Objection

By Nancy Grace...this definitely deviates from my normal every day reading. I can't say that I liked it nor can I say I didn't like it. It was interesting, different and much like how she does her show. Lots of information about the legal system and how it is FLAWED...so if you have visions of justice, truth and all of that...this isn't the book for you. Can't say much else about this as I am discussing this in book club Monday at 1:30pm! Come by for the discussion if you like!

Sugar Queen

By Sarah Addison Allen...my first exposure to this author. I LOVED it! I can't wait to read her others. The story takes place in a small ski town. The main character finds a woman in her closet and agrees to hide her, like she hides her passion for sugar. She is an only child and has decided her lot in life is to care for her mother, who hates her. She is secretly in love with the mailman. But nothing ever happens...and she will never leave this town...but then things start happening, one thing after the other. Mysteries will be revealed, people have certain things that happen to them. A little magic, human drama, and humor are all part of this novel. I listened to it and definitely didn't fall asleep!

House Rules

By Jodi Picoult...I became a fan of this author picking up Nineteen Minutes. Many of her books are the type that once you pick them up you cannot put them down. This story is told from different points of view...one of the characters has Asperger's. A town experiences a murder, a mother juggles her life between her son with Asperger's and her son that is normal...and the plot takes off. Now, I should mention that Picoult is not for the person who wants a happy escape from reality. Her books are strong, raw, highly emotional and definitely there should be Kleenex nearby. Also, you don't really know all of the pieces until it is the end. I haven't liked her two most recent books, but this one...LOVED IT!

London Bridges

By James Patterson...a thriller, an Alex Cross mystery, need I say more? Do you need to read the Alex Cross books in order? No, while there are story lines that cross books, the mystery is pretty much solved within the book. Now, if you have read Pop Goes the Weasel, you are ready to read this book. If you haven't read it yet, then you need to read that one first, then read this one as there is more of a plot crossover. You don't find out who done it until the end...lots of suspense and drama. Recommended if you are a Patterson fan...if you aren't and are looking for something suspenseful...I recommend this to you!

Garlic and Sapphires

By Ruth Reichl...Once a New York Times food critic...Ruth takes us on a journey. She tells us how she became the food critic of the New York Times and how she adjusted to her life in New York. She also talks about food in a way that will make your mouth water. Her chapter on steak made me want steak so bad I told my husband the next meal had to be steak prepared as she described in her article. She mixes personal story with her experiences and eating and then just manages to add recipes in for good measure. Funny, descriptive, and lots of fun reading...if you are a foodie...this is a MUST READ!

Small Island

By Andrea Levy...I heard a book discussion on the BBC World Book Club and it made me want to read the book. I recommend the BBC World Book Club to anyone who is looking to read international authors. I have found quite a few books this way. However, know that if you listen to the book club you will hear about the whole book...although I would argue it isn't the same as reading it yourself! http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/wbc/ Here is a link if you are interested!

But, I found that this book was very interesting. Gilbert is from Jamaica and has come to England to fight in World War 2...Queenie is an Englishwoman who is renting her rooms to get by after the war...and Hortense is Gilbert's wife who comes to live in England with her husband. There is much in this book, racism, relationships, war, and colonialism. The characters and well developed and you empathize with them as they make their way through a post war England.

Gone

By Jonathan Kellerman...I have read a few of the Alex Delaware novels...and this is one that I enjoyed. I didn't find out "who done it" until late in the book. However I should mention for those who are weak of stomach...this could have some disturbing parts in it. The mystery, the investigation and the final moments make this book a great mystery, suspense! I would recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery with a little something extra. If you want another good mystery/suspense try MONSTER by the same author!