Thank You to All

Thank you to everybody who participated in our first summer reading program. We hope it is not our last! We know that reading is it's own reward but we also want to congratulate all our winners; especially Sandra Rich who won the grand prize, a Kindle generously donated by an anonymous patron.We also want to give a quick thank you to the local Subway, Papa Gino's, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks, Bradley Bowl, Artistic Hair, Shade Restaurant and Vito's By the Water (wow, what a list- it is wonderful to have such support). With that said- here are our final book reviews:

On "The Well and the Mine" by Gin Phillips-

A great read that depicts community, love and nurturing family manners found in Alabama within the 1930's. Suspense and mystery are also alluring elements found throughout the novel.

On "Cereus Blooms at Night" by Shani Mootoo-

A disturbing tale. Breaches all boundaries of gender, bedroom preferences and familial functionality. A story of abandonment and love interspersed with colorful Caribbean dialogue. Evokes emotions from laughter to sadness to disgust.

On "Life Would Be Perfect if I Lived in that House" by Meghan Daum-

A memoir of the author's search for the perfect house of her dreams. Writing style is kind of 'hyperactive'.

On "The Last Detective" by Robert Crais-

Good summer read.

On "The Walk" by Richard Paul Evans-

A story of inner strength to wholeheartedly live life - even when all seems lost. One never knows who or what may be waiting.

On "Committed" by Elizabeth Gilbert-

I'm 3/4 thru the book. So far what I read- Liz did a good job in researching what is marriage. My take is that this book may help to understand and reason what marriage is about. Good insight on the subject.

On "The Last Refuge" by Chris Knopf-

Good mystery, Connecticut author!

I have to say good-bye for now. Please take care and I wish you all happy book journeys!

Week 7: Part 1

Today is the last day for our reading program. It has been a great success. I will give the final figures for books read in the next couple of days. I hope everyone has enjoyed the program as much as I have. I will be writing out the rest of the reviews on this blog for those who want to continue on with their reading, we hope you do!


On "Winter's Bone" by Daniel Woodrell-

Beautifully written- almost poetic- harsh life in the Ozarks

On "The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven" by Kevin and Alex Malarkey-

An enlightening account of a world that exists in the afterlife. The boy's courage, perseverance, and spirituality are admirable. Reflective reading!

On "Rockin' the Bronx" by Larry Kirwan-

Surprise- very well written.

On "He Drown She in the Sea" by Shani Mootoo-

Mootoo's second novel brings to life a small Caribbean island and a Canadian mountain town.It is a story of childhood friendship blossoming into an adult love story written in colorful native dialogue. Its story of triumph in the face of class restrictions is inspiring. A page turner.

On "The Weight of Silence" by Heather Gudenkauf-

First time I read Gudenkauf and she sure kept my interest and curiosity.

On "Deliver Us from Evil" by David Baldacci-

It was not as good as his recent novels.

On "Looking for a Love Story" by Louise Shaffer-

The main character is writing a book so there are 2 story lines going on.  I like that the ending really tied it together.

On "Island of the Blue Dolphins" by Scott O'Dell-

Good book, incredible story

Week 6 : Part 2

These reviews run the gamut from"Boogers Are My Beat" to "Love In the Time of Cholera". There is something for everyone.


On "Boogers Are My Beat" by Dave Barry-

If you need a laugh it's a good book to read.

On "Patty Jane's House of Curl" by Lorna Landvik-

I love these wonderful, quirky Minnesotans! Character-driven, a feel-good (although sad at times) book. Recommended.

On "A Woman's Eye" by Sara Paretsky-

Short stories by mystery writers.

On "The Other Wes Moore" by Wes Moore-

Interesting read but disliked the ending, it seemed to be all about the "good" Wes and his accomplishments because he was able to overcome the circumstances.

On "Love In the Time of Cholera" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez-

For anyone who has been in love. For anyone who feels the time has passed for someone they loved long ago. A beautifully detailed story of dedication to the heart. Many plot twists in a long ago world brought vibrantly alive by Garcia Marquez.

We are coming to the end of our summer reading program. August 5th will be our last day. Stay tuned for the last of the reviews and the long-awaited drawings for more fabulous prizes including the mysterious Grand Prize.

Week 6: Part 1

It's week 6 and we've read 442 books! We love the response that we've been getting from everyone. If you are running out of ideas for books to read, we have a few more reviews for you. Enjoy!

On "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan-

Oldie...but a goodie

On "The Pearl Diver" by Jeff Talarigo-

A novel about a young Japanese pearl diver in the 1940's who contracts leprosy and is sent to a leprosarium. Very sad but wonderful emotional insight into the main character.

Also on "The Pearl Diver"-

Sad but wonderful book- courage under terrible circumstances.

On "Dating Hamlet- Ophelia's Story" by Lisa Fiedler-

 If you enjoyed Shakespeare's Hamlet, you'll LOVE this book.

On "Hush" by Kate White-

A waste of time!

On "Claude and Camille" by Stephanie Cowell-

Interesting insight into Claude Monet's life with his first wife, Camille.

That's all for now. Enjoy your reading finds.

Week 5: Part 3

The week has come to an end, but not before sharing a few more reviews.

On "This Is Where We Live" by Janelle Brown-

Self indulgent junk! Whine! Whine! Whine!

On "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath-

A journey into the breakdown of a smart, young woman. Why and how emotional devastation occurs. An intense journey.

On "Eat, Pray, Love (a memoir)" by Elizabeth Gilbert-

Like the concept using each word presenting different aspects of Gilbert and using three different cultures as a backdrop. The first 30-40 pages were slow, too self absorbed on herself but after you get past that it moves along to the point I'm looking forward to. Read her next book "Committed" a continuation of her memoir. Will go and see the movie in August starring Julia Roberts.

On "Supreme Justice" by Phillip Margolin-

Excellent!

On "As Husbands Go" by Susan Isaacs-

As usual, Isaacs scores a home run!

Week 5: Part 2

I hope everyone survived the storms! Here are some great reads for the next time you are stuck inside the house.

On "The Body in the Transept" by Jeanne Dams-

Wonderful cozy series! Dorothy Martin is an appealing "older" sleuth with the brains of Jessica Fletcher and a love of hats that rivals Hyacinth Buckets'.

On "Lift" by Kelly Corrigan-

A memoir based upon family. Makes you laugh and cry. The reader reflects upon questions about parenthood. Great reading!! :)

On "Every Last One" by Anna Quindlen-

Quindlen always deals with difficult subjects with great sensitivity. This book is no different- full of emotional moments and insight.

On "Private Life" by Jane Smiley-

Another "Pulitzer"!

On "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro-

Soon to be a movie. This novel is a melancholic "memoir" of a young lady living in modern day United Kingdom that comes from an alternate history.

On "Miracle On the 17th Green" by James Patterson and Peter DeJong-

It was very good with a twist near the end. It was keeping me wanting to read.

That's all for now. See you again in the next day or two with still more good reads (and even some maybe not so good).

Week 5: Part 1

We have made it to week 5 with 389 books read! We will be ending our program in 2 1/2 weeks on August 6. If people are interested, we may keep some of our reader reviews going. Let us know what you think .In the meantime, here is what we've been reading last week.

On "Home In Time for Christmas" by Heather Graham-

An enchanting read filled with holiday wonder and old New England mysticism! Enjoy! :)

On "A Vintage Affair" by Isabel Wolff-

Full of texture and color, sure to appeal to lovers of vintage fashion and chick-lit fans who prefer more emotional depth and a historical twist. Phoebe is an appealing, sympathetic character searching for closure to her best friend's death. When she meets Therese Bell she helps her to find closure and self-forgiveness and, along the way, comes to terms with her own losses.

On "Caught" by Harlan Coben-

Always suspenseful, great read!

On "Marcello In the Real World" by Francisco X. Stork-

This teen book tells the story of the summer between Marcello Sandoval's junior and senior year of high school when his father forces him to take a job in the mailroom of his company. Marcello has Asperger's syndrome and his father wants him to join the real world. This book is written in the first person giving the reader a glimpse into the mind of the main character.

On "Comfort Food" by Kate Jacobs-

Another good Jacobs book. Nice change from the knitting books.

On "Devotion" by Dari Shapiro-

A memoir that assists the reader with her reflections upon life. The reader realizes she is not alone regarding the ponderings of life and purpose. Intense and magnetic reading!! :)

I'll be back with more great reads. In the meantime; find a cool, shady place, a great read and enjoy the summer.