Sunday, June 30, 2013

FOREVER AND A DAY / Delilah Marvell / 376 Pages / First in Series & Irish Heroine

Can a destitute, Irish Catholic laundress from Five Points, New York find true love with an newly appointed British lord suffering from amnesia? What will Georgia Milton and Roderick Gideon Tremayne, Duke of Wentworth, (A.K.A. Robinson Crusoe) do if he gets his memory back?

Does 'Robinson' want to remember who he is and where he came from? Could she ever live in his world and will his world accept her?

Find out by reading FOREVER AND A DAY, first in the new Rumor Romances series by the author of The Scandal series.

The Mystery Woman: a Ladies of Lantern Street Novel/Amanda Quick/371 pgs.

This Amanda Quick series takes place in Victorian London. The main character, Beatrice Lockwood, escapes the clutches of an assassin by the name of the Bone Man.  He knows her as "Miranda the Clairvoyant;" because of her psychic ability, Beatrice is hired by the Flint & Marsh Agency as an investigator. She "meets" Joshua Gage, who, in the past, has carried out secret missions for the Crown. When it becomes evident that someone wants Beatrice dead, she and Joshua join forces to discover the "who" and "why." There is mystery, mild suspense, and romance--a perfect combination! A great summer read!

Saturday, June 29, 2013

THE YONAHLOSSEE RIDING CAMP FOR GIRLS / Anton Disclafani / 388 pages

In her début novel, Disclafani has the main character, Thea Atwell, relate the story of how at age 15 she is sent away from home to a girls boarding school in the Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina. The reader doesn't know why Thea's been sent away, only that her twin brother, Sam, refuses to speak to her, she hasn't heard from her aunt, uncle or cousin Georgie for quite sometime, and her once loving parents have become distant.

The story takes place during the depression with the twins having been raised in practical isolation by their wealthy parents on a large farm in Florida. Thea has never been away from home and the mystery behind her exile is revealed slowly as she learns to deal with the other girls at camp and accept that she may not be retuning home as soon as she thinks.

THE YONAHLOSSEE RIDING CAMP FOR GIRLS should appeal to readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories and literary fiction.

Bared to You (Crossfire Series #1) / Sylvia Day / 338 pgs. / 1st in a Series!

I missed out on the whole "Fifty Shades" hoopla; but since it seems like this trend is not going away any time soon, I thought I would give it a try.

The characters in this novel are flawed and dysfunctional.  Both have been through traumatizing sexual abuse as children and it asks the question, can two damaged people have a happy (and healthy) relationship?  The hero, Gideon Cross is mega-hot and mega-rich and very powerful in the business world.  He's also domineering and very blunt, and comes off as the quintessential rich playboy type.  I was gritting my teeth through the first part of the book, when Gideon's "come on" lines to the heroine Eva, were just flat out statements describing the kind of sex he wanted to have with her.  Obviously, Gideon is one of those "beautiful" people who are never turned down by women with his sexual prowess.  I was just disgusted and wondered by Eva didn't try to round up Gideon's other conquests and start a class action lawsuit against him for sexual harassment.

Needless to say, Eva fall for his advances and they have lots and lots....and lots of sex.  If you cut out the steamy parts, this book could have been a novella.  What I liked about the book was that the characters were dark, dysfunctional, insecure, and make mistakes instead of the plucky, heart of gold, honorable characters of traditional romance novels.  I liked that the book gives insight into characters that have a sexual dysfunction / addiction; and that the main characters decide to go to counseling to get much needed help.

Friday, June 28, 2013

A Thousand Splendid Suns/ Khaled Hosseini/ 372 pages

I have been wanting to read this for years, but was so scared by the one "scene" in Kite Runner than it took book club to push me to read it.  And it was worth it.  Fantastic book covering about 30 years of life for women in Afghanistan.  I learned a lot about the life of women and the effects of war on the people.  It was hard to read at times.  There's just so much you don't realize is going on in other countries or you take for granted how lucky you are to be where you are.  The women in this book are amazing and I highly suggest reading it.  Very satisfying read.

Transfer of Power / Vince Flynn 776 p.

A riveting fast-paced espionage thriller where the President of the U.S. is the target and the White House is the place.  Rafique Aziz devises a brilliant plan to force the U.S. to yield to his demands.  He understands all about CIA, FBI, Army and is able to pre-determine each's plan of action.   Aziz seems invincible.  He has all the bases cover with back-up plans.  Within the blink of an eye, Aziz takes control of the White House and the President just misses being taken hostage.  Agents wisk the President to a secure basement bunker.  Secure, not with Aziz around.  Iron Man, Mitch Rapp, is the wild card.  Coupled with Milt Adams, White House engineer, retired, CIA's top counterterrorism operative, secrete themselves into the White House.  They put a wedge in Aziz's plan and work to ever widen their sphere of influence.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

The People of Forever Are Not Afraid / Shani Boianjiu 338p.

Everyone knows about the Israeli military.  Everyone knows that women are also required to join for a certain amount of years after high school, and this book follows the lives of three young female friends as they go from high school to the army and back to civilian life.  You have Yael who is a weapons instructor and experiences training on a base.  Lea is a checkpoint officer and experiences some of the harsher realities of being in the military.  Avishag patrols the border between Israel and Egypt to keep any illegal materials or people from entering Israel and also witnesses some unspeakable things that affects her later on in life.  It can be a little difficult to follow because each chapter is about a different girl and her story at different times in her life, but the stories are very entertaining and definitely keep you intrigued as to what happens next.  This is not necessarily a “war” book filled with military jargon and exercises, but moreso the struggle of the female person trying to find herself within the military and life after.  What does one do after service?  Can they all still be friends even though they all served in different places and experienced different things or has their experiences made them different people?  Emotions vary throughout the book and with the reader.


The Golem and the Jinni/ Helene Wecker/ 496 pages



The Golem and the Jinni

Are you looking for a book that will take you away for a few hours?  Then you may want to try Helen Wecker's, 'The Golem and the Jinni'.  It takes historical fiction and adds a twist of the fantastical for a well-rounded, enjoyable story.

Two mythological creatures, a golem (a clay figure brought to life) and a jinni (a spirit made of fire) are at the core of this engaging story which takes place in turn of the 20th century Manhattan.  How each of them arrives in this bustling, crowded city is an adventure within itself, and a wonderful cast of supporting characters adds even more complexity to this magical tale.

The story's background is steeped in ancient Jewish and Arabic folklore which adds such richness and depth to the story.  The golem and the jinni find themselves, not unlike the newly arrived immigrants among them, struggling to make a place for themselves in a new country, but their pasts eventually catch up with them and their eventual meeting puts into motion a series of events that could destroy their very existence...

Very highly recommended.

West with the Night / Beryl Markham 293 p.

Beryl Markham was born in England in 1902.  She went with her father to East Africa when she was 4.  There her father started a farm and became a horse breeder.  She describes very lyrically the East Africa she grew up in--an  East Africa we will never see.  She worked as a pilot and a horse trainer.  She was the first woman to fly the Atlantic solo from east to west in 1936 (where the memoir ends).  Ernest Hemingway gave her high praise.  Here is an excerpt.

"Africa is never the same to anyone who leaves it and returns again. It is not a land of change, but it is a land of moods and its moods are numberless. It is not fickle, but because it has mothered not only men, but races, and cradled not only cities, but civilizations -- and seen them die, and see new ones born again -- Africa can be dispassionate, indifferent, warm, or cynical, replete with the weariness of too much wisdom."

Alexandra O'Karma reading is ideally suited to Markham's elegant prose.  Do listen if you can.

Knight in Shining Armour / Jude Deveraux 341 p.

While traveling in England with her stingy boyfriend and his obnoxious daughter, Dougless Montgomery is left stranded crying at an old tomb when Nicholas Stafford, Earl of Thornwyck, comes strolling up, complete in his dress armor, to rescue her.  He's time traveled from 1564 to her side.  She buys him his first ice cream cone.  Imagine all the firsts for a knight...indoor plumbing, can openers,  staplers,  all fascinate this man.  The pair turn to solving a mystery, who framed him as a traitor during Queen Elizabeth's time.  Along the way they fall in love, only to be separated by 400 years in a flash when they make love.  Dougless bribes an American research for the truth.  When she sobs at Nicholas' tomb, she time travels to 1560, just in time to save Nicholas who stubbornly refuses to listen to this strange woman.  This is a funny read when you see Nicholas planted in modern times and is drawn to modern conveniences we take for granted.

Search / Gordon Korman 144 p.

Meg Falconer is kidnapped.  Her parents, her brother, and even the FBI want to know where she is.  She manages to leave a series of clever clues that would point everyone in the right direction if only they would listen to her brother.  So he slips out to find her.  By now the kidnappers would like to know where she is at as she is rather adroit at slipping out of their fingers.  They can kidnap her but they can't hang on to her.   Ends with a cliffhanger!


2nd in Korman's Kidnapped series.

Lawn Boy / Gary Paulsen 96 p.

A tale of a 12-year old's venture into the free-market economy is so believable and funny.  Grandmother gives Lawn Boy a used riding lawn mower.  One customer after another is added until a staff of 15 is needed. Arnold, customer and stock broker, pays with stocks and knowledge of local connections.  From earning enough to buy a inner tube to making thousands in a summer is enough to make one's head spin--  add in shares in a prizefighter, a hostile takeover and this 12-year old is flying high.   Loads of humor, great funny story about boys...don't miss the chapter titles, i.e., Capitol Growth Coupled with the Principles of Production Expansion and Conflict Resolution and Its Effects on Economic Policy.

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide to Not Reading / Tommy Greenwald 220 p. First in Series

Charlie Joe Jackson hates to read; he's yet to read a book cover to cover.  By the time he gets to middle school he has a system.  His friend Timmy McGibney reads and writes annotations in return for snacks.  But this year Timmy had enough.  Charlie Joe is on his own.  And now Charlie Joe has to go to extreme lengths to keep his record perfect.  His big project, a position paper, is due.  So Charlie Joe goes to great lengths to get the class nerd to provide annotations.  How?  By getting the nerd a date with the class cheerleader.  He convinces them it for his position paper on school cliques.  This is laugh out loud at times especially the tips about reading Charlie Joe provides. 

First in the Charlie Joe Jackson's guide to--

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

All Together Dead/Charlaine Harris/323 pages

Charlaine Harris has written another exciting entry in the Sookie Stackhouse series.  This time around, Sookie has been hired by the Queen of Louisana to go with the Louisiana contingent to the Vampire Summit.  She is to act like a human lie detector and let the Queen know if someone is trying to swindle her.  However, Sookie and another telepath, Barry, stumble across a terrorist plot to kill all those attending the summit.  It is up to them to figure out who is planning the attack and save all those targeted.

Charlaine Harris writing an intriguing plot that makes you want to start the next book in the series, even if it is one o'clock in the morning.  Very hard to put down.  The HBO TV series, Trueblood is based on Harris' Sookie Stackhouse books.
All Together Dead (Sookie Stackhouse, #7)

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

The School of Good and Evil / Soman Chainani / 488 pages

Okay, I slogged my way through nearly 500 pages thinking to myself...what is the author trying to say?  Good isn't always blonde?  It's what's on the inside that counts?  The love of friends is more powerful than anything else?  No one is all good or all bad?  The world is better when there is a balance of good and evil?  Well, still don't know but there is plenty of action, brutality, magic, curious things, and I think a happy ending.  The cover is great.  I would love to know what kids think!

The Space Between/Brenna Yovanoff/363 pages

Daphne is half demon,  the daughter of Lucifer and Lillith.  Brenna Yovanoff writes of a world where the demons and fallen angels aren't really that bad and where Archangels really aren't that good.  Here is a world where the citizens made a bad choice in the Angel War, lost and now are making the best of their situation for eternity.  Can demons learn to love and are they inherently evil?  The Space Between is a beautifully written novel that was listed as one of the Best Notable YA books of 2012 by ALA
The Space Between

Monday, June 24, 2013

Passing Through Paradise/Susan Wigg/419 pages

Sandra Winslow is a children's book author and the widow of a politician who died in a tragic and suspicious automobile accident which Sandra survived. She cannot recall the circumstances of the accident or how she survived and soon becomes the leading suspect and a pariah in the town of Paradise. In order to flee from Paradise she must restore and sell her beach house, the only asset she retained following her husband's death. She meets Mike Malloy, a contractor who agrees to do the restoration for her despite his doubts about her innocence.  Wiggs brings all her characters and their problems to life and keeps her readers entranced until the last page.

Walking Dead: Something to Fear v.17 / Robert Kirkman / 200 pgs.

This was the volume I have been fearing since the start of the series.  In this volume, one of my favorite characters in the series gets killed off.  As the creator of the series said, "no one is safe".  I'm so bummed out I don't really know if I want to continue on reading the series.  It is also getting repetitive and depressing.  Every time our heroes catch a break another band of rotten, power hungry, humans come along and destroy their peace.  Again, I would really hate to live in a lawless society where it's kill or be killed, and this series certainly reminds me of that feeling again and again.

I am also almost caught up with the series.  The next volume #18 came out June 18th.  

The Perfect Ghost/Linda Barnes/310 pgs.

First a "shout out" to Cindy B. for recommending this book! This is a stand alone book by Linda  Barnes, and it is wonderful! Em Moore is the second half of the writing team comprised of herself and Teddy Blake. Together they write authorized celebrity biographies--Teddy does the interviewing, and Em does the writing. In the process of writing the biography of Garrett Malcolm, an American actor, producer, screenwriter, and director, Teddy dies in a car accident. Em convinces the publisher, and Garrett Malcolm, that she can finish the book, and that's what she sets out to do. That's all I'm going to say because I don't want to give away too much of the story. I will just say that the ending blew me away! Highly recommended!

Down the Darkest Road/Tami Hoag/432 pgs.

I might have to take a break from Tami Hoag books--she has gotten extremely dark (no pun intended). The Lawton family seems to have it all, until 16 year-old Leslie goes missing. Four years pass, and only two members of the Lawton family remain: Lauren, the mom, and her younger daughter, Leah. Lance, husband and father, dies in an automobile accident--an accident many suspect as a suicide. There is a suspect in the missing Leslie case: Roland Ballencoa, a free lance photographer, but no incriminating evidence has been found against him. Lauren and Leah relocate to Oak Knoll, where low and behold, Roland Ballencoa also appears. Detective Tony Mendez becomes involved, but Lauren has given up hope of any help from law enforcement. The reader feels Lauren's frustration in feeling that a victim's rights are trumped by those of a legitimate suspects. It was a hard read, with a somewhat "happy" ending, but at the same time depressing.

Seven Nights in a Rogue's Bed / Anna Campbell / 385 pages

The title of this book is pretty clear about the plot so no one will start this book by mistake.  This book is Ana Campbell's latest.  I read it to see how she developed since her first book Untouched.
In the first book, the male character was a total ideal of what the perfect man should be: so nice, so caring, etc.  This character, Jonas, is the proverbial beast to contrast with Sidonie's beauty. (Note Disney-like yellow dress on the book cover.)
     Set in the first half of the 1800's in England, Sidonie has agreed to let this man have his way with her for seven nights in return for her sister's gambling debt.  This seems a quite odd premise, but it is due to the lack of any rights for women at that time.  Her sister is locked in an abusive marriage and fears for her life.  She is not legally able to leave her husband and would have no access to money or divorce.  He could also have her placed in Bedlam, the infamous mental institute.  To save her sister, Sidonie embarks on this most irregular plan.
     Jonas is also a flawed character.  Physically, scars mar his face and emotional scars mar his soul.  He is so not used to being a "Nice Guy".  Of course over the week, Sidonie comes to love him.  This seemed a stretch to me, but her experience with men has been with real jerks starting with her father so by comparison, Jonas is no worse.  By the last page they are on course to "live happily ever after", but I don't think it would be easy.  (oh yes, for 2 extra points:  This is first in the series "Sons of Sin")

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Shadow Woman / Linda Howard / 319 pages

One morning you wake up, and you know the face in the mirror is not yours.  So begins the story of Lizette aka Lizzy who struggles to find out what is going on and why she might not be who she thinks she is.  Howard's suspense novel is full of secrets, conspiracies, black ops, coverups, and mistrust.  She sprinkles a little passionate sex on top and offers a page turner that is high on action and not bogged down with indepth characterization.  A quick read.  Apparently hot sex can break through a chemical brain wash!

Thursday, June 20, 2013

The Racketeer / John Grisham / 340 pages

John Grisham departs a bit from his usual storyline to introduce us to Malcolm Bannister, a small town African American lawyer, who's been tricked by a sleezeball and imprisoned in a white collar country-club prison.  Naturally Malcolm has some issues with the feds.  In prison, he helps his fellow prisoners with his legal expertise and learns an important secret about the murder of a federal judge.  Tip of the day...if you end up in a federal white collar crime prison...get the job as the librarian.  This is a great book that will have you rooting for the "bad" guys.  Enjoy!

Once Upon a Crime / Michael Buckley / 271 pages

This is the 4th in the Sisters Grimm series.  I listened on CD and loved it.  This time Granny Relda, Mr. Canis (the Big Bad Wolf), Sheriff Hamstead (one of the Three Little Pigs), and Sabrina and Daphne Grimm head off to New York City to save their friend Puck who was severely injured in book three.  They have all sorts of adventures, with plenty of splashes of humor thrown in.  The Fairytale Detectives is a great series.

Highlander Most Wanted / Maya Banks / 351 pages

I checked this book out because it was new and it was "Scottish" and I can get the extra points.  Immediately, the comment was, "You're reading that!"  Having been thusly warned that it was probably not a Christian Romance, I began reading.  I had to read to chapter 32 before I hit the steamy scene.  The book is mostly about the clans in Scotland and the main character Genevieve who was abducted by an evil son of a clan leader.  She is rescued by Bowen and he becomes her champion after he learns of all the horrible things that had happened to her besides her large disfiguring scar on her face.

Maya Banks writes an okay book, but she is quite repetitious.  I could have edited out at least 20 pages. She also includes a female character who is sympathetic to Genevieve, makes sure that the reader knows that she is lame for some unknown reason, and hints that an Armstrong clansman likes her.  Then she never finishes the storyline with her.  She just ends the book when Genevieve and Bowen's story is done.

The Great Gatsby/F. Scott Fitzgerald/192 pages

What can you say about a literary classic that is  required reading for almost every high school English class? Narrator Nick Carraway has just moved into a small bungalow next to the mansion of mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby. Nick leads us through a summer of decadence, over indulgence and sordid affairs. Gatsby is living the American dream --  money, wealth and popularity, but he has spent his whole life trying to win back Daisy, a young woman he fell in love with a few years back when he had nothing.  There are really no likeable characters in this story and Fitzgerald has created a world where the characters are corrupted by greed and their lives are incredibly sad and unfulfilled. Gatsby tries so hard to rise above a class rank that even money and wealth cannot buy, no matter how hard he tries, he will never belong in Daisy's world.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Angel Experiment / James Patterson 422 p. First in Series

Max, leader of her small flock, are normal in most ways except they have bird capabilities including flying.  The others, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gassman, and Angel grew in lab cages until they were freed by a sympathetic white coat employee who took them to a safe place where he taught them many things including how to fight dirty, pick locks, and hot-wire cars.  Their enemies are the Erasers -- also genetically engineered humans with wolf like characteristics.  When Angel is kidnapped, the flock goes to rescue her.  While back in the lab, Angel learns some of their origins.  They have parents. They go to NYC to learn their more.  At every turn the Erasers find them.  And now a mystery voice urges to "save the world".  To be continued in the next volume.

First in the Maximum ride series

The Wide-Awake Princess / E. D. Baker / 261 pages / Fairy Tale Challenge

This is a retelling of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale.  Princess Gwendolyn is Sleeping Beauty and is cursed as related in the traditional version by this name.  In this version, however, Sleeping Beauty has a younger sister, Annabelle.  Her parents fear that she, too, will be cursed at her Christening so they send for Moonflower Glade, the wisest of all the fairies.  She bequeaths one magical gift - "From this day on, no magic shall touch you or bring you harm.  You'll have to survive on your natural charm."  Annie can detect magic and is instrumental in ridding the kingdom of cursed spinning wheels.  The inevitable happens, although in a unique way.  The entire castle save Annie fall asleep.  Annie and Liam, not in the castle at the time of the curse fulfillment, journey to find a prince to kiss her sister awake and the fairies involved in the original Christening curse.  Along the way they encounter numerous fairy tale characters and/or their stories;  Little Red Riding Hook, Hansel & Gretel (although by different names), The Frog Prince, Snow White, Rapunzel, The Princess and the Pea, etc.  This is a captivating story of true love, happily ever after, and non-stop adventure.  The cover art is deceptive.  Cartoon princesses are featured, yet the book has a grounded, in the real world feel.

Against All Odds / Irene Hannon / 334 pages / First Book in a Series

The HRT (Hostage Rescue Team) is a civilian counter-terrorism unit that provide tactical resolution in hostage and high-risk law enforcement situations.  Two of its members, Evan Cooper and Mark Sanders are assigned to keep Monical Callahan safe.  Terrorists in Afghanistan have kidnapped a wire servie reporter, the director of a humanitarian organization, and a state department enployee and are demanding a hefty ransom and release of politcal prisoners for the release of the hostages.  David Callahan had been holding firm on the U.S. policy on nonnegotiation with terrorists.  Now the terrorists have raised the stakes by threatening his estranged daughter, Monica.  This pageturner focuses on contemporary issues, faith, and love,... a sure-to-please work of romantic suspense.

Murder Is Binding / Lorna Barrett / 281 pages / First Book in a Series

Tricia Miles, recently divorced, is the owner of Haven't Got a Clue mystery bookstore in Stoneham, New Hampshire, a down on its luck town rescued by the influx of specialty bookstores.  The president of the Chamber of Commerce and owner of Kelly Realty, Bob Kelly, had persuaded the booksellers to relocate to the picturesque village.  He is their landlord.  Doris Gleason, owner of The Cookery is upset with him for the lease prices and other charges that are siphoning her profits.  She is also upset with Tricia because she neglected to negotiate a lower rent, thereby driving up rents.  Doris is found stabbed in her cookery kitchen by Tricia and her visiting sister, Angelica, who are attracted by the smoke exiting the building.  Doris was to have had a meeting with Bob Kelly at the time of her death.  A $10,000 first edition cookbook is missing.  The police chief is convinced that Tricia killed Doris and doesn't seem to be looking for other suspects.  Can Tricia prove her innocence?  A most enjoyable book...sure to please bibliophiles...or anyone looking for a mystery populated by multiple plot twists and turns.

Sleeping Beauty: The One Who Took the Really Long Nap / Wendy Mass / 172 pages / Fairy Tale Challenge

This is yeat another retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, but with an interesting twist.  Alternating chapters recount the lives of Princess Rose and The Prince (who is nameless), who rescues her.  We have all the elements of the classic tale and then some.  The prince's mother is an ogre and has been known to eat humans.  The prince and his family are living in an exact replica of Sleeping Beauty's castle.  Author of 11 Birthdays, Wendy Mass, has crafted a "fresh, fun spin on a timeless tale."

Born in Shame / Nora Roberts / 357 pages / Scottish-Irish Challenge

Although steamy at times, this is a most satisfying audio book.  Shannon Bodine, a talented graphic artist at a prestigious New York advertising agency, is shocked to learn from her mother's deathbed that her real father was Thomas Concannon, a married Irishman with children.  She is devasted, but respecting her late mother's wish, she journeys to County Clare to meet her other family.  She arrives reluctantly and in shame, and finds true family and true love.  Fiacre Douglas does an awesome job with the Irish accents and the story itself is heartwarming, too good to be true, and inspires multiple chuckles.

Now May You Weep / Deborah Crombie / 414 pages / Scottish-Irish Challenge

Hazel Cavendish has some decisions to make.  Is murder one of her options?  Is her husband guilty of murder?  If neither is guilty, who killed the distillery owner, Donald Brody.  Hazel had once been in love with Donald, but historical rivalries and bad blood between their families got in the way.  After many years, they've renewed their relationship, putting Hazel's marriage and family in jeopardy.  Hazel and her friend Jenna, a detective, visit Scotland for a cooking weekend that features multiple murders and numerous suspects.  The audio version is well-done and the Scottish brogue of the actor is a definite plus.

Cam Jansen and the Chocolate Fudge Mystery / David Adler / 58 pages / Vintage Children's Literature Challenge

"Cam's real name was Jennifer Jansen.  When she was very young, people called her Red because she had red hair.   But when they found out about her amazing [photographic] memory, they began calling her The Camera." Soon "The Camera was shortened to Cam."  Cam and her friend Eric are going door-to-door selling chocolate fudge bars and rice cakes to raise money for Ride & Read, a program that takes homebound elderly to the local library.  Cam's excellent skills and memory lead to the apprenhension of bank robbers.

Peter Pan / J. M. Barrie / 248 pages / Vintage Children's Literature Challenge

This original, classic Peter Pan was performed by Jim Dale, who has numerous awards to his credit.  It is, of course, the story of how Peter came to meet Wendy, John, and Michael Darling, and their adventures in Neverland.  Here we meet the mermaids left out of the internationally famous version starring Mary Martin.  Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry have written the Peter and the Starcatchers series in which the mermaids figure prominently.

The Fighting Ground / Avi / 157 pages / Vintage Children's Literature Challenge

Thirteen year old Jonathan wants to do his part.  His older brother is off fighting with General Washington and is father is homebound due an injured leg.  When the tavern bell rings on April 3, 1778, Jonathan answers its call to arms, even though he is too young.  In a skirmish with Hessian soldiers, he is separated from his fellow troops and susequently take prisoner by the Hessians.  They encounter an abandoned two year old and discover that his parents have been killed.  Realizing the horror war, Jonathan learns that it is the American coroporal who killed them, as spies.  Avi has given the reader a first hand experience with the life, times, and horrors of the American Revolution.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz / L Frank Baum / 282 pages / Vintage Chidlren's Literature Challenge

This audio rendition of the classic story is read by Brooke Shields.  Did you know that Dorothy's ruby red slippers were really silver?  The movie starring Judy Garland stayed fairly close to the storyline, except Dorothy and her friend do not encounter the Wicked Witch of the West until the Wizard send them to kill her.  Also, the friends have numerous adventures not recounted in the movie.  Time is well spent as you read/listen to compare the differences.  L. Frank Baum wrote this as a contemporary fairy tale and it has certainly become an integral part of our entertainment culture, both literary and otherwise.

The Pinballs / Betsy Byars / 136 pages / Vintage Children's Literature Challenge

Thirteen year old Harvey is placed in the foster home because his father ran over him with his brand new TransAm, breaking both his legs, accidently.  Eight year old Thomas J was sent to the same foster home when the old Bensen twins broke their hips at 88.  Thomas J had been abandoned on their doorstep when he was 2.  No one knew who he was or where he came from.  Carly had to go to the foster home because she couldn't get along with her stepfather.  They are like pinballs.  Somone had pulled a lever and they had ended up here together.  Another flip of the lever could send them scattering in all directions.  The three pull together as a real family and spunky, would-be-nurse, Carly realizes that "as  long as we're together we're not pinballs."  The Pinballs is an ALA Notable Children's book and won the Georgia sate reader award.  Heartwarming, humorous, and hunger-for-fried-chicken-inspiring, this one is too goo to miss.

Private Games / James Patterson / 426 pgs.

"Private, the world's most renowned investigation firm, has been commissioned to provide security for the 2012 Olympic games in London. Its agents are the smartest, fastest, and most technologically advanced in the world, and 400 of them have been transferred to London to protect over 10,000 competitors who represent more than 200 countries. The opening ceremony is still hours away when private investigator and single father of twins, Nigel Steele, is called to the scene of a ruthless murder. A high-ranking member of the games' organizing committee and his mistress have been killed. It is clear that it wasn't a crime of passion, but one of precise calculation and execution. Newspaper reporter Karen Pope receives a letter from a person who calls himself Cronus claiming responsibility for the murders. He also proclaims that he will restore the Olympics to their ancient glory and will destroy all who have corrupted the games with lies, cheating, and greed."

This is my first Patterson book and it was quick, easy to read, and plenty of action.  It kept my attention enough, but there was not much depth to the plot nor the characters.  In fact the twins seemed like caricatures of children, meaning they acted and talked like what someone who does not spend much time around kids think little kids sound like. (I hope that sentence made sense.?).  The story was okay, I kept thinking, who really cares about the "Sanctity of Olympics" so much that they would commit terrorist acts to correct it?

Spellman Files / Lisa Lutz 358 p. First in Series

Ah, the Spellmans, of a top PI firm in San Francisco, are masters of spying on everyone including each other in this funny, character-driven mystery where the reader learns as much or more about the Spellman family's quirks and characters as about the cold case 28-year old Isabell elects to work as her last case for the firm after 16 years.

Spellman files no. 1

This is one I plan to follow because this family with its quirks are fun to watch.

Maze of Bones / Rick Riordan 220 p. First in Series

With wealthy Grace Cahill's death, her last video lays out the choices for her clan --take the million dollars and walk or get the first clue in a worldwide scavenger hunt for the secret that has made the Cahill's the most powerful family in history with ties to important people like Benjamin Franklin.  Grace's grandchildren, Amy, 14, and Dan, 11, become the team to sabotage as they collect clues, after all they were Grace's favorites and must have an advantage.

This fast-paced, plot driven, action story ends with a giant cliff hanger and is the first in a planned 10-book series where each book is written by a different author with Rick Riordan setting up the bones of the story.

First in the series: 39 clues.




Ideal Wife / Mary Balogh 368 p.

Ideal Wife gives a fun accounting of Abigail Gardiner and Miles Ripley's (Earl of Severn) life when she comes to his door to beg for a job and ends up accepting his impulsive marriage proposal.  He is looking for a prim and proper wife and she for a stable home life.  Unforeseen consequences come that make the story take dips and turns with each page in the sexy regency romance.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Killer Honeymoon/G. A. McKevett/279 pages

Savannah Reid and her long-time partner and friend Dirk Coulter have finally married and are honeymooning on an island off the coast of California. Everything is going great until Savannah sees, from a distance, a young woman shot and killed on the beach. The victim is a well-known L.A. anchorwoman who is married to a wealthy husband. Savannah and Dirk are reluctant to let the local police handle the case until it is reported that the woman accidentally drown. They decide to investigate on their own to find out the truth.

Perfect beach/vacation reading.

Monday, June 17, 2013

The Burgess Boys/Elizabeth Strout/320 pgs.

First, I need to thank Kathy K. for bringing this book to my attention--it is so good! The story is mainly about the Burgess family: Jim, Bob, and Susan. Both Jim and Bob are lawyers who moved from their hometown of Shirley Falls, Maine, to New York City. Jim is an extremely successful corporate lawyer, whereas Bob works as a Legal Aid attorney. Bob's twin sister, Susan, a divorcee, remained in Shirley Falls to raise her teenage son, Zach. Both Bob and Susan have always idolized their older brother, Jim. Bob is considered somewhat of a "doofus." Zach gets into some big trouble at home, and Susan calls Jim into help. Bob, also, gets embroiled in the mess which requires both brothers to return to Shirley Falls--the place of their youth, and also the place where their father died in a tragic accident. I don't want to give too much away, so suffice it to say, there are skeletons in the closet, and family revelations around the corner! This is such a well written book, and would make a great book discussion read. Highly recommended!

Usborne Illustrated Grimm's Fairy Tales / Ruth Brocklehurst (ed.) / 303 pgs. / Fairy Tales Retold Challenge!

15 classic fairy tales are put together with full color illustrations in this nice treasury.   This version is very kid friendly and is easy to read to young children.  All the tales are very short and can be read in less than 10 minutes. Perfect for your little one's bedtime story!  This volume contains: Snow White and Rose Red, Sleeping Beauty, Rumplestiltskin, Hansel and Gretel, Tom Thumb, The Elves and the Shoe Maker, and many more.  I hope Usborne publishes more stories.

To Heaven and Back: a doctor's extraordinary account of her death, heaven, angels, and life again: a true story / Mary C. Neal / 222 pgs.

Dr. Mary Neal tells her extraordinary story of her kayaking accident in Chile where she drowned, was clinically dead, and then came back to life.  She claims that she went to Heaven, conversed with Angels, and then made the choice to return to her life.

Her story has a lot of similarities with other near death experience stories that I've read.  What I like about this narrative is that I feel like Dr. Neal does not have an agenda, and it does not seem like she is making money or a career off of this experience.  This story does get a tad preachy, but she was a very religious person before and definitely after her experience, so the religious tone is expected and not out of place.  Still no direct answers to the big questions, "why are we here", "what is our purpose", but a very well written book about someone's life that give you plenty to think about.

Requiem/Lauren Oliver/391 pages

Requiem is the final book in the Delirium trilogy by Lauren Oliver. Lena has become a main player in the resistance and in this final installment, the rebellion is in full force. Regulators have infiltrated the borders and the government can no longer deny the existence of the Invalids. Hana, Lena's best friend from childhood, plays a much bigger role in this story and  the story is told from alternating points of view. The two friends living in a world that divides them, but in the end, those worlds colliding. This trilogy was ok, but near as satisfying as Divergent by Veronica Roth or Hunger Games.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Bone Bed / Patricia Cornwell / 463 pages

Dr Kay Scarpetta is at it again.  Cornwell writes a good story without too much soul searching by Kay this time around.  All the usual characters play a role...Marino, Benton & niece Lucy.  Kay is daunting as a pathologist but those traits sure don't carry over to her personal life and relationships.  That's a little quirky if you ask me.  Sometimes when I read a Scarpetta book, I wonder hmmm what's going to be the grossest part.  This time I think it's when she had to support a dead body and swim with it to carefully load it into the Stokes carrier. Eeuw.  Of course a couple of hours later she's in court with her pin-striped suit and gelled hair.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Frog Prince / E.D. Baker 214 p. First in Series

Princess Emma encounters a talking enchanted frog in the swamp who begs for a kiss.  She decides to give him a kiss just to see what will happen.  And the unpredictable happens, she becomes a frog too.  The only way to get un-frogged is to find the witch who cast the spell.  Rules dictate that the victim be informed of a way to reverse the curse.  So what happened.  Eadric and Emma find themselves hopping through the swamp looking for the witch who cursed Eadric.  Another witch frog-naps them to be used for a spell.  There they meet a menagerie of animals.  Upon reading a curse that unlocks all the cages, Emma and Eadric escape.  A lot of fun to read this retelling of the prince turned into a frog.
First in the Tales of the Frog Princess

Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Greg Heffley's Journal / Jeff Kinney 217 p. First in Series

Greg Heffley, 6th grader, is so not into diaries-- so he records his thoughts in his journal and illustrates them with cartoons.  He writes about his first year of middle school--things like when he and his best friend Rowley took refuge in his grandmother's after taunting older boys at Halloween.  They retaliated by t.p.ing his grandmother's house.  Greg figures it gives his retired grandmother something to do.  He goes out for wrestling and learns way too much about his partner.  Kinney has a gift for pre-teen narration.  LOL.

First in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Lassie Come-Home / Eric Knight / 248 pages

Okay, Scottish book, you say?  and Classic Children's book? 
Yes!!  Lassie is a two-fer!  Classic children's book set in Scotland.

That being said, it's quite an interesting dog book. And better yet, the dog lives!  Lassie is bred in Yorkshire, but is sold to a duke who takes her to his land in the far north of Scotland so she will not be able to run away.  Never underestimate a dog.  Of course Lassie is going to go home.  That is what takes up most of the book; her travels. 

I love the passion for dogs and understanding of the dog mind.  The entire book uses Yorkshire dialect which I love to read. (Similar to Secret Garden)
It is such a good look into the lives of those people in Yorkshire who worked in the mines and were layed off.  The boy, Joe, has the unshakable bond with Lassie and deserves to keep the dog way more than a man who can buy him just because he's rich.  Any dog lover will become a Lassie fan.

Sister Wife / Diane Noble / 340 pages

Apparently, I like books by Diane Noble, author of Christian historical fiction set in the 1800's.  This time, a saga about a English woman and man who meet while sailing to America.  They convert to Morman.  The conflict surrounds the plural marriage in the 1840's.  They are living in Navou so it covers the conflict between the Mormans and the other people of Illinois.  There was much hostility done on both sides.  She covers the death of Joseph Smith and the exodus from Illinois although not in any great detail.
The next book in the series will continue the story as they move west.  Will Mary Rose stay or will she try to leave the church?

Judgment in Death/J.D. Robb/472 pages

J.D. Robb's (aka Nora Roberts) 11th installment in the In Death (Eve and Roarke) series doesn't disappoint.  This time someone is killing dirty cops making a very visceral statement.  But who is it?  Is it a "good" cop tired of the dirty cops giving the police force a bad name, or someone in Internal Affairs taking justice into their own hands, or an old adversary of Roarke's who loves playing games, pitting cop against cop.  It's up to Eve Dallas and her team to find the murderer before they make another mistake and kill a clean cop.
Judgment in Death (In Death, #11)

Pure Dead Wicked / Debi Gliori / 211 pages / Scottish-Irish Challenge

"Much later, Titus was to remark that this must have been the only time in history when a dirty diaper could be said to have saved several lives."  The entire Strega-Borgia family had been attempting to squash themselves into the interior of their long-suffering car for a shopping trip to the nearby village, Auchenlochtermuchty, when Damp's disgusting diaper caused them to evacuate the car.  Just as they cleared the car, three vast and ancient roof slates that had clung to the roof of the Stregaschloss for 600 years, dropped onto said car demolishing it.  Signora Strega-Borgia, having just completed six months of a 7 year degree in advanced magic, worked a spell to fix the roof which resulted in a giant pink band-aid.  Mrs. Flora McLachlin, the nanny, promises to fix the fix.  She no longer has her magic make-up case, however.  She swapped it for something better...an imat.  Highly recommended!  Pure Dead Fun!!

Fahrenheit 451/Ray Bradbury/159 pgs.

I thought I had read this book years ago, but if I did, I really erased it from my mind. What a good book! The premise of firemen actually starting fires instead of putting them out, is hard to imagine. Guy Montag is a fireman in this dystopian society, and pretty "happy" with his lot in life until he meets his young next door neighbor, Clarisse. Montag's job as a fireman is to destroy books, and the houses that contain the books. Clarisse is a "free spirit" who causes Montag to question his life, the world, and his impact on the world. For such a short novel, it packs quite a punch. I understand why it has been on reading lists for such a long time.

The Devil Who Tamed Her / Johanna Lindsey / 455 pages / Scottish-Irish Challenge

Rafael Locke takes a bet with Angus Duncan that he can change ophelia and get her married.  She has refused to marry the Scottish lord her father selected to be her husband, calling him a barbarian.  Rafael takes her to his grandfather's estate under the guise of taking her to London.  He has brought his Aunt Esmerelda as chaperone.  As often happens in romances, the two are irresistibly drawn to each other.  When Ophelia learns of the bet, however, Rafe's carefully crafted changes to her personality seem to disappear.

The Case of Mistaken Identity / mac Barnett / 179 pages / First Book in a Series

The Braxton Brothers #1
"Librarians are the most elite, best trained secret force in the USA.  Every librarian is highly trained agent, an expert in intelligence, counter-intelligence, Boolean seraching, and hand-to-hand combat."  Librarians are the guardians of knowledge.  "Every book published in the US is given a number by the headquarters, aka, the Library of Congress.  These number hold encoded inofrmation for operatives at various branches."  When Steve Braxton drew the topic "American Needlework" from his teacher's baseball hat and went to the library to begin his research for the paper due Monday, he became embroilled in the hunt for the missing national treasure - the Maguffin Quilt.  Begun in 1776 by Betsy Ross, the Maguffin Quilt was embroidered with every major American secret - "how to break into Fort Knox, who shot President Kennedy, the secret recipe for Heinze Ketchup."  Steve is a fan of the Bailey Brothers Detective books, including the Handbook, and has read them all 59 of them multiple times.  Quotes from the books help him solve a mystery that has the experts baffled.  Jon Scieszka said "This is the craziest, funniest book you will read all year."  "Full of excitement and danger, of narrow excapes and unexpected twists." (Dave Eggers)  Sure to please, reminiscient of the Hardy Boys, great start to a new series.

Peanut / Ayun Halliday / 207 pages

This quick read graphic novel has something for almost everyone - move to a new town/school, difficulty of making new friends and losing old ones, peanut allergies, honesty, teen snarkiness, modern technological communications, student/teacher relations, single parents, etc.  The peanut cover is definitely eye-catching.  The title page also features a peanut in picture rather than text.  Sadie Wildhack pretends to have a peanut allergy at her new high school so she will stand out from the crowd and hopefully attract new friends.  Her plan is a success, but not without consequences.  I was a bit disappointed by the language and finger gestures.  Is this necessary in YA literature?

The Colossue Rises / Peter Lerangis / 348 pages / First Book in a Series

Seven Wonders Book 1
"Either Professor Bhegad was going to save [Jack's] life or [he] had been pranked by some island Yoda who was two sandwiches short of a picnic."  After strange dreams, a near accident, and emergency surgery, thirteen year old Jack McKinley awakens at the Karai Institute.  Professor Bhegad imforms Jack that his genetic code would have doomed him to an early death had he not intervened.  This genetic anomaly also bestows superpowers.  "Cass had photo recall and could speak backwards at will.  Aly was a hacker genius and movie expert.  Marco was Michael Jordan on steriods, without the steroids.  [Jack] was chopped liver."  The Karai Institute is located on the lost continent of Atlantis.  The group must journey to the seven wonders of the ancient world and collect pieces of the ancient power of Atlantis that has been broken and hidden all aroung the world.  Their survival depends on it.  This is and awesome book!  The author is a Harvard graduate with a musical theater actor background, and he has hit upon a captivating idea for this series.  In his spare time, he likes to eat chocolate - lots of it!

"A problem is an answer waiting to be opened."

The Blue Poodle Mystery / Laura Lee hope / 127 pages / First Book in a Series

Bobbsey Twins #1, Vintage Children's Literature
This is the first Bobbsey Twins book I have ever read and I really enjoyed it.  Apparently the two sets of twins will travel around the world to solve their various mysteries.  Nan and Bert & Flossie and Freddie are in New York for this one, to solve the mystery of the canine kidnappers. Nan must decide if she is willing to give up being a detective and devote all her time to ballet.

Wild Wings / Gill Lewis / 287 pages / Scottish/Irish Challenge

The McGregor family has farmed their land in Scotland for over 100 years.  They are not aware of any secrets about the land until Iona McNair tells Callum their is a secret hidden somewhere in the hills, valleys, and lochs of his farm.  Although there had been no ospreys in Scotland from 1910-1950, Iona had found a nest and a male osprey preparing it for a mate.  Iona had built a rudimentary tree house from which to view the osprey.  A female was attracted and later caught in a fishing line.  Callum and Iona rescued the bird, Iris.  Hamish, the local conservation agent, attached a geo-transmitter to Iris's back.  Callum and his friends, Rob and Euan, tracked Iris's migration progress to Africa via computer, Google Earth, and exchanging e-mails with a Gambian girl recently injured in an accident.  The McGregors' village is instrumental in saving her legs.  This is a most inspiring, well-written book filled with noteworthy facts and themes.

"People are like rivers.  You've got to learn to look beneath the surface to see what lies deeper in."

Dark Passage / Ridley Pearson / 437 pages

Kingdom Keepers Book 6
"There comes a time in every rite of passage when one must confront one's demons, this is the moment between youth and adulthood, the dark passage."  If the Overtakers led by Tia Dalma and Maleficent are successful in reanimating Chernabog - the pit bull/bat/dragon creature, the Kingdom Keepers may never reach this passage.  During a cruise on the Disney Dream, the Kingdom Keepers once again battle the Overtakers for control of the Disney empire.  Once again, the ending is open-ended, promising additional Kingdom Keepers adventures.

Lord Kirkle's Money / Avi / 380 pages / Scottish/Irish Challenge

Beyond the Western Sea Book Two
This is a heartwarming story of the rigors and discrimination faced by Irish immigrants as they came to America in 1851 to escape the potato famine and unjust landlords.  Twelve year old Patrick O'Connell and his sister, Moira, have left Ireland unaccompanied.  Unbeknownest to them, the father who sent them their tickets and who is supposed to meet their ship, the Rober Peel, has died.  They have befriended a  runaway, Lawrence Worthy, who is, in fact, the son of the landlord who caused their house to be razed; and have been befriended by a most helpful actor who has fallen in love with Moira.

The Escape from Home / Avi / 295 pages / Irish/Scottish Challenge

Beyond the Western Sea Book One
Twelve year old Patrick and fourteen year old Moira finally manage to board the boat for America, but their troubles are far from over.  Their Da had sent them a bank draft and a letter requesting that they join him in America.  The missive arrives just in time as the English landlord has decided to raze their Irish village.  Their mother declines to make the voyage as she feels her health will not enable her to complete the voyage.  A side story dovetails with theirs, as young Lawrence Kirkle has run away from home and befriends the young Irish refugees.

Case of the Falling Sky / John R. Erickson 129 p.

Hank the Cowdog, Head of Ranch Security, takes the threat of the falling sky serious after Pete the cat and a strange dream give support to the rumor he heard from the resident rooster.  So Hank decides to protect his ranch.  His clue gathering from the chickens is funny in this humorous mystery.  The audiobook is not to be missed and it is read by the author.

Where There Is Faith, He Is With You / Viki Scherer 126 p.

Viki Scherer brings you to tears as she tells the story of her husband Doug's battle with ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease.  This is an inspirational book of faith that gives amazing witness to God's presences during their difficult times.  A "gas angel" appears, financial blessings arrive and equipment arrives as Doug and Viki live with this crippling disease.  Viki was named a National Caregiver by the ALS Association in 2009.

Trust / Janet Dailey 358 p. First in Series

First in the Bannon Brothers series introduces RJ, a police man. While on medical leave, he is drawn to investigate Ann Montgomery's long-ago abduction; especially as the 2 million reward is about to expire.  Chances are low that RJ will find Ann after twenty-five years but he tries.  Intrigued by artist Erin Randall when he purchases her horse paintings, tendrils of romance appear.  The more involved in the cold case and with Erin the more RJ suspects that Erin and Ann may be the same person.  His investigation places Erin in danger when others have illegal plans for acquiring the 2 million.  A romantic suspense with somewhat predictable plot.

Head Games / Craig McDonald 300 p. First in Series

Murder and mayhem abound in this fast-paced, action adventure novel set in 1957 where  Hector Lassiter, crime writer, and Bud Fiske, a young poet sent to interview Hector, take possession of Pancho Villa's head.  Immediately they are targeted by the Skull & Bones, U.S. intelligence, murderous fraternity guys, mercenary who originally stole the head, all who want Villa's head.  Head Games mixes fact with fiction and brings Hector and Bud into contact with Orson Wells, Jack Webb, Marlene Dietrich, and more.

Explicit content.

Book one in the Hector Lassiter series

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

The Last Summer: A Novel by Judith Kinghorn. 433 pages

Clarissa Granville is a young woman who has been born into money and knows where her life is headed. She is to marry and hopefully marry well. The summer of 1914 is where it all changes. She meets the only son of the housekeeper, Tom Cuthbert. Her pre-planned life isn't a sure thing anymore. Against the wishes of her mother, Clarissa begins a friendship and the two of them fall in love over the course of the summer. But the whispers of war changes the lives of the Granvilles and also the relationship between Clarissa and Tom. The two of them swear eternal love but that love will be tested again and again in the following years.
This is what I call an epic saga book. One of those that follows many characters for a large portion of their lives. The novel starts a few months before the beginning of World War I and will eventually end in 1930. There is some romance in the book but there are other social issues intertwining with the characters: Women's rights such as voting, independence from conventions, the fraying of the class structures are some of the issues that are touched on. I highly recommend this because the main heroine isn't always likeable. She is willful and some of her actions are downright questionable. But this is good. A cookie cutter female character isn't a good fit for this novel. Clarissa is a challenge to root for sometimes and the ending has a twist I didn't see coming. Excellent read for those hot summer evenings.
  6 Degrees of Reading: Summerset Abbey by T.J. Brown, The Lavender Garden by Lucinda Riley, Ashenden by Elizabeth Wilhide.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Alex Cross, Run / James Patterson / 407 pages

Alex Cross is taking hits from all sides in this newest installment in the police detective series.  He is helping to track down three serial killers, dealing with being set up by a victim, and trying to help his foster child.  He certainly can go a long time without sleep.  If you like the Alex Cross books, there is nothing to dislike in this one. 

Fly Away/Kristin Hannah/400 pages

This novel tells how the family and closest friend of Kate Mularkey continue on after her death from breast cancer (which happened in Hannah's book "Firefly Lane").  It really illustrates how lost someone can feel after the death of a loved-one and how a family can fall apart but find their way back together. 

The Happiness Project/Gretchen Rubin/164 out of 301 pages

Gretchen Rubin decided she needed to be happier. Not that she was unhappy, but she just thought she could be happier. So, she researched happiness, and then went on a year long conquest to become happier.

She breaks the years down by months and works on one aspect of happiness each month. I only made it to July before I quit reading. She covers some worthwhile ideas, but it just didn't capture my interest. This was my book club's selection for April.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Never Coming Back/Hans Koppel/393 pgs.

Touted as an "international bestseller," Never Coming Back grabs the reader from the first page. Ultimately, the story involves Mike Zetterberg's missing wife, Ylva. Ylva disappears after going out with work friends. Of course, Mike becomes the focal point in the investigation. What no one realizes is that Ylva has been abducted, and is being held in the house right next door! She is being brutalized, physically and emotionally. The question is, why? The answer is what makes up the crux of the story. It is an uncomfortable read--yet, it is one that I won't soon forget. Chalk up another one for a debut Swedish author!

Lucky Bastard/Deborah Coonts/349 pgs.

Lucky O'Toole is the vice president of Customer of Relations for the Babylon, a casino-resort in Las Vegas. This is the fourth entry in a highly entertaining series. In each book, a murder takes place at the Babylon, and Lucky becomes embroiled in solving it. There is a recurring cast of characters,--"characters" being the operative word! They are funny, surprising, and totally enjoyable. I have never read  Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, but I can't imagine it being better than this. I would suggest, however, that you start with the first in the series, Wanna Get Lucky? Highly recommended. As an aside--Deborah Coonts is the wife of author, Stephen Coonts.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

June Challenge


Vintage Children's Literature Reading Challenge

It's time to dust off those piles of books that you meant to read as a child, but just didn't get around to it yet.  Share one of your favorite childhood reading experiences with your kids or grandkids.  Let's go back to a time when technology was less instant, kids were allowed to ride bikes without helmets, and our houses were decorated with louder wallpaper.  It's the Vintage Children's Literature Reading Challenge!

The Rules:
1. Only titles published before the year 2000 count.  So that means only the first three Harry Potter novels would qualify for this challenge.
2.  The challenge focuses mainly on novels but you can choose collections of short stories or non-fiction,  if you desire

2 points for every "Vintage" Book.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Fables: Homelands (Vol. 6) / Bill Willingham / 190 pgs / Fairy Tales Challenge

The Fables are preparing for war.  They are on edge waiting for the Adversary's next attack.  In the meantime, Little Boy Blue goes undercover and sneaks back into the homelands to look for his long-lost love Red Riding-hood and to find out who is the main power behind the Adversaries.

Enchanted / Alethea Kontis / 308 pages / Fairy Tale Challenge

This book definitely falls into the fairy tale retold category.  Amazingly Ms. Kontis has cleverly interwoven most well-known, beloved fairy tales into this original fairy tale about the magical seventh daughter in the Woodcutter family.  Sunday's stories are legendary and often come true.  Sunday falls in love with an enchanted frog who was once a prince.  (No one knows but the enchantment is closely related to Sunday's brother, Jack, and his presumed death.)  Sunday's love transforms the frog into Rumbold, the Crown Prince of Arriland, who is believed to be responsible for her brother's death.  Several storylines entwine with the central plot to make for a captivating read.

When Will This Cruel War Be Over? / Barry Denenberg / 173 pages / First Book in a Series

Gordonsville, Virginia, 1864
Dear American #1, The Diary of Emma Simpson
Fourteen year old Emma Simpson used reading as a diversion from the horrible war.  Like Jane Eyre, her life "seems to become more complicated with every turn in the road."  Her brother was killed in the war, her father is off fighting for the noble Confederate cause, and her mother died of illness.  She corresponds with Tally, a young eighteen year old she met just before he, too, went off to war.  This is an excellent depiction of horrors of war from a Southern point of view.

The Guilty One / Lisa Ballantyne / 568 pages / Scottish/Irish Challenge

Sebastian Croll is accused of murdering Ben Stokes, one of his playmates, an eight year old boy.  He is reputed to be a bully and his counselor believes he comes from an abusive home.  Daniel Hunter, his solicitor wants to save eleven year old Seb from the cruel justice system.  He hates Seb's family and worries about the child returning to that world of material privilege and emotional deprivation, but the thought of Seb inside, in the system, was worse.  The evidence is circumstantial, but the press had already demonized him.  At the same time that Daniel is engaged in Seb's trial, he is setting to rest ghosts in his past - his own drug-addicted mom, his Irish adoptive Mam - Minnie, and his own predilections to violence.  A most surprising twist at the end causes the reader to gasp in disbelief.

"Fear's like pain.  It's there in your life to tech you about yourself."

The World Above / Cameron Dokey / 175 pages / Fairy Tale

This is the true story of Jack and the Beanstalk.  Here Jack has a twin sister, Gentian, and their mother tells them wonderful bedtime stories.  When they reach their sixteenth birthday, they discover that their mother came from the World Above and that their father had been killed for his position.  Celine Marchand fled to the World Below and lived a life of poverty.  Magic beans and beanstalks figure prominently in this tale; and we have the bags of gold; the goose who lays eggs with rich, nourishing gold egg yolks; the singing harp; Sean the giant;...and Robin (Hood?), the son of the man who murdered Gen and Jack's father.  This is a most enjoyable read with clever twists on the traditional tale.

"Acting on what you fear instead of what you know is never a wise choice."

"|Belonging is more than just an accident of birth."

|"It's good to put your trust in something greater than yourself.  It makes the world less frightening."

The Original Adventure of Hank the Cowdog / John R. Erickson / 149 pages / First Book in a Series

Hank the cowdog is head of ranch security.  There's been a murder on the ranch and Hank is determined to find out whodunit.  Who or what is killing the chickens?  Unfortunately, Hank cannot prevent himself from eating one of the dead chickens and is accused of the murders himself.  He decides to run away and become an outlaw.  He joins a coyote band against his will and better judgment.  When the coyotes attack the ranch, however, Hank shows his true colors. 

Thumbelina, Tiny Runaway Bride / Barbara Ensor / 147 pages / Fairy Tale

Did you know that Thumbelina was exactly 1 and 5/8 inches tall?  Her story was reputedly told to Hans Christian Andersen by a passing sparrow.  Her mother was terribly over-protective and Thumbelina longed for adventure.  This is the true story of Thumbelina and her misadventures and her happily ever after ending.  Illustrated with black paper cutouts similar to the woodcuts of Andersen, this quick read would work well as a comparison/contrast with Disney's movie version.

The Reluctant Assassin / Eoin Colfer / 341 pages / Irish/Scottish Challenge

W.A.R.P.  Book 1
Chevron Savano is a seventeen year old American Indian orphan FBI agent.  The FBI had put together a program, "The Witness Anonymous Relocation Program - W.A.R.P.," in conjunction with Homeland Security to "stop terrorist cells from getting a grip on the minds of high school kids.  Half a dozen orphans were trained at Quantico and inserted into schools.  Chevron's target was an Iranian family with four kids in school.  Her observe-and-report mission turned deadly when a jeep full of guys accosted the Iraninas outside the movie theater.  Chevron came to the rescue and was banished to the hinterlands - London, as the Senate investigates the incident and the program.  Guarding a futuristic pod, she encounters Riley, a street urchin, magician apprentice from 1858.  Together they travel back in time.  "Like Holmes and Watson [they] are, but with extra munitions and explosions."  The time traveling adventure has multiple plot twists and nonstop action, not to mention a close-up tour of Victorian England.

Beyond the Highland Mist / Kren Marie Moning / 509 pages / Scottish/Irish Challenge

Okay...Beware...This one starts off racy!!  Adrienne's last boyfriend used her as a courier in his drug business, unbeknownst to her.  When she discovers his duplicity, she swears off men.  When she is whisked back through time, however, by fairie magic, and encounters James Douglas "Hawk" in 1513 Scotland and Adam the blacksmith who is not what he appears, she changes her mind. 

Screwed / Eoin Colfer / 301 pages / Irish/Scottish Challenge

This is the second Daniel McEvoy book and it is almost as good as the first one.  Ex-bouncer, now nightclub owner, Daniel McEvoy, is once again given a seemingly impossible assignment by local mob kingpin Irish Mike Madden.  Joe's ties in Ireland where Madden's mother lives have kept Joe safe.  When she dies, all bets are off and Madden threatens Joe's associates to secure his co-operation.  Mr. Colfer's sense of humor and "head-spinning plot twists" make this a sure bet good read.

Walking Disaster / Jamie McGuire / 437 pages

I can't say I enjoyed this at all.  In fact, I almost stopped reading it at several points along the way.  I found the characters and their situation to be totally unbelievable.  Travis "Mad Dog" Maddox's mother, on her deathbed, had asked him not to settle, to fight for the person he loved, and for the first time he did what she expected of him.  He finally lived up to who she wanted him to be.  He gave up bagging girls and married Abby.

Second Sight / Amanda Quick 305 p. First in Series

This first in the Arcane Society novels introduces Venetia Milton and Gabriel Jones.  Gabriel hires Venetia to photograph all the treasures of the Arcane Society, a 200 year old highly secretive organization founded by an alchemist.  Venetia decides the remote location, far from family and London's gossip driven society, is the place to have a one-night fling with Gabriel.  Upon reading of his death, Venetia adopts Mrs. Jones as her professional name and portrays herself as a widow.  She embarks upon a career as a photographer in London, where her gift of  'seeing' beyond her subjects, allows her to capture a quality that makes her photographs very desired by the fashionable elite.  When Gabriel strolls back into her life, she finds herself somewhat bound to him, as he seeks to find the someone who goes to any length even murder to gain the Arcane Society's ancient secret.  A romantic story involving the paranormal set in Victorian times is deftly handled by Amanda Quick (Jayne Ann Krentz).

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

October Sky/Rocket Boys/ Homer Hickam/ 368 pp

Homer "Sonny" Hickam and his friends became known as the "Rocket Boys" in their hometown of Coalwood, West Virginia when they decided that they would launch their own rockets in response to the Soviets launching Sputnik.  This captivating memoir chronicles a time when children were allowed to play all day without adult supervision.  When Sonny announces that he's going to build his own rockets, his mom replies "Just don't blow yourself up."

I very much enjoyed this memoir.  The movie was enjoyable but, as usual, the book was better.

The House on Mango Street / Sandra Cisneros / 134 pages

     I listened to this book on CD because it was recommended and because it was about Mexican Americans in Chicago.  There was also a forward by the author who read the book.
She was involved in the famous Iowa writers program and this book is acclaimed.
     For whatever reason, it just didn't keep my interest.  Maybe it was "too Iowa writer style" although I could see how well written it was.  Maybe it was that I have read a lot of these kind of books.  Maybe it was that first person narrative.  I just couldn't get into it and found myself listening to anything on NPR instead of driving around just to hear another paragraph of a book as I usually end up doing.  I give it no thumbs and one shoulder shrug.  Sorry.

The Black Box / Michael Connelly / 403 pages

You cannot beat Michael Connelly for police detective mysteries.  His character Harry Bosch is terrific.  I'm sure we all have "Harrys" in our lives....the people who are passionate about what they do and are willing to buck the system to do the right thing.  I wonder if I met Harry would I like him?  He is so driven to find justice for his cold case victims that he walks over whoever he needs to in order to solve his case.  He doesn't listen to the advice of his coworkers and friends yet he wants to be a good dad and tries so hard to do the right thing with his teenage daughter Madeline.  I see a storyline developing where Madeline might join the police force as well.....which means more Harry Bosch books.  Yeah!

Monday, June 3, 2013

Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks/ 306 pp

Inspired by the story of the first Native America to graduate from Harvard, the author weaves a fictionalized story around how he got there.  The story is told from the viewpoint of Bethia Mayfield.  In 1665, on Martha's Vineyard, young Bethia feels constrained by the limitations put on young girls.  She desires to be educated and fulfill her potential.  Bethia meets a young Native American boy, who she calls Caleb.  Eventually, Bethia's father, a Christian minister, begins to tutor Caleb along with Bethia's older brother with the intent of qualifying for the best education the New World can offer, Harvard.

Told over the course of many years, the reader is carried along by Bethia's struggles and observations.  It was a difficult time and place to live.  I enjoyed being transported back in time but I'm glad I live when I do.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Touch & Go/Lisa Gardner/423 pgs.

Oh--my--gosh! I loved this book! I have always enjoyed Lisa Gardner's books, but this is one of her best efforts! It begins with an entire family being kidnapped: Justin and Libby Denbe, and their fifteen- year-old daughter, Ashlyn. Justin is the chief owner of his own very successful construction company, so the kidnapping has to be about ransom and money--or does it? There are secrets, lies, and skeletons in the closet. Right when you think you have it all figured out, something blows your theory! I especially liked how some chapters of the book are told in Libby's voice, and that one of Gardner's recurring characters, Tessa Leoni, has a key role in the book. Highly recommended.

Saturday, June 1, 2013

Witness in Death/J D Robb/516 pages

J D Robb's Eve Dallas has another mystery to solve.  This time she actually witnesses the murder along with 2,000 other theater patrons.  During the final scenes of Agatha Christie's Witness for the Prosecution a stage knife is replaced by a real knife and a famous actor is killed is front of thousands.  Dallas and her team know what happened, but not who was truly responsible for the very brutal and very public execution.  It also turns out there was no want for motive, either, as every actor and a few of the stage crew had a reason to hate the victim.  This series entry had a very intriguing twist near the end that was very surprising.
Witness in Death (In Death, #10)