They Came to Baghdad

Author: Agatha Christie
Stars: 4
Review by: katza lover

This was a light and fun read. I enjoyed her other mysteries more than this one.

 

The Light of Paris

Author: Eleanor Brown
Stars: 5
Review by: Just Ada

Excellent.   Compares a 1999 lady's life to her grandmother's 1919 life.   Kept me going to find out more.

 

Mrs. Houdini

Author: Victoria Kelly
Stars: 4
Review by: jamBob

A nice look back to the life and times of Harry Houdini. Well researched, nicely written, and poignant.

 

Double the Pleasure

Author: Lori Foster, Deirdre Martin, Jacquie D'Alessandro, Penny McCall
Stars: 1
Review by: BKF

Four short romance stories by above authors. Ugh!

 

Congratulations to...

... our Week #11 Prize Winners:

• Miss Lucy
• Happy Reader

Progress So Far

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Bookerfly

Going Fishing - from Judy

Bright Eyes

Author: Catherine Anderson
Stars: 4
Review by: 'a Retired Cat' - who likes to read!

Book 4 Coulter Series.

The Woman in Cabin 10

Author: Ruth Ware
Stars: 4
Review by: Diana
Full of suspense and intrigue. Lo Blacklock is offered an opportunity to join a special group on a spectacular cruise. A cruise that she will never forget.

 

The Blue Rose: An English Garden Mystery

Author: Anthony Eglin
Stars: 3
Review by: KM
The writing isn't exceptional by any means, however, I really enjoyed the combo of mystery and gardening!

 

Change of Heart

Author: Jodi Picoult
Stars: 3
Review by: Just Ada
Makes you think about capital punishment.  I listened to it.  Good readers.

 

13 Reasons Why

Author: Jay Asher
Stars: 4
Review by: line82

Written with an interesting perspective. Kept my attention. Sad, but exciting.

Doctored Evidence

Author: Donna Leon
Stars: 4
Review by: Chris L.

Entertaining Guido Brunetti mystery about the murder of a much disliked old woman. Lots of false leads and plot twists.

 

Library of Souls

Author: Ransom Riggs
Stars: 4
Review by: Pam
A perfect way to end the series of Mrs. Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. 

 

Rosemary: the Hidden Kennedy Daughter

Author: Kate Clifford Larson
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Barb
A lot of interesting information was found in this book, much about Rosemary and her interactions with family members that is little known, and much about the advancements of education and medical treatment for those with intellectual and physical disabilities. A serious, and good read.

 

The Apartment

Author: Danielle Steel
Stars: 4
Review by: Just Ada
Haven't read her in ages, but was glad I  did.  Very girlie book, but GOOD. 

 

Edge of Eternity

Author: Ken Follett
Stars: 5
Review by: Barb

I loved all of the books in Follet's Century Trilogy, this one probably most because it followed my lifetime. I love the way he develops his characters so that I begin to feel that they are my friends and I miss them when the book is over. Great read and reminder of what we've been through.

 

Honeydew

Author: Edith Pearlman
Stars: 3
Review by: Rachele S.
An interesting collection of short stories. Pearlman paints very vivid characters.

 

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry

Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Stars: 5
Review by: LateNightReader

This was a novel that I thoroughly enjoyed - including the storyline! It's akin to watching a movie and finding Easter eggs. I was happy when I recognized literary references and was intrigued by those I did not. I have more books on my "to read" list now!

 

Eligible

Author: Curtis Sittenfield
Stars: 5
Review by: Catdob

A dark, comedic twist on the story [Pride and Prejudice] and included quite surprising plot twists with the characters.

The Clique

Author: Lisi Harrison
Stars: 1
Review by: RGfundamental
Pre-teen lit. Give them Jane Austen instead!

Ink and Bone

Author: Lisa Unger
Stars: 5
Review by: Susan F.
This is a fast-paced, gripping paranormal psychological thriller. I love the main character - she's young and offers a different and alternative version of the "hero".  The characters were all real and raw, and flawed, but still likeable.  It's haunting and chilling, without being a horror story.  

 

Blackberry Winter

Author: Sarah Jio
Stars: 5
Review by: Just Ada

A little mystery, a love story.  Best book I have read in a while. 

 

The Aviator's Wife

Author: Melanie Benjamin
Stars: 4
Review by: Mitchie L

Historical Fiction novel about Anne Morrow Lindbergh, wife of Charles Lindbergh. It reads like an emotional history lesson. It was very well written and informative.  You can view the newsreels on Youtube and see the historical courthouse in Flemington as it was during the trial.

 

Smooth Operator

Author: Stuart Woods
Stars: 4
Review by: Minnie

Good spin off series by Stuart Woods.

 

Death and Judgement

Author: Donna Leon
Stars: 4
Review by: Chris L.
One of the better Commisarrio Brunetti mysteries. Fast paced. Didn't figure it out until near the end.

 

If a Place Can Make You Cry

Author: Daniel Gordis
Stars: 4
Review by: RGfundamental
Personal memoir of family's move from LA to Jerusalem '82 to 2002. Author does not hide his political views and lives a life of privilege.

Mean Justice

Author: Edward Humes
Stars: 5
Review by: RGfundamental
Injustice in Bakersfield, California. Hysteria. Some innocents are still imprisoned.

 

Like Water for Chocolate

Author: Laura Esquival
Stars: 3
Review by: RGfundamental
Quick read fairytale. Clever idea. 

 

Murder in the Stacks

Author: David DeKok
Stars: 5
Review by: RGfundamental

True Crime. Well written. Penn State hasn't changed through the years. Recalls the culture of the 60's. 

 

Grief Street

Author: Thomas Adcock
Stars: 1
Review by: RGfundamental
Gruesome. Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of the past. Not a loving picture.

 

Blue Skies

Author: Catherine Anderson
Stars: 5
Review by: 'a Retired Cat' - who likes to read!

Book 3.  Coulter series - it really gives you an insight how a blind person sees!  Great.

Just Jennifer

There's still a few weeks left this summer to read some great books...

A Great Reckoning by Louise Penny 

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache may have retired from the Quebec Sûreté, but cannot stay away completely when he takes a job as the head of the Sûreté Academy, much to the surprise of his wife and friends, as many of his detractors and even enemies are employed there as well.  Hoping to spark the interest of four cadets that Gamache is afraid he may lose, especially Amelia Choquet, a cadet Armand has a special affinity for, in spite of her poor attitude and the tattoos that cover her body, he brings them to Three Pines where a mysterious map has been found in the wall of the bistro and asks them to decipher the clues and read the map of the area, and perhaps learn why Three Pines is perpetually left off published maps.  A closed room murder at the academy casts suspicion on all the cadets and instructor, but strangest of all, a copy of the map from the bistro is found with the dead body.  Little by little, more is revealed about the Surete Academy, Three Pines, Amelia and even Gamache, as this series continues to be one of the best realized in both sense of place and person. 

Behind Closed Doors by PA Paris 

Grace has taken over the responsibility for her younger sister Millie who has Down’s syndrome but will be leaving her school to come and live with Grace within the year.  Having this responsibility, Grace is shocked that a man as handsome as Jack not only falls in love with her but seemingly with Millie as well, offering to make a home for both of them.  While on their honeymoon in Thailand Grace realizes there is a dark and terrifying side to Jack, a side of his personality that she never anticipated, one that is cruel and sadistic.  Jack holds Millie’s safety as a threat over Grace to control Grace as she desperately seeks a means to escape the nightmare that has become her life, a life few believe when she tries to tell them as Jack has carefully crafted a façade that paints Gras as vulnerable and even unstable in this compulsively readable chilling tale.

Behold the Dreamers by Imbola Mbue

Jende Jonga emigrated from Cameroon to the US and is living in Harlem with his wife Neni and son.  Jende has just gotten a job as chauffeur for Clark Edwards, a Lehman Brothers executive and Neni is enrolled in college, working for the Edwards in the Hamptons during the summer: all things seem hopeful for the Jongas.  Until the collapse of Lehman Brothers.  As the Edwards carefully constructed life begins to crack and crumble, the Jonga’s find themselves doing things, independent of each other, things that they never imagined themselves, or each other doing.  Confronted with the harsh realities of life in America, the Jongas make an incredibly difficult, bittersweet decision, but on Jende feels he and his family can live with and in the long run, will be better off with in this modern take of the search for the American Dream.

The Darkest Secret by Alex Marwood

Sean Jackson is turning fifty and feels at the top of his game: he has made a fortune in the London real estate market and has women practically falling at his feet, to the displeasure of his second wife.  The weekend long party Sean plans for himself begins with his ex-wife dropping off his teenage daughters unexpectedly and ends with the disappearance of one of his three year old twins.  Who is never found.  Twelve years and two wives later, Sean is dead and as his family, and those who were at his fateful party weekend reassemble to pay their respects secrets, jealousies and accusations begin to come out and one of Sean’s older girls Mila, finds shocking clues to the disappearance of her younger half-sister, but when the truth finally comes out can she trust the people telling her that what she learns is the entire truth and who is the real monster and who is truly to blame?  As dysfunctional as they come, the families that Sean Jackson creates will suffer because of his ego, some of them to the point of ego in this psychological thriller that has a touch of Marwood’s sardonic humor and some chilling characters the likes of which we can hope to never encounter.

Family Tree by Susan Wiggs

Annie Rush appears to have it all: she is producing the cooking show she always dreamt of (though she had dreams of being the star), she is married to a great man---who also happens to be one of the co-hosts of her show (though lately things haven’t been going so well in their marriage) and she just realized she’s pregnant (but she’s not quite sure she’s ready for a baby).  All at once, her life is turned topsy-turvy and Annie is involved in an accident, waking up a year later from a coma with a long road to recovery and a lot of things to remember.  Instead of LA, she wakes up near her hometown of Switchback, Vermont where her family has been producing maple syrup for years.  Annie isn’t even aware she is married at first and concentrates on her recovery under the care of her divorced mother and father, brother and sister-in-law, four nieces and nephews and the high-school-boyfriend, now judge, she left behind.  Slowly, Annie regains her memory, with a few surprises along the way, and in the process of regaining her life she learns she is now divorced and begins to reevaluate the choices she made and decides that this time she is going to be the one really making the decisions…but can she have everything she wants?  A timeless story that once again reaffirms the power of family to heal and that time worn adage, you CAN go home, but Annie makes sure it is for her reasons and not someone else's.

Sorrow Road by Julia Keller

Acker’s Gap, West Virginia is besieged by snow storm after snow storm and prosecuting attorney Bel Elkin’s daughter Carla has called Bel abruptly and said she is leaving Washington, D.C. where she has lived to be near her father since high school and is coming home.  Bel is worried about Carla on the slippery roads especially when she learns that a law school friend has been killed in an accident just hours after she met with bell and asked Bel to look into the death of her father at a local nursing home Thornapple Terrace where other Alzheimer patients have been dying at an alarming rate.  Bel becomes suspicious and looks into the deaths as her daughter, who is being very secretive about her return takes a job collecting oral histories from rural West Virginia, including the nursing home in question.  A parallel story of three young friends in 1938 who join the Navy six years later has startling connections to the modern day deaths.  Acker’s Gap is filled with exceptional characters, especially Bel who has many demons from her past, demons she is hoping she didn’t pass on to her daughter, demons that she hopes do not cause her to give up a relationship she cherishes more than she will admit to herself.  The plot drags a little in places and isn’t as tight as past entries in this series, nonetheless, a visit to Acker’s Gap is always welcomed. 

The Book that Matters Most by Ann Hood

Unsure of what to do after her husband of 25-years leaves her, Ava joins a local book group, the members of which are choosing the book that matters most to them for their monthly selections.  As Ava works her way, grudgingly at first, through the selections and through her grief, she is unaware that her daughter has left her art program in Venice and is living in Paris, having fallen into some bad circumstances.  Though Ava begins to heal she is still haunted by her mother’s death when Ava was a young child and the book that that matters most to Ava, a book that proves to have healing powers that far exceed any reasonable expectations in this book that takes a woman from loss and desperation to joy and hope, making this a book that will surely be the book that matters most to future readers. 

The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller

Be prepared to be charmed: after accidentally setting fire to the exclusive Boston dinner club where she is the chef, Olivia Rawlings escapes to Guthrie, Vermont where her best friend is living.  Offered a job at the Sugar Maple Inn, Livvy decides to stay for a while, navigating the local town and sorting out her life, a life that has been marked by running away from things.  In Guthrie Livvy rediscovers the simple joys of a perfectly baked apple pie, playing her banjo and the big heartedness of friends who become family as Livvy discovers the life she is meant to leave, even if it isn’t the life she thought she’d live.

The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena

Anne and Marco Conti are certain their infant daughter Cara will be safe at home while they attend a small dinner party next door, especially if they take turns checking on her every half hour.  But when they return at home the end of the night, Cora is missing and Anne and Marco are suspects, especially Anne who has been struggling with post-partum depression.  As the investigation begins to unfold, secrets about each other, their families and even their next door neighbors emerge creating a baffling crime with many unseen twists and turns that ends with a final shocking and unexpected desperate act.

The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis

Told in alternating voices and decades, the glamourous world of the Barbizon Hotel during the 1950’s is brought to life by a present day reporter whose life in the hotel, now condos, is falling apart.  As Rose becomes obsessed with a story that involves hotel resident, Darby McLaughlin, who came to Manhattan to attend secretarial school in 1952 and stayed, she becomes wrapped up in a suspicious death involving Darby and a maid, the truth about which when revealed may change everything for everyone, or may change nothing, fading away quietly into history.

With Love from the Inside by Angela Pisel

Grace Bradshaw has lived with the knowledge that the state will determine the date and time of her death.  Grace is on death row, having been convicted of the murder of her infant son almost twenty years ago.  It has been almost twelve years (eleven years, five months and twenty-seven days) since she last heard her daughter’s Sophie’s voice, but it is the memories of Sophie and the hope of reconciliation that keeps Grace going.  After the death of her father, Sophie gave up the visits to her mother, trying to put the tragedies of her life behind her to create a new life, one that doesn’t include a mother convicted of murdering her baby brother.  And she succeeds: she is married to a successful plastic surgeon who is devoted to her as is his family, and her past is safely behind her until her mother runs out of appeals and the date of her execution is set: February 15.  Wrestling with her own demons, Sophie returns to her hometown and past where she finds evidence that may exonerate her mother if it is not too late.  Even if it is too late, Sophie must decide if it’s not too late to reconcile with her mother and if she does, at what cost to Sophie’s present life will it be.  As Grace spends her last weeks writing to Sophie, trying to shed light on what happened, Sophie fights for the mother she gave up on, trying to forgive her mother and herself for the past decade.  Mothers and daughters, the families we are born into and the families we create, our stories and our histories are all neatly woven into this compassionate, haunting story.

Sweet Tomorrows

Author: Debbie Macomber
Stars: 5
Review by: LG

Great book. I love the Rose Harbor series.

 

The Monogram Murders

Author: Sophie Hannah
Stars: 4
Review by: jamBob

This is a cerebral mystery, many pages that discuss the murder/suicide or execution of 3 people involved in a heinous defamation which ruined the lives of 2 other people. Hercule Poirot is doing his best with the "little grey cells". This mystery is based on many subtleties you must think this one through to enjoy it.

The Joy of Leaving Your Sh*t All Over the Place

Author: Jennifer McCartney
Stars: 1
Review by: Miss Lucy

This book inspires neither cluttering nor decluttering. It basically just makes fun of Marie Kondo's book. The title and maybe one or two lines in the book are funny, but other than that, I feel like it's making its author and publisher lots of money on Kondo's dime.

 

Animal Magnetism

Author: Jill Shalvis
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati

This is a story in the same vein as the Three Sisters. It is about three women and their marriages. Each is battling their own problems and learn to help each other through the bad times and celebrate the good times. You can tell this is leading up to a series because you want to find out what happens next. Enjoy!

 

The Eighty-Dollar Champion

Author: Elizabeth Letts
Stars: 2.5
Review by: bandit
If you are really into horses I feel this book would be excellent.  A lot of detail on horses.

The Guest Cottage

Author: Nancy Thayer
Stars: 2
Review by: bandit
It was a quick read, a bit too corny!  Good for the beach.

Whispers on the Dock

Author: Camy Tang
Stars: 3.5
Review by: mysterylover

Historical fiction, inspirational.  Focusing on being kind to each other.

 

Richard III

Author: William Shakespeare
Stars: 5
Review by: BookDancer

Please don't just read a Shakespeare play; try to listen to it or, better yet, watch a performance on DVD.  Avail yourself of the countless online summaries, synopses and helps that weren't available the first time you tried to slog through it.  Then if you're lucky enough to attend a discussion of that play led by an engaging and enthusiastic English teacher, 5 is the lowest score you could give it!  You will also be inspired to seek out other video and live performances of that and other works! 400 years and counting, the Bard just keeps reinventing himself!

 

Breakwater Bay

Author: Shelley Noble
Stars: 3
Review by: BookDancer

A predictable yet sweet love story.  I can just see it as a Hallmark Movie!

The Girls of August

Author: Anne Rivers Siddons
Stars: 2
Review by: BookDancer

Disappointing since I've read better by this author.

 

Grunt: the Curious Science of Humans at War

Author: Mary Roach
Stars: 5
Review by: Mary NK

This book is NOT about war. What it IS about, is the way humans protect themselves from war. We learn, for example, why silk underwear is the best material if you're wounded; and why the Navy doesn't have camouflage. Open this book to any page and you will be regaled with facts essential not to the war machine, but to the drivers of that machine. How a chicken gun protects lives on airplane runways, for example. You can't go wrong with any book by Mary Roach, and Grunt will give you a whole new respect for the researchers and testers of military equipment.

 

Blackberry Winter

Author: Sarah Jio
Stars: 4.5
Review by: bandit
My best book of the summer.

Astronomy for All Ages: Discovering the Universe through Activities for Children and Adults, 2nd ed.

Author: Philip Harrington & Edward Pascuzzi
Stars: 2
Review by: Saraswati

This was another book I had to read for my class and like the title states its a basic lab manual with more background provided than most lab books.  I did learn that the story of Jack & Jill is really about the moon. and what an Astrolabe was. This edition is copy righted in 2000 so some activities will have to be updated, especially the ones about cameras and film. In general, if you are looking for basic Astronomy activities for a class or group this book is fine, but otherwise you can probably get better on the internet.

 

Lie in Plain Sight

Author: Maggie Barbieri
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati

This is the latest book in this series (#3) and it took me a while to get my memories straight from the last 2 books. There are a lot of secrets and lies being told to maintain them. This book has a lot of stories going on and sometimes it just seemed like the author was trying to pull too many loose ends together to what may be a grand finale. Don't know if this the last, but it does feel that way. If you like the last two you will probably like this one too.

 

One With You

Author: Sylvia Day
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati

This is the grand finale of the Crossfire series. Similar to the 50 Shades saga, this series takes two very troubled adults and has them fall in love. This book brings closure for the couple and hope while throwing in a twist. There is also a preview of the next series. If you like 50 Shades you will probably like this series too.

 

Daughters of the Bride

Author: Susan Mallery
Stars: 3
Review by: Just Ada

Nice book.  Not outstanding, but kept me going.

 

No One Knows

Author: J.T. Ellison
Stars: 4
Review by: Just Ada

Good mystery.   Lots  of surprises.

Ripe for Murder

Author: Carlene O'Neil
Stars: 4
Review by: LZ99

A fun read. Better than some others in the series.

The Weekenders

Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Stars: 4
Review by: TLW

A fun summer read just like Andrews' other books. Always a welcome distraction.

 

David & Goliath

Author: Malcolm Gladwell
Stars: 4
Review by: TLW

I always enjoy Gladwell's books and his perspective on different topics.

 

Congratulations to...

... our Week #10 Prize Winners:

• Patti K
• Fernanda

Progress So Far

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The Greeks: An Illustrated History

Author: Diane Harris Cline
Stars: 2
Review by: Mandy Apgar

Alright for younger readers, but for anyone with a prior knowledge or seeking any enjoyment in the subject not recommended. The type of thing that would be good for a middle school project really, little filler and lots of pictures.

Gullible's Travels: The Adventures of a Bad Taste Tourist

Author: Cash Peters
Stars: 5
Review by: Mandy Apgar

I got this simply because, on the cover, there is a man dressed like the bunny in 'Donnie Darko' sitting next to a suitcase. Totally random and it encapsulates the rest perfectly. British semi expatriate (he doesn't explain) Cash Peters lives in semi obscurity in California writing travel bits that annoy the bejeesus out of him. He just really hates people's reactions to his job, and, well, stupid people in general. If a big ball of twine pops up, he gets sent there, and people automatically assume he was flown first class with all the trimmings. Bored to tears he finds himself in Amsterdam when he happens to run into an old friend / ex who convinces him he should give it one more go and write a book while he is at it. The tackier the better. So he does. First of all - if you like Boston, do not read this. He. Hated. It. But they were pretty rude to him. While visiting the fine state of Massachusetts for example he attends the Museum of Bad Art (chapter entitled "The Old Woman with an Armchair Glued to Her Ass"), undertakes a mammoth chapters long quest for the Museum of Dirt, the Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, another B&B minus the homicidal (acquitted my foot) owner - this one being an irate Irish couple who are incensed that he asks them to do anything, Salem (while at Bridget Bishop's 4 times daily trial he sneaks into the group delivering charges and yells "she pinched my butt!"), and various other hijinks that nearly get him kicked out time and again. He isn't adverse to being a smarty about things, which is why the folks at Graceland got so mad at him for telling a lady Elvis was dead. He got 10 death threats after visiting the Precious Moments Chapel and doing a radio segment that was rather less than precious. But also in his defense, that place was creepy. And it had the exploding Jesus. And oh, the joys of Branson, Missouri and the Mall of America. Honestly, I don't think a lot of these are really in bad taste, but my relatives are nuts so that might explain a lot.

 

Life and Times in Colonial Philadelphia

Author: Joseph J Kelley
Stars: 3
Review by: Mandy Apgar

It was alright, but veered off track a little sometimes into the lives of the colonial and famous a bit too much. I wanted something more of a look into ordinary schleps instead of William Penn. The latter of course founded the city, his "model experiment" (God knows what he thinks of it now) with the streets initially overrun with dogs and a tendency to develop rivers of mud. But it was still important enough to become a colonial capital (literally) and initial conflicts began to develop over just how cosmopolitan the city should get. Theater for example - Penn hated it, but the people wanted it. How is the city to reconcile the wants of a music loving population? How liberal should the standards of dress be? (Abigail Adams said she thought the women "looked like nursing mothers" their gowns were cut so low.) There is a great deal of that inner conflict driving the book, which is good, it is just very dry and that is what holds it back a lot.

Plane Insanity

Author: Elliott Hester
Stars: 4
Review by: Mandy Apgar

I've always felt sorry for flight attendants. They're stuck with people often at their worst, frequently are obligated by their job to give them alcohol, and can't leave the teensy area they're cramped in the whole time. Mr. Hester is one such attendant, getting into the field more or less on a lark and staying with it despite a near endless parade of dumb humanity. Constant insults to his manhood, people throwing things at him and his colleagues (ranging from drinks to fully loaded diapers), the omni present mile high club - sometimes with membership meetings in full view of other passengers, vomit a plenty, the time someone stole $500k worth of bonds off of one of his flights, the guy who smuggled his python in his carry on, and of course the shore leave stories of his fellow attendants once they're able to get away from all that nonsense.

 

Science of the Magical

Author: Matt Kaplan
Stars: 4
Review by: Mandy Apgar

Not sure if this was a 3 or a 4. Putting it a 4 so it gets on the list and has a better chance of more reading it. But it is concerned with the actual sciences behind things like, as the subtitle says, the Holy Grail (although they discuss Arthur and Merlin a lot more), love potions (spoiler alert - they stink, and they don't work) and superpowers (the author seemed kind of amused at the fascination with comic book characters, which I did not like, but he did bring about a group of people who are working on creating a healing factor like Wolverine's). And a few others - the Delphic oracle, why Vikings went totally nuts sometimes and saw visions in their mead, super soldier programs. A lot of different things in a medium sized book.

 

The Cabaret of Plants

Author: Richard Mabey
Stars: 2
Review by: Mandy Apgar

The style of this is very, I dunno, "casual" for lack of a better word. The gist is that it is meant to be a semi sweeping examination of how plants have interacted with human history and culture. Good idea. And pretty easy to get overly bogged down in, so the author does well to break things up in little vignettes so it isn't one technical subject after another. But (I will readily admit) I am very anal retentive about things. If I find mistakes in a section I start to wonder what's wrong with the bits I don't know that much about - and when the author is supposed to have this great history yet he can't even spell the alternate names of the Vegetable Lamb of Tartary correctly (don't ask, let's just say it is something I've nerded over since I was 4) and then after pages and pages of more errors basically says "oh, it was a cotton ball. The end" I basically morph from Banner to the Hulk in a half second. The first section, "The cults of trees," on oaks, yews, and others, wasn't bad. But when he wrote about the crazes in plant collecting he did an essay on...ferns? FERNS? Alright, so tulips would've been the obvious choice but they also would have been the more culturally significant one as well.

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes

Author: Deepak & Gotham Chopra
Stars: 1
Review by: Mandy Apgar

Before you ask, no, the one author was not named after the city in Batman. It is one of the names of the Buddha. I checked this out thinking "what friggin idiot would name their kid 'Gotham' unless you're nuts?" and after reading this I'm fairly positive he is nuts. When you're able to practically mind meld with Grant Morrison at a convention then yes, you are batcrap insane. Filled with the type of lovely psycho babble that fans would adore, well, if they were stupid, I counted 4 major mistakes in characters' origins by page 26 and stopped counting after that as they kept piling up. Did you know that kryptonite is an extension of Superman's self? And here I thought Jerry Siegel created that in 1940. Hum. Lots of things are extensions of a characters' self, which gets to be incredibly silly after a while. And the way to deal with this is love, of course, and other silliness. Sure. If Dr. Doom was real try telling him the root of his vanity issues was that he needed to love himself more. I had a visual of the X-Men all cross legged in a circle singing "kumbaya" while rubbing Professor X's head by the end.

 

The Long Emancipation

Author: Ira Berlin
Stars: 1
Review by: Mandy Apgar

I didn't retain a single thing from this. At times a little bit pretentious and overly simplistic and sweeping in its conclusions, a very good indication that the book isn't that good is that he provides his own recommending quote on the back. Plus it is so very small with large print, would've hoped the author would have had something better to say. Or at least anything. Granted there really isn't anything "new" to say itself, but he was just a very pompous writer and his tone often did not suit the dignity of the subject. 

The Atlantic Coast: A Natural History

Author: Harry Thurston
Stars: 2
Review by: Mandy Apgar

This wasn't really as historical as I had hoped. More so armchair travel for those who do not really know that much about the environment and, judging from the vocabulary he used, do not usually care much either.

 

Three Weeks with My Brother

Author: Nicholas Sparks & Micah Sparks
Stars: 4
Review by: BKF

Nicholas and his older brother take a three week trip around the world and during that time they reminisce about growing up and family. Chapters alternate between the exotic places they visit and family incidents experienced. Interesting how many of Sparks' novel's themes are based on his life. If you like Nicholas Sparks as an author I strongly recommend you read this book.

 

Locked Rooms & Open Doors: Diaries & Letters of Anne Morrow LIndbergh, 1933-1935

Author: Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Stars: 4
Review by: Shapoppa

I was hoping AML would be more revealing with her thoughts on the Trial of the Century and the return to the never-ending publicity that ensued. She seemed to glaze over both and suddenly she and her family are packing up to live in Europe. I did enjoy reading about her and Charles' trip to Greenland and other European stops.

 

Here's to Us

Author: Elin Hilderbrand
Stars: 4
Review by: DeckReader

A successful businessman works hard to provide for his three wives and three children.

 

The Amateur Marriage

Author: Anne Tyler
Stars: 4
Review by: DeckReader

A young couple marry without knowing each other.  Their marriage lasts until the husband finally realizes they are really not meant for each other.

 

15th Affair

Author: James Patterson
Stars: 3
Review by: DeckReader

This book kept me guessing. 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Author: J.K. Rowling
Stars: 5
Review by: Shapoppa

Love, love, love this series!

The Last One

Author: Alexandra Oliva
Stars: 4
Review by: Cindy N.

This was a good book with an interesting premise. The story follows a woman who is participating in a reality show that tests the participants survival skills. After the show begins a widespread disaster happens. The novel goes from the present to the past and back to the present back to the past as the story unfolds.

 

 

A Room with a View

Author: E.M. Forster
Stars: 5
Review by: LateNightReader

I decided to read this after having watched and enjoyed the 1985 film version. I found the book provided an insight into the characters' actions and reactions that the movie is unable to. This made the story all the more enjoyable.

 

City of Mirrors

Author: Justin Cronin
Stars: 5
Review by: Brooke S.

I have been waiting YEARS for the final book of this trilogy (The Passage, The Twelve).  This does not disappoint, and inspired me to re-read the first and second, with all the detailing of how Amy the Girl from Nowhere saved the world. 

 

The Weekenders

Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Stars: 5
Review by: Minnie

This is the kind of book for your summer reading. Light and enjoyable.

 

Guide to Earth and Space

Author: Isaac Asimov
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati

This is the first book I needed to read for my "Galaxies, Planets and Space" class. I was worried about being overwhelmed because the print was so tiny but it was made easier by the ability to jump around the chapters as I needed. This book does cover a lot of territory about the Earth and Space. It talks about plate tectonics and Big Bang theory. Once you get into it takes very complicated ideas and makes them understandable. Not really a summer read, but an interesting one.

I've Got Sand in All the Wrong Places

Author: Lisa Scottoline & Francesca Serritella
Stars: 4
Review by: BookWorm2

A wonderful, humorous read.  On word of caution - if you are a fan of the "Chick Wit" column in the Philadelphia Inquirer, there is a bit of repetition as some columns were reprinted here.

 

The Martian

Author: Andy Weir
Stars: 5
Review by: BookWorm2

A fantastic sci-fi read along the lines of Apollo 13 (in regards to the writing) with a slightly more human edge.  Nail biting at times.  I highly recommend this one.

 

The Forgiving Quilt

Author: Ann Hazelwood
Stars: 2
Review by: LZ99

The story line had promise, but the writing was very lacking (think elementary school writing assignment), and the "loose ends" of the story lacked meaningful resolution by the end. Further, the editing errors (spelling, grammar, entire sentences with no space marks) could be distracting--or could be a challenge, to see how many could be found in one chapter!

If the Shoe Kills

Author: Lynn Cahoon
Stars: 3
Review by: LZ99

As expected...fits right in with the rest of the series...although I'll admit, I have no clue where the title comes from? Kept looking for some sort of shoe connection, but didn't find it.

Shunned and Dangerous

Author: Laura Bradford
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati

This a continuation of the Amish based cozy where the shunned police officer now has to confront his father. His father is the prime suspect in a local murder. Read to see what really happened.

Animal Attraction

Author: Jill Shelves
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati

This is the second book in this series and is a story about a local vet and his odd Office Administrator. Will they be about to work out their issues to stay together? Read to find out.

Way of the Warrior

Author: Suzanne Brockmann + others
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati

This book was put together to raise awareness and money for the Wounded Warrior Project. All the main characters are wounded warriors, but are learning to overcome what has happened to them. It was an enlightening read.

Best of my Love

Author: Susan Mallery
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati

This story is about a womanizing man that decides he wants to change his ways and a woman that doesn't trust men due to her violent past. They decide to become friends to see if such a thing is possible for them. Read to find out if it is.

 

The Girls of Mischief Bay

Author: Susan Mallery
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati

This is a story in the same vein as the Three Sisters. It is about three women and their marriages. Each is battling their own problems and learn to help each other through the bad times and celebrate the good times. You can tell this is leading up to a series because you want to find out what happens next. Enjoy!

 

Self-Directed Behavior: Self-Modification for Personal Adjustment 10th Edition

Author: David L. Watson & Roland G. Tharp
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati

I had to read this book for my class this summer. It was rough to get through since it will try to explain what to do by just giving examples and critiquing. It did provide useful information about how to make yourself aware of unwanted behaviors and did give practical advice on how to make changes in your life. If you really want to change a behavior this book will show you how.

Death at La Fenice

Author: Donna Leon
Stars: 4.5
Review by: jamBob

A well written clever mystery located in Venice Italy. The first in the Guido Bennetti detective mystery series. Although not Italian, the author lived in Venice for some time. She has picked up the Italian "flavor" and wrote a murder mystery of a renown music conductor at a famous Venetian Opera house. She packs a lot in 200 pages and leaves you with the same feeling after a great Italian meal...satisfied and looking forward to the next one!

 

Famous Nathan

Author: Lloyd Handwerker
Stars: 4
Review by: Literary Giant

Written by Grandson of the founder of Nathan's Hot Dogs, it is a classic immigrant American Dream story at the turn of the 20th century.  I learned a lot about the rise and decline of New York City, and the values inculcated by the owner that led to the success of the store on Surf Ave. in Coney Island.

 

Bookerfly

Bookerfly getting mental exercise at the Shakespeare Theatre of NJ outdoor stage -from doodoopuppy

Bookerfly

Bookerfly watching me do laps at the Camp Carr Pool - from doodoopuppy

Congratulations to...

... our Week #9 Prize Winners:

• Sugar Skull 13
• DeckReader

Progress So Far

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Phantom Waltz

Author: Catherine Anderson
Stars: 5
Review by: 'a Retired Cat' - who likes to read!

This is Book #1 - Coulter Series.  Excellent story - a great love story about a woman paralyzed from the waist down!

Perfect Timing

Author: Catherine Anderson
Stars: 5
Review by: 'a Retired Cat' - who likes to read!

This is the last book in the Harrigan family series - all of them were great!  Imagine someone from 400 years ago - coming to live in our time now!  Excellent story!

Ghost in the Wind

Author: E. J. Cooperman
Stars: 3.5
Review by: BNbook

Another interesting mystery and fun read that takes place down the Jersey shore.

 

The Girl in the Dark

Author: Marion Pauw
Stars: 3
Review by: Karyn G

Murder mystery from the Netherlands. Great character development. First person from 2 points of view gave insight, but never gave away the ending!

I finished it in a day.

 

Everyman

Author: Philip Roth
Stars: 3
Review by: mysterylover

About how life runs its course.

 

Keep Quiet

Author: Lisa Scottoline
Stars: 3
Review by: Ann Mc

Easy read, but a little farfetched.

 

The Weekenders

Author: Mary Kay Andrews
Stars: 3
Review by: Ann Mc

Easy summer read.

 

One for the Murphys

Author: Linda Mullaly Hunt
Stars: 5
Review by: Gwen K.

This book is so honest.  The emotion is raw.  The characters, especially Karley, are well-developed.  Karley has to stay with a foster family after something (slowly developed over course of book) happens with her mother and step-father.  She gets a taste of what it is like to be a Murphy and struggles to find herself. My explanation does this book no justice.  It is talk worthy and amazing.  Hunt thought she was not writing it to be published.  She thought no one would ever read it.  Perhaps that is why the sense of voice is so honest and real.  I would give this ten stars if that were an option.

The Goldfinch

Author: Donna Tartt
Stars: 3
Review by: BookDancer

Overly long, but gripping tale of a stolen artwork and the long-ranging effects of the theft on many people.  Complicated characters and abundance of great themes make this an excellent choice for a book group. There's a lot to talk about in this book!