This contest period's winners were Barbara M., Marilyn M. and Sharon C., who each received a copy of JUDGMENT by Joseph Finder and OUT OF THE DARK: An Orphan X Novel by Gregg Hurwitz.
Thomas
Darkest Fear by Harlan Coben
Excellent book. Really good.
Sue Em
Paragon Hotel by Lindsay Faye
Rich in period details from the mafia entrenchment in Prohibition era Harlem, alternating with the murky racist history of Oregon and the Paragon Hotel. While the historical underpinnings are serious, the book is a delight, especially the protagonist, Alice "Nobody" James.
Carolann
Past Tense by Lee Child
This is back to Reacher traveling. I didn’t enjoy the last two Jack Reacher books. But this one is excellent. He is traveling in New England and realizes he is close to where his Dad grew up and decides to stop.
Kristin
The Key of F by Jennifer Haskin
It's a journey with magic and sword fights, and a secret battle between wizards and mages. The girl (Fale) is a warrior in training, but she starts having these visions. So she changes one to save the life of this biomechanical guy who totally shot her down years ago, but then they have to go on the run because they're being chased by these nasty guys who are trying to kill them. She has a key that her dad gave her when he was dying, and it's their only clue. Then Fale starts getting these other powers and they have to find a machine to set a bunch of people free because the wizard is keeping them as slaves. I liked the romance that grows between Fale and Keron, and I liked the fighting. She's got skills, but she loses sometimes. Good read!
Mary
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
The concept of this book was interesting - a murder mystery within a murder mystery. But the book fell flat during the second half of the story. The author could have wrapped it up a little quicker. Also, some of the dialogue at the end of the book seemed a little far-reaching, particularly when the book editor confronts the publisher about the murder.
Donna
My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
Absolutely loved this historical fiction about Eliza Hamilton, wife of Alexander Hamilton. The book reads like a novel but is so well researched and beautifully written. I didn't want it to end.
Susan
Somebody I Used to Know by Wendy Mitchell
This is a memoir about the author's early diagnosis of a cognitive disorder. Mitchell does an excellent job of helping you understand what she is going through - the fog she feels on her bad days. She also talks about her positive days - the panels she sits on, the lectures she gives and her blog. It is an excellent book and I highly recommend it.
Betty
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield
Beginning in an inn noted for its storyteller patrons, this is a story within a story. The plot line is like the river that flows nearby. Sometimes swirling and swift and then calm and placid. Interesting characters whose stories intertwine and twist in surprising ways. In the end, all is revealed and loose ends are tidied up.
Laurie
The Gown by Jennifer Robson
Beautiful fictional history/multigenerational family saga with an art theme. Brava! Very informational and an enjoyable read. Loved it and can highly recommend!
Marsha
The Postmistress by Sarah Blake
WWII story of those in the midst of the London bombing and those back in the U.S. unaware of how their lives will change. American radio broadcaster Frankie Bard travels London and Europe bringing people's stories to life. I learned much about WWII before American joined the fight. Americans, Iris, the postmistress, and Emma, the doctor's wife, living their ordinary days until Frankie's broadcasts brings them all together in a bittersweet tale.
Francisca
The Chilbury Ladies' Choir by Jennifer Ryan
Among the many novels about World War II, this one stands out for its focus on the women left behind. Set in an English village, where most of the men are off to the fight, and the women have stepped up to the task of keeping things going. The novel is told by a series of diary entries and letters. I was engaged and interested from beginning to end, and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with these ladies!
Gerry
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
4-1/2 stars. I loved this novel of a young black slave boy in Barbados in the early 19th century, and his coming of age in the sad recognition of his aloneness, and that of everyone around him. "What is the truth of any life, Titch?" he asks. "I doubt even the man who lives it can say. You cannot know the true nature of another's suffering."
Gerry
Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Penny
Once again, Louise Penny takes us to the beautiful village of Three Pines, where a mystery awaits. Armand Gamache and Myrna have both been named as executors (litigators in Canadian parlance) of a will for a woman whose name neither of them recognizes, a will that contains unbelievable bequests including millions of dollars and a Baronial title. At the same time, the official investigation into Gamache's decision (in a previous novel) regarding a dangerous drug entering the street markets continues, and Jean-Guy is pressured to turn against his father-in-law and superior. The novel's plot is complex and engaging, and as always, the characters and setting are delightful.
Gerry
A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline
4-1/2 stars. A gentle, slow-moving novel that imagines the life of Christina Olson, the woman portrayed in Andrew Wyeth's iconic painting, "Christina's World". In this novel, that "world" is shown to be severely constrained by hardship, increasing disability, loneliness, and bitterness. While I can't say I liked the main character, I do think the author provided a beautifully rendered portrait that allowed the reader to understand and empathize with her.
Gerry
The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware
My first book of the new year was good, but not great. A young woman, struggling financially since the death of her mother a few years earlier, receives a letter informing her of a bequest from a grandmother she never knew. Seeking to claim her inheritance, Hal discovers a family she’d never known and a mysterious homestead full of secrets, lies, and danger. Disappointingly predictable.
Gerry
Bird Box by Josh Malerman
1st reading: 9/27/18. 3-1/2 stars. Hard to describe this one, since the source of the madness remains vague. It's something people see that makes them mad and often leads to murder and suicide. The story alternates chapter by chapter from Marjorie's initial discovery of the "thing" and her efforts some years later to escape to some semblance of a safe and normal life. 2nd reading: 1/6/19. After watching "Bird Box" on Netflix, I re-read it to compare some of the details. I found it even better the second time because the movie had helped me visualize the scenes so much more clearly. The movie showed Malorie as a more reluctant mother and portrayed the deaths of some other characters differently, but both were very well done.
Gerry
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
Baldwin's powerful essay was written in 1963, and sadly, the same issues he addressed then are still very much with us today.
Gerry
Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue
3-1/2 stars for a well-told story of an immigrant family from Cameroon trying to establish legal residency in the U.S. and to support themselves in the tough job market after the 2008 crash. Their lives are contrasted with those of Jende's wealthy employer, Clark Edwards, a broker for Lehman Brothers, and his wife and sons.
Gerry
The Impeachment of Abraham Lincoln by Stephen L. Carter
Carter is both a law professor at Yale and a novelist; in addition he has a strong interest in history and politics. His latest novel is a counterfactual history of Abraham Lincoln, in which Lincoln survives the assassination attempt (and Andrew Johnson is actually murdered as planned) only to face a battle for his presidency and his reputation when he is impeached by the House of Representatives and tried in the Senate. Carter packs a great deal of historical detail and a true-to-life perspective on the wheelings and dealings of Washington insiders into this fascinating tale of espionage and political intrigue.
Judy
The Reckoning by John Grisham
This book is quite different from the classic Grisham books; however, it is very good. A long book, but I was especially touched by the memories of WWII experiences. Reminded me of how very much we owe the U.S. military, but also made me realize we (as a country) don't know what our troops dealt with and suffered through. While I do think some portions of the book could have been cut, I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
Dana
The Temp by Michelle Frances
I read an early readers edition of this book. It comes out on Jan. 29th. If you love a good twisty thriller, you will love this. Don’t be fooled by the name and cover notes; it’s much different than you would expect. The characters are very well defined, so you really get involved with them. I don’t want to give anything away, but I could not put this book down.
Dana
The Forbidden Door: A Jane Hawk Novel by Dean Koontz
This is the fourth book in the Jane Hawk series. I hadn’t read the first three, but learned enough in this one to know a little of what came before. Jane is a special agent who has been framed and is on the run from the Techno Arcadians, who are using mind-con technology to take over the government and ordinary citizens. They have targeted Jane and her family and she must save them. This was a good action thriller, but it does leave you hanging until the next book comes out.
Charlene
An Assassin's Guide to Love and Treason by Virginia Boecker
Going into this book, I wasn't sure I would like it. I have notions about characters that base their beliefs all in their religion from the get-go, so I disliked some of the novel's premise. However, right off the bat I enjoyed the mix-up of events, POV's, the contrast between Kit's character and Toby's character, and how detailed Boecker was in her descriptions. Really feels like you are right next to the character in the book sometimes. It wasn't easy for me to predict what was to come as I flew through the pages and often I felt off guard by their reactions. Toby and Kit, especially as I read their thoughts back to back with each other, were fun to watch as they fell in love.
Gil
Ordeal by Innocence by Agatha Christie
Jack Argyle died in prison after serving six months for killing his adoptive mother Rachel Argyle. Approximately two years later, Dr. Arthur Calgary comes forward with evidence that shows "Jacko" was innocent because he was in Calgary's car at the time the crime was committed. Dr. Calgary did not come forward earlier because he was on a scientific expedition in Antarctica and did not have access to news. In light of Jacko's innocence, other members of the household, all of a sudden, became suspects. It had to be one of them, no one had come in or out at that time. This includes Jacko's siblings, all of them adopted by Rachel Argyle who was very wealthy and treated them well, but was very controlling and was resented by each of them.
Elizabeth
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai
I have lived in the Chicago area all my life - which includes the 80s- but I was oblivious to the AIDS crisis or the gay community back then. This book really opened my eyes.
Rona
Educated by Tara Westover
This story was so inspiring to see how someone living in such a backward society could end up being such an educated and awe-inspiring person. Her thirst for knowledge and the courage to rise above her upbringing is a role model for everyone. This is a must-read!
Jean
After Anna by Lisa Scottoline
Loved this book. Couldn't stop reading. Very enjoyable. Dr. Alderman is on trial for murder of his stepdaughter.
Cheryle
The Legacy by Yrsa Sigurdardottir
This novel set in Iceland is very well done and hard to put down. A new series of crime fiction. A young daughter witnesses her mother's murder by hiding under the bed. The murder is gruesome and unimaginable and then to be witnessed by a child of the victim. But the child does not trust those who are interrogating her and remains mute as to what happened. But then there is another murder and it is similar. The detective assigned to the investigation is newly promoted and feels out of his depth but keeps going along. The child is in danger and is put in protective custody with a psychologist. This book is a good introduction to a new series. I will be watching for new installments in the future.
Cheryle
Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth by Sarah Smarsh
I have been anticipating this book since it came out and finally was able to read it, but was somewhat disappointed. I did like the retelling of her family experiences but did not like either the talking to her unborn child (one she decided not to ever have) or the jumping around of the history. It was more theme-oriented than being a linear detailing of her family and their living in the country and being wheat farmers. The book brought up many bad memories for me as I too lived in the country after marrying and trying to make a living by farming during the farm crises of the 1980s when land prices skyrocketed out of sight as well as the supplies needed to produce a crop only to have the prices being paid for the product being too low.
Carol R
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Interesting and enjoyable book. Loved the Scottish flavor, language and colloquialisms. Looking forward to the discussion this week with my book group.
pat
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
Benedict weaves history with her fictional account of the life of Heddy Lamarr as she escapes a cruel, controlling husband in prewar Austria and escapes to America. As an actress she seeks work in Hollywood and has a contract with Louis Mayer. She manages to forge her talent as an inventor at a time when women were not encouraged to do so. She was not just another beautiful face!
Phyllis
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Fabulous book not to be missed. Wanted to read every word of this story of life in Chicago
of a young girl, working hard to make sure that she was good enough to succeed.
Gretchen
The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
I decided to read this book because of the review of their second book AN ANONYMOUS GIRL which was posted last week. Wow, THE WIFE BETWEEN US has so many twists and turns that I felt completely confused as to what was going on until I got to Part Three, Chapter
Thirty-One, page 259 and I began to get a better idea of what was going on. But, Chapter Forty-One and the Epilogue really surprised me. I now feel better prepared to read their next book!
Bonnie
Us Against You by Fredrik Backman
I read this for a book club, and didn't expect to like it. I didn't. I loved it. It's beautifully written, with believable characters, a story that keeps you turning pages, and sentences that you must re-read for their wisdom and beauty.
Bonnie
Looker by Laura Sims
I don't typically read a book in one sitting, but this one I did. It's a first novel, a psychological thriller, and a real page-turner. I look forward to more from Ms. Sims.
Kimberley
The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston
It is unusual for me to read from this genre. Ms. Brackston captures the imagination and has the reader wanting more. It is joyful, an adventure and seems almost possible. It is a great length and well written. I learned new historical details about these British counties. I did learn that if one intends to travel back in time, don't forget your first aid kit and a flashlight with a new battery!
Margaret
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
This is a coming-of-age novel about ice hockey in a dying Swedish town where winning at hockey is everything. This is a powerful story about ice hockey but is a lot more that that. The characters seemed like real people to me, experiencing genuine emotions to their particular situations. There are lots of sensitive issue involved. I didn't enjoy the "locker-room" talk which belittled women and gays. The coaches took part in this derogatory talk and encouraged players to participate. There were people with money who run the town and manage to control those who are working in low-paying jobs and are just managing to get by. I didn't like the ending and am wondering if Backman has a sequel planned.
Lois
Inheritance by Dani Shapiro
Addictive. A great story. A great read. That it was/is a real happening was a gift to the memoirist author.
Debbie
Train Games: The Girl in the Red Vinyl Coat by Claude Brickell
The sex novel genre does not interest me, but I read a few. A professor in a graduate course drummed that when writing the sexual encounter must employ something unused in the past. Claude Brickell manufactures a twist in masturbation in his novel, TRAIN GAMES. My choice of a sexual novel would be one of Shakespeare’s writings where sex is an innuendo and not a graphic scene with nothing left unsaid. The hint of nudity or of sex provides more titillation than the complete nudity. Claude Brickell writes a short and compact novel that lacks psychological detail and character development, but he hits the nail on the head with his story of today’s sexual scene.
Ivy
Long Road to Mercy by David Baldacci
I literally read this 600+ page suspense filled journey in two days. From the FBI to the Grand Canyon to D.C., Baldacci takes all of the risks right up to the end. An absolute thriller!
Lynn
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
With a clever plot and good writing, I will read this author again!
JULIE
The Suspect by Fiona Barton
Prepare yourself for a twisty read filled with amazing shocks around every corner! Early on I was able to guess where the story was headed. But after the initial twist I was in for a wild ride! I was in awe as each new shocker was revealed...and there were numerous shockers!
Donna
Field of Bones by J. A. Jance
A well-written book about difficult subjects - kidnapping, starvation, abuse and murder.
Jim
As Bright As Heaven by Susan Meissner
An interesting story about how a family deals with moving to a new city and handles the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918 in Philadelphia. Don't miss the author's epilogue. It reminds us that we only have a limited time on this planet and we need to make the best of that time.
Debbie
The Midnight Line by Lee Child
Another Jack Reacher story, and I wonder how Reacher survives without a car and change of clothes. He seems to be a glorified hobo. Jack Reacher and Walt Longmire stand as characters from a lost time and place. Each man wanders the United States righting wrongs for the common man. Jack searches for a female West Point graduate when he finds her class ring in a pawn shop. A MIDNIGHT LINE outlines the drug trade and the ills of the users and the wealth of the sellers. As usual, Lee Child points the finger at the government and the lack of control within departments. The story provides intrigue but lacks the intense setting and characterization of other writers.
Lola
House of Gold by Natasha Solomons
Wonderful family saga beginning in 1911. The Goldbaum family, one of the wealthiest in all of Europe. Easy reading, engrossing with beautiful descriptions.
Elizabeth
When the Lights Go Out by Mary Kubica
WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT strikes me as a book for young adults, one I would have liked when I was a teenager. So, if you’re a teenager, try it. But I’m way past YA. Three stories are going on here, all connected but in different timelines. Two are Eden’s stories, the other one Jessie’s. It’s easy to figure out how Jessie and Eden are connected long before Kubica spells it out. Eden’s stories are too soap opera-ish, too repetitious. She wants a baby and thinks she will do anything to get one. Jessie is sleepy all the time in her story.
Linda
Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo
Akin and Yejide live in India are in love and want to start a family. But Yejide is unable to get pregnant, and Akin's mother intervenes and encourages Akin to take another wife. Yejide knows she must get pregnant before new wife Funmi. Akin and Yejide make separate choices that have huge impacts on their marriage. Told from the perspectives of both main characters, this book is a good look at life in India and especially the pressures to have children. The main characters are relatable and well developed. And the secondary characters of Dotun and Iya Bolu add to the story and help move the plot along. Overall, I enjoyed this one even though it was a bit draggy at times; things did pick up after the halfway point.
margo
The Boy on the Beach by Tima Kurdi
I really enjoyed reading this book about a true story of a boy on the beach.
Helen
Heretic by Ayaan Hirsi Ali
A really thorough analysis of where we stand with respect to Islam. I found it very helpful and also an interesting read.
Donna
Believe Me by J. P. Delaney
This is a story about trust. A young actress is in need of money and is propositioned to play a part in order to catch a possible murderer. Is she play acting or living the part? Is she the suspected target? Is she paranoid? Can anyone be trusted? Is she or her target a sociopath? The suspense throughout the book is riveting.
Thomas
Dark Sacred Night by Michael Connelly
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was excellent.
Liz
The Air You Breathe by Frances de Pontes Peebles
This is a beautifully-written story about two young girls being brought up together on a failing sugar plantation in Brazil. One is the daughter of the owner, the other an orphan of an unwed mother. The book follows their lives from childhood to old age as they struggle to become famous singers.
Liz
The Corn Husk Experiment by Andrea Cale
Five people are struggling to overcome things that they feel define who they are. When we look at a person and have a preconceived idea of who they are we find out that this idea is not always the truth. Most everyone has something in their past that cannot been seen by the naked eye. By the end of the story these three individuals will come together in a stadium of 75,000 people. There is a lot to think about.
Brady
Becoming Odyssa by Jennifer Pharr Davis
Anyone who enjoys hiking or one who has aspirations for hiking on one of the major national trails, this book is for you. This is a detailed run down of a twenty-one-year-old female who has dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail since she was very young. One of her many reasons for wanting to do this is to meet friends along the way. She accomplishes this in winning ways and describes some of the dangers and tough physical accomplishments she was confronted with.
Ruth
Force of Nature by Jane Harper
Intriguing novel set in Australia. Excellent author.
Jan
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Disclaimer: I lived in Busan for two years in the 1970s when I was a Peace Corps Volunteer. For one year, I worked on Chung Island. I know the people in the novel and I was thankful that I understood that the author spoke the truth. Koreans have had a terrible life for the last few centuries. Centuries ago, Korea was a very educated land and there are beautiful monuments, especially temples, still standing. But 1970 Koreans were always aware that they had been conquered by Japan. Universally, they hate the North Korean leaders. They dislike China and Japan - both enemies in World War II, and then China supported the Kims when they fought for separation.
Richard N B
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
4.5 stars. A tale that examines issues of immigration, war, and love. Hamid uses a framework of political unrest, where outsiders are quickly blamed for all that goes wrong. It’s uncomfortably recognizable and plausible, but also has a mystical/ethereal quality.
Sean
A Calculated Risk by Katherine Neville
Katherine Neville is capable of so much better. This book is so ludicrous. The characters speak like no one ever (even in the early 90s). The situations are preposterous. The protagonists do exactly what the antagonists do but are for some reason better? The supposed drama isn't tangible. The main characters are named Zoltan Tor and Verity Banks...who works at a bank!! Just dreadful writing.
Rina
Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict
Excellent read! Ms. Benedict is a wonderful author!
Chris
The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer
A really great read. Very entertaining!
Jud
The Republican War on Science by Chris Mooney
In depth look at how, since the 70s, conservatives have made a concerted effort to make religion the governing factor in all political decisions by our leaders.
Jud
Unscientific America by Chris Mooney
An interesting look at what the decline in science education has done and will continue to do to America.
NANCY
The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
This is a unique book for book clubs. We did it in one club and next week are doing it in my other club. The book is about four young siblings who consult a psychic and are told the date they will die. The book then follows their lives. In book club we talked about the book but then had some soul-searching about would you want to know the date you were going to die and, if you did, would you live your life differently. A great discussion topic if you’re willing to open up.
Judy
The Beekeeper's Promise by Fiona Valpy
Set in France, in two points in time, this is a lovely story of Eliana (living during World War II) and Ami (set in current day). Ami is escaping from an accident that killed her abusive husband and finds a job at an old Mill House that now is the place for weddings. As she is working there and gaining a new perspective on her own life, she is told the story of Eliana who loved bees and worked with the French resistance. Its a love story as well as a look at history from an intimate perspective.
Dorothy
Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris
SOLD ON A MONDAY is a captivating story. The Great Depression forces people to make decisions they would never make otherwise. SOLD ON A MONDAY is the story of heartbreak and redemption.
Mike
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou
I could not put this book down. It is nonfiction that reads like a thriller. I was only vaguely aware of Theranos and found this story fascinating from start to finish, (and I saw on the news this morning that the story isn't over...) I really, REALLY enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone!
Sandy
The Firelight Girls by Kaya McLaren
I enjoyed this book very much although a lot of it was very predictable, esp. the end. It's about a girls camp which is in danger of closing because the well went dry and it was too expensive to have a new one drilled. Four of the former campers get together to see what can be done to save their camp. They all have problems which they are trying to solve while they are also trying to save the camp.
Sandy
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
One of the best books I have read in a long time!!! You will want to turn to the end to see who did the murder, but don't do it!!!!
Frankie
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Having met Mrs. Obama twice during her tenure as first lady I was anxious to learn more about her in her own words. This book is a disappointment. I didn't learn anything new. She seemed aloof in person and nothing in this book dissuades that initial impression. Autobiographies notoriously leave many questions unanswered because the author only presents the version of themselves that they want you to see. After reading this book I don't feel like I learned anything new about Mrs. Obama.
Judy O.
Lying Beneath the Oaks by Kristin Wright
This book from a new Virginia author has been described as a "southern Gothic romantic suspense" novel. In my opinion, it is all these things along with a gripping story. Two young virtual strangers, Molly and Cooper, wake up one morning in a car with no idea how they came to be there. Along with them in the car is a marriage license and each of them is wearing a wedding ring. They end up going to Cooper's house in Charleston to talk to his lawyer uncle about getting an annulment. Since it is Thanksgiving weekend, they have to wait a few days; they end up finding that they are enjoying each other's company more and more each day. This is definitely a page-turner.
Donna
November Road by Lou Berney
An interesting thought...what if Lee Harvey Oswald didn't kill JFK? A fictional story about people involved in the murder and cover-up of JFK's death and the lengths they go to in order to eliminate anyone who knows anything.
Jud
Murder of Patience Brooke by J.C. Brigg
First book in a series featuring none other than Charles Dickens as the amateur sleuth assisting the police in solving crime in Victorian London.
Olga
Looker by Laura Sims
On the edge novel about an individual obsessed with the lifestyle of a celebrity that drives her to do the unthinkable, fantasy thoughts and destruction to her personal life.
Bill
Last Bus to Woodstock by Colin Dexter
The first book in the Inspector Morse series. After watching the 33 episodes on TV I thought I would start the book series from Book #1. It was terrific and quite different from the TV adaptations. Morse is indeed a bit different than most plodding detectives. He is a drinker, opera buff, and creative thinker than gives the door-to-door job to his erstwhile sergeant, Lewis. Lewis isn't quite sure what to make of Morse but is always there at the end when the killer is unmasked. A great start to the series.
Dawn
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Brilliant!
sharon
An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Pretty good thriller, although a little unrealistic as it progressed toward the end.
Jan
The Girls at 17 Swann Street by Yara Zgheib
I received a copy of this pre-publication book from Book Movement and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. This debut brings valuable information about eating disorders. Anna is admitted to a rehab facility in drastic physical and mental condition. She was a dancer and has been slowly starving herself, never admitting to herself that she has a serious disease. She believes that she can manage this disease. This story is Anna's struggle in the facility, refusing to obey rules, being force fed (because she will not eat and is in danger of dying) because she signed that she would abide by the rules of the house at 17 Swann Street. We rarely admit our emotional and mental illnesses. A great discussion book; educational.
Pamela
In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende
Allende uses three different people brought together in a NY snow storm to illustrate how much people have in common, whether they are an illegal immigrant, a legal immigrant, or the descendant of immigrants. The book, with its humorous bits, seems light on plot, but it explains so much about South American politics and gangs, while allowing people in later life to discover love and to find their own form of justice. While parts were violent and disturbing, the book's characters and themes make for great discussion for book clubs. While the immigration thread in the book is current and controversial, the people are the real story of the book. A thoughtful book worth reading.
Lois
The Girls at 17 Swann Street by Yara Zgheib
What an eye-opener. I never dreamed the person with anorexia could suffer so much. I really knew little about the disease and this book brought it to my attention. The situations Anna lived through are unbelievable. Easy reading but so emotional.
Sandra
The Lieutenant’s Bargain by Regina Jennings
We all have dreams. Hattie Walker is no different; she aspires to be a painter. However, unexpected events prevent this from happening immediately. The stagecoach is robbed, fellow travelers are killed and all of Hattie’s belongings are lost. After spending the night in the wild, she’s rescued by a lieutenant from Ft. Reno. For readers who like historical Christian fiction, you will not be disappointed. The author has many books to her credit; I’ve read them all.
Laurie
The Weight of a Piano by Chris Cander
This novel is a family saga at its best - mysterious, creative and original. I loved it, kept turning pages throughout the night! Read it!
Donna
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
Who knew the beautiful movie star Hedy Lamarr was a scientist! Interesting story which I read in two days.
Izella
A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz
A wonderful historical novel that takes place in Scotland and colonial America. A beautiful love story with lots of suspense. Frantz's novels are always well written and thoroughly researched.
Barbara
The Au Pair by Emma Rous
This is a really good, twisty gothic mystery. After the death of their father, twins Seraphine and Danny and their older brother Edwin find a picture of their parents holding one baby. Their mother, Ruth, committed suicide the day the twins were born. Looking at the picture Seraphine wonders where is the other baby. She's always had questions about the day she was born. She tracks down the au pair they had during that time and the questions and the mysteries multiply. There are lots of twists and turns in this satisfying, well-written novel. It's a can't-put-down book with a lot of mystery and a little romance.
Ilene
On Green Dolphin Street by Sebastian Faulks
ON GREEN DOLPHIN STREET is an old fashion love story set in 1959 during the Kennedy/Nixon campaign. Charlie Van der Linden, who is posted to the British embassy in Washington D.C. and his wife Mary, a beautiful shy and reserved English woman, have a cocktail party one night where she meets Frank Renzo, a dashing exciting reporter who has been everywhere and covered stories from the fall of Dien Bien Phu to the Emmett Till murder trial in Mississippi. Slowly Mary and Frank fall in love. We learn a little about each of their early lives and the exciting time with the Kennedy/Nixon election. I really loved Mary and Frank’s relationship. Charlie drank too much and was too needy. This was my second Sebastian Faulks book. Can’t wait til the next.
Betty
Go, Went, Gone by Jenny Erpenbeck
Translated from the German, an introspective story about a retired philosophy professor who has a social justice awakening from encountering African refugees in Berlin. He decides to interview them as a sort of experiment and gradually comes to see and appreciate them as people. Might be a bit slow for some readers, but it's worth staying with it.
Kathleen
Absolute Proof by Peter James
This book was inspired by a phone call that James received 30 years ago. In the book, Ross Hunter gets a phone call from an elderly man who claims that he has absolute proof of God's existence. If this was true, it would pit every religion against each other and each religion claiming the proof as their own. A false faith of a billionaire evangelist, the life’s work of a famous atheist all are after Ross. Can he live long enough? With believable characters and situations, I had a hard time putting this book down.
pat
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
Remarkable story of Hedy Lamarr, Hollywood actress...or was she something so much more?
Jan
Sunburn by Laura Lippman
Lippman always entertains. This mystery continually moves back and forth - is she guilty? Is she evil? Is she honest? So many things fit and then one item or one word does not fit. The detective does not have all the information so he struggles with what he has. Overall, this is a love story with two people almost always trying to fool or confuse the other. This is a quick read but the reader must pay attention to the exact words and the source. I love Lippman and will read anything she writes.
Elizabeth
The Atomic City Girls by Janet Beard
THE ATOMIC CITY GIRLS is not for me, and that is why I give it only three stars. However, it is very good and deserves all the praise it has received for readers of young adult novels, be they teenagers or adults who enjoy that writing style. This is easy reading, which I did like when I was a teenager. And I also consider this to be YA because most of the main character’s chapters deal with her love affair with a much older scientist and are predictable and so immature that even her period is discussed at one point. Even so, THE ATOMIC CITY GIRLS is full of historical fiction. Readers get an overview of life in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, when that city was built to help create the atomic bomb.
Cheryle
Broken Ground by Val McDermid
This is a new author for me and I know I will be reading more of her backlist after reading this. A couple has hired a local to help them dig for buried treasure that the woman's grandfather had given her a map to find. When they dig into the second hole (after finding an Indian motorcycle in the first) instead of another bike they find a dead body. This leads to an investigation that needs to find out how the bikes came to be buried in the peat bogs of Ireland.
Cheryle
The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Harmel
This was a very good WWII book and would have been better if the romance angle would have been less of a part of it. Hope is a recently divorced mother of a preteen who runs the local bakery on Cape Cod. Her grandmother started the bakery 50 years prior. But now due to the economy the bank is on the verge of foreclosure. While visiting her grandmother in an assisted living facility due to Alzheimer's she learns of her grandmother's life prior to coming to Cape Cod. She goes to Paris to try to find out what happened to her grandmother's family during the Holocaust. This search made the book worth reading and is the heart of the story.
Kay
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
A thrilling tale of two lives that are intertwined.
Kathy
Bridge of Clay by Markus Zusak
Five brothers growing up in Australia, so alike, and so different. Beautiful prose and heart-wrenching drama. One of my favorites this year.
Gerriann
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
A very powerful saga of four generations of Korean families living under the rule of Japan. The author will be visiting Babel, our fantastic author series in Buffalo. It will be sold out, filling up our symphony hall in March. I cannot wait to hear her speak and also to hear the questions from our book-loving audience.
Ruth
Force of Nature by Jane Harper
Thriller set in Australia. Intriguing.
Karen
Past Tense by Lee Child
On his latest road trip, Jack Reacher finds himself at a crossroads. He must decide which road to take: Left to Laconia, NH or right to Portsmouth, NH. He chooses Laconia because it is said to be his late father's home town. He wants to learn about his family tree. Meanwhile, a few miles away a young Canadian couple has car trouble and ends up staying at a motel owned by Mark Reacher. Jack talks to various people to find out what he can about his family, but also gets into a bit of trouble while helping a lady in distress. More guests are arriving at Mark's motel where he is now holding the couple against their will. Jack learns that their are surprises in his family tree. Jack is turned away from Mark's motel and confronts him.
Patricia
The Proving by Beverly Lewis
It's a great read.
Helen
Less by Andrew Seán Greer
Marvelous, fun read. The author takes you on a great adventure around the world and back!
Michelle
The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton
There was so much about this book that I loved. If it wasn’t for a few drawbacks, I surely would have given it 5 stars. To me, there was potential for a brilliant novel but Morton couldn’t quite pull it off. What I did love was the majority of the characters, even most of the minor ones, and all of their connections. There was something about the stories that drew me in, even when I was reluctant when yet another group of characters in yet another time period was introduced. I thought the character development was very well done. Each character felt very real to me and I was invested in all of them in some way. I also absolutely loved the house being its own character. I loved discovering how each generation becomes connected to the house.
Thomas
The Rule of Law by John Lescroart
Very good book.
Jud
The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
Outstanding first novel for this author featuring an amazing main character that I was really intrigued with.
Brian
The Reckoning by John Grisham
Definitely not one of his best works. I thought it was very slow-moving and not a very good ending, to be truthful.
Joanne
The Turner House by Angela Flournoy
Interesting read. Makes you think of what it’s like to grow up with lots of siblings.
Lynn
Queen of the World by Robert Hardman
I read a chapter or two of a nonfiction book every day. However, this book was so engrossing I read it straight through. Hardman has written an extraordinary book detailing Queen Elizabeth's crafting of the Commonwealth - 53 nations who choose to belong, some with no ties to the original British Empire.
Lisa
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
A love story set among the horror of WW ll. Based on a true story of survival, faith and hope. I especially enjoyed the pictures at the end. Such a moving book.
Linda
Holy Ghost by John Sandford
As apparitions of the Virgin Mary appear at a local church, people flock to the area to see the miracle. Two tourists are shot and Virgil Flowers (with Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension) is sent to the area to find and arrest the shooter. When a local woman is shot and killed, Virgil is afraid the killer has stepped up his game. The mayor tells Virgil that money has to be involved somehow. The woman lived with her son and did not appear to be wealthy but a check of her out-of-state property said otherwise. Virgil follows the money trail that gets complicated as other murders follow.
Linda
A Dangerous Game by Heather Graham
A woman comes up to Kieran Finnegan and thrusts a baby into her arms. Minutes later, the woman is stabbed to death on a busy New York sidewalk. Kieran and her boyfriend, FBI agent Craig Frasier, get involved with the case involving the sale of babies born of illegal women smuggled into the country. Rumors are that the organization is led by a man called the King and there is also a Queen. As investigations continue, Craig and his partner Mike Dalton think the King has someone inside as the police are always a step behind. They search backgrounds on all police and agents involved while Craig tries to keep Kieran safe.
Linda
The Other Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
Poppy Bridgerton explores a cave on the beach when she comes upon pirates and their loot. She is taken to their ship and dumped in the captain’s cabin. Andrew Rokesby is the captain and is working for the Crown under the name of Andrew James. He is annoyed when his men bring Poppy to the ship but realizes they had no other choice. They are sailing for Portugal and she is a prisoner in his cabin. The more they talk and bicker back and forth, they grow to like each other. Her reputation will be ruined if society finds out that she spent time in his cabin and he will have to marry her. He knows who she is but has to keep his name a secret from her. Will they have a future together as he hopes?
Linda
My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren
Reid, Chris, Ed, Alex, and Millie worked together at the university and hung out together as best friends. Millie considers Reid to be her best friend until the night they decided to have sex. They don’t want the others to know and said it would only be for the one time. The group decides to try online dating and Millie uses an alias and gets a compatibility hit with Reid. She continues on with the ruse not knowing how to tell him what she’s done. He finds out and feels betrayed. She never opens up about herself and now she’s lied to him. He doesn’t think he can trust her no matter how much he loves her. Great romance!
Linda
Long Road to Mercy by David Baldacci
Atlee Pine is the sole FBI agent in the town of Shattered Rock, a small town close to the Grand Canyon. She gets a call about a dead mule found at the bottom of the Canyon but no trace can be found of its rider. Searches by park rangers turn up no trace of the missing man. Atlee starts investigating by contacting the man’s next of kin. Then she gets a call from her boss’s boss telling her to take a long vacation. She knows something is up but what? She has no intention of backing off the investigation. She just has to do it on her own time.
Linda
The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn
Cecilia Harcourt has arrived in the colonies in search of her brother Thomas, a member of the British army fighting the colonials. No one seems to know where he is even though a letter indicated he had been wounded. She finds Edward Rokesby, her brother’s friend, injured and in the hospital but only family members are allowed to tend the injured men. Cecilia states she is Edward’s wife. He has lost his memory but feels he should remember his wedding but he trusts her. Lying bothers Cecilia but she didn’t know what else to do to find Thomas. She has fallen in love with Edward and fears he will turn against her when he finds she has been lying to him.
Sandy
Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
This one is not for the faint of heart! Missing girls and what happened to them. Think of the worst and you've got it!! It only took me two days to finish this one.
Donna
Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout
An interesting book that touches on the lives of several people that are linked through friendship. You are emotionally drawn to each of them.
Donna
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
I had LILAC GIRLS in my to-read book pile for a while. That was a big mistake on my part. While I confess it is not my usual favorite genre of psychological suspense and mystery, it was interesting and enlightening. Caroline's historical story kept me turning the pages. I would have rated it a "5-star" but the three women's stories going back and forth did get me confused at times. I look forward to reading more books by Martha Hall Kelly.
Gil
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE ROOM is a true story about a wonderful person. It starts when Hedy Kiesler is a 19-year-old aspiring actress in Vienna being pursued by Fritz Mandl, the wealthiest man in Austria. He gained his wealth by selling munitions in the period leading up to World War II. Hedy is Jewish and her family, being fearful of anti-semitism persecution, encourage her to marry Fritz for protection. Fritz was cruel and Hedy plotted to escape from him. She saved money for passage on an ocean liner where she met Louis B. Mayer, head of MGM studios, and eventually became the glamorous movie star Hedy Lamarr. While Hedy was with Fritz she sat in on meetings as his trophy wife where discussions of war weapons were discussed.
Marilyn
Bobby Kennedy by Chris Matthews
Informative, but not a literary classic.
Francisca
The Trouble With Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon
3.5 stars. What an interesting and inventive way to structure this mystery/coming-of-age novel. Cannon tells the story in dual time frames (summer 1976 and December 1967), and with multiple points of view. But, in addition to the mystery Cannon gives the reader a coming-of-age story. I loved Grace and Tilly. The girls learn valuable lessons about friendship, responsibility and not being quick to judge.
Becky
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
The book started out as a ditsy sex-filled romance. By page 25 I could hardly wait to get to page 50 (my self-imposed cutoff) so I could abandon it and read something worthwhile or just entertaining. And then…it turned into an intelligent exploration of boyfriend emotional abuse. Yes, the main character was still a bit of a ditz, but she made sense. Her flatmate, a slightly repressed male nurse, and her friends started to sound sensible, although still somewhat sex-obsessed. The characters were unique and well developed. The story was interesting and full of realistic situations and common sense. Her controlling ex-boyfriend did all of the horrid things controlling ex-boyfriends do. Her friends were supportive and intelligent.
Traci
Blood Relations by Jonathan Moore
This book has been great. The storyline is so interesting and you are surprised at the end when you find out who the killer is and how the relationships entwine together with each other. Very good plot twists.
Suzy
Shade: A Tale of Two Presidents by Pete Souza
Fascinating contrast between President Trump and President Obama. In addition to words, Souza captures these vast differences using photography. In using this medium, Souza is able to compare these two powerful yet polar opposite presidents. Words do not tell the whole story!
An eye-opener.
Betty
The Beantown Girls by Jane Healey
I read Jane Healey’s first book THE SATURDAY EVENING GIRLS CLUB and really enjoyed it – gave it a 4-star rating. But THE BEANTOWN GIRLS I absolutely LOVED – 5-star review (and more if I could). I was torn between wanting to know how things turned out for each of the girls and not wanting to leave their world. These girls were my friends for a few days – and today I had to let them go.
Heidi
One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus
Brilliant book. I was addicted from page one. Five students end up in detention, and before the end of the afternoon one of the students is dead. Who killed him? The other four students all claim to be innocent. Is one of them lying or was there someone else involved? Karen McManus did an amazing job with this book. She took the stereotypical high school student, gave them depth of character and individual personalities. The most interesting thing was how the characters developed and came into their own throughout the book. Throw in an interesting plot twist at the end and you have an amazing book. It has everything you could want in a great book: well developed characters, excellent writing, an outstanding plot with a great ending.
Amy
Watching You by Lisa Jewell
WATCHING YOU by Lisa Jewell is the chaos that comes when people don't mind their own business. This book was full of misconceptions, assumptions, and mixed messages. People watch, people talk, opinions are formed, accusations are made, and hasty conclusions follow. Throw in a bunch of nosy neighbors and nothing is entirely clear. Mixed signals, secrets, complex characters,and a complicated plot lead to a rather predictable ending, except for a small innuendo of the past, discovered in the end.
Jo
Looker by Laura Sims
I was very disappointed in this book. It didn't live up to the hype. I was bored. I wish I could get my money back.
Becky
The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz
A woman plans her funeral in great detail, leaves the funeral home and six hours later is murdered – or maybe it was suicide. The writing form used for this book (the actual author is a pretend/actual author telling the tale) is a bit off-putting, but once you get beyond that the mystery is engrossing. Perhaps I read too many of Horowitz’s Alex Ryder books to be interested in his ruminations as the pretend/actual author. I wanted him to just get on with the murder/suicide and tell his tale. Well-drawn characters, several possible murderers, a convincing possibility for suicide – so which is it? Get beyond his conceit and the mystery is a good one.
Becky
Lethal White by Robert Galbraith
Although very long (647 pages), this outing for investigators Cormoran and Robin is compelling. Strangled children, murder, crooked politicians, assumed identities, money and reputations, horses, and conflicted personal relationships keep the story moving along. There are lots of red herrings and white horses to keep you wondering. Robin and Cormoran continue to present themselves as complex characters. Galbraith is a master of plotting and characters. Set aside a goodly amount of time to savor this read, but it is worth it in the final moments of this tale!
Becky
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
The book started out as a ditsy sex-filled romance. By page 25 I could hardly wait to get to page 50 (my self-imposed cutoff) so I could abandon it and read something worthwhile or just entertaining. It turned into an intelligent exploration of boyfriend emotional abuse. Yes, the main character was still a bit of a ditz, but she made sense. Her flatmate, a slightly repressed male nurse, and her friends started to sound sensible, although still somewhat sex-obsessed.
The characters were unique and well developed. The story was interesting and full of realistic situations and common sense. Her controlling ex-boyfriend did all of the horrid things controlling ex-boyfriends do.
Lee
The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
I liked the unusual premise upon which the story was based. Good character development. After reading about the plight of one sibling (4 in all), I wanted to read subsequent chapters dealing with lives of each of the other three. However, the characters were not very relatable. The majority of our book club members did not like it - about 6 - while two of us did. I thought it was entertaining reading and it made for good book club discussion as to the question of fate vs. destiny, which was pondered by all of us.
Liz
The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant
Addie Baum is 85 years old and telling her life story to her granddaughter Ava. The story is told beautifully and the writing superb. The reader follows Addie from her childhood starting about 1915 until the present, 1985. It is fascinating to see the many changes in her life and how she handles each and every one of them.
Kimiko
Untouchable by Jayne Ann Krentz
In the further adventures (cases) of Cutler, Sutter, Salinas, this book focuses on the third foster brother, Jack Lancaster, and his uncanny ability to find patterns in what the rest of the world sees as chaos in helping to solve cases.
Sean
Fugitive Red by Jason Starr
Jason Starr tells a tale of internet hookups gone wrong and it's...wrong. The book is extremely predictable and strange. There are definite ideas here that could have worked but it is just bizarre how off-the-rails things go and how the characters react to these events. The main character is not likable. The ending was atrocious and a letdown for what could have been. Overall, an underwhelming read, to say the least.
Christine
The Fold by Peter Clines
This is a science fantasy story about a government project in teleportation that goes awry. It is not-quite-a-sequel to his previous book "14." I enjoyed the story and the characters. It had enough twists to keep me guessing, and a bit of gore, but nothing too graphic. I found this an easy to read, enjoyable story.
Richard N B
Over the Edge by Michael Ghiglieri and Thomas Myers
2.5 stars. The subtitle is all the summary anyone needs: Gripping accounts of all known fatal mishaps in the most famous of the World’s Seven Natural Wonders. Except that most of it is NOT gripping. The chapters are divided by cause: falls from the rim, falls within the canyon, environment (i.e. dehydration), etc. They have a pretty engaging style when they are recounting a specific scenario, but they tend to get preachy about the causes of most of these fatalities. Mostly it’s boring.
Terry
Freefall by Jessica Barry
Wow! How is this possible this is a debut novel? Allison’s two-man plane goes down in the Colorado Rockies. She survives with multiple injuries but her boyfriend dies. For years she’s been living with a terrible secret, a shocking truth that powerful men will kill to keep buried. If they know she’s alive, they will come for her. She must make it home. Allison flees the wreckage and heads away from help. She must get as far away as possible without being detected. Full of suspense, heart shuddering moments, a shocking discovery, and high intensity from page 1 to the end. This book is a major hit!
Joyce
Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love by Dani Shapiro
A fascinating contemporary story with myriad social issues to discuss. The fact that Dani was able to unravel the "mystery" so rapidly makes it a bit unbelievable. However, it must have been possible. An excellent and worthwhile book to read.
Joyce
The Gown: A Novel of the Royal Wedding by Jennifer Robson
I loved the detail of the designing and making of the dress. The plot adds to the historic details of the dress. It's a delightful book. I especially liked it after I saw a picture of the dress itself. It really made me appreciate the detail and work that was put into it, and the positive effect it had after the war.
Joyce
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
What an amazing person Hedy Lamarr was. I really enjoyed learning about her, and appreciated her struggle to create and achieve.
Linda
The Duke Buys a Bride by Sophie Jordan
Marcus Weatherton is furious when he sees a young woman being auctioned like cattle. He buys her and then wonders what to do with her. He is on his way to Scotland, and he will employ her as his housekeeper. Having to spend several nights with Alyse at inns where there is only one bedroom available is playing havoc with his peace of mind. Alyse has fallen for the man who saved her but knows there is no future for her with a duke. She is unable to control her emotions when he starts kissing her and he doesn’t want to stop.
Linda
Beyond Limits by Laura Griffin
Navy SEAL Derek Vaughn is back in San Diego after an operation in Afghanistan where the team retrieved intel about a possible hit in Texas. FBI agent Elizabeth LeBlanc has been asked by Gordon Moore, FBI’s Assistant Director of Antiterrorism, if she would like to join their task force. One of her first duties is to accompany him to San Diego to interview the SEALs who found all the intel. She had met Derek a year ago when a member of his team was under investigation. Although not on the task force, he helps her investigate leads to find the terrorists who are thought to be in the United States and to stop any devastation they might have planned.
Linda
The Negotiator by Avery Flynn
A great romance with lots of laughs. Sawyer Carlyle is an uptight executive whose life evolves around his business to the exclusion of all else. He does not know how to relax and enjoy life until he meets Clover Lee. He hires her as his pretend fiancée to get his marriage-minded mother off his back. But Clover doesn’t just take the job; she negotiates her terms with Sawyer. He finds himself doing and enjoying things with her that he never thought of before. He falls in love with her but doesn’t realize it until she walks out. He realizes how empty his life is without her and is determined to get her back for good.
Linda
The Schemer by Avery Flynn
Tyler Jacobson was a poor kid from the wrong side of Harbor City who was determined to better himself. He got a scholarship to a prep school and made friends with Sawyer and Hudson Carlyle. Tyler became successful but held himself aloof from others and never let anyone know his true feelings. That is, until the day he met Everly Ribinski, the new tenant in his building, and had to listen to her stilettos clomping on the floor of the apartment above his. He sent her a pair of bunny slippers. Their one-up on each other is foreplay to the initial sex in the parking garage. She’s fallen in love with him, but has he fallen for her? This one has lots of laughs.
Linda
Hanover House by Brenda Novak
Psychiatrist Evelyn Talbot wants to study psychopaths since she was the victim of one when she was only 16 years old. She wonders what makes them this way and if there is a way to spot and stop them. She helps establish Hanover House in a remote village in Alaska where psychopaths will be imprisoned and studied. Villagers are not too happy about this, especially State Trooper Benjamin Murphy (Amarok). He is attracted to Evelyn and can’t wait until she moves to Alaska. Before she can get away, Jasper Moore abducts her again. This time, he won’t let her get away.
