Until the Next Time: A Novel
by Kevin Fox
Love Never Dies (2/12/2012)
This book was well written with rich, quirky characters. Interspersed with humor & vivid descriptions of Ireland in the 1970's & late 1990's, I quickly got drawn into the story.
Unfortunately, about half way through the book, the plot became somewhat confusing & I began to lose some interest.
However, I did develop a deepened appreciation of Ireland, the land, its people, culture, beliefs & history.
In the end, this turned out to be a profound love story which offers hope that our soul mates are always waiting to be found.
The Face Thief: A Novel
by Eli Gottlieb
The Face Thief by Eli Gottlieb (12/8/2011)
The Face Thief is a compelling, beautifully written, heartbreaking tale of high level, sophisticated deceit where the author keeps us guessing, until the very end, about how three complex characters resolve their problems. It brings into question whether we are all face thieves.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring the inner working of the mind and the resultant behavior that follows.
The Look of Love: A Piper Donovan Mystery
by Mary Jane Clark
The Look of Love by Mary Jane Clark (10/29/2011)
This pleasant, fast paced, nicely detailed book was a 'quick read' that offered a view into the world of spas, Hollywood, plastic surgery, a monastery and the art of baking. There was also a mystery to solve and clues were interspersed throughout. The characters were realistic, especially the relationships between fathers and daughters. There is also an emphasis on how some women view their appearances in often unrealistic ways, giving the reader something to think about.
Baking details, plus a recipe are an added bonus.
This story flowed so smoothly that reading it was a 'mini vacation.' I would recommend it as a fun, escape novel.
The Philosophical Breakfast Club: Four Remarkable Friends Who Transformed Science and Changed the World
by Laura J. Snyder
The Philosophical Breakfast Club (1/13/2011)
This book is well written, researched and documented but it is not a 'quick read'. The author gives much background information about these 4 men of science, their families, parents, circumstances and environments in which they grew up. He shows how all this helped to shape their lives, become 'intellectual soul mates' and so change the world of science that impacts so greatly on our world today.
It might appeal to someone who has the inclination and time to delve into the abundant details presented.
Ever By My Side: A Memoir in Eight
Acts Pets
by Dr. Nick Trout
A Good Read (1/2/2011)
Ever By My Side is beautifully written with just the right amount of narration and humor 'sandwiched' between tales of heartbreak. It highlights the value and relationships animals play in our lives and how early experiences help influence our attitudes towards living creatures in general. It also describes family dynamics between pets and their owners.
This is also a great coming of age tribute to the influence this author's parents, especially his father, played in shaping his world towards animals and thus in choosing his future career as a
veterinarian.
At an early age he witnessed how Veterinarians are crucial in the lives of pets and their owners. He began to sense that
veterinary science goes beyond medicine, that the human/animal bond is profound and that Veterinarians play a key role in fostering this bond.
Ever By My Side would appeal to anyone, especially animal lovers for it is a 'good read'!
Bury Your Dead: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, #6
by Louise Penny
A Grand Vacation (8/29/2010)
Before the first chapter ended, I was immersed in the atmosphere of Old Quebec City and caught up in the interactions between the main character Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and his former chief and mentor, 80 year old Emile, Armand's wife and even his German Shepherd, Henri. Something traumatic had obviously happened to him, but what? I was hooked! So began my journey into the lives of people, both past and present, in Old Quebec City and small town Three Pines.
As this beautifully written story unfolded, the city and characters were given life,through lush and concise descriptions and subtle and sometimes silly humor. The depth of the characters indicates the author's keen understanding of human behavior and nature.
In the end, with three mysteries solved, I closed the book, saddened to leave these people and to return home from Old Quebec City and Three Pines.
An Eagle Named Freedom: My True Story of a Remarkable Friendship
by Jeff Guidry
Overcoming Hardships (5/11/2010)
This educational,inspirational, personal account, illustrates how Jeff Guidry came to terms with his own illness while working with animals who desperately need care. Because we all struggle to survive on some level, An Eagle Named Freedom is an important read. Guidry clearly and concisely illustrates how he, others and animals struggle and yet triumph over hardships.
I feel we all need to be reminded how to put ease into our lives and make our days count. This book does just that!
State by State: A Panoramic Portrait of America
by Sean Wilsey, Matt Weiland
America the Beautiful (11/4/2009)
State by State is beautifully written and informative.
Each author focuses on his or her experience in that state and this personal view left a lasting impression on me. Also,there are 30 interesting comparison tables on topics such as cigarette & oil consumption , & education expenditure per pupil. In addition, each state 'story' is preceded by a list of facts such as state capital, bird, flower, tree, motto etc. which can be helpful to crossword puzzle enthusiasts.
My only criticism is that some stories are too skewed, focusing only on a city or a certain aspect of that city while ignoring the rest of the state.
However, this book has intensified my love for the United States and her people. It would appeal to all who are curious about our country. State by State will enrich a classroom and school library.
A Girl Made of Dust
by Nathalie Abi-Ezzi
Beautifully written but slanted. (5/4/2009)
A Girl Made of Dust is told from the point of view of an 8 year old Lebanese girl with additional information filled in by adult conversation. It is beautifully written with rich imagery of everyday sights and sounds juxtaposed with the throes of a war that is inching closer and closer to this family's world. It is also the story of this child trying to make sense of her life as family relationships begin to change because of this war.
The only criticism I have is the slanted view that the Israeli Army bombed children's hospitals and asylums indiscriminately without mentioning that the PLO made a regular practice of using civilians as human shields.
The Weight of a Mustard Seed: The Intimate Story of an Iraqi General and His Family During Thirty Years of Tyranny
by Wendell Steavenson
I Expected More (2/16/2009)
Wendell Steavenson, through interviews, paints a picture, although often disjointedly, of Iraq before, during and after the reign of Saddam Hussein. The book was supposed to highlight the life of General Kamel Sachet but I learned much more. Iraq's people, customs, politics, religion and attitudes towards America are presented through the voices of many people.
It was quite distressing to read how young Muslim men are indoctrinated in their religious schools to be prepared for jihad. The ruthless torture of Iraqi prisoners by Iraqi guards was horrifying to read about.
Steavenson makes a feeble attempt to understand the 'whys' of certain behaviors that were reminiscent of WWII Nazi Germany and questions how ordinary people become "an instrument of the regime" and begin to do "monstrous things". How does a society spin so out of control?
Although the language is clearly written, this book is so disorganized that it was often difficult to follow. However, I found that I learned a great deal and for this reason I recommend it.
How We Decide
by Jonah Lehrer
How We Decide by Jonah Lehrer (12/12/2008)
I thoroughly enjoyed this readable, practical book on decision making. By using the latest information from neuroscience and the most recent experiments in this field, Lehrer shows how a person can make better decisions from selecting breakfast cereals and jam to purchasing cars and homes. He even offers the reader hope that mistakes we make today can help us make better choices tomorrow because the brain "can always improve itself."
How We Decide would appeal to anyone who would like to become more conscious about making 'smarter ' choices. Educators, parents and anyone who wants to master a skill and 'learn how to learn' would find How We Decide particularly useful.
Jonah Lehrer shows how our brains can fool and misguide us but, by following his advice, we can lead more productive and satisfying lives. In fact, by buying this book and absorbing the author's suggestions about how to focus our thoughts, one can actually save money!
To Siberia: A Novel
by Per Petterson
To Siberia (10/18/2008)
This page turner quickly drew me into the book with its vivid imagery of rural Denmark which serves as a backdrop for the lives and struggles of powerfully portrayed characters, who could really be living anywhere. It also explores how the lives of ordinary people change over time , before, during and after war.
The various themes should bring out lively discussion for any book club. It should be required reading for high school students as it could make them think about how their dreams and choices, despite circumstances, can effect their futures.
To Siberia haunted me, leaving me with much to think about long after the final word was read.
 (1).gif)
