false 44 954 723 true 5649145 read 5 true 5407368 currently-reading 226 true 5407353 to-read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78461945 The Second Date (Paperback) by Mary Lydon Simonsen
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]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78461752 Gloves Off (The Debs, #3) by Susan McBride
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]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78461730 Night of the Living Deb (Debutante Dropout Mystery, #4) by Susan McBride
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]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78461710 The Good Girl's Guide to Murder (Debutante Dropout Mystery, #2) by Susan McBride
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]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78461702 Blue Blood (Debutante Dropout Mystery, #1) by Susan McBride
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]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78461666 Love, Lies and Texas Dips (The Debs, #2) by Susan McBride
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]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78461657 Too Pretty to Die (Debutante Dropout Mystery, #5) by Susan McBride
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]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/78461647 The Debs (The Debs, #1) by Susan McBride
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]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75600309 to: Last Night in Twisted River: A Novel (Hardcover) by John Irving
Since I saw the film "The World According to Garp" at age eleven I have wondered to myself what exactly did John Irving survive in his past? I have waited patiently for nearly thirty years to find out. I haven't ever read a single thing about John Irving's personal life; because figuring out just what happened to him to make him the type of writer he is has been a huge puzzle for me. Being a survivor of a horrific childhood myself, I knew Mr. Irving must have suffered even more than I had, as his stories are so twisted and dark.

With "Last Night in Twisted River: A Novel" I think I have finally figured out the puzzle of Mr. Irving. While "A Prayer for Owen Meany" will always remain my favorite book of his, "Twisted River" is a close second. For whatever reason, I've convinced myself that this book is the true story of his life, or the true life story of someone very close to him. If it isn't, then call me a fool, but please realize that whether this novel is a memoir or not, "Last Night in Twisted River" remains a brilliant story of father and son and grandson, and the near life-long friendship they have with a mysterious logger. I have always wondered why Mr. Irving writes about the subjects he has always written about, such as widows, Canada, wrestling, motherless and fatherless children, left hands, bears, and even abortion and all of these subjects get a mention in this book.

This is the best book I've read in 2009, and I stayed up until 5:15 am this morning just to finish it. All I can tell you is that the novel is fabulous and you need to go buy this book immediately to find out for yourself just how good it truly is. I promise you will be lost in a world like none other.
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/63084639 to: On Writing (Mass Market Paperback) by Stephen King
My goodness, who doesn't love Stephen King? I was thrilled to find out that he included a mini memoir with this book, and as it was written during the time of his terrible accident, he includes the details of the accident and his recovery as well.

More importantly, Mr. King tells us wanna-be writers his tricks to editing, coming up with story ideas, and his writing discipline. I loved hearing all of this, as well as his take on certain modern day writers and his list of books to read. I was thrilled to see that he recommended a Chabon book I haven't yet read.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading or Stephen King. It isn't just for those who wish to write professionally. ]]>