Author:
Margaret Creighton
Stars:
5
Review by:MApgar
How Buffalo's notoriety got
so messed up during the time of the 1901 World's Fair. It was like Satan
was against them. An elephant got electrocuted, Geronimo did
performance art that was weird, people were jumping
over Niagara in barrels - sometimes surviving, sometimes not, sometimes
bringing their dog (which thankfully did survive). McKinley was
assassinated, and the best was however a love story - Alice and Tony
Woeckener married. He had to get her away from the
man the courts said legally owned her (seriously), achieve various
escapes, flee death and imminent destruction. But 'Chiquita the Doll
Queen' wed her musician and they, at least, lived happily ever after.
Saturday, July 29, 2017
French Chic Living
Author: Florence de Dampierre
Stars: 5
Review by: MApgar
This was a big surprise in an overpriced bad title. Don't buy this, because it isn't worth $50. Just read it. It is a collection of old school household hints of all kinds and varieties - from where to plant what, where to store produce, seasonal recipes, cleaning methods and tricks with common at home items, sort of like a giant 'Hints from Heloise' sort of thing with lots of pictures of flowers in the background. Usually I get these for what I call the 'huppie' effect - yuppie hippie decorators thinking they're above their readers showing nothing but pretty pictures and hysterically vapid text - which is why granted the title I thought that this would be frankly, kind of funny. But it wasn't really French. Or chic.
Stars: 5
Review by: MApgar
This was a big surprise in an overpriced bad title. Don't buy this, because it isn't worth $50. Just read it. It is a collection of old school household hints of all kinds and varieties - from where to plant what, where to store produce, seasonal recipes, cleaning methods and tricks with common at home items, sort of like a giant 'Hints from Heloise' sort of thing with lots of pictures of flowers in the background. Usually I get these for what I call the 'huppie' effect - yuppie hippie decorators thinking they're above their readers showing nothing but pretty pictures and hysterically vapid text - which is why granted the title I thought that this would be frankly, kind of funny. But it wasn't really French. Or chic.
Shop Cats of New York
Author:
Tamar Arslanian
Stars: 4
Review by: MApgar
A book equivalent of funny cat videos, just small vignettes of shops with their feline residents. Very few were veterinary offices or anything medical, most were of the actual retail / service variety where one would go to buy something.
Stars: 4
Review by: MApgar
A book equivalent of funny cat videos, just small vignettes of shops with their feline residents. Very few were veterinary offices or anything medical, most were of the actual retail / service variety where one would go to buy something.
Peter the Great
Author:
Robert K Massie
Stars: 4
Review by:MApgar
This was big, like 'choke a rhino with it' big. But keep in mind the guy did a lot and he was pretty freaking crazy at times to boot so that ups things by a few chapters. Born to a czar's personally beloved (but politically hated) second wife, Peter's father died when he was young, and he witnessed political troops murder family and allies only to have his half sister seize the regency. Sophia was the only person he feared, even above his arch rival the King of Sweden whom he battled for years - basically it was a combo spitting match / St Petersburg rights. Peter revolutionized Russia in many ways despite his own shortcomings - poorly educated, he was juvenile in many ways, quick tempered, and was sensitive about his epilepsy. But he was loyal once won and brave under assault.
Stars: 4
Review by:MApgar
This was big, like 'choke a rhino with it' big. But keep in mind the guy did a lot and he was pretty freaking crazy at times to boot so that ups things by a few chapters. Born to a czar's personally beloved (but politically hated) second wife, Peter's father died when he was young, and he witnessed political troops murder family and allies only to have his half sister seize the regency. Sophia was the only person he feared, even above his arch rival the King of Sweden whom he battled for years - basically it was a combo spitting match / St Petersburg rights. Peter revolutionized Russia in many ways despite his own shortcomings - poorly educated, he was juvenile in many ways, quick tempered, and was sensitive about his epilepsy. But he was loyal once won and brave under assault.
Exoplanets
Author:
Michael Summers and James Trefil
Stars: 1
Review by:MApgar
This fell into my old reliable 'if it has big print and pictures in an adult book it will probably be bad' rule. And it mostly was. On the back it says how 'readable' it is, which I take is code for 'written in a manner that an ill educated toddler could understand.' Concerned with planets outside our own solar system, that is a pretty decent premise, but it even has a chapter on a fake planet it makes up (!) and for an effort by Smithsonian Books this is indeed a very poorly written and presented one.
Stars: 1
Review by:MApgar
This fell into my old reliable 'if it has big print and pictures in an adult book it will probably be bad' rule. And it mostly was. On the back it says how 'readable' it is, which I take is code for 'written in a manner that an ill educated toddler could understand.' Concerned with planets outside our own solar system, that is a pretty decent premise, but it even has a chapter on a fake planet it makes up (!) and for an effort by Smithsonian Books this is indeed a very poorly written and presented one.
Heaven - Our Enduring Fascination with the Afterlife
Author:
Lisa Miller
Stars: 3
Review by:MApgar
I didn't like this at first, but I quoted it just now on a page in Facebook and some idiot sent me an email which is hysterically funny. So for that I upgrade it two points, just for upsetting the troll. Her purpose was to examine how Christians, Jews, and Muslims - in addition to a few other faiths, but mostly those three, view the afterlife.
Stars: 3
Review by:MApgar
I didn't like this at first, but I quoted it just now on a page in Facebook and some idiot sent me an email which is hysterically funny. So for that I upgrade it two points, just for upsetting the troll. Her purpose was to examine how Christians, Jews, and Muslims - in addition to a few other faiths, but mostly those three, view the afterlife.
Ancient Israel
Author: Lester L Grabbe
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
Too dry to be of much interest, but there was quite a bit packed into here. He was just very, very dull and not the best of writers with his conclusions and such on other cultures - the Assyrians most notably in my opinion - are much better told by other authors.
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
Too dry to be of much interest, but there was quite a bit packed into here. He was just very, very dull and not the best of writers with his conclusions and such on other cultures - the Assyrians most notably in my opinion - are much better told by other authors.
Dog Gone
Author:
Pauls Toutonghi
Stars: 5
Review by: MApgar
The author's in-laws' late family dog Gonker had a kidney disorder requiring medication at regular intervals to keep him alive. One day Gonker disappeared and his brother-in-law Fielding was left devastated and with a grim deadline. Unbeknownst to the family, Fielding himself was going through a health crisis himself as well, and it was only Gonker that had kept him going for some time. The mother, Virginia, was abused hideously by her 'mother' and used that as inspiration to not let her children down. And she didn't. Knitting a circle of calls, faxes, emails, and other methods together, and praise to Caesar's generals, the family found Gonker. He has now crossed the rainbow bridge but is still a memorable part of the family - with more pictures of him then either Fielding or Peyton!
Stars: 5
Review by: MApgar
The author's in-laws' late family dog Gonker had a kidney disorder requiring medication at regular intervals to keep him alive. One day Gonker disappeared and his brother-in-law Fielding was left devastated and with a grim deadline. Unbeknownst to the family, Fielding himself was going through a health crisis himself as well, and it was only Gonker that had kept him going for some time. The mother, Virginia, was abused hideously by her 'mother' and used that as inspiration to not let her children down. And she didn't. Knitting a circle of calls, faxes, emails, and other methods together, and praise to Caesar's generals, the family found Gonker. He has now crossed the rainbow bridge but is still a memorable part of the family - with more pictures of him then either Fielding or Peyton!
Everyday Biblical Literacy
Author: J Stephen Lang
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
This isn't something you can really review per se. It is a dictionary of sorts of terms, persons, and allusions, etc. within the Bible. Fairly comprehensive for what I think would be a layperson (I have been studying this over 30 years so that is a huge guess) it is written in a manner that can be easily read if one does not have the highest vocabulary - although that does help of course. I was slightly amused that, while reading this in a mall in Pennsylvania, a Mennonite girl tried to give me paperwork to save my soul. Go figure.
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
This isn't something you can really review per se. It is a dictionary of sorts of terms, persons, and allusions, etc. within the Bible. Fairly comprehensive for what I think would be a layperson (I have been studying this over 30 years so that is a huge guess) it is written in a manner that can be easily read if one does not have the highest vocabulary - although that does help of course. I was slightly amused that, while reading this in a mall in Pennsylvania, a Mennonite girl tried to give me paperwork to save my soul. Go figure.
The Unsettlers
Author: Mark Sundeen
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
I did not like Sarah and Ethan. Everyone else in here is fairly decent however. The author met with people living organically, farming, and off the grid completely to get a sense of their lifestyle and the three couples - an older one with a son (gasp!) about to become an artist, a feisty hardscrabble pair in Detroit who have to keep a shotgun by their underwear, and then Sarah and Ethan. A former opera singer and marine biologist who started a sort of commune that keeps failing because people find them so irritating. (Ethan's idea of coping with things is to get a cabin in Maine and just 'watch the world die,' real mature.)
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
I did not like Sarah and Ethan. Everyone else in here is fairly decent however. The author met with people living organically, farming, and off the grid completely to get a sense of their lifestyle and the three couples - an older one with a son (gasp!) about to become an artist, a feisty hardscrabble pair in Detroit who have to keep a shotgun by their underwear, and then Sarah and Ethan. A former opera singer and marine biologist who started a sort of commune that keeps failing because people find them so irritating. (Ethan's idea of coping with things is to get a cabin in Maine and just 'watch the world die,' real mature.)
The Poconos - A natural history guide
Author:
Robert Halma and Carl S Oplinger
Stars: 5
Review by: MApgar
A physiological history of how the Poconos region came to form, along with a human history along in the background. The 'Lehigh Valley' one is good too, if only because we're so awfully messed up historically and they went into that a little, but this is great for adequately putting together what may be to some a fairly complicated series of processes. A lot went into the Poconos - multiple orogenies, erosion, glaciation, etc. and this covers it well along with native plants, fossils, and other things.
Stars: 5
Review by: MApgar
A physiological history of how the Poconos region came to form, along with a human history along in the background. The 'Lehigh Valley' one is good too, if only because we're so awfully messed up historically and they went into that a little, but this is great for adequately putting together what may be to some a fairly complicated series of processes. A lot went into the Poconos - multiple orogenies, erosion, glaciation, etc. and this covers it well along with native plants, fossils, and other things.
Be like the Fox - Machiavelli and his World
Author: Erica Benner
Stars: 4
Review by: MApgar
Quite surprisingly good, with several parallels to draw to today's current political situation. A biography of the Borgia hellraiser, and how he kept his head on and yet managed to really muck them up pretty good. He became an outcast when the republic fell and had to somewhat remake himself yet again, only to die not that long after, leaving his wife and many children in poverty. Set against several historical events of the period that were told quite well and without unnecessary exposition.
Stars: 4
Review by: MApgar
Quite surprisingly good, with several parallels to draw to today's current political situation. A biography of the Borgia hellraiser, and how he kept his head on and yet managed to really muck them up pretty good. He became an outcast when the republic fell and had to somewhat remake himself yet again, only to die not that long after, leaving his wife and many children in poverty. Set against several historical events of the period that were told quite well and without unnecessary exposition.
Friday, July 28, 2017
In the Land of Eternal Spring
Author: Alan Howard
Stars: 2
Review by: BeachBarb
I purchased and read this book after attending a talk by the author. It was interesting, but not my cup of tea. If you are into history, uprisings, and rebellion you might like it. I will send it on to my son.
Stars: 2
Review by: BeachBarb
I purchased and read this book after attending a talk by the author. It was interesting, but not my cup of tea. If you are into history, uprisings, and rebellion you might like it. I will send it on to my son.
The Lightkeeper's Daughters
Author:
Jean Pendziwol
Stars: 2
Review by: Just Ada
Author's adult debut. Very confusing story.
Stars: 2
Review by: Just Ada
Author's adult debut. Very confusing story.
Mercenary Instinct
Author:
Ruby Lionsgate
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is the first book in one of Lionsgate's earlier series. If you like a lighter form of sci-fi romance this is a great series. Strong female roles in a male dominated world.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is the first book in one of Lionsgate's earlier series. If you like a lighter form of sci-fi romance this is a great series. Strong female roles in a male dominated world.
The Brothers Next Door
Author:
Terry Towers
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Once again - a great vacation read. The e-book contains many more stories than just this one. Not a bad deal.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Once again - a great vacation read. The e-book contains many more stories than just this one. Not a bad deal.
Player
Author:
J.S. Scott
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Easy summer romance read. More is always makes for great summer reading.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Easy summer romance read. More is always makes for great summer reading.
Sagitta
Author:
Ruby Lionsdrake
Stars: 3
Review by:Saraswati
I need another for summer reading. Just enjoy - not a mind changer.
Stars: 3
Review by:Saraswati
I need another for summer reading. Just enjoy - not a mind changer.
Treyjon
Author:
Ruby Lionsdrake
Stars: 3
Review by:Saraswati
If you like sci-fi romance than this is a great summer series for you. I'm waiting for more!
Stars: 3
Review by:Saraswati
If you like sci-fi romance than this is a great summer series for you. I'm waiting for more!
Release
Author:
J. S. Scott
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Another easy summer, romance to read!! Enjoy the series.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Another easy summer, romance to read!! Enjoy the series.
Orion
Author:
Ruby Lionsdrake
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
First book in this series. Earth needed to find a new place(s) to live. Now years later, this is what we have. Seriously, this is not a mind bending series but it does provide a great summer reading venue, especially if you like to binge read. Enjoy!
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
First book in this series. Earth needed to find a new place(s) to live. Now years later, this is what we have. Seriously, this is not a mind bending series but it does provide a great summer reading venue, especially if you like to binge read. Enjoy!
The Dry
Author:
Jane Harper
Stars: 4
Review by: PKB
Aaron Falk #1? I did enjoy this book. Also makes me not want to go to Australia, hot, dry, dusty and sweaty...just what I hate. The mystery was great and well written. The ending was typical and okay, guess setting up for an eventual sequel to bring some of the characters back. That was probably my least favorite part, but I get it.
Stars: 4
Review by: PKB
Aaron Falk #1? I did enjoy this book. Also makes me not want to go to Australia, hot, dry, dusty and sweaty...just what I hate. The mystery was great and well written. The ending was typical and okay, guess setting up for an eventual sequel to bring some of the characters back. That was probably my least favorite part, but I get it.
The Stars Are Fire
Author: Anita Shreve
Stars: 4
Review by: PKB
Short, easy and okay. A strong woman living through a difficult era with a nasty husband who shows that with some chutzpa you can lift yourself up and get through anything. A little corny, not a lot of depth, but worth the investment of your reading list.
Stars: 4
Review by: PKB
Short, easy and okay. A strong woman living through a difficult era with a nasty husband who shows that with some chutzpa you can lift yourself up and get through anything. A little corny, not a lot of depth, but worth the investment of your reading list.
Saints for All Occasions
Author:
J. Courtney Sullivan
Stars: 5
Review by: PKB
Best book I have read this summer. Better than a beach read or chick lit, but not so deep that you get lost in the value of reading, but a lovely, moving portrait of a family warts and all. Love, loss, family, religion, cultures, traditions....a bit of everything. Hated to see it end and has me looking for another Sullivan book.
Stars: 5
Review by: PKB
Best book I have read this summer. Better than a beach read or chick lit, but not so deep that you get lost in the value of reading, but a lovely, moving portrait of a family warts and all. Love, loss, family, religion, cultures, traditions....a bit of everything. Hated to see it end and has me looking for another Sullivan book.
The Secrets of Gaslight Lane
Author: M. R. C. Kasasian
Stars: 4
Review by: Lizzytish
Fourth in the series of the Gower St. Detective. After the first couple chapters, I realized I hadn't read book 3, which disturbed me, but not to the point where I stopped reading. I have 14 reasons for liking this book, but only 1 which will concern you. ** I adore the witty bantering and sarcasm between Grice and March. And Molly the maid? She put Amelia Bedelia to shame.
The mystery was a little confusing and muddled at times. The ending a little contrived, but so what. A delicious read! Oh, and a juicy postscript! Now to find book 3.
Stars: 4
Review by: Lizzytish
Fourth in the series of the Gower St. Detective. After the first couple chapters, I realized I hadn't read book 3, which disturbed me, but not to the point where I stopped reading. I have 14 reasons for liking this book, but only 1 which will concern you. ** I adore the witty bantering and sarcasm between Grice and March. And Molly the maid? She put Amelia Bedelia to shame.
The mystery was a little confusing and muddled at times. The ending a little contrived, but so what. A delicious read! Oh, and a juicy postscript! Now to find book 3.
Small Great Things
Author:
Jodi Picoult
Stars: 5
Review by: Angel
This was such a great book. It was written well and it really made me think.
Stars: 5
Review by: Angel
This was such a great book. It was written well and it really made me think.
If Not For You
Author: Debbie Macomber
Stars: 5
Review by: Nancy w
This is a perfect quick romance read for the summer. I read it in one day. The main story is about a couple, Sam and Beth whose blind date is followed by an accident that leads to them getting to know each other better. There are 3 backstories about people who are estranged from each other-sisters, lovers, and a father and daughter. These parts made me ask the question-Is it good or bad to surprise someone with a meeting with someone from the past. Does it help to heal or just bring up old hurts?
Stars: 5
Review by: Nancy w
This is a perfect quick romance read for the summer. I read it in one day. The main story is about a couple, Sam and Beth whose blind date is followed by an accident that leads to them getting to know each other better. There are 3 backstories about people who are estranged from each other-sisters, lovers, and a father and daughter. These parts made me ask the question-Is it good or bad to surprise someone with a meeting with someone from the past. Does it help to heal or just bring up old hurts?
Treble at the Jam Fest
Author: Leslie Budewitz
Stars: 3
Review by: LZ99
Not awesome literature, but still really enjoyed it. Makes me want to move to Montana...or at least vacation there!
Stars: 3
Review by: LZ99
Not awesome literature, but still really enjoyed it. Makes me want to move to Montana...or at least vacation there!
Fudge and Jury
Author:
Ellie Alexander
Stars: 3
Review by:LZ99
A little slow start, but still a fun read.
Stars: 3
Review by:LZ99
A little slow start, but still a fun read.
Pawleys Island
Author:
Dorothea Benton Frank
Stars: 5
Review by:Just Ada
Loved this book. It has romance, laughs, and makes you cry. All of her books are good.
Stars: 5
Review by:Just Ada
Loved this book. It has romance, laughs, and makes you cry. All of her books are good.
How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids
Author:
Jancee Dunn
Stars: 5
Review by:libraryaimee
I picked up this book as a joke because the title made me laugh, but it was actually very helpful! Realistic, practical advice for keeping a marriage happy and healthy...regardless of the age of any kids...useful for couples without kids too!
Stars: 5
Review by:libraryaimee
I picked up this book as a joke because the title made me laugh, but it was actually very helpful! Realistic, practical advice for keeping a marriage happy and healthy...regardless of the age of any kids...useful for couples without kids too!
Left Neglected
Author: Lisa Genova
Stars: 5
Review by: Linda
A reminder that your life can change in a single moment.
Stars: 5
Review by: Linda
A reminder that your life can change in a single moment.
I've Got Sand in all the Wrong Places
Author:
Lisa Scottoline & Francesca Serritella
Stars: 5
Review by:PattiK
This was my first ever book by this mother – daughter writing team. It definitely won't be my last. In fact, I'm on my way in to grab another
Stars: 5
Review by:PattiK
This was my first ever book by this mother – daughter writing team. It definitely won't be my last. In fact, I'm on my way in to grab another
The Husband's Secret
Author:
Liane Moriarty
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee
I thought I would dislike this book, but I loved it! Truly a great beach read...I read it on a beach...in two days! Couldn't put it down...I was rooting for Tess & Connor!
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee
I thought I would dislike this book, but I loved it! Truly a great beach read...I read it on a beach...in two days! Couldn't put it down...I was rooting for Tess & Connor!
The Identicals
Author:
Elin Hilderbrand
Stars: 3
Review by:BookDancer
Good beach read, but not one of my favorites by this author.
Stars: 3
Review by:BookDancer
Good beach read, but not one of my favorites by this author.
The Vanishing American Adult
Author:
Ben Sasse
Stars: 3
Review by:August Mom
Good content, a little dry in the delivery with a plan to help parents and children grow into self-reliant adults that could have been written in about 200 pages.
Stars: 3
Review by:August Mom
Good content, a little dry in the delivery with a plan to help parents and children grow into self-reliant adults that could have been written in about 200 pages.
Saints For All Occasions
Author:
J. Courtney Sullivan
Stars: 3
Review by: Brookhouse
Such a sad story. The Irish immigrants of the mid 20th century in this book seem incapable of really being happy unless they drink too much. Nora, the protagonist does not drink. She is unhappy and holds it all in and shows no real love to her husband and children.
Well written, but I found it basically unresolved and unsatisfying.
Stars: 3
Review by: Brookhouse
Such a sad story. The Irish immigrants of the mid 20th century in this book seem incapable of really being happy unless they drink too much. Nora, the protagonist does not drink. She is unhappy and holds it all in and shows no real love to her husband and children.
Well written, but I found it basically unresolved and unsatisfying.
Night
Author:
Elise Wiesel
Stars: 5
Review by: LateNightReader
I feel weighted down after finishing this. The destruction that humans can inflict upon one another is devastating. This is a story that must be read. As Elise Wiesel said, " For the survivor who chooses to testify, it is clear: his duty is to bear witness for the dead and for the living....to forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time."
Stars: 5
Review by: LateNightReader
I feel weighted down after finishing this. The destruction that humans can inflict upon one another is devastating. This is a story that must be read. As Elise Wiesel said, " For the survivor who chooses to testify, it is clear: his duty is to bear witness for the dead and for the living....to forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time."
Suspicion
Author: Joseph Finder
Stars: 5
Review by: a 'Retired Cat'-who likes to read!
Great suspense--I read it in 2 days.
Stars: 5
Review by: a 'Retired Cat'-who likes to read!
Great suspense--I read it in 2 days.
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry
Author:
Fredrik Backman
Stars: 4
Review by: Shapoppa
If you are a fan of Backman's A Man Called Ove you will enjoy this book.
Stars: 4
Review by: Shapoppa
If you are a fan of Backman's A Man Called Ove you will enjoy this book.
Body Language
Author:
Julius Fast
Stars: 3
Review by: August Mom
A book from 1970 and still very relevant.
Stars: 3
Review by: August Mom
A book from 1970 and still very relevant.
A Ghostly Light
Author: Juliet Blackwell
Stars: 4
Review by: jambob
I have to give this cozy 4 ( usually give cozies a 3 ) because it offered so much background history on lighthouses and San Francisco and other trivia. The author included websites for further info. nice touch!
Stars: 4
Review by: jambob
I have to give this cozy 4 ( usually give cozies a 3 ) because it offered so much background history on lighthouses and San Francisco and other trivia. The author included websites for further info. nice touch!
All the Single Ladies
Author:
Dorothea Benton Frank
Stars: 5
Review by: Just Ada
I have not read this author in a long time, but since I finished I remember why I like her. Good story, great characters, a little mystery and a lot of love.
Stars: 5
Review by: Just Ada
I have not read this author in a long time, but since I finished I remember why I like her. Good story, great characters, a little mystery and a lot of love.
The Book of Polly
Author:
Kathy Hepinstall
Stars: 4
Review by: Lizzytish
A real feel good book. Willow's mother had her late in life, so Willow lives in fear of losing her mom, and devises ways to hang on to her. Polly is a spitfire and you can't help but love her. You will laugh, you will cry. There are secrets and great adventures. There are other quirky characters that help fill out the story. Just read it.
Stars: 4
Review by: Lizzytish
A real feel good book. Willow's mother had her late in life, so Willow lives in fear of losing her mom, and devises ways to hang on to her. Polly is a spitfire and you can't help but love her. You will laugh, you will cry. There are secrets and great adventures. There are other quirky characters that help fill out the story. Just read it.
The Orphan's Tale
Author:
Pam Jenoff
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzytish
Based upon a true story of a circus being used to help hide Jews. I felt like I was reading a YA novel. The characters seemed forced and though I appreciated Noa and Astrid, I never really connected. Still a worthwhile read.
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzytish
Based upon a true story of a circus being used to help hide Jews. I felt like I was reading a YA novel. The characters seemed forced and though I appreciated Noa and Astrid, I never really connected. Still a worthwhile read.
Camino Island
Author: John Grisham
Stars: 4
Review by: BeachBarb
John Grisham does not disappoint.
This is a fast moving, intriguing, well written and organized story of theft and surveillance. Five men plan carefully to steal the Fitzgerald manuscripts from the Princeton Library, and they are successful, for a time. Mercer Mann, a writer who can’t seem to come up with her next book, and has just lost her job as an adjunct professor, is approached by a mysterious woman and asked to help find the valuables by infiltrating a group of writers on Camino Island, the home of her deceased grandmother. I liked the way each section profiled a different part of the story, knowing that they would all come together. Good read.
Stars: 4
Review by: BeachBarb
John Grisham does not disappoint.
This is a fast moving, intriguing, well written and organized story of theft and surveillance. Five men plan carefully to steal the Fitzgerald manuscripts from the Princeton Library, and they are successful, for a time. Mercer Mann, a writer who can’t seem to come up with her next book, and has just lost her job as an adjunct professor, is approached by a mysterious woman and asked to help find the valuables by infiltrating a group of writers on Camino Island, the home of her deceased grandmother. I liked the way each section profiled a different part of the story, knowing that they would all come together. Good read.
The Salt House
Author: Lisa Duffy
Stars: 4
Review by: Just Ada
First book by this author. Sad, but worth the read.
Stars: 4
Review by: Just Ada
First book by this author. Sad, but worth the read.
The Education of Will
Author: Patricia McConnell
Stars: 5
Review by: PattiK
For those of you unfamiliar with Patricia McConnell she is one of the leading animal behaviorist and dog trainers in the country. For me, this book was a blessing because it's nice to know that even she can have a dog with issues; a dog that is difficult to train. We all want the perfect dog but sometimes we need to recognize that we get the dog we need regardless of what that looks like to the outside world.
Stars: 5
Review by: PattiK
For those of you unfamiliar with Patricia McConnell she is one of the leading animal behaviorist and dog trainers in the country. For me, this book was a blessing because it's nice to know that even she can have a dog with issues; a dog that is difficult to train. We all want the perfect dog but sometimes we need to recognize that we get the dog we need regardless of what that looks like to the outside world.
The World Trade Center Remembered
Author:
Sonia Bullaty and Angelo Lomeo
Stars: 3
Review by: Summer Breeze
Published in Dec 2001 - rushed to press to capitalize on its demise. Contains an excellent text explaining the reasons they were moved to the West Side and were 30 stories taller than originally planned; why the design was panned in architectural circles, and other critical features that led to their possibility and their subsequent demise. The pictures are very good and a reminder of these icons that I first saw rising from my middle school window 30 miles away.
Stars: 3
Review by: Summer Breeze
Published in Dec 2001 - rushed to press to capitalize on its demise. Contains an excellent text explaining the reasons they were moved to the West Side and were 30 stories taller than originally planned; why the design was panned in architectural circles, and other critical features that led to their possibility and their subsequent demise. The pictures are very good and a reminder of these icons that I first saw rising from my middle school window 30 miles away.
Dreams From My Father
Author:
Barack Obama
Stars: 5
Review by: Juli
A very interesting narrative that shows a mostly unknown side of our former president, this book is extremely humanizing. It demonstrates the human desire to uncover and embrace our roots while showing that no matter our background, we are not always victims to circumstance. It is extremely well written and honest.
Stars: 5
Review by: Juli
A very interesting narrative that shows a mostly unknown side of our former president, this book is extremely humanizing. It demonstrates the human desire to uncover and embrace our roots while showing that no matter our background, we are not always victims to circumstance. It is extremely well written and honest.
The End of Alice
Author:
A.M. Homes
Stars: 2
Review by: Spring J
This book was outside my reading zone. Came up on Amazon as something I might like to read.
Stars: 2
Review by: Spring J
This book was outside my reading zone. Came up on Amazon as something I might like to read.
I See You
Author:
Clare Mackintosh
Stars: 4
Review by: Maryellen
Imagine while reading the paper you see a photo of yourself in an advertisement for a website called Findtheone.com that you have not placed. You then realize that other women who appear in these ads have become victims of violent crimes including murder. Needless to say, you are freaked out.
Stars: 4
Review by: Maryellen
Imagine while reading the paper you see a photo of yourself in an advertisement for a website called Findtheone.com that you have not placed. You then realize that other women who appear in these ads have become victims of violent crimes including murder. Needless to say, you are freaked out.
LaRose
Author: Louise Erdrich
Stars: 2
Review by: Judy E
LaRose is the center of this Ojibwa story...while hunting LaRose's father accidentally shoots Dusty, his son's best friend. To ease matters LaRose is shared living between the 2 families to help ease the pain. A difficult story for me to follow as love, loss, despair all touch the lives of the family and extended family. Very graphic and detailed at times.
Stars: 2
Review by: Judy E
LaRose is the center of this Ojibwa story...while hunting LaRose's father accidentally shoots Dusty, his son's best friend. To ease matters LaRose is shared living between the 2 families to help ease the pain. A difficult story for me to follow as love, loss, despair all touch the lives of the family and extended family. Very graphic and detailed at times.
Queen of the Cookbooks
Author:
Ashton Lee
Stars: 2
Review by: LZ99
Oops...apparently this was un-memorable enough that I was a bit into it before realizing that I'd started it before...still not particularly interesting or engaging.
Stars: 2
Review by: LZ99
Oops...apparently this was un-memorable enough that I was a bit into it before realizing that I'd started it before...still not particularly interesting or engaging.
Heading Out to Wonderful
Author:
Robert Goolrick
Stars: 2
Review by: Pam D
I enjoyed the beginning of the book, but felt very uneasy with the involvement of a 5 year old boy brought on lover rendezvous. The books gets darker from there.
Stars: 2
Review by: Pam D
I enjoyed the beginning of the book, but felt very uneasy with the involvement of a 5 year old boy brought on lover rendezvous. The books gets darker from there.
Same Beach Next Year
Author:
Dorothea Benton Frank
Stars: 3
Review by: BeachBarb
It was a good summer chick lit read, but a bit disappointing. I don't think the writing and story plot is as interesting or as well developed as earlier Dorothea Benton Frank books. Yes, in some ways, the moral is to appreciate what you have and love it. Other moral, is to go out and do what YOU want. There were the happy times with Ted and Clarabeth finding each other and marrying at a later age and truly being happy with each other. The surprise wedding at the end of the book was happy, but not enough was told about the relationship between Max and Daphne. Guess I will put Ms. Frank on the back burner for a while.
Stars: 3
Review by: BeachBarb
It was a good summer chick lit read, but a bit disappointing. I don't think the writing and story plot is as interesting or as well developed as earlier Dorothea Benton Frank books. Yes, in some ways, the moral is to appreciate what you have and love it. Other moral, is to go out and do what YOU want. There were the happy times with Ted and Clarabeth finding each other and marrying at a later age and truly being happy with each other. The surprise wedding at the end of the book was happy, but not enough was told about the relationship between Max and Daphne. Guess I will put Ms. Frank on the back burner for a while.
SEAL's Plaything
Author:
Cassandra Dee
Stars: 1
Review by: Saraswati
If you are a fan of the Grey series you will probably like this too.
Stars: 1
Review by: Saraswati
If you are a fan of the Grey series you will probably like this too.
For the Birds
Author:
Denise Grover Swank
Stars: 5
Review by: Saraswati
This is the 2nd book in one of the two spin off Rose Gardner series. The entire development of the Gardner series reminded me of Harris' Sookie Stackhouse series with a lot less para-normal activity. If you liked Harris you will probably like Swank. This time Rose & her best friend are looking for a missing parrot and a friend's brother. She is still trying to figure out who she is and what she wants so there is a lot going on in the story. Enjoy the book, but try out the series.
Stars: 5
Review by: Saraswati
This is the 2nd book in one of the two spin off Rose Gardner series. The entire development of the Gardner series reminded me of Harris' Sookie Stackhouse series with a lot less para-normal activity. If you liked Harris you will probably like Swank. This time Rose & her best friend are looking for a missing parrot and a friend's brother. She is still trying to figure out who she is and what she wants so there is a lot going on in the story. Enjoy the book, but try out the series.
Autopsy of America
Author:
Seph Lawless
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee
A book of photos from abandoned towns, malls, and theme parks around America. This book very clearly outlines in pictures & minimal text why Trump won the election. Fascinating. I recommend it to everyone!
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee
A book of photos from abandoned towns, malls, and theme parks around America. This book very clearly outlines in pictures & minimal text why Trump won the election. Fascinating. I recommend it to everyone!
Elementary She Read
Author:
Vicki Delaney
Stars: 3
Review by: jambob
Fun cozy romp with Sherlock Holmes memorabilia
Stars: 3
Review by: jambob
Fun cozy romp with Sherlock Holmes memorabilia
The Haunting of Highdown Hall
Author: Shani Struthers
Stars: 1
Review by: jambob
A confused rendition of a haunted house and the ghost busters who try to clean it. A lot of filler and bogus theories.
Stars: 1
Review by: jambob
A confused rendition of a haunted house and the ghost busters who try to clean it. A lot of filler and bogus theories.
Road Ends
Author:
Mary Lawson
Stars: 5
Review by: Agus
Mary Lawson has written 3 novels, all set in the fictional town of Struan, in northern Ontario, Canada. Each is a beautiful story, full of rich characters. Struan is a remote, rural area, and life is often hard for its inhabitants. There is a wonderful ending in Road Ends, as various threads come together for a most satisfying conclusion. The writing is beautiful and the books have left me hoping for a fourth in this series.
Stars: 5
Review by: Agus
Mary Lawson has written 3 novels, all set in the fictional town of Struan, in northern Ontario, Canada. Each is a beautiful story, full of rich characters. Struan is a remote, rural area, and life is often hard for its inhabitants. There is a wonderful ending in Road Ends, as various threads come together for a most satisfying conclusion. The writing is beautiful and the books have left me hoping for a fourth in this series.
The Sunshine Sisters
Author:
Jane Green
Stars: 5
Review by: Keeread
Reminded me of a Maeve Binchy book. Fantastic!
Stars: 5
Review by: Keeread
Reminded me of a Maeve Binchy book. Fantastic!
Miss Julia Weathers the Storm
Author:
Ann Ross
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzytish
I will never tire of Miss Julia! She's a breath of fresh air after reading heavier books.
Julia and all take a vacation at the beach only to come home early due to a storm. And that's not the only storm brewing out there. Fun summer read.
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzytish
I will never tire of Miss Julia! She's a breath of fresh air after reading heavier books.
Julia and all take a vacation at the beach only to come home early due to a storm. And that's not the only storm brewing out there. Fun summer read.
Last Bus to Woodstock
Author:
Colin Dexter
Stars: 2
Review by: Lizzytish
My first introduction to Inspector Morse, and my last. I haven't seen the TV series, but I do love a good British mystery. This fell short. Morse is a womanizer and drinker. I was totally underwhelmed. I have been spoiled by Perot and Gamache.
Stars: 2
Review by: Lizzytish
My first introduction to Inspector Morse, and my last. I haven't seen the TV series, but I do love a good British mystery. This fell short. Morse is a womanizer and drinker. I was totally underwhelmed. I have been spoiled by Perot and Gamache.
The Haunting of Hill House
Author: Shirley Jackson
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzytish
The author's writing is hauntingly beautiful. There's a touch of psychological issues and many ways to interpret the story. It's a wonderful, creepy house. Is the house haunted, or is the main character a psycho. The book is listed as horror. I don't do horror, but this was not a terrifying, don't read in the dark book. The dialogues were full of wit, and the characters interesting. The appearance of the doctor's wife added some humor. I will be trying other books by this author.
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzytish
The author's writing is hauntingly beautiful. There's a touch of psychological issues and many ways to interpret the story. It's a wonderful, creepy house. Is the house haunted, or is the main character a psycho. The book is listed as horror. I don't do horror, but this was not a terrifying, don't read in the dark book. The dialogues were full of wit, and the characters interesting. The appearance of the doctor's wife added some humor. I will be trying other books by this author.
The Devil's Feast
Author:
M.J. Carter
Stars: 3
Review by:Lizzytish
Third in the series of Avery and Blake. We are in Victorian London visiting the kitchens of real life chef Soyer. People at the Reform Club ( which also was a real place) are literally dying to eat the chef's food. Soyer was a fascinating and flamboyant figure who also was a great inventor of the gas stove, among many other things. Politics of the Whigs and liberals are also on the table. It's up to Avery and Blake to discover the poisoner before the big feast for the Prince of Egypt.
Stars: 3
Review by:Lizzytish
Third in the series of Avery and Blake. We are in Victorian London visiting the kitchens of real life chef Soyer. People at the Reform Club ( which also was a real place) are literally dying to eat the chef's food. Soyer was a fascinating and flamboyant figure who also was a great inventor of the gas stove, among many other things. Politics of the Whigs and liberals are also on the table. It's up to Avery and Blake to discover the poisoner before the big feast for the Prince of Egypt.
Cards on the Table
Author:
Agatha Christie
Stars: 4
Review by: Lizzytish
What a set up! Four sleuths and four potential (?) murders are playing bridge, while their host sitting nearby gets murdered! I'm so glad one doesn't really need to know bridge to enjoy this mystery. Once again I thought I had nailed it, and Christie got me in the end.
Stars: 4
Review by: Lizzytish
What a set up! Four sleuths and four potential (?) murders are playing bridge, while their host sitting nearby gets murdered! I'm so glad one doesn't really need to know bridge to enjoy this mystery. Once again I thought I had nailed it, and Christie got me in the end.
My Italian Bulldozer
Author:
Alexander McCall Smith
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzytish
A gentle and pleasant read. Paul goes over to Italy to finish his book and get over the girlfriend. A series of mishaps and a collection of quirky characters make this a delightful read
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzytish
A gentle and pleasant read. Paul goes over to Italy to finish his book and get over the girlfriend. A series of mishaps and a collection of quirky characters make this a delightful read
The Perfect Stranger
Author:
Megan Miranda
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee
A super psychological thriller! I loved it! Twisty, but not too gory or brutal.
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee
A super psychological thriller! I loved it! Twisty, but not too gory or brutal.
As You Wish : Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride
Author:
Cary Elwes
Stars: 5
Review by: BookWorm2
A fantastic look behind the scenes of this beloved film. If possible, try the audio book as many of the actors provide their own voices for their comments.
Stars: 5
Review by: BookWorm2
A fantastic look behind the scenes of this beloved film. If possible, try the audio book as many of the actors provide their own voices for their comments.
All Dressed in White
Author:
Mary Higgins Clark
Stars: 3
Review by: BeachBarb
Easy, but pleasant, summer read.
Stars: 3
Review by: BeachBarb
Easy, but pleasant, summer read.
The Boys in the Boat
Author:
Daniel James Brown
Stars: 5
Review by: BeachBarb
Truly the greatest generation!! We need these men and men and women like them in 2017.
Stars: 5
Review by: BeachBarb
Truly the greatest generation!! We need these men and men and women like them in 2017.
Ancestors
Author:
Donald & Leonora Johanson
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
The anthropologists' account of several early species, interspersed with their findings about each. Their slightly more readable than the Leakeys, whom I recall as being a bit dull, and the book itself was organized and presented quite well.
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
The anthropologists' account of several early species, interspersed with their findings about each. Their slightly more readable than the Leakeys, whom I recall as being a bit dull, and the book itself was organized and presented quite well.
Myths and Folktales from Around the World
Author:
Terri Hardin
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
Organized by geographic locale, the tales here are mostly too short to really relate much of anything. If they were perhaps a bit longer one could relate them to the area and make more of a connection, here they're just more so urban legends or plain old stories.
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
Organized by geographic locale, the tales here are mostly too short to really relate much of anything. If they were perhaps a bit longer one could relate them to the area and make more of a connection, here they're just more so urban legends or plain old stories.
The view from Hawk Mountain
Author:
Michael Harwood
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
How the noted bird sanctuary came to be and those that were involved in its early running and conservation programs - most notably the indomitable Rosalie Edge, without whom the sanctuary simply would not exist. Basic facts on several of the species found there, but they're found scattered among various anecdotes, so it isn't 'x has a 10 foot wingspan' or something. Also some on the early history of the area as well, and I thought it kind of cute that they even noted the original Schaumbach cabin (where folks used to meet coming in) is haunted. Never said why though. Probably best to leave out the 'innkeeper went Sweeney Todd and turned over a dozen people into sausage' story.
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
How the noted bird sanctuary came to be and those that were involved in its early running and conservation programs - most notably the indomitable Rosalie Edge, without whom the sanctuary simply would not exist. Basic facts on several of the species found there, but they're found scattered among various anecdotes, so it isn't 'x has a 10 foot wingspan' or something. Also some on the early history of the area as well, and I thought it kind of cute that they even noted the original Schaumbach cabin (where folks used to meet coming in) is haunted. Never said why though. Probably best to leave out the 'innkeeper went Sweeney Todd and turned over a dozen people into sausage' story.
Paradigms on Pilgrimage
Author:
Stephen J Godfrey & Christopher R Smith
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
An account of how both authors, raised as evangelicals, came to reconcile fundamentalist beliefs with the concept of evolution and and old Earth. They were both respectful and sincere, which is needed today (good Lord, is it ever, but so is a smack upside the head for some) but at the same time were very methodical as 'x led to y and that is how I thought z.' A continual point made, with evidence shown, was how many anti-evolutionary thinkers decry things such as carbon dating and the like yet turn around and use it for their own purposes if the tests simply suit them. But it was still handled well. Did say though that Biblically the Earth is supposed to be flat though, which is an exaggeration, but elsewise they were quite good.
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
An account of how both authors, raised as evangelicals, came to reconcile fundamentalist beliefs with the concept of evolution and and old Earth. They were both respectful and sincere, which is needed today (good Lord, is it ever, but so is a smack upside the head for some) but at the same time were very methodical as 'x led to y and that is how I thought z.' A continual point made, with evidence shown, was how many anti-evolutionary thinkers decry things such as carbon dating and the like yet turn around and use it for their own purposes if the tests simply suit them. But it was still handled well. Did say though that Biblically the Earth is supposed to be flat though, which is an exaggeration, but elsewise they were quite good.
Protestants
Author: Alec Ryrie
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
How he can mention so many people and be so freaking dull I have no idea. His goal, if you can call it as such, was 'a big book of Protestants' and their history. OK enough. But he spent ages on stuff that he kept saying meant nothing, like the future of the religion in Korea, and then went through the actual meat of things really quick. Granted I already knew it, but still. And there was no attention given to splinter groups or cults, and nothing on the Amish or Mennonites really. But there was a whole chapter on South Africa! Which was really on other stuff of course, but still...
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
How he can mention so many people and be so freaking dull I have no idea. His goal, if you can call it as such, was 'a big book of Protestants' and their history. OK enough. But he spent ages on stuff that he kept saying meant nothing, like the future of the religion in Korea, and then went through the actual meat of things really quick. Granted I already knew it, but still. And there was no attention given to splinter groups or cults, and nothing on the Amish or Mennonites really. But there was a whole chapter on South Africa! Which was really on other stuff of course, but still...
Deadly Jealousy
Author:
Martin Fido
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
The author probably needs therapy. Just a guess. I've read about all of these cases before - famous ones include Jean Harris, Dorothy Stratten, Ruth Ellis, and others - and he just did not handle them right. Or respectfully at times. His writing style belongs more in a Playboy sort of publication as it seemed like he was continually trying to titillate instead of get any sort of facts or point across.
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
The author probably needs therapy. Just a guess. I've read about all of these cases before - famous ones include Jean Harris, Dorothy Stratten, Ruth Ellis, and others - and he just did not handle them right. Or respectfully at times. His writing style belongs more in a Playboy sort of publication as it seemed like he was continually trying to titillate instead of get any sort of facts or point across.
Tutankhamun
Author:
C Desroches Noblecourt
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
Granted that a lot of the huge advances in the field of Tut scholarship have been somewhat recent but still, this book said some things that were just a bit odd. It gave an assertion to his parentage (that DNA has proven wrong, he's the son of Ahkenaten) and kept beating you over the head with it, as well as a few other random things they sort of seemingly made up. Some of the photographs are presented well, but then others aren't done nearly as good, so on the whole the work is a wasted effort.
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
Granted that a lot of the huge advances in the field of Tut scholarship have been somewhat recent but still, this book said some things that were just a bit odd. It gave an assertion to his parentage (that DNA has proven wrong, he's the son of Ahkenaten) and kept beating you over the head with it, as well as a few other random things they sort of seemingly made up. Some of the photographs are presented well, but then others aren't done nearly as good, so on the whole the work is a wasted effort.
Exploring our Living Planet
Author:
Robert D. Ballard
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
A nice semi introductory work covering things from plate tectonics and seismicity to various landforms and natural disasters. A Natural Geographic work so it was presented well and didn't have any major errors in it, a great rarity today in an age of dumbing down science.
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
A nice semi introductory work covering things from plate tectonics and seismicity to various landforms and natural disasters. A Natural Geographic work so it was presented well and didn't have any major errors in it, a great rarity today in an age of dumbing down science.
The Winnie-The-Pooh Cookbook
Author:
Stars: 3
Review by: Classics Forever
You will never see this on the NY Times best-seller list, but Pooh lovers will enjoy every page. A mix of whimsy and recipes. Great fun!
Stars: 3
Review by: Classics Forever
You will never see this on the NY Times best-seller list, but Pooh lovers will enjoy every page. A mix of whimsy and recipes. Great fun!
Blood and Circuses
Author:
Kerry Greenwood
Stars: 3
Review by: Classics Forever
A little darker than her others, and minimum inclusions of her staff and family. Still, a well-crafted novel.
Stars: 3
Review by: Classics Forever
A little darker than her others, and minimum inclusions of her staff and family. Still, a well-crafted novel.
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Falling
Author:
Jane Green
Stars: 5
Review by: Just Ada
I really liked this one. Will have to get more by this author. Romance, unpredictable ending.
Stars: 5
Review by: Just Ada
I really liked this one. Will have to get more by this author. Romance, unpredictable ending.
Fin and Lady
Author:
Cathleen Schine
Stars: 5
Review by: Agus
This novel reminded me somewhat of Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch, although it is much shorter, and lighter in tone. But it is also a coming of age book about a young boy, raised by a lively, somewhat irresponsible half-sister after his parents die. Their life together, after he moves from rural Connecticut to the 1960's Greenwich Village, is full of adventure and wry humor, as his sister searches for the perfect life partner.
Stars: 5
Review by: Agus
This novel reminded me somewhat of Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch, although it is much shorter, and lighter in tone. But it is also a coming of age book about a young boy, raised by a lively, somewhat irresponsible half-sister after his parents die. Their life together, after he moves from rural Connecticut to the 1960's Greenwich Village, is full of adventure and wry humor, as his sister searches for the perfect life partner.
Crow Lake
Author:
Mary Lawson
Stars: 5
Review by: Agus
Mary Lawson has set all 3 of her novels in the same fictional town of Struan, Ontario, a remote northern Ontario, Canada, town. It's a pleasure to read her understated writing, which captures the heartbeat of the country life. Her characters are real, flawed people, some striving to get away from their small town, and others loving the life it has to offer.
Stars: 5
Review by: Agus
Mary Lawson has set all 3 of her novels in the same fictional town of Struan, Ontario, a remote northern Ontario, Canada, town. It's a pleasure to read her understated writing, which captures the heartbeat of the country life. Her characters are real, flawed people, some striving to get away from their small town, and others loving the life it has to offer.
The Other Side of the Bridge
Author:
Mary Lawson
Stars: 5
Review by: Agus
I'm reading everything I can get my hands on by Mary Lawson right now. She writes about a rural northern Ontario, Canada, town. Her writing is wonderful, and she captures the rural life and its people so convincingly. This one is about two sons, almost polar opposites, and the different life paths they take. There's an understated passion that runs through her writing.
Stars: 5
Review by: Agus
I'm reading everything I can get my hands on by Mary Lawson right now. She writes about a rural northern Ontario, Canada, town. Her writing is wonderful, and she captures the rural life and its people so convincingly. This one is about two sons, almost polar opposites, and the different life paths they take. There's an understated passion that runs through her writing.
Bleeding Heart
Author:
Liza Gyllenhaal
Stars: 5
Review by: a 'Retired Cat' - who likes to read!
While I was reading this, I visioned in my mind what the gardens, etc looked like and the stone work and the mansion!
Stars: 5
Review by: a 'Retired Cat' - who likes to read!
While I was reading this, I visioned in my mind what the gardens, etc looked like and the stone work and the mansion!
Norse Mythology
Author:
Neil Gaiman
Stars: 2
Review by: Brookhouse
Maybe one has to be a huge fan of mythology. I remember reading Edith Hamilton on Greek and Roman mythology way back when and loving it. But this struck me as being written for a child. Perhaps I should read some of his other books
Stars: 2
Review by: Brookhouse
Maybe one has to be a huge fan of mythology. I remember reading Edith Hamilton on Greek and Roman mythology way back when and loving it. But this struck me as being written for a child. Perhaps I should read some of his other books
Dirty Therapy: Dirty Series, Book 1
Author:
Tara Crescent
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is the first book in the Dirty Series and its about a small town that is going to get turned upside down. A small town business owner finds her fiance with another woman, just a few hours after he proposed to her. Trying to overcome sadness and what she thinks is her problem with relationships she seeks out the help of a new group of Therapists in town. This is a pretty progressive story and may not be for all tastes but the base is a typical romance.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is the first book in the Dirty Series and its about a small town that is going to get turned upside down. A small town business owner finds her fiance with another woman, just a few hours after he proposed to her. Trying to overcome sadness and what she thinks is her problem with relationships she seeks out the help of a new group of Therapists in town. This is a pretty progressive story and may not be for all tastes but the base is a typical romance.
The Alien's Mate: Alien Warrior Romance, Book 3
Author:
Zoey Draven
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is the first book in this series that does not focus on the original couple. The Leader of Luxiria is convinced by his Earth mate that the other Earth women are being held against their will at the auction. He mounts a rescue using his key Generals. In the world of romance, nothing goes as planed. What happens when a sassy Earth women meets and gets stranded with a stoic Luxiria General? Read to find out.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is the first book in this series that does not focus on the original couple. The Leader of Luxiria is convinced by his Earth mate that the other Earth women are being held against their will at the auction. He mounts a rescue using his key Generals. In the world of romance, nothing goes as planed. What happens when a sassy Earth women meets and gets stranded with a stoic Luxiria General? Read to find out.
The Alien's Mate: Alien Warrior Romance, Book 2
Author:
Zoey Draven
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is the continuation of the original couple and them trying to find their way in the Luxiria World.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is the continuation of the original couple and them trying to find their way in the Luxiria World.
The Alien's Prize: Alien Warriors, Book 1
Author:
Zoey Draven
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
An alien race is facing extinction and their Leader goes out to find a way to save them. Kidnapped from Earth and now on an auction block along with many other earth women. What happens when the two shall meet? Read to find out.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
An alien race is facing extinction and their Leader goes out to find a way to save them. Kidnapped from Earth and now on an auction block along with many other earth women. What happens when the two shall meet? Read to find out.
How the Oceans Work: An Intro to Oceanography
Author:
Mark Denny
Stars: 2
Review by: Saraswati
This book was for the class I took on Oceans. It was a difficult read and I already knew the physics, biology and chemistry behind most of the chapters. I think the problem is that this was an overview course so it took a lot of complex information and put it into a few chapters. There are a lot of really helpful graphics throughout the text. This was not an easy summer read and I would only recommend it for those who REALLY want to know how the oceans work and how much we depend on them.
Stars: 2
Review by: Saraswati
This book was for the class I took on Oceans. It was a difficult read and I already knew the physics, biology and chemistry behind most of the chapters. I think the problem is that this was an overview course so it took a lot of complex information and put it into a few chapters. There are a lot of really helpful graphics throughout the text. This was not an easy summer read and I would only recommend it for those who REALLY want to know how the oceans work and how much we depend on them.
Draekon Mate: Exiled to the Prison Planet, Book 1
Author: Lee Savino & Lili Zander
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is the first book in this series and it is about an alien race that once tried to create a super army. The army turned on them. They were able to "recover:" but anytime the genetic mutation was found the person was exiled to a prison planet. Now the race is in trouble again and somehow they know about earth. They make a bargain - volunteers for simple experiments (no harm intended) for the cure for leukemia. Off go the volunteers but they happen to crash land on...wait for it...the prison planet. So the story begins.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is the first book in this series and it is about an alien race that once tried to create a super army. The army turned on them. They were able to "recover:" but anytime the genetic mutation was found the person was exiled to a prison planet. Now the race is in trouble again and somehow they know about earth. They make a bargain - volunteers for simple experiments (no harm intended) for the cure for leukemia. Off go the volunteers but they happen to crash land on...wait for it...the prison planet. So the story begins.
A Dangerous Bargain: Sentinel Demons, Book 1
Author:
J. S. Scott
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is a para-normal series from Scott. It is about a set of Sentinel Demons that are placed on Earth to keep evil at bay. If you like the Dark Hunter series you will probably like this series. It has the same vibes.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is a para-normal series from Scott. It is about a set of Sentinel Demons that are placed on Earth to keep evil at bay. If you like the Dark Hunter series you will probably like this series. It has the same vibes.
The Curves Collections: Big Girls and Bad Boys
Author: J. S. Scott
Stars: 2
Review by: Saraswati
This collection contained 3 stories - The Curve Ball, The Beast Loves Curves and Curves by Design. All the stories are about women of substance finding the love that they deserve. The e-collection has other stories included that are not part of this series.
Stars: 2
Review by: Saraswati
This collection contained 3 stories - The Curve Ball, The Beast Loves Curves and Curves by Design. All the stories are about women of substance finding the love that they deserve. The e-collection has other stories included that are not part of this series.
Electric Heart: Dark Planet Warriors, Book 7
Author:
Anna Carven
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
What happens when you just want to be left alone? Everyone, including the Board of Corrections, finds you. Read to find out what happens in the continuing human-kordolian world.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
What happens when you just want to be left alone? Everyone, including the Board of Corrections, finds you. Read to find out what happens in the continuing human-kordolian world.
Infinity's Embrace: Dark Planet Warriors, Book 6
Author:
Anna Carven
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This book is a little different in that it shows that humans can still do unspeakable things to other humans even when we now realize there are others. What happens when a modified human meets up with a plant that does not agree with her modifications. Read to find out.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This book is a little different in that it shows that humans can still do unspeakable things to other humans even when we now realize there are others. What happens when a modified human meets up with a plant that does not agree with her modifications. Read to find out.
Forged in Shadows: Dark Planet Warriors, Book 5
Author:
Anna Carven
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This story has more military action as another unlikely couple find their way in this new world order.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This story has more military action as another unlikely couple find their way in this new world order.
Out of Darkness: Dark Planet Warriors, Book 4
Author:
Anna Carven
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This story continues with another human-kordolian couple trying to find (fight) their way to happiness.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This story continues with another human-kordolian couple trying to find (fight) their way to happiness.
Into the Light: Dark Planet Warriors, Book 3
Author:
Anna Carven
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
The best part of binging is the ease at which you can read through the books. This book is nice because it goes back to the original couple and follows their pregnancy through to the birth of the first human-kordolian baby.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
The best part of binging is the ease at which you can read through the books. This book is nice because it goes back to the original couple and follows their pregnancy through to the birth of the first human-kordolian baby.
Dark Planet Falling: Dark Planet Warriors, Book 2
Author:
Anna Carven
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
I read book 1 prior to the summer program and decided it was time to binge this series. The Kordolians are now on earth and the Prince needs to find a way to keep both humans and his people safe. He finds a sassy journalist might just help him with his plan.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
I read book 1 prior to the summer program and decided it was time to binge this series. The Kordolians are now on earth and the Prince needs to find a way to keep both humans and his people safe. He finds a sassy journalist might just help him with his plan.
Billionaires Unmasked: Billionaires Obsession: Jason
Author: J. S. Scott
Stars: 2
Review by: Saraswati
Jason has been in love with his best friend's sister forever. When he finds out she is about to get married he does something drastic. He marries her instead. As always, things are not so cut and dry. Read and find out why.
Stars: 2
Review by: Saraswati
Jason has been in love with his best friend's sister forever. When he finds out she is about to get married he does something drastic. He marries her instead. As always, things are not so cut and dry. Read and find out why.
Billionaires Game: Billionaires Obsession: Kade
Author: J. S. Scott
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Kade can no longer do what he always loved because of a really bad accident. In order to keep busy he sets off to find his friend's Max's supposed sister. This book also touches on cultural difference in treating women and the positive work that is being done to help women remove themselves from abusive situations.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Kade can no longer do what he always loved because of a really bad accident. In order to keep busy he sets off to find his friend's Max's supposed sister. This book also touches on cultural difference in treating women and the positive work that is being done to help women remove themselves from abusive situations.
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Billionaires Unknown
Author:
J.S. Scott
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is a story about a woman and a misunderstanding with a set of twins. She had one, wonderful night with a man she thought was Marcus but in reality it was Blake. Read to find out what happens.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is a story about a woman and a misunderstanding with a set of twins. She had one, wonderful night with a man she thought was Marcus but in reality it was Blake. Read to find out what happens.
Billionaires Undaunted
Author:
J.S. Scott
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Again part of binging is that you just want to know what happens next...This is Zane's story and it follows after Chloe's story. Chloe's best friend was missing and Chloe's ex takes the blame but kills himself before he tells anyone where she is. Zane takes it upon himself to find her. A nice summer read
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Again part of binging is that you just want to know what happens next...This is Zane's story and it follows after Chloe's story. Chloe's best friend was missing and Chloe's ex takes the blame but kills himself before he tells anyone where she is. Zane takes it upon himself to find her. A nice summer read
Red Clover Inn
Author:
Carla Neggers
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is a story of a couple asked to Inn-sit while their friends are on their honeymoon. The problem is that neither knew the other was asked. Both are in a part of their lives where they are making big changes in their careers and need time to adapt and come to grips with these changes. This is a nice summer read.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is a story of a couple asked to Inn-sit while their friends are on their honeymoon. The problem is that neither knew the other was asked. Both are in a part of their lives where they are making big changes in their careers and need time to adapt and come to grips with these changes. This is a nice summer read.
Fatal Frost
Author:
Karen MacInerney
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is a continuation of Lucy's new life as a farmer. Her parent's come to town, she has a new love-whose ex-wife is now in town, her best friend is being framed for murder and her goats like to escape. So in the great cozy tradition- murder, mystery, mayhem and love all happen in a fun, summer read.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is a continuation of Lucy's new life as a farmer. Her parent's come to town, she has a new love-whose ex-wife is now in town, her best friend is being framed for murder and her goats like to escape. So in the great cozy tradition- murder, mystery, mayhem and love all happen in a fun, summer read.
Billionaires Unbound
Author:
J.S. Scott
Stars: 2
Review by: Saraswati
Ok, I binge watch series just as much as I binge read book series. This is another in this series but it actually focuses on the Chloe instead of one of her brothers, brother's friends and/or associates. It was nice to see that a woman can have money too. Unfortunately it can't just be her so there is one of her brother's friends to come to her rescue. It's a easy, summer romance to read.
Stars: 2
Review by: Saraswati
Ok, I binge watch series just as much as I binge read book series. This is another in this series but it actually focuses on the Chloe instead of one of her brothers, brother's friends and/or associates. It was nice to see that a woman can have money too. Unfortunately it can't just be her so there is one of her brother's friends to come to her rescue. It's a easy, summer romance to read.
Brush with Death
Author: Karen MacInerney
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This book series was hinted about in the author's Dewberry Farm series. It follows a similar theme. A woman gives up her present career to do something completely different like running an Inn. This book is already into this life but with all things there are some challenges that need to be overcome to find love. Recipes are included with the book.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This book series was hinted about in the author's Dewberry Farm series. It follows a similar theme. A woman gives up her present career to do something completely different like running an Inn. This book is already into this life but with all things there are some challenges that need to be overcome to find love. Recipes are included with the book.
His Cowboy Heart
Author:
Jennifer Ryan
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is a nice romance book about a young couple that went separate ways and are now back together to give it another shot. The main theme of this book is the need to have support, love and help for those with PTSD. The book really shows what a life with it can be and how that life can be changed around.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is a nice romance book about a young couple that went separate ways and are now back together to give it another shot. The main theme of this book is the need to have support, love and help for those with PTSD. The book really shows what a life with it can be and how that life can be changed around.
The Seashore Book
Author:
Charlotte Zolotow
Stars: 4
Review by: August Mom
This is a children's book. I read the original book published in 1992 and the 25th anniversary version. Same author and same illustrator. Slight changes in font and a full page for the illustrations of the latest version. Beautifully illustrated for beach lovers.
Stars: 4
Review by: August Mom
This is a children's book. I read the original book published in 1992 and the 25th anniversary version. Same author and same illustrator. Slight changes in font and a full page for the illustrations of the latest version. Beautifully illustrated for beach lovers.
A Man Called Ove
Author: Fredrik Backman
Stars: 5
Review by: August Mom
A great story. The main character appears to have Aspergers or a similar quality. I loved the way Ove's concrete thinking ruled his life and relationships. He is a true hero.
Stars: 5
Review by: August Mom
A great story. The main character appears to have Aspergers or a similar quality. I loved the way Ove's concrete thinking ruled his life and relationships. He is a true hero.
The Library Book
Author:
Thomas R. Schiff
Stars: 4
Review by: August Mom
After reading the Summer Reading Blog I took the recommendation of another club member who read this book. A large coffee table book with great photos of spectacular libraries across the country with a story or substantial history behind the architecture of the library building. Details of the splendid design and buildings are included. A great find!
Stars: 4
Review by: August Mom
After reading the Summer Reading Blog I took the recommendation of another club member who read this book. A large coffee table book with great photos of spectacular libraries across the country with a story or substantial history behind the architecture of the library building. Details of the splendid design and buildings are included. A great find!
Manderley Forever: a biography of Daphne Du Maurier
Author:
Tatiana de Rosnay
Stars: 5
Review by: Angel
If you have read any of Daphne Du Maurier books you will love this biography. Extremely detailed and very well written.
Stars: 5
Review by: Angel
If you have read any of Daphne Du Maurier books you will love this biography. Extremely detailed and very well written.
The Mothers
Author:
Brit Bennett
Stars: 2
Review by: Just Ada
I listened to this book in the car. If I had been reading it I probably would not have finished it. Confusing at times.
Stars: 2
Review by: Just Ada
I listened to this book in the car. If I had been reading it I probably would not have finished it. Confusing at times.
The Elephant Whisperer
Author:
Lawrence Anthony
Stars: 4
Review by: Brookhouse
Memoir. South African naturalist and conservationist adopts a herd of wild elephants and builds a relationship with them on his 5000 acre preserve. Good tale of the culture. Warm and funny, but wise and poignant. Good book.
Stars: 4
Review by: Brookhouse
Memoir. South African naturalist and conservationist adopts a herd of wild elephants and builds a relationship with them on his 5000 acre preserve. Good tale of the culture. Warm and funny, but wise and poignant. Good book.
Priestdaddy
Author:
Patricia Lockwood
Stars: 2
Review by: Brookhouse
Bizarre memoir by a poet who, after some financial reverses, returns with her husband after 10 years, to live with her parents. Her father was a Lutheran minister with a wife and five kids who converted to Catholicism and was permitted to become a priest. He mostly is sent to relieve priests who are sent away because of sexual improprieties. The hierarchy assumes he is safe because he is married. He is neither fatherly or priestly. Sometimes funny, but strange.
Stars: 2
Review by: Brookhouse
Bizarre memoir by a poet who, after some financial reverses, returns with her husband after 10 years, to live with her parents. Her father was a Lutheran minister with a wife and five kids who converted to Catholicism and was permitted to become a priest. He mostly is sent to relieve priests who are sent away because of sexual improprieties. The hierarchy assumes he is safe because he is married. He is neither fatherly or priestly. Sometimes funny, but strange.
A Daughter's Dream
Author:
Shelley Shepard Gray
Stars: 4
Review by: Eileensummerreads
A light, easy read.
Stars: 4
Review by: Eileensummerreads
A light, easy read.
Kiss Carlo Andriana Trigiani
Author:
Adriana Trigiani
Stars: 4
Review by: Maryellen
Delightful story of the Palazzini family and the long Italian family feud. Lots of great storyline intermingled with the theater and Italy.
Stars: 4
Review by: Maryellen
Delightful story of the Palazzini family and the long Italian family feud. Lots of great storyline intermingled with the theater and Italy.
A Dog's Way Home
Author: W. Bruce Cameron
Stars: 4
Review by: PattiK
How can you NOT love a book about dogs? And he's such a good author.
Stars: 4
Review by: PattiK
How can you NOT love a book about dogs? And he's such a good author.
Friday, July 21, 2017
In Dreams
Author: Nora Roberts
Stars: 3
Review by: Ntiva
I enjoy Nora Roberts usually more than this book. She has a standard format, but usually they are more exciting or well-written. Maybe it was because this was a book on CD, or one of her earlier works, but it was a little too predictable.
Stars: 3
Review by: Ntiva
I enjoy Nora Roberts usually more than this book. She has a standard format, but usually they are more exciting or well-written. Maybe it was because this was a book on CD, or one of her earlier works, but it was a little too predictable.
Last to Die
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Stars: 4
Review by: Ntiva
I have read all the Pizzoli & Isles books. This was similar in vein to the rest of the series - enjoyable and action-packed. It you enjoy Tess Gerritsen, you'll enjoy this book.
Stars: 4
Review by: Ntiva
I have read all the Pizzoli & Isles books. This was similar in vein to the rest of the series - enjoyable and action-packed. It you enjoy Tess Gerritsen, you'll enjoy this book.
Thursday, July 13, 2017
James Clyde and the Diamonds of Orchestra
Author: Colm McElwain
Stars: 2
Review by: Tara C.
This is a hybrid of Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter. Might be a decent precursor for a kid who is not quite up to reading the HP series.
Stars: 2
Review by: Tara C.
This is a hybrid of Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter. Might be a decent precursor for a kid who is not quite up to reading the HP series.
A Hard Day's Write: The Stories Behind Every Beatles Song
Author:
Steve Turner
Stars: 5
Review by: Shapoppa
If you love the Beatles and want to know how they came up with songs and lyrics, this book is for you.
Stars: 5
Review by: Shapoppa
If you love the Beatles and want to know how they came up with songs and lyrics, this book is for you.
Every Body on Deck
Author:
G.A. McKevett
Stars: 3
Review by: mysterylover
Stars: 3
Review by: mysterylover
| Cozy mystery with a few twists. |
The Whistler
Author: John Grisham
Stars: 4
Review by: Nancy w
I like the way Grisham lays out the facts in this book. Easy to read with enough intrigue to keep me interested.
Stars: 4
Review by: Nancy w
I like the way Grisham lays out the facts in this book. Easy to read with enough intrigue to keep me interested.
Camino Island
Author:
John Grisham
Stars: 2
Review by: BKF
Mr. Grisham changed his usual "lawyer story" to a "theft story" involving the theft and recovery of five original F. Scott Fitzgerald handwritten manuscripts from Princeton University. Not one of his best books...very slow moving. I'm a huge Grisham fan but after this I think I've decided to stick to his courtroom stories!
Stars: 2
Review by: BKF
Mr. Grisham changed his usual "lawyer story" to a "theft story" involving the theft and recovery of five original F. Scott Fitzgerald handwritten manuscripts from Princeton University. Not one of his best books...very slow moving. I'm a huge Grisham fan but after this I think I've decided to stick to his courtroom stories!
Finding our Forever
Author: Brenda Novak
Stars: 5
Review by: a 'Retired Cat'-who likes to read!
First book in the Silver Springs series.
Stars: 5
Review by: a 'Retired Cat'-who likes to read!
First book in the Silver Springs series.
Love Story
Author: Karen Kingsbury
Stars: 5
Review by: a 'Retired Cat'-who likes to read!
The author says that you don't have to read all the Baxter family books, but I find that I need to go back to the beginning of John & Elizabeth's story and go from there!
Stars: 5
Review by: a 'Retired Cat'-who likes to read!
The author says that you don't have to read all the Baxter family books, but I find that I need to go back to the beginning of John & Elizabeth's story and go from there!
The Gold-Threaded Dress
Author:
Carolyn Marsden
Stars: 4
Review by: Brooke S
Read this to follow and discuss with my 9 year old. Was a good young reader book - easy to understand being left out, while also discussing diversity of cultures. My daughter was a bit bored with it, but may be due to her being a bigger reader (approp. for 6-8 if reading to/with child).
Stars: 4
Review by: Brooke S
Read this to follow and discuss with my 9 year old. Was a good young reader book - easy to understand being left out, while also discussing diversity of cultures. My daughter was a bit bored with it, but may be due to her being a bigger reader (approp. for 6-8 if reading to/with child).
The Trial Lawyers
Author: Emily Couric
Stars: 3
Review by: argee17
I learned helpful winning strategies. Wish the bios of these high earners were more complete.
Stars: 3
Review by: argee17
I learned helpful winning strategies. Wish the bios of these high earners were more complete.
The Garden of Small Beginnings
Author:
Abbi Waxman
Stars: 4
Review by: LZ99
Stars: 4
Review by: LZ99
| Light, but touching read. Enjoyable. |
A Piece of the World
Author: Christina Baker Kline
Stars: 4
Review by: Shapoppa
It started out slow, but by midway I had to finish it in one night. This is from the author of Orphan Train. It's an "imagined fictional memoir of the woman in the famed (Andrew) Wyeth painting, Cristina's World."
Stars: 4
Review by: Shapoppa
It started out slow, but by midway I had to finish it in one night. This is from the author of Orphan Train. It's an "imagined fictional memoir of the woman in the famed (Andrew) Wyeth painting, Cristina's World."
The Identicals
Author:
Elin Hilderbrand
Stars: 5
Review by: Goetz
Started off a little slow then I couldn't put it down. Excellent book.
Stars: 5
Review by: Goetz
Started off a little slow then I couldn't put it down. Excellent book.
Elementary She Read: Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery
Author: Vicki Delaney
Stars: 3
Review by: jambob
Ok new series. A little slow at times. A satisfying finish.
Stars: 3
Review by: jambob
Ok new series. A little slow at times. A satisfying finish.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
The Year of the Hare
Author: Arto Paasilinna
Stars: 4
Review by: SandyJ
This is a Finnish adventure tale that pokes fun at modern life and all its commercialism. It has been translated into 27 languages and is the most sold Finnish book. I felt like trying something out of the ordinary and liked it.
Stars: 4
Review by: SandyJ
This is a Finnish adventure tale that pokes fun at modern life and all its commercialism. It has been translated into 27 languages and is the most sold Finnish book. I felt like trying something out of the ordinary and liked it.
The Etiquette of Illness : What to Say When You Can't Find the Words
Author: Susan Halpern
Stars: 5
Review by: SandyJ
The majority of us at some point will have a family member or friend go through a difficult illness. It can be difficult to see the situation through the eyes of the sick. We tend to try to meet our own needs and forget to listen closely to the wishes of those who are ill. I've always turned to books for answers. This book came into my life at the right time. Highly recommend.
Stars: 5
Review by: SandyJ
The majority of us at some point will have a family member or friend go through a difficult illness. It can be difficult to see the situation through the eyes of the sick. We tend to try to meet our own needs and forget to listen closely to the wishes of those who are ill. I've always turned to books for answers. This book came into my life at the right time. Highly recommend.
Nightingale
Author: Kristin Hannah
Stars: 5
Review by: SandyJ
Fantastic - I listened to this book on my 11 hour drive back from Indiana and it made the drive fly by. Great narration on the audiobook. This is very important to me - the wrong voice can ruin the book.
Stars: 5
Review by: SandyJ
Fantastic - I listened to this book on my 11 hour drive back from Indiana and it made the drive fly by. Great narration on the audiobook. This is very important to me - the wrong voice can ruin the book.
The Lost Boy
Author:
Camilla Lackberg
Stars: 3
Review by: ReadsWithCats
I enjoy her mysteries, mostly for the reoccurring characters, in particular the police detective and his wife. They live in a small waterfront town in Sweden.
Stars: 3
Review by: ReadsWithCats
I enjoy her mysteries, mostly for the reoccurring characters, in particular the police detective and his wife. They live in a small waterfront town in Sweden.
Command and Control
Author: Eric Schlosser
Stars: 5
Review by: ReadsWithCats
A history of nuclear weapons in America, emphasizing the lack of safety, lack of security and general mismanagement of the most dangerous weapon systems every developed. It also includes an in depth description of a Titan II nuclear missile than blew up in its silo in 1980. A film about the Titan II accident is on PBS and YouTube.
Stars: 5
Review by: ReadsWithCats
A history of nuclear weapons in America, emphasizing the lack of safety, lack of security and general mismanagement of the most dangerous weapon systems every developed. It also includes an in depth description of a Titan II nuclear missile than blew up in its silo in 1980. A film about the Titan II accident is on PBS and YouTube.
A Trick of the Light
Author:
Louise Penny
Stars: 5
Review by: BookDancer
I will hopefully read my way through all Louise Penny's mysteries and then move to Three Pines, Canada! What a charming, complicated and irresistible universe she has created.
Stars: 5
Review by: BookDancer
I will hopefully read my way through all Louise Penny's mysteries and then move to Three Pines, Canada! What a charming, complicated and irresistible universe she has created.
Station Eleven
Author:
Emily St. John Mandel
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Miss Lucy
Apocalyptic tale that takes place in Northern Michigan. I coincidentally listened to it as I was actually traveling to Northern Michigan.
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Miss Lucy
Apocalyptic tale that takes place in Northern Michigan. I coincidentally listened to it as I was actually traveling to Northern Michigan.
Beartown
Author:
Frederick Bachman
Stars: 4
Review by: Spring J
This is the third book I have read by this author. I enjoy his conversations in the book they ring true to life for me. This book can make you laugh and brings tears. The characters could be from any small town.
If you like ice hockey that will be a bonus as this book centers around the A team of the local league. The could have been taken from the headlines of the news. Jon Krakauer did a book, Missoula, as well on athletes and violence against women.
Stars: 4
Review by: Spring J
This is the third book I have read by this author. I enjoy his conversations in the book they ring true to life for me. This book can make you laugh and brings tears. The characters could be from any small town.
If you like ice hockey that will be a bonus as this book centers around the A team of the local league. The could have been taken from the headlines of the news. Jon Krakauer did a book, Missoula, as well on athletes and violence against women.
The Inn at Rose Harbor
Author:
Debbie Macomber
Stars: 4
Review by: BeachBarb
Finally got around to listening to and finishing this first of the Rose Harbor Inn series. Just nice, uplifting, easy summer (or anytime) read.
Stars: 4
Review by: BeachBarb
Finally got around to listening to and finishing this first of the Rose Harbor Inn series. Just nice, uplifting, easy summer (or anytime) read.
All the Single Ladies
Author: Dorothea Benton Frank
Stars: 4
Review by: BeachBarb
I thought this a bit different than the usual Dorothea Benton Frank books, but just as enjoyable. A bit more mystery and humor in my opinion. A good summer read about the LowCountry.
Stars: 4
Review by: BeachBarb
I thought this a bit different than the usual Dorothea Benton Frank books, but just as enjoyable. A bit more mystery and humor in my opinion. A good summer read about the LowCountry.
The Memory Box
Author:
Eva Lesko Natiello
Stars: 5
Review by: Maryellen
What happens when you google the internet about yourself and found something shocking? This book is an absolute page turner with constant twists and turns right up until the final chapter!
Stars: 5
Review by: Maryellen
What happens when you google the internet about yourself and found something shocking? This book is an absolute page turner with constant twists and turns right up until the final chapter!
Beautiful Day
Author:
Elin Hilderbrand
Stars: 4
Review by: PattiK
It's a good book but I had already read it. Since it was the only book I brought along for a two week vacation I re-read it. Enjoyed it the second time around too probably because I kept telling myself maybe the second time around it would end differently :)
Stars: 4
Review by: PattiK
It's a good book but I had already read it. Since it was the only book I brought along for a two week vacation I re-read it. Enjoyed it the second time around too probably because I kept telling myself maybe the second time around it would end differently :)
Saving Gracie
Author: Carol Bradley
Stars: 5
Review by: PattiK
This is an important book for any animal lover. That's all I'm going to say. It's an IMPORTANT book for any animal lover or anyone who wants to educate themselves dogs, rescue and the world of puppy mills and commercial breeders. Presented in a readable and engaging format. Need I say it again? This is an IMPORTANT BOOK for any animal lover or human being.
Stars: 5
Review by: PattiK
This is an important book for any animal lover. That's all I'm going to say. It's an IMPORTANT book for any animal lover or anyone who wants to educate themselves dogs, rescue and the world of puppy mills and commercial breeders. Presented in a readable and engaging format. Need I say it again? This is an IMPORTANT BOOK for any animal lover or human being.
Descent
Author: Tim Johnston
Stars: 4
Review by: Diana
A Great Thriller.....a family torn apart by a devastating experience while on vacation.
Stars: 4
Review by: Diana
A Great Thriller.....a family torn apart by a devastating experience while on vacation.
My Left Foot
Author: Christy Brown
Stars: 4
Review by: BKF
A truly exceptional life, as told by a truly exceptional man.
Stars: 4
Review by: BKF
A truly exceptional life, as told by a truly exceptional man.
The Little French Bistro
Author:
Nina George
Stars: 5
Review by: Catdob
Beautifully written, the author weaves magic, history, and a fun storyline in this dramedy.
Stars: 5
Review by: Catdob
Beautifully written, the author weaves magic, history, and a fun storyline in this dramedy.
Time of Fog and Fire
Author:Rhys Bowen
Stars: 5
Review by: Bookworm52
A thrilling Molly Murphy Sullivan mystery that is a quick read you can't put down.
Stars: 5
Review by: Bookworm52
A thrilling Molly Murphy Sullivan mystery that is a quick read you can't put down.
50 Great Ghosts
Author: Edited by John Canning
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
An anthology that is more so irritating than great. Although I sadly don't have the space to recount the five or so decent ones here - some works of literary art, others drawn upon from accounts of hauntings - a few were quite good. Out of the unique ones I liked Hardwick's 'The Whiskered Sailor of Portsmouth,' about a soldier whose hostel room is haunted by the ghost of a man whose murder was covered up, the best. The problem is is that many are based on 'true' stories and they often get basic facts wrong. I do not know if that is poor choice on Mr. Canning's part, but when one has a ghost anthology and a leading story can't get basic things on Anne Boleyn right then I wonder why it was chosen and question the talent and integrity of those involved.
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
An anthology that is more so irritating than great. Although I sadly don't have the space to recount the five or so decent ones here - some works of literary art, others drawn upon from accounts of hauntings - a few were quite good. Out of the unique ones I liked Hardwick's 'The Whiskered Sailor of Portsmouth,' about a soldier whose hostel room is haunted by the ghost of a man whose murder was covered up, the best. The problem is is that many are based on 'true' stories and they often get basic facts wrong. I do not know if that is poor choice on Mr. Canning's part, but when one has a ghost anthology and a leading story can't get basic things on Anne Boleyn right then I wonder why it was chosen and question the talent and integrity of those involved.
Lion
Author:
Saroo Brierley
Stars: 5
Review by: KM
I saw the film Lion first and thought it was great. It is an amazing story, uplifting and inspiring, filled with heart. The book is well written and gives the reader many more details which I found highly interesting. A truly extraordinary story!
Stars: 5
Review by: KM
I saw the film Lion first and thought it was great. It is an amazing story, uplifting and inspiring, filled with heart. The book is well written and gives the reader many more details which I found highly interesting. A truly extraordinary story!
Cards on the Table
Author:
Agatha Christie
Stars: 4
Review by: Lizzytish
What a set up! Four sleuths and four potential (?) murders are playing bridge, while their host sitting nearby gets murdered! I'm so glad one doesn't really need to know bridge to enjoy this mystery. Once again I thought I had nailed it, and Christie got me in the end.
Stars: 4
Review by: Lizzytish
What a set up! Four sleuths and four potential (?) murders are playing bridge, while their host sitting nearby gets murdered! I'm so glad one doesn't really need to know bridge to enjoy this mystery. Once again I thought I had nailed it, and Christie got me in the end.
The Devil's Feast
Author:
M. J. Carter
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzytish
Third in the series of Avery and Blake. We are in Victorian London visiting the kitchens of real life chef Soyer. People at the Reform Club ( which also was a real place) are literally dying to eat the chef's food. Soyer was a fascinating and flamboyant figure who also was a great inventor of the gas stove, among many other things. Politics of the Whigs and liberals are also on the table. It's up to Avery and Blake to discover the poisoner before the big feast for the Prince of Egypt.
The pacing was slow and the descriptions of the food and workings of the kitchen had me quite weary. It was good to see Matty again from the second book.
Stars: 3
Review by: Lizzytish
Third in the series of Avery and Blake. We are in Victorian London visiting the kitchens of real life chef Soyer. People at the Reform Club ( which also was a real place) are literally dying to eat the chef's food. Soyer was a fascinating and flamboyant figure who also was a great inventor of the gas stove, among many other things. Politics of the Whigs and liberals are also on the table. It's up to Avery and Blake to discover the poisoner before the big feast for the Prince of Egypt.
The pacing was slow and the descriptions of the food and workings of the kitchen had me quite weary. It was good to see Matty again from the second book.
A Lowcountry Heart
Author:
Pat Conroy
Stars: 4
Review by: BeachBarb
Having read a Pat Conroy book or two years ago, I don't recall being particularly fond of his writing. Visiting Beaufort, SC this spring I realized he was a hero in that town and thought I would purchase one of his books as a souvenir and reminder of this great vacation. There wasn't much of a selection in the local book store, so I purchased this one before realizing it was a collection of short snippets of his thoughts. I really enjoyed reading Conroy's thoughts and ideas, as well as what others thought of him. Now to go back to one of his books and/or movies. This was a good read.
Stars: 4
Review by: BeachBarb
Having read a Pat Conroy book or two years ago, I don't recall being particularly fond of his writing. Visiting Beaufort, SC this spring I realized he was a hero in that town and thought I would purchase one of his books as a souvenir and reminder of this great vacation. There wasn't much of a selection in the local book store, so I purchased this one before realizing it was a collection of short snippets of his thoughts. I really enjoyed reading Conroy's thoughts and ideas, as well as what others thought of him. Now to go back to one of his books and/or movies. This was a good read.
A Man Called Ove
Author:
Fredrik Backman
Stars: 5
Review by: Marianne S.
A charming read featuring a lovable grump.
Stars: 5
Review by: Marianne S.
A charming read featuring a lovable grump.
Lost Birds
Author: Birute Putrius
Stars: 5
Review by: Marianne S.
I don't cry over books. Ever. The ending of this collection of linked short stories made me cry. Highly recommended.
Stars: 5
Review by: Marianne S.
I don't cry over books. Ever. The ending of this collection of linked short stories made me cry. Highly recommended.
Words of Silk
Author:
Sandra Brown
Stars: 3
Review by: August Mom
A lot of lust and passion. Happy ending and male/female roles are typical stereotyped. Good for a distraction and break from the real world.
Stars: 3
Review by: August Mom
A lot of lust and passion. Happy ending and male/female roles are typical stereotyped. Good for a distraction and break from the real world.
My Hollywood - when both of us were young / the Hunchback
Author:
Patsy Ruth Miller / Philip Riley
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
Two books in one - the last part of the 'Magic Image Film Books' series on the silent 'Hunchback of Notre Dame,' consisting of the shooting script (with Xs showing the scenes they cut out), stills and promotional material. The first half is a memoir of the actress that portrayed La Esmeralda in the film. I think she did a bad job honestly but I only watch it for Lon Chaney - whom she describes as very talented, kind, and other choice words. I say that as in the Riley section they mention how his first wife hated him (he did tell their son she died, but in his defense she caused a scandal that almost destroyed them all) and supposedly he was cruel to his son (a charge his descendants deny). So I do think it disturbing that he should be brought up in one part and then shamed in another.
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
Two books in one - the last part of the 'Magic Image Film Books' series on the silent 'Hunchback of Notre Dame,' consisting of the shooting script (with Xs showing the scenes they cut out), stills and promotional material. The first half is a memoir of the actress that portrayed La Esmeralda in the film. I think she did a bad job honestly but I only watch it for Lon Chaney - whom she describes as very talented, kind, and other choice words. I say that as in the Riley section they mention how his first wife hated him (he did tell their son she died, but in his defense she caused a scandal that almost destroyed them all) and supposedly he was cruel to his son (a charge his descendants deny). So I do think it disturbing that he should be brought up in one part and then shamed in another.
Irish Wonders - popular tales of giants, leprechauns, banshees, fairies, witches, and other marvels of the emerald isle
Author:
DR McAnally Jr
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
A selection of 15 folktales featuring spectral interference, the wily Pooka (he is 'neither here nor there,' after all), giants, and even the outsmarting of Satan himself on more than one occasion. Yes, it is an archetype to make the Irish look smart, but it is kind of odd at the same time to be hemming and hawwing about his evil influences in other stories. And in the title page there's a big list of the paranormal critters about to sally forth and included towards the end is a rather peculiar inclusion - 'widows.' An odd selection at times but decent reading.
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
A selection of 15 folktales featuring spectral interference, the wily Pooka (he is 'neither here nor there,' after all), giants, and even the outsmarting of Satan himself on more than one occasion. Yes, it is an archetype to make the Irish look smart, but it is kind of odd at the same time to be hemming and hawwing about his evil influences in other stories. And in the title page there's a big list of the paranormal critters about to sally forth and included towards the end is a rather peculiar inclusion - 'widows.' An odd selection at times but decent reading.
Best. State. Ever. a Florida man defends his homeland
Author:
Dave Barry
Stars:4
Review by: MApgar
I hadn't read anything by Barry in years as it seemed to me like he lost his touch, but here he was back to basics - Florida, oh Florida. Whether it be investigating a senior living community with a swinging sex culture, chasing after the elusive skunk ape, getting pressured into buying his wife a sponge (the real, formerly dead, kind), and visiting several other varied and penny flattening roadside attractions -and places that ought to be- he has a decent sense of timing again, with good interaction between himself and his subjects, and the sense to pick a variety of places to visit.
Stars:4
Review by: MApgar
I hadn't read anything by Barry in years as it seemed to me like he lost his touch, but here he was back to basics - Florida, oh Florida. Whether it be investigating a senior living community with a swinging sex culture, chasing after the elusive skunk ape, getting pressured into buying his wife a sponge (the real, formerly dead, kind), and visiting several other varied and penny flattening roadside attractions -and places that ought to be- he has a decent sense of timing again, with good interaction between himself and his subjects, and the sense to pick a variety of places to visit.
Jefferson - architect of American liberty
Author:
John Boles
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
Sign 1 of a potentially bad book - it has really large print. In a biography that means that it has little to say or has no idea how or what to interpret, which is what happened here. I went past the 521 pages of this in about an hour. Yes, I can speed read, but this was deadly dull. And if anyone would bring up a point in Jefferson's life that seemed shady the author did the literary version of heaping teddy bears and unicorns on the problem. Sally Hemmings? Oh Lord, he was all over the map with her. Didn't seem to have a focus. Thank God this was over so fast.
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
Sign 1 of a potentially bad book - it has really large print. In a biography that means that it has little to say or has no idea how or what to interpret, which is what happened here. I went past the 521 pages of this in about an hour. Yes, I can speed read, but this was deadly dull. And if anyone would bring up a point in Jefferson's life that seemed shady the author did the literary version of heaping teddy bears and unicorns on the problem. Sally Hemmings? Oh Lord, he was all over the map with her. Didn't seem to have a focus. Thank God this was over so fast.
Monty Python's Flying Circus' Hidden Treasures
Author: Edited by Adrian Besley
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
One of those things where they have replica memorabilia in the book, I have an I Love Lucy one and that is quite good. This one is...passable. The general info is given - how the group formed, a little on the planning of the films, series and specials. The inserts though are kind of random. And I don't mean 'silly walks' random, I mean like I really do think they could've done better. From the boring and predictable (replica tickets) to the even more so, there just wasn't that much unique. Could've used more Gilliam art, movie scenes and such in there, it is Monty flipping Python - why bother just with 'oh, let's put in a ticket' when you can do so much better?
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
One of those things where they have replica memorabilia in the book, I have an I Love Lucy one and that is quite good. This one is...passable. The general info is given - how the group formed, a little on the planning of the films, series and specials. The inserts though are kind of random. And I don't mean 'silly walks' random, I mean like I really do think they could've done better. From the boring and predictable (replica tickets) to the even more so, there just wasn't that much unique. Could've used more Gilliam art, movie scenes and such in there, it is Monty flipping Python - why bother just with 'oh, let's put in a ticket' when you can do so much better?
Rustic Homes
Author:The editors of Country Living magazine
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
I don't know why I read these things - photo books of houses sometimes with floor and design plans that Elvis could barely afford. But I do, and in my defense, at least these are more tasteful than Graceland. A selection of cottages, houses, etc. selected by the editors for fitting into the mystique of the magazine. A lot of beach houses (literally), and some barns, not always too big but often a bit on the larger side.
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
I don't know why I read these things - photo books of houses sometimes with floor and design plans that Elvis could barely afford. But I do, and in my defense, at least these are more tasteful than Graceland. A selection of cottages, houses, etc. selected by the editors for fitting into the mystique of the magazine. A lot of beach houses (literally), and some barns, not always too big but often a bit on the larger side.
All the gallant men - an American sailor's firsthand account of Pearl Harbor
Author:
Donald Stratton
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
I really really hate to say this about an Arizona survivor, but his writing is rather dull. He is an American hero and an honor to his country but the book just wasn't very focused and frankly, he isn't that interesting of a guy to hold a memoir until that key moment. It is the only memoir of an USS Arizona survivor, and probably the only one we'll ever have, and for his account of Pearl Harbor itself the book is fine. It is when he goes into his early life, and random things after, that he sort of loses himself and the focus of things.
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
I really really hate to say this about an Arizona survivor, but his writing is rather dull. He is an American hero and an honor to his country but the book just wasn't very focused and frankly, he isn't that interesting of a guy to hold a memoir until that key moment. It is the only memoir of an USS Arizona survivor, and probably the only one we'll ever have, and for his account of Pearl Harbor itself the book is fine. It is when he goes into his early life, and random things after, that he sort of loses himself and the focus of things.
Movie comics - page to screen / screen to page
Author:
Blair Davis
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
This author has that all too common ability to take a varied subject and, via dry academic interjection in what I can only reason was a vain attempt to make the erudites take his book seriously, make it as unappealing as watching moldy paint dry. At times it just sounded like he was reciting back a Wikipedia article. OK, so I've been in the field almost 30 years, but I didn't learn a single thing. He just rehashed old facts as he discussed early serials, radio projects, and TV series. (Many of which, I'd like to point out, fall under the category of 'pulp' characters instead of actual comic books per se. But that's nitpicky. Point being, a lot of the people he yammers on about the average person will know little of and have no interest in.)
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
This author has that all too common ability to take a varied subject and, via dry academic interjection in what I can only reason was a vain attempt to make the erudites take his book seriously, make it as unappealing as watching moldy paint dry. At times it just sounded like he was reciting back a Wikipedia article. OK, so I've been in the field almost 30 years, but I didn't learn a single thing. He just rehashed old facts as he discussed early serials, radio projects, and TV series. (Many of which, I'd like to point out, fall under the category of 'pulp' characters instead of actual comic books per se. But that's nitpicky. Point being, a lot of the people he yammers on about the average person will know little of and have no interest in.)
The wars of the Roosevelts - the ruthless rise of America's political family
Author:
William Mann
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
I liked this with limitations. The author had a tendency to, while talking up one Roosevelt vs another (and they really were a freaking messed up bunch, sure enough) to conveniently brush past or not mention certain things that defended the battered party. And that happened back and forth quite a lot, really this was like a near 550 page version of 'The National Enquirer - early 1900s edition.'
Stars: 3
Review by: MApgar
I liked this with limitations. The author had a tendency to, while talking up one Roosevelt vs another (and they really were a freaking messed up bunch, sure enough) to conveniently brush past or not mention certain things that defended the battered party. And that happened back and forth quite a lot, really this was like a near 550 page version of 'The National Enquirer - early 1900s edition.'
Patina Farm
Author:
Brooke and Steve Gianetti
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
Another one of the faceless drone 'we live sooooo much better than you - here's the proof!' books. The authors are designers and the title (which is kind of degrading I think - like a farm is just supposed to be all Ikea esque neat and charming instead of fully functional and at times dirty) isn't really explained well.
Stars: 1
Review by: MApgar
Another one of the faceless drone 'we live sooooo much better than you - here's the proof!' books. The authors are designers and the title (which is kind of degrading I think - like a farm is just supposed to be all Ikea esque neat and charming instead of fully functional and at times dirty) isn't really explained well.
Wonder Woman - the art and the making of the film
Author:
Sharon Gosling
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
Better than the movie, which I have no idea why people seem to like so much. The effects weren't very good and the villain looked like he stepped out of Hogwarts. At least here you got to see some of the designs and ideas - in other words, the little piddly stuff that fell by the wayside as all those bright, shiny explosions went off.
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
Better than the movie, which I have no idea why people seem to like so much. The effects weren't very good and the villain looked like he stepped out of Hogwarts. At least here you got to see some of the designs and ideas - in other words, the little piddly stuff that fell by the wayside as all those bright, shiny explosions went off.
House of Lies
Author:
Linda Rosencrance
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
The usual - we've heard a lot of it before. Girl meets boy, they get married, she develops an addiction to painkillers, and then dumps his strangled body in a closet when he dares to say that she's an unfit parent in their divorce proceedings. It isn't that she cares about the kids per se, it is that he dares to suggest that she has gone crazy. One of those cases where the idiot did everything to arrest herself except hang a neon sign above her head saying 'I did it!'
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
The usual - we've heard a lot of it before. Girl meets boy, they get married, she develops an addiction to painkillers, and then dumps his strangled body in a closet when he dares to say that she's an unfit parent in their divorce proceedings. It isn't that she cares about the kids per se, it is that he dares to suggest that she has gone crazy. One of those cases where the idiot did everything to arrest herself except hang a neon sign above her head saying 'I did it!'
The China Collectors
Author: Karl E. Meyer and Shareen Blair
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
This was concerned with the ebb and flow of fascination with Chinese art and antiquities in American culture. From being thought 'heathen, quaint' or any number of adjectives, to the rare and pricey times where it really was in vogue and all the blue bloods competed for pieces. Book seemed to focus more so on pottery than textiles or paper works, perhaps because that is what persons are more familiar with (Ming vases, etc. from detective lore and movies).
Stars: 2
Review by: MApgar
This was concerned with the ebb and flow of fascination with Chinese art and antiquities in American culture. From being thought 'heathen, quaint' or any number of adjectives, to the rare and pricey times where it really was in vogue and all the blue bloods competed for pieces. Book seemed to focus more so on pottery than textiles or paper works, perhaps because that is what persons are more familiar with (Ming vases, etc. from detective lore and movies).
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Until I Say Goodbye
Author:
Susan Spencer-Wendell & Bret Witter
Stars: 4
Review by: Veronica
A mom's journey of joy, living with ALS, making the most of the year with her family & friends, travelling, etc. Great insights!
Stars: 4
Review by: Veronica
A mom's journey of joy, living with ALS, making the most of the year with her family & friends, travelling, etc. Great insights!
Saturday, July 8, 2017
Mysteries for the Dog Days of Summer!
Whether you like your mysteries with a touch of humor and
animals, dark and brooding, or with an historical setting, Minotaur has
something for everyone this August!
Visit old friends and make some new ones. Thanks to #Kugel for making this posting
possible!
Dead, to Being With: A Dan Rhodes Mystery by Bill Crider
After two dozen mysteries, Sheriff Dan Rhodes is still at
the top of his game in Clearview, Texas.
Reclusive Jake Marley, oil heir, has finally reemerged into the
community, heading up the restoration of the Clearview Opera House where A Christmas Carol is scheduled to be
the first play in the newly renovated theater.
Jake, once thought by the community to be a ghost gets his chance when
he falls to his death on the stage.
Rhodes is certain it was not an accident but murder and finds suspects
galore as he investigates in this mystery with a cozy, down-home feel.
Gone Gull: A Meg Langslow Mystery by Donna Andrews
Donna Andrew’s twenty-first zany bird themed mystery finds
Meg Langslow, sans her husband and twin sons, summering at the Biscuit Craft
Center, helping her grandmother Cordelia get it up and running. Between teaching blacksmithing and helping
Cordelia with the business end of the center, Meg keeps an eye on her
grandfather who is tracking for an elusive, rare gull. When vandalism at the center turns deadly,
Meg suspects her grandparents’ two causes are more connected than it first
seems. Full of slapstick comedy and sidesplitting
scenes, and an engaging plot, Gone Gull is
sure to please readers looking for a light, but still well written
mystery.
Kill the Heroes: A Charlie Henry Mystery by David Thurlo
The writing duo of David and Aimee Thurlo have written over
seventy mystery novels separately and together including Ella Clah, a Navajo
FBI agent, and the Sister Agatha Mysteries.
This is the fourth mystery to feature Iraq war veteran and Albuquerque
pawnshop owner Charlie Henry. Honored to
be an invited guest at the dedication of a memorial at a local park, Charlie is
distressed when gunshots are fired and veterans and first responders are
injured. He is incensed that someone
would shoot into a crowd, but takes it personally that someone would take aim
at military heroes. Together with his
sidekick Gordon, Charlie takes matters into his own hands and is once again on
the trail of a would-be killer, not for honor and glory, but for justice. The hot, arid setting adds to the atmosphere
of this fast-paced mystery.
The Stasi Child: A Karin Muller Thriller by David Young
In 1975, the Berlin Wall still stands as a reminder of the
dual ideologies in what is ostensibly one city.
Oberleutnant Karin Muller is summoned when the body of a teenage girl is
found at the base of the wall; the thing that strikes Karin first is that it
appears the girl was attempting to escape from West Berlin, something Karin
finds hard to fathom. The Stasi tell
Karin to only identify the girl and close the case, but things aren’t making sense
to Karin and she begins to investigate further than The Ministry for State
Security would like, putting her own life in jeopardy in this novel set in the
not so distant past, an historical setting that many will still remember.
Ordeal: A Thriller by Jorn Lier Horst
Into the ranks of the ever-popular sub-genre of Scandinavian
thrillers comes Inspector William Wisting in the fifth book to be translated
into and published in English, the tenth in the series. A short forward of sorts catches readers up on
Wisting’s career and personal life making it easy for anyone to dive into this
book and feel as comfortable as one can with what is at stake. Single mother Sofie Lund has inherited a
house from her grandfather, a man whose presence and memory she all but removes
from the house so she and her one-year-old daughter can live without the ghosts
of the past and make new memories. There
is an old safe bolted to the basement floor that Sofie is unable to remove, the
contents of which prove to be the missing pieces Wisting may have been
searching for in two deaths: half a million kroner and a gun that may implicate
her grandfather, known as the Smuggle King in life as well as in death. Wisting is anxious to revisit what is already
in evidence in the cold case deaths of Elise Kittelsen and Jens Hummel, hoping
to arrive at satisfactory conclusion, one that can provide closure to the
families and justice for the victims.
Wisting’s investigation propels this narrative, keeping tensions high in
what could have otherwise been simply a solid, dependable Scan thriller,
helping it rise above with the plot, pacing and nuanced characters.
Shattered by Allison Brennan
Allison Brennan is the author of almost thirty novels with
two solid series, one featuring investigative journalist Max Revere and the
other featuring FBI agent Lucy Kincaid; the pair team up in this crossover when
an old friend whose wife sits in jail accused of their son’s murder approaches
Max for help. Max is hesitant at first
until he realizes that over the last twenty years there have been three other
boys kidnapped from their homes, suffocated, and left close to home in shallow
graves. Max approaches the first
victim’s father and appeals to him: Justin Stanton’s father agrees to help as
long as his former sister-in-law Lucy works on the case as well. The unlikely pair does not want to work with
each other, FBI agents and reporters are natural enemies, but each knows that
together they can form a formidable team, bring a killer to justice, offer
closure and comfort to four families, and prevent any more deaths. Individually Brennan’s two series are solid
and dependable, but her two main characters in one book pack a punch that won’t
soon be forgotten and sets the stage for future collaborations between the two.
Dark River Rising by Roger Johns
First time novelist Johns is a former attorney with two law
degrees and first-hand knowledge of steamy, sultry Louisianan, being born and
raised there. The bayous in and around
Baton Rouge are filled with snakes, but when Police Detective Wallace Hartman
finds one sewn into the belly of a murder victim, she knows her day-and
probably her life-just got worse.
Wallace feels her life is already in the dumps; her partner is out on
leave and has been just assigned a new partner, known as Medicate Mike, not an
auspicious beginning to her investigation.
The victim, Ronnie Overman, was a major cocaine distributor for a
Mexican cartel so Wallace isn’t terribly surprised when Federal Agent Mason
Cunningham arrive; to Wallace’s surprise, however, he’s not there to take over
the case but to work with Wallace. When
another man disappears from a government lab, the unlikely pair realizes each
needs the other’s knowledge and connections if they hope to solve the murder
and stay alive. Thickly plotted and
murky like the bayou itself, Wallace is a well fleshed out character and a
welcome addition to the ranks of fictional female police detectives. A fast, compulsive read, this debut will
leave readers eager for a sequel.
And finally…the book you’ve been waiting for #kugel
The Dog Dish of Doom: An Agent to the Paws Mystery by E.J.
Copperman
E.J. Copperman as himself and as Jeff Cohen has written
several popular mystery series including the Asperger’s Mysteries, the Haunted
Guesthouse Mysteries, and Mysteries Detective Mysteries; this first in a new
series introduces animal talent agent Kay Powell who is desperate to find the
next big star; with a new production of Annie
being planned she thinks Bruno is just the man---er dog---for the job. Except: Bruno’s people are stage parents
extraordinaire and Les McMaster, the director, is no fan of Trent, Bruno’s
man. A knife in Trent’s back, literally,
takes care of that problem but leaves McMaster with a new set of problems: suspect
in Trent’s murder. Kay quickly learns
that while she has a knack being an agent placing animals her true talent may
be for solving crimes. E.J. Copperman is
as funny as they come; he is a keen, wry observer of human (and canine)
behavior. A great cast of supporting
actors and a hip, comfortable coffee shop with a charming barista, along with
plenty of inside stage info make this a great first act to a series that is
sure to have a long run. It will play in
Peoria for sure!