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).
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
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.
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