July 31, 2009 - August 13, 2009
Last contest period's winners each received a copy of THE BEST OF TIMES by Penny Vincenzi, JERICHO'S FALL by Stephen L. Carter andSACRED HEARTS by Sarah Dunant.
| Genie |
| Sea of Troubles by Janet L. Smith |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Seattle attorney, Annie MacPherson, holds power of attorney for the ailing owner of the Windsor Resort on Orcas Island in the Pacific Northwest. The resort is up for sale and Annie has been notified that a buyer is waiting on location to make an offer. An initial meeting with the prospective buyer and his companion leaves her cold. When the hotel manager tries to pressure her into making a hasty sale, Annie begins to feel uneasy about the situation. Her suspicions are quickly validated when the buyer's companion is kidnapped and murdered. She begins an investigation on her own and soon discovers a guest list filled with greedy, deceitful and vindictive people --- any one of whom would be capable of murder. |
| Angela Foster |
| Abercrombie Trail by Candace Simar |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a great historical fiction book about the Minnesota uprising of 1862. Wonderful characters. Full of suspense and emotion. A great read! |
| Jean |
| French Pressed by Cleo Coyle |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I always find these Coffeehouse Mysteries very enjoyable. They are light, but not stupid. I find them to be quite well written. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| She Walks These Hills by Sharyn McCrumb |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
An interesting story set in the Tennessee/North Carolina mountains about mountain living. I really liked the parallel stories of the young woman escaping from Indians in 1700's and the 60+ prison escapee. The story has many memorable characters which interweave into the main story. The few pages about the honor student who kills himself after a football game ties into the mountain mentality. The traditions concerning death, love, and life seem silly, but are essential to survival. Once I started reading, I could not stop. |
| Reva Wamsley (prwamsley@roadrunner.com) |
| The Key to Midnight by Dean Koontz |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Not your usual Dean Koontz book, but very good just the same. Alex Hunter goes to Japan on vacation. At a night club, he hears this singer named Joanna, and it dawns on him she is a dead ringer for a senator's daughter who disappeared ten years ago. There are lots of twists in this book. |
| Marsha |
| Vigil by Cecilia Samartin |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a lovely story of a girl who devotes her life to a family after enduring lasting emotional wounds in her childhood. This was a much better book than I expected. It reinforces the virtues that we were taught at our mother's knees. Faith, love and kindness are the tools she uses to heal her own and the family's emotional wounds. |
| Sharron |
| Homer & Langley by E. L. Doctorow |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great biopic inspired by brothers in New York City who were hoarders. The Collyer syndrome (hoarding) was named for them. A short but well-presented characterization by a great author. |
| Sharron |
| Common Sense by Glenn Beck |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Interesting opinions and statistics based on Thomas Paine's COMMON SENSE, which is supposed to be a wake up call regarding our current government and way of life. I found it quite interesting as a conservative. What do liberals think? |
| Metalfiend11 from Rocksprings, TX (metalfiend11@yahoo.com) |
| The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This book was just okay for me. It started out really good but then went downhill. Too much heartache for my taste. Sorry. |
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
| The Abortionist's Daughter by Elisabeth Hyde |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Diana Duprey, a controversial abortion doctor, is found dead near her home pool in a small Colorado town. There are many suspects, including her husband Frank, who had admittedly quarreled with her earlier in the day. Her daughter Megan, though, is the main focus of this story, as we see the aftermath of her mother's death through her eyes. This was a quick read, but entertaining and exciting. |
| Jean |
| A Vicky Hill Exclusive! by Hannah Dennison |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This cozy British mystery was boring to read! I'm mad at myself for finishing it. The first part of the book was likeable, and then it turned to boring. I found myself not caring about the characters or what happened to them. |
| Jean M. |
| Crazy For the Storm by Norman Ollestad |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A good story of determination, which enables the author to survive. |
| Hedi Hopwood (hedihopwood@comcast.net) |
| Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a good story, however, Reacher has become a Rambo Character. It would not be real to believe that he would be able to out run and beat all those after him. (Bad guys/Government) |
| Hedi Hopwood (hedihopwood@comcast.net) |
| The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Very interesting- several plots mixed into one that keeps you interested until the very end. |
| Sandra Stiles (skstiles612@yahoo.com) |
| The Secret Holocaust Diaries by Nonna Bannister |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
These are the memories kept on scraps of paper in five different languages by Nonna Bannister while she survived labor camps. The only Russian survivor of her family, she kept these diaries secret from her husband and children until a few years before her death. A definite must read. You will laugh and cry with this one |
| nardella4@aol.com (nardella4@aol.com) |
| The Abduction by Mark Gimenez |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I read this book a year ago, and hundreds of books later, it's still my favorite. One of the best, most well-written books ever. My preference in books are thrillers, and this met my expectations in spades! |
| Jud Hanson |
| The Forgotten by Faye Kellerman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a very well written novel, with an engaging and believable plot and characters. LAPD detective Peter Decker and wife Rina Lazarus are hit close to home when their synagogue is desecrated with anti-Semitic graffiti. After the teenage perpetrator is caught and sentenced to community service, he shows up dead at a camp for troubled youth. The investigation gets more complex as the involvement of his therapists and the local chapter of the Preservation of Ethnic Integrity. This is a gripping novel which is hard to put down. |
| Jill |
| Rain Gods by James Lee Burke |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Hackberry Holland is the 70 yr old cousin of Billy Bob Holland (who Burke has written a series about) who is the sheriff of a small border town in Texas, who runs up against a host of other troubled characters, all of who are dealing with their own angst and conflicted thoughts and feelings. Thoughtfully written prose and descriptions dominate-all of which I love about the way Burke tells his stories and creates his complicated characters. |
| Jud Hanson |
| Triptych by Karin Slaughter |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
I wish I could give this one a higher rating but I can't. Too many rough plot shifts (I was constantly flipping back to catch up) and I still don't know where the title came from. This is a definite misfire for Slaughter. If you miss this one, you won't miss much. |
| Liza |
| The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I am really enjoying this book. Not only a lovely coming-of-age story of 13 year old Miles, who lives along the shore in Puget Sound, but a captivating look at marine life. Miles is entranced by the living things he discovers in the tide pools near his home, and the description and explanations of the many varied marine life is fascinating. |
| Jon |
| Little Bee by Chris Cleave |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Outstanding story - highly recommended. You won't be disappointed. |
| A. Brim |
| Echoes by Maeve Binchy |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Clare is the daughter of the local store owner. David is the son of the local doctor. They are raised when there are culture divides but come together when they leave their small home town and go off to school. I enjoyed this because it was about regular people and the lives in a small town in the late 50s and 60s. |
| Kathy Vallee |
| Hunting Fear by Kay Hooper |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great author, this book wasv ery hard to put down it was about a special unit in the FBI who are all psychics that hunt down a serial killer. Can not say enough about this one you need to read it for yourself. |
| Jessica |
| The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you loved THE SHADOW OF THE WIND, reading this prequel is a must. It will transport you back to dark and stormy nights in the mysterious Gothic streets of Barcelona, like meeting an old mischievous friend again for a few hundred pages of pure imaginary bliss. A bit darker than its predecessor, this book differs from THE SHADOW OF THE WIND in some ways, but will not disappoint fans of Zafon. |
| Sharon |
| A Vision of Light by Judith Merkle Riley |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A rather perfect summer read. This is the story about Fourteen Century Margaret who tells her tale to a disgruntled priest whom she has hired to write her story and teach her to read. By the time that you finish this rather entrancing story you will know more about 14th Century England than you did before you opened the book's cover. The author is a professor of political science. If only high school history was this interesting! |
| Kathy Vallee |
| Angel's Advocate by Mary Stanton |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the second book in this series, where Bree helps people who have died and desperately need her help to defend them so they do not go to hell. She sees them and puts her lawyer skills to work with the help of the Angels that are on her team. |
| Jud Hanson |
| Killer Takes All by Erica Spindler |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was a great book. Stacey Killian is a former Dallas PD detective who hears gunshots one night. She discovers her neighbors shot to death. Reluctantly, resumes the role of detective unofficially as she seeks discover what happened. In cooperation with NO Detective Spencer Malone, she is soon caught up in the clannish world of role-playing games and soon finds herself at odds with the White Rabbit, leader of a particularly violent RPG. This novel is well written and has more twists and turns than the Pacific Coast Hwy. |
| Fran |
| Remedies by Kate Ledger |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
REMEDIES is a remarkable little novel that portrays the life of a married couple, who are affected by 15 years of unresolved loss and a lifetime of unmet expectations. Despite a strong facade portrayed to the outside world, Emily and Simon are locked into a world of isolation and remain sealed away by unhealed wounds. Simon, a promising doctor believes he has stumbled upon the cure for pain. With this discovery, he is faced with the need to make up for the "one diagnosis" which he did not catch, which changed his and his wife's life forever. Emily, is forced to take a look at the shards of her marriage, when an old lover shows up in her life and reawakens the feelings she has buried so deep. Their 12 year old daughter, Jamie, is crying out for attention, but has never quite lived up to the shadow of her deceased brother, Caleb, who is very much present throughout the heart of this book. Kate Ledger, in her debut novel about a family in crisis, speaks to the heart of the reader. With a realistic portrayal of a marriage gone bad, anyone can find something to relate to in this little gem of a novel. Despite its subject matter, it is not a novel of sadness, rather it is a novel of healing and a novel of hope. I would highly recommend this book as a book club selection since, since there are so many levels, relationships and characters that could be analyzed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. |
| Sandy |
| Black Water Rising by Attica Locke |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Plot a little hard to follow and ending a bit of a disappointment. |
| B. Klaassen |
| Last Kiss : A Novel by Luanne Rice |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really enjoy this author's writing. The stories are full of details. The ending of this book was a little to tightly closed up for my liking. I enjoyed the plot of the story. There were a few twists that I did not see coming in the plot. |
| B. Klaassen |
| Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book was pure entertainment. The story was another roller coaster ride that smoothed out in the end. I did enjoy that Stephanie did more talking and less flirting in this story. I missed Stephanie interacting with "Bob" in this book. This was a great couple of hours reading. |
| Jean M. |
| The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved the book. The concept is unique. I usually don't like "romance books" but in this case, I consider this a great love story and I really enjoyed reading it. |
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
| Fire and Ice by J.A.Jance |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I wanted to like this book because I've read all of Jance's other books in both of the Joanna Brady and J.P. Beaumont series. I did not like this one very much because it was confusing. Jance goes back and forth between Seattle and Arizona the entire book. It would have helped if the two parts were in different fonts, because it was often a little confusing trying to figure out where the characters were located. Way too many names to keep track of also. I should have made up an elaborate flow chart to track all of those names. Not my favorite. |
| Barbara Higdon (sareader@satx.rr.com) |
| People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A fascinating novel about a Hebrew manuscript that survives several centuries and a young woman who works to learn of its history and journey to this century. |
| Sandra F. |
| The Outcast by Sadie Jones |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a very good book along the theme of distant father, loving mother, young son - mother dies young and effect on the son. I do believe that Alice Hoffman did it better in SKYLIGHT CONFESSIONS. |
| Sandra F. |
| Death on the Rocks by Eric Wright |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A pleasant mystery by a solid Canadian writer. My enjoyment was somewhat spoiled by the number of typos in the book. |
| Sandra F. |
| Skylight Confessions by Alice Hoffman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A wonderful book which examines the life of a family damaged by bad choices. Alice Hoffman is a super writer and is very adept at writing about dysfunctional families. |
| Angela R. (ppwbookplace@gmail.com) |
| Face of Betrayal by Lis Wiehl |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
When I first saw FACE OF BETRAYAL by Lis Wiehl, I wasn't too interested, mainly because I thought it was just another famous person trying to cash in on their fame by writing a book...I read the synopsis on it and thought, ok, I'll give it a go and ordered it. I am so glad I did. The three women in the book, Allison, a married, federal prosecutor, Nicole single mom, FBI Special Agent, and Cassidy also single, TV reporter, are all smart, gorgeous, and seem to have life figured out. Then they all three are drawn in by the missing person's case of Katie Converse, a teen age girl in the Senate page program, and we begin to see that what is on the outside doesn't necessarily reflect what is on the inside. As the "Triple Threat" women go about solving the case, they each deal with a falacy that is in their own lives, making the book resonate with readers of every type. I was hooked from the first page and found it difficult to put it down to go to work even! I can't wait til book two of the series comes out next year. |
| B. Klaassen |
| Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book had a slow pace but was an enjoyable read. I read this book for an upcoming book discussion. This author writes wonderful full stories. I did enjoy the happy ending and I did not find the ending to sappy. |
| Angela Satalino |
| American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Very likable characters and interesting story of politicians on the way up. |
| Ashley K. (ashleyrn@gmail.com) |
| Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahme-Smith |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is classic summer fiction, in the form of an updated romantic fiction piece considered one of the greatest works of Ms. Austen. While it isn't quite my favorite in new fiction, it is a great escape from the stress brought on by the oppressive summer heat. "It is a truth well known that a zombie in possession of brains will be in want of more brains." --- PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES |
| Annie |
| The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I never read it in high school! I'm about half way finished and really enjoying it. I never saw the movie either, so I was surprised that Gatsby is a bit of a fake and on the illegal side of things. But, it's like being transported to a different time. |
| Joleen |
| All Souls by Michael Patrick MacDonald |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The book is a newer version of ANGELA'S ASHES, set in Boston's SouthIE neighborhood, where crime, drugs, murder, suicide, violence and a strange (but normal to them) sense of community exists. More violence and change comes to Southie when forced integration takes center stage. The book is a true account of life in the white project of Southie. A must read. |
| Betty Jo (harris.bettyjo@yahoo.com) |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockert |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
As a child of the south I felt the author pegged an important part of my growing up years. THE HELP is a great read and sends a great message about household help, not only in the south but where ever you may live. |
| Renee S. |
| Happens Every Day by Isabel Gillies |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I was recommended to read this book by a dear friend, not because I was going through a separation or divorce...she told me it would help any couple make their relationship stronger. I don't know if it did that, but it did make me realize that marriage is something to hold on to. |
| Renee S. |
| Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book was enlightening, thrilling, made me laugh out loud, and cry silently. An elephant, a man, an affair, and coming-of-age novel that kept me wanting more and more... |
| Bonnie (bgluhani@aol.com) |
| While I'm Falling by Laura Moriarty |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I liked this novel from the start, but it got under my skin and I liked it even more as I got into it. This isn't surprising to me, since I loved THE REST OF HER LIFE by this author. WHILE I'M FALLING is about the disintegration of a family through divorce and its effects on those involved. All are adults, including two grown daughters, but that doesn't make it any less significant in their lives. There are so many lines and paragraphs that I wanted to underline or, better, commit to memory. This is one of those books you mull over long after you're done reading. |
| Jan Berg |
| Stalked by Brian Freeman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great read, hard to put down, a few different mysteries to solve and in the end it all ties in with someone you would've never guessed. Lots of action. |
| Keith |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book is a surprising find. I cannot put it down. It is written from the perspective of a young white woman ("Miss Skeeter") and also from the perspective of two maids that work for two of Miss Skeeter's young socialite friends. Set in Jackson Mississippi in the early 1960's , it put an interesting perspective on race that I never appreciated--that of black maids and nursemaids in the South in the 1960's. Not contrived and fun to read. This is the author's first novel and her writing style is easy to read. Despite the fact that she is writing from the perspective of two black maids---using their phrasing and dialect. |
| Judy |
| The Four Corners of the Sky by Michael Malone |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Annie Peregrin is always on the run with her con man dad. On her 7th birthday he leaves her a special present in his sister's barn, and he also leaves Annie there and promptly disappears. Annie grows up to be a Navy pilot who can never go fast enough to outrun her childhood. Then out of the blue her father calls with a dying wish--one she can't resist because the reward is one thing she's always sought. The book is a mystery, adventure, love story all intermingled. While most of it is fun to read, there are so many characters (and I mean characters with a capitol C) and the tome goes on and on. But if you have summer time to spare, there are worse diversions. |
| Stavros |
| Bad Luck and Trouble by Lee Child |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Another thriller about the ex MP Jack Reacher who is a truly a free spirit or is he? A strong sense of loyalty and taking the law into one's own hands. |
| Renee S. |
| The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Oh My Gosh! I couldn't put this book down! I read on our road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and finished by the time we drove up to the hotel valet. This dog is wonderful! And the way Stein makes you understand Enzo is unbelievable. A MUST READ! |
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
| The Secret Speech by Tom Rob Smith |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I broke down and bought this book because I liked Smith's earlier book, CHILD 44, so well. This one is a dud, and I'm sorry I wasted my money. Leo Demidov, former KGB officer, is back. I have to say that the first 250 pages were readable and somewhat exciting. Things fell apart after that, and the characters and writing became cartoonist and outlandish. The last 150 pages reads like a bad screen play for a Class B movie. Anyway, I've got 80 pages left and can't make myself even finish. |
| Linda Ann |
| The Crying Tree by Naseem Rakha |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A book I could not put down... it was great. |
| Sherry |
| Through My Eyes by D.A. Rice |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What a life this poor soul had. It was great reading.. |
| Helen |
| Still Alice by Lisa Genova |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Excellent read. Very real and heartbreaking! |
| Julie |
| The Stand by Stephen King |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you love Stephen King, this is a must read. It's typical Stephen King full of suspense, thrills and gore. A virus that the armed services is developing to use in germ warfare gets out and kills almost everyone in the United States. The few that survive make a stand against an evil force that is trying to take them all to hell. |
| Julie H. |
| Shanghai Girls by Lisa See |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Pearl and May are sisters living in a time full of what I'd describe as excess, in Shanghai, 1937. The girls are both "beautiful girls" their faces and bodies showing up in advertisements, calendars, magazine covers and the like. One early morning, Pearl and May arrive home to the announcement that their father has arranged their marriages. To pay off gambling debts, he's promised their hands in marriage. They marry, the "husbands" heading off the California, Pearl and May to follow. But real life has a way of interrupting, the Japanese attack and the story becomes about how they escape China and eventually make it to their husbands in LA and how to acclimate to life in the US. I wasn't particularly wowed by this novel. The sisters follow the age old lines of a pretty one and a smart one, the young one who thinks life is a party and the older who has been charged with making sure the other is OK. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Butcher's Hill by Laura Lippman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
#3 in the Tess Monaghan series set in Baltimore. I enjoy the atmosphere of Baltimore, since I have visited this city. The struggle between rich and poor and black and white is a struggle in every city. In this episode, Tess helps to locate a baby given up for adoption (the baby, now a child is related to Tess) and assist an older man to clear his name. Lippman does a great job with the setting, but her characters need more depth. |
| DeeeLovely |
| Undiscovered Gyrl by Allison Burnett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
When I was reading this, I kept thinking to myself: if it were possible for a book and a film to have a torrid love affair (J. D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye and Daisy von Scherler Mayer's Party Girl, respectively), their offspring might look something like UNDISCOVERED GYRL. I was completely engrossed from page one; devoured this book in one sitting. It thrilled me, shocked me, captivated me, and made me laugh often and out loud! I have a hunch this book is going to be very, very successful and I sure hope Allison Burnett is adapting it for a screenplay. |
| Linda Ann |
| Run For Your Life by James Patterson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another great book by him... |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
When Logan Thibault was on active duty in Iraq, he found a photo of a smiling blond and tried unsuccessfully to find its owner. But he continued to carry the photo as he was drawn to the photo of the young woman. As he escaped danger time after time in Iraq, his fellow soldiers said his "good luck" was due to the photo. When he returned to the States, he continued to carry the photo and would look at it often wondering who the woman was. He tried to find her following clues in the photo. When he finally did, he tried to tell her about the photo but was unable to. Then they did fall in love. But when she found out about the photo, she questioned his story. Another good love story although a little slow. |
| Lorraine M. Larose |
| Prime Time by Hank Phillippi Ryan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This story is about a television reporter who has to come up with a great story in order to keep her job. She finds a good story and meets Josh who could be a big help to her but she's not sure if he can be trusted because had trust issues in all her relationships. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Fatal Secrets by Allison Brennan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Sonia Knight is a respected agent with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As a child, she had accompanied her father to remote villages in Central and South America helping villagers. When she was 13, her father sold her to human traffickers. She was rescued by a Texas Ranger named Wendell Knight and was later adopted by Wendell's brother Owen. Since she had been sold to traffickers as a child, Sonia made it her mission to stop as many human traffickers as possible in her work with ICE. During a stake-out of a trafficker's home, she ran into FBI agent Dean Hooper. With the FBI and ICE working together as a joint task force, they targeted the traffickers and Sonia found out the truth about her childhood. Another great book by Allison Brennan. |
| Ann Andrews |
| Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is storytelling at it finest, I didn't want to put the book down. The reader learns what slavery is through the eyes of the amazing Aminata. |
| Sue Williams |
| Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
What a disappointment this book was. Had read glowing reviews; however, I felt that their was little connection between the different chapters. Olive was the author"s link to the different "voices" but her presence was remote and I did not see much connection. This book reads more like each chapter is a short story...and I had believed it to be more of a novel. |
| Sue Williams |
| Little Bee by Chris Cleave |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Something a bit different..portrays the plight of the immigrants from countries in which the greed of economic gains is achieved at the cost of human life...Plot is set in Nigeria and England. |
| Jud Hanson |
| The Fifth Angel by Tim Green |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed this book. The basic plot is that Jack Ruskin has to watch his daughter's kidnapper and rapist walk on the kidnap charge due to a technicality. He goes on a vengeful quest to find and kill the worst of the sex offenders. His pursuers are Agents Lee and McGrew of the FBI. The chase will take the three cross-country in a race toward fate. I highly recommend this book. |
| Lorraine M. Larose |
| The Bone Factory by Nate Kenyon |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This story is about David Pierce who lost his job and mysteriously gets another job but one of the conditions is that he and his family have to move into a house in the deep thick woods. Horrible things happen to his family. |
| Sally |
| The Shimmer by David Morrell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the first book I've read by David Morrell, and I'm finding it a fast-paced, gripping thriller. |
| Rosalie Sambuco (crimekitty763@yahoo.com) |
| 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was the perfect book for me to read at this time.....My brother had just died and I was having a very difficult time accepting his death. This book put his passing into a perfect perspective. I know that Bob is in Heaven with our parents, and friends. This book offered me more comfort than THE SHACK. |
| Patricia Gibby (pgibby1@yahoo.com) |
| Plague of Secrets by John Lescroart |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was one of his best Abe Glistky, Dismas Hardy books ever! I didn't realize the killer until the author wanted me to. If you haven't read Lescroart, I would totally recommend you start. |
| L. Cha |
| Shelter Me by Juliette Fay |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was a wonderful book with very real characters which I was utterly absorbed in to the point where I simply could not put it down. I recommend this to anyone who is looking for a novel which will make you sorry you finished it, because you just want the story to go on and on. |
| E Quinn Knight |
| Swann's Way by Marcel Proust |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Although written years ago this is an awesomely written book with a development of characters that is beyond reproach. It is such a delight I slowed down my reading to savor the wonders of the words. |
| Jean M. |
| Brimstone by Robert Parker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
One of Parker's western series. Virgil and Everett are back. It is a quick read page-turner. If you like Parker (and who doesn't?) you'll love it. |
| Jeanie |
| Land of a Hundred Wonders by Lesley Kagen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Gibby is NQR (not quite right) after an automobile accident that killed her parents. She lives with her grandfather and tries her best to become QR (quite right) again. Written in first person from the perspective of someone who has a child like mind, it is a very interesting story of a young woman trying to get her life back on track. |
| Pattie Berryhill (pattiberr@aol.com) |
| The Memory Collector by Meg Gardiner |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Amnesia. The character cannot remember anything after 5 minutes. He tries to battle bad guys. |
| Dara Berryhill (dara34293@aol.com) |
| Vanilla Ride by Joe Lansdale |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Action-packed comical drama of 2 dear friends, one white, one black trying to make things right with the world and enter a world of violence. |
| Carol H. |
| Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
If you are a fan of Weiner's novels, this does not disapoint. It follows GOOD IN BED protagonist Cannie Shapiro, and is filled with love and laughter, and a surprise twist that I never saw coming. Wonderful. |
| Elli (elli.bonner@yahoo.com) |
| Dragon House by John Shors |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wow, wow, wow. This is a wonderful novel, one that inspired me, made me want to make the world a better place. DRAGON HOUSE is the story of two Americans, who down on their luck, travel to contemporary Vietnam to open an orphanage/center to take care of Vietnamese street children. This is a stunning novel. Great writing. An important subject matter. And so, so moving. I would give this book 50 stars if I could. |
| DarcyO |
| Sweet Love by Sarah Strohmeyer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The story centers on family dynamics and renewing an old love. Julie, a TV news reporter and single mom, reunites with an old love with help from her mother and best friend. This book has a lot of references to Shakespeare -- it took me back to my high school English classes. The book made me laugh and cry -- I enjoyed Julie's journey and could relate to her relationship with her mom. |
| Linda Bentzen |
| Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I've read ATLAS SHRUGGED for my book club. It is a very long book and not good in paperback for old eyes to read. But it was a very good book. There are many areas which seem to coincide with what's happening today. Finally finding out who was John Galt was surprising. |
| Linda |
| Shanghai Girls by Lisa See |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Lisa See just keeps getting better and better. Shanghai Girls illustrates the bond between sisters and the problems arise when sisters don't share their innermost thoughts with one another. A powerful story that shows women triumphing over physical and mental odds. |
| Bridget |
| Palace Circle by Rebecca Dean |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I really liked this book about an American woman who marries an older upper class Englishman before World War I. Their lives and the lives of their daughters are the central focus. The book goes up to World war II. It takes place in upper class London, English country houses, and the upper class world of Cairo. I wished this book had gone on because, even though many things were resolved, I would like to know more about what happens to the main characters. |
| Renee |
| The Shack by William Paul Young |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
There's more to this story than most books I've read lately. I see it everywhere I go (buses, planes, schools, beaches) and it creates more conversation than any other book right now. A must read. |
| Julie M. |
| The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Excellent story about the effects of war on the human spirit. Story is about three separate people living in Sarajevo during the seize and the impression the cellist playing Albonini's Adagio in G minor in memory of 22 people killed while waiting for bread made on them. |
| Mary |
| Stalking Susan by Julie Kramer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the debut mystery for this author and the book is nominated for at least one award. It is about a news reporter whose retiring police friend asks her to look into some deaths from the past. There are several where someone named Susan died on the same date only a year apart. He thinks it is a serial killer doing them all, but he was unable to complete his investigation before leaving the police force. |
| Mary |
| Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Another entertaining book by Kristen Hannah. She tells a good story about two girls who are best friends from childhood and the ups and downs in their relationship as one goes on to become a world famous news reporter while the other decides to marry and stay with her family. |
| Mary |
| True Colors by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Story of three sisters and their relationship through the years with each other and their widowed father. One sister falls in love with a man half Indian and her father and one sister do not approve. When he is arrested for murder in the small town, a rift occurs between the sisters. |
| Theresa Norris (weceno@yahoo.com) |
| Boneman's Daughters by Ted Dekker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Very intense. The Boneman's a serial killer of girls. But who is the Boneman? It kept me guessing. |
| Lynn Clifford |
| The Wish Maker by Ali Sethi |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This book is about a family in Pakistan facing transitions as the country weathers political and social turmoil. Although I found the storyline of this book to be potentially very interesting, I thought that the writing was very cumbersome and for me the characters felt flat. |
| Renee (tfranzen2124@comcast.net) |
| Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I pick up books at thrift stores and yard sales.....make big piles of them and then pick 'em off one by one throughout the year. Maybe I am the last person on earth to read this classic....but gee, it's good! |
| T. Thomas |
| The Fixer-Upper by Mary Kay Andrews |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Delightful read with some interesting characters. |
| Fran |
| Leave Me Alone, I'm Reading by Maureen Corrigan |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
"Its not that I don't like people. Its just that when I'm in the company of others--- even my nearest and dearest--- there always comes a moment when I'd rather be reading a book." The author hooked me with the first line of this book and held my interest though the introduction. I could relate to her love of books and ability to relate everything in her life to a book she's read. However, for some reason, I lost interest in her book after the first chapter. It started to feel tedious and boring so I gave up on it. I really wanted to like this book more than I wound up actually liking it. |
| Fran |
| A Sundog Moment by Sharon Baldacci |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A woman faces the diagnosis of MS and the impact it has on her life. Beautiful story! |
| Beverly |
| Fit To Be Tied by Mildred Riley |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A very sweet romance. I recommend to romance fans who do not like explicit sex scenes and enjoy a story with mature characters. |
| Beverly |
| Lowboy by John Wray |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Unique approach to a story exploring mental illness. I read this book in a couple of hours as I wanted to understand what happened to the main characters. |
| Sherry Fraser |
| The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Ok, but I had hoped for a better ending. |
| Hootcat |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great book, set in the 1960's as the Civil Rights movement is just beginning and it is still dangerous to speak out. The three women of this book are trying to find the courage to tell their stories, and form a close bond in the process. |
| Marion Miller (lamamil@aol.com) |
| Sugar Queen by Sarah Allen |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Good summer reading. A pleasant story with a little mystery thrown into the mix. |
| T. Thomas |
| A Rogue of My Own by Johanna Lindsey |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Light, fluffy romance novel. |
| Carol |
| The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This reminds me of Martha Grimes a bit. In her books, there is always a child involved. In Bradley's book, the child is the protagonist. Having the child in the lead allows for quirky language and behavior. It turns into a delightful read. Can't wait for the next Flavia de Luce book! |
| Ricki (rickimc@aol.com) |
| The Light Bearer's Daughter by O. R. Melling |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I normally love faerie novels and have enjoyed Melling's previous two, but this just had to much tree-hugging (literally) that took away from the story. |
| Kathy Mcdaniel |
| California Girl by T. Jefferson Parker |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Nice little summer read here about a trio of brothers in a small California town...cop, preacher and journalist and how a scandal intertwines their lives inexorably. A quick and suspenseful read to be sure, but I also read TJP for his way with words. His gift of expression is so exacting and so satisfying...my fav here was about a shade of red that 'glistened like wet rubies. I really enjoyed this beach book and recommend it to you. |
| Kathy Mcdaniel |
| The Night Crew by John Sandford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Sanford's heroine Anna Batory is a tough mature female news chasing filmmaker who is stalked by a maniac who is killing off her friends. Anna turns the tables and stalks him in this fast moving and suspenseful tale. It is a departure from this author's Prey series. Anna is a character with "legs"...I enjoyed this first foray with his interesting new lead character immensely. |
| Marsha |
| The Spanish Game by Charles Cumming |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Spy novels set out to mislead and confuse you and this one does exactly that. Unless you are interested in the Basque separatist movement and Spanish politics you could get lost quickly in this one. Spies can never quit the game no matter how hard they quit. Who can they really trust? |
| Judy |
| Relentless by Dean Koontz |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Bestselling novelist "Cubby" Greenwich lives a charmed life, doing what he loves, married and has a genius of a little son and a wonderful dog. His new book gets mostly great reviews except a vicious one from a prominent and reclusive critic, Shearman Waxx. He knows he should leave it alone...everyone knows...but, of course, he doesn't. Waxx turns out to not only have a sarcastic pen but a viciousness only possible in a psychopath. The chase is on. Surprisingly there is a lot of amusing repartee among the Greenwich family and lots of unbelievably evil coming from a critic (some artists would say...not so unbelievable). Not a bad summer read. |
| A. Chicagoan |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Relates what happens when a white woman decides to write a book about what the Black servants think about their white employers at the beginning of the Civil Rights movement. |
| Linda Bentzen |
| Compulsion by Jonathan Kellerman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I felt this was not one of his better books. Psychologist Alex Delaware and LAPD detective Milo Sturgis struggle to find the murderer of a young woman seeking aid on a desolate highway, a retired school teacher, and two women from a beauty salon. |
| Linda Bentzen |
| Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the account of the deadliest season in the history of Mt. Everest. Krakauer gets the chance to climb Everest and write an article about the climb for Outside magazine. His account of the people involved, the preparation, the acclimatization, and the things that went wrong are all interesting and heart wrenching. It is thrilling and terrifying. |
| Linda Bentzen |
| The Road by Cormac McCarthy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This post apocalyptic novel follows a father and son during their journey to the coast. There is danger in this burned America where nothing moves. They have nothing but a grocery cart with their few possessions, a pistol, and are constantly looking for food. |
| Carol |
| The Language of Bees by Laurie R. King |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the latest of King's Mary Russell novels. Again she has delivered a delightful story about Sherlock Holmes and his wife. Better than a fairy tale. |
| Rita B. |
| A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The darkest novel I have read in a long time, this is the story of a woman who has come to Wisconsin after answering a newspaper ad to marry a widower there. But there is a secret agenda involved. The book was depressing and a bit too predictable. |
| Louise Pledge |
| Let Sleeping Rogues Lie by Sabrina Jeffries |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The only reason I finished this one was because I paid a lot for it (benefit auction). Set in England in 1803, I did enjoy the references to life as it was then. However, from beginning to end it's a tale of seduction... an English lord trying to get the clothes off an inexperienced teacher. I'm sure you can guess how it ends. |
| Beverly Rowe (bevbooks@aol.com) |
| A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I don't know why I didn't read this book sooner...I have had it for a while. It was a great read, made me laugh and cry, both. I had no idea, really, what the women of Afghanistan went through after the Taliban took over. Read It! You will be glad you did. |
| Rita B. |
| The Mummy Case by Elizabeth Peters |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love Amelia Peabody! This is one of Peters' earlier titles in the series that I somehow missed. Amelia, her husband, and her young child Ramses are "stuck" digging at a very undesirable site. As usual they become embroiled in a mystery, this one about stolen religious artifacts. The most entertaining part of this book comes in the form of the young Ramses who, as a young adult, cuts quite the dashing figure. As a small child, he is annoyingly precocious, and way too (unbelievably so) intelligent while speaking with a really annoying lisp. The relationship between Amelia and Ramses is really very different. As always, this Amelia Peabody mystery was a pleasure to read. |
| Rita B. |
| A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The darkest novel I have read in a long time, this is the story of a woman who has come to Wisconsin after answering a newspaper ad to marry a widower there. But there is a secret agenda involved. The book was depressing and a bit too predictable. |
| Matthew McDaniel (mmcdan13@gmail.com) |
| Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I'm starting to think there's nothing Dennis Lehane can't pull off. It's a mindtrip/gothic/noir/mystery with horror elements, and he pulls it off like it's nothing. You almost can't believe it's written by the same man who gave us MYSTIC RIVER. I won't ruin a thing, I'll just say it's the most shocking ending I can remember reading in a long time. They're making a movie out of it with Martin Scorsese directing, and Leonardo Dicaprio playing Teddy. It should make for a fantastic film. I can't wait to watch the crowds response when the twist ending comes! |
| Debbie |
| The Last Cavalier by Alexandre Dumas |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Normally I LOVE anything by Dumas but this one would've benefited by the editing his earlier works had. Some parts are as exciting as we remember the Three Musketeers or Count of Monte Cristo being, and some parts just drag on too long. This is worth reading if you're a fan, as I am, but if you're new to Dumas you'd want to start with something else. |
| Gina |
| Bobby and Jackie by C. David Heymann |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a can't put it down book about the Kennedy family and its trysts. I'll never think of Jackie or Bobby Kennedy in the same way after this. Lots of Hollywood celebrities are named too. A guilty pleasure of a read. |
| Benita G. |
| The Night Gardener by George Pelecanos |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It's a story about unsolved murders twenty years before the story begins. The victims had names that were palindromes. Another murder is committed, the victim's name is Asa, and this murder is solved. It's good dialogue and a compelling story. The characters are really real. I do recommend it. |
| Peggy Kincaid (cali_lb@msn.com) |
| The Bourne Deception by Eric Van Lustbader |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Many authors have tried to pick up a series from a deceased writer but Mr. Van Lustbader is without a doubt the best. Jason Bourne has become a legend on the screen and off so when you start this book it might be a bit confusing if you've seen the movies. Set that aside though and get ready for a real thrill ride. Bourne is back and there are several directions for this book. It keeps the pace at a breakneck speed and I can guarantee you won't be bored. Instead you'll be wondering how they will turn this into a movie as well. Great summer read. |
| Sue, Saratoga |
| Shanghai Girls by Lisa See |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Really liked Lisa's new novel, having read SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN previously. Two Chinese sisters have to flee the Japanese invading their country. They head to San Francisco to meet up with the sons to whom they were forced to marry. |
| Crystal Blackburn |
| Dead Man's Puzzle by Parnell Hall |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Cora Felton, the Puzzle Lady, is back for another bout of murder, mystery and hilarity. She can't solve crossword puzzles but she can solve sudoku puzzles and mysteries |
| A. Brim |
| Whiteout by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a great book about the theft of a deadly virus from a lab. It is a page turner and intense. I really enjoyed it. |
| Judy |
| Roadside Crosses by Jeffery Deaver |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Roadside crosses are popping up along highways but not as memorials, but predating death. Kathryn Dance (body language expert) takes on the case which leads to a troubled teen, Travis Brigham who was involved in a fatal car accident. Travis is a computer nerd and soon is on the run, easily evading his pursuers by using his online mentality. Kathyrn is thwarted by politics, paranoid parents, and a blogger who has become nationally known. Lots of plot twists and a hard look at the life of those who blur the line between reality and Internet. |
| Matthew McDaniel |
| Down River by John Hart |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The best southern writer to hit the scene in years. A wonderful mystery with characters that jump off the page. Really got me thinking about the nature of secrets and how far I would go to protect the people I love, even if it endangered them at the same time. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. |
| Fran |
| The Household Guide to Dying by Debra Adelaide |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I was intrigued by the title of this book but I actually put off reading it because I thought it would be depressing. Now that I've read it, I am amazed by what a gem it truly is. Yes the main character is dying of breast cancer and copes with it by writing a "handbook" for the dying process, but it is anything but sad. Delia is an advice columnist, who has written numerous how to guides to assist people with anything and everything you could think of. It only makes sense that she would face her own mortality with a household guide to dying. Delia is an immediately likable character, who has faced loss and heartache. Yet her own demise is met with dignity and grace. I loved this book and plan to recommend it to others. |
| Rita B. |
| The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The main character is fighting his in-laws to keep his daughter after his wife dies. The marriage, his wife's death, the custody fight and auto racing are all described from his dog's point of view. Its a pretty dark novel, but I love Enzo the dog! |
| Julie H. |
| The Charlemagne Pursuit by Steve Berry |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Cotton Malone, hoping he'll one day get to just be a bookseller, has always wondered what really happened to his father and his sub in 1971. He pulls in a favor from former boss Stephanie and that single act puts into motion a myriad of problems and mysteries for Cotton to solve. As with many political/historical thrillers, this novel has short choppy chapters, changing scene and characters so quickly that it was difficult to remember who were the good guys vs. bad until deep into the book. It was alright as far as Nazis searching for the cradle of civilization novels go, but not real big on place or character development. |
| E. Quinn Knight (eqkmath@gmail.com) |
| The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What a delightful story about a young and older women. Their relationship is one that grows and develops in a very cherishing way. It is a delight to see the development of the characters in this book. |
| Leann L. |
| Shadows of Lancaster County by Mindy Starns Clark |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The story line in this book was awesome. I love a good mystery story, and especially one that I can't figure out half way through the book. This story was that book. There is two mysteries going on at the same time and even though they are intertwined they are also completely separate and you do not know the whole story till the last page. Great read. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| The Last Good Kiss by James Crumley |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This book was mentioned in one of Michael Connolly's books--so I decided to read it. The story had so many twists and turns, and the ending is so unexpected. The whole climate is one of despair, with no redeeming features. Needless to say, I did not enjoy the book. This is a story of two drunks: one a writer needing to write again and the other a private investigator needing to find meaning in his life. |
| Kitty |
| 18 Seconds by George D. Shuman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A very interesting tale that seems like 3 different stories at first but comes together in the end. Characters are interesting - one in particular is a very different kind of "psychic", a sociopath and police detectives determined to solve their cases. |
| Julie H. |
| Sleepaway Girls by Jen Calonita |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
For the first time ever, Sam Montgomery is going to summer camp. Faced with a boring summer at home (her BFF has a boyfriend now) or hanging out in Boca with grandma, it's decided that Sam will attend Whispering Pines camp as a Counselor in Training (CIT). Turns out she the only CIT never to have been at camp before and the testing begins right away. Queen Bee CIT Ashley (and the camp director's daughter) doesn't take to Sam right away, so like in school cliques everywhere, the cabin is divided among Ashley/Sam lines. And of course, the camp is co-ed and hot counselor Hunter is constantly panted after. This was fun read, the Sam and her new friends learn a lot about themselves and each other--they really have created a lasting friendship over the summer and I can only hope this will be the first of many summer novels about the Sleepaway Girls. |
| Debbie |
| The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The story is good, told from several perspectives, but that is also confusing at times. It's not always clear which character is speaking, nor what time frame is involved. Louise Erdrich's writing transcends most of that, though - she's SO good! |
| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
| The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Listened to an audio book narrated by Elliot Gould. He is the perfect voice for the hard-boiled PI Philip Marlowe. Somehow with all the double crossing, Marlowe still discovers where all the bodies are and retains his ethics. |
| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
| Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Mortenson was a mountain climber. He attempted K2 and did not succeed. He does notice the dire conditions of the people who are so helpful to the climbers and vows to build them a school. This turns into his full time job and he doesn't stop with one school. Mortenson becomes a hero to the poor of Pakistan - an infidel who is admired by the all and supported by the highest mullah in the country. If only we all could work out our problems this way. It wasn't easy, but it got done. |
| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
| Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Janet Evanovich can run hot or cold. FEARLESS FOURTEEN was ok but FINGER LICKIN' FIFTEEN is fantastic. I don't think it's just a case that there were no cars exploding or going up in flames in Fourteen. Maybe Stephanie is better when she's torn between men. Whatever the reason, i laughed through this one. I think this one asks the reader forgo even more reality than usual since Ranger's customers are getting hit and he asks Stephanie for help. I wish they all could be this good. |
| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
| Labor Day by Joyce Maynard |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I read LABOR DAY in two days. Sometimes I was embarrassed by thirteen-year-old Henry's ruminations. Other times I was embarrassed for him. How appropriate for both of us. Reading this book became a labor of love and Henry came to realize the same. Henry doesn't quite understand how he fits in or if he should fit in. His parents are divorced, his father has remarried and has a stepson who, in contrast with Henry, is good at sports. He does have a half-sister, but she is too young to do anything but drool. Henry's mother has isolated herself from everyone since the divorce. Just before school starts, Henry and his mother meet a man. Henry questions much in his life when the new man moves in. A wonderful read that I have already encouraged someone else to read. |
| Karoline |
| Shanghai Girls by Lisa See |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm almost done this book and it's extremely heart wrenching but touching as well. You're following two girls from war torn Shanghai to what was supposed to be a wonderful promised land in the US. I don't know if it's about to get better or worse... but so far, it's been a wonderful read even though it's been sad most of the time. |
| Debbie |
| The Ghost Orchid by Carol Goodman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is great! Eerie events of the late 1890s parallel odd things happening now at a writers' enclave in New York, and one character, Ellis Brooks, seems destined - in more ways than one - to put all the pieces together. Very atmospheric, and lyrically written. |
| Mary M. |
| Saints In Limbo by River Jordan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Velma True is celebrating a lonely birthday without her husband, who passed on earlier that year. She wishes she could have the time with Joe back. A stranger bearing a mysterious gift just might be able to make her wish come true! |
| Debbie |
| The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Everything's already been said about this book - it's terrific! If you haven't read it, you need to. |
| Debbie |
| The Manual of Detection by Jedediah Berry |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a strange book, mixing a mystery with surrealism and some very good wit. Fans of Jasper Forde (and I am one) will probably like this. |
| Debbie |
| Dissolution by C. J. Sansom |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A mystery in Tudor England - need I say more? Matthew Shardlake is a hunchbacked lawyer working for the king, shutting down monasteries and finding bodies, and secrets, galore. This is a good read! |
| Debbie |
| Never Tell a Lie by Hallie Ephron |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This is a stalker mystery that isn't too difficult to figure out, and some of the plot twists are on the far-fetched side. As a beach book or light read, though, it'd be fine. |
| Elizabeth V. |
| In the Woods by Tana French |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
IN THE WOODS by Tana French is a novel about the investigation into the death of a child. But it is more complex than that; much more is going on with the people involved. A murdered child, Katy, is found in the woods in Ireland, and two detectives, Rob Ryan and Cassie Maddox, investigate the case. Compounding this mystery is Rob's history with these same woods: 20 years before, when he was a child, he was one of three children lost in these woods and the only child of the three to be found. He has no memory of what took place in the woods. The detectives wonder if the two cases might be related. And Rob and Cassie hide the fact that Rob may be personally involved. A third detective, Sam O'Neill, joins Rob and Cassie as they investigate various possibilities and several people who are, were, might be, and might have been involved in both the present and the 20-year-old cases. In the process, we see Rob and Cassie's great relationship deteriorate. Unfortunately, I read French's THE LIKENESS, the sequel to IN THE WOODS, before I read IN THE WOODS. I got a great deal on THE LIKENESS almost a year ago, and I didn't get a good deal on IN THE WOODS until recently. I didn't think it would be necessary for me to read them in order. I was wrong. I didn't like THE LIKENESS, and I think I would have liked it more if I had first read IN THE WOODS. I would have understood the main characters more, and I would have appreciated the way their backgrounds affected what they did in THE LIKENESS. Even so, it's still true that IN THE WOODS is far superior to THE LIKENESS. THE LIKENESS is too far fetched. And the interaction of the main characters in IN THE WOODS, which was really half the story and what led in part to the book's popularity, was mostly missing from THE LIKENESS. |
| Debbie |
| The Cold Moon by Jeffery Deaver |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Not much in this chiller is as it seems, which turns out to be good for the reader. At first I was repelled by the goriness of the crimes but stayed with it, and am glad I did. The "Watchmaker" is one of the cleverer villains I've read about in recent years. |
| Debi |
| Talk Talk by T.C. Boyle |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This book was a disappointment. A deaf woman finds out that someone has stolen her identity when she is arrested for running a stop sign. She and her boyfriend track the impostor and find out the way he steals identities (that part was interesting). |
| Teresa Thompson (adrem@charter.net) |
| The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingslover |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
"This book was food." One member stated when we reviewed this tale of a father's ill-fated religious mission to make converts in the 1959 Belgian Congo. With his sights set on zeal, Nathan Price loses his family as they each make their own way of survival during the political turmoil of this small African village of the Congo. Interesting that it's his over-stuffed ego spilling Baptist zeal who is the only one NOT to have a narration in the story. It is only the five women, Orleanna, the mother, and her four daughters who give the story its speaking voice in their alternating narrations. Even Ruth May, the youngest daughter who is only five, shows the strength in innocence in her narrations. This book about the weaknesses and strengths in a family at its worst, individual choices, religion at such a cost, gave us real subject matter to talk about at length. We had a lengthy discussion about the father's misogyny and how the mission became more important than life itself. At what price would you stop your mission in life? Could you walk away with just your life and be happy? |
| Sherry Chapman (sherrychapman4@sbcglobal.net) |
| The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a book about endearing characters that save each others lives, literally. Hood uses the knitting metaphor beautifully. We all need a knitting circle at some point in our lives. I usually don't read books that have me crying with the characters, but these characters made me want to meet them and join them. I may even learn to knit. |
| Lisa (lahlstedt@gmail.com) |
| Death of a Cozy Writer by G.M. Malliet |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This mystery book is intended to remind the reader of the Agatha Christie all-the-guests-assembled-in-a-stately-home mysteries. In this book, the despised mystery writer gathers his four children to the house to inform them of his new marriage. Several murders occur which could not have been committed by an outsider. I felt like there were too many characters to ever really get comfortable with any of them. When the true murderer is revealed, his/her situation proves a bit far-fetched. Still, it was an OK mystery. |
| Debi |
| She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you want to read an intense book, this one's for you! It took me days to shake off the emotions this book evoked in me. How did he do it? It was so hard to put down! My life is in this book. Oh, my gosh! |
| Lisa A. (lahlstedt@gmail.com) |
| The Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
UGH! One of the worst books it's ever been my misfortune to endure. I persisted until the bitter end, because, inexplicably, it has been getting great reviews online. The only thing I can figure is that the author is planting the reviews himself! This book is meandering, repetitive, boring and just plain dumb. Avoid at all costs! (I hope I wasn't unclear!) |
| Marisa |
| The Virgin of Small Plains by Nancy Pickard |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a mesmerizing suspense novel set in Kansas. While rounding up newborn calves during a 1987 blizzard, Nathan Shellenberger, sheriff of Small Plains, and his teenage sons, Rex and Patrick, discover the naked frozen body of a beautiful teenage girl. Later, Nathan and Dr. Quentin "Doc" Reynolds bash the girl's face to an unrecognizable pulp, since they know who she is and fear that either Patrick or Rex's best friend, 17-year-old Mitch Newquist, is her killer. Witnessing this terrible scene is Mitch, hidden in Doc's home office supply closet where he's gone for a condom to use with the love-of-his-life Abby, Doc's 16-year-old daughter. Mitch's father, a judge, forces Mitch to leave town after the boy admits what he saw. Flash forward to 2004. Rex is now sheriff and Abby is still single. Mitch returns to town and the secrets of the past can no longer remain secret. |
| Abbi |
| The Devil's Punchbowl by Greg Iles |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Wow, I can't put this book down, characters are real, situations are very much true life!!!! |
| Bonnie |
| Commencement by J. Courtney Sullivan |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Light summer reading, basically chick-lit. It's a pleasant enough novel about a group of Smith women from college through young adulthood and their various life experiences and friendship. But it's not something you haven't read before or will remember long after you've finished. |
| Rita |
| The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book is not the easiest read around but it may be one of the most important. If you are at all concerned about what you are putting into your body or your children's bodies and what the results of that may be, you should definitely read this book. I did not give it five stars only because I thought the writing could have used a little more editing and the last half drags. But the first half is a must read! |
| Shyeyes (dawnymae@hotmail.com) |
| Happily Ever After by Susan Warren |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Story about Mona who is trying to open a bookstore in an old victorian home that she is restoring. In comes the handyman, Joe, to help. Sparks fly, temperatures rise, mishaps and mayhem too. Fun summer read. |
| Lorna |
| Summer House by Nancy Thayer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The story evolves around the Wheelwright family and the events that take place one summer. Nona, the grandmother of the family lives on Nantucket Island with one of her granddaughters. The rest of family arrives to celebrate Nona's 90th birthday and it all takes off from there. Everyone of course has there issues and problems. It's a good beach read even though I wished it had ended better. |
| Jane Halsall |
| Bloody Good by Georgia Evans |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Nazi vampires invade a small English village in order to sabotage a military installation but run into trouble with the local doctor who is of Devon pixie decent, a medic who is a contentious objector and a mysterious Welshman who had his own secret powers. A lovely romance and an anglophiles delight. |
| Jud Hanson |
| The Chairman by Stephen Frey |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Fortune shines on Christian Gillette when he gets the top job at equity firm Everest after the untimely death of its chairman. But being at the top may not be all it's cracked up to be. Others are out to get him and there are wolves among the sheep. An excellent financial thriller by all accounts. |
| Beth Zalcman |
| The Lion's Game by Nelson DeMille |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
THE LION'S GAME is a gripping tale about one man's deadly mission and another man's race to stop it. Adding humor and wit to the book, DeMille's book is a great read. I had a hard time putting it down |
| Rita |
| Look Again by Lisa Scottoline |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An absorbing book that raises a haunting question for any adoptive parent and interests the rest of us as a good plot. What do you do if you think your adopted child may actually be a stolen child? This is a quick read and excellent summer fare. |
| Jud Hanson |
| The Mercy Rule by John Lescroart |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Lescroart addresses the hot topic of assisted suicide in this novel starring the familiar cop-turned-lawyer Dismas Hardy. When former baseball star Graham Russo is charged by the State AG with the murder of his terminally father, Hardy knows his job won't be easy. The AG has the motive, means and opportunity but can he prove it? The star is a former law clerk who quit to give baseball one more try and bruised a few egos along the way. Throw in a dysfunctional family and a mysterious arson from years before and you have one great novel. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Murder on a Midsummer Night by Kerry Greenwood |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
#17 in the Phryne Fisher series set in Australia in the new year of 1928. In this adventure, Phryne must find an illegitimate baby and prove that Augustine Manifold was murdered, and did not commit suicide. Greenwood uses extensive quotes from Shakespeare to introduce each chapter, very delightful. I also like the mention of using a block of ice and a fan to cool the air. The culinary feasts made by the Butlers entice one to eat and drink. And Dorothy Sayers is mentioned in the sense that maybe this is an author I might need to read. |
| Laura Ann Adams (Laura.Adams@ky.gov) |
| The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This book was very long and sometimes confusing (especially at the beginning before you get to know all of the characters). It is a good story but you must have a while to devote yourself to really reading it in order to actually follow it all. Our book club chose this book and only about a third of the members actually finished it. Of the ones of us who finished it, there was so much that happened in the book and so many underlying issues that we were not able to discuss it all in our two hour time frame. A long book but worth it in the end. |
| Laura Ann Adams (Laura.Adams@ky.gov) |
| Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A quick read. I found this book enjoyable. |
| Sally |
| The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This book tells the story of the devastation of "losing" a small child while walking on the beach and the ensuing months of trying to find her. Although the characters and their relationships are interesting, the book is so detailed and slow moving that you eventually just want to find out what happens. The references to San Francisco and its environs were also interesting, but all in all, I cannot recommend this book highly. |
| Laura Ann Adams (Laura.Adams@ky.gov) |
| The Camel Bookmobile: A Novel by Masha Hamilton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved this book. It was interesting and I fell in love with the characters. I wish there was a sequel to this that told us what happened to the characters after this book ended. |
| Merle |
| Still Alice by Lisa Genova |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Compelling story of a 50 year old college professor who discovers that she has "early onset Alzheimer". I couldn't put it down. I had to see how it would end. Not a pretty story, but a "must read". |
| Margie |
| Before You Know Kindness by Chris Bohjalian |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm a big Bohjalian fan...also enjoyed MIDWIVES and LAW OF SIMILARS. This one is a domestic drama with great character development. Very suspenseful, and funny in parts. You'll enjoy it! |
| Marsha |
| Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This Maisie Dobbs novel examines the various kinds of madness that emanate from wartime. They called it "shell shock" in the 1930's and it continues today in the aftermath of war. In this compelling read, she is part of the Scotland Yard's Special branch that tracks a madman bent on inflicting death and destruction on the people of London. |
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
| Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
# 1 of the Easy Rawlins series- I liked the main character in this book. Easy has lost his job. He owns a house and he is just trying to survive, pay his mortgage. He is asked to find a girl. That's it. Find a girl and he will get his mortgage paid for the month. Of course, nothing is ever as simple as it sounds. He finds the girl but in so doing, he finds some dead people too. Not good. The story is good. Enjoyable. However, I thought there was too much going on. Too many murders and too many murderers. It was hard to keep track. If it was a bit more simple, I might have liked the story better. I am not giving up on the series though. I am going to give the series another try. |
| Laura Ann Adams (Laura.Adams@ky.gov) |
| The 19th Wife: A Novel by David Ebershoff |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Very interesting book about the Mormons and polygamy. This book mixes a current story of polygamy with the famous 19th wife of Brigham Young. After reading this book, I was still interested in the subject matter (maybe more so) and went on to do some more research and reading about this. |
| Laura Ann Adams (Laura.Adams@ky.gov) |
| The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Very strange book. Large portions of the book are the footnotes about the history of the Dominican. I was disappointed with this book. |
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
| Remedies by Kate Ledger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Simon and Emily Bear, along with their daughter Jamie, live in Baltimore, MD. He is a very successful doctor, and Emily is a high-powered executive in a public relations firm. Simon discovers a wonder drug for pain, and this discovery consumes his every hour, until he has completely neglected Jamie and Emily. This all comes to a screeching halt when Emily reconnects with a past lover and asks for divorce. Jamie is completely distanced from both of her parents, and they give up on her, with almost disastrous results. There is so much to say about this book, and it would be a great discussion for a book club. There is a strong sense of hope and forgiveness at the end, but it takes great pain and suffering to get there. I received this advance reader's copy from Amy Einhorn books, a division of G.P. Putnam's Sons. It is a totally engrossing read, and I predict big things for it when it comes out in August. |
| A. Brim |
| The Man from St. Petersburg by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A pre-WWI novel about murder, love and family. A prim and proper wife of a conservative diplomat fell in love with an anarchist before her marriage and the complications that come to her resulting in the affair that happened 19 years prior. |
| Colleen R. |
| North River by Pete Hamill |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Read this book years ago, now listening in the car. Love this love story and historical NYC during the Depression. Very timely for our recession, reminders of how bad the economy and dealing with veterans returning home. |
| Bonnie |
| The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Very good mystery novel...just what you'd expect from a master of the genre. I did think the ending was a little anti-climatic after the rip-roaring rest of the story. |
| Reva Wamsley (prwamsley@roadrunner.com) |
| Puppet by Joy Fielding |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was a really good book with some surprising twists that will keep you reading. Amanda gets a call out of the blue from her ex-husband she hasn't heard from in years, telling her that her estranged mother had shot and killed a complete stranger. |
| Julie H. |
| Thanks for the Memories by Cecilia Ahern |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Justin Hitchcock is a guest professor at Trinity College in Dublin. He's afraid of needles, but is cajoled into giving blood during a drive by an attractive doctor in a v-necked top. A month later, elsewhere in Dublin, Joyce (is there any other name for someone in Dublin?) takes a spill at home that requires hospitalization. After her hospital stay, with her own marriage failing, she moves back in with dear, old dad and the real fun begins. First, Joyce begins having odd senses of deja vu and dreams of a family she's sure she doesn't know. Many coincidences follow, culminating in the eventual meeting of Justin and Joyce. The story really hums though, with the relationship portrayed between Joyce and her dad; it's priceless. The pair muddle along without their wife/mother Gracie, although she is never far from the action. It is a delightful story. At first, I thought I was in for a long, Marian Keyes style Irish family saga, but I persevered and was rewarded with a completely wonderful and surprising read! I will never look at blood donation or Antiques Roadshow in quite the same way. |
| Marsha |
| Wicked Prey by John Sandford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Lucas Davenport and crew are back in a tightly-written thriller taking place during the Republican Convention. Plenty of action! |
| Susan |
| Sookie Shackhouse series by Charlaine Harris |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Funny, romantic, fantasy, mystery novels -- definitely page turners. You will love Sookie, the main character. |
| Judy |
| The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the first book in a trilogy of vampires vs. humanity from the director ofPan's Labyrinth (co-authored by the writer of PRINCE OF THIEVES. When an incoming jumbo jet just stops "dead" on the runway at JFK, you just know something is wrong and it certainly is. That's where Ephraim Goodweather (CDC) discovers it isn't only the plane that's "dead" but crew and passengers. There are but four survivors, but they aren't "right" either and soon Eph is giving credence to the wild stories of Abraham Setrakian, an elderly pawnbroker, who has seen the evil before during WWII. Edge of the seat reading and I'm looking forward to the second book. |
| Amellia |
| The Blue Notebook: A Novel by James A. Levine |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A wonderful book of the awful world of Mumbai's call girls. Batuk, a girl sold into prostitution by her own father. A horrible story of this 9 year old girls life and the things she experiences, and sees in the people and world around her. How she is forced to stay strong, in a cruel world. If the topic doesn't scare a reader away, then they will learn so much from this book, even things they don't really want to know about. |
| Emily L. |
| Naamah's Kiss by Jaqueline Carey |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It's wonderful. A great new set of characters. |
| Fran |
| Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Cute... typical Stephanie Plum series. I didn't find it was the funniest book in the series but I got a few chuckles. The Tank and Lula story made it! Needed more Grandma Mazur...wasn't crazy about her in the gaming role. Looking forward to the next installment. |
| Jo-Jo |
| Twilight by Stephenie Meyer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Please keep in mind that I am giving this 4 stars for young adult fiction only. I am almost done with this book, but really wouldn't consider it great reading. |
| Mindy (sbmj693@yahoo.com) |
| Cold Harbour by Jack Higgins |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An island used during WWII as a base for SOE operations. Very gripping, can't wait for the end. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Murder in the Dark by Kerry Greenwood |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
#16 in the Phryne Fisher series set in Australia. In this adventure, Phryne works with a secret service type to find a paid assassin before he kills. A week long party with different themes (Japanese, Arab, etc) to mark the end of 1928, exposes the depravity of the rich with alcohol, food, drugs, and sex. I simply adore Greenwood's use of poems and riddles from many sources. Of course, the clothing and food explanations/descriptions are wonderful, and I would love to try the various mixed drink recipes given throughout the story. |
| Michelle (siegel_m@bellsouth.net) |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The story of three women as told from their personal perspective of life during the early 1960's during the pre-civil rights era. The bravery, challenges and prejudices that they had to face is almost insurmountable! My perspective of the treatment of Black Americans has forever changed. A must read for all Americans both young and old! |
| Jaye |
| The Devlin Diaries by Christi Phillips |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book features characters from the author's first book, THE ROSSETTI LETTERS, which I enjoyed just as much as this one. Christi Phillips has a real gift for making her readers feel that they are immersed in the century she's writing about - I got so involved in the 17th century that it was hard to return to the 21st. |
| Jaye |
| The Family Man by Elinor Lipman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book features a gay man who reconnects with the stepdaughter he loved and lost when his marriage to her mother ended. Although I enjoyed the story, some of the coincidental meetings of the many characters seemed quite far-fetched. |
| Jaye |
| Lopsided by Meredith Norton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The memoir of a black American who experiences breast cancer first in France, then in the US.The cast of characters (French in-laws, husband, medical personnel and her own family) add up to a very funny and poignant breast cancer tale. As a breast cancer survivor, I found the book both hilarious, and a reminder of how awful a disease can be. |
| Ali |
| Daddy's Girl by Lisa Scottoline |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was a great summer who-done-it. My first Scottoline book and then I got 2 more since I enjoyed this so much. |
| S. Larson |
| Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Ok so I picked this book up based simply on the cover. And for the fact that from the ages of 8 - 21, I was in love with Princess Leia a.k.a Carrie Fisher. She is actually a very funny person. This quote, unquote memoir is written in a conversational style. Kind of like when you are talking to yourself. Ok, none of you talk to yourselves? Ok how about when you are telling a new found friend your life story then, does that work better for you? So anyway who would have thought that my childhood crush was soooooooooooooo screwed up? She is an alcoholic, bipolar, nymphomaniac (she uses the first two term, I added the third descriptor) The book wasn't all that bad and for the crazy and interesting life she lead was a paltry 160 pages long. Well at least I have my childhood memories of the Princess of Alderaan as simply as a slice of Cinnabon wearing delight. May the Force be with me. |
| Chris |
| The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This novel starts a little slowly, but becomes more interesting as it moves along. It is set in three different time periods, each with its own female narrator who is of a different generation of the same family. Each is trying to unravel the mystery of her family, and the story really becomes intriguing in the later chapters. |
| S. Larson |
| My Jesus Year by Benyamin Cohen |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was an interesting Judaic perspective into Christianity. Cohen is the son of an Orthodox rabbi, and was the only son who did not join the family business. He truly believes in God but wishes embrace his religion with more enthusiasm. What better way to embrace Judaism than to study Christianity, right? Well what follows is a somewhat funny romp through the many denominations of Christianity. It was interesting to get a birds eye view from someone who is foreign to the religions traditions and teachings. While reading the book I learned interesting facts about Judaism as well as some things about other Christian denominations along the way. Overall this was an entertaining read. |
| Paw |
| Dead Before Dark by Wendy Corsi Staub |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Love all of her books. This one is great, lots of suspense. You want be able to put in down. |
| Marjorie Clark (marjorie_clark2000@yahoo.com) |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Great book about domestic help in the late 50s early 60s Mississippi. |
| Theresa N. (weceno@yahoo.com) |
| Between The Tides by Patti Callahan Henry |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Set in the South Carolina low country; a gripping story about the death of a child and two families who suffer. |
| Carole Parks |
| The Devil's Punchbowl by Greg Iles |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I LOVED this book! As this is my favorite author, I was not surprised, but he even surpassed himself.The action was visceral--you could feel those things happening to you and, believe me, they weren't pretty. Read this and Greg Iles may become YOUR favorite author, too. |
| Ann Brim |
| Carnal Innocence by Nora Roberts |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Caroline Waverly inherits her grandmother's home in Miss. She is a violinist who travels the world and returns to Miss. For some much needed peace and rest. Her peace and serenity are shaken when she finds the body of a young woman in her lake Then she meets Tucker Longstreet -- a southern gentlemen who likes fast cars and women. They are in the path of a serial killer so Tucker tries to protect Caroline. This is a great book with great characters. Could hardly put it down and kept me guessing till the end. |
| Cynthia V. (Dutchlvr1@aol.com) |
| Drawing In The Dust by Zoe Klein |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I started this book only yesterday and have almost finished it. It's an archaeological adventure, it's a love story, mystery, but most of all it's a wonderful read. I cannot wait to finish it. |
| Angie Montoto |
| Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Interesting historical fiction. |
| Angie Montoto |
| Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A story of a woman and her town seen by the eyes of several different characters. |
| T. Thomas |
| The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I liked this book, but I really prefer stories that progress chronologically. This one jumps between several different time periods and several different characters. I did like that the author tied up all the loose ends. |
| Annette Juba (agjuba@hotmail.com) |
| Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love long novels where the characters are fully developed, and this book promises to do just that. |
| Fran |
| A Sundog Moment by Sharon Baldacci |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A woman is diagnosed with MS, thereby changing everything in her life as she knew it. Depicts her struggle to preserve her sense of self, accept her diagnosis and incorporate this into her new identity. Her well meaning family tries to support her but wind up trying to control her life/ decisions. A healing book with many likable yet fallible characters. |
| Susan C. |
| The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I had mixed emotions about this book. I liked the story, hated the writing. Maybe because I'm from New England, I was very put off by the way Howe used an accent in conversation. I may say "beah", but I still spell it beer! That said, I really enjoyed her writing style when she wrote the flashbacks to the Salem witch trials. Would like to have read more of this storyline. |
| Brady (bradylee@myway.com) |
| Horse Soldiers by Doug Stanton |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I would guess that not many women would like this book as it is all about war in Afghanistan. It is most interesting and tells, graphically, what we are up against with the Taliban and others of their ilk. They do not accept surrender, but grab a hand grenade (when necessary) and then get next to an enemy and blow themselves up along with that one person. They are brutal and one minded and really belong back to the 1600's. It is illuminating I must tell you. |
| Sandy |
| The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book kept me turning the pages even though it made me very uneasy. It takes place in Barcelona so I had to look up pictures of what he was talking about. There are a lot of twists and turns in the story. |
| Louise |
| Someone to Love by Jude Deveraux |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Jace Montgomery takes his fiance. Stacy, along with him on a business trip to England where she commits suicide. Her family publicly blames Jace for it. Three grief-filled years later, Jace knows he can never get over her unless he learns the truth about what happened, so he journeys back to Margate, England and buys a haunted house where he believes Stacy was shortly before her death. I didn't feel that this was up to Miss Deveraux's usual standards, and it took me awhile to get through it, as there was no big pull to get back to it. I did appreciate the fact that there was no sex until the last chapter, though :) |
| Brady (bradylee@myway.com) |
| A Rage for Glory by James Tertius de Kay |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This non-fiction book tells the history of our country in the late 1700's to the early 1800's and pertains to creating the U.S. Navy. It specifically is about one man who was revered and won many military adventures for our country. This is the best way to read history ever because it is exciting of how the early naval military worked and how important dueling was at the time. |
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
| The Scarlet Feather by Maeve Binchy |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I was a little nervous at the beginning of this book when more and more characters were added to the story. I was wondering if I should pull out an index card to keep track of them all. Well, Binchy does such a great job telling her story and developing her characters, no need for the index card. I absolutely adored this book. This has now become a rare gem in my library. This was so well told and so engaging, I couldn't wait to get back to it. Although there are several characters, the main one, Cathy, is the focal point. She has started up a catering business with her friend Tom. As she struggles to get the business off the ground she is also dealing with an extremely busy lawyer husband who never seems to have time for her, two children that have suddenly appeared in their lives and a sister who is planning a Scottish wedding from the states and wants Cathy's business to cater it. All the other sub-plots mixed in just add to the fun. It's been a while since I've read a Binchy and oh! How I've missed her. |
| Marion Miller (lamamil@aol.com) |
| Laura Rider's Masterpiece by Jane Hamilton |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Not as good as the author's other books BOOK OF RUTH and MAP OF THE WORLD Map. |
| Melanie |
| Bright Lights, Big Ass by Jennifer Lancaster |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Such a great, funny book! I read this book in a couple of days. Jennifer dishes about her neighbors, her husband, her days working as a temp, etc. If you like Jill Conner Browne, you will like Jennifer Lancaster...quick read too. |
| Andrea |
| The Night Villa by Carol Goodman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
For her fans but not my favorite, I'd go with LAKE OD DEAD LANGUAGES or the SEDUCTION OF WATER for some real Adirondack atmosphere and twisty stories. |
| Stavros |
| The Graving Dock by Gabriel Cohen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
First read of a Cohen mystery and enjoyable from start to finish. |
| Louise |
| Taken by the Highest Bidder by Jane Porter |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Samantha married, not for love, but to protect and care for her husband's little girl. However, hubby had a lot of problems, including a gambling addiction. They gradually lost their nice home and all their belongings, and finally all he had left to gamble was his wife. It was a cute story and easy to read. |
| Beverly |
| What We All Long For by Dionne Brand |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A story of 4 twenty-something individuals who live in Toronto. They have agreed not to talk about their families yet all of unresolved family issues which do not allow them to be who they want to be. |
| Beverly |
| Where Did You Sleep Last Night by Danzy Senna |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A wonderful memoir! Just 200 pages that you can easily read in one night and come away learning a little more about the effect of parents on their children. |
| Beverly |
| Wife of the Gods by Kwei Quartey |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
#1 Detective Agency series - Inspector Darko Dawson has arrived. This is a very good mystery debut that takes place in Ghana. I look forward to reading the next book in their series. |
| Jonathan Jenkins |
| Balance of Power by Richard North Patterson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
R. N. Patterson is an outstanding author. Once you read one of his books, you'll want to read ALL the others. Try THE RACE, or SILENT WITNESS, or NO SAFE PLACE, or FINAL JUDGMENT, or CONVICTION. Any one of these will hook you to read his other books. He is addictive. Thank goodness he is so prolific. |
| Connie Fischer |
| The Husband Habit by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I have really enjoyed reading this book as the author writes about her garden and the delicious dishes she prepares as a chef at an upscale restaurant in Albuquerque, NM. I am amazed at how she has managed to interweave a humorous romance along with her knowledge and love of food. It's left me hungry for more! |
| Teresa |
| Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is Ford's first novel and it is a wonderful read. It caught my attention from the first page and I did not want to put it down. The book is fiction but recreates some events based on the internment of Japanese Americans in 1942. Hopefully Ford will continue to write more novels. |
| Pota |
| Sworn To Silence by Linda Castillo |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is my first read by this author but it won't be my last. A fast paced thriller about a Amish woman detective trying to catch a serial killer in the small town where she grew up. |
| Pota Tammaro |
| One Two Buckle My Shoe by Jessie Hunter |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A pulse pounding thriller about a serial killer who abducts little boys and by mistake abducts a little girl that he thought was a little boy. I couldn't put this book down. |
| Lorraine M. Larose (MOML1@COX.NET) |
| The German Bride by Joanna Hershon |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a story about a sixteen year old Jewess, who left Berlin to run away from her past and went half way across the world and what she went through is heartbreaking. An awesome read. |
| Ron G. (rgnnnr@aol.com) |
| The Prince of Beverly Hills by Stuart Woods |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Not his best. Although this was an easy read, it just didn't have the suspense I expected. The good guy gets a job as head of security at a movie studio in 1939 and clashes with one of "Bugsy" Siegel's men. Yawn. |
| Lee |
| The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a kaleidoscopic tale that unfolds through the stories and conversations of two strangers whose common bond transcends time and place, culture and class. Although the writing blends humor and historical references with almost mythical fantasy, this is not a novel for those who prefer that simple tales be told simply. |
| Ron G. (rgnnnr@aol.com) |
| The Book of Air and Shadows by Michael Gruber |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
One of the best mysteries I've read over the last 50 years. Letters from the 16th century are discovered and may or may not lead to the discovery of a lost manuscript by Shakespeare. The characters are intelligently written and likable. This book is suspenseful and has just the right amount of humor. |
| Carol Meyer |
| Annie's Ghosts by Steve Luxenberg |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Author's mother has concealed the existence of a sister. |
| CC |
| Wicked Prey by John Sandford |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I haven't read Sanford before so wasn't familiar with the characters in this series. I found the book hard to get into and only mildly entertaining |
| JaneAnn Railey |
| Walking After Midnight by Karen Robards |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I just found this book on my shelf don't know where it came from. It was wonderful read romance and suspense. I loved it so much went to library to look for more. I just finished GHOST MOON. I couldn't lay it down. Since I've got new author on my list went to Amazon and ordered four more of her books and I will be looking for more. If you like romance but not the old drill but something with a bite you'll like Karen Robards. Look her up. |
| Renee |
| People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A rare book restorer, the remains of the Bosnian-Serb war, ancient history, and interesting, provocative people....whats not to like. Thanks fellow readers for this repeated recommendation. |
| Lorraine M. Larose |
| Blue Heaven by C.J. Box |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is one of the best thrillers I've read. It's a story about dirty cops and what two missing children go through because they know these cops are looking for them. |
| Lorraine M. Larose |
| Saints in Limbo by River Jordan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book kept my interest from beginning to end and I couldn't put it down. It's a wonderful story that takes you from sad to happy in seconds. River is an awesome writer. |
| Carol |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A realistic look back at a very sad time in our country's relatively recent past...very well written |
| Janice Hoaglin (jhoaglin@sbcglobal.net) |
| A Brace of Bloodhounds by Virginia Lanier |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Jobeth Sidden is the owner-operator of a search and rescue business, with numerous bloodhounds, kennels for breeding and raising new pups, a whole slew of rescue teams, and lots of other employees/friends thrown in. Jobeth's excursions often take her into the depths of the Okefenokee Swamp, near her home and business in southern Georgia. The author gives many details of the wildlife, vegetation, and terrain of the swamp during Jobeth's frequent search missions. I also really enjoy the interactions between Jobeth and her animals, and the character development is good; Jobeth is spunky, independent, caring, and has a good sense of humor. This is the third in the series, and in this one Jobeth is pitted against a judge who may be guilty not only of murder but of running a methamphetamine lab on his land at the edge of the swamp. At the same time Jobeth must always be on guard for the danger posed not only to her but also to anyone close to her by her ex-husband, Bubba, who is a huge malicious violent presence lurking in the background. This author died in 2003, so this series has a definite end in sight, but is well worth reading. |
| Jonathan Jenkins |
| Extreme Measures by Vince Flynn |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
My favorite author. Political thriller with a really believable cast of characters Once you start reading Vince Flynn's books, you won't stop until you've read them all. Presently there are 10 of them, and I can't hardly wait for the next one. |
| Bonnie Levy |
| Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Beautifully written and page turning, this novel is haunting and one that will be remembered forever. This was one of the best books I have read yet. The characters are so real, the story unforgettable. |
| Lorraine M. Larose |
| Mr. Monk and the Dirty Cop by Lee Goldberg |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you watch the TV series "Monk," you'll enjoy reading all the novels by Lee Goldberg about Monk. |
| Lesa D. |
| Persuader by Lee Child |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Good, if a bit complicated, thriller in the Reacher series. If you're looking for action and a twisted plot, this is for you. |
| Lesa D. |
| The Private Patient by P.D. James |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another great Adam Dalgliesh mystery from the master. Definitely worth your time if you're a Brit-mystery fan. |
| Lesa D. |
| Knitting Under the Influence by Claire LaZebnik |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A good beach/lazy day on the deck read. |
| Jonathan Jenkins |
| The 47th Samurai by Stephen Hunter |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Outstanding! What a clever plot development. And a twist at the end that is amazing ... although Hunter leaves lots of clues early on. If you like an adventure with lots of action, then Hunter is an author that you can't miss. His POINT OF IMPACT is a classic. Samurai combines a hero with fascinating history. |
| Jo Ann (nmjaw@yahoo.com) |
| Something Missing by Matthew Dicks |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Interesting and quirky book. Martin is a burglar/thief with OCD, but uses a different method of stealing. He only takes small items that's on his list --- food, toilet paper, toothpaste etc. He has "clients" as he calls them, and visits them weekly, replenishing his stock of items. He's a little OCD and very meticulous about everything he does. He researches his clients' habits, routines etc. As the story progresses it becomes an entertaining book that made me laugh, but at the beginning, the in-depth information bogged the story down. But, overall, it was entertaining and was worth the read. |
| Debbie Wernert (MoM3g2b@aol.com) |
| Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Could not and would not put it down even with company at my house. Cannot wait for the next book by Ms. Castillo. Felt the cold snow of Ohio and never suspected the killer's identity. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Devil's Food by Kerry Greenwood |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
#3 in Corinna Chapman series set in Australia about the adventures of the Insula building and its inhabitants. I love this building and would love to see pictures. In this tale, both Corinna and Jason must confront parents. Corinna's hippie-like/commune parents make an appearance. As usual, Greenwood addresses the woes of the poor and down-trodden, and hits on the risks of starvation/dieting. Jason becomes sick and moves into Insula, but no mention how long he will stay. Again, the inhabitants of Insula care for and aid fellow building people. This is truly one of the best examples of community responsibility. |
| C. Harrison |
| A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
A woman answer's a man's letter for a reliable wife. She comes and the book hard to follow all the twists and turns. It could have been a real good story, but it isn't. |
| Steve Cone (stevecone@verizon.net) |
| Supreme Courtship by Christopher Buckley |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A clever writer. So good, in fact, that I read all his works with structure in mind. |
| Coral Harrison |
| Oxygen by Carol Cassella |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Dr. Heaton is an anesthesiologist and a child dies on the operating table. She works in Seattle Hospital and has for over 7 years. She is also faced with health issues of her father and her love life isn't going too well. It is so well written. You can't lay it down. |
| Lorraine M. Larose |
| The Wonder Singer by George Rabasa |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a wonderful story about a writer who was writing the life story about a famous opera star who died before he could finish the book and a very famous author was hired to do the story instead of him but he stole all the notes and tapes and he wrote the book on the run. |
| Maureen from Chalfont, PA |
| Driftwood Summer by Patti Callahan Henry |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Great low country love story, family drama novel. Love Henry's character development. |
| Beverly |
| The End of the East by Jen Sookfong Lee |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A good family saga of several generations of Chinese immigrants to Vancouver. |
| Jean M. |
| Final Jeopardy by Linda Fairstein |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the intro book with the Alexandra Cooper character. Her friend was murdered in Alex's house. Was the intended victim Alex? Good suspense. |
| Maureen from Chalfont, PA |
| The Killing Tree by Rachael Keener |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Unusual story, unusual setting, lovely use of language. Great read from first time author. |
| Gail |
| Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book really keeps your interest and you want to keep reading to find out who the serial killer is. I felt the descriptions of the murders and the attacks were much more violent, gruesome and gory than necessary. Maybe I am just getting older and have less tolerance for violence. The descriptions of the details of the investigations were amazing. |
| Barbra S. |
| Home Mountain by Jeanne Williams |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a heartwarming story set in the 1880s when families went by covered wagon to stake a claim for land in the New West hoping to build a better life. The Mac Leods, (a mother, father and four children, the youngest of whom was an infant) were one of those families. They owned several horses with good lineage and were leaving their home in Texas to travel to Arizona to start a horse ranch. While preparing to start on their new adventure, their cabin was destroyed by fire and both parents were killed. With their home destroyed, and now without family, the four orphan children, led by sixteen year old Katie, have no choice but to make the trip on their own. After suffering setbacks along the way, they ran out of money just as they reach the Arizona territory. While trying to bargain for water, they met a stranger who helped them get to town and found them a place to live. Eventually, after much hardship, the young group achieved their goal. This was a time in history when people pulled together and shared what little they had to help each other. |
| Elizabeth V. |
| Tenderwire by Claire Kilroy |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A young Irish woman, Eva, has left Ireland to pursue a career as a classic violinist in New York. (And we can't forget her cat, Ming, apparently a New York cat, not an Irish one, who figures prominently in Eva's life and appears on most pages of the book.) The story begins with Eva getting sick. She goes to a hospital and leaves it. We aren't told what occurred in between the going and the leaving or even what the sickness was all about. For the next 60 pages or so, Eva is a character I could not sympathize with. I couldn't like her. She bar hops, picks up men, drinks more than I would think a body can stand, and vomits for 60 pages. Why, I wondered, was this book a best seller in the United Kingdom? But I was curious enough to stick with it because one of Eva's apparently poor decisions while she was drunk was to fall in love with a violin, which she subsequently goes to great lengths to possess. Then the book gets interesting, and all other characters (except dear little Ming) seem suspicious. It's not until about 7/8 of the way through TENDERWIRE that Kilroy gives a plausible explanation for Eva's behavior in the first 60 pages of the book. But all in all I liked TENDERWIRE and I am glad I read beyond page 60. |
| Elizabeth V. |
| The program by Stephen White |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The program in Stephen White's THE PROGRAM is the Witness Security Program (WITSEC), better known as the Witness Protection Program. Designed to protect people who testify at trials for the prosecution but at great risk to themselves, WITSEC hides those people from others who would harm them by changing their identities and relocating them. WITSEC is protecting a different type of person in THE PROGRAM, though. Kirsten Lord was a prosecuting attorney who helped condemn a man to prison. At the end of that trial, the man promised her, "Every precious thing I lose, you will lose two." And he made good on his promise; he had Lord's husband murdered. That was one loss, and Kirsten didn't want to wait for the second. She was sure the second would be her daughter. So she and her daughter enter WITSEC, relocate to Colorado, and change their names, hers to Peyton, the daughter's to Landon. But we soon learn that Kirsten/Peyton has more to fear than the condemned man. Before that trial, she had spoken out against WITSEC. She saw them protect too many witnesses who should have been in jail, themselves, and went on to commit more crimes. As a result of her complaints, WITSEC received less money and support, and several WITSEC employees lost their jobs. Therefore, now WITSEC resents her and cannot necessarily be trusted. And there's another concern: Kirsten had helped condemn another man to death, but she now has doubts about his guilt. Someone wants to stop her reinvestigation of this case. So now poor Kirsten/Peyton and her daughter have all sorts of people who want to do them harm coming at them, it seems, everywhere they go, all the time. And the really implausible part of the story: Kirsten/Peyton befriends a man who is also in WITSEC, a man who is former Mafia, a man who has murdered several people. Kirsten/Peyton doesn't trust WITSEC, yet she does trust this murderer. The book isn't bad as long as the reader is willing to suspend disbelief. |
| Debbie |
| The Fixer Upper by Mary Kaye Andrews |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I usually give her five stars, but this book just didn't have her normal laugh out loud moments that she is noted for. I was disappointed, but its ok to read if you have nothing better to do. |
| Debbie |
| The Valley of Light by Terry Kay |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you love fishing, small town life set in the fifty's and mystery, this is a great read. |
| CK |
| The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The book is a translation from Swedish with only a few idioms that puzzle the reader. The proper names are a challenge for quick reading. And, there are so many characters to track. After adjusting to those hurdles it is a page turner with a complex plot involving libel, murder, and scandal. |
| Debi |
| Greedy Bones by Carolyn Haines |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the latest in the Sarah Booth Delaney series by my favorite author! Set in Zinnia, Mississippi, Sarah Booth tries to find out what mysterious illness has infected Tinkie's husband, as well as several other people in the town. You'll be surprised when you find out who the culprit/murderer is! Loved it! |
| F Tessa Bartels |
| Hallowed Bones by Carolyn Haines |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
2.5 stars. This one misses the mark. There is just too much going on. And I'm getting tired of Sarah Booth's inability to decide between the two men in her life. Still, she has to stay in the Delta. I think it would be better if Hamilton came back from Paris. |
| Pat Whitehead (pwhitehead@monmouthcountylib.org) |
| The Memory of Running by Ron McLarty |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book draws you in from the first sentence. The main character's voice is real and confiding and I don't think there's a false note. It's the story of a quest, a man making his way back to life. Highly recommended. |
| Jonathan Jenkins |
| Peace Maker by Gordon Kent |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you like thrillers with a flying/military/political twist you will enjoy Kent's books. Try TOP HOOK too. Outstanding plot developments, and his hero, Al Craik, is very believable. His books have it all -- blood, guts and thunder. |
| Lorraine M. Larose (MOML1@COX.NET) |
| Wife of the Gods by Kwei Quartey |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the story about beginning Mormons and takes place in Ghana, which is described very vividly in the book. There are wonderful characters that everyone can identify with no matter what religion they are. |
| Carol Meyer |
| The Lost City of Z by David Grann |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Good story of exploration in the Amazon. |
| A. Chicagoan |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Told me so much I didn't realize about upper class women and their hired help in the South at the beginning of the Civil Rights movement |
| Mary |
| The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Before there was Facebook; before there was Twitter, there was the park. Every city and town had one and young mothers gathered there with their babies and toddlers and that WAS the social network. Five such young mothers in the 60's do just that and as someone who was just such a mother, I could really identify with the characters. It was fun to see the changing attitudes on beauty pageants; the first moon walk. It is all there. This is a book about friendship and hopes and I love it. The book trailer is outstanding; check it out on the author's blog. |
| F. Tessa Bartels |
| When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
4.5 Stars The writing style lends to the feelings of incredulity and despair the characters must feel as the events unfold around them. The reader is left feeling angry, and humiliated, and embarrassed, and sad, and Sorry ... So, So Sorry. |
| Julie H. |
| Best Friends Forever by Jennifer Weiner |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
After ditching her class reunion to go on a blind date, Addie Downs isn't quite sure what to expect when she opens her front door after a knock later that night. There stands her former best friend since elementary school, Valerie Adler, looking shaken. This reunion doesn't go as Addie thought it would, their friendship having been shattered during the end of high school, when Valerie sided with the popular crowd instead of Addie. The story switches between the beginning of their friendship and the present day pickle they're in, with some alternating chapters from the viewpoint of police chief Jordan Novick. I don't know if I was ever sold on how the girls friendship would have picked up like that after the high school betrayal. But, I guess it shows that Addie has a deep heart and with the loss of her parents and the incapacitation of her brother, this friendship is worth saving. |
| Debi |
| The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you like British Gothic mysteries, this one's for you! An old, decaying mansion in England has a "ghost" that causes things to move and doors to slam! Worst yet, it is endangering the people who live there. Best of all, there's a great ending that will set you to thinking! |
| Joan |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I absolutely loved this book! It takes place during the days of the civil rights movement and was a real eye opener to what it was like to be a black person living in those days. A white woman interviews several black maids to get their memories of their work and how they are treated. Wonderful read! |
| Sharon Elliott-Fox |
| The Lace Makers of Glenmara by Heather Barbieri |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The description of the landscapes was beautiful -- made me "homesick" for Ireland and the characters were so believable! I know people like them. |
| Linda B. |
| The Doctor's Pregnancy Bombshell by Janice Lynn |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Dr. Melissa Connor knew deep in her heart months ago what the test just confirmed but how did she tell James that he was going to be a Daddy when they BOTH agreed to no children? |
| Linda B. |
| Night Angel by Renee Reeves |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Fleeing an overwhelming betrayal of her abusive dead husband's friends, Morgan Fletcher leaves Chicago at the urging of her cousin and settles into the wilds of Montana where she vows never to trust a man again. She mentally laughs to think that any man would want her when they saw what he had done to her. Nick Evanoff served six years for beating his own father to death when he was just seventeen and now he saves abused horses. But one look at his night angel sitting by his creek and it was love at first sight! |
| L. Hann |
| Fractured by Karin Slaughter |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I could not put this book down. Just when you think you know who the kidnapper is there is another twist. Excellent read for the summer or any time really. |
| Beverly |
| Shanghai Girls by Lisa See |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I liked the first half of the book where I learned about the history of Shanghai. The story was an eye-opener on the treatment of Chinese up until the early 1950s. |
| Annie |
| The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love MKA! Once you start reading you don't want to stop. Even when the plot is predictable, she is refreshing and sassy! |
| Annie |
| The Local News by Mariam Gershow |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The high school football star is missing. His younger sister deals with the aftermath. |
| Michele |
| The Glassblower of Murano by Marina Fiorato |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Beautifully written. The descriptions of Venice and Murano are just detailed enough to transport the reader there. The characters are memorable, as are their experiences. Love, betrayal, intrigue, it has all this and more. I really enjoyed this book! Maybe because it reminded me of my time in Venice! |
| Annie |
| Return to Sullivan's Island by Dorothea Benton Frank |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I was so looking forward to this book, but couldn't have been more disappointed. Starts out rather boring and confusing. The writing is very "simple". The writer seems to be talking down to her readers. |
| Brenda Rupp (dancealert@aol.com) |
| The Shortest Distance Between Two Women by Kris Radish |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I won this book through one of the contests on another list. I usually pick up a new book and just zoom through them, have a little stay on my couch action until they are done. I'm struggling to keep my attention on this book and I've only gotten half way through in the time that I may have read 2 books. |
| Pattie Berryhill (pattiberr@aol.com) |
| Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
This book was a waste of my time. I finished it hoping it would get better. It didn't. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| The 8th Confession by James Patterson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A Women's Murder Club set in California. In this episode, Cindy and Rich connect, and Lindsay finally agrees to marry Joe. This book centers on the death of Bagman Jesus, a supposedly homeless man; and the mysterious death of rich people. Of course, the killer is shown early in the book, but you must wait until later to discover why. The death of Bagman Jesus provides the title, eight people admit to the murder. As usual, Patterson is a fast, quick read. I really like his style, but I felt that the characters were flat this time. |
| Bridget |
| Remedies by Kate Ledger |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Pretty good novel about a doctor and his family. The doctor's focus is pain management. Is he trying to make his patient's feel better or himself? That's the question I was left with after reading this book. His marriage is falling apart, his teenage daughter is a mess, yet he doesn't deal with any of that until things get so far out of control that he is in danger of losing everything . |
| Eileen Quinn Knight (knight@sxu.edu) |
| Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The writing in this Pultizer Prize novel is unique. The characters in each of the stories see Olive in a warmly human way. I am amazed at the thoroughness of the development of each of the characters with whom Olive interacts. In just a few short pages one truly gets a strong idea of who this person is and how they are part of Olive's life! |
| Michelle Miller (miller4plusmore@bellsouth.net) |
| Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Finally got around to reading this one--had to get it read before the movie! Up until this one, ORDER OF THE PHOENIX was my favorite. Now this one is my favorite. It was an excellent read. The characters have become so well-rounded and the plot is interesting and suspenseful. Probably really don't have to recommend a Harry Potter book, but I'm recommending it (highly) anyway! |
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
| Breakfast With Buddha by Roland Merullo |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Otto Ringling, a cookbook publisher, is taking a car trip from the suburbs of New York City to North Dakota. He is going there to settle the estate of his parents, who recently died in a car crash. His sister tricks him into taking her guru, Volya Rinpoche, with him. She has decided to give this red-robed holy man most of the farm land and the house in ND so that he can build a worship center. The road trip is often hilarious and often enlightening for Otto, as he gets to know this enigmatic man and his strange wisdom. I particularly enjoyed the travels of the men, as it took them through some interesting scenery and restaurants. This was often a little too philosophical for me, but the book was a fun read nevertheless. |
| Bridget |
| Undone by Karin Slaughter |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Outstanding suspense novel that brings together some characters from the author's previous novels. This book can be read and enjoyed even if you haven't read her previous books. There are a lot of surprises in the plot that made it hard to pout down! |
| Julie H. |
| Hunger by Michael Grant |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
In this sequel to GONE, we find the kids of the Perdido Beach area still trying to cling to some semblance of everyday life, while their food supplies have dwindled. Sam is acting mayor, Lana's in hiding as a healer, Mary runs the daycare for the "littles" and Astrid is still analytically examining the weird goings on. More kids are coming into some powers, this is both good and bad. And, there are some in town that think it's time to regulate things more, even start a system of bartering or currency before the food totally runs out. There are farms within their FAYZ area and the boys take off to do reconnaissance, only to find a new creature to fight. Will their defenses hold against new threats and the old coyote pack that's licking it's wounds, waiting? I didn't like this as much as the first book, but it's definitely worth dipping into as we wait for their next adventure. |
| Bridget |
| East of the Sun by Julia Gregson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Probably the best book I've read this summer! About 3 young Englishwomen on a journey to India in the late 1920s. This is an important time in the history of India and these events are skillfully woven into the plot. Rose is going to India to marry the dashing officer she met in England, Tor is going to find a husband and Viva is going back to the country that was once her home in order to find closure regarding the deaths of her parents. All three have expectations, but the reality doesn't quite match. They are well written characters as are their contemporaries. |
| Laney4 |
| Getting Things Done by David Allen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great tips for time management, both in the home and at work. I liked how he said to think, "What's the next action?" Then set deadlines. Set start dates. And finally, do one 15-minute item each day. |
| Myra Henry |
| First Family by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love Baldacci's books and this is one of the best yet. Very suspenseful with lots of twists and turns. One you won't want to put down!!! |
| Kaye DeMaio-Hays |
| My Antonia by Willa Cather |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Who'd have thought I'd be fascinated by a story about a young girl and her family's life, beginning by immigrating to Nebraska and living in a dugout? I prefer mysteries and thrillers. I learned why this book is considered a classic and can recommend it enthusiastically to all readers. |
| M. Henry |
| Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is another outstanding Lee Child mystery featuring Jack Reacher. It begins on a NYC subway and takes off at high speed. Lots of intricate moves to solve this mystery but it is excellent!!! |
| Michelle Miller (miller4plusmore@bellsouth.net) |
| The Lace Makers of Glenmara by Heather Barbieri |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I read this as an advance reader copy and I really enjoyed it. It's an excellent summer read. Great mixture of spirit and lore in Ireland, camaraderie amongst friends, and an interesting exploration of traditional lace making. This book is about new beginnings and old friends. A warm and comforting read. |
| Beverly |
| Surviving Chadwick by Phillip Wilhite |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This year I am having such wonderful luck in reading debut novels by male authors. Wonderful coming-of-age story of a young male who gets an opportunity to go to an elite boarding school. Really gets into the head of a teenage book and how they view the world and their choices. While I highly recommend for high school libraries, and parents will also find the lesson valuable. |
| P. Morris |
| The Killing Tree by Rachel Keener |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I've not yet finished this book but it has kept me awake late into the night. The characters are relateable and the author has a beautiful way of creating images in my mind. |
| Beverly |
| An Elegy for Easterly by Petina Gappah |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wonderful book of short stories all set in Zimbabwe. Sounds what everyday life is for people in all classes under Mugebe. Just loved the tongue-in-cheek humor as they make a way out of nothing, knowing that their government is so corrupt nothing can operate. |
| Beverly |
| Sins of the Father by Angela Benson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Perfect beach read! A father decides to publicly acknowledge his son and daughter that he walked out on 30 years ago by giving them a piece of highly successful media company. Revenge, forgiveness and many secrets beyond the initial one will keep readers turning the page. |
| Vivian |
| Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
One of the best books I have ever read. A page turner that hooked me from the first page and never let go. Beautiful prose, wonderful characters - just pure magic. |
| Vivian |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This debut novel from Kathryn Stockett is one of the best books that I have ever read. Could not put it down and can't wait for her next effort. |
| Jo |
| Looks to Die For by Janice Kaplan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A good book about a woman who must put herself in danger to clear her Doctor husband's name in a murder mystery. She finds the strength in her self even in her designer clothes to face a lot of adversaries. Fun, and heart warming. |
| Kaye DeMaio-Hays |
| Split Second by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just discovered Baldacci about a year and a half ago when I read his Camel Club series. As usual, Baldacci enchanted me with his complex interweaving of characters. Each time I thought I had the answer, he seemed to know what I was thinking and then twist the plot, making me wrong. I love it! |
| Beverly Rowe (bevbooks@aol.com) |
| The Last Mango In Texas by Ray Blackston |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A quick, entertaining read that is light and satisfying. Even a bit inspirational. |
| Ann Brim |
| Married in Seattle by Debbie Macomber |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is two stories about two women who find romance in unusual ways. Easy to read. |
| Debi |
| The Last Child by John Hart |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
There were so many layers to this novel that I thought about it for days. A thirteen-year-old boy goes in search of his missing twin sister. Along the way, he stubbornly pits himself against child molesters and murderers, not to mention his mother's abusive boyfriend. What a great thriller/mystery! |
| Lorna |
| The Days of Summer by Jill Barnett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The story begins with a tragic accident that takes the life of 3 people. You get to know the families of the 3 characters who died... an inspiring singer and husband and wife. The story spans 30 years and how the lives of the families intertwine. Very good story about love, death and paths not taken. Well worth the read. |
| Tanya |
| Undone by Karin Slaughter |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the first Karin Slaughter book I have read and I loved it. The characters were great and the book kept you interested the entire time. If you like crime drama you will love this book. I felt like I was reading a script for a Criminal Minds episode. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Heavenly Pleasures by Kerry Greenwood |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
#2 in the Corinna Chapman series set in Australia in a beautiful building where each apartment carries a Roman name, and the shops on the first floor carry a Greek name. In this adventure, the chocolate shop, HEAVENLY PLEASURES, is encountering sabotage in that chili is being added to the candy. Daniel and Corinna investigate this and also the new tenant, who is being chased by "bad" guys. The amazing part of the story is the caring of each of the inhabitants of the building for one another, they are always willing to lend a hand. I also like the recipes at the each of the novel, and the description of Jason's new muffins. |
| Fran |
| The Book Thief by Markus Zusak |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A unique perspective on the Holocaust, narrated by Death himself. This story portrays the story of Liesel, a young German girl and her foster family during the Holocaust. Interesting and a very unique writing style. It took me a while to get into the cryptic writing style, but once I did, I read this book very quickly! |
| Sandy |
| Mortal Danger by Ann Rule |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Ann Rule's books are always terrifying and it is very sad that they are all true stories. I plan on reading something light and funny next!!! |
| Gale Kearley (marcusnanpop@comcast.net) |
| Hunter's Moon by Dana Stabenow |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I've read better books. It's a slow read but it gets interesting in the middle of it. |
| Julie H. |
| Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Phoebe has adjusted to the knowledge that she's a descendant of the Greek goddess Nike, a hematheos to be exact. She's settled in at school on the remote Serfopoula Island, and is training for the trials of the Pythian Games. However, there is still one thing Phoebe doesn't have a handle on and that's her powers. Her stepfather (and headmaster) enrolls her in a summer Dynamotheos Devlelopment Camp, known as Goddess Boot Camp, to help her learn how to control her powers and emotions. Camp is a trial of its' own, with new step-sister Stella in charge, along with Griffin's former girlfriend, Adara. Phoebe will have to pass the ultimate test, or risk being smoted by the gods. |
| Sandy |
| Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Quite awhile since I could rate one a 5 star, I enjoyed every word of this book. I listened to it on tape and knew that my 85 year old mother would also enjoy it, so I got her the book and I was right. Super ending. About a woman's life in the old west and things she taught a much younger woman. |
| Sandy |
| Heroic Measures by Jill Ciment |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I kept reading to find out what were the heroic measures and then the book ended without telling me the answers to many questions! Glad it was a very short book. |
| J.E. |
| Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Interesting, inspirational, what good someone can do with very little money. |
| Bett Norris |
| Verge by Z Egloff |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This debut novel is astonishing and fresh, filled with acute images and bright language, funny and edgy story of redemption and failure and recovery. |
| Marion Miller (lamamil@aol.com) |
| White Ghost Girls by Alice Greenway |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a rather sad story. However, the suspense of how it would end kept me going until the epilogue. |
| Bonnie |
| Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Child just keeps getting better and better and Jack Reacher is the hero we all hope is on our side in any fight. GONE TOMORROW keeps you guessing right til the end and never lets up on suspense. |
| Peggy |
| True Women by Janice Woods Windle |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This historical novel is about Texas as seen through the eyes of several different characters. It's actually based on the author's own family, and important figures from Texas history appear in the book. It's a wonderful story, and it is an engrossing read. |
| Jemima (thereadingjourney@gmail.com) |
| Giv: The Story of a Dog and America by Boston Teran |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The writing style of this story is perfect. It is so smooth that it just flows off the page like honey. The story is very touching and emotionally intense. The protagonist is a dog named Giv that passes from owner to owner bringing healing love to the persons troubles. I am not even a dog person, but I am thoroughly enjoying this unique book. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I have been a devoted fan of the Stephanie Plum series, and have read many other books of Janet Evanovich. Stephanie lives up to her reputation for burning cars, losing handcuffed men, attracting food or paint to herself, and waivering between Ranger and Joe. Me, I would pick Ranger in a heartbeat. In this latest slapstick comedy, Lula witnesses a murder and the bad guys are gunning for her; and Ranger's security company is having troubles. Of course, the cast of characters and their escapades make the novel a reprieve from reality. I especially loved Larry, the cross dresser. These novels are fluff, a good way to laugh and release tension. |
| Pat Bradley |
| The Serpent and the Scorpion by Clare Langley-Hawthorne |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The second Ursula Marlow Mystery, this fast-paced book's justice-driven heroine fights corrupt businessmen trying to take over her factories and juggles two would-be lovers while relentlessly tracking the murderer of a friend Katya. |
| Marsha |
| Sometimes Mine by Martha Moody |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A forty-something female cardiologist enters a relationship with a married basketball coach and the repercussions are felt for years. This is a heart-warming story and as it unfolds you will be wondering about the importance of certain people in your lives. |
| Sharon |
| Skeltons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A powerful tale of ordinary people swept into the chaos that marked the end of Hitler's Germany. Anna whose ancestors farmed a major estate in Prussia, Callum an escaped Scottish POW and Manfred a Jew disguised as a German soldier are faced with the approaching Russian army on the East and the remains of the German Reich and the approaching troops to the West. Very powerful. It holds your interest from the very start. |
| Fran |
| Letters for Emily by Camron Wright |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A sweet story of a man with Alzheimer's disease who leaves a series of letters for his granddaughter, Emily. A simple read, which depicts the love of a family. |
| Debi |
| The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This conclusion to the Gemma Doyle trilogy was just as spell-binding as the first. Even though it's a Young Adult novel, I found myself lost in nineteenth century England, turning page after page until I finished it. |
| Connie |
| Everyone is Beautiful by Katherine Center |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book by a virtual unknown author is a total "hoot!" As mom to three small boys struggling to adjust to a move to a new place, the heroine (and make no mistake --- she is!) makes all of us who are mothers see a bit of ourselves and realize that though certain times are hard to get through, you really can sit back a laugh about it later. A must read for moms of all ages. |
| Sharon Long (sharon@sllimited.net) |
| The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved this book, very different female main character. I learned quite a bit about Sweden. I cannot wait until the release of the second book - THE GIRL W HO PLAYED WITH FIRE and the third book. Sadly this author died in 2004. |
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
| LIttle Bee by Chris Cleave |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Little Bee from Nigeria is an illegal immigrant in Britain. She is constantly scared about being caught by the police. She looks up a British family whom she has met on a beach in Nigeria two years before, and disastrous results follow. I will not say more, as the author makes a special request on the jacket blurb for the readers not to tell others what happens. This is a great story, but very improbable in parts. |
| Jon |
| Rubicon by Tom Holland |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Fantastic history of ancient Rome and the last days of the Republic. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Earthly Delights by Kerry Greenwood |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a second series by Kerry Greenwood, set in present Australia, and I thoroughly enjoy the characters and setting. This is the Corinna Chapman series about an ex-accountant turned owner/operator of a bakery. Corinna is physically the opposite of Phryne Fisher, in that Corinna is plump and does not wear designer clothes. This novel discusses young, teen-age drug users, Goth culture, and homeless. Greenwood is an astute observer of the ills of society and sandboxes these in her novels. Corinna, as well as Phryne, both attempt to help people lest fortunate to a better life. The setting of the building where Corinna lives and works is educational in that each apartment carries a name/scene of mythology. A delightful book, including the wonderful description of bread making. |
| T.. Thomas |
| Pieces of the Heart by Karen White |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really like her books. This one has romance as well as the main character coming to terms with grief and learning to live again. |
| Donna P. |
| My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I used to be a big fan of Jodi Picoult's work. However, after reading MY SISTER'S KEEPER I'm not feeling the love. The story (which was based on a true life case) seemed contrived and soap operish. I'd skip this one. |
| Lynn Clifford |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Definitely my favorite book of the summer. Ms. Stockett's depiction of the life of domestic help in Mississippi during the early 1960's is heartbreaking. As the story unfolds, you can't help but fall in love with each of the characters and rejoice in their small triumphs as the civil rights movement begins to take hold around them. |
| Donna P. |
| Oxygen by Carol Cassella |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I could not believe this was a debut novel. OXYGEN is the best book I have read this year. It had everything; romance, mystery, well written plot and was different. Dr. Marie Heaton, a seasoned anesthesiologist, is accused of malpractice in the death of a young child. I could not put this book down. |
| Donna P. |
| The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
THE PATRON SAINT OF LIARS takes place at St Elizabeth's home for unwed mother's in the 1960s. Main character, Rose makes a life changing decision to run away from her marriage and head to the home with her unborn child. The book was very well written, featured many flawed characters. I especially loved the staff at St. Elizabeth's: Son, the handyman and Sister Evangeline, the unwed girls and land owner, June. My favorite thing about the book is that it was different. I was not crazy over the ending. I would like to read other later books by Ann Patchett. |
| Donna P. |
| The Ten Year Nap by Meg Wolitzer |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I have been a fan of Meg Wolitizer since enjoying THE WIFE. However, THE TEN YEAR NAP left me wanting more. The book focuses on N.Y. stay-at-home moms who meet at a local coffee shop to offer support and friendship. They have left promising careers for motherhood. Ten years later life changes question that decision. The book also focused on mothers of the main characters lives and career questions. This part of the book was confusing and made the book too long. |
| Fran |
| The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I had to read this as soon as I finished THE BOLEYN GIRL. While this one felt slower than the first, it was still good! I am really enjoying this series which depicts a fictionalized account of the wives of King Henry the VIII. This one depicted Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard. Very well done! |
| Beth |
| The Crying Tree by Naseem Rakha |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Emotional story of a family and how they cope with the tragic murder of their teenage son in a home invasion and the upcoming execution of the murderer. It is a great story of grief and forgiveness. |
| Marsha |
| The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a heart-pounding chase by Jack McEvoy, the reporter who uncovered "The Poet". Everything you wanted to know about serial killers and computers is waiting for you so go along with the ride. |
| Cindy |
| The Alibi Man by Tami Hoag |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just discovered Tami Hoag and am racing through her mystery novels on CD as I go on long summer walks. Lots of good characterization and very bad, bad guys with strong female characters. She's a new favorite! |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Cemetery Dance by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
FBI Special Agent Pendergast and Detective D'Agosta are investigating the murder of one of their friends, Bill Smithback, a reporter for the New York Times. The murderer stabbed Bill to death and tried to kill his wife, Nora. Neighbors identified the murderer as a man that had been pronounced dead by the coroner several months before. As the investigation continues, Pendergast and D'Agosta come up against a religious cult that sacrifices animals in their religious ceremonies. Is this cult mixed up in the murder? A great book that you won't be able to put down! I look forward to reading the next adventure of Pendergast and D'Agosta. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Cruel Intent by J.A. Jance |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Ali Reynolds is in the process of remodeling her house when her contractor is arrested on suspicion of murdering his wife, whose body was found outside their home. Ali feels that he is innocent and, in the process of investigating his wife's computer emails, finds suspicious emails on thumb drives given to Ali by Bryan, the contractor. However, all email on the hard drive has been written over which causes the police to further believe in Bryan's guilt. Ali contacts a computer guru who uncovers a Trojan horse planted in Bryan's computer as well as Ali's. The only way this could have been done was when Ali clicked on the single hearts website used by Bryan's wife. Why was this done? Is there a connection between the murder and the single hearts website? Who was the murderer and how could they convince the authorities of Bryan's innocence? Another winner by J. A. Jance! |
| Mary Branham (maryandlennybranham@yahoo.com) |
| Moon Shell Beach by Nancy Thayer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Loved the book. About a family who come to Nantucket every year to stay at The Beach Family. Talks about all the family members and their troubles. Just like the rest of us . Great summer read. Love Charlotte and Nona. Great job by Nancy Thayer again |
| Julie H. |
| Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Cammie Morgan is visiting roommate Macey McHenry in Boston before they head back to Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies for a new school year. It's a very exciting time for the McHenry's as Mr. McHenry has just accepted a spot as Vice-President on the ticket for the fall election. Trouble is never far behind for these Gallagher Girls and an attack results in increased Secret Security presence at school, with Cammie's Aunt Abby in the forefront. A former Gallagher Girl herself, she understands the secrecy behind the school's gates. |
| S. Larson |
| First Family by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Kidnapping, murder, and an unfaithful Commander-in-Chief, what else could you ask for? David Baldacci's new novel FIRST FAMILY has all that and more. Overall this was an entertaining read. The characters were well developed which helps to draw you into the story. Baldacci has a way about showing the good in all people even if their bad side reigns supreme. The book had good pacing and kept me turning the pages. Although some of the scenarios where more than a bit unrealistic, it still made for an entertaining detachment from reality. This was my first foray into the Baldacci lair, but based on my experience here, I will definitely return. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| The Bourne Sanction by Eric Van Lustbader and Robert Ludlum |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
As Jason Bourne (now using the name of David Webb) begins to feel the tedium of a college professor, he agrees to take on a murder investigation on behalf of his college mentor. He is told that the murder was committed by a former Nazi group called the Black Legion but no one really knows who is behind this. As he contacts a Central Intelligence operative, he discovers that CI is now being threatened to being taken over by the National Security Agency. Both agencies are also investigating Black Legion. How is all of this connected? A good book. |
| Ann Brim |
| Lakeside Cottage by Susan Wiggs |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is my first Susan Wiggs book. This is a page turner about a summer on the lake, romance, runaway teen and a national hero. |
| Beckie Dicke (rjdicke8@gmail.com) |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you have heard of this title, but have not progressed to reading it yet, put it on your "must try" list. The setting is 1962, Jackson, Mississippi. This is a touching story written as it was lived by two Black women who go to work for white families and one white woman who determinedly writes their stories. Excellent, I was sad to end this one. |
| Julie H. |
| Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Dru Anderson and her father have spent a lot of time chasing things that most people don't know exist, the things that "go bump in the night". Dru's mother died when she was five and before traveling around the South Eastern part of the US with her Dad, she lived with her Gran in the Appalachians. There, Dru learned a bit about folk remedies and the "touch" they shared, to be able to ferret out some of these evil beings. Now, Dad has taken her up to the Dakatos, in the middle of winter, no less. She's enrolled in another new school, where so far, her only friend is a Goth-like kid named Graves who sits in front of her in class. It doesn't take very long in their new digs before one day, Dru's father doesn't return home from his beast hunting. Dru turns to Graves for help. Her father has left her well-trained and she comes off as very tough, but does she have the ability to keep them both alive? I would mention I feel this is for older teens. Definitely not all pretty like TWILIGHT. I know it's done as a plot device to show how tough Dru is, but she swears a lot (there is more than occurrence of the f-word) and she drinks Jim Beam (alone, in her kitchen). This is only tempered a bit by Graves insistence that they return to school and not skip! He wants his GED so he can go on to college and make some real money. You know what they say about the best-laid plans... By the end, I decided I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series, called BETRAYALS, out in late fall. |
| Lynne Perednia (LynneP@netzero.net) |
| The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Perhaps more philosophical than THE SHADOW OF THE WIND, but just as stirring in the fate of a young man who loves literature and a young woman he cannot be with. |
| Angela Satalino |
| Very Valentine by Adriana Trigiani |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
There is everything to love about this book. Every Trigiani fan will fall in love with Valentine, want to travel to Italy and buy, buy, buy shoes. |
| Patricia Gibby (pgibby1@yahoo.com) |
| Die For You by Lisa Unger |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Based on previous Lisa Unger books, I found this book very boring. I realize this is fiction, but the total unreality of the story had me shaking my head. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| sTORI Telling by Tori Spelling |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This book mainly centers around how Tori and her mother Candy have never really gotten along as mother and daughter. She implies that her mother is jealous that Tori was a "daddy's girl" and this resulted in their acrimonious relationship. She and her brother were brought up getting everything (or almost everything) they wanted and that wealth provided. The one thing she wanted was the attention and love of her parents, who were always distant. When she married Dean and found out that her inheritance was relatively small in comparison to the total wealth of Aaron Spelling, she had to face what all of us face: lack of money to pay the bills. Yet, they still stayed in penthouse suites while on location. Why not a chain motel? |
| Marisa |
| A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This follow-up to the best-selling KITE RUNNER is very worthy to follow such a powerful book. This book is equally compelling. Again set in war-torn Afghanistan, this time Hosseini tells the story of two women and their stories are devastating. This can be a difficult book to read because of the continual hardships the women endure, but I imagine as with the country itself, ultimately satisfying in the end. Mariam and Laila are characters that will stay with me. The lives of Muslim women can be awful, I don't think they can be any worse than in Afghanistan, especially during the time of the Taliban. This book will break your heart, but it will also put it back together again. |
| Marjorie Clark (marjorie_clark2000@yahoo.com) |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Not quite finished reading the book, about 3/4 through and I find this to be one of the best books I have read in quite a while. |
| Terri Loeffler |
| Sometimes Mine by Martha Moody |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Genie Toledo is a divorced, workaholic cardiologist. She has been having an long-distance affair with a basketball coach, Mick Crabbe, on Thursday nights for 12 years. This is the story of what happens when Mick is diagnosed with cancer. So many things could have gone wrong with this story, and I expected every one of them. Thank goodness I was disappointed. This was a book with human characters, mistake-makers one and all, but they were believable in their actions and reactions, and NOT ONCE did I slap my head in disgust. We see how the situation affects Genie's relationships with her patients, with her family, with her daughter, and mostly with Mick. This is not a tear-jerker, it is not a bodice-ripper, it is a good solid read that I enjoyed very much. Recommended. |
| Barbara (booksandbarbara@gmail.com) |
| Dragon House by John Shors |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I haven't read John Shors' other books, but I'm a book blogger, and his publicist at Penguin mailed me his forthcoming novel, DRAGON HOUSE (which comes out Sept 1). Wow, is this a wonderful novel--certainly the best I've read in many months. DRAGON HOUSE is based on the story of an American man and woman who go to modern-day Vietnam to open a center for homeless children. This center educates and shelters the street children, who are really the central characters in the novel. This book tugged on my heart in so many ways. The writing is terrific, the characters unique, the story unforgettable. Plus, the book is a real page turner. I don't normally post here, but I wanted to spread the word about this splendid novel. I'm so happy that I got the chance to read it. Highly, highly recommended. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Death By Water by Kerry Greenwood |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
#15 in the Phryne Fisher series and this one explores a luxury cruise for Phryne and Dot. Phryne is investigating the disappearance of jewelry taken from First Clas quests. Again, Greenwood shows the life of the rich and their carefree life styles. The book makes many references to the sinking of the Titanic and the changes made due to that disaster. As usual, Greenwood has sumptuous quotes at the beginning of each chapter--this time Dickens and Chaucer. There is also a correspondence between people not part of the book's cast, which also illustrates what is happening. I loved the music and know many of the tunes in the book-which is always a delight. |
| Carol |
| The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just finished this book and was thoroughly taken over by it. At first glance I wasn't sure I'd like the format, a series of letters between characters and I almost put it aside. But I went ahead and ended up loving the book and the characters and was sorry when it ended. Five stars for a wonderful story. |
| J.P. Feingold |
| Skin Tight by Carl Hiaasen |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
While the complex plot and wacky characters I expect of Hiaasen are present in SKIN TIGHT, the normal laughs were not. There were also way too many inventive, but terribly gory, deaths. |
| Harriet Insler |
| The Invisible Wall by Harry Bernstein |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I loved this book. It starts in pre WWI England in a very poor neighborhood. Jews live on one side of the street and Christians live on the other. Mr. Bernstein wrote this true story of his life when he was 93....it took him that long to be able to tell this sad, beautiful story. I had to wonder how far we have come in the area of racism and mistrusting people who may have different beliefs than we have. I highly recommend this book. I am looking forward to reading Mr. Bernstein's next book, THE DREAM, which he wrote at age 96. |
| Marsha Moore |
| The Myth Hunters by Christopher Golden |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the first of a fantasy series which has great characterizations and believable plot by a master author. This would be a wonderful intro to this genre for someone that enjoys mystery, horror or sci fi. |
| Darlene Mour |
| Shanghai Girls by Lisa See |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Having grown up in Los Angeles in the thirties and forties, the remembrance of Chinatown is one of my fondest memories. I knew nothing of the prejudice against the Chinese and it makes me very said. The book is obviously a prelude to a sequel. Fabulous read. Delicious! |
| Kaye DeMaio-Hays |
| The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Follet's storyline is intriguing. I was distracted by his descriptions of and terminology used in building the cathedral; however, several others in my reading group thought these sections to be especially interesting. To each their own. We did agree that the ties among the characters lives and their involvement in the construction of the cathedral was fascinating. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Motor Mouth by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
I was very disappointed with this novel. The language and many situations are extremely crude. The portrayal of the Nascar circuit is one of "good ole boys" who only think of sex, beer, food, and cars; but have plenty of money from racing the cars. The settings of Miami and various locales in North Carolina are very realistic. A better novel of the Nascar circuit is Sharyn McCrumb's ST. DALE. This book is terrible. |
| T. Thomas |
| The Color of Light by Karen White |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I so enjoyed the THE HOUSE ON TRADD STREET by White that I am reading some of her earlier books. This is another ghost, mystery, romance. |
| Kaye |
| Only You by Deborah Grace Staley |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is an old fashioned love story told in a heartwarming, down home manner. So, y'all just pull up a rocking chair, get yourself a nice glass of sweet tea and savor the telling. The story opens with Dixie Ferguson, owner of the local diner, welcoming the reader to the small town of Angel Ridge, Tennessee and telling what to expect from the book. Dixie is not just a storyteller, she's a matchmaker with a heart of gold. There are so many wonderful characters in this delightful story; Josie, the hard working young librarian, Cole, the handsome as all-get-out local handyman, the overly bossy Mrs. McKay who is also head of the library committee and her obnoxious snob of a son, Martin. Martin thinks he's entitled to Josie's attention as does his mother just because their bank financed Josie's education and the fact that the McKays have lived in Angel Ridge for years. On the "right" side of town, mind you! Mrs. McKay seems to think this gives her the right to every minute of Josie's life. But Dixie and Josie's elderly neighbor, the slightly eccentric Miss Estelee think otherwise. And now y'all know Miss Estelee has seen a lot of goings on in Angel Ridge in all her years! What might seem predictable at the beginning does holds a few surprises, not just for Josie, but the whole town. This is one sweet romance, almost nostalgic in a way you'll hate to see end. ONLY YOU is sheer escapism with a feel good story in a town you might wish you lived in. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. |
| Cheryl S. |
| Katka by Stephen R. Meier |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This is a novella about an American named Gavin who becomes involved with the mail order bride business in the Czech Republic. Katka was his girlfriend who he eventually talked into becoming one of the mail order brides. This book is about love, avarice and greed and the consequences of Gavin's decision. I didn't like how the book was written. It seemed to ramble - no paragraphs, just sentences on a page. And, then there was the language - not nice! There was much gratuitous use of the *f* bomb. |
| Debi |
| Handbags and Homicide by Dorothy Howell |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I almost didn't finish this book because the main character was so shallow, it wasn't even funny! Finally, towards the end, she redeemed herself...sort of! I did learn about handbags, though! |
| Renee |
| The River House by Margaret Leroy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Suspense novel that calls into question the ethics of family life, personal choices and the good of the community. well written...good story. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Can't Never Tell by Cathy Pickens |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
#5 in the Southern Fried series set in a small town in South Carolina, about a young female lawyer, Avery. In this tale, Avery encounters death twice in two days--a mummified corpse in a carnie horror house, and a death during a picnic. The story shows money fraud, such as the US has seen too often lately. Pickens does a wonderful job of exposing the warning signs, and ends the book with notes on fraud and identity theft. This is one of her most interesting books. |
| Eileen Quinn Knight (eqkmath@gmail.com) |
| The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What a great story between a widowed concierge and a young girl. The conversation is intelligent and witty! Fun to read. Besides the two become good friends. |
| Debi |
| Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Why do THINGS always happen to Stephanie Plum? I enjoyed this one thoroughly! There were several laugh-out-loud moments such as Lula and Grandma Muzer in the backyard grilling for the barbecue contest! Lula is really at her best this time! |
| Marsha |
| The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
From the author of THE HOUSE AT RIVERTON comes a compelling, multi-generational tale of the search for roots. It's a story of outer and inner journeys that bring unexpected discoveries, as well as a charming and satisfying story. |
| Cynthia |
| Invisible by Lorena McCourtney |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book will make you laugh, cry and respect elders (even more). This is the first and I will be reading the others. If you like fun, laugh and just a simple book this is a must read. |
| Suzanne L. |
| The Impostor's Daughter by Laurie Sandell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
When Laurie Sandell was growing up she idolized her larger than life father. He was mysterious and secretive and told amazing tales. Then she found out everything she thought she knew about her father was a lie! And her memoir details her life growing up and finally searching for the truth. What's fun about this book is that it is a graphic novel! Don't let that turn your head... colorful, funny and well written, a great read! |
| Beverly Rowe (bevbooks@aol.com) |
| Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Great entertainment...predictable, but laugh out loud funny as Stephanie Plum, Lulu, and Grandma Mazer get into one predicament after another. |
| Louise |
| Running Blind by Lee Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I tried for some time to find this book, as I wanted to learn more about Reacher's girlfriend, Jodie. Now that I have, I feel like I want to go back and re-read a couple of others which involve her and her late father. I just love Lee Child... so glad I discovered him! This one has you struggling to come up with answers right to the end (as it does Reacher and the FBI, with whom he is working). |
| Jean M. |
| True Evil by Greg Iles |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The "good guys" were very sympathetic characters and the "bad guys" were truly evil. This is a very good one by Iles, very fast-paced and thrilling. |
| Cynthia |
| The Turnaround by George Pelecanos |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a story of hope to believe that if you are good and have only good intent, things will come around in it time. One young man hurt and scared, inside and out, and how it makes him more a man. Two brothers loyal and devoted to the end and how all three make things come together for each other. |
| Audrey Anderson |
| The Dog Who Rescues Cats by Philip Gonzalez and Leonore Fleischer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a non fiction written by Philip Gonzalez and Leonore Fleischer. If you are an animal lover you will enjoy this book and fall in love with Ginny the mutt who instinctively is drawn to disabled animals and people. She particularly manages to find cat after cat that needs help and turns her owner and his friend, who are dog people, into dog people and cat lovers. Ginny is a canine angel and it's a fast, uplifting read. |
| Elizabeth V. |
| Doctored Evidence by Donna Leon |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Donna Leon is an author I was not familiar with. So I recently picked up her novel DOCTORED EVIDENCE, which is, apparently, one novel in a series about the cases of a police detective, Commissario Brunetti, in Italy. This book is a mystery, not a thriller, in which a widely disliked 83-year-old woman is found bludgeoned to death in her home. Her Romanian housekeeper is immediately suspected of the crime because it looks like she fled. Indeed, the police even found her later on a train heading back to Romania. She ran from police and was killed by an approaching train. Police consider the case closed because it was so obvious to them that this woman was guilty. But Brunetti gets on it and suspects that all is not as it seems. Even when a book is part of a series, it should make sense by itself. But I had a hard time with DOCTORED EVIDENCE because it seemed to me that Leon assumed I was already familiar with Brunetti and the other detectives he worked with. I found this so frustrating that, by page 90, I gave up on the book. I have too many other books waiting to be read to waste time on a book I have to work to understand rather than simply enjoy. |
| Louise Keene |
| Cezanne's Quarry by Barbara Pope |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is an very good period piece based on actual historical figures. It is a murder mystery that explores religion and science. |
| Terri L. |
| Dark Places by Gillian Flynn |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The Kill Club is a secret society obsessed with famous crimes. They offer Libby Day money (which she desperately needs) to re-connect with the players involved in the murder 25 years earlier of her mother and 2 sisters. Her brother Ben was convicted on seven-year-old Libby's testimony that he was the killer. The more she investigates, the less sure she is that she was right. I found this to be a wonderfully well-written book, moving back and forth in time and perspective, leading up to a surprising, improbable but not impossible solution that I found satisfying, and keeping me on my toes the entire time. I do have to mention one little thing, though. On page 120, one character, in Emporia, KS, tells Libby to "drive west on I-70, just past Columbia." Columbia is east of Kansas on I-70. Driving west would take her (eventually) to Denver. Aside from that, a compelling read. Highly recommended! |
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
| The Air Between Us by Deborah Johnson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I'd probably give this book 3.5 stars if I could. It just didn't quite live up to my expectations. Integration in Mississippi in the 1960s was the theme, and many of us remember that awful time. Two doctors, one white and one black, practice in a small town called Revere. I thought that it really dragged in places and that the prose didn't always flow. The ending was also a little too pat. I did enjoy it, however, I just did not LOVE it. |
| Lita Jones |
| School Days by Robert B. Parker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I have not read Mr. Parker's books in the past. But I have seen the Spenser and Jesse Stone TV show. I was impressed, the book is a Spenser novel and was great. The story moves along and what in the old days was referred to as a page turner. A boy is accused of mass murder and the only one who questions whether this is true is his grand mother. I have been looking for more of his books and have three of the Stone stories and the first is great from page one. |
| Dara Berryhill (dara34293@aol.com) |
| Burn Out by Marcia Muller |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Good storyline. Held my interest till the exciting end. |
| Dara Berryhill (dara34293@aol.com) |
| Closing Time by Joe Queenan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Good read. True story of a dysfunctional family reeked by alcoholism. |
| Julie |
| Outer Banks by Anne Rivers Siddons |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A great summer beach book. I love Anne Rivers Siddons' style of writing and this book did not disappoint. |
| Janet |
| Swimsuit by James Patterson |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
This book is one of his worst, in my opinion. I found it to be sick and not well written. It was very hard to make it through and I admit to skimming parts just to see if it got any better...it didn't. It's too bad at one time I enjoyed his books but lately they just aren't as good. |
| Glenn M. Pessano |
| PopCo by Scarlett Thomas |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed this novel by British author Scarlett Thomas, which included a lot of math and cryptography within the plot, as well as portraying the greed and lengths that corporate companies go to in order to market products to the consumer, in this case a toy company. |
| Suzy in Southern Illinois |
| A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
After seeing rave reviews about this book, we chose it for our book club. I can't stand this book! None of the characters have any redeeming qualities whatsoever. I always hope to find at least ONE character I like, but there are none in this one. Mr. Truitt (the husband) is a flawed, sex-obsessed man who won't talk to the wife, the "reliable" wife is full of secrets and tries to kill Truitt. In between are other characters who are equally awful. In reviews, this piece of trash was compared to "Rebecca" and "Withering Heights"....not even close! Don't waste your time reading this! |
| Louise Keene |
| The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Highly recommend! Excellent, exciting, and hard to put down. This thriller explores several themes: family, love, and murder. Although not a blatant theme, yet very important, violence against women underscores the book. Great read. |
| Elizabeth V. |
| Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET, Jamie Ford's first book, tells the touching story of Henry Lee, a Chinese-American, and his childhood friendship with and ongoing love for Keiko Okabe, a Japanese-American. The book begins in 1986 with a discovery in the basement of the Panama Hotel of the old belongings of Japanese-American families who were taken from their homes and interred during World War II. The hotel is located in what was, before the Japanese-Americans were rounded up, Japantown and stood between there and Chinatown in Washington state. Subsequent chapters in HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET are divided into flashbacks to the 1940s and continuation of 1986. In this way we discover Henry's and Keiko's story and a love that never ends or is forgotten in spite of bigotry, ages-old traditions, lies, and years of separation caused first by internment, then also by deception. HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET is praised by many. It was because of all the rave reviews that I read the book. But, while I don't consider it a waste of my time, I have to admit that I was bored by the many flashbacks to 1942 with Henry's bigoted father and nasty classmates at his "all-white" school where he went "scholarshiping" at his father's insistence. I also found the flashbacks to be too slow and predictable. Even so, that's me. I'm sure most readers will find satisfying what I thought was predictable. The book is well written and full of accurate historical details. And, although I was not surprised at the ending, I think I would have been unhappy if it had been any other way. |
| Tobi Drabczyk (tokemise@hotmail.com) |
| Dragon House by John Shors |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
DRAGON HOUSE by John Shors is a wonderful story of healing, redemption and love. I loved this book. It is wonderfully written and touched me personally on many levels and made me cry at least twice. It is my new favorite read for this summer. DRAGON HOUSE is the story of many people but the main character who starts the story and brings them all together is Iris. Iris is a book reviewer whose father has been largely absent from her life physically and emotionally. A veteran of the Vietnam war he struggled the rest of his life with what happened to him there. Years later he returns to Vietnam trying to do some good by opening a center for street children. He dies before he is able to finish the center and have it open. Iris decides to go to Vietnam and finish her father's work but she doesn't go alone. Noah is a childhood friend of Iris, who is a wounded Iraq war veteran. He has lost one of his legs and all his hope and faith in the world and people. Once a vibrant and active man he can no longer do the things he took for granted and tries to lessen his pain with alcohol and pills. A desperate plea from his mother gets Iris to take him with her to Vietnam. Noah has no hope of finding anything there that will help him but goes to make his mother feel better. Once they are in Vietnam the author's use of description made me feel like I was there too. It is clear in the writing that John Shors knows about the places and culture first hand. I can picture it in my mind and almost hear the sounds and smell the smells. It is here that we meet the rest of the characters in this story. They are unforgettable. Thien is the assistant at the center and she will help the Americans in more ways then they ever imagine. Full of hope, love and joy she teaches them many things by her example. Mai and Minh are street children who must hustle tourists in order to make a living, they live under a bridge and have only each other. They have lived through things most of us can't even imagine. Tam is also a street child but she has her loving Grandmother to care for her. Their story is so poignant it will change you and you will never forget it. All these very different lives are brought together in a story that will pull at your heart strings and make you want to do something good and become a better person. The pace of the writing is perfect and the descriptions made me feel like I was there. I couldn't put this book down, I had to find out what happened to all the characters I had come to love and care about. This book touched me on a very personal level because I have been trying to help children in need for many years. I have read about street children in other countries and have always wished I could do something big, like opening a center or a home for them. I can relate to Iris on that level and also because she loved books and was a book reviewer. She comes to realize the true value of her books during her work at the center. Readers will get a feel for what it must be like for these poor children by reading this book and will hopefully be inspired to do something to help. I know I am. Ultimately this is a book about hope and never giving up. Learning that you can always be better and do good no matter how small a thing you think it is. Mostly I came away from reading this book feeling like it was all about love. It's a wonderful book and I recommend it to everyone. I read this as an ARC, it doesn't come out until Sept. 1 but when it does rush out get it. You won't be sorry. |
| Elizabeth V. |
| The Vendetta Defense by Lisa Scottoline |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Lisa Scottoline's novels present interesting legal dilemmas. In Scottoline's THE VENDETTA DEFENSE, an old Italian man, "Pigeon Tony", who lived in prewar Italy under Mussolini and the Black Shirts and fled to America with his young son, is now accused of murdering another Italian-American, Angelo Coluzzi. Coluzzi is a rich man who is corrupt and has ties to the Mafia. During flashbacks in the book, we see why their ages-old feud, back to their lives in Italy, where Coluzzi was one of the Black Shirts, led to the killing. And, according to Pigeon Tony, that's what it was killing, not murder. THE VENDETTA DEFENSE is one book in Scottoline's series about a Philadelphia law firm. One of the associate lawyers in the firm takes on this case, made more difficult by Pigeon Tony's ongoing insistence that he tell the judge that he did, in fact, kill Coluzzi. Pigeon Tony was sure the killing was justified because it wasn't murder; Coluzzi killed Pigeon Tony's wife in Italy many years ago and his son and daughter-in-law more recently in Philadelphia. While this book wasn't a not-put-down-able thriller, it was interesting and did make me want to keep reading. Scottoline seems to like to set herself up to solve unsolvable legal dilemmas. |
| Elizabeth V. |
| The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The first half of Stieg Larsson's THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO presents two separate lives in Sweden: Mikael Blomkvist, a 40-something journalist convicted of libel, and Lisbeth Salander, a 24-year-old eccentric computer hacker working for a security firm. By about the halfway point in the book, Blomkvist and Salander join forces to find a murderer of a member of the Vanger family who disappeared 40 years ago. The Vangers, including husbands, wives, adult children, cousins, aunts, and uncles, are all very rich and very strange. Together they own a worldwide corporation, and they mostly hate each other. Blomkvist and Salanlder uncover their deep, dark secrets, discovering secrets much worse than they bargained for, much worse with every page. The book is billed as a mystery/thriller. But mystery/thriller lovers should be warned: THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO contains only a small portion of what I would call "thriller." That is near the end of the book when Blomkvist, after figuring things out and confronting someone, discovers the hard way (the really, really hard way) that, as bad as what he figured, it was way, way worse. The majority of THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO is mystery, not thriller. Sometimes the mystery is tedious as Blomkvist and Salander search and research old news clippings, picture archives, old snapshots, others' writeups, etc. But in spite of that, it's a page turner, probably because of Larsson's story-telling skill. The book ends with an obvious enticement, the promise of continuation of the story. And, sure enough, Larsson left enough material for three books. The second in the series, THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE (presumably the same girl), just came out. The author, Larsson, died of a heart attack at the age of 50 before this book was published, 2005 in Sweden, 2008 in the United States. According to Wikipedia, he left a will declaring that his assets should be left to the Communist Workers League. I wouldn't have been happy about the money I spent on this book going to the Communist Workers League, so it's a good thing Swedish law said that was invalid because the will was not witnessed. Larsson's assets went, instead, to his family. I didn't notice any of Larsson's political leanings in this book and, believe me, I looked for them. At worst you could say the book is anti-big business. Then again, big business is shown with both good guys and bad guys. |
| Janice Hoaglin (jhoaglin@sbcglobal.net) |
| The Shaman's Game by James Doss |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love James Doss's use of language, how he describes the landscape of southern Colorado, and Ute culture. This book may move too slowly for some, but I was thoroughly engrossed from the beginning. The book is about witchcraft, Ute style, as well as some Christian themes, and about Ute belief systems. The story surrounds the Sun Dance as performed in several locations, with Ute, Paiute, and Shoshone participants. During "dancing thirsty" the quest is for a vision, after several days in the southwest heat. However, dancers begin dying, maybe from natural causes, maybe from witchcraft. Charlie Moon, the 6'8" officer of the Ute Tribal Police force is the prime investigator, with the help of his friend Scott Parris, and his aunt, the elderly Ute Shaman Daisy Perika. I will keep reading this series. |
| Mary Ann |
| Matrimony by Josh Henkin |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is the story of 4 people who meet in college and end up together. What we do in the name of love and what outside forces shape us. He is a Wasp and rich, she is a Jewish girl. But overall it moved slowly and the characters could have been better developed. |
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
| Saving Faith by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This wasn't bad. I have to say though, the first 300 pages were a bit slow. I also found it hard to like the characters. But the last 200 pages were very good. The story is about the FBI and CIA and their abuse of power. Faith Lockhart is caught in the middle of a "sting". Her boss has been illegally bribing political officials in Washington for a good cause. One of the heads of CIA has caught wind of this bribery and gets involved. His idea of how to handle it is a lot more dangerous than anyone has ever thought. And what he didn't count on was Lee Adams, the PI hired to watch over Faith. This is a very interesting story that involves the FBI and CIA and of course politics. It makes you wonder if this really happens. If it does, our government is no better than any other. I have read several Baldacci works. This is up there at the top of the list as one of my favorites by him. |
| Lexi |
| The Rapture by Liz Jensen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
FANTASTIC book. Apocalyptic near future environmental disaster thriller with amazing, well-developed and memorable characters, and quite honestly, incredibly good writing. Couldn't put it down, and want to read it again. |
| Gerry |
| The Pawn by Steven James |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Patrick Bowers is a highly acclaimed criminologist. He has been asked to help catch a serial killer. He is torn between the job and the guilt of leaving his step daughter, but takes the job.This is a truly exciting story...lots of unusual twists and turns. Can't wait to read THE ROOK! |
| Karen Barash |
| The Painter From Shanghai by Jennifer Cody Epstein |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This story of a young Chinese girl's life from prostitute to Post Impressionist painter was riveting. After finishing the novel, I researched it and found that it was based on a true story which made it even more amazing. |
| Lorna |
| Goonight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Took me a long time to get through this book...A stay at home mom, Kate tries to fit in with all the others in her suburban community. One of the moms is murdered and now Kate is trying to solve the mystery as to who killed her. In her investigating she uncovers many secrets among the other families in town. She just can't stop even though her husband is against it and its hurting her marriage. It is funny at times but not a real keep you on the edge of your seat mystery. Just a light summer read. |
| Audrey Anderson |
| When Ghosts Speak by Mary Ann Winkowski |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is the person the T.V. series Ghost is based upon. The book is very interesting and I would have given it 4 stars except there is a lot of repeating. It's almost as though she would write a chapter and then would forget she had covered something and cover it again --- or, like she thought we were not getting it the first time? At any rate, except for that I would recommend this book. It explains how she came to talk with ghosts, tells us about earth bound ghosts. She also talks about how to get rid of them. |
| Dian Boysen |
| The Help by Katheryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The characterization was fantastic. You felt the emotions of the 1960's in the South. The three main characters were delightful. |
| Sal |
| Bone Key by Les Standiford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love Florida crime novels and that is this author's forte. The plot twists in BONE KEY will twist you into a candy cane stripe but it is well worth it. Great read as John Deal tries to work his way through a 70 year mystery to find the unusual miscreant hiding in the midst.of a new high dollar real estate development and cache of pirated 300 year old wine. |
| Bill |
| Boca Knights by Steven Forman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a terrific book with lots of action, humor, and social commentary. The story starts in Russia, moves to Boston, and ends up in Boca Raton following the exploits of a retired Boston cop who takes on antisemitic skinheads, KKKs, and white supremacists all out to destroy the Jewish retirement villages dotted across Florida. The one-liners are fast and furious making me think that the author must have worked the summer comedy scene in the Catskills. It was definitely an enjoyable read. |
| Margi |
| Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was one of those books that I couldn't put down. The main plot revolves around Police Chief Kate Burkholder and a serial killer who reappears after a 16 year silence. As the crimes escalate, Kate has to work through demons from her past, along with proving herself to the mayor and town council who don't believe she has enough experience to solve the crimes. The pace is fast and never stops building until the end. I will read this author again. |
| CC |
| Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The book is rather slow reading at first but provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of a nunnery and the lies and deception that occur. |
| Anita Nowak |
| The Likeness by Tana French |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I absolutely loved this book. I had read Ms. French's other book last year, IN THE WOODS. Even though I thought it was great, this one was even better. I think she writes beautifully, and really keeps you interested as the mystery progresses.This was about a murder, and how an undercover police officer in Ireland gets involved in trying to solve the case. I look forward to reading many more of Ms. French's books. |
| Barbara |
| After Eden by Valerie Miner |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An elegant novel that examines questions about identity and community. It's a contemporary novel but her story reflects change over two centuries. |
| Annette Juba (agjuba@hotmail.com) |
| The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Loved this book, which is a family saga/murder mystery/financial thriller all wrapped into one novel! |
| Dara Berryhill (dara34293@aol.com) |
| Wrongful Death by Robert Dugoni |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Exciting suspense novel. Thank you for suggesting it. |
| Jaye |
| The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Fun read, even though the narrator's house fix up projects went a lot faster than mine ever do. It helped that some attractive men appeared to help. |
| Genie |
| The Godwulf Manuscript by Robert P. Parker |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This first book in the Spenser series is set in 1973. It is pre-Hark and pre-Susan. He is portrayed as a hard hitting, hard drinking, skirt chasing independent P.I. with a soft spot for the underdog. Spencer is hired by the president of a local university to find a stolen 14th-Century manuscript. His search leads him to a group of radicals who are affiliated with drug dealers and the mob. When one of the students is found murdered, Spenser takes on the accused (another student he believes to be innocent) as a client. He then sets out to find out who committed the murder. The theft of the manuscript which was initially the main focus, becomes the secondary plot. This is a good solid P.I. tale. |
| Hickcrazy1 |
| Split Images by Elmore Leonard |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Elmore does it again with a rich dastard, beautiful women, a crooked cop and a hero who has a tough exterior and a tender heart. Set in Fla and Detroit, the action bounces back and forth like a tennis ball and so does Leonard's great dialogue. Great summer read for a cop story lover. |
| Eileen Quinn Knight (eqkmath@gmail.com) |
| Little Bee by Chris Cleave |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This story is truly gut wrenching in regard to the issue of immigration. The author develops the relationships in such a way that one is truly moved by the dynamics of the characters. |
| Ramona |
| The Guernsey Literary Potatoe Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Borrows |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Delightful. I loved every word. Juliet Ashton, writer, becomes enamored with the folks from Guernsey, England. This starts a flurry of correspondence both ways as Juliet and the islanders become fast friends, long distance! |
| Paula P. |
| Julie and Julia by Julie Powell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Very cute book. Based on two true stories it combines Julia Child's life and Julie Powell's life. Julie Powell is feeling something is needed in her life so she starts a blog, writes about cooking everything in Julia Child's cookbook in a years time. I cant wait to see the movie. Very sweet and funny. |
| Annette Juba (agjuba@hotmail.com) |
| Coventry by Helen Humphreys |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A short novel about the bombing of the city of Coventry and its cathedral during WWII. I loved reading about this city that I've visited and learning more about peoples' experiences during the war. |
| Ramona |
| The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Kept my interest. Focus on dealing with Asperger's Syndrome. Ted is "wired differently". He and Kat try to find a missing cousin, who disappears while on the London Eye Ferris Wheel in England. |
| Sue, Saratoga |
| The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
We listened to it on a long car trip. My husband was laughing all the way and couldn't wait to get back in the car to listen to it again. Very amusing and thoughtful. Learn about different class structures in India. |
| Ramona |
| Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A trip to Aix-en-Provence, for 15 year-old Ned is not an ordinary photography jaunt for him and his famous Canadian Photographer Dad. Ned's mom is called to France, from the civil war zone of Sudan, when danger strikes her family. |
| Jaye |
| Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Same ol', same ol', and quite disappointing. |
| Genie |
| Mortal Stakes by Robert Parker |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Spenser's hired by the manager of the the Boston Red Sox to find out if their leading pitcher is on the take. On the surface, everything seems OK, however there are a few little things that don't quite add up. Spenser decides in order to get to get a better understanding of whats going on in the present, he will have to investigate a few things from the past. He begins his search with a background check of the pitcher's wife. Facts he uncovers leads him first to a flamboyant street pimp and then on to the doorstep of a high cost madame of a New York bordello. The main problem turns out to be a loud, self-centered sports announcer with a bubblegum chewing bodyguard who owes money to a local mob boss. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Queen of the Flowers by Kerry Greenwood |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
In this #14 of the Phryne Fisher series set in St Kilda, Australia, Phryne must locate a missing Ruth and find a missing young girl named Rose. The setting is the preparation for a flower parade with Phryne as the queen and four girls as her attendants. The circus and carnival are in town for the gala. Greenwood does a wonderful job showing the vast contrasts of Australian life from the refined luncheons of the upper class to the dregs of society with the brothels, carnies, and musicians. As usual, Greenwood shows the worthlessness of females in this era of the 1920's. An interesting book, much better than DEATH BEFORE WICKET. |
| Julie Sorum (julyso@grandecom.net) |
| The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Jason Jones comes home to find his young wife missing and his 4-year-old daughter alone in their home. He immediately becomes the prime suspect along with a convicted sex offender living close by, a student his wife worked with, and his wife's father. There is lots going on with Jason Jones and his wife, Sandra. Both seem to have many secrets and this adds to the mystery. This is one creepy story. It starts out creepy and stays creepy! It is a fascinating read with quite a few surprises along the way. |
| Reva Wamsley (prwamsley@roadrunner.com) |
| Subterranean by James Rollins |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Terrific book! Full of action and surprises. A set of ruins is found miles below the ice of Antarctica. A team is sent to explore and what they find is unbelievable. |
| Gerry |
| The Pawn by Steven James |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Found this book by accident...what a pleasant surprise! I love a book that has surprises around every corner..this is one of them. The characters are believable and realistic. A book you wont want to put down. |
| Cheryl |
| Prayers For Sale by Sandra Dallas |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
PRAYERS FOR SALE is a story about forgiveness and the impact that forgiveness has on both the granted forgiveness and the one forgiving. Henny has reached her twilight years, for many years she has carried a heavy burden in her heart. The burden that haunts Henny has kept a praying woman out the church for many years. As Henny prepares to leave her adopted hometown of Middleswan to live her latter years with her daughter, she realizes that she must finally deal with that thing which lies heavy both on her mind and her heart. PRAYERS FOR SALE is a historical fiction novel. The author spent a great deal of time researching the era (1860s-1930s), the process of mining for gold, idiomatic speech of the period, and the art of quilting. As a result of the author's meticulous attention to detail, the reader is transported back in time. The characters convey authenticity. Although I teach history, I am not a fan of historical fiction. Therefore, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the story. The reader gets the message without the benefit of a sermon. |
| Beverly Rowe (bevbooks@aol.com) |
| Certain Jeopardy by Jeff Struecker and Alton Gansky |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a high-stakes thriller about a group of 6 men in the Army Special Operations Division. Their detect and observe mission has just been upgraded to a life and death rescue mission in Venezuela. Besides the fast paced military action, you get a good look at the wives and families of these men, and the anguish of not knowing where their men are, or if they are coming back. I couldn't put this one down. |
| Lorraine M. Larose |
| The Last Queen by C. W. Gortner |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a wonderful story about Juana of Castile, the third daughter of Queen Isabel and King Ferndinand of Spain. The strength and courage of this woman is truly remarkable. This is definitely a must read. |
| Ivy |
| Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Very long. But a culturally intricate story of two orphaned brothers and their plight to America. |
| Marnie |
| The Walking People by Mary Beth Keane |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Three young people (one a traveler, i.e. a gypsy) leave hard times in 1950s Ireland to seek new lives in New York. As the years pass, we see how they strive to climb from real poverty to attain decent lives. This is a great book about the immigrant experience, and the triumph against huge odds. |
| Barbara S. |
| As the Crow Flies by Jeffrey Archer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Charlie Trumper is a poor young boy who learned to be a fruit and vegetable peddler from his grandfather. His grandfather tried to discourage him from getting an education so he could carry on the family trade. However, Charlie had his sights set beyond the peddling trade. Charlie had visions of owning a world famous department store and set out to prove that you could achieve anything with hard work and honesty. Charlie did achieve his dream, personal happiness and much more, but not without many disappointments along the way. The author wove Charlies setbacks together in a very interesting way. This was a very old book that I decided to read before donating it to the local library book sale. It was a very touching story which proved that "honesty is the best policy" and I am glad I took the time to read it. |
| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
| Things That Make Us (Sic) by Martha Brockenbrough |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Very funny and enlightening book about grammar. Adeptly clarifies confusing words, terms, and punctuation. The author is the founder of TSPOGG (The Society for the Promotion of Good Grammar --- and make sure you spell that last work correctly.) As interesting as a novel. Includes letters she has written to offenders of our language. The Queen of England even responded. |
| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
| A Different Life by Quinn Bradlee |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Quinn Bradlee is the son of former "Washington Post" editor Ben Bradlee and his wife, reporter Sally Quinn. Quinn was born with a heart defect and had a number of health issues throughout his life. When he was 14, he was finally diagnosed with VCFS (velo-cardio-facial syndrome) a genetic abnormality which is the second most often occurring disability (Down's Syndrome is number one.) One consequence of the syndrome is having a learning disability. I read this book since I am married to a man with a severe learning disability (dyslexia), the mother of a son with a mild learning disability (dysgraphia) and taught students with learning disabilities in public schools for a number of years. I wished to compare Quinn's experiences with my observations. Quinn's prose seems brash, yet I know this partially relative to having a learning disability and might partially be due to his recognition of his parents' celebrity. At times I cringed, recognizing "traps" Quinn found himself in during his schooling. Thankfully, Quinn and his parents found a school and teachers who concentrated on Quinn's strengths. If only we could do this for all students --- special needs or not. |
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
| Mudbound by Hillary Jordan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
| MUDBOUND is a cotton farm on the Mississippi Delta occupied by Henry and Laura McAllan, along with their small daughter and Henry's brother Jamie. Jamie is home from his stint in the army during WWII and is helping Henry run the farm. Also home from the war is Ronsel Jackson, the son of black sharecroppers on the property. Extreme prejudice exists at this time for blacks in Mississippi, and the Jackson family is no exception. Bad things happen. This is an extremely compelling story and one that I could not put down. I will look forward to this new author's next book. |
