The book that follows Me & Emma is a wonderful continuation of a compelling story of love and loss and murder and mystery. I've heard it said that...moreThe book that follows Me & Emma is a wonderful continuation of a compelling story of love and loss and murder and mystery. I've heard it said that this opened up more questions as to whether Emma even existed and who killed her if she did exist. For me, all those questions were answered in this book. No spoilers, folks, you need to read it for yourself. I really enjoyed both Emma & Me and What Happened to My Sister. Brava, Ms. Flock!(less)
I found this one confused me sometimes...I never knew when the main character was having a hallucination or having a real experience or writing poetry...moreI found this one confused me sometimes...I never knew when the main character was having a hallucination or having a real experience or writing poetry. Yet, I read it in 2 days. (less)
So far, enjoying reading this one. Cybill was born 3 years before me in the early 1950's so a lot of what she talks about should resonate with me. But...moreSo far, enjoying reading this one. Cybill was born 3 years before me in the early 1950's so a lot of what she talks about should resonate with me. But, she was raised in the deep South and I was raised in the Los Angeles area of California and that seems to make a big difference in how we viewed the world and how we were raised. Hers is the world of debutantes and beauty pageants and mine is the world of movie stars and free sex! By the time we both got to the 70's, we were both young women seeking our own identities. TBC.....(less)
I am loving this book! Nora Roberts is a researching machine when it comes to her novels. She clearly got into the mind of the main character and unde...moreI am loving this book! Nora Roberts is a researching machine when it comes to her novels. She clearly got into the mind of the main character and understands what makes the heroine tick. Her attention to detail is amazing. I can almost feel the fear Elizabeth felt when she witnessed her friend's execution by the Russian Mafia. Elizabeth's transformation from victim to heroine over the years is so well-executed that I can almost believe she exists. Another 2 thumbs up for Nora Roberts! (less)
I'd always liked Tony Danza's acting but never thought of him as an author. The title caught my eye and I felt I really needed to read this particular...moreI'd always liked Tony Danza's acting but never thought of him as an author. The title caught my eye and I felt I really needed to read this particular book. From the first page, I was hooked! Tony Danza is the real thing...he is a genuine guy with a genuine life that resonates with every teacher who reads this. Deciding to explore an alternative life outside of Hollywood, Danza takes on the task of teaching 10th grade English at an inner city school outside on Philadelphia for a full year. From Alex, the kid who has some anger issues, to Al G, the kid with the attitude, Tony has to teach these young people all the while dealing with a principal who doesn't think he's cut out for the job, a wife and family on the West Coast, a production company who is filming the year for a reality show on A & E, and his own principles and limitations. All-in-all, a delightfully honest story of one man's dedication to a bunch of kids from whom most of society has walked away. I highly recommend this to any teacher who feels they need validation! (less)
This was the first pick for our new Page to Screen Book Club. I haven't read a lot of Sparks' books because I've just been too busy. I read the Notebo...moreThis was the first pick for our new Page to Screen Book Club. I haven't read a lot of Sparks' books because I've just been too busy. I read the Notebook and saw the movie...really enjoyed it. Enjoyed the movie version of Nights in Rodanthe, too. Sparks deals with real life situations with empathy and realism that I enjoy. Seventeen-year-old Ronnie and her younger brother are sent from their New York home to spend the summer with their father in South Carolina. Ronnie has never forgiven her father for leaving the family when she was young so she's got a major chip on her shoulder...over the course of the summer, Ronnie and her father explore their relationship. I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to seeing the movie.(less)
What a delightful little book! Although I knew what was going to happen, (Titanic does hit the iceberg and it does sink and there are people who die a...moreWhat a delightful little book! Although I knew what was going to happen, (Titanic does hit the iceberg and it does sink and there are people who die and people who survive) the story still kept me enthralled. I learned so much about the customs and fashions of those times. Thanks, Amanda Grange, for a wonderful retelling of the Titanic disaster. (less)
From the first page, I felt as though I would not hate this book. Most of the time I either Love a book or I HATE it. This book was really a faster re...moreFrom the first page, I felt as though I would not hate this book. Most of the time I either Love a book or I HATE it. This book was really a faster read than I expected it to be. At times, I stopped to wonder about what the whole point of the book was. And the ending was confusing to say the least. It didn't seem to end. I felt as though the author had nothing else to say so she placed a period at the end of the sentence and shut the cover! I can, however, see how family histories can be distorted by the telling of them over several generations. Sarah, our main character in modern times, is told the story of Shu-Shu the nanny who was thought to be a gypsy woman who put a curse on the family because she thought her wedding to the only son, Emmanuel, wasn't lavish enough. In reality, it seems she was just a woman who had cared for the the daughters of the household and married the only son after his return from the war and a Russian prison...mindful that she wasn't really welcomed by the family, she and Emmanuel moved to Jerusalem and when he died, his mother went to the funeral and brought Shu-Shu back to Germany to live out her days with the mother. I gathered there was no curse. All-in-all, I didn't hate the book and certainly didn't resent the time it took to read it. (less)
Frankly, it was difficult to tell when the author was telling about something that happened in her life or if the story was just a comedy monologue. I...moreFrankly, it was difficult to tell when the author was telling about something that happened in her life or if the story was just a comedy monologue. I certainly hope she doesn't use that kind of language in front of her daughter. I wasn't really a fan of Tina Fey before I started to read the book. Was hoping that the book would change my mind but, sadly, I'm still not a fan. Sorry, Miss Fey. But, as you state several times in the book, Who cares, anyway?(less)
Interesting. I learned a whole lot about organ donation: actual procedures and resultant physical aspects of the recipient's life after organ transpla...moreInteresting. I learned a whole lot about organ donation: actual procedures and resultant physical aspects of the recipient's life after organ transplant. I didn't find any of the characters to be sympathetic, really. Most of them I just wanted to slap!(less)
This was a highly touted book for our book club. The premise had me excited to read it. However, once I got started, I found that I was in a constant...moreThis was a highly touted book for our book club. The premise had me excited to read it. However, once I got started, I found that I was in a constant state of confusion. Each chapter starts out with the main character, David Winkler, as a different age and it does not progress chronologically. It bounces from age 59 to 32 and back and forth with no particular signal that the reader is going back or forth. David Winkler is not a sympathetic character in my opinion. He is immoral and a stalker. And he is a coward. I actually did not waste my time finishing this book. While the premise of someone who can see the future and decides to change it by removing himself from the picture is intriguing, the author did not make this an enjoyable experience for me. (less)
When I first started reading this, I thought it would be another .....well, a blech book! I'm so glad I was wrong. The author wove such amazing storie...moreWhen I first started reading this, I thought it would be another .....well, a blech book! I'm so glad I was wrong. The author wove such amazing stories and the people really came alive for me. I was especially entranced with Daniel's story, for some reason. All of the characters were believable and quite human. I would read this one again. A light, enjoyable, take-me-away read.(less)
I had heard about this book from my daughter-in-law and I was really looking forward to reading it. In the beginning, it was a bit slow and disjointed...moreI had heard about this book from my daughter-in-law and I was really looking forward to reading it. In the beginning, it was a bit slow and disjointed, but as I got further into the meat of the book, I found myself looking forward to each page. What I found surprising was that the main character, for me, was not Liesel, but Death. Death was like a mist hovering over the entire book, waiting for his next assignment. Death's descriptions of the sound and smell and feel of the very air were fascinating. And his gentle handling of souls and bodies was comforting to me. Altogether, I found the character of Death to be charming. The end of the book left me with several questions, but the one question that hangs in the air is, "What happened to Max?". There was that one sentence just before the last chapter but it wasn't a satisfying end to Max's story. Leisel was a survivor, that's for sure. She was a quiet, lost little girl from the beginning and I felt that she remained a quiet, lost little girl to the end...but her dignity was never lost. I would recommend this book. It tells the story of Nazi Germany from the peoples' view, how they saw Hitler, what they did to survive, or not.(less)
Sherryl Woods' newest series is enchanting and brilliant. I always enjoy reading her books. This new one is no exception. Enter the 3 Castle girls, Sa...moreSherryl Woods' newest series is enchanting and brilliant. I always enjoy reading her books. This new one is no exception. Enter the 3 Castle girls, Samantha, Emily, and Gabrielle. The girls' father had no interest in helping to raise them and they spent a lot of time with their Grandmother, Cora Jane Castle, at her beachside cafe in South Carolina. This book centers on Emily, and her meeting with long lost love, Boone Dorsett, a successful restauranteur himself. Emily and Boone slowly become reconnected while working to rebuild Emily's grandmother's cafe following a hurricane. Perhaps this is chick lit at it's finest. Perhaps it's pure fluff. I don't care, I really enjoyed it and have just now stared book two in the series. (less)
Another good book from Sally Goldenbaum! I never would have guessed the murderer! Goldenbaum keeps her readers guessing while still chugging along wit...moreAnother good book from Sally Goldenbaum! I never would have guessed the murderer! Goldenbaum keeps her readers guessing while still chugging along with the story. Combining knitting with murder and not even using knitting needles as the murder weapon! Add in a lovely locale and smart women sleuth-knitters, and you've got a winning combination.(less)
This book was quite enchanting! It started out just another fluffy book for chicks...but quickly morphed into a delightful road to fantasyland. The ch...moreThis book was quite enchanting! It started out just another fluffy book for chicks...but quickly morphed into a delightful road to fantasyland. The characters were well-developed and the descriptions of the locales were beautiful. I felt the earthquakes and saw the lakes drain and heard the wind roar. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next one in the series. (less)
I loved this second offering by Isabel Allende. The first book, Daughter of Fortune, left me wanting to know more about what happened to the character...moreI loved this second offering by Isabel Allende. The first book, Daughter of Fortune, left me wanting to know more about what happened to the characters. Portrait In Sepia answered my questions. What a fabulous story. (less)
At first, I didn't like the book...the characters were not sympathetic, it jumped from one timeframe to another and back again, and I just couldn't ge...moreAt first, I didn't like the book...the characters were not sympathetic, it jumped from one timeframe to another and back again, and I just couldn't get involved with anything...but I persevered and, in time, I began to enjoy the story. The ending was NOT what I expected. This book took me out of my little narrow reading box. I'm not sure I would read anything else by this author, but I also don't resent the time I spent reading it. All-in-all, a good read!(less)
I didn't hate this book, but neither did I truly enjoy it. I never did figure out who the collector was....there was never a definitive main character...moreI didn't hate this book, but neither did I truly enjoy it. I never did figure out who the collector was....there was never a definitive main character. Rather, there were stories interwoven throughout of several folks, all of them connected in some way. There didn't seem to be a point to the book. Friends and Family buy-in? For heaven's sake, Emily, give the money to her or buy them in her name. Most of the characters were selfish and self-absorbed. None of them inspired my sympathy. I read the whole book but would never recommend it. (less)
As usual, I loved this book...I'm so jealous of Hope and her girlfriends...they have so much fun and the Menfolk are so fabulous....wish I'd grown up...moreAs usual, I loved this book...I'm so jealous of Hope and her girlfriends...they have so much fun and the Menfolk are so fabulous....wish I'd grown up in that kind of family! Needless-to-say, this book is another favorite. Can't recommend Nora Roberts' books enough...every one is a winner!(less)
The summary on the flyleaf lead me to believe this was a bit fluffier than it really was. What was probably a very good telling of racial prejudices i...moreThe summary on the flyleaf lead me to believe this was a bit fluffier than it really was. What was probably a very good telling of racial prejudices in the 1960's South, was cluttered with so much description and words that it became tedious to read. I grew up in the western US in the 60's but never encountered the racism that Frannie did....so glad the rampant racism of that era is no longer part of our daily life. I can't imagine living like that nowadays. I'm sure there is still racism all over the world, including the US, but not like it was back then. And hopefully will never rear its ugly head again. I really didn't like or dislike this book...but, probably wouldn't recommend it.(less)
I'm quite sure I fall into the vast list of folks who love anything Nora Roberts writes....and this book does not disappoint. It's evident that Robert...moreI'm quite sure I fall into the vast list of folks who love anything Nora Roberts writes....and this book does not disappoint. It's evident that Roberts does her homework when it comes to the occupations of her heroines and heroes...Chasing Fire is the story of a female firefighter. Not just any firefighter, but one who fights wildfires in the mountains and plains of the country known for it's unmanageable flames! Rowan "Swede" Tripp is a Zulie - a Missoula Montana Firejumper. And she is good at her job. When someone starts targeting her with pranks that turn deadly, it's up to Rowan and her newest recruit, Gulliver "Fast Feet" Curry to find out who is trying to kill her while still fighting some of the worst forest fires in the Northwest United States. Roberts' wordsmithing puts the reader in the thick of it so that one can feel the heat and the fear and smell the smoke. Thanks again, Nora Roberts for another home run!(less)
No one who knows me will be surprised that I loved this book. I love everything written by Debbie Macomber. The Inn at Rose Harbor is the first in her...moreNo one who knows me will be surprised that I loved this book. I love everything written by Debbie Macomber. The Inn at Rose Harbor is the first in her new series. Set in Cedar Cove, Washington, this book tells the story of 3 separate people struggling to find peace in a world of pain. I found that the ending left lots of questions unanswered but I feel that, since this is the first in the series, the questions will be answered in future books. I can wait!(less)
What an interesting concept...telling the tale from the sheeps' point of view. The descriptions of places and things were different because sheep evid...moreWhat an interesting concept...telling the tale from the sheeps' point of view. The descriptions of places and things were different because sheep evidently see things differently from humans. Sheep detectives set out to discover who killed their shepherd...quite a delightful read. But, beware, it makes you stop and think about what they are seeing and smelling and hearing...might be a bit distracting if you want a fast read. I'd certainly be up for another one by this author.(less)
As usual, Evanovich engages me in the story from the beginning page! Every character has been clearly designed and I look forward to each tome. Thanks...moreAs usual, Evanovich engages me in the story from the beginning page! Every character has been clearly designed and I look forward to each tome. Thanks again, Miss E....you ROCK!(less)
I won this book in a First Reads Giveaway....Quite an interesting book. The author gives us an up close and personal look at the immigrant viewpoint r...moreI won this book in a First Reads Giveaway....Quite an interesting book. The author gives us an up close and personal look at the immigrant viewpoint regarding life, death, dying, family, guilt, and love. Everything in this book revolves around food and I really wish the author had given us a set of references to let us know what some of the Indian dishes were and how they compared to what we eat here in America. It's not one of those books that people will rave about but it's definitely an enjoyable read.(less)
I was given this book to read by a friend from my book club. I enjoyed the book but found that it left me with a feeling of unfinishedness. The author...moreI was given this book to read by a friend from my book club. I enjoyed the book but found that it left me with a feeling of unfinishedness. The author started out in the Now, went back to her childhood, occasionally came back to the Now, and ended with a concert when she was in her mid teens....I would have liked to have seen more of the Now. She made reference in the beginning to a boy who lived next door when she was growing up. In the beginning of the novel, she is having conversations with Mickey via text on her cell...but it doesn't go anywhere and doesn't seem to be important to the story...we're just left hanging. While I didn't hate the book, it left me feeling unsatisfied at the end. (less)
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