Authors A-E

Maeve Binchy

Quentins - I enjoyed this book because it tied in characters from several of her other books. It seemed to drag occasionally (maybe just because I got irritated with the main character), but on the whole, I thought it was worth reading. *Buy it*

Scarlet Feather - For me, this book was a lot of fun to read because I had something in common with the characters - I like to cook and have a little bit of catering experience (thanks, Mom). You can't help but like the characters - they're down to earth and pretty funny, especially the twins. It's easy to be drawn in to this book, and I know that it's one I'll reread. *Buy it*

Tara Road - Although this book wasn't as humorous as some of Binchy's other work, it was still a good one. Some parts were fairly obvious, but it didn't detract too much from the story. Tara Road was not the easiest of her books to read, however, so you might want to start with a different work if you're reading Binchy for the first time. *Buy it*


Judy Blume

Summer Sisters - This is such a great book. I suppose it's technically a romance novel, but it said more to me about friendship than about love. I'm sure it's one that B&N would call a "beach read" but as far as I'm concerned it's an anytime read! *Buy it*

Wifey & Smart Women - I read these two novels in the same volume. I expected to be just as taken with them as I was with Summer Sisters, but apparently there was a reason they didn't do as well as that novel! I wasn't very impressed. *Borrow it from the library or don't bother*


Dan Brown

Digital Fortress - This is a great book for anyone who likes computers. I read this book in one sitting; I could not put it down. Lots of twists and turns will keep you guessing about what Digital Fortress actually is, although a few things are obvious. All in all, very entertaining. *Buy it or borrow it from the library*

Robert Langdon Series
Angels & Demons - I actually read this book after I read The Da Vinci Code (oops!). I liked the ancient mystery approach, and the book seemed to move quickly. The murders in this one were a bit more gruesome than in the second book. Definitely an interesting book. *Buy it*

The Da Vinci Code - I liked this book better than Angels & Demons, but that might just be because I was exposed to this one first. It just seemed more thought-out, a little deeper, than the first novel. It's a great mystery story. (Please note - I recommend this book for entertainment purposes only!! There's a reason this was published in the FICTION category, people! I'm not promoting goddess worship or changing your religion or anything like that...it's FICTION.) *Buy it*


Jill Conner Browne

The Sweet Potato Queens' Book of Love - I laughed out loud while reading this book. It's that good, especially if you were born and/or raised in the South. It's a little mix of everything, and you definitely should not pass this one by! *Buy it*

God Save the Sweet Potato Queens - There were parts of this book that were funny, but on the whole I was disappointed in it. It was marketed as if it were a completely different book from TSPQBOL (as it is referred to in this book), but it seemed to mostly be letters from people who had read TSPQBOL and wanted to share their own stories. If I had expected that from this book, I would have had no problem with it, but I feel a little bit gypped because of the marketing approach. *Borrow it from the library*


Tracy Chevalier

Falling Angels - I found this as a bargain book and purchased it because I recognized the author's name. I enjoyed the writing style, which reminded me a little of Alice Hoffman. While this book will probably never make my list of favorites, it certainly wasn't bad, and I am looking forward to reading other books by Chevalier. *Buy it or borrow it from the library*

Girl with a Pearl Earring - So I finally got this book from the library and read it. It was really good! (Now I just want to see the movie...) This was so well-written. It just gives the painting more depth to have this kind of history attached to it. Even if there is no truth to the story at all (I really have no idea how much of the story is based on fact), it makes you look at the painting in a new light. Excellent book. *Buy it*

Virgin Blue - This is a good book, switching from modern-day to the past. It dragged occasionally, and it didn't really have a firm ending, but I enjoyed reading it. I believe this was Chevalier's first novel, and in some respects, it shows. Overall, while it will never make a favorite's list, it's a good read. *Borrow it from the library*

Authors F-J

Michel Faber

The Crimson Petal and the White - I read the synopsis and first chapter of this book and thought, "I've got to have this book!" Sadly, it did not live up to my expectations. First of all, it's about 900 pages long and weighs about 10 pounds!! (Ok, that may be a slight exaggeration of the weight, but it is 900 pages.) It wasn't the worst book I ever read, but I did lose interest somewhere in the middle. The beginning 200 pages and the last 200 pages were pretty good, but all that stuff in between could have been trimmed down by a good editor! *Borrow it from the library*


Jasper Fforde

Thursday Next Series
The Eyre Affair - This is the first of the series, and I was hooked from the very beginning! The alternate reality setting is fun, and there were lots of silly references that made me laugh (and I know that I probably only got about a fourth of them!) If you really enjoy reading fiction, you'll definitely be a fan of Fforde's. *Buy it*

Lost in a Good Book - The second book of this series was just as good as the first (and I don't say things like that unless I mean it!) I'm constantly amazed by Fforde's creativity, and I have no idea how he can keep coming up with such entertaining adventures for the main character. I'll always be on the lookout for his next book! *Buy it*

The Well of Lost Plots - This one was as good or better than the other two. I adore all the references to other literary works, especially the Anna Karenina "gossip" - absolutely wonderful! *Buy it*

Something Rotten - These books are just so great! Really, I know I keep saying it, but it's because it's so true! *Buy it!*

Arthur Golden

Memoirs of a Geisha - I liked this book so much, I read it through twice in one week! It was incredibly interesting to follow the main character's life from peasant girl to sucessful geisha. (Of course, who knows just how much of it was based on fact?) I loved the writing. It seemed exactly as if she were telling you the story in person. This is one of my favorite books. *Buy it*


Carol Goodman

The Lake of Dead Languages - Usually I don't care for books that are completely predictable (probably explains why I'm not a romance novel fan), but although the mystery unraveled for me less than halfway through the book, I wasn't turned off by it. This was her first novel, so that might explain the predicability of it. Goodman's style of writing was easy and enjoyable to read. But if you want to be held in suspense until the very last chapter, this book isn't for you! *Borrow it from the library*

The Seduction of Water - Goodman's second novel isn't as transparent as The Lake of Dead Languages. In fact, she might have gone a little too far the other way! It's a good book, and I like the fairytale framework of it. In parts, though, a little more explanation would have been helpful. But I got much more out of it during the second read-through, and I'm looking forward to her next book. *Borrow it from the library*


Jane Green

Bookends - This is so far the only book I've read by this author. I really liked her description of the friends and the relationships they have with each other. This was an easy read, and yes, it was a somewhat predictable romance. But it deals with some tough friendship issues too. Put it on your summer reading list. *Buy it*

Mr. Maybe - I thought that I would enjoy this book because I liked Bookends. Now I'm so glad that I didn't read this one first! I feel sure that I will never read this book again. The characters just didn't have the right personalities to keep me hooked. *Borrow it from the library*

Philippa Gregory

The Other Boleyn Girl - This is a wonderful book! (It's one of those that says "Make me a movie!") I did not want to put this one down. Gregory does a great job of capturing the sibling rivalry between the sisters (and given what happens to Anne, it makes fights with my sister seem very unimportant!) If you're interested in historical fiction at all, you'll love this story. One warning, though. If you don't usually read books repeatedly, get this one from the library. Even though I enjoyed it, it was not the easiest book to reread. *Buy it or borrow it from the library*

The Queen's Fool - I was so impressed with The Other Boleyn Girl that I was excited to read this book. This one was ok, but the story was not nearly as captivating. If you really like historical fiction, though, I think you'll enjoy this one too. *Borrow it from the library*

Wideacre Trilogy
Wideacre, The Favored Child, Meridon - After reading The Other Boleyn Girl, I got these 3 books from the local library. Big mistake!!! These books were absolutely terrible! They reminded me of every V.C. Andrews book every published. If you like V.C. Andrews, knock yourself out. Because of Gregory's success with her last two books, the Wideacre trilogy is enjoying a reprinting. But if Flowers in the Attic wasn't your style, don't waste your time with these. *Don't bother*


Alice Hoffman
Blue Diary

Drowning Season

Local Girls - I really liked this collection of short stories. Because they were all about the same characters, it felt more like a novel than disconnected stories. Very enjoyable, quick read. *Buy it or borrow it from the library*

Practical Magic - This is probably my favorite Hoffman book. Oddly enough, I very much enjoyed the movie and the book, although they are very, very different. (Usually, I don't care much for one or the other after a comparison.) So if you've seen the movie, expect a very different book. *Buy it or borrow it from the library*

The Probable Future

The River King

Second Nature


Diane Johnson
Le Divorce - I was thinking that since this book was made into a movie it would be pretty good. Yeah, too bad for me. I really struggled to get through this one! Whoever wrote the synopsis claimed this book was about a murder, a crime of passion. Well! I'll just go ahead and tell you - the murder happens about 7/8 of the way through the book! I mean, the book isn't really about the murder at all, the murder just happens as a side note. I figure the editor said, "This book is never gonna sell unless you put in something exciting. People like murder mysteries...can't you kill someone off so we can claim it's about a crime of passion?" (I just realized that I sound really bitter about this book, but it was a complete waste of time...and of course now I want to see the movie to see if it's any better!! lol) *Don't bother*

Authors K-O

Sophie Kinsella

Can You Keep a Secret? - The style of this book was much like the Shopaholic books (see next entry), but I cared more about the narrator of this book than the one in the Shopaholic books. She seemed to have a little more depth, and though not necessarily honest, she wasn't completely over the top. On the whole, I would recommend this novel over the Shopaholic series. *Borrow it from the library*

Shopaholic Series
Confessions of a Shopaholic, Shopaholic Takes Manhattan, Shopaholic Ties the Knot - I'll review these together since I bought them from Literary Guild as one novel. Very cutesy, predictable romance. I got a little irritated with the main character (can anyone say pathological liar??) but when she was telling the truth, the book was fine. It was entertaining, just not believable. I can't believe that she continued the series - I thought we were done with it! I'll have to let you know how the next one is after I read it. *Borrow it from the library*


Dean Koontz - In high school, I went through a huge Koontz phase, reading most of his work. I've not been following his new books much. I'll periodically add more reviews for him as I reread them, but for now, here are the reviews of 2 of my favorites.

Hideaway - Ok, if you have a weak stomach, this book is not for you. But if you can handle gruesome murder, this was an incredibly interesting book. It has some Christian themes (battles between demons and angels), but the way it was handled was amazing, completely unlike any other book I've ever read. I highly recommend this novel. *Buy it*

Lightning - This book is another complete original. Never have I read another book that handles time travel the same way that this one does (I'm not sure if that makes it science fiction or historical...lol). As far as I can remember, there isn't too much grisly stuff in it, so those with weak stomachs, have no fear! If you like science fiction or are just looking for an engrossing novel, check it out! *Buy it*


Mercedes Lackey - I've always liked fantasy novels, and I believe that Lackey is one of the best in this genre. All of Lackey's novels are on my "to read" list!

The Black Swan

Brightly Burning

The Fairy Godmother - This book appealed to me because of the fairy tale twist. The idea of a Tradition pushing people's lives into following a fairy tale formula was very original. Great fantasy book with (what else?) a happy ending. *Borrow it from the library*

The Fire Rose

Heralds of Valdemar Series
Arrows of the Queen, Arrow's Flight, Arrow's Fall - These are, so far, the only Valdemar books I've read. (Mostly because I've had a tough time trying to figure out what comes next!!) Lackey creates such a believable fantasy world, with so much attention to detail. I very much enjoyed this series, and I'm looking forward to continuing my reading of the land of Valdemar. *Buy it*

The Serpent's Shadow


Gregory Maguire
Mirror Mirror
Wicked


Audrey Niffenegger
The Time Traveler's Wife - I loved this book. It's one of those that you definitely have to suspend some scientific disbelief (what with the time traveling and all), but the life stories of the characters keeps you so engrossed. One of the most original stories I've read lately. *Borrow it from the library or Buy it*


Hilary Norman
The Pact

Authors P-T

James Patterson

Alex Cross Mystery Series - What can be said about these books, really, that the Bestsellers Lists haven't already said? They are great mystery books (and the movies based on some of the books weren't too bad, either). The only problem that I have with these novels is that most of them start to run together after a while. But they always manage to keep my interest, even when rereading! *Buy it or borrow it from the library*

The Beach House - This book was James Patterson crossed with John Grisham! Very enjoyable reading... *Buy it*

Cradle and All - To some Christians, this book might be a bit disturbing, with its talk of virgin births (but of demons, not saviors!) However, if you understand that this strictly entertainment, it was a pretty good book. *Borrow it from the library*

Hide and Seek - A battered woman story with an interesting twist, I thought. (I heard it's to be made into a movie sometime soon.) It read much like most of Patterson's other work (he's such a talented writer), and I didn't want to put it down. *Borrow it from the library*

Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas - This was such a wonderful book, although it was incredibly sad. I have to wonder how many mothers will end up keeping journals for their children after reading this... *Buy it*

When the Wind Blows
The Lake House (sequel to When the Wind Blows)
Women's Murder Club Series


Jodi Picoult

Keeping Faith - This author likes to deal with interesting topics, especially situations where there is no "bad guy" and everyone is trying to do what they think is best for all involved. I enjoyed this novel because of that. The writing is very good, and I highly recommend this book. *Borrow it from the library*

My Sister's Keeper - Wow...this was a great book, at least right up to the very end when the author took the easy way out to end the story. By handling such a difficult issue, it gives the reader a lot to think about. There was also a romance mixed into the story that I think I could have done without, as for me it only detracted from the main focus. I really enjoyed the book, and since was the first Picoult novel I've read, I'm looking forward to reading more of her work. *Buy it*

The Pact - This may have been one of the most depressing stories I've ever read. And I'm a little disappointed that the author uses the same format for all of her works...A very controversial issue fought personally between family and friends that culminates in a tense legal battle in which you don't find out exactly what is happening until the defendant takes the stand and lets out an earthshaking truth. While it worked for me in the first couple of books by this author, I do wish that she would vary her storytelling vehicle just a little! *Borrow it from the library or don't bother*

Dani Shapiro

Family History


Anita Shreve

The Last Time They Met - I absolutely hated this book. When I finished reading it, I literally threw the book across the room. Thank goodness I'd only borrowed it from the library instead of buying it!! (And don't worry...the impromptu flight didn't injure the book in any way, and it was returned to the library in the same condition in which it arrived at my home.) This book completely turned me off of all of Shreve's work. Since reading this about 2 years ago, I've never read anything else she's written. *Don't bother!!!!!*

(If you've read more of Shreve's books and think I should give her a second chance, feel free to email me - but be sure to promise me that whatever you're recommending is nothing like this book.)


Donna Tartte

The Secret History - This was recommended by others who read Goodman's Lake of Dead Languages, so I got from the library and gave it a try. To be honest, I found it rather dull. It seemed to me that the plot called for more emotions from the main characters, and it was terribly long and occasionally pretentious. (I've never been a fan of authors who sprinkle their characters' conversations with comments in languages most people don't understand. Can't they at least put a translation section in the back of the book, or something??) Anyway, it wasn't a bad book, but I'm glad that I didn't buy it. *Borrow it from the library*

Authors U-Z

Rebecca Wells

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood - I loved this book!!! I've recommended it to just about everyone! (The movie was good, but the book was so much better!) It really captures that mother-daughter thing that is so hard to explain. All I can say about it is this - it's wonderful!!! Read it! *Buy it*

Little Altars Everywhere - I think I'm correct when I say that this was written before Divine Secrets, but I didn't read it first. And I'm glad that I didn't, actually, because it made more sense after Divine Secrets than if I had started with this one. It's a nice companion book, but I wouldn't consider it required reading. lol *Borrow it from the library*