Thursday, August 1, 2013

The Dinner

Author: Herman Koch
Stars: 3
Review by: libraryaimee

Very, very disturbing!  But I had to read to the end.

The Golem and the Jinni

Author: Helene Wecker
Stars: 5
Review by: Marianne S.

I'm not sure whether to class this as a fantasy, a romance, or historical fiction -- it's best considered a combination of all three. A golem and a djinn end up in 1890's NYC, and attempt to get on with their lives. A quiet book, written in a slow, deliberate style.
 

A Study in Sherlock

Author: Laurie R. King & Leslie S. Klinger, eds.
Stars: 5
Review by: Marianne S.

Wonderful collection of stories inspired by Conan Doyle.  Not a single clunker in the lot!

Six Years

Author: Harlan Coben
Stars: 5
Review by: BigDa

Easy to read and hard to put down. 

The Kalahari Typing School for Men

Author: Alexander McCall Smith
Stars: 4
Review by: BookDancer

Book 4 in the series, No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.  By now the characters are old friends.

Morality for Beautiful Girls

Author: Alexander McCall Smith
Stars: 4
Review by: BookDancer

#3 in the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.  I really need to go to Botswana.  Who would have thought?

Tears of the Giraffe

Author: Alexander McCall Smith
Stars: 4
Review by: BookDancer

#2 in the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, which I'm enjoying on audiobook.

Pies and Prejudice

Author: Ellery Adams
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati

Had to get this due to the title and this summer's puzzle theme...This book is the 1st in the Pie Shoppe Series.  The main character comes back to her home town after she catches her hubby in a compromising position.  While at home she, with the help of her mom & aunts, opens up a pie shop.  As always, there is a murder that must be solved and love to be worked out.  The side note is having the main character discover her heritage and what that means to her future.  Fun summer read.
 

The Thinking Woman's Guide to Realy Magic

Author: Emily Croy Barker
Stars: 4
Review by: Tartu

A delightful first novel with a decidedly dark side.  A New Jersey author, she will be at the Clinton Book Shop on August 24 for the launch of her debut novel.
 

Bossypants

Author: Tina Fey
Stars: 3
Review by: Miss Lucy

I listened to the audiobook, figuring that Tina Fey's delivery would only enhance it, and I was not disappointed.  My favorite part was the description of her honeymoon, although there were many good parts.  I found it interesting that Tina read the "audiobook," meaning that she knew I was listening to the book, rather than reading it, and instructed me to "see the PDF" at various times.  The PDF is a file on the last CD, and it contains photos, which I imagine are included in the print version of the book.
 

Size Twelve and Ready to Rock

Author: Meg Cabot
Stars: 4
Review by: Liza

Fun, easy summer read.
 

Courting Greta

Author: Ramsey Hootman
Stars: 3
Review by: ADAR

 Author's first book.  Very interesting concept. 

As Good As It Got

Author: Isabel Sharpe
Stars: 4
Review by:  Smudge

It was hard to put down.

Afterwife

Author: Polly Williams
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Holly B.

This is the story of Sophie Brady and her best friend, Jenny.  When Sophie dies in a tragic accident, Sophie's husband and Jenny must face life without her.  Unknown to them, Sophie is still present in spirit form only unable to shape events, but able to watch as Jenny uncovers an important secret and Oliver learns to navigate life as the neighborhood's most eligible bachelor. Although the topic is serious, this story is an often humorous look at life through a female perspective.  Good summer read!

Inferno

Author: Dan Brown
Stars: 4
Review by: Jambob

Although not a literary work, it was fast paced and filled with twists and turns. Much like running through the streets of Florence and the canals of Venice where the story takes place. I have been to both cities several times and enjoyed this book not only for its mysteries, but for the description of the cities and art therein. I felt like I was re-visiting my favorite Italian locales. And if you have not been to Italy, you will want to go after reading this book. Unlike The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons, this thriller has less religious symbolism and more to do with the issue of world population. I am getting wise to his wiles as I began looking for the double crosses early on and figured a few out. But it is a roller coaster ride through Italy that will have you breathless and wanting to stop for a gelato! 

Kitty Rocks the House

Author: Carrie Vaughn
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati

Our hero needs to decide which side is which.  Does it end out as expected?  Maybe there is a new story feed entered?  Is this the end?  Let me know!   Read and enjoy!

Good Harbor

Author: Anita Diamant
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Car-Lay

I loved this novel!  This is the story of two women friends who walk and talk on the beach of Cape Anne, MA, sharing their personal histories and learning life's lessons from each other.  Together they forge a once-in-a-lifetime bond and help each other to confront scars left by old emotional wounds.  This book will strike a chord with anyone who has a close friendship or is missing a close friend.

T is for Trespass

Author: Sue Grafton
Stars: 4
Review by: mystery lover

This book gets 4 stars because it's so not a cozy mystery.

Contest

Author: Matthew Reilly
Stars: 2
Review by: Marianne S.

Sometimes, when an author goes back and revises his first novel, a beautiful, sparkling gem emerges.  In this case, that didn't happen.  Run of the mill thriller (with aliens), but would probably be great for older teen boys who loved the novel Starship Troopers.

Elliot and the Goblin War

Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Stars: 5
Review by: KM

Juvenile fiction book that was a delight to read. It's fun and well-written, even has great black & white illustrations. Additionally, for those parents looking for good books for their kids to read, it does a very good job of teaching kids values.