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.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
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.
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