Just Jennifer

The Cookbook Collector Allegra Goodman (Dial Press, July 6, 2010)

What do the CEO of an upstart Dot-Com, an environmentalist who is a PhD candidate and an antiquarian book dealer have in common?  Not a whole lot, but in her sixth novel, Allegra Goodman ties them all together, weaving a plot that is complex and full of engaging characters we’d like to get to know better.  Emily has taken care of her younger sister (by five years) Jess since their mother died when they were young girls.  Emily is the CEO of a web-based data storage company (in 1999) and has her life carefully mapped out:  the company is about to go public, her boyfriend Jonathan, though he lives on the opposite coast, will be the perfect mate for her.  Jess on the other hand, lives day to day, engrossed in the world of philosophy.  She is involved in saving the California redwoods and works part time in an antiquarian bookshop for George, who is very much taken with Jess in spite of the differences in their ages.  The book takes a predictible turn when Emily engages in some bedroom talk with Jonathan and tells him what is next for her company.  As the lives the girls have set up for themselves begin to come apart, they get a chance to reexamine where they are, who they have become and who they truly want to be, and are they happier just reading the recipes in a cookbook or do they really want to start cooking and take a chance that things will turn out differently than the glossy pictures promise?

Congratulations to...

... KAD, our Week #5 Prize Winner!

Night Myst (An Indigo Court Novel)

Author:Yasmine Galenorn
Stars: 3
Review by: mea

I enjoyed this 1st book of her new series.  Like her other series it has mystery, love and fantasy.  There is also a sneak peak at her next book in her Otherworld Series. 

Shadow Baby

Author: Alison McGhee
Stars: 3
Review by: Mich D

On Goodreads, people either loved or hated this book.  It's written from the point of view of an 11-year old who tends to make up stories, so you can get confused.  But the relationship she has with an older neighbor is interesting.  Worth a try.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Author: Steig Larsson
Stars: 5
Review by: mea

Powerful, dark and leaves you wanting more.

The Girl Who Played with Fire

Author: Steig Larsson
Stars: 5
Review by: mea

Even more dark and powerful than the first.  Gotta love a great conspiracy against someone who refuses to be a victim.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

Author: Steig Larsson
Stars: 5
Review by: mea

So sad it has all come to an end.  A very intriguing and disturbing trilogy.

Fired Up

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Stars: 3
Review by: mea

An arcane book with its usual twists and turns with humor and strong women.  Easy Summer read.

Running Hot

Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Stars: 3
Review by: mea

An arcane book with its usual twists and turns with humor, strong women and sexy men.  Another easy Summer read.

Love in the Time of Dragons

Author: Katie MacAlister
Stars: 3
Review by: mea

Light summer read.  MacAlister humor and antics makes it fun like the rest of her series.

An Original Sin

Author: Nina Bangs
Stars: 3
Review by: mea

Another light and fun summer read.

Abandon the Night

Author: Joss Ware
Stars: 3
Review by: mea

Book three and I haven't read 1 or 2.  It can stand alone but I missed some of the background.  Darker read but I enjoyed it.

Dreamveil: A Novel of the Kyndred

Author: Lynn Viehl
Stars: 3
Review by: mea

A little confusing and a lot of twists but it all comes together in the end.

Turtle in Paradise

Author: Jennifer L. Holm
Stars: 4
Review by: Library Aimee

This is a children's book about Key West during the Depression.  If you've ever been to Key West you will find the historical aspects of the story fascinating!

Neighborhood Watch

Author: Cammie McGovern
Stars: 3
Review by: patco81

After spending 12 years in prison for a murder which she did not commit but to which she had inexplicably confessed, librarian Betsy Treading is released on a technicality. Her return to suburbia unlocks long-held secrets and ultimately provides resolution.

"L" Is for Lawless *and* "M" Is for Malice

Author: Sue Grafton
Stars: 2
Review by: patco81

These two books are not among her best: the storylines are turgid and the writing is flat. But while my mind was wandering during reading, duh - a revelation! In each book, the last name of a key/main character corresponds with the letter of the title. I went back and tried it w/the other books and it works. Had I just breezed thru these as I did w/the others, this subtlety (to me, but probably glaringly apparent to everyone else)may never have occurred to me at all. Based on that, I bumped up the rating from 1 to 2.

Love Is the Best Medicine

Author: Dr. Nick Trout
Stars: 5
Review by: RjS

I loved this book. What a great story of redemption. A veterinary surgeon tells a wonderful story of 2 dogs, Cleo and Helen, connected by compassion, mercy and a great deal of unconditional love, both human and canine. I wonder if the author knows the significance that he brings into other lives?

Caught

Author: Harlan Coben
Stars: 4
Review by: Big Da

Easy to read, tricky to follow, and surprises along the way.  My favorite author.

The Christmas Sweater

Author: Glenn Beck
Stars: 4
Review by: Ann M

Heartwarming story about a 12 year old boy that gets a homemade sweater instead of the bike he's wanted.

Woman, Food and God

Author: Geneen Roth
Stars: 4
Review by: Judyangel

Good.  I think it is great for people who have food addictions.

Private

Author: James Patterson
Stars: 4
Review by: scrappy3

Typical Patterson beach read - short chapters, lots of action which kept me turning the pages.  Good start to a new series!!

Murder on the Rocks

Author: Karen MacInerney
Stars: 4
Review by: L.Z.

First book of a fun murder mystery series, set at a B&B in Maine.

Dead Air

Author: Mary Kennedy
Stars: 3
Review by: L.Z.

Silly murder mystery involving a talk show psychologist as a prime suspect and sleuth.

Nowhere to Run

Author: C.J. Box
Stars: 5
Review by: Big Da

One of my favorite authors, and a hard-to-put-down book. Finely constructed plot.

Breaking Dawn

WARNING: Spoiler Alert

Author: Stephenie Meyer
Stars: 3
Review by: Carmella V

Breaking Dawn is the fourth book in the Twilight series. I enjoyed this book because it continued the love story of Bella and Edward and Jacob and described Bella and Edward's marriage and their struggle to protect their daughter, Nessie. Even though I enjoyed it, there were several parts of it that were disappointing. The biggest disappointment is the battle at the end with the Volturi which fell rather flat after the big build up to the fight. It lacked suspense and heroism. Also, in this book Edward and Bella are close but not as romantic as you expected. Jacob was a great character and reacted with honor, even though I felt sorry for him. Overall, I really liked the Twilight series and, although it was pure fantasy, I looked forward to reading each book.

Just Jennifer

32 Candles Ernessa T. Carter (Amistad, June 22, 2010)

Growing up in Mississippi, Davidia Jones is nicknamed Monkey Night by her classmates because she is dark as night and ugly.  She endures years of cruelty and abuse from her classmates and her alcoholic mother who has a steady parade of men, usually rich, through her bedroom at night.  At five, Davidia decides to stop talking and doesn’t start again until after she is fifteen years old and has run across the country to L.A. where she starts a new life as a lounge singer (she has decided she can start speaking again) and where she creates a new family from strangers who will accept her for how she is.  The chance meeting of a man on whom Davidia had a mammoth crush in high school alters the course of her life and makes her reexamine just what is important.  Davidia has a certain vulnerable quality about her, though she is very capable of taking care of herself.  A revenge list she creates and carries out seems out of character for this young woman who has been able to stay very centered against all odds.  The title is a reference to the John Hughes movie 16 Candles that Davidia sees as a young child and tries to emulate, hoping her life will have a movie moment. 

The Final Detail

Author: Harlan Coben
Stars: 4
Review by: DebH09

What's not to like about Harlan Coben?  Haven't found a book yet that wasn't great!

The Pillars of the Earth

Author: Ken Follett
Stars: 4
Review by: smudge

An interesting look at life in medieval England:  politics, cathedral building, and monastic life.

Eva Moves the Furniture

Author: Margot Livesey
Stars: 5
Review by: ddlesmom

Great book about enduring love.  Wasn't expecting the ending and cried my eyes out for the last 10 pages!! 

Just Kids

Author: Patti Smith
Stars: 3
Review by: BKF

All about the relationship between Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe... trying to make it as artists, New York in the 60's and 70's, famous and not-yet-famous people met along the way. An interesting look back at a time when radical  change was taking place in art, music, politics and life in general.

The Woods

Author: Harlan Coben
Stars: 4
Review by: Reader

Good mystery.

The Help

Author: Kathryn Stockett
Stars: 5
Review by: Reader

Fiction.  Setting - Jackson, Mississippi 1962.  The story of three black maids, their families and the families they work for.  Segregation and the lines and feelings of those involved.  A book that evokes emotions that make it difficult to put down.

Sun Going Down

Author: Jack Todd
Stars: 3
Review by: Reader

The book didn't really become interesting until after the first 50 pages.  The story is based on the family of the author.  It begins on the Mississippi River in 1863 and continues to Nebraska 1933, covering the many historic events of the time.

Missing Mark

Author: Julie Kramer
Stars: 3
Review by: Reader

Mystery - involves T.V. reporter investigating missing groom, missing fish and drug sales.

Whiplash

Author: Catherine Coulter
Stars: 5
Review by: readsalot

Great read with a surprise ending!

Sizzling Sixteen

Author: Janet Evanovich
Stars: 5
Review by: readsalot

As usual, Stephanie and Evanovich are at their best!

The Scarpetta Factor

Author: Patricia Cornwell
Stars: 4
Review by: Liza

Not as forensically technical (or as bloody and gory!) as many of her others, but it kept me engaged.  The lady does her research!

To Kill a Mockingbird

Author: Harper Lee
Stars: 5
Review by: ADAR

It is the 50th anniversary of this novel but if you never read it (or did once long ago) it is time to read or reread.

Bullet

Author: Laurell K. Hamilton
Stars: 4
Review by: mea

Nice read with a lot more character development.  Edgy and powerful like the series.

Hush

Author: Kate White
Stars: 3
Review by: M. McLellan

Started out a bit slow, but once it got started I couldn't put it down.  A great little read for poolside.

Texas Woman

Author: Joan Johnston
Stars: 2
Review by: KAD

Her recent writing is so much better.  

Far Cry

Author: John Harvey
Stars: 4
Review by: patco81

Wow! How could I have overlooked this impressive, award-winning author w/a catalog of 2 dozen works?  Suffice it to say I'll be catching up on his earlier books.  This one, his latest, is a taut thriller involving missing children over a 15-year span.  The multiple plots are well-crafted; the characters and dialogue, credible. All loose ends are tied up in a satisfying conclusion.

"J" Is for Judgment *and* "K" Is for Killer

Author: Sue Grafton
Stars: 3
Review by: patco81

Moving along w/the alphabet series; still finding them intriguing.  These two books, along w/narrating good mysteries, also provide long-needed insight into the personal life of the protagonist, Kinsey Millhone: we learn how family tragedy made her independent and self-protective.  Are further breakthroughs ahead?  I'll keep you posted on my way to the end of the series.

Every Last One

Author: Anna Quindlen
Stars: 5
Review by: Judy M.

A. Quindlen books are always thought provoking and in this one she shows her real understanding of the effects of grief. It is a very moving book.

Still Alice

Author: Lisa Genova
Stars: 4
Review by: Debby K.

Excellent book about a 50 year old woman who contracts early onset Alzheimers.  The book is very accurate and very scary.

Second Time Around

Author: Beth Kendrick
Stars: 3
Review by: Mich D

Reminiscent of A Year on Ladybug Farm.  About college roommates who, later in life, inherit money and change their paths.  Silly, fun, beach read.  Nothing thought-provoking, just fun.

The Screwtape Letters

Author: C.S. Lewis
Stars: 2
Review by: Mich D

Not my favorite CS Lewis.  I liked The Dream much better.  Maybe I wasn't in the mood for this philosophy diatribe.

Natural Born

Author: John Scofield Prall, Jr.
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Barbie

Interesting mystery with lots of reference to this locality.

Neighborhood Watch

Author: Cammie McGovern
Stars: 2
Review by: Tartu

It had a lot of potential to be a great suspense novel, but there were too many people with too many secrets and the resolution was too rushed.

Me Talk Pretty One Day

Author: David Sedaris
Stars: 5
Review by: P Kerr

Amazing...my first David Sedaris book (although people have been telling me to read him forever). Can't wait to read more...also can't wait to see him at RVCC in September.

Love Stories in This Town

Author: Amanda Eyre Ward
Stars: 2
Review by:  Mich D

Collection of short stories.  First half are not connected; second half has a character that shows up in each one.  I liked the second half better, but the character is not endearing, quite weak.  I read another book by this author and liked it better than this.

The Penny Pinchers Club

Author: Sarah Strohmeyer
Stars: 4
Review by: Holly B.

While the story line can be guessed easily by the book's title, I did enjoy this "summer read."  I also got a "kick" out of the many references to towns, restaurants and shopping areas of New Jersey.  Clearly this author knows New Jersey so it will be especially enjoyable if you are a New Jersey native or have lived here a significant amount of time.

Loving Frank

Author: Nancy Horan
Stars: 3
Review by: Mich D

Good writing, liked the book, but couldn't stand how pompous the main characters were.  This woman abandons her children for a love affair, and then gets upset when her children are so upset!  Completely selfish.  I cannot imagine putting anything before children.

Caught

Author: Harlan Coben
Stars: 5
Review by: reademquik

The story of a man in the wrong place at the wrong time, he is set up by an ambitious reporter as a cyber pedophile.  After a tragedy, this same reporter turns around & tries to help clear his name.  Great read -- highly recommend!

Congratulations to...

... Kee Read, our Week #4 Prize Winner!!!

Just Jennifer

Sea Escape Lynne Griffin (Simon & Schuster, July 6, 2010)

Laura is a nurse and mother of two and has never had a good relationship with her mother Helen who has always clung to the memory of her deceased husband Joseph, a relationship that Helen always described as the perfect love. Now Helen has had a stroke and Laura must be her advocate, a role she is not entirely comfortable with. She tries to include her much older brother, but he has been estranged from the family as well for a time. Finding her parents’ love letters allows Laura a glimpse at the past, a past that held much sorrow for her mother, and a past that may not have been as perfect as Helen portrayed it. Told in alternating chapters between Helen’s past as a young bride, wife and mother, and Lauara’s present day, readers will get to know the two women and the secrets a mother holds to keep her family safe. Laura is not an especially well-drawn character and is hard to get to know, but it is difficult to tell if that is intentional on the part of the author as Helen has always held part of herself back from her family. A story of mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, Sea Escape is not an especially cheery summer read, but an engrossing one.

Lovely Bones

Author: Alice Sebold
Stars: 2
Review by: mystery lover

A teen girl follows her family and life after being raped and murdered.

Because I Said So: 33 Mothers Write About Children, Sex, Men, Aging, Faith, Race & Themselves

Author: Camille Peri & Kate Moses
Stars: 4
Review by: patco81

The subtitle says it all! Some of these essays will make you laugh out loud, some may break your heart, but at the very least you will identify with the everyday/lifelong challenges faced by women today.

Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story

Author: Leonie Swann
Stars: 4
Review by: Mary NK

When their shepherd turns up dead with a shovel through his heart, the flock decides to find our why. With convoluted - but reasonable to a sheep - logic, they investigate the most likely suspects (chief among them, the butcher) arriving at much the same conclusions as the dull-witted humans. Each sheep has a personality, talents, background, etc., that make this humorous mystery a real treat.

The Known World

Author: Edward P. Jones
Stars: 4
Review by: Judyangel

This was a difficult read as far as subject matter went. It was something I haven't thought much of before.

The Things That Keep Us Here

Author: Carla Buckley
Stars: 4
Review by: bookwormmoma

A real page turner!

Burn This Book

Author: Toni Morrison, editor
Stars: 2
Review by: carol h

This is a collection of essays about the meaning of being a writer from PEN authors. Some of the essays are predictably self-important or political. I liked best the one by John Updike, who writes about the writer's evolution from wanting the public to shunning the public and how hard it is after that first book to keep finding the truth.

Reckless

Author: Andrew Gross
Stars: 4
Review by: Judy M.

A conspiracy book about the current economic situation. Will give you something to think about.

Cat Women

Author: Megan McMourris, editor
Stars: 3
Review by: smudge

A collection of memoirs by women who have owned cats.

Eggs in Purgatory

Author: Laura Childs
Stars: 4
Review by: L.Z.

A fun read, with some interesting recipes included!

Good Kids, Bad Habits: The Real Age Guide to Raising Healthy Children

Author: Jennifer Trachtenberg
Stars: 4
Review by: L.Z.

A thorough self-assessment with chapters dedicated to follow-up on that assessment. Lots of practical applications and ideas, and easy to find passages that are most appropriate for your own needs. A quick and easy read, but useful.

Still Alice

Author: Lisa Genova
Stars: 5
Review by: Paula N

Wow.

Confessions of a Prairie Bitch

Author: Alison Arngrim
Stars: 4
Review by: Tartu

Nellie Oleson tells her side of the story. Parts of the book were a little too much, but the stories about her time on Little House were very funny.

The Invention of Truth

Author: Marta Morazzoni
Stars: 4
Review by: smudge

The interweave of two stories - the creation of the Bayeux Tapestry in the Middle Ages and the visit of John Ruskin to Amiens in the 1800s- reflects on how history is viewed.

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

Author: Muriel Spark
Stars: 1
Review by: ddlesmom

I don't get it.

Death Comes for the Archbishop

Author: Willa Cather
Stars: 4
Review by: Sunflower Sue

This book has amazing descriptions of the landscapes. Really makes you want to go see the southwest United States.

The King of Slippery Falls

Author: Sid Hite
Stars: 3
Review by: KM

Quick young adult read involving themes of adoption and figuring out one's identity.

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake

Author: Aimee Bender
Stars: 2
Review by: Barbie

I must have missed something, because this book did not live up to my expectations after reading a review about it.

Beach Roses

Author: Jean Stone
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Barbie

Four women come together to support each other as three of them face breast cancer.

Garden Spells

Author: Sarah Addison Allen
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Barbie

This is a fun, whimsical and magical book, a nice simple read for a summer day.

Playing for Pizza

Author: John Grisham
Stars: 2.5
Review by: Barbie

Not my kind of book, not the best of Grisham.

Two Women of Galilee

Author: Mary Rourke
Stars: 5
Review by: RjS

Mary and Joanna are cousins, who have not spoken in a long time, as their families separated over Roman politics. When Joanna seeks a miracle cure for her illness of consumption, she turns to Jesus, via His mother, the blessed Virgin Mary. Mary is Joanna's cousin. A very good story, anchored by historical and biblical fact, with names that you will recognize who have become memorable characters of the story.

Seven Year Switch

Author: Claire Cook
Stars: 3
Review by: readsalot

This was a light read but I was a little disappointed with the ending.

Seven Year Switch

Author: Claire Cook
Stars: 3
Review by: readsalot

This was a light read but I was a little disappointed with the ending.

Sizzling Sixteen

Author: Janet Evanovich
Stars: 4
Review by: scrappy3

Summer always starts for me when I get the lastest Stephanie Plum adventure. This one features a kidnapped Vinnie, an alligator named Mr. Jingles and the return of Moon Man-don't miss it!

The 9th Judgment

Author: James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
Stars: 4
Review by: Judy M.

Another Women's Murder Club book and it is a quick read and has an interesting plot. A great summer beach book.

Beyond Repair: The Decline and Fall of the CIA

Author: Charles S. Faddis
Stars: 5
Review by: Carolyn from Ringoes

Well-articulated description of how the CIA moved from the lean organization begun as the OSS to the overbloated, bureacratic organization of today. Provides a suggested intelligence-gathering organizational model able to meet 21st century challenges. The proposed model includes the same ingredients needed for a successful revenue-generating business (e.g., flat structure, accountability).

The Cardturner

Author: Louis Sachar
Stars: 4
Review by: Library Aimee

If you like to play bridge or are a fan of Louis Sachar's other books (Holes), you will enjoy this one!

The Hearts of Horses

Author: Molly Gloss
Stars: 5
Review by: RjS

I really enjoyed this book for many reasons. While initially, the story seemed light, in terms of the relevant and factual content of horsemanship, I soon realized that real live horse behavior had been written into the story, as well as for this time period a more sensitive understanding to the nature of horses, which makes the character of Martha Lessen even more remarkable. She is a heroine and holds the story together. It was good to get a better understanding of what the wild west was like during the period of WWI and how loyal American citizens were to soldiers who had left home to fight on European soil. It kind of helps me to respect even more our soldiers who are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and put their sacrifice into perspective.

The Long Song

Author: Andrea Levy
Stars: 5
Review by: Fernanda L.

I found the story quite enjoyable, lots going on. I especially enjoyed how the storyteller interacts with the reader throughout the book.

The Burning Wire

Author: Jeffery Deaver
Stars: 4
Review by: scrappy3

Good beach read-I didn't see the ending coming. Made me think about electricity in a new, creepy way!!

Jane Austen in Boca

Author: Paula Marantz Cohen
Stars: 3.5
Review by: CB

It was a light read - funny & entertaining.

Just Jennifer

Five Days Apart Chris Binchy (Harper, June 29, 2010)

David and Alex are Dubliners who have been close friends for many years.  Nothing will end a life long friendship like a beautiful woman at a party, though.  David is more awkward and less self-assured than Alex.  He admits his attraction to Camille to Alex and then watches as Alex sweeps Camille right off of her feet and out of David’s life.  David becomes determined to forget both Alex and Camille and start life over again, but he can’t forget Camille and decides he will finally let her know how he feels, at any cost, even that of losing his life long friend.   A story that analyzes the relationship between two young men, how their choices affect each other, their friendship and themselves, Five Days Apart is a surprising coming of age story as one young man blossoms, another struggles with adulthood and a friendship is tested.  Chris Binchy is the nephew of Irish author Maeve Binchy.

Born on a Blue Day

Author: Daniel Tammet
Stars: 3
Review by: BKF

This autobiography is an interesting look into the mind of an amazing, highly functioning, autistic savant.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

Author: Stieg Larsson
Stars: 4
Review by: ddlesmom

Third book in the trilogy.  Loved them all.  Caution - graphic violence.

Shanghai Girls

Author: Lisa See
Stars: 2
Review by: smudge

A bit contrived and certainly not as well written as some of her earlier novels, this story is about two sisters and their lives from pre-WWII Shanghai through the Communist witch hunts of the 1950s in the US.

The Woman Who Can't Forget

Author: Jill Price
Stars: 2
Review by: Karen

Enjoyed the book, but writing lacked spark.

Revenge of the Spellmans

Author: Lisa Lutz
Stars: 5
Review by: smudge

A laugh out loud easy read.

The Girl on Legere Street

Author: Karen White
Stars: 4
Review by: Holly B.

When Melanie Middleton, a single 39-year-old Charleston native receives a call from her mother whom she hasn't seen in over 30 years, Melanie's life is turned upside down.  Melanie's mother has a request for her daughter to handle the purchase of her grandmother's former home, which has recently come on the market.  Melanie and her mother both have the unique ability to see and communicate with ghosts, which will come in handy in finding out their family's secrets.

The Overnight Socialite

Author: Bridie Clark
Stars: 1
Review by: Kate M

A modern-day Pygmalion; a wealthy New York bachelor meets a small-town girl and makes a bet with friend that he can pass her off as the next "it girl."  Waaaaay too predictable.

Blue-Eyed Devil

Author: Robert B. Parker
Stars: 3
Review by: Kate M

Parker's last book, finished shortly before he died.  Not his best, but entertaining as usual.

Congratulations to...

... Kate M., who won the advanced readers copy of Red Hook Road.  Thanks to all who commented on "Just Jennifer."

Stay

Author: Allie Larkin
Stars: 2
Review by: patco81

Savannah's best friend Janie, who grew up privileged and wanting for nothing, now has a husband: Savannah's (unrequited) college crush, Peter.  Tears, tantrums and excessive drinking culminate in Savannah's online purchase of a German Shepherd puppy. This novel has some intriguing plotlines and potential character interest, but disappoints with pedestrian writing and stereotyped situations more suitable for YAF. And warning: despite the appealing and adorable doggyface on the cover, the book is really NOT about the dog!

Breaking Dawn

Author: Stephenie Meyer
Stars: 4
Review by: Miss Lucy

Very satisfying conclusion to the "Twilight" series, leaving no loose ends.  It's amazing how Stephenie Meyer created so many different characters with different abilities, and tied them together in a series of events I couldn't have predicted.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson

Author: John Green & David Levithan
Stars: 4
Review by: Miss Lucy

John Green's insight and humor with David Levithan's sensitivity combine to make an amazing story. I wish I could go see Tiny Dancer for real - it sounds like a great production!

Just Jennifer

The Quickening Michelle Hoover (Other Press, June 29, 2010)

In a sometimes awkward narrative, two women relate their story as neighbors on rural Iowa farms in the years just before and during the Great Depression. Enidina Current is in her early thirties when she marries Frank and moves a day’s wagon ride from the only home she ever knew to an isolated farm where she will become a farmer’s wife. Enidina is a sturdy woman of few words and is not afraid of hard work. Her nearest neighbor is Mary Morrow, who lives with her husband Jack and their sons. Mary is quieter and more reserved than Enidina, her husband very volatile. Mary makes attempts at friendship with Enidina and the two settle into an uneasy friendship born of mutual need in spite of their differences. The Great Depression and how each family deals with the consequences begins to drive a wedge between the two women, but when an unspeakable tragedy occurs, their lives will be irrevocably connected yet their relationship will never be healed. The writing is as stark as the Iowa landscape, but each chapter is told by a different woman, sometimes the same events are retold, and there is often not enough difference to warrant the two points of view. Enidina is telling her story as a letter written to an unknown grandchild, making the point of view even more awkward in places. Quiet prose with a steady undercurrent moves the plot along as the lives of these two families are slowly revealed.

"F" Is for Fugitive"G" Is for Gumshoe"H" Is for Homicide"I" Is for Innocent

Author: Sue Grafton
Stars: 3
Review by: patco81

When this alphabet mystery series first appeared, I read quickly from A-E and then stopped. Now, decades later, after acquiring the rest of the titles, I have rediscovered my initial enjoyment and am determined to make this the summer I will complete these (and hopefully other unfinished works languishing on my bookshelves).

As for reviews, I am giving all a solid "3" unless any proves to be otherwise. The author has created a believable heroine, private investigator Kinsey Millhone, and has mastered the art of plotting a satisfying 300-page mystery with clever twists, minimum violence, subtle romantic situations, and a refreshing lack of gore or lazy reliance on four-letter words.

Onward to "U" is for Undertow!

The Lion

Author: Nelson DeMille
Stars: 2
Review by: Big Da

Asad Khalil, The Lion, and terrorist extraodinaire, returns to confront his nemesis John Corey. Bloody, not for the fainthearted, and overly long.

Her Fearful Symmetry

Author: Audrey Niggenegger
Stars: 4
Review by: BookDancer

Very clever ghost story.

Walks with Men

Author: Ann Beattie
Stars: 4
Review by: Tartu

A brooding, stark novella chronicling the life of a young woman in NYC during the 1980's.

The House at the End of the Road

Author: W. Ralph Eubanks
Stars: 4
Review by: Tartu

The social history of the author's family, beginning with his interracial grandparents in Jim Crow Alabama.