MARCH READS

[rapa]

I'm anticipating some good reads this month and have 13 titles on reserve.  Monday I'll pick up THE STORYTELLER by Jodi Picoult and BENEDICTION by Kent Haruf.  Perhaps you have read some of Haruf's beloved tales such as his PLAINSONG  and EVENTIDE which take place in the plains of Colorado.  I'm thrilled that he's released a new book! 

Am reluctantly finishing A WEEK IN WINTER tonight.  Fabulous read!  Binchy at her best!

[Eaglewoman]

Anyone with a NOOK-  A week in the Winter is on sale right now, not sure how long the sale will last. It has been $12.99 and is now $9.99. Just bought it, it is our Dec selection for one of the book clubs.

[Carolyn Tewell]

QUIK TRIP

I see that the book Salt, Sugar, Fat is #1 on NY Times non-fiction Best Seller list - heh, heh, heh evil laff since I was ahead of the crowd.  Everyone loves an expose`.  I'm now reading DETROIT by Charlie leDuff - this is what he describes as an American Autopsy - fantastic writing - another non-fiction - ALERT! ALERT! Strong language, adult content.  No other way to write it, really - prostitution, crime, political mayhem.  Compelling - but I'm a "motor-head" and 1/2 my heritage is from around that area of Michigan.

"Money to Burn" by James Grippando has also got me in his grip!  It does contain a lot of financial stuff like derivitives, Wall Street, bad Mortgage loans so it is topical but the Hero is conceived so well!  Like he gets locked out of his own home, and his identity is stolen and he gets robbed - has 1 clean shirt and a former client tosses coffee on it - which is nothing compared to all the other deep BLEEP he falls into!  

Have the CJ Box on hold - saw Lynn's visit with Author - very, very nice to share with us!~mlo

[grammyk]

I have "Detroit" too; have a couple more books to read that are due first but am looking forward to reading it and to hearing what you think of it.

[Slopok]

I've finished two of the three "Chief Inspector Van Veeteren" novels by Hakan Nesser and started on the third novel but I think I'll put it aside for now. The books are good but more cerebral, with emphasis on the thought process of crime solving. I need something with a little more action. I think I've found one of the Prey series by Sandford, that I haven't read, that may fit the bill.

[rapa]

Unfortunately, BENEDICTION  by Kent Haruf didn't meet my expectations as I loved his previous novels about Holt, CO.  I did finish it but all through the book I kept waiting for something/anything to happen.  This was simply a story about everyday people in a small town.  No heros or mystery.  The only two characters of quasi interest were two sons of local families who escaped the town. They briefly added the only bit of color I found in this drab story of dreary lives.

[Ursula]

I finished reading Benediction without the disappointment you incurred.  The story reminded me of Marilyn Robinson's novels.  Not my first choice of topic, but a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of life.  Yes, it is slow-going, but you get to know these people and a much simpler way of life.  I found a lot of dignity here, especially in Dad.

[rapa]

Ursula, I guess I was comparing BENEDICTION to Haruf's previous books about Holt, CO.  In 2007 I read his THE TIE THAT BINDS, PLAINSONG AND EVENTIDE in succession.  Gave them each a 95 on The Slopok scale. Found those books powerful tributes to the tenacity of the human spirit! Highly recommend that they be read in order. 

[Ursula]

I haven't read the earlier novels, but will add them to my TBR.  Haruf was a new author to me.  Thanks.

[Mandy Muffin]

Found a gem at the book exchange at my retirement complex.  "The Mayor of Lexington Ave" is NOT about New York City but is an intense legal thriller that takes place in South Florida, a few miles from my home.  I read it in hardback, but it is being re-released in paperback and Kindle.  One of my best reads in quite some time.  http://www.amazon.com/Mayor-Lexington-Avenue-James-Sheehan/dp/14555...

[Carolyn Tewell]

Mandy...Just started this book and LOVE IT!!!

[Eaglewoman]

We had our book club meeting today, we discussed Galleos   Daughter.Most did not like it or couldn't get into it. About 3 thought it was the most wonderful book.I was in the group that never got it finished, which is unusual for me. Our next book at the this club is "Owen Meany"

[Mandy Muffin]

I read this book because my daughter-in-law was mentioned in the credits for her help in editing the true story of a Russian immigrant family. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Ddigital...  If you enjoy a tale of the Jewish experience from the pogroms in White Russia, through the more subtle discrimination that has taken place in America, this is a heartwarming tale that spans four generations.  The final action takes place in Cincinnati, where I made my home for n the past  48 years.