by 5 people |
Good Reads (aka Books) for Summer (or ANY) Reading Season!
So, you are on your way to the beach or the mountains.
Need a book?
I have suggestions for you.
On this lens, you will find:
1. What I read during the 2008 summer season
2. What audio books were in my cue
3. Wanna reads and my reserve list at the library
4. My thoughts (review) of what I finished reading. In other words-- book reviews and author reviews.
Have a look and maybe add a book to your "Wanna Read" list.
By the way, you can read these books anytime of the year.
Thanks for looking!
The BEST Book published in the Summer 2008
Swan Peak is the best Dave Robicheaux novel yet!
Why? It is superbly written. Even if you have not read the earlier novels in this series, you will be captivated by the characterizations. The way the novel ends is perfect! One knows it had to end in violence, but how it gets there is the surprising element.
This novel is set in Montana a break from the Louisiana that is the familiar setting for Dave. Burke loves Montana as much as New Iberia Parrish and it shows.
What is the theme? Frankly, it doesn't really matter, but if you have to have one, here is my guess: You cannot escape your life. It will just happen.
Swan Peak: A Dave Robicheaux Novel
Amazon Price: $19.72 (as of 12/22/2009)
Probably the BEST book I read all summer!
These were left on my Summer Reading NIGHTSTAND when the season ended.
Blindsighted (Grant County)
This is the first in a series by Karin Slaughter. Not a bad beginning, but it is about bad stuff. Very Violent!.
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
The Monkey's Raincoat
Another "first in a series". Really liked this book. Humorous yet intelligent!
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
I cannot live without books.
Thomas Jefferson
The Last Good Kiss
by James Crumley
James Crumley died on September 17, 2008. Read this tribute to a fine, fine author.
The Last Good Kiss
Amazon Price: $9.32 (as of 12/22/2009)
Read a review for The Last Kiss by right clicking here.
You will be glad you did!
Want to find new authors?
Check out these links; feel free to suggest one as well.
Help me and others find new authors to read. Add your favorite link in this module. Thanks for participating.
Book Room Reviews
Neat site that gives short summaries, personal rec more...0 points
Evanovich is almost always on someone's Summer Reading List
Fearless Fourteen by Janet EvanovichLove this series. Yes, I know it it pure fluff, but it is such fun! Not all the books about Stephanie Plum are equal in plot quality or content, but this 14 is ringing my bell. I keep making time to read it.
My Review of Fearless Fourteen on Squidoo!
Amazon Spotlight: Fearless Fourteen
Be sure to check out my page Fearless 14 for my take on this fun novel.
Fearless Fourteen (Stephanie Plum, No. 14)
Amazon Price: $17.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
Down River by John Hart
THESE ARE MY THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK DOWN RIVER
Down River by John HartThis fiction book is set in the Carolinas with all the flavor of Southern Fried Chicken. Adam was tried and found innocent of murdering a young man five years ago. However, a rift is formed between him and family members, so he leaves town. In his wake are a policewoman lover, a nubile lass, family and troublemaking friends.
I have never read anything quite like this. It reads like a Tennessee Williams (think the movie Baby Doll)wanna be, but is lacking something. I have been hooked by the story and characters, but I am not drawn to get on with the story.
I get the feeling that the author really thinks this novel will be a better movie than a book.
Check out my Down River Lens for professional ratings and reviews.
Down River - should be on your "Wanna Read" list.
Read more reviews here, if you want.
Down River
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 12/22/2009)
Learn All About NASCAR
Once Around the Track by Sharyn McCrumb. Click on the link in this box (scroll over the title) to get a preview of the first chapter.
Other Book I Read During the Summer of 2008
Be sure to read my comments for each title.
I have finished reading these books. I repeat: Be sure to read my comments so you can decided if you want to purchase the book or just check it out at the library.
These titles are linked to Amazon. If you want to read more reviews there.
Happy Trails (to a good book) to you!
Note: if the pictures of the books are not showing up, please forgive me. Amazon is acting kinda crazy!
From Dead to Worse (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Book 8)
The latest addition to the Southern Vampire Series with Sookie Stackhouse. A fun series, but you should really start with the first title--Dead Until Dark
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 12/22/2009)
A Necessary End
I love this Brit author. Robinson writes classic English Mysteries. Nice to read in order written, but not necessary. This is one of the earlier titles (the third, actually) in the series featuring Alan Banks. Expertly written.
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
Another Thing to Fall: A Novel (Tess Monaghan)
The newest in the Tess Mongahan Series set in Baltimore. This latest story's setting is that of a TV miniseries. Well worth your time.
Amazon Price: $20.71 (as of 12/22/2009)
Daddy's Girl
I consider this book just "fluff" (as in marshmallow) reading. Looks good, fun and messy, but not really satisfying. Not a total waste of time, but if I had another book on my nightstand, it would have been the better choice instead.
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
A Bone to Pick (Aurora Teagarden Mysteries, Book 2)
Another "fluff" read, but with a little chocolate and a cherry. A short book, nice story, captivating lead character. This also is in a series (the second) and is worth looking at for a beach vacation.
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
I Both Read and Listened to this Novel by Randy Wayne White
Doc Ford isn't Travis McGee -- but they would get along!
The book was well written and a quick read. Some parts were a bit preachy (resorts that offer holistic massages and herbal cures), but well worth the time. Learned some Masonic History as well.
I also got to listen to half of the book as well. This particular audio verson shown below, is quite good.
It is not necessary to read the series in order.
FYI Shark River is a great audio book.
Captivating listening.
Black Widow
Amazon Price: (as of 12/22/2009)
Black Widow
Amazon Price: $30.36 (as of 12/22/2009)
Shark River
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 12/22/2009)
If it is MY opinion on a book, I will tell you. If a review is written by someone else, I give them the credit!
WANNA Reads
I have run out of room on my bookshelves, so I regularly check out books from the local libraries. At my library, there is a service called "Book My Favorites". I can pick my favorite authors and my name automatically goes on the reserve list when a new book comes out!Who is on my "Book My Favorites" list?
Patricia Cornwell
Janet Evanovich
James Lee Burke
Lee Child
Sue Grafton
Sara Paretsky
Rebecca Wells
"Literature is the ultimate virtual experience-a truly mind-expanding trip to other times and places."
My Squidoo Lensography:
- A Closet for My Lenses
- A place for my lenses to hang out!
Please Tell Me What You Are Reading
I am always open to suggestions!
Now is your chance to share your favorite reads.
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Reply
- DUMC DUMC May 14, 2009 @ 7:47 pm
- Why the Bible of course!
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Reply
- Silent_Note Silent_Note Feb 12, 2009 @ 8:49 pm
- Great lens! You've got an interesting mix of titles here. I'd love for you visit my lens and check out The Silent Note when you get the chance.
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Reply
- Aug 15, 2008 @ 10:53 am
- I'm reading Horse Heaven. It's probably a good book for fall too. 5*
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Reply
- JohnNeedham JohnNeedham Jul 20, 2008 @ 4:56 pm
- Great lens!
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Reply
- ElizabethJeanAllen ElizabethJeanAllen Jun 17, 2008 @ 9:55 pm
- I need to pick up Black Widow. It sounds interesting. (Just what I need, another book to add to my list.)
Great lens.
5* and Lensroll to The Weekend Reader.
Lizzy
Other Book Review Pages to Visit
- Kinsey Millhone is the Best Female Detective in Fiction
- Do you agree?
- So You Love Crime Fiction?
- Both Lee Child and Adrian McKinty have an honored place in my little red wagon full of great reading. Though Lee Child is the better known of the two, I put them both at the top of the heap in their shared fiction genre.And What would that genre be?
- NASCAR Fiction by Sharyn McCrumb
- Last year, I was searching the stacks in my local library for a new book to read. I remembered meeting Sharyn McCrumb years ago at a writer's conference and quite enjoyed her.She also writes a decent mystery--which is my favorite genre.
- Book Reviews: Down River by John Hart
- Thanks for stopping by. Don't you just love the magic of reading? Reading a book for me, is a mini vacation!Below you will find several reviews of the novel Down River by John Hart. Some of these reviews come from book review sites, professional magazines, or Book Review Blog.
- Fun Audio Book!
- Hi and thanks for stopping by. On this lens you will find various reviews of the audio book L.A. Outlaws by T. Jefferson Parker.What makes this audio book such a blast? It has two readers! Since the story line has two narrators, it was a natural to use two people on the audio version.
- Laura Lippman & Tess Monaghan: Women Detecting
- Years ago I began reading the Kinsey Millhone series by Sue Grafton.Searching for similar books, I discovered V.I. Warshawski created by Sara Paretsky.Then I found out that there are tons of female detectives out there in bookland!One of my favorites girl detectives is Tess Monaghan!
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