The Help, Kathryn Stockett

This is the story of the gradual desegregation of the south in the 60's, but also a fascinating description of the white women of Jackson, and the black women who are their servants. Serious at times, and funny at others, very readable. Recommended by Aunt Nanny, but it seems like everyone I talked to is reading it.

The Scarecrow, Michael Connelly

Read in the car, books on tape, on way to Carmel and back. Newspaper reporter Jack McEvoy, and FBI agent Rachel Walling solve complicated crime, involving trunk murders, wrongly accused suspects, a serial killer, and computer mastermind, involving both of them in a life and death struggle. Jack may well earn a Pulitzer for this story. Very engaging.

The Girl Who Played With Fire, Stieg Laarson

This is hard to read because of the incredible violence, and because it is a little hard to keep some of the characters straight, but it is the second of the trilogy about Lizbeth Salander. Really well-written; I kept putting this aside, but I couldn't not finishe it, and I will probably read the last one.

The Lucky One, Nicholas Sparks

Another novel by the NYTimes best-selling author. An engaging story, and a delightful airplane read on he way to Seattle and Bellingham, and back. A loaner from Jackie.

Nine Dragons, Michael Connelly

Another really well done detective story, taking place in LA and Hong Kong. Lots of lot twists. Read on way to Washington DC on Kindle.

The Shunning, Beverly Lewis

Story of an Amish girl, actually adopted at birth, and her struggles with the Plain life. Well told, very readable, and I learned a lot about the Amish.

True Blue, David Baldacci

Takes place in DC, which I liked, two sisters involved in crime, which I also liked, and a good story.