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    25 of 50: Do Not Disturb

    Posted by Virtopia, 3 years ago

    Rating: 4/5

    Yes, it was predictable, but I enjoyed the drama that came along with it. The intertwining relationships between Lucas, Honor, Sian and Ben were enjoyable to follow throughout the story. The secondary characters, such as Devon, Lola, Nick, Petra and others also made the story a great treat.

    Books I Read In October 2010

    Posted by Bookworm, 3 years ago

    Burn by Linda Howard-Audio Book-3/5
    A Kept Secret by Tatiana de Rosnay-Audio Book-4/5
    Firestorm by Iris Johansen-Audio Book-4/5
    Labor Day by Joyce Maynard-241 Pages-4/5
    Before I Fall lby Lauren Olvier-Audio Book-4/5
    Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner-Audio Book-4/5
    Ghost At Work by Carolyn Hart-336 Pages-2/5
    Crown Jewel by Fern Michaels-Audio Book-4/5
    Smitten by Janet Evanovich-Audio Book-3/5
    Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier-Audio Book-4/5
    The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephanie Meyer-117 Pages-3/5
    The Seduction of Water by Caroly Goodman-Audio Book-4/5
    Promise to Keep by Jane Green-Audio Book-5/5
    Room by Emma Donoghue-Audio Book-4/5
    The Weight of Silence by Hearther Gudenkauf-373 Pages 5/5
    What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman-Audio Book-2/5
    Kisser by Stuart Woods-Audio Book-3/5
    Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt-Audio Book-4/5

  • Books 41-45

    Posted by Eleanor Thompson, 3 years ago

    41. A Day Late and a Dollar Short - Terry McMillan, 1989

    This is the story of a black family whose matriarch, Viola Price, fusses over her children even though they are grown with families of their own. Her four children have had varying degrees of success but all have a failing of some sort, whether it is an ability to hold a job, an addiction to prescription painkillers, a penchant for going to jail, etcetera. When Viola dies, her family has lost their 'glue'. The story switches around lots and is told from each main character's point of view, which is confusing at first but as you come to know the characters better you clue in much more readily. Everything eventually gets tied up neatly in bright paper with a lovely bow. Although I could not relate to some of the things that happened to these characters, I could relate to my mother passing away and how my siblings and I seem to be drifting away from each other now that our 'glue' is gone. I doubt if our story gets resolved as neatly this one does.

    42. The Last Picture Show - Larry McMurtry, 1971

    This is the prequel to Texasville as well as the basis for the movie of the same name. It is apparently an autobiography of McMurtry's coming of age in a small Texas town. It has a cast of characters ranging from the simple, non-verbal Billy, who spends his days sweeping, to horny teenagers to unfulfilled albeit rich neglected wives. Some of the characters have our sympathy, others are barely tolerable. Although somewhat dated, this is nevertheless a powerful depiction of teenage angst as the transition is made to young adulthood.

    43. Poirot's Early Cases - Agatha Christie, 1923, 1924, 1925

    A collection of stories from the mistress of mystery, the stories are short and intriguing and feature the meticulous Hercule Poirot. Most of the stories also feature Captain Hastings who is the supposed chronicler of these cases. I enjoyed the stories more when he is not in them, as I find him too ponderous and thick to be a boon companion of Poirot. Christie, as always, delivers.

    44. Catch Me if You Can - Frank W. Abignale, Jr. with Stan Redding, 1980

    Unlike the movie of the same name, this book tells the story from the POV of the perpetrator of the various forgeries and deceptions. It is a quick, enjoyable read that leaves you shaking your head at Abignales' audacity and the gullibility of his various dupes. There is a degree of admiration for his boldness, but he is not at all a likable character.

    45. Son of the Endless Night - John Farris, 1985

    A young man investigates a mysterious phone message at a ski lodge and ends up becoming possessed by a demon who viciously slays his girlfriend. His brother, a former priest turned pro wrestler (I kid you not) visits him in prison and witnesses the manifestation of the demon. He calls in the cavalry (in the form of an exorcist and more strangely a bunch of new age believers living on a remote part of the Canary Islands) to help. The drama unfolds in a court room where the demon apparently thinks he will get a larger audience for his revelation of evil incarnate. This book is about 150 pages too long and asks for total suspension of belief but hey we are dealing with archetypal good vs. evil here. Some of the plot twists are totally unbelievable and coincidental. For people who like gruesome ways to die, this book has some particularly bloody ones.

    GETTING CAUGHT UP .. PART TWO

    Posted by Christine L, 3 years ago

    113. STILL MISSING by Chevy Stevens. I have been overwhelmingly impressed with “first time” authors this year and this book is no exception. Annie O’Sullivan is just about to close up an open house when a last minute vistor walks in. Before she knows it she is bundled up into the back of a van, taken to a remote cabin in the woods and held captive for more than year.

    Sounds like a plot that has been done hundreds of times? Maybe? But this one is well worth the read. It defines being a “page turner” with a twist that I really DID NOT see coming. Don’t pick up this book unless you in a comfy chair because you will not want to put it down. Congrats to another up and coming young Canadian author.

    114. DRAWING IN THE DUST by Zoe Klein. Archaeologist Page Brookstone is working on a dig in Israel when she is approached by the BarAkats, a young Arab couple who want her to initiate a dig under their home. They are convinced their home is haunted by a sexually charged couple and that their home sits on some secret burial ground. Skeptical, yet intrigued Page is drawn into the excavation and becomes involved in some controversial discoveries surrounding the prophet Jeremiah and his long, lost love Anatiya. Of course Page becomes involved in a controversial love story herself along the way.

    Another debut author who presents the reader with some unique historical facts, some insight into the plight of Israel, and a good story along the way.

    115. THE TIPPING POINT: HOW LITTLE THINGS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE by Malcom Gladwell. With really easy to understand examples and some humorous stories Mr. Gladwell explains how some little changes can have “epidemic” effects on social norms.

    This book was “panned” in a lot of other reviews I read but I liked it. It was entertaining and had just enough of the information I was looking for without being academic. I read this book with a certain purpose in mind and it met my needs. What more can someone ask for in an informational publication?

  • GETTING CAUGHT UP ON POSTINGS ...

    Posted by Christine L, 3 years ago

    108. APE HOUSE by Sara Gruen. Isabell Duncan is a research scientist studying language through teaching bonobo apes sign language. Her lab is blown up shortly after a visit from reporter John Thigpen, and the apes are unharmed but no longer in Isabell’s control. The resulting storyline of the book is the search for the missing Bonobo apes.

    I loved WATER FOR ELEPHANTS and unfortunately can not say the same thing for this book. Although is was an entertaining read and obviously well researched, it did not have the character and flow of her previous book. In my personal opinion Ms. Gruen tries to tackle too many topics in this book … animal research, animal rights, reality television, prostitution, pornography, meth labs, the “Hollywood experience” and one too many relationship issues. It made for a bit of a disjointed story. Even the characters are a bit cliche ... the meddling mother-in-law, the almost perfect wife, the hooker with a heart of gold and the hero reporter. This one just didn't pull the heartstrings for me in the way I had anticipated.

    109. FIVE QUARTERS OF THE ORANGE by Joanne Harris. Framboise Dartigan is the proprietess of a small town café in France. She is now 60 years old and back on her family farm, using her mother’s recipes; the only thing left to her belonging to her mother, to cook for the café and make preserves to sell. While reading through the recipe book/journal she recalls her life as a child during World War II.

    Although the subject matter was difficult at times, Ms. Harris brought occupied France to life by describing it through the eyes of a child. Despite the ugliness of war the book has its share of whimsy, romance and comedy, as does life, not matter how hard the times. The writing was beautiful and such a pleasure to read.

    110. THE EXECUTOR by Jesse Kellerman. Joseph Geist could best be described as a “professional student”. Comfortable in this status he finds a never ending number of reasons to not finish his thesis and graduate. This laziness results in his being kicked out of school, kicked out of his apartment and almost deserted by his friends. At this low point in his life he meets Alma. She seems to be the perfect solution to his problems … even though she is in her eighties. Unfortunately Joseph also meets her nephew, a ne’er-do-well who wants to make sure Joseph does not get what “rightfully” belongs to him.

    My only criticism is that the book loses a bit of its momentum towards the end. It seems the offspring of popular writers are making a name for themselves in today’s book market. This is the second book I have read by the son of Faye and Jonathan Kellerman. Although I have not read their books I certainly have enjoyed Jesse’s.

    111. NEVER LOOK AWAY by Linwood Barclay. Jan Harwood has been experiencing bouts of depression and thoughts of suicide lately, so husband David thinks an outing to a local amusement park with their son Ethan might cheer her up. For a frightening moment it seems that Ethan has been abducted but is found safe and sound in his stroller a few steps away. When David turns around is seems his wife is the one to have disappeared. David becomes the prime suspect in his wife’s disappearance and diligently tries to find her, not only to clear his name but to be able to keep his son.

    Although a familiar plot, Mr. Barclay does manage a bit a fresh twist to his telling. Good read.

    112. VEIL OF NIGHT by Linda Howard. Jaclyn Wilde is a wedding planner whose latest client is the poster child for the term “bridezilla”. When the bride ends up dead after a food tasting everyone is on the suspect list.

    A light, fun read that I did enjoy.

  • Just a Question...

    Posted by Julie Woo, 3 years ago

    I decided to stop reading a book after I had reached the half way mark. I didn't care about the character or where the story was going. Granted I did read the last chapter to see how it was summed up.
    I don't do it very often because I hate leaving a book half read but I have more books on my "to read" shelf and I didn't want to waste any more time on a book that I was forcing myself to get through.
    Has anyone else done this?

    Up to 80!

    Posted by Cathy, 3 years ago

    76. What Have You Changed Your Mind About? -edited by John Brockman
    A collection of essays written by today’s scientists and philosophers, answering the title question. Very thought provoking.

    77. Awkward Family Photos -by Mike Bender
    Collection of photos - and they are awkward! Good fun.

    78. A Race Like No Other -by Liz Robbins
    A book about the 2007 New York Marathon, detailing the course and highlighting some of the racers. I enjoyed it.

    79. The Book of “Unnecessary” Quotation Marks -by Bethany Keeley
    Features the misuses of quotation marks on signs. “Fun to read.”

    80. The Man in the High Castle -by Philip K. Dick
    Classic fiction/science fiction depicting 1962 in a world where the Nazis won WWII. Not really my genre, but it was okay.

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Book 49: I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

    Posted by Midnight Sunrise, 3 years ago

    It was alright. Very good story, but the writing ruined it for me. I'm hoping the next few books will be a lot better because there is potential in this series.

    www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/I-Am-Number-Four-Pittacus-Lore/978006196955-597938-Review.html

    Mark Twain's Autobiography

    Posted by Shanie [Raksha], 3 years ago

    Just saw this - yet another 'must read' for me - here is the link if you haven't come across it as yet: www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/878401--mark-twain-s-autobiography-arrives-100-years-after-his-death

    I can hardly wait to get my hands on this one!
    Now I have to add ANOTHER TBR to my wish list !

    Ooops - forgot one!

    Posted by Shanie [Raksha], 3 years ago

    #105 - Alaska - Naske, Hunt, Morgan w/ photos by Dennis Stock - 5++/5
    Unfortunately, this is a used book found at a sale; published in 1983 by Harrison/Abrams (anyone remember those gorgeous Abrams art books?) This is a fabulous photographic essay on Alaska paired w/some of the most insightful essays on this part of the far north I've ever read before. Contains timelines, snippets of historical documents, poetry, and essays by past & present residents. And yes, it is good for pressing flowers & crinkled photos - the weight, that is. Much of what is documented in this book is no longer there...victims of enviro-economic predation. Still, I haven't come across another book on Alaska that can hold a candle to it and it is well worth the search, as it is a truly beautiful & informative book. If you can find it:: the ISBN is 0-517-40415-X. Maybe in used & rare books, it is truly a treasure. It got an A+ as a show & tell at Univ. of Tor. schools when my neighbor's son used it to illustrate where he had spent 2 weeks in August.... Only problem, I have to store it flat - none of my shelves are big enough!
    PROBLEM - input the ISBN & didn't get the right one - under Used & Rare you want the following:
    Alaska
    by Illustrated By Dennis Stock Claus M Naske William Hunt Lael Morgan
    (which is #10 in the list) Bonne chance.

  • #104 & still going....

    Posted by Shanie [Raksha], 3 years ago

    You will hate yourself if you miss this one!

    #104 - The Art of Racing in the Rain - Garth Stein - 5++ / 5. Thanks to BookMason, I expanded my authors - This is a fabulous book, I really, really enjoy Stein's style & storytelling skill - there aren't a great many truly "affective" books out there at present, but "Racing" certainly is one! Please add this to your must reads, you won't regret it. I'm afraid if I say any more I will wind up giving it all away and that would spoil it for everyone else! I am sure that I will be re-reading this one for a long time...

  • Book 48: Alpha by Rachel Vincent

    Posted by Midnight Sunrise, 3 years ago

    I've been in a reading slump lately. Too busy to read with all my schoolwork going on. But I have managed to finally finish another book. Now just two more till the big 5-0.

    www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Alpha-Rachel-Vincent/978077832818-597515-Review.html

  • 57 & 58: Tough Going

    Posted by Marion Abbott, 3 years ago

    57: Screenplay by Disney - Jason Surrell
    This book is similiar to one I read about tapping into your creativity, based on the advice and stories of Disney Imagineers. Surrell offers advice on how to write a screenplay, citing many, many examples from Disney movies. Interesting to note - did you know that it wasn't until Michael Eisner helmed the company in the late eighties that the Disney studios had typed screenplays? Walt used to 'be' the screenplay, constantly visiting with his animators and describing over and over what he wanted to see. Incredible. This book bogged me down with its many, many examples of what to do. Did I mention that Surrell used many, many examples?!

    58: A Terrible Roar of Water - Penny Draper
    This is, I believe, the third book by Ms. Draper I have read and thoroughly enjoyed. Her books now form "The Disaster Series" and are all based on true accounts of disasters throughout Canada's history. This one tells of the tsunami that devastated the coastal fishing towns of Newfoundland, just after the stock market crash in 1929. Amazing writing as always, and a wonderful way to learn about our Great Nation's colourful past. Highly recommended.

    Did I mention Surrell's use of many, many examples in the screenwriting book?! :P

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Up to 75!

    Posted by Cathy, 3 years ago

    71. An Unquiet Mind -by Kay Redfield Jamison
    Memoir of a psychologist who suffers from manic-depressive disorder. What I found most fascinating was her description of her manias, a state of mind that appears addictive and so can make treatment difficult.

    72. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Runners -by Jack Canfield, et al
    Title says it all. I am not a big fan of the Chicken Soup books, but I couldn’t resist this one.

    73. The Blueberry Muffin Murder -by Joanne Fluke
    Annoying characters, boring details, slow, predictable - I can’t recommend this series (my apologies to any fans).

    74. Packing for Mars -by Mary Roach
    Unusual nonfiction describing the science behind sending humans into space, exploring topics such as space food and what to do with the end result of eating space food, the effects of weightlessness, and space hygiene. Good information made entertaining by the author’s sense of humour.

    75. Eating Animals -by Jonathan Safran Foer
    I was glad to see this book on the NY Times Nonfiction Bestseller list. Everyone who eats meat should read this book. Well written and well researched, it confronts the issue of factory farming.

    • 1 person found this helpful

    24 of 50: Sparkles

    Posted by Virtopia, 3 years ago

    Rating: 4/5

    Wow, I don't know why this book took me so long to finish, but about half way through is where I really got interested. Of course, it provided the typical ending to such a story, but the twist caught me off guard with Pierre and it was well enjoyed. I also liked the relationship between Sophie and Hugh as it took time to developed.

    • 1 person found this helpful

    15 of 50

    Posted by Robert Augustine, 3 years ago

    - Ghost Stories of the Rocky Mountains
    - Barabara Smith

    This little book is another good book by Barbara Smith. It is all about short ghost stories of the rocky Mountains. For me it was a good read but, there was not a story in the book that maded the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. If you love ghost stories then you should like this book.

  • Betty's Reads for September 2010

    Posted by Betty in Smithers, 3 years ago

    Immune: the Second Book of the Rho Agenda

    51: Immune: the Second Book in the Rho Agenda by Richard Phillips Absolutely love this Sci-fi series by Richard Phillips, but read the first book before you read this one. The Second Ship: the First Book in the Rho Agenda.
    52: Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye #1 in the series by Victoria Laurie
    53: Weekend Warriors #1 of The Sisterhood series by Fern Michaels A group of women who have had their court cases thrown out, lost, or simply expired, together with an ex-MI6 agent's help and connections, get their revenge in unorthodox ways. Great series!
    54: Skullduggery #16 of the Gideon Oliver/Skeleton Detective series by Aaron Elkins
    55: The Organ Grinder and the Monkey by Sam Moffie This book was uncomfortable for me in several places, but it is well-written, just not my style.

    Didn't manage to read many this time, but by the end of the month I got several books at once to get read in October! My reviews on "The Second Ship: the First Book of the Rho Agenda", "Immune: the Second Book of the Rho Agenda", and "The Organ Grinder and the Monkey" can be found on my blog; just google R&B: Read and Blog.

  • 41 & 42 Suite Francaise and The Book of Negroes

    Posted by Julie Woo, 3 years ago

    Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky - not my favorite book. It took me a while to get through. The book takes place during the 1940's when the Germans invaded France. There are multiple characters whose stories sometimes intertwine. I didn't realize while I was reading it that there was originally going to be 5 parts. Had I known that I think it would have helped me understood the book more. I kept waiting for the 2 parts to become more connected but Irene Nemirovsky, who was also a Jew, wrote the first 2 parts while attempting to hide from the Germans and was arrested before she could finish her novel.

    The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill - I enjoyed this book although it was difficult to read in places. It is the story of Aminata Diallo, an 11 year old girl who is captured in her home in Africa and is shipped off to America to be a slave. The book follows her life and her struggle to be in control of her own life once again. She is strong female character who you are rooting for the whole time.

    • 1 person found this helpful

    23 of 50: Kameleon Man

    Posted by Virtopia, 3 years ago

    Rating: 2/5

    This book took me a long time to finish and now that I've reached the ending, I see why. It had it's good moments and provided a very realistic into the life of a model, but I really didn't get the ending. I see this being another donation to my local library.

  • If Only I Could Remember

    Posted by Lisa Voss, 3 years ago

    Well, I haven't posted in months and now I'm trying to remember what I've read LOL (They certainly are not interested in the right order!!

    21. A Place of Hiding - Elizabeth George. 3/5 Inspector Lynley was not featured much in this book and therefore it wasn't my fave.
    22. The Passage - Justin Cronin. 4/5 Good story similar to Stephen King.
    23. Man from Beijing - Henning Mankel. 2/5 This was recommended by co-workers and customers but I didn't like it. Maybe something was lost in the translation.
    24. Think of a Number - John Verdon. 3/5. This was a pretty good thriller although I wasn't too keen on the main character.
    25. The Fall - Guillermo del Toro. 4/5 Second book of a trilogy. I'm not sure how mankind is going to survive...maybe the twist will be they don't.
    26. Solar - Ian McEwan 3/5. I've read several Ian McEwan books some I loved and some I didn't. This sort of falls in the middle. There were laugh out loud parts but all in all it wasn't great.
    27. Dark Places - Gillian Flynn 3/5 A good thriller about a young girl who survives the murder of her family.

  • GENERAL QUESTION ABOUT POSTED REVIEWS?

    Posted by Christine L, 3 years ago

    The following was posted as a comment to my review of "HORNS" by Joe Hill. I didn't want to comment back in the review section because I don't think that part of the site is for general conversation. But I would like to get some opinions.

    "I hated Horns. It was a terrible book and it was painful to read. So Joe Hill likes to write stories about women who get raped and murdered. In fact he gets off on it. He's a sick creep just like his father. Thank God it was a library book. At least I didn't waste my money on it. No wonder there are so many sex criminals in this world. This is exactly where they get their ideas from-- books like Horns. I won't be reading anymore of Hill's books. Bloody misogynist"

    It's early in the morning and maybe I am being too sensitive ... although I fully understand that it was not aimed at my review, it was just someone venting - my questions are:

    If someone feels THAT strongly why not just close the covers of the book?

    I have read books I have not enjoyed, but never felt the need to attack the author personally?

    I have read negative reviews on here that were informative and well written without resorting to name-calling?

    Okay ... now I am ranting ... I'll stop, but would like opinions.

    www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Horns-A-Novel-Joe-Hill/978006114795-593325-Review.html

    On second thought ... maybe I will write a short comment back.

  • I made it to 50, but I lost a month.

    Posted by Charity, 3 years ago

    Where in the world did September go? I just realized most of these titles are from August. What happened?

    #48: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
    The third book in the Hunger Games trilogy. You can tell a series is good when the last book disappoints you only because you realize it is the last book. I really wish I could read more about Panem and Katniss. If you haven’t read Hunger Games yet you need to look into this.

    #49-51: Scott Pilgrim 4-6 by Bryan Lee O’Malley
    This is the continuation of the Scott Pilgrim comic series. Scott continues to battle evil exes while dealing with life in general. Looking back now, I feel a little underwhelmed by the series as a whole. I still don’t understand why a comic title that puts so much emphasis on a characters hair colour would then be done in black and white. Haven’t seen the movie yet, here’s hoping the hype was worth it in the end.

    #52: Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Saffron Foer
    Having basically given up on my original reading challenge for this year, I took on a new one with a friend. We are working on “I can’t believe you haven’t read this yet” as a challenge. I selected Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass for her, and she selected this for me. This book was depressing…..I miss Dweedledum and Dweedledee.

    #53: The Bells by Richard Harvell
    I highly recommend this title to people who enjoy historical fiction with a dramatic twist. This book is the story of a young boy who develops extraordinary hearing because of the bells his mother (who is deaf and mute) rang when he was a child. He also has an amazing voice to match and it is this gift that becomes his ultimate curse. This story is presented as a letter to his son. You will have to read the book to discover why this is such an astonishing twist in this tale.

    I’m currently reading The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton. I picked it up mainly because of the cover, but coincidentally it happens to be included in the 500 Must Read Books. So while I dropped the challenge, it seems to be hanging on to me a little more determination.

    Happy reading everyone!

  • And now it is October

    Posted by Susan Nojonen, 3 years ago

    I have no idea where August went and I am quite sure this year came with no September. However taking a few days off before the fourth quarter and catching up (at least hoping to)
    43. Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo (1st)
    This was quite interesting. Of course I love everything Amish. The writing is solid and many interesting charactors. Almost had it figured out.
    44. A Timely Vision by Joyce and Jim Lavene (1st)
    A nice little cozy on the shore.
    45. In the Woods by Tana French (1st)
    I am recommending this book, even though I found it a little long. The charactors and plots are strong. Surprise ending.
    46. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
    Loved it and never wanted it to end. Second book by this author.
    47. Eye of the Red Tzar by Sam Eastland (1st)
    A Finnish lead charactor and a Russian conspiracy. I really wanted this to be better. But will read the second one.
    Well I am almost there.

  • BATTLE OF THE BOOKS

    Posted by Christine L, 3 years ago

    Why is it always so difficult to come up with an answer when put on the spot with a direct question?

    CBC's annual battle of the books "Canada Reads" is looking for readers to vote on the 10 most essential Canadian books of the decade.

    Which book would you vote for?

    arts.nationalpost.com/2010/10/05/canada-reads-wants-you-to-help-pick-this-years-books

  • #100 & STILL reading....

    Posted by Shanie [Raksha], 3 years ago

    Really a fun read!

    #100 - Death Loves a Messy Desk - Mary Jane Maffini - 1.5 / 5
    This is # 3 in the Charlotte Adams mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime - wasn't really impressed by this one & not certain that I will read the first 2 in the series (but I probably will as Maffini IS a past president of the Crime Writers of America). For a series based on "organizational skills", it was very disappointing! Finished on Sep. 10/2010 & have yet to even look for the 1st 2! Guess that says it all.

    #101 - The Quick & the Thread - Amanda Lee - 5 / 5
    One of the most amusing light mysteries I've ever read - very entertaining, and frankly, I didn't see the outcome coming - I was having too much fun. A very good 'entry' into the world of small-town secrets & murder!

    #102 - Plaster & Poison - Jennie Bentley - 4.5 / 5
    A very good "lite" mystery - #3 in BCP's Do-It-Yourself mysteries (I married a contractor - you can see the attraction[?]). Really enjoyed this one & have purchased the 1st two in the series, but I have to finish Art of Racing in the Rain first! P & P has a really good twist on the village murder genre!

    #103 - Miss Marple's Final Cases - Agatha Christie - 5+ / 5
    READ this if you love mysteries - Christie is definitely the Queen of Mystery & has yet to be equaled, let alone surpassed. What astounds me is that none of the short stories in this volume have hit PBS's Masterpiece Mysteries - they are truly delightful! And, as I was reading, I was visualizing Geraldine McEwan in each & every tale. Keep this next to Poirot's Early Cases and re-read every time you get fed up with present state of mystery writing!

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Three more for me!

    Posted by BookThia, 3 years ago

    29. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion 3.5*
    This book has been recommended to me by a number of friends. It was beautifully written, but sad. Not depressing -- just really really sad. The author is writing about her grieving period after the death of her husband... its just really sad.

    30. The Cellist of Sarajevo by Stephen Galloway. 4*
    Canadian author. This book is a Heather's pick, and is very good. Essentially, about people in Sarajevo trying to survive while the city is under seige. Minimalist writing, but maximum vision. Very very good.

    31. The Jane Austen Book Club. 3*
    I'm a huge fan of Austen and have read all of her books except Northanger Abbey. I don't know if non-Austenites would enjoy this... certainly you don't NEED to know anything about Austen to pick up on the major plot. But it helps with the nuances of the story if you know what happens in Jane's stories.

    56: A Perfect Read

    Posted by Marion Abbott, 3 years ago

    Pretend You Don't See Her - Mary Higgins Clark
    A chilly Sunday afternoon in October, no place to be and nothing pressing to accomplish; a juicy mystery, paced fast enough to devour in one sitting, not too fast to be vacuous. A perfect read.

    Lacy witnesses a murder and is placed in the witness protection program; how long does she have until the killer catches up with her? Clark at her best - enjoy!

  • 55. The Horror of War

    Posted by Marion Abbott, 3 years ago

    The Hard Way - Lee Child
    Another Jack Reacher novel - MUCH better than the last one I read, wonderful resolve of the initial crime but brutal! brutal! brutal! stories of war woven throughout. It makes me wonder if part of Child's overall goal as an author is to shed more light on the atrocities of war. Highly recommended for Reacher fans but not for the faint of heart.

    • 2 people found this helpful

    #34 - 35 Two women

    Posted by Eileen, 3 years ago

    #34 Brooklyn, Colm Toibin

    Difficult to describe this one. Eilis Lacey is a young woman in a small town in 1950s Ireland. Jobs are scarce, so with the help of a priest and her worldly sister, she immigrates to New York (Brooklyn) and begins working in a department store. Toibin tells a story by putting detail after detail...he does show not tell to the extreme. So you feel almost as if you are Eilis, and seeing the world through her eyes.

    There is very little plot to speak of. The interest is in an exact portrait of a time and place seen through the eyes of a young working class woman. Amazing writing.

    #35 Fly Away Home, Jennifer Weiner

    Lots of plot here. The situation: Sylvie, the perfect political wife, is hit by a familiar scandal - her husband has been caught in an affair. How should she react? The story also concerns her two daughters, one over and the other under achieving, both caught in dilemas of their own.

    I enjoy Weiner's writing about women and their motivations. However I did have a problem with the ending, so was left a bit irritated. A fast, breezy read.

> Read more posts from: September 2010 or November 2010

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