Starvation Lake by Bryan Gruley

Debut Novel

I can't say I was overly impressed with this debut mystery novel.  Nothing against Mr. Gruley, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at a book signing in Salem, MA., but I felt the book was often times repetitive (facts repeated even though I read them just 10 pages ago) and simplistic.  It took a while for the plot to unfold, even though I had figured out quite a bit of it early on, and then some loose ends where quickly tied together at the end (i.e. Detroit court order).

On a positive side, I did like the small town feel of the story and it's not too often you find hockey so central in a book - I'm not a HUGE fan, but can figure my way through an NHL game, so I found some of the hockey parts interesting.

Not sure I feel compelled to read the next two (2) books in the series though.

March by Geraldine Brooks

Historical Fiction

A fantastic book.  Could be because I'm biased toward historical fiction, biased towards "Little Women" or biased towards Civil War themes!!

Brooks does a fantastic job of bringing Mr. March to life in his imagined place in the reality of the Civil War.  I'm drawn to books about the War, possibly because I have the opportunity to visit the places mentioned, but I think more because I value the stories of the strength and fortitude of the slaves themselves and the abolitionists who fought for their freedom.  This book had that and more!  Plus Brooks has a beautiful style of writing and prose.

Quotes: "I've always imagined paradise as something like a library"

"...so there is a union at last, a united states of pain."

"I had learned the meteorology of Marmee's temper:  the plunging air pressure as a black cloud gathered, blotting out the radiance of her true nature; the noisy thunder of her rage; and finally the relief of a wild and heavy rain - tears, as copious cataracts, followed by a slew of resolutions to reform.  But the dark cast of her expression told me we were still within the thunderhead..."

The Dinner by Herman Koch

New Author

I don't want to say too much about this book because part of the reading enjoyment is wondering what happened and the anticipation of what they are going to do about it.  While I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, at times I couldn't put it down (dare I say I "devoured" it), I am disturbed by the characters.

It is not a book that you can put down and walk away from for days at a time, as there are a lot of flash backs to tell the complete story.

I didn't mark any notable quotes, but the book makes you think about what a parent's role is to their child/children.  You are their protector, but to what extent?  Isn't your role also to instill morals and values into your child/children, to teach them responsibility for their actions, to foresee, understand and accept the consequences of their actions?  Or does a parent protect their child/children, at any cost, forever?

The Language of Bees by Laurie King

Series

After struggling with the past couple Sherlock/Russell books, this one brought me back!!  Loved everything about this book, the storyline, the humor, the wealth of knowledge - even the part on aviation.  As much as I hate flying, I am ever so grateful I live in a time of advanced aviation technology and I bow down to the brave souls who tested the early days of flight.

Looking forward to the next one in the series, as this one left the reader with a cliffhanger ending!!

The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth De. - Nichole Bernier
                 DEBUT  novel

How well do we really know each other??

Do we keep secrets to protect our loved ones or ourselves??

Set during the summer on Great Rock Island, Kate inherits a trunk of journals belonging to her close friend Elizabeth. Elizabeth was killed in a place crash and Kate is trying to make sense of that loss.

But the journals paint a different picture of the woman Kate knew , making Kate question their friendship and choices that she made in her own life. 

Astray - Emma Donoghue
       "D" Author


I don't normally like a collection of short stories but Ms. Donoghue added an interesting element.  At the end of each short story was an historical fact which gave her fodder for the story.

Also, each story tells of a way in which the characters had gone "astray".

The Memory Collector by Meg Gardiner

Guilty Pleasure

An enjoyable suspense-thriller!  Reminded me of the 2000 file "Memento", and of me some days when my short-term memory is fleeting.  The plot was wrapped up well by the end and the action kept you turning page after page - as long as the nanotechnology in biological warfare stays fictional!!

Quote:  "You only live fully when you bring the past into your life and make it part of you...We have to embrace both past and present. No matter how painful, or how deep the scars."

   Sing You Home  -   Jodi Picoult
                 Guilty Pleasure


Wow!!  Jodi does it again.   Tugs at your heartstrings and makes you think really hard about right and wrong.  Not about laws, but the right and wrong of the treatment of others.

This story is about Zoe, Matt, Vanessa, Paster  Clive, Lucy.  Those are just some of the people you will meet.

You will also learn about in vitro fertilization, gay/ lesbian rights, and what  makes a family.   Zoe is a music therapist and says "Every like has a soundtrack. All you have to do is listen"

I had the privilege  of hearing Jodi speak in Pittsburgh recently and she commented on her research for this book.   When you read the viewpoints from the speakers from the church in this book,  keep in mind that they are verbatim from a group called Focus on Family that Jodi interviewed for this book.   How very closed minded that group is!!!!!

Good read,   Thank you, Jodi

The Last Good Paradise by Tatjana Soli

ARC

I struggled through all 300 pages of this book.  The author had some great ideas, but she needed to focus on only an issue or two and better character development.  There were multiple characters and their stories were drawn out through the book so no one really came to life for me.  Soli had important issues brought up in the book (nuclear testing, mistreatment of island natives, etc.) but without focus the message fell flat.

Quotes: "A biological clock had gone off, but she wasn't sure it was inside her; rather, it seemed outside, in every else"

"Maybe in the far dark past people actually did value the perfect rose blooming unseen on a deserted mountainside, maybe just its existence was enough, but in the modern age every perfection, every event, big or small, significant or not, only counted if others knew of it."

"Not all girls dreamed of the white dress anymore, bu the pressure against them was enormous.  Some girls just wanted to sleep with Prince Charming.  They wanted to go off and slay dragons themselves, not be cooped up in the castle all day, tending little princes and princesses."

Jennifer's Way: My Journey with Celiac Disease -- What Doctors Don't Tell You and How You can Learn to Live Again by Jennifer Esposito

Miscellaneous

I read this book not only because it was recommended to me, but because my colleague suffers from Celiac Disease.  Through her I've learned a great deal, but until I read "Jennifer's Way" I don't think I truly realized how much she suffers and how difficult life can be day to day.  This book has given me a better understanding, more empathy and greater insight to a terribly difficult and misunderstood disease.

Esposito writes it with her heart and emotion, so while she discusses the technical and medical details, the book is captivating because she discusses her struggles since childhood and through today.

A must read for anyone who wants to better understand that gluten-free is not a fad.

  Lucy  -  Laurence Gonzales
         new author

 I fell in love with Lucy and I think you will too!

Jenny rescues Lucy from a war conflict in the Congo where she was born. Lucy's father was a primatologist and had artificially inseminated a female bonobo ( ape) with his own semen.  After several failed attempts,  Lucy is born.

                           Lucy looks like any 14 year old girl but has the strength and athletic abilities of her  
mother.  The reaction to a hybrid human is very diverse.

I enjoy this book and my heart went out to Lucy and Jenny.
                      
            
                    

House Rules by Jodi Picoult

Guilty Pleasure

Told in true Picoult fashion, alternating chapters by each of the main characters and extensive research into the subject matter - Asperger's syndrome.

I was drawn to the entire Hunt family and while the ending was a little disappointing I still thoroughly enjoyed this story and the depiction of the criminal justice system.

It's not my favorite Picoult novel, but a good one, as always.

Quotes:  "When someone dies, it feels like the hole in your gum when a tooth falls out.  You can chew, you can eat, you have plenty of other teeth, but your tongue keeps going back to that empty place, where all the nerves are still a little raw."

"Rest easy, real mothers.  The very fact that you worry about being a good mom means that you already are one."

Cross Fire  -   James Patterson
                 Guilty Pleasure

  This is what James Patterson does best , the Alex Cross series.

Alex is getting married and his nemesis, Kyle Craig is back. If you have read other Alex Cross books,  you will know that Kyle Craig is one sick, twisted bad guy!!!!!

This time Kyle had some major plastic surgery done and looks like an FBI agent and is actually helping Alex solve a series of killings.   Lots of twist and turns in the true Patterson way which makes for an entertaining read. 



                 
    

      

Help for the Haunted   -    John Searles
                  new  author

There was a lot of hype about this book being a terrifying ghost story, an edge-of -your-seat thriller.  A book that you would be afraid to read alone.  Boy, was I disappointed!!!!  I was not disappointed in the book, it was still a good read, but because of what I was expecting so I did not enjoy it as much as I though I would.

                          So the book is really about a young girl who witness the murder of her parents. Parents who help people who feel they are haunted by lost souls. Her mother has a bit of the gift and her father plays the crowds because of that gift.  In her quest to discover who murdered her parents and why they were killed, she discovers a family secret. 

The Circus in Winter  -  Cathy Day
         Debut Novel

Okay, normally I love books with elephants in them but this book was a little depressing.  Yes, there was a lovely elephant names Ceasar but the people were not very nice to him. So that made it hard for me to read.
"                        This story was written in the form of short stories with a common theme of the circus. The author had a wonderful way of piecing them all together which made it seem like a well written novel. I enjoyed the descriptive scenes of the circus and meeting all of the lonely, depressed and sometimes drunk people. One man's epitaph read " May all your days be circus days ".  In my opinion, that is not necessarily all good thing.

I did like the quote from Ollie the Clown who says "I just can't be funny any more, I might as well get married".  Now that is funny!!!!      
      

The Weird Sisters - Eleanor Brown
          Debut Novel

I have to say  I did not like this book.  The most interesting thing was it was told in first person plural,  so it seemed like all of the sisters were telling the story.

The sisters, Rose, Bean, and Cordy, all come home when their mother is diagnosed with breast cancer. But they are so consumed with their own failures that they are really not much help or comfort.  They also spend a lot of time on the characteristics of birth order. The ending was a littler too pat.

I did like one quote by Father Aiden-------
  "There are times in our lives when we have to realize our past is precisely what it is, and we can not change it. But we can change the story we tell ourselves about it, and by doing that, we can change the furture."

Stay Close - Harlan Coben
              "C" - Author


A typical  and predictable thriller.  Maybe too predictable.
Megan has it all. Perfect husband, two kids, great life in suburbia and a secret past.  A past that she ran away from and is now haunting her.

Not one of Coben's best and the plot was identical to a James Patterson novel I also just read. 

Julius Winsome by Gerard Donovan

New Author

I think the reviews on the book jacket built up Julius to be something more than he is - a very dysfunctional individual!  I enjoyed Donovan's writing style and he certainly kept me intrigued, but I can't say I enjoyed the overall plot once it was all said and done.

Quotes:  "...he was a dog run through with happiness, for they lead short lives and have an extra sense for each passing moment.  They eat with all their hearts, they play with all their hearts, they sleep with all their hearts."

"...people can sometimes come close enough to discover that they are strangers."

"...some men must create pain in others to feel less of it themselves."

"You cannot believe in survival of the fittest but want to decide first who is the fittest to survive."

The Boy in the Suitcase  -  Lene Kaaberbol & Agnete Friis
         New Author

Nina is given a small key to a locker by a good friend. When she goes to the station to retrieve the contents of the locker, she finds a suitcase with a 3 year old little boy inside.  Hours later, her good friend is murdered.
Who is this little boy???   Why was he hidden in a suitcase??  Now, who is after Nina and who can she trust????

A good mystery but being set in Denmark, I had trouble really knowing how far away the bad guys where when they were tracking us down.  All in all, a good read.

Doc   -  Mary Doria Russell

  Historical Fiction

Doc Holiday was a southern gentleman, a dentist, and a gambler and as the opening line in the book says," he began to die when he was twenty-one."  He not only lived during a hard time out west, he also was suffering from tuberculosis.  A very slow death, it took 15 years before the disease took his life.  

A slow moving book but Ms. Russell paints a very vivid picture of Dodge City, the Earp brothers, the brothels, and the cowboys.  

The Game   -      Laurie R King
                   SERIES

  The 7th in the Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell series.  This time we head off to India, 1924.  The sights, the smells, the sounds of India all come alive for the reader as we travel by ship then train and even in native disguise..  We  are on a mission for Mycroft  , Sherlock's brother,   to find Rudyard Kipling's son.  I loved it when Mary asked Sherlock of this son of Kipling's was real and Sherlock answers "As real as I am."   I really like the humor in Laurie King's books.  I look forward to traveling again with Mary and Sherlock!!

Bread Alone by Judith Ryan Hendricks

Vacation

I typically don't pick up romance novels but this one intrigued me.  Thirty-something unexpectedly dumped by her husband, claiming they've grown apart, but actually it's yes, another woman (men can be SO predictable!).  Not only was there something relate-able about the plot for me, but the idea that she finds her true self in baking bread was comforting.  I'd love to have the time and skills to bake as this character (and author) does!  I may actually try a recipe or too that she provides and see what happens!!!
I will recommend this book with a disclaimer that there is some sappy romance, but overall she displays a rather strong female character.  I look forward to her other books.

The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney

Historical Fiction

I stopped and started this book due to my schedule, so I'm not certain if that is what prevented me from becoming absorbed in the story of if the story itself simply did not captivate me.  I was often lost among the characters, never felt connected to any of them and it seemed much of their stories were left unfinished.

The Circus in Winter by Cathy Day

Vacation

I'm such a sucker for any story that has an elephant!!!  I enjoyed this tale as it follows either the characters of the circus (and their offspring) or the circus town itself (Lima).  Not quite a collection of short stories as they made more sense and felt complete by the linking of them together, like circus wagon trains!!

Quotes:  "But she also knew this:  When men steer women through crowds, they need to believe they are at the helm.  Women must apply subtle, imperceptible pressure with their fingertips. In this way women lead while appearing to be led. This is the way of the world."

"'It's a horrible thing, taking things away from where they belong to put money in a man's pocket'"

"I just can't be funny anymore, Ollie [clown] realized.  I might as well get married."

A Brief Lunacy by Cynthia Thayer

Vacation

I felt as if I might go insane reading this book.  For being "brief" there was a lot of "lunacy"!  Too many unrealistic reactions - at least in my mind; who knows how a mind works in a captive situation, but this wasn't a memoir, so the author could have written it differently.  Not a favorite.

The Good Good Pig by Sy Montgomery

Vacation

What a good good book!!!  I had forgotten that this was a memoir and not a fictional pig story!
If I wasn't a vegetarian before, I would have become one after reading this book!! I realize not every reader will fall in love with Christopher Hogwood and have the same reaction, but hopefully readers will make wiser food choices and know where their food comes from.
So much was learned from Christopher Hogwood ~ if people would step away from their egos and the idea that we (humans) are the superior race we could not only learn from our fellow man (no matter their race or gender, etc.) as well as from all the creatures with whom we share this planet.

Quotes: "The stories reflect a sophisticated understanding of ecology.  The tiger protects the forest: fear of the tiger keeps woodsmen from cutting down all the mangroves. The mangroves protect the coastline: their limbs and leaves soften the winds of cyclones.  Their roots form nurseries for fish, which feed the people.  The people understand that without the tiger, Sundarbans could not stay whole."

"...the social strata of the high school: there were the popular jocks and jockettes, the freaks, the poseurs (who pretended to be something they weren't), and the "froseurs" (fake poseurs, every week pretending to be the new different thing they weren't)."

"The word compassion means "with suffering".  To have compassion is to willingly join in suffering - to show those you love that you will not let them suffer alone. And this is the most you can do: offer your presence."

"He taught us how to love.  How to love what life gives you - to love your slops"

"But one thing I know for sure: a great soul can appear among us at any time, in the form of any creature.  I'm keeping my eyes open."

The Wrong Man by David Ellis

Vacation

GOOD!!!  Some of it was predictable but mostly it was suspenseful and engaging.  Little lengthy on the legal technicalities, but accurate and gave authenticity to the story.  Recommendation worthy and will continue to follow this author.

Quotes:  "...the United States had the worst system of justice in the world, with the exception of every other one"

"He thought the hardest part would be finding recruits, people who detested the government and were willing to take up arms against and risk their lives in the process.  He was surprised to learn that this was the easiest part."

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig

20th Century

I've wanted to read this book for years and while I'm glad I can finally cross it off my list, I can't say I enjoyed the book.  I did enjoy the portion of the story that was the motorcycle trip (makes me want to fulfill the item on my bucket list of learning to drive a motorcycle), as well as the relationship between Chris and his dad.  I did glean some inspirational gems from the philosophical aspects but most of the time I was just lost.  When Pirsig got into the history of philosophy I felt it was incredibly rushed and I lost interest quickly.
Some of the gems I gleaned:

"Government...is sustained by structural relationships even when they have lost all other meaning and purpose....the system demands it and no one is willing to take on the formidable task of changing the structure just because it is meaningless"

"You are never dedicated to something you have complete confidence in...When people are fanatically dedicated to political or religious faiths or any other kinds of dogmas or goals, it's always because these dogmas or goals are in doubt."

"...it's also a brand-new person who's been renewing himself continually and I'm going to have to get to know him all over again"

"You want to know how to paint a perfect painting?  It's easy.  Make yourself perfect and then just paint naturally."

Room by Emma Donoghue

"D" Author

Told from the perspective of a 5-year old, this book was entertaining, heart-breaking, and un-put-down-able.  Donoghue did a pretty good job of capturing a 5-year old voice (though there were times his voice was much older).  This was a unique narration and kept what could have been a boring tale an interesting journey.

Accidents of Marriage by Randy Susan Myers

ARC

Unfortunately this book moved too slow for me.  I enjoyed the premise and while the ending wasn't the best, it was (gladly) not what I expected.  While I would not recommend this as a general read to others, I would recommend it to married couples.  I believe it would generate much needed discussions in some relationships.

Locked Rooms by Laurie King

Series

After a couple of the books in the Mary Russell series not piquing my interest, this one brought it all back for me.  Not only did we learn something about Mary's past, but we were back in the US to some more familiar history with the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906.
Really good read with mystery, history, humor and the continued development of the intriguing relationship between Russell and Holmes.

Lone Wolf - Jodi Picoult

Guilty Pleasure

Luke is a family man but lives for 2 years with wild wolves. He then has a hard time relating to his human family upon his return.
After his return, he is in a car crash and put on life support and the family must come together to make tough decisions. Ethics, morals, and personal feelings all play a part in their decisions.  As usual, a good thought-provoking novel by Jodi!!

 (This I read  Feb. 2014.  Trying to catch up with my reviews)

Anatomy of Deception - Lawrence Goldstone

Historical Fiction 

A medical thriller in 1889 Philadelphia. A young doctor, Ephraim Carroll is learning about death and autopsies. When the body of a young woman come in the surgery theater, question arise in young Ephraim's mind. He travels to many seedy parts of the city trying to find out about the woman.  The book has many interested historical facts about early medicine and the things doctors did back then. A good suspense story with some twists and turns.

(I read this Jan. 2014.  Late again)

To Fetch a Thief - Spencer Quinn

Series     

Chet to the rescue again to save Peanut the Elephant! As it turned out, he also had to save his owner, Bernie!!! Another cute adventure with this adorable super dog.  Any book with an elephant in it, is an awesome story.  This one even mentions the real elephant habitat in Tennessee!!!!

(I read this Dec., 2013.  Very late with my review)

Alex by Pierre Lemaitre

Vacation

I can't say too much without giving the plot away in this book.  It has a definite "icky" factor, and while it is a bit suspenseful, it's more about waiting for the "aha" moment than it is sitting on the edge of your seat.  It is well-written and I hadn't figured it out prior to the author revealing the plot twist.  And if it didn't like rats before, definitely don't like em now!!

Mortal Arts by Anna Lee Huber

Vacation

I thoroughly enjoy Huber's Lady Darby series.  The slowness of the time period of which it takes place, the flirtatious banter between the lead characters Gage and Lady Darby, and the strengthen of the single Lady Darby and of course the mysteries that they solve.

For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

20th Century

I have wanted to read Hemingway for quite awhile and finally got around to it with For Whom the Bell Tolls.  It is not what I expected but I did enjoy it, even if it was slow moving at times.  It was rather gruesome in parts when Hemingway described the killing of the Fascists through a flogging line and some of the bull-fighting. (I've never understood bull fighting and why it continues today).  Found it humorous that Hemingway did not write cuss words but used the term "obscenity" instead.

Quotes: "Where the obscenity have you been?"

" 'You are a very hard woman' he told her. 'No ... but so simple I am very complicated' "

The Reapers by John Connolly

Vacation

This is our annual vacation read that we read together, passing the book back and forth after consuming a certain number of pages.  Not sure how, but we missed the two (2) previous Charlie Parker series books!!  Guess this means we must go on two more vacations right now!
This was not one of our favorites as there were few scenes with Charlie and a lot of flashbacks by Louis which dragged on and led to some confusion (but had we read the two books before this maybe we would have been less confused!!).  But in all of Connolly's books so far, we appreciate the demented sense of humor he brings forth in his characters!

Bone Lake by Drusilla Campbell

"C" Author

I wasn't sure I would like this book, but I found it was a quick read and kept my interest.  The book is not full of a lot of prose, but Campbell does write some captivating scenes that keeps the reader flipping pages till the very end!  It is truly terrifying the brainwashing power and the number of people who believe in  "Christian Identity" and White Supremacy.

Eye Contact - Cammie McGovern

None of my toppling bookpile books were doing it for me so I grabbed one off the master bookshelves that looked like a quick read.

A quick read it was and I appreciated a couple of things the author was trying to do:  most importantly drawing attention to the autistic community and generate a conversation and understanding of the true needs of the entire community - parents, teachers, society and the child and his/her peers.  Secondly, in relation to the plot points, she threw in a lot of red herrings.  I understand the purpose, but I found this along with the structure of the book, with the flashbacks and interwoven cast of characters to be rather confusing. (Though it could also be my frame of mind at this point too, which has little focus and not the author's fault).  I have another book by McGovern that I will delve into and see if it's really me or if she simply is not an author I prefer.

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore - Robin Sloan

Guilty Pleasure

What a fun, fascinating read mixing old and new technologies (print books versus Google), combining fiction with fact and it comes with an amazing book jacket (turn out the lights!)  All of it a reminder of why I still love real books!!

Quotes: "'They figured out the circumference of the earth a thousand years before they invented printing.  Could you figure out the circumference of the Earth?'....I have no idea.  I'd probably just Google it"

"These days, the phone only carries bad news....If it's anything fun or exciting, like an invitation to a party...,it will come through the internet."

The Given Day by Dennis Lehane

Historical Fiction

This was a tome (700 pgs), but very well written and a story line that keeps you captivated.  Interspersed with fascinating and little known facts of American history (at least little known to me!):  1918 influenza pandemic, 1919 great molasses flood, Babe Ruth, Boston police strike and the rise of the NAACP.  Reading about the early days of the Labor movement and following the struggles of the Boston PD in their attempts to get fair wages and working conditions reminded me of why I do what I do in helping to represent working people and Unions and how important it is.

Quote:  "Do you know the primary difference between men and gods? No Sir.  Gods don't think they can become men."

A Fracture Mind by Robert B. Oxnam

New Author

Wow!  What a fascinating story!  The author did a great job of explaining such a complex disorder through his 11, yes 11, personalities!  Especially considering many of them had names that were derivatives of Robert.

As the author states in the beginning and the psychiatrist reiterates at the end, we all have different facets within us, but most of us don't suffer a trauma that disassociates those personalities.  I've called mine my past or future lives.  I recognize the mother part of me, the diva girly-girly part of me and the more assertive part of me, but none of those parts are my main personality.  These traits do come out at different times, with different people, but none of them have separate names and I'm completely aware of them! ;-) I presume that in another life they have or will dominate!!

Memorable Quotes from the book:  "If this book raises more questions than it answers, then we will consider it a success, as long as the questions are more sophisticated by the end of the book than they were at the beginning."

"A few people have strong inner lights.  But most people have 'lights-out'. 'Lights-on' not only means a good heart; it also means really caring about other people's hearts...... Good is when people, no matter what their age, struggle to keep their lights alive.  Good is when they help others with dim lights to make those lights brighter.  Most of all, good is when they try to link up with other people who have good hearts."