FLEECE NAVIDAD (Maggie Sefton)

I still haven't read the first book in this series, but I have enjoyed the ones that I have read. This cozy is set in Colorado and our sleuth is Kelly Flynn, a CPA who has relocated back to her home state after inheriting her murdered aunt's property. The action centers around the Lambspun knitting shop, where the local women gather to spin, knit, gossip, and discuss the local men. Various knitting projects (charitable creations, Christmas gifts) evolve as the story progresses, and most of the characters are somehow involved in knitting either as students, experts, or recipients of scarves and other projects. This particular mystery revolves around the murder of quiet librarian who is a romantic rival for the affections of an equally quiet gentleman who has been targeted for marriage by newcomer Claudia, dubbed the "merry widow" by the locals due to her 3 deceased husbands and positive attitude toward landing a fourth spouse. I loved this mystery as much because of the ongoing references to yarn and fibers (I am a dedicated yarn lover) as for the mystery. The characters are likeable and easy-going. I'd like to join them at Lambspun!

FOREIGN BODY (Robin Cook)

I have to admit that i didn't finish this book, but, nonetheless, I decided to write about it. Please don't assume that this novel is not worth reading. For me it was a matter of mood and the delightful situation of having several holiday-themed books waiting patiently for me on my desk.

Foreign Body is typical Robin Cook. Jennifer Hernandez is a medical student whose grandmother mysteriously dies after routine surgery in India. Jennifer travels to New Delhi to claim her grandmother's body and to investigate the incident and in the process, of course, she inadvertently stumbles upon a plot to destroy India's burgeoning medical tourism industry. Longtime Cook characters, medical examiners Laurie Montgomery and Jack Stapleton, are thrown into the mix and show up in India to help Jennifer cope with additional post-surgical deaths and threats to her life. Not having read the last third of the book I can't speak to most of the action, but I can tell you that the ending, at least in terms of the characters personal lives, is reasonably satisfying.

If it weren't Christmas I probably would have finished this book and enjoyed it more. I would recommend it as a reasonably entertaining winter read. Maybe I will even finish it soon!

'TIS THE SEASON (Lorna Landvik)

This is an entertaining little feel-good book written exclusively in the form of emails and tabloid articles. Caro Dixon is an heiress who is usually drunk and relentlessly hounded by paparazzi and tabloid reporters. Her antics finally land her in rehab, where she reconnects with some of the significant people in her past. Landvik cleverly manages to make the reader feel connected to her characters despite the fact that their development takes place exclusively through electronic communications. Caro, Cyril, Astrid, and even Mitch leave the reader with a positive view of humanity and an acute awareness of the power of human connections (even online) to heal and soothe the spirit. I loved it!

CRIMSON SNOW (Jeanne Dams)

Some of you may know Jeanne Dams as the author of the Harriet Martin series, but Hilda Johansson, the heroine of this series, is just as appealing. Hilda is a 23-year-old Swedish immigrant living in Indiana in 1904. She works as the head housemaid at the Studebaker mansion and solves mysteries on the side (of course!). She has a handsome fireman boyfriend, Patrick Callahan, and a large family that is struggling to make ends meet. One of the best things about this historical series is attention to the details of how women and relationships were treated in the Edwardian era. Hilda is a Lutheran and Patrick is an Irish Catholic, so both families are horrified at the prospect of marriage between them. Despite her intelligence and courage, Hilda is very limited in her activities by virtue of her social station and her gender. Still, she is a respected amateur sleuth. I especially enjoyed the interaction between her and Patrick's benefactors, his uncle and aunt Malloy.

Crimson Snow involves the mysterious murder of a popular young schoolteacher, whose violent end worries the young working women of the area who need to travel on foot to and from work in the dark winter mornings and evenings. When Mr. Barrett, a friend of Hilda's employer, is suspected of the crime, he hires Hilda to investigate and clear his name. A couple of sub-plots intertwined with the main mystery will add to the reader's enjoyment of this novel. I will definitely be reading more of this historical cozy series!

FAMILY TREE (Carole Cadwalladr)

This is an interesting tragi-comedy that covers a myriad of family and social issues, including genetics, mother-daughter relationships, mental illness, interracial romance, infidelity, sibling rivalry, and abortion. The unique set-up of Cadwalladr's novel is based on main character Rebecca Monroe's lifelong interest in dictionaries and each of the first 17 chapters begins with a definition and is further subdivided into additonal parts that also feature definitions: Parts One (beginning), Two (chance), Three (trifle), Four (revise), Five (memory), Six (crack), Seven (like), etc. through Seventeen (memory). Only the final chapter, Eighteen (end) is divided into sections headed by Roman numerals. This novel is at times both hilarious and heartbreaking. Rebecca seems like the classic child/sibling who can never measure up, but she is endearing. It will be interesting to hear what the other members of the First Tuesday Book Club think of this one!

BEING CATHOLIC NOW (Kerry Kennedy)

I can't say enough good things about this compilation of essays on Catholicism written by clergy, politicians, entertainers, authors, educators, and lay people, almost all of them baptized into the Catholic faith as children. Some of them are still practicing Catholics while others have moved on for various reasons. A few are even embittered, like Bill Maher, who advocates abolishing organized religion. In Kennedy's introduction she describes her childhood in a devout Catholic family, including her mother's preparation for each holiday, frequent family Masses, the death of family members, and how these activities molded her own current approach to the Church and the practice of her faith.

What I got from reading this book is the realization that a lot of people feel as I do about that Catholic Church and our role in it. I found it gratifying to realize that I am not alone in believing that while the foundation of the Church, the teachings of Christ, is solid, there are many areas in which the church's rules and attitudes do not reconcile with these teachings. It is fascinating to read the experiences and justifications of people like Nancy Pelosi, Frank McCourt, Susan Sarandon, nuns, priests, former priests, and many others. I would recommend this book for any and all former, current, doubting, or otherwise interested Catholics and non-Catholics who want to learn more about how other people feel and what decisions they have made about their faith. It's fascinating!

SO SHALL YOU REAP (Marilyn Wallace)

I have some mixed feelings about this mystery. On the one hand, I really enjoyed the story itself and the atmosphere of the novel. It is a classic tale of psychological suspense set in a wonderful small town in the Hudson River Valley. The main character, Sarah Hoving, is a beekeeper and maple syrup maker whose mother abandoned the family under mysterious circumstances when Sarah was just 4 years old. Sarah's mother-in-law, Ruth Hoving, organizes a reenactment of the lives of the town's original settlers for the town's bicentennial celebration. As plans for the celebration progress, mysterious parallel events start occurring, causing Sarah to have flashbacks to long-blocked events in her own life and to fear that she herself will become a victim of this recreation of local history. The storyline is logical and the ending makes sense given the events described.

What I DIDN'T like about this novel was the lack of development of the characters. I felt that, although we were given enough background and description of each of the main players for the book to make sense, the story seemed like it was being acted out by cardboard cutouts. Peter, Sarah's husband, was barely described and we have little idea of how their relationship developed, this despite the fact that their marriage figured prominently into some of the parallels to the past. Sarah's father, a menacing and angry man, was never quite revealed as he should have been. I will give the author credit, though, for creating characters and then making me, the reader, want to know them better. The problem is that there was no way to do that. Although there were some stereotypes, that wasn't the problem. It was the lack of the little details and nuances that flesh out characters and make them seem real that made the book less satisfying than it should have been. For atmosphere and storyline I would recommend this book, but if characters drive your enjoyment of a novel, skip this one.

STRAIGHT MAN (Richard Russo)

You may be more familiar with Russo as the author of the best-selling "Empire Falls", but "Straight Man", one of his earlier works, is also worth reading. It is an interesting study of one week in the life college professor/author William Henry (Hank) Deveraux, Jr. , whose father abandoned Hank and his mother 40 years earlier and has now come back into their lives.

At times the book is uproariously funny. In one scene Hank, who is experiencing "flow" problems that he believes are caused by a kidney stone, has an "accident" while napping in his office and ends up climbing into a hole in the ceiling to hide from his colleagues. While there, he observes a meeting from above and overhears one of the attendees commenting about the awful unidentified smell in the room. In another scene Hank, wearing a fake nose and glasses combo, holds a goose up by the neck and threatens to "kill a duck a day" until he gets his department budget. This incident is caught on tape by a TV crew and ends up on Good Morning America.

At other times, I had difficulty maintaining my interest in this novel, but I suspect that this is because it is really man's fiction, written by a man and about a man. Although I found the struggles of the English Department very realistic, having several friends who teach in colleges, I wasn't really impressed with the development of the characters or the relationships between them. There were many troubled marriages and parent-child problems that I would have liked to see examined in more detail, but that might have resulted in a novel more reminiscent women's fiction. I appreciate the humor and I believe the book to be well-written, but it is not my cup of tea. Don't let my opinion stop you from reading it, though! It's just a matter of taste!

MOON SHELL BEACH (Nancy Thayer)

Moon Shell Beach is one of those books you keep thinking about while you are busy with something else - work, cooking, etc. - wondering what is going to happen next. I'm not quite sure why. It is well-written, like all of Thayer's books that I have read, but it is not a thriller or a mystery. In fact, in a few respects it is not even totally believable! It is, however, great women's fiction with a wonderful sense of real friendships and of place. In this case the place is Nantucket, the setting of many of Thayer's novels and also her home since 1984. The two friends are Clare and Lexi, girls who grow into women on the island and each make choices , one to go and one to stay. Lexi's family is financially strapped and unable to finance her college education, so she marries a rich developer, leaves the island, and fulfills her dreams of travel and culture. Clare stays on Nantucket to pursue her relationship with the irresistable Jessie. After 11 long years the friends are reunited when Lexi returns home to the Island. Each of them finds personal fulfillment in a new life with new goals and dreams. Yes, I know that it sounds like a romance, and in a lot of ways it is, but it is also a wonderful story of the ups and downs of friendship and how forgiveness can make all the difference!

MARTIANS IN MAGGODY (Joan Hess)

Martains in Maggody takes place well into the Arly Hanks series, perhaps 8th or 9th. Any entry is a series of any kind should be written so that someone who has not read the previous books can jump in and enjoy the story. Usually a few lines explaining the main character's background and circumstances and brief allusions to the relationships between that character and others who figure prominently in the story is enough; after all, no one wants a rehash of the plots of all of the books leading up to the current one! In Hess' case, though, there seems to be an assumption that the reader will have started at the beginning of the series and worked on through to the current book, relieving the author of any obligation to fill us in. I would imagine that, for a reader to whom these characters have already endeared themselves, the book would be fine, even enjoyable. For those of us who are not familar with Maggody, however, the story is ruined by a jumble of characters with names like Jim Bob, Marguerite, Dahlia, Darla, and Estelle, none of whom I could remember when their names pop up throughout the plot. I spent much of the book wondering why Arly was divorced, who she had married, and why she returned to Maggody. None of this was mentioned in Martians. My advice to Joan Hess would be to add a little bit more background to each book so someone who comes across the series for the first time will be inspired to seek out more. One more thing...I hope people from Arkansas really don't behave like this!

A SPOONFUL OF POISON (M.C. Beaton)

Agatha Raisin is up to her usual tricks in this, the 18th (I think) in this series. Agatha is asked to do the publicity for a local fair where someone adds LSD to the jam, resulting in 2 deaths. The local vicar hires Agatha's detective agency to solve the crime. Naturally she becomes romantically interested in a local widower, an architect with green eyes to die for,whose wife perished in a mysterious fall down the stairs some months before. Naturally Agatha starts hearing conflicting stories about the wife's suspicious death and her interest in the widower waxes and wanes. Poor Agatha! One of the things that I especially like about this series is that Agatha's character has actually developed along the way. She will always be Agatha, but she is becoming just a little softer in each novel.

This mystery brings in all of our favorite characters: Sir Charles, Ray, Mrs. Boxby, Bill Wong, and even James Lacey, Agatha's great love and former husband. If you love cozies, and especially if you love Agatha, you will enjoy M.C. Beaton's latest!

INÉS OF MY SOUL (Isabel Allende)

Allende is a beautiful writer, in my humble opinion. Her prose is rich with vivid descriptions and historical allusions and her use of words reminds me, a bit, of Dickens. Still, I didn't really like this book. Inés Suarez, a real woman who lived and loved more than 400 years ago, was the lover, then wife, of Spanish adventurer, Juan de Málaga, a man with little to recommend him but his stunning good looks and astounding sexual prowess. After he disappears into the South American wilderness, Inés travels from Spain to the new world, meeting along the way Pedro de Valdivia, the married soldier who will eventually found Chile with her help. After ascertaining that Juan is dead and spending nine years as Pedro's mistress, Inés marries Rodrigo de Quiroga, who becomes the "gubernador" of Chile. He is the love of Inés' life (finally!) and they enjoy 30 years of wedded bliss before dying within months of each other.

This novel, while rich in historical details, lacks soul (despite the title). Inés is too focused, to fearless, and too emotionless to appeal to the reader's emotions. She is almost annoying in her ability to manage any and every situation, including marrying herself off to Quiroga after Pedro de Valdivia dumps her for political reasons. I haven't read any of Allende's other books, but I understand that this one is very different in tone and character from her usual works. Historically, it is full of blood and gore details of Pizarro's conquest of Peru and surrounding areas, and for this reason I would recommend it to anyone interested in this period of history. It was certainly an eye-opener for me. If you are looking for an engaging novel, though, I would look elsewhere.

WEDDING BELLES (Haywood Smith)

Unfortunately, as I was reading this book I had a minor disagreement with my own daughter, one which led me to imagine all sorts of foreboding future scenarios thanks to Smith's spot-on depiction of a serious rift in the relationship between Callie (the bride) and her mother, Georgia. This is the third in Smith's Red Hat series, the ongoing story of five 50-something friends who have weathered marriages, addictions, children, careers, and crises together. The tone of the book is funny and upbeat, but the relationships between the women, the loyalty and devotion among these 5 friends, is what draws the reader back to Smith's novels again and again. Are the characters and situations realistic? Probably not, but each of them has traits that we have all seen in ourselves or a close friend. These are the kind of friends that every woman of "a certain age" would like to have.

THE SUDOKU MURDER (Shelley Freydont)

This is the first book in a delightful new cozy series . The heroine, Katie McDonald, is a mathematician who returns to her hometown at the request of her mentor, Professor P.T. Avondale of the Avondale Puzzle Museum. Fearing for the future of the museum and its outstanding puzzle collection, Katie agrees to stay on as acting curator (and amateur detective) after P.T. is found murdered. If this novel is any indication, the Katie McDonald series will be a great success. It has all of the essential elements for a successful cozy: an amateur sleuth with a unique talent, some quirky townspeople, an unusual sidekick, and potential for romance between the sleuth and the local chief of police. The mystery itself was quite good. It was not one of those puzzles that is meant to be solved by the reader; we aren't given enough information for that, although a clever reader could figure out enough to identify the motive. The outcome, however, is very satisfying and very logical given the clues that build up to the identity of the murderer. There are no sudden twists and turns and no blatant red herrings, just a group of people who could possibly be guilty of murder. The ending isn't a surprise, but rather an "Of course!" moment. The author is a fan of sudoku, which explains the well-organized, logical feel of the story!

SUMMER READING (Hilma Wolitzer)

The three main characters in Summer Reading are interesting women, each of surprisinging unpredictable, especially given the fact that at first glance they appear to be stereotypes. Angela is the single, solitary retired professor who facilitates reading groups for the affluent women of Long Island's summer community. She is somewhat dowdy and prefers to company of her books to almost anything else. Lissy is the pampered second wife of a wealthy businessman who has two children from his difficult first marriage. She hosts the bimonthly meetings of the Page Turners reading group in spite of her own difficulties with reading and the stresses of her familial relationships. Michelle, Lissy's maid, is the daughter of fisherman who disappeared from his ship a few years ago. Michelle has come to a crossroads in her relationship with Hank, who is divorced but has an amicable relationship with his ex-wife and shares custody of his daughter Kayla.

This might sound like typical women's fiction, but each of these characters has more to her than meets the eye, including issues with intimacy and past experiences that profoundly impact their present relationships. The stories are told in alternating chapters from each woman's viewpoint. Despite their "official" relationships between the women, there is little actual emotional connection among the characters themselves. Somehow, it all works to create and interesting story. I would definitely read another of Hilma Wolitzer's novels.

QUIET, PLEASE! DISPATCHES FROM A PUBLIC LIBRARIAN (Scott Douglas)

If you are a librarian or, in fact, someone who has worked in a public library in any capacity, this book will hold a special place in your heart. Scott Douglas traces his path from library page, through his decision to earn his master's in Library Science, to his work as a full-fledged public librarian in Anaheim, California.

Every library is different, serving a specific demographic and catering to a certain type of clientele. Two things that all public libraries have in common, though, in addition to the obvious materials, services, and budget issues that are universal to all, are quirky customers and equally quirky staff. Who among us (in any profession) hasn't worked with someone who constantly criticizes and downgrades, blaming their own lack of promotion on the stupidity of those in power, or a sweet but clueless person who listens intently to every directive and then proceeds to do something completely different? Fortunately OUR library boasts a fabulous staff that truly understands the meaning of teamwork and customer service, so we don't have to deal with this sort of personality at the moment! Everyone has worked at some point for the boss who just doesn't get it or the coworker who seems to be operating in a parallel universe and Douglas does a great job of describing his dealings with these sorts of people and the evolution of his own attitudes in a way to which the reader can easily relate. When it comes to customers, his stories are both poignant and hilarious. In a city library staff are much more likely to deal with the homeless and mentally ill, while here in Windsor Locks our problems usually extend no further than unruly pre-teens and the occasional curmudgeon. Naturally we deal with the disgruntled, the dishonest, and the clueless on a regular basis as well, but for the most part our patrons are friendly, charming, and honest to a fault, a pleasure to work with.

Overall, I would recommend Scott Douglas' book to anyone interested in what goes on inside an individual librarian's head. I found as I was reading that I wanted to rewrite the book from my own perspective because my experiences, though similar, have taken me on a slightly different, more upbeat path through a librarian's career.

THE SMART ONE (Ellen Meister)

This chick lit novel was not poorly written, nor was it boring, but it really wasn't for me. The book is about the 3 Bloomrosen sisters, all of whom are at transition points in their lives. Clare, the oldest (the pretty one), is dissatisfied with her marriage and contemplating an affair. Bev, the middle (the smart one) sister, has just earned her teaching credentials after one divorce and ten years of trying unsuccessfully to establish herself in the art world. Joey, the youngest (the talented one), is a recovering addict and retired pop sensation trying to put her life back on track. Bev is the primary focus of the story, which involves a newly discovered murder and quite a bit of sex with an old flame who may or may not be trustworthy. There is one jarring moment in the book that seems to have been designed to totally discombobulate the reader, but overall it was a reasonably good read. I think it would probably make a great movie with some quirky, popular star in her mid-thirties playing Bev. I almost think I would like it better as a movie, but I am not sure why. Don't let me keep you from checking out this book, though. As I said, it was not bad, just not quite right for me!

SCROLL OF SEDUCTION (Gioconda Belli)

There were mixed reactions from the First Tuesday Book Club to this very sensual novel by Nicaraguan radical Gioconda Belli. Translated from Spanish, this novel presents the reader with 2 intertwined stories, one of Juana, daughter of Ferdinand and Isabela of Spain, and the other of Lucía, an orphaned school girl of 17 who becomes the love object and obsession of Manuel, a Spanish history professor who is teaching a class on the Spanish princess. Manuel is consumed with the story of Juana, called la Loca (the mad) because of her erratic behavior and obsession with her husband, Phillipe of Asturias (Phillipe the hansdsome). Manuel's ancestors were in charge of caring for Juana, heiress to the throne of Castille, who was the victim of the political machinations of her father, husband, and, eventually, her son, King Charles. Virtually imprisoned from her late 20's, after the death of her husband, until her death at the age of 75, Juana probably suffered from depression, bipolar disorder, or mood swings. She was an intelligent, passionate woman, robust enough to produce 6 healthy children, all of whom lived until adulthood and became rulers of Europe. Due to Lucía's uncanny resemblance to Juana, Manuel invites her to dress up as the young queen and listen to the story of Juana. Eventually the two become lovers, but is the relationship really the result of an emotional bond between 40-year-old Manuel and 17-year-old Lucía, or is it actually a recreation of the intense sexual bond between Juana and Phillipe?

Some of the book group disliked this novel, citing lack of historical references and an aversion to the character of Manuel, who could be viewed as a stereotypical "dirty old man". I personally enjoyed Belli's story. It left me with a lot of unanswered questions, especially about the relationship between Manuel and Lucía. I think what I enjoyed most about the novel is the insight into Ferdinand and Isabela and the treatment of women during the 15 and 16th centuries. I also appreciated seeing some of the events of the time from a different perspective (as opposed to Catalina's view in the Constant Princess). Belli is an acclaimed poet and novelist in her native country of Nicaragua. She was an active member of the Sandanista movement and has led a very intriguing life. She now lives in Santa Monica, California with her third husband. It has been suggested that the character of Lucía represents Belli in her youth.

SISTER'S CHOICE (Emilie Richards)

If you don't like romance, stop reading right now! Sister's Choice is definitely a little more "fluffy" than most of the books I read, and very definitely a romance. A "romance" is a story where two people meet, fall in love, and eventually live happily every after. Romances come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from simple Harlequins, which many people automatically think of when they hear the term, to suspenseful thrillers where the heroine is a strong woman who can take care of herself but doesn't mind occasionally leaning on her equally strong man. Quite a bit of women's fiction, literary or not, also falls under the romance genre.

Sister's Choice is not really "fluffy", although it is a story that is too good to be true. Partly for that reason, it is uplifting, relaxing, and very pleasing to read. It is a story about two people overcoming their pasts and recognizing what is really important in life, but we also get a lot of insight into many of the other characters as well. A few of the main characters seem a little TOO good, such as Jamie, the architect-in-training and mother of two precocious girls by different fathers (neither of whom she married). She offers to act as surrogate for her sister, Kendra, who is unable to bear children of her own as the result of an accident. Other characters are a little too angst-ridden, like Cash, who married young only to spend 2 years watching his young wife waste away and die. These characters are likable, though, and you will find yourself rooting for them throughout the book. One of the things that sets this novel apart from other romances is the underlying story of Grace Cashel and her marriage to Bill, Cash's grandfather. Grace is a terrific character. She could be perceived sometimes as a bit too all-knowing and wise, but learning about her history as she reveals it to Jamie puts her more in perspective for the reader. Many of the characters in this book have appeared in Richards' other Shenandoah Quilt novels, but you don't need to have read the others to appreciate this book. If you read Sister's Choice you will emerge with the feeling that bad experiences can lead to good choices, which can ultimately lead to happiness and fulfillment. In other words, life is what you make of it, and if you happen to meet an attractive man along the way who falls madly in love with you, go for it! This is definitely escapist literature. Enjoy it!

THE ENGLISH BREAKFAST MURDER (Laura Childs)

This is one of Laura Childs' tea shop mystery series, starring former financial wizard, now tea shop owner Theodosia Browning. One of the things that struck me most about this cozy was the likability of the characters; another was Childs' great talent for setting and atmosphere. By the time you are done reading this book you will feel as if you have always known Theo and her cronies and as if you have spent the afternoon in a tea room sipping all sorts of exotic blends and sampling some heavenly edibles. I have to confess that I never suspected the person who actually commited the murder. This isn't really my strong suit when it comes to mysteries, though. I read for characters and setting and usually don't even care if I know the ending because, fo me, it is more enjoyable seeing how the author arrives at the conclusion than actually trying to solve the crime while I read. In fact, if I CAN solve it you can usually be assured that it is a really bad book! This one, however, is not. I will have to try out Childs' other series (in addition to this one and her scrapbooking series - see my June 30th post). I'll bet it's great!

INDEX TO DEATH (Jo Dereske)

Maybe it was my mood or the awful weather we have been having this summer, but as I read this mystery (I have read all of the previous Miss Zukas books) I actually began to get annoyed with Helma Zukas, weary of her perfection and, yes, tired of her total and complete self-confidence. Suddenly, though, as if she knew that something needed to change to add spice to this well-crafted mystery, author Dereske added a new twist to the mix that is Miss Zukas' well-ordered life: a new haircut! This might sound strange to someone who is not familiar with Bellehaven's logical, precise, and extremely controlled librarian, but Miss Zukas' haircut will be a big deal to her faithful fans. As for the mystery itself, it was enjoyable and not too predictable. As usual, the antics of best friend Ruth, library director Ms. Moon, Helma's mother and aunt, Em, add a nice touch of additional humor to the mix.

2008 (continued)

Monday, August 11, 2008

LOVE THE ONE YOU'RE WITH (Emily Giffin)
This book has been on the best seller list for several weeks and I was anxious to read it because I have liked Giffin's previous novels. I liked this one, also, but I'm not madly in love with it, just somewhat infatuated. This novel is the story of Ellen Dempsey, a talented New York City photographer who is married to Andy Graham, her college roommate's brother. Their relationship began about 2 years after Ellen's break-up with Leo, who may have been the love of her life. The problem is that Ellen never had true closure to her relationship with Leo and still wonders "what if." Would she and Leo have lived happily ever after if he hadn't dumped her? Would she have loved him more than she loves her husband? Did she "settle" for second best when she married Andy? A chance encounter with Leo brings back all of the feelings and memories from their relationship and she agrees to do a photo shoot in California for an article that Leo is writing. She doesn't tell Andy that Leo is connected with the shoot or that she and Leo have been in touch. This novel is about love and about choices. It is about recognizing what is right for you vs. just what is right and about the importance of laying ghosts from the past to rest before you can truely commit yourself to a future. I liked the character of Ellen, with all of her uncertainties and doubts about her choices, and I liked Andy for his willingness to be vulnerable. All in all, I would recommend "Love the One You're With."
Posted by eileenp at 8/11/2008 10:56:00 AM

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

THE CONSTANT PRINCESS (Philippa Gregory)
If you like well-researched historical fiction, you will definitely enjoy "The Constant Princess", the story of Katherine of Aragon's long road to the throne of England. Catalina, youngest daughter of Ferdinand and Isabel of Spain, is betrothed to Arthur, the Prince of Wales, at the age of 3. The betrothal is politically expedient and Catalina's upbringing is focused on her future as Princess of Wales and eventual queen of England. At 16 she travels to England and finally meets her groom. After their marriage the young couple falls deeply in love. They spend happy hours making love and planning for their future as rulers of England. This is the portion of Catalina's life story with which Gregory takes the most liberties, since the official story is that Catalina and Arthur never consumated their marriage, thus allowing Catalina (later called Katherine) to marry her brother-in-law, Henry VIII, in 1509. Before Arthur dies 5 months into their marriage he extracts a promise from Katherine, that she will marry Henry and fulfill her destiny to rule England. It takes 7 long years of patience, frustration, humiliation, and poverty, but Katherine finally achieves her goal and enjoys a reasonably happy marriage to Henry VIII until he realizes that he will need to look elsewhere for a male heir.The character of Catalina/Katherine is fascinating. Her singleminded pursuit of her rightful place as queen is awe-inspiring, mainly because her goal was NEVER self-promotion or self-aggrandizement; she simply believed that it was the will of God that she rule England and she did everything in her power to make that come to pass. She was, if Gregory's novel is historically accurate, an excellent ruler and probably responsible for any success that Henry VIII enjoyed as a king, at least in the early years of his reign. One of the most interesting sub-plots of the book is Katherine's gradual turning from her mother's singleminded quest, to eradicate all infidels (Moors and Jews) from Spain and from the world, to the realization that these non-Christians had achieved intellectual heights (in medical skills, scientific knowledge, and literature) that were unmatched by any other culture of the time.If Philippa Gregory's other historical novels are as interesting as this one, she has found a new fan in me!
Posted by eileenp at 8/06/2008 02:54:00 PM

Sunday, July 27, 2008

BEACH HOUSE (Jane Green)
One thing that especially tickled my fancy about "Beach House" were the little British expressions that crept into the dialogue of the American characters a couple of times. Jane Green is British author living in CT and my daughter and are are big fans of British fiction, especially chick-lit and mysteries. As I was reading along I noticed that Nan's son, Michael, responded to a question about his relationship with a woman by noting that it was still "early days" and in another part of the novel someone was described as "lovely". I love these expressions (my daughter refers to the stuff that you use to hang poster on dorm walls as 'blue tac" instead of whatever name it is sold under here in the U.S. and no one knows what she is talking about!), but they aren't usually a part of American English.Well, to get back to the novel.... "Beach House" is a bit of a departure for Jane Green because it is most definitely not chick-lit. It reminded a bit of something by Nancy Thayer that I read years ago, but that may be mostly due to the setting. "Beach House" is women's fiction, with the romantic element and the changing and building of relationships among the characters that are typical of the genre. What is a little different about "Beach House" is that Green also explores issues from a male perspective and I think that she does this very well. The most impressive aspect of this novel is the development of the character of Daniel and his gradual realization of the fact that he is gay. His thoughts and actions strike me as very realistic based on things that the gay people in my life have communicated. What is least impressive is a somewhat contrived resolution to the disappearance of Nan's husband more than 30 years ago, but I still enjoyed that part of the story. I think that overall this was a relaxing, interesting book to read, especially for a summer vacation.
Posted by eileenp at 7/27/2008 01:31:00 PM

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

PRACTICALLY PERFECT (Katie Fforde)
Those of you who have read previous entries in this blog know that I love Katie Fforde. This summer quite a few of my other favorite authors for "escape" reading have published new novels that are just perfect for summertime relaxation, so I have been in a reading frenzy over the past couple of months. Practically Perfect isn't exactly new; it's been around since 2006, but sometimes it's hard for American librarians like me to keep up with what is being published in what country when! I have seen reviews of Katie Fforde's novels in professional publications, though, and several of our area libraries have them, so there is a good supply of her other wonderful books out there for those of you who like this one.Something was nagging at me after I finished this very enjoyable book and, suddenly, the characters of Lizzie Bennett and Mr. Darcy popped into my head. The similarities are there, but are subtle. Anna, who is an interior designer restoring a historic cottage from the floorboards up, reluctantly acquires a rescued greyhound. When the dog escapes at an outdoor market, Anna meets with the immediate disapproval of Rob Hunter, who happens to catch the animal. He is, as it turns out, involved both with the Greyhound Trust and the rehoming office (granting approval for structural changes to listed buildings). He is, of course, immediately attracted to her, though disapproving of seemingly everything she does. Anna, on the other hand, finds him to be obnoxious and intimidating, but attractive. As the story progresses Rob's house becomes a focus of Anna's interest (think about when Lizzie realized she was in love with Mr. Darcy - when she saw his house!) and things develop from there.Fforde's (I can never help pronouncing BOTH f's in my head!) novels are obviously romances, but the setting and chosen occupation of the female protagonist add a wonderful touch in the development of both the characters and the storyline. Picture yourself at a country inn or on a quiet beach...this book should be in your hand!
Posted by eileenp at 7/23/2008 10:18:00 AM

Monday, July 21, 2008

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS (Madeleine Wickham)
One of the things I like best about Madeleine Wickham is her characters, both the fact that they are flawed and that they are entertaining. One thing I don't like about this particular novel is the cover, which screams chick-lit. Under the name Sophie Kinsella, Wickham is the VERY successful author of the popular Shopaholic chick-lit series, but as Madeleine Wickham (her real name), she writes fiction that is decidedly more grown-up, throwing togther groups of people and seeing what transpires. Obviously the "chick-lit" style cover is meant to draw in the Shopaholic fans!In Sleeping Arrangements two couples, Chloe & Philip and Hugh & Amanda, arrive with assorted children for a week's holiday at a Spanish villa lent to them separately by mutual friend Gerard. Each couple hopes for a relaxing respite from the stress of their usual lives and is dismayed to discover that they will be sharing the villa with people that they intially presume to be strangers. The reader discovers early on that two of the people involved have a history that could complicate their holiday and, later on, another unexpected connection surfaces. The title is a bit misleading, I think. It implies a more frivolous, lighthearted story than the one that we find between the covers of this book. There is a lot of humor here, but the underlying premise is that relationships require commitment and hard work. Many of Kinsella's fans will also enjoy Wickham's work, but she defintely appeals to a broader audience than just chick-lit fans.
Posted by eileenp at 7/21/2008 02:10:00 PM

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

DOMESTIC AFFAIRS (Eileen Goudge)
Sixteen-year-old Abigail's mother is housekeeper to the wealthy Meriwhether family until she is set up and fired for stealing by Mrs. Meriwhether, an alcoholic who apparently discovered the relationship between her husband and her housekeeper. Abigail and her mother are banished from the Meriwhether estate and forced to live with relatives. In just one day Abigail loses her lifelong home and her extended family (twins Lila and Vaughn Meriwhether) and embarks on a new life of sorrow, abuse, and hardship. One of the greatest losses in Abigail's life is the support and love of her best friend, Lila, who shuts Abigail out while her brother Vaughn, Abigail's first love, provides a lifeline of friendship through his years of globe-trotting.Twenty five years later fortunes are reversed: Abigail is a successful business woman a la Martha Stewart, but as her empire expands her personal life and her family are crumbling; Lila, without financial resources and in disgrace due to her husband's criminal conviction and subsequent suicide, seeks employment with her former friend; Vaughn, a successful international photojournalist, returns home for an extended stay that include dealing with medical issues and the rekindling of old relationships.Domestic Affairs is a satisfying book in terms of the progression of the storyline and the eventual outcomes. The development of the new relationship between Lila and Abigail is well-paced and realistic and the characters themselves are well-developed. The lifestyles, rich and poor, depicted in the novel are a bit stereotypical, but nonetheless, the story is good and will hold your interest. Of course, I wouldn't expect anything less of Eileen Goudge!
Posted by eileenp at 7/15/2008 03:12:00 PM

Friday, July 11, 2008

COMFORT FOOD (Kate Jacobs)
Fifty-year-old Gus Simpson is a widow with 2 grown, but needy, daughters. She is also the host of a long-running cooking show, Cooking with Gusto. When a network executive decides to pair her on air with former Miss Spain (and culinary school graduate) Carmen Vega, her life begins to unravel. The new show, Eat, Drink, and Be, is a success, thanks in part to the addition of Gus's family, friends, and her new assistant, Oliver. This is an enjoyable book, though in many ways typical women's fiction. I've noticed that culinary themes seem to be getting more and more popular in fiction lately, perhaps because of the Food Network. If you are looking for something to read over the weekend or to take your mind off of the economy, this might be the book!
Posted by eileenp at 7/11/2008 10:33:00 AM

Monday, June 30, 2008

KEEPSAKE CRIMES (Laura Childs)
Laura Childs writes three mystery series, one set in a tea shop and another in a scrapbooking shop, Memory Mine. Her new series, called the Cackleberry Club Mysteries, prominently features eggs! Keepsake Crimes is the first of the scrapbooking mysteries, part of a cozy series set in New Orleans. The heroine, Carmela Bertrand, is a woman whose soon-to-be-ex, Shamus Meechum, is a member of one of New Orleans wealthy and influential families and is still very much involved in Carmela's life. Carmela's shop is in the heart of the French Quarter and, as Mardi Gras begins, a murder victim literally falls at her feet. I found the characters a bit confusing at first, but I believe that is just a function of being unfamiliar with the series and all of the Southern names. What I especially like about this novel is how well the scrapbooking business is integrated into the mystery. In fact, the clue that helps Carmela solve the murder is directly related to her business activities. There is also a great "action scene" near the end of the book that really adds to the reader's enjoyment. When I read Fool's Puzzle by Earlene Fowler I loved the story and the characters, but I was disappointed by the small role that quilts and quilting actually played in the mystery. If you enjoy scrapbooking or the idea of it, try this series by Laura Childs for a full immersion experience!
Posted by eileenp at 6/30/2008 03:04:00 PM

Friday, June 27, 2008

THINGS I WANT MY DAUGHTERS TO KNOW (Elizabeth Noble)
This is, perhaps, not the best book to read when you have just lost a parent, but I'm glad that I did. The novel begins with Barbara, terminally ill with cancer, trying to tie up loose ends with her daughters, Lisa, Jennifer, Amanda, and Hannah, by writing each of them a letter to be read after her death. She also keeps a journal throughout her illness, writing down thoughts and observations that she thinks will help her daughters and her husband, Mark, cope with both her loss and their future lives. From beyond the grave Barbara manages both to agitate and to sooth. Noble does an excellent job of portraying how each of the five characters deals with the various stages of their grief. I will admit that this is a "happy ending" book in many ways, which many readers may view as unrealistic. I, however, am an optimist. I like to look forward to the happy endings in life and they DO happen, so why dwell on the negative? Everyone works through grief in their own individual way and, inevitably, life keeps happening throughout the process. I like Noble's characters and I like the way that they resolve their life issues in the midst of missing Barbara, who, despite her death, is a central influence on everyone's lives and decisions.
Posted by eileenp at 6/27/2008 03:40:00 PM


WHERE ARE YOU NOW? (Mary Higgins Clark)
Mary Higgins Clark comes through again in this enjoyable, though somewhat formulaic, novel. It has all of the elements of a great weekend read: a long-missing brother who calls once a year, a serial killer, a vulnerable yet strong heroine, stubborn policemen, a private detective who can't let go of an unsolved crime, good friends gone bad, old crushes revived, and an exciting ending. This book would make a great Lifetime movie (and probably will someday!). It is a nice thriller and all of the pieces add up neatly at the end. If you are heading out on vacation and want something entertaining to read, take this one with you!
Posted by eileenp at 6/27/2008 03:39:00 PM


THE SECRET BETWEEN US (Barbara Delinsky)
This is an interesting premise. A mother picks her daughter up from a friend's house and allows the daughter, who has a learner's permit, to drive to their somewhat remote home. It begins raining heavily and as they pass through a wooded area a man appears out of nowhere, runs in front of the car, and is hit. The mother, a physician, determines that the man has no life-threatening injuries, but he is uncommunicative and does not respond to any questions. The police assume that the mother was the driver and she does not correct them, wishing to protect her daughter from scrutiny. When the man dies, an investigation ensues and the lie snowballs out of control, throwing their lives into a tailspin. The daughter becomes increasingly disturbed over her "secret" and begins to act out in negative ways.As parents our primary instinct is to protect our children. I can understand this mother's momentary lapse in judgement, her decision to allow assumptions to go unchallenged because of the relatively minor nature of the man's injuries. As usual, Delinsky does a great job of taking an event that could happen to any of us and challenging us to think about what WE would do in similar circumstances. It's a tough call. I think that this novel portrays very well what can happen as the result of one inadvertent lie and how the truth is usually the best option in the long run.
Posted by eileenp at 6/27/2008 03:39:00 PM

Sunday, June 22, 2008

LITTLE LADY AGENCY AND THE PRINCE (Hester Browne)
I can't help it! I love Browne's main character, Melissa Romney-Jones. She is level-headed, organized, unselfish, caring, empathetic, and possesses just the right amount of hopeless romantic sensibilities. I actually wish I were her sometimes! If I were concerned about people's opinions of my reading tastes I would, of course, have just finished something that all of the reading groups out there (mine included) are clamoring for. I'm sure I will, in fact, be reading something more along those lines soon. Right now though, having been through a recent personal loss, Hester Browne is just what I needed to escape from the sadness that life brings to all of us at one time or another. I think that reading should be for enjoyment. Personal edification is fine and I often read for that reason, too, but pure enjoyment is should be everyone's goal at least part of the time when it comes to choosing what to read. Betty Rosenberg, one of the original gurus of readers' advisory, once said that no one should ever apologize for their reading tastes. I agree wholeheartedly. Whether your goal is to escape, to learn, to vicariously experience new things, to think, or to laugh out loud, never be afraid to hold your head up high and share what you are reading with the world. You'd be surprised how many people share your taste!
Posted by eileenp at 6/22/2008 10:12:00 PM

Friday, May 30, 2008

FRIDAY NIGHTS (Joanna Trollope)
Lindsey, Paula, and Eleanor are single women with little in common. Eleanor, a retiree in her 70's, invites Paula, a single mother, and Lindsey, a young widow with one child, to visit with her one Friday evening. Soon the group expands to include Blais, a successful young entrepreneur, and Karen, Blais's married business partner, as well as Lindsey's quirky DJ sister, Jules. The group bonds and continues to meet for years until Paula begins a relationship with a man who systematically insinuates himself into the lives of each of the women, disrupting trust and causing alienation among several of the friends. This is a story about female friendships. The characters are well-developed and interesting, but this is not my favorite of Joanna Trollope's books. I enjoyed Second Honeymoon much more, perhaps because I could relate to it more easily. I would, however, recommend this novel to Trollope's fans.
Posted by eileenp at 5/30/2008 03:10:00 PM

Friday, May 23, 2008

SIZE 12 IS NOT FAT (Meg Cabot)
Most of us know Meg Cabot as the author of The Princess Diaries, but she also writes the Heather Wells mystery series starring - you guessed it - Heather Wells, a size-12 former teen pop sensation who is now working as the assistant director of a college residence hall and living platonically with her former fiancé's older brother, private investigator Cooper Cartwright (although the relationship is platonic, Heather has frequent fantasies about tearing Cooper's clothes off with her teeth and of the 3 children that she hopes someday to have with him). I was initially mildly annoyed by Heather's personality and her tendency to constantly refer to the "dorm, I mean residence hall" at which she is employed. She definitely grew on me, though, and by the end of this quirky mystery I was looking forward to reading another. The mystery revolves around the supposedly accidental deaths of 2 college girls that Heather believes were murdered. Since everyone else, including the police and Cooper, believe that the untimely deaths were the result of a foolish and dangerous game called "elevator surfing", Heather investigates on her own and, after a few false starts, turns out to be a pretty good detective (but not particularly sensible in many cases). This is light reading, very relaxing and funny, but the clues come together well to a reasonable conclusion. Heather is very human and very likeable. This looks promising to me!
Posted by eileenp at 5/23/2008 07:23:00 PM

Sunday, May 18, 2008

CERTAIN GIRLS (Jennifer Weiner)
Wow! Too say that I just enjoyed this book would be too polite and low-key. Maybe I was just in the mood for Jennifer Weiner, but once I got used to the alternating mother/daughter chapters I couldn't put the novel down. When you read primarily for enjoyment (if I am not self-actualized by now there is no hope for me, so why try to improve myself through literature at this stage in my life?) you can sometimes manage to immerse yourself a little bit too deeply in cozies and chick-lit, and when you come up for air you discover that you are in the mood for something a little more "real". You are probably thinking (correctly) that Jennifer Weiner falls into the category of "chick-lit" (in http://www.authorsontheweb.com/ Weiner describes chick-lit as "sort of late-stage coming-of-age stories"), but rather than being light and frothy her novels deal humorously with serious life issues and relationships to which most women can relate.Certain Girls is about Cannie Shapiro Krushelevansky and her daughter, Joy. Cannie is happily married to Peter, a doctor, and savors both each day of motherhood with 12-year-old Joy and her career as the pseudonymous author of a popular science fiction series . Joy, on the verge of womanhood and of celebrating her bat mitzvah, reads the best-selling novel that her mother wrote during Joy's infancy. The novel repesented to Cannie a purging of the rage and angst caused by her contemptuous estranged father and Bruce, the lover who abandoned her and their newborn baby. Replete with sexual situations and references to the heroine's weight, the novel appears to Joy to hold previously unsuspected truths about her relationships with her mother and birth father and serves as a launching point for both Joy's and Cannie's journeys of discovery about themselves and the bond between parent and child. There is much more to this novel than I can say here without spoiling the story for you. Read it yourself! You won't regret it!
Posted by eileenp at 5/18/2008 03:54:00 PM

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

FOOL'S PUZZLE (Earlene Fowler)
It is official - I LOVE Benni (Albenia) Harper! As this cozy series begins Benni is the 34-year-old widow of rancher Jack Harper, who died in a drunk driving accident 9 months before. She has left her in-law's California ranch to live in San Celina and work as the manager of a museum and artist's co-op. When her friend Marla is found murdered after hours at the museum, Benni is drawn into the investigation, crossing paths over and over again with the immensely appealing and protective temporary sheriff, Gabe Ortiz. The budding relationship between Benni and renaissance man Gabe is actually the most appealing aspect of this particular novel. The mystery itself was fine. I actually suspected the wrong person, but I was close! I did expect a little more involvement with quilts, but most of the quilt references were limited to the festival being held at the museum. Most crafting mysteries feature characters who are creatively involved in the craft, but this one was mainly concerned with potters and ranchers. For those of you who are not familiar with Earlene Fowler or with quilting, all of the entries in this cozy series are named after quilt patterns. It will be interesting to read more of the series to find out if the art of quilting comes more to the forefront or remains as a colorful backdrop for these charming characters. Either way, I suspect I will enjoy reading more.
Posted by eileenp at 5/14/2008 08:35:00 AM

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

MAD DASH (Patricia Gaffney)
I have been meaning to mention Patricia Gaffney's latest book, which I finished a few weeks ago. The heroine, Dash (instead of "Dot", short for her given name, Dorothy), is a married empty-nester in her mid-forties who makes an unusual decision when confronted with a choice between her allergy-prone professor husband and a stray puppy. She moves into her family's vacation cottage for several months along with the dog to think about herself, her marriage, and her ultimate goals in life. This is an enjoyable book. It is relevant for many of us who have reached that stage of life where we suddenly realize that our choices, right or wrong, have been made and now must be lived with for the long term or revised before it is too late. The author writes from the point of view of both Dash and her husband and presents an excellent picture of the angst and uncertainty that can occur in a long-term, happy, but far from perfect marriage. I always recommend Gaffney's books and this one was no exception.
Posted by eileenp at 5/07/2008 09:07:00 AM


THE KNOWN WORLD (Edward P. Jones)
For most of us the American concept of "slavery" is pretty straightforward: white southern plantation owners owned black people until the practice was abolished during the Civil War. Most of us also learned as we grew older that some of the American slaves were sold from their native African lands by people of their own race. The Known World is a further eye-opener. Jones' historical novel reveals that there were black families in the antebellum South who actually owned slaves as well!The Known World is a difficult book to read, but well worth the effort. I would venture to say that 2 readings are actually necessary in order to absorb all of the ideas and nuances that Jones puts forth. One member of my book club described Jones' style as "braiding together" the various stories and characters in the book and I believe that this is an apt description. The novel is written from many points of view and jumps back and forth among different time periods, which can be very confusing in the early stages of the novel. At the hub of the story is Henry Townsend, a former slave whose freedom was purchased by his father, Augustus. Henry, an accomplished shoemaker, is taken under the wing of William Robbins, his former owner, and eventually builds up his own estate complete with land, wife, and slaves of his own. Henry actually dies at the beginning of the novel, but Jones takes us back in time to Henry's childhood, the struggles of his parents, and Robbins' own family life. He also continues the story in the aftermath of Henry's death (from causes unknown to the reader), examining the issue of slavery from the point of view of slaves, former slaves, light-skinned non-slave blacks, white landowners, northerners, drifters, and local law enforcers. This is one of those books that will remain with you for a long time after reading it. It is a challenging book, but one of those rare novels that truely introduces new ideas and previously unexamined viewpoints into the reader's life. Jones, an award-winning author, has written a novel that should be widely read and discussed for years to come.
Posted by eileenp at 5/07/2008 08:42:00 AM

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

DEEP DISH (Mary Kay Andrews)
A reality TV show called "Food Fight", two attractive and talented southern chefs (one man and one woman) competing for a national TV show...Guess what happens? It doesn't matter if we can figure out how this story is going to end. It's not a mystery, after all, it's Mary Kay Andrews! Andrews has a talent for creating great escapist stories that always leave you with a happy feeling. One of the greatest things about them is that the characters are always interesting and the writing is always fresh and enjoyable. Some equate "chick-lit" with fluffy romance novels, but the good writers of the genre (Andrews, Kinsella, Helen Fielding, Katie Fforde, etc.) produce work that is well-written, humorous, and just a pleasure to read. This one is no exception. If the stress of your job is getting to you or you feel like you will never get caught up on the housework, take a break and read this book. It will make you feel better!
Posted by eileenp at 4/02/2008 08:41:00 AM


A SHORT HISTORY OF TRACTORS IN UKRANIAN (Marina Lewycka)
I have to admit that I never would have picked this book up to read despite that fact that it was nominated for the Man Booker Prize (not usually my type of book). We chose it for the First Tuesday Book Club and it turned out to be one of those novels that you are glad you read. The central characters are estranged sisters Nadia and Vera and their 84-year-old father Nikolai, who announces one day that he intends to marry Valentina, a 36-year-old blonde bimbo from the old country (Ukraine) with "superior breasts". The sisters, who have not spoken since their mother's funeral 2 years before, are horrified and tentatively call a truce in order to protect their father from a gold-digger who appears to be looking for a way to stay permanently in England.This is an interesting novel. My husband picked it up and thought it was actually a history of tractors! It is actually several stories in one: an examination of sisterly and parent-child dynamics and family love, a glimpse into the experiences of immigrants, specifically from the Ukraine, and an actual history of tractors, which the father writes in Ukrainian and translates into English. Nikolai, an engineer and a sort of free spirit who wants to make the most of his final years, delights in indulging his new family while aggravating his old one. It is his daughters who ultimately save him from himself in this poignant and very amusing novel. Lewycka is an author to keep your eye out for in the future. Her second novel is already in our library!
Posted by eileenp at <4/02/2008 08:22:00 AM


REMEMBER ME? (Sophie Kinsella)
I don't have too much time this morning, so I will be brief. This novel is a great weekend read. It reminds me a bit of the TV show "Samantha Who?", which, interestingly enough, is the brainchild of popular Irish novelist Cecilia Ahern. The basic premise of "Remember Me?" is that Lexi, after an evening of clubbing with her "mates" on the eve of her ne'er-do-well father's funeral, falls down a flight of stairs. She wakes up in hospital and discovers that it is 3 years later. In the interim she has had her teeth fixed, slimmed down, become a wildly successful (and despised) business woman, and married a rich, successful Greek God of a man named Eric. The novel follows her efforts to overcome her amnesia and put the pieces of her life during the past 3 years back together. Lexi is a thoroughly likeable character as she embarks on her journey of discovery and tries to reconnect with her old (former) friends and her new husband. Naturally there are complications, but, in the expected chick-lit tradition, Lexi ends up just where we know in our hearts she should.
Posted by eileenp at 4/02/2008 08:10:00 AM

Saturday, March 15, 2008

THE FRIDAY NIGHT KNITTING CLUB (Kate Jacobs)
I was surprised to read Publishers Weekly's somewhat mediocre review of Kate Jacobs' first novel, although the reviewer did admit that the book eventually comes together enough to please the reader. I loved "The Friday Night Knitting Club"with no reservations whatsoever. Although not a knitter, I am a crocheter who loves anything connected with yarn, so the setting, Georgia Walker's yarn store, immediaitely appealed to me. The story is wonderful and the characters, who could easily have become stereotypical in the hands of a less skilled writer, are unique yet very, very real. Ranging in age from 12 to 72, the women of the Friday night knitting club feel like friends. I think I heard that Julia Roberts is going to make a movie out of this novel. I hope so! If you are wondering how this book would be classified, it's hard to pinpoint. It is definitely women's fiction and it certainly includes both romance and tragedy. There are several very different characterizations of marriage and equally as many examinations of mother/child dynamics. Oh, and there is a lot of knitting and discussion of the craft. Why not read it and decide for yourself? You don't have to be a knitter to appreciate a great story.
Posted by eileenp at 3/15/2008 08:53:00 PM

Saturday, March 08, 2008

TEMPLE OF MUSIC (Jonathan Lowy)
This historical novel was this month's selection for the First Tuesday Book Club. At first one of the disconcerting things about "Temple of Music" is the structure of the book. It is written from various points of view and each chapter takes place at a different time and place so it is difficult to follow the story. At the novel's beginning we witness the execution of Leon Czolgosz, assassin of president William McKinley, then we move to the excesses of gilded age, the political climate, and the life of William McKinley in various short, non-sequential chapters. Despite the intital confusion, somehow the book manages to become a novel that you can't put down. This is fine historical fiction. Lowy's research and excellent grasp of the political machinations and the society of the late 19th century makes this a great alternative for anyone who wants to absorb all of the nuances of this period of history without sitting down to read a textbook. By the way, if you were frustrated by the "trickle-down" theory of economics promoted by the Republican party in the U.S. during the Reagan era, you will be interested to hear that the same theory was alive and well in the 1890's! Read the book!
Posted by eileenp at 3/08/2008 03:37:00 PM


THE FIRST PATIENT (Michael Palmer)
Michael Palmer is an expert at imagining the most dire consequences of medical and scientific advances in the hands of the power-hungry and conscience-challeged. In this novel our hero, country doctor Gabe Singleton, is asked to serve as temporary personal physician to Andrew Stoddard, college friend and President of the United States. The president's previous physician has disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Gabe soon discovers that his old friend is suffering from episodes that could indicate the onset of mental illness, just as the re-election campaign is moving into high gear. I can't say too much more without giving away the plot, but nanotechnology figures prominently in the plot. If you enjoyed Michael Crichton's Prey you won't be able to put this one down.
Posted by eileenp at 3/08/2008 03:26:00 PM


KEEPING THE HOUSE (Ellen Baker)
This book, Ellen Baker's first novel, is 530 pages long, which may seem daunting. However, every page is worth reading. It is the story of three generations of the Mickelson family and of Dolly Magnusen, a young homemaker in 1950. It is also the story of the Mickelson house and its "curse". The novel moves back and forth through time, starting in 1898 with the marriage of Wilma and John Mickelson and eventually ending in 1950 with resolutions to both Dolly's and the Mickelson family's stories. Barker uses short chapters, each labeled with a date and setting, to help the reader keep track as she traces the events and emotions, at various points in time, that shape the lives of the characters. Eventually all of the intertwined storylines converge into one point in time. The characters are rich and complex and will leave the reader thinking long after the book ends. Fans of HGTV and the Food Channel will be especially interested in the 1950-era homemaker's tips that precede each of Dolly's chapter.I can honestly say that reading this book was was a unique experience. Baker combines history, societal constrictions, psychological suspense, romance, marital discord, and family dynamics in one beautiful, well-written package. It would be well-worth reading more than once!
Posted by eileenp at 3/08/2008 03:02:00 PM

Monday, February 11, 2008

DEATH OF A GENTLE LADY (M.C. Beaton)
If you have read my previous posts, you know that I am a big fan of both of M.C. Beaton's mystery series. This latest Hamish Macbeth mystery is the best so far! Beaton manages to bring in both of Hamish's major love interests, Elspeth Grant and Priscilla Halburton-Smythe, as well as several other potential lovers. Hamish's love life is always a matter of great frustration to him and a source of great amusement to the reader. As always, though, he manages to avoid marriage, keep his beloved Lochdubh police station open despite the best efforts of his nemesis, Blair, and solve the various crimes that stymie his superiors. This short (244 pages) cozy manages to include 4 murders, several attempted murders, one near marriage, a kidnapping, an attempted bombing, and a horrifying storm that playes a major role in the resolution of many of the crimes. What makes this story stand out among all of Beaton's Hamish Macbeth mysteries, aside from the fast paced action, is Inspector Blair's over-the-top attempt to get Hamish out of his hair once and for all and Hamish's brilliant revenge against the despicable Blair. You'll have to read this one to find out more!
Posted by eileenp at 2/11/2008 11:16:00 AM

Monday, February 04, 2008

LEEWAY COTTAGE (Beth Gutcheon)
Beth Gutcheon is one of the most talented writers of our generation, in my opinion. "Leeway Cottage" is an incredible book and, really, one that offers something for almost every reader. It is a family saga spanning over 100 years, but it is also a wonderful historical novel, presenting a gripping depiction of Denmark's successful rescue of 7,000 Jews during World War II. Gutcheon also offers an interesting glimpse into the class system that existed in the U.S. during the days when the rich and privileged summered in places like fictional Dundee, Maine, employing the locals or, in some cases, the "coloreds" to take care of their needs while they attended to the important business of maintaining their position of the social ladder. We are also treated to a fascinating study of marriage and how it can change over time, as well as the univeral struggle between mothers and daughters. If it sounds like Gutcheon managed to squeeze quite a lot into one novel, she did, and successfully at that. Sometimes I think that the real test of a great novel is whether or not it leaves you wanting more, and this one certainly does, not because it is incomplete but because it raises so many questions and starts so many ideas fermenting in the mind of the reader. Gutcheon could write another complete novel about Annabelle Sydney Brandt Moss or about Laurus or Nina. There is so much more that I want to know about each of them and what motivates them. I have a feeling that this book will be in my thoughts for some time to come.
Posted by eileenp at 2/04/2008 10:40:00 AM


PAST SECRETS (Cathy Kelly)
Irish author Cathy Kelly's most recent book involves three women at different stages of life who are neighbors on Summer Street in Dublin. Recent significant events in each of their lives force them to reexamine past secrets that have profoundly affected the lives that they now live and the relationships that are most important to them. Art teacher Christie Devlin, age 60, is a happily married grandmother whose comfortable marriage is threatened by the return of a man who was important to her 25 years ago during a difficult patch in her life. Staid businesswoman and mother Faye Reid looks forward to her daughter Amber's future as a successful and talented artist, but Amber's plans more closely mirror the path that young Faye chose, regretted, and has hidden for the past 18 years. Librarian Maggie Maguire, 30 and stung by her lover's infidelity, returns home from Galway to care for her mother, who has broken her leg. Maggie, the victim of bullying throughout her teen years, come to realize that her whole sense of self-worth has been compromised by the events of her past. The three women become friends and each of them comes to the realization that honesty about their pasts is the only way that they can move forward into the future, even if the honesty means taking a chance on losing what is most dear to them.This is an excellent book. The characters are thoughtful and realistically portrayed, although Kelly could be accused of relying just a bit on formulas in her depictions of Maggie and Faye. Neverthless, I would recommend this to any fan of "hen lit" or women's fiction, especially those who enjoy and Irish flair in their reading.
Posted by eileenp at 2/04/2008 10:20:00 AM

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

THE MALTESE FALCON (Dashiell Hammett)
Windsor Locks Public Library will be participating in the BIG READ this year. The National Endowment for the Arts has made a grant available to the Hartford Public Library, which is sponsoring the event for this geographic area.Dashiell Hammett set the standard for the modern day "hard-boiled" detective story with The Maltese Falcon. Detective Sam Spade and his partner, Miles Archer, accept a case from a beautiful woman who claims that her younger sister ran away with a man. She has traced them to San Francisco and has asked Spade and Archer to track the couple down so she can take her sister back east before their parents find out. As the story progresses with shootings, beatings, druggings, fires, quirky characters, and all sorts of unexpected twists and turns, the reader discovers that a valuable and mysterious artifact, the Maltese Falcon, is the actual object of interest to main characters in the novel. The surprises continue through to the last page. If you have seen the original movie version of this book (which is, by the way, very true to the novel in most respects) you will agree that Humphrey Bogart's portrayal of Sam Spade is right on the mark.The Windsor Locks Public Library will be hosting a discussion of The Maltese Falcon led by local mystery author Carole Shmurak on April 16 at 7 PM. If you haven't read the book yet we have extra copies available for loan. Plan to join us!
Posted by eileenp at 1/30/2008 08:37:00 AM

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

THE BODY IN THE BOUILLON (Katherine Hall Page)
Katherine Hall Page's Faith Fairchild books are always a guaranteed source of enjoyment for me. Faith is a caterer, former owner of "Have Faith", her own successful New York City business She is now married to a Massachusetts minister, Tom Fairchild, and, in this novel (the 3rd in the series), the mother of active toddler Ben. Their small fictional town of Aleford, MA provides the perfect setting for an American cozy series. The best friend next door, various church and community members, and relatives that rotate in and out of the books all combine with Page's excellent writing to create an appealing series. This particular story takes place at the Hubbard House, a posh retirement facility near Aleford that Faith's Aunt Charity has asked her to investigate after a close friend and new Hubbard House resident, now deceased (of natural causes), mentions that he has suspicions about some of the goings-on at his new home. As usual, when Faith investigates, more bodies begin turning up! This is a great series if you want to relax and get away from the stress of the real world. The New England settings are always enjoyable, too. I think that in 40 years or so Faith will be taking over for Jessica Fletcher as New England's favorite female golden-aged detective!
Posted by eileenp at 1/01/2008 05:12:00 PM


THE FARADAY GIRLS (Monica McInerney)
One of the things that struck me most about this novel was the intricate and very satisfying development of each of the characters. Spanning more than 25 years and 3 continents, this is the story of a family of 5 sisters, their widowed, eccentric father, Leo, and their mother, Tessa, who died 8 years before we join the Faraday's story. The two main focuses in the story are Maggie, the daughter-grandaughter-niece whose birth changes all of their lives, some in unimaginable ways, and Tessa's diary. The diary is a cherished memory of his wife for Leo, who claims to have burned the 9 volumes in accordance with his wife's wishes. It is also a source of fear for him, and it is because of the fear of what its pages may reveal about his wife and family that Leo has lied to his daughters about fate of the diary and has never read it himself. For the Faraday girls the diary represents a lost opportunity to reconnect with their mother or, in the case of the younger girls, to know how she felt about life, marriage, and motherhood. Two of the girls, daughter Sadie and grandaughter Maggie, eventually have the opportunity to read Tessa's words. For Sadie, her secret foray into her mother's thoughts has far-reaching consequences that affect the entire family; for Maggie, reading 20 years later, it is both a revelation and an opportunity to set her grandfather's mind at ease.Throughout the course of this novel we see the Faraday girls, Juliet, Miranda, Eliza, Sadie, and Clementine, grow from girls to women while their relationships with each other and their father shift and change very realistically. There is no "happily ever after" here overall, which surprised me to some extent. While the ending was satisfying, it was not picture perfect. The interrelationships within the Faraday family, including the dead mother, developed as relationships do in real families, with real problems and stresses, competitition and hurt feeling. This is a book that will hold the interest of fans of family sagas, quality chick-lit, mysteries, and literature alike.
Posted by eileenp at 1/01/2008 04:38:00 PM

2007

Thursday, December 13, 2007

BRIBERY, CORRUPTION ALSO (H.R.F. Keating)
This book is quite a bit different from what I usually read. It is one of the later entries in Keating's Inspector Ganesh Ghote mystery series set in Bombay, India. In this entry, Inspector Ghote's wife, Protima, has unexpectedly inherited an estate in Calcutta from a distant cousin. She is determined that she and Ganesh will retire there to live peacefully immersed in the culture and customs of her youth despite her husband's longing for his not-yet-finished career and their long-time home in Bombay. When they view the estate they find it in ruins and occupied by squatters. Lawyer A.K. Dutt-Daster, who has been administering the property since the death of Protima's cousin, suggests that the estate is beyond repair and that it should be sold to a mysterious buyer who is willing to pay well for the property. Ganesh is suspicious of Dutt-Daster and his motives and proceeds to investigate. One of the interesting aspects of this novel is its use of the English language as spoken by Indians. Whether or not it is an accurate porteayal, I cannot say, but it sounds like it might be. Keating's repeated emphasis on the Bengali tendency towards verbosity gives the reader a good idea of the cultural and behavioral differences that must exist in a country the size of India, just as they do here in the United States.Inspector Ghote is an appealing, even charming, character and the book is well written and very readable. The facts in the case unfold cleverly and logically, but I kept waiting for a body to be discovered! I enjoyed the book, but when I came to the last page I was convinced that additional pages were missing from my copy. I understand from an acquaintance that the Inspector Ghote series is especially delightful in audio format, due mainly to the narrator. If you are in the mood for something different and interested in the culture and "personality" of India, this might be a series to investigate. If you love a good "whodunnit", you might want to think twice about this one.
Posted by eileenp at 12/13/2007 04:14:00 PM

Friday, November 23, 2007

KISSING CHRISTMAS GOODBYE (M.C. Beaton)
It's hard to believe that this is the 17th book in Beaton's Agatha Raisin series. Agatha Raisin first appeared in 1993 in Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death. Over the years she has neither aged nor mellowed, her endearing combination of abrasiveness and vulnerability remaining as unspoiled in this 17th entry as in the first. In short, Agatha never learns. She is eternally hopeful that she will find true, lasting love. She believes wholeheartedly in her own prowess as a detective. She is an astute business woman fighting middle age in a world that values youth and beauty. Her glossy hair, small, bear-like eyes, good legs, and expanding waistline are her trademarks along with her ability to rub people the wrong way.In this story Agatha is hired by wealthy widow Phyllis Tamworthy, who suspects that someone will try to kill her before she can change her will, effectively disowning her children. When Mrs. Tamworthy is poisoned it is Agatha who insisits on pursuing the investigation, clashing repeatedly with the local police (as usual) as clues unfold. In between following up leads Agatha hires 17-year-old Toni as a new operative for her agency, providing her with a home, a car, and a means of escape from her abusive family along the way. Agatha also plans an elborate Christmas dinner intended to help her ensnare old love James Lacey with her charms and domesticity. I think that what makes Agatha so appealing is her cluelessness. She totally believes in happy endings but has not yet figured out how to apply the hard work and insight that made her so successful in business to her personal relationships. She is loved and lovable but completely unaware of that fact. This great weekend read won't disappoint Agatha's fans!
Posted by eileenp at 11/23/2007 03:32:00 PM

Monday, November 19, 2007

BAREFOOT (Elin Hilderbrand)
Three women arrive in Nantucket to spend the summer at a family cottage. Vickie, wife, mother of two, and recently diagnosed with lung cancer, will spend her time on the island undergoing chemotherapy and enjoying time with her two small sons. Brenda, her sister and co-owner of the cottage, has fled from New York in disgrace after being fired from Champion University for vandalism and moral transgressions. She plans to write a screenplay and to forget, at least for a short time, her disastrous love affair and destroyed academic career. Melanie, after undergoing 7 failed rounds of in vitro, finds that her husband has been carrying on an affair with a coworker and that she herself is finally pregnant. She decides to accompany her friends to Nantucket to consider her life and her future. Josh, a college student home on summer break, enters their lives through a series of coincidences and bonds with all of the women while working as a babysitter for Vickie's two son's, 4-year-old Blaine and baby Porter. The reader experiences a virtual kalidescope of emotions as we travel through the summer with these four characters as their relationships ebb and flow like the Nantucket tides (sorry, I just couldn't resist the metaphor!). Hilderbrand's novel is definitely women's fiction, but the multiple points of view that the author utilizes allow her to explore a male perspective as well. This is a solid offering. Hiderbrand has four other novels out there and I think that I just might check out a few more of them.
Posted by eileenp at 11/19/2007 03:05:00 PM

Friday, November 16, 2007

MURPHY'S LAW (Rhys Bowen)
This historical mystery received a unanimous thumbs up from the Christie Capers Book Club! Red-haired Irish immigrant Molly Murphy is Bowen's heroine and amateur detective in this wonderful cozy series. Molly is intelligent, loyal, curious, attractive, outspoken, and completely charming throughout the book, which is a pleasure to read. Molly has SPUNK! After accidentally killing (as far as Molly and the readers know) a landowner's son in self defense, Molly flees Ireland and its biased legal system and finds passage to America as the "mother" of 2 children whose father awaits them in New York. Naturally, she finds herself involved with yet another murder and ends up traversing the streets of New York seeking to prove her own innocence and that of a young male friend from the ship. This is the first of the Molly Murphy series and I plan to read more. Bowen creates a rich historical atmosphere and has an easy, appealing style of writing. Stock up on this series for a winter weekend. You won't be disappointed!
Posted by eileenp at 11/16/2007 02:59:00 PM

Thursday, November 01, 2007

STARBURST (Robin Pilcher)
Robin Pilcher is a worthy successor to his mother, popular author Rosamunde Pilcher, and I have enjoyed his previous novels. I am especially drawn to stories set in Scotland, as this one is. The setting here is the annual Edinburgh Festival, which features 3 weeks of artistic performances for all tastes and ages. Initially I had a hard time following the large number of disparate characters being introduced and it took a little too long to establish connections among them. This might turn off impatient readers, but the book is well worth the effort it takes to get through this slightly-too-long introductory phase. The characters are drawn as real human beings with flaws, fears, and courage. The backdrop of the festival, the venue that brings all of the characters together, provides a nice opportunity for cultural immersion from afar. I would recommend Pilcher's latest, but caution that you will need to work a bit to really get into the story!
Posted by eileenp at 11/01/2007 03:41:00 PM

Sunday, October 21, 2007

JANE AND THE UNPLEASANTNESS AT SCARGRAVE MANOR (Stephanie Barron)
This is the first in Stephanie Barron's Jane Austen mystery series. In this novel the Earl of Scargrave has died suddenly of dyspepsia after a reception celebrating his 3 month old marriage. His grieving young widow, Isabel, confesses to her guest, close friend and confidante, Jane Austen, that she shares an unrequited love with the earl's nephew and heir, Fitzroy. However, she claims to have been unwaveringly faithful to her husband, an older man whom she loved and respected. When notes accusing Isabel and Fitzroy of conspiring to kill Isabel's husband result in the arrest of the pair, Isabel begs Jane to somehow prove her innocence. As circumstantial evidence against the pair piles up, they remain imprisoned, Isabel believing that Fitzroy has betrayed her love and trust by murdering the Earl.Stephanie Barron intersperses actual journal entries by Jane Austen throughout this novel, adding a great air of authenticity to the idea that Jane may have actually dabbled in crime-solving, reminding the reader of a much younger Miss Marple. Barron does an excellent job of introducing clues and of explaining the machinations of the British judicial system during the early 19th century. The characters are interesting and the author maintains a good pace throughout the novel. I would recommend this series wholeheartedly. In fact, if this entry is any indication, Stephanie Barron may be considered a worthy successor to Agatha Christie!
Posted by eileenp at 10/21/2007 07:34:00 PM

Monday, September 24, 2007

STOLEN IN THE NIGHT (Patricia MacDonald)
Those of you who wait anxiously for each new Mary Higgins Clark book should take note of Patricia MacDonald. I have read most of her books and found each one to be well-crafted, suspenseful, and enjoyable to read. Her latest offering is no exception.Clark and MacDonald write "romantic suspense", a genre that is appealing to a wide range of readers. The "romance" genre in itself always includes two people who meet and often misinterpret each others' motives and intentions, ultimately ending up together. Romances must always have a happy ending in terms of the relationship. "Suspense", as opposed to mystery (which involves a murder, an amateur or professional detective, and an eventual identification of the murderer), gets a psychological hold on readers through the eyes of the main character and leads them through a series of often harrowing and confusing events that lead to an eventual resolution. The perpetrator of whatever series of crimes is being revisited or investigated is usually a trusted individual or respected member of the community. In mystery, the focus is on the characters of the victim and the detective, while in romantic suspense the focus is on the romantic leads. One of them will inevitably become entangled in the problems at hand, either through witnessing a crime or being in the wrong place at the wrong time, often ending up in mortal danger. The other is also involved in the problems and is often an object of both suspicion and regret (because of the inevitable attraction between the two). The mark of good romantic suspense is that, once the criminal is revealed, all of the pieces make sense, that the events of the book fall logically into place, and that the reader, like the characters in the novel, is surprised. If you have it all figured out well before the end (a little while before is OK) then you are probably not reading a great example of the romantic suspense genre. I would classify Patricia MacDonald as very good.If you enjoy a bit more bite to your suspense novels, I would also suggest Carol Smith. As far as I can find she has written only 4 novels. They are more edgy and deeply psychological than Clark and MacDonald and do not, as I recall, feature the romantic element. If you discover more than 4 of Carol Smith's works out there, please let me know!
Posted by eileenp at 9/24/2007 08:26:00 AM

Saturday, September 22, 2007

VIEW FROM MOUNT JOY (Lorna Landvik)
I was thinking hard about the theme of this book, which I would consider to be one of Landvik's best (but aren't they all?), as I read. I will admit that, much as I like Lorna Landvik, I actually almost passed on this novel for the moment because it was written from the point of view of a teenage boy/man who works in a grocery store. I'm glad that I reconsidered, because this is a story left me feeling content and very positive about the human spirit. I think that the theme of the book is joy and the fact that it comes from within. We make our own choices and decisions for various reasons and recognizing that life can be good despite never having achieved our youthful dreams is the key to both success and real contentment in life.Joe Andreson is a teenager when his father is killed in a plane crash and eventually he and his mother, a music teacher, move 200 miles away to live with his aunt and start a new life. The relationship between Joe and his mother is delightful. They share a love of music that continues as a motif throughout the book. As always, Landvik's characters are quirky and diverse, but very human. They include: Darva, an aspiring artist with an unquenchable thirst for travel; Kristi, the gorgeous, amoral drum-playing cheerleader who claims to have found God in the Northern lights; Ed Haugland, the MS-afflicted grocer who wills his store to Joe; Kirk, Kristi's younger brother and Joe's best friend; Beth, Joe's lesbian aunt; and Flora, Darva's daughter. The story spans 35 years and I particularly enjoyed the fact that Joe was exactly my age, which made it much easier to relate the various cultural references throughout the book. I would call this book life-affirming, as Landvik's books always are. I was just thinking how interesting it would be to meet this author. She seems to possess both an understanding of humankind and an unshakable faith that all will be as it should be no matter what setbacks and disappointments are encountered along the way.
Posted by eileenp at 9/22/2007 10:34:00 PM

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

GOING GRAY (Anne Kreamer)
Most of us face the prospect of what "to do" about our hair color at some point in our lives. In my parents' generation it was primarily women who worried about covering the gray, but nowadays both sexes seem obsessed with trying to stave off old age with cosmetics, surgery, and hair coloring. As the children of a mother who was completely gray by age 35, my siblings and I have been dealing with prematurely graying hair since our teens. My two sisters and I have probably spent a combined total of 85 years altogether coloring our hair! I recently decided that at age 53 I could no longer be considered "prematurely gray" and that it was time to stop the madness and let my hair be what it is. Going Gary was, I think, published just for me at the perfect time!Anne Kreamer's book (yes, it is nonfiction), subtitled What I learned about Beauty, Sex, Work, Motherhood, Authenticity, and Everything Else That Really Matters, is one woman's exploration of our society's obsession with aging, particularly in terms of hair color. Through interviews, surveys, research, and introspection Kreamer discovers people's true perceptions of gray hair. During the course of her research she tests signs up for online "dating", visits makeover consultants, talks to men in bars, consults headhunters, solicits opinions from friends, and interviews various people on the subject of gray hair, including folk singer Emmy Lou Harris and author Mireille Giuliano (French Women Don't Get Fat). This is not a scholarly, scientific study, but rather a real life journey through the process of accepting, even embracing, the passage of time. Kreamer describes our hair as a "personal flag," an "emotionally central sign of what each of us is trying to be." We care about the "big" issues, but we also care about how we look to others. Kreamer concludes that letting herself go of an artificial image of herself is tantamount to taking control of her life, and that it feels good! As someone who is also in the process of "letting go," I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Posted by eileenp at 9/11/2007 10:31:00 PM

Sunday, September 09, 2007

WOMAN IN RED (Eileen Goudge)
This is just a quick post, but those of you who enjoy the likes of Goudge, Barbara Delinsky, Belva Plain, Judith Henry Wall, etc. will not be disappointed by Eileen Goudge's latest release. Set on Gray's Island in the Pacific Northwest, "Woman in Red" alternates between the present and the past, telling the intertwining stories of a grandmother, Eleanor Styles, and her grandaughter, Alice Kessler, both of whom suffer losses and consequences that most of us can only imagine. This is a very readable book. Goudge always creates realistic, sympathetic characters who posses human flaws and sometimes questionable judgement. The only thing I disliked about the book is that I was left with a feeling of incompleteness regarding some of the characters' lives. We THINK we know what will happen down the road but it is not completely clear at the end if the truth about Alice's ancestry is ever revealed to her. I would have been very interested to know how the relationship between Alice and Owen White would have evolved given that knowledge. Overall, though, I would recommend this book.
Posted by eileenp at 9/09/2007 02:58:00 PM


THE LEFT HAND OF DARKNESS (Ursula K. Le Guin)
Any of you who have read my previous blogs are probably surprised by the fact that I am now reviewing a science fiction work. We read "The Left hand of Darkness" for the First Tuesday Book Club. I am not a fan of science fiction and would not have chosen to read this book despite the author's fine reputation, but I have to admit that I did not HATE the book. In fact, in some ways I enjoyed it. "The Left Hand of Darkness" is the story of Genly Ai, a human envoy to the planet Gethen, or Winter, at some point in the far future. Mr. Ai's mission is to convince the two countries that comprise Gethen (Karhide and Orgoreyn) to join the Ekumen, an alliance of more than 80 planets. His mission in Karhide, where he has spent almost 2 years, is interrupted when his main contact, Prime Minister Estraven, is declared a traitor and flees to Orgoreyn. Mr Ai himself travels to Orgoreyn, eventually meets with Estraven, and the two embark on a thrilling 800 mile trip across the ice and snow. Gethen is in the middle of an ice age (hence the nickname "Winter") and poor Mr. Ai, used to the more moderate and fluctuating temperatures of planet Earth, is perpetually freezing.The people of Gethen are ambisexual, meaning that they are basically asexual most of the time but randomly transform into either male or female every 26 days during their "kemmering" (basically, they go into heat). Genly Ai cannot wrap his mind around the thought of male/female in one person and primarily relates to the Gethenians as males. He frequently comments in apparent disgust at their softness and feminine characteristics.Le Guin has a powerful imagination and a great talent for writing. In a sense this book explores opposites: yin vs. yang, male vs. female, dark vs. light, anarchism vs. totalitarianism. If you enjoy time warps, futuristic technology, alternative political systems, adventure and intrigue, and thinking outside the box in terms of how we view gender issues, this could be the book for you!
Posted by eileenp at 9/09/2007 01:58:00 PM

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

FAMILY TREE (Barbara Delinsky)
This novel is another great weekend read. Delinsky has made an admirable transition from the romance novels of her earlier career (I'm not knocking them - they are just not my cup of tea!) to solid women's fiction. Family Tree is the story of a happily married couple, Dana and Hugh, jarred out of their idyllic existence when their first child is born with obvious African-American traits. The ensuing story explores marital trust, pride, and bigotry, not on a large- scale, dramatic level, but from a very personal, down-to-earth standpoint. This book has a lovely underlying plotline revolving around Dana's grandmother's life and the yarn shop that she owns. The way that some of the characters' lives are interwoven reminded me of a knitting pattern, which is one of the motifs prominently featured in the novel. This is one of those books that is a great example of fiction that makes you think. I hated to finish the book. The characters are likable and the plot is believable. If you enjoy this one I would recommend that you check out Lake News, The Vineyard, and some of Delinsky's other novels of the past few years. You will be very happy that you did!
Posted by eileenp at 8/21/2007 08:53:00 AM

Monday, August 20, 2007

SECOND CHANCE (Jane Green)
Tom's death in a terrorist attack is the catalyst for a reunion of 4 old friends: Holly, Saffron, Paul, and Olivia. Coming together to share their grief and memories, each of them realizes that Tom was a common thread in their complicated lives and relationships. Holly is marking time in a loveless marriage that, until now, she has accepted and strived to improve despite her husband's judgmental and manipulative personality. Saffron, now a famous movie actress, struggles with alcoholism and an impossible affair that she recognizes as the "real thing." Paul and his wife have exhausted their financial and emotional resources in their unsuccessful quest to have a child, and Olivia, the animal-lover, finds herself in an unexpected, life-changing situation. Jane Green has come through again with this wonderful, multi-layered story of how one man's life and death inspire a group of friends to re-evaluate their lives and relationships. I would recommend it as a great weekend read.
Posted by eileenp at 8/20/2007 02:46:00 PM

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

ADRIANI TRIGIANI
I discovered Adriana Trigiani about a year ago when I read Lucia, Lucia and Roccoco. Since then I have been waiting for the opportunity to read her Big Stone Gap books. A couple of weeks ago I finally read Big Stone Gap and I just finished Big Cherry Holler a few days ago. I have to say that they were well worth the wait. Both novels follow the life of Ave Maria Mulligan, a pharmacist who, at the beginning of the first novel, is a 35-year-old "spinster" still trying to find her true place in the world. In her small Virginia town she is a respected, well-liked business woman, a "ferriner" whose mother came to Big Stone Gap from Italy. After her mother's death Ave Maria learns facts about her own origins that send her into an emotional tailspin and lead her on a quest to discover who she is and what she wants out of life. Along the way we are introduced to a variety of charming, quirky characters and to life in the mountains of Virginia. The second novel takes place 8 years later, and rather than the "happily ever after" that we expected from the end of Big Stone Gap, we see that even in fiction there are obstacles to overcome and that the path of true love never runs smoothly. The relationships in these novels are a true reflection of how human beings interact, evolve, and come to terms with life. One wonderful thing about Trigiani is that you know there is more to come. Often, when you read a truly good book that really engages your emotions, you wonder whatever might have happened to this character or that one. With Trigiani there is an opportunity to find out! I am looking forward to both Milk Glass Moon and Home to Big Stone Gap. I may not get to them right away (so many great books, so little time!), but I know that when I do it will feel like I never left Big Stone Gap.
Posted by eileenp at 8/15/2007 08:30:00 AM

Sunday, July 15, 2007

SEX WARS (Marge Piercy)
This book was an eye opener for me. As a reasonably well-read person I have always been aware that the struggle for women's rights spanned more than a century and that some of the most notable early figures in this long process were Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and our first woman presidential candidate, Victoria Woodhull. The extent to which women were subjugated in the 19th century was not clear to me, however, as a child of the idealized era of TV westerns. Piercy vividly presents the slave-like existence that was the lot of most females of that era through a series of 4 interwoven stories spanning the mid-1800's through the early 20th century. I was bothered, however, by the liberal use of actual historical personages as characters in this fictional work. Only one of the 4 distinct points of view was through the eyes of a fictional character, Freydah, a widowed Jewish immigrant who takes in street urchins and builds a successful business manufacturing condoms. This character eventually crosses paths with the other main characters, who were all too real. The other 3 major storylines were written through the eyes of Victoria Woodhull, Anthony Comstock, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Despite the disclaimer at the beginning of the novel, I'm not sure that using "real" people in such a way really constitutes "fiction". One of the participants in our First Tuesday Book Club suggested that this novel might actually, in many respects, be viewed as "narrative nonfiction".I would recommend Piercy's novel to anyone interested in the struggle for women's rights and the development of the United States' laws regarding "obscenity". Anthony Comstock, whose namesake "Comstock Laws" set our original national standards for acceptable levels of prurience in written or visual materials available to the public, was especially fascinating. In this work, at least, he took great pride in the fact that his adopted daughter was "slow", which in his eyes made her a suitably subservient and, thus, nearly ideal example of how a woman should be!I have enjoyed some of Piercy's earlier novels, including "The Longings of Women". A quick look at her biography reveals some striking similarities to Victoria Woodhull's life as well as a long history of involvement in women's rights. Her writing requires thought and attention, but will leave a lasting impression on you.
Posted by eileenp at 7/15/2007 03:30:00 PM

Thursday, June 28, 2007

HEARTSTOPPER (Joy Fielding)
Another one of my favorite authors (I'm catching up on reading during vacation) triumphs yet again. Like Michael Palmer, Joy Fielding does not utilize recurring characters or settings in her thrillers. Each book is a standalone and each seems better than the last one you read, no matter what order you read them in. Heartstopper is set in Torrance, FL, a relatively quiet, safe small town populated by the requisite worn-out sheriff, a recently separated school teacher, a surgically- enhanced bimbo who has slept with half the men in town (including the sheriff), a weird high-school drama teacher, an abusive husband, etc., plus the usual array of high-school students in varous stages of angst.This book interweaves the journal of a killer with the unfolding story of the the personal lives of Torrance's citizens. When the body of a popular high school senior is discovered in a shallow grave several days after she went missing, fear becomes the town's watchword. Suspicions and emotions run high until a local man is arrested for the crime. Fielding cleverly presents the killer's journal in such a way that the reader will make certain assumptions about this individual, but upon reexamination will realize that these assumptions are completely unfounded. I have to admit that I did correctly identify the killer quite a while before the actual reveal near the end of the book, but only after looking over the journal entries a second time. I wasn't actually sure that I was right until the end, though. I think this would make a great movie and I wouldn't be surprised if it ended up as a feature film. In the meantime, all readers know that the book is always better than the movie, so don't wait. Read it!
Posted by eileenp at 6/28/2007 04:43:00 PM


THE FIFTH VIAL (MICHAEL PALMER)
Michael Palmer never fails to impress me with the quality of his medical thrillers. His characters are both interesting and believable, his settings rich in detail, and his plots are scarily believable! The Fifth Vial explores organ transplantation from the perspective of entitlement, not based on who can afford to PAY for a new organ or, as the system works in reality, on who is most medically IN NEED OF an organ, but on who is most DESERVING of an organ. The Guardians are a group of "philosopher kings" who use Plato's Republic as their bible and believe that they have been designated as the guardians of the world's organ transplant system, determing who most deserves a chance at renewed life and health.As the story develops we are introduced to Natalie Reyes, a headstrong, 4th-year, Boston-based medical student who is disgraced, suspended from school, and ultimately finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time while in Brazil to deliver a scientific paper for her mentor, Dr. Doug Berenger. Natalie soon finds herself embroiled in a dangerous search to discover the truth behind her hospitalization in Brazil. At the same time, a struggling private eye named Ben Callahan is hired by Organ Guard, an organization dedicated to preserving the integrity of the world's organ transplant process. While investigating the mysterious case of a an unidentified man who appears to have donated bone-marrow just before his untimely death in Florida, Ben finds himself pulled inextricably into what he believes to be conspiracy that extends far beyond the death of one man. I can't tell you anymore without giving too much of the story away and I know you will want to read this one yourself!If you are wondering about the title of this book, suffice it to say that after you have finished it you might keep you eye out for green tops next time you have blood drawn for routine testing! If you have enjoyed Palmer's previous books and are a fan of Tess Gerritsen and Robin Cook, check this one out today!
Posted by eileenp at 6/28/2007 04:14:00 PM

Thursday, May 31, 2007

CATALOGUE OF DEATH by Jo Dereske
Helma Zukas, librarian extrordinaire, returns to solve yet another bizarre murder in Jo Dereske's latest entry in this series, set in fictional Bellehaven, Washington. A few years ago I emailed Ms. Dereske, then a librarian in Washington State, to ask when the next Miss Zukas mystery would be published. I was disappointed when she told me that she had no plans to continue the series at the time, but after a break she resumed writing and has now added two more books to this cozy series. This latest focuses on the mysterious and untimely death of Franklin Harrington, an elderly historian and triplet whose family had other plans for the land he had so generously donated as the site for a brand new library building. When all of library director Mae Ellen Moon's files on construction of the new library are stolen from Helma's car, things begin to look especially bleak for the project. Using her finely-honed reference and organizational skills, Miss Zukas tackles the investigation despite gentle warnings from her sometimes "beau", police chief Wayne Gallant. Bibliophiles and those who value order and simplicity will love Miss Zukas. If she is just a bit too perfect for comfort, there are plenty of other not-so-perfect citizens of Bellehaven to love, including free-spirited artist/best friend Ruth Winthrop, Helma's interfering Mom, Lillian, and the sometimes confused but always charming Aunt Em. Check out this series!
Posted by eileenp at 5/31/2007 07:42:00 PM

Monday, April 30, 2007

I FEEL BAD ABOUT MY NECK (NORA EPHRON)
I am planning to purchase copies of this book for several of my 50-something friends with birthdays coming up soon. I waited a long time on the hold list to finally have a chance to read this delightful collection of essays and now I want every woman I know to be able to read it, too!Ephron's writing style is unpretentious and conversational. Her wry humor and on-the-mark observations about the problems of getting older make this book feel more like a conversation with an old friend than anything else. The title essay, the first in the book, is hilarious (and so true) and the section on "parenting" in the 80's had me wishing that Ephron would stop by my house so we could discuss our theories on child-rearing and the handling of teenagers (get a dog when your children are adolescents so someone will be happy to see you when you come home). Every essay has some universal insight to offer. I think that being able to look at life realistically and still maintain a sense of humor is one of the greatest gifts to which any a human being can lay claim and Nora Ephron certainly has this gift. I will have to admit that I embrace the idea of purses with much more enthusiasm than she does, possibly because I invest much less money in mine, but overall Ephron has expressed what so many of us are thinking about various aspects of being a woman of a certain age. The best thing about this book is that it makes us realize that we are not alone in how we feel and what we fear, and that is a comfort and a joy.
Posted by eileenp at 4/30/2007 08:11:00 AM

Saturday, April 14, 2007

THE PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN
This is just a quick note about this book, Simon Winchester's story of the development of the Oxford English Dictionary. We read this in March for the First Tuesday Book Club and I think that we all enjoyed the fascinating story of the long years and meticulous work that went into the creation of the first real English-language dictionary. One of the founders of the OED was Frederick Furnivall, an enthusiastic oarsman and outdoorsman. Furnivall was supposedly the basis for character of Water Rat in "The Wind in the Willows." It was interesting to have read both of these works in such close proximity, timewise! Winchester's book is a great nonfiction selection, very interesting and readable.
Posted by eileenp at 4/14/2007 10:36:00 PM

Monday, April 09, 2007

RESTORING GRACE by Katie Fforde
British author Katie Fforde always manages to leave me feeling happy and believing that people can, indeed, live happily ever after. Her main character is always a woman (sometimes modeled on herself) who somehow manages to forge an interesting career and, in the process, some interesting relationships as well. In this novel Grace, a reluctant divorcee (her older husband left her for someone else because she wanted a baby and he did not), is trying to maintain the beautiful old house left to her by her late aunt / godmother by holding wine-tastings and writing columns and wine for local publications. During the course of the novel she deals with dry rot, greedy siblings, a needy step-daughter, a pregnant friend, and, of course, a handsome real-estate developer and wine-lover who is interested in more than her property. She is viewed by those who have known her longest as a helpless, naive incompetent who needs to be protected and ordered about. Through her new relationships she comes to see herself for what she really is, a woman who can take control of her own life and make her own decisions. Mutual support, trust, and the ability to give freely of oneself are the traits that make Grace, Ellie, Demi, and the rest of the cast of characters so likeable and this book so readable. I always recommend Katie Fforde as an enjoyable read!
Posted by eileenp at 4/09/2007 11:10:00 AM

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

THE KNITTING CIRCLE by Ann Hood
This book had mixed reviews, but I couldn't resist the idea of a story about learning to knit as a healing experience. This is the story of a woman who has lost her child, written by a woman who has lost a child. It may not be for the tender-hearted or depressed. I found myself feeling very conflicted and out-of-sorts as I read the book; of course, it is always difficult for a mother to read about anyone's loss of a child, no matter what the circumstances. After the sudden death of her 5-year-old daughter, Mary Baxter joins a knitting group at Big Alice's Sit and Knit on the advice of her estranged mother. Through knitting she begins to heal and progress through the various stages of grief. Eventually Mary and the other group members form a bond, sharing their stories of grief and helping each other to heal or at least to accept their losses. In the end, the book is a tribute to the power of friendship and love and the incredible resilience of the human spirit. I would recommend it. It is well written and the characters have depth and power.
Posted by eileenp at 2/28/2007 10:21:00 AM

Sunday, January 14, 2007

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS by Kenneth Grahame
When the leader of our Yesteryears Book Club suggested reading "The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame, I was skeptical. I already felt like I was buried under book club selections (being involved in 3 of them here at the library can be intimidating at time) and I was much more in the mood to read a good cozy or chick lit selection than a children's classic. Well, I was pleasantly surprised. Every adult should read this book even if they do not have a small child with whom to share it. Rat, Mole, Badger, and Frog live in a community much like any inhabited by humans, except for (1) easy access to funds without the bother of actual jobs, (2) the mysterious ability to put together a meal without a hint of stress or fatigue, and (3) the lack of long-term consequences for actions like escaping from prison or breaking and entering!. I was completely and utterly charmed by all of them and found myself, when engaged in the non-literary responsibilities of my life, occasionally wondering what was going to happen next and anxiously awaiting an opportunity to find out. The characters in this book seemed to me to be living exactly the way a child would imagine them to live. If you haven't read it, do it soon. You won't regret it!
Posted by eileenp at 1/14/2007 05:23:00 PM