November 6, 2009 - November 19, 2009
Last contest period's winners each received a copy of FORD COUNTY: Stories by John Grisham, KINDRED IN DEATH by J. D. Robb and KNIT THE SEASON: A Friday Night Knitting Club Novel, by Kate Jacobs.
| Sandra F. |
| Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a beautifully written book about the special friendship between two Chinese girls in 1823. Be prepared for graphic detail in the description of the foot-binding process. |
| Carol |
| Songs of the Gorilla Nation by Dawn Prince-Hughes, Ph.D. |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An excellent, well written story of Dr. Prince-Hughes's life as she grew up with undiagnosed autism. She learned how to deal with society by studying the gorillas in the Seattle Zoo. |
| Julie H. |
| As You Wish by Jackson Pearce |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A really wonderful story about high schooler Viola, whose desire to fit in calls forth a jinn at school one day. Turns out, not all genies live in bottles and jinn return to their "homeland" of Caliban after granting three wishes for their master. Viola humanizes the jinn, who becomes Jinn for the story. Jinn breaks a few rules as well, taking Viola's personal feelings into account a little too often. I really enjoyed this one. |
| Julie H. |
| Thistle and Twigg by Mary Saums |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Jane Thistle's arrival in small Tullulah, Alabama, is noted by many, as she has quickly purchased the old Hardwick place, haunted by all accounts. Phoebe Twigg welcomes her immediately and a friendship ensues between the women. When the hermit Cal Prewitt makes overtures to his new neighbor about purchasing his land, Jane jumps at the chance. The melding of mystery and magic in Tullulah is wonderful--from the teens who want to "ghostbust" out at the Hardwick land to other unearthly visitors, Jane's introduction to town is an exciting one. |
| Jean M |
| The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love this book. It is the first of the series featuring Lincoln Rhyme. I intend to continue with the following installments. |
| Sandra F. |
| First Among Sequels by Jasper Fforde |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love this series about Thursday Next and her foray into the Book World. Jasper Fforde has a very weird sense of humor and the laughs are many as Thursday involves herself in one strange situation after another. |
| Sandra F. |
| At the Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book featuring FBI agent Maggie O'Dell is a great read. This series just keeps getting better and better. The plot in this one is especially riveting. |
| T. Thomas |
| In the Footsteps of Marco Polo by by Denis Belliveau and Francis O'Donnell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is an absolutely wonderful book for the arm-chair traveler. In the mid-1990s Belliveau and O'Donnell used Marco Polo's book to retrace his journeys through the Middle East and Asia. They lived, ate and traveled with the indigenous people they met along the way. The photographs are colorful and help to bring the story to life. My only complaint is that I wish they would have included a modern map showing their route. I highly recommend this book. |
| Sandy |
| A Change in Altitude by Anita Shreve |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This story takes place in Kenya and I found it very interesting about the country, plus a great story. |
| Sharron |
| The Pat Conroy Cookbook by Pat Conroy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Filled with personal and friends' recipes from the south, Conroy tells stories to go with the recipes. He truly has a way with words and makes the recipes interesting by knowing their background as well as his. |
| EC |
| Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
As you read this book, you will be transported to Florence during the Renaissance. The story is filled with good historical references, strong characters and some interesting intrigue. |
| Brady (bradylee@myway.com) |
| The Time of My Life by Patrick Swayze & Lisa Niemi |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
All aspiring dancers should read this memoir as it details the work needed to become very good. Swayze's life is interesting to read about as he excelled in many different area of physical attainment coupled with extreme pain most of his life. This is also a love story of extreme highs and lows. Your interest will be kept reading this. |
| Genie |
| In the Forests of the Night by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Once, she was a young girl named Rachel; that was until she was turned by a vampire named Ather in the year 1701. Risika is now three-hundred-year-old vampire who doesn't look a day over 17. By day, Risika resides in Concord, Massachusetts. By night she roams the streets of New York City stalking potential victims. Over the years, Risika has discovered that most of the popular myths about vampires are false. While she has managed to avoid close relationships with humans and other vampires, she shares a special friendship with a tiger in the New York City Zoo. Things seem to be going along smoothly until she returns from a hunt one night to find a black rose on her pillow. This, she realizes, is a taunt from Aubrey, the vampire she believes murdered her brother on the night of her transformation. She was unwilling to confront Aubrey until he kills the tiger she has come to love. After avoiding Aubrey for three hundred years, Risika realizes its time to confront her nemesis. Risika confronts Aubrey and draws him into an intense battle. Its then that Risika discovers her real strength. As an aftermath of the battle, she also discovers the secret of her brother's fate. This is a quick, interesting read; an impressive first book by a young author who was thirteen years old when it was written. |
| Bonnie |
| The Nine by Jeffrey Toobin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Subtitled "Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court," this analyzes the justices who served together in the '90s, led by Rehnquist. I took away one star because it was apparent while reading which side of the aisle Toobin's politics lie. This is a no-no in such a book. It is a fascinating study of the men and women who serve as our "supreme" judges, how they got there, their humanity, behind the scenes machinations as well as the cases that came before them. |
| Louise |
| The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I've wanted to read this since it was released. Two of Connelly's "heroes" (Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller) finally come together in one book. I was a little disappointed in the connection they didn't make but, otherwise, very pleased with the book. I hope the author will use Mickey Haller more often. I like him much better than Bosch. It kept my attention throughout and surprised me with a few twists I wasn't expecting! |
| Louise |
| Gone Too Far by Suzanne Brockman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I liked the plot and the characters but, honestly, I couldn't finish this one; the language was so offensive. |
| Louise |
| Running Scared by Elizabeth Lowell |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I've been sick this week, and it's been good to get a lot of reading done, but this is one book I could have done without. I have read other Elizabeth Lowell's and gotten pleasure from them, but I don't know what went wrong this time. I had a hard time reading it. |
| Marsha |
| Pursuit of Honor by Vince Flynn |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book picks up where his last Mitch Rapp thriller (EXTREME MEASURES) ended. 185 people were killed by terrorists who targeted a Washington, D.C. National Counter-terrorism Center. National Security is still an issue as is the repercussions of the families and friends who lost loved ones in the attack. This book will stand alone but reading the two books in sequence will provide an added enjoyment. |
| Hunter |
| Angels & Demons by Dan Brown |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I recommend this book to anyone that likes a fast-paced, action-filled book. ANGELS & DEMONS is by far one of the best books I have read! It is filled with twists that are completely unexpected. I cannot say enough good things about this book! |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is part of the Harry Bosch series set in California (LA), but most of the action takes place in Hong Kong. In this installment, Harry's daughter, Maddie, is missing, and Harry must go to Hong Kong to find her. Also, Harry's current case involves the Chinese triad. The action is fast paced, with many peaks and valleys-much like the 8 mountain peaks that surround Hong Kong. The brief history of the triad is interesting. Wonder what is in store for Harry next? |
| Jud Hanson |
| The Navigator by Clive Cussler |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Kurt Austin is back and this time he's searching for religious treasure. The Key is a statue called "The Navigator," only he's not the only one that wants it. His opponent is an unscrupulous Middle Eastern antiquities dealer who is seeking a religious artifact that could turn the world on its ear and the statue is the key. Who will when this race for one of the most sought after religious artifacts in history? |
| Reva Wamsley (prwamsley@roadrunner.com) |
| Riptide by Catherine Coulter |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An earlier book of the FBI series featuring Savich & Sherlock. I really enjoyed it. It will keep you on your toes guessing until the end. Becca is being harassed by an anonymous caller claiming to be her boyfriend. He is threatening the governor, who she is a speech writer for. But the police don't believe her. When the governor is shot, they think she knows something about it so she takes off to a small Maine town called Riptide & rents a house under an assumed name. |
| Jane Halsall |
| Little Brother by Cory Doctorow |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This science fiction cautionary tale is marketed to young adults/teens but stands with some of the best science fiction in print today. High School student, renegade, and hacker gets caught up by the lawlessness that overtakes San Francisco when terrorists bomb the Channel Bridge and part of the Bay Area Rapid Transit. Scary good. |
| Margi |
| Vanished by Joseph Finder |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I like Finder's novels, but this one had just a little bit too much going on and the motive got too confusing. This is why it only got 3 stars instead of 4. |
| Linda Bentzen |
| The Soloist by Mark Salzman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Pretty much enjoyed the book. Thought it ended too abruptly. |
| Bill |
| True Blue by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Clearly a new series for Baldacci. The characters are well drawn, the setting of Washington DC includes not only the corridors of power but also the worst parts of the poorest parts of the city. Baldacci tells an exciting story that had a satisfying ending and the expectation of a sequel. |
| Jud Hanson |
| The Gulf by David Poyer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Lt. Cmdr. Dan Lenson is back, and this time he's assigned to the USS Turner Van Zandt as its XO. He has a new CO, Capt. Ben Shaker, who lost his last ship to a sneak Iranian attack and he's out for revenge. When the Van Zandt is sent to the Gulf, Lenson realizes what Shaker is up to and must choose between doing what is right and doing what Shaker orders him to do. If Shaker succeeds, it could start a war that can't be won. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Relentless by Dean Koontz |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Cubby Greenwich and his wife, Penny, are both writers and enjoy a good life. They live with their prodigy son Milo and a rescued dog named Lassie. Over breakfast one morning, Cubby reads a vicious review of his latest book. Curious as to who the reviewer is, Cubby and Milo meet up with the man at a restaurant. As the man leaves, he looks at Cubby and says "Doom". What does this mean? As Cubby and Penny investigate this man through the Internet, they find that he has also given vicious reviews to other writers. These writers have had terrible things happen to them and some have even been killed. Now strange things are beginning to happen to Cubby and Penny. They go on the run to try to escape this sadistic man. A great book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. |
| Kayla |
| Possess Me At Midnight by Shayla Black |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just finished this book early this morning. I could not put it down until I finished it, it was so good. The characters were sexy, yet completly real and believable, the plot kept me guessing, it was great. I would commend her series to anyone. POSSESS ME AT MIDNIGHT is the third installment in the Doomsday Brethernseries. |
| Debbie |
| Sacred by Dennis Lehane |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will find that you cannot stop reading this book. It is about a father who hired private detectives to find is daughter. But what you will find that there is a lot more going on. This book is a fast page turner. |
| Debbie |
| Intensity by Dean Koontz |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you like books that will keep you going 'til the end you are going to love this book. I could not read this book fast enough; I would read ahead on what happened and then I would re-read to get all the details. This book is about a girl named Chyna, who is staying at her girlfriend's house and during the night, the whole family is murdered. Chyna cannot let this man get away with what he has done and he also had a girl in captive. Chyna is determine to save the girl. |
| Crystal |
| The Monster in the Box by Ruth Rendell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The story spans most of Detective Chief Inspector Wexford's career so far. It begins with his first murder case as a young Detective Constable and follows the various interactions with a man whom Wexford began to believe was a serial killer no one else suspected. Rendell allows the reader to see Wexford and his wife Dora's meeting and other little tidbits about Wexford, his family and his cases over the years. |
| Brenda Rupp (dancealert@aol.com) |
| The Smart One and The Pretty One by LaZebnik Claire Scovell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I flew through this book. It was well written, kept my interest, and fun to read. There was an ending that proved that the smart one wasn't only smart but pretty and the pretty one was pretty smart! |
| Jean |
| The Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison H. Bartlett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you love books, you'll love this engrossing novel about a rare book collector's obsession gone awry. A totally fascinating glimpse into the rare book world. A reviewer said, "it makes you fall in love with books all over again." Enough said! Read it and enjoy. |
| Brenda Rupp (dancealert@aol.com) |
| $20 Per Gallon by Christopher Steiner |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Very interesting read. I was amazed at the research that went into this book. He went through each increase in gasoline and the sector it would hit hardest and the changes that would occur and pulled it all together in a really well-done epilogue which showed in the end the world would be a better place for the increase in gasoline. |
| Renee (tfranzen2124@comcast.net) |
| Driftless by David Rhodes |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Beautifully written. Rhodes has been absent from the scene since the '70s. This book will send me in search of the first three novels. |
| Bonnie |
| The Mom & Pop Store by Robert Spector |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Subtitled "How the Unsung Heroes of the American Economy are Surviving and Thriving," this book is eye-opening. Unless personally involved, most of us don't think of the importance of these little so-called "mom and pop" stores in our economy and in our culture. Anecdotal evidence is presented here in a fascinating way showing how these businesses survive, how they began, and how we can help them thrive. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Have You Seen Her? by Karen Rose |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
As Special Agent Steven Thacker hurries into the high school to meet his son's teacher, he runs into a beautiful young woman, knocking her down. She turns out to be Jenna Marshall, his son's chemistry teacher. But Steven is not the only one attracted to Jenna. There is a murderer who is fixated on her. As Steven and his team focus on the murders, they are aided by a detective who has come across the country to assist because the current murders are similar to the ones carried out in his hometown several years before. And, this time, he is determined to get the murderer. Another great book by Karen Rose that will be hard to put down. |
| Hedi |
| The Men who Stare At Goats by Jon Ronson |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
Stupid! No other words could describe it. With the all star cast for the movie --- I hope it is better --- I have no intention of wasting my money on it. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Razor Sharp by Fern Michaels |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
In this latest adventure of the female vigilantes, the girls take on Washington, DC's political figures who are trying to embarrass the first female president into resigning. It seems these men have used the services of a Nevada brothel inside the boundaries of Washington, DC where prostitution is a crime. Now, the feds are after the madame, but what about the men who were her clients? Nothing is to be done to them. This does not seem right to the vigilantes who plan to do something about it. A short, enjoyable read. I look forward to the girls' next adventure. |
| Jessica |
| Open House by Elizabeth Berg |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
OPEN HOUSE was an Oprah Book Club selection several years ago, but it didn't make it to the top of my reading list until now. I absolutely love this book's narrator --- she is funny and easy to relate to, someone you'd love to chat with over a cup of coffee and a nice big piece of chocolate cake. Berg's wonderfully developed protagonist makes reading this book a lot like meeting a new friend; I highly recommend it. |
| Jane Haase (JerJanKel@aol.com) |
| The Pursuit of Other Interests by Jim Kokoris |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a wonderfully timely fictional tale about losing your job and the personal journey needed to regain your sense of self before you can expect to find gainful employment again (and happiness!). Jim Kokoris remains one of my very favorite writers. THE RICH PART OF LIFE, his first award-winning novel, is one of my favorite books. He has another hit with THE PURSUIT OF OTHER INTERESTS. |
| Bill Salie Jr. |
| True Blue by Vince Flynn |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
One of his best! |
| Gail |
| the Tudor Rose by Mary Campbell Barnes |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I couldn't put it down. At first I wasn't following all of the characters, but know I want to know more about this time period and what happens after this book ends. |
| Gail |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Loved this book. I had to find out what happens. The book is written so you are hearing 3 people's views of events and how they are intertwined. It really makes you take a step back and see how far we have come in our thinking. The way the characters were treated puts you on an emotional roller coaster. |
| PLC |
| Prayers For Sale by Sandra Dallas |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book was intentionally planned as a series of short stories, but Sandra Dallas masterfully weaved them into a novel with connections and surprises. It is the story of a friendship between an older woman and a young woman who is a newcomer to a Colorado mining town. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Paradise Valley by Robyn Carr |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
In this installment of the Virgin River series, Jack travels to Germany to see his injured friend, Rick, whom he had taken under his wing when Rick was a youngster. Rick's fiancé Lizzie accompanies Jack but Rick does not want her to see him as a wounded man who lost a leg in Iraq. Rick must somehow overcome his anger and frustration to get on with his life. The book also introduces Dan, an ex-con who now works construction. Sent to prison for growing marijuana, Dan has served his time and is now ready to earn an honest living and live a normal life with friends. The same characters in the other Virgin River books are back in this one. A heart-warming story. |
| Gail |
| The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I enjoyed Dan Brown's previous books but I did not like this one at all. It read like a lecture and it was boring. The villain's identity was obvious so it was no fun trying to figure out what was his story. The book was uninteresting and was a chore to finish. The ending was unsatisfactory. I feel like I wasted my time reading it. |
| Anthony Romano (ARomano895@aol.com) |
| The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Dan Brown did it again. Outstanding read with short chapters; you will not want to put this book down. It gives great insight on the Masons, and a remarkable view on the life and power within us. Don't even try to predict the ending. |
| Kathy Vallee |
| Knock Off by Rhonda Pollero |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
In this book, a woman --- Finley --- gets in such hot water just doing her job. Ok, maybe she is over-doing it more then her boss said to, but she really thinks there is so much more to this estate then meets the eye, and she cannot let the older widow down. This was a good read, and a lot of fun. It's the first in this series. |
| D. Durlak |
| The Devil's Highway by Luis Alberto Urrea |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a beautifully written book about a tragic border crossing. Urrea presents all factions in border crossings with respect and dignity. The end of the book is a guide for book club discussions. An excellent, thought- provoking book that paints the pictures of people affected by economics and government policy. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| The Killing Hour by Lisa Gardner |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Kimberly Quincy has always wanted to be an FBI agent like her dad, Pierce Quincy, a famous profiler . While on one of her PT runs, she veers off-course and finds the body of a murdered young woman. During the investigation, she meets GBI agent Mac McCormack. He has been investigating the murders of young women in Georgia for several years and thinks this murder fits the profile of the Georgia murders, especially when he receives telephone calls from someone stating they know the killer. With the questions put to her by her superiors and then her father arriving on the scene, Kimberly is no longer sure she wants to be in the FBI and decides to take some leave and cites the stress of finding a body as her reason for doing so. This body closely resembles her dead sister. But instead of resting, she joins Mac as they follow clues left by the killer. Then her father and his partner also join forces and the FBI continues their relentless meetings while the missing young women are found too late. This book leaves you reading just one more page, then one more chapter. It will be hard to put down. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Wicked Prey by John Sandford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A gang is robbing delegates at the Republican Convention in Minneapolis and Lucas Davenport and his associates have been tasked with getting these guys off the street. Several people have been killed, including a policeman. Lucas' adopted daughter, Letty, is working part-time for a local television station and has been approached by a man found to harbor a grudge against Lucas. Letty feels that she is being followed by this guy. She plots how to get him before Lucas finds out about it. It is interesting to read how these two plots blend together into one great story. |
| Lorna |
| Play Dirty by Sandra Brown |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I was going to give this book 4 stars until the last quarter of the book. A very interesting subject. A millionaire offers a former Dallas Cowboy player, just released out of prison for throwing a game for a pay off, a large sum of money if he would father a child with his wife. He must keep it a secret so everyone will believe he is the father. (He is paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair.) He wants Griff to have sex with his wife, not just donate his sperm. All kinds of things are going on and it's a very "sit on the edge of your seat" plot, but toward the end it really became too unbelievable. I actually couldn't wait until it ended. Someone else may give it a higher rating. |
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
| Once In A Blue Moon by Eileen Goudge |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Kerrie Ann and Lindsay are sisters who grew up in separate foster homes. They haven't seen each other for many years, and Kerrie Ann doesn't even remember that she has a sister. Circumstances cause them to be reunited, but they find that they are like oil and water. This is the story of their life together as newly discovered sisters. It is a good read but very predictable. Not many surprises or plot twists. |
| Sandy M |
| People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A story about a very old book and how the book "travelled the world." The book tells the stories of people who had a hand in making the book and then saving the book when some wanted it destroyed. |
| Julie |
| The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Shaffer and Barrows |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
At first the format turned me off a little. The book is written as a series of letters. But I stayed with it and it was one of the more memorable books I've read this year. |
| Jean Jennissen |
| The Tenth Gift by Jane Johnson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
If you love history you will love this book. It's tells about a forgotten part of England's past when pirates from Barbary kidnapped English citizens and sold them into slavery. |
| nsilverrod |
| Under this Unbroken Sky by Shandi Mitchell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Except for the mention of Stalin, and the occasional date given, this dark tale of immigrants struggling to prove a homestead and forge a new life is really timeless. Having failed to make his yearly payment due to a poor season, Theo (Teodor) Mykolayenko and his family are evicted from their Canadian homestead. Teodor is imprisoned for two years for the crime of "stealing" what remained of his wheat crop to use as seed. His wife Maria, and five children go to his sister Anna's homestead, living in a tiny windowless shed. As a convicted criminal, Theo can no longer stake a claim of his own, but he and Anna agree that she will take out an additional claim that will be his when he can pay the ten dollar claim fee. Anna, who has been deserted by her abusive husband, is severely depressed , and spends most of her time in bed, unable to function or care for her two children. While Theo and his oldest son care for the property, and set to clearing and planting the additional acres for their claim, Maria makes sure that Anna and her children have food, and tries to budge Anna from her depression while providing an emotional hearth for her niece and nephew. Over time Anna begins to come out of the darkest of her depths. When her good-for-nothing husband returns, an ever-worsening set of actions and circumstances unfold, leading to the shocking implosion of the two families. |
| Hedi |
| Dracula-The Un Dead by Darce Stoker |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Interesting follow up on "Dracula", you don't need to read the first, it gives enough backround to understand the story. However, it is another story that in the end makes vampires romantic and misunderstood. I am sure that Bram Stoker never wanted that of his Dracula. All in all not a bad read.There is mention of another book, however, I am not sure how they would do it considering the ending. |
| Shyeyes |
| Cross Trial by James Patterson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Ben Corbett is sent to Eudora, Mississippi to find out whats going on for the President Theodore Roosevelt. Little does he know he'll encounter white hatred, lynchings, mayhem & even a little romance. Very well done! Certainly a different take for Mr. Patterson. |
| Chris |
| Room of Marvels by James Bryan Smith |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Smith based this book on a series of dreams he had after several tragedies occurred in his life and he was searching for answers. In it, he dreams of going to heaven and meeting up with several people who lead him ever deeper toward his own room of marvels. During this process, he must let go of his "mask" and his "magic wand", two things that prevent him from living fully. Nice book, and great discussion for any book club! |
| Nsilverrod |
| The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Flavia, the eleven-year-old chemist, sleuth, and narrator of Bradley's book begs for comparison with her American age-mate Harriet of "Harriet the Spy." She's young, she's impulsive, she's smart. Like Harriet, she is also a good eavesdropper, a good liar when necessary, and an astute observer of human nature. Flavia also has a fairly distant father, and no mother. Instead of Harriet's housekeeper, Ole Golly, there is Mrs Mullet who comes in half days, and Dogger, who has served as her father's valet, then chauffeur, and now, as his nerves, damaged in the War, have completely gone to hell, as the family gardener. Unlike Harriet, Flavia has a real mystery on her hands when she stumbles upon a hand sticking out of the garden bed. The only family member seemingly with a head on her shoulders, Flavia calls for the constable, and then sets out to stay one step ahead of him in solving the mystery. A five star read, with a sequel in the works. |
| Audrey Anderson |
| Prayers for Rain by Dennis Lehane |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a new author for me - Dennis Lehane. This was a really good book. It may have sat on my shelf for the next 3 years before I got to it, but my niece wants it so I decided to read it over the weekend and send it to her. This is the last in a series featuring Private Investigator Patrick Kensie and his former partner Angela Gennaro. In this book a sadistic stalker targets a young woman and methodically drives her to her death. Kenzie wants to make things right, as he forgot to return her call a few months earlier and wonders if he could have stopped this from happening. He ends up fighting a mind twisting batter against this psychopath. The title - can't figure out what it has to do with the story, but it's a really good story and I'm sorry to see he does not have a current one so I'm going to read back to some of the earlier ones. |
| Andrea Mason (purplg8r@aol.com) |
| Wild Blue Under by Judi Fennell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the second book in the series by Judi Fennell, with In Over Her Head being the first, and once again I really enjoyed it. For some reason, I had a hard time following what was happening in this book. I think I was trying to remember what happened in the first one and relate it to this one, but it wasn't necessary to do that. I loved the characters. Valerie seemed very real and down-to-earth, Rod seemed like a hot Mer, and Livingston, the seagull, cracked me up! I once again loved the humor in the book and the way Judi Fennell played with everyday sayings and made them ocean-y. Instead of "That's it in a nut shell" we got "That's it in a conch shell." Instead of "Oh Lord", we get "Oh Hades" or "Oh Zeus" and many more. I just love these books and their twist on a favorite fairy tale. I can't wait to read the next book, CATCH OF A LIFETIME, when it comes out in February! |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| The Lost Art of Gratitude by Alexander McCall Smith |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is the Isabel Dalhousie series set in Scotland. Jamie and Isabel are finally engaged, and Cat has gone through another boyfriend. Isabel must handle another woman's problems with work and life, and then the woman shows no gratitude for Isabel's assistance. I am beginning to tire of this series, nothing new happens. The whole book is the rambling within Isabel's mind about the various events of the day. The fun is realizing that other people's minds jump from thought to thought in the scheme of the day. |
| Julie H. |
| There Goes the Bride by M. C. Beaton |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
The problem with a long, ever growing series is that not all of them can hit it out of the park. This new Agatha Raisin was not up to some of the earlier mysteries in the Cotswolds that our dear, ferocious Aggie has encountered. The main story ends partway through, but there is a back story about a killer on the lam and Agatha's constant search for love that continues the book to novel length. I think for someone new to the series they would be confused, there is very little to explain who some of these longtime characters are, that pop in and out of the story as needed. |
| Judy |
| War Dances by Sherman Alexie |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A collection of short stories by Alexie whose previous works include "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven" and "Indian Killer". He also wrote the screenplay for "Smoke Signals." The stories are interspersed with poems and Alexie's writing is witty and soulful. I loved the 38-page "War Dances"...but not so much "The Ballad of Paul Nonetheless". Alexie is most powerful when writing about Native American characters (he is Spokane/Coeur d'Alene). He does not shy away from the problems facing many Native People including racism, diabetes, poverty, & alcoholism. You laugh and cry and shake your head, but it stirs your very core of humanity. |
| Marsha |
| The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a fictionalized version of the life of a commoner who becomes Empress of Japan and the isolation that nearly suffocates her. Told with grace and emotion, you will wonder how someone could surrender her freedom for such a restricted life. |
| Katherine |
| The Rose of York: Love and War by Sandra Worth |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Well-written and researched historical fiction concerning Richard III; a fresh look at a typically maligned historical figure. Highly recommended for those who enjoy the genre. |
| nsilverrod |
| The Gate at the Top of the Stairs by Lorrie Moore |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Tassie Keltjin has been freed from her roots as a Midwestern daughter of a specialty organic potato farmer, by getting into college in a town not all that far from home, but intellectually worlds away from her high school class mates, who either marry young, join the army, like her brother does, or go to the "Dellacrosse Diesel Driving School." To make ends meet, Tassie decides to look for work as a part-time nanny. She is quickly hired by Sarah, the owner of a fancy restaurant, and her husband Edward, some kind of scientist, to take care of the child they plan to adopt. Sarah, especially, tries to draw Tassie into the family in ways that feel strange to her: taking her to meet birth mothers, and the daughter they ultimately adopt. Tassie's classes go largely unmentioned, except for the wine-tasting class that she is under-age for, and the Intro to Sufism in which she meets her mysterious boyfriend, Reynaldo. Instead, the novel focuses largely on Tassie's job as a nanny, her feelings about Sarah and Edward, and toddler Emmy. Wednesday evenings she agrees to babysit and entertain a larger group of children, mostly children of color, who have been adopted by white parents, who are meeting downstairs to discuss the "race issue." Tassie, perhaps somewhat less than the reader, is appalled at the liberal platitudes that get spouted during these meetings. The gate at the top of the stairs is literally and symbolically the baby gate meant to keep Emmy safe from the dangers of the world, but is also symbolic of Sarah's attempts to reach for a state of grace that will continually elude her. Yet it is Tassie who seems to suffer the two ultimate tragedies the most. |
| Brady (bradylee@myway.com) |
| The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I have read all of this author's books and loved each one equally, including this one. The information packed into the story is incredible (the true stuff), and this is a page turner just like all the others. This reminded me of the movie serials I saw as a child; impossible life-threatening situations resolved eventually. Good entertainment! |
| Fran |
| Weird Hauntings by Joanne Austin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I read this book to put me in the Halloween mood! It is full of creepy, real life ghost stories, (with addresses so the reader can check them out.) For me, reading about these stories was enough to keep me up at night and question every creak, noise and bump in the night! Lots of fun, filled with a mix of historical data and ghostly tales! I think even your strongest skeptics will feel a chill when reading through these little gems! |
| Luther Deese (dilude@aol.com) |
| The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Translated from Swedish by Reg Keeland. A wildly suspenseful, intelligent, ingeniously plotted thriller. Multiple plots expertly woven together to keep the reader anxiously waiting for the next development --- the plots include a murder mystery, a family saga, a love story and a tale of national-scale financial intrigue. A crusading journalist and a pierced and tattooed prodigy together tap into a vein of unfathomable iniquity and astonishing corruption. |
| CC |
| Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved this book. The author does a wonderful job of making you feel what these characters experienced. |
| Pattie Berryhill (pattiberr@aol.com) |
| Beneath the Bleeding by Val McDermid |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Interesting tale of a suicide bomber and a mysterious poison in a small town. |
| Tanya |
| The Sweet By and By by Todd Johnson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A sweet book about the lives of several ladies who work or live at a nursing home. Their friendships are amazing. A truly inspiring book that is well worth reading. |
| Elaine G. |
| Daugher of York by Anne Easter Smith |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I picked this one up in Border's bargain books area. I just finished reading THE SUNNE IN SPLENDOR, which is about the same period. This one focuses on Edward IV's sister, and so far it doesn't hold up very well against the last book. |
| Reva Wamsley (prwamsley@roadrunner.com) |
| Paragon Walk by Anne Perry |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a Victorian mystery. It's one of a series that feature Thomas Pitt, a policeman & his wife Charlotte who if from a well-to-do family. A woman was raped & murdered in a rich neighborhood. Was it a servant or one of the weathy men who live in the area? |
| Kim S |
| The Broken Teaglass by Emily Arsenault |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Is it a mystery? Is it a coming-of-age story? THE BROKEN TEAGLASS presents a novel approach to both. Billy and Mona are unlikely sleuths, recent grads they find themselves working at the Samuelson Company, makers of dictionaries, as lexicographers. Studying the English language, answering queries on usage, and research reading for newly minted words isn't exactly the vocation either had envisioned but things heat up when coded clues start turning up in the citation files. Are the hidden messages linked to an old local unsolved murder? This lovely conundrum will have word mavens and whodunit aficionados ensnared. What could be better than a story within a story? Tantalizing clues, witty banter, and winsome characters all make for a not to be missed debut novel by Emily Arsenault. |
| Jaime Huff |
| Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Book three of Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series, IRON KISSED brings another side to the ongoing saga that is Mercedes Thompson's life. Mercedes is taken deep into the mysterious world of the Fae to help investigate a murder of several Fae on the Fae Reservation and to help free Zee. This book is a different speed of the previous two. There isn't as much action but is just as thrilling as the first two. I was glad to learn more about Zee and more about him as a "gremlin", more about the Gray Lords and also, more about Mercy's relationship with Adam and Samuel. This book is difficult to review without giving away too much. I just finished this last night and can't tell you whether it's my favorite of the series, but it definitely broke my heart. The first two books Mercy was tough and independent, in this book she hasn't lost either of those traits but she did get broken. Badly. I felt for her so much. IRON KISSED brought out a different side of Mercy, some people didn't like it but I liked it. She showed she can be broken down to the lowest form and rise above tragedy without completely losing herself. All of the main players in this series are crushed and show different sides in this book. This is definitely one to ponder after reading. In my book, Mercy rocks and so does Patricia Briggs. |
| lorettasanford@hotmail.com (lorettasanford@hotmail.com) |
| Expected One and The Book of Love by Kathleen McGowan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I really liked these two books. They switch from the present to the time of Mary Magdalene in one and between the present and Matilda of Tuscany in the other. (unfortunately, the title sounds like a romance novel). So two great stories and a little Bible teaching... |
| Myrna |
| South of Broad by Pat Conroy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Lovers of Conroy's novels won't be disappointed, even though his writing isn't quite as lyrical in this book. A disparate group of high school friends form bonds that will define them into adulthood. |
| Marsha |
| The Professional by Robert B, Parker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is Spenser at his best. The dialogue is perfect, the plot is engaging and the characters are very real. |
| Sharon |
| Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Interesting, but not always believable. And why so much explicit sex? Seemed a bit overkill. |
| Rosalie Sambuco (crimekitty763@yahoo.com) |
| The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I just can't get interested in this book. It skips around too much and I am finding it very difficult to follow. |
| Rosalie C. |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What a delightful book. I fell in love with the first character on the first page...and felt the same for the others as I progressed. A great book about racial relations in the '60s. |
| Dorothy |
| Southern Lights by Danielle Steel |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A typical Danielle Steel book. A young girl has gone to live with her wealthy father and wicked stepmother because her mother, a D.A., is involved in a murder trial and is afraid for her daughter's life. |
| Dorothy |
| The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A real good one-night read. A man amends his ways after reading what he is really like in his obituary. |
| Debi |
| A Big Little Life by Dean Koontz |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
When I first learned that Dean Koontz had written a memoir, I was a little shocked because I knew him as a fiction writer. Just as with his thrillers, I was pulled in from the first. He weaves a great story about his first dog, Trixie, who inspired him to become active with service dogs. A very warm-hearted read. |
| marion Miller (lamamil@aol.com) |
| Little Bee by Chris Cleave |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
LITTLE BEE's story starts in an immigration center. When we learn how LIttle Bee escaped from Nigeria, it is a frightening story. The characters are very real and contrasting. At times we are happy, and then we are worried about them. However, we are always hopeful. |
| MarilynD |
| If I am Missing or Dead by Janine Latus |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Listened to this as an unabridged audio book. It was entertaining as I drove back and forth to work --- but the sister who was murdered was not as fully developed a character as the Latus. |
| Debi |
| Dreamland by Sarah Dessen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
One of my high school students gave me this to read, and I enjoyed it. I was a little disappointed by the ending, though. I liked the way that she handled the problem with the main character. Good book! |
| Sharon K. Young |
| A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is Christian fiction at its best. It is Book 1 of The Daughters of Bostonseries. The story begins in Boston in 1916. The men in the story go to war and the women wait for their return. The story also takes the reader to Ireland. Two sisters with completely different personalities kept me riveted to each page. The elder sister being courted by an "Irish rogue" discovers he is also secretly courting her younger sister. Author Julie Lessman has been named the American Christian Fiction Writer's Debut Author of 2009, a great honor. |
| Sharon |
| Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A strange young girl appears in Rain Valley and affects everyone in this small Washington town. The police chief asks her famous psychiatrist sister to help this child who does not seem to belong to anyone but the surrounding forest. The psychiatrist has just been blamed for the violence of one of her clients. She needs the escape to Rain Valley and challenge of this little girl to help her heal. And what about that handsome physician? It is a book that keeps you turning its pages. |
| Jud Hanson |
| White Hot by Sandra Brown |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Sayre Lynch Hoyle left her family and life in Destiny, Louisiana and changed her name to Sayre Lynch more than 10 years ago, vowing never to return. Her determination to keep that vow is shattered when she gets a message that her younger brother committed suicide. She returns to Destiny only to honor her brother, for she wants nothing to do with her father or older brother, who run Destiny like their own private empire. Sayre plans for only a short stay but when the facts of the suicide are explained to her, she begins to question the conclusion of the local sheriff, who is paid by her father to make problems go away. As the truth about Danny's death unfolds, the perfect empire of the Hoyles begins to unravel and long-buried secrets begin to surface. Can Sayre discover the truth about her brother's suicide and beat her father at his own game? Only time will tell, because in Destiny, the one who controls the money controls the world. |
| A. Brim (annbrim@hotmail.com) |
| Code to Zero by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was a page turner from the very first page. Luke Lucas wakes up in a railway bathroom dressed as a bum and with amnesia. He is caught up in the race to space in the Cold War era. He and four friends he's had for 20 years are involved in this spy story that is filled with intrigue on every page. |
| A. Brim |
| Firefly Summer by Maeve Binchy |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Patrick O'Neill returns to his ancestral home in Ireland to build a big hotel and bring prosperity to the small town. Kate and John Ryan own a small pub whose livelihood will be affected by the opening of the new hotel, and also Kate is injured at the hotel building site. Her story is of adapting to a wheelchair and how the town comes together in times of highs and lows. |
| Carol H. |
| This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
There are moments in this novel that you'll want to laugh and cry. One of Jonathan Tropper's best reads! |
| Kathleen |
| Women of Magdalene by Rosemary Poole-Carter |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book is a good mystery that takes place in an insane asylum. |
| Phyllis |
| Soulless by Gail Carriger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was my first steampunk book, and I really enjoyed the mixture of vampires, werewolves and strange machines set in Victorian times. |
| Phyllis |
| The Real Real by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Teen literature about several young girls and boys recruited for a high school reality show. |
| Kaye DeMaio-Hays |
| The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
While TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is the best book I've ever read, with THE MEMORY KEEPER'S DAUGHTER at #2 (to give you an idea of my literary tastes), GUERNSEY is #3. I read it when it first came out but finally convinced my reading club to choose it. This is the first book we've read that everyone liked. Not only is it a good story, but it is also really informative about the Nazi occupation without being didactic. I also learned that when your book club chooses a book you've read before, reread it. I was glad I took the time. Two others had read it previously and didn't reread; they had forgotten too much and decided after the discussion to reread it. The letter format didn't bother anyone (surprisingly). I truly believe this is a "must read." I encourage other contributors to say what books, other than the one they're recommending, they enjoyed. I named mine hoping it would be helpful to others to see "where I'm coming from" and know if our tastes are similar. |
| Bonnie Capuano |
| Blood Game by Iris Johansen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just started this book so I really can't say too much about it. It is an Eve Duncan thriller, and she is still searching for the remains of her daughter Bonnie. I love anything Iris Johansen does. |
| Coral Harrison |
| One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a book that was based loosely on fact. It is written about a supposed aunt who joined a group of women to go to the Cheyenne Indians as a white wife. It was to help bring whites and the natives together. A thousand did not go, but several did. It is about their first year or so and the way things turned out. It is written so well you can just see what is happening and can hardly wait to finish the book. If you like history (even if it is not actually fact) and the Old West you will really enjoy this book. |
| Marion Webb |
| Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is about Thomas Cromwell, a prominent lawyer at the time that Henry VIII is trying to weasel out of his marriage to Katherine of Aragon so that he may marry Anne Boleyn. This is a well-researched book, with believable characters, and (yay!) a list of them at the beginning, plus family trees for both the Tudors and the Yorkist claimants to the throne. History made fascinating! |
| Coral Harrison |
| Rhino Ranch by Larry McMurtry |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book is a hoot written in McMurty's style. A woman decides to save the black rhinos in a ranch in Texas. There is a small town, cowboys and excitement. It is a funny book |
| Louise |
| Impossible by Danielle Steel |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The good news is that it was Danielle's usual fare. The bad news is that it was Danielle's usual fare. In fact, it was so usual that I could predict everything that was going to happen...from start to finish. When an amazingly happy couple is introduced, one knows right then that one of them is going to die. When a son casually mentions an obnoxious friend of his, I knew, immediately, what role he was going to play. Many of her books I haven't been able to put down. This one I couldn't pick up. Seriously, I read four other books while trying to get through this one. |
| Jean M |
| Evans Above by Rhys Bowen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A charming little book with a suspenseful story of a constable in a tiny Welsh village. |
| Jean M |
| Evans Above by Rhys Bowen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A charming little book with a suspenseful story of a constable in a tiny Welsh village. |
| Jean M |
| The Search by Iris Johansen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A Good dog story with murder and romance built in. |
| Kathleen |
| The Sister by Poppy Adams |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Very disturbing book. I read it quickly --- very simple reading. This book could have been a lot more interesting. |
| Connie Bryant (connie_bryant@hotmail.com) |
| Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I really like this book. Lately, I haven't had much time to read, but when I do, I am completely absorbed in it. |
| Kathleen |
| Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved this book. Great for a Halloween read... |
| Marion Miller (lamamil@aol.com) |
| The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book really had me intrigued. I never knew if the Angel was real or make-believe. I loved the descriptions of the Cave of Forgotten Books and Barcelona in general. This is definitely a page turner and I can't wait to discuss it further. |
| Kathleen |
| The Wet Nurse's Tale by Erica Eisdorfer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great book, a must read. So interesting and she is a first time author... |
| Mary |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I listened to this book and loved hearing the language which was captured beautifully. The characters were great and well-developed. This has been one of the best books I have read (or listened to) in a long time. |
| Mary |
| Paper Towns by John Green |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book has been billed as a young adult book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is about a boy who goes in search of his classmate who disappears just before graduation, and he is sure that she has left clues behind that he thinks she expects him to find. It's also interesting to learn about paper towns. |
| Eileen Quinn Knight |
| The Museum of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
SNOW and MY NAME IS RED were two outstanding books of this Nobel author. His newest achievement is in this same category. The story is gripping and the characters are deeply and thoughtfully formed. The story is well-written and romantic. It gives all some thoughts about the issue of "collecting." |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| By a Spider's Thread by Laura Lippman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is another in the Tess Monaghan series set in Baltimore. In this installment, Crow is at his parents' house as his mother undergoes cancer treatment. Tess had rejected Crow's suggestion of marriage, but Tess's Aunt Kitty marries. Tess's customer is a devout Jewish businessman whose wife and three children have disappeared. The wife has run away with her husband's step brother, and the step brother plans to kill the husband. I liked the way that Lippman interweaves Jewish customs into the story. And I especially like the eight-year-old son, Isaac. In this book, Tess questions her own Jewish heritage and her true feelings towards Crow. Also, we meet a women detective network, that really sounds interesting. |
| A. Martin |
| The Seamstress by Frances De Pontes Peebles |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I'm not a huge lover of historical fiction, but this book captured me from the very beginning. The story was well written and interesting, and I feel I learned a lot about Brazil. |
| A Martin |
| Night Game by Kirk Russell |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
A John Marquez mystery, this book is about a Department of Fish and Game agent who is investigating bear poaching. This book failed to keep my interest and I read it bit by bit when I didn't have anything else to read. |
| Mark Worthen |
| The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I didn't think I'd like this book but it was one of my library's "staff picks" and my local librarians rarely lead me astray. The narrator is a 14-year-old girl who is already in heaven after having been raped and murdered. See why I thought I wouldn't like it? Contrary to my expectations, the story, while certainly evoking sadness and fear in this reader, remains a testament to family ties, a father's love for his daughter, adolescents' ability to care for each other and siblings' successful efforts to integrate their dead sister's soulful self into their everyday lives. The book also addresses the effect of motherhood on women; the burden placed on a marriage when a child dies; and the importance of intuition in criminal investigation. I had tears in my eyes when I finished this book. I also felt hope and faith for our capacity to endure, to find meaning in the midst of horror and to love. |
| Rose Turner |
| Cost by Roxana Robinson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The story of a troubled family dealing with the havoc caused by one member's heroin addiction. I found the story very timely and important in our present world. Each character is perfectly portrayed. |
| Gail W. (joycegail23@aol.com) |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I so very much enjoyed this book! IGrew up in the South in the 40s on and experienced much of this from a white family, and was disgusted by the racism and bigotry. This should be read by all. Kathryn is a fabulous writer, demonstrating the ability to take you right to the heart of things from both racial perspectives. It was quite emotional for me and I laughed, cried and did not want it to end. Looking forward to her next book. |
| Marsha |
| Girl Who Played With Fire by Steig Larsson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the second novel of a trilogy featuring Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist, who as a crusading journalist delves into the past of Lisbeth and into the unveiling of sex trafficking between Eastern Europe and Sweden. I look forward to the third, as the author has died after delivering the three manuscripts. |
| Sharon K. Young |
| The Book Thief by Markus Zusak |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Categorized as a young adult book, it is an adult book as well. My book group is discussing this book in November. Learning that it was narrated by Death, I wasn't sure I could handle it. Although gloomy, it is an amazing story about a young girl who is obsessed with books and words, and wants to learn to read. Her foster father helps her learn to read. Even though I do not believe in stealing books, it was the only way she could learn to read in the dangerous times in 1939 in Nazi Germany. In a conversation with the author at the back of the book, Zusak said that "he also hoped that readers of any age will see another side of Nazi Germany, where certain people did hide their Jewish friends to save their lives at the risk of their own." |
| Kathleen |
| Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Loved this book. Very sad but really showed how we need to pay attention to the world around us, and if things seem weird to you, then they most likely are. |
| Sharon |
| the Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Interesting story of the Lady and Unicorn tapestries, but easy to set aside because I could not relate to any of the characters. |
| Jean |
| Where the River Ends by Charles Martin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I read this book a couple of months ago and it still is on my mind. I loved the story and it was written very well. Our book club read it, and I have recommended it to several people who have also enjoyed it. |
| Darcy O |
| Whistleblower by Richard Hicks |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a terrific murder mystery and courtroom drama. |
| Carmen |
| Maisie Dobbs by Winspear |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the first book that I have read of hers, but I'm loving the flow of the book and how you can actually here the British accent of the characters. So far, I'm loving it. |
| Gina |
| Til Death Do Us Part by Kate White |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Charming murder mystery in which a tart tongued female sleuth makes wry observations on life while solving a series of bridesmaid's murders. Our heroine was also a bridesmaid in the wedding so she has a personal stake in finding out who did it. |
| acountkel@bellsouth.net (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
| Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilber |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I definitely have mixed emotions about this book. I loved the humor. The interesting facts about the countries "Liz" visited. There are some great quotes from this book." In the dead of the night the dogs howl about how misunderstood they are. Before dawn the roosters for miles around announce how freaking cool it is to be roosters." "-maybe I can stop interrupting others when they are speaking. Because no matter how creatively I try to look at my habit of interrupting, I can't find another way to see it than this: I believe that what I am saying is more important than what you are saying. And I can't find another way to see that than: I believe that I am more important than you." The problem I have with this book is, I thought the author has some serious emotional issues and I didn't feel it was necessary to know every little detail of her emotional turmoil. Some of the book, especially parts in India, dragged. This isn't going to be one of my top books of the year, however, I liked the writing style for the most part and I think the author is very talented. She taught me a lot about the countries she visited, meditation and yoga. Very interesting stuff. I am glad I had the opportunity to read this. |
| Ron Roseborough (RRoseb3424@aol.com) |
| Cherries in Winter by Susan Colon |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This slim book, a mere two hundred pages, is filled with tasty slice of life vignettes, interspersed with delectable recipes. The story recounts snippets of the history of five generations of the writer's family. Recipes for life are found while recalling the lessons learned through cooking and sharing love through the generations. Good times and some very lean times are measured by the recipes, from the Great Depression to the current economic recession. This would make a great holiday gift for any member of the family. |
| L. Phipps (lszerlip@hotmail.com) |
| Last Light Over Carolina by Mary Alice Monroe |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I have read some of the bad reviews of this book and I just don't get it. This novel is about real people with normal jobs and lives. This is the story mostly about shrimp and the being a shrimp captain. This is something I never knew anything about or had any interest in, but now when I eat shrimp it will make me think. It is also a man's love for the sea and his family. The heroine of the story is named Carolina and the love she has for her husband is real as and shows the problems many couples go through. It is not a fairytale that most of the romantic writers put into their books. These are average people with money problems, just like most Americans. They do not have the fairytale ending of becoming millionaires. After reading years of Danielle Steel and many others this is such a nice surprise. |
| L. Phipps (lszerlip@hotmail.com) |
| The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I am a big fan of Mr. Sparks, but as soon as my 17-year-old daughter told me Miley Cyrus was playing the lead in the in the soon-to-be-motion-picture of this book, it lost something for me. Ronnie the lead was not as rebellious as she could have been, and with a divorce and the anger at her dad Steve for leaving New York and moving to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. The music really is just a back note and not really a major part of the story as it could have been. I wanted to be wowed and yet there were times when I was actually bored. I think teens will love the story and it has a good message. It just won't wow you like the "Notebook" or a "Walk to Remember" did. I loved the younger brother Jonah and that character came alive. This book is a sweet read, but not as good as I hoped for. I do love that all of Mr. Spark's books are located in the Carolinas. He really loves his home state and writes with the knowledge of someone who loves where he comes from. If you want a sweet teen read this is for you. |
| L. Phipps (lszerlip@hotmail.com) |
| The Girls from Ames by Jeffrey Zaslow |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I wanted to love this book, and I could not wait to read it. The book took each friend and told tidbits of their lives, mostly how their parents arrived in Ames Iowa. I wanted a fun and good story about the friends getting together having fun and explaining what small town Iowa life was like. This story was like watching a documentary and if you enjoy those, this is a perfect novel for you. For those who want fun and warmth this book leaves you with facts but not much more. |
| ck |
| The Street of A Thousand Blossoms by Gail Tsukiyama |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
While enjoying this excellent book, I realized that I have never read fiction with the main characters placed in Japan during WW II. The author introduced me to a lovely family who struggled during the war to keep alive the dreams they had. One young man longed to be a mask carver for the Noh theater. Another dreamed of becoming a sumo wrestler. The book was so powerful that I postponed finishing it so I could savor the story. |
| M. Archer |
| Impossible by Nancy Werlin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A quick, fun read. This was a sweet romance with a supernatural twist. A folk ballad, a family curse and an evil fairy make this more that the typical love story. The characters were also very likable. |
| Fran |
| The Other Mother by Gwendolen Gross |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A book that depicts the role of motherhood through the eyes of a working mom and a stay-at-home mom. The friendship, tensions and rivalries of both of these parents heat up when the "stay-at-home" neighbor agrees to provide childcare for the working mom's new baby. Whether the tensions are internal or external, it depicts the inherent difficulties for a young mother today, regardless of what choice she makes regarding work. An interesting look at motherhood. |
| Laney4 |
| Gypsy by Lesley Pearse |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An excellent book following several years in a family's life, complete with lots of trials and tribulations. I had a hard time putting the book down - lots of twists. |
| Vicki Marston |
| The Physick Book of Temperance Dane by Katherine Howe |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I could not put down this mystery, which eloquently combined the past and the present. From the halls of Harvard to the Salem witch trials, this book will captivate you from the start. |
| Jen P. |
| Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Humans controlled by angels and an interesting relationship between the two. Great teen read that adults will like too! |
| Jud Hanson |
| Bourne Sanction by Eric Van Lustbader |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
David Webb, aka Jason Bourne, is back at home after a failed attempt to save his mentor. With both his wife and dear friend dead, he is in a low place. He is also trying to thwart attempts by the American intelligence to eliminate him. Then he receives a request for help from fellow Georgetown professor Dr. Spector. He wants Bourne to investigate the death of a fellow student at the hands of a previously unknown terrorist group known as the Black Legion. He claims the man has information on a planned attack on America by this group. Bourne's quest will take him around the globe and he will discover that with Specter, things may not be as they seem. |
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
| The Long Walk Home by Will North |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Alec Hudson is hiking in Wales in order to scatter the ashes of his dead wife at the top of a mountain there. He meets Fiona Edwards, the owner of a bed and breakfast near the mountain. Both of them carry a lot of baggage, but they are immediately attracted to each other. This is a beautiful love story, but the countryside of Wales is the main star of the book in my estimation. This is a story to savor slowly. North also wrote the beautiful WATER, STONE, HEART which took place in the UK. |
| Audrey Anderson |
| Hide and Seek by Fern Michaels |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is one of the sisterhood novels and as always it was a good read. I read the one that comes after first by mistake, and did not feel like I had really missed anything, so they don't have to be read in order for the most part. What might change is the relationships, but that was not the case for this one. Here the ladies are taking out an FBI who becomes director right at the last minute because of an accident. He's trying to use false information to ruin the lives of a few of their friends as well as others to make himself look good. They've lost and added people throughout the series, including some gentlemen who are involved as of a few books back. Of course, the original group leader is still there; he was a secret agent in England and orchestrates their "stings". They are now getting offers from more than one country to work for different agencies. They're pretty much professionals at this point. As always, they may break the law but they always work for justice. |
| Tanya |
| Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Twin girls inherit a home from their aunt who is also a twin. This book has mystery, family secrets and ghosts all mingled in together. The story kept me wanting to know more until the very end. |
| Louise |
| Twelve Across by Barbara Delinsky |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Leah Gates creates crossword puzzles (thus the title). The last straw in her stressful life was when she learned she had to find a new place to live... a new place she could afford to live in! Her best friend offered her mountain cabin, and it sounded like an answer to a girl's prayers...till Leah arrived and found it burned to the ground! |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Wednesday's Child by Peter Robinson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is #6 of the Alan Banks series set in England, which I enjoy with the description of the countryside and the people. In this adventure, a 7-year-old girl is taken and Alan attempts to find a live girl, instead of a body. The plot twists so many times, that you wonder how everything will relate and interweave. The story ends with all the loose strings neatly tied, except Robinson leaves the ending for each reader to interpret. |
| T. Thomas |
| Skinned by by Robin Wasserman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a young adult novel and is quite good. In a future time Lia is badly injured in an automobile accident and her brain is scanned and placed in a mechanical body. Is she human? How does she cope with this change? This is supposed to be the first in a trilogy. I hope that as it progresses the "mechs" find a purpose in their existence. |
| Louise |
| Fatal Voyage by Kathy Reichs |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Like others have expressed, I wish we had a 4.5 stars option. I like to save 5 for exceptionally good books. Which this almost was :) Enough, so, anyway, that I will probably by her other books with this character in. Like the author, the lead player is a forensic anthropologist who works, among other things, on fatal airplane crashes... anywhere that bodies have to be pieced back together and identified. It was fascinating to learn what processes are gone through in order to do this. In FATAL VOYAGE, Dr. Temperance Brennan is investigating an airline crash in NC & is puzzled when she finds a foot that doesn't seem to match ANY of the passengers. |
| Sandra Hughes (s.hughes@rocketmail.com) |
| Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I knew after reading her first book THE GLASS CASTLE I would be first in line for her recent one HALF BROKE HORSES and I was! Another excellent book which is a novel/memoir about her grandmother coming of age in the 30's when times were tough and hard to survive especially if you were a woman. But survive she did and led a colorful life that made a great story. One you don't want to miss! |
| kd22 |
| Gone for Good by Harlan Coben |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It was so good, it kept me on the edge of my seat. |
| Dorothy |
| Breaking the Rules by Barbara Taylor Bradford |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I've read all of her books in the Emma Harte Saga. The early ones were great but I've found the last two a big disappointment. She is an excellent writer but in this one she jumps around to much. |
| Beckyreader |
| The Alehouse Murders by Maureen Ash |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An interesting medieval murder mystery with a returned Knight Templar as the "detective." |
| Genie |
| In the Company of Ogres by A. Lee Martinez |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Never Dead Ned has died more times than he can count however he never stays dead. He hates going through these experiences so much that he does his utmost to avoid the process. As this story opens, Ned has found as safe a position as possible for a military man; he is the accountant for Brute's Legion. Unfortunately he has done such a good job for the last twelve years that the upper management decides give him a promotion. He is transferred to command Ogre Company. The legion's long time dumping ground, is in need of major restructuring. Ned has proven himself to be able to organize the disorganized, so it was decided that he is the one to turn these outcasts into a real military company. His one advantage over previous commanders is that no matter what accident befalls him, he comes back alive. When he finally finds out why he never stays dead, he goes to any length not to die again. This is much more difficult than he had hoped since he in training a crew of misfits including a two-headed ogre, an orc who's unhappy because he looks like a goblin, a daredevil pilot goblin (with a fleet of unruly flying rocks), a siren and a temperamental Amazon (both of whom have crushes on him), and an oracle who hears and smells the future. Of course he has been given six months to accomplish his goal. This is a fun read with a clever plot and wild, colorful characters. If you enjoy Terry Pratchett, you will enjoy A. Lee Martinez. |
| Susan |
| The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Obviously, lots of people are reading this book. Maybe it's just me, but I'm not enjoying this book as well as I did the DA VINCI CODE. I think part of the reason is that several other authors have written books involving solving puzzles since Dan Brown wrote the DA VINCI CODE. However, THE LOST SYMBOL is very good, in my opinion. I am particularly enjoying the setting of Washington, D.C. After reading about the buildings and their architectural details, I would like to go there again and look more closely. |
| Ron Roseborough (RRoseb3424@aol.com) |
| Spellbinder by Helen Stringer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a very entertaining book filled with delightful characters engrossed in unstoppable action. Belladonna Johnson sits down to breakfast everyday with the spirits of her dead parents. Unlike her friends, she can see all the dead spirits in her town. That is until they start to disappear before her eyes. She will need all the help she can get from her classmate, Steve, who's major accomplishment so far is his penchant for getting in trouble. They follow the lost souls to the Land of the Dead, where Belladonna and Steve must master new found skills in magic and find new depths of courage to free the imprisoned spirits. The book is very well written. The action scenes and the dialogue flow smoothly and naturally, being well suited to hold the interest of older children and young adults. A great ghost tale for Halloween. |
| Rita Powell |
| A Cold Heart by John Lutz |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I just started reading this, so the number of stars may change later. It usually takes a while for me to get into a book, but this one grabbed me from the first page. It is already captured my interest with the two murders and one I can tell is on the way to occur. I can't wait to finish this and start reading again. |
| Kim S. |
| Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The truth can kill you! Especially in Stalinist Russia where even a hint of disloyalty will get you twenty-five years of hard labor, execution by firing squad, or worse -the train ride to the Gulags. Leo Stepanovich Demidov is a War Hero. He is an MGB officer proud to serve Stalin and protect the State. He finds traitors and brings them to justice by any means necessary. He doesn't question his orders, he's a brave soldier, a loyal Russian, he serves the "greater good" - that of the State. But what if the State is lying? What if the State isn't protecting its people but just its power? Leo is going to find out the truth, about himself, and the State. This novel is a nail biter! Love suspense, action, danger? Want to be dropped into the middle of a nightmare? This is the book for you, as long as you aren't squeamish. Read it and see what happens when power goes unchecked, or in Leo's case totally unrecognized. |
| Reva Wamsley (prwamsley@roadrunner.com) |
| Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I liked her earlier books better than I have the last couple. They are still worth a read though. This one has all your favorite characters back investigating the murder of a dwarf. The ending is a nail biter. |
| Genie |
| For A Few Demons More by Kim Harrison |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Cincinnati-based bounty hunter Rachel Morgan, has hidden a 5,000-year-old Were artifact known as "the focus". Several groups of paranormals are in a power struggle as they search for this powerful artifact. Once they realize Rachae's involvement, it takes all the effort her partner Jenks and friend Detective Glenn can muster to help Rachel deal with numerous demons, politician (and elf) Trent Kalamack, master vampire Piscary and angry Werewolves. Throughout the book, these angry groups continue to struggle for possession of the artifact leaving a trail of death and destruction along the way. Meanwhile, as a sub-plot, local police are searching for a serial killer and the prime suspect is Rachel's alpha werewolf pal, David Hue. While the FIB (the FBI like Federal Inderland Bureau) is doing their best to pin these murders on David, Rachel is doing her best to prove his innocence . This fifth book in the Hollows series is action-packed ends with more unanswered questions. Can't wait to see where Kim Harrison will take her characters next. |
| Jud Hanson |
| Messianic Legacy by Baigent, Leigh and Lincoln |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the sequel to HOLY BLOOD, HOLY GRAIL. It's a great read and discusses everything you wanted to know about the Priory of Sion but were afraid to ask.This book also delves into the question of Jesus being called the "Messiah" and if being called the "King of the Jews" was a taunt or a birthright. |
| Jud Hanson |
| Dixie City Jam by James Lee Burke |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great read about crime, greed and politics in the Big Easy. Detective Dave Robicheaux has to split his time between finding a WW II German sub, preventing a race war and protecting his wife from a dangerous psychopath. |
| Audrey Anderson |
| Sister of the Dead by Barb and J.C. Hendee |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I'm still on the same series. In this one, number 3, the dhampir finds out how she came to be and they add a scribe to their group of her, the half elf and the dog that is really an elemental. |
| Katherine Stephens (blackjack82599@gmail.com) |
| The Meaning of Matthew by Judy Shepard |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
No mother should have to go through what she did. God Bless Her. A heartbreaking read. It really touched my heart and made me have a talk with my daughter and let her know not to judge anyone who is different than her. It is our differences that makes us who we are. |
| Louise |
| Swimsuit by James Patterson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I've been a James Patterson fan for years but I, personally, felt that he crossed over a line in this one. There was an overabundance of brutal violence, even more than is usual for his novels. He allows the reader to become close to nice people, then has these people savagely murdered. |
| Kim S. |
| The Gates by John Connolly |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Mayhem has arrived at 666 Crowley Road ! ..."In Which We Encounter a Small Boy, His Dog, and Some People Who Are Up to No Good" Any author that can combine particle accelerators, quantum theory, and worm holes with the gates of Hell and inept sub demons, stir in a hero in the form of an 11 year old boy while adding humorous and informative footnotes on Dante and Vlad the Impaler, deserves your rapt attention. This is a supernatural thriller that crosses science with fantasy. It will appeal to young adults but more to the point adults will find the young Samuel Johnson and his dachshund Boswell impossible to resist. You will find yourself smiling despite yourself. We all need the kind of mayhem that makes us laugh out loud. |
| Genie |
| Broken by Kelley Armstrong |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is the second of the Women of the Otherworld series I've read so I'm not very familiar with the featured characters. Elena Michaels is a rarity in the Otherworld; a female werewolf. She is pregnant and a major part of the story revolves around her pregnancy. The big question is whether or not the baby will be a werewolf. She shares all of her fears and concerns with the readers throughout the book. This becomes repetitive to the extent that I found myself skipping over some parts of the book wanting them to get on to their mission to find Jack the Ripper who had escaped into the modern world by way of a portal and send him back to his own era before anyone else was hurt or murdered. Initially the search began with a request from Xavier (a demon). He hired Elena to steal a letter that was supposedly written by Jack the Ripper. The request seems simple, however, they weren't told that the letter opens a portal to Victorian London. Unknowingly Elena opens and reads the letter which opens the portal. Soon zombies of former murdered victims begin to appear, all trying to capture Elena. It soon becomes obvious that in order to go back to their normal life, Elena, Clay and Jeremy must find and kill Jack the Ripper as well as the zombies and close the portal. |
| Marsha |
| South of Broad by Pat Conroy |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A big five stars for the latest book by Pat Conroy. This man can write the most exquisite sentences. You will reread them several times to savor his glorious descriptions. His love of the Charleston region pours out into each page and mesmerizes you. His ode to friendship is thought-provoking and beautiful. Enjoy! |
| Debbi Burton |
| Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Whether you love to read, like a mystery, want to get inside the head of a "collector" or are simply interested in a fascinating read, check out this new book. |
| Donna P. |
| So Brave, Young, and Handsome by Leif Enger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Had read Enger's first book, PEACE LIKE A RIVER and enjoyed it. SO BRAVE, YOUNG, AND HANDSOME is even better. Different writing style that touches on early 1900s lifestyle. Enjoyed this book & the characters as well. Will definitely purchase Leif Enger's next work. |
| David Maxey |
| America's Hidden History by Kenneth C. Davis |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A look into America's past that really pulls together many events and dispels some myths related to our history. |
| S. Cudworth |
| Wake by Lisa McMann |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was a book club read at the high school where I teach. I thought I would see what the kids are into and it was okay. Not the best kids book, but just okay. The girl in the story gets "sucked into" the dreams of people around her. There are a couple of books that follow this also, not sure I will read those, but nice to know what the teens are into. |
| Marge Hodge |
| Trace by Patricia Cornell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A good mystery - but if you're uncomfortable with reading about cremation - not for you. |
| Amy Alessio |
| Piece de Resistance by Sandra Byrd |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the third in a delicious trilogy where smart young woman Lexi chooses which country to live in, how to save her French Bakery business and of course who to love. Recipes included! |
| Susan Alvarado |
| The 10 Day Forecast by Steven Hartman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is the story of a average American family with siblings, empty nesters, college students and life.This book feels so real, so honest that it brought back so many memories of myself at the ages of the characters. Not only the main characters but the minor ones as well. My gage for a good book has always been would I rather read one more chapter and lose a little sleep (since I always read before going to sleep). If yes, the book is good, if no, the book is not so good. I lost sleep reading this book. A friend told me about this book and I am so glad I read it. I am recommending it to anyone that wants a little slice of american pie in their reading choices...I look forward to this author's next book... |
| Theresa N (weceno@yahoo.com) |
| Swan for the Money by Donna Andrews |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A fun murder mystery that take's place at the Rose Show being put on by the local garden club. Lots of secondary mysteries going on as well. Very entertaining. |
| Sandra F. |
| The Last Patriot by Brad Thor |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is an OK thriller which deals with the threat of Islam to America. I found it rather boring at times and I don't think that I would read any more books by this author. |
| Sandra F. |
| The Cost of Silence by Margaret Yorke |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is vintage Margaret Yorke. All of her books seem to draw entire communities into the story and no one character is more important than any other. I do enjoy her stories. |
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
| Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Jeannette Walls wrote about her dysfunctional childhood in THE GLASS CASTLE. Her mother, Rosemary Walls, was an important character in that memoir. This is the story of Lily Casey Smith, the mother of Rosemary and the grandmother of Jeannette. Lily lived a rough and tumble life in New Mexico and Arizona. Her specialty was in breaking "half broke horses". At the age of 15 she rode her horse 500 miles to a remote town in AZ to be a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse. Many years later she graduated from college with a teaching degree. This was just a wonderful story about an admirable woman and her spunky daughter, Rosemary. |
| Marge |
| Cover your Assets by Patricia Smiley |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Very easy entertaining read. |
| Marge Hodge |
| Dollar Daze by Karin Gillespie |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Funny read. |
| Kathy Vogel |
| Any Which Wall by Laurel Snyder |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Four kids find a magic wall in the middle of a cornfield in a small Iowa town. It can transport them anywhere they want to be in time. Wouldn't that be fun? Never lose the magic & wonder of childhood. |
| Linda Bentzen |
| The Spire by Richard North Patterson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Enjoyed this unusual murder thriller. Have enjoyed all of his that I've read. |
| Lori Monteiro (luvscatsanddogs@comcast.net) |
| Blindman's Bluff by Faye Kellerman |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Let me start by saying that Faye Kellerman is definitely one of my favorite authors to read. I usually find that I can't put her books down. This has been especially true of the Peter Decker, Rina Lazarus series. I found the latest book in this series, BLINDMAN'S BLUFF, to be a let down. I'm not sure why, but I really didn't want to finish reading it. Hopefully her next book will be back on track. |
| Carol Grubbs |
| HeartSick by Chelsea Cain |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A page turning psychological thriller that can't be put down with a totally surprising ending. |
| Mirna |
| Enthusiasm by Polly Shulman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved this book! I can read it over and over again. |
| Mona |
| Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
THIS BOOK WAS AWESOME! Just like the others. |
| Crystal |
| Evidence by Jonathan Kellerman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
L.A.P.D. Lieutenant Milo Sturgis again asks psychologist and friend Dr. Alex Delaware for help with a tricky murder case. And again things are not quite what they seem. The story is involved but engrossing and entertaining. |
| Vickie |
| The Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Quick read. Very cute story. I really enjoyed it just like all her other books. |
| Joy Ng |
| Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed this book by the CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC author. This is a clever chick-lit ghost story. I read it in 4 days! |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| The Last Place by Laura Lippman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is another Tess Monaghan novel set in Baltimore about a private investigator. Tess is asked to research how the police handled five homicides, and during this investigation she uncovers the work of a serial killer. The story interweaves past encounters that Tess had with Luisa O'Neal and ex-boyfriend Jonathan. One of my favorite lines are : You couldn't bargain or barge your way into immortality, like some desperate fleeing the Titanic, holding a child in his arms. You had to believe in something first. The only thing Tess honestly believed was that she was scared of dying." So why does Tess constantly court death? Lippman does wonders with the scenery and characters of Baltimore, and Tess's anger at life and her sense of loyality to Whitney and Luisa O'Neal. |
| Joy Ng |
| When Will There be Good News? by Kate Atkinson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm not done with this book yet but I'm loving it so far! It's a great mystery. I will definitely be reading more of her books. |
| Lori Monteiro (luvscatsanddogs@comcast.net) |
| The Woods by Harlan Coben |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Harlan Coben seems to be the master of the nail biting page turner. I always end up going to bed late if I'm reading one of his novels. THE WOODS moved along at a pretty quick pace, and it kept you wanting more. It had a nice twist at the end as well. |
| Elaine G. (gasawaye@yahoo.com) |
| The Nany Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Reading this chick lit book is a bit of a guilty pleasure. Actually I'm glad I never got around to it until after the economic meltdown. The rich Park Avenue couple too busy to raise their own child are probably very close to the self-centered bankers who brought down the economy. A good light read. |
| Ed Hahn (ed_hk@yahoo.com) |
| Ice Hunt by Rollins, James |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
There were times this story was very exciting and moved quickly and other times it was slow and boring. I almost gave this book away because I was so disappointed with EXCAVATION. Fortunately, someone on Goodreads suggested I read it. I'm glad I did. The action scenes, as unbelievable as they may seem, and the characterizations are the strongest parts of the story. Even the military types, who often get stereotyped in stories like this, are fully drawn here. The weakest elements involve the number of close calls that almost every major character survives, as minor characters are killed, and the number of fortunate coincidences. People just happen to be in the right place at the right time. While a certain amount of this kind of artifice is needed to keep the plot moving, I think Rollins overdoes it in this novel. The plot is complicated and there are many twists as well as a number of surprises as the story unfolds. The ending is perhaps a little too neat and the epilogue a little too saccharine but, maybe, that's what the majority of thriller readers want. I prefer a little more realism like Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child provide in the Pendergast series. Overall, though, I liked the book and will most likely try another Rollins effort. |
| Ed Hahn (ed_hk@yahoo.com) |
| All the Rage by Wilson, F. Paul |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I was surprised by how much I liked this book. I've had it for a long time and somebody wanted to mooch it so I thought I'd scan it before giving it away. I ended up cruising through its 488 pages in three days. The story is well plotted and moves along quickly. The characters, especially Repairman Jack and the villains are well-drawn and fun to read about. The introduction of a mysterious group called "The Others" who come from "Otherness" was a plot device the story did not actually need but it did help the reader make sense of the drug "Bezerk" that changed its molecular structure and lost its hallucinatory properties every new Moon. Without having read other books in the Repairman Jack series, I suspect that strange creatures from "Otherness" are part of every story and help explain why Jack gets called in to fix things when the weirdness starts. The ending was neatly done, tying up the loose ends without straining credibility. I will undoubtedly try another Repairman Jack story and maybe some of F. Paul Wilson's other titles. |
| Ed Hahn (ed_hk@yahoo.com) |
| Lost on Planet China by Troost, J. Maarten |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book was a joy to read. I've lived in Hong Kong for 17 years and have spent a lot of time in China. Even though he was there for a relatively short time, he nailed a lot of the peculiarities of Chinese culture and the Chinese people. A good part of his writing is tongue-in-cheek, much in the style of Bill Bryson. He also is humble about his own peculiarities and frank about how they get in the way of his total enjoyment of what he is experiencing. The result creates innumerable chuckles and some out loud laughter as he wanders around "The Middle Kingdom." Many of the places he describes are places that me or my wife Pam, who also loved the book, have visited alone or together. I could relate to many of the situations he found himself in. Three leap immediately to mind. One, is the absolute, total unwillingness of mainland Chinese to queue and the subsequent frustration of people like Maarten or myself as people try to squeeze into lines, perhaps better described as clumps. The second is the "trust to fate" way that Chinese Taxi's, trucks and most other vehicles are driven. Third is the fact that all prices in almost all venues are subject to bargaining and in fact bargaining with or haranguing the vendor is a major sport in China. Another drawback he continuously mentions is the lack of any kind of decent air quality in the urban areas. His experience with the average Chinese restaurant parallels my own. I remember early in my first visit to China, telling my host that I did not wish to know what I was eating unless I asked. That way I could try everything without any expectations. I still do that when I am in the hinterlands and am faced with a menu I can't read or a situation where someone else is ordering the food. Some reviewers did not like what they saw as Troost's unfair criticisms of China and the Chinese. I definitely do not agree. He is merely pointing out what he sees with his obviously acute observant eye. He also has many good things to say and he approaches these with the same humble and humorous attitude. Over-all, the book is a must read for anyone who has spent anytime in China or is planning on visiting China other than on a guided tour. On guided tours, you will most likely not have the opportunity to learn the lessons Troost did. |
| Jaime Huff |
| Flesh and Fire by Laura Anne Gilman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The premise and idea was interesting. Spellbound wine in a world in which there seems to be three major groups: Vinearts (who control the wine, the spells, and answer to no one), the Princes (who think the Vinearts and the Washers should answer to them but understand the command) and The Washers (who seem to be priestly beings ensuring moral behaviors and that the Sin Washer's commands are upheld). Very creative, a fantasy about magical wine. I love it! As a person who loves wine.... I was game! Sadly, this book didn't maintain my interest and I REALLY had to force myself to finish it. It isn't because it is badly written, it's not at all. It's because it seemed dry, dull, and I felt absolutely ZERO connection to any of the key characters until the last quarter of the book. The first half of the book was so disconnected to the characters that when Jerzy and Master Malech start working together, I could care less that the Slave was being primed to become a vineart due to his natural skills. The characters had nearly zero personality, except for near the end. I have an idea that the next book in this series will have more focus on Jerzy, the student Vineart, Ao, the trader, and Mahault, the daughter of the lord maiar who wants to be a soldier, as a trio. I can not say I glowingly recommend this book, however, I also can't say I don't recommend it. I am very indifferent. It was dry and bland, like a mediocre merlot The author's writing style is beautiful and descriptive and I believe that the Vineart War can definitely grow into a magical series. I certainly am willing to try the second book when it comes out with hopes it will have much more intrigue and less blandness then it's premiere. |
| Vickie |
| Monta Creeds: Logan by Linda Lael Miller |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Quick happy read. Can't wait to start the next in the series. Kept me interested til the end. Very enjoyable. |
| Linda Bentzen |
| The Book Thief by Markus Zusak |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Wonderfully different view of Germany during WWII. Liesel's foster family hides a Jew in the basement. Story being told by Death is quite a departure from the norm. |
| Audrey Anderson |
| Thief of Lives by Barb and J.C. Hendee |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the sequal of DHAMPIR. I've finished it and am reading the 3rd. If you like Vampires, elves, and magic this is an excellent series that even has a conspiracy going. |
| Bonnie |
| Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I read this in one day...I'd never heard of the central point of the story, the Vel' d'Hiv' roundup of Jews in 1942 France and I am saddened that my education was so sorely lacking. Whether or not the plot was a little too pat, it's an engrossing read and one that requires reading. |
| Kaye |
| Night of Flames by Douglas Jacobson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
In his debut novel set against the backdrop of World War II, Douglas W. Jacobson weaves a complex story of a young Polish couple, Jan and Anna Kopernik, seeking to be re-united amidst the ravages of war torn Europe. The story takes place in Poland and Belgium alternately following Jan and Anna as they try to cope with their separation in horrific war conditions. When the Germans begin their relentless invasion into Poland in 1939, Anna has just come from Krakow to Warsaw to attend the funeral of her friend Irene's mother. Anna, Irene and Irene's son Justyn attempt to make their way from the ravaged city of Warsaw back to Krakow. A friend of a friend can manage to get them to Italy on a diplomatic visa but when Irene becomes ill, all plans and lives for that matter are dramatically changed. Jan, an officer in the Polish Cavalry, and his division face some devasting battles. Although Jan manages to escape with non life- threatening injuries, he does not return to his cavalry position. With his ability to speak fluent German, Jan finds himself doing intelligence work for the British.When he is offered the chance to get back to Poland, he is determined not only to do his duty but to find Anna. Unfortunately this proves to be much more difficult than he thought it would be. After much hardship, travail and heartbreaking losses, Anna ends up in Belgium and becomes involved with a resistance movement called the White Brigade. At one point she is captured by a Nazi officer, Dieter Koenig; a most vile, disgusting and thoroughly evil man. Even though he saves her from being sent to a concentration camp, he is determined to keep her for his own purposes. Jacobson paints such a chillingly vivid picture of this character, I could feel the hair on the back of my neck stand up and I was almost holding my breath to see how this would all pan out. I truly enjoyed Anna's character as I felt she was a strong, intelligent and brave woman with a very caring nature. At risk to herself, she did not hesitate to help her Jewish friends Irene and Justyn. The character of Jan was not as thoroughly developed as Anna's but I still got the feeling that he was an extremely patriotic and conscientious man who would do whatever was necessary to find his beloved Anna. Would Jan and Anna find each other again in all the chaos? More importantly, would they even survive the war? Jacobson has obviously done a tremendous amout of research for his plot driven novel and managed to seamlessly mingle fact and fiction into a wonderfully vivid story. The pages just came alive for me with all the historical detail and a myriad of characters. All the accounts of efforts made by the resistance enhanced the story line. Jacobson has paid homage to these brave individuals who risked much and sometimes all to overcome the oppressors in their homeland. A compellingly told story of loyalty, betrayals and heroism of ordinary citizens in a time when the world seemed to have gone mad. Excellent read. I just loved it! Highly recommended. |
| Kaye |
| Killer Summer by Ridley Pearson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Nonstop action in this thriller set in Sun Valley Idaho. Sheriff Walt Fleming investigates a professional heist of antique bottles of wine. His nephew, Kevin inadvertently gets caught up in the action as he follows the whims of a spoiled teenaged girl who gets more than she bargained for when she runs away from a weekend with her father. I couldn't put this one down. There are so many twists in this one. Highly recommended for fans of thrillers and police procedurals. |
| LeeAnn Wells |
| Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was a very challenging read for me. It is full of emotion and trauma, with glimmers of hope. I found it an important read, however, because it brings attention to people in Africa who are struggling with poverty and violence. |
| Kathy Vallee |
| One Hex of a Wedding by Yasmine Galenorn |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I hope she writes more of this series in this latest one Emerald is preparing her wedding but everything starts to go very very wrong. First her husband to be gets shot and keeps going down hill from there. |
| Linda Bentzen |
| The Road to Wellville by T C Boyle |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
In 1907 Battle Creek, Michigan, attracts a formidable array of the rich, the preposterously rich, and the famous visitors all in search of the magic pill to prolong their lives. What draws them there? Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, inventor of the corn flake, peanut butter, and coffee substitutes. Will and Eleanor Lightbody travel to Kellogg's "Temple of Health" to live out the vegetarian ethos. It will give you adventure along with comic instruction in the mysteries of the diet and the evils of sex. An astonishing book though a bit long. The hard cover has timely pictures. |
| Linda Bentzen |
| Property by Valerie Martin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Interesting look at the South in the 1820s. Told by the plantation owner's wife, her husband, and her maid, who let us in on personalities and quirks of all aspects of the time. |
| Carol Grubbs |
| Hearts of Horses by Molly Gloss |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A classic nostalgia read. The author places the protagonists in the west at the end of WWI. The cowgirl already regrets being born too late to see the real Wild West. The author brings in all the area homesteaders and farmers and how they lived at that time. |
| Sue B. |
| Ghosts of Belfast by Stuart Neville |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Awesome debut novel about an ex-IRA hitman haunted by the ghosts of his victims. |
| Sue B. |
| Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Gripping thriller set in a quiet Amish community. The bucolic setting makes the heinous crimes that more startling. |
| Gil |
| Rooftops of Tehran by Mahbod Seraji |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A real eye opener about how bad things were in Iran during the rule of the Shah. Quite disturbing that the United States backed him. Well written, showing how young people had to endure the dictatorial policies of the government. Heartbreaking! |
| CC |
| Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This story really touched me and I couldn't put the book down. |
| Rebecca Chome |
| The Four Corners of the Sky by Michael Malone |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This novel is the highly enjoyable story of Annie, a youth seemingly abandoned by her father, to Annie, the hugely successful Navy pilot. With strength of character, humor, and wonderful companions, she flies through life seeking a single answer which she feels will complete her life. |
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
| Bleachers by John Grisham |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I remember seeing reviews on this book when it first came out and they weren't good. So, I was a bit apprehensive reading this. Wow! What a pleasant surprise. I guess, if you want you like the Legal Thriller that Grisham churns out and you won't accept a change, then this might be a disappointment. Or, if you aren't a big fan of stories about sports, football in particular, then this probably is NOT the book for you. I, on the other hand, was certainly satisfied. I would recommend this to anyone who had a coach who had an impact on their lives. Or for anyone that loves football. There are lessons in this book. I will give this to my son when he is older to read. I got a little teary at the end. This book really moved me. I'm glad I read it. |
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
| Open and Shut by David Rosenfelt |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
#1 of the Andy Carpenter series-I heard about this series a while ago. I wish I didn't wait so long. This was fantastic. Andy Carpenter is a defense lawyer who is asked to take an Appeal case by his father. The convicted, Willie, is getting a chance at appeal because a juror lied under oath. The case is a no win but Andy decides he will do this for his Dad. And so begins the first book of the Andy Carpenter series. I love the writing style. It is very easy to like Andy. I like his honesty and the humor. The mystery is revealed a piece at a time and so is the solution. There are many twists and turns. The book grabbed me and I couldn't put it down. I am going to find #2 as soon as I can. |
| Michelle Miller (miller4plusmore@bellsouth.net) |
| Seeing Red by Frank Beddor |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Exciting sequel to the LOOKING GLASS WARS, a twist on the classic Alice in Wonderland. Full of adventure and a villainous dethroned queen. (This is a young adult book). |
| F Tessa Bartels |
| Because She Can by Bridie Clark |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Only okay chick lit. Formulaic. Needs editing. A poor relation to Devil Wears Prada. |
| Maria Smith |
| Who Do I Talk To? by Neta Jackson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is the 2nd in a new series of Yada Yada Prayer Books. Although some of the characters are new, the storyline moves in familiar territory. The main character is Gabby Fairbanks who finds herself homeless with her mother and dog in tow. How she copes and grows through the situation is what sets the stage. Characters from the 1st Yada Yada books show up and bring the same humor, love and togetherness along for Gabby's ride. Neta Jackson is on a roll with this one. It's a must read.... |
| Sal Williams |
| Ms by Deborah Crombie |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a really well done british police procedural with protagonists Duncan Kincaid and Gemma james of Scotland Yard asolving the murder of a beautiful woman. The plot line delves deep into the past...but the second joy of reading this is Gemma, her romance and the chemistry she has with Duncan. It just makes the story more enjoyable. Read this if you wenjoy reading about England, you almost feel as if you are there. |
| Val Pearson (lastnerve2000@gmail.com) |
| The Way Home by George Pelecanos |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love this book! It's actually an audiobook and is narrated by the guy who narrates THE FIRST 48, Dion Graham. I rarely listen to an audiobook twice but I listen to this particular audiobook each night before I go to bed. It is amazing, you really should check it out! |
| Asha |
| Once in a Blue Moon by Eileen Goudge |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is Ms Goudge at her best. A very relavent up-to-date book. Loved it. |
| Michelle Miller (miller4plusmore@bellsouth.net) |
| 206 Bones by Kathy Reichs |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
My first time reading a Temperance Brennan book and I'm am not disappointed. The science and mystery is like watching an episoce of CSI or, yes, Bones! This was an "I can't put it down" book! |
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
| Dope by Sara Gran |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was an odd interpretation of a former drug addict who is trying to survive without drugs in the city of New York during the 50's. She is asked by a lawyer and his wife to find their daughter. Since she is familiar with the local drug scene and the people within it, they were hoping she could find her before it was too late. So, Josephine starts to look by going back to the places she would go when she was using. The writing style is different. I didn't think the character development went very far past Josephine herself. I was a little confused as to what direction this story was suppose to go. One of the comments on the back of the book says "Tight and polished and exquisitely crafted." I thought the word "tight" was a great word used to describe this book. It's short but there was a lot to it. And the ending was quite surprising. This wasn't my favorite book, but it was definitely unique. |
| Jackie Burchett (taterjack@embarqmail.com) |
| Prof by Megan Crane |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a light, romantic, and very funny read about a love triangle. It is better than I expected it to be. Very easy book to read. |
| Jean M |
| A Thin Dark Line by Tami Hoag |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It is rather long (600+ pages) but very suspenseful. The characters are well drawn and it has a rather surprising ending. |
| Richard N Bartels |
| Freedom from Fear by David M Kennedy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Subtitled: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945. Kennedy explores the circumstances leading to these two great calamities and how Americans endured, and eventually emerged victorious. I came across this book while at the library and was intrigued (given our current economic downturn). It is NOT light reading, but it's a fascinating history lesson. |
| Claudia Mundell (tedrinker@hotmail.com) |
| While I Am Falling by Laura Moriarty |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This novel deals with a young adult child coming to terms with her parents' divorce and watching her family fall apart in front of her eyes. Veronica is a college student at KU and had perfect family until her mother did something stupid, setting into fall the dominoes of consequences for her family. Morairty deals well with the subtle nuances of personality and relationships. I always enjoy her Midwestern touches of KU, prairie, and Jayhawkers. |
| F Tessa Bartels |
| Homicide: A Year of the Killing Streets by David Simon |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Baltimore police were followed for an entire year. The work is uneven, and not compelling. I found myself skimming. It's 600+ pages long and only about 250 of them captured my attention. |
| F Tessa Bartels |
| Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
A predictable beach book with cookie-cutter characters and somewhat weak plotting. Tully & Kate are life-long friends with little in common but their teenage angst (which continues throughout their entire lives). Manipulative ending. |
| Jennifer (Jennisis@comcast.net) |
| The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A lot of people griped to me that this book is slow-going, so I was hesitant to start it, despite the fact that the plot synopsis intrigued me. I find that the pace of the book is similar to that of the original Dracula story, and that it helps to enrich the drama and suspense. So far, I am halfway through and am quite enjoying it. The characters are engaging, the history/travelogue is interesting and I can't wait to find out how it ends! |
| Janet |
| Who Do I Talk To? by Neta Jackson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the second book in the House of Hope series. If you've not read book one, WHERE DO I GO, please read it first. Book two picks up exactly where one left off with Gabrielle homeless, her children taken by her husband, and how she handles it and learns to trust God. Anyone familiar with the Yada Yada Prayer Group, will also enjoy this as some characters cross over. |
| Sharon Elliott-Fox |
| The Virgin's Daughters by Jeanne Westin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Excellent historical story about Elizabeth I from the perspective of two of her ladies-in-waiting. Good insights into the era-- life style of the court, Elizabeth herself. |
| MississippiMom |
| Reunion in Death by J.D. Robb |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Another exciting case for Eve Dallas... Eve was pitted against a killer she had already put away once, but the system failed and the killer was set loose to kill again... and this time she was coming after what was Eve's.... Looking forward to reading the latest Eve Dallas adventure! |
| Claudia Mundell (tedrinker@hotmail.com) |
| Christmas Memories Gifts, Activities, Fads and Fan by Susan Waggoner |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a great trip down memory lane for many readers; historical info for other readers. It has the homey warmth of Norman Rockwell paintings. The pictures and artwork alone make this a lovely Chrsitmas feast for the eyes! |
| Marjorie |
| Still Life by Joy Fielding |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is one of the best mysteries I have read, you cannot wait to turn the page, a really great who done it. I highly recommend this book. |
| Anita Nowak |
| Don't Scream by Wendy Corsi Staub |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I was lucky enough to find Ms Staub's books at a book sale at my library - I had never read her work before, but had read some rave reviews. What a wonderful surprise! Now I have to try to find some of her older novels. This one was a real page turner, and very scary. It seems 10 years after one of their sorority sisters dies accidently, someone is sending the other 4 friends birthday messages on her 30th birthday. Just when I thought I had figured everything out, I was very much surpirsed. This is the kind of mystery I love. |
| Marcia |
| Olive Kitteredge by Elizabeth Strout |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I had mixed feelings while reading the book. The writing was wonderful and the author developed some interesting characters. But, I felt sad and depressed while reading this book. Kept feeling sad about life. About how we lead lives of quiet desperation. |
| L Merrill |
| There Goes the Bride by M. C. Beaton |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love all her books, but I was a tad disappointed with the ending of this one... |
| Kaye DeMaio-Hays |
| You've Been Warned by James Patterson & Edward Roughan |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Kristin is intricately involved with a married man and his family, as well as haunted by her past at a hotel that seems to be a central location in her life. The plot reveals how all these individuals' lives intersect as revealed in some of Kristin's strange dreams and photographs. The characters are one-dimensional and, while there are some interesting twists in the plot, many of the events are predictable. |
| Kaye DeMaio-Hays |
| Broke Heart Blues by Joyce Carol Oates |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
The plot revolves around why John Reddy Heart apparently killed his mother's lover. The book goes on and on about how his classmates feel about this teen "hero" and what interactions they had with him. After over 200 pages with very little relevant information advancing the plot, I quit. |
| KG |
| The Gathering by Enright |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
I found this book to be depressing, and dark. I struggled to finish reading it, and found it difficult the way the story would go back and forth between past and present events. It was most confusung. |
| Cheryl |
| Working Stiff by Annelise Ryan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A fun first novel with Mattie Winston, a former nurse who now works as an Asst. Coroner. I laughed out loud. |
| Janet West |
| Trophy Hunt by C. J. Box |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I've been reading Box's books in order and I am most impressed with this book. Joe Pickett, a game warden in Wyoming, has his hands full with his own duties plus a mystery that involves his family and the community with conspiracy theories, animal mutilations, and murder. Most impressive are the descriptions of the natural settings--Box can make you feel the cold--and the thrills of the frightening plot as the reader is swept up in the murders and mutilations. This is only one of the exciting series about Joe Pickett. |
| Marion Miller (lamamil@aol.com) |
| The Believers by Zoe Heller |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Definitely a page turner. Are all young adults today dysfunctional?? Where did my generation go wrong?? |
| Glenn |
| Await Your Reply by Dan Chaon |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed this book. It works in a flashback fashion, with the author introducing three characters, and then going back in time to show the events that led up to the situations presented first within the story, and how those characters are connected to one another. This really held my interest well, and kept me invested in the characters and wanting to find out the back story. Nothing is as it seems in this story either, and the plotlines become complicated, so you have to really concentrate and stay focused on the various characters as you read this story. Part of the story involved twin brothers, with one brother spending more than a decade searching for his twin. I'm an identical twin, so that had an extra appeal for my personally. |
| Sandy M |
| An Echo in the Bone by Diana gabaldon |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
No ending! Very much reads like a soap opera. After reading this very thick book (814 pages), I was very disapointed. I have read all of her books. At the end of the last book, Jamie stood with John Grey, watching Brianna and William in the street. In this book, Jamie claims not to have set eyes on William since he was 12. I do not know what happened with this book, but it was, as a said, a disappointment! |
| Marcia |
| The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Living in poverty vs living with money is told through the lives of two women in India and their families. As close as their bond is, there is always a class distinction. In the end, it's family that wins out. |
| Jeannie |
| Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I love this author but I have given her a #3 on this book. I don't like books about children that are abused, missing or ill. This book is about a baby who has a bone breaking illness. She lost me in the 2nd chapter. |
| Mia J. |
| She Got Up Off the Couch by Haven Kimmel |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I have thoroughly been enjoying this book about Haven's family as she was growing up. They are funny and touching and so well written. |
| Kathy Vogel |
| Alex Cross's Trial by James Patterson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Even though the Klan was outlawed after the Civil War, it is still quite active in the small town of Eudora, Mississippi in 1906. This story really gets you thinking if you would have had the courage to follow your convictions. |
| Kelley Tackett |
| I Shudder by Paul Rudnick |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A great little slice of life book with some truly great humorous stories. I wasn't familiar with the author and only picked it up because David Sedaris had a quote on the cover. I want to read more from this author. |
| Julie |
| The Poe Shadow by Matthew Pearl |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Baltimore, 1849. The body of Edgar Allan poe has been buried in an unmarked grave. Quentin Clark is a young lawyer and ardent admirer of Poe's who puts his own career and reputation at risk in a crusade to find out the truth behind the writer's death. If you love all things Poe, you'll really enjoy this book. |
| Dara Hill (dara34293@aol.com) |
| The Silent Spirit by Margaret Coel |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Coel's story takes place on an Indian reservation. It jumps back to the 1920's when Indians were in silent films in Hollywood. It's a mystery and held my interest. |
| Jeannie |
| Roadside Crosses by Jeffery Deaver |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I have just started this book but if it doesn't pick up it will go to my number #2 list. Too many technical items in the story and is not keeping my attention. |
| Debbie (delphimo@yahoo.com) |
| Trick or Treat by Kerry Greenwood |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This is a continuation in the Corinna Chapman series set in Australia. I did not like this story, the plot rambles here and there, and the characters are blase. Corinna becomes jealous of another woman. I felt pulled by all the different subplots, and none are noteworthy. Too much time spent on explaining all the previous characters and events. This book is a waste of time. |
| Helen |
| Outliers by Malcom Gladwell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A great nonfiction read on the topic of the causes of extreme sucess , which the author attributes to sheer circumstances, luck, and birth order. A wonderful discussion read for book clubs... |
| Katherine |
| The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A truly unique and beautifully written book. The characters seemed full-fleshed and remarkably well-drawn. While some portions of the story are heartbreakingly poignant they are also quite unforgettable. Only four stars because the philosophy can be a bit steep going but overall I haven't read a book this unusual and touching in a long time. It's good, very good. |
| Jud Hanson |
| Last Secret of the Temple by Paul Sussman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Think DAVINCI CODE on steroids. What do you get when you have a centuries-old Jewish-Arab conflict, a bitter Israeli policeman, a tired PA policeman and a journalist of mixed Jewish-Arab heritage? A fascinating novel centering around the search for an object that could turn the tide for one side or the other. This is winner all the way. |
| Sandi (slangdon@carolina.rr.com) |
| Raney by Clyde Edgerton |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
| I have just started reading Clyde Edgerton books and I absolutely loved this one and now want to read all of his books. If you were brought up Baptist and Southern, you just have to read this book. Sometimes when reading it, I felt like I had deja vu because it was so close to my upbringing. |
