The Postcard Killers by James Patterson and Liza Marklund.
Meh. The usual JP fast-moving murder mystery, sullied by the Swedish setting presumably provided by Ms. Marklund. I hope this was a one-time only collaboration. The whole Sweden thing felt like a rip off of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy. I did like the conceptual art thing though.
Oh, and we got that the detective was driven after the first twenty times you mentioned how dirty he was. Yeah, too busy to shower. We got it.
Barely 3 stars.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Book #38 in 2010 (Audio)
Caught by Harlan Coben. Read by Carrington MacDuffie.
11 hours
Interesting mystery / drama centering on a missing girl, a possibly wrongly accused pedophile and the reporter who may have accused the wrong man. Lots of plot twists. In fact, I was close to giving the book 5 stars except there may have been too many twists. Regardless, it will keep you guessing until the very end.
4.5 stars
11 hours
Interesting mystery / drama centering on a missing girl, a possibly wrongly accused pedophile and the reporter who may have accused the wrong man. Lots of plot twists. In fact, I was close to giving the book 5 stars except there may have been too many twists. Regardless, it will keep you guessing until the very end.
4.5 stars
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Book #37 in 2010 (Audio)
Model Home by Eric Puchner. Read by David Colacci.
15.5 hours
The novel chronicles the rather tragic fall of the Ziller family during the 1980's in California. The plot takes some interesting turns and the characters are well developed.
I enjoyed this book and will seek out more by this author.
4 stars.
15.5 hours
The novel chronicles the rather tragic fall of the Ziller family during the 1980's in California. The plot takes some interesting turns and the characters are well developed.
I enjoyed this book and will seek out more by this author.
4 stars.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Book #36 in 2010 (Audio)
Dark Truth by Mariah Stewart. Read by Anna Fields.
A woman sets out to prove her father wasn't guilty of raping and murdering four college students 16 years ago after she receives a letter from him written before he died. Good plot, interesting characters. Looking forward to more books by Ms. Stewart.
4 stars
A woman sets out to prove her father wasn't guilty of raping and murdering four college students 16 years ago after she receives a letter from him written before he died. Good plot, interesting characters. Looking forward to more books by Ms. Stewart.
4 stars
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Book #35 in 2010 (Audio)
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell. Read by the author.
8.5 hours.
An interesting look at the power of the unconscious mind. Lots of good information and anecdotes. The conclusion seems to be that in many situations the decision one makes on his first impulse can be as good as, if not better than, a well thought out and researched one. As an impulsive person, I love this idea.
3.5 Stars.
8.5 hours.
An interesting look at the power of the unconscious mind. Lots of good information and anecdotes. The conclusion seems to be that in many situations the decision one makes on his first impulse can be as good as, if not better than, a well thought out and researched one. As an impulsive person, I love this idea.
3.5 Stars.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Book #34 in 2010 (Audio)
Cold Truth by Mariah Stewart. Read by Anna Fields.
8 hours, 47 minutes.
I enjoyed this novel and am planning on reading more from this author. Of course, having it read by my favorite narrator also helped. The plot is basically a mystery/detective wherein a team of law enforcement officers team up to hunt a serial killer. Various sub-plots keep the story interesting.
4 stars.
8 hours, 47 minutes.
I enjoyed this novel and am planning on reading more from this author. Of course, having it read by my favorite narrator also helped. The plot is basically a mystery/detective wherein a team of law enforcement officers team up to hunt a serial killer. Various sub-plots keep the story interesting.
4 stars.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Book #33 in 2010 (Audio)
There's No Place Like Here by Cecelia Ahern. Read by Sile Nic Fheorais. 12.5 hours.
Loved this novel. I don't usually like fantasy fiction, but this work, combined with Ms. Fheorais's lilting voice completely entranced me. I was able to let go of reality and just enjoy the story.
I couldn't find a link on Amazon.com to this unabridged version, so I linked to the library info page. I'm feeling lazy, so I'm stealing this summary from the library:
4.5 stars.
Loved this novel. I don't usually like fantasy fiction, but this work, combined with Ms. Fheorais's lilting voice completely entranced me. I was able to let go of reality and just enjoy the story.
I couldn't find a link on Amazon.com to this unabridged version, so I linked to the library info page. I'm feeling lazy, so I'm stealing this summary from the library:
4.5 stars.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Book #32 in 2010
The Beach House by Sally John.
This could have been a good book without all the religion. I found myself rolling my eyes or gagging on just about every chapter. Too bad Sally John feels the need to inject God into absolutely every situation. Yawn.
A reluctant 2.5 stars.
This could have been a good book without all the religion. I found myself rolling my eyes or gagging on just about every chapter. Too bad Sally John feels the need to inject God into absolutely every situation. Yawn.
A reluctant 2.5 stars.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Book #31 in 2010
Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Casts Off, The Yarn Harlot's Guide to the Land of Knitting by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee.
Not my favorite SPM book, but enjoyable for a Knitter. I think there wasn't really enough material here for an entire book. It felt very stretched out. The material would have better made a nice series of magazine articles, I think.
3 stars. Add a star if your a total Yarn Harlot group. Subtract a star if you're not a knitter.
Not my favorite SPM book, but enjoyable for a Knitter. I think there wasn't really enough material here for an entire book. It felt very stretched out. The material would have better made a nice series of magazine articles, I think.
3 stars. Add a star if your a total Yarn Harlot group. Subtract a star if you're not a knitter.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Book #30 in 2010
Spinning Forward by Terri Dulong.
A simple story of a middle-aged woman's coming of age. The descriptions of the island will have you checking out maps and dreaming of tropical vacations. The conflicts and their resolutions were a bit contrived, but overall it was an enjoyable read that I finished in a few days.
3.5 stars. Maybe subtract a half a star if you're totally uninterested in knitting/spinning/crafts. I don't think this is just a book for knitters though.
A simple story of a middle-aged woman's coming of age. The descriptions of the island will have you checking out maps and dreaming of tropical vacations. The conflicts and their resolutions were a bit contrived, but overall it was an enjoyable read that I finished in a few days.
3.5 stars. Maybe subtract a half a star if you're totally uninterested in knitting/spinning/crafts. I don't think this is just a book for knitters though.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Book #29 in 2010
The 9th Judgment by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro.
The usual from James Patterson, et al. I thought this was one of the better ones he's churned out in the last few years. I enjoyed how the two plots intertwined. That said, it's still not nearly as good as his early works.
3.5 stars.
The usual from James Patterson, et al. I thought this was one of the better ones he's churned out in the last few years. I enjoyed how the two plots intertwined. That said, it's still not nearly as good as his early works.
3.5 stars.
Book #28 in 2010 (Audio)
Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Read by Anna Fields.
Quarterback Dean Robillard meets his match when he picks up Blue Bailey on the side of the road. Both of their lives are changed forever.
I really enjoyed this book. Anna Fields provides great narration and voices, as always.
12 hours, 2 minutes.
4.5 stars.
Quarterback Dean Robillard meets his match when he picks up Blue Bailey on the side of the road. Both of their lives are changed forever.
I really enjoyed this book. Anna Fields provides great narration and voices, as always.
12 hours, 2 minutes.
4.5 stars.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Book #27 in 2010
The Aloha Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini.
The latest in the Elm Creek Quilters novel series finds a divorcing Bonnie heading off to Hawaii for the winter to help an old friend open a quilt camp there. Lots of snoozy Hawaiian description and history. The parts about Bonnie's divorce and her encounters with Craig are unlikable. No one is turning to quilty fiction to read about an acrimonious divorce.
3 stars because I managed to finish this book, as opposed to some of the previous ones in the series that I tossed aside after just a few chapters.
The latest in the Elm Creek Quilters novel series finds a divorcing Bonnie heading off to Hawaii for the winter to help an old friend open a quilt camp there. Lots of snoozy Hawaiian description and history. The parts about Bonnie's divorce and her encounters with Craig are unlikable. No one is turning to quilty fiction to read about an acrimonious divorce.
3 stars because I managed to finish this book, as opposed to some of the previous ones in the series that I tossed aside after just a few chapters.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Book #26 in 2010
Sweater Quest, My Year of Knitting Dangerously by Adrienne Martini.
I liked this book, despite its inclusion of history which is usually a snoozer for me. It cleared up much of the mystery about designer Alice Starmore (SWMNBN she who must not be named) and her legal machinations. I wonder how much appeal the book would have for non-knitters, though.
Since I'm not a non-knitter though, I give it 4 stars.
I liked this book, despite its inclusion of history which is usually a snoozer for me. It cleared up much of the mystery about designer Alice Starmore (SWMNBN she who must not be named) and her legal machinations. I wonder how much appeal the book would have for non-knitters, though.
Since I'm not a non-knitter though, I give it 4 stars.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Book #25 in 2010
Good Grief by Lolly Winston.
I really liked this book - finished it in 2 days. I will definitely seek out more novels by Ms. Winston.
Sophie Stanton, age 36, struggles her way through the first year of widowhood after her husband dies of cancer. The book is surprisingly funny and the characterization is excellent.
4.5 stars.
I really liked this book - finished it in 2 days. I will definitely seek out more novels by Ms. Winston.
Sophie Stanton, age 36, struggles her way through the first year of widowhood after her husband dies of cancer. The book is surprisingly funny and the characterization is excellent.
4.5 stars.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Book #24 in 2010
House Rules by Jodi Picoult.
An hour ago, before I finished this book, I was trying to decide between a 4.5 star and 5 star rating. Sadly, after reading the disappointing ending, I'm debating between 3.5 star and 4 star rating. Yeah, the ending was that bad.
Plot: Did Jacob, an 18 year old with Asperger's syndrome murder his tutor? Does his condition qualify him for an insanity defense? Picoult gives us a insider's view of AS by writing parts of the book in Jacob's first person narrative. She also writes from the pov of Jacob's mom and brother, his lawyer and lead detective on his case. I don't know if her insight into Jacob's mind is accurate or not, but it was excellent fiction. At least until the last 20 pages or so.
I'll be generous and go with 4 stars, since I really did enjoy almost all of this novel.
An hour ago, before I finished this book, I was trying to decide between a 4.5 star and 5 star rating. Sadly, after reading the disappointing ending, I'm debating between 3.5 star and 4 star rating. Yeah, the ending was that bad.
Plot: Did Jacob, an 18 year old with Asperger's syndrome murder his tutor? Does his condition qualify him for an insanity defense? Picoult gives us a insider's view of AS by writing parts of the book in Jacob's first person narrative. She also writes from the pov of Jacob's mom and brother, his lawyer and lead detective on his case. I don't know if her insight into Jacob's mind is accurate or not, but it was excellent fiction. At least until the last 20 pages or so.
I'll be generous and go with 4 stars, since I really did enjoy almost all of this novel.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Book #23 in 2010 "Audio"
The Missing: Book 1. Found. By Margaret Peterson Haddix.
I put "audio" in quotes because this is a print novel that Jessie read aloud to me.
I really enjoyed this book. Great plot, good characterization, excellent suspense. I usually have trouble wrapping my brain around time travel, but the author did a very good job handling the topic.
I put "audio" in quotes because this is a print novel that Jessie read aloud to me.
I really enjoyed this book. Great plot, good characterization, excellent suspense. I usually have trouble wrapping my brain around time travel, but the author did a very good job handling the topic.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Book #22 in 2010
Home is Where the Wine Is by Laurie Perry.
I love Crazy Aunt Purl and her blog, but sadly, didn't love this book. Oh, it was written in her easy-to-read, chatty style (which I enjoyed), but didn't seem like it had all that much to say. I guess this is because most of the chapters seemed like repeats to me - not exactly quoting the blog, but restating some of the previous info contained therein. I think someone who didn't follow her blog compulsively would enjoy it more.
That said, I came to the first pattern at the end and couldn't wait to cast on a set of handwarmers. And I still wish I lived close enough to be Laurie's friend.
I love Crazy Aunt Purl and her blog, but sadly, didn't love this book. Oh, it was written in her easy-to-read, chatty style (which I enjoyed), but didn't seem like it had all that much to say. I guess this is because most of the chapters seemed like repeats to me - not exactly quoting the blog, but restating some of the previous info contained therein. I think someone who didn't follow her blog compulsively would enjoy it more.
That said, I came to the first pattern at the end and couldn't wait to cast on a set of handwarmers. And I still wish I lived close enough to be Laurie's friend.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Book #21 in 2010
All in One Piece by Cecelia Tishy. Read by Anna Fields.
8.5 Hours
This series has such potential, but the main character, Regina Cutter, makes such bad choices I sometimes want to scream. Also, the ending of this story was somewhat unsatisfying. Overall, I was quite disappointed.
2.5 Stars
8.5 Hours
This series has such potential, but the main character, Regina Cutter, makes such bad choices I sometimes want to scream. Also, the ending of this story was somewhat unsatisfying. Overall, I was quite disappointed.
2.5 Stars
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Book #20 in 2010
Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian.
An interesting, disturbing look at domestic violence and the people it effects, beyond just the couple involved. Satisfying surprise at the end. Could have been a bit shorter.
An interesting, disturbing look at domestic violence and the people it effects, beyond just the couple involved. Satisfying surprise at the end. Could have been a bit shorter.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Book #19 in 2010
Look Again by Lisa Scottoline.
My first book by this author. Meh. It was ok. Could Ellen's adopted son really be the boy kidnapped years ago in Miami? The big drama near the end was a bit of a surprise, but the small drama afterward was predictable to me.
There's a quote on the front cover: "Her best novel." - James Patterson. Based on that, I can't imagine I'd be going back to read any of the previous ones.
3 stars.
My first book by this author. Meh. It was ok. Could Ellen's adopted son really be the boy kidnapped years ago in Miami? The big drama near the end was a bit of a surprise, but the small drama afterward was predictable to me.
There's a quote on the front cover: "Her best novel." - James Patterson. Based on that, I can't imagine I'd be going back to read any of the previous ones.
3 stars.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Book #18 in 2010 (Audio)
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Read by Michael Prichard.
I'm not good at reading classic literature alone. I never seem to grasp the deeper meaning. I envy students who can discuss this stuff under the direction of a teacher.
Book-burning fireman has an epiphany.
Can I give a classic book a 3 star rating? I'm sure the shortcomings are all mine.
I'm not good at reading classic literature alone. I never seem to grasp the deeper meaning. I envy students who can discuss this stuff under the direction of a teacher.
Book-burning fireman has an epiphany.
Can I give a classic book a 3 star rating? I'm sure the shortcomings are all mine.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Book #17 in 2010 (Audio)
Foul Play, A Sophie Metropolis Novel by Tori Carrington. Read by Rebecca Rogers.
8 hours.
The further adventures of Sophie Metropolis, P.I. Sophie takes a case from the wife of the Mets' star pitcher. Interesting story and plot twists. Adequate reading by Ms. Rogers, but I miss Anna Fields.
3.5 stars.
8 hours.
The further adventures of Sophie Metropolis, P.I. Sophie takes a case from the wife of the Mets' star pitcher. Interesting story and plot twists. Adequate reading by Ms. Rogers, but I miss Anna Fields.
3.5 stars.
Book #16 in 2010
Worst Case by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge.
More classic Patterson, albeit with a co-author. Typical page-turner. Features Detective Michael Bennett and is set in Manhattan and the surrounding areas.
I like the NY setting in this series better than the DC setting of the Alex Cross novels. However, I really can't stand the "my 10 adopted kids" shtick of the main character. The whole crazy home-life thing gets old fast.
3.5 stars.
More classic Patterson, albeit with a co-author. Typical page-turner. Features Detective Michael Bennett and is set in Manhattan and the surrounding areas.
I like the NY setting in this series better than the DC setting of the Alex Cross novels. However, I really can't stand the "my 10 adopted kids" shtick of the main character. The whole crazy home-life thing gets old fast.
3.5 stars.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Book #15 in 2010 (Audio)
Now You See Her by Cecelia Tishy. Read by Anna Fields.
8.5 Hours.
An interesting mystery starring psychic Regina Cutter. Tight writing; interesting plot moves along nicely. The ending is a surprise, but not the type that comes out of left field. All in all, a good read. Of course, since it is read by my favorite narrator, it is just that much more enjoyable. I will seek out other writings by this author.
3.5 stars.
8.5 Hours.
An interesting mystery starring psychic Regina Cutter. Tight writing; interesting plot moves along nicely. The ending is a surprise, but not the type that comes out of left field. All in all, a good read. Of course, since it is read by my favorite narrator, it is just that much more enjoyable. I will seek out other writings by this author.
3.5 stars.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Book #14 in 2010 (Audio)
Thanks for the Memories by Cecelia Ahern. Read by Sile Bermingham.
12 Hours, 19 minutes.
This was a lovely story, but should have been about 20-25% shorter. The crossing of paths and missed opportunities went on just a bit too long.
I loved the character of the dad, who was charming and witty. I wish I'd had a father like that. Many times I laughed aloud at his dialog.
This was the first time I've heard this narrator. I was put off by the accents at first, but Ms. Bermingham's voice quickly grew on me.
Four stars for an interesting pretense. I probably would have given it another half star if it was shorter.
12 Hours, 19 minutes.
This was a lovely story, but should have been about 20-25% shorter. The crossing of paths and missed opportunities went on just a bit too long.
I loved the character of the dad, who was charming and witty. I wish I'd had a father like that. Many times I laughed aloud at his dialog.
This was the first time I've heard this narrator. I was put off by the accents at first, but Ms. Bermingham's voice quickly grew on me.
Four stars for an interesting pretense. I probably would have given it another half star if it was shorter.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Book #13 in 2010
Wishin' and Hopin', A Christmas Story by Wally Lamb.
A peak into 1960's life through the eyes of a 10 year old attending parochial school.
Solidly four stars. I almost categorized this under "humor" too. Lots of funny parts.
A peak into 1960's life through the eyes of a 10 year old attending parochial school.
Solidly four stars. I almost categorized this under "humor" too. Lots of funny parts.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Book #12 in 2010
Sleepwalking in Daylight by Elizabeth Flock.
Wow, a powerful, moving story of an unfulfilled mother and daughter and the choices they make that lead to their undoing. This story will likely stay with me for a long time.
4.5 stars.
Wow, a powerful, moving story of an unfulfilled mother and daughter and the choices they make that lead to their undoing. This story will likely stay with me for a long time.
4.5 stars.
Book #11 in 2010
Give It Up! My Year of Learing to Live Better with Less by Mary Carlomagno.
A woman's attempt to give up one thing each month of a year: alcohol, shopping, elevators, newspapers, cell phones, dining out, tv, taxis, coffee, cursing, chocolate and multitasking. An interesting read, although a little preachy with all the, "I learned so much by giving up....this month!"
3 stars.
A woman's attempt to give up one thing each month of a year: alcohol, shopping, elevators, newspapers, cell phones, dining out, tv, taxis, coffee, cursing, chocolate and multitasking. An interesting read, although a little preachy with all the, "I learned so much by giving up....this month!"
3 stars.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Book #10 in 2010
I, Alex Cross by James Patterson.
Another fairly forgettable page-turner featuring detective Alex Cross. Not as good as some of his other novels. About 2/3 through the book, I'd guessed the identity of Zeus. Probably the best thing happened in the epilogue when Kyle Craig called offer Alex congratulations on his engagement. Will Craig make a comeback? Readers can only hope.
3.5 stars, barely.
Another fairly forgettable page-turner featuring detective Alex Cross. Not as good as some of his other novels. About 2/3 through the book, I'd guessed the identity of Zeus. Probably the best thing happened in the epilogue when Kyle Craig called offer Alex congratulations on his engagement. Will Craig make a comeback? Readers can only hope.
3.5 stars, barely.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Book #9 in 2010 (Audio)
Knit the Season by Kate Jacobs. Read by Carrington MacDuffie.
Third installment of the Friday Night Knitting Club series. Ho, hum. Maybe it's time for Ms. Jacobs to retire these characters. Also, I didn't care for the reader. She made Kathryn and KC sound too whiny.
7.5 Hours.
Barely three stars. The writing is ok, but come on, a little plot, please.
Third installment of the Friday Night Knitting Club series. Ho, hum. Maybe it's time for Ms. Jacobs to retire these characters. Also, I didn't care for the reader. She made Kathryn and KC sound too whiny.
7.5 Hours.
Barely three stars. The writing is ok, but come on, a little plot, please.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Book #8 in 2010
@Home for the Holidays by Meredith Efken.
Another fun story about the Sahm I Am women written in email group form.
Four stars - good story, but again I found the bible stuff tiresome.
Another fun story about the Sahm I Am women written in email group form.
Four stars - good story, but again I found the bible stuff tiresome.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Book #7 in 2010
A Quilter's Holiday by Jennifer Chiaverini.
Another book about the Elm Creek quilters. Yawn.... I'm getting a little tired of this series, so I don't know why I keep reading the new ones. Lots of character development, very little plot.
If you love this series, you could probably add another star. For now, I'm going with 3.5 stars.
Another book about the Elm Creek quilters. Yawn.... I'm getting a little tired of this series, so I don't know why I keep reading the new ones. Lots of character development, very little plot.
If you love this series, you could probably add another star. For now, I'm going with 3.5 stars.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Book #6 in 2010
Knit Lit, Sweaters and Their Stories...and Other Writing About Knitting by Linda Roghaar and Molly Wolf, editors.
A book of short stories about yarn and knitting. What's not to like?
Four stars.
A book of short stories about yarn and knitting. What's not to like?
Four stars.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Book #5 in 2010
SAHM I Am by Meredith Efken.
Written in email form, this book follows the lives of a group of women who belong to an online group for stay-at-home moms. Easy read, cute story, nothing unforgetable.
I didn't know when I took this out that it is "Christian Fiction". It was just sitting out in a display and I picked it up on a whim. Had I known, I probably would have passed it over. I found the bible stuff and the Gee-isn't-it-great-how-God-makes-everything-work-out! parts a bit tedious. I did, however, enjoy the sibling rivalry between Roslyn and her sister. Funny stuff how the sister's emails influence Roslyn's topics of the week.
If you don't mind preachy religious stuff, you could probably add another half a star, but it was a 3-star book for me.
Written in email form, this book follows the lives of a group of women who belong to an online group for stay-at-home moms. Easy read, cute story, nothing unforgetable.
I didn't know when I took this out that it is "Christian Fiction". It was just sitting out in a display and I picked it up on a whim. Had I known, I probably would have passed it over. I found the bible stuff and the Gee-isn't-it-great-how-God-makes-everything-work-out! parts a bit tedious. I did, however, enjoy the sibling rivalry between Roslyn and her sister. Funny stuff how the sister's emails influence Roslyn's topics of the week.
If you don't mind preachy religious stuff, you could probably add another half a star, but it was a 3-star book for me.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Book #4 in 2010 (Audio)
Sofie Metropolis by Tori Carrington. Read by Anna Fields.
The novel that started it all! Ok, how about just the first in the series. I read a book later in the series and enjoyed it, so now I'm going back to "read" the others.
Sofie recently broke off her engagement when she found the groom-to-be cheating on her - five minutes before the wedding ceremony! Now, she's working as a private eye for her uncle and trying to make sense of her new life that doesn't include (for now) a husband and children. Tough to do in a big Greek family where girls get married and have babies. At 26, Sofie's starting to look like a spinster to them, and maybe to herself.
Four stars.
The novel that started it all! Ok, how about just the first in the series. I read a book later in the series and enjoyed it, so now I'm going back to "read" the others.
Sofie recently broke off her engagement when she found the groom-to-be cheating on her - five minutes before the wedding ceremony! Now, she's working as a private eye for her uncle and trying to make sense of her new life that doesn't include (for now) a husband and children. Tough to do in a big Greek family where girls get married and have babies. At 26, Sofie's starting to look like a spinster to them, and maybe to herself.
Four stars.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Book #3 in 2010 (Audio)
The Two Minute Rule by Robert Crais. Read by Christopher Graybill.
10 Hours
This is a new author for me. I really liked this story of a bad guy turned good. Enjoyed the reader too. I think I may have listened to something else read by him a while back..
The two minute rule refers to the amount of time a bank robber has inside the bank to pull off the robbery. After that, the likelihood of being caught increases drastically.
Four and a half stars.
10 Hours
This is a new author for me. I really liked this story of a bad guy turned good. Enjoyed the reader too. I think I may have listened to something else read by him a while back..
The two minute rule refers to the amount of time a bank robber has inside the bank to pull off the robbery. After that, the likelihood of being caught increases drastically.
Four and a half stars.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Book #2 in 2010
Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky.
This story sucked me in, almost from page 1. I finished the book (338 pages) in two days - a record for me.
Three teenage girls make a pact to get pregnant and raise their babies together. Life, of course, is not as simple and happily-ever-after as a teenager imagines it. News of the pact disrupts life in their small town and in their families, but ultimately, life goes on.
Four stars. Chick-lit for sure.
This story sucked me in, almost from page 1. I finished the book (338 pages) in two days - a record for me.
Three teenage girls make a pact to get pregnant and raise their babies together. Life, of course, is not as simple and happily-ever-after as a teenager imagines it. News of the pact disrupts life in their small town and in their families, but ultimately, life goes on.
Four stars. Chick-lit for sure.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Book #1 in 2010 (Audio)
Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult. Read by Nicole Poole (June), Stafford Clark-Price (Michael), James Frangione (Lucius), Danielle Ferland (Maggie) and Jennifer Ikeda (Claire).
15.25 Hours
This is not my favorite book by JP, but I did enjoy it. Her ability to create characters that the reader cares about is outstanding. I felt sympathy for Lucius and hoped for a reprieve for Shay. I come away from this novel with mixed feelings about the death penalty, something I've always supported in the past.
3.5 stars
15.25 Hours
This is not my favorite book by JP, but I did enjoy it. Her ability to create characters that the reader cares about is outstanding. I felt sympathy for Lucius and hoped for a reprieve for Shay. I come away from this novel with mixed feelings about the death penalty, something I've always supported in the past.
3.5 stars
Success Rate
I finished only 39 books in 2009. That is a success rate of 75%, or a failure rate of 25%, I suppose.
I will again strive for 52 in 2010.
I will again strive for 52 in 2010.
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