Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand

This is the story of the Quinn family who own an inn on the island of Nantucket.  It is late December and the family is falling apart.

The characters in this novel include four adult children, a first wife, a second wife, two lovers, a Dad, an innkeeper and a prospective husband or two.

There are pending relationship disasters, an unannounced pregnancy, a possible prison term, a rekindling of the fire of two old flames and everything seems to be  wrapped up in the inn.  This novel epitomizes the term "dysfunctional family" but one can overlook all of the things that go wrong because the story also brings forth feelings of empowerment, love, and all the bindings that tie a family together.

Ms. Hilderbrand has written fourteen novels in all.  Her attention to details and characterizations make the reader feel as if they are part of the story.  It seemed as if  I was observing everything that was happening from a front row seat.  I felt like I wanted  to partake of the Christmas dinner or wrap my arms around Ava.

If you have never read this author before, I'd like to suggest her book The Blue Bistro as a starting point.  If you love it, as I did, you'll want to read everything she has written.  Her books talk about ordinary lives and leave you feeling as if they are extraordinary. You may find yourself looking at your own life from a new perspective.

Ladybookbug!

Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

This is another one of my favorite authors.  I was introduced to her by a library patron many years ago.  She is the author of twenty-two novels.  Naturally, I have my favorites.  Many of her books have dealt with controversial topics.  Her books are well-researched and I often come away having learned a great deal, as well as enjoying the story itself.

Leaving Time is the story of Jenna, a ten-year old who lost her mother at an early age under mysterious circumstances.  Jenna's mother was a researcher of elephant behavior. This book is so inundated with interesting facts about elephants, one cannot come away from it without having a new appreciation of this special species.

Jenna is consumed with trying to find out why her mother left.  She enlists the aid of a psychic and a former police detective who work together to find out the answers.  This story is so well-written, you will not be prepared for the ending and it should come as a complete surprise.  This too, is so characteristic of Ms. Picoult's style.

If you have never read this author, I'd like to suggest a few other titles in addition to this one. Nineteen Minutes, My Sister's Keeper and Perfect Match should motivate you toward reading her entire body of work.

Lady Bookbug!

World Order by Henry Kissinger

I came across this book by accident recently.  I was having lunch with a friend and a young man at a nearby table was reading it.  He had just begun so he did not have an opinion about it yet.   I asked my local library to order it and they did.

I am in the process of reading it and I am enjoying looking at the world from another person's perspective.  I have to admit I've never read anything by Dr. Kissinger before and my exposure to him was limited to his years as Secretary of State.  He has written thirteen previous books on subjects ranging from China to nuclear weapons and foreign policy.

This book reads like a history text but don't let that intimidate you.  It is perfect fodder to engage in a profound discussion of things to consider regarding the future of our world.  For this reason, I think both high school students, college students and people who are interested in exploring options available to further civilization should read it.

The chapters that held my interest thus far were "Islamism and the Middle East: A World in Disorder" and "Technology, Equilibrium and Human Consciousness".  They invite the reader to enter into a discourse about what we can do to ensure harmony or at least think about it from another perspective.

Thank you Dr. Kissinger for this enlightening treatise on world order.

Ladybookbug!

Virtue Falls by Christina Dodd

To be fair I have never before read this author's books.  To be honest, it is very unlikely that I will read her books again.

A horrific murder has taken place more than twenty-three years ago in a town in the state of Washington. Elizabeth, daughter of both the perpetrator and the victim is determined to unravel the facts of the case and find out why it happened. 

Several known authors are quoted on the front and back covers of the book and use the same adjective to describe it - compelling.  There is nothing compelling about this book.  The reason I felt inclined to read it had to do with the cover which shows a lighthouse perched on the edge of a cliff with waves crashing around it.

The writing is atrocious.  Often the author establishes a point and then unnecessarily repeats it in the next sentence.  While it may be possible for a tsunami to hit the coast of Washington, it is not something that I find believable.

If you find yourself with nothing to read on a given day, you may want to give it a try.  You may even like it.

Ladybookbug!

Burn by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

I know-not another James Patterson!  Yes, he keeps on getting them out there.  I've never really calculated how many he publishes in a given year but I'd guess 2 or 3 for certain.  One thing in his favor (besides the royalties) is that he does everything he can to promote reading and that's a great thing!  It's not only a good thing for booksellers but also for mankind.  I believe it is very important to instill reading for pleasure and information in our young people.  I am very grateful that I have been an avid reader since I was a child.  I think I am a better person for it.

This entry is about one of my favorite Patterson characters- Michael Bennett.  Detective Bennett has returned to NYC with his family after spending nine months in protective custody in California.  He has been reassigned to a squad that has been developed by the current Mayor and appears to be one in name only. In addition, one of Detective Bennett's children's adoption is under scrutiny.

Detective Bennett and his squad become embroiled in  a mystery that is characterized by diamond robberies and underground culinary experiences.  Without going into too much detail, let me say that certain aspects of the mystery were not things that I was in any way familiar with though I presume they probably take place in certain arenas.

The fast-paced story line that Mr. Patterson is famous for is evident in this novel.  We also see the "softer" side of Detective Bennett and I like it.

Ladybookbug!

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

As you can tell from my blog, I have read many books over the past seven years.  I would venture to say that all of them have probably left a mark on me.  To say that this story has is an understatement.

It is the story of Will, a dynamic, enterprising young man whose life is drastically changed, leaving him in a wheelchair.  His mother hires Lou, an ordinary girl who wears outrageous clothes and whose life has been relegated to the mundane.

In the beginning Will and Lou are quite angry at each other but the anger dissipates as each begins to discern the fragility of the other.  The relationship is depicted with compassion and dedication as Lou and Will decide to give all that they are to try and make each other appreciate the value of a life well-lived.

A life belongs to the person who lives it.  However, if one is fortunate enough to encounter someone who makes a life richer, then they are blessed.  This story may enlighten you, encourage you and help you think about the possibilities of fulfilling your dreams.  While tears may be shed, it is well worth the read and the memory of it will remain with you for a long time to come.

Ladybookbug!