Reviews

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.

This is not a title that I would have just picked off the shelf to read. Instead, an acquaintence mentioned that it was Skinny Bitch that inspired her to begin eating in a more healthy way. The authors are two former models who live in Los Angeles.

I have enjoyed most of Anne Lamott’s work, especially the non-fiction. Imperfect Birds was not my favorite. The story centers around 17 year old, Rosie, her mother, Elizabeth and step-father, James. The entire book follows Rosie’s entanglement in drug use. I think parents who are dealing with this issue might find some help in the story, but for me, it was a slow read.