Chalk this up to a win for the GoodReads friends. I would never have picked this up on my own. A book about cadavers? How morbid can you be? Not to mention the heebie-jeebies that would be sure to haunt me throughout the book. But so many people have read this and raved about it Continue Reading…
Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernières: Book Review
Pelagia is a beautiful 17-year-old girl living on the Greek island of Cephallonia when World War II breaks out. The Italians eventually occupy the island and that’s when she meets Captain Antonio Corelli, a man who joined the Army because he thought it would give him plenty of time to practice his mandolin. There were Continue Reading…
Dreadfully Ever After by Steve Hockensmith: Guest Book Review
I must admit that I have not read any literary mash-ups. I own Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and Dawn of the Dreadfuls, thanks to Misty at Book Rat, but I haven’t gotten to them yet. Not for lack of interest, it’s just a matter of too many books and not enough time. My younger Continue Reading…
The Rooftops of Tehran by Mahbod Seraji: Book Review
Pasha Shahed and his best friend Ahmed are 17 years old. Life might not be perfect, but they’re happy. Ahmed is in love with Faheemeh, a beautiful girl from another neighborhood. Pasha is secretly in love with Zari, who has been engaged to Pasha’s mentor/friend, Doctor, since birth. It’s 1973 and Iran is ripe for Continue Reading…
The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly: Book Review
Mickey Haller is a criminal defense attorney living in LA. His bail bondsman calls him up one day with a “franchise” case. A young man with money to burn has been charged with a whole list of crimes, ranging from something like attempted rape to assault with a deadly weapon. Don’t quote me on that. Continue Reading…
Southern Plate by Christy Jordan: Book Review
I am not a cook. I mean, I can cook if I have to, but I’d much rather be reading. Some of you have to relate to that. Luckily for me, I married a man who loves to cook. So I’ll sit around and read or talk to him (i.e., distract him) while he’s whipping Continue Reading…
The Known World by Edward P. Jones: Book Review
Henry Townsend is a former slave. His old owner took a liking to Henry and so has helped him out in his shoe-making business. Henry eventually makes enough money to build his own small plantation house and to start buying his own slaves. The book begins with Henry’s death and skips around in time to Continue Reading…
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell: Book Review
Margaret Hale is the daughter of a slightly-impoverished parson. She’s been living as a companion to her wealthy cousin, but when that cousin gets married, she goes back to live with her parents. Shortly after the transition, her father announces that his beliefs have changed and he can no longer be a parson. He moves Continue Reading…
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss: Book Review
Kvothe is an innkeeper in a little out-of-the-way village. Or is he? One day a story-gatherer finds him and guesses that there is more to the innkeeper than meets the eye. He asks Kvothe to share his story. Kvothe agrees, but tells Chronicler that it will take three days to tell the story. This book Continue Reading…
Austenland by Shannon Hale: Book Review
Jane Hayes has a secret. Hidden behind one of her dying houseplants is her very own copy of Colin Firth’s Pride and Prejudice. She drags it out and watches it as she eats her ice cream alone in her apartment. When she’s in a relationship, she tends to compare the poor guy to Mr. Darcy. Continue Reading…
A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle: Book Review
Peter Mayle and his wife finally decide to say goodbye to dreary British weather and move to sunny Provence in France. This book tells about their experiences living in Provence, from the colorful locals to the excellent food to the workmen who come and go like forces of nature. This book had me ready to Continue Reading…