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Katherine:
Beach Music By Pat Conroy
Beach Music is a novel about the south, written by a southerner
with a gift for prose. As the story begins, main character Jack
McCall is living in Rome and grieving for his late wife, who has
taken her own life and left him to raise their young daughter.
Conroy takes us back to the 1960's as Jack and his late wife,
Shyla Fox, navigate their way through childhood in a small South
Carolina town. We learn of carefree days at the beach where Jack
and Shyla dance to the music of the Drifters' "Save the Last
Dance for me". However, Shyla is the daughter of survivors of
the Holocaust. Somehow, Shyla internalizes the suffering of her
parents and becomes strange, even to the point of needing
hospitalization. This story takes us through time, from the
shores of South Carolina to the cafes of Rome. It is a wonderful
book.
Blood Work By Michael
Connelly
Connelly is at his best in this book. The usual elements of
crime solving take an ironic twist, and anyone who has ever had
an irregular heart beat will be checking their pulse!
By a Spider's Thread by
Laura Lippman --
Private detective Tess Monaghan is hired by Mark Rubin, a
furrier and an orthodox Jew, to find his missing wife and three
children. Rubin, of course, has no earthly idea why his wife has
left and suspects foul play. After checking with friends and
family, Tess learns that Rubin is a major control freak and
starts to wonder .. is this foul play or a simple case of a wife
fleeing a controlling husband. To add to the mix, Rubin met his
wife while she was visiting her father in prison! This novel is
set in Baltimore and explores the many customs of the Jewish
faith, which I found very interesting. Lippman's writing is fast
paces and I was glues to the pages! Great Book.
Colony By Anne Rivers
Siddons
Nineteen-year-old Maude is a dark, sultry beauty from
Charleston, SC. Unlike her peers, she loves to spend her days
exploring the swamps and bayous with her father, until she meets
Peter Chambliss, her brother’s college roommate. Peter is a
fair-haired boy from Boston…a dreaded Yankee! Needless to say,
they fall in love and marry, much to the chagrin of Peter’s old
money family. This book tells the story of the Chambliss family
retreat in Maine, where the family summers every year, and where
the loons and osprey fascinate Maude as much as the Yankees
perplex her! Siddons begins the novel with Maude as an old
woman, reflecting on all the memories of summer evenings on the
porch, looking out over the cold Atlantic with family and
friends. A great story.
Entombed by Linda Fairstein
Main character Alex Cooper is an assistant district attorney
and sex crimes prosecutor who is called to investigate the
finding of a skeleton. Construction workers find the body
entombed behind a brick wall in an old brownstone in Manhattan,
a brownstone rumored to be Edgar Allan Poe's former residence.
When it is ascertained that the corpse was buried alive, the
case takes on a an Edgar Allan Poe quality. A current rape case
leads Alex and her partners to a modern day secret Poe Society
and things heat up. I liked this book because of the many
references to the life and woks of Poe. I learned that Poe's
final residence has been maintained in Bronx, NY. and is open to
the public. Also, because Fairstein herself is a former sex
crimes prosecutor, she lends an air of authenticity to the work.
The Glass Lake By Maeve
Binchy
The year is 1952, the setting Lough Glass in Ireland. Picture a
beautiful brooding dark haired Irish woman whisked away from her
hometown of Dublin by her pharmacist husband. They settle down
in a small village, where Helen becomes a mother of two. The
village of Lough Glass is so small that nothing can be kept
private, and life revolves around the Catholic Church. One day
Helen goes missing and the family boat is found floating upside
down on the lake. The novel is about the effect of the loss of a
mother, and what happens years later when her mother’s “friend”
contacts Kit at the time of her school graduation. This novel is
also a commentary on society in the 1950s where a woman didn’t
have many options when she was trapped in a loveless marriage,
and no man wanted his wife to work for fear society saw him as a
poor provider. This novel is excellent to listen to on tape, as
the lilting brogue of the reader is a treat to the ears.
Goose in the Pond By Earlene
Fowler
Main character Benni Harper is an ex-cowgirl, quilter, and
part-time sleuth, married to a handsome Latino police chief.
They make their home in California. In this, Fowler’s 5th book,
the local library is having a storytelling festival.
Unfortunately, a storyteller dressed as Mother Goose is found
dead in the local lake. Fowler never fails to tell a
heartwarming story, with a bit of humor on the side.
Hard Time By Sara
Paretsky
V.I. Warshawski, for those who don't know, is a fortyish blue
collar girl from Chicago, trying to make ends meet with private
detective work. Tall and tough, she describes herself as having
the manners of a "south side street fighter", but is devoted to
her dogs, her friends, and the memory of her late father; one of
Chicago's "finest".
In this book, V.I. almost runs over a young woman lying dead in
the road, and trying to solve the mystery of her death leads to
a frightening stay behind the walls of Coolis prison. The prison
listed Phillipine immigrant Nicola Aguinaldo as having escaped,
but what V.I. finds out shocks and astounds her and almost costs
her own life.
I know this much is true By
Wally Lamb
Many of us have encountered homeless people on the street. Many
times we can hear that person talking loudly and gesturing to no
one in particular, and we pretend not to see, or we cringe in
fear. Imagine being the brother, sister, mother or father of
that unfortunate individual. I can tell you from personal
experience that schizophrenia is one of the most difficult
illnesses a family must face, for there really is no cure, only
periods of respite, followed by periods of unbelievable chaos.
Wally Lamb tells a poignant story of identical twins, born on
December 31, 1949 and January 1, 1950. Thomas is born with
schizophrenia, while brother Dominick, the normal one, is left
to cope. Stepfather Ray is domineering, controlling and abusive,
while their Italian mother prays for peace in the family. Lamb
masterfully illustrates what it is like trying to navigate the
American mental health system, which has not changed much over
the years. This is a great book.
Interest of Justice by Nancy
Taylor Rosenberg --
Main Character Lara Sanderstone is a thirty-eight year old
unmarried California judge, plain but brilliant. Her younger
sister Ivory is a knock out brunette with striking blue eyes and
flawless skin, but a rather reckless person with questionable
taste in men. When Ivory and her husband are brutally murdered,
Lara takes charge of her teen-aged nephew and vows to get to the
bottom of the horrific crime. If you like John Grisham, you will
probably like this series involving female lawyers and judges.
Rosenberg is a former police officer and her knowledge lends
reality to the story.
Islands by Anne Rivers
Siddons --
Thirty-five year old social worker Anny Butler finally meets
the man of her dreams, a doctor from Charleston, NC. What Anny
falls in love with next is the beach house her husband owns on
Sullivan Island, where four childhood friends spend time
relaxing and enjoying the ocean. Siddons tells a heartwarming
story of friends that spans a twenty year period, covering the
trials of surviving Hurricane Hugo, a fire at the beach house
and the death of one of their group. This story also has a
surprise ending. A good summer read.
Killer Pancake
By Diane Mott Davidson
Davidson sets her mysteries in Colorado, her home state. Main
character Goldy is the owner of Goldilock’s Catering, whose
motto is “where everything is just right.” Goldy has a rat of an
ex-husband, whom she refers to as “The Jerk,” and an adorable
young son named Arch. Goldy usually likes to make rich and tasty
food, with lots of butter and cream, but in this story she is
hired to do a low-fat luncheon…ugh! Of course, before long
someone ends up dead. Davidson also includes a recipe for her
readers’ pleasure. These stories are humorous looks at the
catering profession, and if you too have a rat ex-husband, you
will be very pleased. The only drawback to this book is that if
makes you very hungry!
The Kitchen God's Wife By
Amy Tan
When I was a little girl I was always begging my mother to tell
me what her life was like when she was young, never thinking
there would be anything too shocking to reveal…not my mother! In
this book Amy Tan writes of the life of Winnie Louie, who was
born in China as Jiang Weili in the early part of the 20th
century. Winnie’s adult daughter Pearl had never heard of her
mother’s life before she immigrated to America, but one day
Winnie realizes it is time to reveal the secrets of her past.
Imagine finding out your mother had a previous marriage, not to
mention two other children! Staring in chapter 5, Tan takes us
back to China in the 1920s. Young Jiang is left motherless at
age 7, sent to live with uncaring relatives, and finally married
off in her teens to Wen Fu. Fu proves to be a very abusive,
sadistic, and sexually perverse husband. Tan weaves the story of
her main character’s life through WWII and the massacre at
Nanking, showing how a young Chinese woman triumphs over
adversity, but not without great sacrifices.
Letter from Home By Carolyn
Hart
Gretchen Grace Gilman, G.G., is a teen-ager living in a small
town in Oklahoma in the summer of 1944. Gretchen lives with her
grandmother while her mother, a young widow, is away working in
the city. Instead of swimming away the day, Gretchen divides her
time between working in the family restaurant and writing news
stories for the local paper. The Gazette is run by Mr. Dennis,
who doesn't believe women belong in a newsroom, but for the war
effort he is willing to make exceptions! Gretchen's life changes
forever that summer when her good friend Barb Tatum's mother is
found dead, and her father is suspected of the murder. This is a
wonderfully written story and just when you think the murder is
solved, there is a surprise ending. Hart's writing may evoke
memories of hot summer nights when you were young. This is a
great read.
Miami, It's Murder By Edna
Buchanan
Edna Buchanan won a Pulitzer Prize reporting on crime for the
Miami Herald. Of course, her mysteries are set among the royal
palms, the tropical climate, and the exotic cultures that make
Miami so mysterious and exciting. Main character Britt Montero,
a reporter of Cuban descent, states “what I love most about this
job-it is a front row seat on life.” What Britt loves second is
strong Cuban coffee and her pets; a cat named Billy Boots and a
dog named Bitsy. In this story, Britt and her friend Lottie, a
news photographer, chase a serial rapist. The rapist becomes
obsessed with Britt and her stories until the explosive ending.
This is not really a story for the feint of heart, but it is an
exciting look into the world of reporting in a large metropolis.
Mistaken Identity By Lisa
Scottoline
Bennie Rosato is a young lawyer from the “City of Brotherly
Love.” Raised an only child in a single parent family, she
prides herself on being independent and strong, the kind of girl
who “colors outside the lines.” However, when Bennie meets her
newest client in the local jailhouse, she is astounded to see
her doppelganger. Alice Connolly has been incarcerated for
murdering her cop boyfriend, and she claims Bennie must help her
because she is her long lost twin sister! In this book, Bennie
unexpectedly finds her long lost father. Meanwhile, corrupt cops
and the legal system determined to thwart Bennie’s every move. A
very good read.
Parallel Lies By Ridley
Pearson
One day Umberto Alvarez had a loving wife and two wonderful
children; the next day they were taken away from him when the
family car failed to make it across the railroad tracks. Alvarez
vows to get revenge on the railroad company that he believes to
be at fault, and begins life as saboteur. Enter NTSB
investigator Peter Tyler, an ex-cop and homicide detective. When
a railroad security guard is found dead, the NTSB sends Pete,
and the railroad send a shapely corporate representative named
Nell Priest. In this book, Pearson gives us an action thriller
with lots of suspense, a little romance, and the perfect read
for a train buff.
The Persian Pickle Club By
Sandra Dallas
Imagine it is 1930, the Depression years, and you live in rural
Kansas. Picture a summer so dry that the dirt from the fields
blows right through the screen door (no air conditioning,
remember) and onto the dinner table. The main character, Queenie
Bean, is a farm wife, like the majority of women she knows in
town. Getting together to quilt and chat provide the only
socializing, outside of church, of course. Queenie states that
she “never met a woman who couldn’t sew!” She is referring to
the new girl in town, Rita the rebellious! In this book, Sandra
Dallas weaves a heartwarming tale of friendship between women
living in tough but simple times, and the dark secret that
irrevocably binds them together.
The Plain Truth By Jodi
Picoult
Have you ever wished you could leave your hectic life
behind…maybe even become Amish? The peace and tranquility of an
Amish farm has frequently tempted me to convert. In this story
the local police are called to a Pennsylvania Amish farm because
there is an unidentified dead newborn. The only women on the
farm are an unmarried 18 year old and her mother. Picoult paints
a fascinating portrait of the complexities of being “plain,”
with all the moral issues that it entails. In this book the two
cultures collide, and the result is an excellent read.
Princess: A true story of life behind the
veil in Saudi Arabia By Jean P. Sasson
This is the story of Sultana, a Saudi princess born with the
proverbial "silver spoon" in her mouth. Unfortunately, being
born a woman in Saudi Arabia, she also suffers the indignities
of a second class citizen. Did you know that if you were
attending a Saudi Arabian wedding, there are separate receptions
for the men and women? And then there is the matter of arranged
marriages of young thirteen year old girls to old men! There are
many facets of life in Saudi Arabia that I was unaware of and
this book surely opened my eyes wide!
Round Robin By Jennifer
Chiaverini
Picture rural Pennsylvania, an old mansion, quilts and
interesting female char-acters combined to tell a very
heartwarming story. Excellent summer reading.
Sister of My Heart By
Chitra Banerjee
Sudhu and Anju are young girls, cousins, growing up in India.
Both girls were born on the same day in the same house, and
because Anju was the first to be born, she states “no matter
what, I’m still the person who called you out into the world,”
the sister of her heart. Benerjee tells a wonderful story about
the plight of women alone in a male-dominated society, the love
of two “sisters,” and the strong mothers, aunts and grandmothers
that influence their lives. An excellent read.
Snow Wolf by Glenn Meade
--
When I think of Russia I think of the tall onion domes of
Moscow, of snow covered trees and sleigh rides and of course the
secrecy of the KGB and the brutality of Stalin. This book raises
a question about the death of Stalin, forty years later. Meade's
main character is out to find the truth about his late father, a
CIA agent in the 1950's. What he uncovers is shocking. This
story has mystery, espionage and romance rolled into one. A
great read.
Stolen Lives By Malika
Oufkir
Imagine you are an eighteen-year-old woman living in Morocco,
enjoying a life of great privilege. Now imagine your family
falls into disfavor with the king, your father is executed and
you are imprisoned, along with your mother and five siblings,
the youngest 3½ . Isolated in a harsh desert prison without the
most basic necessities of life, Oufkir states that after 15
years “we were like caged beasts.” Finally, they manage to dig a
tunnel and escape to freedom. Oufkir’s memories are painful but
riveting.
Stormy Weather By Carl
Hiaasen
Carl Hiaasen started his writing career as a journalist at the
Miami Herald. He is well-known for his anti-developer and
pro-environmental views on Florida. Stormy Weather is his 6th
book, and once again, I laughed myself silly. You may remember
Hurricane Andrew, that struck Florida on August 24, 1992. Andrew
was a category 4 storm with wind gusts of 175 mph. In this book,
Hiaasen uses his excellent humor and wit to weave a tale of the
aftermath of the hurricane, and the con artists who came out of
the woodwork to “fix” whatever was broken.
Suspicion of Innocence by
Barbara Parker --
This novel takes place in steamy Miami: Everglades, tropical
drinks, Latin music and intrigue. Main character Gail Connor is
an attorney, wife and mother of one daughter. When Gail's
younger, prettier sister is found murdered in the Everglades,
Gail finds herself at the center of the investigation .. as a
suspect! If that wasn't bad enough, her husband has said he
doesn't want to be married anymore. When Gail meets a handsome
Cuban lawyer named Anthony Quintana, her life is about to
change. This book has everything, romance and mystery rolled
into one to make a great story. There are also subsequent books
to keep you reading all year long.
Suspicion of Rage by
Barbara Parker --
what does the average American know about Cuba? Most of us
have heard of Fidel Castro, but that's about all. In this novel,
main characters and longtime lovers Anthony Quintana and Gail
Connor marry and go to Cuba for Anthony's niece's Quinceanera
(fifteenth birthday party). Anthony also connects with his
father and sister, who remained behind in Cuba while he went to
live in the US. Intrigue and mystery abound as we learn of
murder plots involving Anthony's Cuban relatives. Parker
actually did research in Cuba and fives wonderful descriptions
of the countryside. Those of us that love foreign languages will
love the Spanish phrases in the text. This book offers us a look
at communist Cuba from all points of view.
The Third Twin By Ken
Follet
I could not put this book down! Mr. Follett expertly weaves a
tale of pure suspense, with even a bit of romance. A good read.
Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth
By Tamar Myers
Main character Magdalena Yoder lives in the picturesque
Allegheny mountains of Pennsylvania. Her parents are tragically
killed when their car is sandwiched between a semi hauling
running shoes and a milk tanker, so she converts the farm into a
quaint inn.
Magdalena is a god fearing Mennonite, but her sister Susannah
has fallen by the wayside, taken to wearing makeup, perming her
hair and even wearing nail polish! Susannah is also rather lazy,
watched TV and keeps a tiny dog in her bra. Add to this mix a
temperamental cook, and guests who hunt mixes with animal rights
activists and you have a very funny and entertaining murder
mystery.
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