This contest period's winners were Allison G., Jean L. and Jennifer N., who each received a copy of BROKEN by Don Winslow and ONE FATAL FLAW: A Daniel Pitt Novel by Anne Perry.
Debbie
Dead Land by Sara Paretsky
Many years have passed since I have read Sara Paretsky, and I have missed her view of the South Side of Chicago. In this installment, V I Warshawski labors to save the Lake Michigan shoreline from uninterested commercial builders who murder to get what they want. This is an advance reader’s edition with several editing errors on page 53, page 172, page 365, and page 385 that need to be corrected before the printing. Relationships fall flat in this story, with little or no emotion in a scene. The story contains many scenes of Warshawski changing clothes, swimming in a lake, running through the park, and taking a shower. A story of multitudes of action, but little psychology.
Katrina
Perfect Little Children by Sophie Hannah
This book gave off a very creepy vibe regarding the children in the novel. The author had you guessing and turning pages as quickly as you could to solve the mystery she had placed within the first several pages of the book. This is the first book I have read by this author and although it was very well written, I only gave it four stars because the twist towards the end fell short of what the book had hyped you up to what you believed it would be.
Elizabeth
The Woman in the Park by Teresa Sorkin and Tullan Holmqvist
A review of this book says it is a thriller. It isn’t, although it tries to be in Part 2. First you have to get through Part 1, which is more than 100 pages. It bored me terribly. Sarah is delusional. At first her delusions are believable. Her husband spends too much time at work because he is having an affair with his secretary. Then Sarah meets Lawrence in the park. He is secretive. By the time you get to Part 2, Lawrence is not believable at first, but Sarah’s psychiatrist is. And sometimes you think Sarah’s husband loves her and sometimes you don’t. In Part 2, you won’t know what is and what isn’t believable. But it’s still better than Part 1. I cannot recommend this book.
Dorothy
Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts
I just finished the book. I thought it was excellent. It’s a historical novel about the wife of the author of The Wizard of Oz. I recommend it.
Joy
Lost Roses by Martha Hall Kelly
A great book by the author of LILAC GIRLS. This is actually the prequel. Eliza travels to St. Petersburg with a cousin of the Romanovs. But when Austria declares war on Siberia and Russia’s imperial dynasty begins to fall, she escapes back to America.
Sandra K.
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
This book had great subject matter, but the writing style was sorely lacking.
Nancy
The Ruby of the Sea by Peggy Lampman
I really enjoyed this book. I was giddily happy to profoundly sad. Peggy is an artist of words and puts the last brushstroke to make a perfect story. I highly recommend it!
Lois
Persons Unknown by Susan Steiner
A who dun it. Not great, but kept me reading.
Jeanne
Blind Search by Paula Munier
BLIND SEARCH by Paula Munier is the first book I’ve read in the Mercy Carr mystery series and it totally captivated me. The main characters were likable, delightful, and mysterious. The author did a great job in her construction of these characters. It’s the first day of hunting season and a nine-year old boy with autism witnesses a murder. The team struggles to protect the boy as they search for the killer. Without giving away any spoilers, this is a thrilling mystery with all the elements of danger, surprise, twists and turns, suspense and romance. This book just kept getting better and better and more gripping and intense with every page, and I can’t recommend reading it highly enough.
Jeanne
Nine Years by Jessica Leed
NINE YEARS by Jessica Leed was an exceptionally well-written emotional journey about a young woman who is engaged and a long lost love. Without giving away any spoilers, Sienna Henderson appears to have it all on the outside, but on the inside it’s a totally different story as she’s about to come unglued as she struggles to find her true self. I found this to be a wonderfully entertaining novel that captivated me from page one. The author’s construction of the characters was very well done.
Cindy
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
The sole survivor of a plane crash which killed his parents and brothers, Edward learns how to go on. Beautifully written and paced. Heartbreaking but hopeful.
Linda
The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson
I am a huge Churchill aficionado and had read some good reviews of the book but was a little hesitant about Larson as I have had mixed feeling about his books. No worry, this was excellent in all aspects from obviously new documents to a different take on family responses.
Laurie
The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica
A double dysfunctional family drama, a real psychological thriller that kept up at night turning pages. Secrets galore, deception, down right creepy to the end!
Nonie
Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain
I love all her books. This one was a little slow at the beginning but then picked up a third of the way through. There was family intrigue, secrets, crime, forgiveness all rolled into this story.
Sherrie
Good Sam by Dete Meserve
A wonderful story of someone who is leaving money on seemingly random people’s porches. This story includes the young journalist who covers the story and how her life changes at work and out, and how she works to share the story and keep the secret. It’s a perfectly good story about good people, especially during these trying times.
Jean
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
A very well written book. I had great sympathy for the characters. I gave it the highest rating because it is such a good read, BUT I cannot sympathize to the point where I agree with the "open border" advocates. One would have to be a monster if one did not hope for the best for the characters.
Sue
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
I’m waiting for a friend or family member to read this book so I can discuss it with someone! There are so many topics explored in this book, including racism, cultural appropriation, parenting, ambition and class, as well as others. Once I started reading I could not put it down. The main characters are well defined and all so different, and the storyline takes some interesting twists and turns.
Nadine
True Sisters by Sandra Dallas
I’m not a Mormon and the religion always fascinated me. This book brings to life the true story of one of the handcart groups that traveled over 1500 miles to Utah. So many struggles and so much despair. It all comes to life in this novel.
Jean
The Great Pretender by Susannah Cahalan
This is not a fun book to read. It is interesting and enlightening. If you have a loved one who is mentally ill as is the case with me, you may become angry. It is a book that I would wish everyone would read. You will have great empathy for those who are living with mental problems.
Jean
Elevator Pitch by Linwood Barclay
This is a good read. I like the author and have read many of his books and have liked them all. Here you will try to figure out "who dunnit", which is always fun.
Lois
Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland
This is such a great book about family, commitment and love. If you are a fan of the 1920-30 era and the Atlantic City area and beach, you will love this interconnection of life living at the beach with this Jewish family.
Sandy
The Forgetting Time by Sharon Guskin
I read this book in two days! I couldn't put it down. It's a story of reincarnation and when you finish the book you might be a believer!
Dorothy
Game of Mirrors by Andrea Camilleri
Another great entry in the inspector Montalbano series. He is getting older but he really manages to spot the lies and games people are playing. Great characters, a very sexy neighbor with secrets and lots of excellent food. Plus well leavened with humor.
Rosa
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
This is a timely, compelling book that made me uncomfortable and stayed with me for a long time. I read it in two days as it was unputdownable. Told in alternating chapters set in the early 2000s and then in 2017, it is the story of Vanessa Wye, who is 15 years old in 2000 and becomes involved with her English teacher, Jacob Strane. In 2017 Strane is facing allegations by another student who accuses him of abuse when she was a 14-year-old student in the same boarding school. The story is a portrayal of how Vanessa was groomed by Strane and the consequential trauma she experiences through her adulthood. This is a book destined for many book club discussions as well as self-reflections. A must-read.
Bonnie
Daughter of the Reich by Louise Fein
For fans of romance and/or Nazi/Holocaust novels.
Bonnie
The Lighthouse by P. D. James
Mystery that kept me guessing.
Bonnie
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein
Non-fiction. Mind-blowing book.
Bonnie
The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
Excellent novel about judgmental people, witch trials and so much more.
Bonnie
When Time Stopped by Ariana Neumann
Memoir, detective story about the author's search for answers to what happened to her family in World War II.
Ivy
A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum
One of the best stories I have ever read about life as a Palestinian young woman and her four young daughters living in Brooklyn under the auspices and rules of her husband and in-laws. There is nothing happy about the story. But there is light at the end of this dismal tunnel when lies and secrets are revealed and the tide of a selfish and antiquated culture begins to flow out to sea,
Susan
The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver
Lydia's fiancé dies on her birthday before their wedding. To help her sleep, her doctor prescribes a little pink pill that when she takes it she goes back to what would happen if he had not died. It goes between her sleep time and awake time when she carries on without him. Very interesting book.
Peggy
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
There is so much going on in this book. Two cops who knew each other as rookies end up living next door to each other in the suburbs. Their children are best friends, their wives are not. One is a typical suburban housewife, the other is struggling with mental illness. And that is just the beginning of the story. I loved this book and did not want to put it down.
Janet
Minor Dramas & Other Catastrophes by Kathleen West
This is a great story which takes place around a private high school and backstabbing teachers and crazy parents. A fun almost realistic look at high school drama.
Janet
Murder on Trinity Place by Victoria Thompson
A clever addition to the Gaslight series. A whodunit at a dairy.
Jud
The Last Odyssey by James Rollins
The Sigma Force team goes on a quest to find the gateway to the legendary Tartarus and prevent the weapons there from falling into the wrong hands.
Jan
Tap Code by Col. Carlyle "Smitty" Harris
I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads drawing and it is far better than I ever imagined. I lived through the Vietnam war and this book drew my interest because it is written 50 years after the prisoners came back. Harris and his wife collaborated on this book with Sara Berry, a friend of one of their daughters. Each tells his and her story - feelings, always demonstrating deep love for each other and a full belief in Jesus Christ. If you are unwilling to read about Christianity, skip this book. Because they loved each other so much and because they trusted G-d to help them through, they survived. A constant thread is a secret code that Harris happened to learn from another officer before he was shot down, the sixth POW in the war.
Helen
I Am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe
A brilliant satire on college life. It's very entertaining and just too true. Great literary talent; it was a very fun read. I loved it.
Liz
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Shaker Heights is the ideal town, a suburb of Cleveland. When the town was created everything was planned out, the colors of the houses, the roads and of course, the type of people that will live there.
Elena Richardson has lived there all of her life and is the embodiment of all that Shaker Heights is. Along come Mia Warren, an artist, and her daughter Pearl, a teen. They rent an apartment from Elena and the families become entwined, with disastrous results.
Helen
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
Magical, a wonderful escape read!
Linda
Call of the Raven by Wilbur Smith with Corban Addison
A rollicking adventure set in the 1840s, beginning (and ending) in England, and taking us to North America and Africa too. Mungo St. John is the son of a plantation owner; he receives word that his father has died, and on arriving home finds that his father was swindled out of his estate, and murdered, by Chester Marion. He vows revenge. Penniless, and needing money so that he can exact his revenge on Chester, he sets sail as a crew member on a ship to Africa, not realizing that the ship’s mission is the slave trade. Mungo’s character is many faceted; he is ruthless, but also has a softer side. He believes that Camilla, his lover, and a slave, is dead - on finding out that she is alive and Chester has her, he is desperate for revenge.
Tessa
The Game of Silence by Louise Erdrich
Book Two in the Birchbark House series which is about an Ojibwa tribe’s life on their island in Lake Superior. Omakayas is the young girl who narrates this book, which chronicles a year on the island that is today known as Madeline Island. I love how Erdrich depicts these people and their way of life. Not everything is pleasant or easy, but there is room for joy and happiness, for children to explore and learn. I will continue reading this series.
Christine
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
This is my review of a re-read of GOOD OMENS. I first read 10 it years ago and I loved it. I thought it was wry, witty and humorous. This time, however, I had a really hard time with it. I found the writing style rambling and difficult to follow, the copious footnotes were long and annoying, and it just didn't have the same effect it did on me the first time. I still love Neil Gaiman, and I still think it is a good story, but the book was more work than pleasure.
Elizabeth
Something She's Not Telling Us by Darcey Bell
SOMETHING SHE’S NOT TELLING US is filled with uncertainty about almost every character and has characters with big secrets, but none as big as Ruth's. There is more than the usual share of unlikable characters in this book and an underlying tension from page one. Just what is Ruth not telling everyone? Or....just what is everyone not telling anyone? Another good one by Darcey Bell.
Cindee
Deadly Secret by T. J. Logan
I struggled with this book. I usually love FBI suspense with a bit of romance thrown in, but this was full of unlikable characters for me. The lead FBI protagonist bordered on misogynistic. The woman in the story who shares the lead is made out to be such a weak, male-dependent person. The dialogue was unbelievable and so out of touch with today's world. I would tell others to skip this book.
Barbara
The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fanny Flagg
She wrote about sisters who were dedicated to each other and supported each in what they chose in life. I enjoyed the interest they had in flying and how they represented women flyers and the information on WASP-Southern fictional history, humor, adoption worries, family support demonstrated in both past and present of the women involved in the drama.
Cheryll
The Morning After by Lisa Jackson
An older Lisa Jackson novel given to me to read while on social isolation from Covid-19. Really loved it, maybe just because I needed something to read. Have always enjoyed Lisa Jackson and this one was no exception.
Janet
The Kind of a Girl by G. C. Allen
I started laughing and crying on the first page - pulls you right in.
Richard N B
The Perfect Ride by Gary Stevens
Gary Stevens is a Hall-of-Fame jockey and this is his autobiography. He openly and honestly relates his childhood, early training, and path to being one of the top jockeys in the world. I like horseracing and reading about the sport, but this book was frequently boring. I believe Stevens felt the thrill and excitement, but he failed to convey that on the page.
Debbie
The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Dare
I am amazed that conditions in other places continue to exist with old-fashioned beliefs. The story of Adunni, a young woman/girl, in Nigeria shows a male dominated society seeped in traditions and superstitions. Adunni’s father forces her marriage to Morufu, an older man with two other wives to provide much needed money for Adunni’s family. I found the language difficult at times like trying to read Uncle Remus stories. The lack of necessary household items caused much despair. As Americans, we take too much for granted, and this pandemic shows us that all our possessions mean nothing in the end.
Elizabeth
The Astonishing Life of August March by Aaron Jackson
Born in a theater, thrown into a clothes basket, and found by the laundress. It is amazing how August made his way in life. August will definitely make his way into your life, too.
Sherri
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Not my usual fare, but kept picking it up for some reason. Interesting setting (Lagos) and family dynamics. Short chapters and unique style. I liked getting some insights into the culture, but found the book a bit hard to take in some places and didn't feel like it finished well - a bit depressing but maybe that is the point?
Sean
A Simple Plan by Scott Smith
Scott Smith pens an incredibly twisty tale of greed, paranoia, friendship, and family. You never know how you'll deal with a situation until you're in the situation and that's what happens here to Hank Mitchell and his family. One act leads to another and it's these actions that propel this novel. It really was such a simple plan but nothing easy is ever worth it. Very good thriller.
Linda
Slow Ride by Lori Foster
Jack Crews notices the platinum blonde when he goes into the bar for a cold beer. Ronnie Ashford checks him out too. Everything’s fine until she hears his name and she leaves in a huff. The next morning he goes about a job and she will do the hiring. She works for twin brothers who bid on odd collectibles and Jack is hired as her driver. It is soon apparent that someone is following her when threats are made. Jack acts as her shadow and is determined that no harm comes to the woman he has fallen in love with. The whole premise of the book is weird. Who would want to collect fingernail clippings from a convicted murderer?
Linda
All Fired Up by Lori Foster
Mitch Crews heads to the small town where his half-brothers live in hopes of meeting them and forming some sort of relationship with them. Helping a young lady with a flat tire, he comes up against his suspicious brothers. Their mother looks at Mitch and says he reminds her of someone and learns he is the son of her ex-husband. She welcomes him to the family as do his brothers and Charlotte Parrish. Something zinged between them that night but his brothers warn him that she is their unofficial sister. Things were going well until Newman Bates came looking for Mitch. He had been Mitch’s mother’s boyfriend and kept her on drugs while he beat up on Mitch. Now Mitch is no longer a boy and he has brothers for backup.
Linda
How the Dukes Stole Christmas by Tessa Dare, Sarah MacLean, Sophie Jordan and Joanna Shupe
Stories by Tessa Dare, Sarah MacLean, Sophie Jordan and Joanna Shupe about how dukes celebrated or ignored Christmas. In many instances, the duke had been a lonely child ignored by his parents and never celebrated Christmas as others did. When the duke met his destined duchess, things changed for the better.
Linda
Then There Was You by Miranda Liasson
This is a 5-star plus book! Sara Langdon grew tired of the teasing by Colton Walker and hated him for it when they were kids. This changed when they kissed in front of the angel statue when they were nineteen. Now it is ten years later and both want their relationship to be casual as both are afraid to let the other get too close. Sara’s ex-fiance had left two days before their wedding and she couldn’t bear to be the subject of gossip again. Colton thought Sara was too good for him and will leave him with a broken heart. Rumor is that when you kiss in front of the angel statue and toss coins into the water, your love will last forever and the rumor is rarely wrong.
Linda
The Way You Love Me by Miranda Liasson
Gabriella Langdon is a successful attorney but something is missing in her life. She has just been made partner and should be on top of the moon. She has always had a yearn to write and enrolls in a creative writing class where she is floored by handsome Caden Marshall, a best-selling author who will be leading the class. Sparks fly between them but Cade is a divorced father of a four-year-old and came out of an acrimonious divorce. He tells Gabby he doesn’t have time for a relationship because his daughter needs him. He needs Gabby too and comes to realize it. She gives him the contentment he needs and he finds himself writing again. Cade realizes he loves Gabby and there’s no way he can lose her.
Lucy
The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
Interesting but hard to connect to the characters.
John
The Midnight Lie by Marie Rutkoski
This is the tragic story of a dreadful young girl who refuses to play by society's rules.
Elizabeth
The German Heiress by Anika Scott
Living two lives - one during the war and one after. Could she hide her identity forever? THE GERMAN HEIRESS has family secrets and is very well written and researched. The descriptions are detailed and vivid. The storyline is captivating with authentic characters.
Elizabeth
The Lost Orphan by Stacey Halls
Having to leave your newborn at a foundling hospital until you could afford to keep the child seemed to be the norm in the 1700s for poor families. Going back to get your child after you have saved enough money and to find someone else has taken your child is where we meet Bess and Alexandra. THE LOST ORPHAN has mystery, historical fiction, a main character with agoraphobic problems that stem from an incident in her childhood, secrets, and to what lengths a mother's love takes her.
Thomas
Golden in Death by J. D. Robb
Excellent read. Another great "IN DEATH" book.
Linda
Members Only by Sameer Pandya
This book chronicles a disastrous week in the life of Raj Platt, a non-tenured anthropology professor at a liberal university. He is the only non-white member at his “members only” tennis club, and is on the membership committee there. While the committee is interviewing an African American couple, he makes a racist comment, meaning it as a joke. Things go downhill. At the university, a group of students accuse him of reverse racism, and accusations end up on radical websites. Everything seems to be spiraling out of control, at the tennis club, at the university, and at home. Raj is conflicted; apologies are demanded where he thinks they are not due, and the apology he wants to give, he has trouble giving. All in all, a good read
Judson
Dark Tide by Stephen Puleo
This is the most interesting true history book I've read in a while. It tells the story of a little known tragedy in Boston involving big business, molasses and corporate greed. I highly recommend this book.
Francisca
Ordinary Life: Stories by Elizabeth Berg
This is a collection of short stories exploring the role of women and their relationships in contemporary America. Berg writes wonderfully about these women. I understand their frustrations and share their hopes, empathize with their pain and disappointments, and celebrate their triumphs and joys. Their lives may be “ordinary”… the stories, and this collection, are NOT.
Barbara
Girls Like Us by Cristina Alger
It dragged in spots - I found myself wanting to get to the end quickly.
Linda
The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson
Nearly did not choose this book as I am not a huge Larson fan, a rather back and forth fan. But, this was an excellent rendering of the time and place, and, of course, the war. Thought the handling of Churchill and new data was most interesting.
Allison
The Beauty of Humanity Movement by Camilla Gibb
Interesting story.
Susan
Godbody by Theodore Sturgeon
Unique storyline.
Jennifer
The Memoirs of Helen of Troy: A Novel by Amanda Elyot
Surprisingly good. Different, in that it pays attention to more of Helen's life than just the Trojan War period, which was refreshing. I was expecting a lot of sappy romance, and while there was certainly romance, it lacked the cringe-worthy quality (mostly) that I detest.
Elizabeth
The K Team by David Rosenfelt
First book in a new series.
Jayne
The Girl in White Gloves: A Novel of Grace Kelly by Kerri Maher
Living outside of Philly and visiting Ocean City helped make this a wonderful book highlighting the life of Princess Grace Kelly. Her Hollywood years and life as princess were the focus of the book. Her family life was surprising. A very good read!
Kathy
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
This is the story, in particular, of one migrant woman and her son, as they make their way to the United States. It explains how they became migrants, the journey they take, and their experiences with others while traveling. Very well written and certainly worth the read.
MH
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Interesting account of the traveling library during the Depression that took books to the poor of Appalachia. Although I could see the ending coming, the characters were different and intriguing. The trial had a few modern twists that probably wouldn’t have happened during this time period, but those were the only non-realistic details and didn’t detract from the quality of the story. A much better book than the others by her that I’ve read.
Bob
Double Deuce by Robert B. Parker
Older book but an enjoyable book.
Susan
The Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler
I am a fan of Anne Tyler. Always love her quirky characters and families. This book is typical of her writing. Micah Mortimer, the main character, was so easy to picture and root for. A short book but perfect in these times of stress and worry.
Sally-Jo
The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman
Interesting mystical twist to the story. I liked it but didn't love it. A lot of coincidences which were okay. Not the kind of story I'm usually drawn to.
Peggy
Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris
An engrossing story and a quick read. I found myself wanting to know more abut the real Cilka. The book is fiction based on a real girl who was taken to Auschwitz at the age of 16. After managing to survive three years there, she is imprisoned in the Vorkuta Gulag in Siberia for ten years. The fact that she managed to survive 13 years in two of the worst places on earth is testament to her strength and bravery. The fictionalized parts of this story do nothing to dim the facts. An awesome read.
Peggy
Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson
One surprise after another. I thoroughly enjoyed this twisty, unpredictable read about two women, each with secrets worth hiding. Joshilyn Jackson is a new author for me and I'm now looking forward to reading some of her other books.
Alice
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
A wonderful book club selection. We have not discussed it yet.
Peggy
The Education of Dixie Dupree by Donna Everhart
I love the way this author writes. From page one I felt as if I was experiencing Dixie's life rather than just reading about it. I was sucked in from the very first line: "My diary was my best friend until I gave it up as key evidence against Uncle Ray". Dixie is a smart, spunky, resilient little girl that I couldn't help but fall in love with. At times the subject matter is quite difficult but Dixie's strength got me through it. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Sharon
The Tuscan Child by Rhys Bowen
Loved the scenes of Italy -- even in wartime -- and the mystery of the "beautiful boy" was most compelling.
Connie
A Handbook to Luck by Cristina Garcia
It brings the characters together after you have met them individually.
Betty Jo
The Farm by Joanne Ramos
This is one book to make you think about the future of childbearing by the rich and powerful. I hope it doesn't come to this, but has it already in a way? This also includes some choices immigrants make after living undocumented in a new country.
Jeffrey
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
I can’t recommend this novel with high enough praise. You will care deeply about these characters as the years go by. I had to stop reading frequently because I was weeping uncontrollably. This had never happened to me with a novel before. It is the story of humanity’s struggle writ large. Just wonderful.
Linda
Into the Storm: Two Ships, a Deadly Hurricane, and an Epic Battle for Survival by Tristram Korten
Very well written nonfiction account of two ships that sailed into the path of Hurricane Joaquin in 2015, the events that led up to the disastrous mistakes, the rescue attempts - one successful, the other not - and the subsequent inquiries. The start of the book was a little dry, with lots of information about shipping regulations, but the information given there really helped with understanding later events. Likewise, the last part of the book, about the inquiry, was dry - or perhaps it just seemed that way after the story of the rescue of the crew of the Minouche, which kept adrenaline pumping non-stop, and the search for the El Faro and its crew. A solid five stars - well researched, and very well written!
Cheryle
The Lady's Slipper by Deborah Swift
I have been reading books that have been on my shelves for quite a while. I had read all my library books and since the library is closed until further notice it is a good time to read the books I have always wanted to. This historical novel was quite interesting. The focus is a rare orchid, the Lady's Slipper. The time period is the 1600s England. A woman has found the rare orchid in her neighbor's field and by dark of night steals it setting off all kinds of trouble. The time period is interesting to me as I have not read much about that time and it is so different from today's modern world.
Cheryle
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
I have wanted to read this big book for years and always put it back on the shelf as some library book was waiting. Well now was the perfect time with the library closed until further notice. This was an excellent book, well written and full of period descriptions of characters and places during the 1600s England. The focus is the building of a cathedral which brings into mind Notre Dame (which the book does not mention). The class differences are very evident as well as the men who are dedicated to a life of the church.
joan
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Was the WORST, most depressing book I have ever read! Also, no continuity to the novel; Olive does not appear too often and when she does she seems overbearing and condescending. By what standards is the Pulitzer Prize judged?? Can't believe this won that or any award.
Donna
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
Naples, Italy in the 50s. This first book of a four book series tells story of the childhood into teen years of the friendship of two girls quite the opposite of each other. Lila is mean, but intelligent. Elena is sweet, kind and brilliant, but is captivated by Lila and tries to be like her.
Linda
Woman of God by James Patterson
This book really makes one think about the past and future of the Catholic Church, and the role of women in its survival.
Michelle
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare
If I could rate with half stars I would give this a 3.5 stars instead of 4 but it was a close 4 anyway. My favorite stories are ones of redemption, so I liked it overall as this was very much a story of redemption. I was rooting for Adunni from the very first page. Her plight was often difficult to read and experience but no doubt one that many young Nigerian girls (and beyond) endure, so it's an important story to tell. I appreciated the deepness of the message behind this book, how girls are valued and abused from the the time they are born, considered to be a "wasted waste". I love how Adunni proved just the opposite. I enjoyed the first part of the book more than the second once she went to Big Madam's house.
constance
The Museum of Desire by Jonathan Kellerman
Always a good story from this author. Well written and well told.
constance
All the Best Lies by Joanna Schaffhausen
Hard to put down. It keeps you guessing who is the villain.
Dorothy
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
Takes place in India in the 1950s, complex characters. I liked the fact that the author spoke about the caste system during this time and the impact it had on the people. A fast, captivating read. Good for book club.
Jan
Mormon Boy by Warren Driggs
This book was given to me through a Goodreads drawing in return for an honest review. Honestly, I would give it a 6 if I could. I usually skip memoirs but this one caught me because the author identifies as Mormon and I know so little about the religion and I though a memoir would give me more info, or maybe more honest info, than a blurb on Wikipedia. First of all, the book is easy reading. Driggs tells many of his "sins," or when he gets in trouble but, more enjoyable and more educational, was when he expressed his doubts about the church. He recounts a visit with his mother, a Mormon who believes it ALL, after he had left the church. A beautiful memoir, well written and showing personal development.
Jan
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review. It is a poor rewrite of LOLITA. Very little character development except for Vanessa, an immature, selfish, smart little girl who was taken in by the big bad wolf, her English teacher. Read the original. This book was a drag and certainly drifts away from the original with the "Me Too" movement but Vanessa remains immature and boring. I believe that the author wanted to shock us with some of the later action (I will not spoil it if you want to read the book) but I was not surprised. I thought it was cowardly and those who prey are often cowards. I am at a loss to understand how this book got such good ratings.
Sharmin
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Another compelling WWII book revealing life in a concentration camp as recalled by an actual survivor. Sometimes hard to read because of the atrocities but important to acknowledge them.
Linda
Island Affair by Priscilla Oliveras
Sara has been stood up by her boyfriend, who is supposed to meet her in Key West for a week with her family. Luis, a firefighter/paramedic in Key West, has been ordered to take a week off of work to work though some issues. They meet just as Sara is finding out that Ric, her bf, is not coming to Key West...and she talks Luis into standing in for Ric, so as not to upset her family. What could possibly go wrong?? This was such an enjoyable read - perfect to distract from the COVID19 quarantine! The author’s love for the Florida Keys is evident. There is chemistry between Sara and Luis immediately, but both of them have issues to deal with before any relationship can work. I enjoyed the ups and downs as they figured things out!
Ruth
The Forgotten Room by Karen White, Beatriz Williams and Lauren Willig
Love stories about different rooms -- this novel is one of the best I have read.
Elizabeth
The New Husband by D. J. Palmer
Tension, ill will, subtlety, lies, and suspense abound in THE NEW HUSBAND. You do NOT want to miss reading this book.
Annette
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
Fantastic read - brings to life an overlooked piece of Los Angeles and library history.
Linda
The Imperfects by Amy Meyerson
This novel is written around the missing Florentine diamond - it has been missing since 1918. Ms. Meyerson’s title for this book is perfect, because the Millers, Deborah, Ashley, Beck and Jake, are so very, very, imperfect. Deborah’s mother, Helen, dies, leaving her house to Deborah, and the rest of her estate to be divided between her three grandchildren, with the exception of a brooch which is left to Beck. She assumes it is costume jewelry. It turns out to contain the 137 carat Florentine diamond, and this causes more friction in this already fractured family. What follows, as the family tries to find out how Helen came to be in possession of the diamond, makes a very compelling story. But man, I’m glad I’m a Miller!
Richard N B
Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus
This young adult novel is marvelous work of historical fiction based on a real person. Manjiro leaves his village at age 14, only to be shipwrecked on a deserted island and then rescued by an American whaling ship. I really liked this book and how Preus explores prejudice and intolerance, as well as the gifts of curiosity, eagerness to learn and being open to new experiences.
Liza
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
One of the best books I've read this year! If you loved Kent Krueger's ORDINARY GRACE, you will love this one. Four children (eldest is 14) run away from an abusive orphanage and travel down the Mississippi from Minnesota, headed to St. Louis. I loved each of the four protagonists. Their experiences along their odyssey are enthralling. Highly recommended!
Elizabeth
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
THE AGE OF INNOCENCE is about the silly manners followed by the very rich New York society in the 1870s. While the book is romantic, the romance serves to show the absurdity of the “rules” they lived by. Newland Archer is a part of this society yet sees the absurdities. But he’s a young man in his 20s and just goes along with it. He becomes engaged to May, a girl from another wealthy New York family. May is an innocent who follows the rules and believes in them. She is not a snob; she knows no other way. Then Newland meets May’s cousin, Ellen. Ellen disregards many of the rules. And that attracts Newland. He falls in love with her. A book about romance and wealthy New York society that can sometimes bore.
Jan
The God Game by Danny Tobey
Science fiction is not my usual choice but I did like this one. Students who never fit in became a cohort and convinced themselves to join a computer game. The book was tedious at times with the kids working through the paths to perform their tasks but the reader got the deep thoughts of a couple of the students. I read it all and loved the ending - one I never saw coming. Perhaps if I read more of this genre I would have guessed. If you like science fiction, this is your book. The book became a little maudlin near the end when all the folks got together with the right person and they lived happily ever after.
Sean
Powder Burn by Carl Hiaasen and Bill Montalbano
While not exactly what I was expecting from Carl Hiaasen, this was a fun and twisting drug-addled adventure. I really enjoyed the main character and his plan for revenge. The early 80s Miami drug scene is a character of its own. The dialogue was pretty spot-on with a great plot. Overall, a very fun read.
Donna
The Man I Love by Suanne Laqueur
This is a marvelous book to read and one that I doubt I'll ever forget. It's an emotional and intense roller coaster of a story leaving the reader with lessons learned. It includes dedication, first true love, trauma, betrayal, loss, forgiveness and new life. A couple of lines that meant a lot to me were "Rejection sucks but you can close it down. Regret will give you food poisoning for the rest of your life".
Martha
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Well-written novel that looks at parent-child relationships and peels back the outer skin of the Shaker Heights community. Thoroughly engaging with well-developed characters. Well done!
Ilene
Midwinter Break by Bernard MacLaverty
A couple, Stella a retired teacher and Gerry a retired architect, married 40 years, decide to take a winter break, leaving Glasgow where they live now and going to Amsterdam. Winter doesn’t seem like the best time for a break, and especially with Stella being a religious fanatic and Gerry being a big drinker. Once there, each think over their past lives. What could have been? Stella thinking she could go on a religious retreat that she heard of, but it’s not there anymore, and Gerry just keeps drinking and getting into more and more trouble. Does this marriage have a chance? Thank you W.W. Norton & Company for such a great book - I loved each of the characters.
Mary
Stony the Road: Reconstruction, White Supremacy and the Rise of Jim Crow by Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
The book begins by looking at the successful efforts by Southern legislators to undo the rights conferred on African Americans after the Civil War. The 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution provided a short-lived period of equal opportunity to Blacks, but the states of the Confederacy eroded those advantages one by one, state by state. The demise of Reconstruction led to White Supremacy enforced by the KKK and through southern cultural norms. In contemporary times the repression is less obvious but is still manifest in voter suppression, high rates of incarceration of people of color and lower levels of economic prosperity for African Americans. Dog-whistle politics and fascist groups are two ways suppression continues.
Mary
The Black Echo by Michael Connelly
This is the first of the long-running Harry Bosch detective novels. I had somehow missed the first three books, so am reading them now while also keeping up with Connelly’s current work. This background story explains how Bosch began to hone his excellent detective skills. He’s an L.A. cop, he knows the city inside out and he loves his city. This is the place to start reading the series. Amazon Video is running season 6 of Bosch beginning 04/17/2020. As always, start at the beginning.
Donna
The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali
This book is about star-crossed lovers who find each other again near the end of their lives. They met as 17-year-olds in 1953 in Tehran, Iran during a political uprising with both individuals later immigrating to the United States. Their romance begins in a stationery shop and bookstore with this setting later also playing a role in their lives. The passion of this first romance remains with them and affects their life decisions. I enjoyed the Tehran setting and learning about the history, customs, culture and male/female issues of the time period.
Linda
The Friendship List by Susan Mallory
A fun romance, and a good escape from today’s reality. Two friends in their mid-thirties realize they both need to shake things up in their lives. Ellen had very controlling parents, got pregnant in her teens, managed to get a degree and make a life for herself and her son Cooper, now a high school junior. Unity married young, and her military husband was killed in the line of duty three years ago. Neither woman has had any other relationship. Each makes a list of things they should do to shake things up. I liked both Ellen and Unity, though Unity was a mix of helpless and strong. The main male characters were interesting too, and the book takes us through the items on the list nicely. Loved the happy ever after epilogue, too!
Elaine
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
Read for book club and everyone loved it.
Tessa
The Fact of a Body by Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich
Wow. I was completely mesmerized by this memoir/true crime work. Marzano-Lesnevich puts me right into the narrative and I feel invested in both her story and that of convicted murderer, and pedophile, Ricky Langley.
Georgene
The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico
This is a short book, almost a novella, that takes the reader to the Essex marshes in England at the beginning days of WWI. A tender, unacknowledged love story that centers around an injured snow goose. Gallico is marvelously descriptive in his setting of the sun on the marsh grasses, the cries of the marsh birds and the sounds of war.
Jane
Hannah's War by Jan Eliasberg
Excellent description of what was happening during the Manhattan Project. A historical novel with real and imaginary characters; very absorbing.
Merrily
Playing with the Enemy by Gary Moore
I really enjoyed this book. It showed the nicer side of the second world war. The fact that the two sides could come together and play baseball instead of fighting was very cheerful. It would of been great if it was made into a movie like it said on the cover. The ending was very sad. I couldn't believe that his love for baseball and his future for a career in baseball was ruined. What was nice was how the two "enemies" met up after the war and they introduced each other to their family. I wish there were more books like this, ones that showed the the better events of the war. It was a very good book and I would recommend it to everyone. It's probably one of the top five books I've read throughout my lifetime. I've read it multiple times.
KERA
Hiding in the Light by Rifqa Bary
It is about a girl who was a Muslim but became a Christian. It's very good.
Jud
Last Call by Daniel Okrent
Excellent book that takes a very comprehensive look at the 18th Amendment.
