The Days of Summer by Jill Barnett
If you enjoy generational Family sagas, this is the story for you. Barnett creates characters who grow up before your eyes… two families whose lives intersect over a period of 60 years. Even before I read Barnett’s acknowledgement at the back of her book, I could tell this book was a difficult story for her to write – lots of emotion on each page, it’s a poignant story you’ll think about long after you return this book.
Dean and Me by Jerry Lewis
Okay. I didn’t find Jerry Lewis very likeable or trustworthy
Dark Demon by Christine Feehan
Really good. For those of us who love the Carpathian Vampire stories, keep them coming.
Heiress for Hire by Erin McCarthy
Loved it! Loved it! Loved it! Cute romantic story that makes you wish that a love like this could be out there for you.
Isolation Ward by Joshua Spanogle
Began slow. Too much useless information. But – it ended with a BANG! Good read!!
Killing Me Softly by Nicci French
Be careful how you pick your boyfriends!
Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
Interesting look at politics, literature, and women’s issues in Iran after the revolution. Hard to keep track of the characters.
Name All the Animals by Alison Smith
A very moving and well-written book.
Children of Chaos by Dave Duncan
An excellent SF/Fantasy book.
Parting Shot by Jonathan Stone
Lots of twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. Good book but not interested in the author’s style of writing. A little too quick for me – only took 3 ½ hours to read.
Man from Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller
You’re going to love the hero in this one. Sam O’Ballivan is an undercover Ranger masquerading as a schoolmaster in the old west Arizona territory bordering Mexico. Sam’s an alpha hero with a strong beta side. He’s not afraid to show his “soft inner core” to the heroine, postmistress Maddy Chancellor. Miller creates characters you’ll love and villains you’ll hate. You’ll cheer for the guys in “white hats” and you’ll wish Miller wrote a longer epilogue so you didn’t have to leave the dust and tumbleweeds of the old west. Oh well, there’s always her sequel.
The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson
Great inclusion of Native American spirituality in a mystery.
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Excellent – best development of characters I have ever read.
Field Notes from a Catastrophe by Elizabeth Kolbert
I think it’s about time [someone] got his head out of his [***] re: global warming and climate change so the U.S. can be a leader, not a joke.
The Seventh Scroll by Wilbur Smith
Learned about the construction of Pharoahs’ tombs and a good action story.
Sea Change by Robert B. Parker
I saw the TV show with Tom Selleck as Jesse Stone and when I saw this book was a Jesse Stone story, I knew I would read it. Very good mystery – used that four letter word a little too much – but I would like to read more Jesse Stone mysteries. I like the main character’s attitude towards his job as police chief.
Sex and the Single Zillionaire by Thomas Perkins
Cute book. He was encouraged to write by Danielle Steel, one of my favorite authors!
Fledgling by Octavia Butler
Better than average vampire story.
(I thought this was an excellent variation on the vampire story. The Fledgling is a genetically engineered vampire who is persecuted for what she is. It’s very saddening to know that this will be the last of Ms. Butler’s works.)
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Friday, July 14, 2006
Writing Non-Fiction Program
The Reading Public Library presents published author, Dennis J. Phillips.
Mr. Phillips is the author of three books and is currently working on his fourth. He will be dicussing his books, his research and his writing process.
Are you interested in learning how an author researches and writes a non-fiction book? Register by telephone at 610-655-6355 or visit the reference desk at the Reading Public Library, 100 South 5th Street, Reading.
When: Thursday, July 20, 2006
6:00 - 7:00
Where: City Espresso
124 South 5th Street
Reading, PA 19602
Refreshments will be available for purchase from City Espresso
Friday, July 07, 2006
ASRP Comments Week #4
Halfway to Forever by Karen Kingsbury
This author attacks tough issues and makes the characters appear as real people. Good reading!
Dispatches from the Edge by Anderson Cooper
Very inciteful - though provoking. Good read for eveyone.
The Lake House by James Patterson
Really weird but very good.
Ice Station by Matthew Reilly
A military thriller/adventure story that was in the most unusual environment. Very exciting and got me to read another by the same author.
The Marriage Spell by Mary Jo Putney
A nice story about wizards and healers in 1793.
A Secret Spendor by Sandra Brown
Typical of the author with lots of steamy sex, a beautiful heroine and a handsome hero. I call this an "I wish" book, but enjoyed it anyhow!
The Bear Went over the Mountain by William Kotzwinkle
I enjoyed this very witty book. The author has a great sense of humor
Death and the Jubilee by David Dickinson
Very interesting to read about the investigation process of crime in the Victorian Era. I love that time period.
Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King
A great idea to continue the life and mystery solving abilities of Sherlock Holmes. Very entertaining.
The Post-Truth Era by Ralph Keyes
An oasis in this nation's ethical drought.
Two Little Girls in Blue by Mary Higgins Clark
I don't always read Clark's books, but this had a really good review, and I'd agree with the critiques. The stroy moves quickly. Clark uses short chapters to keep the pace moving forward. Sometimes the characters got confusing... especially if you put the book down for a few hours/days - or maybe it's just old age setting in! The concept about twins communicating with each other is fascinating nad made for an interesting plot. Good read!
Teacher Man by Frank McCourt
Vintage McCourt - lyrical and moving.
365 No Repeats by Rachael Ray
Lots of great recipes.
Just Plain Pickled to Death by Tamar Myers
Enjoyed the whole series.
Marriage Most Scandalous by Johanna Lindsey
It was drawn out, but kept my interest.
Cooking with Hot Flashes by Martha Bolton
Really good and funny about how to deal with getting older. I like her sense of humor.
Edge of Battle by Dale Brown
A story for the times - focuses on terrorism and immigration issues.
Caring for Your School-Age Child: Ages 5-12 by Edward L. Schor et al.
A great and very helpful book for a single mom like myself with two school-age sons.
Essential Manners for Couples by Peter Post
Good book for couples to read and learn how to work together.
Smithsonian Intimate Guide to Human Origins by Carl Zimmer
Corrects some of my prior understanding of our origins (ie. different hominid lines).
The Master Butcher's Singing Club by Louise Erdrich
Excellent!
Dead in Vineyard Sand by Philip R. Craig
It was good. I enjoyed the setting - Martha's Vineyard and the summer season.
Weighed in the Balance by Anne Perry
Seventh in the series featuring William Monk. Her characters are richly drawn, not always likeable. The endings are not always happy, but the root of all her books I've read so far, including two non-mysteries, is a deep love of truth, whether pleasant or not. Her writings make many other books I've read shallow and trite by comparison.
French Kiss by Susan Johnson
Very little story and too much sex. I just didn't care what happened to the hero abnd heroine... and I certainly couldn't see tham making it in the happily-ever-after roles.
Signals by Kevin Randle
A little slow at times but some interesting projections of a first encounter that in the end may be a very possible future scenario.
This author attacks tough issues and makes the characters appear as real people. Good reading!
Dispatches from the Edge by Anderson Cooper
Very inciteful - though provoking. Good read for eveyone.
The Lake House by James Patterson
Really weird but very good.
Ice Station by Matthew Reilly
A military thriller/adventure story that was in the most unusual environment. Very exciting and got me to read another by the same author.
The Marriage Spell by Mary Jo Putney
A nice story about wizards and healers in 1793.
A Secret Spendor by Sandra Brown
Typical of the author with lots of steamy sex, a beautiful heroine and a handsome hero. I call this an "I wish" book, but enjoyed it anyhow!
The Bear Went over the Mountain by William Kotzwinkle
I enjoyed this very witty book. The author has a great sense of humor
Death and the Jubilee by David Dickinson
Very interesting to read about the investigation process of crime in the Victorian Era. I love that time period.
Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King
A great idea to continue the life and mystery solving abilities of Sherlock Holmes. Very entertaining.
The Post-Truth Era by Ralph Keyes
An oasis in this nation's ethical drought.
Two Little Girls in Blue by Mary Higgins Clark
I don't always read Clark's books, but this had a really good review, and I'd agree with the critiques. The stroy moves quickly. Clark uses short chapters to keep the pace moving forward. Sometimes the characters got confusing... especially if you put the book down for a few hours/days - or maybe it's just old age setting in! The concept about twins communicating with each other is fascinating nad made for an interesting plot. Good read!
Teacher Man by Frank McCourt
Vintage McCourt - lyrical and moving.
365 No Repeats by Rachael Ray
Lots of great recipes.
Just Plain Pickled to Death by Tamar Myers
Enjoyed the whole series.
Marriage Most Scandalous by Johanna Lindsey
It was drawn out, but kept my interest.
Cooking with Hot Flashes by Martha Bolton
Really good and funny about how to deal with getting older. I like her sense of humor.
Edge of Battle by Dale Brown
A story for the times - focuses on terrorism and immigration issues.
Caring for Your School-Age Child: Ages 5-12 by Edward L. Schor et al.
A great and very helpful book for a single mom like myself with two school-age sons.
Essential Manners for Couples by Peter Post
Good book for couples to read and learn how to work together.
Smithsonian Intimate Guide to Human Origins by Carl Zimmer
Corrects some of my prior understanding of our origins (ie. different hominid lines).
The Master Butcher's Singing Club by Louise Erdrich
Excellent!
Dead in Vineyard Sand by Philip R. Craig
It was good. I enjoyed the setting - Martha's Vineyard and the summer season.
Weighed in the Balance by Anne Perry
Seventh in the series featuring William Monk. Her characters are richly drawn, not always likeable. The endings are not always happy, but the root of all her books I've read so far, including two non-mysteries, is a deep love of truth, whether pleasant or not. Her writings make many other books I've read shallow and trite by comparison.
French Kiss by Susan Johnson
Very little story and too much sex. I just didn't care what happened to the hero abnd heroine... and I certainly couldn't see tham making it in the happily-ever-after roles.
Signals by Kevin Randle
A little slow at times but some interesting projections of a first encounter that in the end may be a very possible future scenario.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
ASRP Comments Week #3
Dark Assassin by Anne Perry
Different "mystery" yet very engaging.
Homescaping by Anne Halpin
Really nice ideas and information; specifies for the type of house, etc.
Survivor in Death by J.D. Robb
The most disturbing book yet.
Sneakier Uses for Everyday Things by Cy Tymony
Very interesting - 007 for the everyday person.
Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Wonderful fiction!
China Sky by Pearl S. Buck
Wonderful portrait studies and plot full of twists and turns.
Mr. Murder by Laura Van Wormer
Great book - holds your interest - must check out other books by the same author.
Cat Dancers by P.J. Deuterman
Great novel - holds your interest until the end.
The March by E.L. Doctorow
An interesting way of looking at the Civil War.
Devil's Corner by Lisa Scottoline
Good murder Mystery. I liked that it took place in Philadelphia.
Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan
Very interesting. Pollan managed to convey a lot of information without being too technical or pedantic.
The Terrorist by John Updike
Very Good. It started out somewhat slowly, but was never boring. I liked it being set up to sympathize with a terrorist.
Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich, Harrer
Opens the door to a mysterious country.
Ghost Hunter by Jayne Castle
Castle creates a land and language of her own in this futuristic, fantasy romance. It took me about 100 pages to catch on to the lingo, but futuristic, scifi, fantasy isn't my genre. This however, is a cute series, especially Elly's (the heroine) pet dust bunny, Rose... by the way, this dust bunny has psychic powers! You gotta love the hero too - A ghost hunter, Cooper Boone, who wears khaki pants and a leather vest and also loves the little dust bunny. P.S. If this synopsis sounds weird, it's because I was up all night reading it!
The Master Butcher's Singing Club by Louise Erdrich
Great book; complex character study.
Dark Harbor by Stuart Woods
Typical Woods book.
The Body in the Closet by Mary Higgins Clark
I have never been disappointed by any of her books.
The Battle for Peace by Anthony Zinni
Excellent book on what future U.S. foreign policy needs to include.
Deep Water by Jacques Leslie
Dams and water diversion projects benefit the wealthy few. Native peoples and ecosystems are tossed aside, displaced, ruined for short term profits.
The New Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen
The cheesecake recipe is great.
The Saving Graces by Pat Gaffney
Good book about friendships.
The Breakup Club by Melissa Senate
I read it in a day! A great book about relationships.
Badger Boy by Elmer Kelton
It’s a good read if you like post Civil War stories.
I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb
An excellent book about mental illness and its impact on a family.
Forgiven by Karen Kingsbury
Wholesome story about family life and unconditional love. Truly inspiring
George and Rue by George Elliott Clarke
I appreciated the historical facts of blacks in Novia Scotia. Not an easy read.
Marley and Me by John Grogan
One of the best books I’ve read. Poignant story of love for a pet.
The Cat Who Dropped a Bombshell by Lilian Jackson Braun
I love cats and own a tiger striped named Lovey. I’ve read all the “Cat Who…” books. This follows the same plot(s) but it’s always enjoyable.
The Nanny Murders by Merry Bloch Jones
Slow beginning. Fast nerve wracking through last chapters – far-fetched ending.
Get Lucky by Suzanne Brockmann
If you haven’t read any of Brockmann’s SEALS team Ten Alpha Squad stories, you’re missing some great heroes and heroines, ans great patriotism to boot. “Lucky” Luke O’Donlon is this hero… the never going to get married kind who dates large chested women with single digit IQs… you know the type, right? Well, in typical Brockmann fashion, she’s created a heroine who’s the direct opposite in physical and intellectual attributes. Sydney is a journalist/reporter and both characters must work together to help solve a case of rape… the rapist is assumed to be a SEALS member, but we all know that can’t be the case, right?
The Big Red Fez: How to Make Any Web Site Better by Seth Godin
This book really helped me!
Different "mystery" yet very engaging.
Homescaping by Anne Halpin
Really nice ideas and information; specifies for the type of house, etc.
Survivor in Death by J.D. Robb
The most disturbing book yet.
Sneakier Uses for Everyday Things by Cy Tymony
Very interesting - 007 for the everyday person.
Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
Wonderful fiction!
China Sky by Pearl S. Buck
Wonderful portrait studies and plot full of twists and turns.
Mr. Murder by Laura Van Wormer
Great book - holds your interest - must check out other books by the same author.
Cat Dancers by P.J. Deuterman
Great novel - holds your interest until the end.
The March by E.L. Doctorow
An interesting way of looking at the Civil War.
Devil's Corner by Lisa Scottoline
Good murder Mystery. I liked that it took place in Philadelphia.
Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan
Very interesting. Pollan managed to convey a lot of information without being too technical or pedantic.
The Terrorist by John Updike
Very Good. It started out somewhat slowly, but was never boring. I liked it being set up to sympathize with a terrorist.
Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich, Harrer
Opens the door to a mysterious country.
Ghost Hunter by Jayne Castle
Castle creates a land and language of her own in this futuristic, fantasy romance. It took me about 100 pages to catch on to the lingo, but futuristic, scifi, fantasy isn't my genre. This however, is a cute series, especially Elly's (the heroine) pet dust bunny, Rose... by the way, this dust bunny has psychic powers! You gotta love the hero too - A ghost hunter, Cooper Boone, who wears khaki pants and a leather vest and also loves the little dust bunny. P.S. If this synopsis sounds weird, it's because I was up all night reading it!
The Master Butcher's Singing Club by Louise Erdrich
Great book; complex character study.
Dark Harbor by Stuart Woods
Typical Woods book.
The Body in the Closet by Mary Higgins Clark
I have never been disappointed by any of her books.
The Battle for Peace by Anthony Zinni
Excellent book on what future U.S. foreign policy needs to include.
Deep Water by Jacques Leslie
Dams and water diversion projects benefit the wealthy few. Native peoples and ecosystems are tossed aside, displaced, ruined for short term profits.
The New Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen
The cheesecake recipe is great.
The Saving Graces by Pat Gaffney
Good book about friendships.
The Breakup Club by Melissa Senate
I read it in a day! A great book about relationships.
Badger Boy by Elmer Kelton
It’s a good read if you like post Civil War stories.
I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb
An excellent book about mental illness and its impact on a family.
Forgiven by Karen Kingsbury
Wholesome story about family life and unconditional love. Truly inspiring
George and Rue by George Elliott Clarke
I appreciated the historical facts of blacks in Novia Scotia. Not an easy read.
Marley and Me by John Grogan
One of the best books I’ve read. Poignant story of love for a pet.
The Cat Who Dropped a Bombshell by Lilian Jackson Braun
I love cats and own a tiger striped named Lovey. I’ve read all the “Cat Who…” books. This follows the same plot(s) but it’s always enjoyable.
The Nanny Murders by Merry Bloch Jones
Slow beginning. Fast nerve wracking through last chapters – far-fetched ending.
Get Lucky by Suzanne Brockmann
If you haven’t read any of Brockmann’s SEALS team Ten Alpha Squad stories, you’re missing some great heroes and heroines, ans great patriotism to boot. “Lucky” Luke O’Donlon is this hero… the never going to get married kind who dates large chested women with single digit IQs… you know the type, right? Well, in typical Brockmann fashion, she’s created a heroine who’s the direct opposite in physical and intellectual attributes. Sydney is a journalist/reporter and both characters must work together to help solve a case of rape… the rapist is assumed to be a SEALS member, but we all know that can’t be the case, right?
The Big Red Fez: How to Make Any Web Site Better by Seth Godin
This book really helped me!
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