Updates

Filters
Blog Type
Blog Tags
Blog User

The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult

"I'd been a fan of Jodi Picoult in the late 1990's, but I hadn't read anything she's written in recent years because her writing became too formulaic and less appealing. I'm surprised I bothered finishing her new novel, The Book of Two Ways. I gave one star because she did fairly well addressing the topic of death. But the story included boring bits of information about Egyptian burials and quantum physics, had sections which were entirely unrealistic, and the inconclusive ending was unsatisfying. Overall, it was not worth my time." - D.

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

"Book was about the Great Depression for farmers in the Texas Dust Bowl, the 1930's, and the struggle of so many people. It spoke to family values, and sticking together as a family. It was very sad and well written. It mainly spoke about one family that fled to California for a better life, but it was just as difficult in California at the time." - L. Caran

4/4 stars.

Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok

"These pages offer the hardscrabble immigrant experience as seen through the eyes of Kimberly Chang, a teenager settling into a new life in Brooklyn with her mother, as new arrive from Hong Kong. This could easily be a YA book offering easy readability and a quick-moving narrative on some at-times painful subjects: immigrant labor abuse in Chinatown's factories, family conflicts and, of course, the pangs of first love.

Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith

"This is the second book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. The memorable characters of Mma Ramotswe and Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni feature prominently in this story, as they navigate their developing relationship as well as their work and family experiences. Mma Ramotswe's cases are just as engaging as in the first novel, and her kindness and morality shine through." - D. Cohen

4/4 stars.

Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubicka

"This mystery/thriller is about two women and one young girl who suddenly disappeared 11 years ago. Flip to the present day, the young girl surprisingly returns having escaped from her captors. What happened all those years ago, and who is the girl who has reappeared so many years later? There are many twists and turns in this story, and each chapter is told from the point of view of a different character. It was very engaging and a real page turner!" - D. Cohen

3/4 stars.

The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee

"During the day, Jo Kuan works as a maid to the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in town, and at night, she anonymously writes an advice column that challenges gender and racial issues. Set in Atlanta, Jo sets out to break barriers as she uncovers the secrets that have defined her existence." - L. Ngo

4/4 stars.

Y is for Yesterday by Sue Grafton

"Y Is for Yesterday is the darkest of the Alphabet Murders. It is also Ms. Grafton’s last book. She died shortly after writing it. Kinsey Millhone investigates a filmed sexual assault on a teenage girl by her teenage classmates and the ensuing murders. Further complicating Kelsey’s life is her stalking by the man who had tried to strangle her. Many red herrings. Always gripping. None of Ms. Grafton’s books are “formula” mysteries. Every book has a unique plot. Few can write mysteries as superbly as Sue Grafton. I will miss her." - E. Pasquali

4/4 stars. 

Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich

"Quick read, but funny and engaging. I had read the previous books many years ago and just picked up this one. It was like getting back together with old friends. Great pool side book with a few good laughs." - C. D'Orazio

3/4 stars.

Home Sweet Home by Lily Mirren

"This story is set in Australia. Trying to recover from her son Set's death... her divorce, and her daughter Hannah’s entry into college, Trina returns to her hometown. Trina’s childhood had been harsh: an alcoholic mother (Anthea) who had serial boyfriends and the sudden death of Dan, Trina’s teenage boyfriend. Trina is joined by her long-time friend, Lisa. Anthea, Trina, and Lisa set out to rebuild their lives. Wonderful character development and story." - E. Pasquali

3/4 stars.

Murder in the Bowery by Victoria Thompson

"This is part of the MysterySeries called 'Gaslight Mystery.' Sarah Brandt married Frank Mallory (he was an ex-cop at the turn of the century). Sarah’s family is high society and well off. The Mallory’s now have a private eye service. A seemingly simple case comes into their office: find a newsboy named Freddie. His older brother, Will Bert, wants to give him a good home and take his brother off the street. Freddie and a woman are found dead, and Frank has to solve the mystery." - T. Gustafson

4/4 stars.

The Day the Rabbi Left Town by Harry Kenelman

"This is a Rabbi David Small mystery. Rabbi Small gives up his congregation and takes a teaching position at a nearby university. When his neighbor is murdered, Rabbi Dana Siegel, Rabbi Small’s successor becomes a suspect. A well-written mystery that manages to interweave Judaic traditions and beliefs into the plot."- E. Pasquali

2/4 stars.

A Year like No Other by Pauline Lawless

"Bankers from New York, Dublin, and Germany, with their wives and families, spend a year in Paris working on a joint financial project. The couples face their prejudices and flaws and develop friendships. Some grow, while others are stressed beyond their abilities. A delightful novel set in the romantic environs of Paris." - E. Pasquali

3/4 stars.

Murder in the Cookbook Nook by Ellery Adams

"Another cozy mystery author I read is Ellery Adams. This series is based in story town and has lots of references to books and authors. She has a great group of recurring characters in these books. So in addition to the current story there are continuing story lines about the characters lives. This was a good read and it will keep you guessing as to who committed the murder." - F. Schwarz

4/4 stars.