Reviews

The Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes is a J Fiction story about twelve year old Lanesha who lives in New Orleans' Ninth Ward with Mama Ya-Ya. Eighty-two year old Mama Ya-Ya isn't a blood relative but she might as well be. She delivered Lanesha and has cared for her all of Lanesha's life.

Everyone deals with loss in different ways.  TR, not prone to idle reflection, chose exploring an uncharted, untamed, Amazonian river after his resounding defeat for a third term as president.  The River of Doubt published in 2005 by local resident and author, Candice Millard, tells the story of Roosevelt's 1913 journey along the the river th

I’m sure no one is surprised that I am finally reviewing a Martha Stewart cookbook.  Her latest series of cookbooks include pictures for every single dessert, which is something I wish all cookbooks would have.  In Martha Stewart’s Cupcakes, we are given 175 recipes for all types of cupcakes for any mood or occasion.  The easy to follow recipes are grouped into categories like “Swirled an

It annoys me the way our culture deemphasizes the training it takes to parent well. Perhaps it’s because within a capitalistic society jobs for which we are not monetarily compensated are placed on the lowest echelon. But parenting is a big deal and we should prepare for it.

Discovering a mystery writer who writes well – what a treat! The Levee is a great find for mystery lovers. Stan is a 60ish crime writer who is haunted by a crime that happened when he was a 15 year old growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He returns to the scene in order to confront the past in hopes of leaving the nightmares behind. Stan is the narrator in the 1950’s and during the present day.

My favorite Jane Green book is The Beach House. I love the main character, feisty widow Nan from Nantucket. I’m sure I like her because she’s sixty-five with a reputation for being eccentric. She cuts flowers from her neighbor’s yard when they’re away.

England, the 1990’s, only it’s an alternative universe, where clones are created to become organ donors for the “normal” population. The story is told by Kathy H who is 31. She reflects on her childhood at Hailsham School. It seems similar to a boarding school and is run by “guardians.” Limited information is shared with the students regarding their purpose and future.

Warning: there is a dog on the cover of this book. There is a dog in the book. There is a dog living in Paul’s apartment, and she is a special dog. Don’t ask me if the dog dies. I already know you don’t want to read another book in which the dog dies. So don’t ask, because the book isn’t about the dog. The book is about Paul.

"Court Yard Hounds" is an album of sturdy, listenable and sometimes delightful songs that arose out of frustration, or at least impatience: Dixie Chicks members (and sisters) Emily Robison and Martie Maguire wanted to record a new CD, but lead singer Natalie Maines didn't feel ready.

Having read all of Daniel Silva's "Gabriel Allon" books I decided to go back to his earlier works. The Mark of the Assassin is similar to his later stories in that it deals with intelligence agents and rogue/evil/shadowy individuals and organizations.