The Writing Circle

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

 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!!

"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

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

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

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?

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.