Once again I found myself mesemerized by Stieg Larsson and his protagonist Lisbeth Salander. This second book didn't disappoint, but I think his first...moreOnce again I found myself mesemerized by Stieg Larsson and his protagonist Lisbeth Salander. This second book didn't disappoint, but I think his first was just a bit better (or maybe it was because I read the first on a long international flight). Still, if you're looking for a great read, this one delivers. I can't wait for the last of the trilogy.(less)
This compilation of short stories was real treat. Groff is an incredibly talented writer. I've long admired authors who can spin an engrossing tale of...moreThis compilation of short stories was real treat. Groff is an incredibly talented writer. I've long admired authors who can spin an engrossing tale of richly created characters in the span of a short story. Groff did not disappoint and there is a lot of depth to her stories. What a rewarding way to spend the morning after Xmas.(less)
This anthology of essays about women, money, and love (all kinds of relationships--not just romantic love) was one of the most interesting and thought...moreThis anthology of essays about women, money, and love (all kinds of relationships--not just romantic love) was one of the most interesting and thought provoking anthologies I've read. As I was reading I kept wishing that someone I knew was also reading so we could discuss! I really enjoyed the interpretations about money and the the way in which having money--or not--shapes us all. Highly recommended and I hope one or two of my friends will want to read so we can talk about it!(less)
This was a disappointment. It's really hard to follow Da Vinci Code, but I thought this book was a rehash of DVC with the same plot lines and characte...moreThis was a disappointment. It's really hard to follow Da Vinci Code, but I thought this book was a rehash of DVC with the same plot lines and characters. I also thought it was violent and graphic and wondered if that was why I didn't enjoy as much as I thought I would--but then I read "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" which also has those elements and I really enjoyed, so I think this was just subpar.(less)
This was a fantastic read! I read the entire book cover to cover on the flight from Rome to Toronto. It's a good thing I didn't have anything to do fo...moreThis was a fantastic read! I read the entire book cover to cover on the flight from Rome to Toronto. It's a good thing I didn't have anything to do for 9 hours as I would not have been able to put this down. This was a really good book that gripped me from the beginning. It had interesting characters and a great plot. I can't wait to read his next book, but have to wait until I have a good chunk of time to sit and read.(less)
This was an engaging and very good read about 4 friends from college and what happens to them post-graduation. It made me think of some good friends t...moreThis was an engaging and very good read about 4 friends from college and what happens to them post-graduation. It made me think of some good friends that I made living in the dorms--women with whom I would seemingly not have much in common with, but who have been my friends for years and will be for life. This is a very smart and well written book--a guilt free beach book.(less)
Such an interesting and introspective President we have! I really enjoyed this thought provoking book on race and identity and I am happy to have such...moreSuch an interesting and introspective President we have! I really enjoyed this thought provoking book on race and identity and I am happy to have such a thoughtful person leading this country. This makes a great book club pick or conversation starter.(less)
I picked this book up after reading Sethi's "Modern Love" essay in the NYT, but this book was a disappointment. Boring with a very slow plotline and c...moreI picked this book up after reading Sethi's "Modern Love" essay in the NYT, but this book was a disappointment. Boring with a very slow plotline and characters that I didn't care about.(less)
I could not put this book about four black maids in the 1960's South down. The detail of the relationships between maids (the "help") and their employ...moreI could not put this book about four black maids in the 1960's South down. The detail of the relationships between maids (the "help") and their employers was an illuminating look at racism, segregation, and civil rights. I really enjoyed this book.(less)
Finally! A positive book about adoption from a Chinese American adoptee. I really liked Mei-Ling (her adoptive parents reminded me of my family)and th...moreFinally! A positive book about adoption from a Chinese American adoptee. I really liked Mei-Ling (her adoptive parents reminded me of my family)and the way she portrayed the reality of finding a "lost" family.(less)
I was looking for a little more scoopage on Rupert Murdoch than this book dished. Regardless of your personal politics, Murdoch is fascinating (money...moreI was looking for a little more scoopage on Rupert Murdoch than this book dished. Regardless of your personal politics, Murdoch is fascinating (money doesn't seem to drive him) and his dogged pursuit of the WSJ is well chronicled here.(less)
This was an intriguing book about the theft of the Mona Lisa. The lack of security at the Louvre is shocking. An interesting art history of France and...moreThis was an intriguing book about the theft of the Mona Lisa. The lack of security at the Louvre is shocking. An interesting art history of France and Italy as well.(less)
I loved this book about two men taken prisoner and then released with the understanding that they must find two eggs during WWII Russia or be executed...moreI loved this book about two men taken prisoner and then released with the understanding that they must find two eggs during WWII Russia or be executed. If you are looking for a book that is well written, adventurous, portrays loyalty and friendship, and brings to life some of the gritty realities of war, you won't be disappointed.(less)
This was an entertaining and sobering book about the Japanese internment camps in WA. It was fun to read because of my knowledge of the ID. It's a sha...moreThis was an entertaining and sobering book about the Japanese internment camps in WA. It was fun to read because of my knowledge of the ID. It's a shame that kids aren't taught more about this in school.(less)
I really enjoyed this book anout the emotional lives of animals. I've long admired Temple Grandin, her research, and her commitment to making the best...moreI really enjoyed this book anout the emotional lives of animals. I've long admired Temple Grandin, her research, and her commitment to making the best life for animals while acknowledging that a vegetarian world is not realistic. Thousands of pigs, cows, and hopefully chickens can thank Grandin for easing the trauma of slaughter. And if you dislike McDonald's or Wendy's, you should know that they have forced their suppliers to work with Grandin to establish standards for the treatment of the animals. But back to this book...one thing that I really appreciate about this book is that it's research based. Sure, it's warm and fuzzy when you're talking about the emotions of animals, but this warm and fuzzy is based on studies. I loved the section about dogs and now realize that for my dog the anticipation is just as good, if not better, as getting what he's anticipating. This is a great read for people who really dig animals, and even those who don't.(less)
This hilarious book about Amster-Burton's culinary adventures with his four year old daughter, Iris, had me laughing out loud through the entire book....moreThis hilarious book about Amster-Burton's culinary adventures with his four year old daughter, Iris, had me laughing out loud through the entire book. Parents who are trying to feed picky kids something other than mac 'n cheese and pb&j will relate, and those without kids might see a little of their childhood selves. This book is full of recipes--including many that adults will be excited to eat, too. Amster-Burton is a foodie and a local one who lives close to our neighborhood so it was fun to get his take on the local goods. This was such a fun read that I was sorry to see it end and hope that the author writes another book soon.(less)
The editor of a magazine asked readers to send in their life experience regarding love and heartbreak using only six words. The result was a hit and n...moreThe editor of a magazine asked readers to send in their life experience regarding love and heartbreak using only six words. The result was a hit and now this book. Sad and uplifting, this is love in real life. This quick read was a fun one.(less)
I LOVED this book. This book that is set in Sarajevo during the war (and inspired by a real cellist who played on the street during the war) touched m...moreI LOVED this book. This book that is set in Sarajevo during the war (and inspired by a real cellist who played on the street during the war) touched me on many levels--what it means to be human, what it means to love, what we value, and what we take for granted were all themes that ran through this book. Galloway illuminates what it means to try to live your life during a war in a war ravaged city where crossing the street or getting clean water is an act of bravery and chance. Besides being a really good read, Galloway is an extremely talented writer using words sparingly, but making every one count. Don't miss this excellent book.(less)
This was a look inside the mind of a great photographer. I have been intrigued by some of the covers and photos she has taken over the years and often...moreThis was a look inside the mind of a great photographer. I have been intrigued by some of the covers and photos she has taken over the years and often wondered "where did she get that idea?!". This book attempts to share some of her thinking, although I found it a bit lacking. Still, it was fun to look at some of her favorite photos with her commentary.(less)
I could not put down this book about an English couple who go to Africa for a vacation and meet two sisters on a beach who are in a desperate situatio...moreI could not put down this book about an English couple who go to Africa for a vacation and meet two sisters on a beach who are in a desperate situation. That situation becomes the problem of the couple who can't let what happened go. And then Little Bee (one of the sisters) appears on the doorstep and their story unfolds, piece by piece. This book was a great read, but be warned--it will completely break your heart. I found myself thinking about it weeks after I finished.(less)
This was an amusing collection of real notes left my roommates. After finishing this quick read, I was happy and relieved that those days are over for...moreThis was an amusing collection of real notes left my roommates. After finishing this quick read, I was happy and relieved that those days are over for me (although my roommmates were great, I like my space!). These notes go to prove that if you're looking for a roommate, careful screening is a must!(less)
There are few sources I trust more than Marion Nestle to deliver the real truth about what we should eat. Organic v. local? Fish or no fish and if yes...moreThere are few sources I trust more than Marion Nestle to deliver the real truth about what we should eat. Organic v. local? Fish or no fish and if yes, what kinds of fish? Vegetarian or meat diet? If you've read conflicting reports (much of it generated by the food industry and their marketing teams) and want the nitty gritty--this is the book to read. Highly recommended.(less)
If I hadn't been on an airplane with little else to read, I probably would have put this down. Once in awhile Toby tells a funny story of life in the...moreIf I hadn't been on an airplane with little else to read, I probably would have put this down. Once in awhile Toby tells a funny story of life in the publishing industry or his personal life, but I was expecting this to be much, much funnier and more entertaining. This can be skimmed.(less)
This memoir of a game warden chaplain was really interesting. Kate pursues her calling after her husband is killed and she fulfills his dream--but thi...moreThis memoir of a game warden chaplain was really interesting. Kate pursues her calling after her husband is killed and she fulfills his dream--but this is clearly the perfect fit for her. I took away two very useful points: 1) Don't drink and swim--many people drown in shallow water because alcohol has impaired their judgment. 2) If you're in a situation where someone tries to force you into a car, NEVER get in. Make your stand in the parking lot.
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