Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary Jacky Faber, Ship's Boy by Meyer, L.A.

I loved this book. People around me are sick of me talking about how awesome this book is. It is fast-paced book with tons of action. There are pirates, and thieves, good people and bad. All about Jacky trying to keep her cover and not get discovered.

This review isn't doing it justice, mainly because I am exhausted, but this book was faboo. If you love a lot of action in a book, I recommend this book. I did it as an audio and I used it as my hiking book. I couldn't wait to get on the trails each day. I liked it so much I requested the second book in the series.

I feel it would appeal to both boys and girls, but towards the end you are more aware that Jacky is a girl, but she earns her nickname. Any boy can appreciate what she does to keep up the deception.

Guernsey literary and potatoe peel pie society

I listened to this book over the last couple of weeks. This was my office book. I usually like to listen to something laid back when I'm in my office. It was ok. I didn't love it like many others have. I thought it was clever to write a book in a series of letters, and it was an excellent and fresh way to look at WWII.

I never would have made it through this book if I read it. There were too many people and too much stuff going on. As an audio book each letter was read by a character. Like most adult fiction titles, I felt it was about 75 pages too long.

This is one of those, I read it because everyone was talking about it. That's never a good reason for me to read a book, but I did finish it.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Baum, L Frank

Downloaded from Librivox. I have read this book before and loved it. I am not sure if it was how the book was divided (by chapters), how it was read (good but very choppy), or if I just wasn't in the mood for this, but I wasn't totally in love with it this time threw.

In the past I have loved the book so much so that I couldn't watch the movie for years because I was so mad at it. I found that the read while adequate tended to stumble over phrases and words more than I would have liked.

All in all, a worthy download because I want to listen to the whole series. Something I would never do if I read the books. It does help the time go buy when doing paperwork.

Lawn to Lawn by Yaccarino, Dan

Once again, I pick a book for it's cover. I have a thing for gnomes. They crack me up, I just hoped this book would do the same. The story was cute. Pearl moves to a new place, but doesn't have room for her lawn ornaments. Like a page from Homeward Bound, they walk, run, and ride until the get what they need. They have funny encounters, but the soft edges of the illustrations really make the book. They have a retro feeling to them, but still quirky enough for today's kids.

Cupcake : a journey to special by Harper, Charise Mericle

I really, really wanted to like this book. I love cake. It had some great illustrations, but it was a total let down. I the text seemed forced. The illustrations were good, but not enough to carry the book. A librarian read it to some younger kids and they liked the super silliness, but anyone over 6 will like the pictures, but the story kind of flops.

Hungry: A Young Model's Story of Appetite, Ambition and the Ultimate Embrace of Curves by Renn, Crystal

Surprisingly good. I don't know why I was shocked by this. I have always been impressed by Crystal Renn and her ability to overcome the hard horrible world of the supermodel. The story is told well, and I found myself getting sucked in. After knowing a lot of people who have had eating disorders, it takes someone who is strong to realize the errors of her ways. I didn't read every word of the last half mainly because I needed to get it back to the library, but I did enjoy it. It was something different and it might have gotten out of my reading slump.

Die Happy: 499 Things Every Guy's Gotta Do While He Still Can by Burke, Tim and Michael Burke

Clearly my "trashy novel" run continues. I though this would be a typical guys doing guys thing. It was way better than that. It was more like a travel book. It talked about festivals, Mardi Gras and Carnival included, but also covered the best places to golf, hike, or just get away from the world.

It was surprisingly well written and full of interesting facts. I didn't know that they have a special superdome made for sambas for Carnival.

Because there was no plot and no pictures, it did drag on a bit. I did lots of skimming, but still it was fun to see what two guys thought every other guy should do before "it's too late."

Getting in touch with your inner bitch by Hilts, Elizabeth

Again, my version of a trashy novel...or so I thought. I picked this up because I wanted something fun to read. The fact that it was mostly pink almost turned me off. I took a chance, and I'm glad I did.

Hilts talks about toxic niceness, something many people suffer from because they would rather please others than say what was on their mind. The quotes were fabulous all from good strong women. I have flagged pages with quotes I want to reread, pages I loved comments on, I even went so far as to WRITE in this book. I know the horror.

It's a quick read, but something I needed to get me out of my reading funk.

The Complete A**hole's Guide to Handling Chicks by Indante, Dan and Karl Marks

This is not a book for people who take themselves seriously. This is a very humorous look at how guys interact with women through out their lives. I have been going through my version of a trashy novel. I don't do typical romance novels. I enjoyed Tucker Max's book I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell, so I went on a look for similar books.

We all have our guilty little pleasures, this is one of mine.

How I live now by Rosoff, Meg

The reader is quite good. This book seems a little far fetched. It never really explains any of the plot topics. Daisy is sent to England to live with family after her father and stepmother can't deal with her any more. She has an eating disorder, a love affair with her first cousin, a third world war, and many other issues flood this book. None of which are ever really explained or dealt with.

It has feelings of World War II but also a touch of what could have happened after September 11th. More than once the vivid language caught me off guard. I liked the writing style, but I wouldn't say I enjoyed the book. It was very different, and I can't think of a person I might recommend this book too. Perhaps if it was read instead of listened to it would be even better. There is something about the audio that makes it even more realistic.

Cry the Beloved Country by Paton, Alan

So as part of the 1001 books to read before I die, I picked this particular novel. If I had to sum it up, it is the story of people from a small town. The kids move to the "big city," and they get into horrible horrible trouble.

It is much deeper than that, but that's all I got. I thought it was a bit too long. I was having a hard time seeing what the point of it was. The last 200 pages were quite good. The rest of it seemed unnecessarily long winded.

I can check it off the list, now only hundreds more to go.

Mercy Watson Collection 1 by Dicamillo, Kate

I wanted to like these. I like other things by Dicamillo, but this was not one. I am not sure if it was the reader or if it was the book. It was like Dumb Bunnies, but not funny or entertaining. It was just daft. I can see how they would be a big hit with some younger kids, but it was not one for me.

It would be a great thing for parents in the car with kids or for them to listen to on their own. It is perfect for beginning readers and well illustrated (yes I looked at the book too).

Millicent Min girl genius by Yee, Lisa

I thought this was a fun book. It was a read by Keiko Agena who also played Lane Kim on the Gilmore Girls.

I love Lisa Yee, she is a blast. Her writting and the reading by Agena meshed together to bring a great story together about Millicent and how hard it is for a genius. She goes through weeks of trying to adjust to the changes in her world.

She takes a college class and is getting ready to graduate high school at the ripe old age of 11.

I highly recommend anything by Lisa Yee. It is a good time.

A Room with a View by Forester, E.M.

Down loaded from Librivox.org. It was just not my tastes. I tried to like it. I tried to listen to the whole thing. I gave up with only an hour left. I just couldn't take it any more. I can't remember one thing about this book other than I would find any reason to not listen to this book.

Old Man and the Sea by Hemmingway

Done as an audio book. Read by Donald Sutherland. Painful. After the first half of the book (most of which I didn't listen to because I wasn't in my office), I gave up. I love Donald Sutherland but as an audio book reader, PAINFUL.

Sometimes you have to give up when the book is just that bad.

1001 books...

Otherwise known as my new project. I am trying to become a more well rounded reader, so about a year ago I decided to start on the 1001 books to read before you die. As you will see some, I liked, while others I did not. I promise I will make every attempt possible to finish each book, but sometimes it just isn't possible.

Suite Francaise by Nemirovsky, Irene

Oh I tried to like this book. I listened to it, couldn't make. Tried the book, wow that was a bad. Then went back to the audio months later, gave up. Then tried the abridged version of the audio book.

I know there are many people who like this book. It is often talked about and people just fawn over it.

I did not like it. Not one bit. I didn't even come close to finishing it.

Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald, F. Scott

This is the second time I have listened to this audio book. I much prefer the version read by Tim Robbins. I read this earlier this year so I don't remember it much. Only that I remember thinking, I wish it was the other version of this book. That's what I get for not updating more quickly.

Reluctant Fundementalist by Moshin, Hamid

This was an ok book. It is supposed to take place in Afghanistan or something. It was interesting to listen to, but every time I would get into the story the narrator would comment on what an unusual sound was coming from the other person's pocket. Thus breaking the flow of the book.

I listened to this months ago so not the best run down, but I am just trying to get back on this horse.

Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven by Gilman, Susan Jane

This book was AWESOME! I think everyone should read or listen this book. I would recommend listening to it because it was abridged and I didn't feel that much was missing from the story.

This is a great tale of youth and the naiveness that happens so often with youth. Two young women decided to backpack through China shortly after they open the borders to Westerners. This book reads like a thriller at times and often you find yourself saying "no they really aren't going to do that." Only to find out that they really are.

Their luck is impressive and I am sure I wouldn't have had a similar situation.

It is a great look at China back before it became commercialized.

Highly recommended.

Reader by Schlink, Bernhard

Well it was made into a movie, and it dealt with World War II, I figured it would be a good fit for me.

It was weird, but I liked it. As I listened, I found I was fascinated on how they would do this in a movie. I can see why there were scenes in the movie they couldn't shoot until the actor turned 18.

The text flowed and the story was gripping. It pulled me along right up until the twist I didn't quite see coming at the end.

I recommend this to people who would like to have something slightly different. There is a reason this is a part of the 1001 books to read, I think everyone should at least try it.

Hattie Big Sky by Larson, Kirby

This was a book that many people read for last year's Hot Reads Program. Almost everyone who read it, loved it, so I figured I'd give it shot. I listened to as I hiked in Maplewood. At one point, I even stopped listening because I remember my Grandfather talking about how German people were treated during and after WWI.

I did finish it and I was glad I did. The author went to great lengths to make this book real. It really showed the struggles of people proving up the land and making a homestead. Some people made it, some people don't.

I recommend this to people who like prairie historical fiction. I'm glad I read it, but not something I would have picked up on my own. Thank goodness I'm competitive. :)

Postman always rings twice by Cain, James M

This was a fast moving book. I had to start over the first disc 2 or 3 times because I didn't think I got the whole story.

I haven't seen the movie, but this was a good book. At the time it was published (1934), I'm sure it raised some eyebrows.

Since I listened to this over a year ago, I don't remember much of the intricate details. While I generally like books that are short and use limited words to tell the story, this one at times felt a bit too quick. I felt left with questions that the story couldn't tell me.

All in all, I liked it. I might even watch the movie, maybe.

Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Adams, Douglas

Ok I loved this book. It is another one I did as an audio. While it was clearly a science fiction, it didn't feel like it. It was funny and enjoyable. The reader of the book captured all the characters perfectly.

I would definitely suggest this book to people who don't like Sci Fi. It is a nice easy read that pulls the reader along.

The best part is at the end of the book you find the answer to the universe.

Bluest Eye by Morrison, Tony

Well, I can finally cross this one of the list. It is one of the shorter books I have read for the 1001 books before you die project.

Just because it is short doesn't mean it doesn't pack a punch. Many people have had to read this for a class, but up to this point I haven't had too.

Again, I'm finally posting on book I listened to a year ago, so the details are about hazy. I remember I spent a lot of time with my mouth hanging open.

Basically, I'm just cleaning up a backlog of drafts.

Invisible Man by Wells, H.G.

After Pride and Prejudice, I thought it was time for me to get serious about catching up on those classics I always planned to read but never got around to it. After much searching, I found a list called, "1001 books to read before you die." Hey it sounded like fun, so I figured why not. It even came with a downloadable version in Excel so I could keep track of my books.

I went to Librivox.com to see which titles I could download without fear of copyright to my iPod. I found out that I could get hundreds of books that way.

This was the second book I downloaded this way. The reader was quite good. This being a science fiction title, I didn't think I would like it. I was amazed at the story. More importantly I liked it.

It has a feeling of book that was written a 100 years after it was. It was written in 1897, but it didn't feel like a stuffy classic. I think more people should go to librivox and try out some great classics.

Hound of Bakservilles by Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan

The first book I downloaded from librivox. This is one of those books that everyone thinks they have read, but haven't.

I still (almost a year later) haven't decided if it was the story or the reader that made this hard to listen to. I felt like the reader was trying too hard to be Holmes. Again, it's been awhile, but it didn't leave a mark on me.

Mary Poppins by Travers, P.L.

After years of putting this off, I finally read the book that lead to one of my favorite movies.

I had a nasty experience with The Wizard of Oz. I loved the movie, then I read the book. For years I was so mad at the movie I couldn't watch it. This is why I haven't read Mary Poppins until now.

Well clearly I didn't have to wait so long. It was ok, but nothing like the movie. In all fairness, I know they took stories from all the books to make the movie. The movies is woven together with care.

The book is a disjointed mess. Bert has a very small almost non-existent role in the book while Miss Corey has a chapter all to her own. However the Miss Corey story freaked me out, but there ya go.

Interestingly enough the only chapter I really enjoyed had characters that didn't even make the movie, the twins John and Barbra.

This would be a good read aloud at bedtime, and if I was introduced to it when I was younger I might have liked it more.

In the end it is a rare time where the book isn't, in my opinion, better than the movie.

Mighty Queens of Freeville by Dickenson, Amy

After reading the "good for me" Pride and Prejudice, I felt like I earned a fun book. I love Amy Dickenson on the Public Radio show, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me so I figured I would give her book a try.

Once again, I put it on my iPod and hiked to Maplewood State Park. I loved it. While the audio was abridged, I found it funny, uplifting, and delightful.

Amy also writes a column called, Ask Amy. She took over for Ann Landers. Amy tells her life story about her heartbreaks, her frequent trips to her small hometown, and he ability to "fail up."

Her life was facinating, and like everyone's life we have these quirky family memebers that make life interesting. There were stories about her father, her ex-husband, but mostly about the strong women in her family. Her life in the city of Washington, DC and in the small town of Freeville.

Her storytelling is top rate. I highly recommend it. If you don't read it for any other reason, read it for Peanut Jesus. :)

Pride and Prejudice by Austen, Jane

This is the book that started it all. I have been in a reading dry patch. I haven't been able to read much so I turned to audio books. I discovered the joy of hiking, but didn't like giving up my few hours of possible reading time.

I picked Pride and Prejudice mainly because everyone talks about it and I had never read it. I wish it was deeper than that, but there it is.

So I downloaded this book to my handy dandy iPod so I could hike and listen to the book. I never would have finished this book if I read it. Too many times I felt that it was pointless. More than once I was ready to give up on it because the characters were so petty. Once I looked at the book as a historical commentary on society at the time, then it was tolerable. I finished it, but I didn't love it. I am not shocked. I am not a fan of fiction and I am not a fan of romance novels.

Since I have read this book, I talked to many others about it. Most aren't shocked that I wasn't jumping from the rafters in love with it. Others were surprised I finished it. I ended up thinking it was too long, too frilly, and too perfect. But on the upside, I finished it! :)

It's the best I can do

After months of not posting my book reviews, this is the best I can do. It is frustrating because I know I read more books than this, but these are the ones I remember. I apologize for the short reviews, but most of these were months ago. I will review them to the best of my ability and try better in the new year.

There are two reasons I keep up a blog like this:
1)Let people know what I am reading.
2)Allow me to remember what I read.

Hopefully in 2008 I will be able to get back around a normal reading level for me between 150 and 200 books.

Kabul Beauty School : an American woman goes behind the veil

Title: Kabul Beauty School : an American woman goes behind the veil

Author: Rodriguez, Deborah.

Publisher: Random House

CIP

To aid Afghan women, an American runs a beauty school in Kabul.

Comments

This was a thought provoking book. Ms. Rodriguez goes to Afghanistan to help women better their lives and the lives of their families. In this strict society she faced challenges in teaching the students how to perform the most basic beauty techniques safely. Most of these women were using products that were harmful to their health or that were too old to use any more. It was interesting watching how this one American woman gave up so much to help so many women.

After reading the book, I heard an update on NPR. Then it left a sour taste in my mouth. I felt that the author was careless with the women's lives and safety for her own gain. Now I don't know where I stand.

Either way it is a good read. I would love to know what you think.

Good Girls

Title: Good Girls

Author: Ruby, Laura

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers

Synopsis In this new novel, Audrey Porter is a "good girl" -- a good student, a great daughter, an amazing friend. She's also the last person anyone expects to be hanging out with Luke DeSalvio, the hottest guy at Audrey's school. But Luke is a liar, a player, a dream, and Audrey knows it. She dumps him at her friend's Halloween party with no intention of looking back. But everyone else is looking -- looking at a mysterious and humiliating photograph that has popped up on their cell phones and computers. But who took it? And why? And how will she ever live it down?

Comments

This was well written. I don't feel it received the attention it deserved. On the surface it looked like your average teen angst novel with the good girl gone bad angle. But if you look a little deeper to also is a cautionary tale to teens about protecting their privacy. In this age, anyone can take a picture at any time or place. Then with the click of a mouse or a push of a button everyone in school, town, or the world can receive it.

Audrey learned this lesson the hard way. These embarrassing photos aren't just for celebrities anymore. Every student in her school has the photo and then when it can't get any worse, it shows up in her parents email.

Broken moon

Title: Broken moon

Author: Antieau, Kim

Illustration:

Publisher:Margaret K. McElderry Books

CIP When her little brother is kidnapped and taken from Pakistan to race camels in the desert, eighteen-year-old Nadira overcomes her own past abuse and, dressed as a boy and armed with knowledge of the powerful storytelling of the legendary Scheherazade, is determined to find and rescue him.

Comments

To be honest, it has been a few months since I have read this book. There is nothing like a holiday to help me catch up on the last six months of book blogging.

I read this book after I had read Sold. While some elements are similar, most readers will find the traditional format of the book easier to read. Other than having female characters in developing countries being sold into some sort of captivity, they are totally different. Nadira goes into the camel camps dressed as a boy to save her brother. Throughout her experience she comforts other boys in the camps with stories of the legendary Scheherazade.

It is a short book which provides a window into another country and the things families need to do to stay together.

Impulse

Title: Impulse

Author: Hopkins, Ellen.

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry Books

CIP Three teens who meet at Reno, Nevada’s Aspen Springs mental hospital after each has attempted suicide connect with each other in a way they never have with their parents or anyone else in their lives.

Comments

Ms. Hopkins's books are always interesting to read. They are about five inches thick, but you will hear lots of people comment that "it doesn't count each page only has a paragraph of text."

I would disagree. The format of the book makes is accessible to a larger group of readers who normally wouldn't attempt a book that size, but also provides the readers with a sense of accomplishment when they finish it. The format also allows for separation of characters and division of storylines.

This is one of her more complex stories with three characters talking at the same time. It took me a long time before I could keep the story straight in my head. I was frustrated, but engaged by the characters.

She builds a very realistic setting for these teens. Each comes from a totally different background proving that no one is immune from mental issues. She gives adults a look into the minds of teens. She also allows teen readers to see what other teens might be facing and just because things look good on the surface, doesn't mean that is what it is like behind closed doors.

It tackles tough teen issues.

Harry Potter and the half-blood prince

Title: Harry Potter and the half-blood prince

Author: Rowling, J.K.

Illustration:Mary Grandpré.

Publisher:Arthur A. Levine Books

CIP

The war against the Voldemort is not going well and the Order of the Phoenix has already suffered losses. Here at Hogwarts, Harry will search for the full story of the boy who became Lord Voldemort -- and thereby find what may be his only vulnerability.

Comments

Finally after years of trying to get this book read, I achieved it today. When this book was published I had a month left of grad school. By the time I got around to reading it in Missouri, I moved. I have been trying for a few months to read it before I go to bed, but I would fall asleep and then the hard covered book would smack me in the head. A friend of mine finished her paperback copy and was nice enough to loan it to me.

I know this series isn't for everyone, and that is ok. But Harry Potter is one of those characters that has a special spot in my heart. It is because of him that I discovered the fun of working in a library. It is because of him I went to grad school.

I have to admit, the book started off a little slow. I finished a number of other books in between when I started it and finished it. But the last half of the book was non-stop action. There are hundreds of other reviews you could read to find out about the plot line. I am more fascinated by Rowling's ability to give readers a character they can understand and sympathize with.

One of my 2008 goals might be to listen to each of the books. I have a lot of painting to do in the next few months, what better way to pass the time than with an audio book read by someone who has two Guinness World Records, nine time Audie Awards and much much more. Jim Dale is one of a kind.

Whistling in the dark

Title: Whistling in the dark

Author: Kagen, Lesley.

Publisher: NAL Accent,

CIP A story of 2 young sisters in the summer of 1959, left, virtually, to fend for themselves when a murderer and molester terrorizes their town.

Comments

This year I was invited to join a book club. I have never been in one before mainly because I am such a picky reader. I thought I would give it a try and read some books I normally wouldn't even pick up. For the most part it has been a good experience.

This book should go down in the record books. It is the first book I have finished, since I graduated, that I didn't really like. Something about it kept me going, but I didn't feel it flowed. others in the group identified with the time period and the music. I felt it was a disjointed story that left me unsatisfied. At the end I feel the author rushed to tie up the loose ends.

Most of the book group liked it. I will chalk it up to different tastes and experiences.

The glass castle : a memoir

Title: The glass castle : a memoir

Author: Walls, Jeannette.

Publisher: Scribner

CIP The author, a contributer to MSNBC.com, recalls a bizarre childhood during which she and her siblings were constantly being moved from one bleak place to another by dysfunctional parents, and in which she and her siblings learned to prosper on their own.

Comments

For those of you that have read Dave Peltzer's books, I recommend this as well. It was my first book club book. I received it rather late, so I wasn't able to finish it before our meeting, but it was fascinating. The life that this woman lived growing up is something some people feel must be fiction.

It is parents like Mr. Peltzer and Ms. Walls that give us a chance to look our lives to realize how good we have it. Books like these need to be available so that we can learn about people. Not everyone has a great childhood, but that doesn't mean that they grow up to be worthless people. Ms. Walls comments on a time when she was on her way to a fancy party, and along the way passed her mother on the street digging through the garbage. She tried everything to help her mother, and she didn't really want it.

I know this is a common book with book clubs. It is well reviewed and well written. Parts are difficult to read, and I wanted to strangle the mother about every other page. Our histories are what make each of us different.

I'd tell you I love you, but then I'd have to kill you

Title: I'd tell you I love you, but then I'd have to kill you

Author:Carter, Ally.

Publisher:Hyperion Books for Children

CIP As a sophomore at a secret spy school and the daughter of a former CIA operative, Cammie is sheltered from "normal teenage life" until she meets a local boy while on a class surveillance mission.

Comments

Every few books, I throw in one that is just plain fun. I loved the title of this book. There was no deeper meaning. No great teen angst or historical perspective that I learned. It was just a fun story about a secret spy school. Classes teach the girls how to blend into a crowd, different surveillance techniques and technologies, and the languages. Imagine having to go to a lunch with people you see every day, but you don't know what language you will be speaking until you enter the room.

I recommend it to anyone who feels life is getting a bit too serious.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Title: Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Author:Cohn, Rachel David Levithan.

Publisher: Distributed by Random House,

CIP High school student Nick O'Leary, member of a rock band, meets college-bound Norah Silverberg and asks her to be his girlfriend for five minutes in order to avoid his ex-sweetheart.

Comments

This is a well reviewed book. It is being made into a movie due out in late 2008. I read it months ago, so the details are pretty hazy. I liked it. It is kind of your average teen angst boy/girl disses by friends, significant other, or society. They are brought together by their taste in music. The two authors work together to write the book Levithan writing Nick's portion and Cohn penning Norah.

It will be interesting to see what kind of air play this book will receive with an movie and a sequel out within the next year.

Does my head look big in this?

Title: Does my head look big in this?

Author: Abdel-Fattah, Randa.

Illustration:

Publisher:Orchard Books

CIP Year Eleven at an exclusive prep school in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, would be tough enough, but it is further complicated for Amal when she decides to wear the hijab, the Muslim head scarf, full-time as a badge of her faith--without losing her identity or sense of style.

Comments

I have been pushing this book on anyone who asks. I went into this thinking it was just another teen novel, but it provided so much more. I gave me a glimpse into a what it is like when a person choses to wear a hijab full-time.

Even though the story takes place in Australia, the author keeps the Aussie slang to a minimum. It isn't just a book about a Muslim girl and the trials she experiences with her choice, it is a book that any teen girl can identify with. The author did a great job showing the difference in Muslim families and the worried Amal's parents had with her decision.

The ending is a bit too neat for me, however the characters are realistic. There are students that are supportive, and those that are not. There are concerns from the school administration, and from her parents. Her parents support her all the way as do her close friends. In the end a lot of her classmates get to know her better because of her decision.

Highly recommended.

The watchman

Title: The watchman

Author: Crais, Robert.

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

CIP A former Los Angeles police officer becomes the bodyguard of a troubled heiress marked for death.

Comments

Crais is one of my favorite authors. He writes the Elvis Cole series that I discovered years ago. Cole's partner is a man named Joe Pike. While you don't need to read the Cole series it does give you a little more background about Pike. On the same line of thought, this book provides more of Pike's history than any other book Crais has written.

He is hired to protect an heiress, and as usually where Pike goes trouble follows. He does everything possible to keep her alive. At one point he can't trust anyone but Elvis. Elvis provides him what he needs with no questions asked.

It is a fast-paced, action-packed novel. Anyone who likes James Patterson should give Robert Crais a try.

Who's sorry now? : a Grace & Favor mystery

Title: Who's sorry now? : a Grace & Favor mystery

Author: Churchill, Jill.

Publisher:William Morrow

Synopsis Times couldn't be tougher in the Hudson River Valley during the Great Depression, so penniless sister-and-brother duo Lily and Robert Brewster are in good company. Even the much-revered chief of police in poor, tiny Voorburg has been forced to abandon his boardinghouse. But there's something even more sinister going on around town.

Comments

Just noting that I read it. This is one of my brain candy reads. I nice light cozy mystery that takes place after the Crash.

The cat who had 60 whiskers

Title: The cat who had 60 whiskers

Author:Braun, Lilian Jackson.

Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons

CIP The columnist Jim Qwilleran and his cats probe a mystery in the 29th "Cat Who" book.

Comments

I love the Cat Who series. They are nice cozy fun mysteries. It is one of the reasons I moved back north. I am not sure what happened to Ms. Braun, but this was not her best. It felt unfinished and left too many things unfinished. The barn just burns and Qwill is okay with this? Polly goes to Paris and decides to not return? Are you kidding me?

These have been topics of discussion in the library as people who love the series. I personally keep waiting for the "just kidding, it wasn't finished," note. I guess it isn't coming.