Fiction Addiction

Laura Lippman's Tess Monaghan mysteries

2011-10-24T10:44:00.004-04:00

I have been caught up reading all of the books by Laura Lippman that are part of her Tess Monaghan mysteries. Tess is a very complex character who has been unlucky in love and in her work life. What keeps Tess from being a cardboard character is her outrageous wit. Along with a lot of colorful secondary characters you will be caught up just as I was.

The titles in order are:
1. Baltimore Blues
2. Charm City
3. Butcher's Hill
4. In Big Trouble
5. The Sugar House
6. In a Strange City
7. The Last Place
8. No Good Deeds
9. Another Thing to Fall
10. Girl in the Green Raincoat

Tess and her family and friends have been just the thing to read by the fire on a chilly fall evening.

"Putting Makeup On Dead People" by Jen violi

2011-10-06T11:14:00.012-04:00

I have started to read selections from our Young Adult section. This is a section that I previously overlooked by thinking it wasn't very adult in content. Many of our adult patrons consistently choose "YA" titles and I decided to give it a try. I was wrong in my assessment of the section because there's a lot to interest the adult reader as well as the yound adult reader.
'Putting Makeup on Dead People" by Jen Violi is one of those stories that catches your attention as soon as you read the title.
Donna Parisi is a high school Senior, still missing her father who passed away from cancer four years ago. When a class mate unexpectedly dies, Donna finds herself at the same funeral home where her father's funeral was held. While at the funeral home she realizes that helping others deal with death might be something that she would be good at. She decides to explore the possibility of becoming a mortician.
Naturally her Mother is not in favor of Donna's decision and it causes serious friction between them. Also it's hard for her friends to understand as well. But Donna perseveres and ends up attending Mortuary School and having an internship at the above mentioned funeral home.
The book dealt with themes of death and grief and beginning a new life after the loss of a loved one. This is exactly what happens to Donna and to her mother too.
The book does deal with mortuary science practices. Rather than being morbid it de-mystifies what goes on at a funeral home and gives insights into why people choose mortuary science. I have a different perspective and appreciation for the people who work in this field, after having read it.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

2011-09-21T14:06:00.008-04:00

This classic book celebrated it's 50th anniversary last year! It has never been out of print since being published in 1960.
I remember my first reading experiencd with this book the summer between 5th and 6th grades. I sat on our front porch devouring the story of Scout, Jem, Dill and their unlikely "defender" Boo Radley.
I have read this book numerous times since that summer and each time I'ver read it, I've gotten something new from it.
As a child , I was entertained by Scout, Jem and Dill and didn't really pick up on the more serious themes of racism, class, courage, compassion and gender roles. I just thought it was a great story.
Our book discussion group is reading this for next month's meeting. As I started reading it-again- I wondered if I would enjoy it as much. I shouldn't have worried.
Scout's innocent narrative was as wonderful as I remembered. I loved her comment that their father, Atticus Finch, was a "satisfactory parent" -he played with them, read to them and treated them with "courteous detachment."
I found the other "stories" in the book such as "making Boo Radley come out" were still as affecting. Scout and Jem did indeed "make Boo Radley come out" but not in the manner they expected.
My only regret is that Harper Lee never wrote another book. Maybe she felt that after writing such a perfect book that she didn't feel the need to write further. After all, how do you follow up a story such as Scout and Jem's? In any event, this is still one of those books I will return to when I need to revisit the scene of Scout's childhood-and mine.

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

2011-06-03T10:03:00.003-04:00

The setting is 1907 wisconsin. Our main characters are Ralph Truitt and Catherine Land.

Catherine answers a personal ad placed by Ralph for a "reliable" wife. Ralph is not looking for a romantic relationship. His desire is to have a wife to keep him company during the long Wisconsin winters.

The main thrust of the novel is the fact that Catherine is not who she says she is and neither is Ralph. During the course of the story you find out all of their secrets and the plot takes many twists and turns before it concludes.

The book has elements of the gothic novel "Rebecca" included in the fact that Ralph's first wife is dead. There are elements of the novel "Moll Flanders" in the fact that Catherine is a woman with a shady past that lives by her wits.

The plot is fast paced and I kept turning pages to find out how things would be resolved for Ralph and Catherine. Even though there are some dark aspects to the novel I still enjoyed it and it was great entertainment for an evening of reading outside on my deck.

The Girl's Guide to Homelessness by Brianna Karp

2011-06-01T11:17:00.005-04:00

At age 22 Brianna Karp had a great job that she loved as an Executive Assistant. In 2009 she lost her job due to the recession and soon found herself homeless. Her only assets were her car, laptop and a travel trailer that she inherited from her father when he died.

This is an affecting story that gives a face to those who are homeless. But unlike many homeless people Brianna does not give up on the American Dream. Over the course of the book I couldn't help but be devastated for her when something unfortunate happened and cheer for her when her life improved.

This book helps erase many stereotypes we may have about homeless people. Not all are homeless by choice, mentally ill or drug addicts. The ways that Brianna finds to survive being homeless are no less than ingenious and at the end of the book I could only wish for the best for her.

What impressed me about her story is that she never whined. She just gave us the details of her life , no matter how gritty they were. It would have been very easy for her to give up on bettering her life, considering the things she went through. Even though she is young, she is wise beyond her years, and you won't be sorry that you read her story.

Last Time I Saw You by Elizabeth Berg

2011-03-23T10:50:00.010-04:00

I have always been an Elizabeth Berg fan and "The Last Time I Saw You" only adds to my list of books of hers that have been great reads. All of her books have quirky characters and the plot lines never fail to keep you wondering how the story will conclude.

If you everydaydreamed about what all the "poular people" from your high school were like decades later , then you will have much to enjoy in this story. It revolves around the classmates that attend their 40th high school reunion. Dorthy is newly divorced, Pete is still the class heartthrob and Candy is still the class beauty. Also attending are some of the more "ordinary" classmates like Mary Alice, the plain girl and Lester the math nerd that is now a vet.
During the course of the reunion you come to know each character and find out how their lives have turned out since graduation. Have some of them gotten past their high school reputations and are some of them still stuck in old habits and personalities? In the course of the story you will find out the answers to the above questions and some of those answers might surprise you. Save an evening to enjoy this sweet story and you might want to pull out your own old high school yearbook and wonder "Whatever happened to...."

Emily and Einstein by Linda Francis Lee

2011-03-17T13:22:00.007-04:00

If you haven't any Irish Pubs to frequent this Saint Patrick's Day may I suggest you spend an evening with a really wonderful book ? There might not be any green beer involved but I guarantee you a good time.

Emily's life has spiraled out of control. Her rich and handsome husband, Sandy, has just been killed in an auto accident and his family wants her evited from the family owned apartment. She is overwhelmed by grief and she has problems at her work as well.

Sandy, Emily's husband, has his own problem. At the time of his accident he was on his way to tell Emily that he is tired of her and wants a divorce. If it isn't evident I'll let you know that Sandy isn't the husband that Emily thought she had. After Sandy's untimely demise, he has been given the task of trying to redeem himself by "the old Man". Is "is the old Man" God you ask? I'll let you decide that for yourself. If it is God, he has a sense of humor. As a result Sandy's soul is inhabiting the body of Einstein, a dog. His task is to help Emily get over her loss and to go on with her life.

The book is told in alternating chapters using Emily's perspective and that of Sandy/Einstein. I can tell you what happens next is sweet and uplifting. Even though Emily has problems you can tell that she is a good, loving person and didn't deserve the hits her life is taking. It's really amusing to read Sandy's/Einstein's chapters beginning with Sandy's disbelief that he's come back as a lowly dog. Did I say already that Sandy isn't the husband that Emily believed him to be? Or that he might not be a good man?

Over the course of the book, which is filled with new friends, job problems and the dispute with Sandy's remaining family , you come to care for Emily and root for her and wish her the best. At the end of the book you have to grudgingly admit that Sandy has changed and you almost feel sorry for him being a dog.

So if you want to know what happens to Emily or to find out if Sandy stays a dog forever take the time to treat yourself to this charming story about second chances in life.

"An Object of Beauty" by Steve Martin

2011-03-11T11:55:00.007-05:00

"An Object of Beauty" is the latest offering from talented actor and musician Steve Martin.
I have never read any of his previous works but knew that he was a writer as well as an actor. When I started the book I was pleasantly surprised. He is a talented and entertaining author!
This particular book is abut the art world. The buying and selling and history of art to be exact. Initially it sounded a little boring but it was far from it. Martin used a fictional story as a vehicle to give the reader a lot if interesting information about art.
Our "heroine" is Lacey Yeager, who wants a career in the art world in New York. Lacey is young enough and ambituous enough to do whatever it takes to succeed. And she ruthlessly does anything.
The story is told by Daniel Franks, a writer for an art magazine that had a "one night encounter" with Lacey and can't seem to get over her. As a result, he meets Lacey for countless lunches and dinners and continues as Lacey's friend and confidant. He'd still like the relationship to be different and hopes fruitlessly that Lacey will view him in a different way.
During the course of the story , you realize that sometimes Lacey isn't very nice or even very honest in her career and romantic dealings. She becomes successful at her career at the expense of others and she is never really close to anyone, not even her family.
I enjoyed reading Lacey and Daniel's stories but couldn't help but feel that Lacey was a person heading for a big fall and a life of being alone. To say anymore about that would spoil the story.
I read a review about the book and the reviewer complained that the plot was skimpy but I would respectfuly disagree on that point. There was plenty to keep me interested in. I wanted to find out how the lives of Lacey and Daniel ended up. There is a good resolution to the story and even a surprise at the end.
This book would be a good one for a book group because there's a lot of interesting art information as well as an entertaining story

The Secret Lives of Dresses by Erin McKean

2011-02-25T13:55:00.005-05:00

If you're looking for a great story to get involved in, this is the book for you. It was so good that I read it all in one sitting, late into the night.

Dora, a college junior, finds herself rushing home to Forsyth, NC, when Mimi, the grandmother who raised her suffers a stroke. Dora was orphaned at age 3 and Mimi is the closest thing to a mother that she has ever had.

Dora was lucky to have Mimi to raise her. Mimi raises Dora to think for herself even if she makes mistakes. When Dora gets old enough she helps out Mimi in her vintage clothing shop that sounds so wonderful that it's a shame it's not real! I would shop there if it were real!

Mimi is gravely ill and Dora takes on the managing of the shop while hoping that Mimi will recover. To say much more about the story would spoil it! But if you enjoy warm hearted stories about love, friendship and a great wardrobe then "The Secret Lives of Dresses" will be a "perfect fit" for you!

Left Neglected by Lisa Genova

2011-01-21T11:08:00.006-05:00

Lisa Genova is the author of a riveting book about Alzheimer's called "Still Alice" which I read last year and still think about periodically. I can say that I will also be thinking about "Left Neglected" in the same way months from now.

The title is a "play on words" in my opinion. Our herioine Sarah Nickerson is a 30 something yuppie living the fast life in Boston, Massachessetts. She is married to Bob and has 3 children that keep her busy as well as a very demanding job. In many ways Sarah has "left neglected" areas of her life. She doesn't get to enjoy her family or the second home she and Bob have because she is so busy working to pay for it all.

Fate takes a hand in changing Sarah's perception of the world. On a rainy day She is involved in a traffic accident which leaves her with a serious head injury. When she wakes up 8 days later she finds out she suffers from "left neglect". It is a common condition for people who have suffered damage to the right hemisphere of the brain. Sarah's brain doesn't recognize anything that is on the left side of her. "Left" doesn't exist for her. As a result of this she must spend time in a rehabilitation facility to help her cope with her loss.

I had never heard of such a condition before and it was so interesting to read Sarah's story and find out how this affects her ordinary life. Being forced to concentrate her thoughts on getting well makes her realize that her life has been out of her control for a long time. She also starts to question the life style she and her family have had up until now. She knows if she doesn't return to work soon that they won't be able to afford the style of living they've had. She starts to think that this might not be a bad thing.

I couldn't stop reading Sarah's story because she and her family were such likeable people and you wanted things to end well for them. I won't tell you how it all ends. Read and find out on your own. You definately won't be sorry that you did.

House Rules by Jodi Picoult

2011-01-18T10:25:00.002-05:00

I have enjoyed reading Jodi Picoult's books previously and this one is no exception. In fact I'd say it was one of the best that she has done.

Picoult always has interesting characters and situations in her work. In this one the subject of Asperger's syndrome is central to the story. Jacob Hunt is a teenage boy who suffers from this. He has a younger brother Theo who feels less important because their single mother Emma spends most of her time dealing with Jacob's issues.

The story takes off when Jacob is accused of the murder of his tutor Jess, a graduate student who Jacob is close to. The book keeps you guessing as to what really happened. Jess has a boyfriend, Mark, who admits to shoving Jess around. Jacob's brother Theo has his own secret concerning Jess.

What I particularily liked was how the book was written. It was told in alternating chapters of Jacob, Emma, Theo , Oliver-Jacob's attorney and Rich the detective that is assigned to Jess's murder case. At one point it appeared that the only ones without a motive for Jess's murder were Emma and Oliver.

In addition to being a "mystery" there is a lot of information about Asperger's syndrome and how hard it is for people who suffer from it to function in society. I do have to warn you, if you start to read this book plan on staying up late to finish it. As the book reached the climax I couldn't put it down and also wished it didn't have to end. Great read!

Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones by Ann Head

2011-01-13T15:47:00.003-05:00

I read this book when I was a teenager and loved it then. I found it was back in print and couldn't resist taking it home and giving it another read .

The story takes place in the early 1960's in a little town in Georgia. July and Bo Jo are dating and find themselves in a predicament. After prom night July finds herself pregnant. What will she and Bo Jo do? She's only 16 and he's 17 and they didn't plan for their lives to turn out this way.

Even though the book is a little dated the basic themes are still relevant. The author captured quite well the thoughts and feelings that teenagers would have had when they found theirselves in this predicament.

When I read it in high school I predominately related to the teen agers. I was interested to see how the adults were presented now that I am a parent myself. I confess they didn't seem too nice to me, but then again this book took place during a time period that was much more conservative and roles for men and women were more rigidly enforced.

All in all I still liked July and Bo Jo's story. During the course of the story you see them mature and take charge of their own destiny. It's a bittersweet story but one you won't be sorry that you took time to explore.

I Still Dream About You by Fannie Flagg

2011-01-12T09:43:00.003-05:00

I have been a long time fan of Fannie Flagg and her latest book doesn't disappoint.

Maggie Fortenberry is 60, a former Miss Alabama, and has a problem. She feels that she has nothing to look forward to. in life. She's still pretty but she knows it's a matter of time before that beauty fades, her real estate company is limping along in recession time Birmingham, Alabama. So what does Maggie decide to do? Her solution to all her problems is to commit suicide. There's just one snag to her solution. Ironically, life keeps intruding on Maggie's exit plans. It's all of the "intrusions" that keep her from "leaving" and makes this story a page turner. You keep wondering does she or doesn't she go through with her plans? How will the story end for Maggie and her friends? If you enjoy stories that make you feel like the characters are your own friends or that the author is writing about your hometown then you will be charmed by Fannie Flaggs latest effort.

Peace and Plenty by Sarah Ban Breathnach

2011-01-11T10:48:00.003-05:00

I have repeatedly read all of Sarah Ban Breathnach's books and was pleased when I read that she had a new book out. I made a special "book store run" in order to try and find it.

This book runs along the lines of her hugely popular "Simple Abundance" book that was a "household word" in the 1990's. I am enjoying it but there's "just a little something off" about it, and it leaves me a little dissapointed.

This book's main topic is money and is a timely issue during these recession times. The basic premise is "What do you do when you have somehow lost your money?" I was amazed that the hugely wealthy Ban Breathnach could find herself in this predicament. I was also amazed at how honest she was about it. She took a huge leap of faith by letting her readers in on her own personal monetary woes. I admire her for that.

My only criticism of the book is that it takes off slowly. I read a little too much about her plight. It was hard for "middle class" me to understand how "hugely wealthy" Sarah could let her fortune trickle away. I know that part of it is due to a divorce but her discussion of her spending habits made "bargain hunter me" turn pale. Having given that criticism I do give her credit for her positive thinking about this experience and will always read anything she writes. This particular book is about her 'rags to riches to rags again" story. I have no doubt that she will soon be on the road to riches again. She also gives positive, doable actions that anyone can use to improve their financial well being.

Oogy by Larry Levin

2011-01-07T09:38:00.006-05:00

I read a review about this book and was pleasantly surprised when I found it available on our shelf at the library. If you enjoy "animal stories" along the lines of "Dewey: The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched The World" by Vicki Myron or any of the books written by James Herriot you will enjoy"Oogy".

The story revolves around a rescued part pit bull that had been involved in dog fights. Oogy was a dog that wouldn't fight and as a result was used as a "bait dog" to sharpen the predatory skills of the more agressive dogs. The book gives a lot of detail about the dog fighting world and its' close ties to the drug underworld.

Oogy was found during a raid and was taken to an ASPCA anima shelter. He was seriously injured and was missing an ear and part of his jaw. The vets couldn't decide whether to try to save the dog. Their reasoning was the dog would be so grossly disfigured that it would probably be unadoptable. A shelter worker saw that this particular dog even being badly hurt had a wonderful, trusting personality. Reluctantly the vets operate on Oogy and miraculously the dog survives.

The Levin family visits the animal shelter when they make the sad decision to have their ailing, elderly cat put to sleep. During the course of the visit the family sees Oogy being walked by one of the shelter workers. One thing leads to another and the Levin family adopts him.

The story takes off from there and it is a good one. If you enjoy stories about animals or stories that have themes of loyalty, family and compassion then you'll surely enjoy Oogy's story. The cover picture of the book is irresistable. I dare you not to like "Oogy".

First list of books to be read for 2011

2011-01-05T12:27:00.009-05:00

I am always on the look out for good books to read. I like to wander the library shelves for a few minutes each day and see what is available. The books pictured above are the ones that I found yesterday during a "quick look". I admit I initially look at bookcovers. Then if I like the cover I read the inside description. Then I decide if it "makes my list" or not. These did.

For 2011 I have sorta/kinda decided to try to read at least 100 books. That's only about 9 books a month right? Surely I can do that. We'll see. I make no promises but it's kind of fun to have the idea in the back of my head that I have challenged myself to that number. Another thing I'd like to do this year is read books from genres that I haven't tried before such as Science Fiction, Inspirational fiction and biographies. I'll let you know how it works out.

"Peace and Plenty" by Sarah Ban Breathnach

2011-01-03T13:38:00.005-05:00

I purchased this book as soon as I heard of it's publication. I have been a big fan of Ban Breathnach's books since she wrote "Simple Abundance" back in the 1990's.

I haven't finished it yet but I wanted to blog about it, because I have conflicting opinions about it. I have alway's enjoyed the writing "style" of these books and this one doesn't disappoint in that respect. Her folksy, friendly tone of voice is still present.

What I am finding a little difficult to digest are the passages in the book that sound a little "whiny" for loss of another word to use. I think maybe I thought Sarah Ban Breathnace was "perfect" and to read her writing about her financial reverses and divorce was a little jarring. I should probably cut her a little slack because after all she's human like the rest of us and we all make mistakes. I suppose I was just disappointed on her behalf that she wasn't "carrying on in her usual simply abundant way." I hope for better times to come her way that that she will continue to write . I will let you know if my opinions about this book change after I finish it.

Cherries in Winter by Suzan Colon

2010-12-28T13:36:00.005-05:00

I always enjoy reading fiction. I've even named this blog "Fiction Addiction", but I also love reading well written memoir. I came across this little gem by chance and I'm really glad I did.

Suzan Colon's story about weathering a job loss during the recent recession is definately a timely story. What makes her story unique is how she coped with her loss. She went into the kitchen and prepared many of the "comfort foods" that the women in her family have prepared for decades.

In the process she tells us her family stories about strong women who made it through such tough times as the Great Depression and World War II. While reading this book I felt like I was sitting in Suzan's kitchen while she made a tasty dish for me to devour. This book is the "tasty dish" I devoured.

One of the main points of her book is that bad things happen to all of us and sometimes all you can do is "hunker down and hold on". By holding on we get through the bad times and before you know it they have passed. This would be the perfect book to curl up with on New Year's Eve if you don't care to go out and want a warm, comforting night at home.

A Reading Challenge for 2011

2010-12-08T10:45:00.003-05:00

http://subtlemelodrama.blogspot.com/p/victorian-literature-challenge.html

I have never done a reading challenge before and when I read about this one on another blog I thought it sounded like a challenge that I could complete. So I am making it official that I will commit to reading 5-9 books from Victorian authors. Check out the link above and think about joining me in this challenge. Now all I have to do is decide what books to read....

List of books read in 2010

2010-11-18T15:51:00.005-05:00

I notice there are many book challenges offered on the internet and I'm always tempted to join. In particular was the 100 books challenge 2010. Alas ! I'm falling far short of 100 books for the year. I have enjoyed the books I HAVE read but the number is a meager 44 to date. But below is my list of titles in the order that I read them. They range from literary novels, mysteries and some classic novels. Maybe in 2011 I can get up the energy to join the 100 books challenge.

2010 book list
Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant
Fired Up by Jayne Ann Krentz
Eggs Benedict Arnold by Laura Childs
Fantasy in Death by J.D. Robb
Teaberry Strangler by Laura Childs
Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazill
Rather Lovely Inheritance
Rather Curious Engagement
Rather Charming Invitation all by CA Belmond
Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben
The Courtesan by Susan Carroll
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker
The Silver Rose by Susan Carroll
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Still Alice by LIsa Genova
Deliver Us From Evil by David Baldacci
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsen
Our Lady of Immaculate Deception by Nancy Martin
Julia's Chocolates by Cathy Lamb
The Dead Travel Fast by Deanna Raybourn
Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem
How to Murder a Millionaire by Nancy Martin
Dead Girls Don't Wear Diamonds by Nancy Martin
The Girls by Lori Lansens
Some Like It Lethal by Nancy Martin
Twilight of a Queen by Susan Carroll
The Search by Nora Roberts
A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolft
The Girl on Legare Street by Karen White
The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen
Cross Your Heart and Hope to Die by Nancy Martin
Have Your Cake and Kill Him too by Nancy Martin
Polar Shift by Clive Cussler
Hollywood Station by Joseph Wambaugh
Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskill
Crazy Little Thing Called Death by Nancy Martin
Murder Melts in Your Mouth by Nancy Martin
Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguru
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Fiber and Murder by Laura Childs
Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

2010-10-25T09:54:00.003-04:00

Every October I enjoy reading at least one mystery "in honor" of the Holloween season. While shelving books at the library I came accross "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote and knew I had the perfect selection.

It tells the story of the 4 members of the Clutter family who lived in Holcomb, Kansas in 1959. The family is well regarded and popular in their sleepy, little farming town. Their brutal murder in November, 1959 left the town stunned and wondering who would be attacked next. Some town residents relocated to other places after several weeks went by and there was little progress made toward solving the murder.

This was a ground breaking story, for Capote told the story of a very real murder in a way that reads like a fiction novel. His book lead the way for other writers such as Ann Rule and Vincent Bugliosi to make the"true crime" genre popular. In my opinion this is the best example of this genre.

The book follows the investigation of the murders and the lasting effects they have on the town. The narrative of the eventual capture and trials of the 2 young assassins-Perry Smith and Dick Hickock is compulsively readable. My firest reaction while reading the book was why did they do such a horrible thing and more importantly HOW COULD THEY be so brutal to fellow human beings that they had no connection to? At the conclusion of the book I had the answers to all my questions and had a new respect and liking for Capote's work.

One piece of "literary trivia" about this book is the rumor that Harper Lee, his childhood friend and author of "To Kill a Mockingbird" secretly wrote the book. At present Capote has passed away and Harper Lee has never spoken about anything more than being good friends with Capote.

So, if you'd like a suspense filled story that will keep you reading way past your bedtime "In Cold Blood" is a great choice. Happy Halloween!

How do you keep track of your reading?

2010-08-26T11:38:00.003-04:00

A question I always like to ask reading friends is "How do you keep track of your reading?" If you're like me you may be in one or more book discussion groups in addition to the regular list of books you'd like to read.
Many friends have shared their book logs with me and it has always been fun to see how different their "systems" have been.
For myself I have two different composition notebooks. One book has all the information and discussion materials for the book discussion that I lead. Is is totally seperate from the other book that I keep. In the other one I have listed all the books that I have read by year. This goes back to 2002. Wish I'd started it earlier it didn't occur to me. I also keep lists of books that I want to read. That is an ongoing list. I also have a section for "reader's advisory" notes. I am a mystery fan and sometimes it's hard to keep track of all books in a particular series. So I have a section that I devote to that. One other section is a list of books that I'd like to give to others for gifts. Numerous times I've read a book that I have thought would appeal to a friend or family member and forgotten about it. By writing it down I don't forget and always have some "potential gift" ideas right on hand.
Not everyone keeps track of these things in the manner that I do. Maybe it's the "Librarian" in me that possesses me me to do it in this fashion. Any way you do it is perfectly fine. There are no rules to this . Some friends keep track of their reading in a small spiral book that they keep in their purse. Others keep their list on index cards. Some even devote a whole page in a notebook to making notes about each book read. Frankly I haven't been able to stay motivated to do that on a steady basis but I admire those who do.
No matter how you choose to keep track of your reading, or maybe you don't keep track at all, don't forget the whole point of reading..the enjoyment of new ideas and stories.

Great Titles from past book discussion meetings

2010-08-16T10:15:00.002-04:00

I am the facilitator of a long running book discussion group at my library. Over the past 10 years I have enjoyed leading many animated discussions. I thought you would enjoy reading some of the titles from our list. Here they are:

The Memory Keepers Daughter by Kim Edwards
Forever by Pete Hamill
The Girls by Lori Lanseus
Cage of Stars by Jacquelyn Mitchard
Red River by Lalita Tademy
Montana 1948 by Larry Watson
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
An Unfinished Life by Mark Spragg
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
Bean Blossom Dreams by Sallyann Murphy
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

All of these titles have proven to be good choices for book discussions.

I'm a repeat reader!

2010-08-12T12:44:00.002-04:00

I seem to be in the mood to make book lists these days. Todays' list is a short list of some of the books that I have read more than one time. Most of these remind me of a particular time in my life. So not only am I revisiting a favorite title I'm remembering what was going on in my life at that time.

Here's the list, in no particular order:

1. The Moonspinners by Mary Stewart- I enjoy anything written by her. I checked out all her books from my high school library when I was a freshman.
2. Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery-I read this series when I was in Junior High but I re read them again when I was hugely pregnant and bored at home. Anne kept my mind off of my swelling ankles!
3. Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd-This is a recent additon to this list. I read it the summer that it came out and have revisited it several times. Great story! Great characters.
4. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand-This was reccommended to me when I was a Sophmore in college. It took some doing but I compulsively read it. I confess I "skimmed" the 200 page political theory that the character "John Gault" presented toward the end of the book.
5. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte-I read this when I was in 7th grade and has always been a favorite of mine.
6. To Kill a Mocikingbird by Harper Lee-Who doesn't love this book? I also read this in 7th grade while sitting on my front porch one summer waiting on the "paper boy" who I also had a crush on. The book had a more lasting impression on me than the boy did.
7. An Unfinished Woman by Lillian Hellman-I read this during my college sorority days when I was exploring books written only by women. Hellman's writing is so lyrical and riviting that I would read her work after a long evening of studying.

I still have my original copies of the books on my list above. Some of them are a little shabby looking and some of the pages are yellowed, but they'll never be thrown out!

Vacation Reading

2010-08-10T14:03:00.002-04:00

Last week I read 6 books while on vacation at our lake house. All of the books were picked solely for their entertainment value. Included in this list were mysteries, romance and general fiction. All of them were winners in my book because they kept me turning pages and were very entertaining.

Here's the list:
The Girl on Legare Street by Karen White
Polar Shift by Clive Cussler
The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen
The Search by Nora Roberts
Cross Your Heart and Hope to Die by Nancy Martin
A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff

The Girls by Lori Lansens

2010-07-12T15:37:00.002-04:00

This is one of the most unique books that I have ever read. Initially I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it, but after a few pages I was hooked!
This is the story of 2 sisters, Ruby and Rose. What is so unique is the fact that they are conjoined twins. Lori Lansens tells the story of their life in such a way that you really get to know both girls and their differing personalities. Along the way you get to meet their Aunt Lovey and Uncle Stash and the other residents of their town in Canada.
This is a book that has a lot to say. It deals with themes of individuality, family, friendship, and prejudice to name a few. Over the course of the book you get to hear both sister's voice and their stories about their life together. There are several surprises in the story line and the ending is bittersweet. I guarantee you will be caught up in the world of "the girls" and when it ends you will miss them. Their characters are that "real". It would be a great book discussion selection.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

2010-07-08T09:54:00.002-04:00

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee wil be celebrating 50 years in the literary world on Sunday, July 11.

I remember reading this book when I was 12 years old and it has remained one of my favorites. Obviously, when I read it the first time I identified most closely with Scout, the narrator of the book. As I have re read it over the years I have appreciated the adult characters such as Atticus, Calpurnia and even the famous Boo Radley even more.

To Kill a Mockingbird was Harper Lee's only book and she was surprised by it's success. Miss Nelle Harper Lee is a famously private person who at 84 lives a life slowed by a stroke. Her last major public appearance was in 2007 when she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bush.

I think Lee was a genius in creating Scout, one of the most original characters in modern literature, in my opinion. Who better to present the themes of racism, prejudice and friendship and family values than from Scout's innocent point of view?

I think I might have to spend another lazy summer evening in Scout's world. You should too!

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

2010-06-09T10:56:00.003-04:00

Still Alice is one of those books that is almost painful to read but if you finish you will be glad that you did. This book deals with Alice, a 50 something, brilliant professor of Language at Harvard. She has a great family life and is respected in her profession. Alice finds out she does have one problem. A big one. She is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease.

This might sound like a horribly sad story and yes there are elements of that in it. But that's not the whole story. Alice still manages to preserve her memory by writing down everything she needs to know on her Blackberry. The point is that she tries to keep going for as long as she can. Sadly this doesn't work forever and her gradual fading away is the tragic part of the story.

This book gives insight to what it's like to be an Alxheimer's patient or what the family of the patient goes through. The book though tragic has bright spots and is well worth the time spent reading it.

Very Valentine by by Adriana Trigiani

2010-05-21T10:54:00.003-04:00

If you enjoy family stories, the first in Adriana Trigiani's new trilogy will keep you happily turning pages.

Very Valentine introduces you to Valentine Roncalli, the grandaughter of a famous shoe maker and apprentice to her grandmother, the master shoemaker, Teodora.

The action surrounds Valentine's effort to modernize her family's custom shoe company and keep it afloat in the 21st century.

The story takes place in Manhattan and Italy, and Valentine finds possibilities for love in both places.

Trigiani's writing style is like having a conversationwith an old friend-sometimes funny and sometimes said. I really enjoyed her descriptions of of her Manhattan neighborhood and the Italiam countryside that she visits.

If you enjoy the first book in the series make sure to read Brava Valentine which continues Valentine's story.

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker

2010-05-20T14:11:00.005-04:00

Set in rural New York , you get to meet Truly Plaice and her family. Truly's mother died giving birth to her , so she is left with her depressed father and her beautiful, perfect sister Serena.

The plot revolves around the fact that Truly is "different". She suffers from a glandular problem that leaves her extra tall and extra hefty. She is not like her perfect sister Serena , and everyone treats her badly because of it.

During the course of the book you hope that things will turn out well for Truly. She is a good person and all she wants is to be accepted. She doesn't have a lot of expectations for herself which is sad because she deserves a lot more than what she is getting.

How does Truly's life end up? Read this touching novel and find out. I hope there is a seques to Truly's story because she is such a funny, honest character.

The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer

2010-05-19T10:47:00.003-04:00

I have become a fan of memoir writing and "The Tender Bar" is one of my favorites. How could you not love a sweet , funny story about a kid that's "raised" in a bar? Just because he's too young to be in a bar in the first place is irrelevant. As the author writes himself "Long before it legally served me, the bar saved me." What a great line!

The story is about J.R. Moehringer's childhood in Manhasset, Long Island. He is the child of a single mother and has no real father figure in his life. He and his mom live with his grandparents, his mother's 2 grown siblings and their children. His home life is obviously a little chaotic.

One of the most interesting characters is his Uncle Charlie who hangs out at the local bar named "Dickens". During the course of the story J.R. sneaks in with him and is befriended by the men that frequent Dickens. There follows a great coming of age story about how these men become the "fathers" that a fatherless boy didn't have.

Reading Moehringer's book is like watching an old episode of "Cheers" . All of the characters are well drawn and when you reach the final pages you'll be sorry that the story is over.

A Rather Lovely Inheritance, A Rather Curious Engagement and A Rather Charming Invitation by C. A. Belmond

2010-05-18T16:00:00.005-04:00

I have found a very charming trilogy that I'd like to share with you! The first volume is A Rather Lovely Inheritance followed by A Rather Curious Engagemnt and ending in A Rather Charming Inheritance.

C. A. Belmond has created a really likeable character in the person of Penny Nichols. Penny hates her name that was given to her by her loveable but bohemian parents who named her after Great aunt Penelope.

Penny travels to London to hear the reading of the will of Aunt Penelope. While there she re-connects to her hunky, English cousin Jeremy who is also mentioned in the will. Jeremty inherits a villa in the South of France and Penny inherits the contents of the garage at the villa. Seems like a strange bequest doesn't it?

Naturally Penny and Jeremy travel to France to check out their respective inheritances and that's where the fun begins. A mystery comes to light as well as a question a s to whether Jeremy is a true blood realative to Great Aunt Penelope and likewise to Penny herself. Can you guess what happens next? To say more would spoil the story. I CAN tell you all three novels are fun rading and Penny and Jeremy have many adventures in store .

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

2010-04-29T10:11:00.004-04:00

Olive Kitteridge is a series of short stories that adds up to a satisfying reading experience. Olive is a retired school teacher in a small town. The series of stories don't always "star" Olive but she is always somehow involved.

If you enjoy reading about small town life and like characters that are sometimes flawed then this book won't disappoint you. Olive isn't always likeable but there are times when she shows a surprisingly vulnerable side that makes you want to know more about you.

The themes in the book are so universal that I couldn't help but think of living people that the various characters reminded me of. In my reading experiences that doesn't happen all the time. And when it does it's great reading!

"The Lost Recipe for Happiness" by Barbara O'Neal

2010-02-05T14:18:00.004-05:00

If you like a good story with great recipes included then "The Lost Recipe for Happiness" is just the thing for a snowy evening.

Elena Alvarez arrives in the resort town of Aspen, Colorado to become the head chef in a new restaurant owned by handsome movie director Julian Liswood. Elena brings a lot of secrets with her along with her adorably goofy dog Alvin, who is almost human!

Elena was abandoned by her mother and raised by her grandmother. Her life is drastically changed when she is involved in a near fatal car accident along with her "first love" Edwin and her sister Isobel and two other family members. Elena is the only survivor of the car crash and as a result always feels guilty for living when those she loved didn't.

This is the story about how Elena starts a new life and maybe makes peace with the guilt that has haunted her life to date. To tell more would be a shame. Enjoy Elena's story with a hot drink and a tasty snack.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsen

2009-10-08T13:31:00.002-04:00

This book is the first of a trilogy involving the two central characters Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander.

There is an old mystery surrounding the disappearance of Swedish heiress Harriet Vanger, forty years ago.

Mikael Blomkvist, a troubled journalist, is hired by Harriet's elderly uncle to re-investigate Harriet's disappearance. Blomkvist is aided by a tattooed, punk rocking, computer prodigy by the name of Lisbeth Salander. As they investigate they find out there is much more than meets the eye in terms of what really happened to Harriet.

This was first published in Europe in 2005 and became an instant best seller. The regrettable thing about all of this is Stieg Larsson never lived to see his work published. He died of a heart attack right after he delivered the manuscripts for this title and 2 sequels, to his publisher.

The plot line is fast paced and the mystery really "keeps you guessing". The sequel "The Girl Who Played With Fire" is also available and is equally entertaining. It's just too bad that we will only have 3 books from an author that obviously had a lot of talent.

The Lace Makers of Glenmara by Heather Barbieri

2009-09-03T11:13:00.003-04:00

If you're interested in lace making or stories about Ireland this is a great read for you.

Our heroine, Kate Robinson is taking an extended vacation in Ireland. Finding out what brought her to the "emerald isle" and what she finds when she gets there is a story that will keep you turning pages long past your bedtime. It turns our Kate's vacation comes at a time when her love life and her professional life as a fashion designer have taken a "downturn" both at the same time. Kate doubts her talents as a seamstress and fasion designer. Then by chance she meets a group of ladies that are lace makers and her life takes a whole new turn! Read the book to find out how Kate's "vacation" in Ireland changes her life.

Emily's Ghost-a novel of the Bronte sisters by Denise Giardina

2009-08-13T10:28:00.003-04:00

Did you ever wonder how a group of sheltered daughters of a local pastor came to write such stirring and passionate love stories? Denise Giardina's novel, while fiction, strives to answer this question.

This story is primarily about Emily Bronte who wrote "Wuthering Heights", but the rest of her family takes a strong part in the story. Emily is the sister who is the most unconventional and passionate of the sisters. She loves to take wandering walks on the moors, a place that makes her feel free.

Most of Emily's life is a struggle to fit in with the rest of society. She doesn't wish to marry or be a part of "society" but the strict conventions of her time period leave her limited choices on how to live her life.

The story takes off when the new curate arrives to help her father Patrick Bronte who is aging and experiencing failing health. William, the curate, is young and handsome and naturally all of the women are attracted to him. Except Emily. Or is she attracted as well? To find out what happens next you must read the book.

The book, while literary in nature, is a wonderful read with a fast moving story line. Once you start you will want to know how it all ends for Emily and her family.

The Crowning Glory of Cally Lily Ponder by Rebecca Wells

2009-07-24T11:29:00.004-04:00

This book is the perfect choice for a long summer weekend. It's best to read this when you have a good chunk of time to devote to it because you won't want to put it down or have the story end.

This is the story of Calla Lily whose mother is a beautician and part time dance instructor along with Calla's father. They live in Louisianna and the town and state they live are as much "characters" of the book as the actual people themselves.

The story is told from Calla's point of view and takes place at Calla's birth and continues until Calla is 31. During this time span Calla has many adventures, joys and heartaches that change her from a child to a mature adult. To say much more about the plot would spoil things.

If you enjoyed "The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood" and like "Southern" writing then you're sure to enjoy reading Calla's story

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

2008-10-09T10:34:00.004-04:00

This book tells a little known story about the occupation of the island of Guernsey by the Nazis during World War II.

It is told in the form of letters from Guernsey residents to author, Juliet Ashton, who is researching a book. Juliet eventually visits the island and meets her letter writers and is enchanted by the writers and their island.

The focus of the book is to highlight the point that there are many ways to survive bad times. For the poeple of Guernsey, during Nazi occupation, it was the power of books that nourished them.

The pace of the book is a liesurely one that allows you time to develop clear ideas about the characters. Even though the book is mostly light hearted, the stories about life under Nazi occupation give a substance to the story.

If you're looking for a compelling, heartwarming book to read on a crisp fall evening this one is a great choice!

"The Laughter of Dead Kings" by Elizabeth Peters

2008-09-11T10:11:00.003-04:00

If you're looking for an entertaining mystery series to read, look no farther than the "Vicky Bliss" series by Elizabeth Peters. Actually ANYTHING by Elizabeth Peters is a great read.

In this series Vicky Bliss is an art historian and part time sleuth whose "on again/ off again" romance with Sir John Smythe gets her into many adventures. John is hunky but unfortunately is an art thief.

This book is sixth in the series and might answer the question of whether Vicky and John end up "happily ever after" and more importantly can John give up thievery and still make a living? I'll leave it to you to read it and find out.

One caution. You should read this series in the order the books are written to truly enjoy this last one. The other titles are (in order):

1. Borrower of the Night

2. Street of the Five Moons

3. Silhouette in Scarlett

4. Trojan Gold

5. Night Train to Memphis

6. Laughter of Dead Kings

"The Sugar Queen" by Sarah Addison Allen

2008-07-02T09:57:00.004-04:00

"The Sugar Queen" is Sarah Addison Allen's second book. The first one was "Garden Spells" which I enjoyed and posted about June 4th.

Good news! "The Sugar Queen" is just as delightful as "Garden Spells". Our main character is Josey Cirrini, 27, who is a "good daughter" who lives with and is under the thumb of her overbearing mother.

One day Josey wakes up and finds out that local waitress and "bad girl" Della Lee Baker has taken up residence in her closet. Why would a stranger sneak into Josey's closet? Good question to ask and the rest of the story explains to you why.

Who exactly is Della Lee and what does she have to do with Josey? Does Josey ever "escape" from her domineering mother and have a life and friends of her own? Take the time to read this book and you'll find out all sorts of secrets in Josey's "closet". This is a book to enjoy on a beach or on the porch on a lazy afternoon! Oh, by the way after you meet Josey's mailman you'll wish you had one just like him!

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

2008-06-04T09:55:00.004-04:00

"Garden Spells" is Sarah Addison Allen's first novel. I picked it up because the cover art was attractive. The story itself was a fun read. If you like authors like Alice Hoffman or Barbara Kingsolver then this author will appeal to you.

The story revolves around the Waverly family who live in Bascom, North Carolina. The main characters are Claire, and Sydney, who are sisters and their elderly cousin Evanelle. The sisters are the caretakers of their family home which includes an "enchanted garden" of sorts. Each character has a gift. Claire is a caterer who uses her knowledge of herbs and folklore to help her clients. Evanelle is famous for giving unexpected gifts whose uses come clear much later. Sydney is the "wild" sister who fled their home as soon as she could and abandons her sister Claire, much like how their own mother did when they were children. Sydney's gift is helping others find happiness but alas isn't as lucky in finding it for herself.

If you want to find out if the sisters find happiness or if the idea of an apple tree can have a personality of its own catches your interest, try reading this book.

'The Girl With No Shadow" by Joanne Harris

2008-04-18T14:40:00.001-04:00

This is the sequel to "Chocolat" that I really enjoyed a few years ago. At the end of "Chocolat" we were left hanging as to whether Vianne and her daughter Anouk would stay in the little town they'd discovered or whether they would leave.

This answers that question and poses many more. Does Vianne renounce her "gypsy witch" nature forever and is her relationship to her daughter Anouk falling apart now that Anouk is a pre-teen with teenage emotions? And just who is this new mystery woman called "Zozie"? My biggest question was whether Roux would make an appearance in the story.

I read a review that said "The Girl With NoShadow" wasn't as good as "Chocolat" but I beg to differ. I liked it just as much or even more. Some secrets from Vianne's past come to light and you wonder what "bad girl Zozie" will do next. All of this kept me turning pages to the end. Read it and enjoy another fun visit with Vianne and Anouk. You won't be sorry!

Triple Cross by Kit Ehrman

2008-02-05T11:01:00.000-05:00

Triple Cross by Kit Ehrman is this year's selection for the Community Reading Program at our library.

If your interested in horse racing, the Kentucky Derby, or enjoy a good mystery this book will appeal to you.

Steve Cline is a 23 year old barn manager who is spending the two weeks leading up to the Kentucky Derby helping his father in the stables at Churchill Down. How Steve becomes involved in a murder investigation is the beginning of a fast, fun read. There's plenty of suspects and lots of action which keeps the plot moving along toward the climax of Derby Day.

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

2008-01-08T13:23:00.001-05:00

A Great and Terrible Beauty is the first in a trilogy that has something for everyone!

It is cataloged as a Young Adult series but it appeals just as strongly to adult readers as well!

If you like your stories with a little romance, a little history and some fantasy thrown in you will stay awake late into the night for several evenings devouring this series.

Our heroine is young Gemma Doyle who is sent to Spence, a young ladies school in Victorian England, after the death of her mother. You might think a finishing school for young ladies would be quite dull but that is far from what Gemma finds there.

To say much more would give away the plot! If you're looking for a very entertaining way to spend several wintery evenings Gemma's story is a surfire winner!

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

2007-11-08T15:59:00.000-05:00

This is the first of a trilogy that takes a different approach to the standard vampire story. Even though it's classified as a "young adult" novel it has much to keep all ages interested in the story.

As the story opens, 17 year old Bella Swan has relocated to the gloomy, overcast town of Forks in the Olympic peninsula to live with her father Charlie. Her mother Renee has just remarried and moved to Florida. Bella wants her mother to have time alone with her new husband and spend more time with her father.

At school she meets the members of the Cullen family who are all blond and outrageously attractive. In particular it is Edward who catches Bella's eye and eventually captures her heart. But who exactly are the Cullens? Does Bella really want to believe what she finds out about them?
Part romance, part horror story, Bella and Edwards adventures will keep you reading whether you're 20 or 40.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

2007-10-31T10:21:00.000-04:00

This is Elizabeth Gilbert's story about soul searching and self discovery through travel to Italy, India, and Bali. Following a bitter divorce she decides to take time off to "find herself". She chooses Italy as a symbol of pleasure, India, to study at an ashram and Bali to balance herself by studying with a medicine man and unexpectedly finds a new love affair.
What I enjoyed about the book is that Elizabeth spoke candidly about the bad parts of her life without being self serving. She was able to put her problems in perspective with some gentle humor.
I enjoyed the book as a travel memoir as well. She chose 3 totally different locations to visit and vividly described each place. At the end of the book I felt like I'd been on the trip with her.
If you enjoy books on travel, memoir and books on self discovery Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love" might be just what you're looking for in a good read.

Dream When You're Feeling Blue by Elizabeth Berg

2007-10-18T14:11:00.000-04:00

The setting for Berg's novel is Chicago at the time of World War II. The story revolves around the Heany family and their three daughters, Kitty, Louise and Tish.

The two older girls, Kitty and Louise have seen their boyfriends Julian and Michael leave for the war and they face an uncertain future. Part of the story takes place in the form of letters from the girls to their sweethearts. This plot device helps to bring the male characters to life considering they are not seen for most of the book.

I have read many reviews critical of the book's ending but I don't agree with most of them. I enjoyed the book because it gave an accurate and human snapshot of a time when most families were waiting anxiously for loved ones to return safe from the war.

This book is the perfect companion for a rainy fall night. You'll be caught up in Kitty, Louise and Tish's stories and you'll be glad that you got to know them.

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon

2007-08-28T13:28:00.000-04:00

This book is part Holocaust story/part comic book history with references to the magician Houdini thrown in.

Samuel Klayman meets his cousin Josef Kavalier when Joseph comes to America as a refugee from Nazi occupied Prague. The young men create a new comic book character called "The Escapist" who is part Houdini and part super hero.

Joe's motivation for creating "The Escapist" is to finance the rescue of his family from Prague. The story touches on the themes of love, war, dreams and art to name a few.

To find out what happens to Sammy, Joe and "The Escapist" you must read the book!

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

2007-06-01T09:27:00.000-04:00

06-01-07 If you enjoyed "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini you will also enjoy "A Thousand Splendid Suns"! The story is told by the point of view of two different women who have the misfortune to be the wives of the same unpleasant man. Normally I don't like books written by authors of the opposite sex of the characters they are writing about. In this case Hosseini did a very good job expressing the thoughts and feelings of these two women. He also presented the history and culture of Afghanistan in a way that was educational as well as inspirational. It's not a particularily "happy" book, but it is a hopeful one. I found myself liking it so much that I tried to slow my reading down because I didn't want to get to the end. When I finished the book my first thoughts were "Wow, what a story teller!" READ IT!

The Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill

2007-03-26T15:49:00.000-04:00

"The Heart Shaped Box" by Joe Hill isn't just another thriller or ghost story. The plot line was complex with lots of surprises. You kept wondering what would happen next! The story revolves around an aging rock star who likes to collect creepy things. When he sees an auction on the Internet for a man's suit that is supposedly haunted, he decides he MUST have it. It would ruin things to say anyting more. I'll just urge you to read it for yourself. But one warning--once you start, it will be hard to put down until you finish it. Oh, by the way, if you didn't know- Joe Hill is the son of Stephen King.

I, Mona Lisa by Jeanne Kalogridis

2007-03-15T12:44:00.000-04:00

The time period is 15th century Florence and this entertaining, character driven novel might help clear up the mystery surrounding the famous painting "Mona Lisa". Who exactly is she? Why was she smiling? "Madonna Lisa" tells you about her life in her own words. This book promises some interesting answers to the above questions.

"Flags of Our Fathers" by James Bradley

2006-11-27T14:08:00.000-05:00

For those of us not old enough to remember World War II, "Flags of Our Fathers" is the story of the six young men who were the subjects of a Pulitzer Prize Winning photograph of the U.S. Flag raising after the battle of Iwo Jima. This book is much more than a "battle story about World War II", it deals with the issues soldiers face after the war is over and they resume their civilian lives. For those who were lucky to live through this difficult war, resuming their lives at home proved difficult. Many suffered from depression and alcoholism. If you read this book you will get a clearer view of the sacrifices that war takes on our soldiers.

Anatomy of a Murder by Robert Traver

2006-10-11T12:31:00.000-04:00

October is a great month for reading lots of mysteries and scary stories. One mystery you might have overlooked is "Anatomy of a Murder" by Robert Traver. It's a classic courtroom thriller with a lot of eccentric characters. If you like John Grisham or David Baldacci I bet you'll like this one as well.

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani

2006-10-04T16:15:00.000-04:00

This is one of those books that I can read over and over. The story of Ave Maria Mulligan from Big Stone Gap never fails to entertain. I promise a good read.