Author: Eric Van Lustbader
Hardcover: 640 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
(July 19, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455500100
Book Description:
Jason Bourne is searching for an elusive cadre of terrorists planning to destroy America's most strategic natural resources. He needs the help of his long-time friend, General Boris Karpov, the newly appointed head of Russia's most feared spy agency, FSB-2. Karpov is one of the most determined, honorable, and justice-hungry men that Bourne knows. But Karpov has made a deal with the devil. In order to remain the head of FSB-2, he must hunt down and kill Bourne.
Now, these two trusted friends are on a deadly collision course. From the Colombian highlands to Munich, Cadiz, and Damascus, the clock is counting down to a disaster that will cripple America's economic and military future. Only Bourne and Karpov have a chance to avert the catastrophe-but if they destroy each other first, that chance will be gone forever.
My thoughts:
When I started reading this book, I had not read others of the series, so I was going into it quite cold. It did take several chapters playing catch up, but I finally got into the story-line and characters and enjoyed it. I do think a reader would be happier reading the full series for continuity and context. On the upside, the novel flows nicely and is well-written. Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Forgotten / Review
Author: Cat Patrick
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
1 edition (June 7, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316094617
Book Description:
Each night at precisely 4:33 am, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can "remember" are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Luke Henry is not someone you'd easily forget, yet try as she might, London can't find him in her memories of things to come.
When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it's time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.
My thoughts:
After reading Forgotten by Cat Patrick I came away feeling that it was original, unique, and absorbing. It is well-written and definitely held my attention. No doubt, young people will find this psychological drama a super cool, fun read.
There are a lot of twists and turns here which will keep the reader on their toes until the end. A well-deserved 4 stars for this young adult novel. Thank you to the publisher for my review copy.
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
1 edition (June 7, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316094617
Book Description:
Each night at precisely 4:33 am, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can "remember" are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Luke Henry is not someone you'd easily forget, yet try as she might, London can't find him in her memories of things to come.
When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it's time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.
My thoughts:
After reading Forgotten by Cat Patrick I came away feeling that it was original, unique, and absorbing. It is well-written and definitely held my attention. No doubt, young people will find this psychological drama a super cool, fun read.
There are a lot of twists and turns here which will keep the reader on their toes until the end. A well-deserved 4 stars for this young adult novel. Thank you to the publisher for my review copy.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Ex-Girlfriends United / Review
Author: Matt Dunn
Age: Young Adult
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark;
Original edition (June 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402245041
Book Description:
Faced with the prospect of a lifetime of singledom, Dan must track down his many exes in order to put things right. Along the way, he discovers he has much to learn about himself. Particularly when he meets up again with Polly-and realizes he wants her back. Can Dan convince his former love he's changed? Can his friend Ed convince him he needs to change in the first place? And can the two friends use their newfound knowledge to help other men in the same boat?
My thoughts:
This book will appeal to young men and women alike. It certainly gives the reader some insight into male thinking and hopefully some life-lessons by the time it is finished. An entertaining read.
Age: Young Adult
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark;
Original edition (June 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1402245041
Book Description:
Faced with the prospect of a lifetime of singledom, Dan must track down his many exes in order to put things right. Along the way, he discovers he has much to learn about himself. Particularly when he meets up again with Polly-and realizes he wants her back. Can Dan convince his former love he's changed? Can his friend Ed convince him he needs to change in the first place? And can the two friends use their newfound knowledge to help other men in the same boat?
My thoughts:
This book will appeal to young men and women alike. It certainly gives the reader some insight into male thinking and hopefully some life-lessons by the time it is finished. An entertaining read.
Spoiled / Review
Author: Heather Cocks and
Jessica Morgan
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Poppy; 1 edition (June 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316098256
Book Description:
Sixteen-year-old Molly Dix has just discovered that her biological father is Brick Berlin, world-famous movie star and red-carpet regular. Intrigued (and a little terrified) by her Hollywood lineage, Molly moves to Los Angeles and plunges headfirst into the deep of Beverly Hills celebrity life. Just as Molly thinks her life couldn't get any stranger, she meets Brooke Berlin, her gorgeous, spoiled half sister, who welcomes Molly to la-la land with a smothering dose "sisterly love"...but in this town, nothing is ever what it seems.
Set against a world of Redbull-fuelled stylists, tiny tanned girls, popped-collar guys, and Blackberry-wielding publicists, Spoiled is a sparkling debut from the writers behind the viciously funny celebrity blog GoFugYourself.com
My thoughts:
I wasn't sure I was going to like this book, but as a reviewer I gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised. It is well-written, humorous, and filled with fashion that will interest most teenage girls. Will give it to my granddaughter. Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.
Jessica Morgan
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Poppy; 1 edition (June 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316098256
Book Description:
Sixteen-year-old Molly Dix has just discovered that her biological father is Brick Berlin, world-famous movie star and red-carpet regular. Intrigued (and a little terrified) by her Hollywood lineage, Molly moves to Los Angeles and plunges headfirst into the deep of Beverly Hills celebrity life. Just as Molly thinks her life couldn't get any stranger, she meets Brooke Berlin, her gorgeous, spoiled half sister, who welcomes Molly to la-la land with a smothering dose "sisterly love"...but in this town, nothing is ever what it seems.
Set against a world of Redbull-fuelled stylists, tiny tanned girls, popped-collar guys, and Blackberry-wielding publicists, Spoiled is a sparkling debut from the writers behind the viciously funny celebrity blog GoFugYourself.com
My thoughts:
I wasn't sure I was going to like this book, but as a reviewer I gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised. It is well-written, humorous, and filled with fashion that will interest most teenage girls. Will give it to my granddaughter. Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Flashback / Review
Author: Dan Simmons
Hardcover: 560 pages
Publisher: Reagan Arthur Books;
1 edition (July 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316006963
Book Description:
The United States is near total collapse. But 87% of the population doesn't care: they're addicted to flashback, a drug that allows its users to re-experience the best moments of their lives. After ex-detective Nick Bottom's wife died in a car accident, he went under the flash to be with her; he's lost his job, his teenage son, and his livelihood as a result.
Nick may be a lost soul but he's still a good cop, so he is hired to investigate the murder of a top governmental advisor's son. This flashback-addict becomes the one man who may be able to change the course of an entire nation turning away from the future to live in the past.
A provocative novel set in a future that seems scarily possible, FLASHBACK proves why Dan Simmons is one of our most exciting and versatile writers.
My thoughts:
Some of the book's reviewers seem to say they believe this is a political statement by the author. I saw it differently. It is a seriously well-written, action-packed novel that certainly gives the reader plenty to think about. I found it a very good read.
Hardcover: 560 pages
Publisher: Reagan Arthur Books;
1 edition (July 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316006963
Book Description:
The United States is near total collapse. But 87% of the population doesn't care: they're addicted to flashback, a drug that allows its users to re-experience the best moments of their lives. After ex-detective Nick Bottom's wife died in a car accident, he went under the flash to be with her; he's lost his job, his teenage son, and his livelihood as a result.
Nick may be a lost soul but he's still a good cop, so he is hired to investigate the murder of a top governmental advisor's son. This flashback-addict becomes the one man who may be able to change the course of an entire nation turning away from the future to live in the past.
A provocative novel set in a future that seems scarily possible, FLASHBACK proves why Dan Simmons is one of our most exciting and versatile writers.
My thoughts:
Some of the book's reviewers seem to say they believe this is a political statement by the author. I saw it differently. It is a seriously well-written, action-packed novel that certainly gives the reader plenty to think about. I found it a very good read.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Our Summer Reading List
Great summer reads. Enjoy!
1.The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
2. The Complete Short Stories of Flannery O'Conner
3. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
4. Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan
5. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
6. Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews
7. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
8. Now You See Her by James Patterson
9. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
10. Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
11. Please Look After Mom by Kyung-Sook Shin
12. Thursday at Eight by Debbie Macomber
WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL SUMMER OF READING!!!!
1.The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
2. The Complete Short Stories of Flannery O'Conner
3. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
4. Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan
5. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
6. Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews
7. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
8. Now You See Her by James Patterson
9. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
10. Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
11. Please Look After Mom by Kyung-Sook Shin
12. Thursday at Eight by Debbie Macomber
WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL SUMMER OF READING!!!!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Now You See Her by James Patterson
Author: James Patterson
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
(June 27, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316036218
Book Description:
The perfect life
A successful lawyer and loving mother, Nina Bloom would do anything to protect the life she's built in New York--including lying to everyone, even her daughter, about her past. But when an innocent man is framed for murder, she knows that she can't let him pay for the real killer's crimes.
The perfect lie
Nina's secret life began 18 years ago. She had looks to die for, a handsome police-officer husband, and a carefree life in Key West. When she learned she was pregnant with their first child, her happiness was almost overwhelming. But Nina's world is shattered when she unearths a terrible secret that causes her to run for her life and change her identity.
The perfect way to die
Now, years later, Nina risks everything she's earned to return to Florida and confront the murderous evil she fled. In a story of wrenching suspense, James Patterson gives us his most head-spinning, action-filled story yet--a Hitchcock-like blend of unquenchable drama and pleasure.
My thoughts:
This is definitely one of Patterson's best books of late. His last couple of novels have been, in my opinion, disappointments. I am happy to see the author has gotten back in touch with his muse. As with most James Patterson's books, this one moves along quickly with short chapters. This tale is straightforward; exciting; suspenseful; an emotional roller-coaster ride; a quick read. I'm so glad to have the master of supense back with us at his best. Congratulations Mr. Patterson on one of your best works in a while!! Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
(June 27, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316036218
Book Description:
The perfect life
A successful lawyer and loving mother, Nina Bloom would do anything to protect the life she's built in New York--including lying to everyone, even her daughter, about her past. But when an innocent man is framed for murder, she knows that she can't let him pay for the real killer's crimes.
The perfect lie
Nina's secret life began 18 years ago. She had looks to die for, a handsome police-officer husband, and a carefree life in Key West. When she learned she was pregnant with their first child, her happiness was almost overwhelming. But Nina's world is shattered when she unearths a terrible secret that causes her to run for her life and change her identity.
The perfect way to die
Now, years later, Nina risks everything she's earned to return to Florida and confront the murderous evil she fled. In a story of wrenching suspense, James Patterson gives us his most head-spinning, action-filled story yet--a Hitchcock-like blend of unquenchable drama and pleasure.
My thoughts:
This is definitely one of Patterson's best books of late. His last couple of novels have been, in my opinion, disappointments. I am happy to see the author has gotten back in touch with his muse. As with most James Patterson's books, this one moves along quickly with short chapters. This tale is straightforward; exciting; suspenseful; an emotional roller-coaster ride; a quick read. I'm so glad to have the master of supense back with us at his best. Congratulations Mr. Patterson on one of your best works in a while!! Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.
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