2014 readers picks

FREE LIBRARY OF SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP2014 READERS PICKS

This is a list of books read this summer by our patrons. It is arranged alphabetically by author, with the title shown in caps below his/her name. To the right is the readers comment and the rating that reader has given. The number in parenthesis is the patron’s rating for the book.

Adam, PaulTHE RAINALDI QUARTET

A great summer-day read, even if you are not a musician. Engaging characters and clean and clear plot. (4)

Alcott, KateTHE DARING LADIES OF LOWELL

A novel around a true event. Insight into human nature (4)

Anderson, M. K.SAVE THE DATE

The book was what I consider a “beach book”. Easy reading and entertaining. (4)

Archer, JeffreyBEST KEPT SECRETS

Captivating. Wish I had known it is #2 in a series of 5. I would have read number 1 first. (4)

Archer, JeffreyONLY TIME WILL TELL

First book in 5 book series. Interesting, intriguing & not predictable. (4)

Archer, JeffryTHE SINS OF THE FATHER

Loving this series. Clifton Chronicles. (5)

Atkins, AceCHEAP SHOT

Kept my interest. (4)

Baime, A. J.THE ARSENAL OF DEMOCRACY,

About Henry Ford & Son. Very informative (4)

Baldacci, DavidTHE TARGET

Kindness and good deeds always win. (5)

Baldacci, DavidTHE TARGET

As always, Baldacci’s book was well researched and well written – and believable. (4)

Barnouin, Kim STINKY BITCH GETS HITCHED

It was written in a condescending tone. Also, it is a sequel. (2)

Barr, NavadaLIBERTY FALLING

Park ranger Anna Pigeon at the Statue of Liberty National Park. Well written. (4)

Beah, IshmaelA LONG WAY GONE

Presents a shocking enlightening picture of what children go through in many countries. (5)

Beaton, M. C.DEATH OF A POLICEMAN

Read most of the series and enjoyed each one. Liked how each murder was solved. (4)

Berenson, AlexTHE SECRET SOLDIER

I enjoy spy thrillers (4)

Berry, SteveTHE LINCOLN MYTH

One of my favorite authors, but this one seemed to be more of the same. Boring. (3)

Beverly-Whittemore, MirandaBITTERSWEET

O. K. didn’t get moving until about half-way through (3)



Binchy, MaeveCHESTNUT STREET

Enjoyed most of the short stories but would have preferred to have them joined some way in the end. (4)

Binchy, MaeveCHESTNUT STREET

Nice, but only to some people. Nothing like her lovely books of the past. (3)

Black, BenjaminCHRISTINE FALLS

Suspense and drama with fine characters, settings and plot. (4)

Black, HollyRED GLOVE

This series is growing on me. (3)

Black, HollyBLACK HEART

I liked the second one better (3)

Black, HollyIRONSIDE

Very creative fairy tale. (4)

Black, HollyVALIANT

I didn’t think I’d like it with new characters, but it surprised me. (4)

Blaser, MartinMISSING MICROBES

Blaser weaves together his personal journey with scientific Breakthroughs in a way that brings the story of antibodies to life. Vary accessible. (4)

Borneman, WalterAMERICAN SPRING

Good non- fiction book. (4)

Bova, BenTRANSHUMAN

Fascinating (5)

Bowen, James A STREET CAT NAMED BOO

Wonderful uplifting story. (5)

Bowen, Rhys CITY OF DARKNESS AND LIGHT

I love this series. In this case the art background was interesting. (4)

Bowen, RhysROYAL BLOOD

Well written, easy read. Fun mystery series. Lovable characters. (4)

Brett, SimonCINDERELLA KILLER

Great story - mystery with humor. Well worth the read. (5)

Brooks, GeraldineCALEB’S CROSSING

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Also that it was loosely based on facts made it very interesting. Well written. (5)

Brosh, AllieHYPERBOLE AND A HALF

Loved the humor in this, especially her stories about her dogs. (4)

Burell, RobinTHE BONE CHANGER

Great “historically” , Imaginative story (4)

Camilleri, AndreaANGELICA’S SMILE

Very superficial. Liked his other mysteries better. (3)



Card, Orson ScottENDER’S GAME

This book is on the way to being a “classic”. However it will not appeal to some due to being Science Fiction (4)

Carroll, LindaDUEL FOR THE CROWN

Exciting account of the Triple Crown Victories of Affirmed over Alydar. Reminiscent of Seabiscuit. (4)

Casey, JaneTHE BURNING

I can’t get into plots with multiple narrators. (3)

Cashore, KristinGRACELING

Interesting fantasy plot. Strong female main character. (4)

Cashore, KristinBITTERBLUE

It was good for maybe a little mystery, but wasn’t what I expected for a sequel. (3)

Clare, CassandraCITY OF HEAVENLY FIRE

I love this series!! I am very sad that it’s over. (4)

Clark, Mary HigginsUNDER MY SKIN

Suspense- good characters. Not her best. But a fast read if you like mysteries (4)

Coben, HarlanDROP SHOT

Great mystery, pro tennis, mainline Philadelphia, and social concerns. Interesting. (5)

Coehlo, PauloWITCH OF PORTOBELLO

This book took me on a spiritual adventure unlike anything I’ve read (5)

Cohan, William DTHE PRICE OF SILENCE

I liked the story line. Very interesting. (4)

Connelly, MichaelLINCOLN LAWYERTHE REVERSELTHE WITNESS

All three books kept my interest throughout with “surprise endings” that made the story worthwhile. (5) for all three.

Cornwall, PatriciaISLE OF DOGS

Not so bad but thought it was a Scarpetta character novel and it was not. The a topic did not catch my interest. (1)

Cornwell, PatriciaDUST

Love this author and her character Scarpetta, but this book was much longer than her usual and did need to be. (3)

Coulter, CatherineBOMBSHELL

Read 151 pages but could not get interested. (2)

Crais, RobertVOODOO RIVER

Elvis Cote and Joe Pilce at their best. (4)

Curtis, Christopher PaulBUD NOT BUDDY

Ten year old Bud is a motherless by on the run who tries to find his real father. (3)

Cypress, LeahMISTWOOD

Quick read, catchy story. (4)



Dailey, JanetTRUST

Written very well. Held my interest. (5)

Dailey, JanetSOMETHING MORE

Very well written. Held my interest. (4)

Dailey, JanetTRIUMPH

Very well written. Held my interest. (4)

Davenport, RandiTHE END OF ALWAYS

I admired Marie’s tenacity – always trying to find the best of every situation. (5)

Davidson, Diane Mott THE WHOLE ENCHILADA

Although I did not pin the murderer, I saw the premise early on. Lots of red herrings though! Sounds as if she is wrapping up the series. (4)

Davidson, EileenDIAL EMMY FOR MURDER

I felt the writing did not flow. (3)

Davidson, EileenDIVA LAS VEGAS

Story line was a bit farfetched (3)

Davidson, EileenDEATH IN DAYTIME

I am not a soap opera fan. (3)

Day, SylviaAFTER BURN; AFTER SHOCK

Funny. Fairly fast moving (4)

Day, SylviaAFTER BURN

No patron comment. (5) PLAY AWAY

De Waal, EdmundTHE HARE WITH AMBER EYES

Beautiful writing but stream of consciousness makes it hard to follow. (2)

Deaver, JefferyTHE SKIN COLLECTOR

Fast moving, good summer red (4)

DiSclafani, AntonYONAHLOSSEE RIDING CAMP FOR GIRLS

Well written and thought provoking but a bit “dirty” for my liking. (3)

Doerr, AnthonyFOUR SEASONS IN ROME

Doerr wrote this memoir while working on his current novel. Extremely touching. (4)

El Rassi, TouficARAB IN AMERICA

Gave me a perspective of an Arab-American man living in our society. (4)

Elgin, AnthonyGARDENS OF SECRETS PAST

Great plot twists. Adds to general knowledge through the story line (4)

Estleman, Loren DDON’T LOOK FOR ME

Good typical Private Eye mystery (4)

Evanovich, Janet TOP SECRET TWENTY ONE

Not one of the best of the series, gut still a good book. (4)



Evanovich, Janet TOP SECRET 21

Very funny, but 8 is still my favorite. Can’t beat the fight with the Elvis impersonator. (4)

Farstein, Linda A.,TERMINAL CITY

New York, Grand Central Station history and a good thriller (5)

Finder, JosephSUSPICION

A thriller. Not too exciting until the last 1/3rd of the book. (3)

Flynn, GillianSHARP OBJECT

Dark murder mystery. Not for the easily offended. Great suspense thriller. (4)

Flynn, GillianGONE GIRL

Enjoyed it, but no the ending. More to come? (4)

FodorFODOR’S 2014 GUIDE TO FLORIDA

Very good information. Well organized. Great photos. (4)

Ford, JeffreyTHE SHADOW YEAR

Suspenseful, but not frightening. A great view of 1960 life from a child’s viewpoint. (4)

Forman, GayleIF I STAY

Well written, hard to put down, related to characters, made me cry & want to read beyond the ending. (4)

Fowler, ChristopherTHE WATER ROOM

Very interesting, suspenseful & funny in an “English” way. (4)

Francis, DickBOLT

Very interesting. Very good subject. Good action. (4)

Freeman, BrianIMMORTAL

Interesting and keeps you wanting to figure out the mystery. (4)

Fremantle, ElizabethSISTERS OF TREASON

The writer does not bring the Tudor court in clear focus, as does Phillipa Gregory & Allison Weir, also writing in the genre. (2)

Friedman. Thomas L.THE WORLED IS FLAT

Good, but now out of date. (3)

Fussell, PaulTHE GREAT WAR AND MODERN MEMORY

Readable and timely account of WWI. Excellent portrayal of the perspective of the infantry soldier.

Gabaldon, DianeTHE OUTLANDER

No patron comment (4)

Gaiman, NeilNEVER WHERE

Very interesting fantasy. Longer than necessary. (4)

Galbraith, RobertSILKWORM

Well Written, suspenseful. (4)

Gale, AmandaMERDITH

Good romance, likable characters. Quick beach read. (4)



Gerritsen, TessTHE SURGEON

I enjoyed the detective work in the story. I struggled with the psychological parts of the killer. (4)

Gier, KerstenRUBY RED

Very good. Almost as good as the Twilight series. (4)

Gilbert, ElizabethTHE SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS

No patron comments (4)

Gladwell, MalcolmTHE OUTLIERS

A fascinating view of what factors play into “success”. He looks at the experiences of “outliers” – those people whose achievements follow a peculiar and unexpected logic (5)

Goodwin, Doris KearnsTHE BULLY PULPIT

Very interesting in parts: Teddy, Taft rift; election of 1912; rise of progressivism. Portrayal of ‘Muckrakers”, But the book was too long for the non-historian. (4)

Goolrick, RobertA RELIABLE WIFE

Over written and over wrought. Characterization often contrived and psychologically dubious. (2)

Gore, AlTHE FUTURE

Very informative. A real eye-opener about our problems and possible solutions. (4)

Grazier, Gigi LevangieTHE AFTER WIFE

Writer is very witty and humorous. Easy beach read. (4)

Green, DallasTHE MOUTH THAT ROARED

Interesting history of the Phillies, 1960-2012 and if Dallas Green’s role over the years. (5)

Green, JohnLOOKING FOR ALASKA

It was very good quick read. (4)

Gregory, JulieSICKENED : the memoir of a Munchausen by Proxy childhood

Well told. (4)

Gregory, PhilippaTHE WHITE PRINCESS

Mood is similar to “The Red Queen” by Gregory. Tone is bleak, characters lack much freedom. (3)

Gregory, PhillipaTHE WHITE QUEEN

I especially enjoyed this after watching the Starz series. (4)

Grippando, JamesWHEN DARKNESS FALLS

Fasted paced, intense drama (4)

Grisham, JohnSYCAMORE ROW

Grisham keeps you guessing. (4)

Grissom, KathleenTHE KITCHEN HOUSE

Great character development with a riveting plot. (4)



Harkness, DeborahTHE BOOK OF LIFE

I loved the series historically interesting and a smartly woven story. (4)

Harris, Dan10% HAPPIER

Well written. (4)

Hatvany, AmySAFE WITH ME

Good summer reading. Makes me want to read her other books. (4)

Henriquez, ChristinaTHE BOOK OF UNKNOWN AMERICANS

Very engaging and interesting. (4)

Hilderbrand, Elin THE MATCHMAKER

I had a hard time putting it down. (4)

Hilderbrand, ElinTHE MATCHMAKER

Delightful beach book. (4)

Hill, JoeHORNS Good story about people’s lives, with a murder case. A story about

redemption. Hillenbrand LauraUNBROKEN

Fascinating history, inspiring, remarkable story. (4)

Hillenbrand, LauraUNBROKEN

Great story and excellent story telling. (5)

HIRSI, Ali AyaanINFIDEL

Her early life story is fascinating. It was so interesting learning about, her mother’s love for it and its injustice. (4)

Hoffman, ReidTHE ALLIANCE

Quick read. If you are in the corporate world & want to get ahead, there are some valuable ideas and practices

Iles, GregNATCHEX BURNING

First of his books I’ve read. 800 pages & finished in a week. Good characters and plot. (4)

Janice, J. A.SECOND WATCH

Wanting the book to continue. I finished each event or story, especially the short story at the end. (5)

Jones, CarrieNEED

Just seemed rushed (3)

Jones, CarrieCAPTIVATED

Maybe she could have made one book of NEED and CAPTIVATED. (3)

Jones, CarrieENDURE

I started liking the characters more as it went on. (3)

Joyce, RachelTHE UNLIKELY PILGRAMAGE OF HAROLD FRY

Good story, good development, great character insight. Recommended for my book club. (4)



Kasischke, Laura MIND OF WINTER

Emotional (4)

Katzenbach, JohnTHE WRONG MAN

Keeps you on edge of your seat – very good. (Also read 1-2-3 – very good)(5)

Kay, KathyTHE CONFIDENTIAL CODE

To be read along with Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In & Debora Spar’s Wonder Women. Easily readable journalistic style. As the mother of a teenage daughter and part-time physician, it was illuminating, but I wanted more data/science and less “art”. (4)

Khoury, RaymondTHE LAST TEMPLE

Khoury does a great job on matching the past and the present. (4)

Kidd, Sue MonkTHE INVENTION OF WINGS

Well written. Great story with solid history in play. (5)

Kidd, Sue Monk THE INVENTION OF WINGS

Almost as great as The Secret Life of Bees. She weaves a wonderful sky; from perspective of reluctant slave owner. (5)

Kilmeade, BrianGEORGE WASHINGTON’S SECRET SIX

Spies during the Revolution – Stories of six spies working directly for George Washington. Incredible facts. (4)

King, GilbertDEVIL IN THE GROVE

This excellent work is not only and account of “Jim Crow justice” in the 1940’s, but a true and disturbing narrative of one case. (5)

King, StephenMR. MERCEDES

Unusual for Stephen King. A detective story; suspenseful but not supernatural. (4)

Kirkov, AndreyDEATH AND THE PENGUIN

Very clever story, very clever writing. Quick red. Gives a great understanding of post-Soviet Ukrainian life in a non-didactic way. (4)

Kirn, WalterBLOOD WILL OUT

Fine conclusion to the enigmatic story of an imposter. (4)

Kline, Christine BakerORPHAN TRAIN

The character development was good and I enjoyed the history involved. (4)

Koch, Herman THE DINNER

Good dialog. (4)

Koch, HermanSUMMERHOUSE WITH SWIMMING POOL

No likeable characters. Writing was good. Sometimes amusing sometimes disturbing. (3)

Konigsburg, E. L.SILENT TO THE BONE

Excellent, I could not put it down. (4)

Koontz, DeanVELOCITY

Enjoy Koontz’s thrillers. (4)



Korda, MichaelIKE

Amazing account of Ike and WWII & D-Day, etc. (4)

Krueger, William KentHEAVEN’S KEEP

I enjoy all of Krueger’s books and look forward to more. (4)

Lane, JasonGENERAL LAFAYETTE AND MADAME DE LAFAYETTE

Very good profile of his & her entire life, but not too long. (4)

Larson, SteigTHE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNETS NEST

Set in Sweden, fast action, thrilling twists. (5)

Lawson, MaryROAD ENDS

Very different. Makes you think of what people have to deal with in their own family. (4)

Leonard, Elmore52 Pickup

Leonard is one of my favorite crime (and western) writers. There’s excitement here and interesting plotting, but not up to his usual standards. (3)

Leonard, ElmoreVALDEZ IS COMING

Morality tale. The story of personal integrity and dignity. An early Leonard. One of my favorites. (4)

Leonard, ElmoreMR PARADISE

Some humor, a few twists, easy read; but not one of Leonard’s best. (3)

Leonard, ElmoreUP IN HONEY’S ROOM

Way too much exposition/back story at the beginning. Boring and confusion. My second try and I did not get very far. (1)

LesCroart, JohnTHE KEEPER

Good mystery – surprise ending, but not a page turner. I like the characters. (3)

Levingston, StevenLITTLE DEMON IN THE CITY OF LIGHT

Easy to read. Very fast and factual. Somewhat like Larson’s “White City” (4)

Lewis, MichaelFLASH BOYS

Hard to follow. (3)

Li, Yun LiKINDER THAN SOLITUDE

A bit complex re characters… No as believable. (4)

Liebert, EmilyYour Knew Me When

Good, fast summer reading (4)

Lippman, LauraAFTER I’M GONE

A very well written and interesting mystery. (4)

Lopez, SteveTHE SOLOIST

An interesting look at mental health (4)

Lotz, SarahTHE THREE

Spooky (4)



Mackie, JohnMANHATTAN SOUTH

One of four excellent police novels set in New York – very well written , great plots. (5)

Macur, Juliet CYCLE OF LIES

Good biography of Lance Armstrong. (4)

Mallery, SusanBEFORE WE KISS

Enjoyable – funny, nice to read. (4)

Martin, GeorgeGAME OF THRONES

Interesting. (4)

Mary Higgins ClarkIV’E GOT YOU UNDER MY SKIN

Suspenseful. (4)

Mayle, PeterTHE CORSICAN CAPER

If you enjoyed A Year in Provence, you’ll enjoy this one too

McCrumb, SharonMISSING SUSAN

Good murder mystery set in London. (4_

McCrumb, SharynKING’S MOUNTAIN

I don’t like to read about war and violence. (3)

McManus, PatrickTAMARACK MURDERS

I enjoy all of his books. (4)

McMillan, TerryWHO ASKED YOU

No patron comment. (4)

Merullo, RolandBREAKFAST WITH BUDDHA

I enjoyed the description of the road trip. I also liked the idea of finding a deeper meaning to life. (4)

Meyer, PhillipTHE SON

I enjoyed traveling different perspectives. Felt a little long toward the end (4)

Meyer, StephanieTWILIGHT

As good as advertised. Better than expected. (4)

Miller, SueTHE ARSONIST

No reader’s comment.


No patron comments. (3)


Ending was odd. (4)

Milton, StephanieMINECRAFT ESSENTIAL HANBOOK

10 million people are playing Minecraft. This is a simple guide to the game interesting way to get in touch with the world of people who play. (4)

Moriarity, LianeTHE HUSBAND’S SECRET

Slightly slow starter, but once the threads start coming together, it’s really, really good (4)



Moriarty, LauraTHE CHAPERONE

No reader’s comments. (4)

Moriarty, Liane THE HUSBANDS SECRET

No reader’s comments (4)

Moriarty, LianeTHE HUSBAND’S SECRET

Easy reading. Never would have guessed the outcome. (4)

Mosley, WalterDEBBIE DOES’T DO IT ANY MORE

No patron comment (5)

Mosse, KateLABYRINTHE

Well written and carefully researched story of the secrets of the Holy Grail. Starts in medieval times in France, with repercussions in the present, after a puzzling archeological finding. (4)

Moyes, JojoME BEFORE YOU

Beautifully written, realistic story of two people with very different opinions about how one’s life should be lived. (4)

Moyes, Jojo ME BEORE YOU

Such a touching, well written page turner. Kind of reminded me of Bridget Jones’ Diary, but more serious & engaging. Didn’t this book to end. Was the type of book that I was compelled to read every spare moment. Still thinking of the characters & wishing I could read more. (5)

Nesbo, JoTHE SON

Nesbo does it again, interesting and well written. (4)

Norwich, John JuliusABSOLUTE MONARCH

Non-fiction, but a good read. You do need a chart to keep everything straight. (4)

Owen, HowardTHE PHILADELPHIA QUARRY

Holds your interest throughout. (4)

Palacio, R. J. WONDER

A wonderful story about middle school angst, kids, kindness and cruelty (5)

Palacio, R. J.WONDER

Writing style was unusual. I liked the focus on the life of a child who is not like everyone else (5)

Palacio, R. J.WONDER

Wonderful book about compassion, kindness and bravery. Great for all ages. (5)

Palov, C ARC OF FIRE

An Historical thriller, A good (pot boiler) (5)

Parris, S. JHERESY, A THRILLER,

Based on a true life person, but fictionalized. It is a murder mystery, but not a great one. (3)

Patchett, AnneRUN

Pulls you in and keeps you reading way past bed time. (4)



Patterson, James ALEX CROSS RUN

I am very interested in reading mysteries. Patterson is my favorite author. (5)

Patterson, JamesPRIVATE BERLIN

Very well written, good plot. (4)

Patterson, JamesCROSS MY HEART

I like mysteries and Patterson is one of the best. (4)

Patterson, JamesPRIVATE L.A.

Quick easy read as usual. He is a master at grabbing your attention, immediately. (4)

Patterson, JamesNYPD RED Z

Very fast reading book. (4)

Patterson, JamesUNLUCKY 13

Author demonstrated creativity by identifying a different kind of terrorist threat. Good characters. (5)

Patterson, JamesNYPD RED 2

Very interesting. Fast moving. (4)

Patterson, JamesINVISIBLE

The story was good, but the book would be better without the graphic tortures. (4)

Patterson, James & Paetro, Maxine10TH ANNIVERSARY

Always kept you reading - waiting for the next event. (4)

Patterson, Robert BSTRANGER IN PARADISE

Summer fun. (4)

Paull, LalineBEES

I read every word, but I wished she had not introduced worship and religion. I do not believe birds, animals or insects include this in their lives. These are human creations and have nothing to do with evolution. I would not expect my friends to get past the first chapter. (3)

Paull, LilineTHE BEES

The narrator is Bee, Flora 7/7, identified as low caste in the bee hierarchy. She breaks away from this and weaves a very interesting story. Cross of nature and Sci-Fi, very interesting, thought provoking writer. (4)

Pawel, MiriamTHE CRUSADES OF CESAR CHAVEZ

Honest portrayal of the main character. (4)

Plain, BelvaCROSS ROADS

No patron’s comments

Preston, DouglasKRAKEN PROJECT

Excellent story! One of the best of that genre. (action) (5)

Quindlen, AnnaLOTS OF CANDLES NO CAKE

Short, engaging essays that make aging seem appealing. (4)



Quindlin, AnnaSTILL LIFE WITH BREADCRUMBS

Beautifully written novel with interesting characters and a well-paced plot. (4)

Rankin, IanCOMPLAINTS

Do not believe I will read this author again. Too tedious and nothing in the story to change that. (2)

Rash, RonSERENA

A great story with strong female lead. Suspense thriller. Historical, but also a good read. (5)

Rathman, Zia HalderIN THE LIGHT OF WHAT WE KNOW

Well written current events and themes of love, friendship, class & race from a non-western perspective. (5)

Reichs, KathySPIDER BONES

I like this author and main character, but this wove a complete set of bodies difficult to follow especially when you put down the book for a few days. (3)

Roberts, NoraWHISKEY BEACH

Good plot, mystery and romance. I liked it as a summer read. (4)

Roberts, NoraSHADOW SPELL

Slow start, good ending. (4)

Rollins, JamesKILL SWITCH

Excellent thriller. (5)

Rosenthal, Norman GIFT OF ADVERSITY

It’s got everything, holocaust, apartheid, seasonal affective disorder, and lessons for each and every adversity (5)

Rosnay, Tatiana deTHE OTHER STORY

Interesting portrayal pf how a writer searches to find answers to a dark family secret. (4)

Roth, VeronicaDIVERGENT

Suspenseful action. Keeps you wanting to read more. Interesting concept of the future (4)

Rowling, J. K.THE CASUAL VACANCY

Interesting story, good character development, but all the characters were unpleasant; nobody to identify with. (3)

Sanford, JohnFIELD OF PREY

Good mystery with unexpected twists and turns. (4)

Satrapi, MarjanePERSEPOLIS

Heavy subject matter but accessible format. Likeable main character. (4)

Scottoline, LisaCOME HOME

Engaging and unpredictable. (4)

Scottoline, LisaKEEP QUIET

Predictable ending. Good book but not the most thrilling. (3)

Sendker, Jan PhilippTHE HEART OF HEARING HEARTBEATS

A beautiful story that is lovingly told about a couple who are parted and reunited against many odds. (4)



Seymour, GeraldA LINE IN THE SAND

I thought the writing was a little chaotic so that the story became hard to follow. (3)

Shavit, AriMY PROMISED LAND

Israel politics and sociology is so complicated. Shavit does the story justice with both the triumph and tragedy of Israel. (5)

Shiffman, JohnOPERATION SHAKESPEARE

Good non-fiction book. (4)

Shipstead, MaggieASTONISH ME

Writing is beautiful, but story becomes trite and predictable. (3)

Shlain, LeonardTHE ALPHABET VERSUS THE GODDESS

Dr. Shlain is a neurosurgeon. He starts out to explain why early cultures & their goddess worship were supplanted by the current cultures who worship a male god. Explained in term of left brain/right brain characteristics, then retells human prehistory through current day, using this analysis. So well written, so fascinating. (5)

Silva, DanielTHE HEIST

#14 in the series of spy Gabriel Allon. Silva is outstanding writer. (5)

Smith, Tom RobTHE FARM

No comments

Solomon, AndreaFAR FROM THE TREE

Excellent portrayal of what various families face when confronted with an “exceptional” child – autism, mental illness, addiction, etc. No sugar coating. (5)

Sonnenblick, JordanDRUM GIRLS & THE DANGEROUS PIE

When his younger brother, Jeff, is diagnosed with leukemia, 13 year old Steven tries to deal with is emotions. (3)

Sparks, NicholasTHE LONGEST RIDE

Inspirational. (4)

Spotswood, JessicaBORN WICKED

Kind’a slow. (3)

Spotswood, JessicaSTAR CURSED

Kind’a slow (3)

Spurling, HilaryPEARL BUCK IN CHINA

Fascinating history of a favorite author of school days. (5)

Starr, DouglasTHE KILLER OF LITTLE SHEPHERDS

Interesting criminal case in 1898 Paris. Introducing forensic science and the insanity defense. (4)

Stedman, M. L.THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS

Really enjoyed it. (5)



Stewart, MarthaHOWTO DECORATE

Any book by Martha Stewart is well done. Very informative. (5)

Stone, IrvingTHE PRESIDENT’S LADY

I chose to read it because I’m related to President Andrew Jackson via this wife Rachael Donelson. Very good (4)

Strand, GingerINVENTING NIAGARA

The book is good only if you are interested in Niagara Falls, NY. It tells the story and phases of the Falls & city. What was done to change & that hurt the area not only the land but the people’s health. (3)

Straub, EmmaTHE VACATIONERS

Perfect beach book. Easy fun read. (4)

Swift, GrahamTOMORROW

It was a “mother’s” ramblings about life before child was born. 3 CDS and still no substance. Wonder how it got published? (1)

Taibbi,MattTHE DEVIDE

Shows in detail the corruption of Wall Street and politics. (4)

Tartt, Donna GOLDFINCH

Only read 100 pages – Bo-r-r-r-ring (1)

Tartt, DonnaTHE GOLD FINCH

Thought provoking, page turner. (5)

Tartt, DonnaTHE GOLDFINCH

Very long – excess description, somewhat e, yet repetitive. (3)

Thayer, NancyAN ACT OF LOVE

Although very, very sad, the story was very well told. Final ending came out well. (4)

THE JOURNEYMAN, This is a redemptive story, crafted beautifully. I could imagine the colors & scenes from the author’s writing (5)

Todd, CharlesA FEARSOME DOUBLE

This is probably the fifth of his Ian Rutledge books I’ve read. They’re a bit dark, but not twisted. Well written. (4)

Todd, CharlesWATCHERS OF TIME

I like the comparisons in his work. Sets the mood well, with scene in detail. (4)

Tracy, P.J.MONKEYWENCH

First of a series. Engaging characters humor and good detective story, especially for people from the upper Midwest.

Trigiani, AdrianaTHE SHOEMAKERS WIFE

Gives an early American setting for what’s to come in this wonderful Valentine series (4)

Trollope, AnthonyTHE WAY WE LIVE NOW

Fine book. Very good character descriptions. Cross section of 1870’s English society, but 825 pages long is too much. (3)

Tyre, PegTHE TROUBLE WITH BOYS

Addresses a common problem in today’s schools. (4)

Upson, NicolaAN EXPERT IN MURDER

Well written and partly based on a well-known mystery author, Josephine Tey. It made me look up her life. (4)



Venkatraman, PadmaA TIME TO DANCE

Inspirational. Moves quickly. The layout is like a poem, but it isn’t. Reads quickly. Captures dance and what it feels like to lose it. Then being able to do it again. Plus wisdom of life. (5)

Walls, Jeanette THE GLASS CASTLE

This was the first time I read this author. I could visualize each character as they were growing up. It was heartwarming and at times I was sad by the way they lived(4)

Walls, JeanetteTHE SILVER STAR

Many like her books more than me. Realistic yet some dark moments. (3)

Walls, Jeannette SILVER STAR

Wonderful author; great reading- hated for it to end (4)

Warren, ElizabethA FIGHTING CHANCE

Interesting book, but too many details that were not of interest; dog, pies, menus, outfit worn. (3)

Webb, James,I HEARD MY COUNTRY CALLING

Excellent writing - Informative and balanced. (4)

Weeks, SaraSO B IT

Heidi, a 12 year old wants to find her real dad. Despite her Mom and neighbors she seeks to find her family roots.(4)

Weiner, Jennifer GOOD NIGHT NOBODY

Murder mystery NYC/CT suburbs. Fabulous young mother heroine, humor and current. (5)

Weiner, Jennifer ALL FALL DOWN

The author was able to draw me into the world of a young mother who presumable hat it all including a prescription drug problem. (4)

Whitehead, ColsonTHE NOBLE HUSTLE

Author is a MacArthur genius, but can’t communicate well. He becomes very self-involved. Not a good book at all if you don’t understand poker. (3)

Whitehouse, Lucie BEFORE WE MEET

Kept my attention – lots of twists and turns. (4)

Wilhelm, KateSLEIGHT OF HAND

Did not rate it very good because of the negative attitude of the defense attorney. (3)

Winchester, SimonTHE PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN

It is a well re-search book based on true findings and I always learn a lot from reading such books. (4)

Wizenberg, MollyDELANCEY

Interesting read about couple opening a restaurant. Great recipes, too. (4)

Woods, StuartSON OF STONE

Both situations and dialogue were unbelievable. Disappointing because I’ve read other Stone Barrington books by Stuart Woods which I would recommend. (2)



Worth, JenniferCALL THE MIDWIFE : TALES OF THE WORKHOUSE

The stories are harsh, so sad, but it’s interesting to learn the history so we don’t repeat it. (4)

Wrede, PatriciaCALLING ON DRAGONS

Writing not very good. (2)

Zevin, GabrielleTHE STORIED LIFE OF A. J. FIKRY

Any avid fiction (reader) would enjoy the character of A. J. Fikry, the book store owner who takes in an orphan. (4)

2014 readers picks

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