Farm City: Novella Carpenter

Very amusing and insightful book, I just couldn't get over the vision of chicks and ducklings taking over an entire room in an apartment and waltzing into the neighbors houses to poop. The story was heartwarming though with how the neighborhood supported and were intrigued with her efforts. One of those books you would read over, interesting and humorous.

The Last War: Ana Menedez

I wasn't sure what I wanted to happen in this book, but I was expecting SOMETHING to happen. The whole story is centered around a couple's marriage and how when she is separated from him realises they are not in love and she can't trust him. His death is alluded to in the beginning, so you read waiting for something monumental to happen. He becomes a war casualty and she realises she does need him. The end. I know it was suppose to be an emotional story, but I couldn't get into it.

The Witness: Dee Henderson

This story was rather slow with unlikely events, like three guys falling for the three sisters? There was a religious undertone that seemed like too much and out of place for this story. This was not something I would recommend, nor would I search for her works.

Sworn to Silence: Linda Castillo

A fantastic mystery for an author's first book. Very quick read and suspenseful. One of those unpredictable stories and I am bummed Castillo doesn't have any other books for me to read yet.

Eye Contact: Cammie McGovern

An interesting murder mystery with a surprisingly large back story. The pointless murder of a little girl brings childhood friends back together and teaches characters the strength of their loved ones. Interesting and suspenseful, though it took a while to get into.

Annexed: Sharon Dogar

This story is told from Peter Van Pels' (boy in hiding with Anne Frank) point of view. He is at one of the death camps and plays his life over through his head. Very cleverly constructed and well thought out. You can't really say much about a novel like this, but that the author did well in the writing and keeping alive his memory.

The Summer We Read Gatsby: Danielle Ganek

Not what I was expecting, (judging the book by it's cover) but an entertaining light hearted read. Made me want to read Gatsby again, though is it not a major theme in the story.

Cakewalk: Kate Moses

A story about family, life, and the foods encountered along the way, mixed in with recipes. An ok read.

Pray For Silence: Linda Castillo

This was a very good mystery about an Amish family being brutally murdered. It was original and the build up of suspense was amazing. I had no idea who to suspect since the evidence kept turning. I found it interesting that the warehouse was never a key to finding the killer.

Imperial Bedrooms: Bret Easton Ellis

I hadn't read the precursor to this book Less Than Zero, so it took about 20 pages to get into the story. It is strangely impersonal and detached writing. Odd and disturbing book.

The Emigrants: W.G Sebald

I had this on a list of books I wanted to read and now can't remember why. The story is divided into sections by people and their journeys across the globe. All four stories are very sad though pure and true with actual pictures included.

How Did You Get This Number: Sloane Crosley

A collection of stories completely unrelated, other than reminiscing about life. Her Humor is very similar to David Sedaris'.

Backseat Saints: Joshilyn Jackson

A story about an abused wife raised by an abusive father. Throughout the first part of the book you think "well leave already" then you get into her mindset. A sad story about an empty shell of a woman who finds meaning in her life, mixed in with some action and hope. Surprising ending where the protagonist feels no remorse. Unfortunately very believable.

Fragile: Lisa Unger

Interesting murder mystery, you know who "dun it" but the ending changes slightly with a happier ending. The story is built around how events in your childhood shape who you become and even the profession you choose. It also explores the connections between unimportant actions of individuals resulting in something huge. The ending feels a little less put together, a little less polished that the rest of the book, but still a fun read.

By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept: Paulo Coelho

This was a very spiritual and powerful book about the power and importance of love. There were several enlightening paragraphs on religion spoken in a way I have never heard, but very impressive. A was content upon finishing it and felt at peace. The person who recommended the book cried at the end, but it must affect people differently.

Neighborhood Watch: Cammie McGovern

Clever book though hard to believe until the author keeps adding details each chapter. I had no idea who had murdered the neighbor and the writing enabled you to judge everyone including the protagonist who spent 12 years in jail (and surprisingly does not fell bitter). Right before the culprit is announced the readers sees the whole picture, but then the story ends with one more twist. I enjoyed the book and felt like it took minutes to read and was one of those lighthearted entertainments. I enjoyed the idea that things happen for a reason and everyone grew because of the experiences the town went through.

Scat: Carl Hiaason

I love his stories, the ones for young readers are so heartwarming and innocent. He has mastered the craft of story telling without having to use violence and bitterness. His characters also fight for the preservation of nature and the bad guys are destroying the world. The characters are very believable and age appropriate.

The Stuff That Never Happened: Maddie Dawson

This was not a book I would typically pick up, but I saw it on some summer reading list and got it. It was more complex than a book about an unhappily married woman looking back at her life, but difficult to describe. It is so cleverly written and flows through time so flawlessly that my emotions were on a roller coaster. I enjoyed the ending and would recommend this read to anyone, especially newlyweds. It was an eye opener on what to expect out of marriage without being candy coated or cynical. I know I am not doing this book justice, but one needs to read it to become completely immersed for themselves.

Flush: Carl Hiaasen

Very clever and original idea for a children's story. Fast paced and fun as well as believable. I was amused that the dad's name was Paine and his wife thought he was one. Amusing read without being a sci fi.

Juliet: Anne Fortier

A Dan Brown type mystery for women including a love story. The story gets sort of odd when the idea of reincarnation is added, but overall a very good read.