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.

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.

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

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

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


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

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