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Reviews by Lynn

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American Wife: A Novel
by Curtis Sittenfeld

Very interesting story (11/5/2009)

No sense in being vague, this is a fictionalized(?) story of Laura and George W. Bush. I have read so much about the Bush's, I wasn't expecting to get so wrapped up in the book. I felt tremendous compassion and empathy for the Laura character from beginning to end. As I expected, I enjoyed and liked the George character, except for his drunk and partying years. Even though I did not enjoy the Bush years politically, I have always thought they were good, decent people. This book was very well written and was interesting from beginning to end. I plan to pick up the next book written by Curtis Sittenfeld.

The Host: A Novel
by Stephenie Meyer

Not as good as Twilight Series (11/5/2009)

First, I have to admit I don't read much Science Fiction and I may just prefer the fiction genre. However, my real problem with this book is that it wasn't edited well. I enjoyed the Twilight series so much that Stephenie Meyers wrote and think she is extremely talented. I found "The Host" to be several hundred pages too long. Some of the character conversations were more for a younger audience yet this book was written for adult readers. This book would have been so much better "with much less". The book took a long time to get a stride, but there were some very interesting parts from the middle to the end. I encourage Stephenie to keep trying adult books. I will give her next book a try.

The Help
by Kathryn Stockett

I loved this book (10/12/2009)

For years I have been looking for a book that would make me feel the same emotions as I felt when I read "To Kill and Mockingbird", and this book is definitely it. I laughed, I cried, I felt deep concern for the characters, I could not put it down until it was finished. I grew up in the South without a maid, but was aware of them through friends and other family members. To say I fell in love with Skeeter, Abilene and Minny does not seem to describe how much I wanted to share time with them during the book. Unlike Harper Lee, I hope Kathryn Stockett will continue to write more and more stories. I can't wait to read the next thing she puts out. Great job, Kathryn!!

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
by Stieg Larsson

Can't wait for the sequel (7/30/2009)

I am a big fan of crime fiction so I was really intrigued about all the interesting press about this book. I was not disappointed at all. I could not put this book down -- even took it to work one day because I could not wait until the evening to pick it up again. I am so glad there are 2 more books in the future, but so sad that this talented author died so young. Reading about a new location was so fascinating. The story was so different than any other crime novel I have read before. So clever, so interesting. The dialogue was brilliant.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
by Mary Ann Shaffer, Annie Barrows

Loved this Book!! (7/30/2009)

The title is a little of a turn-off, but don't let it turn you away. It is a wonderful, enjoyable book. I literally laughed on one page and had tears in my eyes within another 20 pages. The characters are so wonderfully developed, even though the book is based on letters they have written to each other. I knew nothing about Guernsey or the occupation during WWII until I read this book. The authors introduced some very difficult subjects in a way that made it readable. Get this book right now!

Agent Zigzag: A True Story of Nazi Espionage, Love, and Betrayal
by Ben Macintyre

Very interesting read (11/9/2008)

Could this have been the original inspiration for James Bond? Maybe, but not probable. However, Eddie Chapman is someone you admire for his incredible bravery and pull for throughout the book, but wouldn't trust with your personal possessions. I have always wondered how countries recruited spys and double spys during wars and other internal crises. The book is very well researched and fascinating. Some of this information is only recently discovered. I have never heard these World War II stories.

Down River
by John Hart

Great read!! (10/16/2008)

I loved this book. I couldn't wait to read it after enjoying John Hart's first book, "The King of Lies" so much. I read lots of mysteries, and I rarely am still stumped before the story is revealed. Both of these books kept me in suspense and reading late into the night. I can't wait until the next book comes out. John Hart is going to be a great mystery writer.

Bad Luck and Trouble
by Lee Child

Jack Reacher at his Best (8/21/2008)

I have read several Jack Reacher books and think they just get better and better. Maybe it is because Lee Child does such a good job of of building the character of Jack Reacher into someone you want to know more and more about. The suspense was constant and the pace of the book was very good.

Nineteen Minutes: A Novel
by Jodi Picoult

Great read (7/16/2008)

While Jodi Picoult always picks interesting subjects, I rarely love her books. However, this was a really good read that I enjoyed very much. Jodi's strength is in character development and dialog. She does an especially good job of describing teen angst. I felt like I was there as it was unfolding. It was fascinating and suspenseful. I highly recommend this book.

Reversible Errors
by Scott Turow

Great read (5/31/2008)

I love Scott Turow's books --he presents an interesting story, with logical twists and well defined characters. This was a great read. I highly recommend it.

Special Topics in Calamity Physics
by Marisha Pessl

Awful book with great ending (5/31/2008)

I would have rated this book lower except the ending was amazing and made up for a lot you have to go through with the writing. The previous reviewer who said it was very pretentious writing was correct. I would only read this author again if she became less wordy and quit with the boring and constant references and footnotes.

Echo Park
by Michael Connelly

I love Harry Bosch (4/28/2008)

Michael Connelly never lets me down when he writes a Harry Bosch book. Every page contains something interesting about this character. Oh, and the mystery is a great one, too. A really page turner and I was caught by surprise by the ending.

The Reluctant Fundamentalist
by Mohsin Hamid

Don't let the title turn you off (4/28/2008)

The main character, Changez, was very likable and at the same time able to subtly point out the biases that American's have regarding the Mideastern culture and people. It has made me think hard about how my assumptions are not always backed up by facts. I am very glad I read this book.

The Glass Castle: A Memoir
by Jeannette Walls

A really great book! (4/28/2008)

This is a book you will not be able to put down and will bring out strong emotions in you. Jeannette Walls writes with real clarity and compassion about her family. It is rare to read such honesty. I love the author for writing this book and wish her the best in life.

Loving Frank: A Novel
by Nancy Horan

Wow -- what an ending! (4/28/2008)

Really enjoyed learning more about this time in history and some personal history about Frank Lloyd Wright. The ending is so powerful that weeks later, I am still thinking about this book.

The Tenth Circle: A Novel
by Jodi Picoult

Not the best Jodi Picoult (4/28/2008)

I have been listening to the audiobook and while I have enjoyed many of Jodi Picoult's books, this one feels really wordy and not as appealing as "The Pact" or "My Sister's Keeper".

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