Sunday, October 31, 2010

Ape House by Sara Gruen (#51)


This is a very enjoyable book in which the characters come alive and you can't wait to see what happens on the next page. The book concerns a group of bonobo apes and the people involved with them: Isabel a scientist who considers the bonobos her family; John, a newspaper reporter with lots of personal and professional problems, and several others who are affected in some way by the apes. Very enjoyable!

Friday, October 22, 2010

The Island by Elin Hilderbrand (#50)

Elin Hilderbrand is a favorite author. Reading a book by her is like taking a vacation at the ocean with a bunch of fascinating people. The Island is about 4 women spending a month on an isolated island off the coast of Nantucket, two younger sisters plus their mother and their aunt. Each woman has reached a crossroads or a crisis in her life. Chess, one of the younger sisters, has recently broken her engagement resulting in the "accidental" death of her fiance. Her younger sister Tate is searching for love and unexpectedly finds it while staying on the island. Their mother Birdie has divorced their father and embarked on a new love affair with uncertain results. Their aunt, India, lost her beloved husband to suicide several years ago and is torn about starting a new relationship. All of these characters come alive in this book and we come to care about them very much.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers (#49)


The book starts with the story of Marta, a determined and capable young woman, growing up in Switzerland in the late 1800's. Marta has an abusive father and meek submissive mother, and knows she is destined for a better life. Forced to quit school and begin working, she is a quick learner and accumulates languages and other skills which serve her well in her life. Eventually she moves to England, then to Canada, and finally to California with her husband Niclas. This book is very well written and enjoyable.There is a sequel which I look forward to reading.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Stitches by David Small #48


Graphic novel of the author's troubled childhood. Quite well done. I finished it in about an hour. Very sympathetic story of parental neglect suffered by the author. An added plus is the setting is Detroit. Illustrated quite well by the author.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Growing Up Laughing by Marlo Thomas (#47)


Funny book about laughter! Stories from the author's life plus interviews of current comedians. Relaxing and pleasant reading.