This World We Live In
Good book. This is the third in the Life as we Knew it trilogy. We get back to Howell, PA. Miranda and her family are still there struggling when her Dad, Stepmom and their baby appear at their door. With them are three strangers. Among the strangers are Alex and Julie from book 2. This book was about the struggles they face (and there are some huge ones!) and the feelings between the characters. It was a good book but I enjoyed the first one more.
Gone
This was a good book. It’s the first of a series. It takes place in Perdido Beach, California where one day, everyone over the age of 15 just disappears. In addition, some of the youngsters are exhibiting strange powers. I am looking forward to the next one.
The Dead and the Gone
This book was pretty good. It is the second book in the Life as We Knew It trilogy. It wasn't as good as the first one. It isn't about Miranda and her family. It is about another family during the time that the moon is hit by the asteroid. This is the story of 17 year old Alex Morales living in New York City when the event happens. His parents are gone (probably dead) and he is left to care for his two younger sisters. It started off slow but got really good toward the middle and end. I am really looking forward to the next book as we don't know what happens to Alex and his family at the end of this one.
Stay Close
This book was good. My first time reading Harlan Coben. The story is about a woman, Megan, who lives in the suburbs with her husband and two children. She has a past and it comes back to haunt her. A murder that happened long ago when she was someone else. It's also about a cop named Broome who has been trying to solve that same murder.
Matched
This book was so good. It is about a society where everything is planned for people including who they should marry. When Cassia is matched to Xander, she received a microcard with his data on it. She inserts it into the computer and Xander’s face comes up for a second. Then another boy’s face comes up. A boy she knows. It’s the story of Cassia wanting to choose and not being able to because society denies you that. It was so good. I can’t wait to read the second book.
Calico Joe
This is a great book. It’s the story of three men. Joe Castle aka Calico Joe the best baseball player the Cubs and Major League Baseball has ever seen, Warren Tracey, aging Mets pitcher who was a hard drinker but even harder on his family and Paul Tracey, son of Warren. Joe Castle is Paul’s hero. He roots for him but is careful to never let his dad know. Warren wouldn’t stand for it. One summer day, Joe faces Warren for the first time. Paul is in the stands cheering for Joe but also for his father. Then one pitch changes all their lives forever. This book made me cry and I loved it.
Just After Sunset: Stories
I love Stephen King short stories. This collection was no exception. He is a master at storytelling. The stories in this book that I enjoyed most were Stationary Bike – where a man tries to get fit and instead visits a world that only his stationary bike takes him to. The Things They Left Behind – about 9/11. N. was so creepy and scary that I had to stop reading when it got dark (loved it). The New York Times at Special Bargain Rates was sweet and sad. But if you have a weak stomach, do not read A Very Tight Place – this story was so gross.
Life As We Knew It
This was a very good book. It’s the story of a family from Hamel, Pennsylvania and their struggle to survive when the moon is hit by an asteroid and is moved closer to the Earth. This triggers all kinds of disasters, including tsunamis, tornados, volcanic eruptions and violent storms. Food is getting scarce and people are dying. Electricity, phone service and the internet becomes a thing of the past. It made me want to stock up on canned goods and bottled water. This book is the first of a series and I will definitely be reading the others.
11/22/63
This book was outstanding. One of my favorite Stephen King’s for sure. It’s the story of Jake Epping, high school teacher who gets a call from his friend Al. Al wants to show him something in his restaurant. It just happens to be a time portal in his pantry. When you go through it, you arrive in September 1958. Al wants Jake to go through and save the life of President Kennedy in 1963. But the past is obdurate; it doesn’t want to be changed. Excellent book.
The Art of Fielding: A Novel
This is a wonderful book. I love baseball and I love baseball books. But this book is about more than baseball. It is about college life, love, relationships, and baseball. The book revolves around a very talented shortstop named Henry Skrimshander discovered by catcher Mike Schwartz who gets Henry into his small, private college. There we are introduced to Henry’s gay roommate, Owen. The other two characters are the President of the college Guert Affenlight and his daughter Pella. Great, great book.
Trail of the Spellmans
I received this book as an Advanced Readers Copy from Goodreads. Thanks Goodreads.This is the 5th book in the Spellman series and I will definitely be reading the other four. This book was hilarious. With witty dialogue, a funny cast of characters and footnotes! I am a sucker for a well-placed footnote.
The Spellmans are a family of PI’s. Dad is being tricked into healthy eating and Mom who has suddenly filled her calendar with hobbies. Brother David spends all his time trying to mold 18 month old daughter and younger sister Rae who is part time employee and college student. Main character older sister Isabel, who is having a non-relationship with Henry, goes drinking with Henry’s mom Gerty and is trying to figure out what her clients are doing.
Great fun, fast read and lots of funny happenings.
Black Moonlight
I really enjoyed this book. It’s is the 4th in the Marjorie McClelland mysteries. I’ve never read any of the others but I may go back and read them. It takes place in the 1930s. Marjorie and her new husband Creighton are in the Caribbean where Creighton’s family has a manor on a small island. Much to their surprise, the family is home. There are many colorful characters. On the first night a murder occurs. One of the party is a murderer, another accused of it. Really fun book and a fast read.
77 Shadow Street
I loved this book. I’ve never really been a Koontz fan. But this book was fantastic. It’s about a house that was built in the 1800s and every 38 years something strange happens. In this present time, the Pendleton (which the house is now called), has many tenants and several of them start experiencing unusual things. I don’t want to give it away but this book scared me and then intrigued me and then was so thrilling. Excellent book. Highly recommended.
Death Comes to Pemberley
This was a very good book. Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book so I try not to read any sequels so as not to change the perfect picture I have of this book. Ms. James took me by surprise and wrote a book that follows the style of Jane Austen very well. The life of the Darcys, Bingleys and Wickhams was as told in this book was like visiting old friends. The mystery of the dead body in the Woodlands at Pemberley was interesting. Ms. James even manages to throw in some characters from Emma and Persuasion. All in all, I enjoyed this book and I think I may look into reading some of Ms. James’ other books. Great job!
It Takes a Witch
I really liked this book. It's the story of Darcy Merriweather who is a wishcrafter. A witch who has the power to grant wishes. She and her sister, Harper, move from Ohio to the Enchanted village in Massachusetts to live with their Aunt Velma. She reveals the power they have. A murder is committed one night and Aunt Velma's boyfriend, Sylar is the prime suspect. It is a very entertaining book and very original. I enjoyed it.
The Other Boleyn Girl
I really liked this book. It told the story of Mary Boleyn the sister of Anne, Queen of England, wife of Henry VIII. She was his mistress first and (not sure whether it is fact)had two children by him. It tells of her life at court, her first marriage, her children, helping her sister become Queen of England and her marriage to a soldier after. Interesting book.
