Sunday, December 30, 2012
Results for 2012
41 books read and/or listened to in 2012. Not the 52 books I strove for, but better than last year. 79% success rate.
Book #41 in 2012
Sneaky Pie for President by Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie Brown.
Not really a novel, more of a series of political positions. Since we agree on most issues, I wasn't irritated by this the way some reviewers were. Enjoyed the idea of the animals calling RMB "the C.O.". No, not commanding officer, the Can Opener. Yeah, that seems about right.
3 stars.
Not really a novel, more of a series of political positions. Since we agree on most issues, I wasn't irritated by this the way some reviewers were. Enjoyed the idea of the animals calling RMB "the C.O.". No, not commanding officer, the Can Opener. Yeah, that seems about right.
3 stars.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Book #40 in 2012
Merry Christmas, Alex Cross by James Patterson.
I had just about given up on James Patterson, and only picked this up on a lark. I enjoyed it much more than I expected to.
Just another day in the life of Alex Cross: talking down a psychotic hostage taker, then helping catch a terrorist. No rest for the weary, even on Christmas Day. All the while, Nana Mama looks on disapprovingly.
4 stars.
I had just about given up on James Patterson, and only picked this up on a lark. I enjoyed it much more than I expected to.
Just another day in the life of Alex Cross: talking down a psychotic hostage taker, then helping catch a terrorist. No rest for the weary, even on Christmas Day. All the while, Nana Mama looks on disapprovingly.
4 stars.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Book #39 in 2012
Girl Gone by Gillian Flynn.
One of the best novels I've ever read. Excellent character development and plot. Holy plot twists, Batman!
When Amy Dunne goes missing, is her handsome husband, Nick to blame?
5 stars.
One of the best novels I've ever read. Excellent character development and plot. Holy plot twists, Batman!
When Amy Dunne goes missing, is her handsome husband, Nick to blame?
5 stars.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Book #38 in 2012 (Audio)
Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben. Read by Jonathan Marosz.
Interesting story that kept me guessing, well developed characters, and an enjoyable new-to-me reader!
Myron Bolitar investigates the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend's sister and murder of her father.
I like Myron's dry wit.
5 stars.
Interesting story that kept me guessing, well developed characters, and an enjoyable new-to-me reader!
Myron Bolitar investigates the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend's sister and murder of her father.
I like Myron's dry wit.
5 stars.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Book #37 in 2012
Hiss of Death, a Mrs. Murphy Mystery by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown.
I was really enjoying this book up until the end. I had trouble understanding how Harry jumped to the conclusion she did. Could have used a bit more explanation.
Medical staff at the Central Virginal Medical Center start dying mysterious deaths. Harry butts in, as usual, and the day is saved by her quick-thinking animals.
3 stars.
I was really enjoying this book up until the end. I had trouble understanding how Harry jumped to the conclusion she did. Could have used a bit more explanation.
Medical staff at the Central Virginal Medical Center start dying mysterious deaths. Harry butts in, as usual, and the day is saved by her quick-thinking animals.
3 stars.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Book #36 in 2012
Killing Floor by Lee Child.
First in the Jack Reacher series. Reacher accused of murder in a too-good-to-be-true Georgia town. Enjoyable. I like the first person narration and the way the violence is not too detailed.
4.5 stars.
First in the Jack Reacher series. Reacher accused of murder in a too-good-to-be-true Georgia town. Enjoyable. I like the first person narration and the way the violence is not too detailed.
4.5 stars.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Book #35 in 2012
Love Anthony by Lisa Genova.
I started this book with high hopes and a 5 star rating.
This novel tells the stories of two women living on Nantucket - both with failing marriages, but one of whom is mourning the loss of her 8 year old autistic son. The story is beautifully written and I felt very connected with the characters. Somewhere in the last third though, the author lost me with the cosmic-we're-all-connected stuff. But her telling of Anthony's story is an excellent peek into the mind of an autistic child, whether a true representation or not.
Sad to have to only give this 3.5 stars.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Book #34 in 2012 (Audio)
The Big Cat Nap by Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie Brown. A Mrs. Murphy mystery.
Read by Kate Forbes.
7.75 hours.
Harry Haristeen discovers a dead body at the local repair shop. She and her pets - Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker - nose around for clues, setting themselves up as targets.
At first the reader's voice really irritated me, but I'm glad I stuck with it. The reading was a bit slow, but still good for listening in the car.
3.5 stars
Read by Kate Forbes.
7.75 hours.
Harry Haristeen discovers a dead body at the local repair shop. She and her pets - Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker - nose around for clues, setting themselves up as targets.
At first the reader's voice really irritated me, but I'm glad I stuck with it. The reading was a bit slow, but still good for listening in the car.
3.5 stars
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Book #33 in 2012
Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline.
Evil twin plans to kill the good twin, take her place, and steal all her money.
I liked the beginning the most. In the middle, I was afraid it was going to be "no one believes me!" for the rest of the book and was somewhat disappointed. I'm glad I finished it though. The rest of the book picked up, but I didn't love the ending. 372 pages so Alice can get away again? Meh.
3.5 stars.
Evil twin plans to kill the good twin, take her place, and steal all her money.
I liked the beginning the most. In the middle, I was afraid it was going to be "no one believes me!" for the rest of the book and was somewhat disappointed. I'm glad I finished it though. The rest of the book picked up, but I didn't love the ending. 372 pages so Alice can get away again? Meh.
3.5 stars.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Book #32 in 2012
Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones.
I must have read a review and put this on hold because I don't think I would have just picked it up on my own. I'm glad I read it though. I loved the way the book changed mid-stream and went from telling one girl's side of the story to the other: each girl, envious of the other, never truly appreciating what she had. Most of the characterizations were great, except Gwen, who I never really saw why she made the decisions she did.
I bet this would be a great book for a book club.
4 stars.
I must have read a review and put this on hold because I don't think I would have just picked it up on my own. I'm glad I read it though. I loved the way the book changed mid-stream and went from telling one girl's side of the story to the other: each girl, envious of the other, never truly appreciating what she had. Most of the characterizations were great, except Gwen, who I never really saw why she made the decisions she did.
I bet this would be a great book for a book club.
4 stars.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Book #31 in 2012
Still Missing by Chevy Stevens.
Annie O'Sullivan is kidnapped and held in a remote cabin for a year before escaping. The story is told through a series of visits with her psychiatrist.
Holy plot twist at the end, Batman!
5 stars.
Annie O'Sullivan is kidnapped and held in a remote cabin for a year before escaping. The story is told through a series of visits with her psychiatrist.
Holy plot twist at the end, Batman!
5 stars.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Book #30 in 2012
The Strangler by William Landay.
I wanted to love this book because Landay wrote Defending Jacob, which I thought was excellent.
While it wasn't "bad", it wasn't in the same class as DJ. I finished it, but probably wouldn't have if I didn't have faith in the author. Trimming a hundred pages or so would have improved the book, I think.
Set in 1960's Boston, during the time of the Boston Strangler murders, the book follows the lives of three brothers - Joe, the cop; Michael, a prosecutor; and Ricky, a thief. The books looks at the corruption on the police force and the Irish mob while telling the brothers' stories.
3 stars.
I wanted to love this book because Landay wrote Defending Jacob, which I thought was excellent.
While it wasn't "bad", it wasn't in the same class as DJ. I finished it, but probably wouldn't have if I didn't have faith in the author. Trimming a hundred pages or so would have improved the book, I think.
Set in 1960's Boston, during the time of the Boston Strangler murders, the book follows the lives of three brothers - Joe, the cop; Michael, a prosecutor; and Ricky, a thief. The books looks at the corruption on the police force and the Irish mob while telling the brothers' stories.
3 stars.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Book #29 in 2012 (Audio)
Big Boned by Meg Cabot. Read by Justine Eyre.
7 hours, 59 minutes.
Series continues to follow the life of Heather Wells, former pop-star, current New York College employee who finds herself, once again, in the middle of a murder investigation.
Good story, and I'm glad Heather and Cooper finally get together.
4 stars for what it is.
7 hours, 59 minutes.
Series continues to follow the life of Heather Wells, former pop-star, current New York College employee who finds herself, once again, in the middle of a murder investigation.
Good story, and I'm glad Heather and Cooper finally get together.
4 stars for what it is.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Book #28 in 2012
The Next Best Thing by Jennifer Weiner.
Ruth Saunders, orphaned and disfigured at age 3, is raised by her grandmother. Young Ruth spends so much of her youth in hospitals that tv shows become her friends. She grows up to be a writer and heads west, with Grandma in tow, to Hollywood.
Ruth learns the ropes and is thrilled to finally get the green-light on a show of her own...until the compromises start. Anyone who's ever had to produce something by committee can see where "Ruth's" show is headed.
4 stars as chick-lit.
Ruth Saunders, orphaned and disfigured at age 3, is raised by her grandmother. Young Ruth spends so much of her youth in hospitals that tv shows become her friends. She grows up to be a writer and heads west, with Grandma in tow, to Hollywood.
Ruth learns the ropes and is thrilled to finally get the green-light on a show of her own...until the compromises start. Anyone who's ever had to produce something by committee can see where "Ruth's" show is headed.
4 stars as chick-lit.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Book #27 in 2012
11th Hour by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro.
Latest in The Women's Murder Club series. Meh. Some interesting parts, but the whole "Lindsey is pregnant - yay!" was annoying. Also, there was so much build up and then it ended rather abruptly.
3 stars.
Latest in The Women's Murder Club series. Meh. Some interesting parts, but the whole "Lindsey is pregnant - yay!" was annoying. Also, there was so much build up and then it ended rather abruptly.
3 stars.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Book #26 in 2012
Till Death Do Us Purl by Anne Canadeo. A Black Sheep Knitting Mystery.
Cute enough story in the crafting mystery genre. The Black Sheep knitting group works together to find who murdered a newlywed chemist, while trying to clear the name of his knitting widow.
3.5 stars.
Cute enough story in the crafting mystery genre. The Black Sheep knitting group works together to find who murdered a newlywed chemist, while trying to clear the name of his knitting widow.
3.5 stars.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Book #25 in 2012
Catch Me by Lisa Gardner.
Another novel featuring Detective D.D. Warren. This time, while searching for a vigilante murdering pedophiles, D.D. must also deal with Charlene Grant, who believes she will be murdered in 4 days.
Found the identity of the killer to be far-fetched, but otherwise it was an interesting book.
4 stars.
Another novel featuring Detective D.D. Warren. This time, while searching for a vigilante murdering pedophiles, D.D. must also deal with Charlene Grant, who believes she will be murdered in 4 days.
Found the identity of the killer to be far-fetched, but otherwise it was an interesting book.
4 stars.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Book #24 in 2012
Left Neglected by Lisa Genova.
This started out heavy handed and preachy, and I almost tossed it aside. I'm glad I stuck with it because it provided an excellent look inside of a condition (left neglect) that I'd never even heard of. More fine writing by Ms. Genova.
4 stars
This started out heavy handed and preachy, and I almost tossed it aside. I'm glad I stuck with it because it provided an excellent look inside of a condition (left neglect) that I'd never even heard of. More fine writing by Ms. Genova.
4 stars
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Book #23 in 2012
Hold Tight by Harlan Coben. Read by Scott Brick.
12 hours.
When the parents of a teenager start spying on him via his computer, they get more than they bargained for.
Fast moving, lots of plots that get joined together at the end.
4 stars.
12 hours.
When the parents of a teenager start spying on him via his computer, they get more than they bargained for.
Fast moving, lots of plots that get joined together at the end.
4 stars.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Book #22 in 2012
Still Alice by Lisa Genova.
Excellent, heartbreaking look at a successful woman's decline after she develops Early Onset Alzheimers.
5 stars. Highly recommend.
Excellent, heartbreaking look at a successful woman's decline after she develops Early Onset Alzheimers.
5 stars. Highly recommend.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Book #21 in 2012 (Audio)
Live to Tell by Lisa Gardner. Various readers.
13.5 hours.
Another novel featuring Sgt. D.D. Warren of the Boston Police Dept. Can two family annihilations be connected?
I found the Victoria character to be tedious and annoying. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book and the various readers - something which usually annoys me.
4 stars.
13.5 hours.
Another novel featuring Sgt. D.D. Warren of the Boston Police Dept. Can two family annihilations be connected?
I found the Victoria character to be tedious and annoying. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book and the various readers - something which usually annoys me.
4 stars.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Book #20 in 2012
Casting About by Terri Dulong.
More about the characters from Spinning Forward. Kind of a yawner about newlywed Monica whose world is upended when her 8 year old step daughter comes to live with her and her new husband.
Feel good tripe.
3 stars as chick lit.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Book #19 in 2012
Knit One, Pearl One by Gil McNeil.
More about Jo, the widowed knitting shop owner as she tries to navigate work, family, and friends. Not very interesting, but enjoyable. I like Jo's attitude about kids - loves them, but they are not ZOMG! the specialist snowflakes ever!
4 stars as knitty chick-lit.
More about Jo, the widowed knitting shop owner as she tries to navigate work, family, and friends. Not very interesting, but enjoyable. I like Jo's attitude about kids - loves them, but they are not ZOMG! the specialist snowflakes ever!
4 stars as knitty chick-lit.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Book #18 in 2012 (Audio)
Hothouse Orchid by Stuart Woods. Read by Carrington Macduffie.
7.5 hours.
CIA agent Holly Barker becomes involved in a serial murder case while on vacation in Florida. The story was interesting enough, but I really enjoyed the character of Teddy. I will have to see if he appears in other books by Mr. Woods.
The reader is mostly adequate, but she does some of the voices in such a dumb-hick way, that it is hard to take them seriously.
3.5 stars overall.
7.5 hours.
CIA agent Holly Barker becomes involved in a serial murder case while on vacation in Florida. The story was interesting enough, but I really enjoyed the character of Teddy. I will have to see if he appears in other books by Mr. Woods.
The reader is mostly adequate, but she does some of the voices in such a dumb-hick way, that it is hard to take them seriously.
3.5 stars overall.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Book #17 in 2012
Ready, Scrap, Shoot by Joanna Campbell Slan.
I almost passed on this book because the last one wasn't that great. I was happily surprised to find this latest installment of the Scrap-n-Craft mystery was more like the earlier ones.
Once again, Kiki Lowenstein finds herself in the middle of trouble as a sniper begins shooting at her daughter's annual May Day celebration. This book also introduces us to Kiki's crazy mother.
4 stars as chick lit.
I almost passed on this book because the last one wasn't that great. I was happily surprised to find this latest installment of the Scrap-n-Craft mystery was more like the earlier ones.
Once again, Kiki Lowenstein finds herself in the middle of trouble as a sniper begins shooting at her daughter's annual May Day celebration. This book also introduces us to Kiki's crazy mother.
4 stars as chick lit.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Book #16 in 2012 (Audio)
The Beginner's Goodbye by Anne Tyler. Read by Kirby Heyborne.
6 hours, 23 minutes.
A rather depressing look at a man's life after his wife is killed in a freak accident. Admirably read by Mr. Heyborne.
3.5 stars.
6 hours, 23 minutes.
A rather depressing look at a man's life after his wife is killed in a freak accident. Admirably read by Mr. Heyborne.
3.5 stars.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Book #15 in 2012
Defending Jacob by William Landay.
Excellent novel about a father defending his teenage son of murder. The book kept me guessing - did he or didn't he? - almost to the very end. Several good twists near the end, as well as an interesting look at "the murder gene".
5 stars.
Excellent novel about a father defending his teenage son of murder. The book kept me guessing - did he or didn't he? - almost to the very end. Several good twists near the end, as well as an interesting look at "the murder gene".
5 stars.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Book #14 in 2012 (Audio)
Emily, Alone by Stewart O'Nan. Read by Andrea Gallo.
So many words, and so little action. Mr. Stewart has well-developed characters, I just wish he'd do something with them!
The book follows the life of widow Emily Maxwell who has out-lived her husband and many of her friends. She is now teamed up with her sister-in-law and dog, Rufus, and pretty much is just living out the rest of her her life. The story was a rather depressing look at old age.
2 stars.
So many words, and so little action. Mr. Stewart has well-developed characters, I just wish he'd do something with them!
The book follows the life of widow Emily Maxwell who has out-lived her husband and many of her friends. She is now teamed up with her sister-in-law and dog, Rufus, and pretty much is just living out the rest of her her life. The story was a rather depressing look at old age.
2 stars.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Book #13 in 2012
When She Woke by Hillary Jordan. Read by Heather Corrigan.
10.75 hours.
Updated adaptation of The Scarlet Letter. In a future where abortion is a crime, Hannah Payne is convicted for aborting her unborn child, conceived with a well known pastor.
Good story, well read by Ms. Corrigan.
Solid 4 stars.
10.75 hours.
Updated adaptation of The Scarlet Letter. In a future where abortion is a crime, Hannah Payne is convicted for aborting her unborn child, conceived with a well known pastor.
Good story, well read by Ms. Corrigan.
Solid 4 stars.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Book #12 in 2012 (Audio)
You Know When the Men Are Gone by Siobhan Fallon. Read by Cassandra Campbell.
5.5 hours. Beautifully read by Ms. Campbell.
This is the best book I've "read" in a long time. It is a book of loosely related stories centering on the lives of families living in Ft. Hood - the men at war and the families left behind. It completely changed my view of military life. I hope it becomes required reading for high school students, so they can make more informed choices about their futures.
My only complaint about this book is I wish it had been longer. I didn't want to see it end.
5 stars.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Book #11 in 2012 (Audio)
A Nose for Justice by Rita Mae Brown. Read by Johanna Parker.
8.75 hours.
What came before "Murder Unleashed", ie: book one of the new dog-centric series by RMB. Mags and Baxter leave NYC to go live with Aunt Jeep in Reno, Nevada. A mystery presents when someone begins blowing up water pumps near Jeep's Wings Ranch.
Some of the Nevada history/water rights stuff was a little dull.
Not as good as Murder Unleashed, but I suppose that is encouraging, because that means the series is getting better. This book had to introduce the new characters and location, which slows the story down a bit. Overall, I am looking forward to book 3.
3.5 stars.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Book #10 in 2012 (Audio)
Murder Unleashed by Rita Mae Brown. Read by Johanna Parker.
7.5 hours.
Quick, interesting mystery. A group of well-meaning women in Reno undertake a project to help some of the squatters residing in abandoned/foreclosed properties. Unknowingly, they interfere in the plans of some scammers hoping to take advantage of the area's troubles.
The first book I've "read" by this author. I enjoyed it very much, almost wishing it was a bit longer. The reader did an admirable job of making each character recognizable, even the dogs. I will look for more by this author/reader combination.
4 stars.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Book #9 in 2012 (Audio)
What I Did for Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Read by Julia Gibson.
13 hours.
Silly, predictable love story made palatable only by the talented reader.
2.5 stars.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Book #8 in 2012
Goodnight Tweetheart by Teresa Medeiros.
Two strangers meet on the internet and fall in love. A cute love story told mostly through "tweets". Fun and quick to read.
4 stars as chick-lit.
3 stars as fiction.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Book #7 in 2012
Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson.
Struck with amnesia after a traumatic brain injury, Christine wakes up every morning not knowing anything about her life. As she begins work with a new doctor, she begins to doubt everything she learns about herself each day. Told only from Christine's point of view, the reader is left to wonder how much of what she says is true, and how much is "imagined" memories.
Strong 4 stars.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Book #6 in 2012
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty.
After a bump on the head, Alice finds she has no memory of the last ten years of her life. She can't understand why she's getting divorced from the husband she loves, can't remember her three young children and wonders how her relationship with her sister became so distant.
I really enjoyed the entire middle of this book. It took me a few chapters to sort out the different points of view and I didn't love the epilogue, but mostly it was very enjoyable.
4 stars.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Book #5 in 2012
What's Your Number? by Karyn Bosnak.
Delightfully, funny story of Delilah Darling, an almost 30 single woman in New York City who decides to track down her old boyfriends and see if one of them might have been "the one". Just a fun, fun read.
4.5 stars.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Book #4 in 2012
The Cat Sitter's Pajamas by Blaize Clement.
A Dixie Hemingway mystery.
Cute enough story about a pet sitter who finds and intruder and a dead body in a client's home. Will never be mistaken for fine literature, but most stories won't be either.
3.5 stars.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Book # 3 in 2012
Spells & Stitches by Barbara Bretton.
I believe this is third in the series which follows Chloe, a sorceress and the town of Sugar Maple which is composed entirely of other worldly beings - ghosts, trolls, fae, fairies, etc.
Good book for what it is.
3.5 stars.
ETA: Snooping around Amazon shows I may have missed book 3 and this is actually book 4 in the series.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Book #2 in 2012
The Gap Year by Sarah Bird.
Excellent novel about a single mom and her daughter, who despite all of mom's pushing, decides not to attend college immediately after high school. There is much more to the story, too. I like the way the story goes back and forth between the present and the daughter's last year of high school. The different fonts make it easy to detect when the jump occurs.
A hearty 4 stars.
Really close to making 4.5 stars. Not sure if I'd call this "chick-lit" or not.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Book #1 in 2012
Wined and Died by Cricket McRae.
I think this is the 5th book in the Home Crafting Mystery series.
Fun, easy read. I enjoy all the crafty stuff and it was interesting to peek into the wine/mead making world. This will never be mistaken for fine literature, but that's not the point of this book.
4 stars as chick-lit.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Results for 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)