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.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
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.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
November reads
No books blew me away this month. A few duds though.....I take that back, A Thousand Different Suns was very powerful and moving!
The Honk and Holler Opening Soon by Billie Letts 4* story about the lives that surround a parapalegic man that runs a restaurant
The Sound of Us by Sarah Willis 4* a woman who has just lost her twin brother befriends a 6 year old girl who is left at home by herself. she then tries to become her foster parent.
Chatter by Perrin Ireland (ARC) 3* story about a couple whose marriage is having problems. He finds out he has a daughter from a long ago relationship which strains their marriage. The writing is different, just very abrupt.....
Engleby by Sebastian Faulks 2.5* an odd story about a man who can't remember chunks of time. a friend of his in college is killed and he is a suspect. Decent story, just bogged down trying to be too intelluctual.
A Good Distance by Sarah Willis 4* a woman takes care of her mother who has Alzheimer's and they both flash back on their lives
The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin (audio) YA 4* story of three children who live with their mentally abusive mother
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini 4.5* the story of 2 women in Afganistan over a period of several decades. I have a newfound compassion and admiration for Afghan women.
Summer's Child by Diane Chamberlain 2.5* a girl finds a baby on the beach and her family ends up adopting it. 20 years later everyone is trying to figure out who the mother is. too many twists, not plausible at all
Frankie's Place by Jim Sterba DNF love story set in Maine. The author got Maine perfectly but outside of the setting the book is incredibly boring. I made it halfway through and then just couldn't go on.
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan 3* historical fiction based on the love affair of Mamah Cheney and Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Melancholy Fate of Capt. Lewis by Michael Pritchett (ARC) DNF this book starts off strong. I found the parts about Capt. Lewis interesting and the story of the modern day character engaging also. The problem is the book got so boring in the middle I found I couldn't go on even though I wanted to know what happened. I picked it up several different times and it just seems to be stuck, going nowhere, so I finally gave up.
Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick DNF (I picked up in honor of Thanksgiving) just too dry, couldn't finish
The English Teacher by Lily King 3.5* the story of a woman and her son, it's always been just the 2 of them, then she marries a widower who has 3 kids.
Theory of Relativity by Jacquelyn Mitchard 3.5* a couple dies and the fight by various family members to adopt their only child ensues. It's just a medicore story (not her best) but i thought the ending raised the rating a little.
The Alienest by Caleb Carr 3* a murder mystery set in the 1890's. Drags a bit in places but interesting to see how police solved murders back then before DNA, fingerprints, and profiling was available.
Along Comes A Stranger by Dorie McCollough Lawson 4* the story of a woman who is drawn to her mil's new boyfriend. Qucik read but I had trouble putting it down!
Hamilton by Catherine Cookson 3.5* the story of woman who has a tough childhood with an abusive mother and then an unhappy marriage. She begins talking to an imaginary friend that helps her get through.
Goodbye Hamilton by Catherine Cookson 3* the continuation of the Hamilton story
The Honk and Holler Opening Soon by Billie Letts 4* story about the lives that surround a parapalegic man that runs a restaurant
The Sound of Us by Sarah Willis 4* a woman who has just lost her twin brother befriends a 6 year old girl who is left at home by herself. she then tries to become her foster parent.
Chatter by Perrin Ireland (ARC) 3* story about a couple whose marriage is having problems. He finds out he has a daughter from a long ago relationship which strains their marriage. The writing is different, just very abrupt.....
Engleby by Sebastian Faulks 2.5* an odd story about a man who can't remember chunks of time. a friend of his in college is killed and he is a suspect. Decent story, just bogged down trying to be too intelluctual.
A Good Distance by Sarah Willis 4* a woman takes care of her mother who has Alzheimer's and they both flash back on their lives
The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin (audio) YA 4* story of three children who live with their mentally abusive mother
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini 4.5* the story of 2 women in Afganistan over a period of several decades. I have a newfound compassion and admiration for Afghan women.
Summer's Child by Diane Chamberlain 2.5* a girl finds a baby on the beach and her family ends up adopting it. 20 years later everyone is trying to figure out who the mother is. too many twists, not plausible at all
Frankie's Place by Jim Sterba DNF love story set in Maine. The author got Maine perfectly but outside of the setting the book is incredibly boring. I made it halfway through and then just couldn't go on.
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan 3* historical fiction based on the love affair of Mamah Cheney and Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Melancholy Fate of Capt. Lewis by Michael Pritchett (ARC) DNF this book starts off strong. I found the parts about Capt. Lewis interesting and the story of the modern day character engaging also. The problem is the book got so boring in the middle I found I couldn't go on even though I wanted to know what happened. I picked it up several different times and it just seems to be stuck, going nowhere, so I finally gave up.
Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick DNF (I picked up in honor of Thanksgiving) just too dry, couldn't finish
The English Teacher by Lily King 3.5* the story of a woman and her son, it's always been just the 2 of them, then she marries a widower who has 3 kids.
Theory of Relativity by Jacquelyn Mitchard 3.5* a couple dies and the fight by various family members to adopt their only child ensues. It's just a medicore story (not her best) but i thought the ending raised the rating a little.
The Alienest by Caleb Carr 3* a murder mystery set in the 1890's. Drags a bit in places but interesting to see how police solved murders back then before DNA, fingerprints, and profiling was available.
Along Comes A Stranger by Dorie McCollough Lawson 4* the story of a woman who is drawn to her mil's new boyfriend. Qucik read but I had trouble putting it down!
Hamilton by Catherine Cookson 3.5* the story of woman who has a tough childhood with an abusive mother and then an unhappy marriage. She begins talking to an imaginary friend that helps her get through.
Goodbye Hamilton by Catherine Cookson 3* the continuation of the Hamilton story
Thursday, November 1, 2007
October Reads
Blaze by Stephen King (audio) 3* the story of a not-too-smart crook kidnapping a baby, I think I liked the story more because the reader did an excellent job with all the voices. I don't think I would have been as thrilled reading the actual story myself. It's definitely not King's best.
Songs in Ordinary Time by Mary McGarry Morris 2.5* small town life in the 60's revolves around a family whose mother is taken in by a con man. This is an Oprah's book club book, but this is one time she and I do not agree. i found the story boring and it dragged on entirely too long (I think 300 pages could have been cut!). I only finished it in the hopes that it would get better....it never did!
A Piece of Normal by Sandi Kahn Shelton 3* a woman's sister who has been missing for over 10 years returns home and disrupts her structured life.
Lottery by Patricia Wood (audio) 5* LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! About a simple man (he is NOT retarded as he will keep telling you) that wins the lottery and learns a lot about people.
My Mother the Cheerleader by Robert Sharenow (YA) 4* great YA book about segregation in the 60's told from a child's viewpoint
Still Summer by Jacquelyn Mitchard 4* a group of friends go on a sailing vacation and tragedy ensues
Outside Valentine by Liza Ward 3* a fictional account of the Starkweather killings in NE. I found it too "deep", just came across depressing to me.
Promise Not To Tell by Jennifer McMahon 4* on the night a woman returns to her hometown a murder occurs that eerily mirrors the one of her childhood friend
The Bad Boy's Wife by Karen Shepard 3* the story of a woman who marries the bad boy and what happens to both of them and their child
The Other Side of the Bridge by Mary Lawson 3.5* small town life in a northern Canadian town. Rivalry between 2 brothers.
The Star Garden by Nancy E. Turner 3.5* 3rd in the series, not as good as the others....
After This by Alice McDermott (audio) DNF, not sure if I will, pretty boring!
On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan 3* reads like poetry but I found the story itself lacking. It just seemed like a short story that ran too long. About a couple's romance and their wedding night.
Shadow Baby by Alison McGhee 4* the story of an 11 yr old girl who befriends an old immigrant man for a school assignment. quick read but very moving.
Songs in Ordinary Time by Mary McGarry Morris 2.5* small town life in the 60's revolves around a family whose mother is taken in by a con man. This is an Oprah's book club book, but this is one time she and I do not agree. i found the story boring and it dragged on entirely too long (I think 300 pages could have been cut!). I only finished it in the hopes that it would get better....it never did!
A Piece of Normal by Sandi Kahn Shelton 3* a woman's sister who has been missing for over 10 years returns home and disrupts her structured life.
Lottery by Patricia Wood (audio) 5* LOVED LOVED LOVED this book! About a simple man (he is NOT retarded as he will keep telling you) that wins the lottery and learns a lot about people.
My Mother the Cheerleader by Robert Sharenow (YA) 4* great YA book about segregation in the 60's told from a child's viewpoint
Still Summer by Jacquelyn Mitchard 4* a group of friends go on a sailing vacation and tragedy ensues
Outside Valentine by Liza Ward 3* a fictional account of the Starkweather killings in NE. I found it too "deep", just came across depressing to me.
Promise Not To Tell by Jennifer McMahon 4* on the night a woman returns to her hometown a murder occurs that eerily mirrors the one of her childhood friend
The Bad Boy's Wife by Karen Shepard 3* the story of a woman who marries the bad boy and what happens to both of them and their child
The Other Side of the Bridge by Mary Lawson 3.5* small town life in a northern Canadian town. Rivalry between 2 brothers.
The Star Garden by Nancy E. Turner 3.5* 3rd in the series, not as good as the others....
After This by Alice McDermott (audio) DNF, not sure if I will, pretty boring!
On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan 3* reads like poetry but I found the story itself lacking. It just seemed like a short story that ran too long. About a couple's romance and their wedding night.
Shadow Baby by Alison McGhee 4* the story of an 11 yr old girl who befriends an old immigrant man for a school assignment. quick read but very moving.
Friday, October 5, 2007
September reads
Some really good books this month!
Whistling in the Dark by Leslie Kagen 4.5* story in the 1950's that follows one little girl during the summer in a small town where there are little girls being killed and raped
Number The Stars by Lois Lowry (YA) (audio) 3* just too young for me, but otherwise a decent story set in Denmark during WWII
God Don't Like Ugly by Mary Monroe DNF ugh, just couldn't finish. Halfway through I just decided there was no point in torturing myself any longer!
Mary Modern by Camille Deangelis 3.5* interesting story about a lady who clones her grandmother. She is expecting a baby and instead gets a 22 year old woman and all the trouble that insues.
Killer instinct by Joseph Finder 3.5* (audio) a business executive befriends a man who "helps" him get ahead
Pioneer Women by Linda Peavy and Ursula Smith 4* true stories of women of the frontier. Loved that there were actual pictures of the women accompanying the stories. A little dry in places, but otherwise a great book depicting how life was for women back then.
Two Truths and a Lie by Katrina Kittle 4* The story revolves around a woman who told her husband when they first met that she had a twin that died. She kept the lie up for 8 years. The story involves a murder, so there is suspense and heartbreak. great story, the only thing I didn't find believable was the reading animals' minds.
Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock (YA) (audio) 4* very good for a YA book! it's about a girl who lives n a farm and decides to try out for the football team. I don't like football but still found it to be an interesting story.
The Rest of Her Life by Laura Moriarty 4* the story of a mom whose daughter hits a teenager in a crosswalk while talking on her cell phone. I felt for all the parties involved. Great story!
A Brief Lunacy by Cynthia Thayer 3* the story of an elderly couple who get taken hostage in their own home
The Book of Bright of Ideas by Sandra Kring 4* a girl and her pretty sister move in and shake up a small town, some stuff was predictable, but a great read
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (audio) 4* a dark read, but very good, about a reporter who heads back to her hometown for a story and confronts some of her own issues
Sister Mine by Tawni O'Dell 3.5* an ex-cop woman who lives in a mining town, her sister (who she thought was dead) shows up pregnant. It was a good read until the end, it felt forced and unbelievable.
Triangle by Katharine Webber 3.5* a good story about a woman who survives the Triangle Shirtwaist fire in 1911.
The Hazards of Sleeping Alone by Elise Juska 3* chick lit about a middle aged divorced woman handling an empty nest
Whistling in the Dark by Leslie Kagen 4.5* story in the 1950's that follows one little girl during the summer in a small town where there are little girls being killed and raped
Number The Stars by Lois Lowry (YA) (audio) 3* just too young for me, but otherwise a decent story set in Denmark during WWII
God Don't Like Ugly by Mary Monroe DNF ugh, just couldn't finish. Halfway through I just decided there was no point in torturing myself any longer!
Mary Modern by Camille Deangelis 3.5* interesting story about a lady who clones her grandmother. She is expecting a baby and instead gets a 22 year old woman and all the trouble that insues.
Killer instinct by Joseph Finder 3.5* (audio) a business executive befriends a man who "helps" him get ahead
Pioneer Women by Linda Peavy and Ursula Smith 4* true stories of women of the frontier. Loved that there were actual pictures of the women accompanying the stories. A little dry in places, but otherwise a great book depicting how life was for women back then.
Two Truths and a Lie by Katrina Kittle 4* The story revolves around a woman who told her husband when they first met that she had a twin that died. She kept the lie up for 8 years. The story involves a murder, so there is suspense and heartbreak. great story, the only thing I didn't find believable was the reading animals' minds.
Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock (YA) (audio) 4* very good for a YA book! it's about a girl who lives n a farm and decides to try out for the football team. I don't like football but still found it to be an interesting story.
The Rest of Her Life by Laura Moriarty 4* the story of a mom whose daughter hits a teenager in a crosswalk while talking on her cell phone. I felt for all the parties involved. Great story!
A Brief Lunacy by Cynthia Thayer 3* the story of an elderly couple who get taken hostage in their own home
The Book of Bright of Ideas by Sandra Kring 4* a girl and her pretty sister move in and shake up a small town, some stuff was predictable, but a great read
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (audio) 4* a dark read, but very good, about a reporter who heads back to her hometown for a story and confronts some of her own issues
Sister Mine by Tawni O'Dell 3.5* an ex-cop woman who lives in a mining town, her sister (who she thought was dead) shows up pregnant. It was a good read until the end, it felt forced and unbelievable.
Triangle by Katharine Webber 3.5* a good story about a woman who survives the Triangle Shirtwaist fire in 1911.
The Hazards of Sleeping Alone by Elise Juska 3* chick lit about a middle aged divorced woman handling an empty nest
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