SLP

Difficult start - there is a stream of consciousness that takes a while to get used to. And oddly, I found the more I read, the more interesting it got.

All I can say is that I Love This Book. The language is so lyrical, the characters charming whether likable or not, and it has a continuously surprising plot line. I just finished it three minutes ago, and for some inexplicable reason. I was in tears the last few pages. My inclination is to turn back to page one and do it again, because Ann Patchett has outdone herself this time.

..

Wow.

One of my (many) all-time favorite sci fi books – THE SERIES

excellent post apocalyptic science fiction.

Two stories - one Civil War era, the other modern. Some mysteries are solved in the course of the book, and it is not a typical romance, I am happy to say.

I suspect I will be reading this book for a very long time. It is a long book, but filled with tidbits to think about.

Recommended for anyone trying to implement ITIL in an IT shop.

I have started this book more than once, and as predicted by others, I could never get past the first horrific chapter. This time, I perservered. Sebold wrote a very popular novel that is lyrical, compelling, and interesting. Getting through that first chapter is still a trick, though.

Philbrick writes great history. I was so impressed by this book, I picked up Moby Dick.

A pretty good yarn here. Like The Road, something has gone dreadfully wrong, and now there are, well, zombies to contend with. Not a fantasy-type book, but good, solid science fiction. I found this book in a ‘recommended by the librarians' bin at the library, and it was a great surprise

What I have to say about Dan Brown's books is that they are pretty fabulous yarns. Deception Point builds in intensity beyond the believable. It annoys me that the author deliberately misled his readers: a flaw that I find unforgivable. I believe it is the responsibility of the author to be honest with the readers - an occasional omission might be forgiven, but what he did here... tsk tsk tsk.

I recommend this to absolutely anyone who has issues with weight, food, etc. Kessler has impressive credentials, and builds a scientific case for his recommendation for dealing with food in the U.S. (and elsewhere) in 2010. If in doubt: read it.

I remember reading this book when I was in the 5th grade or so. I really enjoyed it then, and I enjoyed it this weekend. Setting is American Colonies in the mid-1700's - a child is taken hostage in an Indian raid (I struggled over how to phrase this, and since they called the natives “Indians”, and Conrad Richter referred to them as “Indians”, I will do the same). The child is adopted, raised in a village in the forest for over ten years, then when he is 15 years old, he is given back to his birth family. He doesn't understand his white family, and they don't understand him. The clash of cultures is well-portrayed, and the various points of view are convincingly presented.

This would be classified as a young adult book - most of the cast of characters are in the 6th or 7th grade - but I recommend it for all age readers. All of the characters are interesting, and she builds a carefully planned and crafted story for the reader. I make it a habit to avoid reading the plot summaries on front cover flaps. I did not read this one and the plot delightfully unfolded as I read. Therefore, I will not indulge in any commentary on the plot. It's just a great little book, about 230 pages of slightly large and well-spaced type, that was a perfect Sunday read.

The author states that this book was inspired by A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle.

It is rare that I give a book five stars, but this is a rare book. The characters feel so authentic, the language is so lyrical, the story is outstanding. What I wouldn't give to write a book of this quality.

I read this book while visiting there, and I thought his descriptions were accurate and amusing.

I am enjoying the 100 stories.

This book was compelling enough that it turned into a one-day read. It is a female coming-of-age story in Kansas in the 1980's. She never knew her father, and lives in poverty with her mother. She is bright, though, and though she makes mistakes, she learns from them, and from the mistakes of her mother.

Note that this review is from a science fiction fan, but I am a discerning science fiction fan. I believe that most of the best science fiction is in short story format. With that disclaimer in mind, let me say that the 2009 Nebula Awards Showcase is an amazing collection of stories. I was so impressed, I actually bought the book. (Those who know me well, know that I use the library heavily.) Every story in this collection is unusual and interesting. Definitely five stars.

A British coming of age story. The protagonist, a stammerer, is harassed by other kids at school because of his stammer. His well-kept secret is that he is a published poet, writing under a pseudonym. He meets many interesting people, while coping with the questionable ethics of the boys at school.

I am surprised that this book appealed to me, but the protagonist is likable, and his experiences are believable.

A story about India for two geneartions, as one woman investigates the life of her aunt, who was never spoken of in the family. Lots of heat and dust in this book. Not too long, and surprisingly terse, for a Booker Prize winner.

Saturday describes one day in the life of a neurosurgeon. Personally, I found Atonement more compelling and interesting, but then about 200 pages into the book, we learn what really happened that Saturday. It explores ethical issues, and issues about personal decisions and the ramifications of some of our decisions.

A very interesting book about a father/daughter pair who are living in the forest at the edge of town. Beware: this is not necessarily a happy tale.