It took me a while to get into this but then it turned out to be very intriguing. Anyone who has traveled the world can relate to the culture shock of the author's trip to China as well as the minute details that become so poignant and extraordinary when you are far away from home. The author is traveling with a friend. They are both fresh out of collage and it is the 80s. The wear and tear that ensues on their friendship will make you say, "I have SO been there" when you have traveled with friends. However, this true story becomes highly amazing and strenuous as the author deals with helping her friend through what she thinks is homesickness.

Riveting and now I know what all the hype is about. This book was an amazing thriller set in Sweden that deftly ties together two characters--Mikael and Lisbeth. They both are "fighting the system" in their own way and seeking justice. Modern day technologies are highlighted and used in spectacular ways. A mystery of a missing person is the nugget of the book. We learn about Sweden and the neo-Nazism that is still present there. This is the first in a trilogy--can't wait to dive into the second one. Tragically, the author died of a heart attack after completion of the third book.

This was a good fast read of the vampire genre and it sets you up for the upcoming release, Love Sucks! Somehow the author manages to get into the teenage/vampire mind and form a fast-paced story that incorporates all of our modern social networking but also the icky parts of being a teenager who is misunderstood. The language is right on for the age, I think. At times a little raw, but it seemed very real. Good writing--I wasn't clear where we were headed and I liked that. :)

I adored this quick read about thirteen women who purchase a diamond necklace together and treat it as a timeshare. We each come from a different experience and our feelings about materialism & wealth & sharing & communal property differ. Friendship supersedes all that and that becomes the greatest lesson of all for these women. They can be friends despite different belief systems and motivations and even political affiliations! Yippee!! The strength is in our friends!

Discovering Linda Fairstein is just as exciting as discovering Harlan Coben! Set in the New York Public Library (what's not to like?) is a mystery involving the elite of New York and the conservators of rare books. The main character, Alex Cooper, is so likable and so knowledgeable, you can't wait for the mystery to be solved. Tightly written, snappy, short chapters made this a wonderful fast read for a busy person. And I learned so much!

A fast fictional read that was simply excellent. Eilis Lacey moves to Brooklyn, New York from Enniscorthy, Ireland based on the recommendation of a priest. (circa 1950s) Eilis is grappling with social norms on both sides of the ocean. In Brooklyn, she experiences culture shock, weather shock!, and homesickness. She is obedient at school, at work and to her landlady. Then she meets Tony and things begin to change. She appears to be finding her own identity. Suddenly she must return to Ireland and once again her destiny is being determined by others. What road will she choose and why? Which would be better for her--Ireland or Brooklyn? All I could think was there must have been countless women (from all cultures) who were in situations like this--I grieve for them.

If you can get past the vulgarity, and I suppose what can you expect from a book about vampires?, you actually encounter a pretty rich plot with subplots and an emotional development of the narrator/main character. This book is full of puns and off-color jokes and the vampire culture is very well woven throughout. There actually is a very sweet relationship here between the vampire and the young mortal girl who he adopts. There is also a happy ending. There are vague references to this world inhabited by vampires and I wished we were told more about how & why that all came about. The way technology was described in this future place--the fears and capabilities--were reminiscent of today which is kind of weird because the novel is already five years old. Not for the faint of heart--get used to all the blood and be able to laugh about it and you will be okay!

I read this heartbreaking true story, about the author who suffers from OCD, in one sitting! She gives us hints of how she became who she is and also offers us a glimpse at the people in her life who provided a net for her. Particularly, there was a heroin addicted friend. The parallels between the 2 were interesting. I like to count and sort to soothe myself. But this and similar behaviors were taken to a whole new level of paralysis. Finally, Emily is medicated @ the end of the book and experiencing relief. The brain is so interesting! She ends the book with a corker, however. It seems that she can't get past one of her quirks. You learn about it on page 1. Her last words in the book are, 7480 stars. That made me cry. You'll have to read the book to see what I mean.

I have a deep respect for Jimmy Carter and this book cemented that for me. It was so interesting to learn about Carter's childhood and young adulthood. He came from poverty and was raised by parents who respected their black neighbors and laborers. I listened to the audio performed by one of my favorite readers, Tom Stechschulte. The stories were funny, poignant, and lesson bearing. I was pleased to find that Carter is a terrific writer. Can't wait to read more by him.

This book was predictable--you knew the ending pretty quickly. But it was fun to see how the author was going to get there. The characters were one note, but likable just the same. Great beach/summer read. And the bonus is that there are marvelous recipes in the appendix.

This is a good title for a Young Adult or an Adult. This was a good book. It was a fast read and I liked how the protagonist overcame so many hurdles because of her creativity, openness to new ideas, and general positive attitude. I like how the author incorporates a reverence for nature in her books. And I am a sucker for a good love story and a happy ending...

I remember that this book moved me tremendously--it made me laugh and cry. The stories were poignant and real. I liked the author's move from New York City to such a small town. I liked the great vocabulary he used in his writing. And I liked the author's sensitivity to the issues of his town, neighbors and family. Excellent, fast read.

Wow, she did it again, another terrific book by this author! This fictional account of what both witnessing violence and/or being the target of violence can do to people ends on a positive note. A family is dealing with the death of man who was very cruel and abusive. A child is able to teach them about forgiveness and the need to set the man off on the right path for the next world. I like how Lucy, the child, describes that a stressful time for a family can set all the rubber bands snapping off. In other words, each family member is "tightly wound" and able to keep it together until there (correction on website) is an explosion which sets off a series of explosions. I found this to be very true! I think many families have experienced this. Lucy's interest in psychology and her interpretations of event around her were very enlightening. Loved it!

Delightful! Tender and wonderful! I loved this book. We see the events unfolding from the perspective of Earwig, the main character in this book. He is a "simpleton" who is actually the most sage and sensitive character in the book. He watches his brother Jimmy leave for World War II. He tells about all the changes in the world and in HIS world during World War II. Earwig experiences much personal growth in this story. So do the people surrounding him. The reader is left with an uplifting attitude toward life despite all the hardships and negativity that can be dealt people. Deceptively simple writing packs a powerful punch. Earwig becomes a reflection of the era and ourselves. Kring is excellent at setting up important details which are revisited later in her books.

This was really great! I knew going into it that it was "inspirational" and right away you can tell that Jake is a person who is emulating Jesus. It is the way the conflict is written between the "gypsies" and the town people that is so compelling. I read it in one sitting and really liked the messages of forgiveness and tolerance. Here are sparse words that really pack a punch. Murray is a good storyteller.