February Books

Posted by Bookworm, 16 months ago

1. The Evolution of Calparnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly-Audio Book
2. Hannah's List by Debbie McComber-Audio Book
3. The Beach Tree by Karen White-Audio Book-3/5
4. Game Over by Fern Michaels-Audio Book-4/5
5. The Wishing Trees by John Shors-338 Pages-4/5
6. Notes from the Dog by Gary Pulsen-Audio Book-3/5
7. A Turn in the Road by Debbie McComber-Audio Book-4/5
8. Cross Roads by Fern Michaels-Audio Book-4/5
9. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins-Audio Book-4/5
10. Rainwater by Sandra Brown-Audio Book-5/5
11. A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson-Audio Book-5/5
12. Lord of Flies by William Golding-Audio Book-2/5
13. Full Scoop by Janet Evanovich-Audio Book-4/5
14. Skipping a Beat by Sarah Pekkanen-327 Pages-5/5
15. The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockmann-Audio Book-5/5
16. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins-Audio Book-4/5
17. The Chosen by L.J. Smith-Audio Book4/5
18. Soulmate by L.J. Smith-Audio Book-4/5
19. Years of Wonder by Ann Patchett-Audio Book-4/5
20. Books of Shadows by Cate Tiernan-176 Pages-3/5

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1 book in Feb - ouch

Posted by Bookmason, 16 months ago

x

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January and February reads

Posted by Julie Woo, 16 months ago

I was off to a great start in January with 5 books, but only read 2 in February and its not even a novel.

1 - Susan Wilson One Good Dog - a book of redemption for a man and his dog. I really enjoyed this book.
2 - Nicholas Sparks The Best of Me - this is your typical Nicholas Sparks book, good
3- John Green The Fault In Our Stars - this is the best book I've read so far this year. Green writes adult novels for teenagers. It's about teenagers with cancer but it is unexpected. Everyone should read it.
4 - Nicholas Sparks The Lucky One - I enjoyed The Best of Me more
5 - Tina Fey Bossypants - an interesting funny read
6 -Neil Pasricha The Book of Awesome - technically not a novel but this is an excellent read if you're having a bad day
7 - Simon Pegg - Nerd Do Well - wonderful funny read that blends comedy and biography

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#7 and #8

Posted by Kay, 16 months ago

#7 - Home to Woefield by S. Juby
#8 - Speak Ill of the Dead by Mary Jane Maffini

Both of these stories take place in Canada. Home to Woefield in BC and Speak Ill of the Dead in Ottawa.

I could not find Home to Woefield in Chapter's offerings. It was a book I picked up at the library. It is about a young woman who is finding her way - she has inherited the framework of a farm (barely) from an uncle and she has just ended a relationship while living in New York. She decides that she is going to go back and live on the land - she believes strongly in global commitment and sustainability. She inherits an old man with the farm and slowly starts taking in strays - each person brings his/her own talents to farm. This book is a story about living - definitely kept my attention 4/5

I picked Speak Ill of the Dead up because the mystery is happening in Ottawa (where I live). It is interesting reading a book where you can visualize the surroundings, events, etc. The book went on for a bit but I will read another one of Camilla's adventures. Her personality is a strong, lawyer who believes in women's rights/really all vicitim's rights. Her family is very involved in the story telling and bring a light touch to the story. A great Sunday afternoon read. 4/5

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11 - 20

Posted by Cathy, 16 months ago

Continued (rest of book covers).

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11 - 20

Posted by Cathy, 16 months ago

Went on a cruise - read alot!

11. Beloved -by Toni Morrison
Beloved is a masterpiece painted with words; it’s about family and slavery, but mostly it’s a ghost story. I understand why Oprah likes it so much!

12. Zen and the Art of Running -by Larry Shapiro
This book uses Zen principles to overcome issues like motivation, training, injuries and aging. It was an interesting approach that I enjoyed, less about competing and more about running as an enjoyable part of life. The principles can be generalized to almost any activity or situation, as the author avoids discussions of spiritualism and grounds his book in real life.

13. 47 Haiku -by Tiel Aisha Ansari
A much better Haiku collection than the last one I read.

14. Once Upon a Time, There Was You -by Elizabeth Berg
One of Berg’s better of her more recent books, it is about family after a divorce.

15. Seriously...I’m Kidding -by Ellen DeGeneres
Funny, just like Ellen!

16. Health Quest -by Zac Bradshaw
This is a self-published book written by a very fit friend. While the idea to motivate people to become fit through a RPG journey is interesting, I don’t know how many people would follow through based solely on the book. But if you are starting a diet and exercise plan anyway, why not make it a quest!

17. Ru -by Kim Thuy
A short book but so compelling, this is the story of a Vietnamese boat person. Complex and layered, you read it with your heart.

18. The Mother, the Son, and the Socialite -by Adrian Havill
True crime; it was interesting as far as it went.

19. The Lobster Chronicles -by Linda Greenlaw
Memoir of lobster fishing and living in a small fishing town on an island. Greenlaw writes well and I learned a lot about the author as well as lobstering and the characters that make up a small town.

20. From This Moment On -by Shania Twain
Interesting story, honestly written.

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and five more

Posted by ChrisM, 16 months ago

The second group of books I've read so far this year.

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First five of 2012

Posted by ChrisM, 16 months ago

Five more to come.






.

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THREE MORE ...

Posted by Christine L, 16 months ago

6. 77 SHADOW STREET by Dean Koontz. The house is called the Pendleton now and it was built as the dream home of a tycoon in the 1800’s. The original family was plagued with tragedy and ever since there has been a cycle of tragic events … coincidentally every 37 years. In the 1970’s it was remodeled as luxury apartments inhabited by the rich and famous, the rich and not so famous and the downright notorious. The curse of tragedy, however, seems to have stayed on despite the renovations and now ghostly images, disembodied voices and glowing mold haunt the residents of 77 Shadow Street.

In my on going quest for a good ghost story I thought of all people Mr. Koontz would deliver. I hate to say this, but no so much! I’ll admit to being a long time Koontz fan, and although lately there have been some hits and some misses I always look forward to reading his books. This one was definitely on the “miss” side of the column. There are so many characters in this book … obviously the inhabitants of a luxury condo building … and the story progresses as each tells a part of the action. Sometimes this works, but in this case it is like watching a movie with too many fast cuts. Instead of adding to the drama and action it actually takes away from it. By the end of the book I didn’t care about the characters and was a little tired of the lengthy reflection on the bleakness of the world and the “darkness” of humankind. Would not recommend this one, even to a Koontz fan.

7. THE BUNGALOW by Sarah Jio. When Anne Calloway’s grand-daughter brings her a letter enquiring about events almost 70 years ago it finally opens the door for Anne to tell her story. During WW2 Anne left her fiancée all but literally at the altar and left to travel to Bora Bora as a nurse. Of course love and heartache are both found in this tropical paradise and that is Anne’s story.

I enjoyed Ms. Jio’s Violets of March so much I was looking forward to reading this book. It did not disappoint but did follow the same trajectory as the first. An elderly woman, a secret past, a mysterious object arrives and then, finally, the unfolding of the story. The location and characters are different but the pattern is the same. Ms. Jio is a wonderful story teller so I did enjoy the book, but if there is a third book on the horizon I hope she expands her horizons a little bit.

8. THE DAY THE FALLS STOOD STILL by Cathy Marie Buchanan. Bess Heath is 15 years old and looking forward to her final year at an exclusive girl’s academy. However, on her last day at the academy she is informed that she will not be returning to complete her graduating year. Her father has lost his job at the Niagara Power Company. Thus begins Bess’ new life, complete with a sister rejected by her fiancée, a chance encounter with the “ne’er do well” Tom Cole, and having to help as a seamstress just to make ends meet.

Bess’s story is the basis for the book, but this book is so much more than that. This book tells of a Niagara Falls before Clifton Hill became a tourist attraction, when dare-devils still rode over the falls in barrels and lovers still picnicked by the whirlpools. Again, as captivating as the story is the backstory of World War 1, the politics behind the Hydro Electric companies harnessing the power of the falls and the role of women during the whole period were equally as interesting.

This book is an excellent debut for Ms. Buchanan. I heard her read an excerpt from her book at Word on the Street in 2010, purchased the book and gave it to my daughter as a Christmas gift. I never did borrow it back to read it myself so when I came upon the audio version I knew I had to listen to it. Kudos to narrator Karen White who brings Bess’ voice to life. Highly recommend this book.

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SLOW START TO 2012 HERE TOO

Posted by Christine L, 16 months ago

This close to the end of February I am usually in double digits in my reading. Too much going on I guess and not enough lazy Sunday afternoons ... but here's a few more.

3. THE THIRTEEN HALLOWS by Michael Scott & Colette Freedman. The “thirteen hallows” are ancient artifacts known to possess great power. Given their history, revealed in an interesting way throughout the book, it is to be determined whether they are instruments of good or evil. Through out time the keepers have kept the hallows separate and hidden, but now someone has discovered the secret and is killing to bring the hallows together.

There have been so many books written with this kind of theme that the reader always risks cliché situations. Despite that I always pick them up and read them … yet another guilty pleasure I guess. This one had a bit of a unique take on the origin of the power of the sacred objects. Without having to put in a spoiler alert, that’s about all I can say. Not for those of weak stomachs as there is A LOT of blood and guts in this book, but definitely one fans of the genre should pick up.

4. THE BOY IN THE SUITCASE by Lene Kaaberbel and Agnete Friis. Nina Borg (our protagonist) is employed as a nurse by a secret organization offering (against the law) medical care to illegal immigrants. Asked by a friend to run a simple errand and pick up something from an airport locker Nina suspects immediately that something is wrong when her friend warns her not to look into the suitcase until she is out of the airport. As a reader we know that cannot be good! Sure enough what she discovers is a boy. Knowing something is wrong Nina is reluctant to turn the boy over to the authorities
(of course ?1?)
and this leads her on a breath taking journey trying to find the boys mother.

There seems to be quite a bit of translated fiction coming out of Scandinavian countries lately. A trend started by the Millennium books or maybe something that has just tripped onto my personal radar lately. This one was well written, tight and suspenseful so it became a real page-turner. Definitely a book focused on trafficking children for various reasons and abused woman. Nina is not your typical protagonist either … she comes with her own set of issues and secrets. As much as I enjoy strong women leads in books it is nice to see one that is slightly flawed. I can relate.

5. THE WAR HORSE by Michael Morpurgo. Joey is the War Horse in the title and we read this story as told in his voice. Wait … wait … before you roll your eyes and brush this off as another book narrated by an animal (granted there has been a glut lately) or think ala Mr. Ed, realize this book was first published in 1982. Sold into army use Joey is sent away from the farm and from his young friend Albert. Confiscated by the Germans and traveling through France Joey has many tales to tell about WW1. Meanwhile Albert has come of age and enlists for the sole purpose of hopefully, against insurmountable odds, reuniting with Joey.

When I saw the previews for the recent movie based on this book I knew I would not be going to see it, but I was sufficiently intrigued by the story to read the book. I am certainly glad I did. What a wonderfully told story of a difficult time in history, with moments of tenderness and humanity, reminding us that there are good people … and horses … everywhere no matter what the circumstance.

In my opinion, if anyone has a young boy who does not like to read this would be an awesome book to try and get him hooked!

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Slow Start This Year

Posted by Eleanor Thompson, 16 months ago

1. L is for Lawless - Sue Grafton (1995)

Kinsey Milhone, everyone's favourite female P.I., gets in far deeper than she planned when she tries to do a favour for her landlord. Kinsey always comes through with style and flair; however, this case does not end with her getting the bad guys but she does solve it. It was a bit different from some in that she does not get to spend much time on her own, in her funky apartment. Grafton uses some great similis and had me laughing out loud on several occasions. Go Kinsey!

2. Dust and Shadow - Lyndsay Faye (2009)

What would happen if Sherlock Holmes tried to solve the crimes of Jack the Ripper? I have to admit I have not read much of the original Holmes books but I have read books set in this era before and Faye does a masterful job of capturing the tone of London in the late 1800's. This is a stunning first effort for Ms. Faye.

3. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee (1960)

It's the 50th anniversary of the film version of this classic story and although I have seen the movie, I had never read the book. The characters are richly portrayed in this debut (and only) novel by Ms. Lee. Sadly, there is still a great deal of prejudice in the world, whether it be towards people of different race, religion or sexual orientation.

4. The Poseidon Adventure - Paul Gallico (1969)

I started reading this shortly after the Italian cruise liner capsized. A group of survivors traverse the upside down ship in hopes of being rescued. Gallico has no problem killing off some of the main characters, but we don't really care as they are all so one dimensional. At one point, I almost put the book down I was so annoyed by some of them and their patented responses to any set of circumstances. Gallico has written much better stories such as The Hand of Mary Constable and The Man Who was Magic. Perhaps the movie is better but I believe the song "There's got to be a morning after" is its theme so then again, perhaps not.

5. Supernatural: Meetings with the Ancient Teachers of Mankind - Graham Hancock (2005)

This book begins with examining cave paintings and the theories surrounding them and gradually makes connections between them, hallucinogenic experiences, fairy and alien abductions and the possibility of alternate universes. Whew! It's fascinating (but lengthy) reading due partly to Hancock's repetition of his key points. The author writes freely of his own hallucinogenic experiences brought on by eating 'magic' mushrooms and drinking a nasty concoction brewed up by South American shamans. If you are willing to suspend your ingrained beliefs, it will make you think.

6. Along Came a Spider - James Patterson (1992)

This book introduces us to the character a Alex Cross, a detective/psychologist who must solve the kidnapping case of two privileged children. There are many plot twists is this fast moving story, albeit some of them pretty far fetched but I was willing to go along for the ride. I have read some Patterson before and couldn't really understand how he became a best selling novelist. Now I know the answer to that. I had seen part of the movie treatment and don't really equate Morgan Freeman with Alex Cross (though I adore Freeman). What do I know, though. Hey, speaking of movie treatments, I think it would be great if Grafton's novels made it to the small screen in a weekly show. And we have come full circle. Happy reading all!

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Nos. 8 - 13 & it is only February!

Posted by Shanie [Raksha], 16 months ago

#8 - The Nine Lives of Christmas - Sheila Roberts - 5 / 5
This was one of those HB books whose cover just 'grabs' you. At the beginning, I wasn't so sure that it would live up to the cover! However, this really is a very good, romantic novella played out with and observed by Ambrose the cat [currently on his 9th & LAST life]. Frankly, I did enjoy it - I'm even going to try some more of her books. It seems that she has written at least 3 others that may be Xmas-themed. So watch for my Top 10 Xmas reads for 2012 - this one will definitely be on it.

#9 - Exploring the World of Bees - Tracy C. Read - 5+ / 5
Excellent language accessible discussion of the critical importance of bees to the quality of, not only human life, but also the bees' pivotal role in all plant life on this planet. Visually appealing & highly imformative. 'Bees' can help parents answer those "why?" questions and point the 'tween' readers towards expanding their own investigations into the subject. I would also highly recommend this title for the ESL B & C level readers.

#10 - Exploring the World of Cougars - Tracy C. Read - 5 / 5
Another highly informative & interesting book from Read. Perfect for the 'tween' & older ESL reader. Combines pictures with text in such a way as to hold the reader's attention. Will definitely keep the interest of the younger reader as well as point the teenaged reader towards other sources. Excellent introduction to the cougar! Well worth reading.

#11 - Exploring the World of Eagles - Tracy C. Read - 5+ / 5
Excellent reference on the historic No. American symbol for readers from 8 to 13, or for ESL learners. Read manages to provide the reader with far more info than is usually expected for readers of this age range. Language & the superior illustrations actively encourage younger readers to expand their knowledge. Read is to be commended for never 'talking down' or 'dumbing down' her information. Even parents could learn from these books. Well done!

#12 - Anne Perry's Christmas Vigil - Anne Perry - 3.5 / 5
This is a 1 vol. publication of her 2009 & 2010 Christmas novellas. The 1st story: A Christmas Promise, is appropriate for reading during the 200th anniversary of Dickens' birth - very reminiscent of a Dickens' tale. Wonderful story & so well-written that you can smell the smoke of the coal fires while feeling the damp sinking into your bones.
The 2nd story: Christmas Odyssey, is very dark. It features the darkest aspects of Victorian London, the poverty, filth, degradation, as well as the evil which underlies it. Definitely NOT a typical holiday tale.

#13 - Wild Animals in Captivity - Rob Laidlaw - 5+ / 5
If this book is NOT in every school library as well as public library in this country, then we are shortchanging not only our children , but ourselves and Canadian authors as well. An excellent, accessible overview of the problems of keeping exotic animals in unfriendly living conditions. Laidlaw (from Toronto) provides us with a list of active Animal Welfare organizations that meet ZooCheck standards, such as the one where the Metro Toronto Zoo Elephants are to reside. This is a very important book. It answers a lot of questions, as well as posing more. Highly recommended for tweens, teens, AND adults. You will not find a more concise, informative text than this one.

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#4 to #6

Posted by Kay, 16 months ago

#4 - Deeper than the Dead by Tami Hoag 3/5
#5 - 206 Bones by Kathy Reichs 2/5
#6 - Spider Bones by Kathy Reichs 2/5

I was looking for some light reading and then realized how inappropriate it was to think of the above three books as light reading - change of phraseology - quick reads.

Deeper Than The Dead is a murder mystery that gets solved and all loose ends tied up neatly. Realistic, I think not but I do like Hoag's style of writing.

The two Kathy Reichs books were disappointing. I know it is important for books in a series to also be able to stand on their own but I grew tired quickly of the retelling of the police system and relationships with Temperance and Ryan. A lot of pages in background details. I wonder if there the day will ever come when you can select a series book as a standalone or a continous read.

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#7 - Sleight of Paw - Sofie Kelly - 5+++ / 5

Posted by Shanie [Raksha], 16 months ago

No, I am not a crazy cat lady...yet!

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Okay, yes, this IS a murder mystery, but Ms. Kelly manages to inject some very comedic sequences into her stories. She really 'hooks' you by doing this in the most unexpected places. I gave this 2nd in the Magical Cat series a 5+++ because of the 'kick-boxing grandmother' character. This is a prize-winner of a scene & [if in a film would only be] should be played by Jane Fonda! I don't see an audio book available, so I will submitting her 2 titles to the CNIB to see if they will add them to their books for the blind. I tried to read it aloud to my husband, but I just can't keep from laughing - this book & the first one are really, really good. Unfortunately, while this one includes a "taste" of book 3, there doesn't seem to be a publication date available as yet. If you like murders, small towns, & are [perhaps, in danger of being..] a crazy cat lady...you will definitely have fun with this story.

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Books 1-11

Posted by DLOTS, 16 months ago

Pretty solid start to the new year with some really good books under my belt. Reviews of all can be found in my profile.

1) Zero Day............David Baldacci - Thriller 4 Stars
2) Summer Knight (Dresden Files #4).............Jim Butcher - Supernatural 4 Stars
3) Myth-Interpretations the worlds of Robert Asprin..................Robert Asprin - Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Short Stories 5 Stars Highly recommend
4) Transcendence (Demon Wars 2 Book 2)..............R.A. Salvatore 4 Stars
5) The Final Evolution (Avery Cates #5).................Jeff Somers 5 Stars
6) The Man With The Golden Torc (Secret Histories 1)...........Simon R Green Sci-Fi/Supernatural/Thriller 3 Stars
7) Daemons Are Forever (Secret Histories 2)...........Simon R Green Sci-Fi/Supernatural/Thriller 4 Stars
8) The Spy Who Haunted Me (Secret Histories 3)...........Simon R Green Sci-Fi/Supernatural/Thriller 3 Stars
9) The Hunger Games...................Suzanne Collins Young Adult / Sci Fi / Thriller 5 Stars
10) The Bookman's Promise (Cliff Janeway #3)...............John Dunning Mystery 4 Stars
11) Star Wars: Shadow Games................Michael Reeves/Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff Sci-Fi 4 Stars

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#6 - Curiosity Thrilled the Cat - Sofie Kelly - 5+ / 5

Posted by Shanie [Raksha], 16 months ago

Thoroughly enjoyable!

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Fabulous & funny: the 1st in a new mystery series called, The Magical Cats Series. Really a fun mystery with a plot based upon friendships & murder, plus two v-e-r-y special cats. Kelly gives us a very well-written plot with great characters & a definitely engrossing plot. Thoroughly enjoyed it, & can hardly wait to finish the 2nd in the series [Sleight of Paw]..

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Way behind

Posted by Bookmason, 16 months ago

Way out of pace with this so far in the new year, haven't even had time to update my end of the year reading.

Would highly recommend the The Affair by Lee Child (last of 2011)and Sister Brothers by Patrick DeWitt (first of 2012) and The Gun by CJ Chivers, a brilliant NF book about the rise of machine guns and the effect of the AK47.. Three extremely different books but all 4+ reads.

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My 5th so-far...

Posted by Shanie [Raksha], 16 months ago

Mystery couched in a comedy of errors!

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5. The Skeleton in the Closet - M. C. Beaton - 5 / 5
Since I've taken up so much space in the past...here is the link to the review: community.indigo.ca/reviews/Shanie-Raksha/all-36032.html
Trouble is, I have 5 on the go...plus my slated Feb. reads - Black History Month. I'll have to go to the library w/my books for some peace & quiet.

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