Summer reading lists-the bane of many students’ existence! While they enjoy their break from scholastic pursuits, there is always the specter of the assigned reading they need to complete before returning to classes. In a bookstore, we see many school reading lists, and often I can understand the students’ lack of enthusiasm. Why are these [...]
» Read the rest of this entry ...It was hard to choose what to review this month out of the many wonderful books being published. Pretty in Plaid, the newest memoir by Jen Lancaster, and The Last Child, John Hart’s third mystery, won out over Gone Tomorrow, Lee Child new Jack Reacher thriller, and Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, a [...]
» Read the rest of this entry ...April showers bring May flowers, and this April brings so many good books, I had trouble trying to pick my favorites to review. Two are new works from established authors (one is short stories, one a sequel) and the third is a nonfiction book that has been a long time coming. Enjoy!
Back in 2001, when I [...]
February bring us a couple of fun novels, perfect for your February vacation read, whether you are spending it on the slopes, at the beach, or snuggled under a blanket drinking hot cocoa at home.
After reading The Art of Racing in the Rain, I had to admit that my prejudice against books narrated by animals [...]
Happy New Year! With the post-holiday glow rapidly fading, it is back to life as usual, with our uncertain economic climate overshadowing the future. Reading is an excellent (and inexpensive!) way to improve your mood; this month I have one non-fiction and one novel sure to perk you up.
My favorite recent book by far [...]
It is the holiday season once again! Instead of reviewing a few new titles (who has time to read in December?), I’ll write about recent books that would make wonderful gifts for someone on your list. Perhaps after your shopping is done you’ll be able to settle yourself down with your own good book—good luck.
Don [...]
Happy November! It is the perfect month to give thanks for the bounty of wonderful books coming out. This month we have a new mystery, a book of humorous essays by a successful cartoonist, and a biography of a beautiful American woman who married into the British aristocracy and became the mother of arguably the [...]
» Read the rest of this entry ...Although I haven’t been involved in “back-to-school” season for over 25 years, September always feels like the beginning of a new year. Time to settle in and get some reading done!
American Wife, by Curtis Sittenfeld, is the author’s third novel. It is a departure from her first two, both of which chronicled the trials and [...]
This June brings another installment of local author Tom Schreck’s Duff Dombrowski mystery series. TKO: Round Two is the sparkling sequel to last year’s On the Ropes: Round One. Once again, Duffy Dombrowski, social worker extraordinaire, is doing his best to help the weak and downtrodden while avoiding as much paperwork as possible. In his [...]
» Read the rest of this entry ...I have two great fiction reads for you this month. One is a novel that was released in February which I just got around to reading, and the other is the concluding volume in a series of five books that is perfect for anyone who enjoys snarkiness a la Jennifer Weiner.
First, the more serious fiction. [...]