A Summer Reading List ★

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Good Reads (aka Books) for Summer (or ANY) Reading Season!

So, you are on your way to the beach or the mountains.

Need a good book to read?

I have some really great suggestions for you.



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On this lens, you will find:

1. What I read during one 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!



(Beach Book image from Microsoft Clip Art)

The BEST Book I Read this Particular Summer Season:

James Lee Burke should be on everyone's "Vacation" Reading List.

James Lee Burke is, in my opinion, one of the best living authors in the USA.

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 (Dave Robicheaux Mysteries)

Amazon Price: $1.25 (as of 02/17/2012)Buy Now

Probably the BEST book I read all summer!

These were left on my Summer Reading NIGHTSTAND when the season ended.

Perhaps these books made your "Beach Reading List".

My opinions are in orange.
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Important!

I cannot live without books.

Thomas Jefferson

The Last Good Kiss--A Wonderful Read

by James Crumley

I was absolutely delighted to find this author! Crumley is not "new" on the scene; Kiss was published in 1978.

James Crumley died on September 17, 2008. Read this tribute to a fine, fine author.

The Last Good Kiss

Amazon Price: $6.45 (as of 02/17/2012)Buy Now

Read a review for The Last Kiss by right clicking here.

You will be glad you did!

Evanovich is almost always on someone's Summer Reading List

I have written my on book review for this novel.

Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich

Love the Stephanie Plum "numbered" 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 rang my bell. I kept 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

Amazon Price: $0.97 (as of 02/17/2012)Buy Now

Down River by John Hart

My thoughts about this book:

Southern BooksDown River by John Hart

This 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 trouble-making 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: $2.84 (as of 02/17/2012)Buy Now

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.

Once Around The Track

Amazon Price: $1.08 (as of 02/17/2012)Buy Now

For the racing fan!

Other Books I Read During this Particular Summer:

(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!
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I Both Read and Listened to this Novel by Randy Wayne White

Doc Ford isn't Travis McGee -- but they would get along!

Black Widow is one of the best in the "Doc Ford" series by author Randy Wayne White. First, I read the book, then I got the CD for my husband. We both love to listen to audio books while in the car--so much better than the commercial radio stations in my area.

The book was well written and a quick read. Some parts were a bit "preachy" (character's comments about 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 version 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.
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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

These authors are always on my "book lists"!

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--no moths here!



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.

Just for your reading pleasure, here is a link for Great Summer 2010 Reading!

submit

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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Mickie_G

Hi book lovers! I am a retired librarian who just cannot have too many books on my nightstand waiting to be read. Enjoy this article about Summer Reading.... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Sure to be a good -- no -- a GREAT read! 

The Glass Rainbow: A Dave Robicheaux Novel (Dave Robicheaux Mysteries)

Amazon Price: $3.00 (as of 02/17/2012)Buy Now