http://www.goodreads.com/review/list_rss/652191 en-US Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:15:16 -0700 60 http://www.goodreads.com/ 200 41 http://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/gr_logo.gif 27311563 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:15:16 -0700
I was eager to read this slim volume because the author -- a model-turned-monk-turned-programmer-turned-millionaire -- seemed to have a heck of a background to draw from. But instead of this being a concise instruction manual, it's a catch-as-catch-can recounting of various "rules" the author learned over her somewhat schizophrenic life. I wasn't sure if it was "do as I did" or "don't do as I did." Nothing was presented in any sort of cohesive fashion, so I found it nearly impossible to follow. Also, often major pieces of the story seemed to be missing (what was up with her guru-turned-criminal??).

I would skip this book unless you want a bit of an insider's look at how Bill Gates' mom used to plan his life (via whiteboard).]]>
author: Christine Comaford-Lynch
name: Lain
average rating: 3.45
book published: 2007
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 07/21/08
shelves:
review:
I used to review business books for a management magazine, so I've read a ton of books like this -- the "secrets" to getting ahead. Unfortunately, this book reads like more of a kiss-and-tell than a business how-to guide to success (the author lost all credibility when she started name-dropping about her affairs with Bill Gates and Larry Ellison).

I was eager to read this slim volume because the author -- a model-turned-monk-turned-programmer-turned-millionaire -- seemed to have a heck of a background to draw from. But instead of this being a concise instruction manual, it's a catch-as-catch-can recounting of various "rules" the author learned over her somewhat schizophrenic life. I wasn't sure if it was "do as I did" or "don't do as I did." Nothing was presented in any sort of cohesive fashion, so I found it nearly impossible to follow. Also, often major pieces of the story seemed to be missing (what was up with her guru-turned-criminal??).

I would skip this book unless you want a bit of an insider's look at how Bill Gates' mom used to plan his life (via whiteboard).
]]> 25266754 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:06:12 -0700
Though you could classify this book as "chick lit," I found Giffin's writing to be far more smooth and her characters far deeper than most chick lit. While it's still light reading, the emotions portrayed are raw and honest, and Ellen's character so true that the book should be seen as a great read, in or out of the chick lit genre.

The one thing that bothered me was the passing reference to Ellen's OCD... if it is mentioned in the first few pages of the book as a defining characteristic, I think it should be referred to more than it was (the old adage about if there's a gun on the set in Act I, it better be used by Act III). All the same, that's a minor gripe and one I'm willing to overlook.

Great read.]]>
author: Emily Giffin
name: Lain
average rating: 3.60
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 07/21/08
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review:
Ellen Dempsey is firmly entrenched in her perfect life with her perfect husband and perfect job and perfect best friend in the most perfect city of all when a chance encounter puts her face-to-face with "the one that got away." Suddenly, her life doesn't seem so perfect anymore, and she must decide whether what she has is worth saying no to what she once lost.

Though you could classify this book as "chick lit," I found Giffin's writing to be far more smooth and her characters far deeper than most chick lit. While it's still light reading, the emotions portrayed are raw and honest, and Ellen's character so true that the book should be seen as a great read, in or out of the chick lit genre.

The one thing that bothered me was the passing reference to Ellen's OCD... if it is mentioned in the first few pages of the book as a defining characteristic, I think it should be referred to more than it was (the old adage about if there's a gun on the set in Act I, it better be used by Act III). All the same, that's a minor gripe and one I'm willing to overlook.

Great read.
]]> 27853250 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:09:22 -0700
While not quite as entertaining as the first book in the series, this mystery is still a fun, fast read with plenty of quirky characters and crazy mishaps, including the appearance of Heather's ex-con dad.

I kind of felt like this book was written on autopilot without the usual depth Cabot brings to her characters, but I still enjoyed it. ]]>
author: Meg Cabot
name: Lain
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 07/21/08
shelves:
review:
Meg Cabot is always good for a fun and entertaining read. In this second book in the series, Heather Wells, ex-pop-tart a la Debbie Gibson, is still suffering with unrequited love with her landlord, is still being stalked by her ex-fiance, and is still discovering dead bodies in the New York College residence hall where she's assistant director.

While not quite as entertaining as the first book in the series, this mystery is still a fun, fast read with plenty of quirky characters and crazy mishaps, including the appearance of Heather's ex-con dad.

I kind of felt like this book was written on autopilot without the usual depth Cabot brings to her characters, but I still enjoyed it.
]]> 27414559 Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:07:24 -0700
I figured this one out early on, but still enjoyed the plot twists that kept me guessing. Great characters, even for those who make minor appearances. I still take issue with Robin's two-dimensional character -- I'd like to see her as more than a convenient helpmate who has no wants or needs of her own.

All the same, a good read for fans of Kellerman and psychological thrillers. ]]>
author: Jonathan Kellerman
name: Lain
average rating: 3.57
book published: 2008
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 07/16/08
shelves:
review:
So glad to see a return to the strong Alex Delaware books of yore after being disappointed in the last few entries in this series. Readers can expect psychological thrills, violence, mayhem, and some serious sleuthing by Delaware, Milo, and friends as they track an apparent homicidal "do-gooder" who takes it upon himself (herself?) to rid the world of those he (she?) deems unworthy of life.

I figured this one out early on, but still enjoyed the plot twists that kept me guessing. Great characters, even for those who make minor appearances. I still take issue with Robin's two-dimensional character -- I'd like to see her as more than a convenient helpmate who has no wants or needs of her own.

All the same, a good read for fans of Kellerman and psychological thrillers.
]]> 11131303 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:45:35 -0700
That being said, this book gave me an unequaled insider's view of life in the NBA. Paul pulls few punches, tells it like it is, and doesn't worry about making friends with his assessment of players, coaches, and fans.

I enjoyed his wry observations on life, though I did at times wonder why he keeps up with this lifestyle when it seems he isn't getting too much joy out of it (he does "sardonic" better than "enthusiastic").

Overall, though, I was entertained and captured by this rare view inside the locker room. And I was relieved that he didn't skewer his extended family on the pages. :)

]]>
author: Paul Shirley
name: Lain
average rating: 3.61
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at: 07/08
date added: 07/14/08
shelves:
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Disclaimer -- Paul is my cousin, so of course I am going to tell you to go buy this book, right now!! In fact, buy three copies. Keep one in plastic to sell on eBay in 20 years, give one to a friend, and read the third. :)

That being said, this book gave me an unequaled insider's view of life in the NBA. Paul pulls few punches, tells it like it is, and doesn't worry about making friends with his assessment of players, coaches, and fans.

I enjoyed his wry observations on life, though I did at times wonder why he keeps up with this lifestyle when it seems he isn't getting too much joy out of it (he does "sardonic" better than "enthusiastic").

Overall, though, I was entertained and captured by this rare view inside the locker room. And I was relieved that he didn't skewer his extended family on the pages. :)


]]> 16318480 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:39:28 -0700
However, though I loved Lisick's shoot-from-the-hip style and ease with words, something was seriously lacking. I never felt that she was giving it her "all," seriously attempting to make changes. The whole thing seemed sort of half-hearted. 30 days (sometimes less) is hardly enough time to make lasting life changes. And she never tells us what the actual results were. Whether we're talking about financial independence (Suze Orman) or exercising more (Richard Simmons), the reader is left hanging -- did Lisick improve her financial situation? Did she get more fit? Is her closet still organized???

I felt like I read the first half of a book that wasn't completed. And while it was quite enjoyable, I still feel like I got ripped off. ]]>
author: Beth Lisick
name: Lain
average rating: 3.52
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 07/14/08
shelves:
review:
The premise was an interesting one -- best-selling author Beth Lisick would tackle one "personality flaw" per month for a year, enlisting the help of experts in the appropriate field. She had me at "Hello!"

However, though I loved Lisick's shoot-from-the-hip style and ease with words, something was seriously lacking. I never felt that she was giving it her "all," seriously attempting to make changes. The whole thing seemed sort of half-hearted. 30 days (sometimes less) is hardly enough time to make lasting life changes. And she never tells us what the actual results were. Whether we're talking about financial independence (Suze Orman) or exercising more (Richard Simmons), the reader is left hanging -- did Lisick improve her financial situation? Did she get more fit? Is her closet still organized???

I felt like I read the first half of a book that wasn't completed. And while it was quite enjoyable, I still feel like I got ripped off.
]]> 12056874 Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:26:23 -0700
author: Jennifer Weiner
name: Lain
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at: 07/08
date added: 07/13/08
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]]> 9789878 Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:53:54 -0700
Not the most believable tale in the world, but a heck of a lot better-written than many titles on the best-seller list (Mary Higgins Clark, anyone??).]]>
author: Kristin Hannah
name: Lain
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2006
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 07/12/08
shelves:
review:
If you can overlook some clunkers of plot, this story of a psychiatrist bent on redeeming her reputation and her life by helping bring a "wild child" to civilization will capture you. Not only is there the mystery of who Alice is and how she came to be virtually raised by wolves, there's also the story of what makes a family and how we create community.

Not the most believable tale in the world, but a heck of a lot better-written than many titles on the best-seller list (Mary Higgins Clark, anyone??).
]]> 25265646 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:59:25 -0700
author: Debbie Macomber
name: Lain
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at: 06/08
date added: 06/30/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 25914008 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:26:12 -0700
For the debut book in a series, I thought the author didn't provide enough back story. I still am not completely sure why Paula left her previous life, and what happened with her ex. The characters she introduces (Babe, Hugo, Anna, Lucy) are all interesting, but they pop "on screen" and off so fast I can't really get a handle on them. I'd like more physical description and personality clues, too.

The timing seemed uneven to me, sometimes jumping forward weeks between chapters. I also figured out "whodunnit" in the first 100 pages of the book.

All the same, this is a promising new series, and I plan to read more. ]]>
author: Rosemary Harris
name: Lain
average rating: 3.44
book published: 2008
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 06/30/08
shelves:
review:
I'm always looking for a new mystery series, and I think this is one that will go on my to-read list. A transplanted New York TV producer (pun intended) finds herself in the suburbs, trying to make a go of her gardening business. Along the way she discovers dead bodies and crazy neighbors... and a few love interests.

For the debut book in a series, I thought the author didn't provide enough back story. I still am not completely sure why Paula left her previous life, and what happened with her ex. The characters she introduces (Babe, Hugo, Anna, Lucy) are all interesting, but they pop "on screen" and off so fast I can't really get a handle on them. I'd like more physical description and personality clues, too.

The timing seemed uneven to me, sometimes jumping forward weeks between chapters. I also figured out "whodunnit" in the first 100 pages of the book.

All the same, this is a promising new series, and I plan to read more.
]]> 25913314 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:21:22 -0700
I found many of the characters to be interchangeable and had trouble keeping them apart. Nonetheless, it was an interesting read.

I strongly prefer first-person mysteries as the distance created with a third-person POV can separate the reader from the action, and I found that to be the case in this book. I also thought the POV was uneven -- sometimes giving insight into what other characters were doing/thinking, but mostly sticking with the limited POV of the main character.

This is the first Knitting Mystery book I've read, and I will definitely get ahold of #1 in the series. ]]>
author: Mary Kruger
name: Lain
average rating: 3.21
book published: 2007
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 06/30/08
shelves:
review:
Knit Fast, Die Young is a pleasant, unassuming read. I wasn't in love with the book or the characters, but it was a nice way to pass the time and it was fairly well-written.

I found many of the characters to be interchangeable and had trouble keeping them apart. Nonetheless, it was an interesting read.

I strongly prefer first-person mysteries as the distance created with a third-person POV can separate the reader from the action, and I found that to be the case in this book. I also thought the POV was uneven -- sometimes giving insight into what other characters were doing/thinking, but mostly sticking with the limited POV of the main character.

This is the first Knitting Mystery book I've read, and I will definitely get ahold of #1 in the series.
]]> 25266666 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:25:34 -0700
author: Margaret Mitchell
name: Lain
average rating: 4.29
book published: 1936
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 06/23/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 25266656 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:25:28 -0700
author: Nicholas Sparks
name: Lain
average rating: 3.97
book published: 1996
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 06/23/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 25266390 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:22:32 -0700
author: Candace Bushnell
name: Lain
average rating: 2.23
book published: 2003
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 06/23/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 25265729 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:19:36 -0700
author: Catherine Kaputa
name: Lain
average rating: 3.29
book published: 2006
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 06/23/08
shelves: not-going-to-finish
review:
For a book that is all about marketing and perception and jazzing up your image, this book was one of the most boring, dry takes on the topic that I've read in a long time. Very academic and non-inspiring. I suggest you skip this and read something a lot more interesting, fun, and helpful -- like something by Seth Godin or Barbara Corcorin.
]]> 25189497 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 06:33:00 -0700
author: Susan Wittig Albert
name: Lain
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2004
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 06/23/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 25189492 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 06:32:54 -0700
author: Susan Wittig Albert
name: Lain
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2001
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 06/23/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 25159414 Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:10:12 -0700
author: Joan Hess
name: Lain
average rating: 3.53
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 06/22/08
shelves:
review:
Another deliciously deviant Claire Malloy mystery! Lots of interesting characters, plot twists, and colorful insults. A load of fun!
]]> 25154356 Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:07:42 -0700
author: Lauren Henderson
name: Lain
average rating: 3.73
book published: 2002
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 06/22/08
shelves: not-going-to-finish
review:
This book was so "not me" that I set it down after five pages. I couldn't understand what was happening or who was who, and the language was so foul I couldn't stand it. Read at your own risk.
]]> 25078177 Sat, 21 Jun 2008 15:33:12 -0700
author: Joan Hess
name: Lain
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2006
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 06/21/08
shelves:
review:
Oh my -- how does Joan Hess do it again and again and again? Her Claire Malloy mysteries are funny, smart, and interesting. She has me hooked by the cleverness of her heroine, as well as by the intricacies of the plot. I devoured this one in a single plane ride. I do think Claire may be becoming a bit TOO testy, but just a tad, as her ascerbic wit is part of her unending charm. Well done, Ms. Hess!
]]> 25077908 Sat, 21 Jun 2008 15:29:39 -0700
author: Betty Hechtman
name: Lain
average rating: 3.20
book published: 2008
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 06/21/08
shelves:
review:
Pretty disappointed in this book. I never felt connected to the characters or the plot, nor could I see why the protagonist was so attractive to gorgeous bachelors who could have their pick of starlets and gorgeous blondes, but instead went with the somewhat older, somewhat rounder, inexplicably attractive widow. The plot was a bit thin, too, and "Detective Heather" was completely annoying -- as was the use of "OMIGOD!" Which, as my readers will know, I believe should be reserved for Archie comic books.
]]> 9864700 Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:34:02 -0700
author: J.K. Rowling
name: Lain
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2003
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 06/09/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 23741155 Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:01:45 -0700
I also found myself getting lost in the timeline -- the storyline would move forward, then Gideon's writing would go back to the distant past as well as to a few days behind the rest of the story.

Overall, it's well-written and well-plotted. Just a bit too fibeful for this reader. ]]>
author: Elizabeth George
name: Lain
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2002
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 06/04/08
shelves:
review:
I do love a good Elizabeth George mystery, but this one was just too darned long for me. If it had been more compelling, the length wouldn't have bothered me. But the fact that I figured out "whodunnit" in the first couple of chapters made the slog through the next 700 pages a little tedious.

I also found myself getting lost in the timeline -- the storyline would move forward, then Gideon's writing would go back to the distant past as well as to a few days behind the rest of the story.

Overall, it's well-written and well-plotted. Just a bit too fibeful for this reader.
]]> 9863453 Wed, 21 May 2008 07:15:06 -0700
author: Stephenie Meyer
name: Lain
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2005
rating: 3
read at:
date added: 05/21/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 22093303 Mon, 12 May 2008 14:27:56 -0700
author: Caleb Carr
name: Lain
average rating: 4.03
book published: 1997
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 05/12/08
shelves:
review:
I tend not to like historical fiction, but this one blew me away. I challenge any thriller-and-suspense lover to try this book and not get hooked by the end of the first chapter. Fabulous.
]]> 19438335 Tue, 06 May 2008 09:22:06 -0700
The writing is fine, the projects included are fine (though I would have liked to see more). And the photography is okay (in my opinion, I prefer more professional shots rather than the do-it-yourself ones that were included).

While I appreciate and applaud Soule's ideas and perspective, what bothered me was the pervasive feeling that it's either THIS or THAT - there is no middle ground. There's no room for a Silicon Valley mom who occasionally feeds her kids Pop-Tarts and votes Republican but also has gone TV-free for three years and eschews our ready-made culture.

What I love about personal perspective books, even those of the advice or how-to type, is the foibles and mis-steps the author shares. It makes him or her seem more human and more approachable, and thus more inspiring. Think of Martha Stewart -- her books are gorgeous eye candy, but her level of perfectionism is unachievable for most of us. As a result, she turns off some readers with her "I'm so perfect" veneer. Contrast that with the Crafty Chica, Kathy Cano-Murillo, who peppers her books with her tales of woe and crafts-gone-wrong. I'd much prefer to read a book by someone who knows what they're doing, but who made mistakes along the way and isn't afraid to share that.

Creativity is a mindset that ANYONE can achieve, even if they buy Elmer's Glue instead of brewing their own from the recipe in the book, or purchase mass-produced Crayola crayons for their kids. I would have liked to see more solutions that a tapped-out mom of three could include in her kids' lives, ones that don't require creating dye from berries and spending a bundle on "the good" art supplies

I think that those of a similar mindset to Soule will adore this book because it speaks to them where they're at, and they can relate. But this crafty WAH soccer mom felt left by the wayside. ]]>
author: Amanda Blake Soule
name: Lain
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2008
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 05/06/08
shelves:
review:
I wanted to love this book, I really did. But I didn't. In fact, it made me want to grab a big bag of partially hydrogenated Cheetos and an aspartame-laced Diet Coke and revive myself.

The writing is fine, the projects included are fine (though I would have liked to see more). And the photography is okay (in my opinion, I prefer more professional shots rather than the do-it-yourself ones that were included).

While I appreciate and applaud Soule's ideas and perspective, what bothered me was the pervasive feeling that it's either THIS or THAT - there is no middle ground. There's no room for a Silicon Valley mom who occasionally feeds her kids Pop-Tarts and votes Republican but also has gone TV-free for three years and eschews our ready-made culture.

What I love about personal perspective books, even those of the advice or how-to type, is the foibles and mis-steps the author shares. It makes him or her seem more human and more approachable, and thus more inspiring. Think of Martha Stewart -- her books are gorgeous eye candy, but her level of perfectionism is unachievable for most of us. As a result, she turns off some readers with her "I'm so perfect" veneer. Contrast that with the Crafty Chica, Kathy Cano-Murillo, who peppers her books with her tales of woe and crafts-gone-wrong. I'd much prefer to read a book by someone who knows what they're doing, but who made mistakes along the way and isn't afraid to share that.

Creativity is a mindset that ANYONE can achieve, even if they buy Elmer's Glue instead of brewing their own from the recipe in the book, or purchase mass-produced Crayola crayons for their kids. I would have liked to see more solutions that a tapped-out mom of three could include in her kids' lives, ones that don't require creating dye from berries and spending a bundle on "the good" art supplies

I think that those of a similar mindset to Soule will adore this book because it speaks to them where they're at, and they can relate. But this crafty WAH soccer mom felt left by the wayside.
]]> 21364271 Sun, 04 May 2008 22:08:59 -0700
author: Matthew Pearl
name: Lain
average rating: 3.22
book published: 2003
rating: 3
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/04/08
shelves: not-going-to-finish
review:
I certainly appreciate all the research the author performed in order to write this book. I stuck with it for a good 100 pages, but I just couldn't get into it. It took too much effort. Not necessarily a reflection on the writing; more a reflection on my inability to read anything that requres more than two brain cells to process.
]]> 18756992 Sun, 04 May 2008 22:07:02 -0700
author: Rosie O'Donnell
name: Lain
average rating: 2.86
book published: 2007
rating: 2
read at: 05/08
date added: 05/04/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 11605803 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:11:32 -0700
author: Lynne Truss
name: Lain
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/29/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 21130548 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:04:30 -0700
I hate how everyone in Scarpetta's life is so dysfunctional, grumpy, and repetitive. And I hate how Cornwell left us hanging with so many unanswered questions and incomplete plot points (what the heck happened to Joe???). And I hate that I spent money on this awful book. ]]>
author: Patricia Cornwell
name: Lain
average rating: 3.42
book published: 2005
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 04/27/08
shelves:
review:
This book was like half a book -- something Cornwell sat down and spewed out over a long weekend or so. In general, authors would then go back and edit their work, but it appears in this case that her half-baked manuscript somehow made it past all the editorial gatekeepers, straight to hard copy.

I hate how everyone in Scarpetta's life is so dysfunctional, grumpy, and repetitive. And I hate how Cornwell left us hanging with so many unanswered questions and incomplete plot points (what the heck happened to Joe???). And I hate that I spent money on this awful book.
]]> 21130471 Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:00:45 -0700
author: Robert N. Munsch
name: Lain
average rating: 4.51
book published: 1992
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/27/08
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]]> 20703645 Sat, 26 Apr 2008 08:24:06 -0700
The author uses a very heavy hand to write her story of Delilah White, Martha Stewart wannabe, and her quest to best rival Margot Hart for the plum producer's spot on Domestic Bliss. The constant flipping forward and backward in time, coupled with the hackneyed plot and bouncing-pinball point-of-view, made for a book I had trouble finishing.

Oh, and a side note to the author -- "gonna" ain't a word. ]]>
author: Robin Gold
name: Lain
average rating: 3.23
book published: 2007
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 04/26/08
shelves:
review:
I looked forward to this book as a Meg Cabot-type chick lit tale, a la Heather Wells. Instead, I found a poorly written, snooze-inducing 260 pages.

The author uses a very heavy hand to write her story of Delilah White, Martha Stewart wannabe, and her quest to best rival Margot Hart for the plum producer's spot on Domestic Bliss. The constant flipping forward and backward in time, coupled with the hackneyed plot and bouncing-pinball point-of-view, made for a book I had trouble finishing.

Oh, and a side note to the author -- "gonna" ain't a word.
]]> 9864338 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:29:29 -0700
Am I supposed to feel sorry for Helen, the daughter of a mentally ill mother she ends up killing in her old age? There isn't enough hurt and anguish in her for me to believe she did so out of long-simmering rage. Am I supposed to feel outraged at the brutality of the act? Clair is so unsympathetic that I can't muster even the slightest cringe. Am I supposed to believe that Helen acted out of her own mental illness? If so, there isn't enough evidence to convince me that she's insane.

All in all, the book left me disgusted. Disgusted in the characters, disgusted in the plot, disgusted that I spent so many hours reading it. ]]>
author: Alice Sebold
name: Lain
average rating: 2.52
book published: 2007
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 04/17/08
shelves:
review:
This is one of the worst books I've read in a long time. Not because the writing is poor -- in fact, just the opposite. Sebold is such a talented writer that what she's done with this book is nothing short of a travesty.

Am I supposed to feel sorry for Helen, the daughter of a mentally ill mother she ends up killing in her old age? There isn't enough hurt and anguish in her for me to believe she did so out of long-simmering rage. Am I supposed to feel outraged at the brutality of the act? Clair is so unsympathetic that I can't muster even the slightest cringe. Am I supposed to believe that Helen acted out of her own mental illness? If so, there isn't enough evidence to convince me that she's insane.

All in all, the book left me disgusted. Disgusted in the characters, disgusted in the plot, disgusted that I spent so many hours reading it.
]]> 20283381 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:23:47 -0700
author: Marian Keyes
name: Lain
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/16/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 20283316 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:22:26 -0700
author: Susan Wittig Albert
name: Lain
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2007
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/16/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 20283293 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:21:49 -0700
author: Susan Wittig Albert
name: Lain
average rating: 3.88
book published: 1999
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 04/16/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 20283284 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:21:35 -0700
author: Susan Wittig Albert
name: Lain
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/16/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 20283273 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:21:22 -0700
author: Susan Wittig Albert
name: Lain
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2003
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/16/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 20283242 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:20:23 -0700
author: Susan Wittig Albert
name: Lain
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2005
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/16/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 20283180 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:19:00 -0700
author: Susan Wittig Albert
name: Lain
average rating: 3.88
book published: 1998
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 04/16/08
shelves:
review:
Probably my favorite China Bayles book.
]]> 20283172 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:18:35 -0700
author: Susan Wittig Albert
name: Lain
average rating: 3.77
book published: 1997
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/16/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 20283164 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:18:23 -0700
author: Susan Wittig Albert
name: Lain
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2000
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/16/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 20283155 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:18:14 -0700
author: Susan Wittig Albert
name: Lain
average rating: 3.84
book published: 1995
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/16/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 20283143 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:18:02 -0700
author: Susan Wittig Albert
name: Lain
average rating: 3.82
book published: 1996
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/16/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 20283127 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:17:50 -0700
author: Susan Wittig Albert
name: Lain
average rating: 3.76
book published: 1992
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 04/16/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 20283090 Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:17:36 -0700
author: Susan Wittig Albert
name: Lain
average rating: 3.90
book published: 1994
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 04/16/08
shelves:
review:
One of my favorites of the China Bayles series.
]]> 9863691 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:36:32 -0700
I could go on for days and days, but I am going to stop right now so you can go read this book. You MUST read this book.
]]>
author: Sara Gruen
name: Lain
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at: 04/08
date added: 04/15/08
shelves:
review:
If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. It has everything one could want -- romance, intrigue, mystery, a murder, and a little bit of humor. The characters are instantly real, and the plot is fresh.

I could go on for days and days, but I am going to stop right now so you can go read this book. You MUST read this book.

]]> 19841300 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 20:28:00 -0700
author: Jessica Hagy
name: Lain
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2008
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 04/09/08
shelves:
review:

]]> 19797140 Wed, 09 Apr 2008 09:53:58 -0700
Full of "the Great Brain"-esque schemes and mild peril, any child from 8-12 will enjoy this take on the nation's history. ]]>
author: Sid Fleischman
name: Lain
average rating: 4.02
book published: 1988
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 04/09/08
shelves: for-the-kids
review:
My son was reading this for his school section on California history. It is really a delightful book, about a young boy who stows away with his manservant on a ship to California, intent on joining the gold rush and making their fortune.

Full of "the Great Brain"-esque schemes and mild peril, any child from 8-12 will enjoy this take on the nation's history.
]]> 19607694 Sun, 06 Apr 2008 19:25:21 -0700