Book Review: Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult

Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Most people either really love Jodi Picoult or really don't. I am generally a neutral party- some of her books I love, some are just so-so for me. This book definitely fell into the "love" category.

The whole story just feels so raw. Painful family relationships are juxtaposed with close encounters with wolves, both in captivity and in the wild. I know this sounds like a strange combination, but it works.

Luke is a father of two and a wolf activist. He not only leaves his family for almost two years to live in the wild, he also maintains a pack in captivity. He has dedicated his life to preservation and education.

Luke's daughter, Cara, moves in with him after her parents divorce. Edward, Cara's older brother, packed up and left the country when he was just 18. The estranged siblings are thrown together when tragedy strikes and Luke is in a coma.

I won't give away the rest of the book, because the major drama and emotion in the book comes from the siblings' differing views on end-of-life decisions.

This was touching and heart-wrenching, at times even painful. But beautifully done!

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Love Unfinished by Darian Wilk
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Wow, I can't believe so many other readers gave this 4 or 5 stars...

IF (and that's a big IF) you can get past the terrible editing and e-book formatting, the characters, plot and dialogue leave so much to be desired.

The story emerges as somewhat hokey, but sweet- a young couple is killed on their wedding day and arrive in a sort of limbo, with a chance to find each other again through reincarnation.

From there on in, the story is a confusing mix of plot angles and choppy phrasing. I get the gist- Emma (the reincarnated Carol) finds herself in a loveless marriage to a dishonest, manipulative politician. Through a series of seemingly coincidental events, she falls in love with James, a quiet, earnest antique dealer. It comes as no surprise that he is actually her former-life love, Ted.

What really got to me were these random plot points- Emma's jerk of a husband becomes abusive out of the blue. She has this crazy, alcoholic, bitchy best friend who seems like the same sort of person Emma loathes. At one point James discovers an old gold brooch and a photo of Carol/Emma wearing it on her (first) wedding day, and seems to get the connection...but instead of this being a major turning point in the story, it is glossed over and never fully explained. Emma herself has a personality that goes where the wind blows...desperate for the love of the ass she married, strong and determined, disgusted with herself for loving a man who is not her husband, snarky and catty.

I found this book to be boring, lacking in fully thought-out scenes, and grammatically excrutiating. Recommended for no one!

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Book Review: Dead is the New Black

Dead Is the New Black by Christine DeMaio-Rice
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Lauren is a fashionista turned amature sleuth. As a patternmaker in New York City's garment district, she gives us a close look at how high-end clothing is made, from cutting on the bias to picking the right thread to sew on a button. Think along the lines of "The Devil Wears Prada" or "Project Runway".

The story begins about a week before a major fashion show. Her whole office is in a whirl preparing. Hardworking Lauren comes into work on a weekend, only to find her boss (the dashing gay man she's crushing on) standing over the dead body of his financial backer. Talk about a monkey wrench!

The list of potential perps gets a little confusing, as the number of minor characters is long. A few side trips into Lauren's relationship with her sister, a beat-down by pseudo-mobsters, and a kiss from her long-time pal Stu add to the confusion.

As Lauren and her sister chase down one lead after another, she gets closer to the surprising truth, and danger.

This was a cute story, and I liked the fashion industry backdrop. However, the plot lines were too complex for such a simple idea, and the various characters/motives were too plentiful to really make sense.

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Book Review: These Girls by Sarah Pekkanen

These Girls by Sarah Pekkanen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

These girls- namely Renee, Cate and Abby- are all young women who have come to New York City and are struggling to make it. And these girls have some problems with a capital P!! Dropped out of college after an affair with a professor, diet pill abuse, the nanny who sleeps with the married father of her charge...can they have any more drama?

Despite the drama, you still end up rooting for them (after you roll your eyes at some of the stupidity). You get a real sense of their personalities and how they navigate relationships. And NO ONE ends up with the guy. That's refreshing.

While it wasn't a super-exciting page turner, it was a nice look at female insecurities, work conflicts, and friendship.

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Book Review: The Right-Hand Shore: A Novel by Christopher Tilghman

The Right-Hand Shore: A Novel by Christopher Tilghman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although this book took a few chapters to get in to, by the middle, everything seemed so real and NOW that I forgot it was told as a series of flashbacks!

Beautifully told, history (late 1800's-early 1900's), race relations and economics are viewed through the lens of the Mason family in the northeast United States. There are too many memorable characters to name, both good and bad. There's enough heartache, triumph and drama to make you beleive the Masons are a real family, and live on a real farm.

My favorite aspect of the book concerns a forbidden love between a young white man and his childhood friend, who happens to be a black woman. Although many stories are told in this novel, this one stands out to me. The two involved families try in vain to separate the couple, knowing they have nothing but pain ahead of them. The young people even try themselves to forget their love and move on. In the end, they cannot stay away from each other, and a daring plan is devised that offers some hope.

At its core, this book centers on race division and its effect on the inhabitants, both white and black, of the Mason Retreat. Take time to enjoy this book, the conclusion is well worth it!

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Book Review: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Larsson is as wordy as ever in the third and final installment in the Millenium series. Wordy, but certainly intertaining. Even though the title obviously refers to her, our Lisbeth Salander is conspicuously absent from most of the book. Understandable, since she was shot in the head and buried alive at the end of the second book!

Crack journalist Blomkvist, along with some new police-type friends, scurries to uncover the truth about Lisbeth's father, who is smack dab in the middle of a decades-old government cover-up.

Spy-like behavior abounds, complete with surveillance equipment, safe rooms, and a smuggled computer tablet. As usual, Blomkvist and anyone unfortunate enough to be near him is in almost constant danger. Good stuff.

The trilogy resolves satisfactorily, if not necessarily happily. Highly recommended, you won't be sorry you sat through book 2.

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Book Review: XVI by Julia Karr

XVI by Julia Karr
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I really wanted to like this book. All I knew from the jacket was that in this version of the future Chicago, something terrible happens to girls when they turn 16. The book annoyed me from the first couple of pages with terms that didn't make immediate sense... vert, PAV, tier-two, FeLS, trannies. Seriously, some of these things weren't spelled out until well into the book.

Annoyance number 2 was the characters. Dull and sterotyped. Nina, the good-girl main character. Sal, her brave and mysterious boyfriend. Sandy, her sex and fashion-obsessed best friend. Wei, the smart and tough Asian, complete with martial arts skills.

My third annoyance: the plot. It was just bad, boring and predictable. Even the chase scenes and other dangerous moments were tampered with lackluster dialogue and character reactions.

The abrupt ending, with NOTHING resolved, begs a follow-up. Which there is, called Truth. The truth is, I won't be reading it.

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Book Review: 11/22/63 by Stephen King

11/22/63 by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This almost qualifies as historical fiction, if it weren't for the classic supernatural SK bent. Published in 2011, this may be my favorite recent work from King.

Our protagonist Jake (King sure likes that name, huh?) is a humble schoolteacher who finds himself on a time-traveling quest to thwart the assassination of John Kennedy. Jake orginallly believes that each time he goes back to his "now", everything he changed during his time travel is reset- wiped out. As he becomes more familiar with the dubious rules of his "rabbit hole", he finds out this is not the case. The expected moral delimma about messing with the space-time continuum unfolds, and Jake is faced with the potential consequences of saving the woman he loves.

This book has the wonderful, spine-tingling weirdness of some of my other favorite King stories, like Duma Key and Rose Madder...characters you come to love...a bittersweet ending. SK fans and conspiracy theory nuts alike will enjoy this jaunt into the late 1950's and early 60's.

All that being said, there are some very passionate and eloquent reviews by fellow Goodreads members- I urge you to check them out!

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Book Review: The Witness by Nora Roberts

The Witness by Nora Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have to admit this is one of my favorite Nora Roberts books. It's more thriller than romance and kept me reading all day! This book is cleverly divided into three sections:

1. Liz, in which we meet the stifled 16 year old uber-smart girl who gets wrapped up in a Mafia crime.
2. Abigail, the paranoid woman-on-the-run Liz becomes.
3. Elizabeth, who bravely attempts to love and put a rest to her demons and fear.

The book is filled with rich characters, a great little community, believable family dynamics, and some heart-pounding moments. Definitely recommended for Roberts fans, as well as those who just like an entertaining thriller/romance. That being said, it's still a fairly "fluffy" NR read, so I can't give it 5 stars.



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Book Review: Song of Susannah by Stephen King

Song of Susannah by Stephen King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Being the sixth and next-to-last book in the Dark Tower series, I can only hope that some of the more mundane scenes in this comparativly short installment are simply a set-up for the final novel.

Song of Susannah has its good moments- Eddie and Roland's shoot-out when they cross over the Unfound Door, Jake's use of his strengthening Sight, and some of the Mia/Susannah internal conversations- but nothing great. Overall, the struggle between Mia and Susannah becomes strung-out and boring, without the benefit of any sort of conclusion about the "chap". At least not in this novel.

The insertion of King himself into the story is a point of contention for many fans- you either love it or hate it. I was mildly interested in the references to such an eventuality in previous books in the series, but when he was in the story as a fairly important plot event, I was disappointed. The Coda at the end of the book sorta makes up for it- it contains pages from King's journal that further explain his process emotions concerning the series' development.

As I still have to finish the series, I can't tell you if skipping this book will leave you lost or not. In my opinion, certainly the weakest of the Dark Tower books.

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Book Review: Jackpot! by Jackie Pilossoph

Jackpot! by Jackie Pilossoph
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I found the premise of this book to be fairly interesting (otherwise I wouldn't have picked it up)- a Jewish mother wants nothing more than to become a Jewish grandmother, but her single, selfish son and daughter aren't cooperating. Then, she wins the lottery and makes them an offer they can't refuse...or can they?

If either of her children can produce an offspring over the next year, they get 8 million dollars.

The rush to find baby-making partners ensues.

At this point, the plot becomes overwhelmingly and disappointingly predictable. You can probably guess, so I'll just go ahead a tell you- the quest for a willing sex partner leads to true love for both. Said partners find out about the jackpot agreement, everyone gets dumped, then everyone finds forgiveness and they live happily ever after.

There are some humorous moments and likeable characters that make this a decent read, despite the lack of true surprises. Quick and easy, not a bad summer choice.

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Book Review: Three Days to Die by John Avery

Three Days to Die by John Avery
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is marketed as a thriller- young boy stumbles upon criminal activity and is kidnapped. They pursuade/force him into crime as well. A few other mildly interesting things happen along the way, but nothing I would rate as "thrilling". If not for the occassional swear word, I would think this was a YA novel.

The characters are sketches at best and react to situations without depth, and with rsther inconguous emotions. For example, while Aaron us being held prisoner, his captors decide to teach him to shoot a rifle. Aaron's reaction is to be disappointed that he's not a great shot. Really? He's not terrified, angry he's being forced to do this, or even nervous? A lot of scenes just don't ring true.

To top it off, the author seems to attempt to make up for the thin plot and immature dialogue by putting in a lot of gratuitous description of non-consequential things- things like a diner and a woman's outfit. Honestly, I skimmed these sections.

I hate to write negative reviews, but don't waste your time. I only finished it because a) it was a free download on my Kindle, and b) I am compulsive like that.

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Book Review: Preservation by Rachael Wade

Preservation by Rachael Wade
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ryan is a failed writer, college professor, and a man with a broken heart. Kate is his talented writing student with a painful past of her own. The immediate chemistry between them leads to passion as well as fear for both of them. As they struggle to put their demons to rest their relationship endures significant highs and lows.

I found the two main characters to be interesting, but they could have been SO much more. This brief novel did not do justice to the scars they were purported to have. Given that these scars were the reason their relationship was so volatile, they should have been explored more deeply.
The minor characters in this book provide humor and a sense of continuity, particularly Kate's two male best friends.

The plot was a little choppy for me, and the Seattle setting was of little import to the story. Overall, just an OK book. However, it was a quick read and a free download for my Kindle, so I can't consider it a waste of time or money.

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Book Review: Lonetree Ranchers (Colt) by Kathie Denosky

Nelson's Brand: Nelson's Brand\Lonetree Ranchers: Colt by Diana Palmer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The second story in this book, Colt, (written by Kathie Denosky) was by far my favorite. I'm a sucker for daddies and their little girls- every time.

Kaylee's brother and best friend of Colt died tragically in a rodeo accident. Seeking to outrun their grief, the two find comfort for a night in each other's arms. Shaken by the passion he feels, Colt bolts from Kaylee's life. He unknowingly leaves her pregnant and broken-hearted.

Two years later, their paths cross again. Colt knows immediately that he is the father of Kaylee's little girl. In an attempt to form a relationship with his daughter, he moves both of them to his ranch.

It's not hard to imagine what happens next... trust and respect build between the two as they bond over their child. Trust leads to forgiveness over past hurts, and forgiveness leads to (ahem) certain activities in bathtubs and in front of the fireplace.

Yeah, it gets pretty steamy.

The story is short and fluffy, heartwarming and passionate at the same time.

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Book Review: Nelson's Brand by Diana Palmer

Nelson's Brand by Diana Palmer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As far as romance novels go, this one is pretty good, and steamy! Both halves of our couple (Gene and Allison) have tragedy and heartache in their past. Gene received a troubling surprise about his parentage, and Allison survived life-threatening violence in South America. Their mutual attraction provided comfort and healing for both.

The Wyoming landscape and history add a nice dimension to an otherwise predictable story. Gene is a womanizing rancher, and Allison is a virginal missionary- the contrast makes them an unlikely pair, and also characterizes most books of this sort.

My biggest disappointment with Nelson's Brand is that Allison's back story is not very developed. She experienced true pain and loss, which could have really fed her character if delved into more deeply.

In my opinion, worth the time if you enjoy love stories with lots of sex!

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Book Review: The Rocky Road to Romance by Janet Evanovich

The Rocky Road to Romance by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Evanovich is probably best known for her Stephanie Plum detective series. It's obvious this is one of her earlier works. Her characters are cute and charming, but the romance is ridiculously swift and the plot is a little jumpy.

Daisy is a sweet, overworked girl who falls into a job as a traffic reporter. Her boss, Steve, is gruff and handsome and protective. Even though they've worked together at the radio station for over a year, the minute Daisy gets the job, they fall in love. Riiiiiiiiiiight.

Add in a heat-packing granny, an overfed dog named Bob, and Daisy's habit of ticking off criminals, and you've got a book that is as much comedy as romance.

I think what bothered me the most was the dialogue. With lines like, "...marriage is for a lifetime. It's irrevocable. It's like getting your ears pierced" and "you son of a dog!", it's easy to write off all the characters as idiots, even though one is a graduate student and one is the manager of a radio station.

Certainly a light, cute read...but the romance is a little unbeleiveable, even for the romance genre.

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Book Review: A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan

A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

What did I think? I think I was confused and bored while reading this book. I was also sad, because I loved The Keep and wanted to love this novel as well.

It just had way too many characters, none well developed in my opinion, and it was too disjointed. Egan jumps from person to person, era to era, and place to place in the blink of an eye. No rhyme or reason that I could see.

And really, what's the message? You are young and do stupid things, you get old and things get better or worse, or stay the same. Seriously, that's what I got out of it. No great drama, no mysteries revealed.

If you like mulitple point-of-view writing and more description than plot, this may be for you. Just not my cup of tea.

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Wolves of the Calla by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Ahhh, Roland. We love you.

Those readers who have been following Roland and his ka-tet on their quest for the Dark Tower will be captivated by this fifth book in the series.

Where book #4, Wizards and Glass, has a ridiculous reference to the Wizard of Oz, in this story we encounter characters from and references to other King novels. Clever. Throw in light sabers and a bit of Harry Potter...that's how it goes on the Path of the Beam.

In this part of the series, our group of travelers comes across a village that needs their help to defeat the Wolves, who come and steal children. Being who they are, the group agrees and are rewarded with another dangerous and mysterious crystal ball.

In the midst of planning their defeat of the Wolves, Roland and his group travel around in time and space to protect the rose that Jake first saw in New York in the 70's.

Jake grows up more and more throughout this book- he comes across challenges that are different from, but no less sobering, than gunfights. Susannah's dangerous pregnancy continues and she begins slipping into another personality, Mia, who is the creature's mother.

As for Roland, he continually reminds us that he is gunslinger through and through. With little sentimentality and even less mercy, he leads his ka-tet through their task in the calla and on towards the Tower.      

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Book Review: Petals on the Wind by V.C. Andrews

Petals on the Wind by V.C. Andrews
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

**SPOILER ALERT**
After re-reading Flowers in the Attic, I was so excited to continue this series. How did the Dollanganger children continue their lives since escaping from a sadistic grandmother and mother? It starts out promising enough- they are "adopted" by a kind doctor named Paul who provides them with love and security. Chris (the elder brother) will get to go to medical school and Cathy (the elder sister) joins a ballet troupe. Carrie, the surviving twin, regains her health after being poisoned by arsenic.

Everything that happens after that is just unbelievable. Chris and Carrie remain sympathetic characters while Cathy's desire for revenge and warped sense of sexual power leads her on a path of destruction. She seduces the doctor then breaks his heart by marrying a fellow dancer she despises. She is pregnant with this man's child when he dies in a car accident. More sleeping with the doctor, followed by tracking down her mother's husband (Bart)and falling in love with him. Pregnant once again, she watches in horror as Bart dies, then runs back to Paul and marries him shortly before he dies...seriously!

Meanwhile, her brother Chris has sufferred through all these men, knowing he can never be with his sister in the way he wants...or can he? After everyone stops dying (for the time being), Chris and Cathy set off with her two sons to begin a new life (and a new novel).

It's not high art, but V.C. Andrews is a bestseller for a reason. Her characters are like trainwrecks that you can't help but stare at, and the reading is quick and easy. I realize what unbelievable fluff it all is, but I'll be going back for the next book in the series, just to find out what happens next.



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Book Review: The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I actually may have liked this book better than the first, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. If you read the first in the series, which you should, you are already invested in the lives of these characters- Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist in particular. You care about what happens to them, and read in disbelief as they encounter one dangerous situation after another.

This installment takes us into Lisbeth's past and gives details about her murky and troubled childhood, which has caught up with her. Salander's life is in danger and she is wanted by the police. Even though she hasn't spoken to Blomkvist in over a year, he once again puts on his "detective" hat and helps her the best he can from afar.

As with the first book, there are lots of players in this story, with names you won't be able to pronounce. If you can get past that, and the first couple of slow chapters that don't have much to do with the main plot, you'll enjoy the mystery, puzzle and danger Larsson has served up in this sequel.

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