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September 25
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Kara
gave
 
to:
The Cellist of Sarajevo (Hardcover)
by Steven Galloway
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my rating:
Added to my books!
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recommended to Kara by:
Mom
read in August, 2008
Kara said:
"I thought this was a very good book. It's deceptively small and fairly quick to read, but it contains huge insights into human nature, and the effects war can have on ordinary people. The book follows 4 very different people during the seige of Sar...more
I thought this was a very good book. It's deceptively small and fairly quick to read, but it contains huge insights into human nature, and the effects war can have on ordinary people. The book follows 4 very different people during the seige of Sarajevo--a cellist, a sniper, an older man and a young father. Their stories are told in alternating chapters and all 4 must decide whether or not they are going to be beaten down by what is happening around them, or if they are going to stand up and make a statement against war, evil, savagery. Surprisingly, it is in doing the simple, every day things that these 4 make their statement. It's a powerful statement--that in doing the ordinary, humans can continue to be human and endure. I would recommend this book....less
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Kara
is currently reading:
The Wednesday Letters (Hardcover)
by Jason F. Wright
bookshelves:
currently-reading
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my rating:
Added to my books!
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September 04
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August 07
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Kara
gave
to:
Key Lime Pie Murder (Hannah Swensen Mystery, Book 9)
by Joanne Fluke
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my rating:
Added to my books!
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read in September, 2008
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Kara
gave
to:
Salem Falls (Paperback)
by Jodi Picoult
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my rating:
Added to my books!
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Kara said:
"I wanted to try another Picoult book after My Sister's Keeper. I picked this one because it ties in thematically with The Crucible which I have always loved. I thought this book was a bit predictable. And if the little "twist&qu...more
I wanted to try another Picoult book after My Sister's Keeper. I picked this one because it ties in thematically with The Crucible which I have always loved. I thought this book was a bit predictable. And if the little "twist" in the very last paragraph was supposed to be a shock, well I saw that coming a mile away. I thought the relationship between Jack and Addie was the stereotypical "we are both a wreck, so let's save each other" type of romance. I also felt like some of the book was unbelievable--like how quickly she falls for Jack, and how she continues to live in Salem Falls after what happened to her when she was younger, and the appearance of someone which changes the outcome of the trial. I did like the trial, and thought that was the strongest part of the book. I also felt Picoult did a good job writing the girls' characters--they were despicable. She seems to have a knack for capturing teenagers. This is not a bad book, but not great. The writing is not as good as My Sister's Keeper but it definitely has a more satisfying ending....less
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Kara
gave
to:
Peach Cobbler Murder (Hannah Swensen Mystery, Book 7)
by Joanne Fluke
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my rating:
Added to my books!
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recommended for: mystery fans
read in July, 2008
Kara said:
"I always read the Hannah Swensen mysteries in the summer. They are a light, quick read. I like mysteries, but not ones that are too gory. These are light-hearted and humorous. Plus each book in this series contains about 10 recipies for you to tr...more
I always read the Hannah Swensen mysteries in the summer. They are a light, quick read. I like mysteries, but not ones that are too gory. These are light-hearted and humorous. Plus each book in this series contains about 10 recipies for you to try. I think I like this series because, deep-down, I would LOVE to own a bakery like Hannah does! The love triangle between Hannah, Norman and Mike sometimes gets a little old, but otherwise these books are a good, light read....less
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Kara
gave
to:
A Thousand Splendid Suns (Hardcover)
by Khaled Hosseini
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my rating:
Added to my books!
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recommended for: anyone
read in July, 2008
Kara said:
"Every once in a while I finish a book, close it up, and think to myself, "WOW!" That was the case with this book. I thought it was absolutely fantastic. I really loved The Kite Runner so I thought I would try Hosseini's second boo...more
Every once in a while I finish a book, close it up, and think to myself, "WOW!" That was the case with this book. I thought it was absolutely fantastic. I really loved The Kite Runner so I thought I would try Hosseini's second book. I had heard that it wasn't as good as The Kite Runner but I actually liked it a little bit more, I think maybe because of the focus on the relationships between females. Again, Hosseini writes a beautiful story about friendship, love, family, pain, betrayal--all set against the last few decades of turmoil in Afghanistan. Again this book weaves together history with the personal, and I learned more about the heart of the problems in the Middle East. It's hard to believe that what Hosseini writes about has actually been happening to people, and that it's not just fiction. This is a story about a very unlikely friendship, and the effects of that friendship over the course of years and generations. I often don't think male authors do a great job of portraying all the emotions and thoughts of female characters, but Hosseini does a wonderful job. Mariam and Laila are wonderful creations, strong women living through a time when women were thought to be worthless. I couldn't put this book down--it was amazing....less
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July 01
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Kara
gave
to:
My Sister's Keeper (Paperback)
by Jodi Picoult
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my rating:
Added to my books!
add my review
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recommended to Kara by:
Marissa
read in June, 2008
Kara said:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
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April 03
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Kara
gave
to:
Miss Julia Takes Over (Paperback)
by Ann B. Ross
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my rating:
Added to my books!
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read in March, 2008
Kara said:
"I think I liked this sequel better than the first Miss Julia book. I like the changes in Miss Julia--she's a little more open to things, a little funnier, and I think a little happier now that she has a true family. This book was funnier than the f...more
I think I liked this sequel better than the first Miss Julia book. I like the changes in Miss Julia--she's a little more open to things, a little funnier, and I think a little happier now that she has a true family. This book was funnier than the first one, especially at the end and during the scene on the Nascar track. ...less
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March 12
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Kara
gave
to:
Marley & Me: Love and Life with the World's Worst Dog (Hardcover)
by John Grogan
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my rating:
Added to my books!
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recommended for: dog lovers, retriever-lovers, anyone who has been "owned" by their dog
read in July, 2006
Kara said:
"I don't read alot of nonfiction, but I knew I had to read this one. The cover of the book says something about "life and love with the world's worst dog" but knowing retrievers as I do, I knew that Marley wasn't bad--overexuberant is the w...more
I don't read alot of nonfiction, but I knew I had to read this one. The cover of the book says something about "life and love with the world's worst dog" but knowing retrievers as I do, I knew that Marley wasn't bad--overexuberant is the word I like to use. Of course I fell in love with Marley. Although he does have an ornery streak, his loyalty and love for his people makes up for that. At one point, Marley seems to be the only one who can help his mistress overcome the loss of miscarriage. Another time he protects his master, who is trying to help a young neighbor who has been stabbed. It's amazing to me how much dogs know and how they can pick up on what we are feeling and experiencing. Of course, we all know how the book has to end and I cried like a little kid--then went to my own retrievers (goldens, not labs) and gave them both a big hug. Except for the terribly sad ending, this book was funny and heartwarming. I could see so much of my own dogs in Marley and I laughed out loud throughout. Two paws up for Marley!!...less
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