Author:
Neil Gaiman
Stars:
5
Review by: Marianne S.
Gaiman has done it again. A very short book which packs a very big
emotional wallop. I've read reviews which call it frightening, but I
didn't find it so.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
The Long War
Author:
Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter
Stars: 5
Review by: Marianne S.
Second book of the Long Earth series. In spite of being able to access millions of alternate Earths by "stepping," humanity retains many of its faults, with bad consequences for other sapient species.
Stars: 5
Review by: Marianne S.
Second book of the Long Earth series. In spite of being able to access millions of alternate Earths by "stepping," humanity retains many of its faults, with bad consequences for other sapient species.
The Cats of Tanglewood Forest
Author:
Charles de Lint
Stars: 5
Review by: Marianne S.
A delightful expansion of the story from the author's picture book, A Circle of Cats, with new art from Charles Vess. A wonderful fairytale for all ages.
Stars: 5
Review by: Marianne S.
A delightful expansion of the story from the author's picture book, A Circle of Cats, with new art from Charles Vess. A wonderful fairytale for all ages.
The Aviator's Wife
Author:
Melanie Benjamin
Stars: 3
Review by: P. Reads
This book was a good read; at times I had to remember it was fiction. It about the life of Anne Morrow Lindbergh from the time she meets Charles until his death.
Stars: 3
Review by: P. Reads
This book was a good read; at times I had to remember it was fiction. It about the life of Anne Morrow Lindbergh from the time she meets Charles until his death.
Maisie Dobbs
Author:
Jacqueline Winspear
Stars: 4
Review by: P. Reads
A friend recommended this because I like historical fiction. It takes place around the time of WWI in England. I enjoyed the book and was happy to discover, after reading it, that it is a series of books so I will read some other Maisie Dobbs books.
Stars: 4
Review by: P. Reads
A friend recommended this because I like historical fiction. It takes place around the time of WWI in England. I enjoyed the book and was happy to discover, after reading it, that it is a series of books so I will read some other Maisie Dobbs books.
Life After Life
Author:
Kate Atkinson
Stars: 5
Review by: Marybeth
Life After Life is fascinating, engrossing, and one of those books you don't want to end. The story of Ursula and her family is set against the backdrop of World War II and the historical element rooted the story in a reality that is challenged by the intricacies of fate and the age old question of "what if?" I so much enjoyed the twists and turns of the story as fate both intervenes and is manipulated throughout.
Stars: 5
Review by: Marybeth
Life After Life is fascinating, engrossing, and one of those books you don't want to end. The story of Ursula and her family is set against the backdrop of World War II and the historical element rooted the story in a reality that is challenged by the intricacies of fate and the age old question of "what if?" I so much enjoyed the twists and turns of the story as fate both intervenes and is manipulated throughout.
Barefoot Contessa Foolproof: Recipes You Can Trust
Author:
Ina Garten
Stars: 5
Review by: Woman on the Go
Another great offering if you love cooking.
Stars: 5
Review by: Woman on the Go
Another great offering if you love cooking.
Barefoot Contessa Back to Basics: Fabulous Flavor from Simple Ingredients
Author:
Ina Garten
Stars: 5
Review by: Woman on the Go
Great recipes and lovely pictures.
Stars: 5
Review by: Woman on the Go
Great recipes and lovely pictures.
50 Greatest Love Letters of All Time
Author:
Stars: 5
Review by: Woman on the Go
Only a romantic would enjoy.
Stars: 5
Review by: Woman on the Go
Only a romantic would enjoy.
I am the Mother of Sons
Author:
Jayne Jaudon Ferrer
Stars: 5
Review by: Woman on the Go
I loved this book! Memories of raising boys.
Stars: 5
Review by: Woman on the Go
I loved this book! Memories of raising boys.
Book of Decorative Painting
Author:
Priscilla Hauser
Stars: 5
Review by: Woman on the Go
Decorative painting is one of my passions. I love this book.
Stars: 5
Review by: Woman on the Go
Decorative painting is one of my passions. I love this book.
And The Mountains Echoed
Author:
Khaled Hossein
Stars: 5
Review by: Judy
I read a review on the blog that wasn't favorable, but I really enjoyed this book and the connections between the characters. He is an excellent writer and great at sharing his culture.
Stars: 5
Review by: Judy
I read a review on the blog that wasn't favorable, but I really enjoyed this book and the connections between the characters. He is an excellent writer and great at sharing his culture.
The Darien Disaster
Author:
John Prebble
Stars: 1
Review by: Mandy A
Disaster indeed. An account of a Scots colony outside the Isthmus of Panama in 1698-1700 that had some extremely bad misfortune in terms of invasion, disease, and numerous shipwrecks carrying intended residents or relief supplies for them. It was so, so incredibly dull and spent way too much time in the background of individuals concerned, over 100 pages. By then there wasn't enough space left to really account for what happened without making the book overly large and the last half just seemed too rushed.
Stars: 1
Review by: Mandy A
Disaster indeed. An account of a Scots colony outside the Isthmus of Panama in 1698-1700 that had some extremely bad misfortune in terms of invasion, disease, and numerous shipwrecks carrying intended residents or relief supplies for them. It was so, so incredibly dull and spent way too much time in the background of individuals concerned, over 100 pages. By then there wasn't enough space left to really account for what happened without making the book overly large and the last half just seemed too rushed.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Silence of the Llamas
Author:
Anne Canadeo
Stars: 3
Review by: L.Z.
Fun. If you've been reading this knit shop mystery series, you know what to expect--if you've enjoyed them, this one won't disappoint.
Stars: 3
Review by: L.Z.
Fun. If you've been reading this knit shop mystery series, you know what to expect--if you've enjoyed them, this one won't disappoint.
Vegan Lunch Box
Author:
Jennifer McCann
Stars: 2
Review by: L.Z.
I don't usually review cookbooks, since I'm never sure if they really count as reading, but thought I'd give a heads up to anyone thinking about checking this one out. If you're a vegan who is into processed products to mimic real meat, this may be a great find for you. If you're looking for whole food, plant based, interesting alternatives to meat (but not soy made to look like deli meat), this is not going to be your book. Disappointing.
Not only was I overwhelmed with the use of fake meat products, defrosted frozen vegetable medley isn't something that is going to cut it as an appealing lunch to either of my kids. Although they may be nutritionally sound, there's nothing tasty or interesting about them--and I certainly don't need a cookbook to tell me how to defrost them!
Stars: 2
Review by: L.Z.
I don't usually review cookbooks, since I'm never sure if they really count as reading, but thought I'd give a heads up to anyone thinking about checking this one out. If you're a vegan who is into processed products to mimic real meat, this may be a great find for you. If you're looking for whole food, plant based, interesting alternatives to meat (but not soy made to look like deli meat), this is not going to be your book. Disappointing.
Not only was I overwhelmed with the use of fake meat products, defrosted frozen vegetable medley isn't something that is going to cut it as an appealing lunch to either of my kids. Although they may be nutritionally sound, there's nothing tasty or interesting about them--and I certainly don't need a cookbook to tell me how to defrost them!
Pandora's Lunchbox
Author:
Melanie Warner
Stars: 4
Review by: L.Z.
A good read for anyone who eats...although it may make you really re-think what you're eating!
Stars: 4
Review by: L.Z.
A good read for anyone who eats...although it may make you really re-think what you're eating!
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Friday, July 12, 2013
Anyone But You
Author:
Jennifer Crusie
Stars: 4
Review by: KM
Perfect beach read, quick and delightful, like a chocolate ice cream bonbon! Added plus is the dog focus if you're a dog lover---he's integral to the story.
Stars: 4
Review by: KM
Perfect beach read, quick and delightful, like a chocolate ice cream bonbon! Added plus is the dog focus if you're a dog lover---he's integral to the story.
The Evil Inside
Author:
Heather Graham
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Jambob
It's fun reading a spooky book about real places that interweaves historical events. This story takes place in Salem, where I visited in June. Of course it touches on the Witch Trials, ghosts,and things that go bump in the night. But a crime needs to be solved and the obvious suspect is innocent!
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Jambob
It's fun reading a spooky book about real places that interweaves historical events. This story takes place in Salem, where I visited in June. Of course it touches on the Witch Trials, ghosts,and things that go bump in the night. But a crime needs to be solved and the obvious suspect is innocent!
Cat's Claw
Author:
Susan Wittig Albert
Stars: 3.5
Review by: mystery lover
The cop's side of investigating these kind of mysteries.
Stars: 3.5
Review by: mystery lover
The cop's side of investigating these kind of mysteries.
Time Flies
Author:
Claire Cook
Stars: 5
Review by: Gypsy P
I love Claire Cook ~ she's a wonderful author and her books are the perfect summer/beach reads. This book was one of my favorite Claire Cook books ~ highly recommend to take it along on your next beach trip.
Stars: 5
Review by: Gypsy P
I love Claire Cook ~ she's a wonderful author and her books are the perfect summer/beach reads. This book was one of my favorite Claire Cook books ~ highly recommend to take it along on your next beach trip.
Someday, Someday, Maybe
Author:
Lauren Graham
Stars: 2
Review by: Beachreader
Franny Banks tells of the struggles of being a young actress in New York, and trying to find her way. Her father wants her to come home after three years of trying, but Franny keeps believing she might get what she came for: to become a actress.
Stars: 2
Review by: Beachreader
Franny Banks tells of the struggles of being a young actress in New York, and trying to find her way. Her father wants her to come home after three years of trying, but Franny keeps believing she might get what she came for: to become a actress.
Big Brother
Author:
Lionel Shriver
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Tartu
I love her writing, but felt cheated by the "big reveal", though it did more for character development than anything else in the novel.
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Tartu
I love her writing, but felt cheated by the "big reveal", though it did more for character development than anything else in the novel.
Angel Mine
Author:
Sherryl Woods
Stars: 3
Review by: Beachreader
Heather Reed after trying to raise her daughter Angel for three years on her own decides she needs help. She decides to leave New York where she worked as an actress and find Angel's father. Todd Winston Angel's father does not meet them with open arms.
Stars: 3
Review by: Beachreader
Heather Reed after trying to raise her daughter Angel for three years on her own decides she needs help. She decides to leave New York where she worked as an actress and find Angel's father. Todd Winston Angel's father does not meet them with open arms.
The Hit
Author:
David Baldacci
Stars: 3
Review by: BigDa
Makes one wonder about the clandestine activities of our "trusted" government.
Stars: 3
Review by: BigDa
Makes one wonder about the clandestine activities of our "trusted" government.
Defending Jacob
Author:
William Landay
Stars: 5
Review by: Carol
Real page turner with a most surprising ending.
Stars: 5
Review by: Carol
Real page turner with a most surprising ending.
Into the Storm
Author:
Suzanne Brockmann
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
Having both the SEAL team and a private team combat a serial killer makes for a good read. Although, I realized this is my second time through, there were parts I was really glad to re-read. Enjoy!
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
Having both the SEAL team and a private team combat a serial killer makes for a good read. Although, I realized this is my second time through, there were parts I was really glad to re-read. Enjoy!
When Tony Met Adam & Beginnings and Ends
Author:
Suzanne Brockmann
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
Two short story e-books from Brockmann used as interludes to the next big story. Again, if you can not understand love at all levels then these are not the stories for you. But Brockmann writes very strong love scenes and she very much supports her gay son. These shorts make you know what love is. Enjoy!
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
Two short story e-books from Brockmann used as interludes to the next big story. Again, if you can not understand love at all levels then these are not the stories for you. But Brockmann writes very strong love scenes and she very much supports her gay son. These shorts make you know what love is. Enjoy!
Force of Nature
Author:
Suzanne Brockmann
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
Again, an awesome re-read. I missed so much the first time. The relationship writing is very strong even if the story is a repeat, in some ways. Loved it the second time too!
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
Again, an awesome re-read. I missed so much the first time. The relationship writing is very strong even if the story is a repeat, in some ways. Loved it the second time too!
Where There Is a Witch There Is a Way
Author:
Madelyn Alt
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
I had this book on the shelf and realized I read it before after a chapter or two. Still a neat read. Getting our characters in place for the big story is nice. Get to see true love in action.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
I had this book on the shelf and realized I read it before after a chapter or two. Still a neat read. Getting our characters in place for the big story is nice. Get to see true love in action.
Hot Target
Author:
Suzanne Brockmann
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
After starting this book I realized I have read it before, but only remembered parts. Still a great read and entry to Brockmann's world. Love is love. She writes very strong and it is cool to re-read.
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
After starting this book I realized I have read it before, but only remembered parts. Still a great read and entry to Brockmann's world. Love is love. She writes very strong and it is cool to re-read.
Heading For Trouble
Author:
Suzanne Brockmann
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
This is her latest book that is filled with short stories that were included with other books. Again, she really supports her gay son so if you are not into alternative lifestyles, I would stay away. If you are into intense love stories with military suspense, then these are on the top. The funniest part is the author having a conversation with her characters. I know this is going through her mind and it is so cool to think we can actually be there. This lead me to read a bunch of her previous released books since its been so long.
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
This is her latest book that is filled with short stories that were included with other books. Again, she really supports her gay son so if you are not into alternative lifestyles, I would stay away. If you are into intense love stories with military suspense, then these are on the top. The funniest part is the author having a conversation with her characters. I know this is going through her mind and it is so cool to think we can actually be there. This lead me to read a bunch of her previous released books since its been so long.
Matilda
Author:
Roald Dahl
Stars: 5
Review by: Mandy A
Probably one of my favorite books ever and that's pretty big since I first read it over 25 years ago. Matilda is a precocious 5 year old with mentally abusive parents who belittle her intelligence and kindness. She finds refuge in her local library and her first form teacher, Miss Honey, a kind but sad young woman. Matilda becomes determined to help her teacher at any cost when she discovers her school's feared headmistress raised her in a way much like she is. Supposedly inspired by Stephen King's Carrie but directed to younger readers and very positive.
Stars: 5
Review by: Mandy A
Probably one of my favorite books ever and that's pretty big since I first read it over 25 years ago. Matilda is a precocious 5 year old with mentally abusive parents who belittle her intelligence and kindness. She finds refuge in her local library and her first form teacher, Miss Honey, a kind but sad young woman. Matilda becomes determined to help her teacher at any cost when she discovers her school's feared headmistress raised her in a way much like she is. Supposedly inspired by Stephen King's Carrie but directed to younger readers and very positive.
Human Game: The True Story of the "Great Escape" Murders & the Hunt for the Gestapo Gunmen
Author:
Simon Read
Stars: 1
Review by: Mandy A
About the murders of almost 50 men who were executed on Hitler's direct orders after being recaptured from the infamous Great Escape. It was just so blasted dull. Book was short to begin with and the author had a tendency to veer between melodrama and academics so without a focus in tone the pace really suffered.
Stars: 1
Review by: Mandy A
About the murders of almost 50 men who were executed on Hitler's direct orders after being recaptured from the infamous Great Escape. It was just so blasted dull. Book was short to begin with and the author had a tendency to veer between melodrama and academics so without a focus in tone the pace really suffered.
Some Like It Hot: A Cat Deluca Mystery
Author:
K.J. Larsen
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Third book in this series written by three sisters. Every once in a while I get the feeling of which sister had which sister. This was still a fun read with the cozy expectations and more. I hope I get to catch their next book next summer. A cool summer read!
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
Third book in this series written by three sisters. Every once in a while I get the feeling of which sister had which sister. This was still a fun read with the cozy expectations and more. I hope I get to catch their next book next summer. A cool summer read!
Slow Burn: A Photodocument of Centralia, Pennsylvania
Author:
Renee Jacobs
Stars: 2
Review by: Mandy A
A series of photos with short captions chronicling Centralia, a PA town where an underground coal fire left unchecked caused mine collapses and gas leakage. Odd thing is the town became very divided between those that denied there were no risks of any kind to the fire and those who left out of health concerns or some other reason. The photos weren't the best either and it didn't really get into the whole debate of should or should not the town have been abandoned. For just a simple thing like this the Images of America book on Centralia is much, much better.
Stars: 2
Review by: Mandy A
A series of photos with short captions chronicling Centralia, a PA town where an underground coal fire left unchecked caused mine collapses and gas leakage. Odd thing is the town became very divided between those that denied there were no risks of any kind to the fire and those who left out of health concerns or some other reason. The photos weren't the best either and it didn't really get into the whole debate of should or should not the town have been abandoned. For just a simple thing like this the Images of America book on Centralia is much, much better.
At Home in Renaissance Italy
Author:
Flora Dennis & Marta Ajmar
Stars: 3
Review by: Mandy A
A little dry at times for a large coffee table style book, but plenty of well-presented photos and illustrations.
Stars: 3
Review by: Mandy A
A little dry at times for a large coffee table style book, but plenty of well-presented photos and illustrations.
Florentine Histories
Author:
Niccolo Machiavelli
Stars: 2
Review by: Mandy A
Wouldn't recommend it unless you were really into the subject as the author's style is uncharacteristically dull here. Just very dry and also only really focused on history during his lifetime.
Stars: 2
Review by: Mandy A
Wouldn't recommend it unless you were really into the subject as the author's style is uncharacteristically dull here. Just very dry and also only really focused on history during his lifetime.
Horseshoe Crabs and Velvet Worms
Author:
Richard Fortey
Stars: 4
Review by: Mandy A
A short life history of several species that have survived almost unchanged since prehistoric times or earlier. Mostly the horseshoe crabs, with also parts on the worms, coelacanth, musk ox, and various others.
Stars: 4
Review by: Mandy A
A short life history of several species that have survived almost unchanged since prehistoric times or earlier. Mostly the horseshoe crabs, with also parts on the worms, coelacanth, musk ox, and various others.
A Field Guide to Getting Lost
Author:
Rebecca Solnit
Stars: 4
Review by: kayaker
Solnit is a historian with a flair for the counter factual. For instance, she tells us that she became a historian to find the truth since it was an 'elusive entity' during her childhood. However, she goes on to say that the pursuit of knowledge with that element of truth is always a pursuit because the more you think you know the more you have to go for that knowledge. Ignorance is the limiting element.
Solnit's perspective on most of the topics in this book are turned upside down to get at the other side of the expected and widely held beliefs. She urges us to stop thinking that we know what will happen in the next hour, the afternoon, the next morning because we don't and, even if we did, Solnit proposes that we might not know if we can deal with what will happen. Each essay contains one or two, sometimes three, nuggets of interest that made me stop to think a bit harder about my own beliefs.
Stars: 4
Review by: kayaker
Solnit is a historian with a flair for the counter factual. For instance, she tells us that she became a historian to find the truth since it was an 'elusive entity' during her childhood. However, she goes on to say that the pursuit of knowledge with that element of truth is always a pursuit because the more you think you know the more you have to go for that knowledge. Ignorance is the limiting element.
Solnit's perspective on most of the topics in this book are turned upside down to get at the other side of the expected and widely held beliefs. She urges us to stop thinking that we know what will happen in the next hour, the afternoon, the next morning because we don't and, even if we did, Solnit proposes that we might not know if we can deal with what will happen. Each essay contains one or two, sometimes three, nuggets of interest that made me stop to think a bit harder about my own beliefs.
The Outside World
Author:
Tova Mirvis
Stars: 4
Review by: Smudge
A look at how two Orthodox Jewish families balance belief and assimilation. This story is told with humor and originality.
Stars: 4
Review by: Smudge
A look at how two Orthodox Jewish families balance belief and assimilation. This story is told with humor and originality.
Equal of the Sun
Author:
Anita Amirrezvani
Stars: 3
Review by: Smudge
This story of 16th century Iran is based on the life and politics of Princess Pari Khan Khanoom.
Stars: 3
Review by: Smudge
This story of 16th century Iran is based on the life and politics of Princess Pari Khan Khanoom.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
The Given Day
Author:
Dennis Lehane
Stars: 4
Review by: Dinah
This book gave a vivid picture of Boston as it existed in the early 1900's. Very enlightening.
Stars: 4
Review by: Dinah
This book gave a vivid picture of Boston as it existed in the early 1900's. Very enlightening.
Wallflower in Bloom
Author:
Claire Cook
Stars: 5
Review by: Gypsy P
Claire Cook is a delight ~ and she didn't disappoint in this book. Perfect summer read...light, easy and entertaining.
Stars: 5
Review by: Gypsy P
Claire Cook is a delight ~ and she didn't disappoint in this book. Perfect summer read...light, easy and entertaining.
The Madness of Mary Lincoln
Author:
Jason Emerson
Stars: 2
Review by: Mandy A
This book is a really good example of wasted potential. Meant to be an examination of the alleged extreme mental illness of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln all it ever manages to do is beat the proverbial dead horse. Newly discovered letters concerning her state of mind are not handled in a completely objective way and subjected to endless streams of psychobabble delivered from a layman's modern prospective. No real analysis or respect, just saying this or that over and over. Lost count of all the times he called Robert Todd Lincoln a "Victorian era gentleman" or the like. For all the shining reviews on back I expected better.
Stars: 2
Review by: Mandy A
This book is a really good example of wasted potential. Meant to be an examination of the alleged extreme mental illness of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln all it ever manages to do is beat the proverbial dead horse. Newly discovered letters concerning her state of mind are not handled in a completely objective way and subjected to endless streams of psychobabble delivered from a layman's modern prospective. No real analysis or respect, just saying this or that over and over. Lost count of all the times he called Robert Todd Lincoln a "Victorian era gentleman" or the like. For all the shining reviews on back I expected better.
Orphan Train
Author:
Christina Kline
Stars: 5
Review by: bus driver 599
Enjoyable reading. Hard times and the lives of two females.
Stars: 5
Review by: bus driver 599
Enjoyable reading. Hard times and the lives of two females.
The Midwife: a Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times
Author:
Jennifer Worth
Stars: 5
Review by: bus driver 599
Just like BBC program- with more insight and human feelings.
Stars: 5
Review by: bus driver 599
Just like BBC program- with more insight and human feelings.
Fat Man in a Fur Coat
Author:
Alvin Schwartz
Stars: 1
Review by: BookWorm2
The title refers to what a bear may look like when approached from behind. This book talks about bears in terms of their interactions with humans. I have to say that I was absolutely disgusted by some of the information given. I had no idea how bears were taught to "dance" or how Grizzly Adams caught his bear friends. Not a feel good book. Supposedly geared to kids, but the content is more adult than some YA books.
Stars: 1
Review by: BookWorm2
The title refers to what a bear may look like when approached from behind. This book talks about bears in terms of their interactions with humans. I have to say that I was absolutely disgusted by some of the information given. I had no idea how bears were taught to "dance" or how Grizzly Adams caught his bear friends. Not a feel good book. Supposedly geared to kids, but the content is more adult than some YA books.
More Than It Hurts You
Author:
Darin Strauss
Stars: 2
Review by: Lrizza
This book dealt with Munchausen by proxy, which is very interesting, but the story veered off too much on different parts of the story. I didn't find the chapters about the doctor's father relevant or interesting. The author also focused on the child's father's job, maybe with a little too much boring detail. I wished the book focused more on the Munchausen by proxy storyline.
Stars: 2
Review by: Lrizza
This book dealt with Munchausen by proxy, which is very interesting, but the story veered off too much on different parts of the story. I didn't find the chapters about the doctor's father relevant or interesting. The author also focused on the child's father's job, maybe with a little too much boring detail. I wished the book focused more on the Munchausen by proxy storyline.
Killer Ambition
Author:
Marcia Clark
Stars: 4
Review by: rapidreader
If you like to read about fiction court battles this is the book for you. We all know Marcia Clark from the famous O. J. Simpson case.
Stars: 4
Review by: rapidreader
If you like to read about fiction court battles this is the book for you. We all know Marcia Clark from the famous O. J. Simpson case.
The Tender Bar
Author:
J.R.Moehringer
Stars: 5
Review by: kathyb
Fantastic book. I loved it from start to finish. I highly recommend it.
Stars: 5
Review by: kathyb
Fantastic book. I loved it from start to finish. I highly recommend it.
The Well of Lost Plots
Author:
Jasper Fforde
Stars: 5
Review by: BookWorm2
The third in the Thursday Next novels this is another Fforde triumph. This series is about a literary detective that is able to venture inside books. The amazing detail used by Fforde makes this series a true delight to read. Start with book 1 - The Eyre Affair and you will not be sorry!
Stars: 5
Review by: BookWorm2
The third in the Thursday Next novels this is another Fforde triumph. This series is about a literary detective that is able to venture inside books. The amazing detail used by Fforde makes this series a true delight to read. Start with book 1 - The Eyre Affair and you will not be sorry!
Sarah's Key
Author:
Tatiana de Rosnay
Stars: 5
Review by: Alicia E
Loved the book - and loved the movie! Tearjerker alert!
Stars: 5
Review by: Alicia E
Loved the book - and loved the movie! Tearjerker alert!
Paris
Author:
Edward Rutherford
Stars: 5
Review by: Alicia E
Made me want to go back to Paris and explore more areas! Wonderful book to enjoy the stories and learn history at the same time!
Stars: 5
Review by: Alicia E
Made me want to go back to Paris and explore more areas! Wonderful book to enjoy the stories and learn history at the same time!
Ghost Soldiers
Author:
Hampton Sides
Stars: 3
Review by: NancyW421
This is an older book, published in 2001, about the rescue of POWs in the Philippines during WWII. At first, it was hard to get into, but as I persevered, I found it interesting and well written. It was well researched, giving true accounts from the men involved, as well as good background for that time and place in history.
Stars: 3
Review by: NancyW421
This is an older book, published in 2001, about the rescue of POWs in the Philippines during WWII. At first, it was hard to get into, but as I persevered, I found it interesting and well written. It was well researched, giving true accounts from the men involved, as well as good background for that time and place in history.
Inferno
Author:
Dan Brown
Stars: 4
Review by: Alicia E
Dan Brown's book was exciting, but not quite as thrilling as his other books.
Stars: 4
Review by: Alicia E
Dan Brown's book was exciting, but not quite as thrilling as his other books.
Killer Honeymoon
Author:
G.A. McKevett
Stars: 3
Review by: mystery lover
I enjoyed this book. It had a few minor twists. The story did not entirely follow the usual mystery outline, for a change.
Stars: 3
Review by: mystery lover
I enjoyed this book. It had a few minor twists. The story did not entirely follow the usual mystery outline, for a change.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Friday, July 5, 2013
Just Jennifer
Point Doom by Dan Fante (Bourbon Street Books, June, 2013)
After his life as a PI, sometimes enforcer, in New York City
hits rock bottom, JD Fiorella heads back to his childhood home in the Point
Dume section of Malibu where his father reworked film scripts for very little
credit, hating it the entire time. Eight
years after his father’s death, JD finds himself living in Point Dume with his
mother, in AA, trying to put his life back together without alcohol and drugs
this time. He becomes friendly with
Woody and takes a job as a used car salesman with Woody and thinks he might be
able to put his life back into some semblance of order when things start to go
wrong again, and in JD’s life, when things start to go wrong, they go wrong all
the way. After celebrating his first car
sales, JD leaves a restaurant to find his mother’s old Honda set on fire with
no idea who would have a grudge like this against him and assumes it was a
random act. JD agrees to meet Woody at his apartment to
offer some advice on a movie script Woody is writing and finds Woody brutally
murdered, pulling JD back into the life he thought he left in Manhattan. JD quickly becomes a person of interest in
Woody’s murder and promptly loses his job.
Just when he thinks things can’t get any worse, the investigation into
Woody’s murder takes a strange a sinister turn and begins to bring things that
JD thought were in his past into his present threatening any progress he has
made toward a more conventional, sober life.
Dark and gritty, this a book that will be hard to put down even as it is
hard to read because of the graphicness of some of the violence and the raw
honesty with which JD lives his life.
While trying to reform his life, JD makes no attempts to atone for his
past; he is who is and did what he did and can only try to move forward. Disturbing and fascinating at the same time,
JD is not a character who will be easily forgotten.
Just Jennifer
Modern life seems to revolve around time, the lack of it and
the speed of it. As a child, the time
between birthdays seems to drag on forever while the time between the last day
of school and the return shortly after Labor Day speeds by at a startling pace. While many people experience time in a linear
fashion, not everyone does and Hammond, a psychology lecturer, writer and
broadcaster, offers other ways to view time and perhaps change the shape of
it. Using current scientific,
physiological and psychological research, Hammond attempts to explain how we
see time and why we see time differently based on our circumstances. Even the book, arranged in six parts, does
not need to be read in a linear fashion.
Chapters on the illusion of time, why it speeds up for some people and
how we can manage our time better all illustrate how time is a very personal
thing and how we can individually shape how we perceive and use it. Hammond’s easy writing style present the
information in a fascinating manner; reading through this book like having a
discussion with a friend over a cup of coffee.
This is a book that is definitely worth, well, taking the time to read.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Author:
Mark Haddon
Stars: 4
Review by: Car-Lay
An autistic boy discovers a dog that has been obviously killed. He decides to investigate and his life becomes very complicated. Written in the first person, we learn of his suffering and confusion "through the narrowly focused insights of a boy who hasn't the words to describe his emotional pain."
Stars: 4
Review by: Car-Lay
An autistic boy discovers a dog that has been obviously killed. He decides to investigate and his life becomes very complicated. Written in the first person, we learn of his suffering and confusion "through the narrowly focused insights of a boy who hasn't the words to describe his emotional pain."
Nickeled-and-Dimed To Death
Author:
Denise Swanson
Stars: 3.5
Review by: L.Z.
Same old story--small town girl tried her hand at the big city success, but is back in her small town, penniless except for the fancy car that she couldn't give up, and now solving mysteries and sorting out her love life. Still, its a fun, quick summer read. Can't complain.
Stars: 3.5
Review by: L.Z.
Same old story--small town girl tried her hand at the big city success, but is back in her small town, penniless except for the fancy car that she couldn't give up, and now solving mysteries and sorting out her love life. Still, its a fun, quick summer read. Can't complain.
The Wives of Henry Oades
Author:
Johanna Moran
Stars: 4
Review by: Smudge
Henry & Meg Oades move to New Zealand where Henry has accepted a post as an accountant. Not too long after, Meg and the children are abducted by the Maori and enslaved. After an unsuccessful search, Henry, convinced they are dead, moves to California. When Meg and the children find him several year later, Henry has remarried. Meg and the children move into Henry's new home. This novel is the story of bigamy trials that ensue and the friendship that develops between the two wives. (The author based the story on a law case that may have been a hoax. Nonetheless, the book makes you think about bigamy as a less black-and-white way.)
Stars: 4
Review by: Smudge
Henry & Meg Oades move to New Zealand where Henry has accepted a post as an accountant. Not too long after, Meg and the children are abducted by the Maori and enslaved. After an unsuccessful search, Henry, convinced they are dead, moves to California. When Meg and the children find him several year later, Henry has remarried. Meg and the children move into Henry's new home. This novel is the story of bigamy trials that ensue and the friendship that develops between the two wives. (The author based the story on a law case that may have been a hoax. Nonetheless, the book makes you think about bigamy as a less black-and-white way.)
Domestic Malice
Author:
Jessica Fletcher & Donald Bain
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Jambob
I cannot expect a cozy mystery such as Murder She Wrote ever rising to the category of "literature" but I am pleased with a trend I see infiltrating this genre. Now within a sanitized murder mystery (no sex, or foul language, little gore) is a social concept that provokes consideration. As the title suggests, the mystery involves a case of domestic abuse. With Cabot Cove as the cozy back drop, serious issues are interwoven in the story itself. It had me write to the author several times; something I don't usually do. I now look to cozies for more than included recipes and quaint history, but thought-provoking social concepts. Something new!
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Jambob
I cannot expect a cozy mystery such as Murder She Wrote ever rising to the category of "literature" but I am pleased with a trend I see infiltrating this genre. Now within a sanitized murder mystery (no sex, or foul language, little gore) is a social concept that provokes consideration. As the title suggests, the mystery involves a case of domestic abuse. With Cabot Cove as the cozy back drop, serious issues are interwoven in the story itself. It had me write to the author several times; something I don't usually do. I now look to cozies for more than included recipes and quaint history, but thought-provoking social concepts. Something new!
Magic Hour
Author:
Kristen Hannah
Stars: 1
Review by: Marybeth
Folks have recommended this author to me on occasion, so I gave her a try. While the writing is well done, the story was ridiculously predictable and quite far-fetched. The story is about a seemingly "feral" child who shows up in a town in the Pacific Northwest and her effect on two sisters who discover her. I don't think I will be reading anything else by her any time soon.
Stars: 1
Review by: Marybeth
Folks have recommended this author to me on occasion, so I gave her a try. While the writing is well done, the story was ridiculously predictable and quite far-fetched. The story is about a seemingly "feral" child who shows up in a town in the Pacific Northwest and her effect on two sisters who discover her. I don't think I will be reading anything else by her any time soon.
The Burgess Boys
Author:
Elizabeth Strout
Stars: 3
Review by: Marybeth
A good story, well written and topical. While Helen's story is not the central aspect, I could very much relate to her comments about having an empty nest and missing the children that were so much a part of her everyday life for so long. "She would linger in the living room for a few moments alone on Christmas Eve, ...tears filled her eyes, and then those Christmases gone."
Stars: 3
Review by: Marybeth
A good story, well written and topical. While Helen's story is not the central aspect, I could very much relate to her comments about having an empty nest and missing the children that were so much a part of her everyday life for so long. "She would linger in the living room for a few moments alone on Christmas Eve, ...tears filled her eyes, and then those Christmases gone."
Aunt Dimity and the Family Tree
Author:
Nancy Atherton
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This has our main character staying home and looking after her father-in-law as he moves to a house nearby. Like all the houses in this story there is a link between the old owners and Aunt Dimity. This is lighter than previous books and feels like a break from a lot of the drama in the past, but it's still an easy, fun summer read.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This has our main character staying home and looking after her father-in-law as he moves to a house nearby. Like all the houses in this story there is a link between the old owners and Aunt Dimity. This is lighter than previous books and feels like a break from a lot of the drama in the past, but it's still an easy, fun summer read.
Treasures of Greece
Author:
Emmanuelle le Pommelet
Stars: 1
Review by: Mandy A
Written and presented in a very odd manner with a reading level somewhere in the middle school range, the book's intent is to showcase icons of Greek art and architecture. It fails on both accounts. Miserably. Very few storied pieces are presented and the photos themselves are rather dull and blurry at times. Not at all impressive.
Stars: 1
Review by: Mandy A
Written and presented in a very odd manner with a reading level somewhere in the middle school range, the book's intent is to showcase icons of Greek art and architecture. It fails on both accounts. Miserably. Very few storied pieces are presented and the photos themselves are rather dull and blurry at times. Not at all impressive.
The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls
Author:
Anton DiSclafani
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee
A 16 year old girl gets sent (in disgrace) to a horse riding camp for girls in Georgia during the Depression years. She is a very scandalous young lady! I couldn't put the book down!
Loved it!
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee
A 16 year old girl gets sent (in disgrace) to a horse riding camp for girls in Georgia during the Depression years. She is a very scandalous young lady! I couldn't put the book down!
Loved it!
Pennsylvania German Farms, Gardens, and Seeds
Author:
Irwin Richman
Stars: 5
Review by: Mandy A
Utterly delightful. Focusing on PA's Landis Valley area, but covering a much wider swath, it is just what the title says. The agricultural folklore, history, practice, and origins of Pennsylvania German farming and food. Also goes into various pastimes, gender roles and the family, and gives a nice explanation of who the PA Germans are and why many technically aren't even German.
Stars: 5
Review by: Mandy A
Utterly delightful. Focusing on PA's Landis Valley area, but covering a much wider swath, it is just what the title says. The agricultural folklore, history, practice, and origins of Pennsylvania German farming and food. Also goes into various pastimes, gender roles and the family, and gives a nice explanation of who the PA Germans are and why many technically aren't even German.
The Aviator's Wife
Author:
Melanie Benjamin
Stars: 5
Review by: Ann M
Great historical fiction about the life of Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Her life with Charles, flying solo, having a family, and writing.
Stars: 5
Review by: Ann M
Great historical fiction about the life of Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Her life with Charles, flying solo, having a family, and writing.
Looking for Me
Author:
Beth Hoffman
Stars: 4
Review by: Ann M
Good book about a southern girl, Teddi, that leaves her beloved farm, sets out to open an antique store, and ultimately does on her own in Charleston.
Stars: 4
Review by: Ann M
Good book about a southern girl, Teddi, that leaves her beloved farm, sets out to open an antique store, and ultimately does on her own in Charleston.
The Ninth Girl
Author:
Tami Hoag
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Saraswati
This is a murder-suspense novel following the lives of two homicide officers. They are called to a "Zombie" killing on New Years Eve that starts this story off. The story brings to life the current issues of bullying and strained family relations. The unfortunate thing was the quick ending. It felt like so much build up and now there's too many pages so here's the neat and quick end. Still a good summer read.
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Saraswati
This is a murder-suspense novel following the lives of two homicide officers. They are called to a "Zombie" killing on New Years Eve that starts this story off. The story brings to life the current issues of bullying and strained family relations. The unfortunate thing was the quick ending. It felt like so much build up and now there's too many pages so here's the neat and quick end. Still a good summer read.
Serpent's Kiss
Author:
Melissa de la Cruz
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
This author is better known for her young adult books (Blue Bloods series). This is her second book in this adult series. The story line mixes mythology and modern times. It links the witch trials to Norse myths. This story continued from where the first left off with our Mother & two daughters, all are witches, moving on with their lives. Strange things start happening and an old mystery is in need of solving. This story has a lot of threads to follow all leading up to a "to be continued" type ending. I'm glad book 3 is due out any day now so I can find out what happens.
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
This author is better known for her young adult books (Blue Bloods series). This is her second book in this adult series. The story line mixes mythology and modern times. It links the witch trials to Norse myths. This story continued from where the first left off with our Mother & two daughters, all are witches, moving on with their lives. Strange things start happening and an old mystery is in need of solving. This story has a lot of threads to follow all leading up to a "to be continued" type ending. I'm glad book 3 is due out any day now so I can find out what happens.
George Harrison: Living in the Material World
Author:
Olivia Harrison
Stars: 5
Review by: Gypsy P
A beautiful coffee table book based on the HBO Documentary about George Harrison ~ a gentle man who impacted the world in so many ways. Loved this book!
Stars: 5
Review by: Gypsy P
A beautiful coffee table book based on the HBO Documentary about George Harrison ~ a gentle man who impacted the world in so many ways. Loved this book!
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Author:
Alexander McCall Smith
Stars: 4
Review by: BookDancer
I read this folksy, warm and upbeat book years ago, but it was certainly worth re-reading. I have snapped up the second book in the series, Tears of the Giraffe. I can't get enough of Precious Ramotswe and the delightful characters that inhabit her world. The HBO series is great, too!
Stars: 4
Review by: BookDancer
I read this folksy, warm and upbeat book years ago, but it was certainly worth re-reading. I have snapped up the second book in the series, Tears of the Giraffe. I can't get enough of Precious Ramotswe and the delightful characters that inhabit her world. The HBO series is great, too!
The Tea Rose
Author:
Jennifer Donnelly
Stars: 3
Review by: BookDancer
A good summer read; rags-to-riches love story set in London and New York in the late 1880's. Similar to A Woman of Substance.
Stars: 3
Review by: BookDancer
A good summer read; rags-to-riches love story set in London and New York in the late 1880's. Similar to A Woman of Substance.
Revenge Wears Prada, The Devil Returns
Author:
Lauren Weisberger
Stars: 4
Review by: Rainbow
I really enjoyed the book. It was nice revisiting the characters again and it was hard to put the book down.
Stars: 4
Review by: Rainbow
I really enjoyed the book. It was nice revisiting the characters again and it was hard to put the book down.
Alice Cooper, Golf Monster
Author:
Alice Cooper
Stars: 5
Review by: Gypsy P
I don't play golf so wasn't sure if I'd enjoy this book, but I did. A lot. It's a stroll down memory lane ~ and across fairways ~ with Alice Cooper. Fun, easy read. Perfect for my summer reading list.
Stars: 5
Review by: Gypsy P
I don't play golf so wasn't sure if I'd enjoy this book, but I did. A lot. It's a stroll down memory lane ~ and across fairways ~ with Alice Cooper. Fun, easy read. Perfect for my summer reading list.
Oh, The Places You'll Go!
Author:
Dr. Seuss
Stars: 5
Review by: Gypsy P
I know it's a children's book...or maybe not? This is my "go to" book when I'm having a bad case of the Doubting Thomases or Nervous Nellies. This time it was about money and a job ~or lack thereof. Worked like a charm! Thanks, Dr. Seuss!
Stars: 5
Review by: Gypsy P
I know it's a children's book...or maybe not? This is my "go to" book when I'm having a bad case of the Doubting Thomases or Nervous Nellies. This time it was about money and a job ~or lack thereof. Worked like a charm! Thanks, Dr. Seuss!
The Household Guide to Dying
Author:
Debra Adelaide
Stars: 3
Review by: Lrizza
This book was more about living and cleaning up loose ends. It was a different type of story, but enjoyable.
Stars: 3
Review by: Lrizza
This book was more about living and cleaning up loose ends. It was a different type of story, but enjoyable.
Distant Echoes
Author:
Colleen Coble
Stars: 3
Review by: Jambob
This is a romantic thriller based in Hawaii & written by a prolific Christian author. The action packed story has intrigue, romance, and Christian theories of forgiveness and family. Nani the dolphin provides interesting insights in dolphin research and communication and even animal rights.
Stars: 3
Review by: Jambob
This is a romantic thriller based in Hawaii & written by a prolific Christian author. The action packed story has intrigue, romance, and Christian theories of forgiveness and family. Nani the dolphin provides interesting insights in dolphin research and communication and even animal rights.
Vanished
Author:
Joseph Finder
Stars: 4
Review by: mysteryfan
This was my first book by Joseph Finder. I enjoyed his style of writing and couldn't put the book down, the plot moved so quickly and kept me guessing right until the last page. Just another great American suspense writer!
Stars: 4
Review by: mysteryfan
This was my first book by Joseph Finder. I enjoyed his style of writing and couldn't put the book down, the plot moved so quickly and kept me guessing right until the last page. Just another great American suspense writer!
The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman
Author:
Meg Wolitzer
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Miss Lucy
Even though this was a kids' book, any Scrabble lover would enjoy it.
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Miss Lucy
Even though this was a kids' book, any Scrabble lover would enjoy it.
Let's Spend the Night Together
Author:
Pamela Des Barres
Stars: 1
Review by: Gypsy P
Forced my way through it to try and meet my goal for the Summer Reading Club, but it was painful.
Stars: 1
Review by: Gypsy P
Forced my way through it to try and meet my goal for the Summer Reading Club, but it was painful.
Cold Kiss
Author:
Amy Garvey
Stars: 4
Review by: Marian
First book in the Cold Kiss series. It's a story about a teen who finds she has powers strong enough to bring a dead boyfriend back to life. It brings issues she never dreamed about. Interesting characters, very well written.
Stars: 4
Review by: Marian
First book in the Cold Kiss series. It's a story about a teen who finds she has powers strong enough to bring a dead boyfriend back to life. It brings issues she never dreamed about. Interesting characters, very well written.
The Stranger
Author:
C. Lackberg
Stars: 5
Review by: Judy
The Stranger is the fourth book of a series by a Swedish writer, Camilla Lackberg, and she is an outstanding mystery writer. Her characters are so believable While the novels do not have to be read in order I think you should start with The Ice Princess.
Stars: 5
Review by: Judy
The Stranger is the fourth book of a series by a Swedish writer, Camilla Lackberg, and she is an outstanding mystery writer. Her characters are so believable While the novels do not have to be read in order I think you should start with The Ice Princess.
Fonduing Fathers
Author:
Julie Hyzy
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
Book 7 in this series picks up with our White House Chef actually taking vacation time to see her mom and grandmother. She brings along her new beau to see how it goes. While she is there the mystery surrounding her father's death comes to light. Never one to not follow up on a mystery, our chef and her beau go to solve it. It takes them through corporate espionage and government cover-ups. In between, our chef works with the President's young son to develop his cooking skills. A good summer read.
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
Book 7 in this series picks up with our White House Chef actually taking vacation time to see her mom and grandmother. She brings along her new beau to see how it goes. While she is there the mystery surrounding her father's death comes to light. Never one to not follow up on a mystery, our chef and her beau go to solve it. It takes them through corporate espionage and government cover-ups. In between, our chef works with the President's young son to develop his cooking skills. A good summer read.
The Scarlet Empress
Author:
Susan Grant
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is the last book in the 2176 series. The first book was also written by Grant. However, the others were written by other Sci-Fi Romance novelists. This book was on my shelf for a while and I decided to clean up. It actually is like reading the grand finale of two stories. Two women, fighter pilots, frozen into the future, save the day. A lot of 1776 vs 2176 references to freedom vs safety. That made me think that even back over 200 years ago there was concern about giving up liberties for the false sense of security.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This is the last book in the 2176 series. The first book was also written by Grant. However, the others were written by other Sci-Fi Romance novelists. This book was on my shelf for a while and I decided to clean up. It actually is like reading the grand finale of two stories. Two women, fighter pilots, frozen into the future, save the day. A lot of 1776 vs 2176 references to freedom vs safety. That made me think that even back over 200 years ago there was concern about giving up liberties for the false sense of security.
Without a Sound
Author:
Carla Cassidy
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
Another book on my shelf and I notice that I started it at one time so I decided to finish it this time. This is about a woman who found out her sister has been murdered and she is now in care of her niece. The niece happened to be home when her mother was murdered and becomes mute because her mother told her not to make a sound before she died. The story unfolds to a multi-murder mystery along with the struggles of a new family coping with grief. I don't know why I stopped reading it the first time, but I was glad I picked it up again.
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
Another book on my shelf and I notice that I started it at one time so I decided to finish it this time. This is about a woman who found out her sister has been murdered and she is now in care of her niece. The niece happened to be home when her mother was murdered and becomes mute because her mother told her not to make a sound before she died. The story unfolds to a multi-murder mystery along with the struggles of a new family coping with grief. I don't know why I stopped reading it the first time, but I was glad I picked it up again.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Just Jennifer
Apologies to my Censor: The High and Low Adventures of a
Foreigner in China by Mitch Moxley (Harper Perennial, July 2013)
When Canadian journalist Mitch Moxley becomes disillusioned
with his dreams of becoming a writer, he answers an ad for a job as a writer
and editor at China’s only English language newspaper China Daily. It is the
spring of 2007 and the Olympic will be in Beijing before long, so why not? Spend a year in China, get some clips and
maybe get a memoir out the time in China, soak up some culture, enjoy the Olympics
and head for home. Sounds simple. Not so. Five years later, Moxley finds himself in
China, never having really mastered the language, never mind successfully
navigating the political, social and cultural minefield in which he often
becomes mired. Moxley finds himself a star
on the newspaper’s basketball team, even though he is unable to dunk in the
regulation hoops. He attends a beer fest
in one of the former German port colonies only to have it rain the entire
time. Moxley assumes the name Tall Rice,
Mi Gao, and becomes something of a legend in more than his own mind as he is
named one of Cosmo’s most eligible bachelors and appears in a music video in
spite of his inability to dance. With a
slightly deprecating manner that often ends with self-realization, as was the case after he inadvertently and
unthinkingly insulted his language tutor in public, Moxley learns to adjust,
have fun and just be and before he realizes it, he finds himself fascinated and
immersed in a strange new culture, so much so he forgets to go home. Moxley easily joins the ranks of ex-patriot
writers who let their adopted countries slowly work magic, knowing home is never
far away, but that once he returns to Canada, life can never be the same again.