I absolutely LOVED this book. I believe I found it from Amazon, recommended to me based on previous books I looked at. The Kindness of Strangers was probably one of my favorite reads so far this year and I give it an A.
From Amazon:
A young widow raising two boys, Sarah Laden is struggling to keep her family together. But when a shocking revelation rips apart the family of her closest friend, Sarah finds herself welcoming yet another troubled young boy into her already tumultuous life.
Jordan, a quiet, reclusive elementary school classmate of Sarah's son Danny, has survived a terrible ordeal. By agreeing to become Jordan's foster mother, Sarah will be forced to question the things she has long believed. And as the delicate threads that bind their family begin to unravel, all the Ladens will have to face difficult truths about themselves and one another—and discover the power of love necessary to forgive and to heal.
The Kindness of Strangers is touching, heartbreaking, and extremely emotional. My husband kept asking me what I was shaking at my head for but I just couldn't help it. This book just touched me in a way that is hard to explain. While not graphic, it is disturbing. Since I've been trying to get pregnant for over a year and a half without any luck, I've thought about becoming a foster parent and this book gives an honest look at what happens. I know my review isn't making a lot of sense, but I just can't encourage you enough to go and check this one out.
Showing posts with label A reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label A reviews. Show all posts
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
64. The Things We Do For Love by Kristin Hannah
Aw yes, another book by Ms. Hannah. I have to admit I almost didn't read this one as I thought it would cut to close to home, and while it did, it taught me a lot too. An excellent, tear-jerker, I give it an A.
From Amazon:
Years of trying unsuccessfully to conceive a child have broken more than Angie DeSaria’s heart. Following a painful divorce, she moves back to her small Pacific Northwest hometown and takes over management of her family’s restaurant. In West End, where life rises and falls like the tides, Angie’s fortunes will drastically change yet again when she meets and befriends a troubled young woman.Angie hires Lauren Ribido because she sees something special in the seventeen-year-old. They quickly form a deep bond, and when Lauren is abandoned by her mother, Angie offers the girl a place to stay. But nothing could have prepared Angie for the far-reaching repercussions of this act of kindness. Together, these two women—one who longs for a child and the other who longs for a mother’s love—will be tested in ways that neither could have imagined.
For over a year and a half, my husband and I have been trying and failing to get pregnant. We're both young and in good health, so it's difficult to understand why this isn't happening. I have to admit to nodding along with a lot of Angie's thoughts and feelings throughout the book, including those that she doesn't understand why God will give children do those who aren't deserving, but not allowing others the privilege of having just one. I think I came to grips with a lot of my feelings while reading this story, and while I understand that it is fiction, I have hope for the future. I have decided to count my blessings, not the things I don't have, and the biggest blessing of all is my wonderful husband. He is more than enough and more than I deserve, and I would never want something like children to drive us apart. Thank you Ms. Hannah for writing such a wonderful story, and one that is sure to stay with me for a long time, hopefully forever.
From Amazon:
Years of trying unsuccessfully to conceive a child have broken more than Angie DeSaria’s heart. Following a painful divorce, she moves back to her small Pacific Northwest hometown and takes over management of her family’s restaurant. In West End, where life rises and falls like the tides, Angie’s fortunes will drastically change yet again when she meets and befriends a troubled young woman.Angie hires Lauren Ribido because she sees something special in the seventeen-year-old. They quickly form a deep bond, and when Lauren is abandoned by her mother, Angie offers the girl a place to stay. But nothing could have prepared Angie for the far-reaching repercussions of this act of kindness. Together, these two women—one who longs for a child and the other who longs for a mother’s love—will be tested in ways that neither could have imagined.
For over a year and a half, my husband and I have been trying and failing to get pregnant. We're both young and in good health, so it's difficult to understand why this isn't happening. I have to admit to nodding along with a lot of Angie's thoughts and feelings throughout the book, including those that she doesn't understand why God will give children do those who aren't deserving, but not allowing others the privilege of having just one. I think I came to grips with a lot of my feelings while reading this story, and while I understand that it is fiction, I have hope for the future. I have decided to count my blessings, not the things I don't have, and the biggest blessing of all is my wonderful husband. He is more than enough and more than I deserve, and I would never want something like children to drive us apart. Thank you Ms. Hannah for writing such a wonderful story, and one that is sure to stay with me for a long time, hopefully forever.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
55. Whistling in the Dark by Lesley Kagen
I am not sure what to say about Whistling in the Dark other than I absolutely adored and LOVED this book. I give it an A!
From Amazon:
It was the summer on Vliet Street when we all started locking our doors...
Sally O'Malley made a promise to her daddy before he died. She swore she'd look after her sister, Troo. Keep her safe. But like her Granny always said-actions speak louder than words. Now, during the summer of 1959, the girls' mother is hospitalized, their stepfather has abandoned them for a six pack, and their big sister, Nell, is too busy making out with her boyfriend to notice that Sally and Troo are on the Loose. And so is a murderer and molester.
Highly imaginative Sally is pretty sure of two things. Who the killer is. And that she's next on his list. Now she has no choice but to protect herself and Troo as best she can, relying on her own courage and the kindness of her neighbors.
I loved the way the book was told through a ten-year-old's eyes. At times I would forget that Sally was only ten, because she had some grown-up thoughts, but it was so refreshing. I have often said I would have loved to live in the 1950s and reading this book allowed for me to experience a bit of that. The descriptions of a quiet and small town during summer reminded me a bit of my own neightborhood and goes to show that while we think things were a bit more innocent and easier back then, that always wasn't the case. I'm so glad I read this book and even happier I read now in the summer, so I can imagine myself playing along with Sally and Troo and the rest of the kids on Vliet Street. Pick this one up if you haven't already. I'm off to check my library's database and see what else they have by Ms. Kagen! Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
It was the summer on Vliet Street when we all started locking our doors...
Sally O'Malley made a promise to her daddy before he died. She swore she'd look after her sister, Troo. Keep her safe. But like her Granny always said-actions speak louder than words. Now, during the summer of 1959, the girls' mother is hospitalized, their stepfather has abandoned them for a six pack, and their big sister, Nell, is too busy making out with her boyfriend to notice that Sally and Troo are on the Loose. And so is a murderer and molester.
Highly imaginative Sally is pretty sure of two things. Who the killer is. And that she's next on his list. Now she has no choice but to protect herself and Troo as best she can, relying on her own courage and the kindness of her neighbors.
I loved the way the book was told through a ten-year-old's eyes. At times I would forget that Sally was only ten, because she had some grown-up thoughts, but it was so refreshing. I have often said I would have loved to live in the 1950s and reading this book allowed for me to experience a bit of that. The descriptions of a quiet and small town during summer reminded me a bit of my own neightborhood and goes to show that while we think things were a bit more innocent and easier back then, that always wasn't the case. I'm so glad I read this book and even happier I read now in the summer, so I can imagine myself playing along with Sally and Troo and the rest of the kids on Vliet Street. Pick this one up if you haven't already. I'm off to check my library's database and see what else they have by Ms. Kagen! Happy Reading!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
42. Songs of the Humpback Whale by Jodi Picoult
I may be late to the game of Ms. Picoult's novels, only really discovering them in the last year or so, but I am definitely making up for lost time. Songs of the Humpback Whale was a wonderful book and I have to give it an A.
From Amazon:
Sometimes finding your own voice is a matter of listening to the heart....
Jodi Picoult's powerful novel portrays an emotionally charged marriage that changes course in one explosive moment....For years, Jane Jones has lived in the shadow of her husband, renowned San Diego oceanographer Oliver Jones. But during an escalating argument, Jane turns on him with an alarming volatility. In anger and fear, Jane leaves with their teenage daughter, Rebecca, for a cross-country odyssey charted by letters from her brother Joley, guiding them to his Massachusetts apple farm, where surprising self-discoveries await. Now Oliver, an expert at tracking humpback whales across vast oceans, will search for his wife across a continent -- and find a new way to see the world, his family, and himself: through her eyes.
I felt that this book did an excellent job of showing that there are always more than one side to a story. The way that Ms. Picoult chooses to tell the story only helps the reader understand where everyone is coming from and their reactions to one single event. While I didn't always like Jane (at one point in the story, I couldn't stand her) it only goes to show how believable the characters were. I tend to enjoy these types of characters more often than not because who is real life in liked by everyone, or I guess more importantly who is deserving to be liked by everyone all of the time. Yet again, another winner by Ms. Picoult.
From Amazon:
Sometimes finding your own voice is a matter of listening to the heart....
Jodi Picoult's powerful novel portrays an emotionally charged marriage that changes course in one explosive moment....For years, Jane Jones has lived in the shadow of her husband, renowned San Diego oceanographer Oliver Jones. But during an escalating argument, Jane turns on him with an alarming volatility. In anger and fear, Jane leaves with their teenage daughter, Rebecca, for a cross-country odyssey charted by letters from her brother Joley, guiding them to his Massachusetts apple farm, where surprising self-discoveries await. Now Oliver, an expert at tracking humpback whales across vast oceans, will search for his wife across a continent -- and find a new way to see the world, his family, and himself: through her eyes.
I felt that this book did an excellent job of showing that there are always more than one side to a story. The way that Ms. Picoult chooses to tell the story only helps the reader understand where everyone is coming from and their reactions to one single event. While I didn't always like Jane (at one point in the story, I couldn't stand her) it only goes to show how believable the characters were. I tend to enjoy these types of characters more often than not because who is real life in liked by everyone, or I guess more importantly who is deserving to be liked by everyone all of the time. Yet again, another winner by Ms. Picoult.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
I was excited when I got the email from library stating that Dark Places was in for me. I loved Sharp Objects so much and had been thinking about it, so I was anxious to start reading Ms. Flynn's newest. This was another winner, and I give it another A.
Inside cover:
Libby Day was seven when her mother and two sisters were murdered in "The Satan Sacrifice of Kinnakee, Kansas". As her family lay dying, little Libby fled their tiny farmhouse into the freezing January snow. She lost some fingers and toes, but she survived- and famously testified that her fifteen-year-old brother, Ben, was the killer. Twenty-five years later, Ben sits in prison, and troubled Libby lives off the dregs of a trust created by well-wishers who've long forgotten her.
The Kill Club is a macabre secret society obsessed with notorious crimes. When they locate Libby and pump her for details- proof they hope may free Ben- Libby hatches a plan to profit off her tragic history. For a fee, she'll reconnect the players from that night and report her findings to the club... and maybe she'll admit her testimony wasn't so solid after all.
As Libby's search takes her from shabby Missouri strip clubs to abandoned Oklahoma tourist towns, the narrative flashes back to January 2, 1985. The events of that day are relayed through Libby's doomed family members- including Ben, a loner who's rage over his shiftless father and their failing farm have driven him into a disturbing friendship with the new girl in town. Piece by piece, the unimaginable truth emerges, and Libby finds herself right back where she started from-on the run from a killer.
I love the way Ms. Flynn creates dark characters who you find yourself rooting for. She expertly drops hints and clues that helps you try to solve the mystery, but you really need to be paying close attention. I admit, though I thought I knew some of it, I was surprised. Once I was reflecting back on it, I realized that I had missed some clues, but it was a pleasant surprise. I really came to love Libby and felt her pain, though I couldn't even begin to imagine how someone would survive all that happened to her. There were some tough parts to read in the story, but I really enjoyed it, and again, they were part of the story not meant to shock or disgust, but to add value to the story. I only have two wishes; one, I wish I would know a bit more of what happens in the future, and two, that Ms. Flynn would write faster. I need to read more of her books! Ms Flynn, if you happen to come across this, please get working and work fast... I LOVE YOUR BOOKS! (OK, I am more composed now... I just had to get that off of my chest!)
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I have four more books checked out from the library, so I will get to those first. Today we finished a project on the house and now that everything is clean and organized and back to normal, I plan on spending the evening relaxing, doing laundry and reading. I hope everyone is having a safe and enjoyable Memorial Weekend and Happy Reading!
Inside cover:
Libby Day was seven when her mother and two sisters were murdered in "The Satan Sacrifice of Kinnakee, Kansas". As her family lay dying, little Libby fled their tiny farmhouse into the freezing January snow. She lost some fingers and toes, but she survived- and famously testified that her fifteen-year-old brother, Ben, was the killer. Twenty-five years later, Ben sits in prison, and troubled Libby lives off the dregs of a trust created by well-wishers who've long forgotten her.
The Kill Club is a macabre secret society obsessed with notorious crimes. When they locate Libby and pump her for details- proof they hope may free Ben- Libby hatches a plan to profit off her tragic history. For a fee, she'll reconnect the players from that night and report her findings to the club... and maybe she'll admit her testimony wasn't so solid after all.
As Libby's search takes her from shabby Missouri strip clubs to abandoned Oklahoma tourist towns, the narrative flashes back to January 2, 1985. The events of that day are relayed through Libby's doomed family members- including Ben, a loner who's rage over his shiftless father and their failing farm have driven him into a disturbing friendship with the new girl in town. Piece by piece, the unimaginable truth emerges, and Libby finds herself right back where she started from-on the run from a killer.
I love the way Ms. Flynn creates dark characters who you find yourself rooting for. She expertly drops hints and clues that helps you try to solve the mystery, but you really need to be paying close attention. I admit, though I thought I knew some of it, I was surprised. Once I was reflecting back on it, I realized that I had missed some clues, but it was a pleasant surprise. I really came to love Libby and felt her pain, though I couldn't even begin to imagine how someone would survive all that happened to her. There were some tough parts to read in the story, but I really enjoyed it, and again, they were part of the story not meant to shock or disgust, but to add value to the story. I only have two wishes; one, I wish I would know a bit more of what happens in the future, and two, that Ms. Flynn would write faster. I need to read more of her books! Ms Flynn, if you happen to come across this, please get working and work fast... I LOVE YOUR BOOKS! (OK, I am more composed now... I just had to get that off of my chest!)
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I have four more books checked out from the library, so I will get to those first. Today we finished a project on the house and now that everything is clean and organized and back to normal, I plan on spending the evening relaxing, doing laundry and reading. I hope everyone is having a safe and enjoyable Memorial Weekend and Happy Reading!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
I have heard a ton about Gillian Flynn's newest novel that was just recently released through different blogs and magazines, so I decided to check out her previous book through my library. Man on man, am I ever glad I did! I absolutely LOVED THIS BOOK and have to give it an A.
From Amazon:
WICKED above her hipbone, GIRL across her heart Words are like a road map to reporter Camille Preaker’s troubled past. Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, Camille’s first assignment from the second-rate daily paper where she works brings her reluctantly back to her hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls.NASTY on her kneecap, BABYDOLL on her legSince she left town eight years ago, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed again in her family’s Victorian mansion, Camille is haunted by the childhood tragedy she has spent her whole life trying to cut from her memory.HARMFUL on her wrist, WHORE on her ankleAs Camille works to uncover the truth about these violent crimes, she finds herself identifying with the young victims—a bit too strongly. Clues keep leading to dead ends, forcing Camille to unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past to get at the story. Dogged by her own demons, Camille will have to confront what happened to her years before if she wants to survive this homecoming.
This was such a good, gripping mystery but it was also deeply disturbing. Camille has a lot of problems and comes from a long list of people with deep, severe emotional problems. At times I had difficulties reading the book, but it was in a good way. Everything that was in the book that was disturbing had a place and a reason for it. Ms. Flynn was not just trying to shock her readers... it really had a reason and a meaning behind it. I haven't read a book this powerful in a long time or gotten lost in such a story like this. I highly recommend this mystery, but not for those who tend to enjoy more of the cozy mysteries and not the emotional, disturbing type. I can't wait for her next one!
Up next is an old book off of my shelves. I really need to start reading more of my own books, especially for the Read Your Own Books Challenge. I hope everyone else is having a great week and had a FANTASTIC Mother's Day! Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
WICKED above her hipbone, GIRL across her heart Words are like a road map to reporter Camille Preaker’s troubled past. Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, Camille’s first assignment from the second-rate daily paper where she works brings her reluctantly back to her hometown to cover the murders of two preteen girls.NASTY on her kneecap, BABYDOLL on her legSince she left town eight years ago, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed again in her family’s Victorian mansion, Camille is haunted by the childhood tragedy she has spent her whole life trying to cut from her memory.HARMFUL on her wrist, WHORE on her ankleAs Camille works to uncover the truth about these violent crimes, she finds herself identifying with the young victims—a bit too strongly. Clues keep leading to dead ends, forcing Camille to unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past to get at the story. Dogged by her own demons, Camille will have to confront what happened to her years before if she wants to survive this homecoming.
This was such a good, gripping mystery but it was also deeply disturbing. Camille has a lot of problems and comes from a long list of people with deep, severe emotional problems. At times I had difficulties reading the book, but it was in a good way. Everything that was in the book that was disturbing had a place and a reason for it. Ms. Flynn was not just trying to shock her readers... it really had a reason and a meaning behind it. I haven't read a book this powerful in a long time or gotten lost in such a story like this. I highly recommend this mystery, but not for those who tend to enjoy more of the cozy mysteries and not the emotional, disturbing type. I can't wait for her next one!
Up next is an old book off of my shelves. I really need to start reading more of my own books, especially for the Read Your Own Books Challenge. I hope everyone else is having a great week and had a FANTASTIC Mother's Day! Happy Reading!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
The Abortionist's Daughter by Elisabeth Hyde
I have had The Abortionist's Daughter on my shelves for probably close to two years now. I won it in a contest on an old blog I used to read and was eager to read it, but as things happen, it got shelved on the bottom and I forgot about it. I am not sure what reminded me of this book, but I decided to uncover it and read it for the Suspense and Thriller Challenge in the category of suspense drama. I am so glad that I did because I loved this book. I am going to give it a rare A.
From Amazon:
Two weeks before Christmas, Diana Duprey, an outspoken abortion doctor, is found dead in her swimming pool. A national figure, Diana inspired passion and ignited tempers, but never more so than the day of her death. Her husband Frank, a longtime attorney in the DA’s office; her daughter Megan, a freshman in college; the Reverend Stephen O’Connell, founder of the town’s pro-life coalition: all of them quarreled with Diana that day and each one has something to lose in revealing the truth. Meanwhile the detective on the case struggles for the answers — and finds himself more intimately involved than he ever could have imagined.
Everything was great about this book. The mystery was really compelling and even though I thought I had it figured out, things kept making me doubt myself. The characters were really well developed and we were allowed to get inside the heads of quite a few of them. I could relate with all of them which is usually not true in reading. The writing was really done and I kept turning the pages. I probably could have finished this book in one sitting if that little pesky thing called work didn't get in the way. I was worried about how I might react to some of the things discussed in the book and was hoping that the details of the abortions wouldn't get too graphic, and once I was a bit uncomfortable but I felt it was necessary to the story. I am now afraid the next book I read will not hold up if I keep compariing it to this one!
On that note, I have no idea what I am going to read next. Should I go for something totally opposite and pick a light romantic comedy... or perhaps a gory thriller? I am not sure, but I do know that The Abortionist's Daughter will stay with me for quite a bit. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Two weeks before Christmas, Diana Duprey, an outspoken abortion doctor, is found dead in her swimming pool. A national figure, Diana inspired passion and ignited tempers, but never more so than the day of her death. Her husband Frank, a longtime attorney in the DA’s office; her daughter Megan, a freshman in college; the Reverend Stephen O’Connell, founder of the town’s pro-life coalition: all of them quarreled with Diana that day and each one has something to lose in revealing the truth. Meanwhile the detective on the case struggles for the answers — and finds himself more intimately involved than he ever could have imagined.
Everything was great about this book. The mystery was really compelling and even though I thought I had it figured out, things kept making me doubt myself. The characters were really well developed and we were allowed to get inside the heads of quite a few of them. I could relate with all of them which is usually not true in reading. The writing was really done and I kept turning the pages. I probably could have finished this book in one sitting if that little pesky thing called work didn't get in the way. I was worried about how I might react to some of the things discussed in the book and was hoping that the details of the abortions wouldn't get too graphic, and once I was a bit uncomfortable but I felt it was necessary to the story. I am now afraid the next book I read will not hold up if I keep compariing it to this one!
On that note, I have no idea what I am going to read next. Should I go for something totally opposite and pick a light romantic comedy... or perhaps a gory thriller? I am not sure, but I do know that The Abortionist's Daughter will stay with me for quite a bit. Happy Reading!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Whispers and Lies by Joy Fielding
About a month ago I read a book by Ms. Fielding and was hooked. I was sneaking in pages everywhere I could and just couldn't get enough of the book. So this past week when I was at the library just browsing and came across Whispers and Lies I had to pick it up. Wow... am I glad I did... this book was fantastic! An A all around!
From Amazon:
Terry Painter enjoys her quiet life in tranquil Delray, Florida, where the single, forty-year-old nurse lives alone in the house she inherited from her mother. When young, vibrant Alison Simms rents the cottage on her property, the two women strike up a fast friendship -- and Terry is swept into a fantastic new life: dinners out, shopping, makeovers, even flirting with the handsome son of one of her elderly patients. But nothing about her newfound companion is as it appears, as Terry discovers when Alison's closely guarded past comes to light. Now Terry is locked into a race to reclaim her own life -- before she opens the door any further to the stranger she thought she knew...
This book turns out so twisted and has a villian that is truly creepy. There were twists and turns everywhere and the reader has to pay close attention to the details and small things if you hope to catch the surprise ending. I didn't catch it until it was partly revealed and I actually had to stop and shake my head because it was so suprising. I just loved this book... the characters came to life, I could see the little Florida town it took place in, and the pages kept on turning. This is what a true suspense novel should be, and goes to show that you don't need the bloody, gory details to keep you hooked. I am disappointed that it is over, but I will be sure to recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspense book. Right now I feel like jumping in my car and buying Ms. Fielding's entire backlist and not moving until I have devoured each and every word. Whispers and Lies is definitely one of my top books in 2008!
I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas. I for one am happy that it is over for another year. I crave routine by nature and the holidays just throw everything out of whack for me. My new job is going great and I absolutely love it! The weather has been horrible, in typical Michigan fashion. Over a foot of snow, freezing rain, sleet, ice and now tomorrow thunderstorms and 60 degree weather with all of that snow melting and most likely leading to flooding before it goes back in the 20s on Sunday. Is it any wonder I can't shake this headache for the past week? Oh well. Happy Reading everyone!
From Amazon:
Terry Painter enjoys her quiet life in tranquil Delray, Florida, where the single, forty-year-old nurse lives alone in the house she inherited from her mother. When young, vibrant Alison Simms rents the cottage on her property, the two women strike up a fast friendship -- and Terry is swept into a fantastic new life: dinners out, shopping, makeovers, even flirting with the handsome son of one of her elderly patients. But nothing about her newfound companion is as it appears, as Terry discovers when Alison's closely guarded past comes to light. Now Terry is locked into a race to reclaim her own life -- before she opens the door any further to the stranger she thought she knew...
This book turns out so twisted and has a villian that is truly creepy. There were twists and turns everywhere and the reader has to pay close attention to the details and small things if you hope to catch the surprise ending. I didn't catch it until it was partly revealed and I actually had to stop and shake my head because it was so suprising. I just loved this book... the characters came to life, I could see the little Florida town it took place in, and the pages kept on turning. This is what a true suspense novel should be, and goes to show that you don't need the bloody, gory details to keep you hooked. I am disappointed that it is over, but I will be sure to recommend this book to anyone who loves a good suspense book. Right now I feel like jumping in my car and buying Ms. Fielding's entire backlist and not moving until I have devoured each and every word. Whispers and Lies is definitely one of my top books in 2008!
I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas. I for one am happy that it is over for another year. I crave routine by nature and the holidays just throw everything out of whack for me. My new job is going great and I absolutely love it! The weather has been horrible, in typical Michigan fashion. Over a foot of snow, freezing rain, sleet, ice and now tomorrow thunderstorms and 60 degree weather with all of that snow melting and most likely leading to flooding before it goes back in the 20s on Sunday. Is it any wonder I can't shake this headache for the past week? Oh well. Happy Reading everyone!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain
I loved Ms. Cain's first book, Heartsick, and wasn't sure how this one would follow up. This book far exceeded my expectations and the only thing I can say about this book is WOWZERS and I give it an A.
From Amazon:
With Heartsick, Chelsea Cain took the crime world by storm, introducing two of the most compelling characters in decades: serial killer Gretchen Lowell and her obsessed pursuer Portland Detective Archie Sheridan. The book spent four weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and garnered rave reviews around the world. But the riveting story of Archie and Gretchen was left unfinished, and now Chelsea Cain picks up the tale again.When the body of a young woman is discovered in Portland’s Forest Park, Archie is reminded of the last time they found a body there, more than a decade ago: it turned out to be the Beauty Killer’s first victim, and Archie’s first case. This body can't be one of Gretchen's—she’s in prison—but after help from reporter Susan Ward uncovers the dead woman's identity, it turns into another big case. Trouble is, Archie can't focus on the new investigation because the Beauty Killer case has exploded: Gretchen Lowell has escaped from prison.Archie hadn't seen her in two months; he'd moved back in with his family and sworn off visiting her. Though it should feel like progress, he actually feels worse. The news of her escape spreads like wildfire, but secretly, he's relieved. He knows he's the only one who can catch her, and in fact, he has a plan to get out from under her thumb once and for all.
The main character, Archie, is one sick man. When I say sick, I mean sick in the head and physically sick as well. His obsession with Gretchen is unbelievable, but Ms. Cain does such a great job writing about it and explaining all about it, the reader can clearly see how Archie is wrapped around her finger. A lot of the backstory was revealed in this book which the first book didn't have and I loved that. All of the characters are likeable, even though they are all clearly faulted. The suspense is always building and was truly a thriller. It is very dark and not a ton of action, but a lot more in the psyches of people, which I always enjoy. I would highly recommend this book to everyone but suggest that you do start with Heartsick. This morning I kept reading just a few pages because I didn't want the book to end, but finally had to just give in. I was worried about how the book was going to end, because I really do not want the series to end and I think it won't.
I just started a totally different type of book, One Fifth Avenue, by Candace Bushnell. I have only read 25 pages, but I am afraid that it won't hold up to Sweetheart and I may not give this one it's justice. That is why I purposely chose another book that is not a thriller so I won't be disappointed. Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
With Heartsick, Chelsea Cain took the crime world by storm, introducing two of the most compelling characters in decades: serial killer Gretchen Lowell and her obsessed pursuer Portland Detective Archie Sheridan. The book spent four weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and garnered rave reviews around the world. But the riveting story of Archie and Gretchen was left unfinished, and now Chelsea Cain picks up the tale again.When the body of a young woman is discovered in Portland’s Forest Park, Archie is reminded of the last time they found a body there, more than a decade ago: it turned out to be the Beauty Killer’s first victim, and Archie’s first case. This body can't be one of Gretchen's—she’s in prison—but after help from reporter Susan Ward uncovers the dead woman's identity, it turns into another big case. Trouble is, Archie can't focus on the new investigation because the Beauty Killer case has exploded: Gretchen Lowell has escaped from prison.Archie hadn't seen her in two months; he'd moved back in with his family and sworn off visiting her. Though it should feel like progress, he actually feels worse. The news of her escape spreads like wildfire, but secretly, he's relieved. He knows he's the only one who can catch her, and in fact, he has a plan to get out from under her thumb once and for all.
The main character, Archie, is one sick man. When I say sick, I mean sick in the head and physically sick as well. His obsession with Gretchen is unbelievable, but Ms. Cain does such a great job writing about it and explaining all about it, the reader can clearly see how Archie is wrapped around her finger. A lot of the backstory was revealed in this book which the first book didn't have and I loved that. All of the characters are likeable, even though they are all clearly faulted. The suspense is always building and was truly a thriller. It is very dark and not a ton of action, but a lot more in the psyches of people, which I always enjoy. I would highly recommend this book to everyone but suggest that you do start with Heartsick. This morning I kept reading just a few pages because I didn't want the book to end, but finally had to just give in. I was worried about how the book was going to end, because I really do not want the series to end and I think it won't.
I just started a totally different type of book, One Fifth Avenue, by Candace Bushnell. I have only read 25 pages, but I am afraid that it won't hold up to Sweetheart and I may not give this one it's justice. That is why I purposely chose another book that is not a thriller so I won't be disappointed. Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Say Goodbye by Lisa Gardner
I have always been a fan of Lisa Gardner for a long time, so I was quite excited when Say Goodbye came in from the library. I quickly read this in one day and thought it was a great thriller! I give it an A.
From Amazon:
Come into my parlor . . .For Kimberly Quincy, FBI Special Agent, it all starts with a pregnant hooker. The story Delilah Rose tells Kimberly about her johns is too horrifying to be true—but prostitutes are disappearing, one by one, with no explanation, and no one but Kimberly seems to care.Said the spider to the fly . . .As a member of the Evidence Response Team, dead hookers aren’t exactly Kimberly’s specialty. The young agent is five months pregnant—she has other things to worry about than an alleged lunatic who uses spiders to do his dirty work. But Kimberly’s own mother and sister were victims of a serial killer. And now, without any bodies and with precious few clues, it’s all too clear that a serial killer has found the key to the perfect murder . . . or Kimberly is chasing a crime that never happened.Kimberly’s caught in a web more lethal than any spider’s, and the more she fights for answers, the more tightly she’s trapped. What she doesn’t know is that she’s close—too close—to a psychopath who makes women’s nightmares come alive, and if he has his twisted way, it won’t be long before it’s time for Kimberly to . . .
This book was just creepy. The killer was seriously twisted and some of the acts committed against his victims were horrid. Some of them involved children, so part of it was difficult to read. However, Ms. Gardner really knows how to write believing suspense that really sends chills up my spine. I did have a problem with the main character, Kimberly. She was five months pregnant and putting herself into really stupid situtations where she could harm not only herself, but her baby as well. However, the character did say that she was being selfish, but she didn't remove herself from the situation. That wasn't enough to take away from how good this book was, though. If you like a good thriller, run and get this book!
I went to one of our local library's used book sale today. This one is huge and always has such a big turnout. I ended up getting around 28 books for $14.50... including some hardcovers! I went before work, so I didn't have a ton of browsing time, but on Sunday is their bag day. You pay $5.00 for a brown paper bag and fill it up to your heart's content. I will definitely be back and will probably bring my list of what I do have. I have hundreds of books in my TBR piles and it is hard to remember what I have and unfortunetly I didn't bring my list with me today. Oh well, I just pass along any duplicates or donate them. These are the books I got.
Drop Dead Beautiful by Jackie Collins
Math Counts School Handbook
Mathematics Daily Review
Big Collection of Teacher Tips
Kingdom Come by Tim Green
The Tutor by Peter Abrahams
Widow by Billie Sue Mosiman
Ripper by Michael Slade
Hide by Lisa Gardner
Mother's Day by Patricia MacDonald
Sleep No More by Greg Iles
Prime Witness by Steve Martini
Hitchcock in Prime Time (a set of stories which the old t.v. series was based on... I LOVE this series and now watch it on DVD or our retro channel)
The Beach House by James Patterson (I don't think I read this)
The Beach Road by James Patterson (for my mom who hasn't read it)
Amnesia by David Best
The Midnight Club by James Patterson
Darkness Bound by Larry Brooks
Bone Thief by Thomas O'Callaghan (may be a duplicate)
Hollywood Wives by Jackie Collins (may be a duplicate)
The World is Full of Married Men by Jackie Collins (may be a duplicate)
Death on the Flop by Jackie Chance
Murder Suicide by Keith Ablow
Black Water by T.J. MacGregor
3rd Degree by James Patterson
Turning Angel by Greg Iles
Final Therapy by Robert Burton
I Heard that Song Before by Mary Higgins Clark
A lot of new to me authors and I find that used book sales are a great place to discover new favorites. Let me know if you know have read any of these and I show move them up to the front.
Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Come into my parlor . . .For Kimberly Quincy, FBI Special Agent, it all starts with a pregnant hooker. The story Delilah Rose tells Kimberly about her johns is too horrifying to be true—but prostitutes are disappearing, one by one, with no explanation, and no one but Kimberly seems to care.Said the spider to the fly . . .As a member of the Evidence Response Team, dead hookers aren’t exactly Kimberly’s specialty. The young agent is five months pregnant—she has other things to worry about than an alleged lunatic who uses spiders to do his dirty work. But Kimberly’s own mother and sister were victims of a serial killer. And now, without any bodies and with precious few clues, it’s all too clear that a serial killer has found the key to the perfect murder . . . or Kimberly is chasing a crime that never happened.Kimberly’s caught in a web more lethal than any spider’s, and the more she fights for answers, the more tightly she’s trapped. What she doesn’t know is that she’s close—too close—to a psychopath who makes women’s nightmares come alive, and if he has his twisted way, it won’t be long before it’s time for Kimberly to . . .
This book was just creepy. The killer was seriously twisted and some of the acts committed against his victims were horrid. Some of them involved children, so part of it was difficult to read. However, Ms. Gardner really knows how to write believing suspense that really sends chills up my spine. I did have a problem with the main character, Kimberly. She was five months pregnant and putting herself into really stupid situtations where she could harm not only herself, but her baby as well. However, the character did say that she was being selfish, but she didn't remove herself from the situation. That wasn't enough to take away from how good this book was, though. If you like a good thriller, run and get this book!
I went to one of our local library's used book sale today. This one is huge and always has such a big turnout. I ended up getting around 28 books for $14.50... including some hardcovers! I went before work, so I didn't have a ton of browsing time, but on Sunday is their bag day. You pay $5.00 for a brown paper bag and fill it up to your heart's content. I will definitely be back and will probably bring my list of what I do have. I have hundreds of books in my TBR piles and it is hard to remember what I have and unfortunetly I didn't bring my list with me today. Oh well, I just pass along any duplicates or donate them. These are the books I got.
Drop Dead Beautiful by Jackie Collins
Math Counts School Handbook
Mathematics Daily Review
Big Collection of Teacher Tips
Kingdom Come by Tim Green
The Tutor by Peter Abrahams
Widow by Billie Sue Mosiman
Ripper by Michael Slade
Hide by Lisa Gardner
Mother's Day by Patricia MacDonald
Sleep No More by Greg Iles
Prime Witness by Steve Martini
Hitchcock in Prime Time (a set of stories which the old t.v. series was based on... I LOVE this series and now watch it on DVD or our retro channel)
The Beach House by James Patterson (I don't think I read this)
The Beach Road by James Patterson (for my mom who hasn't read it)
Amnesia by David Best
The Midnight Club by James Patterson
Darkness Bound by Larry Brooks
Bone Thief by Thomas O'Callaghan (may be a duplicate)
Hollywood Wives by Jackie Collins (may be a duplicate)
The World is Full of Married Men by Jackie Collins (may be a duplicate)
Death on the Flop by Jackie Chance
Murder Suicide by Keith Ablow
Black Water by T.J. MacGregor
3rd Degree by James Patterson
Turning Angel by Greg Iles
Final Therapy by Robert Burton
I Heard that Song Before by Mary Higgins Clark
A lot of new to me authors and I find that used book sales are a great place to discover new favorites. Let me know if you know have read any of these and I show move them up to the front.
Happy Reading!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Perfect Nightmare by John Saul
Another totally and creepy novel by Mr. Saul. As I finished reading this, my heart was pounding and I actually have goosebumps. I never thought that a book would creep me out as much, but this one did. A solid A.
From Amazon:
If you open your house to strangers, who knows who might come in. And what they might be after. Or whom. Now, ponder the unthinkable and surrender to your darkest dread, as sinister storyteller extraordinaire John Saul weaves a heart-stopping tale of lurking terror and twisted intent.Every parent’s nightmare becomes reality for Kara Marshall when her daughter, Lindsay, vanishes from her bedroom during the night. The police suspect that the girl is just another moody teenage runaway, angry over leaving behind her school and friends because her family is moving. But Lindsay’s recent eerie claim–that someone invaded her room when the house was opened to prospective buyers–drives Kara to fear the worst: a nameless, faceless stalker has walked the halls of her home in search of more than a place to live.Patrick Shields recognizes Kara’s pain–and carries plenty of his own since he lost his wife and two children in a devastating house fire. But more than grief draws Patrick and Kara together. He, too, senses the hand of a malevolent stranger in this tragedy. And as more people go missing from houses up for sale, Patrick’s suspicion, like Kara’s, blooms into horrified certainty. Someone is trolling this peaceful community–undetected and undeterred–harvesting victims for a purpose no sane mind can fathom. Someone Kara and Patrick, alone and desperate, are determined to unmask. Someone who is even now watching, plotting, keeping a demented diary of unspeakable deeds . . . and waiting until the time is ripe for another fateful visit.
This was such a good book. Unfortunetly because of work, I wasn't able to read it as quickly as I would have liked to, but I stayed up late and then finished it today when I got home. His books are so well written, and I have to say are even creepier because the whole set-up for the abductions seems like it could happen in real life. Mr. Saul may become one of my new favorite authors of thrillers. I will also admit that I was totally thrown at the end of the book and did not expect the ending. That in itself was so creepy and I was astounded. I am so glad I got a couple more of his books from the library and that J. Kaye gave me so recommendations.
Up next is Sail by James Patterson. It is only a 7 day checkout, so I need to fit it in. I hope it is better than the last Patterson I read, You've Been Warned. Usually, I really enjoy his books so I hope this one is just as good. I got a new job today, though it is only 5 hours a week. It is working in a school district that hires new teachers pretty regularly so it will be a good foot in the door. I will be a math teacher for high school students who need additional help. We will be meeting for two days a week, and though it is only 5 hours a week, I will be making as much money as if I subbed for two days. I will only be able to sub a half of a day on those days, but if I don't get called it won't be a loss of money and will be a great opportunity to get in. I had to interview in front of three people, including two principals so I am really happy it went well and I was offered the position. I hope everyone is having a good week and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
If you open your house to strangers, who knows who might come in. And what they might be after. Or whom. Now, ponder the unthinkable and surrender to your darkest dread, as sinister storyteller extraordinaire John Saul weaves a heart-stopping tale of lurking terror and twisted intent.Every parent’s nightmare becomes reality for Kara Marshall when her daughter, Lindsay, vanishes from her bedroom during the night. The police suspect that the girl is just another moody teenage runaway, angry over leaving behind her school and friends because her family is moving. But Lindsay’s recent eerie claim–that someone invaded her room when the house was opened to prospective buyers–drives Kara to fear the worst: a nameless, faceless stalker has walked the halls of her home in search of more than a place to live.Patrick Shields recognizes Kara’s pain–and carries plenty of his own since he lost his wife and two children in a devastating house fire. But more than grief draws Patrick and Kara together. He, too, senses the hand of a malevolent stranger in this tragedy. And as more people go missing from houses up for sale, Patrick’s suspicion, like Kara’s, blooms into horrified certainty. Someone is trolling this peaceful community–undetected and undeterred–harvesting victims for a purpose no sane mind can fathom. Someone Kara and Patrick, alone and desperate, are determined to unmask. Someone who is even now watching, plotting, keeping a demented diary of unspeakable deeds . . . and waiting until the time is ripe for another fateful visit.
This was such a good book. Unfortunetly because of work, I wasn't able to read it as quickly as I would have liked to, but I stayed up late and then finished it today when I got home. His books are so well written, and I have to say are even creepier because the whole set-up for the abductions seems like it could happen in real life. Mr. Saul may become one of my new favorite authors of thrillers. I will also admit that I was totally thrown at the end of the book and did not expect the ending. That in itself was so creepy and I was astounded. I am so glad I got a couple more of his books from the library and that J. Kaye gave me so recommendations.
Up next is Sail by James Patterson. It is only a 7 day checkout, so I need to fit it in. I hope it is better than the last Patterson I read, You've Been Warned. Usually, I really enjoy his books so I hope this one is just as good. I got a new job today, though it is only 5 hours a week. It is working in a school district that hires new teachers pretty regularly so it will be a good foot in the door. I will be a math teacher for high school students who need additional help. We will be meeting for two days a week, and though it is only 5 hours a week, I will be making as much money as if I subbed for two days. I will only be able to sub a half of a day on those days, but if I don't get called it won't be a loss of money and will be a great opportunity to get in. I had to interview in front of three people, including two principals so I am really happy it went well and I was offered the position. I hope everyone is having a good week and Happy Reading!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Faces of Fear by John Saul
Whew... what a great book! This was a spooky one and not in the matter of ghostly or anything like that. This book definitely got me out of my funk as I started and finished this today. I truly chilling book that I give an A.
From Amazon:
Fifteen-year-old Alison Shaw may not be beautiful, but she doesn’t really care: She’d much rather read a good book than primp in front of a mirror anyway. But Alison’s gorgeous mother, Risa, knows that beauty can be a key to success and wishes only the best for her daughter, especially when Risa marries a widowed plastic surgeon and moves Alison from Santa Monica to Bel Air. Beauty may be only skin deep, but to the denizens of Bel Air it means the world. Everywhere mother and daughter look, they are surrounded by beautiful people, many of whom have benefited from the skills of Alison’s new stepfather, the charismatic Peter Dunn. Peter is certain he can turn Alison into a vision of loveliness, and Risa–drawn in by his cool confidence–is delighted. Reluctantly, Alison agrees to undergo the first procedure, and her transformation begins.But soon Alison discovers a picture of Peter’s first wife. To Alison’s horror, she notices a resemblance between the image in the photo and the work her stepfather is doing on her. Though Risa refuses to acknowledge the strange similarity, Alison becomes increasingly frightened. Digging further into her stepfather’s murky past, Alison uncovers dark secrets–and even darker motives–and realizes that her worst fears are fast becoming her reality.
I do find it funny that the product description has the step-father's name as Peter, because in the book his name is Conrad. While reading this, I had a pretty good idea of who the bad guy was, but I kept changing my mind. I thought Mr. Saul did an absolutely fantastic job getting into the mind of Allison and all of the pressures a 15 year old girl goes through, much less moving to Bel-Air. I could also identify with her and the pressures of not feeling like she matches up, as the first surgery she has is breast implants. I haven't been blessed in that department, and I have often thought about it... but I decided God made me like this and what you see is what you get. I do have to admit I was a little worried that Allison's mom was all of the surgery, but I think it just goes to show how the pressures of fitting in even affected the mother. All in all a very excellent read. I need to check my records and see if I have any other books by him because I think it will be my next read.
Well, I am off to bed. I have a job for tomorrow so I have to be up early. To tell you the truth, I was looking forward to having the day off, but I have been off for awhile. Plus in two weeks I am going on a mini vacation to New York City with my mom and my brother. We got flights for $18 round trip if you can believe it, and any extra money I can make for shopping will be excellent! I hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Fifteen-year-old Alison Shaw may not be beautiful, but she doesn’t really care: She’d much rather read a good book than primp in front of a mirror anyway. But Alison’s gorgeous mother, Risa, knows that beauty can be a key to success and wishes only the best for her daughter, especially when Risa marries a widowed plastic surgeon and moves Alison from Santa Monica to Bel Air. Beauty may be only skin deep, but to the denizens of Bel Air it means the world. Everywhere mother and daughter look, they are surrounded by beautiful people, many of whom have benefited from the skills of Alison’s new stepfather, the charismatic Peter Dunn. Peter is certain he can turn Alison into a vision of loveliness, and Risa–drawn in by his cool confidence–is delighted. Reluctantly, Alison agrees to undergo the first procedure, and her transformation begins.But soon Alison discovers a picture of Peter’s first wife. To Alison’s horror, she notices a resemblance between the image in the photo and the work her stepfather is doing on her. Though Risa refuses to acknowledge the strange similarity, Alison becomes increasingly frightened. Digging further into her stepfather’s murky past, Alison uncovers dark secrets–and even darker motives–and realizes that her worst fears are fast becoming her reality.
I do find it funny that the product description has the step-father's name as Peter, because in the book his name is Conrad. While reading this, I had a pretty good idea of who the bad guy was, but I kept changing my mind. I thought Mr. Saul did an absolutely fantastic job getting into the mind of Allison and all of the pressures a 15 year old girl goes through, much less moving to Bel-Air. I could also identify with her and the pressures of not feeling like she matches up, as the first surgery she has is breast implants. I haven't been blessed in that department, and I have often thought about it... but I decided God made me like this and what you see is what you get. I do have to admit I was a little worried that Allison's mom was all of the surgery, but I think it just goes to show how the pressures of fitting in even affected the mother. All in all a very excellent read. I need to check my records and see if I have any other books by him because I think it will be my next read.
Well, I am off to bed. I have a job for tomorrow so I have to be up early. To tell you the truth, I was looking forward to having the day off, but I have been off for awhile. Plus in two weeks I am going on a mini vacation to New York City with my mom and my brother. We got flights for $18 round trip if you can believe it, and any extra money I can make for shopping will be excellent! I hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Lucky by Jackie Collins
Oh, do I love me a Jackie Collins' novel, especially in the summer. To me, her novels are always considered the perfect beach read and Lucky was no different. I started it last night and finished it today, which just goes to show how much I loved this book as it was 600 pages long. I solid A read.
From Amazon:
With the sensual grace of a panther, Lucky Santangelo prowled her Las Vegas casino, restless, ready, eager for action. That night began a dazzling odyssey, filled with dangerous passion and sun-drenched sex, sadistic vengeance and breathless suspense. From the decadent luxury of California, to Paris, New York and a private Greek island, Lucky fought for her father's honor, for ruthless triumph, for the wild card of a fabulous love. Her rivals; an ice-cold Hollywood wife...a much-married heiress strung out on cocaine...a jaded magnate hooked on power...a crazed hoodlum lusting for murder. But Lucky was a gambIer and a lover, a woman who ruled her empire and pursued her man with the potent Santangelo strength ... her way, on her terms, whatever the odds.
I think the thing I love best about Ms. Collins' books are all of the well-written characters. Because her books tend to be so long, we get to really know all of the characters and get an inside view into their minds. She just writes such believable characters, normally those who are rich, and they are all connected in some way and I love to get an inside look. I know a lot of people think her stories are just sex, sex, and more sex, and while there is sex, it is not what the whole book is focused on. This book has it all, murder, kidnapping, love, humor, and friendship. It is truly alarming how though this book was written in 1984, I still see a lot of the current "celebrities" in her characters. The book is not dated much and I just love to soak them up. Another great thrift store find.
Up next is a memoir that I got from the library by one of my favorites, Jen Lancaster. It is her newest book and I feel like I have had it on hold forever. There were a couple of times I almost broke down and bought it, but because I read them so fast and it is a trade paperback, I just didn't feel like spending $15.00. I will probably start it tonight before bed. I started my vacation off with a kick and am enjoying it!!! Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
With the sensual grace of a panther, Lucky Santangelo prowled her Las Vegas casino, restless, ready, eager for action. That night began a dazzling odyssey, filled with dangerous passion and sun-drenched sex, sadistic vengeance and breathless suspense. From the decadent luxury of California, to Paris, New York and a private Greek island, Lucky fought for her father's honor, for ruthless triumph, for the wild card of a fabulous love. Her rivals; an ice-cold Hollywood wife...a much-married heiress strung out on cocaine...a jaded magnate hooked on power...a crazed hoodlum lusting for murder. But Lucky was a gambIer and a lover, a woman who ruled her empire and pursued her man with the potent Santangelo strength ... her way, on her terms, whatever the odds.
I think the thing I love best about Ms. Collins' books are all of the well-written characters. Because her books tend to be so long, we get to really know all of the characters and get an inside view into their minds. She just writes such believable characters, normally those who are rich, and they are all connected in some way and I love to get an inside look. I know a lot of people think her stories are just sex, sex, and more sex, and while there is sex, it is not what the whole book is focused on. This book has it all, murder, kidnapping, love, humor, and friendship. It is truly alarming how though this book was written in 1984, I still see a lot of the current "celebrities" in her characters. The book is not dated much and I just love to soak them up. Another great thrift store find.
Up next is a memoir that I got from the library by one of my favorites, Jen Lancaster. It is her newest book and I feel like I have had it on hold forever. There were a couple of times I almost broke down and bought it, but because I read them so fast and it is a trade paperback, I just didn't feel like spending $15.00. I will probably start it tonight before bed. I started my vacation off with a kick and am enjoying it!!! Happy Reading!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
The Good Sister by Diana Diamond
I can not gush enough about Diana Diamond's novels. They are always so suspenseful and keep me on the edge of my seat, and The Good Sister is not any different. There is no way I can rate this anything other than A.
From Amazon:
One is sugar, the other spice...To the world, the privileged Pegan sisters are the ideal complement to each other: one sweet-tempered and reserved; the other vibrant and willful. Together they both are determined to lead their global communications empire into daring new territory. As brilliant Jennifer engineers the launch of the world's first private satellite into outer space, glamorous Catherine is drawn to the limelight of Hollywood's movie industry. Each is in her element-and each has captured the attention of two enigmatic men.But which conceals a soul of ice?Nobody would ever guess that behind one sister's charming facade lies the bitter resentment born of years of living in her sibling's shadow. Nobody would suspect that soon jealousy will turn to vengeance-and vengeance to murderous rage. Nobody would dream that the woman who possesses everything wants only what her sister has and is bent on evening the score once and for all. But which one is the good sister?
This is such a wonderful suspense novel and the psychological twists are really chilling. Throughout the book, I was back and forth trying to decide who "The Good Sister" really is. The reader gets inside the mind of the bad one without knowing if it is Catherine or Jennifer. The author gives the reader some clues but also a lot of red herrings that really keep you guessing. I absolutely love her books, and can not stress enough what a great book Diana Diamond writes. I urge everyone to go to their local library or bookstore to pick up one of her books. I try to space out her books so that I have some to read as I am not sure if she is still writing. I loved this book and that is all I can really say about it.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I still have five library books to read so I will just grab one of those. I start teaching on Monday and I am sure I will be nervous tomorrow, so I need a good book to keep me distracted. I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend and is getting a lot of good reading in. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
One is sugar, the other spice...To the world, the privileged Pegan sisters are the ideal complement to each other: one sweet-tempered and reserved; the other vibrant and willful. Together they both are determined to lead their global communications empire into daring new territory. As brilliant Jennifer engineers the launch of the world's first private satellite into outer space, glamorous Catherine is drawn to the limelight of Hollywood's movie industry. Each is in her element-and each has captured the attention of two enigmatic men.But which conceals a soul of ice?Nobody would ever guess that behind one sister's charming facade lies the bitter resentment born of years of living in her sibling's shadow. Nobody would suspect that soon jealousy will turn to vengeance-and vengeance to murderous rage. Nobody would dream that the woman who possesses everything wants only what her sister has and is bent on evening the score once and for all. But which one is the good sister?
This is such a wonderful suspense novel and the psychological twists are really chilling. Throughout the book, I was back and forth trying to decide who "The Good Sister" really is. The reader gets inside the mind of the bad one without knowing if it is Catherine or Jennifer. The author gives the reader some clues but also a lot of red herrings that really keep you guessing. I absolutely love her books, and can not stress enough what a great book Diana Diamond writes. I urge everyone to go to their local library or bookstore to pick up one of her books. I try to space out her books so that I have some to read as I am not sure if she is still writing. I loved this book and that is all I can really say about it.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I still have five library books to read so I will just grab one of those. I start teaching on Monday and I am sure I will be nervous tomorrow, so I need a good book to keep me distracted. I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend and is getting a lot of good reading in. Happy Reading!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
The Shadow Hunter by Michael Prescott
I got The Shadow Hunter from the thrift store and this book proves once again that the thrift store is a wonderful place to try new-to-me authors. The Shadow Hunter was a wonderful book and psychological suspense book. I rated this as an A.
Back of the book:
Abby Sinclair is a hunter, as cunning and deadly as her prey. Working alone, she infiltrates the lives of stalkers... discovers their darkest desires... and brings them down before they explode...
Raymond Hickle is close to the edge. The object of his twisted obsession is a beautiful television news anchor. He knows her every expression, her every move. And if he can't possess her, no one will...
But know, Raymond has a new next-door neighbor. Her name is Abby, and she's moving in for the kill. Little does Abby know, danger lurks beneath every shadow...
I loved this book. I was guessing throughout and couldn't figure out who all of the players were and what they were exactly doing and what their motives were. I loved the premise, especially since the hunter was indeed getting hunted with Abby inflitrating a stalker's life and their every move. The book was over 400 pages long, but I read it quickly and couldn't stop picking it up all of the time. I admit to peeking at times where I was stopped at a red light. This is the first book in a series about Abby and her life, so I will definitely will be looking forward to more of her stories. I believe I have the second book in the series and plan on reading it shortly. My library also has the rest of the books, so I will hopefully be able to read the series.
The rest of this week seems to be a long one. We have two field trips in the next two days, and I am not looking forward to them. It is supposed to be hot and the kids have been crazy and out of control lately and it all seems to add up to one big headache. I am not sure what I am going to read next, but it will be something I grab off of the shelves. I probably won't be able to start something else tonight but I will grab something because I have to go straight to the doctor's after work and there always seems to be a bit of a wait. I hope everyone is getting lots of reading in! Happy Reading!
Back of the book:
Abby Sinclair is a hunter, as cunning and deadly as her prey. Working alone, she infiltrates the lives of stalkers... discovers their darkest desires... and brings them down before they explode...
Raymond Hickle is close to the edge. The object of his twisted obsession is a beautiful television news anchor. He knows her every expression, her every move. And if he can't possess her, no one will...
But know, Raymond has a new next-door neighbor. Her name is Abby, and she's moving in for the kill. Little does Abby know, danger lurks beneath every shadow...
I loved this book. I was guessing throughout and couldn't figure out who all of the players were and what they were exactly doing and what their motives were. I loved the premise, especially since the hunter was indeed getting hunted with Abby inflitrating a stalker's life and their every move. The book was over 400 pages long, but I read it quickly and couldn't stop picking it up all of the time. I admit to peeking at times where I was stopped at a red light. This is the first book in a series about Abby and her life, so I will definitely will be looking forward to more of her stories. I believe I have the second book in the series and plan on reading it shortly. My library also has the rest of the books, so I will hopefully be able to read the series.
The rest of this week seems to be a long one. We have two field trips in the next two days, and I am not looking forward to them. It is supposed to be hot and the kids have been crazy and out of control lately and it all seems to add up to one big headache. I am not sure what I am going to read next, but it will be something I grab off of the shelves. I probably won't be able to start something else tonight but I will grab something because I have to go straight to the doctor's after work and there always seems to be a bit of a wait. I hope everyone is getting lots of reading in! Happy Reading!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz
What a fun book! I definitely had my doubts before picking up this book because of the comparisions to the Stephanie Plum series, but I really enjoyed this. I had at least a little smile on my face the entire time I read it and have to give this book an A.
From Amazon:
Meet Isabel "Izzy" Spellman, private investigator. This twenty-eight-year-old may have a checkered past littered with romantic mistakes, excessive drinking, and creative vandalism; she may be addicted to Get Smart reruns and prefer entering homes through windows rather than doors -- but the upshot is she's good at her job as a licensed private investigator with her family's firm, Spellman Investigations. Invading people's privacy comes naturally to Izzy. In fact, it comes naturally to all the Spellmans. If only they could leave their work at the office. To be a Spellman is to snoop on a Spellman; tail a Spellman; dig up dirt on, blackmail, and wiretap a Spellman.
Part Nancy Drew, part Dirty Harry, Izzy walks an indistinguishable line between Spellman family member and Spellman employee. Duties include: completing assignments from the bosses, aka Mom and Dad (preferably without scrutiny); appeasing her chronically perfect lawyer brother (often under duress); setting an example for her fourteen-year-old sister, Rae (who's become addicted to "recreational surveillance"); and tracking down her uncle (who randomly disappears on benders dubbed "Lost Weekends"). But when Izzy's parents hire Rae to follow her (for the purpose of ascertaining the identity of Izzy's new boyfriend), Izzy snaps and decides that the only way she will ever be normal is if she gets out of the family business. But there's a hitch: she must take one last job before they'll let her go -- a fifteen-year-old, ice-cold missing person case. She accepts, only to experience a disappearance far closer to home, which becomes the most important case of her life.
This book was definitely low on the mystery, and in fact I was more than halfway through with the book before the mystery was even introduced. However, it was so much fun and I loved to get to know all about Izzy, her older brother David, her younger sister Rae, and all of the other Spellmans. This book provided a lot of chuckles though it wasn't so over the top that it may be absolutely unbelievable. I am so happy that this book is part of a series, and I have already placed the next one on hold through my library. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a light-hearted mystery with some great laughs and a quick read. I am counting down the days until I get the next one in from the library.
Up next is Tina Wainscott's newest book, What Lies In the Shadows. I have several of her books but I am pretty sure I have never read one. This one caught my attention when I bought it at the bookstore before my giving up buying books for Lent and for some reason it never made it to my bookshelf. When I went to get the next book I was planning on reading, there it was lying so I decided to give it a chance. I hope I enjoy her books as I have several others of hers. I should be able to get a good start on it today as I am at work and things are pretty slow for me. Chris and I have bowling when tonight when I get done with work, so my reading time tonight will be cut big time. I hope everyone else's weekend has gotten off to a good start and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Meet Isabel "Izzy" Spellman, private investigator. This twenty-eight-year-old may have a checkered past littered with romantic mistakes, excessive drinking, and creative vandalism; she may be addicted to Get Smart reruns and prefer entering homes through windows rather than doors -- but the upshot is she's good at her job as a licensed private investigator with her family's firm, Spellman Investigations. Invading people's privacy comes naturally to Izzy. In fact, it comes naturally to all the Spellmans. If only they could leave their work at the office. To be a Spellman is to snoop on a Spellman; tail a Spellman; dig up dirt on, blackmail, and wiretap a Spellman.
Part Nancy Drew, part Dirty Harry, Izzy walks an indistinguishable line between Spellman family member and Spellman employee. Duties include: completing assignments from the bosses, aka Mom and Dad (preferably without scrutiny); appeasing her chronically perfect lawyer brother (often under duress); setting an example for her fourteen-year-old sister, Rae (who's become addicted to "recreational surveillance"); and tracking down her uncle (who randomly disappears on benders dubbed "Lost Weekends"). But when Izzy's parents hire Rae to follow her (for the purpose of ascertaining the identity of Izzy's new boyfriend), Izzy snaps and decides that the only way she will ever be normal is if she gets out of the family business. But there's a hitch: she must take one last job before they'll let her go -- a fifteen-year-old, ice-cold missing person case. She accepts, only to experience a disappearance far closer to home, which becomes the most important case of her life.
This book was definitely low on the mystery, and in fact I was more than halfway through with the book before the mystery was even introduced. However, it was so much fun and I loved to get to know all about Izzy, her older brother David, her younger sister Rae, and all of the other Spellmans. This book provided a lot of chuckles though it wasn't so over the top that it may be absolutely unbelievable. I am so happy that this book is part of a series, and I have already placed the next one on hold through my library. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a light-hearted mystery with some great laughs and a quick read. I am counting down the days until I get the next one in from the library.
Up next is Tina Wainscott's newest book, What Lies In the Shadows. I have several of her books but I am pretty sure I have never read one. This one caught my attention when I bought it at the bookstore before my giving up buying books for Lent and for some reason it never made it to my bookshelf. When I went to get the next book I was planning on reading, there it was lying so I decided to give it a chance. I hope I enjoy her books as I have several others of hers. I should be able to get a good start on it today as I am at work and things are pretty slow for me. Chris and I have bowling when tonight when I get done with work, so my reading time tonight will be cut big time. I hope everyone else's weekend has gotten off to a good start and Happy Reading!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
They Did It With Love by Kate Morgenroth
I read about They Did It With Love on another reader's blog and placed the book on hold at my local library. It came in pretty quickly and I started to read yesterday and finished it this morning. It was such a wonderful book and I really, really loved it. I would rate it an A.
From Amazon:
Sofie and her husband have left Manhattan in search of a more tranquil life in the suburbs. But when a member of Sofie’s new neighborhood book club turns up dead, things get messy. She discovers that everybody has something to hide, including her own husband. Her neighbor Priscilla has been married to Gordon for fifteen years, but the love left their marriage a long time ago. Susan is Priscilla’s biggest supporter until she has to choose between loyalty to her friend and telling the truth. Ashley is eager to fit in, but her youth and status as a second wife keep her on the outside. She may know more than they think she does, though. Julia seems to have it all—the perfect house, job and husband. But her untimely death has people questioning how perfect her life really was. Through this swamp of suburban secrets, Sofie must wade to find the truth behind Julia’s murder and the state of her own marriage.
The premise is one of my favorites and I love the setting. I really enjoy reading about the wealthy and think it is fascinating to read about their lives. The fact that the characters are such fans of mystery books and have a book club dedicated to them was also a great idea. This book had its own mystery going on and they were a ton of twists and turns throughout the story. I ended up having parts of the whodunit correct but I was surprised with some of the ending. The characters were really well written, and as it turned out I didn't really like many of the characters but I still enjoyed the story. That was surprising for me. I am also going to look for the two other books Ms. Morgenroth wrote and check those out. I really enjoy her writing and highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery.
I think I have one more book to read to reach my goal and I don't think I will be able to finish it. I am still not feeling too well and I also have more work to get done for my mom so that doesn't leave me with a lot of wiggle room. I am going to start a new book I just got earlier in the week called By Blood Written and seems to be quite the suspense book. Hope everyone else is having a relaxing weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Sofie and her husband have left Manhattan in search of a more tranquil life in the suburbs. But when a member of Sofie’s new neighborhood book club turns up dead, things get messy. She discovers that everybody has something to hide, including her own husband. Her neighbor Priscilla has been married to Gordon for fifteen years, but the love left their marriage a long time ago. Susan is Priscilla’s biggest supporter until she has to choose between loyalty to her friend and telling the truth. Ashley is eager to fit in, but her youth and status as a second wife keep her on the outside. She may know more than they think she does, though. Julia seems to have it all—the perfect house, job and husband. But her untimely death has people questioning how perfect her life really was. Through this swamp of suburban secrets, Sofie must wade to find the truth behind Julia’s murder and the state of her own marriage.
The premise is one of my favorites and I love the setting. I really enjoy reading about the wealthy and think it is fascinating to read about their lives. The fact that the characters are such fans of mystery books and have a book club dedicated to them was also a great idea. This book had its own mystery going on and they were a ton of twists and turns throughout the story. I ended up having parts of the whodunit correct but I was surprised with some of the ending. The characters were really well written, and as it turned out I didn't really like many of the characters but I still enjoyed the story. That was surprising for me. I am also going to look for the two other books Ms. Morgenroth wrote and check those out. I really enjoy her writing and highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery.
I think I have one more book to read to reach my goal and I don't think I will be able to finish it. I am still not feeling too well and I also have more work to get done for my mom so that doesn't leave me with a lot of wiggle room. I am going to start a new book I just got earlier in the week called By Blood Written and seems to be quite the suspense book. Hope everyone else is having a relaxing weekend and Happy Reading!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
The Wrong Man by John Katzenbach
Can I just say I loved this book? This story is what a thriller and psychological suspense is all about and what it should have. This was my first book that I read by Mr. Katzenbach, and I can guarantee that I will be reading many more by him. I rate this book an A.
From Amazon:
Ashley Freeman is a promising art-history student passionate about every aspect of her life. One night, the twentysomething Bostonian meets Michael O'Connell, a handsome, dark-haired stranger whom she readily forgets after a single steamy session between the sheets. But Mike, a street-smart psychopath who stalks women for sport, has no intention of letting Ashley go. He watches her every move from the shadows and sends her countless e-mails professing his love. Ashley's family and friends shrug it off as a crush, until O'Connell, an ingenious computer hacker, reveals the damage he can do: he sabotages the reputation of Ashley's professor father with a stinging accusation of plagiarism and nearly gets her mother, a lawyer, disbarred. Bribes and threats do nothing to deter him, and when a private investigator assigned to the case turns up dead, the Freeman family takes extreme measures to quash O'Connell's relentless pursuit.
This was a long book and it killed me that I didn't have more time to read it. Every spare minute I did have, however, I picked it up and was reading. I was almost late going back to school on my lunch break because the book was so good. The story is told through many different perspectives and I feel does a great job getting into the emotions of everyone. While I went into the story expecting the focus to be on Ashley, this is not the case. The ending made me a little mad, though I do understand it. The suspense was just so well written and my heart was pounding as I read it. It has been a long time since I have read a psychological suspense like this and I am sure that it will take quite awhile for me to forget this one. Mr. Katzenbach is definitely on my list of author's to be on the lookout for.
Up next is another memoir, this one titled Hypocrite in a Poufy White Dress. I got it from the library and I think it needs to go back soon, so I figured I would read this one next. I am sure it should be a quick read, and as December continues to pass quickly, I am really trying to get to that 100 books read mark. I am done with the teaching aspect of my student teaching and will just be doing observations on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Tomorrow I have a conference to go to, and then my presentation is on Thursday of next week. Besides preparing for that and doing a final run through of my portfolio, my outside work is done so hopefully I will be able to get a lot of reading done. I still have to finish my Christmas shopping, Chris' 30th birthday is on the 20th and I need to get ready for that, and I need to get my cards out. I am hoping to do that tomorrow night or maybe even bringing it with me to the seminar tomorrow. Even if I can right out the envelopes, I will be happy. Well, enough talking out loud to myself, I am going to squeeze in a quick chapter before I go to sleep. I do get to sleep in a bit tomorrow, but we are supposed to get some snow tonight that they are predicting will make the roads messy. Fun fun! Happy reading!
From Amazon:
Ashley Freeman is a promising art-history student passionate about every aspect of her life. One night, the twentysomething Bostonian meets Michael O'Connell, a handsome, dark-haired stranger whom she readily forgets after a single steamy session between the sheets. But Mike, a street-smart psychopath who stalks women for sport, has no intention of letting Ashley go. He watches her every move from the shadows and sends her countless e-mails professing his love. Ashley's family and friends shrug it off as a crush, until O'Connell, an ingenious computer hacker, reveals the damage he can do: he sabotages the reputation of Ashley's professor father with a stinging accusation of plagiarism and nearly gets her mother, a lawyer, disbarred. Bribes and threats do nothing to deter him, and when a private investigator assigned to the case turns up dead, the Freeman family takes extreme measures to quash O'Connell's relentless pursuit.
This was a long book and it killed me that I didn't have more time to read it. Every spare minute I did have, however, I picked it up and was reading. I was almost late going back to school on my lunch break because the book was so good. The story is told through many different perspectives and I feel does a great job getting into the emotions of everyone. While I went into the story expecting the focus to be on Ashley, this is not the case. The ending made me a little mad, though I do understand it. The suspense was just so well written and my heart was pounding as I read it. It has been a long time since I have read a psychological suspense like this and I am sure that it will take quite awhile for me to forget this one. Mr. Katzenbach is definitely on my list of author's to be on the lookout for.
Up next is another memoir, this one titled Hypocrite in a Poufy White Dress. I got it from the library and I think it needs to go back soon, so I figured I would read this one next. I am sure it should be a quick read, and as December continues to pass quickly, I am really trying to get to that 100 books read mark. I am done with the teaching aspect of my student teaching and will just be doing observations on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Tomorrow I have a conference to go to, and then my presentation is on Thursday of next week. Besides preparing for that and doing a final run through of my portfolio, my outside work is done so hopefully I will be able to get a lot of reading done. I still have to finish my Christmas shopping, Chris' 30th birthday is on the 20th and I need to get ready for that, and I need to get my cards out. I am hoping to do that tomorrow night or maybe even bringing it with me to the seminar tomorrow. Even if I can right out the envelopes, I will be happy. Well, enough talking out loud to myself, I am going to squeeze in a quick chapter before I go to sleep. I do get to sleep in a bit tomorrow, but we are supposed to get some snow tonight that they are predicting will make the roads messy. Fun fun! Happy reading!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Bright Lights, Big Ass by Jen Lancaster
I am not even sure where I heard of this book but it must have been somewhere out in the blogosphere, but oh my gosh, this was hilarious. I loved the way it was written and it went by way to fast for me. I have to give this book an A.
From Amazon:
Jen Lancaster hates to burst your happy little bubble, but life in the big city isn't all it's cracked up to be. Contrary to what you see on TV and in the movies, most urbanites aren't party-hopping in slinky dresses and strappy stilettos. But lucky for us, Lancaster knows how to make the life of the lower crust mercilessly funny and infinitely entertaining. Whether she's reporting rude neighbors to Homeland Security, harboring a crush on her grocery store clerk, or fighting-and losing-the Battle of the Stairmaster- Lancaster explores how silly, strange, and not-so-fabulous real city living can be. And if anyone doesn't like it, they can kiss her big, fat, pink, puffy down parka.
Totally not my usual type of book but this was such a find. Now I am sure I am missing a whole genre of books that I would probably love but just didn't give a second glance to. I love the way this book is set up with footnotes and emails and the like and Ms. Lancaster has such a wonderful voice. I flew through this and it was perfect for the five minutes here and there that I could steal, though I can tell you I would open this up while sitting at red lights just to read a paragraph. This is Ms. Lancaster's second book and I have her first on hold at the library. I have already talked about this book to my SIL, it was just so funny that I had to gush about it. I never thought that a memoir or an autobiography would be my type of book but this was just wonderful. If anyone else has any more books like this, I would love to hear about them.
I am also listening to Sellevision on my IPOD by Augusten Burroughs. He is the author of his memoir Running With Scissors. I am LOVING Sellevision, and anyone who has any opinion about Home Shopping must read this. The reader is wonderful and I found myself driving around the block to just listen to a bit more. I got Running With Scissors from the library today and will probably read that soon. My SIL told me she heard wonderful things about it so I am hoping it is a good one. Like I said, I would love any and all suggestions for more books like this.
Up next is A House on Sprucewood Lane by Caroline Slate. This book is more of my usual cup of tea and it sounds promising. I haven't heard of this author though so hopefully it is good. I got a ton of work done today, so I think I may just spend the day tomorrow reading and doing laundry. I know I will feel guilty so maybe I will work a bit on my portfolio. I am on a good pace to get it done, but I think I need a day to recharge. Plus after two really good books back to back I have got bitten by the reading bug and that is what I am thinking about. Hope everyone else has a great rest of the weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Jen Lancaster hates to burst your happy little bubble, but life in the big city isn't all it's cracked up to be. Contrary to what you see on TV and in the movies, most urbanites aren't party-hopping in slinky dresses and strappy stilettos. But lucky for us, Lancaster knows how to make the life of the lower crust mercilessly funny and infinitely entertaining. Whether she's reporting rude neighbors to Homeland Security, harboring a crush on her grocery store clerk, or fighting-and losing-the Battle of the Stairmaster- Lancaster explores how silly, strange, and not-so-fabulous real city living can be. And if anyone doesn't like it, they can kiss her big, fat, pink, puffy down parka.
Totally not my usual type of book but this was such a find. Now I am sure I am missing a whole genre of books that I would probably love but just didn't give a second glance to. I love the way this book is set up with footnotes and emails and the like and Ms. Lancaster has such a wonderful voice. I flew through this and it was perfect for the five minutes here and there that I could steal, though I can tell you I would open this up while sitting at red lights just to read a paragraph. This is Ms. Lancaster's second book and I have her first on hold at the library. I have already talked about this book to my SIL, it was just so funny that I had to gush about it. I never thought that a memoir or an autobiography would be my type of book but this was just wonderful. If anyone else has any more books like this, I would love to hear about them.
I am also listening to Sellevision on my IPOD by Augusten Burroughs. He is the author of his memoir Running With Scissors. I am LOVING Sellevision, and anyone who has any opinion about Home Shopping must read this. The reader is wonderful and I found myself driving around the block to just listen to a bit more. I got Running With Scissors from the library today and will probably read that soon. My SIL told me she heard wonderful things about it so I am hoping it is a good one. Like I said, I would love any and all suggestions for more books like this.
Up next is A House on Sprucewood Lane by Caroline Slate. This book is more of my usual cup of tea and it sounds promising. I haven't heard of this author though so hopefully it is good. I got a ton of work done today, so I think I may just spend the day tomorrow reading and doing laundry. I know I will feel guilty so maybe I will work a bit on my portfolio. I am on a good pace to get it done, but I think I need a day to recharge. Plus after two really good books back to back I have got bitten by the reading bug and that is what I am thinking about. Hope everyone else has a great rest of the weekend and Happy Reading!
Monday, October 1, 2007
Gone Baby Gone by Dennis Lehane
As I mentioned in my previous post, I decided to read this book after hearing about the movie to be released shortly and how the premiere has been pushed back because of the Madeline McCann case in London. This was my first Dennis Lehane book, and boy was it powerful. I give it an A.
From Amazon:
Vanished, in this complex and unsettling fourth case for PIs Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro is four-year-old Amanda McCready, taken one night from her apartment in Dorchester, a working-class section of Boston, where her mother had left her alone. Kenzie and Gennaro, hired by the child's aunt and uncle, join in an unlikely alliance with Remy Broussard and Nick Raftopoulos, known as Poole, the two cops with the department's Crimes Against Children squad who are assigned to the case. In tracing the history of Amanda's neglectful mother, whose past involved her with a drug lord and his minions, the foursome quickly find themselves tangling with Boston's crime underworld and involved in what appears to be a coup among criminals. Lehane develops plenty of tension between various pairs of parties: the good guys looking for Amanda and the bad guys who may know where she is; the two PIs and the two cops; various police and federal agencies; opposing camps in the underworld; and Patrick and Angie, who are lovers as well as business partners. All is delivered with abundant violence?e.g., bloated and mutilated corpses; gangland executions; shoot-outs with weapons of prodigious firepower; descriptions of sexual abuse of small children; threats of rape and murder?that serves to make Amanda's likely fate all the more chilling.
This book was great. I loved getting into the heads of Angie and Patrick and seeing how they all change throughout the book based on all of the evidence that is developing. While the book really tugs at a lot of heartstrings and really gets the reader thinking, it is still a good suspense book. It touches on a lot of really tough topics such as child abuse, including sexual abuse, and the fate of all of some missing children.
This book had me thinking and changing my mind often. It was hard to decide just exactly who the bad guys were and what the appropriate conclusion should be. It really was a heartbreaking story and at times had me upset, but was well worth it. It was so well written, and even though it took me a little less than a weekend, it kept me turning the pages. I will definitely will be looking and picking out more books by Mr. Lehane in the future. However, I am not sure if I will be able to see the movie, because I think it may ruin the book for me. I highly recommend this book to everyone even if you are not a big fan of suspense books.
Hopefully, the next book I read will not take me as long to read. Things have just been crazy with school and with something going on every weekend, I am having a hard time finding reading time. Hope everyone else's reading is going better! Happy reading!
From Amazon:
Vanished, in this complex and unsettling fourth case for PIs Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro is four-year-old Amanda McCready, taken one night from her apartment in Dorchester, a working-class section of Boston, where her mother had left her alone. Kenzie and Gennaro, hired by the child's aunt and uncle, join in an unlikely alliance with Remy Broussard and Nick Raftopoulos, known as Poole, the two cops with the department's Crimes Against Children squad who are assigned to the case. In tracing the history of Amanda's neglectful mother, whose past involved her with a drug lord and his minions, the foursome quickly find themselves tangling with Boston's crime underworld and involved in what appears to be a coup among criminals. Lehane develops plenty of tension between various pairs of parties: the good guys looking for Amanda and the bad guys who may know where she is; the two PIs and the two cops; various police and federal agencies; opposing camps in the underworld; and Patrick and Angie, who are lovers as well as business partners. All is delivered with abundant violence?e.g., bloated and mutilated corpses; gangland executions; shoot-outs with weapons of prodigious firepower; descriptions of sexual abuse of small children; threats of rape and murder?that serves to make Amanda's likely fate all the more chilling.
This book was great. I loved getting into the heads of Angie and Patrick and seeing how they all change throughout the book based on all of the evidence that is developing. While the book really tugs at a lot of heartstrings and really gets the reader thinking, it is still a good suspense book. It touches on a lot of really tough topics such as child abuse, including sexual abuse, and the fate of all of some missing children.
This book had me thinking and changing my mind often. It was hard to decide just exactly who the bad guys were and what the appropriate conclusion should be. It really was a heartbreaking story and at times had me upset, but was well worth it. It was so well written, and even though it took me a little less than a weekend, it kept me turning the pages. I will definitely will be looking and picking out more books by Mr. Lehane in the future. However, I am not sure if I will be able to see the movie, because I think it may ruin the book for me. I highly recommend this book to everyone even if you are not a big fan of suspense books.
Hopefully, the next book I read will not take me as long to read. Things have just been crazy with school and with something going on every weekend, I am having a hard time finding reading time. Hope everyone else's reading is going better! Happy reading!
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