I always enjoyed watching Jimmy Connors play tennis, so it was a no brainer that I would read his memoir called The Outsider. I especially liked readi...moreI always enjoyed watching Jimmy Connors play tennis, so it was a no brainer that I would read his memoir called The Outsider. I especially liked reading about his young teen years and found his comments on his fellow players interesting. The part with his on-again, off-again relationship with Chris Evert was very good also. (Gerard's review)(less)
USA TODAY had "Dinner with the Smileys--One Military Family, One Year of Heroes, and Lessons for a Lifetime" by Sarah Smiley on its list of top books...moreUSA TODAY had "Dinner with the Smileys--One Military Family, One Year of Heroes, and Lessons for a Lifetime" by Sarah Smiley on its list of top books for the month of May. I just finished it and it truly is a fantastic read!
When Sarah's husband has to be deployed, she does not want to see the empty chair at the table where he used to sit, so she decides to invite people of various backgrounds to have dinner with her and her three boys. I enjoyed the whole book, it's very good!
Sarah, your writing is so good, you told it great and the pictures are really good too! Dustin, I thank you for your service! As for the boys, you were great too! Keep following the Red Sox and listen to your parents. Love your dog!! (Gerard's review)(less)
Bunker Hill--A City, A Siege, A Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick brought me up to speed on my limited knowledge about Bunker Hill and Benedict Arnold...moreBunker Hill--A City, A Siege, A Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick brought me up to speed on my limited knowledge about Bunker Hill and Benedict Arnold. I always enjoy books that I can learn more about historical events and this was no exception. Now I feel like I know the full story! The first hundred pages were a bit dry reading; however, once it got closer to the battle of Bunker Hill, things really picked up. The story about the battle was eye-opening and riveting! I you are a fan of historical reading, you will love this book! (Gerard's review)(less)
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey was given the highest ranking by USA TODAY and "Entertainment Weekly." After reading this book, I think they are both so r...moreThe 5th Wave by Rick Yancey was given the highest ranking by USA TODAY and "Entertainment Weekly." After reading this book, I think they are both so right! It is really good! Human beings are being killed off but one young teenage girl is still alive and made a vow to her little brother that she will find him after they got split up. After all, she has his Teddy bear!
I loved this book because it has plenty of action and the writing is so good! When the girl finds a young teen boy, this book really takes off! Can't wait for book two! (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)(less)
A Chance To Win: Boyhood, Baseball, and the Struggle for Redemption in the Inner City by Jonathan Schuppe is not a baseball book. It is a book about l...moreA Chance To Win: Boyhood, Baseball, and the Struggle for Redemption in the Inner City by Jonathan Schuppe is not a baseball book. It is a book about life in the inner city. Rodney, an ex-con, is left wheelchair bound after a shooting and decides to coach a little league baseball team to give young boys an outlet in an attempt to keep them from his former life of drugs. Most of the book deals with the people with whom Rodney has every day contact. These people have a rough life to say the least, but they never gave up and the part about the baseball team was enjoyable. I think you will like this one, I did. I was rooting for the people to get their lives on track. (Gerard's review)(less)
I really enjoyed Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline about the life journey of Vivian, a 91-yr.-old who was an Orphan Train rider at the age of 9 an...moreI really enjoyed Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline about the life journey of Vivian, a 91-yr.-old who was an Orphan Train rider at the age of 9 and who becomes friends with Molly, a 17-yr.-old Goth girl who is in the foster care system. This novel is written in such a way that is both contemporary and historical, as Vivian shares her background with Molly. It is a very interesting read because both Vivian and Molly have a lot in common, understand each other, and help each other. This book has some very sad parts but also some very happy and heartwarming parts which makes it an enjoyable read. It addresses the issues of the importance of kind people in our lives, what things we value, perseverance and how things happen for a reason. The author does an outstanding job of smoothly transitioning from the past to the present and from the story of Vivian back to the present-day story of Molly. I was never confused at all. Great novel that brings the early 1900’s to life in sharing that part of American history. I highly recommend this to anyone! (Karen's review)
Orphan Train--a Novel by Christina Baker Kline has two main stories: (1) A 91-yr.-old woman tells of her young life of being on an orphan train. Her story is fantastic! and (2) A young teen girl who is now an orphan, describes what she is going through. Her story is very good. These two women are brought together and find they have more in common than they thought. I loved this book!
Even when the story is finished, there is still an interview with the author, a story about orphan trains and questions for a book club . Make it a point to read Orphan Train; you will be glad you did! (Gerard's review)(less)
Love Water Memory is told by Grady and Lucie, a couple who was going to get married until a huge fight. Eight days later, Lucie is found but remembers...moreLove Water Memory is told by Grady and Lucie, a couple who was going to get married until a huge fight. Eight days later, Lucie is found but remembers no one and nothing of her former life. I loved this book! It had me from page one and all the way through. My feelings about Lucie and Grady went back and forth. The writing was very good too. The only downside was that I was hoping for a better ending, but it does leave an opening for a sequel which would be good! (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)
Love water memory by Jennie Shortridge is an interesting story about an engaged couple, Grady and Lucie. When they have a huge fight, Lucie leaves and doesn’t return. Grady looks all over for her and eventually finds her in a hospital with amnesia, learning she was found standing in San Francisco Bay. The whole book is about Lucie learning secrets from her past and getting her memory back while her and Grady try to rebuild their relationship. It’s a good read--I liked both the characters. (Karen's review, 3 stars)(less)
Beyond the Bear by Dan Bigley and Debra McKinney tells the true story of how Dan was mauled by a bear and survived. To his credit, he worked hard and...moreBeyond the Bear by Dan Bigley and Debra McKinney tells the true story of how Dan was mauled by a bear and survived. To his credit, he worked hard and was able to make something of his life again, even though he had lost his sight. I enjoyed the stories he told of his re-habilitation and of his help that he received from friends. God bless you, Dan, and your family! (Gerard's review)(less)
Banished--Surviving My Years in the Westboro Baptist Church by Lauren Drain with Lisa Pulitzer tells the true story of Lauren Drain, who was banished...moreBanished--Surviving My Years in the Westboro Baptist Church by Lauren Drain with Lisa Pulitzer tells the true story of Lauren Drain, who was banished from her church by her own family! Why? You will have to read the book to find out! What Lauren did and lived like when she was a member of WBC is unbelievable. This is an unforgetable memoir with plenty of "wow" factors! Happy Easter, Lauren, and God bless! (Gerard's review)(less)
Trident K9 Warriors by Mike Ritland with Gary Brozek tells the story of an elite group of dogs who go through special training to help our men fight t...moreTrident K9 Warriors by Mike Ritland with Gary Brozek tells the story of an elite group of dogs who go through special training to help our men fight the wars around the world. I especially enjoyed the stories of the battle where the dogs played a vital role. Of course, I liked the pictures of the dogs too! Some of the chapters that dealt with non-battle scenes I skimmed. To Mike Ritland and your band of brothers in arms, thank you for your service! (Gerard's review)(less)
In Alex Cross, Run by James Patterson, there are a lot of dead bodies in Washington. It's up to Alex Cross to find their killer, or is it killers, and...moreIn Alex Cross, Run by James Patterson, there are a lot of dead bodies in Washington. It's up to Alex Cross to find their killer, or is it killers, and bring them to justice. What he doesn't know is that one man is out there that is after him and will do anything to get his revenge. I liked Alex Cross, Run because it moved right along with a good surprise ending.
Pivot Point by Kasie West is a fun teen read that combines normal and paranormal in our modern world. Ever think it would be cool when you had a big d...morePivot Point by Kasie West is a fun teen read that combines normal and paranormal in our modern world. Ever think it would be cool when you had a big decision to make, to be able to see into the future to see what would happen for both choices? That is exactly the super “ability” Addie has and uses when her parents announce they are getting a divorce and it’s up to her to choose which one she wants to live with. Her mom is staying in the compound where other people live who have some paranormal abilities, but her dad is going to live with the “normal” and work for the FBI using his amazing power of lie detection. After doing a search of both possible choices, Addie finds she is screwed (having to choose a bad path to avoid a worse one).
This is a light, fun teen romance with super powers involved. Although the book is a lot of nonsense, it is an entertaining and somewhat amusing read. I especially liked Trevor, Addie’s “boyfriend” in the normal world but liked the high school football parts as well. I found it especially interesting that the normal football was much more interesting than the parafootball. This book goes to show that we are better off without the super powers and that nothing is wrong with being normal. (Karen's review)(less)
Touch And Go by Lisa Gardner is the best mystery/thriller that I've read in quite a while! I really looked forward to reading it and had a hard time p...moreTouch And Go by Lisa Gardner is the best mystery/thriller that I've read in quite a while! I really looked forward to reading it and had a hard time putting it down. It's about a construction company run by Justin who is a hands-on, well-respected boss and quite wealthy who has a wife and 15-yr.-old daughter. Three thugs bust into their home and abduct the whole family without any neighbors even noticing.
This book deals with family secrets, embezzling, betrayal, infidelity and the police/FBI investigation with interesting characters. I recommend this one if you like suspense and a good mystery with a great ending! (Karen's review)
You can never go wrong with a Lisa Gardner book and Touch and Go has to be her best one yet! A wealthy family is kidnapped, husband, wife and a 15-yr. old daughter. What is so good about this book is you get the two stories: (1) They are held by three guys in a prison that the husband built and (2) you get the three stories about the family members which is the best yet! At over 600 large print pages, this is not a quick read, but don't let that scare you off. It is worth it! This is a must read! The ending is not to be missed--it's a jaw dropper! (Gerard's review)(less)
There is a lot of hype about Reconstructing Amelia and I am here to tell you that it is true! This book is very good! It is told by Amelia and her mot...moreThere is a lot of hype about Reconstructing Amelia and I am here to tell you that it is true! This book is very good! It is told by Amelia and her mother, Kate. Kate gets a call telling her that Amelia is dead. When Kate is notified that her daughter’s death may be the result of foul play, she sets out to find answers. The book leads up to the day Amelia died and is riveting! There are lots of “wow” moments in it so I enjoyed it! (Gerard's review)(less)
Prodigy by Marie Lu is as good as her first book of this series, Legend. This book goes quick because it’s so good! Day and June alternate narrating c...moreProdigy by Marie Lu is as good as her first book of this series, Legend. This book goes quick because it’s so good! Day and June alternate narrating chapters and the action kept me turning pages. The Republic is on the verge of a revolution and Day and June join forces on the same side, but is it the right side? Who can they trust? Who is telling the truth? Can Day continue to trust June? Tess, developed a major crush on Day and he begins to see her in a different light. The author has a good balance between strong, likeable characters and action and suspense. Prodigy is about friendship, loyalty, trust, and fighting for freedom and social change. I highly recommend this YA read. (Karen's review)
Prodigy by Marie Lu is the follow up after Legend. Legend was fantastic; however, Prodigy started very slow. I would have liked more action but the second half picked up and I really got into it! I look forward to reading the last book in this series too! (Gerard's review)(less)
Safe In His Arms by Colleen Coble is about Margaret, a wealthy rancher’s daughter, with low self-esteem. She loves working on the ranch and really run...moreSafe In His Arms by Colleen Coble is about Margaret, a wealthy rancher’s daughter, with low self-esteem. She loves working on the ranch and really runs it but when her pa hires Daniel and brings her cousin in to help, Margaret is hurt and totally against the idea. Then she finds out that her pa intends to leave the ranch to her cousin instead of to her which totally riles her. Even though Margaret finds out that Daniel is connected with bank robbers, she can’t help but like him deep down.
This is a Christian fiction romance with action and suspense set in the old west. Coleen Coble is a best-selling author but this is the first book I read by her. Daniel and Margaret make a good team and Daniel helps her to trust in God more. This is a light predictable cowboy love story that I enjoyed. (Karen's review)(less)
This is a story about a cop and a dog. The cop lost his partner in a shootout and nine months later is still having nightmares. The killer is still ou...moreThis is a story about a cop and a dog. The cop lost his partner in a shootout and nine months later is still having nightmares. The killer is still out there too! The dog lost his master during the war in Afghanistan and was shot at.
The cop joins the K-9 unit at the meet up and becomes a pack of two with the dog to go after the bad guys. This book has lots of action so it goes fast. I especially liked the parts where the dog tells the story. It is currently No. 5 on the New York Times best sellers list! I recommend it--read and enjoy! (Gerard's review)
Suspect by Robert Crais got my attention right from page 1 and kept me turning pages all the way through. This is so much more than just a mystery. Maggie is a German Shepherd that got shot in Afghanistan and became a partner to Scott James who is a cop recently transferred to the K-9 unit after his partner was killed. Both Maggie and Scott suffer from PTSD and are trying to recover to return to active duty. I liked how Maggie developed a strong bond with Scott and how Scott really became attached to Maggie and trusted her. Scott and Maggie work together to find out who the men were that killed his partner and shot him. The story moved quickly and suspense built up as it went along. I enjoyed this and would recommend it to anyone who likes dogs. (Karen's review)(less)
Francona--The Red Sox Years by Terry Francona and Dan Shaughnessy is a really really good book about the years Francona managed the Red Sox. It was so...moreFrancona--The Red Sox Years by Terry Francona and Dan Shaughnessy is a really really good book about the years Francona managed the Red Sox. It was so much fun going back over the two years that they won the world championships! There is interesting inside stuff too on ownership, players and the things that go on that the average fan knows nothing about. I have yelled a lot at Francona while watching the Red Sox games when he was manager; but after reading this book, I've gained respect for him. I wish him luck with Cleveland this year except when they play the Sox. This one is a must read for all Red Sox fans! (Gerard's review(less)
"The Promise of Stardust" by Priscille Sibley is a great love story you must read! Matt and Ellie were childhood friends who now have a loving marriag...more"The Promise of Stardust" by Priscille Sibley is a great love story you must read! Matt and Ellie were childhood friends who now have a loving marriage. What they want are children and a family. Their first two attempts ended in tragedy. When Matt, who is a doctor, gets a call that Ellie is being rushed to the hospital, he hurries only to find her fall from a ladder has left her brain dead and that she is carrying his child! He wants to keep her on life support hoping that the baby will live but his mom and Ellie's brother want the plug pulled.
This is an outstanding book that is a page turner. I loved how the author went back in time to show how Matt and Ellie came to be married and the trials they faced. Does the baby live? Who wins the trial? Speaking of the trial, that part of the book is gripping with suspense! Have a tissue handy for the ending. This book will tug at your heartstrings--it did mine! Loved it!! It doesn't get any better than this! "The Promise of Stardust" is her first novel too, are you kidding me? Well done! (Gerard's review)
The Promise of Stardust by Priscille Sibley is an unusual love story of Elle, an astronaut, and Matt, a neurosurgeon, that splits a family apart when there is a life or death decision to make. Matt and Elle want a child so bad, but there always seems to be complications and she loses the baby. The author brings up some interesting legal issues related to making decisions about keeping someone on life support after they are brain dead in this captivating novel.
My feelings towards the characters changed as the book progressed and I found myself pulling for Matt by the end. I liked how Elle's dad changed along the way and how the doctors were so nice to Matt. This is definitely a good read I recommend if you like thought provoking stories about family. (Karen's review)(less)
Every year at a boarding school, the outgoing seniors leave a "treasure" behind in their rooms for the next senior occupying that room to find. Duncan...moreEvery year at a boarding school, the outgoing seniors leave a "treasure" behind in their rooms for the next senior occupying that room to find. Duncan finds a stack of CDs left for him that he doesn't think much of until he listens to the first one. Then he can't stop until he hears them all! What's on the CDs? You will have to read The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth Laban.
Like the CDs, The Tragedy Paper is hard to put down. I finished it in two days! I got to really care about the characters, the writing is superb and the ending is shocking! Do I have your interest yet? All that being said, I give this book 5++ stars! Excellent work, Ms Laban! (Gerard's review)
The Tragedy Paper by Elizabeth Laban is about a teen love triangle and a high school assignment at a prestigious private boarding school steeped in tradition. It is written in a unique way with two narrators, Tim who lacks self-confidence and Duncan who is pre-occupied with his tragedy paper and has trouble letting go of the past. The book kept my interest to discover what the tragedy was. I liked both Tim and Duncan and I also like the English teacher, Mr. Simon. (Karen's review)(less)
In Road Trip by Gary and Jim Paulsen, a father and a son go on a road trip to rescue a dog from a shelter but they find a whole lot more than they exp...moreIn Road Trip by Gary and Jim Paulsen, a father and a son go on a road trip to rescue a dog from a shelter but they find a whole lot more than they expected—adventure that is. This is a small book but packed with interesting people. I especially enjoyed the dog’s side of the story. Kids and older people would enjoy this book. (Gerard's review)(less)
Robots have taken over in Revolution 19 by Gregg Rosenblum. When a family gets separated, the children enter the city to rescue their parents. I enjoy...moreRobots have taken over in Revolution 19 by Gregg Rosenblum. When a family gets separated, the children enter the city to rescue their parents. I enjoyed this book very much! There is lots of action and I found myself cheering on the kids. It goes fast and there is almost certain to be a sequel which I will definitely want to read. (Gerard's review)(less)
The Fifth Assassin by Brad Meltzer is on the "Best Sellers" list for a reason--it is that good! Someone is re-creating down to the last detail the fou...moreThe Fifth Assassin by Brad Meltzer is on the "Best Sellers" list for a reason--it is that good! Someone is re-creating down to the last detail the four assassinations of the four presidents of the United States that were in office. Now, there is going to be a fifth one. The question is who is doing this and will the fifth attempt be successful? It is hard to know the bad guys from the good guys in this one and the plot twists are eye popping!
At 654 pages (large print) this is no light read. The book took four years to finish and it shows. This one kept me turning pages and the ending is the best of all! I loved it and recommend it! (Gerard's review)(less)
The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen is a clean historical romance that held my interest all through with the mysterious events that happen to Emma,...moreThe Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen is a clean historical romance that held my interest all through with the mysterious events that happen to Emma, the tutor's daughter while staying at the cliff-top manor where her father tutors two teen boys. This book is very interesting because of the family secrets, interesting characters and the family dynamics involved. Emma knew the older two Weston boys, Philip and Henry, from when they attended her father's boarding school. Their father invited Mr. Smallwood to live at his manor and privately tutor his two younger sons, Julian and Rowan, when the academy's last student left.
I liked this book very much because although it is a romance novel, there is a lot of mystery in it as well and it doesn't have any sex scenes at all. It's a very enjoyable read and a couple times while reading I actually said, "oh no!" right out loud! This is also one that when reading on the bus, I almost missed my stop. I looked up just in time. I liked this one much better than the first book I read by Julie Klassen, The Girl in the Gatehouse. (Karen's review)(less)
The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult is so good! Wow, oh wow, where to start? It is about an old man who was a German S.S. guard at a Nazi war camp. Now he...moreThe Storyteller by Jodi Picoult is so good! Wow, oh wow, where to start? It is about an old man who was a German S.S. guard at a Nazi war camp. Now he wants a favor from a woman, one she is not sure she can do. There are several good story lines in this book. You get the Nazi guard story, a fantastic story from the young girl’s Jewish grandmother who was in the death camp, and the story that she was writing, which is sort of what the book is based on. I just loved it! As usual for Jodi Picoult’s books, the ending is shocking! (Gerard's review) (less)
Her by Christa Parravani is about her and her twin, Cara. When Cara passes away, Christa finds herself at a loss and pretty soon starts to follow the...moreHer by Christa Parravani is about her and her twin, Cara. When Cara passes away, Christa finds herself at a loss and pretty soon starts to follow the same path that did Cara in! Which path is that and what does Christa do to get back straight? You will have to read to find out.
I enjoyed this book. The parts of the book I liked best was the interaction between the two sisters. I was going to give this book 4 stars, but the ending was SO good, it pushed it up to 5 stars. Not a "must read" but it is good. Give it a shot, you will be glad you did! (Gerard's review)
Karen's review: Her by Christa Parravani is a dark memoir. When Christa's identical twin died, Christa sort of changed into her. In this book, Christa shares about their bond, her guilt, and her struggle with handling her sister's death.
This book was very sad and depressing to me. It is hard for me to imagine people actually living their lives like this, on drugs, infidelity, abuse, in and out of mental hospitals, and seeking advice from psychics. It also jumped around a lot which made it hard to follow.
This book did not appeal to me but I can understand that it was helpful for her to write about her sister and her struggle. The only reason I kept reading was because I was hoping for a happy ending. I won't tell you how it ends because I do not want to spoil it for you. (less)
This book tells the story of a young boy who when he gets turned down to enter a private school, holds a grudge against the family who runs it. The fi...moreThis book tells the story of a young boy who when he gets turned down to enter a private school, holds a grudge against the family who runs it. The first 75 pages set the background and then the two plots kick in. Why two? You will find out when you read it. The last 100 pages or so are absolutely gripping! This is Erin Kelly's third book and in my mind, she is 3 for 3. (Gerard's review)(less)
Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala is the true story of how she lost her whole family one morning due to a tsunami. She was able to somehow survive. You can...moreWave by Sonali Deraniyagala is the true story of how she lost her whole family one morning due to a tsunami. She was able to somehow survive. You can really feel the love she had for her family and the heartbreak of losing them followed by anger that she is the one left. I read this book in just one day. It’s a very interesting read! (Gerard's review, 5 stars)(less)
Amity and Sorrow by Peggy Riley is the story of a mother who takes her two daughters and drives away from a cult compound. The mother is sure the fath...moreAmity and Sorrow by Peggy Riley is the story of a mother who takes her two daughters and drives away from a cult compound. The mother is sure the father is going to come after them. The one daughter embraces the new life, even though she knows nothing about the outside world. However, the other daughter wants to go back to the life she has always known in the compound.
I enjoyed this book. It went fast and for this author's first book, I think she did really well! (Gerard's review)(less)
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes centers on two people: Will--an outgoing young man who had it all going on until an accident put him in a wheelchair; and...moreMe Before You by Jojo Moyes centers on two people: Will--an outgoing young man who had it all going on until an accident put him in a wheelchair; and Louisa--a young woman who does not have many skills becomes the caretaker of Will because she needs a job. The interaction between these two is just fantastic! When Louisa finds out about a death pact between Will and his parents, she has a short time to convince Will that life is worth living. How does she go about it and does she succeed? You will have to read the book to find out!
This book had me from page 1. You talk about a page turner, this is it. You will keep turning pages quickly to see how it ends. The books I really remember are ones I cried over--this is one of them! I highly recommend this as a must read! (Gerard's review)(less)
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