanie and Charles Fraser.
|
| Pat Forbess (tennesseecajun@email.com) |
Winter Study by Nevada Barr |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I love wildlife and nature, and Nevada Barr never fails in either. You learn a lot about wildlife and there's always a mystery to solve. Her characters are normal people with bad habits, etc., just like everybody else. I've never been disappointed in a Nevada Barr book.
|
| Coral Harrison |
Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Gus has a TV cooking show, is a widow and has 2 grown daughters. There lots of people involved in her program, including a young good-looking woman who wants to steal her show. It is a very cute and fun book to read.
|
| Genie |
The Kalahari Typing School for Men by Alexander McCall Smith |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Although not making a lot of money, Mma Ramotswe's detective agency has become an established business in the community. Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, her faithful fiance, is back at work in his auto repair shop. Life is good. A small problem begins when an egotistical male detective who claims to be from New York sets up shop in town. He loudly proclaims sleuthing to be a man's business and promises to give Mma Ramotswe competition.
In a sub-plot, Mma. Makutsi, detective assistant and office manager to the auto repair shop, comes up with a plan to bring in some much-needed funds. She decides to open a typing school for men. After all, men need to be able to type when using computers. She begins by salvaging some old typewriters from the secretarial school. A church agreed to open a classroom for their typing class to use on weekday evenings. Before long, business is booming. Complications set in within a couple of weeks when one of Mma. Makutsi's students makes romantic moves. The guy seems too good to be true. This turns out to be the case when Mma Ramotswe, while investigating a case, discovers some facts about his secret past. This unwelcome revelation materializes when she is busy searching for two missing persons, working on problems with her extended family and coping with her competitor.
Mma Ramotswe is, as usual, on target with her common sense and intuition. Like the first three books, THE KALAHARI TYPING SCHOOL FOR MEN is a pleasant read, filled with descriptions of everyday life and involving the characters we have come to know and love.
|
| Elizabeth V |
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Set in 1950s Soviet Union, this story involves a hunt for a serial killer made nearly impossible because the government claims there is no crime in the Soviet Union. Therefore, the hunters are considered enemies of the state and the killings continue.
|
| Elizabeth V |
The Blooding by Joseph Wambaugh |
Rating: 4 Stars |
One of Wambaugh's older books, this is the true story of the first use of DNA to catch a serial killer in England.
|
| Debbie |
Helping Me Help Myself by Beth Lisick |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I'm about halfway through this and I want to like it, but the author isn't as funny as she thinks she is, and rather than paying attention to what the self-help offerers are providing, she's busy being snarky and looking for someone to have a drink with, go to dinner with, etc.
|
| Janet |
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I love this series. I ordered my book online and was checking the mail every day. I stayed up that night and read the whole thing. I would have made a few changes: I'd make it longer. Her mysteries/stories never bore me. This was too short!! I also like more Ranger in there. The previous two were full of him and I like his character in the mix more. I enjoy that we continue to mention characters from other books, like Mooner. There were minor qualms; overall, I still loved it. I will read this series forever. I just wish they would make them into movies starring Jennifer Garner!
|
| Suzanne |
I Shall Not Want by Julia Spencer-Fleming |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Wow!! What a good book. I could not put it down. Now I have to go back and read the preceding books with the same characters. How did I miss this author? I have recommended this to all my reading friends.
|
| bac |
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Blake |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A literary thriller set against the backdrop of Salem, MA, and its history. It's about a family of women who can read minds and foretell the future by reading the designs in Ipswich lace.
|
| Irene Berton |
Audition by BarbaraWalters |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I only knew Ms. Walters as an adult on TV. She had a very interesting childhood and teenhood, and had the same worries and insecurities we all did. She turned out okay --- good for her. Interesting book, interesting life.
|
| Karen Banes |
The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is an excellent book. Set in modern-day America, it uses the main character's memories of her life in China before and during World War II to weave a compelling and heartrending story. The social and historical details are fascinating, but the story itself is what captures your imagination and sparks a range of emotions. There were times I was close to tears, and times when I laughed out loud. A very satisfying read.
|
| Jean |
Resolution by Robert B. Parker |
Rating: 4 Stars |
It's a Western this time. I don't read those, but for Robert B. Parker, I'll make an exception! The book is fast moving, filled with Parker's succinct dialogue that is always witty.
|
| Bill Smith |
Complete & Utter Failure by Neil Stienberg |
Rating: 4 Stars |
What fun it was to read about the most common state of any man, mankind, and our collective works. Sturgeon's Law states it pretty succinctly: “Ninety percent of everything is crap.” This book is in the other 10 %.
|
| Renee |
The Witness by Sandra Brown |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A "beach read" for sure. Brown can twist a tale, keep it interesting, and amuse with the best of them.
|
| Robin Coker (hillcoker@yahoo.com) |
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the 3rd book in the Twilight series. It was intended for teenagers, but I definitely recommend it for everyone. I could not put it down and I miss Bella, Edward and Jacob already! Meyer has a perfect way of building her characters and making you fall in love with all of them. The 4th and final book comes out August 2nd, I can't wait!
|
| Lynn M. from Chico, CA |
Wastelands by John Joseph Adams, ed. |
Rating: 2 Stars |
An anthology of apocalyptic stories by authors such as Orson Scott Card, Jack McDevitt, Jonathan Lethem, etc., each dealing with the last days of life on earth (as we know it). It's so far been very bleak.
|
| Kristen M. |
Nice To Come Home To by Rebecca Flowers |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A recommended summer read. Decent writing saves the book. It's a little slow and the story has been told before. If you like the typical happy ending to the thirty-something person unlucky in love, this book is for you.
|
| Kristen M. |
The Misremembered Man by Christina McKenna |
Rating: 5 Stars |
An Irish tale with a sad beginning but a surprising and satisfying end. A grown man with a sad childhood searches for the woman who will complete him.
|
| Marsha |
Protect and Defend by Vince Flynn |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This is a Mitch Rapp novel. They are best read in order of publication. This one is the most violent, therefore, not my favorite, but the series is a smash hit.
|
| Kelly Martin (kmartin@fcdlibrary.org) |
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: A Shocking Murder a by Kate Summerscale |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is nonfiction that reads like fiction. This is true page turner, I simply could not put it down! If you are mystery fan, this should delight you, and if you aren't, give it try!
|
| Janet |
Home by Julie Andrews |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I have always loved Julie Andrews. I was so excited to read about her history. I loved this memoir, I could not put it down. As I read each word, all I could hear was her beautiful voice reading it to me. She has a great way of engaging the reader while still sharing her history. My only comment was that it ended too soon. Our last chapter led up to her taking the part of Mary Poppins and I wanted to continue reading on and on. She had a fascinating life, not full of secrets and bad vodoo, but interesting events to the average reader like myself.
|
| Linda M. Williams |
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Great book. It has a few new characters who we will learn to love. Stephanie, as usual, is up to her ears in trouble, with both Ranger and Morelli trying to keep her safe.
|
| Julia Dewees |
The Book of the Dead by Patricia Cornwell |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Not her best novel. I keep reading to find out more about the relationship between Scarpetta and Benton, but the story line is slow.
|
| Jennifer G. (jennjett@verizon.net) |
Requiem for an Assassin by Barry Eisler |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This thriller centers around John Rain, professional assassin. After some much-needed R & R, he considers a career change, but an old nemesis kidnaps a friend, he's forced back into his old life. This is a brilliant addition to the John Rain series. I recommend it.
|
| Jeanine |
The Last Days by Joel Rosenberg |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book follows THE LAST JIHAD. I understand why the CIA questioned the author as it is almost as though he has a crystal ball turned to world events. A must read.
|
| Julie |
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill |
Rating: 4 Stars |
An edge-of-your-seat ghost thriller in the vein of the "Twilight Zone."
|
| Tracy |
Protector by Laurel Dewey |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A friend highly recommended this metaphysical crime thriller to me last month and I finished it in less than two days. I could not put it down. The main character, Detective Jane Perry, is complex, irritating, courageous and someone you can't help liking and rooting for, even though she's so damaged. The relationship between Perry and the little girl she is hired to protect is the core of this book and it brought me to tears many times. Dewey writes with such unexpected depth and emotion, especially when it comes to the effects of PTSD, loss and abuse. PROTECTOR is truly one of the best crime thrillers I've read in a long time because it interweaves a powerful main character with a bracing who-done-it and even gives you a little bit of metaphysical wisdom along the way. I strongly recommend PROTECTOR to anyone who wants a great read this summer.
|
| Carol H. |
Attachment by Isabel Fonseca |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Elizabeth Hubburd opens a letter written to her husband, Mark, and she begins to question every aspect of her marriage.
|
| Teresa (steinertt@aol.com) |
Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I loved this book. It was fun with quirky, charming characters. I rushed out to get her first book, THE FRIDAY NIGHT KNITTING CLUB. I really enjoyed both!
|
| Myrna |
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A touching story of a British 5 year old growing up in South Africa in the 1930s. To deal with the prejudice conferred upon him by the Boers, Peekay learns to find strength in the power of one.
|
| teresa (steinertt@aol.com) |
The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I loved this book. It felt like reading about real friends and their everyday dramas.
|
| Pattie Berryhill (pattiberr@aol.com) |
Charley's Web by Joy Fielding |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I enjoyed CHARLEY'S WEB. It was down-to- earth reading. It held my interest 'til the end.
|
| Reva Wamsley (prwamsley@roadrunner.com) |
A Wicked Snow by Gregg Olsen |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book will keep you reading until the very end. Hannah is a grown woman, but she is still living with the nightmare of what happened the Christmas she was 13. Her brothers died, her mother disappeared and her home burned to the grown. Now, she has to go back and relive it all over again.
|
| Kristy |
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book, told from the point of view of a dog named Enzo, was excellent. The dog's view of human nature was precious, sentimental, funny and revealing. It was such a unique perspective...I loved it! I also look at my dog very differently now! :)
|
| Donna |
The Woods by Harlan Coben |
Rating: 3 Stars |
When I read the synopsis I thought, "This story looks great!" It was interesting enough to keep me reading just to see what the outcome would be, but the writing format was terrible. This author was jumping all over the place! I had to go back and reread several parts just to keep things in perspective. There are too many great books on shelves to waste your important time with this one.
|
| Elaine |
The Miracle At Speedy Motors by Alexander McCall Smith |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Wonderful, as usual! It's the latest book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. These are all stand-alone books. The characters are colorful, and the story of daily life in Botswana is heartwarming. Try this series --- you will love the charming, funny, people and stories. I'm eagerly waiting for the next book.
|
| Tamara Randi (sewradical@gmail.com) |
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Very good tale of Anne Boleyn, her sister, and King Henry VIII from the sister's point of view. Poor Queens to be married to him. Court intrigue and the shameful use of women as objects to gain power.
|
| Robin (rmayerhoefer@cox.net) |
The Honey Badger by Robert Ruark |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is an older book that I picked up, not really having any idea what it would be about or what to expect. The first sentence is clunky and awkward and I wasn't sure I should even continue, but I did, and it's turned into an excellent read. It's about a man in middle age who leaves his wife and embarks on an affair with an actress. He can't seem to find happiness with or without his wife.
|
| Robin (rmayerhoefer@cox.net) |
Jack With a Twist by Brenda Janowitz |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a sequel to SCOT ON THE ROCKS and is a very amusing and enjoyable story. It's about a lawyer, planning her wedding to another lawyer, who lands her first big case and then discovers the opposing counsel is her fiance.
|
| Alaina L. |
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Follow the winding path of two unlikely girls who develop a lifetime friendship filled with great accomplishments and sad endings. A great read!
|
| Peg Schoenfelder |
Stormy Weather by Paulette Jiles |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Early Texas oil speculation, an interesting and strong female protaganist, and family dynamics are all a part of this novel. It is a quick read and is well constructed.
|
| T. Thomas |
An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Latest in the Maisie Dobbs series. These books just keep getting better and better.
|
| Readingrat |
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Geraldine Brooks always writes an interesting story. I have to say that I enjoyed PEOPLE OF THE BOOK more than either of her previous novels that I have had the opportunity to read, YEAR OF WONDERS and MARCH. I really liked the construction of this novel. I enjoyed how each little item Hanna found within the pages of the Haggadah had its own historical narrative, wound within the tapestry of the modern-day story of the Sarajevo Haggadah's stabilization and display.
|
| Diana Raabe |
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortensen with Oliver Relin |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I first saw the award-winning THREE CUPS OF TEA: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace... One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin on the library cart at my church. While not a religious book, it's certainly one that provides motivation for doing good works. When mountain climber Greg Mortenson became separated from his team on K2, it was only by the grace of the inhabitants of the tiny Pakistani village of Korphe that he survived. There, Mortenson learned about the people, their problems and their politics and was so moved and grateful that he promised them he would return and build them a school. With heroic effort, Mortenson founded the Central Asia Institute, which has built many schools --- particularly for girls --- in the mountains and deserts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Equally as heroic is how he learned what life in these countries is really like, at one point being kidnapped and another, sitting down to tea with the Taliban. THREE CUPS OF TEA is also journalist Relin's first attempt at writing a book, and although his Definitely has the style of a reporter, the details are what make Mortenson's story truly unforgettable.
|
| Diana Raabe |
We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver |
Rating: 4 Stars |
It was my daughter who recommended Lionel Shriver's WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN --- mostly so she could have someone with whom to discuss it --- and I am so glad she did. Shriver's 2005 Orange prize winner is the story of the fictitious teenager Kevin Khatchadouradian who, during the time of the real Columbine massacre, commits a similarly horrific act. The "incident" (referred to as the "Thursday") unfolds postscript through a series of letters written by Khatchadourian's mother to his father. At times, unable to put down and at others difficult to pick up, Kevin asks disturbing "how" and "why" questions to which no one really wants to hear the answers. By challenging the nature vs. nurture debate in new ways, Kevin opens that heavy door to endless self-reflection and discussive intercourse. There are many lessons and much to admire in Kevin with regard to love, hate, forgiveness and what it means to be a mother.
|
| Debbie C. |
The Flirt by Kathleen Tessaro |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This was my first book by this author and I loved it. It was all about the art of flirting, and the characters were wonderful. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the antics that were used in the name of "love/romance." It's a wonderful book that I highly recommend to everyone.
|
| Elizabeth |
Mason Dixon by Thomas Pynchon |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Pynchon's books (such as GRAVITY'S RAINBOW) are always a fascinating read. I've just started MASON DIXON, and the 18th-century language he uses has taken a little while to become accustomed to, but I'm looking forward to delving into this novel over the long, hot days of the summer.
|
| Diana Raabe |
Plainsong by Kent Haruf |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A seemingly simple story with a mere handful of characters, PLAINSONG didn't immediately grab me. In fact, I found it mildly tedious until after just a few chapters , I realized that I was falling in love with the story, the small town of Holt, Colorado and its odd yet ordinary characters. Just 17 years old, Victoria Roubideaux finds herself pregnant and alone after her mother kicks her out of the house for "indecent" behavior. A kind teacher puts Victoria together with two reclusive, somewhat elderly brothers who have done little but work the family farm for their entire lives. Living not too far away are brothers Ike and Bobby, aged ten and nine, whose mother suffers from depression, which eventually drives her to leave home. The mundanity of life in Holt is deceptively complex and important, and what begins as a story about nothing becomes a beautiful story about everything.
|
| Rhonda OConnor |
Duma Key by Stephen King |
Rating: 3 Stars |
As always with Mr. King's novels, this felt too long. It started wonderfully, suspenseful and thrilling, but ended up as typical horror shock. Mr. King disappoints me again and again, yet I am always drawn to his stories. I keep hoping I will find the pearl in the oyster, such as "Dolan's Cadillac," his finest short story. I keep hoping!
|
| Judy |
Genghis: Lords of the Bow by Conn Iggulden |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I probably never would have picked up this book without a recommendation from a fellow reviewer. I'm so glad I did. It's a fascinating historical tale of a Mongol warrior uniting the many tribes into one nation and then invading the cities of the "evil empire", China. Intrigue, deception, and cunning make this an exciting tale.
|
| Exegesis (infared@ymail.com) |
FSTR by James Gleick |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book was published in 1999, and after the hugely successful, CHAOS: The Making of a New Science. It is a frank and entertaining collection of insights and musings gleaned from a lifetime of observation and research. The intermingling of anecdotes, facts, history and science keeps the book light hearted enough to balance the concerns it addresses. It focuses on the causes and effects of society's progress in the pace of life and work. This exploration touches on the universal fear that we are evolving on technical levels much faster than human levels.
|
| Readingrat |
Jewel by Brett Lott |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Brett Lott does a wonderful job of creating convincing characters.
|
| Marsha Neesley |
Consent to Kill by Vince Flynn |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I have read several of the Mitch Rapp books, but this is the best. Mitch is a CIA assassin who operates under the radar and at a fast-paced, intriguing style. This one involves a Saudi who puts a hit out for Mitch, and the bodies start to fall.
|
| Sue Pecaut Stark |
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards |
Rating: 5 Stars |
What if you made a split-second decision that eventually affected everyone in your family --- your wife, your son, your daughter and even the nurse at your clinic? This wonderful novel by Kim Edwards pulls you out of your comfortable space and into a winter storm in the early 1960s. The characters in this fascinating story have many issues to deal with, due to the father's painful choice the night his son was born. Edwards has sculpted her characters with such loving care that I truly felt connected to them and their daily struggles with their disjointed lives. This book was a long journey with the Henry family over a period of several decades, and I was sorry when the story ended. A very thought-provoking novel about Down syndrome children, and the tough battles they, and their parents, must fight. A great book for book club discussions!
|
| Noreen Brown |
The Broken Window by Jeffery Deaver |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Wow! What an education. A must read about Identity theft and 'Big Brother', full of things the average person doesn't know.
|
| Bridget |
Second Honeymoon by Joannna Trollope |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Empty nest syndrome hits a London couple... but not for long. The kids return home with lots of problems. By the end, everything and everyone is sorted out.
|
| Angela Hoagland (vasthoagies@yahoo.com) |
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Once again, the adventures of Stephanie Plum and her sidekick Lula had me laughing out loud! My family thinks I'm nuts. I read this beauty in three hours and was desperate for more! Janet Evanovich does not disappoint.
|
| Priscilla |
Audition by Barbara Walters |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Am about halfway through the book and am finding this autobiography of Barbara Walters very interesting. Who knew!!
|
| Sally B., San Antonio TX |
Fax Me A Bagel by Sharon Kahn |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A Rabbi's widow witnesses a death at the local bagel shop. Poisoning is the cause, and she helps in the murder investigation. This was our local book club's "local/regional" author pick. The author is from Austin.
|
| Readingrat |
Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle by L.J. Smith |
Rating: 5 Stars |
While not flawless, these books still have a whole lot going for them. The plot and pacing are terrific, which makes this quite a hard book to put down. The characters are deftly developed and believable.
It's easy to try to compare this series to Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series. And while on the surface you can pick up parallels between the two stories, there are actually more differences here than similarities. Elena is definitely nobody's doormat, and both Stefan and Damon give way to their most dark and deadly impulses at least once.
|
| Bridget |
Secrets by Jude Deveraux |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I was looking for something light and easy to read, and this certainly satisfied my requirements. It was actually better than I thought it would be. It's a love story that starts when the female protagonist is twelve. She re-meets the guy years later. It was better because it was also a light mystery that added a lot to the plot.
|
| Judy |
The Lazarus Project by Aleksandar Hemon |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Two stories interwine: one about Brik, a Chicago writer who grew up in Eastern Europe; the other about Lazarus Averbuch, a Jewish immigrant from Eastern Europe who is shot and killed by the Chicago Chief of Police. Brik has to find out the story, so he heads to Eastern Europe and finds more about himself and his culture than any leads from a long dead immigrant. Funny in places, sad in others, and thought-provoking.
|
| Megan Bryant |
Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Deb Caletti |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Though this is actually a YA novel, it reads like it was written for adults. The prose is skillful and strongly seals the book a place in the literary category. It is perfect for anyone who has ever felt nostalgic or tried to forget a first love. It also has the added bonus of a fabulously feisty group of senior citizens on a road trip they'll never forget --- to bring one of their own back to the love of her life. It's hilarious, touching, and beautiful. I highly recommend it.
|
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
Judge & Jury by James Patterson |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Always fun and scary to read a Patterson novel --- this one is about the arrest of the BIG Mafia boss, the disaster of the trial, and the paid assassins. The bad guys seem indestructible, and poor Nick must face this army of bad men alone.
|
| Theresa |
Girls like Us by Sheila Weller |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A thorough, detail-rich biography of three talented women from very different backgrounds. At over 500 pages, perhaps there was just a few too many details. It was interesting to see how often their lives and relationships with some of the same people intertwined or downright collided. It gave me a new appreciation for their music and what it took for them to get it out there. I'll certainly listen to Tapestry and Blue with a fresh ear.
|
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
Burnt Toast by Teri Hatcher |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I don’t know why I was interested in reading this book. I have never watched a show Teri Hatcher starred in and she isn’t really a favorite actress of mine. I liked her on the Radio Shack commercials with Howie Long. I thought she exuded self-confidence, especially with someone as hunky and cool as Howie was. When I saw that she wrote a book, I was intrigued. I thought maybe she was writing about her life and how she became famous with a story full of name dropping and gossip and maybe a little thought here and there about her life’s philosophy. This book was not what I expected. Teri can be admired for her honesty and humbleness. She is significantly insecure and I think her age, like many actresses over 40, hangs over her head like a dark cloud. She wrote a witty and thoughtful book with a lot of advice for the average TV-watching couch potato who now might be slightly inclined to change his/her life after reading this book. There were some comments in here that made me raise my eyebrow. Like when her daughter and her little friend were eating M&M’s for breakfast and Teri says, “Emerson, I just wanted you to know that I trust you with food. That’s why I let you have the candy in your room --- because I believe you know when you have had enough candy and you know what is right for your body and what is not. If you want to have M&Ms for breakfast once in while, like at a sleepover, well that’s fine.” The kid is 5 for Pete’s sake! This sounds like something regurgitated from her therapist. This is not a book I am excited about reading. I think it is something an actress wrote to try and show how much she is like her typical fan when she really isn’t. She is one of the highest paid actresses currently on prime time --- how does this make her like you and me? She seems like a nice person, but the best part of this book is not her story, but the cartoons at the beginning of each chapter.
|
| Bridget |
The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a novel geared to children ages 9 through 12, but it is by far one of the best books I've read. It is about two girls living at Los Alamos with their scientist parents during World War II. It gives a very real look at everyday life in what had to have been one of the most extraordinary communities. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in this time and place.
|
| Sally B., San AntonioTX |
The Art of Racing In The Rain by Garth Stein |
Rating: 4 Stars |
4.5 stars. A dying dog tells the story of his master (a widower) and his pursuit in getting custody of his daughter back from his in-laws. There are quite a few metaphorical life lessons told through a race car driver's perspective.
|
| Laura Ann Adams (Laura.Adams@ky.gov) |
Life of Pi by Yann Martel |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I am only halfway through this book, so I can not say yet whether it will all come together in the end and whether I will have liked it or not. It has been a little difficult to get into. It is very different. Parts are very interesting, though. Hope it does come together well in the last half.
|
| Kat Lowe (katlowe13@yahoo.com) |
One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I really enjoy the "tough chick" books and this one doesn't disappoint. Cat Crawfield is a half-vampire, FBI agent who really gives it to the bad guys while she continues to have relationship problems with the man of her dreams. What's not to like?
|
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Stalin's Soviet Union is a grim place for everyone. One never knows when he/she will be arrested and executed for false claims. Disgraced MGB leader, Leo Demidov, and his wife Raisa are on the run, trying to find a serial killer. The authorities will not admit that a serial killer is even a possibility in their "perfect society", so they are trying to stop them from their hunt. This is an exciting, compelling story.
|
| Kristie |
Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A very timely book with the events at the YFZ ranch in TX. This is an interesting story from a nice, younger perspective. Also, the end and trial were nicely done.
|
| Carol Grubbs (carol.grubbs@gmail.com) |
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I loved it. People who complain about working 8-hour days should be compelled to read this book. It described the hardships the workers suffered just to survive; the insecurity of their jobs and their torturous way of firing their workers. The book is sad, but also has its humor. I especially loved the ending. I never saw that coming. I highly recommend this book.
|
| Jan Terry |
Blue Smoke and Mirrors by Elizabeth Lowell |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A thriller/romance with humor. Great book, I highly recommend it!
|
| Rita Maria |
Dust by Martha Grimes |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This story is very entertaining, never boring, thrilling, and sometimes funny. I loved it very much.
|
| Jan Terry |
Odd Hours by Dean Koontz |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Dean Koontz created an engaging hero with weird goings on, but it sure keeps your interest! (note: Book #3 in series.)
|
| Jan Terry |
At The Edge by Cait London |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Great romance with a psychic twist!
|
| Rachel Peterson |
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Lovely writing. It's for everyone who's ever lost someone precious.
|
| Anita Nowak |
Retribution by Jillian Hoffman |
Rating: 5 Stars |
If I could, I would give this book more than 5 stars. It is a fabulous mystery/thriller. It starts off in the year 1988, with a brutal attack on a young New York City Law Student. The following chapter takes place 20 years later in Miami, Florida. At first you wonder what is going on, and then you shortly are aware of how everything melds together to keep you reading. This is a book that is literally hard to put down. My interest never waned. There are several twists and turns which is always wonderful in a mystery, since there is nothing worse than predictability. I recommend this book highly, and look forward to reading more of this author's work.
|
| Julie |
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill |
Rating: 4 Stars |
If you want to take a thrill ride and allow yourself to be scared, this is the book for you.
|
| shyeyes |
The Penny by Joyce Meyer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I truly enjoyed this book, it covers so many facets of family dynamics. We encounter abuse, racism and the hand of friendship. One small event can have such far-reaching reactions. Very well done!
|
| T. Thomas |
Boone by Robert Morgan |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This was more a history of a time and place than it was a biography of Daniel Boone.
|
| Jean |
The Savage Garden by Mark Mills |
Rating: 5 Stars |
An excellent gothic mystery set in an intriguing garden in the Tuscany region of Italy. The book moves fast and is VERY engrossing. I absolutely loved it!
|
| Bonnie |
Little Heathens by Mildred Armstrong Kalish |
Rating: 3 Stars |
If you're curious, or just want to reminisce about the old days, i.e. the 1930s and '40s, grab this memoir of life on a Midwest farm. The author was a young girl then and has a remarkable memory. It's full of charm and some interesting recipes.
|
| Jean |
Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke |
Rating: 4 Stars |
An entertaining cozy mystery filled with some tasty recipes. I am enjoying reading the book while thinking about the recipes offered. It's light and fun-filled entertainment.
|
| Crystal Blackburn |
Careless in Red by Elizabeth George |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This was an Inspector Lynley mystery, but there was not enough of Lynley or DS Babara Havers to suit me. It was good, but notGeorge's best work.
|
| Mary Champagne |
The River Wife by Jonis Agee |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The New Madrid Earthquake of 1911 spawned many stories that are still told here in the Midwest. Recently, we had a moderate --- though not damaging --- earthquake, and stories surfaced again. Then I picked up this book, and the roof is falling in on the family cabin and I find myself in the midst of that famous earthquake.
The young daughter, Annie Lark, is pinned down in her bed by a fallen tree, and her family abandons her and flees to safety. The rough fur trader who rescues her and takes her as his wife has secrets of his own, and the river wives who follow --- for generations --- will, like the reader, fall under his spell. The past and present of all families are interwoven, but in this story, though the lives of the women are harsh, they love and are loved; deceive themselves and suffer the results. Historical fiction sometimes moves slowly for me, but not in this book. The characters are real and the feel of the book is epic. It is a great read and the cover will haunt you.
|
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This was a very moving, character-driven novel. Loaded with emotion, THE FRIDAY NIGHT KNITTING CLUB is about women who become friends through a club that was formed by accident. Walker & Daughter is a knitting store formed by single mom Georgia. With the help of her dear friend Anita, Georgia runs this NYC store with not only great knitting supplies and projects, but with some friendly guidance and advice (not necessarily on knitting). The knitting club forms when a handful of women start coming to the store on a regular basis every Friday evening. These women come together and start to develop friendships that help get them through some stressful times in their lives. I thought the book started out with a bang. I wanted to keep reading until I finished. The second part of the book went from a thoughtful, emotional, character-driven style to a more story-telling narrative. This didn’t take away from the novel, but it was obviously different. I couldn’t wait to get to the end to find out what happened. I probably read it way too fast. One of the interesting things about this book was how the author used the craft of knitting as her introduction to each of her chapters. Excellent book! Highly recommended!
|
| Janice G. |
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Once I started this book, I could not stop. It consumed me. The vampire theme is not as distasteful as I had originally thought. I mainly read it to see how appropriate it is for a middle-school library and I think it is fine.
|
| Lisa Garrett (lag110@mchsi.com) |
Murder Creek by Joe Formichella |
Rating: 5 Stars |
True story of a murder "cover up" from my hometown. In small-town America, some very prominent people get away with murder.
|
| Janice G. |
Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Written for a young adult/middle school audience and first in the Shadow Children series. I found it engaging enough to hold my interest, plus I thought of many provocative topics this book could involve.
|
| Janice G. |
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This third book in the series really sets up the competition between Edward and Jacob. Now we have to wait until August for the fourth and final book. At least I came to this series late, and I did not have to anxiously await each subsequent title.
|
| Janice G. |
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Second in the series of books. Of course once I read the first, I had to read the second and then the third. I am disappointed that Jacob became a bigger character. There was not as much development for that plot turn as I would have hoped.
|
| Little Debby |
Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This was an exceptional look into the atmosphere surrounding the creation of the painting of this name by Renoir. It gives a fictional account of what his motivation was for creating it, and showed glimpses into the lives of the people in the painting, as well. If you enjoy art, you'll love this book (and you will even if you don't).
|
| Janice G. |
Born to Rock by Gordon Korman |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book reminds me of the series with Michael J. Fox, where he was extremely conservative and his family was totally liberal. That is what happens to the main character when he finds out his biological father is a well-known rock star from the '60s making a comeback.
|
| Jane (janebeatty92083@hotmail.com) |
Escape by Robert K. Tanenbaum |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is a great read. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is very suspenseful and will keep you guessing till the end
|
| Sandy |
Big Russ & Me by Tim Russert |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book brought back so many memories of growing up. It especially did for me because I grew up in Buffalo, NY. He talked of all the places and things I knew from there and at that time. But most of all, I enjoyed how much he enjoyed his family and how he learned so much from his father.You could feel the love between them. It seems in such short supply these days.
|
| Wendy |
The Art of Racing In The Rain by Garth Stein |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A wonderful heart-wrenching story about love, sorrow and life told by Enzo, the family dog.
I shed many a tear but could not put this book down.
|
| Wendy |
Killer Year by Edited by Lee Child |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A great collection of short stories, written by thriller authors, some known to us and some new.
|
| Miriam |
Northern Lights by Nora Roberts |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This story combines all the best elements of Nora Roberts' manner and style of writing --- strong characterization, enticing romance, deep mystery, and interesting setting. I especially found the details and descriptions of lunacy and the Alaskan environment an enhancement to the story. That in itself added so much style to the romance and the mystery part of this novel.
|
| Catie 75 |
Fay by Larry Brown |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Excellent character development, good plot, amazing dialogue.
|
| Cindy Pentecost |
The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I love "Jeopardy", but always have trouble with the American History category. So to brush up, I read GODS AND GENERALS by Jeff Shaara (the son), THE KILLER ANGELS by Michael (the dad), and THE LAST FULL MEASURE by Jeff. This is the best Civil War trilogy; while fiction, it is very accurately researched.
|
| William |
The Ugly American by William J. Lederer and Eugene Burdick |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Dated by its style of anti-Communism, this book still contains more truth than fiction when it comes to American foreign policy and developmental aid. It's hard to believe that 50 years hasn't changed that very much.
|
| Catie 75 |
Step-Ball-Change by Jeanne Ray |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A great light, quick read with lots of laugh-out-loud moments.
|
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
Mary, Mary by James Patterson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Nothing is better that an Alex Cross mystery --- this one has a serial killer that may be a he or a she. The killer is targeting famous Hollywood moms, and the killer refers to self as the storyteller and send emails detailing the crime and victim. It makes you wonder if you are being watched. Alex is lucky with Nana and his fabulous children, especially little Alex. A great read.
|
| Marjorie Clark |
The Book Shop by Penelope Fitzgerald |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a very charming story about a woman who opens a bookshop in the small seaside town of Hardborough. This causes hostility from various members of the town, including the so-called patron of the arts, Mrs. Gamart.
|
| Marsha |
The Story of a Marriage by Andrew Sean Greer |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is an exquisitely written and crafted novel about the mysteries of marriage. "We think we know the ones we love" is the first sentence and the slow reveals will keep you enthralled. How a male writer can portray the feminine voice so clearly and show her caring desperation, optimism and love is amazing.
|
| Irene |
The Gift of Rain by Tau Twan Eng |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I am currently in the middle of this book. This is a historical novel set on the Malaysian Island of Penang,
starting in the present day and going back to 1939. The story is about a 19-year-old half Chinese and half English boy named Phillip Hutton, whose father is a wealthy business owner. Phillip feels alienated because of his heritage. He develops a friendship with a Japanese diplomat and discovers a sense of belonging. This book is beautifully written, interesting, and a pleasure to read. I recommend it to anyone who is into serious reading. It covers the Japanese takeover of Malaysia and the consequences brought on to
Phillip due to his friendship with the diplomat lasting most of his life.
|
| Debi |
Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Jacobs has a nice talent for storytelling! This is what I call a "coming-of-age" novel for fifty-somethings! It kept my interest, though, and it had an optimistic ending (which gives me hope!).
|
| Debi |
The Body in the Gallery by Katherine Hall Page |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I couldn't resist another Faith Fairchild mystery! This one is set in a museum, and, I must say, I couldn't figure out the murderer until the reveal.
|
| Debi |
The Body in the Ivy by Katherine Hall Page |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I found this title mentioned in another book, and it's great! In fact, Page has written a great many mysteries that I haven't read. This one is a salute to AND THEN THERE WERE NONE by Agatha Christie.
|
| Fran |
Hick by Andrea Portes |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This debut author introduces Luli, a 13-year-old girl who flees from her alcoholic, dysfunctional parents in search of a sugar daddy. At times painful and raw, this story depicts Luli's perilous journey into the world she is not yet prepared for. I can't say that I enjoyed this book because it was very difficult to read; however, I can say that the character was sassy and sad at the same time. I could totally relate to her pre-pubescent fantasy attitude and the disconnect she feels when reality hits home.
|
| Stephen |
Go With Me by Castle Freeman Jr. |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I bought this at a library book sale and it is a new (2008) but a very unusual book. It has short, choppy sentences and is a slow read; however, you still want to turn the page and see what finally is going to happen to this girl who is trying to get this town bully from stalking her.
|
| Metalfiend11 in Rocksprings, TX (metalfiend11@yahoo.com) |
Dating Dead Men by Harley Jane Kozak |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Similar to Janet Evanovich's number murder/mystery series, but not as good. I'm willing to read the 2nd book, DATING IS MURDER.
|
| Bonnie |
The Women Who Raised Me: A Memoir by Victoria Rowell |
Rating: 4 Stars |
In this fascinating, uplifting memoir, an actress who was raised in foster care honors the many women who cared for her as she was growing up.
|
| Sylvia Costigan |
The Amber Room by Steve Berry |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A very interesting --- but formulaic --- read. The true history of the Amber Room intertwined with the fictional account of murder, and treasure hunting makes for an enjoyable, quick read.
|
| Debbie (deble_2000@yahoo.com) |
The Book Club by Mary Alice Monroe |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is about five remarkable friends and their book club. They share more than books as they struggle with life changing issues, and the power of friendship.
|
| Alexis |
Nightshade by Susan Wittig Albert |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Part of a series that features herbal interaction. It featured a rather involved crime, but all works out, and it keeps you interested and looking forward to another book with these characters.
|
| Rebecca Booth |
Bulls Island by Dorothea Benton Frank |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A story about a tragic night for a young engaged couple, which causes them to be away from each other for twenty years and then they meet again. What happens next is worth reading this book.
|
| Billie A Williams (billie@billiewilliams.com) |
Hide by Lisa Gardner |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Ms. Gardner has a way to pulling you into the story with her. Her style is unique and her turns of phrase are a hook that pulls the reader through page after page of intrigue. This is a read you just can't put down. The voices of her characters are so separate you have no trouble seeing them each in their own light. The use of the first person for her protagonist's view-point paragraphs is astonishingly well done. This is the first of Lisa Gardner's books I have read, but I guarantee it won't be the last.
|
| Penn Chone |
Shoot Him If he Runs by Stuart Woods |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I decided to treat myself to another fast-paced Stuart Woods story --- always a fun, easy read. I am partial to detectives. I particularly like Robert B. Parker's "guys", but Woods's Stone Barrington is fun to follow, too !
|
| Sylvia Costigan |
Hold Tight by Harlan Coben |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is very different from the other books that Harlan Coben has written. Outside of the plot mystery, the book struggles with the questions of how involved a parent should become in their children's lives? When should privacy be invaded? Many ethical dilemmas surround the main characters. A very interesting mystery novel, yet thought provoking, too.
|
| Fran |
Hot Stuff by Janet Evanovich and Leanne Banks |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Hysterical! You can see both authors' styles in this one! An al- around fun, summer read.
|
| Fran |
If You Are Afraid of Heights by Raj Kamal Jha |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This book was just okay. Perhaps it was my mood at the time, but I just wasn't feeling it! Although I found parts interesting, I never really connected with the characters or story line.
|
| Doug Mozealous |
Neves by Carlos R Savournin |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I honestly cannot remember the last time I enjoyed a horror book like this. I couldn't put it down!! The characters were memorable, the story was timeless and the writing was just amazing. It was if I was transported directly into this world and allowed to watch what was going on. It was simply a tremendous effort by a marvelous, new talent. This is someone who bears watching as time goes by.
|
| MississippiMom |
One Red Paperclip by Kyle MacDonald |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I picked this book up without ever having heard of the project, or the game 'Bigger/better.' It was a wonderful surprise to read about Kyle's experience with trading one red paperclip up to a house! I was truly inspired!
I'm sorry I missed the project as it was going on, but I'm so glad I found this book! I think you will be too. I'm recommending it to all my kids!
|
| Pattie Berryhill (pattiberr@aol.com) |
Compulsion by Johnathon Kellerman |
Rating: 4 Stars |
It held my interest to the very end. A good read.
|
| Jen |
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I really liked it. After reading this book, it made me interested in that time, the king and the people who loved him --- especially Anne Boleyn. There's so much mystery out there on if she did half the things she's rumored to had done. So now I have a lot more books on the monarch and a lot more information in my faves on computer. Also, I couldn't believe half the stuff they all did to each other, but I guess it was how you survived. I recommend it for a nice summer day with nothing to do.
|
| Susan |
Southtown by Rick Riordan |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I could not put this down until it was done. An escaped convict seeks revenge and it is up to Tres Navarre to stop him. Riordan makes the characters come alive and describes the San Antonio locale in a way that you feel you are there.
|
| Sunny |
The Garden of Last Days by Andre Dubus III |
Rating: 5 Stars |
An incredible story about several lives that intersect a few days before the September 11th attacks, including an exotic dancer, a woman who suffers from panic attacks, and one of the terrorists.
|
| Barbara |
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
One of the most inspiring books I have ever read. What a good example of what just one man can accomplish. In this world, where many think guns and bullets are the only answers, here is someone who says, "Hey, there is a better way." Our leaders blithely make war but the young and the innocent suffer. "Dr. Greg's" story is truly remarkable and worthy of support.
|
| J.J. |
Fever by Bill Pronzini |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Mystery Writers of America's newest-named Grand Master demonstrates here why he is so deserving of the award. Pronzini's "Nameless" detective --- the protagonist of the longest running PI series in the U.S. --- continues to provide top-notch character development, dark and moody environments, and just good, plain, storytelling. The stories and characters have kept up with the times, and evolved as readers' tastes have evolved. An excellent read.
|
| Ozarks Anne |
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Don't miss this book. The main character --- and, in my judgement, the hero --- is Enzo the dog. You will feel like you're actually living the story. Yes, there are some very heart-wrenching, parts but believe me, this is a winner. I've recommended it to all my friends. Enjoy!
|
| Ozarks Reader |
Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I've read several books about World War II, including EXODUS and other novels of that sort, but SKELETONS AT THE FEAST --- though I'm sure is not as horrible as the real events --- was just more than I could take. The minds who thought up and then carried through the cruelty and executions of the Jews must have been truly the worst. I couldn't read on, so I only got through less than half of the book. It's just too gruesome.
|
| Janet |
The Secret Bride in the Court of Henry VIII by Diane Haeger |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Great interpretation of the life and loves of Mary, Henry VIII's sister. I can't seem to get enough of books about this era and Haeger's work is snappy and well researched.
|
| Fran |
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling |
Rating: 5 Stars |
As with all the books in this series, I loved every page of this book. I will miss Harry, Ron, Hermoine and all the characters of this magical story. My only regret is that there will be no further books.
|
| Renee |
Queen's Confession by Victoria Holt |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Holt has such a grasp of history, and is a great story teller. QUEEN'S CONFESSION is a classic book that bring Marie Antoinette to life.
|
| Mo (maestraw@msn.com) |
Hold Tight by Harlan Coben |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Coben's stand-alone titkes have never disappointed, and this one is no different. Enter the world of computer-genius teens and their harrowing experiences. It is eye opening because all the technological advances mentioned exist.
|
| Mo (maestraw@msn.com) |
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Enzo, the narrator of this wonderful book, is a dog at the end of his days. He remembers the time spent with his people and his hopes to come back to earth as a human. It is funny, and sweet, and sad. A must read!
|
| Mo (maestraw@msn.com) |
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A memoir of Gilbert's post-divorce experiences in Italy, India, and Indonesia. It's a little self-serving, but it is supposed to be all about her.
|
| CC |
The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I couldn't put this book down --- the ultimate beach read. The characters were interesting and the author did a good job of capturing the flavor of the '70s. Fun read.
|
| ck |
Catching Genius by Kristy Kieman |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Two sisters were "best friends" until Daddy found Estella has a genius "eyeque". He hoped Estella would be a math prodigy, and arranged for special tutoring and early admission to college. The two girls saw little of each other for the next few years. Connie married, had two sons and seemed to have an ideal life. Then, a music teacher reported that eight-year-old Carson is composing musical scores, but Connie didn't want her son to be singled out as "special". The sisters meet at a beach house to clear out family heirlooms and deal with their estranged relationship. There are many issues for readers to consider and to discuss with a book club.
|
| Readingrat |
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I've been hearing wonderful things about this series, and this book (the only one I've read in this series so far) definitely lives up to all the hype.
|
| Pattie Berryhill (pattiberr@aol.com) |
Charley's Web by Joy Fielding |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is about a successful columnist for a newspaper who is asked to write a biography of a mother in prison for murdering her children.
|
| Mo (maestraw@msn.com) |
Click by Eoin Colfer, et al |
Rating: 1 Stars |
The premise is good --- several authors writing a YA book, each selecting a chapter. However, it just does not seem to work.
|
| Barb Broberg (barbbroberg@hotmail.com) |
Big City, Bad Blood by Sean Chercover |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A very real story with very real people, set in Chicago in the bad days. It makes you wonder if there are still bad days. It's one of the best stories I have read this year.
|
| Jennifer Baker |
2060: The Newton Prophecies by Keith Katsikas |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I was also lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC of this book. I think it's due to be released at the end of the year. This was a very fast-paced read reminiscent of Dan Brown. So, if you liked THE DA VINCI CODE, I recommend this book.
|
| Laura |
The Writing Class by Jincy Willett |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Amy Gallup published her books at a young age, then hit a writers block. Today, she makes her living by editing online and teaching a writing fiction extension class at a university. This semester's class gets off to a good start, but then someone starts to play vicious pranks on the class members. Of course, these pranks escalate and Amy has to figure out who is the culprit.
|
| Wendy |
The First Patient by Michael Palmer |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A great medical thriller. This book is full of surprises and captures the intense atmosphere of the White House.
|
| Gina A |
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Stephanie Plum is at it again! While this was not one of my favorite Plum books, there were many laughs with favorite characters. Evanovich is very skilled at bringing you right back into everyone's life as if you were part of the Burg, and no time at all had past since you last visited.
|
| Pamela Priebe |
A Circle of Souls by Preetham Graham |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This book made me think about how my actions affect others. Is it destiny that made me go to a certain place or think I have met someone before? Will I be there at the right time to help someome? Are my dreams just really dreams? You never know!
|
| Kathy C |
Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts |
Rating: 4 Stars |
An overview on the women who helped found our country, Cokie Roberts looks at not just the best-known women like Abigail Adams and Martha Washington, but also Eliza Pinkney and Betsy Hamilton. She gives voice to the women both behind and in front of the men who formed our nation. It is both a great history lesson and a delightful read.
|
| Julie |
Dyer Consequences by Maggie Sefton |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Not the best in this series involving the Lambspun yarn shop, but Kelly and her friends deliver an ok mystery involving town vandals and a local alpaca ranch.
|
| Connie Welch |
Sail by James Patterson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Pure entertainment. You cannot put this one down, for you need to know what happens to this family, who takes the sailboat trip of a lifetime. A surgeon mother and her 3 children set off to heal with a long sailing trip --- with their brother-in-law and uncle as the captain. This story has more twists than a tornado. A great summer read.
|
| Julie |
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini |
Rating: 3 Stars |
Obviously, many people have already heard of this book, but I was just a bit behind in finally reading it. It was a strong novel, really pertaining to the lives of women in Afghanistan during the past 30 or so years. There are small, brilliant bits of which to be thankful, but many scenes of brutality as well.
|
| Barb Broberg (barbbroberg@hotmail.com) |
Phantom Prey by John Sanford |
Rating: 5 Stars |
As usual, Sanford grabs you on the first page and doesn't let go until the end. I had not thought much about the Goths before, but now I am going to research it just for the hell of it.
Also, Lucas's obnoxious wife Weather has taken a minor role in this book.
|
| Bea Carroll |
Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book is for anyone who wants to find out what it's like to be a woman in a devoutly Muslim culture, or for anyone who wants to read about a true heroine.
|
| Julie |
Death by Bikini by Linda Gerber |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Great, quick mystery! It's meant for teens, but I picked it up because of the great title and it was perfect for a day in the sun. It's going to be a series, so the action will continue.
|
| Jennifer Baker |
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC for this book. It wasn't at all what I expected. I thought it was a good read with an unexpected twist at the end. I like books that keep you guessing.
|
| Karen Barash |
the Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is an new author for me and I really enjoyed her writing. I couldn't put this book down.
|
| Jaye |
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 5 Stars |
As usual, Evanovich pulls off the ideal combination of quirky characters and a real true plot line. The result, again as usual, is a book that's enjoyable on so many levels!
A bonus is the introduction of so many new and interesting (or appalling) characters --- you will love this book!
|
| Julie |
The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Weiner was a correspondent for NPR, who visited many dark/sad places for his stories. He wonders what it would be like to discover some of the happiest, and this lovely little piece of non-fiction ensues. I really enjoyed his interactions with various local people at the different sites.
|
| Linda |
Song Yet Sung by James McBride |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A great historical fiction book that looks at slavery from the slaves' point of view.
|
| Marleen Davis |
Bleeding Kansas by Sara Paretsky |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a real departure from Sara's usual genre. It's a story about farmers and loss and religion that overtakes sensibility. It is beautifully written and rich in content. It's about family and love and much loss.
|
| Reva Wamsley (prwamsley@roadrunner.com) |
Fire Storm by Iris Johansen |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a very good book about a woman who has developed psychic abilities about fires after her mother was killed in one and she spent a couple of years in a coma. She uses those abilities to catch an arsonist. I enjoyed it very much.
|
| Aaron |
Faith of My Fathers by John McCain and Mark Salter |
Rating: 4 Stars |
It is impressive to see not only Senator McCain's own trials and triumphs --- both as a POW in Vietnam and in the Naval Academy as well --- but also those of his namesakes, his grandfather and father, both of whom served as Admirals in the Navy and whose experiences in the service of their country are described as well.
The lives of all three men epitomize honor and sacrifice for their country, and admiration for them after reading the biography of Senator McCain's family is unavoidable.
|
| Linda K. Jitmoud |
The Road by Cormac McCarthy |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This was an engaging and disturbing story. The bond between the father and the son drew me in completely, even more than his description of the devastation. I was also impressed with the challenge of ingenuity and the statement about what really is important.
|
| Douglas R. Cobb (bibliophile1@att.net) |
Straits of Fortune by Anthony Gagliano |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Count yourselves among the fortunate if you're a lover of mysteries and you get the chance to read the thrilling, gritty debut thriller by Anthony Gagliano, STRAITS OF FORTUNE. It will captivate you with its suspenseful page-turning action and will leave you wanting to check out more from Gagliano in the future. He demonstrates a deft handling of characterization and skillful writing that you'd expect from the likes of a Ross MacDonald or Dashiell Hammett. Yes, that's high praise for any author, but Gagliano delivers the goods. His hero, the personal trainer Jack Vaughn, is a likable character that hopefully we'll see in sequels to this in the coming years.
Jack Vaughn was a New York City cop, but after a tragic shooting accident during which he and a fellow cop exchanged fire and the other cop was killed, he relocated to start life over again in sunny Miami, Florida. As a personal trainer, he's met all types of people, one of whom is Vivian, the gorgeous but somewhat wild and uninhibited daughter of the millionaire businessman, Colonel Andrew Patterson. Though Jack has not seen Vivian for a while and has moved on, he gets offered a strange job out of the blue from the Colonel.
All he has to do is sink a boat --- a very expensive one. This yacht has a dead body on it that the Colonel says is "a cheap pornographer," Randy Matson, who made a dirty movie of himself and another man having sex with Vivian, and who tried to blackmail the family. Patterson tells Jack he has the film if Jack would like to see it, and that Vivian shot Matson to death aboard the yacht. He'll give Vaughn $100,000 if Jack agrees to sink the boat, $50,000 up front and the balance when the job is done.
STRAIGHTS OF FORTUNE is a great debut novel from Anthony Gagliano you're sure to love. Jack Vaughn, trapped by circumstances and the undeniable attraction of making $100,000, finds himself locked up at Krome, the detention center where the Coast Guard puts people who they catch trying to enter the country illegally or smuggle illegal drugs --- or people --- into the United States. They accuse Jack of smuggling people into Florida from Cuba, though they have no actual proof of his doing this, and try to hold him there until he has a trial. Jack, though, has other things on his mind --- like getting revenge on Williams, who shoots at him from a speedboat after Vaughn sinks the yacht --- learning more about the Colonel's involvement, and that of Vivian and her brother, Nick; and, of course, collecting the remaining $50,000.
If you're looking for gritty, escapist, fast-paced action with an appealing hero, you can't go wrong in picking up STRAITS OF FORTUNE and checking it out. It's an enjoyable read for the beach or anywhere, and is a book that should earn Anthony Gagliano many fans.
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| Lori Schultz |
Haunted by Tamara Thorne |
Rating: 4 Stars |
An excellent haunted house story with ghosts, possessions, a haunted mansion on the wild California coast, a haunted lighthouse, believers and skeptics who are definitely turned into believers! This is the first book I have read of Thorne's but it won't be my last. This one hooked me from beginning to end.
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| Kathie (khackney@triad.rr.com) |
Audition by Barbara Walters |
Rating: 5 Stars |
My daughter called on Mother's Day and said her sons got her this book as a gift. I told her I really wanted to read it, and within a week she had a copy delivered to my door from Amazon (we live 3,000 miles from each other). I adore this book. I have always loved Barbara, but this books allows us to know who Barbara is and where she came from and how she became so successful (not the easy way). I couldn't put this book down once I started reading it. There were nights I took it to bed with me and unfortunately when the book hit me in the face (it's a large hardback book) I knew it was time to turn off the lights. Barbara is an exceptional writer. If you haven't read this, it is a must!
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| Coral Harrison |
March by Geraldine Brooks |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Brooks writes this book about Mr. March, the father in LITTLE WOMEN. We read this for our book club and decided it was a good book for book club discussions. It told of his time during the Civil War and some about his family.
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| Coral Harrison |
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I have read this book several times, but had to read it again after our Book Club read MARCH by Geraldine Brooks. I find that Brooks did follow the original book more than I thought, but I like LITTLE WOMEN much better than her book. It is good to read both.
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| Ginger |
The Angel by Carla Neggers |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I am really enjoying this great mystery/suspense novel. This is the first book I've read by Carla Neggers and I will definitely be reading more of her books.
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| Anne Clair |
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This Russian-based suspense novel grabbed my attention on the first page, and 250 pages later, I still don't want to put it down.
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| Lisa |
Don't I Know You? by Karen Shepard |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Keeps you enthralled from the first few pages, and stays with you long after that.
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| Lisa |
Blackout by Lisa Unger |
Rating: 3 Stars |
A very quick, tense read --- if you enjoy thrillers with lots of suspense and that feeling of dread that permeates a story, this is the one for you.
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| Jaye |
The Beach House by Jane Green |
Rating: 4 Stars |
We've read versions of this before. Nan, an aging, beautiful but financially strapped heroine, opens a guest house on Nantucket. All story lines proceed from that point --- but how incredibly rich the story lines are. You won't be able to put this down and I'm not going to tell you how everything works out!
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| Mary Branham (maryandlennybranham@yahoo.com) |
Trust Me by Brenda Novak |
Rating: 4 Stars |
A man is accused of raping a woman and is sent to jail. Instead of a 10-year sentence, he is out a lot sooner and still intent on getting to her again. No one in his family thinks he is guilty, but he is acting stranger and stranger and now even his wife is suspicious. TRUST ME is the first of a trilogy. I read everything Brenda Novak writes.
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| Elizabeth V |
The Moscow Club by Joseph Finder |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Finder's books about corporate life are just OK, in my opinion. But, this is not one of those. This book is set in both the US and Russia and is full of twists and turns.
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| Elizabeth V |
The Innocent Man by John Grisham |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is Grisham's only nonfiction book, and is far superior to his fiction. It'll make you angry about the legal system in this town.
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| Kim Welbourn |
Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Very touching story of a Chinese girl who is virtually disowned by her family and the struggles she had to become a woman. It's very gripping and full of tender moments.
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| Marsha |
Separtion of Power by Vince Flynn |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Mitch Rapp has another important assignment while Irene Kennedy is the target of an inside plot to destroy her and her appointment as CIA director. This is high-velocity, with a bit of romance and a secret mission inside Baghdad. It was written in 2001 before the fall of Saddam Hussein and his son, Uday, but it is still relevant and fascinating.
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| LMN |
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A great book; it's very descriptive and you just know something strange is coming up, but can't figure it out ahead of time.
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| Elizabeth V |
No Second Chance by Harlan Coben |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Although all of Coben's books are impossible to put down, this is the one I read first, and it's the one that hooked me. I've since read every book he's written. He'll hook you from the first page.
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| Marion Miller (lamamil@aol.com) |
The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton |
Rating: 4 Stars |
This is a delightful story of friends and the meaning of friendships that every woman can relate to. A definite page turner.
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| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
The Quickie by James Patterson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Patterson suck you into the story immediately, and before you realize it, the book has ended. The title is only a little of the story of a woman and the lies she weaves defending her husband. As always, Patterson's story has many twists that make the journey an adventure.
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| cn |
sTori Telling by Tori Spelling |
Rating: 2 Stars |
Please excuse my laptop but it just submits itself.
This book is supposed to be Tori Spelling's memoir, telling all about her family and diSPELLING rumors, but what I've read so far makes her sound like a little rich girl wanting to "fit in." There's a lot of name dropping, and "oh so sad" about that.
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| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
Audition by Barbara Walters |
Rating: 4 Stars |
More interesting than I expected.
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| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
Mirror, Mirror by Gregory Maguire |
Rating: 3 Stars |
The author of WICKED takes a different look at Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. If you like Maguire, you will not be disappointed.
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| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
The Best American Short Stories of the Century by John Updike ed. |
Rating: 3 Stars |
My library reading group chose this one. It is different reading short stories, compared to reading a full-length novel. This gave me the opportunity to read authors I had not previously read. Evidently, it's harder to impress me with short stories than it is with a full book.
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| Christy |
Sail by James Patterson |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I like the Alex Cross and the Women's Murder Club mysteries way better. But it's a fast read, and even though its predictable, you still keep on going.
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| Christy |
The Front by Patrcia Cornwell |
Rating: 1 Stars |
I miss Kay Scarpetta. I had to read the first chapter twice, and still couldn't get into it. What is happening to her writing?
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| Julie |
Killing Bridezilla by Laura Levine |
Rating: 3 Stars |
I've enjoyed Levine's Jaine Austen Mysteries series and always welcome another good story as an addition to her list of tales.
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| Vickie (bdrace@msn.com) |
Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This was such a fun read. I really enjoyed this book, which I think is her best of the Blossom Street series. It makes you stop and think about your own 20 wishes. Absolutely enjoyable.
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| Pam (PDKC123@aol.com) |
The Last Juror by John Grisham |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I am a big Grisham fan, and I don't know how I missed this book when it first came out! It has all the elements of a great read: thrills, twists and turns, lovable characters, courtroom drama (of course), and tons of laugh-out-loud humor to boot. This is one of those books that in years to come, I will pick up and read again. I'm from the south, and I can totally relate to the small-town atmosphere described. In fact, my husband and adult son left this afternoon on a driving trip and I got them a copy of the book on tape for them to listen to on their way. Read it. You'll love it!
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| Elizabeth V |
Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A serial killer is on the loose in 1950s Soviet Union. But officially, that is not possible because there is no crime in this "ideal" society, where there is no poverty or inequality and, therefore, no crime. So whoever investigates the crime is an enemy of the State. It's a not-put-downable book!
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| A. J. Burch (gritsrus@hotmail.com) |
S is for Silence by Sue Grafton |
Rating: 5 Stars |
I am now up to the "S" in this series and loving every minute of it! I love these particular books by Sue Grafton! What an author --- I only hope that I can be anywhere near that good some day! I would recommend anything she writes very highly.
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| Vickie |
A Walk in The Woods by Bill Bryson |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The first half of this book is so funny. I LOLed a lot. The second half was a little dry, with lots of info about the Appalachian trail and the area he hikes through. I found some of the info interesting, but he second half was not as funny as the beginning.
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| Beverly |
Orange Mint and Honey by Carleen Brice |
Rating: 5 Stars |
The title caught my attention as I am a lover of teas but the writing kept me reading. It is always wonderful to "discover" a new writer.
This story of a not-so-perfect relationship between parent and child will have you laughing and crying at the honesty and beauty of the writing. Memorable characters will have you talking to them as you read.
I recommend this for anyone who has been a parent or a child.
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| Shirley Akins |
Collateral Damage by Fern Michaels |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Another great read about the "Sisterhood"! I don't know how this author keeps coming up with plots for these "Sisters". Always suspenseful and exciting.
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| D. Lohrding |
Promise Me by Harlan Coben |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Harlan does a great job building his characters, you can't help but be pulled into them. This is a story about not repeating his egoic actions from the past that resulted badly.
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| Stacia Helpman (freddie7713@hotmail.com) |
Touch of Twilight by Vikki Pettersson |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This is the third book in a paranormal/superhero series, and each one just gets better and better. There are so many twists and turns and unexpected surprises in these books that each one is harder to put down than the last.
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| Cindy (cvkirk123@hotmail.com) |
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Wish I could give this book more stars, it's one of the best I have read in a long time. The way the book starts out will confuse you as to what it's about, but keep reading and you'll discover a beautiful story of love, friendship, and devotion. Once I got into the story, I couldn't put it down.
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| Bridget |
A Fatal Waltz by Tasha Alexander |
Rating: 3 Stars |
This third book in the Lady Emily series takes place mostly outside London. It starts at a country-house shooting party and eventually moves to post Mayerling, Vienna. I was a little disappointed as I eagerly looked forward to the next of lady Emily's adventures. This book was a little too dark, but without the depth necessary to pull it off.
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| Ivy (ipittman26@yahoo.com) |
A Father's Law by Richard Wright |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A moving and insightful story about a father, his relationship with his son and his commitment to the law. I just wish this story were longer.
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| Joan |
The Beach House by Jane Green |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Sixty-five-year old Nan is known around Nantucket as an eccentric woman, but she doesn't care what other people think; she is past that stage of her life. She lives alone in her big house on the bluff, but after being widowed for twenty-five years, her money is running low. She comes up with the idea of renting rooms out to tourists, and once again, her home is filled with conversation, laughter, and tears. The people who occupy the rooms become family and their lives are woven together --- even her son Michael comes home for the summer. A surprise visit sets everyone reeling and Nan's life is about to change. A great read.
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| Fran Grimm |
The Broken Window by Jeffery Deaver |
Rating: 5 Stars |
As usual, another great novel from Jeffery Deaver. Once I start one of his books, I don't want to put it down. The only problem with this is knowing how much personal information can be gathered about all of us on the internet. Scary!
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| aklady |
A Kiss Before the Apocalypse by Thomas E. Sniegoski |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This book has everything a girl could want for some light summer reading --- an angel/detective/husband/dog lover trying to save the world from the impending apocalypse! Not your cup of tea? Well, think again, intrepid readers.
This little book (290 pages) is not just a mystery, but also a unique study of the human experience and a magnificent love story. Certainly, averting the end of the world is a weighty subject, but Sniegoski masterfully imbues his book with exceptionally colorful characters, including fallen angels, an immortal from the Bible, and party-loving demons. This wonderfully inventive cast of characters keeps you amused, as well as prevents the book from being bogged down in the doom and gloom of a world perched at the edge of the ultimate destruction.
As interesting as the story of averting the apocalypse is, the back story of the love between the main character and his wife is what stays with you in the end. Sure, the break-neck speed of the story and the suspense keeps you turning the pages, but at the end of the day, when you put the book down for the final time, it is the last few pages that keep replaying in your mind.
This book is a rare gem.
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| Sabrina |
My Stroke of Insight : A Brain Scientist's Per by Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D |
Rating: 4 Stars |
The author is a brain scientist who has a massive stroke and then recovers to tell in almost minute-by-minute detail how her brain deteriorated. The book gives hope to anyone with mental disease. Her strength during the stroke --- but more importantly, during the recovery --- is amazing. If only all stroke victims had an advocate as smart and strong as Dr, Taylor's mother. Very well written and definitely worth the time.
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| Denise |
The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond |
Rating: 5 Stars |
This novel is so realistic that it makes you wonder if the author was the parent or family member of a missing child. A woman is walking along a foggy beach with her fiance's young daughter, glances away briefly, looks back, and the child is gone. The story details the frantic search for the child, the woman's unfailing belief that she is still alive and her attempts at memory recall of the fateful day. This novel is extremely well written, sensitive and profound.
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| Readingrat |
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray |
Rating: 5 Stars |
A wonderful Gothic-Victorian adventure fantasy with a touch of teen romance, headed up by a cast of strong female characters.
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| Dianne |
Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Even though FAHRENHEIT 451 was written as a futuristic novel in the early 50s, it is frighteningly reflective of today's society. As I observe people who talk and say nothing and survey the lack of human interaction due to "screens" and ear buds (iPods), I fear what we as literate people are becoming!
It is not the reduction of books to ashes that concerns me. It is the destruction of the "idea" of personal stories, and our apathetic attitude towards those of our society who are illiterate which grieves me. This is the urgent message gleaned from FAHRENHEIT 451.
As a teacher of reading, this book has validated my passion to create a burning desire within my students for story and to open their minds to life-changing reading experiences.
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| Readingrat |
The Spirit of the Place by Samuel Shem |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Orville Rose has spent his whole life running away from the people and places that make him feel uncomfortable. Now his mother is dead and as a condition of her will, she wants him to stay --- for a year and 13 days --- in his childhood home. THE SPIRIT OF THE PLACE follows Orville through the ups and downs of those 378 days as he tries to find a place for himself in the town where he grew up.
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| Gale in Houston |
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I love the Stephanie Plum series. Evanovich’s wreck of a bounty hunter heroine continues to stumble through life in the newest series entry, FEARLESS FOURTEEN. In addition to regulars Morelli, Ranger, Lula, Tank, Connie and the Plum family, Stephanie’s high school friend Mooner is back. New characters --- an aging country singer and her stalker, a teenage gamer guru and a monkey named Carl --- join the fun. It's part mystery, part romance. and and there's lots of laughs to keep readers coming back for more.
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| Gale in Houston |
Santa Fe Dead by Stuart Woods |
Rating: 2 Stars |
SANTA FE DEAD is an easy, quick read, but it’s not on par with earlier novels by Woods. This one follows attorney Ed Eagle and his machinations to avoid the death threat represented by his ex-wife, Barbara. At times predictable, the book is an okay diversion.
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| Gale in Houston |
Quicksand by Iris Johansen |
Rating: 3 Stars |
QUICKSAND is a somewhat weak entry in Johansen’s series about forensic sculptor Eve Duncan. Familiar characters are back and they move predictably through a plot we’ve seen before. There are a couple of newer characters that still keep the book interesting enough for a read.
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| Monica J. |
Bad Luck and Trouble by Lee Child |
Rating: 5 Stars |
As always in a Lee Child book, this is full of twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the end. It's action packed and thrilling.
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| Monica |
The Richest Season by Maryann Mcfadden |
Rating: 3 Stars |
The story begins with corporate wife, Joanna, faced with yet another move to a new city. In her 25 years married to Paul, she’s moved and started over more than a dozen times. Never able to have close friends or meaningful jobs, Joanna finally says no more, leaves her home and heads to a small island she fell in love with years before.
I found a lot of the story was disjointed and unbelievable. In the opening pages, her escape is made to seem like a spur-of-the-moment decisionon. One minute she’s out for a walk and the next, e she’s on her way to Pawley’s Island. As the story progresses, you learn there was more planning involved (she packed a box of mementos, she paid all the current bills, took $5,000 with her), but we find out these facts too late, which make them seem like they were added in when the story didn’t seem to flow correctly with what we knew so far.
Then you have Paul. At first he doesn’t really believe Joanna is gone, but when he finally faces the fact that she’s left, he seems unable to track her whereabouts until he gets his boss to trace a late-night hang up. It would have been as simple as looking into Joanna’s credit card charges to find out where she is.
The remainder of the book has similar incidents that just made the whole story frustrating and hard to believe. The ending was predictable, and I didn’t enjoy this read as much as I hoped to.
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| Denise |
Before the Storm by Diane Chamberlain |
Rating: 5 Stars |
It is obvious that this story was well researched in its details on its location and on the subject of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. BEFORE THE STORM is about an unlikely young hero and his family who love him, as well as those who doubt him. It is also a story of surprises and secrets. There is love and betrayal. There will be a sequel to this book.
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| Monica |
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Stein writes a heartfelt story from the point of view of the much-loved dog, Enzo. This page turner kept me reading all night to a joyful yet tearful end. Don't miss out on this one.
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| BSM |
Blood Trail by C. J. Box |
Rating: 4 Stars |
Box's Joe Pickett series has become one of the best in the mystery genre. BLOOD TRAIL is thrilling with twists and turns to keep you reading for hours. I was surprised at the identity of the killer as I kept thinking it may be one of three others. It's one of Box's best books.
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| Debbie |
Christine Falls by Benjamin Black |
Rating: 4 Stars |
I'm about halfway through this and it's very well written so far, so maybe I'll revise this to 5 stars later. This mystery is set in the early 1950s, and I can practically taste and smell all the whiskey and cigarettes.... Notwithstanding that, the characters are ones I can care about, and the mystery is made up of several tangled threads. Hopefully, they'll all come together in the end.
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| Kathy C |
Suite Francais by Irene Nemirovsky |
Rating: 5 Stars |
Three friends told me about this book --- 2 liked it and one did not. I *really* like it. The story of how the book came to be published is almost as intriguing as the book itself, which is actually two unfinished manuscripts in the one volume. I am almost finished with the first story, which follows a number of French people in the days leading up to the German occupation of Paris. Fascinating!
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| Dianne |
Blue by Joyce Moyer Hostetter |
Rating: 5 Stars |
BLUE is a wonderful story of friendship, growing up too fast because of necessity, and a close-up view of life in Hickory, North Carolina in the mid 1940s.
We meet the protagonist Emma Faye at the train depot in Hickory. Along with her family,she is telling her father farewell as he boards the train headed off to war. He bestows on her the role "head of household", as she is the eldest child. Emma Faye faces hard work, polio outbreak, guilt, and questions without answers. Her story will have you laughing one minute and crying the next.
BLUE is based on a real event --- "The Miracle of Hickory" --- in which a small rural community coNverted a town building into a polio hospital within 48 hours.
This is a well-researched story, beautifully written by a loving and compassionate lady.
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