I know this book is just fiction, but I had a hard time believing that there would be a group of devout Catholics that would conspire to murder those...moreI know this book is just fiction, but I had a hard time believing that there would be a group of devout Catholics that would conspire to murder those that got in their way. Even though we are talking fiction, the reader must buy into the premise. I did find the rest of the story interesting and suspenseful. (less)
I am a big John Grisham fan, but the best thing I can say about this book is that there is nothing objectionable in it. The characters are O.K. people...moreI am a big John Grisham fan, but the best thing I can say about this book is that there is nothing objectionable in it. The characters are O.K. people, but I didn't really care about them too much.(less)
The main character of this book gets pulled into an adventure to find The Book of Lies. The back story involves murder and intrigue as does the curren...moreThe main character of this book gets pulled into an adventure to find The Book of Lies. The back story involves murder and intrigue as does the current story. Often I have a problem with mystery/thriller books: they are often filled with profanity and weird sex. So I generally don't bother with them. This book is different. While it will never be declared a great work of literature--people who want literature do not read mystery/thrillers--it is a good fun read. This book is easy to read--too many thrillers are filled with a bunch of technical stuff or details I can't wrap my brain around. The chapters are very short, so it's easy to say to yourself, "I'll stop reading at the end of the chapter." The hard part comes when you get to the end of the chapter, but you need to know what will happen next. The characters are interesting. The story is complicated enough to keep you guessing but not so complicated as to feel lost or wonder what is happening. And there is probably more bad language and weird sex in the Old Testament than in this book. (less)
When a female U. S. doctor is kidnapped in Afghanistan, Homeland Security operative Scot Harvath is tasked with getting her back. I think I would pref...moreWhen a female U. S. doctor is kidnapped in Afghanistan, Homeland Security operative Scot Harvath is tasked with getting her back. I think I would prefer to see this genre on the big screen (or little screen) instead of reading it--so I may be the wrong person to review this book. I found the parallels between the president in the book and President Obama very interesting--and even funny!(less)
Noah, rich young guy, meets Molly, a very attractive Tea Party Patriot type. Molly and her friends are hot on the trail of a group seeking a "One Worl...moreNoah, rich young guy, meets Molly, a very attractive Tea Party Patriot type. Molly and her friends are hot on the trail of a group seeking a "One World Government." (They should have just looked closely at some in the Obama administration...and George Soros.) It wasn't that long ago that I thought "One World Government" was just some crazy conspiracy theory. I know now that there are some people that would like to fundamentally change the United States. Do they have the power? Most do not. However, in order to move in that direction, the United States' system would have to be collapsed first--starting with the financial system. If this sounds crazy to you, do a search on the Cloward–Piven strategy, one world government, and George Soros. So I found the theme of the book to be interesting. The part I had the hardest time with was that I felt like I was intruding on Glenn Beck's fantasy with the beautiful girl. Also I'm not that interested in action/suspense books--but I think something like this could work in a movie.
A Mormon family (includes 2 boys and a girl) moves to a town in North Carolina where a serial killer has been killing boys. Card makes you enjoy and c...moreA Mormon family (includes 2 boys and a girl) moves to a town in North Carolina where a serial killer has been killing boys. Card makes you enjoy and care about this family and suspect trouble from everyone they come in contact with. This book came out in the 1980's and I enjoyed all the talk about the Atari (I had one), the Commodore 64 (I had one), and whether or not the IBM or clones would ever be popular. The father is a programmer. This book was a page turner for me--that is saying something for me because I read all 448 pages--not listened to the audio book. I don't want to give too much away, but save those last 48 pages when you can read them all by yourself without interuptions. For my Henrico friends: I got the book from the library.(less)
Maybe a 4.5 Not literature, but pretty scary and a real page turner! I don't want to say much because this is the type of book that is best if you don'...moreMaybe a 4.5 Not literature, but pretty scary and a real page turner! I don't want to say much because this is the type of book that is best if you don't know anything about it before you start.(less)
I read this book in high school and saw the movie--and I loved it. So when I ran across the audio book at the library, I thought I would see if it mea...moreI read this book in high school and saw the movie--and I loved it. So when I ran across the audio book at the library, I thought I would see if it measured up to my to my memories. Yesterday's answer to today's Twilight. Like Twilight, this book is probably best for high school/college girls. I don't want to give away too much in this book, but Satan's minions seek for the right woman to have Satan's son. (less)
You're traveling through another dimension -- a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are...moreYou're traveling through another dimension -- a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That's a signpost up ahead: your next stop: the Twilight Zone!
You unlock this door with the key of imagination. Beyond it is another dimension: a dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind. You're moving into a land of both shadow and substance, of things and ideas. You've just crossed over into... the Twilight Zone.
There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call "The Twilight Zone".
As I picked up this 5 cd set audio book at the library, I had a walk down memory lane. My dad, brothers, and I loved watching this (and The Outer Limits) when I was about 6 years old. My mom thought it was too creepy for children--and that made it even more exciting!
These 5 stories were more thought provoking than scary--and in some cases, a little over acted. I almost wanted to laugh out loud during one of the stories. I thought the best story was about a gun fighter that lost it and became a drunk only to have something happen that brought about another change. I really like novels that are about change, what makes people change, and how they handle it.
Hanna Heath, a rare book conservator, is hired by the U.N. to inspect the Sarajevo Haggadah which disappeared 1992, but has been found. The book follo...moreHanna Heath, a rare book conservator, is hired by the U.N. to inspect the Sarajevo Haggadah which disappeared 1992, but has been found. The book follows Hanna in the present, both her personal life and her examination of the book. The story also takes the reader back in time as we follow the travels of the Haggadah. This format didn't work so well for me--I would have preferred following the Haggadah from its creation to the present. Because I like the author so much, it pains me to say anything negative. However, various parts of the story were very interesting and thought provoking.
I like a book that makes me want to find out the historical background of the setting of the book. Notes found about the real Sarajevo Haggadah:
By Nick Hawton In Sarajevo
One of Europe's most important Jewish relics has gone on public display in the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo.
The 14th Century book, known as the Sarajevo Haggadah, depicts scenes from the Old Testament and has intrigued scholars for generations.
Sarajevo Haggadah The Haggadah is on show in the national museum Not only does it break tradition by depicting the human form, but it also portrays the world as round, an heretical concept during the middle ages.
But, the newly restored Haggadah is also seen as an enduring symbol of hope and reconciliation between the peoples of the Balkans.
A choir from a local school marked the ceremony, the first time the Sarajevo Haggadah has ever been put on permanent public display.
Survival story
Originating in Barcelona, the 109-page book is made of calf skin and illustrated with gold and copper pictures.
Sarajevo under attack The book survived centuries of war
It arrived in Sarajevo via Italy and Croatia.
During World War II, the Nazis tried to find it but it was spirited away.
Some say it was hidden under the floorboards of a mosque.
During the Bosnian war in the 1990s, it was rescued from the National Library in Sarajevo just days before it was bombed.
The head of the Jewish community in Sarajevo, Jakob Finci, says it is a symbol of hope.
"In the same room we will have not only Haggadah, but also some other objects belonging to other respected religions in our country and this is proof that in this country that not only we can live together, but we used to live together for centuries and let's hope this will continue in the centuries in front of us," he said. http://www.makabijada.com/haggadah.htm(less)
Set in pre-revolutionary Russia, an impoverished brilliant student devises a plan to murder an old pawn broker. Dostoyevsky takes us inside the mind o...moreSet in pre-revolutionary Russia, an impoverished brilliant student devises a plan to murder an old pawn broker. Dostoyevsky takes us inside the mind of Raskolnikov and his theory that murdering a vile old woman would improve society. I have at times wondered how a person can take the life of another human. Raskolnikov views himself as above the law; some form of this rationalization must be used by murders.
There are several big themes explored, including redemption through suffering. Dostoyevsky has some profound thoughts, this is probably my favorite quote,"If he has a conscience he will suffer for his mistake. That will be punishment-as well as the prison."
Even though this is a very dark novel, there were some universal truths that made me laugh: Raskolnikov "was hopelessly in debt to his landlady, and was afraid of meeting her." As I read this book, I felt the stark darkness of this novel and found that to be the most difficult part of this book. There are a lot of truths to be found that makes Crime and Punishment worth the effort.
I see that my Russian daughter-in-law has given this book 5 stars and I wonder when she read it, and if she discussed it in a Russian school. That could be an interesting discussion. Elena, I might try to pick your brain!
This interesting short story explores twins and fear in a creepy Edgar Allan Poe way. It is a much easier read than anything Poe wrote, but you may se...moreThis interesting short story explores twins and fear in a creepy Edgar Allan Poe way. It is a much easier read than anything Poe wrote, but you may see some similarities. Worth a read: http://www.classicshorts.com/stories/... Thanks Wendy Darling!(less)
Fast paced intrigue involving two 13 year old boys and a cute younger sister will interest many upper elementary kids.
If you would like a PG rated Los...moreFast paced intrigue involving two 13 year old boys and a cute younger sister will interest many upper elementary kids.
If you would like a PG rated Lost (http://lostpedia.wikia.com/wiki/Lost), you will like this. The plot is different, but you will notice some similarities starting with the names and an airplane!
Margaret Peterson Haddix is a prolific writer who knows how to draw a young reader into her stories and make them want more. That is a good thing because this book is the first in a series.
Malcolm Bannister, an African American small time lawyer, takes on a client that is involved in an illegal money making scheme. Unaware of the client'...moreMalcolm Bannister, an African American small time lawyer, takes on a client that is involved in an illegal money making scheme. Unaware of the client's illegal activities, Bannister makes a mistake and temporarily holds illegal funds. The Feds come in and nail everyone involved including the hapless Bannister.
Bannister wises up in a federal prison and schemes for an early release.
I don't want to spoil this modern tall tale of revenge and a very long con, but you will have to let a few things go mentally to enjoy this story. For instance, how can he go from being so gullible as a lawyer to have to take the rap along with a client, and yet mastermind a long con? It is worth the journey Grisham will take you on.
I am not a fan of mysteries; they are too filled with violence and garbage I try to keep out of my head. Or in some cases mysteries are so slow/boring and yet in the end, they amazingly pull all of the answers out of thin air. Not that I cared at that point, because I didn't care about the characters or their horrible plights because they have made me slog through boring story lines.
So why do I like John Grisham novels? Generally they do not fall into the two categories of mysteries detailed above, although you will have to forgive Grisham for a few inconsistencies. He uses a minimum of words to describe his characters, his novel progresses (does not meander too much), and even if the characters are not model citizens, I care about them and want to know what is going to happen next.
If you hate John Grisham, skip this one. If you have never read one of his books, I recommend you read one or listen to the audiobook while doing yard work. It may lighten the work! (less)
Loading...
