Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris. Read by David Sedaris, Elaine Stritch, Dylan Baker, and Sian Phillips.
3 hours.
A book of parables featuring assorted animals. This is my least favorite of his books. Some of the stories were interesting, but some were too sad for me.
2.5 stars.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Monday, December 9, 2013
Book #38 in 2013 (Audio)
Calico Joe by John Grisham. Read by Erik Singer.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I went in thinking it would be okay, but not that gripping, being about baseball and all, but it was about so much more than that: the father-son relationship, hero worship, decisions that can change not just your life forever, but someone else's too.
Highly recommend.
5 stars.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I went in thinking it would be okay, but not that gripping, being about baseball and all, but it was about so much more than that: the father-son relationship, hero worship, decisions that can change not just your life forever, but someone else's too.
Highly recommend.
5 stars.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Book #37 in 2013
Gone by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge.
Latest installment in the troubles and tribulations of Michael Bennett, NYC detective now in Witness Protection with his 10 adopted children, nanny, and priest-grandfather. Mexican drug lord, Perrine, terrorizes the US and has put a price on the heads of the Bennett family.
Exciting read. More like the old Patterson.
4 stars.
Latest installment in the troubles and tribulations of Michael Bennett, NYC detective now in Witness Protection with his 10 adopted children, nanny, and priest-grandfather. Mexican drug lord, Perrine, terrorizes the US and has put a price on the heads of the Bennett family.
Exciting read. More like the old Patterson.
4 stars.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Book #36 in 2013 (Audio)
Defensive Wounds by Lisa Black. Read by Kirsten Potter.
9 hours, 58 minutes.
Who is responsible for the deaths of three defense attorneys? Forensic scientist Theresa MacLean investigates along with the police.
Good story with a narrator I enjoy. I will "read' more by this author.
4 stars.
9 hours, 58 minutes.
Who is responsible for the deaths of three defense attorneys? Forensic scientist Theresa MacLean investigates along with the police.
Good story with a narrator I enjoy. I will "read' more by this author.
4 stars.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Book #35 in 2013
Liars and Saints by Maile Meloy.
The book follows the trials and tribulations of four generations of the Santerre family.
Ambivalent feeling about this book. I love the writing and the style, but the plot was disjointed. More like a collection of short stories with cross-over characters. And I didn't really care about any of the characters except maybe Jamie and TJ.
3 stars.
The book follows the trials and tribulations of four generations of the Santerre family.
Ambivalent feeling about this book. I love the writing and the style, but the plot was disjointed. More like a collection of short stories with cross-over characters. And I didn't really care about any of the characters except maybe Jamie and TJ.
3 stars.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Book #34 in 2013
Practice to Deceive by Ann Rule.
Interesting enough, but not exactly a page turner. Seems like it could have been shorter: lots of things repeated throughout.
Mystery involves the Christmas time shooting of Russel Douglas on Whidbey Island in Washington state. The book never really determines the "why" of the crime and leaves open some of the "who", too. I guess real life is like that, but it made for a dissatisfying read for me.
3 stars.
Interesting enough, but not exactly a page turner. Seems like it could have been shorter: lots of things repeated throughout.
Mystery involves the Christmas time shooting of Russel Douglas on Whidbey Island in Washington state. The book never really determines the "why" of the crime and leaves open some of the "who", too. I guess real life is like that, but it made for a dissatisfying read for me.
3 stars.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Book #33 in 2013 (Audio)
Both Ways is the Only Way I Want It by Maile Meloy. Read by Kirsten Porter and Bronson Pinchot.
5 hours.
Excellent collection of short stories, wonderfully read. My only wish is that it had gone on much, much longer.
5 stars.
5 hours.
Excellent collection of short stories, wonderfully read. My only wish is that it had gone on much, much longer.
5 stars.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Book #32 in 2013
Starry Night by Debbie Macomber.
Eager (and beautiful) reporter manages to track down reclusive (and handsome!) author in the Alaskan wilderness. Boy rejects girl. Boy falls for girl. Girl falls for boy. Struggles! Boy and girl live happily ever after.
Ok as chick-lit. I can't imagine anyone else reading it.
3 stars.
Eager (and beautiful) reporter manages to track down reclusive (and handsome!) author in the Alaskan wilderness. Boy rejects girl. Boy falls for girl. Girl falls for boy. Struggles! Boy and girl live happily ever after.
Ok as chick-lit. I can't imagine anyone else reading it.
3 stars.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Book #31 in 2013
The Power of Half by Kevin Salwen and Hannah Salwen.
The teen of a wealthy family has an epiphany after seeing a homeless man and a Mercedes. Said epiphany leads the family on a journey wherein they sell their $2million house and "down-size" to one half the size. The extra proceeds from the house sale ($800K) are used to help alleviate hunger in Ghana.
Despite this book being precisely what it says it is, I was somewhat disappointed that there was no real guide to doing this on a smaller scale. But it never pretends to be a how-to book, it is a memoir of one family's journey.
I admire the way the authors managed to tell their story without sounding preachy or sanctimonious.
4 stars.
The teen of a wealthy family has an epiphany after seeing a homeless man and a Mercedes. Said epiphany leads the family on a journey wherein they sell their $2million house and "down-size" to one half the size. The extra proceeds from the house sale ($800K) are used to help alleviate hunger in Ghana.
Despite this book being precisely what it says it is, I was somewhat disappointed that there was no real guide to doing this on a smaller scale. But it never pretends to be a how-to book, it is a memoir of one family's journey.
I admire the way the authors managed to tell their story without sounding preachy or sanctimonious.
4 stars.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Book #30 in 2013
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakthrough by Ruth Pennebaker.
Middle-aged Joanie, recently divorced, struggles to re-start her life while dealing with her 15 year old daughter (Caroline) and mother (Ivy), who recently moved in with her. The story centers around how each of these women come to terms with the fact that the men they love have disappointed them. Or something like that. I enjoyed reading it, but it did seem to end rather abruptly.
4 stars as chick-lit.
Middle-aged Joanie, recently divorced, struggles to re-start her life while dealing with her 15 year old daughter (Caroline) and mother (Ivy), who recently moved in with her. The story centers around how each of these women come to terms with the fact that the men they love have disappointed them. Or something like that. I enjoyed reading it, but it did seem to end rather abruptly.
4 stars as chick-lit.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Book #29 in 2013 (Audio)
Breathing Room by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Read by Anna Fields.
12 hours.
A light love story read by my favorite narrator. I was sorry to see this book end.
When Isabel Favor's life falls apart, she travels to Tuscany to do some deep thinking. Instead she ends up falling in love with a movie star, who just happens to own the farm house she's renting. Isabel and Ren have the predictable rough start, but end up bringing out the best in each other.
Chick lit, but I could listen to Ms. Fields read the phone book.
4.5 stars.
Deducting a half star for Isabel's "transformation" which was pretty unbelievable to me.
12 hours.
A light love story read by my favorite narrator. I was sorry to see this book end.
When Isabel Favor's life falls apart, she travels to Tuscany to do some deep thinking. Instead she ends up falling in love with a movie star, who just happens to own the farm house she's renting. Isabel and Ren have the predictable rough start, but end up bringing out the best in each other.
Chick lit, but I could listen to Ms. Fields read the phone book.
4.5 stars.
Deducting a half star for Isabel's "transformation" which was pretty unbelievable to me.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Book # 28 in 2013
The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman.
Feel good story about a woman who reclaims her life after her mom dies and makes her inheritance contingent on the changes. Surprised at the lack of anger at mom, but otherwise ok. Chick-lit for sure.
4 stars as chick-lit.
Feel good story about a woman who reclaims her life after her mom dies and makes her inheritance contingent on the changes. Surprised at the lack of anger at mom, but otherwise ok. Chick-lit for sure.
4 stars as chick-lit.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Book #27 in 2013
Mistress by James Patterson and David Ellis.
Ben Casper, creator of a popular news website, and also a report for it, is drawn into a mystery involving the death of his friend, Diana, Russians, Chinese, and the CIA. Ben spends most of the time running for his life.
At times, I felt like the book had too much action. There was no place to rest and digest the story. The second half seemed to drag a bit in comparison, but was a welcome relief to me.
3 stars.
Ben Casper, creator of a popular news website, and also a report for it, is drawn into a mystery involving the death of his friend, Diana, Russians, Chinese, and the CIA. Ben spends most of the time running for his life.
At times, I felt like the book had too much action. There was no place to rest and digest the story. The second half seemed to drag a bit in comparison, but was a welcome relief to me.
3 stars.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Book #26 in 2013
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman.
I picked this up from the "new book" shelf at the library without noticing the sticker that identified it as sci-fi/fantasy. I don't read much from these genres; actually not at all, if I can help it. That said, I started the book and read more than half in my first sitting. Committed by that point, I finished it the next night.
A man returns to his childhood neighborhood and begins to remember disturbing happenings from his childhood. Did they really happen or was it a dream?
4 stars, as fantasy.
I picked this up from the "new book" shelf at the library without noticing the sticker that identified it as sci-fi/fantasy. I don't read much from these genres; actually not at all, if I can help it. That said, I started the book and read more than half in my first sitting. Committed by that point, I finished it the next night.
A man returns to his childhood neighborhood and begins to remember disturbing happenings from his childhood. Did they really happen or was it a dream?
4 stars, as fantasy.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Book #25 in 2013 (Audio)
Wow, my reading really slowed down this summer. Another year of not reaching 52? Maybe when the cooler weather arrives.
If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Read by Kirsten Potter.
4 hours.
Listed as a young adult book, perhaps because of its length or the age of its characters?
Seventeen year old Mia is in car crash that kills the rest of her immediate family. While the paramedics and doctors try to save Mia, she experiences an out-of-body experience, and watches as extended family, friends, and her boyfriend rally around her. Mia discovers she controls whether or not she's going to die.
I guess I'm probably the only listener who thinks death would have been the better choice. Maybe that's why it's young adult? Can a teenager possibly understand how hard the rest of her life will be?
4 stars.
If I Stay by Gayle Forman. Read by Kirsten Potter.
4 hours.
Listed as a young adult book, perhaps because of its length or the age of its characters?
Seventeen year old Mia is in car crash that kills the rest of her immediate family. While the paramedics and doctors try to save Mia, she experiences an out-of-body experience, and watches as extended family, friends, and her boyfriend rally around her. Mia discovers she controls whether or not she's going to die.
I guess I'm probably the only listener who thinks death would have been the better choice. Maybe that's why it's young adult? Can a teenager possibly understand how hard the rest of her life will be?
4 stars.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Book #24 in 2013
The Dinner by Herman Koch.
Up is down, black is white, good is bad. The story is told by a mentally disturbed father and shows how far some people are willing to go to defend their child. Disturbing is the word I keep coming back to. Interesting to read, but I'd hesitate before recommending it.
4 stars.
Up is down, black is white, good is bad. The story is told by a mentally disturbed father and shows how far some people are willing to go to defend their child. Disturbing is the word I keep coming back to. Interesting to read, but I'd hesitate before recommending it.
4 stars.
Book #23 in 2013 (Audio)
The Weird Sisters by Eleanor Brown. Read by Kirsten Potter.
10.5 hours.
Lovely story of three adult sisters (Rose, Bianca & Cordi) who return home when their mother falls ill. I loved the quotes spoken by the dad. I think if this were an actual book, I would have skimmed them. This was one of those audio books that I wanted to drag out, so it wouldn't end.
5 stars.
10.5 hours.
Lovely story of three adult sisters (Rose, Bianca & Cordi) who return home when their mother falls ill. I loved the quotes spoken by the dad. I think if this were an actual book, I would have skimmed them. This was one of those audio books that I wanted to drag out, so it wouldn't end.
5 stars.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Book #22 in 2013
When She Was Gone by Gwendolen Gross.
An intimate look into the life of a suburban neighborhood, when a 17 year old girl goes missing. Excellent character development, although the ending was a bit anti-climactic.
4.5 stars.
An intimate look into the life of a suburban neighborhood, when a 17 year old girl goes missing. Excellent character development, although the ending was a bit anti-climactic.
4.5 stars.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Book #21 in 2013
Tapestry of Fortunes by Elizabeth Berg.
Middle-aged Cece decides to revamp her life after her best friend dies.
I have been wondering if people really have/make friends this quickly. If they do, I'm jealous.
Easy, summer read. No real drama, but pretty words painting pretty pictures.
4 stars, for what it is.
Middle-aged Cece decides to revamp her life after her best friend dies.
I have been wondering if people really have/make friends this quickly. If they do, I'm jealous.
Easy, summer read. No real drama, but pretty words painting pretty pictures.
4 stars, for what it is.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Book #20 in 2013
12th of Never by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro.
Latest installment of the Women's Murder Club. Another mishmash of plots, similar to Kill Alex Cross, but still okay as a summer page-turner. The Lindsay-baby subplot was a yawner, but the trial line was interesting enough.
3.5 stars.
Latest installment of the Women's Murder Club. Another mishmash of plots, similar to Kill Alex Cross, but still okay as a summer page-turner. The Lindsay-baby subplot was a yawner, but the trial line was interesting enough.
3.5 stars.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Book #19 in 2013
Kill Alex Cross by James Patterson.
Not his best, not his worst. The three plot lines (terrorist, kidnapper, foster kid) are so dissimilar that it felt forced, like "I can't make this plot line into a book on it's own, so let's throw in this other stuff." I never really understood the reason the kidnapper struck, either. His backstory was too undeveloped.
3 stars as a summer page turner.
Not his best, not his worst. The three plot lines (terrorist, kidnapper, foster kid) are so dissimilar that it felt forced, like "I can't make this plot line into a book on it's own, so let's throw in this other stuff." I never really understood the reason the kidnapper struck, either. His backstory was too undeveloped.
3 stars as a summer page turner.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Book #18 in 2013
Starting Now, A Blossom Street Novel by Debbie Macomber.
Libby Morgan is laid off from her high-powered job and begins to build a life for herself that includes friends, volunteering, and romance. When she goes back to work, will it all fall apart?
Not much to do with Blossom Street except for a few visits to the local stores. Brief appearances by Lydia, the yarn shop owner.
The macaroni and cheese of literature: comforting when my life was feeling chaotic.
4 stars, for what it is.
Libby Morgan is laid off from her high-powered job and begins to build a life for herself that includes friends, volunteering, and romance. When she goes back to work, will it all fall apart?
Not much to do with Blossom Street except for a few visits to the local stores. Brief appearances by Lydia, the yarn shop owner.
The macaroni and cheese of literature: comforting when my life was feeling chaotic.
4 stars, for what it is.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Book #17 in 2013
L.A. Mental by Neil McMahon.
One of James Patterson's co-authors, out on his own. Interesting thriller about mind control via nano-particals. I enjoyed the set up and the middle, but the end became too scienc-y for me, and I lost interest.
3 stars.
One of James Patterson's co-authors, out on his own. Interesting thriller about mind control via nano-particals. I enjoyed the set up and the middle, but the end became too scienc-y for me, and I lost interest.
3 stars.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Book #16 in 2013
A Gift of Hope, Helping the Homeless by Danielle Steel.
An interesting, sad look at Ms. Steel's strategy to cope with the loss of her son by doing direct outreach work with the homeless in San Francisco.
I don't believe there was enough material for a full book and it seemed as though the author was stretching it out, mostly by repeating things.
3 stars
An interesting, sad look at Ms. Steel's strategy to cope with the loss of her son by doing direct outreach work with the homeless in San Francisco.
I don't believe there was enough material for a full book and it seemed as though the author was stretching it out, mostly by repeating things.
3 stars
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Book #15 in 2013
Alex Cross, Run by James Patterson.
Old style Patterson. Much better than some of the crap he's turned out in the last few years. Did he dump the co-writer thing? No one listed as co-author, not that that means anything, I suppose.
Two serial killers and a third killer with a personal vendetta against Det. Cross. Add in a new foster kid in the Cross family that goes missing. Coincidence?
4.5 stars
Old style Patterson. Much better than some of the crap he's turned out in the last few years. Did he dump the co-writer thing? No one listed as co-author, not that that means anything, I suppose.
Two serial killers and a third killer with a personal vendetta against Det. Cross. Add in a new foster kid in the Cross family that goes missing. Coincidence?
4.5 stars
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Book #14 in 2013
The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult.
Well written story, but I didn't care for the topic - in depth look at the Holocaust. I am thankful for my shoddy memory. I wouldn't want to carry around this sadness in my head.
3.5 stars
Well written story, but I didn't care for the topic - in depth look at the Holocaust. I am thankful for my shoddy memory. I wouldn't want to carry around this sadness in my head.
3.5 stars
Friday, March 15, 2013
Book #13 in 2013
Say You're Sorry by Michael Robotham.
Two teens are presumed runaways until an unrelated double murder three years later. Or is it?
4 stars
Two teens are presumed runaways until an unrelated double murder three years later. Or is it?
4 stars
Friday, March 8, 2013
Book #12 in 2013
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn.
Libby Day investigates the killing of her mother and sisters that took place decades ago. Her testimony helped convict her older brother of the crimes, but now she's not sure he's really guilty.
This was my least favorite of her three novels. The ending was too much, too coincidental. Had she chosen one killer or the other, I think it would have been more satisfying.
3.5 stars
Libby Day investigates the killing of her mother and sisters that took place decades ago. Her testimony helped convict her older brother of the crimes, but now she's not sure he's really guilty.
This was my least favorite of her three novels. The ending was too much, too coincidental. Had she chosen one killer or the other, I think it would have been more satisfying.
3.5 stars
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Book #11 in 2013
Touch & Go by Lisa Gardner.
Tessa Leoni returns as a private eye investigating the presumed kidnapping of a wealthy Boston family, The Denbes. Is ransom the motive, or is it something more sinister?
4 stars.
About halfway through I was starting to lose interest, but then read the last 200 pages in one night.
Tessa Leoni returns as a private eye investigating the presumed kidnapping of a wealthy Boston family, The Denbes. Is ransom the motive, or is it something more sinister?
4 stars.
About halfway through I was starting to lose interest, but then read the last 200 pages in one night.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Book #10 in 2013
The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom.
Parable about how the concept of time affects human, demonstrated by a young girl who wants to die and an old man who wants to live forever.
Short, easy read. Not sure this will have any lasting effect on readers, but I suppose it's a good reminder to smell the roses.
3.5 stars.
Parable about how the concept of time affects human, demonstrated by a young girl who wants to die and an old man who wants to live forever.
Short, easy read. Not sure this will have any lasting effect on readers, but I suppose it's a good reminder to smell the roses.
3.5 stars.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Book #9 in 2013
NYPD Red by James Patterson and Marshall Karp.
Fast paced, easy read. NYPD Red is the police squad assigned to protect and service NY's rich and famous. The beginning and middle of the book were very good, but it wrapped up rather clumsily.
3 stars.
Fast paced, easy read. NYPD Red is the police squad assigned to protect and service NY's rich and famous. The beginning and middle of the book were very good, but it wrapped up rather clumsily.
3 stars.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Book #8 in 2013
Cat of the Century by Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie Brown.
Aunt Tally's 100th birthday bash is interrupted by murder. Once again, the cats and dogs save the day.
There are too many characters to keep straight in these books. Other than that, I enjoy the stories and the animal interactions. Also, Sneaky Pie's author's note is usually great.
3.5 stars (I'm surprised about the negative reviews on Amazon due to politics. Although I don't agree with "Harry", it doesn't bother me to read about someone else's viewpoint.)
Aunt Tally's 100th birthday bash is interrupted by murder. Once again, the cats and dogs save the day.
There are too many characters to keep straight in these books. Other than that, I enjoy the stories and the animal interactions. Also, Sneaky Pie's author's note is usually great.
3.5 stars (I'm surprised about the negative reviews on Amazon due to politics. Although I don't agree with "Harry", it doesn't bother me to read about someone else's viewpoint.)
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Book #7 in 2013
Deadly Row to Hoe by Cricket McRae.
Once again, Sophie Mae is solving crimes in Cadyville. This time, at the local CSA farm where she volunteers.
4 stars for what it is.
Once again, Sophie Mae is solving crimes in Cadyville. This time, at the local CSA farm where she volunteers.
4 stars for what it is.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Book #6 in 2013
The Purrfect Murder, A Mrs. Murphy Mystery by Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie Brown.
Once again, Harry inserts herself into a murder investigation in her hometown of Crozet, VA. As usual, the quick witted animals save her when death is imminent.
I like the animal involvement in these books, but there are too many characters for me to keep track of, and the solution winds up too quickly.
3 stars.
Once again, Harry inserts herself into a murder investigation in her hometown of Crozet, VA. As usual, the quick witted animals save her when death is imminent.
I like the animal involvement in these books, but there are too many characters for me to keep track of, and the solution winds up too quickly.
3 stars.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Book #5 in 2013
The Giving Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini.
Elm Creek Quilter Camp opens for a week to make quilts for Project Linus.
More a series of short stories about the lives of the campers and how they came to be at QuiltGiving.
3.5 stars
Elm Creek Quilter Camp opens for a week to make quilts for Project Linus.
More a series of short stories about the lives of the campers and how they came to be at QuiltGiving.
3.5 stars
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Book #4 in 2013
Bad Habits, Confessions of a Recovering Catholic by Jenny McCarthy.
As another recovering Catholic, saddled with internalized guilt, I enjoyed most of this book. I'd heard about JM regarding her autism theories, but never saw her on MTV or anything else. The first part of the book was better, but even the second half was a mostly fun, easy read. A lot of extraneous swearing, but maybe that's her "style"?
I'm a little jealous that she's found a spiritual life after Catholicism. I really wish I could.
3.5 stars
As another recovering Catholic, saddled with internalized guilt, I enjoyed most of this book. I'd heard about JM regarding her autism theories, but never saw her on MTV or anything else. The first part of the book was better, but even the second half was a mostly fun, easy read. A lot of extraneous swearing, but maybe that's her "style"?
I'm a little jealous that she's found a spiritual life after Catholicism. I really wish I could.
3.5 stars
Book #3 in 2013
Santa Clawed, A Mrs. Murphy Mystery by Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie Brown.
Harry finds a dead monk while shopping for her Christmas tree.
Not sure if I like these books, or if they're like junk food.
3.5 stars.
Harry finds a dead monk while shopping for her Christmas tree.
Not sure if I like these books, or if they're like junk food.
3.5 stars.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Book #2 in 2013
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn.
Camille, a Chicago reporter, must return to her home town in Missouri to cover the murders of two young girls. She ends up discovering more than she ever wanted to. Excellent characterization and exciting plot.
4.5 stars
Camille, a Chicago reporter, must return to her home town in Missouri to cover the murders of two young girls. She ends up discovering more than she ever wanted to. Excellent characterization and exciting plot.
4.5 stars
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Book #1 in 2013
I, Michael Bennett by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge.
Detective Bennett takes on a Mexican drug lord putting himself and his family in danger.
Shades of the old JP and less about "my wacky family!!!!"
4 stars.
Detective Bennett takes on a Mexican drug lord putting himself and his family in danger.
Shades of the old JP and less about "my wacky family!!!!"
4 stars.
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