Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Plum Lucky

Author: Janet Evanovich
Bugs: 2+
Review by: Transitory Reader

Well, this is one of the "Between the Numbers" novels by Janet Evanovich... and so any of the usual Stephanie Plum readers will know in a heartbeat what's on the agenda... the usual summer no-brainer, just entertainment and a fast read. Not one of her best, but in keeping with the character. It gets a bit stale, but when I read a really heavy duty, intense book, I always look for something that is just "light" and Janet Evanovich books fill the bill.

Light Feel

Author: Evan Fallenberg
Bugs: 3
Review by: Transitory Reader

A very strange book to say the least. It was interesting because it provided insight into the world of two religious Jews, one a rabbi and the other a young scholar. Both are married with families and upon a chance meeting, their lives are changed forever.

The Soloist: A Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music

Author: Steve Lopez
Bugs: 5
Review by: Transitory Reader

One of the best books I read this summer. Steve Lopez, author, is a journalist with the Los Angeles Times and he sees, by chance, a middle-aged black man playing a violin that has only two strings and despite this fact, is producing amazing music. Mr. Lopez thinks there's a story waiting to be told and that's exactly what the reader learns - the story behind this homeless person, his amazing musical talents and mental health issues. I found the book to be an amazing journey told in an open manner. One begins to learn how some people end up homeless and what it's like to exist on skid row and survive. We as readers learn about the mental health systems, how they work, and don't work, about friendship, loyalty, and most importantly, the trust that builds up between the two main characters in the true story, Steve Lopez and Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, the musician. I couldn't put the book down and only hope that Mr. Lopez writes another to tell us of Mr. Ayers's progress through life!

Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt: A Novel

Author: Anne Rice
Bugs: 5
Review by: LateNightReader

Great story about what the life of Jesus as a child might have been like. Enjoyed the descriptions as Anne Rice writes them! She pulls you into the story.

Under the Banner of Heaven

Author: Jon Krakauer
Bugs: 4
Review by: Mary NK

History of the Mormon Church and chilling modern-day murder by Mormon Fundamentalist brothers, of their own sister-in-law and her baby.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Whatever You Do, Don't Run

Author: Peter Allison
Bugs: 5
Review by: ralphs

The book is a collection of stories from Peter Allison's experiences as a safari guide in Botswana, Africa. One of my favorite stories is about Salvador, a female elephant, who has tusks curved like Salvadore Dali's mustache, hence her name. Since I was little, the mere mention of the name, "Africa" conjured an exciting and mysterious country and the adventure of a lifetime. It was wonderful to experience some of these feelings, in the pages of this book.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

The God of Animals

Author: Aryn Kyle
Bugs: 2
Review by: bookmom

I guess this book was more about the journey rather than the destination. It wasn't bad, it just really didn't go anywhere.

The Dying Game

Author: Beverly Barton
Bugs: 5
Review by: KAD

This book was full of excitement but was a bit on the gory side.

The Adventures of Slim and Howdy

Author: Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn
Bugs: 3
Review by: book diva

This book is written by the country duo of Brooks and Dunn and is a funny, fast paced action adventure of their alter egos.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

The Bourne Identity

Author: Robert Ludlum
Bugs: 5
Review by: BookWorm

A fantastic read with continual twists.

Playing for Pizza

Author: John Grisham
Bugs: 3
Review by: Nance

I listened to this book on tape. It was read well. The plot was entertaining. There was a lot of reference to specifics in Italy and to football and the plays. If you are interested in Italy and or football, I would recommend this book.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Diary of a Wimpy Kid & Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

Author: Jeff Kinney
Bugs: 4
Review by: wsh

Highly recommended by my 9-yr-old greatnephew, these books were a fun path to summer reading. Adults who want to channel their inner child can save $ on therapy and simply transport themselves into hero Greg Heffley's analysis of middle school geeks, gags, grades, and girls. Filled w/clever cartoons, believeable dialogue and realistic situations, these humorous books will resound w/anyone who has struggled w/being "cool" yet conscientious.

Sundays at Tiffany's

Author: James Patterson
Bugs: 5
Review by: book diva

Couldn't put this one down - excellent read!

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Hooked on Murder

Author: Betty Hechtman
Bugs: 3
Review by: Tartu

Yet another crafting mystery series begins. At first, the plot was a little thin and the characters were not well drawn. As the book went along, both improved. Here's hoping the same for the planned series.

Bulls Island

Author: Dorothea Benton Frank
Bugs: 3
Review by: book diva

This story is about two southern families - one thinking they are better than the other. The ending was a surprise!

Trashed

Author: Alison Gaylin
Bugs: 3
Review by: scrappy3

Good beach read full of hollywood scandals, tabloid reporters and a serial killer.

The Sixth Form

Author: Tom Dolby
Bugs: 3
Review by: book diva

Anyone having a son heading off to college would enjoy this book.

Boy Meets Boy

Author: David Levithan
Bugs: 5
Review by: Babygirl Shaina 27

POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT: I'm so glad in the end of the book he got the guy he wanted.

A Child Called "It": One Child's Courage to Survive

Author: Dave Pelzer
Bugs: 5
Review by: Babygirl Shaina 27

IT WAS AN AMAZING BOOK, i dont understand how a mother could do that to her own son though.

Sticky Fingers

Author: Niki Burnham
Bugs: 5
Review by: Babygirl Shaina 27

It was a very very good book. i really enjoyed that book.