February 4, 2011 - February 17, 2011
Last contest period's winners were Emily L., Marigt W., Karel, Ellieand Maria, who each received a copy of THE DEVOTION OF SUSPECT Xby Keigo Higashino, HEARTWOOD by Belva Plain and IT'S ALL RELATIVEby Wade Rouse.
| Harriet S. |
| I'd Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This psychological thriller is loosely based on a true case. Walter Bowman is on death row and, as he sees it, is down to his last possible chance to stop that clock. We meet Elizabeth Lerner, his only victim to have survived and to have testified against him. After reading this, you will most likely wonder if survival is the same as living. Lippman is a fine writer. I've enjoyed all of her stand-alones, which all pry into the darker side of mankind. This may not be for everyone. My mystery-reading librarian friend only reads her Tess Monaghan series, which is set in Boston. I'D KNOW YOU ANYWHERE has been nominated for the top Edgar Allan Poe Award for 2010, so obviously others found it to be top-notch. I give it a definite thumbs-up. |
| Harriet S. |
| The Reversal by Michael Connelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
There hasn't been a book that Michael Connelly has written that I haven't liked, and the same probably holds true for many of you. THE REVERSAL, Connelly's latest, brings back Mickey Haller, but not in his usual roles as a defense attorney. The California Supreme Court has reversed the conviction of Jason Jessup, who was serving time for the kidnapping and killing of Melissa Landy. It as been 24 years since the first trial, which took place before DNA evidence was available. Mickey Haller has been asked to become a special prosecutor for just this one case. Many familiar faces appear in this, if only in cameo appearances. And yes, Harry Bosch is Mickey's chosen police investigator. Just for old times' sake, and because my memory is finally slipping, I reread the last Mickey Haller book, THE BRASS VERDICT. That was a hoot, too. One error, or a bit of make-believe, that caught my attention was the car ferry from Seattle to Port Townsend. I live here, and if you're visiting, please don't bother to look for that ferry. It was pure fiction. |
| emily l |
| The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An incredible book. My entire family cried after reading it. |
| Laurie C. |
| The Outsider by Ann H. Gabhart |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book is about the Shakers. It is about a young woman by the name of Gabrielle, who is the main character, and is in the prime of her life at the young age of 20. She had no choice but to join the Shakers because her mother decided to join with her other daughter Becca, age 7, after her missing husband was pronounced dead. I also wanted to learn more about the Shakers, since my knowledge of their religion was almost non-existent. The most interesting thing I learned was that they call the kitchen "the bitery"! The Shakers families all live apart from each other, even if they are married. There is a building for adult women, one for men, one for girls and one for boys. Even if they are married, they live apart in separate buildings, and the parents are away from each other and their children. The Shakers need a doctor, who is an outsider to their community. Gabrielle, who is only supposed to look down at outsiders, makes eye contact with the young doctor. This starts to put doubts in her mind as to whether or not she wants to remain a Shaker. She goes through quite an ordeal. Ann H. Gabhart's style of writing is so smooth, consistent and easy to read; you become so immersed in her stories. This is one novel that is sure to stay with you. |
| Laurie C. |
| Friends of Choice by Linda Nelson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This book is about a young teenager who has to move because her father got a new job, and he doesn't his commute be so far from home. This puts her in the predicament of having to make new friends. She is approached by a popular girl, who befriends her, but this so-called friend has other plans for this friendship, which are not good. I did not like the way this book ended. I thought it totally turned around the characters. It was about the main character the entire time, but then it becomes all about the friend at the end. We are left hanging, with no idea what happens to the main character --- supposedly there is a sequel coming out. This was a young adult book, and the writing style will make it good for teens to read. I did like the way the author's writing flowed. |
| Susanb |
| The Book Of Bright Ideas by Sandra Kring |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It is rare that I read a book that makes me laugh out loud, but that is exactly what happened when I read THE BOOK OF BRIGHT IDEAS. The narrator of Kring's newest novel is Evelyn, or Button as everyone calls her. Button is a shy 9-year-old living in rural Wisconsin. When the sexy, red-headed Freeda Malone arrives in town with her younger sister Winnalee, Button's Aunt makes it her business to not only make them feel welcomed, but to find them ahouse to live in, which just happens to be right next door. 10-year-old Winnalee never goes anywhere without a silver urn that contains her mother's ashes, as well as her "Book Of Bright Ideas," where she keeps a record of all the important life lessons she learns. Winnalee and Button become the best of friends and decide to work together to come up with 100 bright ideas, many of which (like this one) are so cute and true that you cannot help but smile! Bright Idea #84: "When you go through a new town that don't look like much, stop anyway, because you just might find a best friend waiting there." After the Malone sisters arrive, the residents of the sleepy town of Dauber, Wisconsin will never be the same. www.Fridaymorningbookclub.com |
| Linda |
| Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The intense biography of a most interesting character, Louie Zamperini, who survived life as a POW in WWII. The whole way through I kept asking myself, "Could I have survived what he and so many brave American heroes had to withstand?" |
| Debbie |
| The Outer Banks House by Diann Ducharme |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
The story was well written, with wonderful descriptions of the Outer Banks and the tensions that existed in North Carolina after the Civil War. I thoroughly disliked the story about the romance between a plantation owner's daughter and the illiterate fisherman. The idea is charming, but for some reason, Ducharme's rendering of it was distasteful. Many times, I wanted to discontinue reading, but since this one was for a book club, I finished the story. |
| Laurie C. |
| Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Karen Kingsbury's newest "life-changing fiction" book would be a beautiful story, if it were to be true. This book is a touching story about a young boy who was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (a form of autism) at the young age of three. As a teenager attending regular high school, he begins to get drawn out of his "locked" shell by a long-lost young playmate, whom he used to play with as a young boy. Unknowingly, they meet back up together in high school through music. She was touched with the magic blessings of the Lord, our God, and is able to help draw out this young man afflicted with Asperger's. I have one MAJOR ISSUE with this book; it is that the book is advertised as "life-changing fiction." This concerns me because of ALL the people out there in the world who have a child afflicted with this condition. I pray these parents don't read this book and think that something in their child's life could possibly be triggered and changed, just like the boy's life in this book was changed by some trigger. It will NOT happen. I feel it is wrong to call this book "life-changing fiction" and get people's hopes up for their own children. |
| Stacey K |
| Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you only read a handful of books in your lifetime, make this one of them! There is a legitimate reason why it is one of the most read books ever written. The characters, plot and background are all fantastic. A true classic from cover to cover! |
| Carmen S. |
| The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Harrison Shepherd, who was born in the US, is taken to Mexico by his mother in 1929. This is his story --- of how he becomes a man, and travels back and forth between the US and Mexico. It covers a large span of time, including Pearl Harbor, the Great Depression and the rebuilding of America's economy. Colorful characters like Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo and FDR are scattered throughout this book. |
| Judy O. |
| Change Me into Zeus's Daughter: A Memoir by Barbara Robinette Moss |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This memoir is very reminiscent of THE GLASS CASTLE, but it stands on its own as a fascinating look at a destitute family from Alabama. The father is an alcoholic, the mother is a long-suffering enabler, and the eight children are all malnourished and abused. However, the book never becomes sordid; instead, we are amazed at the sense of humor and resilience that these children display in the face of such adversity. |
| Laurie C. |
| I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the first paranormal mystery/thriller book I have happened upon. It is VERY good! You end up inside the head of a 15-year-old who has been diagnosed as a sociopath by his therapist. His therapist knows this boy has the tendency to become a serial killer because John Cleaver, the boy, told him so. He folllows rules so he does not become a serial killer himself. John Cleaver eventually sees a serial killer/demon at work in his life, and he knows he must stop this. He starts to stalk the person that turns into this monster. The rest you can probably imagine. This book was EXCELLENT! I don't want to give away the end and spoil everything for you, so . . . |
| Sandy |
| Adam by Ted Dekker |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I didn't really care for this one. The story too far-out and too occult. |
| Jessica M. |
| The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
There were times when I felt unsure about how much I liked this book, but more often than not, I found myself loving it. Michael Chabon is a brilliant writer, and it was easy to get lost in his beautiful sentences and metaphors; that said, Chabon is a pretty wordy writer, and at times, the book did drag a bit. In the end, the story of Joe Kavalier and Sam Clay was poignant and moving, and I fell in love with both the characters and the comic book world that they lived in. Though it was a slow read, THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER & CLAY was definitely worth the time I put into it. |
| Kellie |
| A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Wow! What a book this was! First, let me say that the emotions and the conflicts between the main characters were intense. Ralph is an older man. He is rich and alone. He puts an ad in the paper for "A Reliable Wife." Catherine is chosen and travels from St. Louis to meet him. Ralph has some hang-ups, but he is a character who is truly trying to be a better person. Age has humbled him and has made him realize the mistakes he made in his youth. Enter Antonio, Ralph's quasi son from his prior marriage. Ralph treated Antonio poorly when he was younger and wants to make it up to him. So he asks Catherine to find him and bring him home. The writing is beautiful; it adds to the greatness of the story. The emotion is depicted in such detail that you can feel the turmoil the characters are experiencing in the story. The setting adds to the darkness; it takes place in Wisconsin in the winter, during the early 20th century. What could be more depressing than that? The author references a book he read called WISCONSIN DEATH TRIP by Michael Lesy, which gave him the idea for this book. I might read this book; it sounds intriguing. I can't say I enjoyed this Goolrick book though, since it was not a happy read. I can say that I admire the author's talent and was totally caught up in the story. |
| Bridget |
| Band of Angels by Julia Gregson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The story of one of Florence Nightingale's nurses --- it talks about how they were chosen, why the wanted to go to the Crimea, and how they were treated by society (especially Nightingale, and own social status). It was really interesting and different than I thought it would be. A little too long-winded in spots, but overall, very good. |
| Bridget |
| The Virgin Widow by Anne O'Brien |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A really good novel about Anne Neville, the wife of Richard III. The depiction of Anne was really interesting, as was the portrayal of Richard. |
| Jayme G. |
| The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Amazing. All I can ask myself is, "What took me so long?" THE HUNGER GAMES is riveting from the moment you pick it up until the book ends. I enjoyed it so much that I had to put the next two books in the series on hold at the library. |
| T. Thomas |
| Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Someone who is really into that time period might rate this book higher. We have so little documentation on it that there is a great deal of conjecture on the author's part. Also, whoever proofread the book (if anyone did) let a glaring mistake go by early on. |
| Phyllis |
| The Doctor's Newfound Family by Valerie Hansen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An inspiring historical novel set in San Francisco. After Sara Beth Reese's parents are murdered, she is determined to find ways to take care of her three younger brothers, find out who killed her parents, and clear her stepfather's name. A interesting set of characters rounds out the story. |
| Linda C. |
| Tick Tock by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
As usual, James Patterson kept me on the edge of my seat. Thomas Bennett is such a likable character, and Patterson mixes just the right amount of romance in with the suspense. |
| Jessica M. |
| When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I absolutely adored this book! I read it without really knowing much about it, other than the fact that it won the Newberry Medal and seemed to have so many great reviews, and I'm so glad that I picked it up. I've been reading a lot of YA and Middle Grade books lately, rediscovering old favorites and finding new books that my kid self would have loved, and this one definitely falls into the latter category. I adored A WRINKLE IN TIME as a kid, and I love the way that WHEN YOU REACH ME ties into L'Engle's story. I don't think you have to have read it to understand this book at all, but having read it will only make the experience more enjoyable. Essentially, the story is a puzzle. Things start to go awry in Miranda's life, and she can't quite figure out what's going on. Her best friend begins to avoid her, she starts to receive mysterious notes, the crazy homeless guy on the corner keeps catching her attention, and it's up to Miranda to figure out what's going on. It's a beautiful story that is realistic and straightforward, and yet still fantastical. The fantasy elements (like the time travel aspect) are done very well and were never over-the-top --- they added just the right amount of whimsy to the story. Such a great read; I would definitely recommend it. |
| Jessica M. |
| Orange Is the New Black by Piper Kerman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I've been curious about this book for a few months since stumbling across it one day at the bookstore. I'm definitely glad I finally read it; it's a great story and an interesting look at women's prisons from the view of someone who spent some time in one. ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK is the story of Piper Kerman, who is sentenced to 15 months in a federal minimum-security prison for a 10-year-old drug offense --- she got caught carrying a suitcase of drug money for an ex-girlfriend. Piper isn't exactly someone I was prepared to feel a lot of sympathy towards; she was in a position of privilege (relative to her fellow inmates), having had access to a great lawyer, the support of family and friends, etc. But I ended the book thinking that her story is a great (and important) example of the absurdity of the war on drugs and mandatory minimum sentencing, and so many of the other problems with our criminal justice system. I liked the honesty of her storytelling, and that she was able to portray so well the humanity, friendships and humor of the women she encountered behind bars. The stories of pedicures, special dinners, birthday surprises, welcoming parties, etc. brought me an entirely deeper understanding of the women that were imprisoned along with her. Factual research strewn throughout the book's pages also takes this from simply being a memoir of Kerman's stay in Danbury to a source for information on policies and the realities of the federal detention system. As someone with an outsider's point of view as well as an insider's view, Piper is able to show the reader just how broken the system is and how little it prepares women for life on the outside. Definitely a recommended read for anyone who is interested in criminal justice and prisons, but also an interesting book in general for anyone else. |
| Jessica M. |
| Zeitoun by Dave Eggers |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I absolutely loved ZEITOUN. It was so compelling that I read it in just a few days, and I could hardly put it down. The book is a nonfiction, journalistic account of the Zeitoun family's experiences after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. Zeitoun himself is Syrian-born and a Muslim, and he was running a successful contracting business with his wife when Hurricane Katrina reared her ugly head on the map. While his wife and their two kids evacuated New Orleans, Zeitoun decided to stay behind to guard his home, properties and business. He in no way imagined the disaster that happened next, and he does his best to help others in the aftermath of the hurricane, when the levees collapse, flooding of New Orleans. The story takes the reader through the horrors of post-Katrina New Orleans and the the inept, irresponsible government response to it. Zeitoun is taken captive and held as a terrorist, and his family is put through one outrageous and heartbreaking situation after another. But it's not just a story of injustice; it's a story of family, love and survival. The sparse, straightforward writing kept the story believable and moving forward at all times. ZEITOUN was a very compelling read, and by the end, I felt outraged by the events that had occurred. |
| Jessica M. |
| The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
WOW. I purposely avoided THE HUNGER GAMES for a while because I was admittedly a little afraid of all the hype surrounding it. Before picking up THE HUNGER GAMES, I had only read one other YA book since the Twilight series (SHIVER by Maggie Stiefvater, which was okay but didn't particularly rock my world or anything). Suffice it to say, I was wary of YA lit after Twilight, not because I actually hatedTwilight but because I can't stand Bella. Bella is such a weak character, and her relationship with Edward is so borderline abusive that it drove me absolutely nuts. I finally caved and read THE HUNGER GAMES out of a desire to read something that was a bit more fast-paced and at an easier level than some of my recent reads, and I'm so glad I finally did. Katniss Everdeen is definitely no Bella Swan. THE HUNGER GAMES grabbed me from the first few pages, and I didn't let go until I finished MOCKINGJAY (the third book in the series) three days later. It is the story of a dystopian future in which North America lies in ruins and has been replaced by the nation of Panem, with the Capitol (as in the capitol city) ruling over 12 districts. There was once a 13th district, but a rebellion led to its annihilation, and in order to keep the memory of what happens to rebels alive, the Capitol holds the annual Hunger Games. Though there's a little more to it, essentially the Hunger Games is a battle to the death on live TV between 24 kids --- one boy and one girl from each of the remaining districts. Katniss, the main character, is one of the competitors from District 12, and the book follows her through her struggles to stay alive and beat the Games. One of my favorite genres is dystopian fiction, and THE HUNGER GAMES absolutely lived up to my hopes for it. The emotions that ran throughout the story were raw and powerful, and at a few especially heartbreaking moments, I found myself with Katniss on the verge of tears, and I was cheering her on the whole time. Katniss is also one of my favorite heroines, living up to her characterization as a survivor in every way. Suzanne Collins did a great job of developing the characters as well as this could be done in a book where people are being killed right and left. I felt like I was able to learn enough about the main characters to be sympathetic to them, and yet enough was left in the air that I was still able to be surprised at the twists and turns of the story. I simply could not put the book down and when I was done; I couldn't wait to read the next one. The pace of the book kept me on the edge of my seat at all times, and the straightforward, no-frills writing was perfect for the story. Ultimately, THE HUNGER GAMES is not just the story of Katniss, Peeta and the others --- it is an amazing psychological novel about both the cruelty of power and finding the strength to overcome it. |
| Coral H. |
| The Confession by John Grisham |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is up to his usual high standards. It is about an innocent man who is on death row, his trial and how it turns out. I won't tell you any more, as that would give away the book. It is hard to lay down. |
| Martha |
| Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
One of the best books I've read in a long time. The characters are just amazing, and the the pace of the story makes you not want to put it down. You really have to read this book. |
| Marsha |
| The Radleys by Matt Haig |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Vampire literature is not for me, but if you find this type of story interesting, you might enjoy this tale of the Radley family. It's well written but too bloody for my taste. |
| Lorna |
| Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I have wanted to read this for a long time. At one time, I read everything Koontz wrote, but then I started reading other things and never went back to this author. Now, I know what I was missing all this time. I love this author and this book. I cannot wait to read the next one in this series. Odd sees the dead, and only a few of his closest acquaintances know about it. The story opens when a young girl comes to him, and Odd knows who killed her. Elvis is also one of the dead that Odd sees. Odd realizes that somethng bad is going to happen in his town, and he does what he can to stop it. I just can't believe that I have been away from Dean Koontz for so long. |
| Gail from NJ |
| Fab: An Intimate Life of Paul McCartney by Howard Sounes |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This bio is a very detailed account of Paul McCartney's life from his boyhood to the present. I don't think the author is a fan, as the book is not flattering. He is critical of his music, dismisses songs like "Here, There and Everywhere" as merely being nice, and gives no credit to his bass guitar playing. He is entitled to his opinion, but I don't think his opinion belongs in a biography. He did not interview Paul to get his information, but instead relied on previously published interviews and interviews with dismissed employees, ungrateful relatives and other disgruntled people. With that said, the book does give an intimate look into Paul's life, but I don't think it gives a completely true picture of the man. I did enjoy it though, as it brought back many memories of Beatlemania, great music and happy times. |
| Gail from NJ |
| The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A delightful and fascinating little book about the observations the author made about a snail while she was bed-ridden with an illness. It is a quick read, but I suggest you read it slowly so that you can savor every word. I will never look at a snail the same again. |
| Marsha |
| The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
English history is somewhat confusing for us here in the States; there are so many Henrys, Margarets, Richards and Elizabeths, etc. Fortunately, the author gives us a small diagram of the succesion of a few of the royals. The bottom line is that this book is about how Henry Tudor became King. There's so much intrigue and passion and cold-hearted ambition. As a reader, it will leave you floundering. |
| EC |
| The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is an excellent and intriguing thriller set in Sitka, Alaska. The complex plot and complex characters keep the reader interested. |
| Karen |
| Outside Wonderland by Lorna Jane Cook |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is an ARC that I was fortunate enough to receive (the book releases in March, I think). It has a great story line with believable characters and life situations. I couldn't put it down because I wanted to know how each of the Stenens worked their way through their situation. I did find myself skimming the "Heaven" chapters after the first few. They didn't add much to the book for me. |
| Nanette M. |
| Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the kind of book you can't put down --- I have to find out what happens. It's wonderful! |
| Nikki |
| Room by Emma Donoghue |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An amazing tale of a boy and his mother, who have been trapped in a room together with few outside influences. When they are freed from their prison, the way the boy sees the "outside" world is so sweet and sad at the same time. |
| Patricia |
| A Place of Hiding by Elizabeth George |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was an entertaining read, however I kept thinking that the author needed to get on with it --- there were so many details about the characters, and I kept hoping they would tie into the plot somehow. I think there was way too much going on with way too many characters for the average busy person that likes to read. The story just seemed to go on and on until you're glad that it's over. |
| T. Thomas |
| The Splendor Falls by Rosemary Clement-Moore |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A very good YA novel, with lots of mysterious happenings and romance. |
| Sandy T |
| Band of Sisters: American Women at War in Iraq by Kirsten Holmstedt |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
My daughter is an Army doctor, and she sent me this to read. This has been very interesting and inspiring for me. This tells about the real, nitty-gritty combat action that our women are involved in now: "The women in this book have all done their part to protect the freedoms of all the little girls who want to grow up to be nurses, fire fighters, or yes, even helicopter pilots." --- Major Tammy Duckworth |
| Bonnie |
| The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you're looking for a great yarn, love story, historical fiction, or just a fascinating page-turner, then get this novel. A bookseller at Barnes & Noble recommended it to me, and for that I am very grateful. |
| Tanya |
| The False Friend by Myla Goldberg |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This book is about two girls who are in middle school are the ringleaders of a highly competitive quintet of girls. One girl goes missing while the girls are walking home one day, and she is never found. 20 years later, Celia is still haunted by the events, and she returns home to make sense of her memories. Celia learns a lot about herself after talking to the other girls about the events that led up to the disappearance. |
| Bonnie |
| Night Road by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Occasionally, a book comes along that is a true honor to read, and Kristin Hannah's NIGHT ROAD was just that for me. In the first few chapters, I thought this book might be too young for me, yet there was something in the prologue that kept me turning the pages; in fact, I turned every page in less than 24 hours. The family was developed, and no, they were not perfect and flawless, when you really looked at them from the inside. I immediately related to the mother, Jade. She loved her children "more than air." Jade wanted to protect them from their own mistakes, and oh yes, this was understandable. Dare to pick up this book, and you will know that the bond between twins is ever so real. Also, you will know ahead of time that something is going to happen. That's ok. Feel how Hannah manages to tell this difficult story that can be all too real. This is a story of family, heartache and forgiveness. It's a portrayal of moms. It's this line: "In the sea of grief there were islands of grace, moments in time when one can remember what was left rather than all that had been lost." |
| Tara R. |
| Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was an interesting look inside the lives of women in Chinese culture, and it made for a wonderful discusion book in our club. It provided a insightful look at women's friendships and how we deal with our struggles. I am looking forward to reading some of her other books. |
| Sharon L. |
| The Ghost in Love by Jonathan Carroll |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
One of the strangest but best books I've read. It's about a man, a woman, a ghost and a talking dog. It has really great characters, and it definitely makes you think about your life when you're finished reading it. |
| Maria |
| The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love the combination of Ireland and magic and gothic themes. |
| Katie S. |
| Promise Bridge by Eileen Clymer Schwab |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An awesome book about slavery and the underground railroad. |
| Bonnie |
| Think of a Number by John Verdon |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A suspense that actually hooked me from chapter one and had me trying to figure the mystery out all the way through the book --- which is just what I look for. Retired NY detective, Dave Gurney, had a knack for figuring out serial killers. His retired life has him living out of the city on 10 very secluded acres with his wife. When an old classmate contacts him asking him to help him figure out the strange letters he's started to receive, Gurney's interest is peeked. These letters are odd. They ask the recipient to pick a number and then open another envelope...and it's that number. Who could know anyone that well, and what's the point? The main character is so real. He's dealing with a troubled past that fueled his career for years. He makes mistakes, and he suffers greatly. John Verdon's THINK OF A NUMBER is edgy, modern and quite an exercise of the mind for suspense fans. |
| Carol G |
| Tinkers by Paul Harding |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I found the book to be superb! The writing was exquisite, and the story phenomenal. A dying man goes back through his thoughts to his childhood and reflects on his father and his grandfather. A poetic story. |
| Bonnie |
| My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the first book I've read by this author. I hope Brashares has already started a follow-up to MY NAME IS MEMORY; I would like more, please. I am a fan of time travel, but this is almost better than that. Daniel is able to live many lives, and he seems to think that we all might be able to, but he is able to remember each of his past lives: "I have lived more than a thousand years. I have died countless times." Get hooked on these two sentences, and do not let the first chapter, which is about a high school thing, scare you away; it does not focus here at all. Meet Daniel, and follow him through countless lives and wonderful memories of other places and times. As I was reading this novel, I was truly annoyed whenever anyone interrupted me. |
| Patricia P. |
| Blood Club by Walt Schnabel |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
What a great book!!! It is amazing how far someone would go to save a marriage!! If you enjoyed THE STEPFORD WIVES, you will love this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| Bonnie |
| Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is so much more than a story of circus life. This historical fiction takes place during the 1930s and touches on aging, animals, respect and much more. I read this and also listened to the audio tape, and both are so endearing to the main character, Jacob. He's a gentleman in ways that seems somewhat lost today. **My hat goes off to the two gentleman who were the narrators on the audio tape and to Sara Gruen. I find her story well researched and so beautifully portrayed that I wanted to go get Jacob immediately and bring him into our home. For those that ache when they read about cruelity to animals, do try to stay with the story; I found it to be rewarding in the end. |
| Patricia P. |
| Pretty Little Things by Jilliane Hoffman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a thriller that you will not be able to put down!!!!!!!!! It is so realistic, that you almost think you are reading a true crime book!!!!!!!!!! I loved it!!!!! |
| Gina B. |
| Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved this book. It has a great plot and intriguing characters. I was hooked from the very beginning and was sorry to see it come to an end! |
| julie |
| A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A great page-turner about war and knights in a far away place, where the seasons last for years. And now, winter is coming... |
| Sandy |
| The Confession by John Grisham |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
One of the best books I have read! On several occasions, I was tempted to skip ahead and see what happened next, but am glad I didn't. An innocent man is about to be executed, and only Travis Boyette, the guilty man, can save him. In 1998, in the small east Texas city of Slone, he abducted, raped and strangled a popular high school cheerleader. He buried her body so that it would never be found and watched in amazement as the police and the prosecutors arrested and convicted Donte Drumm, a local football star, and marched him off to death row. |
| Gil |
| The Echo Maker by Richard Powers |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This book had too many characters, and the story kept rambling on. I finished the book because I thought it was going somewhere. I'm disappointed. |
| Jean |
| Everything Nice by Ellen Shanman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I have really enjoyed this novel, which is about a woman who is forced to reinvent herself due to a job loss and a difficult family situation. I want to find other books by this author. |
| Cathy |
| Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a very involved story about two sisters and their mother, who they never connected with until the death of their beloved father. |
| Sally Ann |
| The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
My first thought upon reading this book was that I liked it. The tempo was just right: not to slow, but not too fast. However, I think that what I liked most was the fact that it has a hero. The lead character is a MacGyver. Dr. Ben Payne (who's also a bit whimsical) is smart, good-looking and compassionate, with some impulsiveness thrown in; he's a sports medical doctor. His partner in this adventure is Ashley Knox, an attractive, successful journalist, who's on the way to her wedding rehearsal dinner. As a snowstorm cancels the flights out of Salt Lake City, these two travelers end up chartering a flight to Denver to get them out of the storm's path. Grover, the pilot, and his dog load up to fly the travelers to Denver. Grover has a heart attack, and they crash in the snow-covered mountains. Ben has broken ribs, and Ashley's leg is fractured. Left with the dog, their adventure begins in the below-freezing temperatures, where they are stranded for weeks. Ben leaves a message to his wife every night with a recorder, and we get a sense that something is not right, but we do not know what it is. The ending is a surprise ending, and the reader doesn't even see it coming. |
| dhagan |
| All Clear by Connie Willis, illustrated by J. K. Potter |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is the follow-up to BLACKOUT, so it keeps the interest going. I reread DOOMSDAY BOOK while waiting for ALL CLEAR; it's amazing that the characterization is still so sharp in spite of the fact that there was a 19-year break between the publication of ALL CLEAR and DOOMSDAY BOOK. |
| melydia |
| Death from the Skies! by Philip Plait, PhD |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
You know, considering this is all about the various cataclysmic ways the world can end, I really expected it to be more engrossing. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood or something, but I could never read more than a handful of pages before my mind started wandering or I fell asleep. I suspect this is largely my fault, as Plait is clearly in love with this topic and with astronomy in general. He describes each ghastly scenario with glee, from asteroid collisions to the death of the universe, and demonstrates in no uncertain terms that, should any of these events take place within our lifetime, we are royally screwed. Granted, the odds of us actually witnessing most of the calamities described are infinitesimal, if not actually zero, a point which is also made clear enough to deter any unnecessary fear-mongering. I learned a lot from reading this, and I recommend it to those with an interest in astronomy, or doomsday scenarios, or both. |
| Marsha |
| The Confession by John Grisham |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Few writers can prolong the suspense of legal drama like Grisham. You won't be disappointed in this one, which details the efforts to halt the death sentence of an innocent young black man after the real killer confesses. The question is, "Would we be willing to risk our career to save the wrongfully accused?" |
| Lynn |
| The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Well, maybe this one's worth two and a half stars. I thought this was a predictable "sisterhood" story. The ending was a surprise, though. |
| Judy O. |
| The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
What a fascinating true story! Henrietta Lacks was a poor black woman from Connor, GA. She died in 1951 at age 31 after contracting a virulent form of cervical cancer. A doctor had removed some of the cells from the tumor when it was first biopsied, and he tried to get the cells to grow in a culture medium. The cells took off like wildfire, and before long, there were trillions of them, and they were then sent all over the world for research purposes. Her family back in GA did not know about this. Many years later, her name came out, and her family was devastated by the news. This is their story. At times, this story got pretty technical, but the subject of cell research is a complicated one. I hung in there and enjoyed the book greatly. |
| Lewis |
| Port Mortuary: A Scarpetta Novel by Patricia Cornwell |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
There's not a lot of action in this Scarpetta novel; it's a bit too slow. Not her best, but a fair read for those who like this series. |
| MJB |
| These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the story of a 16-year-old girl, who lives in a small town and made a terrible mistake that gets her sent to prison. After serving five years out of her 10-year sentence, she is released to a halfway house and tries to reconnect with her younger sister. The story is told in four voices: the two sisters, a woman who operates a bookstore in town, and a young woman who's caring for her sick stepfather. Their lives are all interwoven, and secrets are revealed as truths come to the surface. An amazing read that's beautifully written. |
| Joy |
| Captains and Kings by Taylor Caldwell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A good story covering 1800s up until 1912, although I thought it was too long. It covers the growth of American industry and how some individuals were able to take control of the world's economy. |
| Sheltiemama |
| The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C.W. Gortner |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Fantastic historical fiction. |
| Terri |
| The Magicians by Lev Grossman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this; I read reviews that were both positive and negative. It's been compared to Harry Potter, but I don't see it. I am about three-quarters of the way through the book, and I am thoroughly enjoying it. It pulls in a lot of familiar ideas from other fantasy books. |
| Mia J |
| Room by Emma Donoghue |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book was so good. At points, I was actually holding my breath as I read on to see what would happen. I would definitely recommend this book. |
| Jean M |
| The Sentry: A Joe Pike Novel by Robert Crais |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another Joe Pike book for readers to love. Crais continues to deliver what we want. He has given us two heroes to love. |
| Rosemary |
| Finny by Justin Kramon |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
My book group enjoyed this book because it was a coming-of-age story about a teenage girl, and it was a light and easy read. We also invited the author to come to our book group, and he accepted, which added a new dimension to our discussion. What an opportunity to discuss the book with the author! |
| Sharon |
| Mr. Monk is Cleaned Out by Lee Goldberg |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
There's shades of Enron --- and all the other high finance thieves! Monk gets cleaned out, too. It shows that you need more than brains to make it in this world. |
| Sharon |
| This Body of Death: An Inspector Lynley Novel by Elizabeth George |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A long read, but all the red herrings George throws out are fascinating. The juxtaposition of current events with long-passed stories that seem to have no connection to the present kept me guessing all the way! |
| Jayme G. |
| Left Neglected by Lisa Genova |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
In 2010, I read Lisa Genova's novel, STILL ALICE, which was one of my top 12 books of the year. I was anxiously looking forward to this book, hoping it would live up to STILL ALICE, and I was not disappointed. This book captivated me and kept me reading all weekend. Though I wasn't as emotionally tied to Sarah's character as I was to Alice, I kept flipping those pages to find out what would happen to Sarah and her family. What I really enjoy about Genova's books is the medical accuracy. This is a well researched book about traumatic brain injury and left neglect. |
| Pattie B. |
| Mr. Monk on the Road by Lee Goldberg |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Adrian Monk's character is flat and uninteresting. |
| Kferg |
| Woman in Red by Eileen Goudge |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It is easy to get caught up in this story. After nine years in prison for attempted murder, Alice returns to the son that she left behind. But there are a lot of forces working against her, including the man that she hit with her car, who is now a powerful mayor. Along the way, she meets another lost soul, Colin, who is a recovering alcoholic, and together they form a bond. Through the picture tilted "The Woman in Red," they discover a wartime romance between Colin's grandfather and Alice's grandmother. But the BEST part of the book is the last chapter, which I didn't see coming. It actually brought goosebumps to my arms. The perfect ending! |
| Renee L. |
| Tick Tock by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love, love nearly everything James Patterson writes. He seems to get better and better. |
| Allis |
| Falling Home by Karen White |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a great story of love, death, marriage, children and Southern living. |
| heather |
| 97 Orchard by Jane Ziegelman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just started this. It's a book about food, families and New York. |
| Tanya |
| Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This book wasn't as good as I expected. It is about two boys who were friends while they were growing up, but drifted apart and reunited later in life. They discover answers to secrets that were covered up during their youth. |
| Elaine R. |
| Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It's what I call an easy reader, yet the author does cover topics that are in the news. |
| Gail from NJ |
| Minutes to Burn by Gregg Andrew Hurwitz |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The story is not original --- it is Aliens set on an island. There is mention of Sigourney Weaver thought, so maybe the similarity is intentional. It is very gory, as only the strongest and fittest survive. It takes place in the near future, so I would categorize it as science-fiction. |
| Jean M |
| Hell's Corner by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I was very disappointed with this book. I feel that it fails to deliver the quality that we have come to expect from Baldacci. Do you suppose that someone has taken over David's body? |
| Chlte |
| Purple Jesus by Ron Cooper |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An interesting read --- the characters (and, boy, are they characters!) are backwoods folks from the North Charleston, SC area (Monck's Corner). I can't really connect with any of them, but I want to keep following the story to see what happens next. I'm not sure where the story is heading, but we do seem to have a murder --- and possibly some big money to find somewhere. Plus, there's a little odd romance going on --- I think! I'm up for the zaniness and the adventure if nothing else! |
| Annette S. |
| The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Flavia de Luce is the 12-year-old protagonist. She loves chemistry (especially poisons) and is trying to solve the mystery behind the dead body that's found in the garden of their run-down English estate.mIt is set in the 1950s, and you will love her interaction with her older sisters as she tries to clear her father's name. |
| bookczuk |
| Second Thyme Around by Katie Fforde |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This won me over on many levels, but especially with the quote: "The difference between loneliness and solitude is that you choose solitude." |
| Andrew B. |
| Mental by Eddie Sarfaty |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A wry, warm-hearted look at one gay man's family, friends and relationships. He's full of gentle wit and sincere appreciation for the people in his life, yet carefully observant of his experiences. |
| Audrey A. |
| Soulless: An Alexia Tarabotti Novel by Gail Carriger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a paranormal set in the Victorian era, featuring a determined spinster who can negate other paranormals like vampires and werewolves. She is feisty, and the book was fun to read. It is appropriate for high school students, as well as adults. |
| Gail from NJ |
| The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is about an ill woman's observations of a snail's daily life. It is surprisingly fascinating and quite inspirational. It is a small book that can easily be read in one sitting, but I suggest that you read it slowly so that you can savor every word. |
| Bonnie W. |
| The Confession by John Grisham |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It's not moving along as fast as most of his books, but I am enjoying it. |
| Chuck |
| Pagan Babies by Elmore Leonard |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great stuff from a great writer. He's always surprising and entertaining. This book is no exception. |
| Peggy |
| Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Very interesting. An eye-opening look into America's history. I love the characters. |
| Ann |
| The Sinner: A Rizzoli and Isles Novel by Tess Gerritsen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Although this was written in 2003, I am just now reading it. I love Tess Gerritsen; she is one of my favorite authors. The plot keeps your interest, and you don't want to put the book down. A great story, just like all of her other books. |
| Rosemary S. |
| Damage by John Lescroart |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Likeable characters and lots of twists and turns, although I did guess the ending about three-quarters of the way through. |
| Connie |
| The Judas Gate by Jack Higgins |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It's rather short, but he did wind up all the loose ends. I like the character Dillon and always want to see more of him in action. |
| Wendy |
| The Book of Tomorrow by Celia Ahern |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Ahern does a great job of building tension is this mystery/drama set in a small town in Ireland. Tamara must reconcile her past, even as she reads a diary that lets her know the future. |
| Liz |
| The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A classic!!!! |
| Sue from Saratoga |
| Faithful Place by Tana French |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love, love, love this book! I'd read her previous novel, IN THE WOODS, which was just as great. Suspense builds, there are lots of twists and turns, and the characters are so well written. I highly recommend it! |
| David |
| Wild Rose: The True Story of a Civil War Spy by Ann Blackman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A well researched story about Rose O'Neale Greenhow, a Civil War spy for the Confederacy. It's told in narrative form, and it feels much like reading a novel. |
| Kathie C. |
| Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the first time I've read a story that takes place in Ethiopia, and I found it very interesting. I was just taken in by the characters and the quality of the writing. |
| Debbie |
| Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I enjoyed this story set on one of the islands off the coast of Washington. I felt the draw of a community where everybody knows one another. The story revolves around two unmarried brothers, who are rearing their niece. The six-year-old girl, Holly, has not spoken since the death of her mother. But magic enters in the form of Maggie, a young widow who owns a toy shop. Kleypas presents a story full of imagery, with vivid descriptions of the islands and the two brothers. One brother, Sam, owns a vineyard; while the other brother, Mark, owns a coffee-grinding house. The story deals with family, relationships and unconditional love. The story of the bulldog, Renfield, shows that love is blind and that everyone deserves love. This is a compact but emotional Christmas novella. |
| Debbie |
| Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Evanovich has lost her edge when it comes to her ability to tell a funny and entertaining story. In this latest novel, which is set in Salem, Massachusetts, Evanovich presents characters with special powers. Their powers are not amazing, and the action is slow. The story centers on Lizzie and Diesel, who are trying to find a set of charms before Wulf does. Along the way, Lizzie and Diesel obtain a tattered cat and an obscene monkey. Of course, Diesel, like Ranger in the Stephanie Plum series, always drives a black, expensive car that becomes a mess and must be replaced. The book leaves the reader with no impression, other than that the author wasted time on a poorly constructed story. |
| Reva W. |
| Hitched: A Regan Reilly Mystery by Carol Higgins Clark |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a Regan Reilly book. In this one, she's getting married, but first, she has to find the thieves that stold her wedding dress. These books make for nice, light reading. Very entertaining. |
| Jessica M. |
| Three Seconds by Anders Roslund and Börge Hellström |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Wow. What an intense book! THREE SECONDS tells the story of the role of criminal informants in Sweden, and how they infiltrate the criminal underworld. Piet Hoffman is an ex-criminal and an informant for the Swedish police, attempting to help them infiltrate the drug trade of the Polish mafia. We open at the scene of a botched drug buy that results in a murder, which veteran police detective Ewert Grens is assigned to investigate. But because the use of informants is a well-kept secret, Grens finds details that don't quite add up and begins to suspect there may be more than meets the eye...As Grens gets closer to the truth, Piet finds himself in more and more in danger, as he attempts to infiltrate and secure the drug trade in the Swedish prisons. For Piet, success means being able to go back to his family and start a new life with them; failure means certain death. It took me a little while to really get into THREE SECONDS; the book is split into five sections, and the first two went by a little slowly. It took me several days to read the first 200 pages or so, but I ended up reading the last 250 pages in about a day! Once the action picked up in Part Three, there was no way for me to put the book down; it was relentless and so suspenseful that I had trouble setting it down for even a few minutes at a time. The first two parts are heavy on the backstory and character development, but I don't think that it was detrimental in any way (other than making for a slower read at first) because it made the characters more interesting and compelling in the later parts, and it only added to the intensity of the action. By the end, I found myself cheering for Piet and crossing my fingers, hoping that he would make it out alive. One of the things I found especially interesting in THREE SECONDS was the depth of description of both the police and criminal worlds. Roslund was a news reporter who specialized in criminal issues, and Hellström was an ex-criminal, so they know a LOT about the issues they were writing about, and the depth of their knowledge shows. I would recommend THREE SECONDS to fans of Stieg Larsson'sMillennium Trilogy or anyone else who just wants a really good crime novel. I actually found myself enjoying this book even more than Larsson's books. I'm definitely going to seek out the other two of Roslund & Hellström's books that have been translated into English. |
| Linda |
| The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
THE IMPERFECTIONISTS by Tom Rachman is an unusual book about an English-language newspaper in Rome, and the private lives of the reporters and editors. The story in a way that's similar to a book of short stories. However, each short story/chapter flows into the next, until we have a good picture of the life of the newspaper. |
| Linda |
| Echo Burning: A Reacher Novel by Lee Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
ECHO BURNING is a very good mystery featuring Jack Reacher. It takes place in southern Texas in an area that does not get much rain. Reacher is walking along a two-lane highway, when Carmen Greer picks him up and tells him a story. She talks about her home town, her family, her husband and the ranch where they live. There is trouble brewing, and Carmen asks Reacher to help her. He won't do what she asks but agrees to go with her to see what's going on. This visit could cost them their lives. There are twists and turns, acts of violence, and wonderful descriptions of the area. Lovers of good mysteries will love this book. |
| Jeff |
| Mr. Toppit by Charles Elton |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A fantastic novel that explores relationships through the characters' connections to a fictitious author of a set of children's books. |
| Jeff |
| The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise by Julia Stuart |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Riotously funny. |
| Barb in KY |
| The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I'm not finished yet, but I'm really enjoying the way it's written --- there are two story lines, one that takes place in the present day and one that's historical. It's about polygamy in the Church of Latter Day Saints and what it does to people. Very insightful. |
| Dianne |
| Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The very enlightening story of Cleopatra and the Mediterranean world at that time. |
| Kellie |
| Evening Class by Maeve Binchy |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was a very enjoyable read. I loved the format. Binchy devotes a chapter to each of the eight main characters, and they are all affiliated with an Italian class for adults. The characters are young, old, mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers. They all have their own conflict that they are trying to work through. I was very drawn into the story and the characters. Binchy's unique style sets her apart from mainstream writers. I have liked every book I've read by her, and I am looking forward to reading more. I highly recommend this author. |
| Fran |
| The Witch Doctor's Wife by Tamar Myers |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the first novel I've read by Tamar Myers, and I was certainly impressed. Set in the heart of a small village in the African Congo, this novel tells the story of Amanda Brown, a young American Missionary who travels to the Congo to run the Missionary guest house. Amanda becomes involved with the local witch doctor's wife, who is at the heart of the story. The author gives the reader a bird's eye view of this very foreign culture, going right into the lives of the villagers. Amazing characters, an interesting mystery, and cultural and historical information all come together to keep the pages turning and make the reader yearn for more. I will definitely look for other books by this talented author. My favorite aspect of the book was how the author provided little cultural facts and bits of data at the onset of each chapter. It was very interesting. My only criticism is that many characters were introduced into the story, and I wasn't sure that all of them were relevant to the plot. At times, it was a bit confusing, but it did not seem to take away from the story at all. |
| Jenn |
| The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I have a great memory, so rereading books is not something I normally do. This story is so addictive that I just read the entire four-book series again after reading it all last year. Even as a girl in my late 20s, I find so much to identify with. Ms. Meyer has a great gift. |
| Carol S. |
| The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This novel takes place in Venice in 1498, and it provides a very believable description of what life was like there at that time. The main character, Luciano, starts off as a street boy and becomes a cook in the kitchen of the most powerful man in Venice. There's so much intrigue. I could not put this book down --- I literally carried it around with me so that I could read a bit whenever I had the opportunity. I hightly recommend it. |
| pearl |
| A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An emotional and unforgettable novel about the Nazi invasion of Italy. |
| ellie |
| East of the Sun by Julia Gregson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An excellent novel that tugs at the heartstrings. |
| Mary B. |
| The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed this book. It made me want to read all of Sarah's books. There was something different about this book --- it was just magical. I encourage everyone to read it. |
| Phyllis |
| The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball by Risa Green |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
THE SECRET SOCIETY OF THE PINK CRYSTAL BALL is a fun, delightful book. Erin Channing, a 10th grade student, has the highest GPA in her class, thinks inside the box, feels she leads a boring life, and has two best friends, Lindsay and Samantha. When Erin tries to write an essay to win a place to join a school trip to Italy, she despairs of finding a way to liven up her life --- nothing ever happens to her. That is, not until her Aunt Kiki dies and leaves her a pink crystal ball. Not initially understanding the instructions, Erin and her friends find that not all wishes come true in the way you want them to, and they can create strange happenings at school, with bullies and with teen crushes. Rita Green has combined teen angst and magic gone wrong into a very entertaining book for teens and grown-ups who enjoy light, humorous reading. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I received the book from Teenreads.com in a contest. |
| Phyllis |
| The Officer's Girl by Leigh Duncan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you want a nice, romantic book that is a quick read, this one is for you. Stephanie Bryant moves to Cocoa Beach, Florida while it's evacuating for a hurricane. She's rushed off the island against her wishes by Brett, a sexy police officer. This is the beginning of an up-and-down relationship, as they fight their attraction to each other and find out what they really want from life. I received this book to read for the 2011 New England Reader's Choice Bean Pot Award. |
| anne |
| The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A memorable historical novel that is beautifully written. |
| ruth |
| Bill Warrington's Last Chance by James King |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A wonderful, humorous and unique novel that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. |
| Linda J. |
| The Grim Grotto by Lemony Snicket |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Number 11 in the A Series of Unfortunate Events books brings the Baudelaire children into contact with people that will help them, but then their safety is also put in jeopardy. As usual, the children use their strengths to solve a number of problems, which will hopefully get them closer to life without Count Olaf. Two more to go. |
| Reva W. |
| Death in the Devil's Acre by Anne Perry |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is one is part of a series of books about a policeman in Victorian England, who marries a woman that was born into a family of a higher social class. She hears about his cases and decides to help him solve them against his wishes. In this book, there are several murders in Devil's Acre, a part of London that is know for its slums and brothels. I enjoy these books for their portrayal of life at that time. |
| Julie H. |
| On Maggie's Watch by Ann Wertz Garvin |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Maggie's quirks seem to go back to childhood. I was expecting a little more "Desperate Housewives," and instead got a very psychological look into Maggie's fears. |
| Julie H. |
| Buttercream Bump Off: A Cupcake Bakery Mystery by Jenn McKinlay |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The second story in one of the best new cozy series I've picked up lately. The owners of this AZ cupcake bakery are plagued by murder, but they sleuth and bake their way through it. |
| Susan |
| Tough Customer by Sandra Brown |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I liked Dodge Hanley despite his rough exterior --- he seemed like the type of person who's driven by honor. It was an okay love story, but I had the mystery figured out fairly early. |
| Debbie |
| A Lonely Death: An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery by Charles Todd |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Ian Rutledge must go to a Sussex village to investigate several deaths of men who served in WWI. The Todds provide many undercurrents, such as an old case for a retiring chief inspector, Ian's hopes of love and promotion, and childhood pranks. Ex-soldiers are being garroted by a lone killer, and the police cannot find him. When a fellow policeman is almost killed, Ian is arrested and spends time in jail. But Ian's problems are not only the murders; Ian loses two friends: one to suicide and one to an early death. This mother and son team does a superb job with the characters and the setting. |
| Judy O. |
| Money to Burn by James Grippando |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was a very complicated book. To quote the blurb on the front, it "explores a world in which the destruction of financial institutions and the people who run them can occur in a matter of hours --- or minutes". Michael Cantella is a rising big-shot in the financial world, but on one faithful day, he faces ruin. He opens the computer to check on the status of his considerable financial assets and finds a balance of zero. Soon he is running for his life. I learned a lot about the sub-prime mortgage scandal, but I had to think very hard the whole time I was reading because it was pretty technical information. |
| EC |
| Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel by Jeannette Walls |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It does not matter that you, as a reader, do not know of the main character, Lily Casey Smith. This narrative, billed as a "true-life novel," will definitely hold your interest. Reading about the life of this woman from the Southwest is worth your time and effort. |
| ReadingJill |
| Testimony by Anita Shreve |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I liked this story of teenage drinking and sex gone wrong, which is told from different viewpoints. The issue is not so much about "whodunit," but about why these events happened. The author explores the ripple effects of people's actions on the lives of others in depth. The story reminds us that things are not black-and-white, and that one never fully knows all of the consequences of one's actions. |
| Alicia |
| Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, illustrated by Brandon Dorman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Fablehaven is a series that grips you from the start. For those of you who love fantasy books full of magic and adventure, the whole family --- from mom to kids --- will love it. Once I read the first book, I ran out and bought all the rest. I can't wait to share these books with my girls when they are a little bigger! A must-read. |
| Gail P. |
| The Tower by Gregg Andrew Hurwitz |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
This is one of the author's first novels, and he definitely got better in his later books. This book was violent and gory --- not my cup of tea. |
| Dorothy |
| I Still Dream About You by Fannie Flagg |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was a light, enjoyable read. I found it funny and recommend it. |
| Marjorie C. |
| Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A fresh plot and good characters. |
| Bonnie |
| U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
It is what it is: A generic mystery that entertains quite well and keeps you reading. But in two weeks time, I won't be able to tell you what it was about. |
| Sharon |
| The Sticklepath Strangler by Michael Jecks |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This story was filled with gore and grime. It certainly made me glad that I did not live in the 1300s. Sir Baldwin Furnshill and Simon Puttock are their usual observant selves, having to rely only on observation and questioning to detect the perpetrators of crimes. This one dealt with the deaths of children, making it emotionally difficult. |
| Debbie L. |
| Jesus: A Novel by Walter Wangerin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If it's well researched, I love historical fiction because it brings the characters to life through more than just a listing of facts; it puts personalities around historical facts and situations. Walter Wangerin is one of the best at this, particularly with his historical fiction set in Biblical times. So far, I can't book this book down. Everything I've read by this author so far has been incredible!!!! |
| Sharon |
| Mr. Monk Is Cleaned Out by Lee Goldberg |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Goldberg makes Monk less believable in the books than he is in the TV series with his over-the-top behavior. However, this is an interesting take on a fairly current situation and the financial problems this country is experiencing. |
| Sharon |
| The Devil Amongst the Lawyers: A Ballad Novel by Sharyn McCrumb |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The main characters in the novel are reporters, not lawyers. A good read, but not anything great. |
| Karel |
| Dead Heat by Dick Francis and Felix Francis |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The story grabbed me from the word "go," and I couldn't lay the book down. |
| Marsha |
| Fall of Giants: Book One of the Century Trilogy by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A bit of a disappointment after his wonderful PILLARS OF THE EARTH and WORLD WITHOUT END. This is chocked full of history and told by several different people, who hold the thread of the novel together. If WWI history and politics are one of your interests, then this book is for you --- all 985 pages of it, and it's the first of a trilogy. WWII awaits us, as Hitler gains from power in postwar Germany. Stay tuned. |
| Celeste |
| First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Charley Davidson is a part-time private investigator and a full-time grim reaper. Her love interest, Reyes, is, believe it or not, a...well, you'll just have to read the book to find out what he is!! This is a debut novel, and I really enjoyed it. It has a great story line and very interesting characters. I really hope this book is the first in a series because I would love to see how the relationship between Charley and Reyes evolves --- and what other predicaments Charley will get herself into. |
| Emily |
| Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
In the English village of Edgecombe St. Mary, Major Pettigrew and Mrs. Ali, who have both lost their respective spouses, had assumed that they were done with love. The righteous villagers, Pettigrew's son and Mrs. Ali's conservative in-laws all disapprove of their blossoming romance. This is a charming, well written novel that deals with the emptiness of modern values and the hurdles of convention. |
| Melissa |
| Under the Dome by Stephen King |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
It's really hard for me to continue reading this book; I am completely lost. There are so many characters, and nothing really sets them apart from each other. The story isn't really going anywhere yet, and I am already at about page 250. I understand the book is about 800 pages, but to me, it just isn't worth my time anymore. Which is sad, because I love Stephen King, and I read really good reviews of this book. :( |
| Chris |
| All Over but the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A very interesting and enlightening book. |
| Maria M. |
| Unbearable Lightness by Portia de Rossi |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A very interesting glimpse into the mind of someone with an eating disorder and the chaotic, maniacal thinking and rituals that they perform because of it. |
| Shyeyes |
| Whiplash: An FBI Thriller by Catherine Coulter |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Savich and Sherlock are back in another thriller, this time set in Connecticut. A pharmaceutical company based in Germany has a monopoly on a cancer treatment drug and may be working the market. A mystery, intrigue, murder and a ghost all add up to a page-turner. |
| Tanya |
| A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Vintage is the new "new" in this book. It has friendship, romance and forgiveness. The characters are excellent, and the vintage feel ads to the story line. |
| jessica |
| What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures by Malcolm Gladwell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love his insights into unusual things. I also read THE TIPPING POINT: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, which is also by him. |
| Carol G. |
| Tinkers by Paul Harding |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A beautiful, poetic story that's recalled in a dying man's moments of hallucination. The story begins with George dying in the living room, with only eight days of life remaining. His journey takes him back to his father's story, then his father's father's story. |
| Bonnie C. |
| The Sentry: A Joe Pike Novel by Robert Crais |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
As alway, Mr. Crais develops interesting characters, is attentive to detail, and writes a fantastic book! Joe Pike and Elvis Cole are wonderful, and I can't wait for the next one! |
| Barbara D. |
| Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff by Christopher Moore |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A great read! |
| Lindacbugg |
| Blind Your Ponies by Stanley Gordon West |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book grabbed my heart right from the start, and it has not let go!! This story of Willow Creek and its losing basketball team (which has zero wins and 93 losses) will move you. The sorrow and passion they experience will have you stopping and catching your breathe before you can even move on to the next chapter. A lovely, lovely book!! |
| Debbie W. |
| The Keeper's Son by Homer Hickam |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Set during WWII off the coast of the NC barrier islands, Josh Thurlow commands a small Coast Guard patrol boat. He and his band of eccentric mates watch for German U-boats and try to save the lives of the sailors on those boats. Of course, there is a love interest and a family secret! |
| Sandy |
| Kill for Me by Karen Rose |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Six teenage girls have been viciously attacked, and one survives. Only she can reveal the secrets of a disturbing ring of people who kidnap and sell teenage girls on the black market. Loved it!!! |
| Judy Q. |
| Dream House by Valerie Laken |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book had me from the very first page, and I was hooked until the last. I especially enjoyed it because it took place in Michigan. |
| T. Thomas |
| Secrets to the Grave by Tami Hoag |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A follow-up to DEEPER THAN THE DEAD. A fast read. |
| Julie S. |
| Strangers at the Feast by Jennifer Vanderbes |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A book about families and tragedy...very good. |
| Reva W. |
| Lethal Justice; Sweet Revenge by Fern Michaels |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Two more books in the Sisterhood series. In SWEET REVENGE, Isabelle gets her revenge on her former colleague for framing her in a drunk driving accident and causing her to lose her business. In LETHAL JUSTICE, Alexis gets even with the people who framed her and got her sent to prison. |
| Asha |
| Plantation: A Lowcountry Tale by Dorothea Benton Frank |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a hilarious tale of the Deep South that will leave you wanting more. |
| Susan J. |
| The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved this book --- it was a poignant, funny and heartwarming story, told from a dog's point of view. I was hesitant to read it, as I am not really a dog-lover. But I was hooked from the start --- I couldn't put it down. Try it --- you'll like it! |
| Brady |
| The Invisible Wall by Harry Bernstein |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The author wrote this at age 93, and it is a winner. A true story of his life that, in his youth, mainly consisted of his side of the street (the Jews) and the other side (the Christians). Their prejudices and poverty and his unbelievable father make for an incredible tale. I heard this on audio disks and the reader, John Lee, made it come to life! |
| Brady |
| Man Is Wolf to Man: Surviving the Gulag by Janusz Bardach and Kathleen Gleeson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This non-fiction book is the story of the author's experiences in Russian prison camps in Siberia. This is a mouth-dropping reading experience that makes you wonder how a population lets their leaders literally get away with murder. Oh yes, there are many of that type in the world, yet it makes you wonder about the bad people and how it is that there are so many of them. |
| Helen W. |
| A Lonely Death: An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery by Charles Todd |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
As usual, Charles Todd has written a great detective story. For those who like English mysteries set in the 1920s, this is a winner. It's part of a continuing series featuring Inspector Ian Rutledge, and each book contains a wonderful mystery and very deep psychological suspense. There are really two mysteries intertwined in this book, which dovetail only at the end. Excellent as usual. |
| Barbara |
| The Dead Don't Dance by Charles Martin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The second book of his that I have read --- both are about a husband's devotion to a dying or gravely injured wife. I enjoyed them both. |
| jjnydegger |
| The Memory Palace by Mira Bartok |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The author's story of how she dealt with a schizophrenic mother and the effect it had on her life. |
| Kay |
| The Inner Circle by Brad Meltzer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is Brad Meltzer's best novel ever!! I'd love to read more novels with the characters of Beecher and Tot in them --- and definitely more Culper Ring stories!! I could NOT put down this book!! |
| Colleen |
| The Dream Seeker by Matthew S. Field |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A unique story about how people with a terminal illness would spend their last days if all of their dreams could come true. What would we do if we could give someone we loved everything that would make them happy? |
| F. Tessa B. |
| Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
What a wonderful story! A strong female lead who bows to the times and her family's culture without regret. An accountable and integral heroine. I love Lucia! |
| Karen S. |
| Three Seconds by Anders Roslund and Borge Hellstrom |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An excellent suspense novel. I picked this up because I'm going through Stieg Larsson withdrawal, and I haven't been disappointed. Extremely well written! |
| PennC |
| The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
True literature, at it's best...Fitzgerald was a master. It has been fun including some old classics with contemporary fiction. |
| barbara s. |
| Kismet by Monica Burns |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An erotic tale of a courtesan who is extremely selective regarding her clients. She travels to Morocco to attend the wedding of a friend and catches the attention of a sheikh, who tries to seduce her. She is kidnapped by a rival and rescued by the sheikh. Both the sheikh and the courtesan can't believe they are falling in love. |
| Allie |
| Bride Island by Alexandra Enders |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
And excellent story about family dynamics. |
| Barbara |
| A Peculiar Grace by Jeffrey Lent |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A story of family secrets, long lost love and, finally, one man's ability to let it go and get on with his life. |
| Rachel C. |
| Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Both touching and funny at the same time. The adventures of the main character, 12-year-old CeeCee, are laugh-out-loud funny. It's a tale of the young meeting the old and how the two meet in the middle. The book will make you laugh and cry all in the same chapter. |
| Liz |
| Left Neglected by Lisa Genova |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This author knows about brain injuries and diseases --- she so aptly conveys how it feels to live with a brain injury in her new book. It made me feel like I was Sarah, and I was struggling to recuperate after a traffic accident brought on Left Neglect, a brain injury. This book is a page-turner just like her first book, STILL ALICE. |
| Pat |
| The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America by Bill Bryson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Comments on his travels through the USA. He has his definite opinions, but he throws in so many funny thoughts that you forget you're actually reading about places you've been to or wanted to visit. |
| Suzanne F. |
| An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I read AN IRISH COUNTRY CHRISTMAS at Christmastime and enjoyed it so much that I had to get Book 1 and read the whole series! Very picturesque! I feel like I am away in Ireland whenever I pick up the book. |
| Julie |
| A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is my first George R.R. Martin book, and it won't be my last. I can't put this book down. |
| Rosealee |
| How to Bake a Perfect Life by Barbara O'Neal |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The author uses the vehicle of Ramona (the main character) dealing with two high-stress situations at once --- the possible loss of her small business, and having to emotionally support her grown daughter as her son-in-law lies near death --- to explore how we deal with our families and our pasts. It's about old family wounds and fallings-out, and past poor choices and joys. And learning to take risks, despite scars from past risk-taking. I felt that the book was well written, and I particularly enjoyed a female main character who has lived enough life for me to relate to. |
| Gail S. |
| The Bucolic Plague by Josh Kilmer-Purcell |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
A funny story about two city boys who buy a goat farm in upstate New York and the twists and turns their lives take. |
| JudithW |
| Scarlet Nights: An Edilean Novel by Jude Deveraux |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A nice mix of romance and mystery. |
| Becky |
| What Is the What? by Dave Eggers |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a book relating the story of one of the "Lost Boys" of Southern Sudan, Valentino Achak Deng. Having been repatriated in his adulthood to the United States in Atlanta, GA, Valentino's tale is related through his eyes as he tells of his difficulties in both Africa and this country --- both the unexpected kindnesses and brutality of strangers, beginning with the disappointment of a home invasion. He mentally relates the story of his childhood and carries it into the present to individuals he encounters throughout the book. The timing of this story is so appropriate, as the vote-counting will be revealed in early February, when the Southern part of Sudan becomes independent from the North. |
| Rosalie S. |
| The Seamstress by Sara Tuvel Bernstein and Others |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a fantastic book. I do not want to do anything except read it. It is the story of WW II in Romania. This Jewish family is being relocated by the Hungarian, German and Romanian armies. It is just unbelievable to me how people can treat other people so cruelly. |
| Sally B., San Antonio, TX |
| A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A great book told from the perspective of a dog. He has four lives --- first, as a newborn, homeless mutt who is taken in and cared for by a "hoarder;" second, as a golden retriever puppy that grows up with a young boy; third, as a German shepherd puppy that does search and rescue; and finally, as purebred, black lab that is neglected but finds his way "home." His names were Toby, Bailey, Ellie and Bear (then Buddy). |
| Norene W. |
| Spoken from the Heart by Laura Bush |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It gave me a new appreciation of history, as it's told from the personal view of someone who witnessed decisions as they were being made. |
| Marigt W. |
| The Go-To Girl by Louise Bagshawe |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A fun and light read that has some pretty funny moments in it. |
| Margit W. |
| Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book was very good and held my interest. The book tells the story of two families: one that adopts a baby girl from India and the other that gives the baby up for adoption. |
| Eileen K., Ph.D. |
| Skippy Dies by Paul Murray |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It is January and a good time to read a tome that is humorous and, at times, hilarious! The pain, joy and beauty of adolescence is celebrated in this book! |
| Laurie C. |
| Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This book was an ARC that was given to me by Zondervan in exchange for writing a review about the author's newest 'life-changing fiction' book. This book is a touching story about a young boy who was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a form of Autism, at the young age of three. As a teenager attending regular high school, (he is high-functioning and able to attend high school, but in reality, not all Asperger's patients are able to do this), he begins to get drawn out of his 'locked' shell by a long-lost young playmate, whom he used to play with as a young boy. Unknowingly, they meet back up together in High School through music. She was touched with the magic of blessings to draw out this young man afflicted with Aspbergers... To miss this book is to miss the magic our Higher Power has working in us in ways we never know about until they happen. This book is called "Life Changing Fiction" from the publisher. My only concern about this book is the possibility of people who do have children with Asperbergers Syndrome may think they will get the hope/opportunity that their son or daughter can be drawn out of themselves by another person. This is NOT always the case. This affliction can lead to a high functioning person, however, that is NOT always the case. I am basing this on friends of mine. I don't want to see people get their hopes up and go looking for this same type of thing to happen to their child. Yes, it 'can' be life-changing fiction, but remember: the book IS a work of FICTION. It won't necessarily happen to ALL Aspberger's patients. |
| Laurie C. |
| I Am Not A Serial Killer by Dan Wells |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the first paranormal mystery/thriller book I have read. This switch to the paranormal was a complete surprise for me. This book was EXCELLENT! This book is about a teenager who realizes he has the potential to kill --- to become a serial killer, as does his therapist. He fights this with the rules he makes up to live by so he doesn't become one. The author wrote this expertly, in my opinion. I was always on the edge of my seat worried, waiting and wondering if one of the characters would.I can't ruin it for you! This book is first in what will be a trilogy. The author's second book is MR. MONSTER, and it's already out. I will be reading it next! It was listed on the New York Times bestseller list. I cannot WAIT till Book 3 comes out! It is called I DON'T WANT TO KILL YOU. It will be out this spring, from what I have read. ENJOY!!! |
| Becky |
| Finny by Justin Kramon |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
FINNY is the tale of an adolescent girl, and the acquaintances she makes and stays in contact with into her adulthood. These quirky characters keep us amused as they present themselves in a variety of circumstances. |
| Joyce G. |
| Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Very Good. Every time I think I have the ending figured out, a new character enters the picture, and I realize I really don't know how this is going to end. The book is hard to put down --- a real page-turner. |
| Sally G. |
| Worth Dying For: A Reacher Novel by Lee Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
John Reacher is one man I am pleased to follow. |
| Annette |
| Little Bee by Chris Cleave |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Horrific in parts, but I had to read it to see how it was all resolved. |
| Kelly S. |
| Still Alice by Lisa Genova |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was written with truth, and it's about what Alzheimer's does to people. I had no idea it happened to younger people so often. I felt like I lived through this with her. She was so brave. Very touching. |
| Carolyn M. |
| Two O'Clock, Eastern Wartime by John Dunning |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An engaging mystery set in WW 1 along the New Jersey coast, when spy-watching and patriotic attitudes would bind even strangers together for a common cause. If you like old-time radio, this is a must. |
| K. Peters |
| Freedom by Jonathan Franzen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is my favorite of Franzen's books. I find I'm thinking about it even when I'm not reading it, wondering what will happen next. |
| Pattie B. |
| Pray for Silence by Linda Castillo |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An Amish family is murdered. |
| Jane S. |
| Donovan's Child by Christine Rimmer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A book you want to keep reading from page one. I highly recommend you read all of the Bravo series, as it helps you visualize all the characters listed in previous books. I loved how Abilene brought Donovan out of his shell when he shut himself away after experiencing a tragedy. A good woman can reach beneath the surface and reach a man like no one else can. Men tend to shut their feelings in and not talk about them, as women do. When Abilene thinks Donovan loves her, he starts to draw away from her. I experienced this with my husband, too. So your heart breaks, and you spend days wondering why you let yourself fall in love. But that separation time is a good time, in a way. Donovan had everything a person could want, but getting past his tragedies caused him to shut himself away from everyone. |
| Sally G. |
| To Have and To Kill: A Wedding Cake Mystery by Mary Jane Clark |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
IT LACKS HER OLD STYLE AND MYSTERY, AND IT DID NOT HAVE THAT ABILITY TO KEEP ME READING, EVEN IF THE CEILING FELL. |
| Diane B. |
| Finny by Justin Kramon |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A very witty, funny and thought-provoking tale about growing up in society as a misfit. |
| Sally G. |
| The Garden of Betrayal by Lee Vance |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I can't wait for the next book in this trilogy that this author has started. |
| CherylS22 |
| The Host by Stephenie Meyer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a wonderful book by the author of the Twilight series. It's a rather long book, but it really holds your interest, and it's difficult to put down. It's a complicated story about human hosts and the alien souls that inhabit them. A great story! |
| Sally G. |
| Await Your Reply by Dan Chaon |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I found this author very hard to follow --- everything from the connections between the characters, to the descriptions, to the events. It was not a smooth read. |
| Betty Jo |
| Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
An inspirational book about writing. I hope it works. |
| Cyndi (michgirl56@gmail.com) |
| Genome: Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters by Mike Ridley |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Not a book to skim, but a wonderful and thought-provoking journey through the human genome (and others). It's about how genes work and why they aren't there to cause diseases --- really fascinating reading. |
| Robin C. |
| The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
At first, I did not want to read this series of books, but I continued to hear adults rave about it. I just finished it this morning, and it's very well written --- I just fell in love with the main characters. There are many sad spots in this book, but you know that going into it. I will be starting Book 2 today! |
| Ivy P. |
| The Confession by John Grisham |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
After taking a break from Grisham's novels, I decided to read THE CONFESSION. What a painful and moving thriller about the justice system! A man is wrongfully accused of murder, and the real murderer comes forth. The time-ticking legal suspense had me up all night reading this one! |
| Rosalie S. |
| From a Name to a Number by Alter Wiener |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Although this is a Holocaust survivor's autobiography, I was slightly disappointed with the book. He does somewhat describe his time in captivity, but most of the book takes place after his relocation in Palestine and describes the questions that were asked to him by students attending his lectures. |
| Sheltiemama |
| It's All Too Much by Peter Walsh |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A great book on organizing. It's motivating me, but I've chosen to ignore his advice to only keep the books that fit in your bookcase. |
| Rosemary S. |
| Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Engrossing, but it's too long and there's too much sex. |
| Diane |
| Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A fascinating book about the evolution of the Mormon religion and a crime that was committed by two Mormon men, who believed that they were ordered to kill by God. |
| Elizabeth http://silversolara.blogspot.com/ |
| You Know When the Men Are Gone by Siobhan Fallon |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A glimpse of military life inside Fort Hood. It's dedicated to the women who are waiting patiently and fearfully for their men to return, and to the men and women who are wondering what it will be like when they do. Will things be the way they were before, or will it take a while for the men to get back into the routine they had before their separation? Or will what they had be completely gone? Unless you have been there, you never know what others endure and what feelings grow or get lost when a love one is absent for an extended period of time. As the book's individual stories unfold, you can sympathize with the appealing characters and the difficult but real situations. The reader will undeniably appreciate what military men and women have to endure while they're away from home, and what their loved ones deal with as they wait. Siobhan Fallon is an exceptionally talented storyteller. I am confident this will be a very popular book once it is published because of the subject matter and the focus of each section. The interest-rich stories keep you absorbed, but I prefer a connected story with similar characters throughout; therefore, I am going to rate the book four out of five simply because of my personal preference for a book with a connected plot and constant characters. |
| Rebekah |
| Delirium by Lauren Oliver |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is amazing. Don't be turned off by its YA designation or its dystopian classification. There are so many rich themes and fabulous characters, and the writing is pure poetry. This should be on everyone's list this year. |
| Joy Q. |
| Eating Well for Optimum Health by Andrew Weil |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A great book for every day living, with many healthy recipes. One of his best books by far. |
| Joy Q. |
| The Wake of Forgiveness by Bruce Machard |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I heard this reviewed on NPR and had to read it. A wonder Texas tale --- what I would describe as historical fiction. I got very involved from the very first page. I was pleased to see that Barnes & Noble has this as one of the top books of 2010. |
| Joy Q. |
| The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I thought the first was awesome, but this is even better. I can hardly wait to finish it and get on with the third. |
| KG |
| Family Ties by Danielle Steel |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The story of a young woman who loses her sister and brother-in-law, and is left to raise their three young children. |
| Kristen O. |
| Falling Home by Karen White |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love this book! It is about two sisters, who are being reunited due to their father's death. The sisters had a falling out 20 years ago, and they have a lot to overcome so that they can make up for the past 20 years. They also find out a secret about their father! |
| Elizabeth http://silversolara.blogspot.com/ |
| To Have and To Kill: A Wedding Cake Mystery by Mary Jane Clark |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
"It could have just as easily have been your precious Glenna as Travis York last night." Page 102 Travis York, a soap opera star, is murdered at a charity auction. This causes a lot of alarm --- and definitely publicity. Who could have done this? Was the poisoned drink really for him, or was it for someone else? What about the letter Glenna received before the auction? These questions --- and a lot more --- are left unanswered, but one thing is sure: Someone had been plotting this crime, whether they killed the correct person or not. The crew of the soap opera, as well as hundreds of other mourners, attends the funeral at St. Patrick's Cathedral. As Peggy, the costume girl, sits at the service, she remembers the person she saw handling the poisoned water. She decides to confront that person and tell them what she has seen. Being the nice person she is, Peggy doesn't want to go to the police if she really isn't sure that that person is the murderer --- she wants to give him/her the chance to turn himself/herself in. She would feel awful if she was wrong and accidentally ruined someone's life. But is confronting the person going to be a mistake? The book keeps you guessing until the end --- you think you have it figured out, but then another clue pops up. I enjoyed the book. It was a fast-paced read, with characters that have interesting, soap opera-esque lives, which was a great parallel on the author's part. The mystery wasn't nail-biting, but it was enticing enough to make you curious about the outcome. My rating is a four out of five. |
| Stacey K. |
| Charlotte and Emily: A Novel of the Brontes by Jude Morgan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The Bronte family's story is one of the saddest in all of literature. This book brings to life their family in a way that most of us do not know. It is just amazing to see the imaginiative genius of Charlotte, Emily and Anne! Loved this book! |
| Nancy |
| Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
After reading THE HUNGER GAMES, I was really looking forward to CATCHING FIRE. I was disappointed because the story was so similar to THE HUNGER GAMES. It was an enjoyable read, though. |
| Sharon |
| The Grilling Season by Diane Mott Davidson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
There were interesting twists to the plot, and it was a good description of the abuse some women endure from over-controlling, abusive men, as well as a lovely depiction of a caring, non-abusive man. There's also mouth-watering descriptions of meals, along with some recipes to try --- a good menu for an evening's read. |
| Jan |
| A Thousand Cuts by Simon Lelic |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A police inspector investigates a shooting at a school, and the shooter is a teacher. As she investigates, the inspector realizes there is much more here than meets the eye. This book is written in an interesting way --- a lot of it is made up by the dialog of those that are interviewed by the inspector. It's a great story, with lots of issues, and it's extremely well written. |
| Peggy K. |
| The Assassin by Andrew Britton |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I admit it took me quite a bit of time to read Mr. Britton's first book, but once I did, I couldn't wait to pick up the rest. So far, I've gotten to only this one. I like Ryan Kealey a lot, and I enjoy the plot. Tensions are kept high, and I like the research that Mr. Britton obviously does for each book; it makes them even more interesting and enjoyable to read. |
| Peggy K. |
| Ghost Country by Patrick Lee |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Mr. Lee is a relatively new author. His previous book, THE BREACH, was great, and this one is the follow-up. It's a great story, and I like the idea behind these books. They are action thrillers, make no mistake about that, but it is the things that come out of the Breach that make these books different and, for me, fascinating. There are strong characters and a great plot --- enough to scare you silly in this one. It's just a great read, and it will leave you waiting for the next one to come out. |
| CAROL |
| The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you have sisters, you'll see traces of yourselves in this book; if you don't, you'll wish you did! |
| KG |
| Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
| The story of a woman who is a victim of domestic abuse. The story is told through her eyes and through those of her abusive husband. Even though she leaves her husband, there are several unexpected twists and turns in this story --- especially the ending! |
