Book reviews by Lisa

The Help

2011-09-05T08:36:00.003-04:00

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure I was going to like this book, mostly because of all the hype, but I was pleasantly surprised. Now do I feel that is one of my absolutely all time favorites? No, not by a long shot, but it was quite readable and I was able to read it quickly one day by the pool.

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The Book Thief

2011-07-09T07:52:00.000-04:00

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

7/6/11
Starting to read, but finding it very difficult to 'get into'. Not liking the style of writing. Only got to page 31. Will give it another shot.

7/7/11
Still trying to read, trying to like it, but still not there. So many people LOVE it, I must be missing something. Perhaps I will give it rest for a few days. pg 58

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Winter Garden

2011-07-06T09:44:00.000-04:00

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautifully written. Hannah has yet to fail me in her stories, and this is no exception! The is is a novel about the complexities and intricacies that bond a mother and her children. There were a few things that bothered me- but not enough to discourage reading. Stories and secrets, and an epic love story! A keeper for the library to be re-read!!

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The Girl Who Played with Fire

2011-07-06T08:43:00.000-04:00

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second of the Millennium Trilogy, continues with Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander involved in a sex trafficking operation. When Salander is accused of a triple murder, Blomkvist delves into the investigation to prove her innocent. I enjoyed it and will be reading the final novel soon.

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Save Me-- Lisa Scottoline

2011-06-17T09:23:00.002-04:00

What would you do?

Save Me starts out strong, with a mom volunteering at school during lunch, when an emergency develops and she is accused of saving her own child, instead of another child, because she was bullying her own. Most of the story flows very well, but I had some issues with it. I hesitate to go too far into why as I do not want to say too much, as it would give away too much as a spoiler.

Given that, I really enjoyed the basic plot of the story, and much of it was very realistic. It certainly makes one ponder, "What would I do?" At one point, however, I became more questioning about the plausibility of the course of events.

3 of 5 stars

I received this book free through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program. I am not obligated to give a favorable review, nor do I receive monetary compensation for my review.

The Violets of March- Sarah Jio

2011-06-17T08:52:00.002-04:00

Sarah Jio's debut novel, "The Violets of March" is a wonderful story, set on beautiful Bainbridge Island, in Washington. Jio's characters are throughly believable and the plot develops beautifully. I loved the aspect of a story within a story, via a diary. It is such an integral part of the story, but flows WITH the story. The lovely description of the setting of Bainbridge Island allowed me to immerse myself in the book and feel i was there. A great story, a lovely setting. Let yourself just enjoy it!

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Exposure- Therese Fowler

2011-05-10T17:34:00.000-04:00

Exposure: A Novel by Therese Fowler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Exposure, by Therese Fowler

Exposure is a modern Romeo and Juliet; a teenage couple who are desperate to be together despite Amelia's father edict that she was not allowed to date, even at 17. Anthony and Amelia, who after their cumulating night of love, make a decision that has consequences far beyond what either of them could have possibly imagined. Amelia's father finds naked pictures of Anthony on her computer, and despite her protests, uses his influence on the local police to arrest Anthony, and to have the media label him a sex offender. Events continue to unravel out of control, and soon the story gains national attention. With the continued investigation, the "sexting" takes a wild turn, and the teens take drastic measures to clear their names.

Ms. Fowler bravely takes from a personal experience that occurred in 2009 when her son approached her with dread and announced, "Mom. I'm in trouble and I'm going to be arrested.", and creates a work of fiction that feels uncomfortably real. The book, as the author states, "is fiction, the characters drawn completely from my imagination." All the reactions and fears are entirely real.

As a HS teacher, I asked a couple of good students, average teens, about sexting, and their comments surprised me.

Yes, it is happening, in good schools, in good families, in your area! Beginning in MIDDLE SCHOOL!

And yes, these 'harmless' acts, even when both parties consent, if caught and convicted, will have to register as sex offenders. I too have personal knowledge of such events.

Bravo to Ms. Fowler (as well as her son and family), for sharing, which as I can only imagine, must have heart-wrenching.

Suffice it to say that I truly loved the book and will be HIGHLY recommending it to others!

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TullyandKate-- Best Friends forever

2011-04-05T18:05:00.001-04:00

Firefly Lane, by Kristin Hannah, is a story about best friends. Kate Mularkey chooses marriage and motherhood; Tully Hart opts for career, fame and fortune. Their friendship begins in the 1970s, as young teens, and follows them through the decades of of friendship as adults. Kate had a stable family life as a child, while Tully, "the coolest girl in the world", scrambled to survive despite her addicted mother. Kate is an at-home mother of two; ambitious Tully, climbs to the top of broadcast journalism, and discovers that it can be lonely at the top.

Emotional and touching, Hannah writes from the heart. Hurt, laughter, anger, jealousy, heartache, and love abound in this story.

I cannot recommend this book enough! It is terrific, and has earned a permanent spot on my bookshelf!

Night Road by Kristin Hannah

2011-03-14T19:14:00.002-04:00

Haunting and emotional, Night Road by Kristin Hannah is a wonderfully written book. The story was riveting, and most definitely seemed true to life. Jude seemingly has a terrific life: wonderful husband; beautiful, smart children; and a lovely home on an island. Jude has given her life for her children for eighteen years. Just before Zach and Mia are to graduate, tragedy strikes. How can Jude possibly forgive what has left her so devastated, and her family torn apart?
I received this ARC from St. Martins Press for review.

Vixen- Jillain Larkin

2010-10-31T16:48:00.002-04:00

Vixen, by Jillian Larkin. A terrific debut novel! This is a sexy, romantic book about the Roaring Twenties, for teens! It is highly appropriate for teens. Sexy, without any obligatory sex scenes. Romantic without being gushy. I enjoyed it very much, and once I started reading could not put it down! Thanks! I received this book free through Barnes & Noble's First Look program, but I am under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Unholy Domain

2010-10-26T20:52:00.001-04:00

This fast- paced thriller by Dan Ronco had me turning pages until late into the night! The recent genre of techno -thriller is not usually what I would reach for for recreational reading, but I was intrigued quickly. What had me from the first page, was the futuristic realism of a Great Depression, was not only scary, but also plausible! There3 was more than enough to keep me turning pages, long after when I should have been asleep for the night! A solid 3 stars! and leaning to 4! Bravo! I throughly enjoyed this book.! I have to say that I received this book for review through LibraryThing Early reviewer program, but I am not obligated to give a favorable review.

* Aptly Titled! *

2010-10-03T19:19:00.000-04:00

Fitzpatrick's second novel in the bestselling Hush, Hush series "Crescendo", definitely lives up to its title. The action rises completely to the max, a most intense climax, and twists all the way to the final page. I devoured it completely, and enjoyed every morsel! From its humble beginning, all the way through each turn the story takes, it kept me enthralled! I was not sure if the author was going to be able to continue the success of the first novel, but she clearly has outdone herself. Kudos to Ms. Fitzpatrick, and and I am more than ready for the third in the series! Thanks Becca once again! I received this book free through Barnes and Nobles First Look program

To Account for Murder

2010-09-23T13:20:00.001-04:00

To Account for Murder

I received this book through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewer program. William Whitbeck’s novel To Account for Murder, is a wonderful, page-turning read. The novel, based on the true 1945 gang murder of Senator Warren G. Hooper, reads as a very appealing piece of fiction. Corruption, sex, murder, and politics all combine to make a mesmerizing piece of literature. I literally could not put this book down, and had to stay up half the night in order to finish, all the way to the terrific twist, and very satisfying ending. Very well done!

The Wake of Forgiveness

2010-09-18T19:20:00.000-04:00

I had the opportunity to read "The Wake of Forgiveness" by Bruce Machart, as a part of Barnes & Noble's First Look program. As much as I wanted to enjoy reading this book, I had a very hard time reading it. I did not form a connection with any of the characters. If I cannot form any connection to them, I have a difficult time with the book. Every time I tried to pick up TWoF to read, I found that I couldn't. Perhaps it just was not the time for me to read this book. I will try again, at some point.

Eternal On The Water

2010-09-18T17:40:00.000-04:00

I was privileged to have read Eternal on the Water by Joseph Monninger, as a First Look Book with the Barnes & Noble Book Club. I was not sure that I was going to enjoy the book, but I kept at it and was glad I did. Mary and Cobb are two teachers who meet while kayaking on the Allagash River in Maine. Monninger writes with terrific imagery, and is poignantly written and thought provoking.

Before I Fall

2010-09-18T17:38:00.003-04:00

Lauren Oliver has written a terrific debut novel! She has a way of developing her characters in a very unique way. I sat down and did not get up from reading until I was finished! It will go back on my shelf to re-read soon!

Darkness, Take My Hand

2010-09-05T08:20:00.000-04:00

Dennis Lehanes's thriller is a great story that will keep you up at night, an not just to finish reading! A superb cast of characters, and an absorbing plot make for terrific reading. One not to miss!

Open your heart to "The Mailbox"

2010-07-29T09:54:00.000-04:00

"The Mailbox", the debut novel by Marybeth Whalen is a terrific, fun and easy read. There is a mailbox hidden in the dunes of Sunset Beach where for the past 20 years Lindsey has been leaving letters at the end of her summer vacation for the Kindred Spirit. Lindsey began visiting Sunset Beach as a teenager, and continued with her husband and children. Now, she returns as a divorced mother and reunites with her teenage crush.

"The Mailbox" is a great beach read! I regret that I did not know why the mailbox was in the dunes and that I did not have the book in my hand while I was vacationing on Sunset Beach last week! I look forward to future novels by Whalen.

The Writing Circle

2010-06-30T18:28:00.001-04:00

I had the opportunity to read "The Writing Circle" by Corrine Demas as a part of B&N's First Look club. I had a difficult time getting into the story, and blamed it in part as I was having difficulty reading it on my iTouch, so it ultimately took me quite awhile to read. I did not enjoy the fast changes in the short peeks in each characters lives. About halfway through, I finally did get wrapped into the story, all the way to the shocking ending. It was, in the end for me, a satisfying read, and will recommend it for book clubs!

The Poacher's Son

2010-04-06T08:38:00.000-04:00

I had the privilege to have the opportunity to read "The Poacher's Son" by Paul Doiron as a part of BN's First Look club. I was not sure what to expect, except that it was a mystery. I enjoy mystery's and this one did NOT fail me!! I was a great read and read it all in one day! I thought that "The Poacher's Son" fascinating. The characters and the plot were well developed. The plot had many twists and turns. The setting of camp in the woods of Maine was quite accurate!. A fun week-end read!

Dear Readers: Read this book!!

2010-04-04T09:47:00.001-04:00

"Dear Lilly" by Peter Greyson, is an awesome 'guide to life' written by a father to his preschool daughter. I picked it up and absolutely could not put it down! I read it in one day, and read it again and again. It cuts straight through the heart with " Mr G's" personal stories. Before I had finished, I had already decided that I would be buying several for my HS reading group. I teach in an inner-city HS and feel that "Dear Lilly" will have a profound effect on my students. His experiences will help my students understand their own lives, and that they are not alone in their. I highly recommend "Dear Lilly" for every teen and adult. Thank you Peter for opening up yourself! It should become a required read in every HS!

"The Secret of Joy" by Melissa Senate

2009-12-27T18:59:00.005-05:00

What is she like? That is the big question Rebecca is asking about her half sister she never knew she had. This shocking revelation came from her father on his deathbed, and has a dying wish: deliver a box of letters to his other daughter. Love and heartbreak abound in this heartwarming story. I enjoyed this vacation of a book! Just pour a cup of tea, and make yourself at home.

Truly, Madly - Cute

2009-11-22T18:00:00.003-05:00

Heather Webber's Truly, Madly is a cute, quick read. Don't expect to have to think about this book; read it for pure fun! An easy to read, quick page turner. Lucy Valentine is a likable protagonist. Put this book in your bag, to have with you for those moments you have to steal a couple of pages.

CAROLINA GIRLS

2009-11-22T17:49:00.005-05:00

Steve Brown's Carolina Girls is a easy, quick read. Not a heavy book, requiring lots of thought or discussion. Just a book to pack into your beach bag along with your sunglasses. At the end of the day, head to Ocean Drive and cruise! Too bad the pavilion isn't there any more!

Who is The Postmistress?

2009-10-26T19:23:00.002-04:00

This is a good question to ask as part of a book club. "The Postmistress" by Sarah Blake, is a book about the lives of residents of a small town on Cape Cod, and a reporter in London during WWII. As part of BN's First Look i got a first look at The Postmistress. When I received the book, I was extremely taken by the lovely cover, and I could hardly wait to dig in, but I did. When I did, I found the book difficult to get into. The early chapters had the characters jumping from one to another, seemingly without any transition. I didn't connect with any of the characters. But the story did keep me interested, it just wasn't a 'I can't put this down' book for me. I felt I was missing something as many others were thrilled with it. I finished the book easily enough, but it just wasn't what I was expecting. I think the description led me to believe that it was going to be more than it was. Overall, I didn't love the book, but I didn't hate it either.

2009-08-29T10:08:00.001-04:00

Living my five! or trying to....

Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick

2009-08-29T09:58:00.001-04:00

Hush, Hush is Becca Fitzpatrick's excellent debut novel - and will not be her last! It is YA, but definitely not only for Young Adults; there is enough to keep any adult interested. It is a wonderful blend of mystery, romance and thriller! The fire that smolders between Nora and Patch is mesmerizing, and will keep you turning pages. Hush, Hush is due to hit the shelves on October 13, 2009; be sure to be one of the first to fall for Nora and Patch! This book is a definitely a keeper to be read and re-read. Way to go Becca!

http://my.barnesandnoble.com/communityportal/Review.aspx?page=Review&reviewid=1201676

Of Bees and Mist

2009-06-27T18:48:00.003-04:00

I had the opportunity to read Of Bees and Mist as part of Barnes & Noble's First Look club. I like magic and fantasy, but this book did not 'do it' for me. Yes, I read it all, and went back to re-read parts to see what I was perhaps missing that other readers were getting from it. I never did find that magic. I did find that the over-exaggeration of magic and metaphors got me les and less 'enchanted' with it. Of Bees and Mist is a fairy tale for adults. It is also somewhat of a coming of age story for it's main character, Mederia, and her miserable life. Her parents were virtually non-existent for her. Meridia's only "friend", Hannah, was/is too obviously Meridia's internal hopes and dreams. Her husband is spineless and lets his mother dictate his life. I cannot recommend reading Of Bees and Mist, despite the many good reviews. However, you may find the magic that was missing for me.

2009-06-27T18:48:00.001-04:00

A Fortunate Age

2009-05-22T17:54:00.001-04:00

"A Fortunate Age" by Joanna Smith Rakoff is the story of six 20 somethings, starting out in New York. It is set in the late 90s and turn of the century, and follows five Oberlin graduates as they shed their youth and start their lives.
I found that the characters were difficult to follow and I didn't feel that the characters were fully developed. The author focuses each chapter on one character but doesn't go into enough depth in any of them to make me care about them. Smith Rakoff uses flashbacks to try to fill in some of the gaps, but instead of helping, I feel it makes it difficult to keep everyone's story straight. None of the characters in this first novel by Smith Rakoff, is memorable.
The author used language that tries to emulate that of Edith Wharton or Charles Dickens and is used to try to fill the depth of this book. Not a successful endeavor. If there was a plot, I couldn't find it. I finished the book only because I hoped that the next chapter would be better. Instead, I was disappointed and no less confused.

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane

2009-04-24T10:34:00.000-04:00

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane has to be one of the best novels I have read!

Katherine Howe's first book, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, is a soon-to-be bestseller! I am priviledged to have read it as part of Barnes & Noble First Look. I must say that this is a wonderfully written page-turner, that allows the reader to have the feel of the era and the area. The cover of the book is very unique (especially as a paperback). The plot moves along nicely, and the transitions between two very different setting, are smooth and without distraction.

http://www.physickbook.com/

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane is a novel that moves between contemporary times and one of the most fascinating times in American history -- the Salem witch trials. Connie Goodwin is a Harvard graduate student that needs to spend her summer doing research for her doctoral dissertation. Her mother asks her to handle the sale of her grandmother's abandoned home near Salem. As she delves into the mysteries of the family house, Connie discovers an old key hidden in a seventeenth-century Bible. The key has a name attchedd to it, Deliverance Dane. This discovery launches Connie on a quest to find out who this woman was, and why was this key hidden in this house?

I highly recommend this book for relaxed reading, book clubs, and for anyone that enjoys historical fiction. A terrific first novel! Do yourself a favor and don't miss out on this novel.

One Hundred Years of Solitude

2008-05-06T20:59:00.000-04:00

I really liked this book! I have read a few of books written by Marquez, and recommenend this one if you like his work.

2008-04-17T21:50:00.000-04:00

My top books for teens and older:

Twilight - Stephenie Meyer
New Moon - Stephenie Meyer
Eclipse - Stephenie Meyer
I have not had a student yet to not absolutely love these books. I have had students that don't necessarily like to read tell me that they just cannot put these books down. Any book that can do that gets top billing on my list! Way to go Stephenie!

2008-04-06T17:52:00.000-04:00

Book reviews by Lisa

The Help

The Book Thief

Winter Garden

The Girl Who Played with Fire

Save Me-- Lisa Scottoline

The Violets of March- Sarah Jio

Exposure- Therese Fowler

TullyandKate-- Best Friends forever

Night Road by Kristin Hannah

Vixen- Jillain Larkin

Unholy Domain

***** Aptly Titled! *****

To Account for Murder

The Wake of Forgiveness

Eternal On The Water

Before I Fall

Darkness, Take My Hand

Open your heart to "The Mailbox"

The Writing Circle

The Poacher's Son

Dear Readers: Read this book!!

"The Secret of Joy" by Melissa Senate

Truly, Madly - Cute

CAROLINA GIRLS

Who is The Postmistress?

Hush, Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick

Of Bees and Mist

A Fortunate Age

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane

One Hundred Years of Solitude

* Aptly Titled! *