Another good month for reading!!
The Murderer’s Daughters by Randy Susan Meyers 3* a man murders his wife and tries to kill himself and one of his daughters. He serves a life sentence for these crimes. His daughters end up in an orphanage and are know as “the murderer’s daughters”. They never overcome this one moment in their lives. Depressing book.
A Friend of the Family by Lauren Grodstein 3* the lengths a father will go to save his son. A successful doctor is devastated when his son drops out of college and takes up with a friend’s older daughter who he considers a bad influence.
Company of Liars by Karen Maitland 3* set during the 1300’s in England during the time of the plague. A group of people travel together, all with some secret they are hiding.
The Tomato Girl by Jayne Pupek 4* 11 yr old Ellie is confused and then dismayed when her father brings the “tomato girl” home to help after her mother falls down the stairs. Her mother is mentally unstable and the relationship between the father and tomato girl makes things worse.
Under This Unbroken Sky by Shandi Mitchell 4* Ukrainian immigrants homesteading in Canada in the 1930’s. A man is arrested for harvesting his own wheat. His wife and children go to live with his sister while he is in jail. When he gets out he returns to them and starts to rebuild their lives…until his unhappy brother-in-law returns home and everything unravels.
The Hate List by Jennifer Brown YA 4* Valerie’s boyfriend kills a number of students at their school based on a list she made. She (and the school) come to terms with whether she is as guilty as he is or not. Very relevant in this day and age.
Rainwater by Sandra Brown 4.5* set during the Depression in a small TX town, Ella Barron accepts David Rainwater as a boarder at her boardinghouse. As the town deals with racial tensions and problems with a government program that kills local livestock, Ella and David grow closer.
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong YA 4* a teen who can see ghosts ends up in a group home for troubled youths. She ends up finding other special teens like herself there. First in the series, but I HATED the way it just ended!!
Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian 3* one of my favorite authors, but definitely not one of my favorite books! A small town pastor feels guilty for not saving one of his flock. She is murdered by her abusive husband and then the husband killed himself…or did he? The story revolves around the reverend, the couple’s daughter, the DA looking into the case, and a woman who writes books about angels.
The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong YA second in the Darkest Powers series 4* this book explores the teens powers a little more. They are hunted by The Edison Group, a group of scientists who want to study them.
The Things That Keep Us Here by Carla Buckley 4* a flu starts killing off the population at an extremely fast rate. This is the story of one family’s survival.
The Cloud of Unknowing by Thomas H. Cook 3* David’s sister’s son drowns and he worries she’s becoming schizophrenic like their father.
Hunger Point by Jillian Medoff 4.5* Frannie and her parents try to understand her sister’s eating disorder. Made me laugh and cry.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
January 2010 reads
Lord, I am behind on my posts! I started working too much, but am caught up for January...better than nothing!!
The Maze Runner by James Dashner(YA) 3* a boy wakes up in a box with no memory of who he is or how he got there or really much else of his life. He ends up in a strange world with just other teenage boys. Reminds me of The Hunger Games somewhat, but not as good. Loved the ending though, will definitely read the next in the series!
The Wet Nurse’s Tale by Erica Eisdorfer 3* a girl becomes a wet nurse when she gets pregnant out of wedlock. Her child is taken from her and she tries to get him back. The story is okay, but the main character is so likable I couldn’t put the book down because I wanted to see what happens to her!
Things That Meant The World To Me by Joshua Mohr 2.5* odd disjointed story of a man who was abused by his step-father and his mother was an alcoholic. It flashes back and forth between the present and his childhood.
In a Perfect World by Laura Kasischke 4* set during a time with a flu epidemic similar to the swine flu. A woman quits her job when she marries a man with 3 children. She is home taking care of them when there is a flu outbreak and he is unable to get home. Loved the book, hated the ending.
The Personal History of Rachel Dupree by Ann weisbarger3.5* the story of a woman who follows her husband out to the Montana plains to homestead in 1910. A very hard life back then and the added twist is they were black. I loved the book but hated the ending.
The Kommandant’s Girl by Pam Jenoff 3.5* historical fiction set during WWII. Emma is a Jew who gets smuggled out of the Jewish ghetto and gets a fake I.D. as a gentile with her husband’s aunt. She ends up working for a Nazi kommandant and helping the resistance. A little too romance-y though.
The Diplomat’s Wife by Pam Jenoff 3* the continuing story of what happens to the resistance fighters after WWII. While I am fascinated by this period in history, this story has too many coincidences and the romance aspect drives me crazy.
Gone by Michael Grant YA 4* a small town is turned upside down when all people over the age of 14 disappear one day, leaving all the children to fend for themselves. Then some children start mutating and have strange powers.
The Bolter by Frances Osbourne 3* the biography of Idina Sackville, a woman who divorced 5 times, which was unheard of in the early 1900’s. she also gave up custody of her 2 boys. I found the story very readable, but I didn’t like her.
Abercrombie Trail by Candace Simar 5* historical fiction set during the 1862 Sioux uprising in Minnesota, the story revolves around Scandanavian immigrants that were settling in the area. There were times in this book tears were streaming down my face. I felt for the settlers and the Indians. Very well told story!
Suspicious River by Laura Kasischke 2.5* very depressing book about a young woman who works as a hotel receptionist. She starts prostituting herself…I just felt a complete disconnect from her as she was sooo damaged. Couldn’t wait for the book to end, only I couldn’t NOT finish it because I had to find out what happens to her.
Be Mine by Laura Kasischke 3* I find her books to be just too sexual for me (and no I don’t consider myself a prude). I just have a hard time connecting with her characters because they are so driven by sex….anyway, this story revolves around a community college teacher and the affair she begins, and the result of it of course.
Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum (reread) 5* I was in between books and the library was closed, so I picked this up as it’s one of my favorites. It tells of a German woman in the present day who has questions about her mother’s actions during WWII in Germany. It also tells the parallel story of her mother’s life during that time.
The World Ends in Hickory Hollow by Ardath Mayhar 2* I’m a huge fan of post-apocalyptic novels but this one was just too out-dated to be realistic (it was written in 1985). It revolves around a small town in TX and how they survive after bombs fall across the world. I had a hard time believing the worst criminals were a bunch of trashy backwoods women who were killers and so were their wild children. I wanted to like this novel but just couldn’t….
The Maze Runner by James Dashner(YA) 3* a boy wakes up in a box with no memory of who he is or how he got there or really much else of his life. He ends up in a strange world with just other teenage boys. Reminds me of The Hunger Games somewhat, but not as good. Loved the ending though, will definitely read the next in the series!
The Wet Nurse’s Tale by Erica Eisdorfer 3* a girl becomes a wet nurse when she gets pregnant out of wedlock. Her child is taken from her and she tries to get him back. The story is okay, but the main character is so likable I couldn’t put the book down because I wanted to see what happens to her!
Things That Meant The World To Me by Joshua Mohr 2.5* odd disjointed story of a man who was abused by his step-father and his mother was an alcoholic. It flashes back and forth between the present and his childhood.
In a Perfect World by Laura Kasischke 4* set during a time with a flu epidemic similar to the swine flu. A woman quits her job when she marries a man with 3 children. She is home taking care of them when there is a flu outbreak and he is unable to get home. Loved the book, hated the ending.
The Personal History of Rachel Dupree by Ann weisbarger3.5* the story of a woman who follows her husband out to the Montana plains to homestead in 1910. A very hard life back then and the added twist is they were black. I loved the book but hated the ending.
The Kommandant’s Girl by Pam Jenoff 3.5* historical fiction set during WWII. Emma is a Jew who gets smuggled out of the Jewish ghetto and gets a fake I.D. as a gentile with her husband’s aunt. She ends up working for a Nazi kommandant and helping the resistance. A little too romance-y though.
The Diplomat’s Wife by Pam Jenoff 3* the continuing story of what happens to the resistance fighters after WWII. While I am fascinated by this period in history, this story has too many coincidences and the romance aspect drives me crazy.
Gone by Michael Grant YA 4* a small town is turned upside down when all people over the age of 14 disappear one day, leaving all the children to fend for themselves. Then some children start mutating and have strange powers.
The Bolter by Frances Osbourne 3* the biography of Idina Sackville, a woman who divorced 5 times, which was unheard of in the early 1900’s. she also gave up custody of her 2 boys. I found the story very readable, but I didn’t like her.
Abercrombie Trail by Candace Simar 5* historical fiction set during the 1862 Sioux uprising in Minnesota, the story revolves around Scandanavian immigrants that were settling in the area. There were times in this book tears were streaming down my face. I felt for the settlers and the Indians. Very well told story!
Suspicious River by Laura Kasischke 2.5* very depressing book about a young woman who works as a hotel receptionist. She starts prostituting herself…I just felt a complete disconnect from her as she was sooo damaged. Couldn’t wait for the book to end, only I couldn’t NOT finish it because I had to find out what happens to her.
Be Mine by Laura Kasischke 3* I find her books to be just too sexual for me (and no I don’t consider myself a prude). I just have a hard time connecting with her characters because they are so driven by sex….anyway, this story revolves around a community college teacher and the affair she begins, and the result of it of course.
Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum (reread) 5* I was in between books and the library was closed, so I picked this up as it’s one of my favorites. It tells of a German woman in the present day who has questions about her mother’s actions during WWII in Germany. It also tells the parallel story of her mother’s life during that time.
The World Ends in Hickory Hollow by Ardath Mayhar 2* I’m a huge fan of post-apocalyptic novels but this one was just too out-dated to be realistic (it was written in 1985). It revolves around a small town in TX and how they survive after bombs fall across the world. I had a hard time believing the worst criminals were a bunch of trashy backwoods women who were killers and so were their wild children. I wanted to like this novel but just couldn’t….
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
July, August, and Sept reads
Somehow the summer zoomed by and I forgot to post!!
July
Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay 3.5* parallel stories both set in France, one during the Jewish round up in 1942 and on in 2002. A woman writer starts doing research into the French Jewish round up of 1942 and finds that she has ties to it that she was previously unaware of.
The Echo Maker by Richard Powers 3* a man is in an accident and ends up wit Capgras, which means he recognizes his sister, but thinks she’s an imposter. Parts of the book were really good, parts dragged…..
The Divorce Party by Laura Dave 3* quick, easy read chick lit story of a couple of have been married for 35 years who are having a divorce party. Also tells the tales of their children and their love interests.
Await Your Reply by Dan Chaon 3.5* ARC Three stories that eventually link together at the end. One story revolves around Ryan. A college student flunking out, he finds out his father is actually his dead-beat uncle. He leaves college to be with his father, and they run illegal scams that eventually leads to a horrific end. Another revolves around Miles, a man who has wasted his life looking for his schizophrenic twin brother. The third story revolves around Lucy, a teenage girl whose parents are both killed in an accident. She ends up running off with one of her teachers, who is not what he originally seemed. That is a reoccurring theme, people not being who they first appear. I read Chaon’s other book You Remind Me of Me. I find his books to be too depressing for my taste, but this one was interesting enough to make me want to get to the end to understand how everything comes together.
While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky 2.5* Molly’s sister Robin, a runner hoping to compete in the Olympics has a heart attack during a practice one day and the drama abounds! Molly feels guilty, her mom blames her, then secrets come out while Robin is in a coma. I don’t like Delinsky’s books but read this because it was rec’d. Just too soap-operish for me.
The Story of a Marriage by Sean 3*
Dreamers of the Day by Marie Doria Russell 3* the first part of the book starts off strong, but the seocnd half is more about Egypt than the characters.
The Sweet By and By by Todd Johnson 2.5* ladies in a nursing home and their daughter and hair dresser
The Overland Trail by Wendi Lee 4* the story of a newly married girl who travels West with her husband
A Page Out of Life by 3* too chick-lit for me about a group of women who bond over scrapbooking
Long Lost by Harlan Coben 3* not his best, but okay read
August
Scottsboro by Ellen Feldman 4* a fictional account of the Scottsboro trial 9 black men accused of raping 2 white women.
Through the Storm by Maureen Lee 3* set in England during WWII, revolves around the lives of the people who inhabit one street. Her writing reminds me of Maeve Binchy, but set during the war.
The Master Planets by 3* a young man who is on the verge of a great musical career finds out his mouth was a resistance fighter during WWII and his life changes.
Lights Out Liverpool by Maureen Lee 3* set in England during WWII, revolves around the lives of the people who inhabit one street. Her writing reminds me of Maeve Binchy, but set during the war.
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull YA 2 children go to stay with their grandparents while their parents are away on a cruise. They find out that their grandfather is a groundskeeper to a land that contains magical creatures. I found it a little young for my taste, but my 11 yr old loved it.
Life Sentences by Laura Lippmann 2.5* an author who has written 2 memoirs and is struggling to write another book, comes across the news that one of her friends from childhood was accused of killing her infant. She spent 7 years in jail because they could never find the body and she never admitted anything. The author digs around in the past to see if she can uncover what happened. I usually love Lippmann, but I found this story had a lot of build up, and then the ending was anti-climatic and disappointing.
The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa 2.5* a housekeeper goes to work for a mathematics professor who was in a car accident and is short term memory only lasts 80 minutes. I found all the math boring.
September
Desperate Passage by Ethan Rarick 4* the true story of the Donner party’s disastrous trip
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley 3* written from the perspective of an 11 year old aspiring chemist. She finds a dead body in the family’s garden and tries to solve the mystery of who murdered the man.
Still Alice by Lisa Genova 5* the story of a Harvard profesor who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s
One Second After by William R. Forstchen 3* what happens after the entire US loses all electricity due to a terrorist attack. The scary part is Newt Gingrich did the foreword and said it is very possible this could actually happen. The story itself is okay, a little unbelievable in parts.
Patriots: A Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse by James Wesley Rawles DNF this is another story of what happens after society falls apart after a tragedy, but the characters were like cardboard figures. I just couldn't finish. It's more like a handbook of what to do than a novel IMO.
July
Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay 3.5* parallel stories both set in France, one during the Jewish round up in 1942 and on in 2002. A woman writer starts doing research into the French Jewish round up of 1942 and finds that she has ties to it that she was previously unaware of.
The Echo Maker by Richard Powers 3* a man is in an accident and ends up wit Capgras, which means he recognizes his sister, but thinks she’s an imposter. Parts of the book were really good, parts dragged…..
The Divorce Party by Laura Dave 3* quick, easy read chick lit story of a couple of have been married for 35 years who are having a divorce party. Also tells the tales of their children and their love interests.
Await Your Reply by Dan Chaon 3.5* ARC Three stories that eventually link together at the end. One story revolves around Ryan. A college student flunking out, he finds out his father is actually his dead-beat uncle. He leaves college to be with his father, and they run illegal scams that eventually leads to a horrific end. Another revolves around Miles, a man who has wasted his life looking for his schizophrenic twin brother. The third story revolves around Lucy, a teenage girl whose parents are both killed in an accident. She ends up running off with one of her teachers, who is not what he originally seemed. That is a reoccurring theme, people not being who they first appear. I read Chaon’s other book You Remind Me of Me. I find his books to be too depressing for my taste, but this one was interesting enough to make me want to get to the end to understand how everything comes together.
While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky 2.5* Molly’s sister Robin, a runner hoping to compete in the Olympics has a heart attack during a practice one day and the drama abounds! Molly feels guilty, her mom blames her, then secrets come out while Robin is in a coma. I don’t like Delinsky’s books but read this because it was rec’d. Just too soap-operish for me.
The Story of a Marriage by Sean 3*
Dreamers of the Day by Marie Doria Russell 3* the first part of the book starts off strong, but the seocnd half is more about Egypt than the characters.
The Sweet By and By by Todd Johnson 2.5* ladies in a nursing home and their daughter and hair dresser
The Overland Trail by Wendi Lee 4* the story of a newly married girl who travels West with her husband
A Page Out of Life by 3* too chick-lit for me about a group of women who bond over scrapbooking
Long Lost by Harlan Coben 3* not his best, but okay read
August
Scottsboro by Ellen Feldman 4* a fictional account of the Scottsboro trial 9 black men accused of raping 2 white women.
Through the Storm by Maureen Lee 3* set in England during WWII, revolves around the lives of the people who inhabit one street. Her writing reminds me of Maeve Binchy, but set during the war.
The Master Planets by 3* a young man who is on the verge of a great musical career finds out his mouth was a resistance fighter during WWII and his life changes.
Lights Out Liverpool by Maureen Lee 3* set in England during WWII, revolves around the lives of the people who inhabit one street. Her writing reminds me of Maeve Binchy, but set during the war.
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull YA 2 children go to stay with their grandparents while their parents are away on a cruise. They find out that their grandfather is a groundskeeper to a land that contains magical creatures. I found it a little young for my taste, but my 11 yr old loved it.
Life Sentences by Laura Lippmann 2.5* an author who has written 2 memoirs and is struggling to write another book, comes across the news that one of her friends from childhood was accused of killing her infant. She spent 7 years in jail because they could never find the body and she never admitted anything. The author digs around in the past to see if she can uncover what happened. I usually love Lippmann, but I found this story had a lot of build up, and then the ending was anti-climatic and disappointing.
The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa 2.5* a housekeeper goes to work for a mathematics professor who was in a car accident and is short term memory only lasts 80 minutes. I found all the math boring.
September
Desperate Passage by Ethan Rarick 4* the true story of the Donner party’s disastrous trip
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley 3* written from the perspective of an 11 year old aspiring chemist. She finds a dead body in the family’s garden and tries to solve the mystery of who murdered the man.
Still Alice by Lisa Genova 5* the story of a Harvard profesor who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s
One Second After by William R. Forstchen 3* what happens after the entire US loses all electricity due to a terrorist attack. The scary part is Newt Gingrich did the foreword and said it is very possible this could actually happen. The story itself is okay, a little unbelievable in parts.
Patriots: A Novel of Survival in the Coming Collapse by James Wesley Rawles DNF this is another story of what happens after society falls apart after a tragedy, but the characters were like cardboard figures. I just couldn't finish. It's more like a handbook of what to do than a novel IMO.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
June reads
I had trouble getting into anything this month and I hated the endings on most of the books, so take my reviews this month with a grain of salt!!
Lament, The Faerie Queen’s Deception by Maggie Stiefvater 3* YA Deidre is a gifted harpist who draws the attention of fairies. She begins to discover talents of being able to see fairies and telekenisis. Fairies aren’t playful sprites in this book, they bear ill will towards humans like Deidre.
Clara Callan by Richard B. Wright 4* set in the 1930’s it revolves around Clara, a small town teacher. Starts off a little slow, but then you realize even small town teachers have hidden secrets. Set in Canada and NY where Clara’s sister Nora is a famous radio personality.
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick 4* a rich man advertises for a “reliable wife” in the early 1900’s. The woman who responds and eventually arrives is not what he expected.
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri 4* interwoven stories from different Indian families in America. I normally don’t like short stories, but these all fit together and it was a great read.
The World Below by Sue Miller 4* the parallel lives of Georgia and her granddaughter Catherine decades apart, while it seems they don’t have much in common, Catherine later finds they do. The novel tells of Georgia’s youth and her time in a sanitarium due to TB in her teens. Catherine is a twice divorced mother of 3 trying to decide whether to move to her grandmother’s old house or continue on as she is, when she comes across Georgia’s old journals.
The Weight of Heaven by Thrity Umrigar 3* A couple’s son dies at the age of 7 unexpectedly and takes a toll on their marriage as the husband blames the wife. They move to India hoping to get away from all the memories of their son. Once there the husband finds a surrogate son in their housekeeper’s child causing tension between both families.
Life Without Summer by Lynne Griffin 3* a woman is devastated when her 4yr old daughter is killed in a hit-and-run accident. She starts seeing a therapist who or may not be connected in some way.
The Piano Teacher by Janice Y. K. Lee 3.5* parallel stories set in Hong Kong in the 1940’s at the start of the war and then 10 years later after the war.
A Short History of Women by Kate Walbert ARC 3* An interesting look into several generations of women within one family. It starts with the first woman in the 1920’s who starves herself for women’s suffrage leaving behind 2 children in the process. It goes on to tell each generation’s story. I just didn’t feel much connection with any of the characters because she skipped from generation to generation. Overall it was an interesting look at each generation’s issues, but the characters themselves didn’t have enough depth.
Shanghai Girls by Lisa See 3.5* 2 sisters try to make it out of Shanghai right as the Japanese are attacking to meet their husbands in America. They have been forced into arranged marriages by their father. They finally arrive in America and it’s not at all what they thought. Would have be 4* but I hated the ending!!
Lament, The Faerie Queen’s Deception by Maggie Stiefvater 3* YA Deidre is a gifted harpist who draws the attention of fairies. She begins to discover talents of being able to see fairies and telekenisis. Fairies aren’t playful sprites in this book, they bear ill will towards humans like Deidre.
Clara Callan by Richard B. Wright 4* set in the 1930’s it revolves around Clara, a small town teacher. Starts off a little slow, but then you realize even small town teachers have hidden secrets. Set in Canada and NY where Clara’s sister Nora is a famous radio personality.
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick 4* a rich man advertises for a “reliable wife” in the early 1900’s. The woman who responds and eventually arrives is not what he expected.
Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri 4* interwoven stories from different Indian families in America. I normally don’t like short stories, but these all fit together and it was a great read.
The World Below by Sue Miller 4* the parallel lives of Georgia and her granddaughter Catherine decades apart, while it seems they don’t have much in common, Catherine later finds they do. The novel tells of Georgia’s youth and her time in a sanitarium due to TB in her teens. Catherine is a twice divorced mother of 3 trying to decide whether to move to her grandmother’s old house or continue on as she is, when she comes across Georgia’s old journals.
The Weight of Heaven by Thrity Umrigar 3* A couple’s son dies at the age of 7 unexpectedly and takes a toll on their marriage as the husband blames the wife. They move to India hoping to get away from all the memories of their son. Once there the husband finds a surrogate son in their housekeeper’s child causing tension between both families.
Life Without Summer by Lynne Griffin 3* a woman is devastated when her 4yr old daughter is killed in a hit-and-run accident. She starts seeing a therapist who or may not be connected in some way.
The Piano Teacher by Janice Y. K. Lee 3.5* parallel stories set in Hong Kong in the 1940’s at the start of the war and then 10 years later after the war.
A Short History of Women by Kate Walbert ARC 3* An interesting look into several generations of women within one family. It starts with the first woman in the 1920’s who starves herself for women’s suffrage leaving behind 2 children in the process. It goes on to tell each generation’s story. I just didn’t feel much connection with any of the characters because she skipped from generation to generation. Overall it was an interesting look at each generation’s issues, but the characters themselves didn’t have enough depth.
Shanghai Girls by Lisa See 3.5* 2 sisters try to make it out of Shanghai right as the Japanese are attacking to meet their husbands in America. They have been forced into arranged marriages by their father. They finally arrive in America and it’s not at all what they thought. Would have be 4* but I hated the ending!!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
May Reads
The Invisible Wall by Harry Bernstein 4* the story of his life growing up poor and Jewish in England during the early 1900’s, reminded me of Angela’s Ashes
Secrets to Happiness by Sarah Dunn 4* cute easy chick lit….Holly’s life post divorce. She tries to talk a married friend out of having an affair, she dates, and she adopts a dog. She is also contacted by an ex’s new girlfriend.
The Accidental Mother by Rowan Cowen 3* British chick lit Sophie hasn’t seen her childhood friends Cassie for years. Sophie has been concentrating on her career and Cassie has been dedicated to motherhood. Sophie is taken totally by surprise when she is notified Cassie has died, and left Sophie as the guardian to her 2 small children.
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews 3* I’m not that big on fantasy, but this was a decent book. It reminded me of adult Harry Potter meets Twilight. It has magic, shape shifters, and vampires. It took me a while to get into it. The author refers to previous occurrences like there was a book before this one, but this is her debut novel, so??? I just found those parts odd since she didn’t go into great detail, just touched on things that I felt should have been delved deeper into. I’ll probably read the next in the series. Quick, easy read.
The Girl She Used to Be by David Cristofano 4* the story of a girl who has to go into the witness protection program at the age of 6 when she and her parents witness a horrific crime. Finally at the age of 26, she just willing goes when the mob family finds her. Fast, easy read, couldn’t put it down even though it wasn’t totally believable.
Cast in Shadow by Michelle Sagara 3* fantasy Kaylin is a member of the Hawks (police) and has tried to move on from her life on streets as a child. All the bad memories come rushing back when children start dying in the same way they did when she was a child.
The Rift by Walter J. Williams DNF the story of a huge earthquake centered in the southeastern US. He just flipped from person to person, I couldn’t get a feel for any of the characters. I gave up about halfway through.
Some Assembly Required by Lynn Kiele Bonasia DNF chick lit overkill there is an autistic boy whose mother dies at age 22 of a brain aneurism, his uncle is an alcoholic who falls off a cruise ship and gets lost at sea, there’s cancer, a man leaving his gf of 4 years after cheating on her, she moves to a new town, etc etc. I gave up halfway through. Just TOO much drama!
Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder 4* the start of a new series by her, but continues with a lot of characters from the Study series. This one focuses on Opal and her studies at The Keep. She goes on her first mission to help the Stormdancer Clan which has had 2 of it’s Stormdancers killed.
Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner 2.5* YA seems too young even for a YA book. It’s the story of Before and After the war between humans and fairies. Just not much of a story IMO.
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan 4* YA (reminds me of The Village mixed with zombies). Mary is stuck in a small enclosed town that is run by The Sisterhood and protected by The Guardians. On the outside are The Unconsecrated (zombies). She dreams of life outside of her small village and what is on the other side of the forest. I didn’t like the end, but more because I didn’t want it to end.
Harriet and Isabella by Patricia O’Brien 4* the fictionalized account of the adultery trial of Henry Beecher (Harriet Beecher Stowe’s brother) and the rift it causes between Harriet and her sister Isabella. Fascinating look at that time (1870’s). The trial dragged in part, but otherwise a terrific story.
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs 3* fantasy Mercy is a shape shifter who turns into a coyote. She lives in a city with werewolves and vampires. She ends up helping out a young werewolf when he comes to her shop looking for a job and some bad guys follow.
Closer to Fine by Meri Weiss 3* too much drama in one book for me (AIDS, cancer, gay and lesbian issues, family drama). Also too much talk about music. Alex has issues coping after her brother dies of AIDS. Her best friends try to help her through (one is gay and his father can’t stand him because of that).
Secrets to Happiness by Sarah Dunn 4* cute easy chick lit….Holly’s life post divorce. She tries to talk a married friend out of having an affair, she dates, and she adopts a dog. She is also contacted by an ex’s new girlfriend.
The Accidental Mother by Rowan Cowen 3* British chick lit Sophie hasn’t seen her childhood friends Cassie for years. Sophie has been concentrating on her career and Cassie has been dedicated to motherhood. Sophie is taken totally by surprise when she is notified Cassie has died, and left Sophie as the guardian to her 2 small children.
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews 3* I’m not that big on fantasy, but this was a decent book. It reminded me of adult Harry Potter meets Twilight. It has magic, shape shifters, and vampires. It took me a while to get into it. The author refers to previous occurrences like there was a book before this one, but this is her debut novel, so??? I just found those parts odd since she didn’t go into great detail, just touched on things that I felt should have been delved deeper into. I’ll probably read the next in the series. Quick, easy read.
The Girl She Used to Be by David Cristofano 4* the story of a girl who has to go into the witness protection program at the age of 6 when she and her parents witness a horrific crime. Finally at the age of 26, she just willing goes when the mob family finds her. Fast, easy read, couldn’t put it down even though it wasn’t totally believable.
Cast in Shadow by Michelle Sagara 3* fantasy Kaylin is a member of the Hawks (police) and has tried to move on from her life on streets as a child. All the bad memories come rushing back when children start dying in the same way they did when she was a child.
The Rift by Walter J. Williams DNF the story of a huge earthquake centered in the southeastern US. He just flipped from person to person, I couldn’t get a feel for any of the characters. I gave up about halfway through.
Some Assembly Required by Lynn Kiele Bonasia DNF chick lit overkill there is an autistic boy whose mother dies at age 22 of a brain aneurism, his uncle is an alcoholic who falls off a cruise ship and gets lost at sea, there’s cancer, a man leaving his gf of 4 years after cheating on her, she moves to a new town, etc etc. I gave up halfway through. Just TOO much drama!
Storm Glass by Maria V. Snyder 4* the start of a new series by her, but continues with a lot of characters from the Study series. This one focuses on Opal and her studies at The Keep. She goes on her first mission to help the Stormdancer Clan which has had 2 of it’s Stormdancers killed.
Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner 2.5* YA seems too young even for a YA book. It’s the story of Before and After the war between humans and fairies. Just not much of a story IMO.
The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan 4* YA (reminds me of The Village mixed with zombies). Mary is stuck in a small enclosed town that is run by The Sisterhood and protected by The Guardians. On the outside are The Unconsecrated (zombies). She dreams of life outside of her small village and what is on the other side of the forest. I didn’t like the end, but more because I didn’t want it to end.
Harriet and Isabella by Patricia O’Brien 4* the fictionalized account of the adultery trial of Henry Beecher (Harriet Beecher Stowe’s brother) and the rift it causes between Harriet and her sister Isabella. Fascinating look at that time (1870’s). The trial dragged in part, but otherwise a terrific story.
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs 3* fantasy Mercy is a shape shifter who turns into a coyote. She lives in a city with werewolves and vampires. She ends up helping out a young werewolf when he comes to her shop looking for a job and some bad guys follow.
Closer to Fine by Meri Weiss 3* too much drama in one book for me (AIDS, cancer, gay and lesbian issues, family drama). Also too much talk about music. Alex has issues coping after her brother dies of AIDS. Her best friends try to help her through (one is gay and his father can’t stand him because of that).
Saturday, May 2, 2009
April reads
Shelter Me by Juliette Fay 4.5* When Janie’s husband dies in an unexpected accident, she is just trying to keep it together for her 2 young children. Then she gets an unexpected surprise when a contractor comes to her house to build a porch her husband had commissioned as a surprise for her. I ended up liking this book more than I thought I would. I felt such a connection with Janie. She is sad and bitter, but also funny and thoughtful.
The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb 3* the story revolves around the Columbine shootings. He’s a teacher there and she is the school nurse. They suffer numerous problems due to post-traumatic stress. The story is good but it drags out too long and involves too many characters and delves back centuries into his family’s history. Should have been 2 different books IMO.
Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese DNF I WANTED to like this book because everyone raved about it but it took me forever to even get 250 pages in and I just could NOT finish it…..
A Life of Her Own by Emilie Carles 3* her autobiography… parts were fascinating, parts boring. She tells of her life in France in the 1900’s
Defiance by Nechama Tec 3* the true story of the Beilski brothers. Jewish brothers who kept 1200 Jews safe in the woods during WWII. Parts dragged, and it was frustrating to have to constantly look at the footnotes to see who said what.
More Than It Hurts You by Darin Strauss 3* a woman brings her child into the emergency room twice under weird circumstances and ends up accused of harming her own child (Munchausen). The media ends up turning the allegations around and saying the African American doctor was pinpointing her because she (Dr. Stokes) was a reverse racist.
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer 5*
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer 3* I felt this should not have been a stand alone book. It could have been summed up much faster IMO and was basically a lead off for the next book.
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer 4*
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer 5*
Prayers For Sale by Sandra Dallas 3* the story of the growing friendship between a young woman new to town and an older widow who has lived there longer than almost anyone else. Set in 1936 in a small mining town. Not my favorite by this author….I found the ending far fetched and sewn up too nicely.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford 4* the story of friendship in the 1940’s between a Chinese boy and a Japanese girl. Her family is rounded up and sent to a Japanese relocation camp.
The Last Bridge by Teri Coyne ARC 4* Alex Rucker returns home after a neighbor calls to tell her that her mother has committed suicide. After a 10 year absence, the past comes rushing back. The story flashes back to her childhood and the abuse she and her family received from her alcoholic father. Alex is now an alcoholic herself, trying to blur the painful memories. Though the book is dark and depressing, I couldn't put it down until I found out what happened to Alex. I ended up reading it in one evening.
Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult 3* definitely not my favorite by her….for some reason as I was reading it, it felt so familiar like I had read it before. It’s the story of a family dealing with the youngest daughter’s illness which causes her to break bones easily. The mother decides to sue the obstetrician who missed the diagnosis during the ultrasound. I disliked the ending, felt very contrived, almost like an afterthought…“oh let’s add this”.
My Lover’s Lover by Maggie O’Farrell 2* big disappointment! I loved After You’d Gone, but this one STUNK. It’s the story of Lily who falls in love with Marcus (after less than a week!), moves into his apartment where there are signs of his ex everywhere. Then it goes into the ex’s relationship with Marcus. I didn’t like or understand any of the characters.
The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb 3* the story revolves around the Columbine shootings. He’s a teacher there and she is the school nurse. They suffer numerous problems due to post-traumatic stress. The story is good but it drags out too long and involves too many characters and delves back centuries into his family’s history. Should have been 2 different books IMO.
Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese DNF I WANTED to like this book because everyone raved about it but it took me forever to even get 250 pages in and I just could NOT finish it…..
A Life of Her Own by Emilie Carles 3* her autobiography… parts were fascinating, parts boring. She tells of her life in France in the 1900’s
Defiance by Nechama Tec 3* the true story of the Beilski brothers. Jewish brothers who kept 1200 Jews safe in the woods during WWII. Parts dragged, and it was frustrating to have to constantly look at the footnotes to see who said what.
More Than It Hurts You by Darin Strauss 3* a woman brings her child into the emergency room twice under weird circumstances and ends up accused of harming her own child (Munchausen). The media ends up turning the allegations around and saying the African American doctor was pinpointing her because she (Dr. Stokes) was a reverse racist.
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer 5*
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer 3* I felt this should not have been a stand alone book. It could have been summed up much faster IMO and was basically a lead off for the next book.
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer 4*
Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer 5*
Prayers For Sale by Sandra Dallas 3* the story of the growing friendship between a young woman new to town and an older widow who has lived there longer than almost anyone else. Set in 1936 in a small mining town. Not my favorite by this author….I found the ending far fetched and sewn up too nicely.
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford 4* the story of friendship in the 1940’s between a Chinese boy and a Japanese girl. Her family is rounded up and sent to a Japanese relocation camp.
The Last Bridge by Teri Coyne ARC 4* Alex Rucker returns home after a neighbor calls to tell her that her mother has committed suicide. After a 10 year absence, the past comes rushing back. The story flashes back to her childhood and the abuse she and her family received from her alcoholic father. Alex is now an alcoholic herself, trying to blur the painful memories. Though the book is dark and depressing, I couldn't put it down until I found out what happened to Alex. I ended up reading it in one evening.
Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult 3* definitely not my favorite by her….for some reason as I was reading it, it felt so familiar like I had read it before. It’s the story of a family dealing with the youngest daughter’s illness which causes her to break bones easily. The mother decides to sue the obstetrician who missed the diagnosis during the ultrasound. I disliked the ending, felt very contrived, almost like an afterthought…“oh let’s add this”.
My Lover’s Lover by Maggie O’Farrell 2* big disappointment! I loved After You’d Gone, but this one STUNK. It’s the story of Lily who falls in love with Marcus (after less than a week!), moves into his apartment where there are signs of his ex everywhere. Then it goes into the ex’s relationship with Marcus. I didn’t like or understand any of the characters.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
March reads
Some great reads this month! The Help may be my favorite book of the year and the Study series were very good also. The Kind One was also good. I wasn't sure if I'd like it, so ended up pleasantly surprised!
Black & White by Dani Shapiro 3* the relationship between a mother and daughter is strained because the mother (a professional photographer) gains fame using her daughter as a subject throughout her childhood. The controversial nude photographs make her feel like an object. After the daughter becomes an adult she runs away from home and doesn’t speak to her mother for 14 years until she gets the call from her sister that her mother is dying.
The Kind One by Tom Epperson 4* set in the 1930’s California, Danny has amnesia but is told he works for Bud “the Kind One” Seitz, a mobster. Danny questions everything he is told about himself because he doesn’t like guns or know how to shoot or like violence. He is asked to protect Bud’s girlfriend who he starts to fall in love with. He starts to learn nothing is as simple as it seems, including himself.
‘Til Morning Light by Ann Moore 3* the continuing story of Gracelin. Good story, but wrapped up a little too neatly (and unbelievable).
The Help by Kathryn Stockett 5* may be the best book I’ll read all year, definitely the best I’ve read in a while. It is set in Jackson, Mississippi in the 60’s. The story revolves around a young white woman who starts writing about the plight of black maids in the south. I laughed and cried, such a great read. It’s hard to believe people ever thought that way and that is was accepted and passed down from generation to generation!
Irreplaceable by Stephen Lovely 3* a man’s wife is hit by a truck while riding her bike. She is an organ donor so her heart goes to a woman who is a wife and mother. The story revolves around him, her and the man who hit his wife. I just never really felt any connection to any of the characters.
Wake by Lisa McMann YA 3* Janie gets sucked into other people’s dreams when they fall asleep. Interesting concept that didn’t really go anywhere. The rest of the story was pretty unbelievable. Light, easy read.
The Laws of Harmony by Judith Ryan Hendricks 3.5* Received as an ARC. Sunny grows up on a commune in New Mexico and dreams of the day she can get away to a “normal” life. The accident that kills her younger sister continues to haunt her. After college she ends up in Albuquerque living with Michael. After he dies in a car accident she finds out he wasn’t all that he seemed. She once again runs from her life, this time to a small town on San Miguel Island. She finds that the past never goes away though and she must deal with it. Overall a pretty good read, I was actually disappointed when the story ended.
Sister of my Heart by Chitra Bangerjee Divakaruni 3.5* Sudha and Anju are cousins who grow up in the same house close as sisters and best friends in India. Then, they both are forced to get married when their financial situation suddenly changes. One will go all the way to America, the other will stay in India and have a traditional marriage.
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder 4* Yelena is in the dungeon waiting to be hung for murder when she is picked to be the Commander’s food taster. She learns all about poisons, but she also befriends some of the staff in the castle. She also starts to understand her past a little better. Great read, can’t wait to read the next in the series.
What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell YA 3* set right after WWII, it shows how sheltered teens were back then. Evie falls for her step father’s war buddy, and life changes for them all.
Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork 3*, Marcello (who has Asperger’s Syndrome) has to go work for his father’s law office for the summer “in the real world”. There he meets Jasmine, a nice pretty girl who works in the mail room and Wendell, the spoiled son of one of the partners. He finds out things are not always black and white and people not always what they seem.
Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder YA 4.5* the continuing story of Yelena. She travels to Ixia to meet her real family and learn to control her magic. She finds not all family members are welcoming, as some think she’s a spy from the north. I couldn’t put this book down until I was done, even better than the first one. Can’t wait to read the next!
Unwind by Neal Shusterman YA 3* the stories of 3 teens whose parents want to “unwind” them aka donate all of their body parts. They go on the run to avoid going to the harvest camp and end up in “the Graveyard”, which is a safe haven for teens such as themselves.
Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder 4* the third book follows Yelena to the Keep where she is working on being a soul finder, but once again there are forces against her. This time it comes out of fire. Not as good as the second book (spent too much time recapping the other 2 books IMO), but still very enjoyable.
A Mouthful of Air by Amy Koppelman 3* a woman has depression and tried to kill herself and the book is about her trying
Black & White by Dani Shapiro 3* the relationship between a mother and daughter is strained because the mother (a professional photographer) gains fame using her daughter as a subject throughout her childhood. The controversial nude photographs make her feel like an object. After the daughter becomes an adult she runs away from home and doesn’t speak to her mother for 14 years until she gets the call from her sister that her mother is dying.
The Kind One by Tom Epperson 4* set in the 1930’s California, Danny has amnesia but is told he works for Bud “the Kind One” Seitz, a mobster. Danny questions everything he is told about himself because he doesn’t like guns or know how to shoot or like violence. He is asked to protect Bud’s girlfriend who he starts to fall in love with. He starts to learn nothing is as simple as it seems, including himself.
‘Til Morning Light by Ann Moore 3* the continuing story of Gracelin. Good story, but wrapped up a little too neatly (and unbelievable).
The Help by Kathryn Stockett 5* may be the best book I’ll read all year, definitely the best I’ve read in a while. It is set in Jackson, Mississippi in the 60’s. The story revolves around a young white woman who starts writing about the plight of black maids in the south. I laughed and cried, such a great read. It’s hard to believe people ever thought that way and that is was accepted and passed down from generation to generation!
Irreplaceable by Stephen Lovely 3* a man’s wife is hit by a truck while riding her bike. She is an organ donor so her heart goes to a woman who is a wife and mother. The story revolves around him, her and the man who hit his wife. I just never really felt any connection to any of the characters.
Wake by Lisa McMann YA 3* Janie gets sucked into other people’s dreams when they fall asleep. Interesting concept that didn’t really go anywhere. The rest of the story was pretty unbelievable. Light, easy read.
The Laws of Harmony by Judith Ryan Hendricks 3.5* Received as an ARC. Sunny grows up on a commune in New Mexico and dreams of the day she can get away to a “normal” life. The accident that kills her younger sister continues to haunt her. After college she ends up in Albuquerque living with Michael. After he dies in a car accident she finds out he wasn’t all that he seemed. She once again runs from her life, this time to a small town on San Miguel Island. She finds that the past never goes away though and she must deal with it. Overall a pretty good read, I was actually disappointed when the story ended.
Sister of my Heart by Chitra Bangerjee Divakaruni 3.5* Sudha and Anju are cousins who grow up in the same house close as sisters and best friends in India. Then, they both are forced to get married when their financial situation suddenly changes. One will go all the way to America, the other will stay in India and have a traditional marriage.
Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder 4* Yelena is in the dungeon waiting to be hung for murder when she is picked to be the Commander’s food taster. She learns all about poisons, but she also befriends some of the staff in the castle. She also starts to understand her past a little better. Great read, can’t wait to read the next in the series.
What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell YA 3* set right after WWII, it shows how sheltered teens were back then. Evie falls for her step father’s war buddy, and life changes for them all.
Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork 3*, Marcello (who has Asperger’s Syndrome) has to go work for his father’s law office for the summer “in the real world”. There he meets Jasmine, a nice pretty girl who works in the mail room and Wendell, the spoiled son of one of the partners. He finds out things are not always black and white and people not always what they seem.
Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder YA 4.5* the continuing story of Yelena. She travels to Ixia to meet her real family and learn to control her magic. She finds not all family members are welcoming, as some think she’s a spy from the north. I couldn’t put this book down until I was done, even better than the first one. Can’t wait to read the next!
Unwind by Neal Shusterman YA 3* the stories of 3 teens whose parents want to “unwind” them aka donate all of their body parts. They go on the run to avoid going to the harvest camp and end up in “the Graveyard”, which is a safe haven for teens such as themselves.
Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder 4* the third book follows Yelena to the Keep where she is working on being a soul finder, but once again there are forces against her. This time it comes out of fire. Not as good as the second book (spent too much time recapping the other 2 books IMO), but still very enjoyable.
A Mouthful of Air by Amy Koppelman 3* a woman has depression and tried to kill herself and the book is about her trying
Thursday, March 12, 2009
February reads
No stand outs this month, just okay books....
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood 3.5* set in the future, where there is no longer a United States, it’s now the Republic of Gilead. Women are not allowed jobs or money, or any freedom. There are several classes of women : childless Wives, the housekeeping Marthas, and the reproductive Handmaids, who turn their offspring over to the "morally fit" Wives.
Leaving Ireland by Ann Moore 3.5* the continuing story of Grace, this time her travels to America and her life and friends there.
The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker 3* Truly is a “little giant” her entire life and suffers for it, while her sister is the complete opposite…..just ehhhh for me, though I know everyone is raving over this book.
Wife Goes On by Leslie Lehr 3* chick lit about a group of divorced women
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie YA 3* the story of a teenage Indian boy who decides to go to the local “white” school instead of the one on the reservation
The Wishbones by Tom Perrotta 3* a man plays in a wedding band and finally asks his girlfriend of 15 years to marry him…then regrets it.
They Did it With Love by Kate Morgenroth 3* chick-lit mystery, The story of 5 rich women in a CT suburb who are members of a mystery book club. One of them is murdered and the rest try to solve who did it.
Perfect Family by Pam Lewis 3* the youngest sister of a “perfect family” is found drowned at the summer home. They find out their family is not as perfect as they all believed. The book starts out strong, but the ending is a tad hokey.
Cost by Roxana Robinson 3* the youngest child of a family is addicted to heroin. It’s the story of the family’s struggle to get him clean.
The Professor’s Wives’ Club by Joanne Rendell 3* chick lit about professor’s wives
Touching Snow by M. Sindy Felin YA 4* a story of abuse told by a young Haitian girl
Two Rivers by T. Greenwood 3* a widower raises his daughter by himself after his wife dies when the baby is born. A train derailment in the town he lives in changes his life when he takes over a black pregnant teenager.
When the Finch Rises by Jack Riggs 4* historical fiction set during the 60’s, revolves around 2 12 yr old boys who are friends and live in a small mill town in NC.
Picturing the Wreck by Dani Shapiro 3* a psychoanalyst has an affair with a patient. His wife leaves him, taking his son. 30 years later he finds his son and makes contact.
The Common Bond by Donigan Merritt (ARC) 3* I received as an ARC a few months ago but had trouble starting it as I had so many other good books in my TBR pile. Once I did finally start it, it was just ehhh. I loved the Hawaiian setting, the people and the culture. The other part was basically a love story between Morgan and Victoria. It’s ill-fated from the start as she was dating his best friend when she cheated on him with Morgan. The book starts when Morgan returns to Hawaii after Victoria’s untimely death, which he blames himself for.
The Air We Breathe by Andrea Barrett 3* set during WWI in a hospital for destitute tuberculosis patients in the Adirondack Mountains in NY. One of the wealthier patients that lived in a nearby house starts a weekly learning group that ends up causing tragedy.
Thousand Pieces of Gold by Ruthanne Lum McCunn 4* biographical fiction of Lalu Nathoy/Polly Bemis. Sold by her father during hard times in China, captured by bandits, sold as a prostitute, she eventually is brought to America where she is bought by an evil Chinese saloon owner. She befriends another saloon owner and her life eventually begins to change for the better. Told during the gold rush years, very interesting look at life during that time.
The Secret River by Kate Grenville 3* William commits a crime in 1806 in England and is sent to Australia to serve his sentence. There he eventually tries to better his life by acquiring land, but the native people are not too happy about his (or the other white settlers) presence. Reminded me a lot of the Native Americans and the white settlers in America.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood 3.5* set in the future, where there is no longer a United States, it’s now the Republic of Gilead. Women are not allowed jobs or money, or any freedom. There are several classes of women : childless Wives, the housekeeping Marthas, and the reproductive Handmaids, who turn their offspring over to the "morally fit" Wives.
Leaving Ireland by Ann Moore 3.5* the continuing story of Grace, this time her travels to America and her life and friends there.
The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker 3* Truly is a “little giant” her entire life and suffers for it, while her sister is the complete opposite…..just ehhhh for me, though I know everyone is raving over this book.
Wife Goes On by Leslie Lehr 3* chick lit about a group of divorced women
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie YA 3* the story of a teenage Indian boy who decides to go to the local “white” school instead of the one on the reservation
The Wishbones by Tom Perrotta 3* a man plays in a wedding band and finally asks his girlfriend of 15 years to marry him…then regrets it.
They Did it With Love by Kate Morgenroth 3* chick-lit mystery, The story of 5 rich women in a CT suburb who are members of a mystery book club. One of them is murdered and the rest try to solve who did it.
Perfect Family by Pam Lewis 3* the youngest sister of a “perfect family” is found drowned at the summer home. They find out their family is not as perfect as they all believed. The book starts out strong, but the ending is a tad hokey.
Cost by Roxana Robinson 3* the youngest child of a family is addicted to heroin. It’s the story of the family’s struggle to get him clean.
The Professor’s Wives’ Club by Joanne Rendell 3* chick lit about professor’s wives
Touching Snow by M. Sindy Felin YA 4* a story of abuse told by a young Haitian girl
Two Rivers by T. Greenwood 3* a widower raises his daughter by himself after his wife dies when the baby is born. A train derailment in the town he lives in changes his life when he takes over a black pregnant teenager.
When the Finch Rises by Jack Riggs 4* historical fiction set during the 60’s, revolves around 2 12 yr old boys who are friends and live in a small mill town in NC.
Picturing the Wreck by Dani Shapiro 3* a psychoanalyst has an affair with a patient. His wife leaves him, taking his son. 30 years later he finds his son and makes contact.
The Common Bond by Donigan Merritt (ARC) 3* I received as an ARC a few months ago but had trouble starting it as I had so many other good books in my TBR pile. Once I did finally start it, it was just ehhh. I loved the Hawaiian setting, the people and the culture. The other part was basically a love story between Morgan and Victoria. It’s ill-fated from the start as she was dating his best friend when she cheated on him with Morgan. The book starts when Morgan returns to Hawaii after Victoria’s untimely death, which he blames himself for.
The Air We Breathe by Andrea Barrett 3* set during WWI in a hospital for destitute tuberculosis patients in the Adirondack Mountains in NY. One of the wealthier patients that lived in a nearby house starts a weekly learning group that ends up causing tragedy.
Thousand Pieces of Gold by Ruthanne Lum McCunn 4* biographical fiction of Lalu Nathoy/Polly Bemis. Sold by her father during hard times in China, captured by bandits, sold as a prostitute, she eventually is brought to America where she is bought by an evil Chinese saloon owner. She befriends another saloon owner and her life eventually begins to change for the better. Told during the gold rush years, very interesting look at life during that time.
The Secret River by Kate Grenville 3* William commits a crime in 1806 in England and is sent to Australia to serve his sentence. There he eventually tries to better his life by acquiring land, but the native people are not too happy about his (or the other white settlers) presence. Reminded me a lot of the Native Americans and the white settlers in America.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Jan. 09 reads
Testimony by Anita Shreve 4* a sex scandal at a private school involving 3 male students and one underage female student shows how anyone’s life can change at any time and that there’s always more than one side to a story
Plague Year by Jeff Carlson 4* scientists that are trying to cure cancer release nanotechs into the world that kill people unless they are above a certain elevation. So all survivors are trying to carve out a life in high altitudes.
Lucifer’s Hammer by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle 4* life after a comet hits earth and lots of countries and big parts of the US are gone. Looting, hoarding, killing. Makes you ashamed of the human race, but then you wonder what you would do to save your family from starvation.
The Vanishing Point by Mary Sharratt 4* After ruining her reputation in England, May is sent to Maryland to marry a distant cousin she has never met. Later her sister Hannah follows her but when she gets there, May is gone and Hannah falls in love with her sister’s husband.
Dying to Live by Kim Paffenroth 3* life after zombies. Not very detailed or believable, but an okay read, quick and easy
Black Flies by Shannon Burke 4* written by an ex-medic, the story rings very true. It’s a gritty, graphic novel about a new medic in Harlem. You’ll be ashamed how the medics are treated, but then you will be ashamed by how some of the at in return. You won’t be able to put the book down until you are finished. Quick, easy read, I finished in a day.
The Road to Wellville by TC Boyle 2* set in the early 1900’s at a ritzy “health resort” that preaches vegetarianism along with other odd “cures” for ailments, it pokes fun at the health craze…it just wasn’t my type of book. By about page 350 I started skimming somewhat.
December by Elizabeth Hartley Winthrop 3* a couple struggles when their 11 yr old daughter stops talking for over 9 months.
Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch 3.5* a woman is transported 7 years in her past, back to a boyfriend she still thinks about and before her marriage and daughter. Will she change her life this time around?
After You’d Gone by Maggie O’Farrell (reread) 4.5* a woman is in a coma and her life is told in flashbacks by her and her family. The narration jumps around a bit much at first, but gets better (or else you get used to it)
Wildwood by Drusilla Campbell 2.5* disappointing as I liked Blood Orange, but this one was too unbelievable, you don’t feel much for the characters. It’s the story of 3 friends bound by something that happened when they are 12. They carry the secret throughout their lives, but it all comes to a head in their 50’s.
Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott (YA) 4* tragic and horrific, like a train wreck. Once you pick this book up, you won’t be able to put it down until you finish it. Alice is abducted at 10 by a pedophile. He keeps her until the age of 15 when he wants her help to find her replacement. You can’t book the book down until you’ve found out why she doesn’t get help when she has ample opportunities to get away, how he got her in the first place, and why she would help him.
The Fifth Child by Doris Lessing DNF I TRIED to finish this book but just couldn’t. It was bizarre. A young couple has 4 kids they can’t afford so they are supported by his rich father (first irritant). Then they have a 5th child that they think is “different”. They don’t like him thinking he seems like a caveman and their family withdraws their help. There was just nothing I liked about this book, could not finish!
Skin Hunger by Kathleen Duey 4* YA 2 interwoven stories, one about a girl who can speak in her mind to animals, and the story of a boy who goes to wizard school. The only disappointment was that the book ended. Can’t wait to read the next in the trilogy!
Arranged Marriage by Chitra Banjerjee Divakaruni 4* short stories about Indian marriages. I don’t usually like short stories but these were all good.
The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright 2* didn’t realize it was Christian fiction when I bought it! An elderly couple dies the same night and their 3 children find the letters their father wrote their mother every year for 40 years. HATED the ending!! Soooo unrealistic!
The Ladies’ Lending Library by Janice Kulyk Keefer 2.5* Story set in Canada during the summer of 1963. Revolves around several Ukrainian families. It just had too many characters, I had trouble keeping track of them all and really didn’t feel any connection with any of them.
Gracelin O’Malley by Ann Moore 3.5* set in Ireland during the 1840’s. Gracelin is a 15 yr old girl whose father marries her off to a wealthy landowner. At first all is well because she gives him the heir he so badly needs, but then things start to go downhill. Also, horrible famine sweeps Ireland affecting everyone.
Safelight by Shannon Burke 3* same writing style as Black Flies, but I just didn’t connect with the characters as much. It revolves around a paramedic that likes taking pictures of the people they go to help. He also becomes involved with a girl who is HIV positive.
The Mammy by Brendan O’Carroll 3* the story of an Irish family. At the beginning of the book the father dies and the mother is left to care for her 6 children. Funny and sad rolled into one.
Plague Year by Jeff Carlson 4* scientists that are trying to cure cancer release nanotechs into the world that kill people unless they are above a certain elevation. So all survivors are trying to carve out a life in high altitudes.
Lucifer’s Hammer by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle 4* life after a comet hits earth and lots of countries and big parts of the US are gone. Looting, hoarding, killing. Makes you ashamed of the human race, but then you wonder what you would do to save your family from starvation.
The Vanishing Point by Mary Sharratt 4* After ruining her reputation in England, May is sent to Maryland to marry a distant cousin she has never met. Later her sister Hannah follows her but when she gets there, May is gone and Hannah falls in love with her sister’s husband.
Dying to Live by Kim Paffenroth 3* life after zombies. Not very detailed or believable, but an okay read, quick and easy
Black Flies by Shannon Burke 4* written by an ex-medic, the story rings very true. It’s a gritty, graphic novel about a new medic in Harlem. You’ll be ashamed how the medics are treated, but then you will be ashamed by how some of the at in return. You won’t be able to put the book down until you are finished. Quick, easy read, I finished in a day.
The Road to Wellville by TC Boyle 2* set in the early 1900’s at a ritzy “health resort” that preaches vegetarianism along with other odd “cures” for ailments, it pokes fun at the health craze…it just wasn’t my type of book. By about page 350 I started skimming somewhat.
December by Elizabeth Hartley Winthrop 3* a couple struggles when their 11 yr old daughter stops talking for over 9 months.
Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch 3.5* a woman is transported 7 years in her past, back to a boyfriend she still thinks about and before her marriage and daughter. Will she change her life this time around?
After You’d Gone by Maggie O’Farrell (reread) 4.5* a woman is in a coma and her life is told in flashbacks by her and her family. The narration jumps around a bit much at first, but gets better (or else you get used to it)
Wildwood by Drusilla Campbell 2.5* disappointing as I liked Blood Orange, but this one was too unbelievable, you don’t feel much for the characters. It’s the story of 3 friends bound by something that happened when they are 12. They carry the secret throughout their lives, but it all comes to a head in their 50’s.
Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott (YA) 4* tragic and horrific, like a train wreck. Once you pick this book up, you won’t be able to put it down until you finish it. Alice is abducted at 10 by a pedophile. He keeps her until the age of 15 when he wants her help to find her replacement. You can’t book the book down until you’ve found out why she doesn’t get help when she has ample opportunities to get away, how he got her in the first place, and why she would help him.
The Fifth Child by Doris Lessing DNF I TRIED to finish this book but just couldn’t. It was bizarre. A young couple has 4 kids they can’t afford so they are supported by his rich father (first irritant). Then they have a 5th child that they think is “different”. They don’t like him thinking he seems like a caveman and their family withdraws their help. There was just nothing I liked about this book, could not finish!
Skin Hunger by Kathleen Duey 4* YA 2 interwoven stories, one about a girl who can speak in her mind to animals, and the story of a boy who goes to wizard school. The only disappointment was that the book ended. Can’t wait to read the next in the trilogy!
Arranged Marriage by Chitra Banjerjee Divakaruni 4* short stories about Indian marriages. I don’t usually like short stories but these were all good.
The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. Wright 2* didn’t realize it was Christian fiction when I bought it! An elderly couple dies the same night and their 3 children find the letters their father wrote their mother every year for 40 years. HATED the ending!! Soooo unrealistic!
The Ladies’ Lending Library by Janice Kulyk Keefer 2.5* Story set in Canada during the summer of 1963. Revolves around several Ukrainian families. It just had too many characters, I had trouble keeping track of them all and really didn’t feel any connection with any of them.
Gracelin O’Malley by Ann Moore 3.5* set in Ireland during the 1840’s. Gracelin is a 15 yr old girl whose father marries her off to a wealthy landowner. At first all is well because she gives him the heir he so badly needs, but then things start to go downhill. Also, horrible famine sweeps Ireland affecting everyone.
Safelight by Shannon Burke 3* same writing style as Black Flies, but I just didn’t connect with the characters as much. It revolves around a paramedic that likes taking pictures of the people they go to help. He also becomes involved with a girl who is HIV positive.
The Mammy by Brendan O’Carroll 3* the story of an Irish family. At the beginning of the book the father dies and the mother is left to care for her 6 children. Funny and sad rolled into one.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
December reads
Some good ones and some real duds this month!! I read outside of my normal comfort zone, so it was interesting.
So Long at the Fair by Christina Schwarz 4* a finely woven story about a man who is having an affair with his co-worker (who is being stalked by an admirer), the man’s wife and another co-worker also tell their stories. Plus the story of their parents back in 1963. All of it happens over one day. Hated that it ended though, I wanted more!
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins YA SF4.5* my husband saw a review on this book that said it was going to be as big as Harry Potter so of course we had to look into it! My teenage son read it first (loved it) and then I read it. Very good book, set in a fictional world where the US is no longer and is now 13 different districts. Each district has to send 1 boy and 1 girl (randomly drawn) to the hunger games. It’s a fight to the end, and only the last person alive wins. Not my type of book normally, but I found it fascinating and can’t wait for the next in the series (at the end it says “end of book one” so I am assuming she’s planning on more!).
Somebody Else’s Daughter by Elizabeth Brundage 3* 2 drug addicts have a baby girl and give her up for adoption. The father (now off drugs) teaches at a school where the girl now goes as a teenager.
Oxygen by Carol Cassella DNF I wanted to like this book, and I wanted to finish but halfway through I still didn’t care, so I gave up. It’s the story of an anesthesiologist who has a patient die while in her care and is subjected to a lawsuit.
What Was Lost by Catherine O’Flynn 2* barely finished it, just didn’t like the writing. The story of a young girl who disappears, a neighbor boy is accused of the crime.
Impulse by Ellen Hopkins YA 4* didn’t like the way it was written at first (verse) but after a few pages I got into and got used to it. Good teen book, the story of 3 teens who meet at a living facility for suicidal teens after failed attempts.
The Returning by Ann Tatlock 2* ARC as an Atheist I was surprised to find this was Christian lit, so take my review with a grain of salt. I like the concept of the book, a man gets out of prison after 5 years and returns home to his wife and children. Of course there is an adjustment period for all of them. I felt the book could have been so much more than it was. I felt that it was sappy and the ending was unbelievable and trite.
Graceling by Kristin Cashore YA 4* Katsa is “graced” with killing and is being used by her uncle to torture people who disobey him. Her life changes when she meets Po, another graceling.
Phytosphere by Scott Mackay SF 4* aliens put a shield around the earth that blocks the sun, killing off all plant life and leads to total panic and riots due to food hoarding. A scientist on earth and one on the moon work to find a solution before everyone starves. Couldn’t put it down, but found the ending wrapped up way too quickly.
Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank 3* the story of survival in a small town in FL after nuclear war in other parts of the country and world
Earth Abides by George R. Stewart 3* the world is devastated by a virus and only a few people are left. Love the premise, but the main character left a lot to be desired (it took him over 24 hours to think of calling around to see if his family was alive).
On the Beach by Nevil Shute 2* the end of the world due to nuclear war. I started skimming about halfway through, felt nothing for the characters and the story was just boring, kept waiting for something to happen….
Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock YA 3* Princess Ben discovers a secret magic room in her castle after her parents are assassinated
Blood Orange by Drusilla Campbell 4* a couple’s daughter is kidnapped and everyone blames it on the husband’s defense of an accused child killer. The wife is shocked and dismayed when she learns it could have been from something she did.
World War Z by Max Brooks 3.5* it’s basically a report after the zombie war is mostly over. It explains how governments and people reacted during the panic and after. It was pretty interesting and outside of my normal range of books.
So Long at the Fair by Christina Schwarz 4* a finely woven story about a man who is having an affair with his co-worker (who is being stalked by an admirer), the man’s wife and another co-worker also tell their stories. Plus the story of their parents back in 1963. All of it happens over one day. Hated that it ended though, I wanted more!
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins YA SF4.5* my husband saw a review on this book that said it was going to be as big as Harry Potter so of course we had to look into it! My teenage son read it first (loved it) and then I read it. Very good book, set in a fictional world where the US is no longer and is now 13 different districts. Each district has to send 1 boy and 1 girl (randomly drawn) to the hunger games. It’s a fight to the end, and only the last person alive wins. Not my type of book normally, but I found it fascinating and can’t wait for the next in the series (at the end it says “end of book one” so I am assuming she’s planning on more!).
Somebody Else’s Daughter by Elizabeth Brundage 3* 2 drug addicts have a baby girl and give her up for adoption. The father (now off drugs) teaches at a school where the girl now goes as a teenager.
Oxygen by Carol Cassella DNF I wanted to like this book, and I wanted to finish but halfway through I still didn’t care, so I gave up. It’s the story of an anesthesiologist who has a patient die while in her care and is subjected to a lawsuit.
What Was Lost by Catherine O’Flynn 2* barely finished it, just didn’t like the writing. The story of a young girl who disappears, a neighbor boy is accused of the crime.
Impulse by Ellen Hopkins YA 4* didn’t like the way it was written at first (verse) but after a few pages I got into and got used to it. Good teen book, the story of 3 teens who meet at a living facility for suicidal teens after failed attempts.
The Returning by Ann Tatlock 2* ARC as an Atheist I was surprised to find this was Christian lit, so take my review with a grain of salt. I like the concept of the book, a man gets out of prison after 5 years and returns home to his wife and children. Of course there is an adjustment period for all of them. I felt the book could have been so much more than it was. I felt that it was sappy and the ending was unbelievable and trite.
Graceling by Kristin Cashore YA 4* Katsa is “graced” with killing and is being used by her uncle to torture people who disobey him. Her life changes when she meets Po, another graceling.
Phytosphere by Scott Mackay SF 4* aliens put a shield around the earth that blocks the sun, killing off all plant life and leads to total panic and riots due to food hoarding. A scientist on earth and one on the moon work to find a solution before everyone starves. Couldn’t put it down, but found the ending wrapped up way too quickly.
Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank 3* the story of survival in a small town in FL after nuclear war in other parts of the country and world
Earth Abides by George R. Stewart 3* the world is devastated by a virus and only a few people are left. Love the premise, but the main character left a lot to be desired (it took him over 24 hours to think of calling around to see if his family was alive).
On the Beach by Nevil Shute 2* the end of the world due to nuclear war. I started skimming about halfway through, felt nothing for the characters and the story was just boring, kept waiting for something to happen….
Princess Ben by Catherine Gilbert Murdock YA 3* Princess Ben discovers a secret magic room in her castle after her parents are assassinated
Blood Orange by Drusilla Campbell 4* a couple’s daughter is kidnapped and everyone blames it on the husband’s defense of an accused child killer. The wife is shocked and dismayed when she learns it could have been from something she did.
World War Z by Max Brooks 3.5* it’s basically a report after the zombie war is mostly over. It explains how governments and people reacted during the panic and after. It was pretty interesting and outside of my normal range of books.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
November Reads
The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher by Kate Summerscale 3* the true crime story of the killing of a 3 yr old boy who is murdered in 1860. Interesting look at that time, but boring in places, information overload.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shafer and Annie Barrows 5* set in England after WWII, the story is told in a series of letters from a writer to a book group in Guernsey. They share their stories of the war and it’s after-effects. I couldn’t put the book down and read it in less than 24 hours. I hated that it ended! It had parts that made me laugh out loud and parts that made me cry.
Bound by Sally Gunning 3* the story of a 7 year old girl who comes from England with her family, but due to hardships on the crossing her father has to use her to pay his debts by making her an indentured servant. Luckily she is picked by a benevolent family and is well taken care of until the daughter marries. Alice goes with her to the new husband’s house. Things change dramatically there, and Alice has to run away. The story starts out strong but ends a little weak, overall a pretty good read.
The Given Day by Dennis Lehane 3* set in 1919 in Boston The story revolves a round a black man, Luther and a white cop, Danny and their families. While I love historical fiction, I think Lehane was so busy trying to tell the story of the times that the characters fall flat.
The Road Home by Rose Tremain 4* Lev leaves his country in Eastern Europe to find work in London so he can send money back home to his mother and daughter. It was interesting to see what immigrants go through when coming to a new country, and the reasons why they come. I found the ending a tad unbelievable but overall it was an excellent book. I like that she didn’t make Lev perfect since everyone has flaws.
Pioneer Women by Joanna L. Stratton 3* true stories of pioneer women in Kansas, parts of it were fascinating, I just wish she had just compiled all the letters/stories of each woman instead of just putting pieces in.
Not Me by Michael Lavigne 4* a man is taking care of his father who has Alzheimer’s when his father gives him a set of journals. Through the journals he finds out his father isn’t who he always thought, a kind giving Jewish man, but a Nazi war criminal.
She Was by Janis Hallowell 3.5* a 60’s radical has turned her life around and become a wife, mother, and doctor and feels safe when her world comes crashing down with the appearance of an old college friend.
The Wedding Officer by Anthony Capella 2* romance set during WWII in Italy. I love that time but just too romancy for me….
Anybody Any Minute by Julie Mars 3* a woman buys a house in the middle of nowhere during a midlife crisis
After River by Donna Milner 4* a teenage girl’s life changes after an American draft dodger comes to work at her family’s Canadian farm
Soiled Doves, Prostitution in the Early West by Anne Seagraves 3* interesting look at the old West, great pictures, but really no new information to me.
The Rope Walk by Carrie Brown 3* would have been 4* but the story is told by a 10 yr old but the thoughts were just too adult for a child, drove me crazy. Alice becomes friends with a bi-racial child (who is a curiosity in her small Vermont town) and an elderly man with AIDS the summer she turns 10.
The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler 4* true stories told by many woman who gave up their children for adoption in their teens between 1940 to 1960-ish. Hit home for me as my father was an adopted child in the 50’s. The only bad thing was I felt it got a little repetitive by the end.
Women of the West by Cathi Luchetti 3* no new info to me, but great pics and still interesting reading
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher YA(audio) 4* a teenage girls sends out 13 tapes to 13 people she feels that led to her suicide. I think listening to the book as opposed to reading it is the way to go with this story since you get to hear her voice and then the voice of the boy listening.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shafer and Annie Barrows 5* set in England after WWII, the story is told in a series of letters from a writer to a book group in Guernsey. They share their stories of the war and it’s after-effects. I couldn’t put the book down and read it in less than 24 hours. I hated that it ended! It had parts that made me laugh out loud and parts that made me cry.
Bound by Sally Gunning 3* the story of a 7 year old girl who comes from England with her family, but due to hardships on the crossing her father has to use her to pay his debts by making her an indentured servant. Luckily she is picked by a benevolent family and is well taken care of until the daughter marries. Alice goes with her to the new husband’s house. Things change dramatically there, and Alice has to run away. The story starts out strong but ends a little weak, overall a pretty good read.
The Given Day by Dennis Lehane 3* set in 1919 in Boston The story revolves a round a black man, Luther and a white cop, Danny and their families. While I love historical fiction, I think Lehane was so busy trying to tell the story of the times that the characters fall flat.
The Road Home by Rose Tremain 4* Lev leaves his country in Eastern Europe to find work in London so he can send money back home to his mother and daughter. It was interesting to see what immigrants go through when coming to a new country, and the reasons why they come. I found the ending a tad unbelievable but overall it was an excellent book. I like that she didn’t make Lev perfect since everyone has flaws.
Pioneer Women by Joanna L. Stratton 3* true stories of pioneer women in Kansas, parts of it were fascinating, I just wish she had just compiled all the letters/stories of each woman instead of just putting pieces in.
Not Me by Michael Lavigne 4* a man is taking care of his father who has Alzheimer’s when his father gives him a set of journals. Through the journals he finds out his father isn’t who he always thought, a kind giving Jewish man, but a Nazi war criminal.
She Was by Janis Hallowell 3.5* a 60’s radical has turned her life around and become a wife, mother, and doctor and feels safe when her world comes crashing down with the appearance of an old college friend.
The Wedding Officer by Anthony Capella 2* romance set during WWII in Italy. I love that time but just too romancy for me….
Anybody Any Minute by Julie Mars 3* a woman buys a house in the middle of nowhere during a midlife crisis
After River by Donna Milner 4* a teenage girl’s life changes after an American draft dodger comes to work at her family’s Canadian farm
Soiled Doves, Prostitution in the Early West by Anne Seagraves 3* interesting look at the old West, great pictures, but really no new information to me.
The Rope Walk by Carrie Brown 3* would have been 4* but the story is told by a 10 yr old but the thoughts were just too adult for a child, drove me crazy. Alice becomes friends with a bi-racial child (who is a curiosity in her small Vermont town) and an elderly man with AIDS the summer she turns 10.
The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler 4* true stories told by many woman who gave up their children for adoption in their teens between 1940 to 1960-ish. Hit home for me as my father was an adopted child in the 50’s. The only bad thing was I felt it got a little repetitive by the end.
Women of the West by Cathi Luchetti 3* no new info to me, but great pics and still interesting reading
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher YA(audio) 4* a teenage girls sends out 13 tapes to 13 people she feels that led to her suicide. I think listening to the book as opposed to reading it is the way to go with this story since you get to hear her voice and then the voice of the boy listening.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Sept and Oct reads (yes, I'm a month behind!!)
SEPT
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff 3* two stories about polygamy, one from the 1800’s and one today. It’s labeled a mystery but I don’t really see it as one.
The Condition by Jennifer Haigh 3* the story of a family who has to live with their daughter’s/sister’s “condition”. Everyone is flawed. It was just okay. I didn’t really care about any of the characters and the ending was predictable.
Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich DNF I wanted to like this story after all the rave reviews I read, but I just couldn’t get into it. Too many stories told from too many perspectives. I gave up halfway through.
The Lavender Hour by Anne Leclair 3* a cancer survivor becomes a hospice volunteer where no one knows she once had cancer. She has strong feelings for her patient which leads to a bad ending of course…..
How to be Good by Nick Hornby 3* a doctor’s husband falls under the spell of a “healer” and decides to “be good” which includes giving away their money, having homeless people live with them, etc.
The Book of Joe by Jonathan Tropper 4* a man returns to his hometown when his father has a heart attack. He is hated by most of the townspeople because of a tell-all book he wrote.
Summer Sisters by Judy Blume 4* The story of 2 “summer sisters” over a 10 year period. One of those books you can’t put down until you are done. She has a way of making you feel the characters.
Leaving Cold Sassy by Olive Ann Burns 3* the continuing story of Cold Sassy, only the author died while writing it and they didn’t finish her story. The story itself was great, but I was disappointed it just ended in the middle of the story and the editor just gave a biography of the author’s life.
October
Lost and Found by Jacqueline Sheehan 3* a woman’s husband dies and she moves to a remote island in Maine to get away from everything. She adopts a dog that teaches her to love again.
The Starter Wife by Gigi Levangie Grazer 4* fluff yes, but entertaining Hollywood fluff! Gracie is left by her husband of almost 10 years (10 years being the magic number in pre-nupts) for a way younger woman. She tries to get her life back on track as she stays at a friend’s beach house in Malibu for the summer.
Bufflehead Sisters by Patricia J. Delois 4.5 the story of 2 friends starting at age 5. Janet has always wanted a sister and Sophie fit’s the bill. Janet has a stable and loving home life, while Sophie has an unstable mother and an absent father. The story follows them through childhood and into adulthood. I couldn’t put the book down and read it within 24 hours, even though I had an idea what was going to happen, I needed to know the how and why and where’s!
Lemon Jelly Cake by Madeline Smith 3* historical fiction set in a small town in 1900. Basically small town life seen through the eyes of the town doctor’s daughter.
Everything Changes by Jonathan Tropper 3.5* Zack's life starts to unravel when his missing dad shows up. He starts questioning his job, his fiancee, and basically all aspects of his life. His best friend died 2 years ago and his feelings for the widow don't help. There are laugh out loud parts and sad parts.
Address Unknown by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor 4* a Jewish man’s friendship and business partnership goes downhill when his friend goes back to Germany in 1933. Told in a series of letters between the 2 men.
Under the Sabers, The Unwritten Code of Army Wives by Tanya Biank 4* interesting look into the lives of Army Wives. I bought the book because it said the show Army Wives was based on it. I can see some of the characters from the show in the book. The book was more about the murder/suicides at Fort Bragg though. I would have liked a more in depth look into more army wives and to hear THEIR stories more. That being said, it was still a very good book, just not what I was expecting.
The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies 3* a small Welsh town is home to a German POW camp, which of course causes upheaval among the locals
Goldengrove by Francine Prose 3* a teenage girl feels responsible for her older sister’s death and begins an unhealthy relationship with her deceased sister’s boyfriend.
Elleander Morning by Jerry Yulsman 3.5* an odd time travel book that explains nothing about HOW it happened…..interesting story though, a bit confusing in parts. It’s the parallel story of how the world would be if WWII had never happened.
Calligraphy of the Witch by Alicia Gaspar de Alba 3.5* a story about a woman captured by pirates and brought to Boston around the time of the Salem witch trials. She is considered evil because she speaks a foreign language and is Catholic. Great representation of the hysteria of the times. A little predictable though.
Tethered by Amy MacKinnon 3* a mortician is involved in an unsolved murder of a young unidentified girl. The story was predictable and I figured out halfway through who it was.
Helpless by Barbara Gowdy 3* a man kidnaps a little girl that he tells himself is being abused. He’s a pedophile but trying to convince himself he’s not. As the mother of a 10 yr old girl it was hard to have sympathy for him, which is what the book tries to do. Sad sad book all around. You feel bad for the little girl, her mother, for the kidnapper’s girlfriend, for the mother’s landlord (who the police think are involved).
Thank You for All Things by Sandra Kring 3* a woman and her twins go to her childhood home because her father is dying. Too many secrets, too contrived. Not her best….
The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff 3* two stories about polygamy, one from the 1800’s and one today. It’s labeled a mystery but I don’t really see it as one.
The Condition by Jennifer Haigh 3* the story of a family who has to live with their daughter’s/sister’s “condition”. Everyone is flawed. It was just okay. I didn’t really care about any of the characters and the ending was predictable.
Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich DNF I wanted to like this story after all the rave reviews I read, but I just couldn’t get into it. Too many stories told from too many perspectives. I gave up halfway through.
The Lavender Hour by Anne Leclair 3* a cancer survivor becomes a hospice volunteer where no one knows she once had cancer. She has strong feelings for her patient which leads to a bad ending of course…..
How to be Good by Nick Hornby 3* a doctor’s husband falls under the spell of a “healer” and decides to “be good” which includes giving away their money, having homeless people live with them, etc.
The Book of Joe by Jonathan Tropper 4* a man returns to his hometown when his father has a heart attack. He is hated by most of the townspeople because of a tell-all book he wrote.
Summer Sisters by Judy Blume 4* The story of 2 “summer sisters” over a 10 year period. One of those books you can’t put down until you are done. She has a way of making you feel the characters.
Leaving Cold Sassy by Olive Ann Burns 3* the continuing story of Cold Sassy, only the author died while writing it and they didn’t finish her story. The story itself was great, but I was disappointed it just ended in the middle of the story and the editor just gave a biography of the author’s life.
October
Lost and Found by Jacqueline Sheehan 3* a woman’s husband dies and she moves to a remote island in Maine to get away from everything. She adopts a dog that teaches her to love again.
The Starter Wife by Gigi Levangie Grazer 4* fluff yes, but entertaining Hollywood fluff! Gracie is left by her husband of almost 10 years (10 years being the magic number in pre-nupts) for a way younger woman. She tries to get her life back on track as she stays at a friend’s beach house in Malibu for the summer.
Bufflehead Sisters by Patricia J. Delois 4.5 the story of 2 friends starting at age 5. Janet has always wanted a sister and Sophie fit’s the bill. Janet has a stable and loving home life, while Sophie has an unstable mother and an absent father. The story follows them through childhood and into adulthood. I couldn’t put the book down and read it within 24 hours, even though I had an idea what was going to happen, I needed to know the how and why and where’s!
Lemon Jelly Cake by Madeline Smith 3* historical fiction set in a small town in 1900. Basically small town life seen through the eyes of the town doctor’s daughter.
Everything Changes by Jonathan Tropper 3.5* Zack's life starts to unravel when his missing dad shows up. He starts questioning his job, his fiancee, and basically all aspects of his life. His best friend died 2 years ago and his feelings for the widow don't help. There are laugh out loud parts and sad parts.
Address Unknown by Kathrine Kressmann Taylor 4* a Jewish man’s friendship and business partnership goes downhill when his friend goes back to Germany in 1933. Told in a series of letters between the 2 men.
Under the Sabers, The Unwritten Code of Army Wives by Tanya Biank 4* interesting look into the lives of Army Wives. I bought the book because it said the show Army Wives was based on it. I can see some of the characters from the show in the book. The book was more about the murder/suicides at Fort Bragg though. I would have liked a more in depth look into more army wives and to hear THEIR stories more. That being said, it was still a very good book, just not what I was expecting.
The Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies 3* a small Welsh town is home to a German POW camp, which of course causes upheaval among the locals
Goldengrove by Francine Prose 3* a teenage girl feels responsible for her older sister’s death and begins an unhealthy relationship with her deceased sister’s boyfriend.
Elleander Morning by Jerry Yulsman 3.5* an odd time travel book that explains nothing about HOW it happened…..interesting story though, a bit confusing in parts. It’s the parallel story of how the world would be if WWII had never happened.
Calligraphy of the Witch by Alicia Gaspar de Alba 3.5* a story about a woman captured by pirates and brought to Boston around the time of the Salem witch trials. She is considered evil because she speaks a foreign language and is Catholic. Great representation of the hysteria of the times. A little predictable though.
Tethered by Amy MacKinnon 3* a mortician is involved in an unsolved murder of a young unidentified girl. The story was predictable and I figured out halfway through who it was.
Helpless by Barbara Gowdy 3* a man kidnaps a little girl that he tells himself is being abused. He’s a pedophile but trying to convince himself he’s not. As the mother of a 10 yr old girl it was hard to have sympathy for him, which is what the book tries to do. Sad sad book all around. You feel bad for the little girl, her mother, for the kidnapper’s girlfriend, for the mother’s landlord (who the police think are involved).
Thank You for All Things by Sandra Kring 3* a woman and her twins go to her childhood home because her father is dying. Too many secrets, too contrived. Not her best….
Monday, September 1, 2008
August reads
Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalin 4* mixed storylines of German citizens and Jewish people as WWII is ending. Interesting look at the German’s perspective. I don’t think I ever gave it much thought to how it was for them once the war was ending/over.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt 3* 5 college friends matriculate…involves drinking too much, a little studying and murder….
Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns 3.5* small town life in 1906, a 14 yr old boy and the town are shocked when his grandfather marries a woman almost half his age only 3 weeks after his wife dies.
A Wicked Snow by Gregg Olsen 2.5* gave it 2.5 only because I DID finish it. supposed to be a thriller, but wasn't very thrilling. a woman tries to come to terms with her mother's serial killing 20 yrs ago, but someone is trying to dig up the past.
How to Talk to a Widower by Jonathan Tropper 4* the story of a young (late 20’s) widower and how he copes with his teenage stepson, dating, and his family. Has a lot of laugh-out-loud parts, but also sad. Quick, easy read.
The Book of Fred by Abby Bardi 4* a teenage girl, Mary, her parents are a member of a strange religious group that won’t allow medical intervention and 2 of her brothers die due to that conviction. The state takes all of the children to foster care while her parents await trial for child neglect. The story revolves around Mary, her foster mother, her foster mother’s daughter, and foster mother’s brother. They all learn from each other and change in ways they didn’t expect.
Songs of the Humpback Whale by Jodi Picoult 3*, not my favorite from her. The story of a couple’s break up seen through the eyes of the woman’s daughter, brother, lover, husband and herself.
The Garden Of Last Days by Andre Dubus III 3* the story revolves around a stripper who has to bring her daughter to work one night when the lady who watches her is hospitalized. her daughter disappears from the club. The story is told by the stripper, a bouncer that works there, a man who is thrown out for touching one of the strippers, and the babysitter. It’s an okay book, it just wasn’t as emotionally wrenching as The House of Sand and Fog.
About Grace by Anthony Doerr 3* a man dreams parts of the future. He starts falling apart when he dreams his daughter’s death. The writing is like beautiful poetry but the story itself is a little hard to believe, but it does make you keep reading to find out how it ends.
Covered Wagon Women Vol 6 by Kenneth L. Holmes 4*, actual diaries and letters of women on the Oregon Trail. Parts of it were fascinating, but it got a little monotonous in places
Before the Storm by Diane Chamberlain 2.5* too soap opera-ish, a woman has a boy with fetal alcohol syndrome who rescues a bunch of children from a church fire. He is later accused of setting the fire. Too many people sleeping with their friend’s daughter, or their brother-in-law or their best friend’s wife….
Fanny and Sue by Karen Stolz 4* the story of twin sisters born in 1920. At first I was thinking “what is the point of this story???”. By the end of the book I was mad it ended!
Land of a Hundred Wonders by Lesley Kagen 3.5* Gibby is NQR (not quite right) after an automobile accident that killed her parents and “dented” her head. She is an investigative reporter for a newspaper she writes and is writing a big story about the murder of a local man. There were several parts that made me literally laugh out loud.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt 3* 5 college friends matriculate…involves drinking too much, a little studying and murder….
Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns 3.5* small town life in 1906, a 14 yr old boy and the town are shocked when his grandfather marries a woman almost half his age only 3 weeks after his wife dies.
A Wicked Snow by Gregg Olsen 2.5* gave it 2.5 only because I DID finish it. supposed to be a thriller, but wasn't very thrilling. a woman tries to come to terms with her mother's serial killing 20 yrs ago, but someone is trying to dig up the past.
How to Talk to a Widower by Jonathan Tropper 4* the story of a young (late 20’s) widower and how he copes with his teenage stepson, dating, and his family. Has a lot of laugh-out-loud parts, but also sad. Quick, easy read.
The Book of Fred by Abby Bardi 4* a teenage girl, Mary, her parents are a member of a strange religious group that won’t allow medical intervention and 2 of her brothers die due to that conviction. The state takes all of the children to foster care while her parents await trial for child neglect. The story revolves around Mary, her foster mother, her foster mother’s daughter, and foster mother’s brother. They all learn from each other and change in ways they didn’t expect.
Songs of the Humpback Whale by Jodi Picoult 3*, not my favorite from her. The story of a couple’s break up seen through the eyes of the woman’s daughter, brother, lover, husband and herself.
The Garden Of Last Days by Andre Dubus III 3* the story revolves around a stripper who has to bring her daughter to work one night when the lady who watches her is hospitalized. her daughter disappears from the club. The story is told by the stripper, a bouncer that works there, a man who is thrown out for touching one of the strippers, and the babysitter. It’s an okay book, it just wasn’t as emotionally wrenching as The House of Sand and Fog.
About Grace by Anthony Doerr 3* a man dreams parts of the future. He starts falling apart when he dreams his daughter’s death. The writing is like beautiful poetry but the story itself is a little hard to believe, but it does make you keep reading to find out how it ends.
Covered Wagon Women Vol 6 by Kenneth L. Holmes 4*, actual diaries and letters of women on the Oregon Trail. Parts of it were fascinating, but it got a little monotonous in places
Before the Storm by Diane Chamberlain 2.5* too soap opera-ish, a woman has a boy with fetal alcohol syndrome who rescues a bunch of children from a church fire. He is later accused of setting the fire. Too many people sleeping with their friend’s daughter, or their brother-in-law or their best friend’s wife….
Fanny and Sue by Karen Stolz 4* the story of twin sisters born in 1920. At first I was thinking “what is the point of this story???”. By the end of the book I was mad it ended!
Land of a Hundred Wonders by Lesley Kagen 3.5* Gibby is NQR (not quite right) after an automobile accident that killed her parents and “dented” her head. She is an investigative reporter for a newspaper she writes and is writing a big story about the murder of a local man. There were several parts that made me literally laugh out loud.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
July reads
The Nanny Diaries by Emma Kraus and Nicola McLaughlin 3.5* the story of a college student who nannies for a rich Manhattan family, both funny and sad
Sweet Shrub by Jane Roberts Wood 3.5* the continuing story of Lucy Richards, she is now back home and is courted by Josh. There is racial unrest in the new town they move to where Josh has a job as a principal.
Dance a Little Longer by Jane Roberts Wood 3.5* the continuing story of Lucy and Josh now during the depression
Crazy in Alabama by Mark Childress 4* starts off with a crazy aunt who chops her husbands head off and carries it across the country in a Tupperware container. Then moves to a town with racial unrest, set during the 60’s.
Tender by Mark Childress 3.5* a story loosely based on the life of Elvis. Follows a young man from his poor beginnings and through his rocket ride to fame and fortune.
Hold Tight by Harlan Coben 3* not his best…the story of a couple who start tracking their son’s online activity when one of his best friend’s commit suicide. They are surprised by what they find.
The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time by Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas M. Kostigen 4*
We Need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver 4* I tried to read this book a while back and couldn’t get through it, but kept seeing awesome reviews. I gave it another try and boy am I glad! The heart wrenching story of a mother who can’t seem to bond with her son like she should and as a teenager he kills some of his classmates.
How Not to Look Old by Charla Krupp 4* she explains ways to look 10 years younger. I like that she gives an expensive, medium, and cheap way for each idea. She also gives brand names that work and pictures of the wrong and right way so you can see the difference.
Sweet Shrub by Jane Roberts Wood 3.5* the continuing story of Lucy Richards, she is now back home and is courted by Josh. There is racial unrest in the new town they move to where Josh has a job as a principal.
Dance a Little Longer by Jane Roberts Wood 3.5* the continuing story of Lucy and Josh now during the depression
Crazy in Alabama by Mark Childress 4* starts off with a crazy aunt who chops her husbands head off and carries it across the country in a Tupperware container. Then moves to a town with racial unrest, set during the 60’s.
Tender by Mark Childress 3.5* a story loosely based on the life of Elvis. Follows a young man from his poor beginnings and through his rocket ride to fame and fortune.
Hold Tight by Harlan Coben 3* not his best…the story of a couple who start tracking their son’s online activity when one of his best friend’s commit suicide. They are surprised by what they find.
The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time by Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas M. Kostigen 4*
We Need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver 4* I tried to read this book a while back and couldn’t get through it, but kept seeing awesome reviews. I gave it another try and boy am I glad! The heart wrenching story of a mother who can’t seem to bond with her son like she should and as a teenager he kills some of his classmates.
How Not to Look Old by Charla Krupp 4* she explains ways to look 10 years younger. I like that she gives an expensive, medium, and cheap way for each idea. She also gives brand names that work and pictures of the wrong and right way so you can see the difference.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
June reads
Leave No Trace by Hannah Nyala 2* The story of a woman deserted in the middle of an Australian desert and her attempt to get out alive while avoiding killers who are tracking her. Written by a SAR tracker, so LOTS of detail in that aspect but I felt the story itself was lacking and just dragggged. I only finished the novel to see if she makes it out alive.
The Outlander by Gil Adamson 2.5* I just didn't like this story, found it boring. Only gave it 2.5* because I actually finished. A woman kills her husband and then is on the run from his brothers.
Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult 3* not my favorite by her, too religious....the story of a woman whose husband and daughter are killed by a man who later decides he wants to donate his heart to her other daughter.
The Journal of Callie Wade 3* the journal of an 18yr old girl traveling with her family from Missourri to CA in 1859. Reminded me some of Mattie Spenser, but not as good.
Mudbound by Hillary Jordan 4.5* set in Mississipi in 1946, racial tensions abound. 2 war veterans come home, one black and one white and receive completely different homecomings. The story revolves around a farm-bound houswife and her interactions with each man and their families. Best book I have read in a while, once I picked it up I couldn't put it down until I was finished.
My Enemy's Cradle by Sara Young 3* A half Jewish woman passes herself off as her cousin to enter a German Lebensborn (birth center) during WWII. I just didn't connect with the characters, they felt stilted and the story just didn't seem believable to me.
The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle 3.5* the story of a young girl who grows up on a horse farm with a dysfunctional family. Her father is gruff and more interested in the horses than in his daughters, her mother hasn't left the bedroom years and her sister takes off an gets married before she graduates high school.
The Train to Estelline by Jane Roberts Wood 4* an immature 17yr old girl goes to a small town to teach school in 1911 and learns things are not always what they seem. She is shocked at how poor the people she lives with are and her students. she grows up a lot in the year.
Riding With the Queen by Jennie Shortridge 4* Tallie Beck is a down and out rock and roll singer who has to head back home with her tail between her legs to sing at a piano bar. She has to beg to stay with her little sister who she hasn't seen in 14 years. She has to come to terms with her bi-piolar mother who she also hasn't seen or spoken to in 14 years. I started out hating Tallie but by the end of the book i am rooting for her, hoping she will grown up and get her act together.
One Mississippi by Mark Childress 4* the story of a teenage boy and his family who move every couple of years due to the father's job. Set in the 60's right after school intergration starts, it is full of racial tension. Daniel is unused to race beng an issue as they haven't lived in the south and problems arise after he and a friend accidentally hit the first black prom queen as she is riding home on her bike.
The Outlander by Gil Adamson 2.5* I just didn't like this story, found it boring. Only gave it 2.5* because I actually finished. A woman kills her husband and then is on the run from his brothers.
Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult 3* not my favorite by her, too religious....the story of a woman whose husband and daughter are killed by a man who later decides he wants to donate his heart to her other daughter.
The Journal of Callie Wade 3* the journal of an 18yr old girl traveling with her family from Missourri to CA in 1859. Reminded me some of Mattie Spenser, but not as good.
Mudbound by Hillary Jordan 4.5* set in Mississipi in 1946, racial tensions abound. 2 war veterans come home, one black and one white and receive completely different homecomings. The story revolves around a farm-bound houswife and her interactions with each man and their families. Best book I have read in a while, once I picked it up I couldn't put it down until I was finished.
My Enemy's Cradle by Sara Young 3* A half Jewish woman passes herself off as her cousin to enter a German Lebensborn (birth center) during WWII. I just didn't connect with the characters, they felt stilted and the story just didn't seem believable to me.
The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle 3.5* the story of a young girl who grows up on a horse farm with a dysfunctional family. Her father is gruff and more interested in the horses than in his daughters, her mother hasn't left the bedroom years and her sister takes off an gets married before she graduates high school.
The Train to Estelline by Jane Roberts Wood 4* an immature 17yr old girl goes to a small town to teach school in 1911 and learns things are not always what they seem. She is shocked at how poor the people she lives with are and her students. she grows up a lot in the year.
Riding With the Queen by Jennie Shortridge 4* Tallie Beck is a down and out rock and roll singer who has to head back home with her tail between her legs to sing at a piano bar. She has to beg to stay with her little sister who she hasn't seen in 14 years. She has to come to terms with her bi-piolar mother who she also hasn't seen or spoken to in 14 years. I started out hating Tallie but by the end of the book i am rooting for her, hoping she will grown up and get her act together.
One Mississippi by Mark Childress 4* the story of a teenage boy and his family who move every couple of years due to the father's job. Set in the 60's right after school intergration starts, it is full of racial tension. Daniel is unused to race beng an issue as they haven't lived in the south and problems arise after he and a friend accidentally hit the first black prom queen as she is riding home on her bike.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
March reads
Not a very good month, just couldn't get into much, too much on my mind....
Roseflower Creek by J. L. Miles 3.5* the sad story of a girl and her mother, both are abused by the stepfather
The Dark Tide by Andrew Gross (ARC) 3.5* a pretty good thriller about a woman whose husband dies in an explosion on his train into work one day. Later some shady people start nosing around saying he owes them money. She learns her husband wasn't exacty what she thought.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the night-time by Mark Haddon 3* a young boy witb learning disabilities tries to solve the mystery of who killed the neghbor's dog
Awake by Elizabeth Graver 3* the story of a couple who have 2 sons, one who has a very rare skin condition that can't be exposed to light. they find a summer camp for other kids like him and their world starts to change.
Eye Contact by Cammie McGovern 4* a mystery revolving around an autistic boy. He and a little girl go into the woods together and he is found alive, she is found dead. His mother tries to help the police by finding out what he knows. Everytime I think i knew who did it I was wrong!
Sellivison by Augustus Burroughs (audio)3* cutesy story that revolves around the cast of a QVC-type television station
Resistance by Owen Sheers 3* set during WWII in England but written as if the Germans were winning and had invaded England. Interesting concept, the story itself was okay. It revolves around an isolated valley with a bunch of farms run by women whose husbands disappeared to help fight the Germans. 5 German soldiers arrive in the valley to the dimay of the women.
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenger (reread) 5* LOVE this book!!
Notes on a Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers 3* a story told in notes between a mother and daughter. Sadly, I could completely relate in this day when everything is rush rush rush....only my son and I text instead of leaving notes on the fridge!
The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman NF 3* the true story of a zookeper and his family in Poland during WWII. At times fascinating, it also has parts that just drag.
What Girls Learn by Karin Cook 3* 2 young sisters and their mother move north with their mother's new boyfriend. their world changes when their mother gets sick.
Roseflower Creek by J. L. Miles 3.5* the sad story of a girl and her mother, both are abused by the stepfather
The Dark Tide by Andrew Gross (ARC) 3.5* a pretty good thriller about a woman whose husband dies in an explosion on his train into work one day. Later some shady people start nosing around saying he owes them money. She learns her husband wasn't exacty what she thought.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the night-time by Mark Haddon 3* a young boy witb learning disabilities tries to solve the mystery of who killed the neghbor's dog
Awake by Elizabeth Graver 3* the story of a couple who have 2 sons, one who has a very rare skin condition that can't be exposed to light. they find a summer camp for other kids like him and their world starts to change.
Eye Contact by Cammie McGovern 4* a mystery revolving around an autistic boy. He and a little girl go into the woods together and he is found alive, she is found dead. His mother tries to help the police by finding out what he knows. Everytime I think i knew who did it I was wrong!
Sellivison by Augustus Burroughs (audio)3* cutesy story that revolves around the cast of a QVC-type television station
Resistance by Owen Sheers 3* set during WWII in England but written as if the Germans were winning and had invaded England. Interesting concept, the story itself was okay. It revolves around an isolated valley with a bunch of farms run by women whose husbands disappeared to help fight the Germans. 5 German soldiers arrive in the valley to the dimay of the women.
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenger (reread) 5* LOVE this book!!
Notes on a Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers 3* a story told in notes between a mother and daughter. Sadly, I could completely relate in this day when everything is rush rush rush....only my son and I text instead of leaving notes on the fridge!
The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman NF 3* the true story of a zookeper and his family in Poland during WWII. At times fascinating, it also has parts that just drag.
What Girls Learn by Karin Cook 3* 2 young sisters and their mother move north with their mother's new boyfriend. their world changes when their mother gets sick.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
February Reads
Jack's Widow by Eve Pollard DNF fictional account of Jackie O after JFK's assassination. I thought it would be interesting but she just whined over and over about his affairs. Gave up halfway through.
The Dark Room by Rachel Seiffert 3* actually 3 short stories all pertaining to WWII. The first story is about a boy/young man who has a missing chest muscle so can't fight for his country (Germany) during the war. It was an okay story 3*, the second story is about 5 children abandoned by their Nazi mother at the end of the war. Awesome, heartbreaking story 4* would have given it 5 * but i wanted more detail, i think this story alone would have made a fantastic book, the third story is about a man in the 90's who finds out his beloved grandfather was a Nazi 3*
Snow Angels by Stewart O'Nan 3.5* would have been 4 stars but the ending was horrible, it just ended. I kept looking to see if I was missing some pages or something! It's a story revolving around a teenage boy and his divorcing parents and then a parallel story about his old babysitter.
The Summer Guest by Justin Cronin 4* revolves around a summer camp in Maine and the family that runs it and one frequent visitor, evolves over several decades
The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan (NF) 3* History of those who stayed behind in the dustbowl. Parts of it were fascinating, parts of it were boring and dragged. I had to push myself to finish, but I learned a lot about that time that I wasn't previously aware of.
Gossip of the Starlings by Nina de Gramont (ARC) 3* the story of 2 rich teenage girls in private school. How their lives intersect their and outside of school with their outside friends. Hard to tell who is the bad influence as they both have their own issues. I found some of it unbelievable, but still couldn't put it down until the end.
An Absolute Gentleman by R.M. Kinder 4* a charming college professor is also a serial killer. Engrossing story, pulls you in from page 1. Not graphic or bloody.
The Dead of Summer by Camilla Way 4* the story of 3 oddballs who become friends and the horrible outcome of their summer
Ties That Bind, Ties That Break by Lensey Namioka (YA) 3* nice story about a young Chinse girl in 1911 who refuses to have her feet bound. Her father indulges her and forever changes her life.
A Ship Made of Paper by Scott Spencer 4* a white man begins an affair with the black mother of one of his step-daughter's friends.
Every Last Cuckoo by Kate Maloy 3* an okay story about an elderly lady who takes in "strays" when her husband dies
The Life You Longed For by Maribeth Fischer 4* a couple's 3 yr old son has a rare incurable disease. the mother is having an affair when she is accused of having Munchausen (intentionally causing her son's illness).
Orchard by Larry Watson 3* The story of a painter and his muse, the feelings of her huband and his wife. Not his best.
In My Hands by Irene Gut Opdyke (YA) (NF) the true story of Irene's life as a Polish resistance fighter during WWII. She helped many Jews, risking her and her families lives. Inspiring story, I just felt there wasn't much emotion in the telling.
Night of Flames by Douglas W. Jacobson 3* set during WWII, tells of a man and his wife who are seperated at the beginning of the war. They both fight, he for the Polish Army, she for the resistance. Interesting story, I just felt the ending was unrealistic.
No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarty (audio) 3*
A.D. 62 Pompeii by rebecca East 3* time travel A young college graduate volunteers to go back to AD 62 Pompeii. She ends up a slave. Light, easy read, somewhat of a romance.
Liars and Saints by Maile Meloy 4* the story of a Catholic family told from the 50's to the present. Each chapter is told by a different family member so you get different points of view from one event.
The Dark Room by Rachel Seiffert 3* actually 3 short stories all pertaining to WWII. The first story is about a boy/young man who has a missing chest muscle so can't fight for his country (Germany) during the war. It was an okay story 3*, the second story is about 5 children abandoned by their Nazi mother at the end of the war. Awesome, heartbreaking story 4* would have given it 5 * but i wanted more detail, i think this story alone would have made a fantastic book, the third story is about a man in the 90's who finds out his beloved grandfather was a Nazi 3*
Snow Angels by Stewart O'Nan 3.5* would have been 4 stars but the ending was horrible, it just ended. I kept looking to see if I was missing some pages or something! It's a story revolving around a teenage boy and his divorcing parents and then a parallel story about his old babysitter.
The Summer Guest by Justin Cronin 4* revolves around a summer camp in Maine and the family that runs it and one frequent visitor, evolves over several decades
The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan (NF) 3* History of those who stayed behind in the dustbowl. Parts of it were fascinating, parts of it were boring and dragged. I had to push myself to finish, but I learned a lot about that time that I wasn't previously aware of.
Gossip of the Starlings by Nina de Gramont (ARC) 3* the story of 2 rich teenage girls in private school. How their lives intersect their and outside of school with their outside friends. Hard to tell who is the bad influence as they both have their own issues. I found some of it unbelievable, but still couldn't put it down until the end.
An Absolute Gentleman by R.M. Kinder 4* a charming college professor is also a serial killer. Engrossing story, pulls you in from page 1. Not graphic or bloody.
The Dead of Summer by Camilla Way 4* the story of 3 oddballs who become friends and the horrible outcome of their summer
Ties That Bind, Ties That Break by Lensey Namioka (YA) 3* nice story about a young Chinse girl in 1911 who refuses to have her feet bound. Her father indulges her and forever changes her life.
A Ship Made of Paper by Scott Spencer 4* a white man begins an affair with the black mother of one of his step-daughter's friends.
Every Last Cuckoo by Kate Maloy 3* an okay story about an elderly lady who takes in "strays" when her husband dies
The Life You Longed For by Maribeth Fischer 4* a couple's 3 yr old son has a rare incurable disease. the mother is having an affair when she is accused of having Munchausen (intentionally causing her son's illness).
Orchard by Larry Watson 3* The story of a painter and his muse, the feelings of her huband and his wife. Not his best.
In My Hands by Irene Gut Opdyke (YA) (NF) the true story of Irene's life as a Polish resistance fighter during WWII. She helped many Jews, risking her and her families lives. Inspiring story, I just felt there wasn't much emotion in the telling.
Night of Flames by Douglas W. Jacobson 3* set during WWII, tells of a man and his wife who are seperated at the beginning of the war. They both fight, he for the Polish Army, she for the resistance. Interesting story, I just felt the ending was unrealistic.
No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarty (audio) 3*
A.D. 62 Pompeii by rebecca East 3* time travel A young college graduate volunteers to go back to AD 62 Pompeii. She ends up a slave. Light, easy read, somewhat of a romance.
Liars and Saints by Maile Meloy 4* the story of a Catholic family told from the 50's to the present. Each chapter is told by a different family member so you get different points of view from one event.
Friday, February 1, 2008
January reads
City of Shadows by Ariana Franklin 4* set in Berlin in 1920's to the early 30's. Revolves around a young Russian woman who works for a shady nightclub owner. he wants her to help prep a woman who may or may not be the murdered Romanov's daughter Anastasia. Not only was the story fascinating but it was so interesting reading about Hitler's rise to power from the people's point of view.
Leftovers by Laura Weiss 4* not listed as a YA but it read like one to me. The story revolves around 2 teenage girls with troubled home lives. Quick, easy read, couldn't put it down until I finished.
The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett 4* the story of the woman who is a magician's assistant (and best friend) for 22 years. They finally marry right before he dies. When he does, she finds out about a family he said was dead. The story is an exploration of his childhood and why he tried to forget it.
The Gathering by Anne Enright DNF ughhhhh, a story set in Ireland, but Maeve Binchy, she ain't! I got about 1/3 of the way through in the hopes it would get better but the story just bounced from one era to the next from one paragraph to the next it it was impossible to keep up. the writing was so murky I could never figure out what she was trying to say! I never like critically acclaimed novels, so why I tried this one is beyond me!
Slammerkin by Emma Donoghue 3* the story of Mary, turned out of her house by her mother when she's a teenager in London during the 1700's. What's a girl that young to do out in the streets with no skills or money? A sad story but I found myself hoping she would end up pulling herself up out of the streets.
Carry Me Home by Sandra Kring 4* set in a small town during WWII. It's told by a boy who is "slow". He had a fever when he was young and it "fried" his brain. His brother and friends head off to war and he is left behind. Interesting look at how life was like during the war (rationing, waiting for telegrams to say a loved one had died, polio).
Keeping the House by Ellen Baker 3* the story of a family over several generations (during WW I and II). the exerpts about wifely duties out of Ladies Home Journal were hilarious and made me sooo glad times have changed! the stories were good, but it just jumped back and forth too much for me to really feel anything for any of the characters
Lessons From a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles (YA) 3* the story of a troubled teen and her friend, who she torments
The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond 4* a woman is walking on the beach with her fiance's daughter and looks away for a minute. the girl disappears. the book chronicles their search and despair and how they each handle their grief differently. it's one of those books you can't stop thinking about after you finish.
The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin 4*(NF) the true story of a blizzard on the Dakota-Nebraska prairie on Jan 12th, 1888, has great background on a lot of the families involved, dragged a bit when it came to the weather forecasting
The Hiding Place by Trezza Azzopardi 2.5* the story of a family of sisters with a mentally unstable mother and a gambling father. Depressing story that just jumps all over and is hard to follow. I had to push to finish it.
The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett 4* a woman finds out she's pregnant and runs away from her life. she isn't in love with her husband and can't see having a baby, so she goes to a home for unwed mothers run by nuns.
White Crosses by Larry Watson 4* set in 1957 a sheriff of a small town in Montana goes to the scene of an accident with the principal of the elementary school and an 18 year old girl in one car together. it looks like they are running away together. the sheriff makes a decision that night that will affect the rest of his life.
Forgotten Ellis Island by Lorie Conway 4* (NF)fascinating history of the hospital at Ellis Island, a little repetitive in parts, but overall a terrific book. loved all the pics of the immigrants, really brought the book alive.
Blueberry Hill by Marcia Evanick (audio) 3* romantic fluff. Not my typical type of book, but was a cute story. The only thing that drove me insane was the reader kept pronouncing Bangor "bangER". NO ONE in Maine pronunces it that way!!!
Francesca's Kitchen by Peter Pezzelli 3* light easy read about a widowed grandmother who becomes a nanny for a single mom with 2 children
Boy A by Jonathan Trigell 3* a sad tale of a boy who commits a horrific crime with a friend when he is a child. He is finally released from the prison system when he's 24 but for his own safety he is always know as Boy A. The story follows his life when he is released plus flashbacks to his childhood and time in prison.
The Liar's Diary by Patry Francis 4* a plain Jane school secretary's hum drum life is shaken up when she is befriended by the
sexy new music teacher. Her whole life is blown apart when secrets come out.
Pieces of My Sister's Life by Elizabeth Joy Arnold 2.5* The story of the relationship between 2 twin sisters and their neighbor boy best friend. I found the entire story unbelievable. Only gave it 2.5* since I actually finished it.
Leftovers by Laura Weiss 4* not listed as a YA but it read like one to me. The story revolves around 2 teenage girls with troubled home lives. Quick, easy read, couldn't put it down until I finished.
The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett 4* the story of the woman who is a magician's assistant (and best friend) for 22 years. They finally marry right before he dies. When he does, she finds out about a family he said was dead. The story is an exploration of his childhood and why he tried to forget it.
The Gathering by Anne Enright DNF ughhhhh, a story set in Ireland, but Maeve Binchy, she ain't! I got about 1/3 of the way through in the hopes it would get better but the story just bounced from one era to the next from one paragraph to the next it it was impossible to keep up. the writing was so murky I could never figure out what she was trying to say! I never like critically acclaimed novels, so why I tried this one is beyond me!
Slammerkin by Emma Donoghue 3* the story of Mary, turned out of her house by her mother when she's a teenager in London during the 1700's. What's a girl that young to do out in the streets with no skills or money? A sad story but I found myself hoping she would end up pulling herself up out of the streets.
Carry Me Home by Sandra Kring 4* set in a small town during WWII. It's told by a boy who is "slow". He had a fever when he was young and it "fried" his brain. His brother and friends head off to war and he is left behind. Interesting look at how life was like during the war (rationing, waiting for telegrams to say a loved one had died, polio).
Keeping the House by Ellen Baker 3* the story of a family over several generations (during WW I and II). the exerpts about wifely duties out of Ladies Home Journal were hilarious and made me sooo glad times have changed! the stories were good, but it just jumped back and forth too much for me to really feel anything for any of the characters
Lessons From a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles (YA) 3* the story of a troubled teen and her friend, who she torments
The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond 4* a woman is walking on the beach with her fiance's daughter and looks away for a minute. the girl disappears. the book chronicles their search and despair and how they each handle their grief differently. it's one of those books you can't stop thinking about after you finish.
The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin 4*(NF) the true story of a blizzard on the Dakota-Nebraska prairie on Jan 12th, 1888, has great background on a lot of the families involved, dragged a bit when it came to the weather forecasting
The Hiding Place by Trezza Azzopardi 2.5* the story of a family of sisters with a mentally unstable mother and a gambling father. Depressing story that just jumps all over and is hard to follow. I had to push to finish it.
The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett 4* a woman finds out she's pregnant and runs away from her life. she isn't in love with her husband and can't see having a baby, so she goes to a home for unwed mothers run by nuns.
White Crosses by Larry Watson 4* set in 1957 a sheriff of a small town in Montana goes to the scene of an accident with the principal of the elementary school and an 18 year old girl in one car together. it looks like they are running away together. the sheriff makes a decision that night that will affect the rest of his life.
Forgotten Ellis Island by Lorie Conway 4* (NF)fascinating history of the hospital at Ellis Island, a little repetitive in parts, but overall a terrific book. loved all the pics of the immigrants, really brought the book alive.
Blueberry Hill by Marcia Evanick (audio) 3* romantic fluff. Not my typical type of book, but was a cute story. The only thing that drove me insane was the reader kept pronouncing Bangor "bangER". NO ONE in Maine pronunces it that way!!!
Francesca's Kitchen by Peter Pezzelli 3* light easy read about a widowed grandmother who becomes a nanny for a single mom with 2 children
Boy A by Jonathan Trigell 3* a sad tale of a boy who commits a horrific crime with a friend when he is a child. He is finally released from the prison system when he's 24 but for his own safety he is always know as Boy A. The story follows his life when he is released plus flashbacks to his childhood and time in prison.
The Liar's Diary by Patry Francis 4* a plain Jane school secretary's hum drum life is shaken up when she is befriended by the
sexy new music teacher. Her whole life is blown apart when secrets come out.
Pieces of My Sister's Life by Elizabeth Joy Arnold 2.5* The story of the relationship between 2 twin sisters and their neighbor boy best friend. I found the entire story unbelievable. Only gave it 2.5* since I actually finished it.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Best of 2007
These were my favorite of the year, in no particular order.
All The Numbers by Judy Merrill Larsen
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Ride The Wind by Lucia St. Clair Robinson
These Is My Words by Nancy Turner
Blackbird by Jennifer Lauck
TallGrass by Sandra Dallas
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling
Whistling in the Dark by Leslie Kagen
Lottery by Patricia Wood
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
All The Numbers by Judy Merrill Larsen
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Ride The Wind by Lucia St. Clair Robinson
These Is My Words by Nancy Turner
Blackbird by Jennifer Lauck
TallGrass by Sandra Dallas
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling
Whistling in the Dark by Leslie Kagen
Lottery by Patricia Wood
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
December reads
What A Woman Must Do by Faith Sullivan 3* small town life revolving around a family of 3 women
Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy (audio)4* just her typical story in Ireland. I just love her writing.
Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Mardsen (YA) the story of 7 teenagers in Australia who "go bush". When they come back their world has compelety changed as a war has broken out and all of their families taken hostage. I had to push myself to finish though, just not my cup of tea. I also didn't realize this was the first in a series. My 17 yr old son loved the entire series......
Doomsday Book by Connie Willis 3.5* time travel book. An historian from 2057 goes back to the 1300's. the story runs parallel from the present back to where she is, problems at both times as to whether she will be able to get back.
Deadline by Chris Crutcher YA 3.5* a high school senior finds out he has left than a year to live and he decides to do things differently (my teenage son rated this a 5).
The Way life Should Be by Christina Baker Kline 4* light easy read a woman has a midlife crisis and moves to Maine, has some good recipes too.
Gifts by Ursula K. Le Guin YA 3* the story of 2 teens with amazing gifts
The Hindi-Bindi Club by Monica Pradhan 4* The story of 3 Indian women and their daughters who all live in America. I loved reading about their culture.
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout (ARC) 5* the story of a woman in Maine told from various points of view, her, her family, neighbors, townspeople, etc. Makes you remember how you see yourself is not how others see you.
Hidden by Paul Jaskunas 3* the love story of a couple and then the demise of their relationship. Did he attack her or did he not?
Torch by Cheryl Strayed 3* the story of a lady who is diagnosed with cancer and given less than a year to live. The story revolves around the effects on her and her family.
Golden Country by Jennifer Gilmore 3* an okay story about 3 Jewish families from 1925-1959.
Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy (audio)4* just her typical story in Ireland. I just love her writing.
Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Mardsen (YA) the story of 7 teenagers in Australia who "go bush". When they come back their world has compelety changed as a war has broken out and all of their families taken hostage. I had to push myself to finish though, just not my cup of tea. I also didn't realize this was the first in a series. My 17 yr old son loved the entire series......
Doomsday Book by Connie Willis 3.5* time travel book. An historian from 2057 goes back to the 1300's. the story runs parallel from the present back to where she is, problems at both times as to whether she will be able to get back.
Deadline by Chris Crutcher YA 3.5* a high school senior finds out he has left than a year to live and he decides to do things differently (my teenage son rated this a 5).
The Way life Should Be by Christina Baker Kline 4* light easy read a woman has a midlife crisis and moves to Maine, has some good recipes too.
Gifts by Ursula K. Le Guin YA 3* the story of 2 teens with amazing gifts
The Hindi-Bindi Club by Monica Pradhan 4* The story of 3 Indian women and their daughters who all live in America. I loved reading about their culture.
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout (ARC) 5* the story of a woman in Maine told from various points of view, her, her family, neighbors, townspeople, etc. Makes you remember how you see yourself is not how others see you.
Hidden by Paul Jaskunas 3* the love story of a couple and then the demise of their relationship. Did he attack her or did he not?
Torch by Cheryl Strayed 3* the story of a lady who is diagnosed with cancer and given less than a year to live. The story revolves around the effects on her and her family.
Golden Country by Jennifer Gilmore 3* an okay story about 3 Jewish families from 1925-1959.
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