Storm Prey, by John Sandford

July 15, 2010July 14, 201013 Comments

Finished 7-10-10, rating 4/5, thriller, pub. 2010

Book #20 in the Lucas Davenport Prey series

Lucas and the gang are all back and ready to find the bad guys. Weather is involved in a very high profile operation to separate conjoined twins and she unwittingly sees the inside guy of the pharmacy hold up at the hospital. When one of the four men kills the pharmacist mere robbery turns to murder and the police are even more motivated to find the culprit. The bikers who were responsible decide to bring in a hired gun to take out each other but they also decide that Weather must go too and this brings Lucas front and center. Lucas trusts his friends Virgil Flowers, Jenkins, and Shrake to protect Weather and he is free to do what he does best, track down killers.

I’ve read every book of the series and the past few have only been okay for me, so I was happy to find myself completely engaged with Lucas again. Maybe it was because this was as much about Weather as Lucas and the contrast worked. And the bad guys were really bad. The inside guy at the hospital was a real piece of work, even more so than the scary hired gun, Cappy.

There was no mystery, only a compulsion to turn the pages to see how it would all play out, not only with the bad guys, but with the conjoined twins too. The separation operation took up a lot of the storyline and it wa a nice change of pace. Lucas and Weather seem to have a healthy home life with teen Letty and baby Sam, although they seem to have little interaction with the kids. So, the one thing that struck me as odd was when Weather said she wanted another baby. She never held the baby, even when she was housebound and under police protection fearing for her life. But other than that this was a spot on thriller.

Another great addition to the series.

I checked this book out of the library.

Back When We Were Grownups, by Anne Tyler

July 14, 2010July 13, 201029 Comments

Finished audio 7-9-10, rating 3.5/5, fiction, pub. 2001

Read by Blair Brown

Rebecca, a 53-year-old widower, has spent years living in someone else’s life. She married and older man with 3 young daughters and took on the family business of hosting parties in their townhome. They had a daughter of their own and he died after only eight years together. Now, Rebecca is questioning her choices and even her identity. She goes back home and contacts her only other boyfriend, hoping to get in touch with the old Rebecca, the one she recognizes.

There were many things to like. Who hasn’t thought about the turning points that have led them to where they are today? And what if we had made a different choice here or there, would we be the same person? I loved her apprehension at contracting her old boyfriend. Caller ID has totally ruined hang ups! And I loved the 100-year-old uncle that she inherited. He was a riot and a real bright spot in the book for me.

There were some aspects that left this book a little flat for me. As much as I enjoyed Rebecca’s journey I found myself waiting for something to happen. I don’t mind quiet books, but this one seemed to lead to nowhere, which might be realistic, but not necessarily what I want to spend 9 hours listening to. And I really disliked all four of her daughters. I couldn’t believe how self-centered they all were and really wanted Rebecca to stand up to them or take some responsibility. Oh, and don’t get me started on the ridiculous nicknames they all went by, which only added to their superficial personas.

I loved the writing and premise and the book was good but, for me, not great.

I borrowed the audio from the library.

So what’s the difference between Best and Favorite?

July 10, 20109 Comments

I love lists. When I see a list of best books or best movies I always have to take a look and see how many of them I’ve read or watched. Many times such a list is full of selections that are on there for a specific reason, like it was groundbreaking or the perfect example of the time, and once I have read or watched it I can usually see why it made the list. In 1998 when the American Film Institute can out with its list of 100 Years 100 Movies Jason and I took the next 10 years and watched them all. We even did our own rankings. I liked so many of them, but when I compiled my own list of favorite movies, most of them didn’t make the cut. Because favorite means I made some kind of emotional connection (no matter how superficial) and it always means I have watched it more than once. That’s the test for me. If I’m not interested in watching it again, no matter how much I liked it, it will not make the list. So, when I review a movie from my Top 100 List I always watch it again. There have been a few times that I then decided I didn’t want it on the list (well, twice). As for books, I have not read every book on my Top 100 List twice, but I am working on it slowly.

Do you think there’s a difference between best and favorite?

And I may as well address my rating system for books since it seems like a good time. My ratings are as follows…

***** Perfect!

**** Nearly Perfect. You should read it.

*** Average. Read it if the topic or author interests you.

** This was pretty bad.

* I only finished this so that I could enter it on the blog.

I always rate a book and put it right at the top of my review. But these ratings are so subjective they should really only be a starting point. Timing is everything. I am sure my mood influences rating as does my expectation. If I expect it to be perfect and it’s only good, well, my disappointment may show up in the star count.

Genre books are different. If I give a mystery book 5 stars, that means it was the perfect mystery, it couldn’t have been done any better in my opinion. I am not judging it against a non-fiction book about the horrors of war or a novel about the meaning of life. So, I guess whatever category the book falls under, always listed after my rating, makes a difference in its rating too.

I may go back and change a rating, but only if I rated it recently. I am not going back two years and re-evaluating. I know bloggers have and I applaud you, but for me, how I felt just after I read it is probably more accurate. Especially since my memory sometimes fails me 🙂

Still with me? Thanks for reading my bookish thoughts today 🙂

White Fang, by Jack London

July 8, 201019 Comments

Finished 7-8-10, rating 4.5/5, classic fiction, pub. 1906

White Fang became hated by man and dog. During this period of his development he never knew a moment’s security. The tooth of every dog was against him, the hand of every man. He was greeted with snarls by his kind, with curses and stones by his gods. He lived tensely. He was always keyed up, alert for attack, wary of being attacked, with an eye for sudden and unexpected missiles, prepared to act precipitately and coolly, to leap in with a flash of teeth, or to leap away with a menacing snarl.

Chapter 11

Part wolf, part dog White Fang came into the cruel Yukon world during a famine. He and his mother were the sole survivors of the family and eventually went to live with a group of natives who gave them security, but took away their freedom and eventually took away White Fang’s mother. White Fang was the biggest, cruelest, and most lethal of the dogs. When his loyalty was betrayed he became hardened to the dog in him. Is he redeemable?

Let me start by saying that I am a girl who cannot even watch the nature channels once one animal kills and eats another. It’s a little too much reality for me. I am much more likely to cry in a movie if a beloved animal is killed than a person. So, when I say that I love White Fang and all of his wild ways it is no small thing. I am sure that part of it is London’s writing – I loved The Call of the Wild as well- but the story itself is so compelling that I was riveted by White Fang’s life.

The book is mostly told from White Fang’s perspective once he is born, but the opening scenes that tell the tale of a sledding team on the run from wolves was perfect. I won’t tell you who wins, but it was as good as any thriller I’ve read lately. There was so much cruelty and abuse that White Fang never really had a chance until someone took the time to try to save him. It is a lesson in humanity and redemption and I loved it.

This is from my personal library and chosen by GMR and Rhapsody in Books. Here’s what they had to say…

“Unforgettable story about man’s relationship with nature.” Rhapsody in Books

“A definite classic, but not so heavy that you’ll be stalled in your reading challenge.” GMR

Inside Out, by Barry Eisler

July 7, 20105 Comments

Finished 7-3-10, rating 4/5, thriller, pub. 2010

“the establishment is bigger now, more entrenched. The Roosevelt and Truman expansions were ratified by Eisenhower. Kennedy’s and Johnson’s abuses were ratified by Nixon. Bush Jr.’s extraconstitutional moves have all been ratified by Obama. It’s a ratchet effect. There hasn’t been a federal law in the last sixty years that’s done other than increase the government’s power and influence, and the power and influence of the corporations that manage the government by extension. The leviathan only grows.”

Chapter 41

Black ops soldier Ben Treven is back in this political stand-alone thriller and the clock is ticking on his job of recovering 92 tapes of extreme torture that have been stolen. If they are released to the public heads will roll and the people will rise up in horror. Treven knows how to intimidate and kill without remorse and that is what makes him so good at his job, but the man with the tapes is even more impressive than Ben since he is the one who is performing these acts of unspeakable torture. The CIA, FBI and other clandestine government groups all want the tapes for different reasons and in Ben’s pursuit, he becomes tied to a sexy FBI agent.

I read the first book with Treven, Fault Line, and liked this one better. I was intrigued by the story of the tapes (Abu Graib anyone?) and how relevant the story is in today’s political climate. It is timely, scary, and left me with disappointment in the government. And I’m not choosing sides either, all politicians deserve my disgust at times.

It moves fast and there is much to appreciate if you are a political junkie, like me. The author spent three years in a covert position with the CIA, so he knows a thing or two about how things work. The one thing I did dislike in the book was the one sex scene, which I found to be a little too much for me. And I’m not opposed to sex scenes, but this one was too violent for my tastes. But overall I liked the book a lot and it led to a great discussion with my husband on the Fourth of July. The end also left an opening for the next Ben Treven book and I am hoping there will be one.

This book was sent to me by the author.

Free Books for July

July 2, 2010July 3, 201011 Comments

Leave a comment, tell me which book you want and I’ll get the book to you for FREE either by mail or personally if I’ll see you soon. The first one to request each book wins. Once you’ve ‘won’ the book I can get your shipping address if I need it. Also, you can come back and get a free book every month if you want. These have all been read a time or two.

1. How Successful People Think by John C. Maxwell. small non-fiction hardcover, published 2009, B&N review here. for Margie

2. Sleeping Beauty by Judith Michael. paperback fiction, published 1991, B&N review here. for Misha

3. Lion’s Bride by Iris Johansen. paperback romance, published 1996, B&N review here. for Ester

Happy Reading!

The Tea Rose, by Jennifer Donnelly

July 1, 2010July 1, 201032 Comments

Finished 6-29-10, rating 5/5, historical fiction, pub. 2002

A jealous anger surged through Fiona. Sod good relations; Millie Peterson had just crossed the line. “You feeling ill, Millie?”

“Ill?” Millie eyeing her like so much rubbish. “No, I’m fine.”

“Really? You look like you might fall over, leaning on Joe like that. Joe, why don’t you get Millie a crate to sit on?

“There’s no need, thank you,” Millie snapped. She removed her hand from Joe’s arm.

“If you say so. Wouldn’t want you to faint away. Maybe your jacket’s too tight.”

“Why, you little cow!” Millie cried, her cheeks turning red.

“Better a cow than a bitch.”

Chapter 1

Fiona, a tea factory worker, and Joe, a born salesman, grow up and in love in the working class neighborhood of Whitechapel in 1880’s East London. They are both saving every cent they can so that one day they can open up their own tea business. But life has way of changing in a heartbeat. Joe makes the mistake of a lifetime and Fiona loses almost everyone she loves. Forced to flee the country Fiona makes her way to New York City and her indomitable spirit and smarts give her a life she had hardly imagined.

I loved it and I feel like that should be enough to convince you to pick it up. Need more? It is a heavily addictive, 550+ page saga that will have you reading every spare moment you have. It covers the true plight of the working class, Jack the Ripper, a new and vibrant New York City, the tea trade, and the forming of the unions. I listed it as historical fiction, but I do think it is at heart a love story. Take away all of the excitement, the struggle, and the success and you really have two people struggling with the loss of each other. It has many elements of a romance, but is so much more.

Fiona is a strong, bold woman, which is why I included the excerpt above, who is capable of making her own way in a man’s world. The losses in her life are heartbreaking and I was rooting for her happiness. I loved her story. And Donnelly also tells the story of Joe, back in London and his plight of finding his own happiness.

I know there is a sequel and I plan on getting my hands on it soon. I highly recommend you give this one a read and see what you think.

This is from my personal library and was chosen by Mary, Linda, Melody, Jennifer, ‘Nise, Sandee, Bonnie, and Kathrin. Here’s what they had to say…

“This is one of my favorite books. Richly written saga based in England and there is a sequel that is just as good.” Bonnie

“It was a favorite read of 08” “Nise

“I enjoyed it and hope to read The Winter Rose this winter.” Jennifer

“A lovely rags-to-riches saga about an Irish girl. I also enjoyed the sequel, and am anxiously awaiting a third book.” Linda

“Entertaining saga with a sequel to follow it – which is always nice!” Mary

“I want to read that one in 2010 as well” Kathrin

Half Year Round Up

June 30, 201037 Comments

So, we’re halfway through the year and time to take a look at how I’m doing on my goals and what’s been going on around here on this blog. Let me start by mentioning my two favorite posts, not because of what I wrote, but because of what you did. (After 14 Years a Pregnant Pause, Morning Sickness and My Google Reader) The response to my pregnancy has been heartwarming and I thank you all for taking the time to wish us well. The Little One should weigh about pound now and be the size of a small doll. Is it time to start getting nervous?

My reading goal for the year is 105 books with 12 of those being non-fiction. I could be doing better. I’ve only read 44 books and 2 of those were non-fiction. I’m usually a little OCD about goals and challenges, but I’m trying to cut myself some slack. I’ve got other things going on these days and need to keep reading in perspective. But even as I type that my mind is whispering, “You can do it. No problem.” So, we’ll see.

There have been a few changes. I’ve started posting my weekly quizzes on Tuesdays and offering a few prizes. Thank you to everyone who participates. I have fun and hope you do too! As a bonus I discovered that if you Google ‘book quizzes’ I’m the first thing that pops up and I’m starred even. I admit I got a kick out of that 😉

I’m doing my 5 word movie reviews every month and invite you all to try it and link up. I’ve only done a few author interviews and although I love doing them I don’t have the time to focus on that right now. They do take quite a bit of time.

I asked you all to vote for 50 of the books I’d read from my own shelves this year and 72 of you voted. Of those 50 I’ve read 16 for the RYOB Challenge My two favorite so far have been The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly (to be reviewed tomorrow) and Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen. So far, you’ve done a great job choosing books 🙂

I’ve read 29 out of 52 for this challenge, so I’m not doing too bad. So far, my favorite read from this challenge is Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman.

For some crazy reason I signed up to read 35 new authors this year and I’ve managed 19. My favorite (aside from the ones I’ve mentioned above) is Marisa de los Santos.

I’m to read 9 books with 9 different colors in the title for this one and have read 3. I loved Red Light and Black Water, both by T. Jefferson Parker.

I’ve read 2 of 4 short story collections and didn’t really love either one, so I’m hoping the next 2 will be great.

50 states of mind Of the 51 (with Washington DC) I’ve read from 18 states. So far, New York has been the most visited with 8 trips.

I’m looking forward to the second half of 2010 🙂

Fortunate Harbor, by Emilie Richards

June 27, 20105 Comments

Finished 6-26-10, rating 3.5/5, fiction, pub. 2010

Book 2 of the Happiness Key trilogy (Book 1)

Tracy owns a development in Florida that has small cottages for rent. It it all she had left after her ex-husband went to jail and the government took every other asset they had. She is just starting a new relationship when her ex is released from jail and shows up in town. She shares a close friendship with the other women in the development. Wanda, an outspoken waitress, loses her job and decides to start her own business making pies. Janya wants to have a baby with her husband, but he is avoiding her to her great shame and frustration. Alice and her granddaughter Olivia are a big draw to the newest resident, Dana and her daughter Lizzie. Dana is secretive and the other women believe she may be on the run from the law.

These woman have an enviable bond. They are obviously very different, in age, relationship, religion, and culture, and yet they all love and support each other. This would be a good lesson for us all! Not only are they the best of friends, but they are all neighbors. I wish I could pick up all of my best friends and move them on my street. What fun we would have.

The driving forces of the book is the secret that Dana is keeping and the real reason CJ, Tracy’s ex, is back in town. These storylines were what kept me interested. I liked the women themselves too, but wish I had read the first book in the trilogy. It wasn’t hard to keep everyone straight, but I may have been more engaged in the story if I knew where each of them was coming from. I think because of that the first half of the book dragged a bit for me. By the second half I was into it and more interested in what would happen. This is why I don’t usually read series or trilogies out of order.

This was a fun read about the friendship women share.

The author sent me this book. In case you missed it I did interview Emilie last year, here, and she was a delight 🙂

Running Blind, by Lee Child

June 23, 2010July 5, 201218 Comments

Finished 6-19-10, rating 4/5, thriller, pub. 2000

Book 4 in the Jack Reacher series (Book 1) (Book 2) (Book 3)

Ex Military Police, Jack Reacher has stopped roaming the country and settled in New York City in his own house to be near his girlfriend Jodie. He’s still trying to right wrongs with his own brand of justice and after one such run-in he is picked up by the FBI. Reacher has a problem. Women that he knew from his Army days are being killed and the FBI think it could be him. He proves that it’s not, but because his last fight landed two important people in the hospital, the FBI force him to work with them to find the killer. At first Reacher is an unwilling and uninterested participant, but then it gets personal and Reacher is out for blood.

When I read the last Reacher novel Rhapsody in Books left a comment saying “it’s sort of like watching an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie” and I couldn’t say it better. Jack is a man who knows how to get things done and he’s not afraid of violence or adhering to the law. And usually the body count is quite high. This book was surprising in that Jack killed so few people! It felt more like a straight mystery and it was a nice change of pace since it forced Reacher to work within the lines of the law. Well, mostly 🙂

I think I could read this whole series straight through and never get bored. The action is non-stop and the mysteries are good. This one I did figure out before the end, but there was enough doubt to leave me second guessing. If you like edge of your seat action and books that find you reading late into the night then this is the series for you.

This is from my personal library and chosen by ‘Nise and Sheral. Here’s what they had to say…

“Jack Reacher is a great character.” ‘Nise

“Love his books.” Sheral

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