This is an original and engrossing tale, beginning when a sixteen year old girl discovers a mysterious book with a dragon print in the center. She begs her father to tell her about the book, and he reluctantly relates the story of his research, intertwined with the research of his professor and mentor, until he vanishes. The story carries us throughout Europe and back and forth in time, with different narrators, as several historians search for the truth about the book and the story of Vlad Tepes, and attempt to rescue those who have disappeared. The characters are detailed, the writing is beautiful, and the descriptions of Dracula and various events can cause goosebumps. Both adults and older teens would enjoy this despite its length (be prepared for some description of Vlad the Impaler's misdeeds).

"I think Pete Hamill is one of the extraordinary storytellers of our time! I listened to this book and the reader, Henry Strozier, was excellent. I like how the author can take daily routines and daily objects and describe them in a way that makes them alive and interesting. I fell in love with the main character, Dr. Delaney, who has a heart of gold in his practice as a doctor during the Depression. In his personal life, he has a missing wife, Molly, and a daughter, Grace, who has abandoned her young son, Carlito, to him. He is also under the stress of working in a neighborhood that is the battleground for two warring groups of gangsters. Because he attends to the medical needs of both gangs, he is suspicious to the opposing gangs and is also threatened by them. He has a secretary ,Monique, at the doctor's office and hires a nanny, Rose, to assist with caring for Carlito. The story completes itself by having the mysteries of Molly and Grace resolved and also a peaceful solution is made with the gangs. But it is Dr. Delaney's personal growth which provides the satisfying conclusion as well as all that he learns from Rose about happiness, love, contentment, and joie de vivre. The setting, North River in New York, also is very integral to the story. Loved it, loved it, loved it!

This is the second book by masterful storyteller Khaled Hosseini. In this novel, set in Afghanistan, we are introduced to how it must feel to endure turbulent, tumultuous times and succumb to (changing) political powers which are out of one's control. The message is clear--when education is outlawed everyone is in trouble. From the point of view of two women, Miriam and Lila, who are married to the same brutal, hateful, and disparaging man, Rasheed, we learn about the oppression of women and what becomes of women who are treated as second class citizens. Despite all of the horrible things that happen to these two women, they have the courage to make difficult decisions and they keep gratitude in their hearts. There are minor male characters in the book who are very kind (Tariq, Zaman, and Mullah Faizulla) who offer relief from the "Rasheed" types. This was a very challenging book for me to complete because of the horrors and betrayals depicted. However, the story of friendship between the two women is extraordinary and the writing is excellent. I know the content will stay with me and that is a good thing since it reflects what is happening in our world and is a tremendous reminder to never take anything for granted.

This is a memoir and rant about growing up Muslim in Egypt. Darwish’s father was assassinated by the Israelis and was considered a shahid (martyr) when Nonie was young. Later she attended a university, and moves to her new home in the United States. She marries, has children and details the backward nature of her faith and culture.

This is a story that takes place in modern Afghanistan. I learned so much about the Afghani people and their history. While I had trouble putting the book down, it wasn't a fun read. The rape scene haunted me and much of the story was sad with little hope. But like many good books, I'm still thinking about it.

Winston explores the lighter side of death as this young widow struggles to find her way in life after losing her husband to cancer.

This is a romance between two 60 somethings. Maggie has had a stroke and is unable to work in her garden. Tristan is a landscape architect. The two meet and share gardening tips, friendship and love. This is a tender love story that proves that love isn’t only for the young and healthy! There are also many great gardening tips interspersed in the book.

The story unfolds as a graduating vet student loses his parents to an automobile accident. He's informed that the business and house belong to the bank. His kind hearted father had taken chickens and eggs for payment of his veterinary services. He returns to school but can not bring himself to take the final exams. He hops on a train and discovers he has inadvertently joined the circus. They were looking for someone with his expertise. This is a marvelous glimpse into the small circuses that crisscrossed the country during the Depression, with just enough intrigue and romance to keep the story interesting!

I always thought that leaving the elderly behind to die was a) a survival mechanism for Alaskan tribes and b)viewed as culturally accepted by Alaskan tribes. I loved this book because it explained that the group is not often happy about this decision. They are following the lead of the chief and feel disempowered to question this choice. This book brought humanity back to that painful tradition and although fictional showed opportunities for growth and reconciliation. Super book for a book group discussion!

This book is about a 15 year old boy who discovers many things in his deceased Grandfather's old sea chest-a journal and some runes. He summons the old man's ghost and learns from him how to travel through time and space. Much of this adventure takes place in Norway. This is a YA book that was really suspenseful and hard to put down! It is book 1 in the Runestone Saga.

Tyler Miller returns to school for his senior year with a buff new body, courtesy of community service for painting graffiti on the school. This new look brings attention from the attractive and popular Bethany Millbury. In the aftermath of a incident at a party Bethany invites him to, Tyler must deal with a number of complex issues.

Beneath a Marble Sky is written from the perspective of the daughter of Shahjahan, Emperor of India, ca. 1592-1666. It tells one man's enjoyable view of how the building of the Taj Mahal, and the personality of the architect himself, may have been. This story gives you a little history, a little intrigue, a little romance and a lot of imagination. It is about the frustrations of forbidden love, a woman oppressed, a kingdom divided, and secrets that must be kept.

This book deals with loneliness, lost memories, love, and regret. It is a celebration of the strength of female friendship and in this case, derived from tragedy and sorrow. The book is set in Sweden, written with wonderful descriptions and a strong sense of place. I enjoyed the detailed narratives of the landscape, crisp air and rich colors of the earth. The descriptions of light and the snow are the most lyrical and best passages in the book. There is a book discussion section at the back of the book and it is recommended for group discussions!

This book seems to have a simple plot until you think about the emotionally charged encounters of the characters involved. A small community lives around a lake and their everyday comings and goings are chronicled by the author. The pace is slow. The members of the community are aware of the larger politics and larger world but they only serve as something to discuss. They really don't impinge on the closeknit relationships of these people. Yet, here is the interesting part. They are so careful and polite with one another--do they really reach depths of emotional connection? The answer is "yes". I find that idea appealing--that reticence and thoughtfulness are hallmarks of a better communication. The setting descriptions took my senses into high gear. The beauty of Ireland is described eloquently--even down to objects which makes you look at everything in a fresh way. As the daughter of Irish parents, I loved reading all the familiar Irish turns of phrase that are so familiar to me. I loved the Ruttledges--so quietly sensitive and helpful and choosing this life--I wanted to know them--I wanted to be like them! Favorite scene--will sound bizarre--was the preparation for the wake in the home--what a powerful description. Just a wonderful read! (View First Chapter/Excerpt)

It's a wonderful collection of short stories, poetry, songs, etc. by many different authors. I really enjoyed this book because you can read it page for page if you like or you can selections that "catch your eye". I also listened to it on CD and I like hearing the stories read by different people.