Tulip Talk

V is for Vengeance, Sue Grafton

2011-12-09T11:41:00.001-08:00

Ok , another in the series, but I can't stop!

A Cold Heart, Jonathan Kellerman

2011-12-09T11:38:00.002-08:00

On the shelf in San Miguel; I have a feeling I have read it before, or maybe it's just really formulaic.

Night Circus, Erin Morgenstern

2011-12-09T11:38:00.001-08:00

The Death of American Morality

2011-12-09T11:37:00.001-08:00

The battle between Bill Clinton and Ken Starr

To Hell on a Fast Horse

2011-12-09T11:36:00.000-08:00

The story of the battle between Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett

Run for Your Life; James Patterson

2011-12-09T11:35:00.002-08:00

This Side of Paradise, Scott Fitzgerald

2011-12-09T11:35:00.001-08:00

A re-read. But I got a lot more out of it this time.

The Steve Jobs Book, Walter Isaackson

2011-12-09T11:33:00.000-08:00

Read in San Miguel de Allende. I got the point early on about Jobs being unkept, rude, brilliant, unorthodox, and unable to play nicely with others. I didn't finish; Jon did and said I should give it another go.

All the Kings Men

2011-10-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

I re read this because it was chosen as West Sacramento's One City One Book. And I say re read, because I found my college copy, complete with underlinings which made no sense, and I sure didn't feel like I knew a lot about it. I wonder what that says about that college English class. I really enjoyed this reading; Jon and I are now watching the Sean Penn/Jude Law 2006 version of the book, movie form.

In the Garden of Beasts, Erik Larsen

2011-10-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

A really interesting of the rise of Hitler, told by the American diplomat in Germany, and his daughter.

Bones; Jonathan Kellerman

2011-10-03T07:46:00.001-07:00

Curse of the Medallion Jeff Edwards

2011-10-03T07:44:00.000-07:00

A good story about the curse of the medallion on the Corvette in which James Dean was killed.

The Silent Girl Tess Gerritsen

2011-10-03T07:43:00.002-07:00

A Rizolli and Isles

Winter Sea Susanna Kearsley

2011-10-03T07:43:00.001-07:00

Lethal Sandra Brown

2011-10-03T07:41:00.000-07:00

Good one. A few tweaks in the formula

Lords of Discipline, Pat Conroy

2011-08-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

The story of Charlestown, and the brutal hazing at the Citadel, and life in South Carolina in the 60's.

Calebs Crossing, Geraldine Brooks

2011-08-06T15:56:00.000-07:00

A native American is a main character, but it is told through a girl who befriends him; he is one of the first Native Americans to go to Harvard.

The Killer Angels

2011-08-06T15:55:00.000-07:00

I read this in Gettysburg; it is a really interesting account of the battle, the generals, the setting etc.

A Stolen Life, Jaycee Dugard

2011-07-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

I was riveted; and amazed that this young woman, with a fifth grade education, is as literate as she is-not just in this book, but when interviewed.

Does the Noise in my Head Bother You, Steven Tyler

2011-07-06T22:30:00.000-07:00

Smokin Seventeen, Janet Evanovich

2011-07-06T22:29:00.002-07:00

Live Wire, Harlan Coben

2011-07-06T22:29:00.001-07:00

STATE OF WONDER, ANN PATCHETT

2011-07-06T22:28:00.000-07:00

Dreams of Joy, Lisa See

2011-06-29T07:14:00.000-07:00

This novel picks up the story of two sisters living in Shanghai during the WW2. In this book, Pearl goes back to China to find their daughter Joy, who has gone to find her father, and to work in a communist commune. It is an unflinching account of life in China and of Chairman Mao's Great Leap Forward, when government mandates created a severe, devastating famine. It is a story of the love of the mother and daughter, the triumph of the human spirit, and what I can only assume is an accurate picture of life in China at the end of the 1950's. This is a hard to put down book.

The Education of Mrs. Bemis, John Sedgewick

2011-06-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

Bought at Michael's garage sale; really nice to have a real book in my hands. Nice story. I think Michael said he read it because someone was considering making a movie of it, but they changed their minds. I liked the inter-generational interest and respect.

Something Borrowed, Emily Griffin

2011-06-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

Not sure how I got this one on my Kindel, but interesting summer reading; contemporary romance which actually works out well in the end. Or maybe they all do.

Worth Dying For Lee Child

2011-06-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

This is the 15th 'Reacher' thriller, but it is the first one for me. On his way to meet a woman in Virginia, Reacher solves the disappearance of Margaret, stops the Asian child smuggling ring, and ends the total domination of the small town by the Duncan family. Lots of ruthless butt kicking and survival skills.

Sing You Home Jodi Picoult

2011-06-07T08:46:00.000-07:00

This one deals with lesbian marriage, and frozen sperm, and who has the right to it; the biological birth mother/donor, or the now divorced birth father/donor. Certainly timely, as usual, and the usual enjoyably written story.

Bossypants,, Tina Fey

2011-05-27T10:23:00.000-07:00

The reviews said hilarious, laugh out loud funny. My daughter liked it a lot. I thought it got a little tedious, and very self-involved. I guess I learned more about Tina and Saturday Night Live than I really needed to know.

The Bid Tent Saturday Wedding, Alexander McCall Smith

2011-05-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

Another in a series about a lady detective in Africa-but mostly she is a wise, peaceful, graceful woman, proud of her country of Botswana. Lots of detecting, but also lots of description about her country, its people, and their customs.

Mystery; an Alex Delaware story, Jonathan Kellerman

2011-05-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

I love these for the story line, and the descriptions of locations in LA, many of which I know. And after all the books about this character, I feel I know him too.

Room; Emma Donoghue

2011-05-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

This one is really interesting, but it took me a while to get into it. Certainly a current topic with the Jaycee Duggar case going on, and I thought they did a good job talking for the five year old child; told a lot about how he would feel, never having been in the world, adjusting to family he didn't know he had etc., and the problems both he and his mother had with media attention etc.

The Drinker, Hans Falada

2011-05-08T17:39:00.000-07:00

The Paris Wife, Paula Mclain

2011-04-28T17:26:00.000-07:00

This was fascinating-a really good, detailed picture of life between the two wars, with so many young writers. It is the story of Ernest Hemingway, told from the perspective of his first wife Hadley, but includes so many others I had read, or read about. Really well done.

Saving Rachel, John Locke

2011-04-21T17:18:00.000-07:00

This kept me confused for the whole book, but I was in good company, because so was the major character. And it didn't end well for him.

The Reversal, Michael Connelly

2011-04-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

Hmmm. Took me 40 pages to be sure I had read this before. It was the sentences about the church being so crowded that the neighbors got a no-park on Sunday except by owner, and that started a thriving tow-truck business.

The Red Garden, Alice Hoffman

2011-04-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

A review I read said this book could be considered a story collection or a novel, and I know why. There are 14 separate stories in the book, all about the town of Blackwell, Massachusetts, starting in 1750, and ending in the present. The stories stand alone, but are all related in some way. Fascinating.

TickTock, James Patterson

2011-04-19T13:46:00.003-07:00

If this were the first detective/psycho killer book I had read, I would think it was wonderful.

Minding Frankie, Maeve Binchy

2011-04-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

This was a good one, but I had a little trouble keeping the characters straight, and I may have read one too many Maeve Binchy's. I do like how she references other of her novels in this one, having the characters eat at a restaurant in previous book etc.

When The Killings Done, TCBoyle

2011-03-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

Usually I love T.C. Boyle's novels, but this one left me a little flat. There is the usual skillful weaving of all the characters together, and the final catastrophic event, but I guess I got tired of the theme-should nature be allowed to take care of the islands off the coast of California, or should people help control the populations of native animals. Maybe it's too familiar, or too close to home.

Mudbound, Hillary Jordan

2011-03-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

Mudbound is the book chosen this year as Pasadena's One City One Book. It is a first novel by a woman whose grandparents had a farm in Arkansas, just after the second words war, and she grew up hearing stories about it. It won the 2006 Bellwether Prize for Fiction, awarded biennially to a debut novel that addresses issues of social justice.

It was a primitive place, without running water, electricity, but full of the racism of the deep south. The story is told in six voices; Laura the wife/mother on the farm, Henry, her husband, Jaime, his brother who had been a pilot in the war, Florence, the black negro midwife, and housekeeper, Ronsel, Florence son, and a former soldier, and Hap.

There is a section of q and a's in the back, with the author, but I hope I get to attend the meeting in Pasadena.

Hell's Corner, David Baldacci

2011-02-28T15:07:00.000-08:00

I'm a sucker for novels set in DC; this is a good one.

The Lightning Thief, Rick Riordan

2011-02-17T16:02:00.000-08:00

I started reading this because my grandson Mason needed a book to read, and I didn't have any third grade books. This is not my usual favorite genre-fantasy adventure-but it was well-written, and I enjoyed it. Twelve year old Percy (Perseus) Jackson discovers he is a demi-god, the son of Poseidan and a mortal mother. He is sent on a quest to prevent an all-out war between Zeus, Poseidan and Hades. Evidently this was made into a movie in 2005, and it is part of a series. Not sure I will read more, but I liked this one.

The Crossroads Cafe, Deborah Smith

2011-02-02T21:57:00.000-08:00

A movie star/beauty queen is badly burned in a car accident, and decides to go live on the farm in North Carolina that her grandmother has left her. Of course she finds true love. Read this one on a flight from Chicago to Greensburg.

The Hangman's Daughter, Oliver Potzsch

2011-02-02T21:53:00.000-08:00

Evidently the author is a descendant of the hangman in this story. It takes place in the 1600's, and has witchcraft, hidden treasure, and a mystery, plus lots of details of the lives of the people in the village. I liked it a lot.

Safe Haven, Nicholas Sparks

2011-02-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

This formula novel has the theme of an abused wife, who has fled her husband and found a new life, and a new ready-made family. When the husband finds her, she saves the two kids and eventually shoots him. Also a great airplane read.

Millie's Fling, Jill Mansell

2011-02-02T21:49:00.000-08:00

The novels equivalent of a chick flick, but funny and a great way to spend a flight across the country.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Mark Haddon.

2011-01-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

Another of the books chosen by the Saint John's Book Club, this is the story of Christopher, a self-described math expert, with behavioral problems. Although it is not stated, he is autistic, probably with aspergers. It is a fascinating glimpse into the mind of this 15 year old boy, living in England, his father with whom he lives, and his mother whom he travels to London to find.

I liked it a lot, even though most of the mathematics was way over my head.

Sarah's Key

2011-01-16T13:05:00.000-08:00

A tough subject, but very readable, and I really enjoyed it. The story is told by two people. One is Sarah, a ten year old Jewish girl in France, rounded up by the French police in July 1942. She leaves behind her four year old brother, locked in a cupboard. And it is also the story of an American woman, a journalist in France, married to a Frenchman. Their lives become joined, when the journalist discovers her French family took over the apartment Sarah left, and then searches for the "rest of the story".

The Confession, John Grisham

2010-12-17T18:12:00.000-08:00

I really have enjoyed all of Grisham's novels, and this one is no exception. This story centers around a man on death row, an innocent man, who was coerced into admitting the killing of a high school girl he knew. He's black, she's white; he was a high school football star, and she was a cheerleader.The real killer comes forward, too late, but leads a minister and the defense attorney on a chase to clear the name of the wrongly accused man. The death penalty in Texas, and the actions of the police in the small town are also front page news.

The Charming Quirks of Others, Alexander McCall Smith

2010-12-17T18:10:00.000-08:00

There isn't really anything new in this book, but it's like checking in with some really good friends, and seeing what's going on in their lives. Isabel does her usual gentle job of solving problems. I loved it.

Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Slayer, Seth Graham Smith

2010-11-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

Really terrific; we listened to this in the car on the way to Pasadena. I liked it better than Pride and Prejudice. I love the way he weaves real historical facts with the vampires; makes you wonder-explanations seem really plausible.

I still Dream About You, Fannie Flagg

2010-11-21T12:13:00.000-08:00

I first saw Fannie Flagg as a comedian, on I think Alan Funts hidden camera show, not that she isn't funny in this novel. Like Fried Green Tomatoes, it takes place in the South, and has a murder/mystery, and strong women; it gives you a real sensory look at life in Birmingham Alabama-current day, and recent past. I loved it.

Body Work, Sara Paretsky

2010-11-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

The first time I read any of this prolific authors books, it was because my then eight-grade daughter was assigned one in an English class. I think the theme was strong women, and V.I. certainly is. I like the writing, the mystery, and of course the setting of this one, because it takes place in Chicago. Maybe formulaic, but I really enjoyed this one.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Rebecca Skloot

2010-11-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

This is the story of an African American woman in the early 1950's, whose cancerous cells were taken from her without her permission, shortly before her death. The cells multiplied, and were used by scientists for research in a number of different areas-but her family never received any notice, or remuneration; in fact her descendants couldn't get health coverage of their own. The author becomes involved with the family, as she tells the story of the 'colored ward' at Johns Hopkins, and details life for black Americans in the 50's. The review I read says it is the story of

"the beauty and drama of scientific discovery, and its human consequences." The book is factual, and scientific, but also very hard to put down, as it tells the story of the descendants of Henrietta Lacks.

A Little Death in Dixie, Lisa Turner

2010-10-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

A first novel, a murder mystery involving the disappearance of a Southern Belle. I liked the ambience, the characters were well-drawn, and the plot was invested with just the right twists and turns.

Deception, Jonathan Kellerman

2010-10-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

These are getting a little predictable, but I liked the characters and setting of this one. A woman implicates a trio of people at an exclusive prep school of abusing her, and then she is found dead in a bath tub full of dry ice. Milo Sturgis the homicide detective calls in his old friend Alex Delaware, a psychologist, to help unravel the twists and turns.

The Apprentice; Tess Gerritsen

2010-10-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

For shear horror, this author is terrific. I think I probably liked the first one I read better, but I think maybe because I knew what to look for this time, and was not as blindsided. But this is a good story.

The Postcard Killers, James Patterson & Liza Marklund

2010-10-21T13:44:00.000-07:00

Another terrific, gory, complicated murder mystery, with plenty of romance. An LAPD detective, whose daughter has been murdered by these killers, shows up in Europe to investigate as the brother and sister team continue to kill, and rob. In the end of course he ends up with the female journalist following the stories. A lot of fun.

Wicked Appetite, Janet Evanovich

2010-10-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, so she found a perfect formula. This one has new characters in it, but it's pretty much the same thing. Funny, but ... this one has supernaturalism, a monkey that flips people off, and baking, but otherwise the same sexual tension, wacky side-kick, and the heroine gets hurts a lot.

I got it on Kindle, cheap, so I didn't feel I wasted my money.

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. Harriet Simonson

2010-10-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed this one. Very English. But I read it in August and for some reason never posted any comments.

Freedom, Jonathan Frantzen

2010-10-11T17:21:00.001-07:00

The review I read said that the author compares this work to Tolstoy's War and Peace-not that he is saying he compares himself to Tolstoy, but in the sense that it is a widely ranging social-realist family saga. It deals with family relationships, conservation, complex environmental issues, and the Bush years.With a little music star, college life, mental instability, and extra marital affairs.

The review went on to say it was a page turner. I turned some of the pages a lot faster than others, because this book seems almost as long as War and Peace (and I really don't know because I read it on Kindel), and I skimmed some of the save the birds parts, because I got it already. But I liked the depth the author was able to give the characters, and his ability to describe years that were very familiar to me.

Star Island Carl Hiaasen

2010-08-29T21:44:00.000-07:00

Set in Miami, or south Florida, but with Hollywood connections. Th story of a over indulged teen star, with a double, a body guard, the club scene, stage parents, and a crew of other very interesting characters.

Cutting For Stone, Abraham Verghese

2010-08-13T17:16:00.000-07:00

This is a book of huge scope, the story of the lives of conjoined twins growing up in Addia Ababa. Deserted at birth by their father, and their mother who dies in childbirth. But it is also the story of the political upheaval in Ethiopia, and the description of the medical practices of the "adoptive' parents and both boys. The title comes from a part of the Hippocratic Oath, and from their last names.

The author, a doctor himself, has put a lot of detail in the telling of the story-perhaps too much, but it certainly is a wonderful "read".

Fly Away Home, Jennifer Weiner

2010-08-05T19:02:00.000-07:00

Mothers and daughters, political scandal, divorce, unplanned pregnancy, reconciliation, this novel has it all. And really readable.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, Jamie Ford

2010-08-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

This was wonderful! The story of Seattle during the World War Two written from the perspective of a Chinese boy who falls in love with a Japanese girl. It is the story of war, race relationships, the internment of the Japanese, forgiveness, and it has a happy ending. This would be great for a book club. I didn't realize until the end that there was one black character in the book, a jazz musician, and only one white character-the lunch lady, who helped the boy find his girl in the relocation centers. The story was what mattered.

Broken, Karin Slaughter

2010-08-01T12:24:00.001-07:00

This is the second novel by this author about the Atlanta area, and one review I read called her a top female suspense writer. It was indeed gripping, and I would read another.

Perfect Reader, Maggie Bouncey

2010-08-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

A debut novel, about a only-child daughter who returns to her fathers house on his death, and finds that she has also been made his literary executor-she must decide what to do with his previously unpublished poetry. And what to do about his girl-friend/collegue/muse, to whom some of the poems have been dedicated. I liked it; thought it was timely, and liked the authors struggles with her own future.
A review I read said it was agonizingly slow, but I was engaged the whole time.

THE PARTICULAR SADNESS OF LEMON CAKE, AIMEE BENDER

2010-08-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

In this story, the main character Rose is able to taste the feelings of the chef in foods they made. Her brother apparently can disappear into furniture, and eventually does. Her father won't go into hospitals, because he has some knowledge of patients. So it is weird, and not on the level of Like Water for Chocolate, as one review said. But intriguing if loopy.

Eat Pray Love

2010-07-20T11:36:00.001-07:00

Ok so I finally read it, mostly because I want to see the movie with Julia Roberts, and I wanted to see what I thought first. I borrowed it from Emily, and then I sent it on to Dee. It wasn't as emotional as I had feared, and I guess I am glad I read it.Emily said she liked it, and I wonder what Dee will think.

Private, James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

2010-07-10T11:12:00.000-07:00

Patterson's newest character has set up a private firm to handle things the police cannot; has better science labs, better computer experts, a quasi-legal partners. Another very fast paced novel from the incredibly prolific Patterson. I really enjoyed this one, but I read a review that said the reader felt that this seemed like a TV series pilot. I agree, but I'd definitely watch the show.

Sh*t My Dad Says, Justin Halpern

2010-07-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

"After being dumped by his girl friend, 28 year old Justin Halpern finds himself living at home with his 73 years old father." So he goes on to write a book with all the things his dad says. It is a funny autobiography and memoir with the depth, insight, and wisdom of his foul-mouthed but loving research doctor father. Reminded me of some one I know. A fun read, and evidently everyones new hot commodity.

Sizzling Sixteen, Janet Evanovich

2010-07-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

Funny if predictable, easy, escapist fiction. Something for everyone.

The Surgeon Tess Gerritsen

2010-07-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

This was recommended by my friend Pat Ladas; a wonderful, chilling, serial murder case. Hard to put down, so I googled the author. I think I have read others, but I am going to download some immediately. Terrifying, but a really engrossing read.

Innocent, Scott Turow

2010-06-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

Evidently it has been 20 plus years since Turow's first novel, Presumed Innocent, hit the market. Now the same characters, older, are involved in an other trial; the young lawyer wrongly accused of murder in the first novel, is now a 60 year old judge accused in the second. One review I read said this book was flawed but gripping. I had a hard time getting into this book, I think because the characters were not as carefully drawn here-possibly because the reader should have known them from before, and I did, but they were not that familiar. And I would have thought Sabich learned his lesson better the first time also. But this is a great story, with surprising twists all the way to the last pages. I can not remember if the first book was told only from Sabich' perspective, but this one is not. We get to meet Sabich son Nat in this book-he must have been a very small child in the first book, but now he is a central character.

Caught, Harlan Coben

2010-06-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

Talk about your convoluted! I loved this, but I sure didn't know until the end what was happening. Really a page turner, and I like the way he writes. I'd recommend it.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest, Stieg Larsson

2010-06-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

I have now read all three of the novels in this trilogy. All three of them are violent; this one takes up at the cliff hanger ending of book two. All three deal with the covert workings of the Swedish secret service, with the world of newspapers, and with abuses of legal authority, especially in the case of the heroine who is the voice of abuse against women. I loved the writing; his characters are memorable. Each had a distinctive voice, and each character had a chance to speak. My only problem with the stories was keeping the characters straight but I think that was because the Swedish names were similar, and hard for an English speaker.
One of the reviews I read said that Larsson is now as well known as the characters in his books. His books have become a publishing phenomenon. Larsson was the editor-in-chief of the anti-racist magazine Expo, and an expert on anti-democratic right-wing Nazi and extremist organizations. He died suddenly in 2004, having just delivered his third manuscript to his publisher. One way or another, Lisbeth Salander's story is finished.

Drop Shot, Harlan Coben

2010-05-31T18:39:00.000-07:00

Jon and I listened to this one in the car. He was impressed with the wit, and humor. Me too. And there was an interesting plot, set against the background of professional tennis, with a crooked Senator and some mob guys thrown in. We really enjoyed it; Jon wants to read more Harlan Coben.

The Thomas Berryman Number, James Patterson

2010-05-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

We listened to this one on the way to LA, and couldn't finish it on the trip-so there was a several week gap, until we finished it. I have read a lot of James Patterson books, but this one seemed very different for him. It took place in the South, and centered on a black mayor running for higher office. One review I read said the reviewer had a hard time getting into it. Maybe I didn't have exactly that reaction, especially considering the time gap, but I had a hard time following it. Also, our grandson (age seven) said he didn't like the voice of the reader; he thought it was hard to understand. I don't think I'd recommend this one

Every Last One, Anna Quindlen

2010-05-27T17:23:00.000-07:00

The author creates a picture of a very ordinary family, and then has it shattered by an extraordinary event. It is the story of the surviving family members struggling to deal with their grief. The writing is wonderful; it is a hard book, but hard to put down. It's one that will linger. An emotional read.

One Night in Boston Allie Boniface

2010-05-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

A Romance Novel. A really good one, but a romance novel. So, formulaic, and the charming, intelligent woman in danger of losing her business is saved at the last minute by her long-lost former love, and all ends smilingly.

The Apothecary's Daughter Julie Klassen

2010-05-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

This is the story of a brilliant young woman who helps her father in his Apothecary, at a time when women were not allowed the training to run a shop alone. Set in rural "regency" England, the readers really feel they can see into the snobbery of London, and the charm of the countryside. Historical fiction. I like historical fiction.

House Rules Jodie Picoult

2010-05-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

I like these-this one is a complex who done it, but also the story of a teen-aged boy with Aspergers, his brother who sneaks into houses for sandwiches and trophies, and their over-worked single-mother. I like the way Ms. Picoult writes, with each chapter told from the perspective of a different character.

Little Bee, Chris Cleave

2010-04-09T17:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is a run right out and get it book. (The review site says there is an interview with the author, and notes for book clubs)
It is a dark story, that is also light hearted and funny, has wonderful prose, and alternates effectively between the two main narrators. The reviews also say not to reveal too much about the story, or the ending, but it does give it four and a half stars out of five, and says 91% of readers recommend it to their friends.

Pirate Latitudes, Michael Crichton

2010-04-07T18:57:00.000-07:00

Well this was not what I usually read, but it was really good. Historically accurate characters, and location, although some of the latitude was in the story line. The review I read said this was "everything you wanted in a pirate novel." Yes, it sure was.

Shutter Island

2010-04-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

Now a major motion picture.
So many twists and turns you are never sure who is insane, and who is really running the asylum. I thought I knew what was going on, but in the end I really have no idea. Maybe I should see the movie.

The Postmistress, Sarah Blake

2010-03-29T18:10:00.000-07:00

I read a review of this book, after I had finished it, and was really surprised to find out I had totally forgotten how it started-at a dinner party, as a question for discussion. And then I read the notes on how the author had written this story, which was fascinating, The first half of the book develops the main characters slowly; the action speeds up toward the end of the book, introducing the central characters to each other. Although liberty has been taken with some details, there is a clear picture of life around the edges of the battlefields of World War Two, and life for those who stay at home (in New England).

Vision in White, Nora Roberts

2010-03-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

Jackie loaned me this one too. It is the first in a quartet of stories about four friends who have started a wedding business: one is the chef, one the flower expert, one the manager, and this book is about the photographer. I liked the premise, and the characters, but there sure was a lot of semi gratuitus sex. I have never read a Nora Roberts book before, but may read the rest of the quartet, if Jackie has them. (Also writes under the name of J.D. Robb)

Two Little Girls in Blue, Mary Higgins Clark

2010-03-12T07:17:00.000-08:00

I hadn't ever read a Mary Higgins Clark, and I thought this one was well done ... good characters, well-drawn plot, and a real page turner. I read the whole thing in one day because I had a hard time putting it down. Recommended by Jackie, it had been in the Strauch teacher pile.

The Lost Art of Gratitude, Alexander Mc Call Smith

2010-03-11T09:31:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed this authors Precious Ramotswe series, about the lady detective, for the gentleness of spirit and the emphasis on doing good. I found the same qualities in Isabel Dalhousie, the title character of The Lost Art of Gratitude, although this series is set in Scotland, not Africa. Same strong female character solving problems for others. This one I listened to in the car, and what I assume is the reader's Scottish accent did add to the general tone. The Washington Post review said that McCall has "created a world where the humor is gentle, suffering is acknowledged but not foregrounded, and the efforts to do good are usually rewarded. It is a wonderful place to visit, even if we don't get to live there." McCalls books create places I really would like to live.

Going Rogue, Sarah Palin

2010-03-05T11:56:00.000-08:00

The biography of Sarah Palin. It is interesting, but I am skimming it and may not finish. I have a better picture of who she is, or who she thinks she is, or who she wants us to think she is, but I'm still not a fan.

A Reliable Wife, Robert Goolrick

2010-03-05T11:48:00.000-08:00

A steamy Gothic romance, and the story of the loneliness of winter, loss, and unresolved family relationships. A reviewer for the Washington Post calls it a story of "loneliness, lust, and the Mail Order Bride." The phrase "these things happen" recurs; but it ends on a note of reconciliation and hope for the future. Very readable; I got it on Kindle, and read it in Pasadena. I don't remember who recommended it to me, but I seem to be on a course of big first novels.

Gap Creek, Robert Morgan

2010-03-01T16:11:00.000-08:00

This was an Oprah selection, and was given to me by Jackie-it has a Strauch School Book Club sticker in it. But I read it before. It was worth reading again, but I knew how it was going to come out. Read on trip to Pasadena.

The Help, Kathryn Stockett

2010-02-21T22:15:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-21T14:49:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-15T18:02:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-15T18:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-04T16:07:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-04T16:06:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

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