Practically Perfect

PRACTICALLY PERFECT: Katie Fforde: St. Martin’s Press: Fiction: 373 pages

When Anna purchases and begins to renovate a tiny cottage in the Cotswolds, she becomes friends with her neighbor Chloe and agrees to adopt a greyhound that Chloe cannot keep herself. In her work with her new home and new pet, Anna soon finds herself at odds with Rob Hunter, the local greyhound rehoming agent and (to make matters worse) the historic homes inspector charged with ensuring that Anna’s property is restored correctly. Slower than some of Fforde’s better works, this is an easy and mostly clean summer read.

MBC

Someday this pain will be useful to you

SOMEDAY THIS PAIN WILL BE USEFUL TO YOU: Peter Cameron: Farrar, Straus and Giroux: Young Adult: Fiction: 240 pgs.

This is a great young adult novel about an 18 year old Manhattanite who struggles with depression. He has been accepted to Brown, but is sure he doesn't want to go to college. He is fairly anti-social and recounts many of the painful and often funny interactions he has with those around him, including his family, work associates, and his therapist. Both teens and adults will enjoy this book and relate to the frustrations of an adolescent stumbling into adulthood.

The Romulan Stratagem

THE ROMULAN STRATAGEM: Robert Greenberger: Pocket Books: Sci-Fi: 273 pgs.

This book is part of the Star Trek: The Next Generation novel series. No need to have read any of the other novels. The Enterprise's current mission is to make first contact with a new planet and make preparations to have them join the Federation. Unfortunately, the planet has also invited the Romulans to make first contact, and the two civilizations now must vie for the strategically located planet's alliance.

Despite my misgivings at first, I enjoyed this. I felt that the characters were dead-on, and the book genuinely felt like the television series, complete with side-story, humorous quips, and awkward moments. If you ever grow nostalgic for the show, or if you've considered giving this series a try, this book is a good sample.

BHG

The Juliet Club

THE JULIET CLUB: Suzanne Harper: Greenwillow: Young Adult: 402 pages

High school student Kate wins a writing contest that sends her to Verona, Italy for a summer Shakespeare seminar. Kate’s sworn off love after breaking up with her boyfriend Jerome and plans to focus solely on her studies in Italy, but when she and handsome Giacomo pretend to fall in love as a prank, Kate’s resolve to avoid romance wavers.

This is a sweet romance structurally reminiscent of a Shakespearean play with its love tangles, scheming protagonists, and romantic hijinks. Shakespeare fans will appreciate the nod to several of the Bard’s plays, but the story’s enjoyable on its own as a modern teen tale.

MBC

Sundays at Tiffany's

SUNDAYS AT TIFFANY'S: James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet: Little, Brown and Company: Fiction: 309 pgs.

Jane was supposed to forget her imaginary friend when he left the day following her 9th birthday. However, she never did. Twenty years into the future, she once again needs someone to believe in her and hold her hand through the trials of life. For his part, Michael (professional imaginary friend) has never loved a child like he loved Jane and when he sees her again years after his departure he is unable to avoid entangling himself in her life.

I became a fan of James Patterson’s more sentimental books when I read Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas, which remains one of my favorite books. Sundays at Tiffany’s was a little cheesier than I had expected and the fanciful “imaginary friend” aspect caught me by surprise. But this is still a fun, light, romantic comedy…just be prepared to suspend belief a little.

CZ

Fearless Fourteen

FEARLESS FOURTEEN: Janet Evanovich: St. Martin's Press: Mystery: 310 pgs.

Stephanie Plum’s fourteenth adventure involves a monkey, reality TV, a potato launcher, and a huge flying pizza. If you are not aware of this mystery series, you should be. Janet Evanovich has created a lovable and endearing cast of characters who continually surprise and entertain. While Fearless Fourteen was probably not my favorite on the series, it is still perfect summer reading.

CZ

Almost French

ALMOST FRENCH: LOVE AND A NEW LIFE IN PARIS: Sarah Turnbull: Gotham Books: Nonfiction: 304 pages

At the age of 27 Sarah Turnbull took a year-long leave of absence from her job in Australia to travel abroad. Her plans changed, though, when she met a Frenchman in Bucharest and accepted his offer to stay with him in Paris. The two fell in love and Turnbull moved permanently to France. Turnbull’s struggles to understand codified Parisian society, find a job, and feel at home as an expatriate are presented in funny vignettes of culture clash that will tempt readers to set out on their own adventures.

MBC

13 Little Blue Envelopes

13 LITTLE BLUE ENVELOPES: Maureen Johnson: HarperTempest: Young Adult: 333 pages

Seventeen-year-old Ginny had always admired her aunt Peg, a free-spirited artist who often disappeared for months, most recently to Europe. Now Aunt Peg has died of brain cancer, and in a characteristically cryptic gesture made before her death, she arranged for her niece to receive a plane ticket to London, where Ginny will begin a series of adventures.

This was a fun book that made me long to go on a European vacation. Ginny learns about life, love and adventure in this book. I enjoyed reading about her travels although I don’t know if I would have been brave enough to do that at 17!

AMM

First Kiss (Then Tell)

FIRST KISS (THEN TELL): edited by Cylin Busby: Bloomsbury: Young Adult: 213 pages

Author Cylin Busby has brought together some of young adult's funniest and most talented authors to reminisce about their real-life first kisses (or the second, or the third, or the twenty-fifth). In a collection that ranges from funny to bittersweet, from cringe-worthy to downright disgusting, this is one anthology that is guaranteed to have you laughing out loud.

I enjoyed this collection of short stories on kissing. This anthology included some of my favorite young adult authors. There are a variety of formats and lengths to the individual stories.

AMM

Odd Hours

ODD HOURS: Dean Koontz: Bantam Books: Fiction: 352 pgs.

Odd Thomas is one of the most endearing characters I have encountered. He is humbly heroic, ironically funny, surprisingly kind, and ever hopeful despite the evil and darkness he regularly encounters. This is the fourth installment in the Odd Thomas series which follows the adventures of its hero who sees the dead along with other supernatural beings.

We last left Odd on the side of the highway with his ghost dog Boo and Frank Sinatra's ghost. Odd Hours picks up a month later in California. On an innocent walk along the pier, Odd meets up with a mysterious girl and several men who are up to no good...the kind of no good that may end civilization as we know it. Without a plan, as usual, Odd jumps headlong into a terrorist plot. I highly recommend this entire series with its fast pace and surprising depth.

CZ

I Was Told There'd Be Cake

I WAS TOLD THERE'D BE CAKE: Sloane Crosley: Riverhead Trade: 2008: Biography: 240 pages

Sloane Crosley has written a humorous collection of essays about her childhood growing up Jewish in Connecticut, and her adult life as a struggling writer in Manhattan. Reminiscent of David Sedaris and Sarah Vowell, it's a very enjoyable romp through her personal foibles with many laugh out loud moments as she lays bare her life for the entertainment of the world. Like Jerry Seinfeld, she brings humor to the mundane aspects of everyday life. If you enjoy this book make sure to pick up David Sedaris' latest - When You Are Engulfed in Flames.

DEF

Dear Exile: The Story of a Friendship Separated (for a Year) by an Ocean

DEAR EXILE: Hilary Liftin and Kate Montgomery: Vintage: Nonfiction: 203 pages

Close friends Kate and Hilary set out on very different paths after graduating from college. Kate and her husband joined the Peace Corps and traveled to Kenya as teachers. Hilary began her (never specified) career in Manhattan. While Hilary struggled with housing, dating, and work in a big city, Kate encountered malaria, school violence, and corrupt government policies in tiny villages. Living on different continents, Kate and Hilary remained in touch and this collection of their letters to one another provides an intimate look at their friendship and unique experiences. The women are bright and entertaining and their letters make for a quick and interesting read.

MBC

The Last Summer (of You & Me)

THE LAST SUMMER (OF YOU & ME): Ann Brashares: Riverhead Books: Fiction: 306 pgs.

The author of "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" has written this adult novel which tells the story of two sisters and the neighbor boy they grow up with. Riley and Paul were the same age and best friends practically since birth. Alice was the tag-a-long little sister, part of the group, yet still an outsider and always unsure of her status. Now in their early twenties Paul re-enters the sisters' lives and after this summer, each of their relationships will be altered and tested.

I enjoyed this book. The story is a little predictable, but entertaining and insightful enough to compensate. What Brashares does really well is evoke a sense of place. Much of the story takes place in a beach community and not a chapter went by that I didn't long for the sand between my toes and the sun on my face. A perfect, light read for summertime.

CZ

The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food

The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food 

By Jennifer 8. Lee

Twelve, 2008. 307 pgs. Nonfiction

Many people already know that fortune cookies and chop suey are not authentic Chinese food. This fabulous book explains where these foods really originate. Also General Tso’s chicken, the rise of Chinese food in America, the Jews’ fondness for Chinese food, and the search for the greatest Chinese restaurant in the world (a search through fifteen countries on six continents).

This thoroughly-researched book packed with stories and anecdotes not only discusses Chinese food, but the restaurants, menus, and the instantly-recognizable take-out boxes. A quick, fun, and educational read.

SML

Reasonable Doubts

Reasonable Doubts 

By Gianrico Carofiglio

Bitter Lemon Press, 2007. 249 pgs. Mystery

Reasonable Doubts is an Italian legal novel that’s been translated into English. Guido Guerrieri is an attorney asked to defend a man accused of smuggling drugs. He shouldn’t take the case. The defendant, Fabio Paolicelli, is a known neo-Fascist thug who initially confessed to the smuggling. And Guido has a score to settle with him dating from an altercation when he was 14—he should recuse himself. However, Fabio’s beautiful Japanese wife persuades Guido to accept the case.

This English translation is British English and makes for a few interesting idioms, such as this one for when things go bad: “…everything would go pear-shaped”. A fun, quick read.

SML

The Black Echo

The Black Echo 

By Michael Connelly

Warner Books, 1992. 482 pgs. Mystery

First-rate detective story. A body turns up that was intended to look like a heroin OD, but it doesn’t look that way to Harry Bosch, LAPD homicide detective. He pursues small clues which connect the murder with an unsolved bank heist as well as a related heist still in the offing. Bosch is a maverick who must deal with bureaucratic administrators, goons from internal affairs, lazy or incompetent fellow officers, and vengeful FBI agents. The Black Echo is a good, melancholy mystery/suspense novel.

SML

An Alphabetical Life: Living it up in the World of Books

An Alphabetical Life: Living it up in the World of Books

By Wendy Werris

Carroll & Graf, 2006. 281 pgs. Biography

Wendy Werris’ memoir begins with her landing a job at the Pickwick Bookshop in Hollywood, and her subsequent successful career as an independent sales rep for several dozen publishers from 1976 to 2006. Anecdotes on publishers and numerous authors (Richard Brautigan, Jonathan Franzen, etc.) are supplemented with bits about her parents, her close friendship with Miriam “Micky” Bass, and a traumatizing rape. When Micky is struck with kidney failure Wendy immediately undergoes the tests and preparations to donate one of her own kidneys to her friend. This is for those interested in the world of bookselling or reading about a successful businesswoman’s career.

SML

Midwife's Apprentice

MIDWIFE’S APPRENTICE: Karen Cushman: Clarion Books: Young Adult: 122 pages

This slim novel begins with a scrawny young girl sleeping in a dung heap. The heroine, who is nameless as well as homeless, uses the dung for heat, a decision that Jane Sharp, the town's midwife, recognizes as a clever one. Jane hires the girl and names her Beetle, for dung beetle. Beetle is a smart, compassionate girl, but a timid one, too. She allows Jane Sharp to boss her around and the local boys to tease her mercilessly. Karen Cushman chose the England of the Middle Ages as a setting for the book, and has researched the subject exhaustively. We learn about village life, medicine, and the place of women in that society. Follow Beetle's progress from a scared, meek little girl to a self-assured young woman who has chosen her own name: Alyce.

I enjoyed this short novel and learned much about midwifery in the Middle Ages. I loved this coming of age tale as Beetle turned into Alyce and learned what she truly wanted in her life.

AMM

Lincoln: a Photobiography

LINCOLN: A PHOTOBIOGRAPHY: Russell Freedman: Clarion Books: Biography: 150 pgs

Though this biography is short, it covers his childhood, early political career, family life, difficulties while being the President of the United States including dealing with the Civil War, and his assassination with enough detail to get a picture of who the man really was.

What I enjoyed most about the book is learning the humorous side of Lincoln as shown in this example from the book: “When a rival called him ‘two faced’ during a political debate, Lincoln replied: ‘I leave it to my audience. If I had another face, do you think I’d wear this one?’”

A Newberry Award winner, this book is filled with photographs and illustrations on almost every page making it enjoyable for teens and adults alike.

KK

Joan: The Mysterious Life of the Heretic Who Became a Saint

JOAN: THE MYSTERIOUS LIFE OF THE HERETIC WHO BECAME A SAINT: Donald Spoto: Harpercollins: Biography: 222 pgs.

A fascinating biography of an equally fascinating figure in history. Donald Spoto, most known for his biographies on pop culture icons like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean, turns his considerable talent to describing the life and character of Joan of Arc. He tells of her early life and military career, setting the stage for a suspenseful day-by-day account of the final year of her life which included her trial, conviction, and execution.

I really loved this book. I was not familiar with the facts concerning the life of this strong and courageous young woman. But in just over 200 pages, I became a true believer. Spoto describes a young woman who knew God had given her a mission and no one could cause her to forsake that mission or deny the God who had given it to her. I can highly recommend this book for any reader.

CZ

Ironhand

IRONHAND; Charlie Fletcher; New York: Hyperion, 2008. 400 pgs. Children's/Young Adult Fiction.

Often the second book in a trilogy is the weakest--not as exciting as the first, and having to set the table for the climax of the third. But this second volume in the Stoneheart trilogy is every bit as rip-snorting as the first, as George, Edie, and the Gunner soldier on in the unseen battle of London among the Spits, Taints, Glints, and most frighteningly of all the Walker and his Raven. George is separated from Edie early on when he is snatched up by a vengeful gargoyle. The rest of the action revolves around George and Edie trying to find The Gunner before "turn o' day," George frantically trying to meet the three challenges of The Hard Way, and Edie trying to escape the fate she has foreseen at the hands of The Walker. Although Ironhand is darker than the first volume, more frightening and sorrowful, the characters grow accordingly, as they meet stiffer challenges and their care for each other increases. Highly recommended.

LW

Blue Heaven

BLUE HEAVEN; C. J. Box; New York: St. Martin's, 2007; 344pgs.; Fiction.

C. J. Box, whom we already love for his Joe Pickett mysteries, has outdone himself in this stand-alone thriller about a twelve-year-old girl and her brother on the run in the Idaho
woods after they witness a murder. Even when they think they have been rescued, Annie
and William discover treachery in a neighbor and escape again to hide in Jess Rawlins' barn.
Jess, a rancher clinging to his father and grandfather's land with the last of his dwindling
resources, takes the children in but then doesn't know how to protect them because the police investigation has been taken over by the murderers. Blue Heaven starts with a bang and
pushes forward with unremitting suspense until it reaches a bloody climax and a totally tender and astonishing ending. Bonuses include Box's evocation of the landscape of the Rockies,
and the creation of villains the Mountain West loves to hate: Californians and realtors (complete with purple polo shirts and tasseled loafers).

LW

The Host

THE HOST: A NOVEL: Stephenie Meyer: Little, Brown and Co.: Sci-Fi: 619 pgs.

Earth has been invaded. An alien species who refer to themselves as "souls" invade the bodies of humans. They retain all of the memories of the person they have invaded, and after a short time they obtain total control of their host's mind.

Except for Wanderer. She has taken the body of Melanie Stryder, who refuses to fade away. Melanie's thoughts dwell on her love for Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. And as Wanderer discovers, possession of the body unites her with its desires: she yearns for a man she's never met. Wanderer and Melanie become unwilling allies, and they set off to search for the man they both love.

This has a little bit of everything, sci-fi, romance, suspense. Many people like this book more than Twilight because here, the romance is secondary to the main plot. The storyline is compelling, but it also has a deeper commentary on what it means to be human and how an individual is defined as much by their spirit as by their physical body. It’s hard to put down once you get going.

BHG

Bringing Down the House

BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE: THE INSIDE STORY OF SIX MIT STUDENTS WHO TOOK VEGAS FOR MILLIONS: Ben Mezrich: Free Press, c2002: Nonfiction: 257 p.

Well, the subtitle gives the plot away. Admittedly I was captivated. It's an amazing story and Mezrich does a fantastic job as he re-tells the Vegas coup.

If you're good, translate to 'genius', at math, you go to MIT. And at MIT a Blackjack Club had been formed. Just another school club? Not hardly. A professor at MIT, doing some average, statistical manipulations, found that the game Blackjack seemed to have statistically beatable odds. He ran the numbers and proved his theory. The club was formed. Then the 'club' took a more serious bent. These kids became almost manic about their math and their cards. And headed by a former math student and various behind the scenes "investors" the club managed to beat the Vegas casinos at their own game.

The book focuses one one specific group of club members. Kevin and his MIT buddies were an interesting--albeit profane--crew to get to know these past couple days. The book highlights how these super mathematical geniuses worked the system. Sin City was aptly portrayed and the book is peppered with showgirls, drugs, booze, and hard-core language. Sure Kevin was a genius and through specific training methods learned how to work the system. But they could only win at Blackjack where the statistical probability (and their mad skills) made it possible. His friends liked the rush, the high. They liked the idea of cheating an unnamed God in the Sky. And oh yeah, they loved the money. (They repeatedly mention that card-counting is not illegal and not prosecutable.) But every one of them wound up paying a price--too high for some. Is that a lifestyle you really want to gamble on...?

Read to find out what Kevin's reply was to Mezrich's final question. “If you had to choose now, would you do it all over?”

DLA

Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life

BORN STANDING UP: A COMIC'S LIFE: Steve Martin: Scribner (2007): Biography: 209 p.

In the mood for something funny? Try ‘Born Standing Up’ by Steve Martin--actor, comedian, and in his teenage beginnings, a magician. (Who knew?)

Comedians have it easy, right? They get paid to sit, ok “Stand” around a couple hours a night and tell jokes. Like that’s hard. Everyone laughs, AND they pay you money. It’s like a huge party where you’re the center of attention. Not to mention the millions of dollars comedians can make starring in movies.

Yet, what impressed me the most was how much Martin had to WORK as he spent hours and years and decades perfecting his comedy routine. He barely eked out a living for the first 10 years of his comedic life, was then hailed as the ‘funniest guy in the world’ made millions, and has now gradually left his stand-up comedy and movie career behind. ‘Knowing when to stand down’ being as much a trick of timing as knowing how to spin a joke.

Interesting to find out was Martin’s schooling in the fine arts: painting, classical music, and philosophy. A good read for those looking for: 1) an interesting biography 2) learning more about Martin’s quiet, personal life and 3) future comedians looking for a discerning how-to manual. And I appreciated the every-so-often lovely (and comedic) turn of phrase Martin uses as he writes.

DLA

The Post-American World

THE POST-AMERICAN WORLD; Fareed Zakaria; New York: Norton, 2008; 292pp.
Nonfiction

Fareed Zakaria, editor of Newsweek International, has written a fine, eminently sensible book about how the United States needs to adapt not to its own decline, but to what he calls "the rise of the rest." Taking nations such as China, India, and Brazil as models, he ably demonstrates how economic growth elsewhere need not spell disaster to the United States, and that we should abandon xenophobia, pride, and global bullying in our misguided efforts to hold a position in the world which it is not necessarily in our best interest to maintain. Zakaria's encyclopedic knowledge of economics and history, and his uncommon common sense make this a must-read
for anyone interested in global economics, politics, and nationalism, or in the future of the Republic. One would hope each of the Presidential hopefuls would take time to read this book.

LW

The Hiding Place

THE HIDING PLACE: Corrie Ten Boom: Bantam Books: Biography: 241 pgs.

A classic holocaust memoir demonstrating the depths to which human nature can fall along with the resilience and power of the human spirit. Corrie tells of how her family became the center of Haarlem’s Nazi Resistance hiding and evacuating hundreds of Jews from the occupying armies. Eventually, the inevitable happens and many members of the family and network are captured and sent to various prisons and camps.

This is a beautifully told story of the effect individuals can have on the lives of others despite their circumstances. Although I was familiar with the story before reading the book, I had not realized the central role the family's strong Christian beliefs played into the events. The gratitude they felt toward their God throughout their trials and their continual desire to share their faith with others was truly inspiring.

CZ

The Darcy Connection

THE DARCY CONNECTION: Elizabeth Aston: Simon & Schuster: Fiction: 360 pgs.

I have to admit that I have enjoyed Elizabeth Aston's Pride & Prejudice spin-offs a little less with each addition to the series. However, I enjoyed her newest offering, The Darcy Connection, almost as much as I did the original, Mr. Darcy's Daughters. This installment follows the romantic adventures of Mr. Collins' two daughters the ever proper and pious Charlotte and the passionate and impulsive Eliza, named after her godmother Elizabeth Bennett Darcy.

While often predictable, any of the titles in this series are ideal for a quick summer read. Aston writes with humor and intelligence and cleverly weaves in entertaining cameos of characters you grew to love, or love to hate, in Pride & Prejudice.

CZ

Steve & Me

STEVE & ME: Terri Irwin: Simon Spotlight Entertainment: Biography: 273 pgs.

Few celebrities touched the world as Steve Irwin did, and here Terri Irwin gives us a personal look at the life of her husband. This book is jam-packed with stories of strange and wonderful animals, but the real surprise is the love story that is at the heart of it. When Terri, an American tourist in Australia, first laid eyes on Steve, she had to meet him. Later, he took Terri on the kind of date every girl dreams of - a canoe ride through the swamp at night. An unusual courtship, but a great love story.

I realized that this book isn’t just about paying homage to the wonderful man that Steve was, but it's also about continuing his message of wildlife conservation that he fought for every day of his life. It’s admirable: rather than dwell on his death and the loss that has come with it, she celebrates his life and his mission. This book was an adventure, a romance, and an inspiration.

BHG

Around the World on Two Wheels: Annie Londonderry's Extraordinary Ride

AROUND THE WORLD ON TWO WHEELS: Annie Londonderry’s Extraordinary Ride: Peter Zheutlin: Tantor Media:2007: Biography.

Annie Kopchovsky was an immigrant with three children barely managing to make a living in Boston in the 1890’s. Over a period of a few months in 1894 she transformed herself into Annie Londonderry and purportedly entered into a wager to be the first woman to ride around the world on a bike. She had never ridden a bike when she reinvented herself, shattering Victorian stereotypes. Was she pressured by finances, inspired by ideas about womens’ rights, an iconoclast with a flare for drama? Or was she an immensely resourceful and clever charlatan who took advantage of others to create for herself an opportunity for fame and fortune? In June, 1894 she left her husband and children and began her bike ride, earning money for her trip by wearing advertisements, giving bike demonstrations, and lecturing about her adventures. Make no mistake, what she did was very difficult, even though she probably only managed to bike about one quarter of the miles around the globe. En route she shocked communities with her modern biking costume and her independent ways.

The author is a descendant of Annie and has researched the times in order to tell her story. He has done a good job of portraying what life was like for a woman of that time as well. I thought the reader was a little dry when often the story seemed to demand wry! But I enjoyed this audio book in spite of the reader’s lack of a sense of humor.

SH