New Books reviewed since February 2009 |
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Title |
Author |
Rating |
Description |
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Half of a Yellow Sun |
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie |
**** |
Beuatifully written by a young Nigerian author, this work
of historical fiction assembles an array of characters who tell us the story
of Biafra - the circumstances surrounding its creation, the hope it
engendered, and the tragedy of its failure. As a child, I remember seeing
photos of starving children in Biafra, but I never knew the history of its
creation and frankly never gave it much thought. This book opened my eyes to
some African history that I was totally unaware of. Highly recommended. |
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Look Me in the Eye - My Life with Asbergers |
John Elder Robison |
**** |
Written by the elder brother of Augusten Burroughs (Running
with Scissors), this incredibly insightful book sheds light on Aspergers
syndrome, a mild form of autism. The author, clearly highly intelligent, was
not diagnosed until he was close to 40. He shares his life with his whacky
parents, and the challenges of growing up without understanding many of the
social norms and structures. Highly recommened as the book is both
educational, inspirational, and entertaining. |
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Outliers |
Malcolm Gladwell |
**** |
A fascinating book that examines many successful - and some
not so succesful people - to attempt to determine the effect of luck and
privilege versus talent and hard work on success. There are many great
stories that support the authors conclusions and obviously a great deal of
truth behind his research. Not to say you'll believe in all his conclustions
and therories, but they are all certainly interesting. You'll learn, among
other things, why most hockey stars are born in January through March, why
the Beatles were so successful, the common factors that made Bill Gates,
Bill Joy, and other techie Whiz Kids successful, and why the guy with the
world's highest IQ never even finished college. Highly recommened as it will
get you thinking! |
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Sea of Poppies |
Amitav Ghosh |
**** |
A book set in 19th century India, it tells the tale of the
Opium trade and provides a vivid depiction of life in India during this
time. I listened to the audio version which was "performed" not read by a
wonderful narrator. The story is good - not great - but the writing,
language, and visualiztion is fantastic. Highly entertaining and somewhat
informative, I found this book truly enjoyable and different. |
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The Daily Coyote |
Shreve Stockton |
**** |
The author, who is from New York, moves to a remote town in
Colorado where she lives in a small, rustic cabin. She begins a relationship
with a man who kills coyotes for the US government in an effort to control
their population and protect farm stock. For some reason, he saves a coyote
cub which he gives the author and the book is about their first two years
together. Sometimes funny, sometimes sobering, it highlights the pros and
cons of raising a wild animal, especially one that can be dangerous.While it
ultimately has a happy ending - at least so far - there are many points
where the potential for tragedy are apparent. Well written and interesting -
should be enjoyable for all animal lovers. |
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The Ghost Map |
Steven Johnson |
**** |
The true story of a cholera epidemic in 19th century
England and the efforts of a determined scientist to discover the cause,
which he eventually does - contaminated water. Before this, nobody knew how
cholera was transmitted, though even in the face of compelling evidence, the
conclusions were not readily accepted. The book is a well-written and
gripping look at life in one of the world's largest cities, where logistical
challenges were great (ie, waste disposal was a huge challenge) and people
were vulnerable to outbreaks of communicable diseases which often spread
rapidly with deadly consequences. It traces the efforts of one man who
doggedly pursues the evidence left by the many dead to determine how they
became infected. A good scientific thriller. |
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Up Till Now |
William Shatner |
**** |
Fans of Star Trek, Boston Legal, or William Shatner will
enjoy this book. It's an autobiography which does nothing to dispell
whatever you might think about Shatner! Self-serving - of course! It is
about Shatner after all. But entertaining and fun, even is Star Trek is only
a small piece of it |
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Black Wave |
John Silverwood |
*** |
The true story of a family whose catamaran (sailboat)
struck a small island and sank in the Pacific. With the husband badly
injured it was up to the eldest son and rest of the family to make important
decisions about their survival. Though they were rescued fairly quickly, it
was a great illustration of how quickly things can happen at sea.
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Bones |
Jonathan Kellerman |
*** |
Another in the Alex Delaware series, this was not one of my
favorites. The story seemed weak. It evolves around a series of murders -
but the serial killer in the end hardley seems believable. Nevertheless,
it's a typical Kellerman page turner, with enough interest to justify
reading on a nice beach somwhere. |
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Change in the Weather |
Mark McEwan |
*** |
The author, a network morning show celebrity, suffers first
a mild stroke which is misdiagnosed as the flu then suffers a massive
stroke. A combination autobiography and story about stroke and recovery, the
book is good but to me fell short of being compelling. While educational in
some respects, it did not provide as much detail about stroke, or the
rehabilitation process as I had expected. However, if you know someone who
has been affected by strok, this is a valuable book. |
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Dragon Sea |
Frank Pope |
*** |
A true story of ocean archeology and treasure hunting off
the coast of Vietnam. This is an interesting story about the conflicts
between those who view shipwrecks as historical artifacts and those who
believe that whoever finds a wreck has the right to pillage it for
commercial gain. This book tells the story of an expedition that attempts to
balance those interests - archeologists accompany divers who collect
valuable porcelain under the funding of a commercial venture. The author is
an archeologist who provides a first hand view of the dangers involved in
long-term, deep diving, the excitement of recovering the cargo and
attempting to identify and date the vessel, the time pressure of beating
others to the prize, and the difficulty of valuing the cargo for public
sale. |
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Havana Nocturne |
T.J. English |
*** |
The story of Lucky Luciano and other gangsters who
controlled Havana's casinos, entertainment, and prostitution industries
prior to the revolution which brough Castro to power. Well researched and
intersesting, the book provides great insight into the world of many famous
mobsters and provides some background on the things going on in Cuba that
led to the revolution in 1959. |
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Inheriting the Trade |
Thomas DeWolfe |
*** |
Ten members of a family whose ancestors were slave traders
set out on a journey of discovery to make a documentary. The book alternates
between being interesting and annoying. The author, who seems to have led a
completely sheltered life, unaware that things like racism still exist,
travels to Africa and Cuba and engages in discussions that reveal things to
him - and at each turn he overreacts and over-dramatizes to the point where
you just want to smack him. But it's not all bad - it does provide some good
insight and backgound on the lingering issues of slavery and its affect on
this country. |
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Skipping Christmas |
John Grisham |
*** |
A satirical tale of a couple, daughter off on an adventure
to a faraway land, who decide to skip Christmas and go on a cruise instead.
Subject to scorn and ridicule from all their friends, associates, and
neighbors, they stick to the plan almost to the end. Funny and unfortunately
all too true - it brings to light the materialism and lunacy surrounding
many people's approach to this holiday. Short and entertaining. |
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Step on a Crack |
Richard Patterson |
*** |
Michael Bennett is a NY detective and hostage negotiator
with ten adopted children and a wife dying of cancer. He becomes the lead
negotiator in a meticulously planned mass kidnapping/hostage situation. Good
enough to be believable, this is the first in what will likely be a good
series. Unlike some Patterson books, this one is not horribly gruesome.
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Stone Cold |
David Baldacci |
*** |
The third in the Camel Club series, this one gets a bit
more violent and doesn't have a happy ending. But it's still entertaining
and the story, while not totally believable, is good. |
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The Brass Verdict |
Michael Connelley |
*** |
This book brings together two of Michael Connelley's main
characters - Lincoln Lawyer Mickey Haller and detective Harry Bosch, end up
working on the same case, initially on opposite sides but eventually teaming
up to solve the mystery and in the process learning that they have more in
common than they thought. Michael Connelly fans will enjoy this one.
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The Camel Club |
David Baldacci |
*** |
Entertaining story of four oddbalss in Washington who seem
to be ordinary weird, homeless, compulsive, or just strange characters, but
who are in reality quite capable with intersesting pasts. They team up to
solve a mystery involving murder, conspiracy, espionage, and corruption at
the highest levels. If you're willing to accept a somewhat far fetched
conspracy theory, and some other small issues, it's a fun book. |
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The Collectors |
David Baldacci |
*** |
Anotther in the Camel Club series, this book features a
couple bad guys and some new characters. Once again, the Camel Club comes
through, solving a mystery which baffles the highest law enforcement
agencies in the land. |
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The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher |
Kate Summerscale |
*** |
This is the true story of Mr. Whicher, a pioneer of the
profession of detective, and his investigation of a murder of a young child
in 1860 England. The book is very well researched and, thought the murder
was never completely solved, it appears that Mr. Whicher was on the right
track. However, this case nearly derailed his career. While interesting, the
book seems to be trying to do too much - it winds together the background
and facts of the murder, information on all the characters involved, and
also tries to provide a history of police work and the advent of scientific
forensic methods. The result is that the book is at times slow and provides
a bit too much technical detail. |
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Until Proven Guilty |
J. A. Jance |
*** |
The first in the JP Beaumont detective series, this book
focuses on the murder of a young child who lives with her mother in a small
religious cult. Solid story and good characters. |
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The Memory Keeper's Daughter |
Kim Edwards |
* |
Another of those best-sellers that I just don't get! A
doctor's wife delivers twins, one of whom has Down's syndrome. He decides to
send the child to an institution and tell his wife she died at birth.
Naturally, the family is screwed up forever more while the child is adopted
and brings joy and love to her adoptive mother. None of the characters is
appealing and the story is awful - wish I hadn't bothered to read this one.
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New Books reviewed since September 2008 |
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Title |
Author |
Rating |
Description |
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The Ditchdigger's Daughters |
Yvonne S. Thorton |
***** |
Story of a poor African American man who has five
daughters. He worked briefly as a ditch digger but mostly as a janitor. He
says to his co-workers that all his daughters will become doctors, then sets
out to make that happen. Written by one daughter (yes, a doctor) this is the
story of incredible wisdom, commitment, and parenting. One of the more
inspirational books you'll ever read and recommended for every parent. |
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The Man on Mao's Right |
Ji Chaozhu |
***** |
Written by a man born in China whose family came to the US
in the 1930';s when China was invaded by Japan. After spending his childhood
here he returns to China where he becomes a translator for the Foreign
Ministry during Mao's rise to power. A regular translator for Cho En Lai, he
also translates on occasion for Mao and provides a incredible first hand
account of China during the Great Leap Forward, Cultural Revolution, and
transition to a more open environment during the Nixon administration.
Totally true but reads like a novel - one of the best and most interesting
books I've read. Highly recommended. |
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FDR |
Jean Edward Smith |
**** |
Well researched and well written biography of FDR. Provides
great insight into the man, the major US and world events that were
occurring at the time, and the effects of FDR's leadership and decisions on
those events.Worth a read - but it is not a short or easy one to get
through! |
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From Baghdad with Love |
Jay Kopelman |
**** |
An American Marine Lt. Col serving in Iraq finds and adopts
a puppy during a mission. Adopting or feeding domestic animals is against
the rules so the puppy has to be constantly hidden and shuffled around to
ensure its safety. Unable to bear leaving his companion behind, the soldier
begins a long process to try to find a way to bring him home. A short but
wonderful story of the horrors of war, yet how the love for a puppy can
overcome those horros. It's a quick read and one you'll enjoy. |
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Playing for Pizza |
John Grisham |
**** |
Wonderful story of a third-string NFL quarterback who after
a disastrous game, goes to play football in Italy. Full of fun esposides
with some good life lessons thrown in, |
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The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society |
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**** |
A story told in the form of letters exchanged by friends
and associates in the aftermath of WWII. A reporter who covered the war is
contacted by a man in Guernsey and his correspondence leads her to research
the story of a literary society established there - full of charm, romance,
and interesting characters. Highly entertaining. |
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The Nine |
Jeffrey Toobin |
**** |
An in-depth look at the Supreme Court from Earl Warren
through John Roberts. Provides wonderful insight into how the court works,
how current justices came to be there, and how their decisions affect us.
Highly recommended. |
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The Way of the World |
Ron Suskind |
**** |
The author is obviously not a fan of GW Bush or his
policies. The book provide an account of US intelligence up through and
including the Iraq war while at the same time providing in-depth personal
stories about a number of people affected - an exhange student from
Afghanistan, a man detained at Guantanamo, a Iraqi-American living and
working here. The claims made in the book are very disturbing - it's just
hard to know how much is real fact and how much is spin - such is the nature
of politics and espionage! |
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Waiter Rant |
The Waiter |
**** |
After losing his regular job, the author takes a job as a
waiter in a high-end restaurant and six years later this book details his
experience. Not laugh-out loud funny, but highly entertaining. Some of the
customers will remind you of yourself or someone you know. You'll be
entertained and will have more sympathy for your next waiter. |
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America's Hidden History |
Kenneth Davis |
*** |
A collection of unknown tales about events in America's
early history. The stories are interesting but there is nothing about the
book or the stories that is gripping or that qualifies it as a "must-read".
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Chosen By A Horse |
Susan Richards |
*** |
A woman with a difficult past - abusive family and abusive
ex - agrees to adopt an abused horse that has been rescued from a large
farm. Though she already has two horses, this new addition has a dramatic
impact on the author's life, enabling her to confront some of her difficult
past and make some tough decisions about her future. Though I found it hard
at times to identify with the author, I enjoyed the story and applaud her
for writing it. |
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Dark Summit |
Nick Heil |
*** |
In 2006 a British climber lay dying on the route to the
summit while 40 others passed him by, including a disabled climber whose
feat was tarnished by this incident. The same year, ten others died in their
summit attempts. This books explores many of the reasons leading to these
incidents and provides great insight into the difficulties and moral
dilemmas facing anyone who sets out on this journey. The style is more of a
documantary than other Everest books such as Into Thin Air but is still
fascinating and worth reading. |
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Dirty Martini |
J.A. Konrath |
*** |
Jack Daniels is at it again - how many serial killers can
one detective track down in one career? Apparently a lot! As with other
books in this series, it's a fun read for those who like murder mysteries.
Plenty of humor mixed in with lots of blood. One climactic scene had me very
annoyed as the attempt at humor made the characters seem unrealistic and
stupid given their circumstances. But nothing is perfect and overall this is
a good read. |
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Lost Light |
Michael Connelly |
*** |
Detective Harry Bosch has retired from the police force and
begins a new career as a private investigator. His case involves a long
unsolved murder related to a theft of cash being used for a bank robbery
scene in a movie production. Like other books in this series, it is fast
paced, intelligent, and entertaining. If you like Harry Bosch, you'll enjoy
this book. |
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Prisoner of Birth |
Jeffrey Archer |
*** |
A modern day Count of Monte Cristo. A man wrongly convicted
of murder ingeniously escapes from prison and sets out to avenge his
conviction by destoying the guys who framed him. Decent story and good
entertainment but not my favorite Follett book. |
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Sail |
James Patterson |
*** |
A family still hurt by the loss of their husband/father
sets out for a sailing vacation to re-bond and ends up stranded on a remote
island where they have to fend for themselves. Did their boat really suffer
an accident? Will the new husband/stepfather be able to rescue them in time?
Lots of twists and turns and a reasonable story. Good page turner. |
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Silks |
Dick Francis |
*** |
One jockey is accused of murdering another and the
barrister (lawyer) who defends him is also an amateur jockey. Another
enjoyable Francis novel set in the world of horse-racing |
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Stolen Season |
Alex McKnight |
*** |
Retired cop and private investigator Alex McKnight spends
his summers in Upper Michigan where he becomes involved in a complex and
dangerous case involving guns and money. Many twists and turns in the plot
and some really bad things happen to the good guys, who I found to be pretty
realistic - that is, they make mistakes, aren't always smart, and sometimes
have bad things happen to them. But in the end the bad guys of course get
their due. Not a bad book for this genre. |
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The Ambler Warning |
Robert Ludlum |
*** |
Written after Ludlum's death by someone hired to write like
him, this book, while good at times is overall a disappointment. Full of
espionage and consiracy, in the end it's just not believable. OK if there's
nothing better available. |
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The Dogs Who Found Me |
Ken Foster |
*** |
A man in Manhattan adopts a dog from the pound, then
develops a knack for finding and rescuing stray dogs. Though he seems a bit
misguided at times, he does relate some heartwarming stories and it a book
that most dog lovers will enjoy. |
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The Appeal |
John Grisham |
** |
Small-town law firm with a poor client wins a major lawsuit
against a big, bad company and the story is about the ensuing appeal. The
lesson seems to be that anyone involved in business, politics, or corporate
law is evil and corrupt. While the writing is OK and the story moves along,
I mostly found it obnoxious and annoying |
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Executive Privilege |
Phillip Margolin |
* |
Lots of people seem to like this book but from the start I
found it hard to believe. Junior lawyer working a pro-bono case comes across
multiple serial killers conspiring with each other, all tying into the the
President of the US. Yeah, right. You get sucked in with good writing and
plenty of action, but it never, ever becomes believable. |
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