Saturday, November 30, 2013

Takedown Twenty/Janet Evanovich/307 pages

In the twentieth Stephanie Plum novel, Stephanie is finally thinking that she should get a different job. Maybe she's tired of people shooting at her, falling down steps, getting the evil eye from Morelli's grandmother and disappointing her mother. It could be that now she's seeing a giraffe running around the streets of Trenton, and she's questioning her sanity. But, she needs the money, so she's trying to find Joe's godfather, Sunny, who turns out to be more trouble than she ever imagined.

On a side note, Stephanie's hamster Rex should be in the Guiness Book of World Records. That hamster has to be long lived rodent ever!

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Forgotten Bookmarks: A Bookseller's Collection of Odd Things Lost Between the Pages / Michael Popek / 182

Interesting little book with photos of miscellaneous items--notes, letter, photos, tickets, etc--left in books. There isn't a real story--just the questions left behind wondering about the people belonging to these forgotten items. Several go back into the 1800's. Letters from soldiers from WWI and II are the most poignant to me.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Takedown Twenty/Janet Evanovich/307 pgs


This is book number 20 of the Stephanie Plum series and one of the best.  Stephanie is still having her car shot up or stolen but now she is trying to find Morelli's godfather - who just happens to really be a Godfather.  There is also a giraffe running the streets of Trenton and no one seems to notice.  Another great story - can't wait for #21.

Monday, November 25, 2013

A Matter of Life / Jeffrey Brown / 93 pgs

A sweet autobiographical graphic novel, which shows snippets of Jeffery Brown's life growing up and his thoughts of the present being a husband and father.  Jeffery's father was a Minister, so the role of the religion and church plays a big part in his life and is therefore the main topic in this book. 
The book is a little bit disjointed as the sequence of the stories jump around from past to present and back with no real timeline order.  The thoughts and subjects also are in no particular order, more like stream of conscious writing.  I still felt this book was a very honest and open look at one person's life and experiences and I am glad that he shared it with me. 

The Arrangement / Mary Balogh / 380 pgs

Viscount Darleigh (formally Vincent Hunt) tired of his mother and sisters trying to marry him off, runs away to his county estate from his childhood for some peace and quiet.  Unfortunate, for him, this small county town has been eagerly waiting for his return and the town busybodies quickly spring into action at his arrival.  This leads to some funny interactions as the town's richest and snottiest members bend over backwards to curry Viscount Darleigh's favor. 
This would be a run of the mill Cinderella story with the Rich Lord picking the poor, serving girl and whisking her away from her impoverish life; except there is a twist.  Viscount Darleigh is blind, he lost his eyesight in the war; and the poor serving girl he marries is considered plain and is even described as looking like a boy.  Even the marriage arrangement is made between two independent adults, who value their dreams and freedom over love. 
A sweet story with very nice, likeable characters, and I was surprised
to find that I read the whole book straight through even though it lacked the bickering and bitter fighting that I enjoy most about romance novels. 

All New X-Men (vol. 2): Here to Stay / Brian Bendis / 136 pgs

The original five X-men (Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Iceman, Angel & Beast) have been time warped from the past and brought into the present.  This series focuses on how these young, idealist fledglings react to their future selves and possible outcomes, which may not be the futures they had dreamed for themselves. 

Yeah, this outfit is
TOTALLY, not
Ridiculous!!!
I did not realize that this was volume 2 in the series so I was a little lost as to how the five had been transported to the future and why.  I also don't normally read superhero comics so I don't have much background information on the storylines and characters.  Therefore, I felt like I was probably missing out on some in-jokes or plotlines that I should already know.  Even still, this was an enjoyable read with plenty of interesting characters to fill several graphic novels with side stories.  My only complaint with the artwork is that once again the women are all wearing skin tight suits that look like they are painted on, and some of the outfits are so bizarrely cut that either a) they were designed and drawn by men who do not understand the laws of physics or b) I can only assume that the outfit is being held up by very fake shelf-like boobs.  ...and you wonder why women hate comics. 

Flora and Ulysses the Illustrated Adventures / Kate DeCamillo / 233 pages

Flora Belle Buckman is a natural born cynic.  Her divorced mom writes romances.  Flora is an avid reader of comic books.  From "Terrible Things Can Happen to You!" she learned that tragedy "was just sitting there keeping you company, waiting, and you had absolutely no idea.  That kind of helpful information you could get from comics if you paid attention."  She also learned that "impossible things happen all the time."  For instance, heroes - superheroes - were born of ridiculous and unlikely circumstances."  ...and "Holy unanticipated occurrences!" after Flora resuscitates a squirrel who has been vacuumed and balded, he (Ulysses) is able to understand Flora when she talks to him.  "Holy Bagumba!"  Flora "has a murder to stop, a superhero to mentor, villains to vanquish, and darkness to eradicate."  This is a marvelously illustrated, humorous novel to bridge comics and chapter books, appealing to all ages and would be a most welcome addition to every elementary school library.

Tender Rebel / Johanna Lindsey / 402 pages

This is the second book in the Mallory Family Saga.  The setting in England, 1813.  Rosalyn (sp?) has run away from Scotland with 52-year old Nettie.  She is trying desperately to avoid marriage to her cousin Geordie (sp?) Cameron.  Two of the Mallory brothers, James and Anthony, are attracted to her, but Tony's intentions are more honorable.  A marriage of convenience with Anthony would end Geordie's attempts to force Rosalyn to marry him...or would it?  Rosalyn's conditions to the marriage add texture and complication to otherwise somewhat simple plot.

The Nine Pound Hammer / John Claude Bemis / 357 pages

The Nine Pound Hammer brings to life the legends of John Henry and Johnny Appleseed as integral parts of a new series.  Twelve year old Ray sets out on a quest to determine the fate of his missing father.  After joining a band of sideshow performers who travel aboard the Ballyhoo, an old train, he experiences seemingly impossible talents, pirates, and Ramblers.   The audio of this book is truly outstanding, well read, and features musical interludes written and performed by the author himself.

Starry Night/Debbie Macomber/243 pgs.

Carrie Slayton writes for the society page of the Chicago Herald. She wants to do investigative reporting, so her boss tells her that if she can get an interview with author Finn Dalton, he will take her off of the society page. Unbeknown to Carrie, Finn is a recluse, and no one has been able to locate him in order to interview him. He has written a best seller about the Alaskan wilderness, so Carrie heads out to find him. In the process, she meets his estranged mother, Joan, and Finns best friend, Sawyer O'Halloran. With their help she locates Finn, and a romance begins. Of course, the road to true love is rocky, but it is an enjoyable read--centered around the holidays. It's a nice, holiday read!

Hotshot/Julie Garwood/356 pgs.

I like Julie Garwood. Unfortunately, this is the worst Garwood book I have ever read! The story line is trite, the characters are one dimensional, and it was a waste of my time reading it in its entirety. Peyton Lockhart and her sisters, Lucy and Ivy, are given the opportunity by their Uncle Len to make a go of Bishop Cove--an oceanfront resort needing rehab. If they can turn a profit within a year, Bishop Cove is theirs. This comes at a perfect time for Peyton because she was being sexually harassed at her previous job, and left it with incriminating evidence against her boss. He's out for retaliation, a competitor wants Bishop Cove, and Peyton's former next-door neighbor, Finn MacBain, now with the FBI, comes to the rescue. Of course, there is immediate attraction between Finn and Peyton, but they both want something different in the relationship. The whole thing is so boring, that I can't believe 1) that I read the entire book, and 2) that I've spent this much time on the review!

The Deadly Sister / Eliot Schrefer / 310 pages

This was essentially a mystery.  The main suspect is the sister who had been tutored and more by the dead guy.  The sister is a mess.
Schrefer pulls out all the stops on how to describe this angry, learning impaired, wreck of a teenager.  Her parents have all but given up on her.  the other sister is, of course, the good one.  Telling volumes in the story is how neither one wants to engage the father who is quite likely to blow up at them.  Professionally, he is a lawyer.  So, I guess, he has that top of the food chain job that makes it okay for him to vent whenever.  Mom is the fragile one, but runs interference.  I was more interested in the family dynamics than the mystery.  It was ok.

Christmas Carol Murder/Leslie Meier/264 pages

Lucy Stone's Tinker's Cove is having a difficult time with the downturn in the economy. The Christmas season might not be so merry with many townspeople losing their homes to Downeast Mortgage, a locally owned company. When one of the partners of Downeast is killed by a mail bomb, some think he got what he deserved. Lucy's time is split between investigating who wanted him dead enough to act on it and practicing for her debut in The Christmas Carol.

A nice cozy mystery. Lucy Stone is very down-to-earth and easy to like.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

The Last First Day / by Carrie Brown / 292 pgs

Booklist and Publishers Weekly disagree strongly about the strength and quality of this story.  My opinion falls in between.  As the novel opens, Ruth Van Dusen is preparing for the first day at Derry School for Boys.  Her husband, Peter, is head master and has run the school for many years.  What happens to make this his last first day takes many pages to tell.  However, when they flashback to the couple's childhood, marriage and early years the story moves at a much faster pace.  Overall I enjoyed the story until the end.  It seemed unfinished.   I prefer resolution, even a sad one.

The Returned / by Jason Mott / 338 pgs

All over the world people's loved ones are returning from beyond. No one knows how or why this is happening, whether it's a miracle or a sign of the end. Not even Harold and Lucille can agree on whether the boy is real or a wondrous imitation, but one thing they know for sure: he's their son. As chaos erupts around the globe, the newly reunited Hargrave family finds itself at the center of a community on the brink of collapse, forced to navigate a mysterious new reality and a conflict that threatens to unravel the very meaning of what it is to be human.

There is mixed reaction to the "Returned" from the living world.  Some are convinced they should be destroyed, some embrace a "second chance" and until someone decides what is to be done, they are rounded up and put in camps with guards.  It is an interesting concept and one that will bring lively discussions in our book clubs!

Cries of the Lost / by Chris Knopf / 288 pgs

From Booklist

*Starred Review* After his wife, Florencia, is assassinated and he’s left for dead (in Dead Anyway, 2012), Arthur Cathcart gets revenge, but he still wants answers. What motivated the assassination, and why was Florencia, owner of a profitable insurance brokerage company, embezzling large sums of money? The bullet that hit Cathcart’s brain during the shooting—he was certified as dead by his cardiologist sister—has robbed him of some of his numerical abilities, but he’s still a crackerjack researcher skilled with electronics. So, with Natsumi Fitzgerald, the blackjack dealer he fell in love with after his rehab, Cathcart sets out on his quest. With money secure and alternate identities available, the two warily open a safe-deposit box in a Cayman Islands bank, retrieving the flash drive inside but touching off an international chase by various factions that want them dead. In an adrenaline-fueled chase across beautiful European locales, including the south of France and lake district of Italy, Cathcart and Fitzgerald make canny use of their resources to remain a step ahead of their pursuers. With Cathcart as the once-nerdy everyman up against powerful adversaries and Fitzgerald as his loving sidekick, Knopf has a smart, sizzling, jet-setting series with a delightful touch of wry wit.
  I got this as an ARC not realizing that it was a sequel.  However, I was able to keep up with the story.  It is fast paced, never dull.

Back Before Dark / Tim Shoemaker / 361 pages

Code of Silence #2
Of course Cooper, Gordy, and Hiro knew all about stranger danger, but three weeks before eighth grade graduation Gordy was abducted.  The kids were taking a shortcut through the park so that they could make it home before dark, when they saw a silver van with backpack on top of it.  Gordy raced on his bike to let the driver know.  He was tasered and taken.  His cousin, Cooper, got the license but failed to remember it correctly.  The kids are determined to recover Gordy.

Bossy Pants / Tina Fey / 277 p.

Tina Fey does not hold back in this autobiographical book about her life and career. Listening to her audio version was a real treat, but you must be able to handle the amount of profanity and scatological humor she uses. She is very honest about her own shortcomings and outspoken about the gender inequities she and other female comedians face.

Fortunately, The Milk / Neil Gaiman / 113 pages

The creatures in the space ship wanted the fathe,r who had gone to the corner store for milk, to sign over the planet to them so they could remodel it.  They planned to take out all the trees and put in plastic flamingoes.  The considered them the highest and finest art form earth has achieved.  The dad escapes, encounters pirates, piranhas, a stegosaurus in a hot air balloon...  At least this is the story the father relates to his children when he returns a bit later with the milk.  Funny!  This would be a great read aloud!  Awesomely appropriate illustrations!

Lock and Key / Sarah Dessen / 422 pages

What is a family?  They were people who claimed you, who showed up...We have many families as we move through time...None of them is perfect.  Ruby cannot believe her luck.  Her mother has abandoned her - taken off with her current boyfriend.  Ruby doesn't panic. She continues living in the same rental house, paying what bills she can.  She is a senior in high school and hopes to be able to finish the year.  When the landlords, the Honeycuts, discover her situation and report her to family services, she is force to move in with her sister, Cora, whom she hasn't seen for 10 years.  Again...she can't believe her luck.  She meets Nate, makes new friends, and learns the meaning of family.

Alone / Lisa Gardner / 324 pages / USA Today Bestseller

"You have to find something...Something that anchors you, something that keeps you looking forward, even on the bad days, when you're tempted to look back."  This advice was given to Boston police sharpshooter Bobby Dodge on how to deal with his guilt over shooting Jimmy Gagnon, a superior court judge's son.  The Gagnon's have filed a civil suit against Bobby for the wrongful death of their son.  Bobby is sure it was a righteous shoot, saving the life of Gagnon's wife and/or son.  But is it possible that Jimmy's wife, the victim of a childhood abduction/abuse, somehow engineered the death?  Is her abductor now free from prison and murdering for hire?  Wow!  What a roller coaster ride!

The Diviners / Libba Bray / 578 pages / Bram Stoker Award Nominee

Something dark and evil has awakened on the streets of New York.  Young Evie O'Neil is drawn into the midst of it because of her unusual power.  She can divine facts about a person while holding an object belonging to them.  This got her in trouble in her small home town, a she revealed unsavory acts of the son of one of the town's wealthy icons.  Her parents banish her to live with her uncle who runs a most unusual museum, until tempers cool.  She is drawn into the investigations of a serial murderer amid the flash and bustle of 1926 New York with its speakeasies, Ziegfield girls, and rakish pickpockets, and she is pos-i-tute-ly ecstatic.  This is and engaging read with numerous subplots subtly interwoven with interesting characters and historically  significant ambiance.

Politically Correct Bedtime Stories; Modern Tales for Our Life and Times. James Finn Gardner / 79 pages / USA Today Bestseller

The jacket on the back of the book has recommendations from Hans Christian Andersen, the Brothers Grimm, and Aespo...praising this tome.  The inside from jacket flap says this a "a worthy attempt to develop meaningful literature that is totally free from bias and purged from the influences of a flawed cultural past."  It is most interesting and pure fun to read the fairy tales for these modern, enlightened(?) times.

The Waking Dark / Robin Wasserman / 454 pages

"They called it The Killing Day.  Twelve people dead, in the space of a few hours.  5 murderers.  All of them so normal.  All of them seemingly harmless, all of them dead by their own hand...except one.  And that one has no answers to offer the shattered town.  She doesn't even know why she killed - or whether she'll do it again."  When a tornado strikes Oleander, Kansas, the killing begins again with renewed vengeance.  The town is sealed off from the outside world and armed soldiers guard its borders.  Who or what has caused this mayhem?  Can West, a football player; Jule, daughter of meth addicts; Cass, one of the murderers, and Ellie save the day?  This is an intriguing page-turner, thought-provoking and fear-inspiring.

The Year of the Book / Andrea Cheng / 146 pages

I was surprised when I read Anna's mom say that "In China they don't even have Halloween."  When we were in China several years ago, Halloween was a very big deal with decorations everywhere.  Aside from this, The Year of the Book is awesome and would be a welcome addition to any elementary school library.  Sprinkled throughout the heartwarming story are illustrations, titles, and excerpts from books the main character, Anna, is currently reading.  "Anna looks to her books to provide what real life cannot - constant companionship and insight into her changing world.  Anna discovers "on her own what it takes to make friends and what it means to be one."

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore / Robin Sloan / 288 pages

"Strange things are afoot at Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore,"  says the new clerk, Clay Jannon.  What a tour de force!  The themes portrayed in this book are every bit as awesome and inspiring as the plot itself.  Books and fellowship (friendship) are the keys to immortality.  Clay Jannon lost his job as web design master for a bagel chain due to recession cutbacks.  Procuring a job at Mr. Penumbra's unique, somewhat skinny bookstore, he and his friends from sixth grade are instrumental in cracking a 500 year old code dating to the 1500's.

"Books are the key to immortality."

The Library of Congress has 700 miles of shelves off site in warehouses.

From a Buick 8 / Stephen King / 503 pages / USA Today Bestseller

When deceased trooper Curt Wilcox's son, Ned, took a summer dispatch job with his father's old unit, he discovered the Buick 8 - the Crocodile, while on a Saturday window washing mission.  But "it wasn't a 1954 at all, or a Buick, or even a car.  It was something else..."  "A secret closely guarded by members of Troop D Pennsylvania State Police stationed at Statler.  Alternating between then and now, members of Troop D relate the story of the mysterious Buick, its otherworldliness, and its tenacious hold on the members of Troop D. This is vintage Stephen King - scary and thought-provoking, with an excellent Author's Note relating the story to incidents in the author's own life.

"Heroism is the act of going forward in the face of fear."

"Curiosity killed the cat and satisfaction brought him back."

"Sometimes when things go wrong, we get more help than we ever expected, and sometimes it's still not enough."

Before I Say Good-Bye / Mary Higgins Clark / 480 pages / USA Today Bestseller

Nell McDermott writes a column for a New York newspaper.  She is a veteran congressman's daughter and would have run for his seat when he retired but her new husband was opposed to the idea.  Now several years later, Mac asks her to reconsider.  Adam is still opposed, but he is killed along with companions aboard his boat.  As Nell investigates his death, she wonders if she ever really knew the man to whom she had been married.  As always, the Queen of Suspense, Mary Higgins Clark, has crafted a mesmerizing who dunnit with multiple suspects, challenging and captivating the reader throughout.

Pretend You Don't See Her / Mary Higgins Clark / 318 pages / USA Today Bestseller

"Lacey wasn't sure if she actually heard a sound on the staircase.  Old houses seem sometimes to have a life of their own.  She was aware, however, that the atmosphere had changed, like a thermometer suddenly plummeting...Later she realized that it was the presence of evil, creeping, insidious, enveloping her, so real it was almost tangible.  She had felt this same chill when she hid in the closet as Curtis Caldwell came down the stairs after killing Isabelle."  Lacey has been in the witness protection program since the murder, has tried to find clues in Isabelle's granddaughter's journal, and is just managing to stay one step ahead of her stalker.  This is an absolutely captivating, spine-tingling, read-it-in-one-sitting suspense thriller!

CHARMING / Elliott James / 391 Pages

In CHARMING, the author re-imagines a classic fairy tale character with an  paranormal twist; the first in his 'Pax Arcana' series. James writes a snarky, first person, narrative introducing readers to John Charming. Yes, as in Prince Charming, well ... sort of.

John was trained to be a modern-day Knight Templar, an entire family of Charmings no less, who hunt monsters and defend humans. Unfortunately a curse ended up changing all that, turning him into a fugitive. Now he moves from town to town, job to job, trying to stay off the Knight's radar and deal with what the curse has done to him. Then one day a tall, mysterious blonde AND a vampire walk into his bar ...

For those who like humor in action-packed, paranormal fiction or who enjoy Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden, first introduced in Storm Front.

Doctor Sleep / Stephen King / 531 pages / USA Today Bestsellers

Dan Torrance's "co-workers at Rivington House knew he had something, but most of them called it empathy and let it go at that.  The last thing he wanted, now that his life had begun to settle down, was to get a reputation as some sort of parlor psychic."  The Shining was actually stronger now than it was during his childhood and the fateful events at the Overlook Hotel. Dan is Doctor Sleep, as he - with the assistance of Azzie the cat, helps the elderly hospice patients pass.  The True Knot is an RV driving assortment of old timers rendered young again by Steamheads, or those with the gift of shining.  Abra has it in abundance and the True Knot wants her.  Stephen King wrote this follow up to The Shining after repeated fan requests.  While perhaps not as scary as The Shining, Doctor Sleep is riveting, thought provoking, and perhaps at times a philosophical read.  Great vintage King!

"Learning itself is a present, you know.  The one anyone can give or get."

Wide Open / Deborah Coates / 304 pages / Bram Stoker Award Nominee

Sergeant Hallie Michaels is home from Afghanistan on a ten day compassionate leave for the death of her sister, Dell.  At the airport, she sees two ghosts  - Dell and Eddie Serrano. " Hallie knew something about being dead...she'd did herself three weeks ago, outside Kabul...the medic had told her it took seven minutes to revive her.  She'd been sure he was wrong.  Until she saw her first ghost."  Hallie and Deputy Sheriff Boyd Davies investigate Dell's death and in the process uncover additional deaths attributable to a mysterious new corporation.  This is a riveting page-turner that ends in a way that perhaps indicates that we have not heard the last from Hallie and Boyd.

Bad Glass / Richard E. Gropp / 411 pages / Bram Stoker Award

Dean Walker had seen something inexplicable.  It has been overwhelming and terrifying, yes, but that was what [he] had come here to find, that was why [he] ditched out on [his] final semester and broke a government quarantine.  To capture those images, to capture Spokane."  "Whatever's happening here, it's not the real world.  We all just have to do what we do and hope there's no judgment in the end...  There's some previously unknown agent at work on our minds - something synthetic, maybe, or some naturally occurring ergot, and what we're seeing, what we're experiencing, it's all just the ravings of a city gone mad."  This book is populated by intelligent wolves, larger than life spiders who travel in packs, humans who meld into buildings...  Erie, frightening, thought-provoking, open-ended.

A Requiem for Dead Flies / Peter N. Dudar / 280 pages / Bram Stoker Award Nominee

"The house on Battle View Farm is an oppressive beast with sinister purposes.  It seems to feed on bad memories, sucking the meat away and exposing the bones of hidden secrets."  The MacAuley brothers spent a scary summer there when Les was 13 and their baby sister, Sally, was stillborn.  Their grandmother, Vivian, was in the beginning stages of Alzheimer's , rambling on with gossip in an almost trance-like state, having tea parties and conversations with dead files, and treating the brothers in haphazard and at time cruel ways.  Now that Grandmother Vivian had died, the younger brother, Gordon, has convince hit lit professor brother to spend the summer on the farm, in Grandmother's Vivian's house, as they attempt to produce their own bourbon and make the farm a profitable enterprise - big mistake!

The Young Healer / Frank N. McMillan III / 208 pages

"Close your eyes and look with your heart.  Often what you see with your eyes shut is what counts the most."  Sage advice from Lakota grandfather to Feather Frances Anderson.  Feather's younger brother, Peter, is seriously ill and in the hospital.  Grandfather returns early from a trip to collect Feather from school and take her on a quest in the tradition of the ancients.  Feather is surprised that the quest is to begin at FAO Schwartz.  This is an excellent, heart-warming, informative story filled with Lakota wisdom and beliefs.

Mark Twain Award Preliminary Nominee 2014-15

A Bad Day for Voodoo / Jeff Strand / 251 pages / Bram Stoker Award Nominee

"Black Magic is not something you should take lightly.  There are forces in this universe more powerful than anything you can imagine, things we can't see with our regular five senses, and you shouldn't be taunting them?'  Tyler Churchill cautions his best (psychotic?) friend Adam when he obtains a voodoo doll of their teacher, Mr. Click.  But Adam doesn't listen and, from the very beginning with FAQ and Answers to the end, this is one entertaining, edge-of-your-seat read sure to appeal to YA's.  Also Mr. Strand is careful not to offend librarians (and parents) with inappropriate language.

Truman Award Preliminary Nominee 2014-15

TRUE SPIES / Shana Galen / 346 Pages

TRUE SPIES is the second title in Galen's 'Lord and Lady Spy' series set in Regency England. The series follows the fast-paced, romantic misunderstandings between members of the Barbican Group, a secret organization of spies.

Lord and Lady Keating have had ENOUGH! Elinore wishes to leave behind domestic boredom and a husband who ignores her while Winn wants an end to secrecy and to spend time with his wife and daughters who barely know him. What will the couple do when they discover each wants what the other is trying to escape?

Fans of lighthearted, historical romance combined with espionage may also enjoy Checkmate, My Lord by Tracey Devlyn or Scandal in the Night by Elizabeth Essex


Dead City / James Ponti / 277 pages

Molly Bigelow attends the Metropolitan Institute of Science and Technology (MIST).  She is a friendless geek whose mother, a former forensic pathologist for the New York City office of the chief medical examiner, has died of cancer.  This is true, but apparently there is more to her death than Molly has been told.  Molly is a member of the fencing team, a birdwatcher, and a new member of Omega - a secret organization that polices and protects the three levels of undead - zombies.  Can Molly go from geek to zeek - zombie killer and thrive in this new environment?  First is a series.  I know this is another zombie book, but it is well worth reading!

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Six Years / Harlan Coben / 351 pages

In this standalone novel from the creator of the Myron Bolitar series, Coben reveals the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Natalie Avery who is Jake Fisher's true love like peeling away the layers of an onion.  Fisher makes a promise to Natalie who suddenly marries another to stay out of her life. He keeps the promise for 6 years until the obituary of a Lanford College alum appears on the homepage of the college website.  There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you turning the pages as Jake who has thought of Natalie every single day of his life for six years digs deeper and deeper into her disappearance because he fears for her safety.  I must say the reader will have to suspend belief at times that any normal person would go to such lengths or remain so in love with someone who has not been in his life for six years but  I kept reading and you will too!

Everything You Wanted to Know about Indians but were afraid to Ask / Anton Treuer / 164 pages

Have you ever had questions about Native Americans that you were embarrassed to ask because you didn't want to sound stupid or worse, racist?  Did you ever just want to know more about Indians?  This book is a great source of answers to those questions and more.
Written in a question and answer style, it is easy to find out as little or as much as you want to know.  It took me quite a while to read this book as I didn't read it straight through and read other books in between.  I still can't imagine why any Native American would celebrate Thanksgiving to commemorate the invasion of their land.  This is an important book to read for consciousness raising. 
Remember:  you have never been stopped for driving DWI (driving while Indian).

Friday, November 22, 2013

ARRRRGGGGHHHHHH.............Part II

Yeah, I'm pretty much feeling like this at the moment.  Maybe, these pictures of cute kids will inspire you.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

After Dead/Charlaine Harris/195 pgs


For those of us who read the Sookie Stackhouse series and wanted to know what happened after "Dead Ever After", this is the book for you.  It is an alphabetical listing of all the characters and tells you what happened to them after the end of the series.  You will be glad to know that Sookie ends up happily married and amazingly so does her brother Jason.  It is a very quick read. 

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Into the Wild/ Jon Krakauer/ 203 pages

The story of Chris McCandless is well known to many due to the movie that was made based on the book.  I had never seen the movie or read the book.  But, I did know how it ended.  That did not ruin the book at all.  This the story of a young man going off into the Alaskan wilderness to prove something? to himself?  to his family? to society?  A heartbreaking tale that makes me wish I knew McCandless. 

Winners/Danielle Steel/334 pages

This novel tells the story of how several characters cope with tragedy in their lives.  Whether it is finding a way to survive the heartache of losing a family member, or dealing with a physical disability, the story shows how you can once again become functioning, productive people.


I Could Chew on This and Other Poems by Dogs/Francesco Marciuliano/110 pages

I read this book because of the review submitted by Mizzou '77.  In fact, my entire family read it  and as there are three puppies in our family right now, many of the poems relate to things that those dogs have done.  Like it says in one of the "dog musings" - "It's not easy being a dog Especially when your person thinks you look good in hats".  A lot of cute pictures and great canine philosophy.

Until the End of Time/Danielle Steel/323 pages

This book contains two stories, and both are very different.  They are stories of soulmates in different times - in two parallel destinies.  They are about two couples, four decades apart, and everlasting love.  The end ties the stories together with the idea of reincarnation, but I couldn't really see the connection.




Law & Disorder: The Legendary FBI Profiler's Relentless Pursuit of Justice / John Douglas & Mark Olshaker / 389 pgs

John Douglas is known for helping start the FBI's criminal profiling division and has worked cases for close to 40 years.  He is considered "the expert" when it comes to determining a profile of a perpetrator based on facts gathered at a crime scene.  In this book, Douglas discusses some very high profile cases that he has been called to consult on over the years.  Readers will get an insider's view on the JonBenet Ramsey murder, West Memphis Three trial, and the Amanda Knox case.  This is a must for true crime fans or those who are interested in psychology and criminal minds.

The Good Neighbors: Kith (book 2) / Holly Black & Ted Naifeh / 115 pgs

Book 2, in the "Good Neighbors" graphic novel series starts with main character Rue Silver still searching for her missing mother, who is now believed to be trapped in the fairy realm.  Rue learns more about the fairy world the good and the bad and must decide which side she is on.  Should she join the fairies and help them take over the city or should she protect her human friends at all costs?

I find the story to be a bit choppy as it jumps from one scene to the next.  I'm pretty sure it is an adapted abridged version of a longer novel or at least that is how it reads.  A good fantasy story even if it is a bit cliché.  Recommend for teens, but there are sexual situations (not graphic) but suggested / depicted in this volume.
 

Lord of Darkness / Elizabeth Hoyt / 368 pgs

The woman looks like the
character described in the book
and they got her dress exactly
right; but somehow I don't think
he looks like a 40 year old man.
"He lives in the shadows. As the mysterious masked avenger known as the Ghost of St. Giles, Godric St. John's only goal is to protect the innocent of London. Until the night he confronts a fearless young lady pointing a pistol at his head-and realizes she is his wife . . . Lady Margaret Reading has vowed to kill the Ghost of St. Giles-the man who murdered her one true love.."--P. [4] of cover.

This story seemed very reminiscent of Batman; i.e. extremely wealthy man buying weapons and running through the streets at night in a mask protecting the innocent and defenseless citizens and avenging wrongs committed.  The romance between the main characters this time explores falling in love again after the death of a spouse.  The conflict over having feelings for someone new without "betraying" the memory of a loved one, is treated with sympathy and thoughtfulness.  I would recommend this book for any Romance reader with the warning that the "romance" parts are on the steamy side. 

Compound Fractures/Stephen White/ 438 pages

Boulder psychologist Alan Gregory and Boulder police detective Sam Purdy met over 20 years ago when the two were on opposite sides of a murder investigation. Dr. Gregory was intent on protecting his patient's confidentiality and upholding his ethical standards while Purdy just wanted to solve the murder. Over the years, the two formed a unique and endearing friendship while helping each other professionally and personally. That friendship is assaulted when a death from more than a decade ago comes back to haunt them both. Alan's life is ready to collapse, and he begins to question Sam's trustworthiness and loyalty.

This is the 20th and last in the Alan Gregory series, and this series has never suffered from the "series fatigue" like so many others. White's writing style is still crisp and full of wry humor, intricate plots and plenty of twists and turns. Surprisingly enough, not all of the ends are tied up in a nice bow here. I think that's a  nod to the fact that life does go on even if we aren't going to read about it in the next book. Stephen White and Harlan Coben are by far my favorite authors in the mystery/suspense genre, and I'm sad to see this series end. Knowing that White is an MS sufferer, I was afraid he wasn't going to stop writing, but according to his website, he intents to keep writing and possibly develop some television projects. Losing both White/Alan Gregory and Mauve Binchy books in the same year is beyond cruel, but the prospect of seeing something as well written as White would do on television makes me very happy.

Who Moved My Cheese / Spencer Johnson, M.D. 94 p. USA Today Bestseller

Dr. Spencer Johnson offers this parable about 4 characters in a maze, searching for the cheese, as a way to suggest how to accept, manage, and even look for change.

Change affects each character significantly and each respond differently.  Cheese represents what one's goals and the maze the place where one makes one's way.

Appeal factors are thought-provoking, business writing.

Readers may be interested in works by Ken Blanchard or Fish! a Proven Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results.

Dare to Connect / Susan Jeffers 240 p.

Susan Jeffers offers techniques to connect with others, have good relationships with colleagues and friends, develop interpersonal relationships, and accept others in this self-help work.

Appeal factor is thought-provoking.

Dare to Connect helps answer such questions as:
Why do I feel so nervous when I walk into a room full of strangers?
Why do I feel lonely, even though I'm surrounded by people?
Why is it so hard to approach the person I am most interested in meeting?

Readers may also enjoy other Susan Jeffers works like  Little Book of Confidence or Feel the Fear: Guide to Lasting Love.
  

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Her Last Breath / Linda Castillo / 308 pages

Linda Castillo continues to create a great series with her excommunicated Amish small town police chief Kate Burkholder.  In Her Last Breath, the reader is focused on Kate, a tragedy from her past that weighs heavily upon her, and her ambivalence about whether to act on her feelings for John Tomasetti.  There are plenty of twists and turns to the plot as Kate investigates the brutal hit and run murder of an Amish father and two of his children.  As usual Castillo notches up the action until the nail-biting conclusion and lets readers in on the emotional baggage of her main characters.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Allegiant/Veronica Roth/526 pgs.

This is the conclusion to the "Divergent" trilogy, and it is amazing! I do think it is one that readers will either love or hate. It picks up after Insurgent with Tris, Tobias, and others escaping outside the fence. The book is told in alternating voices--Tris' and Tobias's. I don't want to give anything away, so I'll end with that I think it's one of the best young adult dystopian trilogies I've read--even better than the Hunger Games (I know that's fighting words!) Highly recommended!

Friday, November 15, 2013

Rules / Cynthia Lord / 200 pages

This book first published in 2006 still rings fresh and true.  Catherine, a 12 year old girl, with an autistic younger brother yearns for a life where she can have friends and not worry about her brother doing anything to ruin the friendship.  Lord effectively portrays the pressure that is placed upon parents and siblings to cope with have a special needs child in the family but she also provides hope, humor, and understanding of the blessings of being part of such a family.  This is a great book.  I listened to the audiobook and think it would be a fantastic book to listen to as a family.  It would certainly inspire much discussion and empathy.

Code Name Verity / Elizabeth Wein / 332 pages

This YA novel has lots of crossover appeal for adult readers.  It is a novel that you will never forget. The characters will be burned into your memory.  It is so poignant that you will ache for Julia and Maddie who are brought together by circumstances of WWII.  Not only are the characters so memorable, the setting and time period are exquisitely drawn.  Elizabeth Wein does not spare the reader the horror or stories of the secret heroes of war.  You will cheer, boo, laugh, and cry throughout this must read novel.

The Center of Everything / Linda Urban / 194 pages

In this short but insightful book, Linda Urban explores loss, friendship, wishes, who we are meant to be, what we are meant to do, and grief.  Sounds pretty heavy but it's not.  Readers will relate to 12 year old Ruby Pepperdine and what she is feeling and thinking after the death of her beloved grandmother,Gigi.  The author gives readers a lot to think about and a lot to talk about.  Doughnuts play an important part of the story and I must say, I was pretty hungry for a doughnut before the book ended!

The Kill Room / Jeffery Deaver / 477 pages

Jeffery Deaver writes some of the best twisted plot, police procedure, suspense books around.  He never seems to disappoint and his characters, the quadriplegic forensics expert Lincoln Rhyme, the neurotic Amelia Sachs, the ever patient Thom etc, are always entertaining.  In The Kill Room, readers will be led on a chase to find the assassin who murdered an outspoken critic of America...was it the US government itself?  Deaver, who is a graduate of the University of MO J-School, does a great job of making readers guess until the end...it isn't over until it's really over in his books!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

WHAT HAPPENED?!


Okay, "Team Awesome" I hate to say it, but we are just not being Awesome (or Annoying) enough.  We are one week into November and we have post 10; yes only 10 books!!  So break out those books on CD, wrap yourself in a warm blanket with your book and tell your family that you are "working".  AND by all means, nag, bug, cajole, bribe, threaten your coworkers into posting on the blog!!  We don't have to win this year (although that would be nice), but lets not fall off the face of the earth either.  :)

Happy Reading!!

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Doing Hard Time/Stuart Woods/307 pages

After Stone Barrington's and Dino Bacchetti's sons, Peter and Ben, graduate from Yale. They, along with Peter's girlfriend Hattie, drive across country to their new jobs with Centurion Studios as writer (Peter), director (Peter), producer (Ben) and composer (Hattie) of Peter's script. I'm sure we'll find out in the next book that this film wins the Oscar in every category. Such is the life of a Barrington. Along the way, they unknowingly get help from a gas station attendant who disposes of two Russians that are following them with the intention of killing them. This gas station attendant is none other than Teddy Fay who has been the center of other Woods books, mostly in the Holly Barker series. Teddy (whose new identity is Billy Burnett or Barnett depending on the day) decides to follow them to L.A. and keep an eye on them. There he teams up with Stone and Mike Freeman to take care of the Russian threat once and for all.

Luckily, you don't have to have read the whole series because Woods spends a good deal of the book on the back story of almost every characters. If you're a fan of Stone, you'll like this one.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Alone/Lisa Gardner/322 pages

Catherine Gagnon was abducted and sexually abused when she was a young girl.  As an adult, she is married and has one child.  Her abusive husband is shot by a police sniper during a domestic disturbance call.  This story has so many twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the end.  It was on the USA Bestseller's List back in 2011!

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks/Rebecca Skloot/358 pgs.

First of all, I had no idea what HeLa cells are, and the impact they have made on medical research. That being said, this was one of the most interesting books I have ever read. It is the story of Henrietta Lacks whose cells are the HeLa  cells (He=Henrietta, La=Lacks). Skloot takes the reader through Henrietta's life, and those of her family and their reaction to the use of Henrietta's cells for research. The reader watches the evolution, and some questionable practices, involved in medical research. Ethical questions arise about the use of a person's cells or tissues without the person's informed consent. This review doesn't do the book justice--it is truly fascinating and very timely.

Rapture Practice / Aaron Hartzler / 387 pages

How can someone making straight A's, playing in classical piano competitions, singing in a select school choir as well as acting lead roles ever feel that he is "not good enough"?
(Warning:  If you are a very fundamentalist Christian, you will not like this book.  You will want to pray for the author by the end.)

This is a memoir of the childhood and high school years of someone who grew up in Kansas City, Missouri in an extremely fundamental religious family.  They did not watch tv (except for holidays), listen to anything except for religious radio, and went to church at least 3 times per week.  His father was a professor at a bible college and his stay-at-home mother led "Good News Clubs"  Aaron is onboard with all this until he is about twelve.  Then, his questions and desires kick in.  He struggles with the temptations of the world:  wanting to wear deck shoes without socks, go to movies, listen to Amy Grant tapes (she's apparently not Christian enough), and, (jump back) make his own friends and decisions.  All this is seen as "rebellion" by his strict father and not "pleasing to God".  The guilt his parents lay comes thicker than peanut butter and they can out-God him at all turns.  How do you argue with God as the reason for everything?

How is this humorous?  It just is.  When Aaron tells his stories, many are funny.  Some make you wince and some make you ashamed to be a Christian.  It is a good peek into that lifestyle and shows the difficulty of living that narrow life.  Aaron made mostly "bad choices" according to his parents and spent a lot of time trying to live two lives.  In secular terms, he wasn't that bad.  I am familiar with "Good News Clubs" and much of that worldview and this is a good picture of it for anyone who would like to understand some of it.

(2nd warning for fundamentalists:  Aaron Hartzler is now Gay and is currently on a YA book tour.  He is an actor as well as an author.)

Ungifted / Gordon Korman / 280 pages

Another good book from Gordon Korman that will engage boys as well as girls.  It is about slacker Donovan-average guy- who whacks a statue of Atlas in the butt and starts the series of action literally "rolling".  He ends up in a gifted school where he clearly doesn't belong.
Korman characterizes various students in the class and the story revolves around Donovan's impact on the class.  How can he contribute to a class of kids, some of whom almost double his IQ?  It is a funny, interesting book.  All characters are treated fairly and the reader should go away with the realization that genius or not, all people deserve respect. 

The Whole Enchilada/Diane Mott Davidson/ 372 pages

Goldy Schulz is catering the birthday party for her son and one of her best friend's son. They were born on the same day in the same hospital where Goldy and Holly met. The party has several uninvited guests, including Holly's ex-husband and his new wife. When Holly drops dead of an apparent heart attack after leaving the party, Goldy is devastated. Later, when two more people are attacked, the whole town is upset by the tragedies.

Throughout it all, Goldy still manages to cater meals without missing a beat. Luckily, she has Julian whose only role seems to be to help her cater, hang around her house and provide gourmet meals for her family at the drop of the hat, and, of course, willingly wash every last dish. I wish I had a Julian! Unfortunately, all that help just gives Goldy more time to snoop into everyone's business and find herself in hot water.

The Dogs of Christmas/W. Bruce Cameron/238 pgs


This is a very cute and short book.  It is written by the author of A Dog's Purpose and A Dog's Journey (both of which are on my to be read list).  Josh is a young man who has lives in the mountains and is pretty much a loner.  He has a broken heart and has issues with his family.  One day, a neighbor he hardly knows stops by and asks him to watch his dog for him.  He finally agrees but he finds out afterwards that the dog is pregnant - very pregnant.  He has no idea what to do with this dog and ends up calling the local shelter for help where he ends up talking to Kerri.  It doesn't all go as you might think but it is a very enjoyable read.

Friday, November 8, 2013

November Reading Challenge

Celebrating 20 Years of Bestsellers!!!

Come On Guys!  We already know that we are "THE BEST"!!  And, We have the Trophy to prove it. 

Soooo, since "Team Awesome" only deserves the Best, this month I am giving out "2" points for every Best Seller that you read from the USA Today 20 years of Bestsellers :http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/books/2013/10/30/twenty-years-of-usa-today-books/3317125/

There are 365, books on this list so I'm sure you can find something new or just take a stroll down memory lane and re-read a bestseller. 

GO TEAM AWESOME!!!

Joey Pigza Loses Control / Jack Gantos 195 p.

In Joey Pigza Loses Control, second in the series,  Jack Gantos nails life as a young boy with ADD.  His meds help control his wired and hyperactive state that got him into trouble in Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key.  When he visits his father, he finds a grownup version of himself.
"He was wired. No doubt about it....Now I knew what Mom meant when she said he was like me, only bigger."

The father really wants to make up to his son for all his wrongs...not being there.  He wants to teach Joey to be a "man" and take control of his own life. And Joey tries to do as his dad says.  As his meds wear off he visualizes what may happen  like this:

"All I could image was the worst part of getting on a train a long ways off.  That old Joey was coming to get me and I couldn't do anything about it....There was nothing to do but wait, and worry."

Readers who enjoy realistic fiction with character-driven, first-person narrative, that is moving and funny may enjoy this work.

Esperanza Rising / Pam Munoz Ryan 262 p.



Pam Munoz Ryan writes about the young girl, of a wealthy Mexican family in Esperanza Rising. Esperanza is raised with the expectation of rising to her Mama's position of privilege and wealth.

She and her mother are forced off their lands and find themselves working with the migrant workers in Southern California. Harsh conditions face them as the Great Depression sweeps the land.

This may appeal to readers who enjoy stories about a characters with a strong family circle, strong work ethic, with moving descriptions of camp life that flow like smooth water in this engaging historical fiction.

Through the eyes of Esperanza, the reader experiences the Great Depression, the early union movement, work camp life of the vegetable pickers/packers, and a gentle romance.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Beach Music / Pat Conroy 628 p. USA Today Bestseller

Pat Conroy relates the story of Jack McCall, incorporating many facets of southern living as well as all the happenings of his brothers, his Holocaust-surviving in-laws, his poor white trash mother, the 60's, Vietnam War, as well as the reasons behind his flight to Rome to raise his 2 year old daughter.

Jack returns to Charleston, S.C. when his mother is dying of leukemia.  He finds himself learning more about his mother than he ever did.  He gradually develops more in-depth look at his in-laws, his childhood friends, and his late wife.  It is interesting to see how he grows and relates to issues that drove him away.

This will appear to readers of moving family sagas, with lovely descriptions of Southern living, characters, and intricate plots.


Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Counting by 7's / Holly Goldberg Sloan / 378 pages

Counting by 7's is definitely a 2014 Newbery contender.  Recipient of 7 starred reviews, the novel tells the story of a girl who is an eccentric genius, maybe a bit autistic, maybe a bit OCD.  In any case, she does not fit in to any mold or square hole. The book is the story of how she must re-construct her life.  There is an assortment of odd characters that make the book a total joy to read.  If you want to read a book that will make you laugh, cry, groan, frown, and cheer, this is the book for you.    Recommended for grades 5 & up.

Guilt / Jonathan Kellerman / 378 pages

Kellerman's books are always interesting with his well known characters of Dr. Alex Delaware (police consultant) and Milo Sturgis (LA homicide detective).  Guilt is the story of what lies behind the old skeleton of a baby found when a tree blows over and the newer skeleton of a baby and woman found in a park.  Same murderer? Different murderers?  There are two completely different stories going on in this book.  If you like Kellerman, you'd probably like this one too.

9th Girl / Tami Hoag / 405 pages

Hoag does a great job of merging the personal and professional lives of her homicide detectives in this story.  Lots of action.  Twists and turns of plots.  Grisly detail.  (She almost got me at her description of eating cottage cheese at an autopsy while the pathologist is scraping maggots off a skull.)  Nonetheless, this suspense novel is more about the cops who have to deal with the twisted minds of all types of criminals...even the ones who live in nice houses.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Chains / Laurie Halse Anderson / 316 pgs

Isabel, a slave who was suppose to be set free after her mistress died, is instead sold to an upper-class couple in New York City.  Isabel's luck goes from bad to worse as her new masters (especially the lady of the house) are cruel and narcissistic.  When the unthinkable happens, Isabel decides to risk her life and spy for the rebels during the Revolutionary War.

I liked Isabel's bravery and her ability to evaluate and understand people's actions, even when they are being cruel.  I was really rooting for her and hoping for a good ending; however even though it ends on a high note, it just stops and the reader will have to imagine where her story goes from here. And unfortunately for a Black slave during the Revolutionary War era in America, there are not many opportunities for a happy ever after.  Thought provoking and the author puts quotes from historical documents at the beginning of each chapter so the reader knows that events similar to what happens to Isabel really did happen to people.  Which is a real shame that people would treat other human beings in such a way. 

Princess Posey & the Tiny Treasure / Stephanie Greene / 85 pgs

Posey gets a new toy and can't wait to show it off to her friends at school.  However, because Posey does not follow the rules and takes her toy out during work time, her teacher Miss Lee locks the toy away in the consequences drawer. 

I like how the book shows the range of emotions that Posey feels, from angry and feeling like the situation was unjust; to understanding and remorseful.  It was also nice to see the teacher apologize for making a mistake, as I don't think kids realize that adults can make mistakes too.


Thankless in Death/J.D. Robb/402 pgs.

I like the Eve Dallas series.This go around, Lieutenant Dallas and her crew from the New York City Police and Security Department (NYPSD) are on the hunt for 26 year-old Jerry Reinhold. He brutally murdered his parents, and enjoyed that so much, he went after his ex-girlfriend. There is no suspense as to who the murderer is--the reader, along with Eve Dallas, discovers this early in the novel. The suspense builds in seeing if Reinhold will be captured before more murders occur. Thankless in Death is a fast read, and recommended for those familiar with the series.

A Prayer for Owen Meany/627 pages

Owen Meany is an unusual little boy. His voice, which is in permanent scream mode (and shown in all caps), and his small stature make him an oddity in the small town of  Gravesend. During a Little League game when he is eleven, he hits a foul ball that strikes his best friend's mother in the temple, instantly killing her. Owen doesn't believe in accidents. He believes that he is the instrument of God. Throughout the rest of his life, he takes charge of the people and situations around him.

Told from the point of view of his best friend, A Prayer for Owen Meany is often hilarious. The novel goes back and forth between telling the story of Owen and the present day for Johnny, his best friend. The last third of the book loses the humor of the story and focuses on the reasons why Owen believes what he believes. I'm looking forward to my book club's discussion of the novel.