This contest period's winners were Dorothy S., Shanna F. and Sue G., who each received a copy of THE CHILD by Fiona Barton and COCOA BEACH by Beatriz Williams.
Trezeline
Since We Fell by Dennis Lehane
Unexpected twist and turns. Unrealistic at times but it adds to the suspense. I enjoyed the read.
Ilene
Shadow Man by Alan Drew
Ben Wade is a police detective in Orange County and has recently relocated from Los Angeles to Santa Elena to get away from the violence. However, violence strikes Orange County. A serial killer is on the loose. Ben's life is complicated. He interacts mostly with Rachel his ex-wife, fourteen-year-old daughter Emma, and Natasha, the county coroner. Ben was a championship swimmer in high school and has been haunted by his special relationship with the swimming coach. Ben's pursuit of the serial killer and attempt to come to terms with his demons makes for a good read. A particular focus of his investigation is a current member of the swimming team, whose death is believed to be a suicide.
Beatrice
Wild Ginger by Anchee Min
Very interesting book about the life of a young girl who has problems growing up in China during Mao's regime. She becomes very involved the Cultural Revolution and becomes a Red Guard. This book was so suspenseful and heartbreaking, I couldn't stop reading it.
Shellymar
This One Summer by Mariko and Jillian Tamaki
This book was insanely awesome. From the unforgettable characters to the soft storyline, I loved it.
Jennifer
The Prey of Gods by Nicky Drayden
This is a really strange and original book. It takes place in South Africa in the not super distant future, and life has improved for everyone, including the poor, through the use of bots. Over the course of just a few days in this crazy, funny, and disturbing book, the bots gain sentience and rise up against their human masters, a demi-goddess plots the destruction of human society, and a new street drug awakens ancient god-like powers in normal human beings' DNA. This is a recipe for disaster, and it's up to a little girl, a queer teen, a pop star with a secret, a politician with a perhaps even bigger secret, and a robot to save the world. This book was totally original, and a very fast read.
Kay
Miss Julia Speaks her Mind by Ann B. Ross
A fun summer read that reflects on an era gone by.
Anne
The Time in Between by Maria Duenas
Captivating historical which is emotional, heartwrenching and memorable.
Susan
Leona: The Die is Cast by Jenny Rogneby
This book was like a roller coaster ride with more twists and turns that take your breath away. A 7-year-old girl, naked and bruised, walks into a bank with only a back pack and a tape recorder. Without saying a word she walks out with millions in money with no one trying to stop or talk her. Leona, a seasoned detective with Stockholm's Violent Crimes, is assigned to the investigation. Right away you discover Leona has many problems of her own. Just when you think you have her problems or the robbery figured out, something else happens. Warning: this is very Swedish Noir and contains many graphic scenes.
Dawn
The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
After reading THE LILAC GIRLS and ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE, I was somewhat disappointed in this book.
Myrna
A Bridge Across the Ocean by Susan Meissner
I expected this book to be only about war brides coming to America to join their husbands. Instead, I got a lot more, as it actually incorporates three subplots which eventually come together interestingly. Depending on your beliefs on a certain subject, you may have to suspend your disbelief to fully enjoy this novel. I did...and I did!
Carol
Testimony by Scott Turow
The storyline was well researched and quite frankly a bit scary that a situation like that probably has indeed happened. However, the details sort of dragged the book down for me.
Donna
Perfume River by Robert Olen Butler
This book was a little challenging for me to read until I got in the flow of the writing. This story of a dysfunctional family that eventually becomes estranged when the Vietnam War enters into their lives. Robert, the oldest son, attempting to win his fathers love, joins the military, BUT in a non-combative position. Jim, his brother, leaves the home and moves to Canada. Neither son pleases their father. A fine story of family, their memories and relationships.
Donna
The River at Night by Erica Ferencik
Wow...what a ride. Four friends enjoy taking an annual trip together. This trip was to be an adventure of a lifetime, totally different from anything they had ever done...a white water rafting trip in the wilds of Maine. I won't say anything further for fear of being a spoiler. This is a tense story and a difficult book to put down.
Diana
Once in a Blue Moon Lodge by Lorna Landvik
Having read a number of the authors previous books featuring Patty Jane and her family, I was looking forward to a fun book about family relationships, and I was not disappointed. The book follows four generations of women beginning in 1920 Norway until present day Minnesota stopping in different decades along the way. The book does not shy away from serious topics such as eating disorders but you know the family at the center of the story will handle whatever they have to deal with.
Donna
The Fact of a Body by Alexandria Mariano-Lesnevich
A murder story and a memoir are combined in this book. The author is a lawyer that becomes intrigued with the history and story of a young man who murders a 6-year-old boy. As a child, the author had been repeatedly molested by her grandfather and became the family secret. She is faced with the dilemma of whether she could rule against the death penalty of a child molester and murderer. Every story has a beginning and an ending...it's the middle that tells the story.
Donna
Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf
Addie and Louis live in the same neighborhood of a small town, but don't know each other well. They are both in their 70s and are quite lonely as they are widowed, and their children live out of the state. Addie approaches Louis with the idea that he come sleep with her nightly and to talk without any strings attached. He accepts the idea and they become good friends, telling their life stories and enjoying life. Their children do not approve and make demands.
Jackie
The Fix by David Baldacci
Another great novel by a terrific author. I love his characters and they way he tells a story.
Wendy
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Talyor Jenkins Reid
If you are a fan of Adriana Trigiani you will enjoy this book! A story of love, heartache and fame during the early days of Hollywood. It will keep you turning the pages.
Yvonne
The Chalk Pit by Elly Griffiths
I have been reading this series from the beginning and this one is back on track after a couple of less stellar entries. Ruth Galloway, the main character, is a forensic archaeologist, so the plots always involve discovery of bones, etc. Set in Norwich, England, there are many side stories involving ongoing relationships involving the main character, the police, the university, and some quirky citizens. It is a not too heavy a series (but not quite cozy) that is worth visiting every year.
Carol
In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume
Based upon the true circumstances of three air plane crashes in Elizabeth, New Jersey. A wonderful fictional retelling of the story and a city of characters.
Lori
All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood
The subject matter of this book was very difficult to take, but it was very well-written, and I was surprised by my feelings at the end of the book. It was particularly interesting after having just read HILLBILLY ELEGY. My book group discussed it and it was a great discussion. The book would not be for everyone.
Ivy
Easy Prey by John Sandford
A thrilling ride in and around Iowa as Davenport strategically traces a mother and son who plan to assassinate a Presidential candidate. Thrilling and realistic with just enough humor.
Nancy
Since We Fell by Dennis Lehane
A good psychological mystery that will keep you guessing. The lead character, Rachel, a disgraced former journalist, is basically a shut-in, until a chance encounter one day forces her to face the reality that her husband, her marriage and the life she is living may all be frauds. I enjoyed the book, but not as much as MYSTIC RIVER or SHUTTER ISLAND.
Marcia
The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish
Long and boring book. The story line and characters are okay, but it is way too long and drawn out. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
Sheldon
Come Sundown by Nora Roberts
Set at a ranch in western Montana, the Longbow family will win your heart in a novel that has all the elements of Edna Ferber's GIANT. With plot twists, mystery and suspense we follow a family whose loyalties are tested after the return years later of an 18-year-old family member. This page turner is a summer delight.
Monica
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
This is a well imagined and fully believable dystopian novel. The characters and events are revealed through different eyes and time periods. At the end, all of the events and characters connect beautifully. The author really has a way with words!
Terry
The Gypsy Moth Summer by Julia Fierro
Oh my gosh, this book is absolutely the best I've read this year. It's not just about interracial love or racism but also about heartache and strength and yes, even some bits about moths. Julia Fierro has given us a beautifully written book that resonates like music. Be sure to put this on your reading list.
Vivian
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Eric Larson
This was a fascinating book. We learned so much about the rise of the City of Chicago during the Worlds fair of 1893. As all these innovations and amazing buildings were being built, we learn of a charming serial killer that managed to operate unnoticed.
I could not give the book five stars because it really gave the reader to much information. As a result it slowed my reading down. To many names and to many details did not make this book an easy read. If you do happen to get to the end you have learned a great deal about architecture and innovations attributed to the fair.
Mindy
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
I loved this book. It gave a different perspective of World War II that I had never read before or ever really even thought about. Kristin Hannah wrote a beautiful story about two very strong sisters involved in the fight from two very different perspectives.
Katharine
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Excellent!
Cindy
The Children by Ann Leary
I love, love this book! Fascinating characters, family issues, a few surprises and funny situations, and a little sadness. After a somewhat slow start, the author's beautiful writing and sense of humor drew me in and held me captive to the very last page. Ann Leary is a new author for me and you bet I am now going to read THE GOOD HOUSE!
Allison
Dark Witch by Nora Roberts
Excellent story.
Mary
Millard Fillmore: Biography of a President by Robert Rayback
History professor Robert Rayback places Millard Fillmore in the historical context of the mid-nineteenth century. Fillmore was a surprise choice for vice president under Zachary Taylor. When Taylor unexpectedly died, Fillmore rose to the highest office in the land, though he was woefully unprepared. Fillmore was a Whig, who supported the Compromise of 1850. Although he didn't want slavery to spread, he also tried to prevent war.
Francisca E B
Irish Girls About Town by Maeve Binchy, Marian Keyes, Cathy Kelly
3.5*** This is a collection of short stories written by Irish female authors. While the stories vary considerably, they are all about love in its many disguises. A few of the stories feature more mature women, but most deal with younger women and the men they love, or hope to love, or love to hate. On the whole, it’s an enjoyable collection.
Lori
The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff
I really enjoyed this different take on a World War II story. I love reading a book where I can learn something that I never knew about. Everyone in my book club enjoyed it as well.
Linda
The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck
Interesting, good plot and nicely interwoven history - but the flashbacks hither, thither and yon were a little disorienting. Older book club members in our group may not follow it.
Trude
UNSUB by Meg Gardiner
I'm a huge fan of Meg Gardiner so I was excited to win an ARC of her latest book. This is one of the best crime fiction books I've read in a long time! The story grabbed me on page one and didn't let go. The Prophet is a serial killer that's been quiet for over 20 years...but now he's back and it's up to Caitlin to stop him. Caitlin's father was the detective hunting The Prophet before and the case nearly destroyed him...will Caitlin survive? This is the first of a new series by Ms. Gardiner and I can't wait for the next book.
Donna
The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans
Loved this book. Learned about orphanages in Peru. Fascinating story. Well worth your time to read it.
Victoria
Without Warning by Joel C. Rosenberg
So very timely and relevant..very scary considering our current state of geo-political affairs.
Beth
The Best Short Stories of 2011 by Gwendolyn Brooks
Always enjoy the yearly collection of short stories and this was no exception.
Karen
The Girls of Atomic City: The Untold Story of the Women Who Helped Win WWII by Denise Kiernan
Extremely interesting!
Judith
Chimera (A Kate Redman Mystery) by Celina Grace
A great mystery series. Detective Sergeant Kate Redman is not-so-lucky-in-love, but her investigating instincts are much more finely attuned. When a junkie, a middle-aged man and an aging media persona all end up dead from drugs, Kate starts to put the pieces together. If only she can find the common cause.
Judith
The Girl Who Wrote in Silk by Kelli Estes
When Inara returns to her family estate on an island near Seattle, she expects to clean it up and sell it so that she can get started at her new job and fulfill her father's wishes for her successful career. Then the memories of her happy childhood with her great aunt at this home come flooding back, and the pull of the island becomes stronger. When she finds an old piece of heavily-embroidered silk, she is curious enough to contact an expert in the area and suddenly there is a mystery to be solved. The late 1800s was a difficult time for Chinese workers in the Pacific NW who were cruelly treated and often driven from their homes.
Marilyn
A Train in Winter: An Extraordinary Story of Women, Friendship and Resistance in Occupied France by Caroline Moorehead
Although painful to read because of the cruelty one group of humanity imposed on another, the book is compelling. It is an account of the lives of women separated from their homes and families and imprisoned outside of Paris during WWII. The book is based on interviews with the survivors and their family members.
Judy
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
I read Kristin Hannah's THE NIGHTINGALE -- awesome historical fiction, so I decided to read some of her earlier novels. I have finished FIREFLY LANE, the story of Tully and Kate, which was totally different but an excellent story of friendship -- both heartwarming and heartbreaking! Since I graduated in the 70s, I loved all the references to music and hairstyles from the '70s and '80s. I am now reading FLY AWAY which is a continuation of the story in 2010.
Susan
Inheriting Edith by Zoe Fishman
Maggie inherits a house on Sag Harbor from her friend Liza, but it comes with taking care of her elderly mother, Edith, who has early onset Alzheimer. They help each other with their problems.
Lynn
The Chilbury Ladies' Choir by Jennifer Ryan
A fascinating view of England during the early days of World War II.
Janice
Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig
Ginny Moon is a child who has been abused throughout her young life by her mother and various boyfriends of her mother. After several placements in foster care she is adopted when she is a teenager by loving parents. Ginny keeps talking about her "baby doll" who everyone thinks is only a delusion. She wants to find her baby doll and rescue her from her abusive mother. Ginny's new parents soon find themselves with their natural baby and fear that Ginny will harm the new baby. Ginny is autistic and very child-like. This is a fantastic book written from Ginny's perspective. This is the best book of the year for me so far!
Becky
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
A beautifully written and very disturbing story about the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, the woman who ran it, and the children and families who were affected. Rill, a 12-year-old “river rat” and her brothers and sisters are forcibly removed from their home when their parents are away. They fall into the hands of Georgia Tann (a real person) and TCHS (a real facility). The characters, both real and imaginary, have clear personalities. The action is real and terrifying. The time and place are vividly shown. If you have children, or work with them, or just know a few, this tale of real events in the not distant past is horrifying. Book groups will have a field day with discussions of family and love.
Becky
The Color of Our Sky by Amita Trasi
A bit slow to start but the plot picks up around 100 pages in and then moves quickly. In the 1980s in India, a young rural girl with a devastating background is rescued by a businessman from Mumbai. She becomes an unpaid servant in his family and best friend to his daughter, who is about the same age. Mukta lives with the family until shortly after the mother in the family dies. Mukta is kidnapped and cannot be found. Years later, the daughter begins a search for her long lost friend and servant.
The characters seem to change quite a bit with time; the daughter especially wavers in characterization. The very slow start makes this novel difficult to stick with, but the last half of the book presents a mystery.
Kathleen
The Vanishing Year by Kate Moretti
This book is really a three-star rating for me but because it is so well-written I bumped it up to four.
Although engaging, THE VANISHING YEAR was not really the psychological thriller that I was expecting. The book just took too long to crest or get to the thriller part and then is was cramped all together in approximately 30 pages.
I would certainly read Moretti again. Her style and usage of the English language is wonderful.
Lorraine
The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett
Extremely well-written.
Suzy
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
It's been months since I've stayed up for hours reading a good book and FINALLY it happened! While you may think the focus of this book is Evelyn's husbands, it's really Evelyn herself. A history of Hollywood from the '50s through the next few decades, yes, the story of an actress who marries seven times for quite different reasons. It's also about friendship, motherhood, acting, romance, marriage, and I cried at the end.
The author has a wonderful gift for dialogue between Evelyn and the journalist she has selected to write about her. Connections and lines between us are explored in creative ways and, although I sensed a bit of the direction, I didn't figure it out!
I loved this book!
Lynn W
Camino Island by John Grisham
I've heard some Grisham fans complaining about this book, but I liked it. Reminded me of THE RACKETEER -- maybe not as twisty and intense, but still a fun read.
Jud
The Coroner's Lunch by Colin Cotterill
THE CORONER'S LUNCH by Colin Cotterill introduces the reader to Dr. Siri Paiboun, a Laotian medical doctor in the days of the Communist takeover of Laos. Cotterill has created a character who lives mostly by his wits and manages to see humor in everyday life, a skill that one needs under a Communist Regime. The supporting cast is an excellent fit for this humor-wielding doctor. If you enjoy mysteries that fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum in terms of seriousness, then this series is worth a look. I would give this book 4/5 stars.
Jud
Blood Truth by Matt Coyle
BLOOD TRUTH by Matt Coyle is the fourth entry in the Rick Cahill series. Set in La Jolla, CA, this series features a mid-weight sleuth relative to others in this genre. Coyle has created a cast of interesting characters who engage readers and leave them wanting more. If you are looking for a mystery series that is somewhere between the hard-core plots of Michael Connelly’s "Harry Bosch" and the mystery-solving cat of Lillian Braun, then I would recommend the Rick Cahill mysteries. I would give this book 4/5 stars.
**An electronic copy of this book was the only consideration received in exchange for this review.**
Kathy
The Rent Collector by Camron Wright
This is a wonderful book! The story of one woman's journey to save her infant son and find a cure for his illness. It takes place in the largest garbage dump in Cambodia, called 'Stung Meanchey,' where the poor make their living scavenging recyclables from the trash. You will smile, you will cry, you will rejoice at her accomplishment and the tenacity of this mother and her journey. I highly recommend this book.
Donna
The German Girl by Armando Lucas Correa
Gives a light on a sorrowful piece of history. Very Powerful.
Donna
The Idea of You by Robinne Lee
A beautifully written love story that features a newly divorced woman falling in love with a younger man, and the implication his fame has on their relationship. Well-written, engaging and heartbreaking.
Jennifer
The Book of Summer by Michelle Gable
I really enjoyed this book and the back and forth between present day and 1941. It had just enough drama and romance.
Theresa
Only in Naples: Lessons in Food and Famiglia from my Italian Mother-in-Law by Katherine Wilson
I'll be traveling to Naples soon. I read this book because I wanted to get the "flavor" of this city, which I have not visited before. The story was fast paced, entertaining and fun! You'll be planning a visit to Naples by the time you finish reading the book...
Julie
The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley by Hannah Tinti
Weaving back and forth between past and present, this novel is a dark coming-of-age story about an eccentric young girl who discovers more details about her dead mother and also about her criminal father.
Jane
Kiss Carlo by Adriana Trigiani
Another wonderful book from my favorite author. Don't miss this one.
Cindee
The Gates of Evangeline by Hester Young
I thought it started a bit slowly, but it picked up quickly. I enjoyed the cast of characters and am reserving the next book in the series.
Elizabeth
I Found You by Lisa Jewell
If you haven't read a book by Lisa Jewell yet, I FOUND YOU is a safe bet to start with. This book was my introduction to Jewell, and believe it, you won't be able to put it down.
The story begins when Allison notices a man sitting on the beach in the rain. She befriends him. He has lost his memory so does not know who he is or where he comes from. Her child has dubbed him "Frank."
Then other chapters tell the story of a young woman, Lily, who has married an older man who has suddenly gone missing.With his friend, Lily searches for him.
And so it continues from different viewpoints. But we also see what happened in 1993. So now we wonder: who is this man who has lost his memory?
Judy O.
Two Good Dogs by Susan Wilson
This story takes place in the Berkshire Hills at a rather run-down hotel called LakeView. Skye Mitchell is a single mother and the owner of the hotel, and Cody is her teenage daughter. Two formerly mistreated dogs end up at the hotel with a mix of people which includes two new friends, Adam and Mingo. This is a heart-warming story whether you love dogs or just like them.
Kathy
The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett
Old fashioned gangsters and speakeasys, dirty cops and New York society combine to give much flavor to this detective novel.
Bonnie
Mischling by Affinity Konar
I wanted to love this book but I couldn't really get into it. The topic, Mengele's experimentation on twins at Auschwitz, should have been mesmerizing but it wasn't.
Bonnie
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
Interesting novel about women in the French resistance.
Bridget
Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen
Fanciful novel by a favorite author. A group of misfits come together and find solutions to their problems. Perfect book for summer vacation!
Bridget
Saints for all Occasions by J. Courtney Sullivan
Had two friends recommend this book to me and I am so glad they did! Irish Catholic family in Boston with secrets, trying their best to deal with life. So well written I felt as if I were part of the family!
Margaret
Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout
Because I liked MY NAME IS LUCY BARTON, I looked forward to reading this follow-up. It can be read as a stand-alone but having read Lucy helped me realize her connections with people from her small hometown in Illinois. This is a book of short stories about people tied in some way to Lucy who even makes an appearance in one of the stories, "Sister." We get to read what Lucy's childhood was like living in poverty with her siblings. Strout is an author who knows how to make her characters relate to their surroundings, circumstances and the people who connect with them. She makes them seem like real people who are having real problems and emotions.
Jayme
Dear County Agent Guy: Calf Pulling, Husband Training, and Other Curious Dispatches from a Midwestern Dairy Farmer by Jerry Nelson
I needed to read something warm and fuzzy after finishing several very intense contemporary fiction books and this little gem was just the ticket. It made me recall some wonderful memories I had forgotten when I spent the summers at my Uncle and Aunt's farm in western Minnesota when I was younger -- just charming and folksy.
Debbie
The Gold Coast by Nelson DeMille
A more pompous jerk such as John Sutter has not graced many books. John has all the pluses of life -- a wealthy wife, prestigious job, community status -- but that is not enough. John and his wife, having expended all their sexual fantasies, turn to the head of the Mafia, Frank Bellarosa, for more excitement. Nelson DeMille plants exotic sexual scenes throughout the novel that could have been omitted. The passion between Frank and Susan, explains Susan, is a meeting of the minds and not the bodies. Such extremes in one book. John becomes a raging lunatic who insults family and friends.The book runs on and on and gets nowhere with John's disillusionment with life and work. Maybe men enjoy this type of novel, I did not.
Donna
Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig
Donal is an 11-year-old boy being raised by his grandmother on a ranch in Montana. She needs surgery and sends Donal to Wisconsin by Greyhound bus to stay with her sister. Donal is traveling with $30, one extra shirt, a beat up suitcase, an autograph book, a lucky arrowhead and a creative imagination. He arrives in Wisconsin after a wide range of experiences on the bus and is met by Aunt Kate and Herman. The situation is not good and he is put on a bus back to Montana. Herman runs away from his home and the real adventure starts for the two of them.
Linda
Beartown by Frederick Backman
I felt obligated to read this book and to write a review because I was sent a free copy from bookreporter.com. Beartown is a hockey town and teenager Kevin is the best player on the team, and he and his teammates are headed for winning it all. But Kevin makes a wrong decision that impacts the team, the town and many others. It is a book about growing up, realizing what is important, friendships, and family. This book is weak in believable dialogues and character development. And the author likes to gather all the characters together and tell about each one in a paragraph thus making up a chapter. I found this style irritating and I was not attached to the story or the characters. I am surprised by the positive reviews for this book.
Rezina
The Story of Arthur Tuluv by Elizabeth Berg
It would be lovely if we could all have true love. Arthur has lunch with his wife everyday by her gravesite. He talks with her and listens to others who are there. Arthur doesn't realize he has lots to share with folks, he thought it was his wife that was the caring soul of the family. While at the cemetery, he comes in contact with a troubled teen. He also listens to his next door neighbor and they both receive encouragement from Arthur.
Joan
The Little French Bistro by Nina George
I loved THE LITTLE PARIS BOOKSHOP, and I was looking forward to Ms. George's next book. It did not disappoint! The cast of characters were quirky and the story engaging. I wanted to move to that small town in France!
Peggy
The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore
Very sad story of the women who worked in the radium factories and the horrible health issues they developed.
Kimiko
Capital Crimes by Jonathan Kellerman and Faye Kellerman
I enjoyed the way this married couple, both acclaimed writers, were able to interweave their passion for writing and their characters into one book. I especially enjoyed reading how Detective Will Barnes met Sgt. Margy Dunn (from Faye Kellerman's Peter Decker/Lazarus series).
Lynn W
At Home in the World: Reflections on Belonging While Wandering the Globe by Tsh Oxenreider
Loved this little book about a family of five (three children aged 4, 7 and 10) taking a BIG trip. They spend nine months circling the globe, leaving the Pacific Northwest, starting in China and ending in London.
Kim
Kiss Carlo by Adriana Trigiani
I really enjoyed this book! The cover is inviting and the story is well-written. A wonderful glimpse into life as an Italian-American in Philly in the post-WWII era. Once you pick it up, you are NOT going to want to put it down!
Susan
Secret Wisdom of the Earth by Christopher Scotton
I loved this book! The relationship between the grandfather and his grandson was so well written. It is a sad but moving book -- full of wisdom!
Dawn
The Infinite by Nicholas Mainieri
This was an interesting book. The story is about Jonah and Luz, two teenagers who live in New Orleans, post-Katrina, and make separate journeys to Mexico. Some of the scenes were very violent and graphic but I feel that the author did a great job with character development and describing the settings so that it felt like you were there actually seeing the scenery yourself. I would rate this three and a half stars if possible and would read another by this author!
Sandy
Sister by Rosamund Lupton
Several times I almost gave up on this one, but I just had to know who the killer was. The ending was very strange. When Beatrice gets a frantic call that her younger sister, Tess, is missing, she immediately boards the first flight home to London. Bee will risk everything to find out what really happened to her beloved younger sister. A suspenseful, thrilling story and a beautiful portrayal of the love between siblings with a knockout twist.
Tessa B C
Bookmarked For Death by Lorna Barrett
This is a typical cozy mystery scenario, with an amateur sleuth who cannot keep out of the investigation. The plot stretches credulity, but I like the many references to mystery authors sprinkled throughout.
Patti
A Place for Us by Harriet Evans
Martha decides to reveal a secret on her 80th birthday. Finding out what happens and how the secret affects her three adult children. The TRUTH comes out!
Brady
Big Agenda: President Trump's Plan to Save America by David Horowitz
WOW....what a book. If you are interested in our country and the original principles and how to keep them, you should read this book. It is an eye opener and a practical view on what we need to do to ensure our precepts of lawful borders etc. A great primer.
Linda
Nevertheless: A Memoir by Alec Baldwin
I was surprised by what a good writer Baldwin is. He comes off as literate, intelligent and self-critical. I remember watching him during his first acting job on the soap opera "The Doctors" and my husband and I have really enjoyed his portrayal of 45 on SNL this year. Baldwin shares his uncertain childhood: a family of eight supported by his dad's teaching salary, his mother's depression and reliance on "finagling" her kids' money in order to pay bills, and six kids in a two-bedroom home. Still, his love of old movies and actors (William Holden his favorite) comes from his father and accidentally led to the career which allowed us to know who he is.
Betty
The Necklace by Claire McMillan
This book was a really slow start but it was worth staying with it. The writing isn’t the best, but the story is really good. The chapters alternate between the 1920s and the present (2009). The story has adventure, a love triangle, family secrets and betrayal.
cj
Rise and Shine, Benedict Stone by Phaedra Patrick
Her second book and I loved both of them. A delightful, heartwarming read.
Jayme
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
This is truly a magnificent book. Captain Kidd takes on the task of returning to society and her family a ten-year-old girl who was captured by the Kiowa Indians when she was a small child. Not only is this a story of the girl's struggle to adapt, but it is an interesting look at the history of Texas after the Civil War as it is also adapting to political changes. Highly recommend.
Margaret
Everything We Lost by Valerie Geary
Billed as a psychological thriller but seemed more like a coming-of-age drama about paranoia and UFOs. It's told in alternating voices of 2 protagonists, Lucy and her older brother, Nola, who disappeared 10 yrs ago when they were teens. Nolan's voice is in flashbacks to 10 yrs ago & Lucy's is in both flashbacks & the present. She feels guilty because she can't remember what happened to her & Nolan on his last night due to her drinking too much alcohol. The novel is set in CA & there is a lot of info about researching UFOs from Nolan's view. He is so convinced there is life in outer space that he logs all of his imagined, mysterious & perhaps real sightings into a casebook. It's extremely repetitious. Book is too long. Unsatisfying ending.
Vivian
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
I had the opportunity to read this book when it was released in hardcover and again after the paperback release. Amazingly, it was just as good the second time around.
Heather
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
This was a quick, interesting read. I am amazed at the lack of caring about Henrietta from the medical community. Her cells have drastically improved medical science and our lives. She and her family were basically treated like animals. This is a wonderful book for a book club because there are so many ethical questions that come up. I highly recommend it. It's easy to read and hard to put down.
Sue Em
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Maybe it isn't great literature, but it is sure a great read. Why has Hollywood icon Evelyn Grant chosen Monique Grant to write her no holds barred biography? You'll care about that question, but be fascinated with Evelyn's story.
Rosemary
No Middle Name by Lee Child
Nice to get more background on Reacher.
Donna
It's Always the Husband by Michele Campbell
Three college roommates are a very unlikely match to be forever friends. Their friendship runs through the course of their lives, though very complicated. A tragic incident occurs during their freshman year and they decide to lie for each other and carry this secret. Years later, one of the women is found dead. Who was involved? An excellent, page-turning mystery.
Dorothy
Ties That Bound by Marie Jenkins Schwartz
Well-researched nonfiction book about Martha Washington, Patsy Jefferson and Dolly Madison, their lives and their relationships with their household slaves. Some information is not new but worth the read.
Jud
Strangers in their Own Land by Arlie Russell Hochschild
Outstanding book that takes the reader inside the Conservative side of American politics. Hochschild dives into the lives of Conservatives in the deep South, Southern Louisiana. They welcome her and explain how they think and feel when it comes to Government. I found the book oddly enlightening, although it also confirmed much of what I thought I knew about Conservatives.
Debbie
Lockdown by Laurie R. King
LOCKDOWN by Laurie R. King made me ecstatic that I am no longer a student, especially in middle school. Laurie R. King presents a cast of characters before jumping into the story, but I missed that list and made my own as I read tidbits of each character. I love this method of writing where each character speaks or is described, very like SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY or WINESBURG, OHIO. The tension builds as the students, teachers, principal, and speakers gather for Career Day at the school. The title of the book foreshadows the terrifying event, but still the reader plunges forward in an effort to find the culprit. Ms. King convincingly portrays each of the characters and builds of sense of understanding, but many ideas scatter to the wind.
Jud
Metzger's Dog by Thomas Perry
Mildly interesting but forgettable. I'm getting ready to review a more recent book of his -- hope it is better than this one.
Diane
Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood
Very compelling!
Jan
Appointment with Yesterday by Christopher Stratakis
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and accurate review. This gentle autobiography (listed as a novel but the author acknowledges the book is “to a large extent, based on my life story”) is about a young boy living on a small Greek island with his grandparents and extended family. His parents live in New York; they have gone there to get better jobs and earn more money to bring their son to live with them. He thinks of them sometimes but his extended family is so large that he is not unhappy. Before the parents can send for him, they have another child so he has a baby sister he does not know and, even worse, World War II occurs. The book has lessons for all of us.
Betty
The Breakdown by B. A. Paris
There are lots of suspenseful moments in the book. However, I did have it mostly figured out by 60 pages. But the writing was still good and kept me anxiously awaiting the reveal. The chapters are short so by the last several chapters I was telling myself, “I have time for one more chapter – just one more – just one more.” I don’t think it is as good as the first book but it was definitely worth reading. Suspenseful – Riveting – Can’t put down until the truth is revealed.
Tessa B C
Four to Score by Janet Evanovich
3.5 stars. The earlier books in the series are very entertaining. Stephanie Plum is a bit of a disaster, but I love Grandma Mazur! I re-read this one because it’s fast, enjoyable and fits a challenge.
Marilyn
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
This is the story of a man who owns a bookstore that is losing business and his most prized possession is stolen. All seems a disaster until a mysterious package arrives at his door. There is humor, romance and hints of suspicion. Our book club had great fun with the discussion.
Sandy
Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain
One of my favorite authors and she did not disappoint! Two girls' names are carved inside a closet - what could have happened there? Set in the rich and morally complex territory of the rural South in 1960, the plot of this novel entertained me from the first page. NECESSARY LIES tells the story of two young women, both haunted by a tragedy. Jane and Ivy are thrown together and must ask themselves: How can you know what you believe is right when everyone is telling you it is wrong? I loved it!!!
Lori
Get Well Soon by Marie-Sabine Roger
I loved this book. My only complaint is that I wish the book was longer. The characters are great; I always like reading about curmudgeons and the other characters are quirky. I think the author did a great job portraying the atmosphere of a hospital and how patients feel about their treatment by the staff. It was interesting to see how a near-death experience and long hospitalization forced Jean-Pierre to evaluate his life and relationships. I highly recommend this book.
Becky
Alfred & Agnes by Frieda Fritz Stiehl
What a wonderful book! The author has written a history of her family, especially her father and mother, German immigrants to the United States in the last century. With a plethora of photographs and an unflinching eye on her family’s “characters,” she has written a chronicle for all German-Americans -- all immigrants. Her family comes alive in the pages as each of their lives is detailed. She makes these ordinary people, their work, their homes, their villages and, ultimately, their Americanization, come alive for the reader. This is an unforgettable archive of the recent past.
Carol
The Pink Suit by Nicole Kelby
Novel about Jackie Kennedy and her wardrobe as First Lady. Specifically about the suit she was wearing when the President was assassinated. An interesting angle to the stories behind the fashion icon.
Linda
Razor Girl by Carl Hiaasen
I used to love reading or listening to Carl Hiaasen's books. This one caused me to blush frequently. I was afraid that others who saw me in my car might be aware of what I was listening to which caused me to blush even more. Still the book grew on me or I got used to hearing the words and situations that were problematic at the beginning. I have heard Hiaasen say that the ideas for his books come from reading a bizarre story in the newspaper and taking it from there. I wonder which of the many wacky situations was the seed for this book. If I explained the plot of this book, you wouldn't believe me.
Linda
They're Playing Our Song by Carole Bayer Sager
A memoir of the lyricist who wrote some of my favorite pop songs. The book is as sparse as lyrics. I feel as if I didn't get any depth.
Jan
Trail of Echoes by Rachel Howzell Hall
As usual, Hall writes a great mystery. Elouise (Lou) is a detective who came out of a poor neighborhood in LA and made it to the LA police force and them to detective. Folks out for a walk in a park find a body and Lou is called out to be lead investigator just as she is having lunch with a romantic interest. Off she goes into the mud and rain in her best shoes, no rain gear, not even an umbrella. What I love about these books is that Hall has created a very strong female character who always finds the bad guys. She realizes that she is afraid and sometimes she gets knocked down but she is tough; she always gets back up. What an image for young girls today!
Elizabeth
American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld
AMERICAN WIFE is fiction. Be sure to remember that, although the American wife in AMERICAN WIFE is based on Laura Bush. Just remember that she really is a character of Curtis Sittenfeld’s imagination. Then you may enjoy the book properly because you understand what it really is. This book is mostly a soap opera. That should not put you off. After all, I call Tolstoy’s ANNA KARENINA a soap opera. Just like a soap opera, AMERICAN WIFE takes time to get into, to grab you and make you care. So the chapters describing Alice’s (Laura’s) childhood and adolescence can be boring, as it was for me. But later, particularly when she becomes first lady, her first-person accounts are absorbing.
Bridget
The Venetian Mask by Rosalind Laker
Big fat historical romance that takes place in Venice in the late 1700s. Good story about two friends trained as singers who both make good marriages. There's also a feud between two families, treachery, and even Napoleon makes an appearance near the end. Carnival and masks are present throughout. Learned a lot of interesting stuff about Venice, but at times there was just TMI which slowed down the plot. Overall, though, interesting and a good read.
Bridget
Bad Blood by Brian McGilloway
The newest Lucy Black story. She's a detective in Northern Ireland, covers murders. The murders lead to other things. This particular book is very timely as it deals with the Brexit vote and the attitude of neighborhood old timers towards immigrants.
Anna
My Fat Dad by Dawn Lerman
Absolutely love this! Great family stick-together book on a great subject "food" and an issue everyone faces - being overweight.
Anita
The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende
Nice, interesting book.
Joanne
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield
Great book, seems more about the daughter than Samuel but the story is believable. I enjoyed it and have shared the book with others. Book is of earlier time.
Norm
The Damned by Andrew Pyper
Good horror novel.
Liz
Rush Home Road by Lori Lansens
Sharla Cody is only five years old when her mother leaves her with Addy Shadd, an elderly neighbor. Both have had a very difficult life and Addy is not sure she is up to the task of raising a child this late in life. Surprisingly they form a strong bond. This is a beautifully written story, not only about the hardships of life, but also the many good things that life has to offer.
Myrna
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
I set out to read this book club selection with low expectations; however, I was quickly drawn into Harold's journey to hand deliver a letter to a former colleague living 600 miles away in a British hospice. I do think it helps to be in one's 60s (or more) to get the full effect of Harold's and Maureen's experiences. A very touching book!
Bonnie
Daring to Drive by Manal al-Sharif
This book, a memoir, will make you scream in frustration at the treatment of women in Saudi Arabia, even today.
Bea
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
I was disappointed that this wasn't more realistic. The author created a real railroad, whereas I wanted to read about what people really went through in making it to the north.
Stephanie
The Sunshine Sisters by Jane Green
Enjoyed this novel very much.
Heather
The Light in Summer by Mary McNear
THE LIGHT IN SUMMER, the newest addition to Mary McNear’s delightful Butternut Lake series, is another heartwarming novel of family, love and new beginnings. Although this latest release is the fifth in the series, it can be read as a standalone. Single mom and head librarian Billy Harper is going through a bit of rough patch with her thirteen-year-old son Luke. The normally co-operative and outgoing teen is hanging out with the wrong crowd, getting into trouble and refusing to talk to his mom. So when Billy meets Cal Cooper at a wedding, she is not sure the timing is right to bring a new man into their lives, but can she ignore the sparks that are flying between them?
Susan
Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse
I thoroughly enjoyed this book because the author did a great job of character and plot development. I highly recommend this book to readers who like fiction, WWII stories and a great plot.
Ann
The Identicals by Elin Hilderbrand
Nice story.
Cindy
Before We Visit the Goddess by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
An amazing story about the lives of three memorable women. All of them making choices, living with the consequences and surviving. After a somewhat slow start I couldn't put this book down!
Rebecca
The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewell
A novel about a disfunctional family. It did keep my interest.
Rosa
The Barrowfields by Phillip Lewis
What an impressive debut novel. Before writing this review, I had to look up the definition of the word 'epic' because this is the word that came to mind when I finished this book. The Internet definition I found was "extending beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope." That's my word to describe this story about Henry Aster and his eccentric father. His father loved books, and in a way this book is about books, about someone who devoured them and spent his entire adult life writing his own book, to the detriment of his family life. This is a sad story with few uplifting moments. Yet with hope in the end. I mourned the end.
Lisa
Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance
Very moving read! The true story of the Vance family and their efforts to raise themselves into the ranks of middle-class America. In the process they face the scourges of alcoholism and abuse which reduce their dreams to rubble. Yet through all of the struggles of this family, one member rises above, and graduates from Yale Law School. This is not an easy read as it provides a clear picture of the real issues of poverty and addiction.
Karen
Testimony by Scott Turow
It took me a bit to get going - once I got into it, it turned into a great mystery! International politics is a complicated issue.
Lynn
Trojan by Alan McDermott
Amazing! This book grabs you from page one and never lets up!
Mary
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
Great story but depressing in certain parts about the operations on the girls at the concentration camp. Interesting how "The Rabbits" survived in spite of everything they experienced.
Beverlee
The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant
Fascinating book that we read for book club. Then we were lucky enough to Skype with the author - made it really come to life to hear how she did her research for this book and her most recent book. Will definitely read more of her books!
Amanda
A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline
This is not a book I would have picked up on my own. I read reviews and summaries and passed it by. But then it fell into my lap and I thought "Why not? You just need to read 50 pages then stop if you don't like it". I devoured it. The premise of this book is explaining the (fictional/fact) history of the painting Christina's World by Andrew Wyeth. Kline introduces us to Christina Olson, in 1939. We don't know much about her except that she lives in a very old farm house, and her young neighbor Betsy is dropping by to introduce her new beau, Andy Wyeth. Wyeth is fascinated by the story the house and the farm and wants to paint and draw around their property. Christina is older, crippled and she's taken by this artist.
Katrina
The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict
I sat down and read this through in one sitting, something I rarely make time for. The book kept me interested the entire time, and I became fascinated by the history. Yes, it's a novel, but it's a fictionalized version of true events. I call this the equivalent to LOVING FRANK, the story of the 'other' woman in Frank Lloyd Wright's life. I never thought the same of Frank Lloyd Wright, and I'll never think the same of Albert Einstein. I'm sure if Mileva had chosen a different husband we would know her name like we know Marie Curie, who incidentally is worked into the novel. It's skillfully written, the characters are complex, and an intelligent read. It's as if Benedict becomes Mileva Einstein. It's a definite recommend.
Betty
Lockdown by Laurie R. King
Laurie R. King's stand-alone novel LOCKDOWN is the story of Career Day at Guadalupe Middle School in California. Tension builds gradually toward an explosive climax. This book does not disappoint.
Pam
Eden by Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg
This novel is on my one of the best of 2017 and I read tons of books. Historical (20th century), wonderful characters and setting - this is a sweeping saga of a house and a family. I loved it.
Jane
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
A fast-moving, terrific read about three young women at the beginning of WW II. One girl is American, one is a Polish Jew and one is a German studying medicine. How their lives intersect is the basis of the story. Based on true events.
Eileen
The Japanese Lover by Isabele Allende
The lives of a new resident of an adult community intertwined with one of the employees. Both women have stories and secrets in their lives which we learn through the course of the novel. Each is a strong woman who has faced love and loss in their lives.
Gail
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
Very well written. A story within a story. An author turns in a book to his publisher and then he is killed. The editor realizes several of the final chapters are missing, and she starts talking to his friends to try to find the missing chapters.
Kay
Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind by Ann B. Ross
A refreshing summer read about days gone by. We read it for our book club. The hostess had her table set with a lace tablecloth, pimento sandwiches, lemon squares and pound cake. We were eating great food as we read this charming book!
Patricia
Beach House for Rent by Mary Alice Monroe
This book is a mixture of fact and fiction. Mary Alice Monroe does wonderful research about shore birds which you'll enjoy.
Shelley
Happiness: A Memoir by Heather Harpham
Humorous telling of a semi-tragic story. Author has a unique attention to detail that makes the events bearable. Early on I found myself willing her to have hope. Her feelings are described so well that I felt I too would react similarly in these circumstances. I couldn't put this book down. With a title like HAPPINESS, this book must have a happy ending. But not knowing for sure, I was hesitant to finish the last 50 pages. This memoir was a delight to read, and I hope it compels a ton of readers to register to become bone marrow/stem cell donors.
Rebecca
All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren
This is a book written about an honest man, "The Boss", who enters politics, and over years of re-election lowers his standards. A not-so-surprising comparison is the still same lowered standards of many of today's politicians. This is a Pulitzer Prize winning novel with flowing prose which makes the book a pleasure to read.
Marcia
The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish
The book is well written, has a good storyline, and the characters are well developed. Why did I not like it? It's too long and boring. Take at least 100 pages from the book and I think I would have liked it. I had to force myself to read the whole book because I felt it dragged. (I'm reviewing a book that I won in a contest.)
NANCY
My Husband's Wife by Jane Corry
This book was chosen by our book club facilitator. We haven't met yet, so I'm not sure why she picked it. It's a first-time author with an interesting premise -- a young lawyer trying to salvage her marriage befriends a young girl with dire consequences. All the characters tell lies; they all have secrets. There's adultery, murder and intrigue, and the nagging question that the protagonist raises: Who knows where the blame really lies?
Marcia
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
I liked this book about three women during World War II. We have the American activist, a teenage girl in the underground resistance, and the nurse in a concentration camp. The story and characters are intriguing. It is definitely a page-turner. I recommend it!
S
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Our book club's summer pick. Very topical - Netflix has a series based on the book.
Marcia
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
The story is based on the life of Pino Lella in Italy during WW II. It is a fascinating story of Pino's roll during the war. He helped Jews escape to Switzerland, then became a driver for an important Nazi military leader. He is reporting to the underground resistance while a driver. He is also in love with the maid of the Nazi's mistress. A good read. I would recommend it.
Marcia
The Orphan's Tale by Pam Jenoff
This is one of the best books I've read this year. I love the story of Noa and Astrid. Noa is a young woman forced to give up her baby when she's pregnant and unmarried. Astrid is a Jewish circus performer, hiding from the Nazi's in plain sight. Yes, it's another WW II story, and an excellent one.
Pam
Setting Free the Kites by Alex George
Wonderful character development, great story of two boyhood friends who learn to live with loss through hope, love, and perseverance.
Kathy
Journey to Munich by Jacqueline Winspear
12 book in this series. Maisie Dobbs, just settling in after volunteering in the Spanish Civil War, is asked by her government to conduct a diplomatic mission under an assumed identity. A very good adventure mystery.
Terri
The Lost Order by Steve Berry
Cotton Malone is back searching for lost gold hidden by The Knights of the Golden Circle in 1865. Based on historical fact and a history of the Smithsonian Institute, Cotton's quest is also a quest of several other individuals. The Knights wanted to change American politics and the few remaining Knights have continued the cause. As always, Steve Berry does not disappoint. His research is interwoven with a fictional story and you get lost in the story and learn more of the little known history of our country.
Michelle
The Kingdom by Steven Szmyt
A quick read by a debut author about werewolves and the power of love and friendship.
Donna
Camino Island by John Grisham
A slick mystery involving the theft of priceless manuscripts and the fate of them, the thieves and those who are trying to retrieve them and return them to their rightful owner.
Jenny
The Forever Summer by Jamie Brenner
The perfect summer reading book. Impressive storyline with memorable characters. Thoroughly enjoyable. She jumped on my favorites list.
Cheryl
The Map That Leads to You by J. P. Monninger
An exciting love story that will leave you feeling like you have travelled through Europe.
In THE MAP LEADS TO YOU, three girlfriends fresh out of college take a trip before starting their lives. Jack is a free spirit, a live day-to-day guy. He does things in the spur of the moment, and thinks New York City is a prison. He is in Europe following his grandfather's journal of places he was and trying to discover the magic of these places himself. When Heather and Jack meet on a train from Amsterdam to Paris, sparks starts to fly. Heather leaves her friends for an adventure with Jack, and they fall in love, but little does Heather know, Jack is hiding a secret that changes everything. I loved this book! I read it in under 24 hours.
Barbara
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
This book is amazing! It's not only about Jr. hockey, but about personal relationships. The writing is what sucked me in. It is fantastic!! My favorite book for a long time!
Jan
The Outsider by Anthony Franze
The author is an attorney in D.C. and he has practiced before the Supreme Court. That is important to this thriller -- his main character works at the Supreme Court. As usual, Franze writes well and the book is fast moving. You will stay up late because one chapter leads right into another. Can't put it down. The protagonist is an attorney with a degree from a "lesser" school. By accident, he is nearby when the Chief Justice is attacked and he helps get rid of the attacker. The Chief Justice takes notice of him and promotes him to be his clerk the next day. However, that is the easy part. He is approached by the CIA or the FBI or one of our government's spy organizations to help with the problem of protecting the Chief.
Helen
The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand
Another great beach read for the summer.
Judy
The Queen of Beauty by Petra Durst-Benning
The third in a trilogy surrounding turn of the 20th century women, this story follows Clara who was raised as a pharmacist's daughter, and loved working with her dad at his store. Now, as a divorcee, she moves far from her home in Berlin to start a new life, and she does indeed find success with a line of beauty products. Enter an old friend, the lovely Lake Constance, a scoundrel, and the two friends of childhood who all help to make her life challenging and successful.
Joanne
Tending Roses by Lisa Wingate
Sweet, charming story from author Wingate that details relationships and growth. This is the first in a series titled "Tending Roses", though you do not need to read them in order as you do most series. If you love inspirational reading without too much "preachiness", this one's for you. I highly recommend.
Gerry
Terminal Freeze by Lincoln Child
TERMINAL FREEZE satisfied a category in the 2017 AWLB challenge (book set in Alaska or Hawaii) and was an enjoyable novel, if a bit over-the-top. I don't think I'd actually read it before, but the writing and the plot both seemed vaguely familiar, so perhaps I'm wrong, and this was a re-read -- or perhaps just a bit clichéd, and that's why it seemed familiar.
Gerry
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
I've read quite a few WWII novels in the last few years, but still learned something new from this one: the story of the Polish "rabbits" of Ravensbruck who suffered horrific surgical experimentation at the hands of Nazi doctors who seem to have justified their cruelty by noting that their victims had already been condemned to die. I can't say I enjoyed reading about the cruelty these women endured, but the book was well researched and written and certainly one worth reading.
Gerry
Since We Fell by Dennis Lehane
Disappointing. I heard Lehane speak recently at Free Library of Philadelphia, and based on that, was looking forward to this novel. But it just didn't come together for me.
Gerry
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
An engrossing but tough to read school-shooting story.
Gerry
The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder
Gaarder has written a wonderfully inventive story about a little boy and a magical Advent calendar that introduces him to the story and history of Christmas by traveling backwards through time and space. A treasure to share with adults and children! (A bit out of season, but I read this one for the AWLB Challenge.)
Gerry
Shtum by Jem Lester
"Powerful, darkly funny and heart-breaking, Shtum (a Yiddish word for silent, non-communicative) is a story about fathers and sons, autism, and dysfunctional relationships." This is a book about severe autism, not the somewhat-odd-but-spectacularly-talented-in-some-arcane-way variety so recently portrayed in novels, plays, and films. Jonah is non-verbal, unpredictable, sometimes violent -- towards himself and his family -- and his parents are at a breaking point. It's not a perfect book, but certainly it's an honest one that lays bare the love, and pain, and heartbreak that must be felt by the parents of a child so disabled.
Gerry
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Superb! I just finished listening, and am tempted to start right from the beginning and read it all again. In a novel very different from his debut novel A MAN CALLED OVE, Backman brings to life a small hockey town somewhere in northern Scandinavia, in a compelling story that is a meditation on family and team loyalties, the courage to go against the expectations of culture, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their own and make their dreams come true.
Gerry
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
A book club choice, this was a sweet story, though a bit saccharine for my tastes.
Gerry
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
I always love a book that combines detailed information I wouldn't otherwise know, with engaging characters and a good story. TEA GIRL has it all. The story begins in Yunnan Province, China, where that Akha tribe lives by centuries-old traditions. When a daughter of the tribe accidentally breaks with tradition, a series of events is set off that ultimately lead her to become an important figure in the international tea trade, but at significant personal cost. Especially powerful is a chapter about a counseling session with a group of adopted Chinese girls in America; the girls' emotions and concerns are portrayed very realistically. Very well written.
Judy
Honeysuckle Summer by Sherryl Woods
This book is a microcosm of what happens in families, friends and recluse people. Agoraphobia is a mental illness crippling many people from living a full life outside their doors. Good read.
Donna
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
I did not want this book to end!
Diana
River of Kings by Taylor Brown
What a remarkable book!! Two estranged brothers travel down the Altamaha River with their fathers ashes on a journey filled with secrets and demons. Interwoven with their journey is the story of the doomed expedition of a 16th century French artist. History, intrigue and human imagination at its best.
Pamela
We Were the Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter
This is a WWII novel that follows a Jewish family in Poland and their ordeal to survive during the war. The family consists of parents and five adult children, some of whom marry during the war and have children. The novel follows each of the adult children as they are flung from Siberia to Brazil. What is so amazing about this novel is that it is based on the author's family and includes material from various anecdotes told by those family members. Definitely worth a read!
Laura
The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
Forest Gump in Sweden! Lots of laughs during a wild chase and improbable situations. Suspend reality and you will surely enjoy this book.
Kathy
Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance
I loved this book, truly felt the pain, anguish, and joys that Vance felt growing up. This was a book club choice, and six of the eight members would rate it very highly. This is a real eye-opener into the lives of those in a family of poverty, alcoholics and drug addictions, and how the innocent are affected. Vance is a skilled writer, in that the reader relates to him and what he goes through in life. Very readable, highly recommended!
Deborah
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
This book started out slow but once the relationships between the staff of the Metropol hotel and the Count start to take shape, the story takes off. There are some left turns I did not think were necessary to the plot, but it was overall a very enjoyable read.
Linda
After Her by Joyce Maynard
Intensely moving novel about the relationship of two sisters.
danny
Stoner by John Williams
The finest novel, to date, I've ever read...the writing is superb.
danny
Days Without End by Sebastian Barry
An amazing story told from an Irishman who fought in America's Civil War and the Indian Wars of the West...extremely well written and entertaining.
danny
One Good Mama Bone by Bren McClain
A fine southern example of Southern literature and an intriguing story.
Sherry
A Dog's Purpose by Bruce Cameron
Cute and witty book but written for a 10-year-old.
Cheryle
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
A remarkable book set in WWII and based on the life of Pino Lella, a true hero. Pino was just 16 when he was dragged into the war in Italy by helping to transport Jews to freedom in Switzerland via the Alps. Then when the Nazi's were closing in he went home to Milan and volunteered for the military to avoid being sent to the front with Russia. He became a driver for a top Nazi official and helped pass secrets to the Italians. Bravery and heroism grace this novel based on true events. The author visited many times with Pino and has written an outstanding book.
Elizabeth
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
I really liked this book. It gave me a sense of what people in war-torn Europe went through in WWII. It also set up nicely the moral dilemmas they faced. The two sisters' characters were well developed. And I liked the little twist at the end.
Debra
The Husband by Dean Koontz
Great thriller, keeps you turning the pages.
Judy O.
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
The beginning of this story is 1939 in Memphis, TN. We meet the Foss family who live on a shanty boat that cruises the river. The four younger siblings lived aboard the boat--the oldest, Rill, is only 12 years old. One night Rill is left in charge, when a group of strangers come and round up the kids and take them to The Tennessee Childrens' Home Society--an orphanage in Aiken, SC. What follows is an unbelievable story of love, loss, secrets, and redemption. This book is historical fiction because this orphanage actually existed during this time and was a brutal place. Actually, a few times it was a little hard to read for this reason. I will have to investigate other books by this author.
Ilene
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
Loved it. A great historical fiction that takes into play the first and second world wars. Eve Gardiner works as a spy for the Alice Network in the first war, a vast network sent into enemy-occupied France to spy for England. Thirty years later, an American college girl Charlie St. Clair, is pregnant, unmarried, and is on the verge of being thrown out of her very proper family. She is also desperate to find her cousin Rose, who disappeared in Nazi-occupied France. Charlie hears about Eve's success and asks for her help. Since Eve still has unfinished business they work together to see there it leads. I was so sorry when the book ended, I loved them both.
Anne-Marie
The Fifth Letter by Nicola Moriarty
Great story about friendships formed in school and moving to adulthood with baggage from disappointments and regrets hidden from each other. These are brought to light during a trip where the friends decide to write one secret in a letter using the computer instead of in handwriting so no one can recognize the author. There are four friends but a fifth letter appears that details one friend's true feelings. Great ending.
Marilyn
Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
This is a reread for me and the second time around is even better. The research on elephant behavior is fascinating and the girl's search for her mother suspenseful.
Richard N B
A Night to Remember by Walter Lord
This is a first-hand account of what the people aboard the Titanic recall of the night she sank. It’s a gripping story, and Lord does a great job of bringing all these people to life. I get a real sense of the confusion and disbelief when the ship first strikes the iceberg and later of the chaos and panic when it is clear she will go down.
Dorothy
All By Myself Alone by Mary Higgins Clark
Wonderful read I couldn't put it down.
Tessa B C
44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith
3.5 stars. I really like this kind of ensemble piece. Not much happens, and everything happens: love found, lost and found again, awkward encounters, a hidden masterpiece, a new job and therapy sessions. I want to know more about them, especially Pat and Matthew.
Lori
Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate
Couldn't put down! Thankfully I started reading on Friday night, stayed up until done!! Strongly recommend!
Debbie
The Old Silent by Martha Grimes
The book has silently rested among other books waiting for me to read. I had forgotten the delectable characters of the Inspector Jury series, and the wonderful names of the English pubs. Inspector Jury witnesses a cold-blooded murder, but he cannot walk away from the crime without attempting to save the shooter from the gallows. The story jumps back and forth among the various scenes and characters. Martha Grimes brings a richness of language into the story as the reader journeys into the world of music and family jealousy. Of course, Sergeant Higgins and his multitude of ailments and cures brings comic relief whenever the grisliness of murder invades.
Patti
All the Breaking Waves by Kerry Lonsdale
This book kept you thinking through the whole book, "What will happen next?" It is a great book to take to your ocean vacation.
Lynn W
Rise & Shine, Benedict Stone by Phaedra Patrick
Nice little book in the vein of her first one, THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER, and
Diffenbaugh's THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS.
Donna
The Good Widow by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke
Jacks believes she is in a normal marriage with the typical ups and downs. Her husband is killed in an automobile accident in Maui and she wasn't aware he was there. As the story moves along at a smooth pace, she realizes she didn't know her husband at all. The final twist is a shocker.
Sharon
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
Wonderful, the conclusion was not what I expected.
Karen
The Stolen Marriage by Diane Chamberlain
I received this book as an advance readers edition. I have read most of this author's books and this one did not disappoint. Taking place in 1944, at the end of WWII, this is great historical fiction touching on the polio epidemic and the hospital in Hickory Carolina which was built in 54 hours. The story also touches on the laws concerning interracial marriage, which was prohibited at the time. Punishable by up to ten years in prison. Great read.
Therese
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
Four adults, six kids -- this is what stepfamilies look like!
Mona
Once Upon a Spine (Bibliophile Mystery #11) by Kate Carlisle
As one of Kate's raters, I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the fourth of Carlisle's cozy mysteries that I've read. Her books are entertaining, informative, and readable. Also, her books tend to be very clean, free of profanity and sexual content. But, in this installment, Brooklyn is on edge. Their beloved Courtyard shops are in danger of being torn down and replaced by soulless high rise apartments. She is stressed by the impending visit of her "proper" English in-laws, who she is meeting for the first time. Despite of Derek's reassurances, she can't relax and is concerned about her questionable skills in the kitchen and lack of fashion sense.
Margaret
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman
Fredrik Backman is one of my favorite authors. He is great at making his characters seem like real people dealing with real feelings. In this emotional novella, we meet a grandfather with Alzheimer's struggling to retain his memories. He has a special relationship with his grandson, Noah, who promises his grandfather he will help him remember the things he wants to remember. Grandfather shares his memories of his wife, Noah's grandmother, so Noah can remind him when he forgets them. He and Noah share a love and knowledge of mathematics which is such a joy to read. Mr. Backman says he wrote this to help him deal with a loss in his life. It's so heartfelt and touching.
Margaret
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
Lisa See has written an epic educational novel about the tea industry in remote regions of China and about the people who grow and process it. We first meet the protagonist, Li-yan, when she is 11. As we follow her through childhood and into her late 30s, we learn about the culture, traditions, and superstitions of the Akha people living in the mountainous areas where tea is the livelihood of so many. This is great historical fiction but I felt it was too long and could have been shorter by eliminating some side stories that didn't contribute much to the storyline. Some parts were hard to read, much less believe, because of the views of the Akha. Hardships were endured by many. Well-developed characters and nice descriptive scenes.
Sue
Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance
I really liked the book. It was refreshing to know he made his life so much better than his kinfolk.
So many of his people repeat poverty over and over. He now lives in Columbus,Ohio as I do, Hope to meet him some day at a book signing.
Richard N B
Gutenberg's Apprentice by Alix Christie
3.5 stars. In her debut novel, Christie explores one of the most momentous events in history: the invention of the printing press. I did find the information about the conflicts between the guilds, the ruling class, and the Church interesting, but it went on for so long that I grew tired of the political and personal intrigue. Still, in this age of digital print, it is all the more wonderful to imagine the creativity, skill and hard work that went into this marvelous invention.
Francisca E B
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
Atwood takes the story of the faithful Penelope, waiting 20 years for Odysseus to return from the Trojan War, and reimagines it. I liked this intelligent, savvy woman.
Tollie
The Velvet Hours by Alyson Richman
This book had me totally mesmerized. After hearing about this book from a member of my book club, my curiosity was peaked. I Googled "The Apartment in Paris that has been untouched for 70 Years" and there were the pictures of the apartment owned by Marthe De Florian. The pictures are amazing and this book takes me right into Paris in the 1890s. The story flashes between the 1890s and 1940s. While this historical fiction has me interested in the details of the lives of these characters, I will be doing more searches about this apartment and reading other books about the abandoned apartment that was left untouched for so many years. I will recommend to my friends.
Marilyn
A Train in Winter by Carolyn Moorehead
Difficult content because of cruelty thrust upon women at hands of Nazis in the concentration camps, but worthwhile. Well researched.
Susan
The Secret Wisdom of the Earth by Christopher Scotton
I really loved this book! The characters are so well written and the book is filled with gems of wisdom!
Robin
Al Franken, Giant of the Senate by Al Franken
This was an enlightening and eye-opening autobiography which delves deep into the workings of the senate told from the point of view of a familiar, to me at least, face, Senator Al Franken who represents Minnesota, his home state, but was on Saturday Night Live years ago. After reading this I discovered that he wrote a LOT of what I enjoyed back in the day and I have LOADS of admiration for him now that he is a senator.
Kara
The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee by Talya Tate Boerner
Touching story of a young girl growing up in the Mississippi Delta. She faces many challenges with determination and maturity beyond her years.
sharon
The Widow by Fiona Barton
First book by the author, thoroughly enjoyed it. Great summer read!
Shanna
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
This book starts out with a jolt and keeps you engaged until the very end. Beyond the intricacies of the story itself, I found myself pondering otherness, the tenuousness of family connections, and all of the opportunities we miss when we fail to communicate with each other. I can't say I enjoyed this book in the sense that it was a fun read, but it was a compelling read that left me thinking about it long after I finished. It's hard to believe that this was Ng's first novel. I eagerly await the release of LITTLE FIRES ELSEWHERE.
Linda
Happiness The Crooked Little Road to Semi-Ever After by Heather Harpham
Memoir of her pregnancy and delivery of her precious baby. Her significant other was in New York working as a writer. When she tells him she is pregnant he says he does not want any kids but if he did he would want them with her. Baby is born in CA where she fled for support from friends and family. Approx. 24 hrs after babies birth she needs a full blood transfusion as her red cells are not working. Her absent partner, baby's father, comes to CA to visit and eventually moves back with her. He falls head over heels in love with the baby. The book follows them through the child's 5th birthday. Author had such realistic writing I felt I was part of their family in the room with them making decisions and very attuned to all of their feelings.
NOREEN
The Breakdown by B. A. Paris
Early dementia, a murder, a twist. I don't want to say more other than the book is good.
Lucia
City of Friends by Joanna Trollope
Loved this book, as I do all Ms. Trollope's books. Great characters, interesting and pretty believable conflict between friends, satisfactory resolutions of said conflicts.
Helen
The Family by Kitty Kelley
Fascinating history of the Bush family. It explains a lot.
Helen
The Good Good Pig by Sy Montgomery
Beautifully-written tale of the adoption and family life of a piglet. It's a touching story you will enjoy if you're an animal person.
Dorothy
Arrowood by Laura McHugh
I enjoyed the book for the most part, there were areas that dragged a little, but in doing so, it fit the main character as she was in a stage of her life where she was dragging too. She is the surviving sister who witnessed, or so she has always believed, the kidnapping of her two-year-old twin sisters when she was a child. Now, as a grown woman she has inherited the house and has come back to see if she can find out what really happened.
Shirley
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
Two interesting stories with puzzles, tributes and red herrings, BUT this plus the story within the story was just "too clever" for me. The author spent more time on all those details than on developing characters we would want to know more about.
Kendra
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Eye-opening, great humor and the true reward comes in the last chapter! A must-read for all.
Carolyn
The Lost City of Z by David Grann
Graphic, informative, and yields good book club discussions with a span of themes - good nonfiction read in narrative form!
Fran
Baby Doll by Hollie Overton
An intense psychological thriller that weaves a tale of the after-effects of a woman held in captivity for years by a deranged man. Overton's debut novel takes the reader on a journey of a family in the aftermath of this horrific crime. Well written and kept the pages turning. I will look for more from this new author.
Elizabeth
You'll Never Know, Dear by Hallie Ephron
The book disappointed me. It really isn't a novel of suspense, as it claims. Yes, it is a mystery but a simplistic one. It is too young adult-ish for me.
judy
13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Follows the story of a high school teenager, Clay Jenson, as he struggles to understand the recent suicide of his classmate and crush Hannah. The story unfolds through the use of cassette tapes that are mailed to 13 people that cumulatively led to her suicide. My thoughts through most of it were that the reasons weren't enough for someone to end their life, but then I'm 57 and not 16. As the tapes get mailed and more of the story unfolds, I was able to see through a teens eyes, how they could possibly add up to more than a young person could handle. Eye-opening as not all things were bullying or shaming as one might expect. Sometimes it's what you don't do to defend another or stop things from happening that make the impact.
Tessa B C
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
3.5 stars. Fantasy is really not my thing, but I did enjoy this book. I liked the play/ counter play between the two magicians, and particularly enjoyed the scenes where they are influencing the Napoleonic Wars. That being said, however, this was just way too long. I found my mind wandering as much as the plot did. I certainly understand the popularity of the novel, but I wouldn't go out of my way to read another novel by Clarke.
Jacqueline
Duncan by Teresa Gabelman
I love this series. Duncan was a very strong character and completely loved his woman. He set out to protect her and her unborn son...which is telling in these times. Her son is his son and he teaches her how to trust and love again after being so badly abused. A great story to show how to overcome such a huge obstacle and come out ahead.
Dea
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
I heard Carol speak in Avalon, N.J. and was struck by the glowing review she gave this book. I was also intrigued about the story of how the book came about. Bought two copies of the Kindle book that night and my dad, my husband and I all read it this past week. All three of us could not put it down, and cannot stop talking about it. What a great find! And I'd like to thank Carol for introducing me to this wonderful book.
Veronica
The Little French Bistro by Nina George
A wonderful novel. I love Nina George's writing style.
Veronica
Windy City Blues by Renee Rosen
Great historical fiction by an author who really does her research. WINDY CITY BLUES tells the story of Chess Records, the brothers who owned Chess Records, the blues artists. Renee Rosen does a wonderful job.
Donna
Almost Missed You by Jessica Strawser
A love story that is built on secrets and the consequences of reacting without thinking through your actions. Two couples, best friends, each holding the knowledge of one of the other's secrets. This book is a page-turner and I recommend it to those who like love, family, friends and mystery.
Thomas
The Switch by Joseph Finder
I thought it was really a good book. I would highly recommend this book.
Sandy
Blackbird House by Alice Hoffman
I am usually not a fan of short stories, but these were delightful! They were all connected by the house they called Blackbird House, because of the white blackbird that seemed to show up in just about every story over the years. Loved it!!
Sandy
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Found this story a bit like a fairy tale which I suppose it was. Not real crazy about it, but I read the whole thing.
Sandy
The Hurricane Sisters by Dorothea Benton Frank
Absolutely loved this one!! Hurricane season begins early and rumbles all summer long, well into September. Often people's lives reflect the weather and THE HURRICANE SISTERS is just such a story. The matriarch, Maisie Pringle, is a force to be reckoned with. Her daughter, Liz, is caught up in the classic maelstrom of middle age, and Liz's beautiful twenty-something daughter, Ashley, and her dreamy ambitions for the future keep them all at odds. A definite great summer read.
Alexa
A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams
My favorite book by Beatriz so far! I have read all of her books but A HUNDRED SUMMERS comes in at #1 for me, with A CERTAIN AGE and OVERSEAS being very close right behind. So excited to get a chance to read COCOA BEACH!
Jan
Run You Down by Julia Dahl
This is the second Rebekah Roberts book and it is, as usual, excellent. Dahl is a smooth writer, moving the reader along and dropping in new bits and pieces to build the story. She has inroads into the ultra-Jewish community because her mother was Jewish. But her mother did not raise her, her Protestant father did. Roberts is a reporter and gathers stories that non-Jewish reporters cannot get. In this book, a Jewish man comes to her and asks for help to find out about his wife's death. She was found dead in the shower with the water running, and the sheriff and her family want to just cover up everything, no autopsy, no crime report, etc. They are saying it was suicide. Her husband thinks she was murdered. So Rebekah is off to gather info.
Sandy
My Mother Was Nuts by Penny Marshall
I loved this book! It was so easy to read and I felt like she was a friend of mine. She knows EVERYONE. She talked about life growing up and her life as an actress then director. Her marriages, divorces and friends. She starred in a Head & Shoulders commercial (she was the one with the dandruff, wearing a sign that said the Ugly one) with Farrah Fawcett. Then onto her starring role on Laverne and Shirley to her trailblazing moment as the first woman to direct a movie grossing more than $100 million at the box office. It is a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood life.
Muriel
One Plus One by Jojo Moyes
This is a nice summer romantic read, but yet a story that has much more substance than just that. It's a novel about family and how families support each other in times of need. I found Jess, Ed, Tanzie, and Nicky to be delightful people with qualities I admired.
Terry
Final Girls by Riley Sager
The book is a dark, disturbing psychological thriller. FINAL GIRLS are three girls who are each lone survivors of separate massacres. Now someone wants them dead. This book hooked me from the start. A book has to contain riveting suspense and give me goosebumps and chills in order to satisfy my required needs of a psychological thriller and FINAL GIRLS delivered! If you like a little chill in the air, this book is for you.
Debbie
Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine
OMG!! I have just finished reading this book about 20 minutes ago and my heart is still pounding out of my chest. A woman (Gina/Gwen) with two children, ages 14 and 11, on the constant run from her ex (Mel Royal, a serial killer with a sick following who is reaching out from jail to find her), the victim's families (who want to see her blood) and the ever increasing psycho's who think she helped her husband in killing these women who are constantly chatting and leaving messages about where she has been seen last. Their constant bantering about what should be done to her keep Gina/Gwen on her toes and on a constant run with her children.
Lory
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney
I enjoyed the way this book took me through Lillian's journey of life in New York City. It covered a time when women had many expectations strung over them; Lillian battled them as she strove to rise as a copywriter for Macy's. She won some and lost others. As many of us, her life was not perfect and she realized that saying "never" doesn't always work. It was a good story of a regular life, made meaningful by personalizing it with Lillian's spunky words and actions. If I was more familiar with NYC I'm sure I also would've connected more with many of the building references and locations along her walk -- I did get the High Line one though!
Martha
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
My favorite read of the year, so far. The first sentence of the book sets the reader up for a suspenseful read, but this is the best interpretation of a sports culture that I have ever seen. The characters are well drawn, from the determined, focused young athletes to the ferociousness of the mother desiring to protect and defend her child (think of it as bear cub, maybe another reason for the title). Hockey is the sport of choice in this small town on the edge of the forest. It is in the heart of almost all native residents, even in some immigrant citizens. No one in this town is unaffected by this consuming love of hockey. It is an all-male team. Will it destroy Beartown? A microcosm reflecting universal sports cultures everywhere.
Tessa B C
Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin
2.5 stars. This is interesting, speculative fiction dealing with “what might have been” had Germany and Japan won WWII. The plot moves as quickly as the racers bound from Germania to Tokyo. Yael is a strong heroine – resourceful, intelligent, physically and mentally fit for the challenge. I thought there were several holes in this plot, and I think I would have enjoyed this kind of speculative plot without the “skin shifting” aspect. While I recognize the appeal for the target audience, it really wasn’t the book for me.
Eileen
Plainsong by Kent Haruf
Easy read and very entertaining! Interesting characters.
Sandi
Above the Waterfall by Ron Rash
In the drug-filled hills of the Appalachians, Les, widower and retiring Sheriff, is involved in his last crime before retirement. An elderly land owner is accused of poisoning the trout stream of a neighboring resort. Fighting for the innocence of her friend is Becky, a local park ranger, who takes solace in the beauty of the land. Even with the beautiful writing and descriptions of nature, this book was lacking for me. I did not feel the same intensity of story or writing that is usually in Ron Rash's books. Solid little storyline, but not enough to make this book memorable for me. Pleasant little diversion, but not the expected quality that I attribute to Ron Rash novels.
Patricia
The Whistler by John Grisham
Yet another great read by Mr. Grisham. Makes me wonder where he gets his storylines...as well as 'is there some truth to be told'?! I typically listen to his books but a friend loaned me the hardcover and I couldn't put it down. The plot continued to thicken as new characters were introduced and all intertwined with the main characters roles. The elements of crime, deceit, wrong-doings, and innocent people harmed all kept me wrapped up in the story.
Judy O.
Everybody's Son by Thrity Umrigar
A nine-year-old black boy named Anton seems to be abandoned by his drug-addicted mother. He is taken in by a wealthy white family as a foster child. The foster father just happens to be the governor of that state, and they give Anton all the love and possessions any boy could ever want. This is the premise for a good book about grief and ultimately forgiveness.
Lori
The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen by Hendrik Groen
I was delighted to get the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've been reading a lot of books about curmudgeonly old people lately, but I liked that Hendrik had a sweetness to him that offset his critical side. I found his criticism usually justified and productive. I liked that he wanted to surround himself with people with positive attitudes who want to enjoy their lives. I did feel sorry for the people who were excluded from their group. I found the book to be well written and an interesting look at the life of the Dutch elderly. A lot of the observations seemed universal to me, but it was also nice to learn about another culture.
Cheryll
Home by Harlen Coben
I loved it! HOME is a thriller with lots of twists and turns.
Susan
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
I bought this book for my son who played hockey. He is 32 years old and still plays league hockey with some friends. I have read Backman's four previous books and was looking forward to his new novel. His description of a hockey town, with its hockey parents, players and sponsors in a depressed, rural area, is spot-on. I look forward to sharing and discussing this wonderfully written novel with my son and his fiancee, her sisters, his friends, my friends, etc. And then I will introduce them to A MAN CALLED OVE.
