April Reads

19.  A Monstrous Regiment of Women (King) ~ 3.75/5

20.  Every Last One (Quindlen) ~ 4/5

21.  The Scent of Rain and Lightning (Pickard) ~ 3.5/5

22.  Nemesis (Roth) ~ 3.5/5

23.  A Lesson in Secrets (Winspear) ~ 4/5

24.  Holmes on the Range (Hockensmith) ~ 2.25/5

25.  Turn of Mind (LaPlante) ~ 4.5/5

26.  The Girl Who Played With Fire (Larsson) ~ 3.75/5

27.  The Crossroads Cafe (Smith) ~ 3/5

28.  One False Move (Coben) ~ 3.75/5

29.  Between Shades of Gray (Sepetys) ~ 5/5

30.  Local (Wood) ~ 3.5/5

31.  The Girl Who Fell From the Sky (Durrow) ~ (2.5/5)

Short Story (not counted)

Bold titles made Best Reads of 2011 list

~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~

Monthly - Yearly Stats:

Audiobooks:   8 - 20

Best Reads:   2 - 3

Books:   2 - 4

DNF:   0 - 1

eBooks:   3 - 7

New-to-Me Authors:  7 - 17

Off My Shelf:  4 - 9

Published in 2011:  4 - 8

Short Stories:   0 - 15

YA:   1 - 7

Ratings

Monthly - Yearly Stats:

5.00 =  1 - 1

4.75 =  0 - 0

4.50 =  1 - 2

4.25 =  0 - 1

4.00 =  2 - 4

3.75 =  3 - 6

3.50 =  3 - 8

3.25 =  0 - 0

3.00 =  1 - 4

2.75 =  0 - 1

2.50 =  1 - 1

2.25 =  1 - 1

2.00 =  0 - 2

1.75 =  0 - 0

1.50 =  0 - 0

1.25 =  0 - 0

1.00 =  0 - 0

__________

average =  3.61 - 3.49

THE GIRL WHO FELL FROM THE SKY

Author: Heidi Durrow

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2010

Personal Rating: 2.5/5 (eh)

Format: Audiobook

Yearly Count: 31

After a tragic accident, at the age of 11, Rachel moves from Chicago to Portland to live with her grandmother. She struggles with accepting her identity and fate.

I simply didn't connect; therefore, I didn't care about the characters or their story. I also didn't care for the back and forth narration between characters. However, there were parts that kept me interested enough to continue. And, of course, I did want to know what really happened regarding the tragic accident.

LOCAL

Author: Brian Wood

Genre: Graphic Novel, Standalone

Published: 2008

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Format: Book

Yearly Count: 30

In 12 short stories, Megan McKeenan takes on the world for about 10 years. She travels from one major city to another and has one major experience after another in the process of discovering herself.

As usual, some stories were better than others, but in general I enjoyed getting back to a graphic novel. While many components of the stories seemed realistic, I continued to see Megan as a character, so ultimately I didn't believe. Still - a good read.  

BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY

Author:  Ruta Sepetys

Genre:  YA Historical Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2011

Personal Rating:  5/5
(absolutely outstanding)

Format:  Book

Yearly Count:  29

From Ruta Sepetys' Website:

Between 1940 - 1953, the Soviets imprisoned and deported over 300,000 Lithuanians.  They were shipped via cattle car across Europe into Asia to die in the forests of Siberia.  My family members were among them.  In total, Lithuania lost over a third of its population doing the Soviet reign of terror.

* * * * * * *

Fifteen-year-old Lina Vilkas is arrested by the Soviet secret police and deported to Siberia with her mother and younger brother.  Her father is sentenced to death in a Soviet prison camp.  Lina fights for her life, vowing that if she survives, she will honor her family, and the thousands like her, by burying her complete story in a jar on Lithuanian soil.  Lina's writings chronicle her experience, her struggle to accept help from a kind Soviet guard she's supposed to hate, and retain her dignity without losing all faith in mankind.

I've been pondering the YA label.  I'm glad that having that label makes it more readily available to teens, but at the same time I'm concerned it may turn some adults away.  It's too good to be only in the hands of teens, so I hope that word gets out that this is a valuable read to teens and adults alike.

Between Shades of Gray grabbed me right from the start, and I never wanted to put it down.  There were so many lines that choked me up or brought me to tears, and others that I felt deeply just because I was so engrossed in the story.  It was compelling. I have no doubt that Lina and her family will remain in my thoughts for quite some time to come.  

After reading the book, I watched the video clip of Ruta on Amazon and was amazed once again at the story she has shared.

Outstanding.  Absolutely outstanding.  

My thanks go to Philomel Books (a division of Penguin Young Readers Group) and Shelf Awareness for sending me this ARC.

ONE FALSE MOVE

Author:  Harlan Coben

Genre:  Mystery, Myron Bolitar Series #5

Published:  1998 

Personal Rating:  3.75/5 (good +)

Format:  Audiobook

Yearly Count:  28

Under the guise of a sports agent (which he really is), Myron becomes a glorified babysitter for a woman professional basketball player who is receiving death threats.  Meanwhile, Jessica, Myron's girlfriend is out of town, and Win, his partner of sorts, helps Myron when the babysitting job develops into a much bigger job than anticipated.

This was another good, reliable entry in the Myron Bolitar series.  I always enjoy hanging with Myron the sports agent, private investigator, boyfriend, friend, partner, boss, son, etc.  He's an all-around good character, but I haven't done a very good job in keeping up with him.  I need to move quickly onto the next book, so I can catch up on all the scoop, because there may be an end to this series at #10. But . . . I have seen a new series pop up for 2012 starring Mickey Bolitar!  Hmmmm. Interesting.

THE CROSSROADS CAFE

Author:  Deborah Smith

Genre:  Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2006

Personal Rating:  3/5 (just okay)
Format:  Book/eBook - Kindle

Yearly Count:  27

From the back cover:

A beautiful woman, scarred for life.
A tortured man, seeking redemption.
Brought together by fate in a small town high in the majestic Appalachian mountains.
Live.  Love.  Believe.
Beauty is in the lie of the beholder.

If you love southern and sappy with a touch of living what you preach lessons, this is the perfect book for you. The main characters Cathy and Thomas were okay.  I liked Thomas more, even though he got a little cooky, too.  I love to be surprised in books, but there were none to be had in this one.  It was extremely predictable.  However, the writing was good, the story was told well and everybody's happy - including me!  I have fulfilled a promise.  Check.  Finally!

My thanks go to Bell Bridge Books and LibraryThing for sending me this book.

THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE

Author: Stieg Larsson

Genre: Fiction, Lisbeth Salander Trilogy #2

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (good +)
Format:  Audiobook

Yearly Count: 26

A journalist and his researcher girlfriend were murdered right before his article based on the s*x-trafficking business was going to be published.  After an evil-filled childhood and violent behaviors, Salander is not beyond the scope of reasonable suspects - especially when her prints are found on the murder weapon.

This book started out much better than the first; however, I didn't find it as compelling.  I, specifically, enjoyed learning more about Salander's childhood, that when she wasn't in a scene, the story dragged a little for me.  Overall, I still enjoyed it very much and look forward to the third.

TURN OF MIND

Author: Alice LaPlante

Genre: Mystery, Standalone

Published: 2011

Personal Rating: 4.5/5 (excellent)
Format:  Book/eBook - iPad

Yearly Count: 25

From the back cover:

Turn of Mind is a stunning first novel, both literary and thriller about a retired orthopedic surgeon with dementia.  As the book opens, Dr. Jennifer White's best friend, Amanda, who lived down the block, has been killed, and four fingers have been surgically removed.  Dr. White is the prime suspect.  And she herself doesn't know whether she did it.


Told in her own voice, fractured and eloquent, a picture emerges of a complex family and the surprisingly intimate alliance between life-long friends--too proud, forceful women who were at times each other's most formidable adversaries.

Hooray! Another book gets added onto my Best Reads of 2011 list!  Having a murder mystery intertwined with a dementia patient made for a very intriguing read.  The progression of Jennifer's illness was depicted very well, and I could sympathize with her struggles.  It was incredibly interesting to hear her thoughts as she went in and out of the here and now.  I didn't become as attached to Jennifer, like I did with Alice in Still Alice (Genova), but I was certainly turning the pages just as fast.  


The only thing I didn't care for was that lack of quotation marks.  The distinction of dialog was implemented with Jennifer speaking in regular type and others in italics.  I was off balance a couple of times, but quickly realized my mistake.  I would have preferred the traditional method.  Other than that, excellent read!







My thanks go to Grove/Atlantic, Inc. for sending me the ARC through Shelf Awareness and NetGalley for sending me the eGalley.

HOLMES ON THE RANGE

Author:  Steven Hockensmith

Genre:  Mystery,
Old Red & Big Red Series #1

Published:  2007

Personal Rating:  2.25/5 (not enjoyable +)
Format:  Audiobook

Yearly Count:  24

Set in Montana, 1892, two brothers (Gustav and Otto) get hired on a ranch and come across a dead man who appears to be trampled by a stampede.  Later, another man is found dead.  Gustav is a Sherlock Holmes fan and decides to use his own deductive skills to find out what really is going on at the ranch. 

I have 2 friends that would love this book/series, and I will certainly pass the word along, but for me, it was a little too much.  The greatest deficit was the narrator.  I do not like overdramatized readings and this was beyond overdramatized.  The characters were made out to be caricatures and made me cringe with dislike many times over.  And the actual story (dialog and plot) - well, it contained some sort of goofy comment, description or simile in every line. The silliness was just beyond my liking.

I do have to admit, Steve Hockensmith is a very creative and clever thinker.  I actually appreciate and respect his work, but it just doesn't suit my taste.  I won't be continuing with this series, but I still look forward to reading more of his short stories.  I can handle his style in shorts spurts.  :)

A LESSON IN SECRETS

Author:  Jacqueline Winspear

Genre:  Mystery, Maisie Dobbs Series #8

Published:  2011

Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)
Format:  eBook - iPad

Yearly Count:  23

From the Publisher:

In the summer of 1932, Maisie Dobbs’ career goes in an exciting new direction when she accepts an undercover assignment directed by Scotland Yard’s Special Branch and the Secret Service. Posing as a junior lecturer, she is sent to a private college in Cambridge to monitor any activities “not in the interests of His Majesty’s Government.”

When the college’s controversial pacifist founder and principal, Greville Liddicote, is murdered, Maisie is directed to stand back as Detective Chief Superintendent Robert MacFarlane and Detective Chief Inspector Stratton spearhead the investigation. She soon discovers, however, that the circumstances of Liddicote’s death appear inextricably linked to the suspicious comings and goings of faculty and students under her surveillance.

To unravel this web, Maisie must overcome a reluctant Secret Service, discover shameful hidden truths about Britain’s conduct during the war, and face off against the rising powers of the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei—the Nazi Party—in Britain.

It took me approximately 5 weeks to read this eGalley, but it had nothing to do with the book itself.  I started it at a time of busy, busy, busy and just wasn't able to give it any attention.  I finally finished up today!  And, I'm happy to say that it was another solid story/mystery by Winspear and continues to be one of my favorite series that I've loved right from the start.  I can't believe this one is #8!

The timeframe being set between WWI and WWII adds a historical, educational component that I love, just as much as Maisie and her family/friends.  Not being a history buff, I consider that a very good thing! Also, Maisie grows in knowledge and maturity as the series continues (as well as the other characters), and I have been enjoying every aspect.

My thanks go to HarperCollins and NetGalley for sending me this eGalley.

NEMESIS

Author:  Philip Roth

Genre:  Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2011

Personal Rating:  3.5/5 (good)
Format:  Audiobook

Yearly Count:  22

In 1944, Newark, New Jersey has a breakout of polio.  Bucky Cantor, a 23-year-old playground director, struggles with his decision to leave the position for a safe environment or stay with those that he has already committed to.

I've been wanting to read a Philip Roth novel for quite some time.  When I stumbled upon this, I thought a 5 CD audiobook was a great trial piece.

At first, I wasn't too impressed - actually didn't really care one way or another, but as the story continued on, I began to become invested in Bucky.  I liked his character.  He wanted to do good and what was right; however, the plot seemed a little repetitive at times.  The writing is what captured my attention.  I will definitely give him another go with the hopes of a story line that grips me as much as the writing.  However, I have to say that I learned quite a bit about polio, so I'm really glad I picked this one up.

THE SCENT OF RAIN AND LIGHTNING

Author: Nancy Pickard

Genre: Mystery, Standalone

Published: 2010

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)
Format:  Audiobook

Yearly Count:  21

Jody Linder, a 25-year-old teacher in her hometown, is faced with the realization that the man accused of killing her father is being released from prison after 23 years due to circumstantial evidence and is moving back home while he awaits his new trial.

I originally picked this one up because I thought I had a printed copy on my TBR shelves and that it was a non-mystery/thriller. Unfortunately, I found out later that the shelved Pickard book I have is a different title, and this one turned out to be a mystery. So I missed on both accounts, but thought it was good nonetheless.

However, it was nothing special to me, mainly because the events were a little on the "too much" side of the reality spectrum.  I did want to know the outcome, though, but wasn't biting at the bit to get there, either.  It did keep my mind busy as I busied my hands with other chores for which I am grateful.

EVERY LAST ONE

Author: Anna Quindlen

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2010

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)
Format:  Audiobook

Yearly Count: 20

The Latham family consisting of parents, Glen and Mary Beth and their three teenaged children, Ruby and twin boys Alex and Max live their ordinary life until the unexpected happens.  

Quindlen's ability to write extremely realistic characters and dialog that could be in any household with teenagers is remarkable.  I was drawn into the family immediately, and I truly felt as if I knew these people.  The story is told from Mary Beth's point-of-view, so we get to know her best, but all the characters came to life.  I wasn't shocked by the unexpected event, but certainly felt the emotions emitted.  

   I haven't been overly impressed by Quindlen's novels in the past, so I really had no intentions of seeking out any more of her work.  However, Les (see below) raved about this one, so I relented when I saw it as an audiobook.  I have to say that this experience has opened the Quindlen reading door once again.

*Recommended By:  Les from Lesley's Book Nook

A MONSTROUS REGIMENT OF WOMEN

Author: Laurie R. King

Genre: Mystery, Mary Russell Series #2

Published: 1995

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (good +)
Format:  Audiobook

Yearly Count: 19

An old friend introduces Mary to the leader of New Temple of God, and Mary's interest is piqued due to her theology background. Soon, a member of the temple is murdered. Mary steps forward to investigate and finds herself in a bind.

The first third of this book disappointed me, and I actually considered not finishing it. However, it did turn around and ended up being pretty good. My biggest complaint was the temple talk, but once the plot thickened I was invested.

The relationship between Holmes and Russell surprised me, and I'm curious as to what is going to happen there. One part of their relationship I really enjoyed was the rare, but snarky comments made to one another. They made me grin every time. I look forward to continuing onto the third in the series.

March Reads

14. The Sentry (Crais) ~ 3/5

15. Chains (Anderson) ~ 3.75/5

16. The Human Bobby (Rotter) ~ 4.5/5

17. Wife of the Gods (Quartey) ~ 4.25/5

18. Hide (Gardner) ~ 4/5

Short Story (not counted)

Bold titles made Best Reads of 2011 list

~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~

Monthly - Yearly Stats:

Audiobooks:  3 - 12

Best Reads:  1 - 1

Books:  2 - 2

DNF:  0 - 1

eBooks:   0 - 4

New-to-Me Authors:  2 - 10

Off My Shelf:  3 - 5

Published in 2011:  1 - 4

Short Stories:  0 - 15

YA:   1 - 6

Ratings

Monthly - Yearly Stats:

5.00 = 0 - 0

4.75 = 0 - 0

4.50 = 1 - 1

4.25 = 1 - 1

4.00 = 1 - 2

3.75 = 1 - 3

3.50 = 0 - 5

3.25 = 0 - 0

3.00 = 1 - 3

2.75 = 0 - 1

2.50 = 0 - 0

2.25 = 0 - 0

2.00 = 0 - 2

1.75 = 0 - 0

1.50 = 0 - 0

1.25 = 0 - 0

1.00 = 0 - 0

__________

average = 3.90 - 3.40