What was the BEST book you have read so far this summer?
Zee123123@aol.com
It's too hard to choose just one. I've read The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold), Hard Eight (Janet Evanovich), Mortal Prey (John Sandford), Empire Falls (Richard Russo), Good In Bed (Jennifer Weiner), Gone For Good and Tell No One (Harlan Coben), Mystic River (Dennis Lehane). I have been in reader ecstasy this summer!
Curly1beck@aol.com
I read " War on Terror." It's a great read!
DDingyd311@aol.com
Was there a doubt? While I usually have three or four going at one time, the one that kept my interest from start to finish was "The Remnant" --- the latest in the Left Behind series. As with the rest of the series, this kept my interest from beginning to end. Would Chloe and her counterparts get away from the Peacekeepers? Would Chang be discovered at last as the mole for the Believers --- and would he be killed over his Internet backstabbing of the Anti-Christ?
I am only able to say that waiting for the next book will be long and painful.....Is it September 2003 yet???
OnthMOOve@aol.com
Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone. I know I'm a little behind on this one!
dinah@myepath.com
The best book I've read this summer is "Ava's Man" by Rick Bragg. Like the author, I wish I could have known "Charlie."
Basketnana @aol.com
Far and away the best book I read this summer was "The Red Tent" by Anita Diamant. This book truly transports the reader to another world, of an earlier time, and gives you the feeling of a "community" of women that is not found in today's society. I had a feeling of loss for that special communion among women.
AMenager@aol.com
The best book that I have read this summer is "Embalming is not a Sport." It kept me riveted to every page and being as I was so enthralled, I read the entire book in one seating. Thank you.
ATESSL@aol.com
A Girl Named Zippy: Growing up Small in Mooreland, Indiana by Haven Kimmel. Sweet, funny, poignant, very dear. A great summer read.
Lankford0714@aol.com
"Peace Like a River" by Leif Enger.
Makelley4@aol.com
As of July 26th, Mortal Prey by John Sandford (in my opinion, the best of his last few books).
YTCOD@aol.com
Lost Nation by Jeffrey Lent.
Ferrellac@aol.com
City of Bones by Michael Connelly!!!!!
KHSUGAREE@AOL.COM
THE BEST BOOK I HAVE READ SO FAR THIS SUMMERS HAS BEEN IN THE CASTLE OF THE FLYNNS.
Pat4CSKK@aol.com
I loved Tara Road by Maeve Binchy. I started in the airport, read all through my flight, and picked it up whenever there was a quiet time. I was visiting my daughter in Florida. I was amused by your description of the little boy's use of "brilliant." I first heard my sister in law say when she was visiting from UK. The Brits use it all the time, just as we say fabulous. They also refer to things as "brill." It's so cute with the accent. I've been in the states so long, I have a southern twang with my English accent.
Crudesgirl@aol.com
The best book I have read so far this summer was "The Idiot Girls Action Adventure Club" by Laurie Nataro.
PeaceField@aol.com
That would definitely have to be the Nanny Diaries! I am so glad someone recommended this book to me, it was great!
HEG12823@aol.com
Rising to Rebellion by Jeff Shaara. I do read a lot of historical fiction, and I found this one of the best I have ever read. Although we all know the story of the American Revolution, this work really brings the famous historical names and events to life. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and all the others became very real people as I read the book. I was reminded of a very old TV program called "You Are There" and I suspect that if teen agers were reading this instead of standard textbooks they would be a lot less ignorant than they are!
joyceglad@aol.com
The best book I have read this summer is "Gone for Good" by Harlan Coben. It is a page-turner with many twists and turns and a surprise ending.
Carosp@aol.com
Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain.
RMMaire@aol.com
I thought Hard Eight was a fun summer book.
Coff42@aol.com
The best book I have read this summer is The Remnant by Dr. Tim LaHayne and Jerry Jenkins.
RaelynnS@aol.com
Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns. It is an older choice, but it was new to me and I LOVED IT!!!!!!!
Stanel@aol.com
Bel Canto --- absolutely a great summer read.
CShank1246@aol.com
So far this summer I would have to say the best book is "Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold. It is wonderfully written and a compelling story. One of the books I couldn't even skip pages. I also really enjoyed "All the Names" by Jose Saramago.
CandyM49@aol.com
Back When We Were Grownups by Anne Tyler.
VBNOLTEP@aol.com
The Emperor of Ocean City.
DStegmanCrawford@aol.com
The best book I have read this summer (or for a long time!) was Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross. Great historical fiction, with semi-probable event --- memorable characters, fabulous action, and interesting details about the 9th century Catholic church and papacy.
GinaWJax@aol.com
The best book of this summer has been "Lovely Bones." It is an original story with a unique perspective and a haunting quality. Excellent.
bap3492@aol.com
The best summer book I have read and enjoyed is "Seabiscuit." I found myself rooting for the horse, to myself, of course, and totally engrossed in the nuances of the racing world during the 30's in our country.
Erev591324@aol.com
Doomed to Repeat It.
Macitr@aol.com
These Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.
PMargalski@aol.com
The Dive From Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer.
GDurisin@aol.com
Sorry, I can't narrow it down to one. The TWO best books I've read this summer are The Emperor of Ocean Park by Stephen L. Carter, and The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.
ElisePou@aol.com
Hannah's Gift.
Omiabucket@aol.com
Maeve Binchy's FIREFLY SUMMER (and the competition was stiff with The Pilot's Wife and Tully and more).
MoM3g2b@aol.com
Definitely 'Courting Trouble' by Lisa Scottoline.
AndreaCarter3270@aol.com
So far, the best book I've read/am reading this summer is Report from Ground Zero: The Story of the Rescue Efforts at the World Trade Center by Dennis Smith. Grim, but necessary reading, I think; very well done by a writer/firefighter in an astonishingly short period of time.
THHANS@aol.com
The best book I have read this summer is Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. Went through many tissues by the time I finished reading this one. I read it to my husband on one of our car trips, kind of a habit of ours. Better than audiobooks because you can talk about the book as you are reading it. He also liked it and didn't even call it a chick book. In fact the next day he came home from work and said he was thinking about the characters from the book all day long, as if they were haunting him. For a time they became people we had known, and that to me is the great book.
DFONAMO@aol.com
The Seven Daughters of Eve by Bryan Sykes. I'm an eighty year old science illiterate, but this story about DNA is downright exciting as well as instructive.
Tjbwawczak@aol.com
Amazing that the last Oprah selection is good. I started Fall on Your Knees (A. MacDonald) and it is GREAT. I have been reading by a cabin on a lake in Wisconsin, in a car driving out West, and in a hotel in Rapid City, SD --- loving this novel. Finally I enjoyed one of her selections.
Ladeebugs18@aol.com
The best book I read so far this summer is The Dive from Clausen's Pier by Ann Packer.
MHWALSH@aol.com
Secret Sanction by Brian Haig --- better than Mortal Allies.
EStone2618@aol.com
I have read 11 of the Agatha Raisin series by MC Beaton. I am a woman Agatha's age and thought the books were a lot of fun. Books to relax with.
criscunningham@earthlink.net
The Cabinet of Curiosities by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. Thanks.
EZREADER1265@aol.com
Wailing Wind by Tony Hillerman. Best book this summer, so far.
MOMACALADA@aol.com
The Emperor of Ocean Park is a puzzle within a conundrum within a social treatise. Took a while to get through but I'm glad I read it.
mystinmts@earthlink.net
VITALS by Greg Bear --- a science fiction mystery/thriller.
MOOSEEY@aol.com
I think the best book I have read so far this summer is The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.
WIMJO@aol.com
The best book that I have read this summer is by Stephen Carter and is called The Emperor of Ocean Park.
Hrprt12345@aol.com
The best book I had read this summer is Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy. I am a high school student and I got this summer reading assignment, and enjoyed reading this amazing book.
Njm629@aol.com
DISTANT SHORES by Kristin Hannah.
AvaXDay@aol.com
The very best book I've read this summer was NORTH OF NOWHERE by Steve Hamilton. I considered it the best because, although it's a type of book I seldom read anymore, a straight private-investigator type mystery (and it's a "guy book" in the way some movies are "chick flicks"), the words just flow.
Every single word needs to be just exactly where it is, and there's not an extra word anywhere. It's very near perfect.
juliecbarnard@yahoo.com
Pasadena by David Ebershoff.
HSJones@aol.com
My Dream of You --- Nuola O'Failan.
dbelk105@adelphia.net
THE BLUE DIARY by Alice Hoffman.
Dktea@aol.com
Gone for Good by Harlan Coben.
SLR27BOO@aol.com
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.
SalbyC@aol.com
I have two "best books" that I've read this summer. They are Unless by Carol Shields and The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. Both are brilliant.
DeeDeeJ@aol.com
The Beach House.
jcarter29@neo.rr.com
The best book of the summer so far is The Lovely Bones by Sebold. First novel for this author but it was amazing. I manage a bookstore and I have recommended it to all of my fiction, crime or mystery readers. Awesome writing.
mjrichards@hotmail.com
Best book so far this winter (I'm in Australia) was Helen Dunmore's Talking to the Dead.
Lmcm2108@aol.com
Tell No One by Harlan Coben was definitely my favorite book thus far. Even though the summer is almost over, I doubt I'll read another as good as this! I loaned it to a friend and she read it in one day also. It was a one sitting book and kept your attention until the last page. By the way, if you plan on reading this book, DON'T cheat by reading the last page!
julejess@hotmail.com
Good in Bed. So funny, so serious.
Geri3848@aol.com
DUNE: House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. Takes you right back to Dune as if it were the original, yet it is written as a prequel. Very well done in the tradition of Frank Herbert.
FFARGT@aol.com
Stephen King, Everything's Eventual.
Sandn2shoes@aol.com
My "best book this summer" is a tie...unusual since I can go months without any worthwhile. My ties are "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok. I read this because my adult daughter said that she saw where this had been listed as a classic...why hadn't she seen it around the house growing up? Good question...so I got it. Warmly written story about the relationship of two 15 y/o Jewish boys during a year of their lives. I cannot put my finger on why a loved this story...it really drew me in and I did not want it to end. I will read more of Chaim Potok...sorry to hear of his death last week. The other, as good in a different way, the "The Buffalo Soldier" by Chris Bohjalian...I think this is a sleeper maybe because of the title. Wonderful, contemporary story, told from the different characters perspective
throughout the book. It is about a couple, who, while trying to survive a personal loss, take in an African American 10 y/o foster child. I could not put this down.
DDerow91@aol.com
Without a doubt, the best book I have read this summer, this year and in a few years is Alice Sebold's "The Lovely Bones." If Oprah still had her book club, she would have had to pick this book of the month. It was well written, thought provoking, and an interesting premise. Everyone should read this book! Thank you.
GandmaRI@aol.com
Best Book Read: Neither East or West by Christiane Bird. A nonfiction read about a woman's journey thru Iran. Interesting and piqued my imagination.
SoniaSM@aol.com
I picked this book from the library shelf for its title...the inner city school where I taught had an all-Latino soccer team except for a Thai boy, called Fuji by his teammates, who seemed to think all Asians were Japanese. Fuji learned more Spanish from his teammates than English from his teachers. From American Fuji (by Sara Backer), I learned a great deal of contemporary life in Japan and enjoyed an excellent, beautifully written non-thriller mystery.
zyphryn@pioneeris.net
The best book I have read this summer was "Hocus Pocus" by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., but, right now, I am reading "Galapagos," also by Mr. Vonnegut, and the summer isn't over yet, so my answer may change. I think it would be safe to say, in general, that any book I have recently read that was written by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., would be the best book I have read, regardless of the season.
theaerie@skybest.com
Sea Biscuit by Laura Hillenbrand --- loved it, a page turner, well researched.
Grand2Me@aol.com
The best book that I read this summer was Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire. I really enjoyed the twist at the end. It was sort of dark but had real comedic light. I am totally looking forward to Ms. Rowling's fifth installment of the series.
LUVINIT30@aol.com
Has GOT to be "Last Man Down" by FDNY Battalion Commander Richard Picciotto with Daniel Paisner. This book gripped me from beginning to end and I couldn't put it down. I read it in two nights.
While reading it, the author makes you feel as though you're right there with him at the collapse of the World Trade Center. You feel every emotion and every frustration right along with him (although I can't even imagine it). I suddenly have a much greater respect for firefighters because of it.
MCennamo@aol.com
The Solace of Leaving Early by Haven Kimmel.
DizeM4T@aol.com
We Were the Mulvaneys. This was one of the first "Oprah picks" I've read after she had put it on her list. It had a lot of life lessons in it and is one I'd consider purchasing for my own library.
Annie161@aol.com
The best book I read this summer was "The Blind Assassin" by Margaret Atwood. After awhile most books seem to follow the same formula so it was refreshing to read such an original plot and form of writing. A good read.
md1828@hotmail.com
The Summerhouse.
Skyward77@aol.com
The BEST BOOK I read this summer has to be "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" by James Patterson. I have never been more moved by a book than this one.
barbararma@yahoo.com
The best book that I've read this summer is We Were the Mulvaney's. I'm not sure of the author as I've lent the book to my mother-in-law.
MattPat11@aol.com
The best book I've read all summer is Along Came a Spider by James Patterson.
pfriday7@attbi.com
Best book so far is 'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold.
pjhess55@hotmail.com
The best book I have read so far this year is "A Week In Winter" by Marcia Willets.
JohnPLaura@aol.com
The Secret Lives Of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd, what a beautiful story!
roymar@msn.com
Fear itself.
BLM221@aol.com
My favorite was not just one book, it was a whole series. A fellow quilter recommend the Benni Harper mystery series by Earlene Fowler. The books are best read in chronological order as the author does a very good job at character development over the course of the books. Since I am a quilter and used to live in the area of the setting (San Luis Obispo, CA) I have an extra affinity for the central character. The title of each book is the name of a quilt pattern, and the pattern and quilts play a role in solving the mystery. Benni is a very believable character and the settings are described in detail. There is only a small amount of actual violence but a lot of mystery and intrigue. Titles are Fool's Puzzle, Irish Chain, Kansas Troubles, Dove in the Window, Goose in the Pond, Arkansas Traveler, Seven Sisters, Mariner's Compass and Steps to the Altar.
JTURNER@library.unt.edu
The best book I read this summer was So Big by Edna Ferber. I loved the book and the fact that she was fearless enough to not have a happily ever after ending. The ending was appropriate to the characters and the book. I think that it would be a good movie to remake in color.
md1828@hotmail.com
Sunset in St. Tropez by Danielle Steel was great.
AMCOST@aol.com
The best book I read this summer (what I did on my summer vacation) is "To Reign in Hell" by Steven Brust.
Endorra@aol.com
The best book I have read, so far, this summer has to be Milking the Moon by Katherine Clark.
ProfTee@aol.com
My husband received "The Dream of Scipio" by Iain Pears for Father's Day. We both have read it and found it to be way above most recent novels in style, content and character development. We also enjoyed his "An Instance of the Fingerpost." These two books engage one's mind, which most summer reads do not. His art-related mysteries are lighter, but also good.
LMorris804@aol.com
The best book I have read so far this summer is The Blue Bear by Lynn Schooler. A true account of life in Alaska by the owner/guide of a smallish boat and the young Japanese photographer with whom he develops a deep friendship over the many summers they are together. Rather than giving away the "story" I shall just say, read it. It will grip you; not just the account of those summers but in the lyrical writing.
Susmu@aol.com
The best book I've read this summer is Empire Falls by Richard Russo. But, I'm half way through The Emperor of Ocean Park and it's pretty good so far.
Gerbelsnrf@aol.com
The best book I have read so far this summer was the fantasy trilogy Rhapsody and its two sequels, Prophecy and Destiny, by Elizabeth Haydon.
cwenz@carmel.lib.in.us
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.
KTMPAL@aol.com
"The Dive From Clausen's Pier"
marychambers@yahoo.com
BIG CHERRY HOLLER by Adriana Trigiani, second in the trilogy about Big Stone Gap in Virginia is my favorite book so far this summer. I love the characters, the development of the story, and the ending. I'm anxious to read her next book, MILK GLASS MOON. Trigiani even took time out to call our small book club in Bend, Oregon and took all the time we wanted to talk to each one of us. She is producing a movie about BIG STONE GAP, the first book, also good.
Grandmareadme@aol.com
The best summer book I have read this summer is Vertical Burn by Earl Emerson. It is a stand alone and I was so hard to but it down. My brother was a firefighter in the Air Force for 18 years and I never really had a clue as to what he went through. Also in some way the last part of the books make me think that this is what some of the firefighters of 9-11 must have gone through. It gave me chills. When I finished with the book, I had to just sit there and hold it in my hands and pray for all those families and that God that although a floor in a fire fell on my brother's back and he is on 50% disability he is still here with us.
Indigo6126@aol.com
The best book I have read this summer was Ahab's Wife by Naslund. It was a fabulous read that I hated to see end.
ScootFi@aol.com
My best book I've read so far would have to be Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
lyonandjohnson@hotmail.com
The best book I have read so far this summer has been Woman's Inhumanity to Woman by Phyllis Chesler. It explores all the cruelties that women practice on each other. This has been a not very popular subject in the mainstream feminist world, but ignoring it's existence is pulling on blinders. I have always considered myself a feminist, but have observed this behavior among women for years. It was reaffirming to read about theories I have had for years.
Butterfly4Shelly@aol.com
James Patterson "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" is the best book I have read so far this summer. It's enjoyable reading!
Dgeadgmd@aol.com
The best book I read this summer was THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES by Sue Monk Kidd. Intriguing characters in a time that challenged the country's racist attitudes seen through the perceptive eyes of a fourteen year old. I have recommended this to ALL of my friends!!!!!
DancingGram7@aol.com
The best book I read so far is "Billy Straight" by Jonathan Kellerman. I bought the book and 3 others at Barnes and Noble in the bargain section. He writes so that the reader can't put the book down always wondering what's next! It's about a 12 year old runaway boy who lives on the streets and parks of Hollywood and has witnessed a brutal murder. The book flows from Billy and his problems to the detectives looking for the murderer. This book really holds the readers interest.
ldragonreader@aol.com
The best book I have read this summer is "I Closed My Eyes" by Michelle Wheldon. Ms. Wheldon is a journalist and journalism professor who lives in the Chicago area. The book is about her journey through and recovery from an abusive relationship after being married to the "perfect man." Ms. Wheldon survived several years of verbal and physical abuse and triumphed over the trauma and abuse that was inflicted on her. The book begins with the start of the relationship and follows her through the marriage and subsequent divorce. She has a powerful message and delivers it with honesty and love. I feel it is a must read for everyone, whether or not they are or have been in an abusive relationship. It certainly opened my eyes (no pun intended).
Gees90du@aol.com
Death In The Long Grass by Peter Hathaway Capstick.
Janjan33@aol.com
The Lovely Bones was a deeply disturbing book, and yet the best I've read this summer. I simply couldn't put it down. I can't say I agreed with the author's description of Heaven, but it was interesting to ponder.
KRenner1@aol.com
Educating Waverly by Laura Kalpakian.
Carosp@aol.com
I've read some pretty good books this summer, but I guess I'd say the best one was the one I just finished --- Ernie's Ark, by Monica Wood. It's actually a collection of related short stories, but put together, they tell one story that has many stories within it. Very insightful, and enjoyable to read.
FSturkey@aol.com
The Emperor of Ocean Park.
MegVT@aol.com
So far this summer, the best reads this summer is a tie between two books.
The first being The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. This is a great character study of life in South Carolina as the background. it deals with parent/child relationships, dealing with accidental death and how much a child suffers because of it and black/white relationships. It is a can't put down book and well written.
The second book, The House of the Blue Mangoes by David Davidar is a saga taking place in India. The bonus is learning about the Indian culture and their view of women. It is kind of a slow read, but well worth it.
ERISABOB@aol.com
Up Country by Nelson Demille. Second: The Lion's Game by Nelson Demille.
Mompoetcat@aol.com
The best book I read this summer is Road to Coorain.
MRJ1234@aol.com
MY FAVORITE BOOK THUS FAR HAS BEEN "GUNMANS RHAPSODY" BY ROBERT PARKER. I LOVE PARKER'S WRITING AND THIS WAS SUCH A DEPARTURE. NONE OF THE WITTY CONVERSATION JUST A WELL TOLD STORY OF WYATT EARP.
Ufsteph123@aol.com
The best book I've read this summer is The Associate by Phillip Margolin.
lisa07110@yahoo.com
The best book I have read so far this summer is hands down, Empire Falls by Richard Russo. I often shy away from the "must read" books, usually because I find they don't live up to the hype. But a coworker who is a book lover like myself highly recommended this book. And so I picked up the book, started reading, and could not put it down. The characters were so real to me. I truly cared about the outcome of each of their lives and was deeply satisfied with how Russo ended the book. An overwhelming message of hope amidst struggle and pain.
pebirchall@yahoo.com
Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas.
Rhodavictor@aol.com
The best book I have read this summer and perhaps all year is The Cabinet of Curiosities by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. It is a page turner and at the same time provides detailed historic facts which ordinarily I would find boring but do not due to the way they are presented. I am an avid reader but have never read their previous books. I will now try to obtain their previous publications.
Seabird328@aol.com
God is a Bullet by Boston Teran. Gritty, rough, ugly but unputdownable!
snoopyshen@earthlink.net
Hi! I listed down two books as my choices, since I could not make my decision between the two of them which was best.
1. The Irish Cottage Murder by Dicey Deere since it grabs your interest right from the start.
2. Suzanne's Diary by James Patterson since it is a heartfelt story which I cried over. Keep up the great work!!
bookworm51us@yahoo.com
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.
Adelsarto@aol.com
I was visiting my mother in North Carolina in June. (I am from the Cleveland area.) She and I are avid readers and I love visiting the local bookstore in Brevard. As in any bookstore, the sales people recommend books to their customers. They highly recommended the "Secret Life of Bees." After hearing about the plot, I couldn't imagine why this book would appeal to me, but they were so enthusiastic about it, I decided to read it. This is a wonderful book that will become a classic work of literature. There were times I wanted to copy in calligraphy some of the passages and mount them on my walls. For anyone who appreciates excellent writing and a truly moving story, I can't recommend this book enough.
Mamae512@aol.com
By far, The Beach House.
GDurisin@aol.com
So far this summer, top honors go to Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones.
vmmalone@yahoo.com
The Evidence Against Her by Robb Dew. While sounding like a mystery, really was about a family living at the turn of the century. It was not a whodunit, but had more of if anything wrong had even done. A Hitchcock type movie should be made from it.
hollybarnett2001@yahoo.com
Extra Virgin by Annie Hawes.
NGroves@aol.com
I've read so many books this summer that I've already forgotten most of the titles. However, among the ones I've read lately, "Bel Canto" by Ann Patchett stands out.
JenniferKtspws@aol.com
The best book I've read this summer is Tara Road by Maeve Binchy. It is a very difficult book to put down and you must keep reading to see what happens next!
Two sisters, Hilary, and Ria, get married. Ria marries a smooth man Danny Lynch, and Hilary marries a nice poor fellow, Martin. Danny is real trouble, unbeknownst to her until the middle of the story when there is a betrayal. They have this house on Tara Road that is beautiful, but that Danny achieved by pulling some strings he shouldn't have at the beginning. The story moves forward from there until a betrayal in more than one way happens to the Lynch family. Ria, later then does a house exchange with someone and goes to the US. Many more things happen here on her stay.
This is a very absorbing, wonderful read I would highly recommend. Too bad it has to end!
micheleserrani@carolina.rr.com
The best book I have read so far this summer is The Lovely Bones. Heartbreaking and poignant, funny and tragic. It is especially timely, considering what has been in the news lately about all of the little girls that have been missing. I couldn't put it down.
Judyisat@earthlink.net
Without a doubt, the best book I have read this summer is "The Lovely Bones" by Anna Sebold. The storyline flows, the plot is well written and paced but the loveliest conception of death and how the family and friends deal with it, is beautifully done. I never reread a book but this one, I am saving because of the emotions it evoked in me. Thanks for the opportunity to voice my opinion.
charris@pcnuthut.com
The best book I read this summer is PERFECT MATCH by Jodi Picoult.
lin111@juno.com
I recently finished a book written in the 50's called Not as a Stranger by Morton Thompson. I've managed to hold onto it since 1970 and knew there was a reason for rereading this incredible novel. All this little boy ever wanted to be was a doctor, from the time he was 5, running after the town doctors, carrying their bags and going along on patient visits (yes they did back then). It is a novel of dedication and what this young man did when faced with the possibility of having to leave medical school, the only dream he ever had. And what happens when physicians become too old to practice, and won't accept this reality? This is a long novel but well worth the time!
Phylacm@aol.com
For me the best book that I have read this summer was Coulter's "Hemlock Bay." I could not put it down tried to read it in one setting, however even I got sleepy. The plot was good and the ending, QUITE A TWIST.
Mvourneen@aol.com
Seabiscuit, by Laura Hillenbrand. I knew it was good, but I was not expecting it to be so good I didn't want to put it down.
martyph@charter.net
FINALLY I found a good book, not just this summer, but the best I've read in several months: THE EVIDENCE AGAINST HER by Robb Forman Dew, a family story taking place in an era we don't read much about, WW1. Beautiful writing with several well-drawn characters. As the book description in Amazon.com says quite accurately, Dew "wants us to believe in the intense inner lives of these old-fashioned characters; it's as if she's showing us a faded black-and-white daguerreotype and demanding that we imagine ourselves in the high-buttoned shoes of the people we see in the picture." Highly recommended!
GandmaRI@aol.com
Stone Monkey by Jeffery Deaver.
DAOWEN@aol.com
"Two O'clock, Eastern Wartime" by John Dunning.
lanistrom@hotmail.com
1. Seabiscuit
2. Leni Reifenstahl (a memoir) (NF)
3. Give me the World by Leila Hadley (NF)
4. Too many Men by Lilly Brett
shifel02@aol.com
Just finished reading "The Jew Store" very interesting.
Mrsfitz196@aol.com
The best book that I read this summer would have to be Oleanderby Janet Fitch. Thanks.
Susanorrie@aol.com
The Lovely Bones by Sebold.
Loveajoy@aol.com
Barbara Samuel's NO PLACE LIKE HOME.
DLV122273@aol.com
I've read two actually --- In This Mountain by Jan Karon and The Talking Wind by Tony Hillerman. Loved them both. The characters are "real" people that I have come to admire and care about.
CynthFlmr@aol.com
Suzanne's Letter to Nicholas.
RSteele124@aol.com
Blackbird by Jenifer Lauck. WOW!
mlauerba@aol.com
I reread Stone Diaries by Carol Shields for my book group. Even better the second time around.
maryg211@aol.com
The best book I've read this week is The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall.
DStegmanCrawford@aol.com
The best book I read was Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross. It had it all --- sex, drama, history, violence.....what a story!
smleonetti@msn.com
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. WRITTEN almost 150 years ago and has never been out of print!
Spierb@aol.com
The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold.
Adikeman@aol.com
Atonement by Ian McEwan was a wonderful book and as an avid reader it might have been the best book I've read all year.
WTHRGUESSR@aol.com
The best of this summer is the duo Winds of War and War and Remembrance by Herman Wouk. Yes, an old one, but I only recently discovered this author.
Islandannie207@aol.com
Best book I read this summer was " Witness" by Whittaker Chambers. Don't miss it!!
KTBug931@aol.com
The best book I read this summer would have to have been Beach Music by Pat Conroy. This is saying a lot, since I have done almost nothing but read this summer. I would like to thank all the loyal Bookreporter responders who recommended Beach Music as a great summer read. It certainly was.
ELLERBAKER@aol.com
The best summer read so far this year is The Summerhouse by Jude Deveraux. A story of family and love and just plain good reading. So what if it is fiction, it makes your feel good. Thank you Jude.
AudreyMayer@cs.com
The best book I have read this summer is The Emperor of Ocean Park. Although Carter has some semi-annoying stylistic quirks, the story and characters are engrossing. I think it also gives the reader some insight into the lives of upper-middle class African-Americans.
Bookwo7875@aol.com
Crooked Little Heart by Anne Lamott.
Annabelle973@aol.com
The best has got to be The Risk Pool by Richard Russo. Close second is Never Fade Away by William Hart.
cleas@earthlink.net
"The Book of Splendor" by Frances Sherwood --- which was also my "save for vacation" book. Just loved it!
mnboylan@hotmail.com
I think that one of the best books I've read has been Density of Souls by Christopher Rice.
NoelWillis@aol.com
The best one for me is "Search the Dark" by Charles Todd. This is the 3rd in a series, and features Inspector Ian Rutledge. Time period is immediately after W.W.I in England. The mystery is well-constructed, but what is really fascinating is the study of the states of mind of men who returned from that terrible trench war. The Inspector's mindset is of particular interest. I recommend the series highly to anyone who likes English village procedurals.
Shell725@aol.com
I just finished reading "Dying to Get Published" by Judy Fitzwater. One of the funniest and best-written murder mysteries I've read in a long time. All aspiring authors will appreciate it!
Neysa7777@aol.com
I have been reading the New Testament. So far I have read Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and am midway through Acts. It is very good reading in contemporary Language. The Bible version is a book called The Message by Eugene S. Peterson.
nanderson65@yahoo.com
By far, the best book I've read this summer is 'Gone for Good,' by Harlan Coben. I hadn't read anything by this author and was intrigued by the book jacket. It was excellent! I read a lot of mystery/thrillers and usually figure out what's going on but I was surprised up until the very last page and did not want the book to end. I'm a librarian and read lots of books so it takes a really great one to shock me and I'd have to say this was it --- I'm looking forward to reading the author's previous novel 'Tell No One.'
raeann.ja@verizon.net
My favorite book this summer was Tending Roses. It was such a good summer read and I have passed it on to four friends who all have loved it.
cbaldwinutah@msn.com
At the end of spring I began the delightful "Irish" series by Father Andrew M. Greeley. Beginning with "Irish Gold" on to "Irish Lace," "Irish Eyes," "Irish Mist," "Irish Whiskey," and finishing with "Irish Stew." These charming tales about Nuala Anne McGrail and her dear husband Dermot mix interesting Irish history with a present time plot that delves into unsolved mysteries. They're fun and touching reads!
My latest great summer read was "Summer Light" by Luanne Rice. Ms. Rice has become a strong voice in women's literature and her latest is among her best. It follows a tortured hockey player loosing his eye sight and a struggling single mother as they grow to love and lift each other through some of life's many trials. A wonderful and magical summer read!
BOBPATTYSTEW@aol.com
THE LIONS GAME by NELSON DEMILLE.
skylar182002@yahoo.com
A Dog's Life: A Year in the Life of a Dog Family by James Burton, Michael Allaby (Contributor), Jane Burton, Kim Taylor (Illustrator).
md1828@hotmail.com
Sunset in St. Tropez by Danielle Steel was just wonderful! A great story.
EClinton@aol.com
Among the Believers, V.S. Naipaul. This is a perceptive look at the Islamic world by Mr. Naipaul. The book concerns a trip taken in 1979-1980 to Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia. It seems highly relevant today and should be studied closely by scholars and spies.
theaerie@skybest.com
Sea Biscuit by Laura Hillenbrand.
csworks2@insightbb.com
I have discovered Owen Parry's series set in the Civil War. Faded Coat of Blue, Shadows of Glory, and Call Each River Jordan. Each is better than the other!
FELICIANOluv@aol.com
Best book so far has been Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas.
PEANCAT@aol.com
In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick.
Buttercupmlm@aol.com
The best book I've read this summer is Dennis Lehane's Mystic River.
Trebortnek@aol.com
The Mighty Johns, a book of short stories anchored by a novella by David Baldacci!!! Really good!
Owl9650@aol.com
Hands down, no contest: THE LOVELY BONES by Alice Sebold.
