Denville Library 50 Book Challenge

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2010-11-23T15:12:00.001-08:00

The town of Jackson, Mississippi, is in the thoes of the Civil Rights Movement and life as the inhabitants know it, will never be the same. THE HELP explores the movement's impact on the relationships between white housewives and their black housemaids. Told alternately between two of the maids and a single white co-ed, this novel builds up suspense until the very end.

Minny is a sassy maid who has trouble keeping a job, even though she needs one to support her growing family. Abileen has raised 17 white children, but has no family of her own. She needs to support herself the best she can. "Skeeter" has come home with her college degree in journalism, but not a husband. When a New York editor suggests that she write about something that bothers her, the budding journalist decides to interview and to write about a dozen local domestic servants and their employers. What starts out as an exciting adventure, turns into a terrifying nightmare which leaves no one unscathed. Highly recommended!

D. Sebastian

Foreign Influence by Brad Thor

2010-11-23T15:06:00.000-08:00

Thor ranks up there with Vince Flynn in writing about the War on Terror. FOREIGN INFLUENCE is another in Thor's Scot Harvath series. Harvath is an ex-Seal turned covert operative. Harvath works under a charter of three words: find, fix, and finish. FOREIGN INFLUENCE involves a bus bombing in Rome, bombings in Paris, and planned terror attacks in London, Amsterdam, and Chicago. This book is hard to put down and sets the stage for a sequel.

Ernie Aiello

Falcon Seven by James W. Huston

2010-11-23T15:02:00.000-08:00

Huston's 8th effort should be another bestseller. FALCON SEVEN combines action, courtroom drama, and international intrigue.

Jack Caskey, Wash. def. lawyer and former navy seal, is chosen to defend two U.S. fliers, who have been arrested and indicted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court. Caskey suspects an international set-up of a bombing in Pakistan.

FALCON SEVEN is up to the minute with today's scene. Liberals and conservatives will both love and hate this novel. Everyone will love the final two chapters. Huston is one of the best!

Ernie Aiello

Trickle Up Poverty: stopping Obama's attack on our borders, economy, and security by Michael Savage

2010-11-23T14:56:00.000-08:00

Dr. Michael Savage (PhD - Cal. Berkeley) is a talk show host (10 million weekly listeners) and has written 25 books, including 4 N.Y. Times best sellers.

TRICKLE UP POVERTY is a strong critique and "attack" on the Obama Administration's "attack on our borders, economy, and security." T. U. P. is designed to expose how "Obamanomics" had harmed Americans with a Marxist-Socialist agenda. Finally, Savage outlines how we can restore our nation to the "power and prestige" of yore. T.U.P. is not just an attack on the Obama Admin., George Bush's second term is strongly attacked.

This volume is strong medicine and should be read by all who care about our nation!

Ernie Aiello

The Pallbearers by Stephen J. Cannell

2010-11-23T14:51:00.000-08:00

Cannell died of melanoma the week after I started THE PALLBEARERS. This was his 16th best seller. Unfortunately it was the final entry in the Shane Scully series.

Readers of Cannell will enjoy this story of an apparent suicide which becomes an exciting murder mystery. Water "Pop" Dix is found dead. His will indicates six people to be his pallbearers. Like S. Scully, the five were kids in an orphanage called Huntington House. "Pop" had befriended the pallbearers and they assume the role of the pallbearer squad is to track down "Pop's" murderer.

THE PALLBEARERS is a wonderful farewell story for Cannell and S. Scully.

Ernie Aiello

The Assassini by Thomas Gifford

2010-11-23T14:47:00.001-08:00

Gifford is a best selling historical novelist. THE ASSASSINI is a 600 page novel of international suspense. The action moves from the N.Y. Metro Area, to Rome, to Egypt, and other parts of Europe. This is a compelling struggle over the nature of the Catholic Church. During the 80's this struggle involves Americans, Brits, but mostly members of the Vatican. Murders and intrigue over the succession to the throne of St. Peter are mixed with violence. "THE ASSASSINI ... calls forth centuries of bloodstained history and ... intrigue."

Ernie Aiello

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

2010-11-16T15:36:00.001-08:00

In this third and final volume of her Hunger Games series, Suzanne Collins takes the reader on another thrill ride. Katnis has survived two rounds of hunger games. Now she is the symbol of the rebellion against the Capital, and is known as the "mockingjay". She leads the rebels to a defeat of the Capitol, but are the new "powers that be" any better than the old ones? And what are her true feelings for Gale and Peeta?

This sequel and finale does not disappoint Collins' many fans.

D. Sebastian

Praetorian by Thomas Gifford

2010-11-16T15:31:00.000-08:00

PRAETORIAN is primarily a novel of WW II with flashbacks to the "roaring" twenties in Paris.

Most of the action plays out in the British Isles. Roger Godwin, an American radio corrospondent and feature writer, is the main character. Many other charactors - British, French, Italian, and German are finely developed by Gifford. Operation Praetorian is a plan to assassinate Rommel, The Desert Fox. The plan (1940) has been betrayed and "sparks" fly until the closing days of the war!

Ernie Aiello

The Vigilantes by W. E. B. Griffen and W. E. Butterworth

2010-11-16T15:27:00.000-08:00

Griffin and Butterworth continue THE BADGE OF HONOR series. Again Matt Payne is featured in the tale of the deterioration of the crime scene in Philadelphia. Continued violence is complicated by the growth of vigilantism. The top brass of Philly police is faced with more violent deaths.

Payne heads up a special task force to deal with the problem. Griffin's novels are always loaded with "authentic color and detail." Another winner!

Ernie Aiello

Seduction in Death by J. D. Robb (Nora Roberts)

2010-09-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

Women are being killed with a pure form of a date-rape drug in this 13th installment of Roberts' "In Death" series. To make catching him even harder, the murderer changes his appearance with each victim. Lt. Eve Dallas and her partner, Peabody, have their work cut out for them this time.
Complicating matters even more, are the flashbacks that Eve has been having to her tragic childhood. Eve's sexy, Irish, rich, ex-criminal husband, Rourke, comes to the rescue.

Suspense, romance, humor - this book has it all!

D. Sebastian

Innocent in Death by J. D. Robb (Nora Roberts)

2010-09-09T16:49:00.000-07:00

This is Roberts' 23rd book in her series about NYPSD's top cop, Lt. Eve Dallas. In the near future, mid- 2000's, cops will have better technology but not better ways to catch a murderer. Good old detective work still matters. In this episode, the murder of a teacher at a private school sends Eve and her side-kick, Peabody, from one red herring to another. In a parallel story line, an old flame tries to tempt Eve's billionaire husband, Rourke. This causes sparks to fly between them - with exciting results.

I love the characters in this series. Each one is a little over-the-top but it all works beautifully. Great fun!

D. Sebastian

Stealing Their Fate by David Downing

2010-09-09T16:36:00.000-07:00

Downing has written fiction and non-fiction of the early years of WWII. SEALING THEIR FATE describes the 22 days (11/17/41 - 12/8/41) in which the outcome of II2 was sealed.

It took the Japanese fleet 22 days to sail from Japan to Pearl Harbor. Germany's advance into Russia (Barbarrossa) and the Rommel-led battles of North Africa coincide. the British launched a decisive blow against Rommel. The Germans succumbed to Moscow's winter, and the Japanese awakening the sleeping giant of American mitht.

With hindsight, Downing writes a convincinb argument that WWII was decided in those 22 days of 1941.

Ernie Aiello

Deliver Us From Evil by David Baldacci

2010-09-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

DELIVER US FROM EVIL is one of Baldacci's weaker efforts. The plot is fairly interesting, but the narrative is strained and predictable.

Two unrelated groups are competing to eliminate an evil force. Evan Waller, once a member of the KGB, is now an international crook. Waller's present plan will kill millions. The story is confusing and drawn out to an outrageous climax.

I hope Baldacci's next will return to his usual standard!

Ernie Aiello

High Noon by J. D. Robb (Nora Roberts)

2010-09-09T16:24:00.000-07:00

Lt. Phoebe MacNamara is the best hostage negotiator in Savannah. She also juggles the needs of a 6 year old daughter and an agoraphobic mother. How can she possibly fit a romance with bar owner, Duncan Smith, into her life? It helps that Duncan is a lottery winner and very rich! This could have been another light romantic thriller by Roberts, but instead it is full of darkness and danger. A psychopathic killer and a jealous cop nearly destroy Phoebe's entire life, but her skills and strengths save the day.

One of my favorites!

D. Sebastian

The Rembrandt Affair by Daniel Silva

2010-09-09T16:18:00.000-07:00

This is Silva's 13th spy thriller. A Rembrandt is stolen in London and this causes Israel's "office", Gabriel Allon, his wife, his "team", a British journalist, the CIA, MI5, and MI6 to mount up and go to work.

The tale of greed, passion, and murder flows from Britain, to Israel, to Argentina and finally to Switzerland. Silva includes the Nazi holocaust and contemporary activities of the Iranian nuclear program, "Masterpiece". A super secret international plan wraps up the affair as only Silva can do. Silva is probably the best at his craft right now!

Ernie Aiello

Frankenstein - Lost Souls by Dean Koontz

2010-09-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

LOST SOULS is Koontz' 4th version of the classic. Two years after the assumed death of Victor Frankenstein in New Orleans, Victor Leben, V. F.'s replicant, appears in Montana.

Now the world is faced with a war against humanity. LOST SOULS pits detectives O'Connor and Maddison, Victor's engineered wife, Erika 5, and her "buddy" Jocko, and Victor's original creation, Deucalion, against the "war". Koontz continues to use his novels a a running commentary on contemporary society's ills. LOST SOULS is not the end. THE DEAD TOWN is coming in Spring 2011.

Ernie Aiello

Angels Fall by Nora Roberts

2010-09-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

A young culinary graduate and her kitchen staff are attacked while preparing to open a new restaurant. Reece, the young chef, runs away from the memories and wanders from town to town as she tries to recover. Angels Fall is a small town that needs a new cook at the diner. Reece picks up an apron for the first time since her trauma, meets a romantic author, and sees hope for a normal life. And then she witnesses a murder. When the murderer discovers that Reece has seen his crime, he "gaslights" her into doubting herself.

Nora Roberts is adept at writing at many levels: romance, romantic suspense, thriller, crime drama and more! This one I'd rate as romantic suspense. An enjoyable, light read.

D. Sebastian

Executive Intent by Dale Brown

2010-09-09T15:56:00.000-07:00

EXECUTIVE INTENT (#22 in the series) includes all the continuing characters and the national and international intrigue as expected.

This latest of Brown's series is more space related than most. U.S., Russian, and Chinese space and earth forces clash - so do the U.S. President and Vice President. The conclusion is exciting and sets the stage for the sequel with new President Phoenix and the full return of G. McLanahan.

Ernie Aiello

Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins

2010-09-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

LUCIANO'S LUCK is an earlier thriller by Jack Higgins. This presumes to be the story of "Lucky" Luciano's parole in 1943 to help the allied invasion of Sicily.

In this tale we have British and U.S. undercover agents, Luciano, the "capo" of the Sicilian Mafia and his long lost granddaughter to lead the local resistance. The conclusion is pure Higgins. We wonder, did the U.S. Government actually parole Luciano in 1943?

Ernie Aiello

Blue Smoke by Nora Roberts

2010-09-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

At age 12, Reena witnesses a fire that almost destroys her family's pizzaria. As an adult, she decides to become an arson investigator. Of course there is heartache and romance along the way.

I thoroughly enjoyed the way Roberts intertwines investigative procedure into the plot. The characters were well developed and likable. However, I couldn't understand what took Reena so long to solve the main case.

D. Sebastian

The White House Connection by Jack Higgins.

2010-09-09T15:39:00.000-07:00

Higgins is the "best" writer of military thrillers. THE WHITE HOUSE CONNECTION brings together many old "friends".

Action ranges through the British Isles and to the U.S. Again Higgins takes us into the Irish troubles, U.S. and British involvement, and revenge.

Ernie Aiello

61 Hours by Lee Child

2010-09-09T15:36:00.000-07:00

Child has written 14 Jack Reacher thrillers. 61 HOURS is "electric" and may be the finale of Reacher.

A huge snow storm strands Reacher in Bolton, South Dakota. In 61 hours, Reacher and the Bolton, P.D. must deal with biker gangs, drug lords, and bad weather. The plot is complicated by a "bent" cop and a brutal Mexican drug lord. Fans of Child's books will wonder what the explosive ending means for Reacher's future.

Ernie Aiello

Botticelli's Secret by Marina Fiorato

2010-09-09T15:24:00.000-07:00

Fiorato follows up her wonderful novel, THE GLASSBLOWER OF MURANO, with a thriller through Renaissance Italy. Luciana, a Florentine prostitute, is asked to pose for Botticelli for his painting, Primavera. This job exposes her to a secret that leaves dead bodies behind her every move. With the help of a monk, she keeps barely escaping capture as she unravels the artist's secret and finds romance in the process. The country of Italy also becomes a character in the story.

This novel will take you on a wild ride and leave you gasping for air!

D. Sebastian

Hard Rain by David Rollins

2010-09-09T15:18:00.000-07:00

Rollins in an Aussie and HARD RAIN is his third military thriller. This "epic" contains murder and international struggles among numerous national intelligence services.

Vin Cooper and Anna Masters are special investigators for the U.S.A.F. and are sent to Turkey to investigate gruesome murders and radioactive problems from Middle East War #1 (1991). The U.S., Turkey, Israel, and Britain clash and a plan for "world" domination must be thwarted.

Ernie Aiello

Pursuit by James Stewart Thayer

2010-09-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

Thayer has written many historical novels. He has an uncanny ability to document factual events. PURSUIT is a novel which reads like fact. It involves the Nazi German plan to assassinate FDR in the late summer of 1944.

The plan is to use an escaped, highly qualified POW. His escape is discovered and the resulting "pursuit" is conducted by combined forces of the secret service, the FBI, and local police. As we know, FDR was not assassinated, but in PURSUIT it was a close call!

A "humdinger" of a novel!

Ernie Aiello

Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts

2010-06-26T11:33:00.000-07:00

This is the second book in the author's Bride Quartet series. Emma works with her three friends, Laurel, Parker, and Mac in the Vows wedding planning company. She is a florist who falls in love with an old friend. Emma's friends and family have to adjust to this unexpected romance. So does Emma's boyfriend, Jack, who has a fear of commitment!

Of course, all is well in the end of this fun, romantic, light novel.

D. Sebastian

Stettin Station by David Downing

2010-06-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

STETTIN STATION is part of the John Russell series. It is the fall of 1941 and Russell, an Anglo-American journalist, is struggling with his dilemma in Berlin. He is faced with working for Abwehr and U. S. Intelligence. His dilemma is compounded since he may not report on what is happening to Berlin's Jews.

As U. S. entry into W. W. 2 approaches, Russell must make a decision since he does not want to leave his teenage German son nor his longtime German girlfriend. The end seems to anticipate a fourth station.

Ernie Aiello

The Ghosts of Belfast by Stuart Neville

2010-06-26T11:26:00.001-07:00

THE GHOSTS OF BELFAST is a debut novel for Neville. This thriller deals with the sectarian hatred, guilt, and redemption of the post-troubles in North Ireland and the Irish Republic.

This is a "spooky" and violent story of the redemption of Gerry Fegan, a "hard man" who had been an IRA killer and who served 12 years in the Maze Prison. Neville describes Fegan's troubled redemption and his continued killings to show that "sooner or later, every body pays." This novel is the first in a series.

Ernie Aiello

The 8th Confession by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

2010-06-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

Patterson and Paetro have done it again with the 8th in the MURDER CLUB SERIES. This one is a fast paced tale which combines more than three brutal murders. Boxer and Conklin must deal with murders of the rich, drug wars, and murders of homeless. P. & P. jump back and forth from case to case and also involve the other members of the Women's Murder Club.

Killer snakes, meth bombs, a homeless murder, and sibling killer are deftly handled by the writers of this series.

Ernie Aiello

Without Mercy by Jack Higgins

2010-06-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

WITHOUT MERCY is the next volume of the struggle between the U.K.'s prime minister's special "army" and the combination of Russia and I.R.A. activists.

Higgins continues to graphically describe how the death of superintendent Hannah Bernstein causes Dillon, Blake, Ferguson, and the others to swear vengeance on the forces of terror. WITHOUT MERCY goes from the U.K. to Russia and back, and is filled with excitement as only Higgins can provide.

Ernie Aiello

Vision in White by Nora Robers

2010-06-26T11:07:00.000-07:00

This is the first book in the author's new BRIDE QUARTET series. Booklist said that this book is "a compelling celebration of the power of friendship and love."

Four very different women, Parker, Emma, Laurel, and Mac are co-founders of a wedding planning company called Vows. Mac is the photographer who learns how to balance her relationships with her mother, boyfriend, and company partners. There is plenty of romantic melodrama, but also some fascinating details about the wedding photography business.

This is a fun, light, satisfying read.

D. Sebastian

America in Vietnam: the War that Couldn't be Won by Herbert Y. Schandler

2010-06-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Schandler is qualified to write this important book, having served two combat tours in Vietnam.

Unlike most military officers who served in that war, he is convinced that it was unwinnable. His main thesis is that the U.S. was fighting to stop the spread of Communism: the "Domino Theory." He believes the D. R. of Vietnam, although communist, was not an agent of china or Russia , but was bound and determined to merge N & S Vietnam into one nation.

Schandler makes a strong argument for his thesis. This book is a must read for those who continue to debate the American experience in Vietnam!

Ernie Aiello

Dark Justice by Jack Higgins

2010-06-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

DARK JUSTICE is a "somewhat" sequel which continues the fight against Islamic terror.

It begins with a failed assassination plot on the U. S. President because of info from the U.K.'s special army of its prime minister. From there, Sean Dillon, Blake Johnson, and their cohorts must deal with a plan to use British born Muslims, hired ex-IRA thugs, and the combined forces of the KGB and the GRU. Higgins is masterful in his superb action content!

Ernie Aiello

Midnight Runner by Jack Higgins

2010-06-26T10:57:00.001-07:00

This is the sequel to EDGE OF DARKNESS. Sean Dillon must deal with Arab-English, Kate Rashid. She has vowed to kill Dillon, Blake Johnson, the U.S. President, and others.

MIDNIGHT RUNNER moves from the U.K. to Arabia, and back to the U.K. Along this way, Higgins describes the planning and action as only he can do. Great!

Ernie Aiello

Digging to America by Anne Tyler

2010-06-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

Two American families, one of Irish descent and one of Middle Eastern descent, are connected forever by their mutual adoptions of Asian baby girls. The interactions between these two families are at time hilarious and touching.

Tyler shows us the many dynamics involved in the "melting pot" process. What does being "American" mean? Is it something to be desired? Where does a person's original culture fit in?

Tyler is a master at characterizations and portrayals of family life. She is at her best in this book.

D. Sebastian

Day of Judgement by Jack Higgins

2010-06-26T10:43:00.000-07:00

DAY OF JUDGEMENT, written in 1979, is a classic "cold war" thriller. The East Germans kidnap Fr. Scan Conin, a key figure in smuggling East Germans out of East Berlin. They plan to "brain wash" Conlin and use him to humiliate the West (1963).

A wonderful plan is formed to "re-kidnap" Conlin and foil the Communist plan.

As usual, Higgins writes the exciting tale in his wonderful prose. JFK and the Wed are not humiliated.

Ernie Aiello

The Midnight House by Alex Berenson

2010-06-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

Berenson's fifth espionage thriller is another winner. Again, CIA Agent John Wells is charged with finding the assassin who is "killing" retired members of a secret interrogation team.

A ten-member team operated out of THE MIDNIGHT HOUSE in Eastern Poland. This team was charged with interrogating the toughest Jihad's with whatever means was necessary.

Wells and his boss, Ellis Shafer, must deal with this very complex issue. Another Berenson best seller.

Ernie Aiello

7th Heaven by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

2010-06-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

Patterson and Paetro hit the target in the 7th book in the WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB SERIES.

The plot ties together the disappearance of the teenage son of California's ex-governor and a terrifying series of arson fires in and around San Francisco. Sgt. Lindsay Boxer and her partner, Rich Conklin team up to deal with these brutal cases.

The usual members of the Women's Murder and Boxer's "fiance" add to the excitement. TIME said 7TH HEAVEN is an electrifying thriller that can't miss!

E. Aiello

The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler

2010-06-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

Pauline and Michael fall in love just after Pearl Harbor. As many other young couples at the time, they marry amid the emotions and fears of WWII. The following years convince them that they were never meant for each other and they go their separate ways, only to find new relationships that also confuse them.

Tyler has an amazing way of observing and describing even the smallest of human relationships, that raises the common person to a hero of everyday life. You will see yourself, your family, and your life portrayed with honesty, compassion, and humor.

I loved this book for the author's intimate portrayals and power over her craft. Have a tissue box nearby for the ending!

D. Sebastian

The Earhart Betrayal by James Thayer

2010-06-26T08:18:00.000-07:00

Thayer has written a novel which tells the "true" story of Amelia Earhart's disappearance in 1937. According to this account, her pioneering flight was actually a secret assignment to secure documents by landing on Saipan Island (Japanese base), where she and Fred Noonan were shot.

From that point, her saga goes to years as a Japanese prisoner and the search (in 1946) for her remains. Crazy as it sounds, this thriller is a great read and has a wonderful ending!

E. Aiello

Thunder Point by Jack Higgins

2010-06-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

THUNDER POINT is another great one by Higgins. Flash back to 1945 and Martin Bormann's escape from Berlin to Norway for transport to South America on a German U-Boat.

The story moves to 1992 and Brigadier Ferguson's group four tracking the sunken sub in the Virgin Islands. The sub contains much evidence which will prove a disaster for the British and American establishment, as well as the Royal Family. Higgins once again is superb in tracking a wonderfully exciting tale!

E. Aiello

Valley of Death by Ted Morgan

2010-06-26T08:10:00.000-07:00

Morgan served in the French Army in Algeria and knew many of the fighters at Dien Bienphe. VALLEY OF DEATH is the definitive story of the battle.

This long story covers the final states of WW II and the final gasp of French Asian colonialism which would lead to America's Vietnam War. This is well documented, sad for the French and joyful for the Vietminh.

Morgan writes: "This book is for the soldiers who were went to die in battle by politicians who have never seen combat."

E. Aiello

Hate List by Jennifer Browne

2010-04-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

Valerie and her boyfriend, Nick, are teenagers who do not feel like they fit in at their school. Together they create a "hate list" which includes everything and everybody that has hurt them. The list is not serious to Valerie but when Nick gets mixed up in the wrong crowd, he comes to school one day and opens fire on their school cafeteria. Val is shot trying to stop him so some people think she is a hero, but when the list is found, some people blame her for the tragedy. Val recovers over the summer and is terrified about returning to school to complete her senior year, during which she deals with her guilt, her love for Nick, and her false assumptions.

Browne does an amazing job of communicating the many facets of emotions and circumstances that follow a school shooting. Adults will be fascinated by Valerie's journey as well as teens.

D. Sebastian

The Hidden Man by David Ellis

2010-04-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

Ellis is another attorney writing legal thrillers. THE HIDDEN MAN puts defense attorney, Jason Korlich, into a bind - he must defend an estranged friend and deal with his own tragedy.

As the trial looms, Jason must solve problems of the past which tie into exciting events of the present.

The conclusion points to a sequel.

Ernie Aiello

Terminal Event by James Thayer

2010-04-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

Another great effort by Thayer. TERMINAL EVENT is a novel in which a jet liner has a problem (flying from Hailey, Idaho to Seattle, Washington) and crashes, killing all souls on board.

The story follows Joe Durant (NTSB investigator) since his wife died in the crash. This is one fine story involving the "competition" among the NTSB, the FBI, the FAA, and local law enforcement.

A grisly story but exciting from the crash to a shocker ending.

Ernie Aiello

White Star by James Thayer

2010-04-20T14:15:00.002-07:00

WHITE STAR is an exciting novel of a duel between two deadly snipers.

Owen Gray was a record breaking sniper in Vietnam. He is now a defense attorney in N.Y.C. Suddenly, a recording breaking Russian sniper is stalking Gray. The duel starts in N.Y.C. and continues across the U.S. to Idaho, Gray's home state. The two snipers shoot it out until one remains "standing." A very violent story, but one that is filled with fascinating descriptions of life as a sniper.

Ernie Aiello

White Star by James Thayer

2010-04-20T14:15:00.001-07:00

WHITE STAR

The Glassblower of Murano by Marina Fiorato

2010-04-01T15:21:00.000-07:00

In 17th-century Venice, Corradino Manin is orphaned at the age of ten when his family is murdered because of political jealousies. He is hidden on the island of Murano by a master glass craftsman who teaches him everything he needs to know to become a master glassblower himself. The French want the secret of Venitian glass so they trick Corradino into sharing the secret by making empty promises. When modern-day decendant, Leonora moves to Venice with the goal of becoming a Murano glassblower, she discovers that her famous ancester has the reputation of being a traiter to Venice. While trying to pursue her dream, Leonara is also obsessed with clearing Corradino's name.

Fiorato blends history, mystery, romance, and suspense by taking the reader back and forth between the two time periods. She also makes the history and beauty of Venice into one of the characters of the story. I loved this book!

D. Sebastian

Crossers by Philip Caputo

2010-04-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

Caputo divides his time between Connecticut and Arizona. This mirrors his latest "hero", Gil Castle. Castle, a successful Wall Street guy, lost his wife in 9/11 and chooses to resettle in S. W. Arizona.

Castle's demons are enlarged as a result of crossers, illegal immigrants and drug runners. This novel is a wonderful "expose" of the continuing damage and violence caused by drug wars and the "Reconquista".

Ernie Aiello

Five Past Midnight by James Thayer

2010-04-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

Thayer wrote (1997) a great novel of the final months of W. W. II in Germany. When F. D. R. discovers that the S. S. had prepared a fortified retreat for Hitler in Bavaria, the plan is hatched to assassinate Hitler.

Captain Jack Cray must be sprung from a POW camp (Colditz). From Colditz, Cray works his way to Berlin to complete his assignment.

James Thayer is new to me and I plan to read his previous books, FIVE PAST MIDNIGHT is the best I have read in 2010.

Ernie Aiello

Dexter by Design by Jeff Lindsay

2010-04-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

Lindsay is back on track with this fourth installment to the Dexter book series. Dexter is now a husband and father, but being a brother gets him into trouble. Dexter breaks one of his father's rules and accidentally kills the man that he believes hurt his sister. The man's lover seeks revenge - but in the name of art as well as love.

There are twists, turns, and suspense in this book that kept me hooked until the end.

D. Sebastian

Dexter in the Dark by Jeff Lindsay

2010-04-01T14:59:00.001-07:00

In this third book of the series, Dexter is at a loss because his Dark Passenger seems to have disappeared - or has it run away in fear? It turns out that Dexter's inner evil is being intimidated by an even bigger evil. Dexter is so off balance that he finds himself accidentally engaged!

I was disappointed in this book. Dexter is not as interesting without his Dark Passenger and I felt that the plot was slow. DEXTER fans may enjoy it between TV seasons as it has a story not included in the TV series.

D. Sebastian

Dearly Devoted Dexter by Jeff Lindsay

2010-04-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

In this second book of the series, Dexter, a blood spatter specialist (and a serial killer), is stymied by a serial killer who removes every appendage from his victims without leaving a sign of blood. This monster deserves Dexter's form of justice, but how can he be found?

This story is not portrayed in the TV series and it kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending is shocking!

D. Sebastian

Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay

2010-04-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

My son introduced me to the Showtime series, DEXTER, that is based on this book. I liked the series so I thought I'd try the books. This is the first title in the book series. It is almost a screenplay for DEXTER: Season One, however, the ending is different.

The book series and the TV series are both about Dexter Morgan, a serial killer who hides the fact that he is a monster behind his expert mask of normalcy. He was damaged goods when his parents adopted him. When his father, a cop, discovers just how damaged Dexter is, he raises the boy with a code: work hard at looking normal, only kill people who deserve it, and never get caught. As we follow Dexter, we realize that everyone wears a mask and everyone has a dark side.

The story was suspenseful and the characters are unforgettable.

D. Sebastian

The Miracle of Dunkirk by Walter Lord

2010-04-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

Walter Lord describes the evacuation of British and French forces from France in 1940. He describes the unlikely events and how the British "Nation" participated and probably made victory (1945) in Europe.

Lord uses reports from 500 participants, info from British archives, and materials from French and German sources to tell this exciting story. Well worth the reading!

Ernie Aiello

The Wolf at the Door by Jack HIggins

2010-04-01T14:13:00.000-07:00

This thriller might be called "Cold War II". The Russians decide to eliminate "the prime minister's private army" and all associated with it. The Russians select Daniel Holley to the operation - thus including (8) members of the PIRA.

The story moves from England to the U.S. to Ireland, and to N. Ireland. Higgins writes with great skill and the plot is filled with suspense and wonderful characters.

Ernie Aiello

The Honor of Spys by W. E. B. Griffin and W. E. Butterworth IV

2010-03-16T16:05:00.000-07:00

Griffin and son have produced a wonderful W. W. II thriller. THE HONOR OF SPYS is #5 in the Honor Bound series. It is set mostly in Argentina in late 1943. Cletus Frade (OSS) is involved in a wide ranging story which includes Operation Phoenix, Operation Valkyrie, a secret plan ransoming Jews from concentration camps, and Argentina's difficult neutrality in W.W.II. An amazing cast of characters from W. W. II include: F.D.R., Alan Dulles, William Donavan, the Pope, Hitler, Himmler, Juan D. Perone and many others.

The end notes say Griffin's Honor Bound novels, " are immensely entertaining ... with derring-do, romance and action." This one sets the stage for the sequel.

Ernie Aiello

To Catch a King by Harry Patterson (Jack Higgins)

2010-03-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

Patterson (better known as Jack Higgins) wrote this historical novel about the Nazi attempt to kidnap the Duke and Duchess of Windsor in 1940.

Hitler was planning Operation Sea Lion (the invasion of Britain) and felt he could prevail upon a captive Duke to become the new king of England. Most of the action takes place in Portugal, where the D & D are awaiting a ship to the Bahamas.

The German SS, British Secret Service, and certain U.S. and Portugese neutrals are involved in plots and counter plots. The D & D go to the Bahamas. Operation Sea Lion is aborted, and Hitler makes the fatal decision to invade Russia.

Patterson makes good use of characters and confrontations, many based on historical fact, in this thriller.

Ernie Aiello

Confessional by Jack Higgins

2010-03-16T16:00:00.001-07:00

CONFESSIONAL is one of J.H.'s early thrillers which was made into a film. The prologue is a flash back (1959) to a scene from a U.S.S.R. training school (KGB), much like Nelson DeMille's CHARM SCHOOL. The plot moves to G.B., Ireland, and Scotland in 1982 when the pope visits Britain. The story is mainly the plan to assassinate John Paul II. The assassin is a deep cover KGB agent. The British secret service: Harry Fox, Brigadier Charles Ferguson, and Liam Devlin (extra active) are joined to stop the assassin. This is one J. H. best.

Ernie Aiello

Going Bovine by Libba Bray

2010-02-27T08:17:00.000-08:00

I am fan of Bray's Gemma Doyle trilogy - a romantic and exciting fantasy epic about a Victorian girl who finds empowerment in an alternate reality - so I was expecting something similar in this volume. Bray's style is so different in this volume that I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it, but I thoroughly did!

GOING BOVINE is about a 17 year-old boy, Cameron, who doesn't care about anything in his life. He is so bored and apathetic that he wishes he had died when he fell into the water and almost drowned at the Small World ride at Disney World when he was little. When he is diagnosed with Mad Cow Disease, he wants to live. While sedated, he goes through a Don Quixote-like, out-of-body quest for a cure and the meaning of life. He is joined by a punk angel name Dulcie, a side-kick named Gonzo, and an enchanting lawn gnome named Balder. Cameron's wild ride takes him on encounters with a mythic musician, wacky physicists, a "happiness is everything" cult, evil aliens, a disappearing rock band, and more.

This book is a hilarious ride for the reader, but it is also enlightening and touching.

D. Sebastian

Churchill: a short biography by Paul Johnson

2010-02-27T08:13:00.001-08:00

CHURCHILL describes ninety years of an outstanding life.

Johnson says, "... Churchill was the most valuable to humanity ... no man did more to preserve freedom and democracy and the values we hold dear in the West ..."

This volume (158) contains seven chapters, youth through glorious twilight. A most enjoyable bio of a most exciting and accomplished man: soldier, parliamentarian, prime minister, orator, writer, painter, husband, and leader. A wonderful read!

Ernie Aiello

Pursuit of Honor by Vince Flynn

2010-02-27T07:37:00.000-08:00

Flynn has Mitch Rapp in less violent but still exciting action in his 11th best seller - PURSUIT OF HONOR.

Terrorist destruction of the National Counter-Terrorism Center and a famous Washington eatery energizes Rapp and Nash and the counter terrorist group. Rapp and Nash must contend with the three terrorists who lived and pose continuing threats to the U. S. Rapp and Nash are forced to "walk the fine line between the moral high ground and violence" (The Salt Lake Tribune).

Can't wait for #12.

Ernie Aiello

Homicide by David Simon

2010-02-27T07:29:00.000-08:00

Fans of the TV series HOMICIDE: LIFE ON THE STREETS, will enjoy this book. Simon, a Baltimore Sun reporter, spent 1988 as an observer attached to the Baltimore Homicide Unit. His year of attachment went from crime scenes, to autopsies, and all the give and take in between. Fans of the TV series will enjoy Simon's concentration on three detectives: Warden (The Big Man), Edgerton, and Pellegnini (The Rookie). The narrative includes detectives, police brass, lab techs, beat cops, prosecutors, judges, politicos, victims and murderers.

Simon became one of the producers of the TV series in the 1990's.

Ernie Aiello

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

2010-02-27T07:19:00.000-08:00

Brown has followed THE DA VINCI CODE with another winner. THE LOST SYMBOL is a 500 page novel, all in one day, which is confined to Washington, D. C. with some flash backs. Robert Langoon is again the primary character, with the Solomons, brother and sister, as well as a terrifying villain.

We discover many lost symbols, Masonic and other secrets, codes, and the like.

Readers of Brown's previous novels will find this one hard to put down. The end notes call it his most thrilling novel yet. I can't wait for his next.

Ernie Aiello

No Less Than Victory by Jeff Shaara

2010-02-27T07:14:00.000-08:00

This is the final part of Shaara's W. W. II trilogy. As usual, Shaara tells his tale through the eyes of participants both Allied and German. Eisenhower, Patton, young GIs, Von Rundstedt, Speer, and others describe the horrific events of The Battle of the Bulge to the liberation of concentration camps.

As the end notes say, "NO LESS THAN VICTORY further solidifies Shaara's reputation as this era's most accomplished author of historical military fiction.

Ernie Aiello

Treasure Hunt by John Lescroart

2010-02-27T06:50:00.000-08:00

Lescroart's 10th is another hit. TREASURE HUNT is a Wyatt Hunt novel - Hunt is a continuing character who runs a private investigative service.

T.H. is about murder (2) and corporate malfeasance. The setting is San Francisco and the plot is driven by murders of two high profile activists and the uncovering of "malfeasance" in San Francisco's charity circuit.

The climax is great and includes some possible alternate climaxes. Can't wait for Lescroart's #11.

Ernie Aiello

Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor

2010-01-14T15:00:00.000-08:00

Ms. Taylor gives us a collection of two stories and a novella of supernatural romance. Each romance is deeply altered by a kiss.

The first story, GOBLIN FRUIT, is about a girl who is tempted to sell her soul for a sumptuous piece of evil fruit.

In the second, SPICY LITTLE CURSES, a girl is cursed from birth. If she utters a sound, all who hear her will die. When she falls in love, her suitor pressures her to test the curse.

In HATCHLING, Esme is a fourteen-year-old who has been protected from a hellish existence by her self-sacrificing mother. When her body begins to change, beginning with her eyes, Esme is kidnapped by a man who is determined to make her face her destiny.

Taylor's unique fantasy plots and rich, elegant language kept me enthralled to the last page. My favorite of her metaphors is, "the tattered lace of night." I can't pick a favorite story, however. Each one is enchanting and haunting.

D. Sebastian

Breathless by Dean Koontz

2010-01-14T14:32:00.000-08:00

Once again Koontz weaves a seemingly disconnected series of events into a slam bang story. Again, Koontz makes a huge comment on contemporary society.

The story is centered in the mountain west, but soon involves all the U. S. and the world. The end notes describe BREATHLESS as, "a novel that is once wholly of our time and timeless ... the moment between one turn of the world and the next ..."

Ernie Aiello

Tears in the Darkness: the story of the Bataan death march and its aftermath by Michael and Elizabeth M. Norman

2010-01-14T14:10:00.000-08:00

The Normans have written an epic non-fiction account of W. W. II (1941-1945) in the Philippines.

This classic contains 400 pages of descriptions, 30 pages of notes, and a 15 page selected bibliography.

The Normans describe the four month battle for Bataan and America's single largest defeat in our military history. From April '42 until the Japanese surrender in August '45. The Normans describe how our POWs suffered: "forty-one months of starvation, dehydration, hard labor, deadly disease, torture, murder, and journeys on 'hell ships' to enemy homelands."

This is a compelling book. It exposes the myths of war and suffering and losses of both side.

Ernie Aiello

Rules of Vengeance by Christopher Reich

2010-01-14T14:06:00.000-08:00

RULES OF VENGEANCE is part of a series which Lee Child compares to a rocket taking off. Jonathan Ransom, is a Doctors Without Borders physician and his wife Emma, unknown to him, is an international terrorist. Their troubled life is a series of violent acts: an ambush of a motorcade in London and an attempt to destroy an atomic energy facility.

This book is filled with espionage and international intrigue. The conclusion sets the stage for part three of the series.

Ernie Aiello

Another Year has gone by

2009-12-24T07:49:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe but we are winding up our third year blogging for the Denville Library 50 Book Challenge. 2010 Book Logs are now available at the Library. Stop in today for one. Also remember to post your reading list for the year. I always enjoy seeing what people have read. Look out for a notice announcing our end of the year celebration to be held sometime in January in our beautiful newly renovated Theater!

Happy Holidays!

Ilene Lefkowitz
Librarian
Denville Public Library

Rock 'n' Roll Soldier: a memoir by Dean Ellis Kohler with Susan Van Hecke

2009-12-15T17:38:00.000-08:00

Dean Kohler's band has been offered a record deal. His life is really on track, until he is drafted into the Vietnam War at the age of 17. As an MP, he's not in the front lines, but he sees plenty of horror anyway. His salvation is an order to put together a touring band to help the morale of his fellow troops. As he says, "During a time when none of us knew for sure if we would live or die, I came to know the true power of music."

This is a fascinating true story of a determined young man who makes his dream come true in spite of horrific circumstances. Kohler doesn't sugar coat any of his highs or lows. Instead you see a true, raw picture of a boy turning into a man.

After reading this book, I was inspired to find a charity that provides instuments to soldiers. I found Operation Happy Note on the Internet. It's a great program!

D. Sebastian

Marine One by James W. Huston

2009-12-15T17:32:00.000-08:00

Move over Grisham and Baldacci, Huston has an outstanding success in MARINE ONE. One of the better thrillers that I have read this year.

Marine One, the presidential helicopter, takes off and crashes on the way to Camp David during a brutal thunder storm. President Adams (Adams III) and all others aboard die.

Mike Nolan, a Marine reserve helicopter pilot and trial attorney is hired to defend in a wrongful death suit. MARINE ONE is a fast paced thriller which combines courtroom drama and political shenanigans to make this wonderful. Can't wait for Huston's next.

Ernie Aiello

Flash Point by James W. Huston

2009-12-15T17:26:00.000-08:00

FLASH POINT is Huston's 3rd adventure thriller. Huston served as a naval flight officer and in naval intelligence.

FLASH POINT is an engrossing tale of F-14's and their pilots, the actions of the CIA, and the Mossad. A terrorist attack in Israel causes the U. S. Navy intelligence groups, and others to react to the action of "The Shiekh" and his assassins. The U. S. government declares war on "The Sheikh" and FLASH POINT deals with the resulting military actions. FLASH POINT is, "a multi-layered story of military action ... international intrigue, and true-life events."

Ernie Aiello

Exocet by Jack Higgins

2009-12-15T17:22:00.000-08:00

EXOCET is an older Higgins story about the war in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas to Argentina).

Higgins introduces an international triangle to tell the tale of Argentina's attempt to get more exocet missiles through a Russian (KGB) operative. The D15 (Brit. Intel.) recruits Gabrielle Legrand to seduce Col. Raul Montera, an aristocratic handsome Argentine fighter pilot. Legrand and Montera fall madly in love and a wild plot to get the Exocets is wonderfully described by Higgins. As we know, Britain wins the Falklands War and love prevails

Ernie Aiello

A Plague of Secrets by John Lescroart

2009-12-15T17:17:00.000-08:00

A PLAGUE OF SECRETS is Lescroart's 20th "lawyer" novel. Lee Child says, "the best of the best: the best yet in today's best legal thriller series."

The story is in and around San Francisco. Double murders, politics, marijuana, and of course secrets lead to a flash-bang conclusion. Dismas Hardy and many of the continuing characters in the series make this an excellent read.

Lescroart, a Northern California resident, works in many asides about the existing social and political scene of San Francisco. I await his next best seller.

Ernie Aiello

Balance of Power by James W. Huston

2009-12-15T17:13:00.000-08:00

BALANCE OF POWER is a military and political thriller. This is a tale of the clash of powers of the Legislative and Executive branches of government.

Terrorists hijack a U.S. cargo ship and murder its crew. The President refuses to retaliate and Congress invokes its power to issue a letter of reprisal (Art. I. Sec. 8). A huge legal fight and large naval retaliation develops.

As a result, "a suspenseful crescendo that blends Capitol Hill infighting, international terrorism, ... military technology into an epic confrontation with world peace at stake, " is Huston's exciting conclusion!

Ernie Aiello

True Blue by David Baldacci

2009-12-15T17:10:00.000-08:00

D. B. rules again. TRUE BLUE is another gem.

The Perry sisters and friend Roy are deeply involved in this novel. Mace's attempt at redemption must deal with murder, race conflict, money laundering, and terrorism.

Baldacci develops a multitude of characters, exciting plots, and subplots to deliver his usual exceptionally written thriller!

Ernie Aiello

Dillinger by Harry Patterson

2009-12-15T17:05:00.000-08:00

Harry Patterson is the real name of Jack Higgins.

DILLINGER is the "story" of the final four months of J. Dillinger's life. It begins with his escape from an escape-proof jail in Indiana and concludes with his re-entry into the U.S. from Mexico. From Indiana, Dillinger travels to Northern Mexico in his famous white Chevy convertible.

In Mexico, he gets involved with problems around an old gold mine, which leads to his return to the U.S., and his eventual death outside the Biograph movie house in Chicago.

A "fun" book to read!

Ernie Aiello

Blook Safari by Deon Meyer

2009-11-17T16:20:00.001-08:00

BLOOD SAFARI is Meyer's 5th thriller about contemporary South Africa. Meyer is wonderful in describing the beauty and the complex relationships of the various peoples of that troubled nation.

The plot is the Quest of Emma Le Roux to find her missing brother - believed dead for twenty years. Emma hires Lemmer, a personal security expert. Their quest involves mayhem, murder, and environmental struggles. The excellent story takes us "into the dangerous history and complicated present day of South Africa."

Ernie Aiello

Relentless by Dean Koontz

2009-11-17T16:15:00.000-08:00

Koontz has produced RELENTLESS, another winner. This is a suspense thriller with Koontz's usual "right-on" commentary of contemporary American and world issues.

Best selling novelist, Cullen Greenwich and his wife, Penny, children's book author, have a brilliant, six-year-old, Milo.

Cullen's latest book is trashed by Shearmax Waxx, famous N. Y. Times Book Reviewer. Waxx and an organized cabal have conducted many violent attacks on many artists and now on Cullen and his family.

"Fearless, funny, utterly compelling, RELENTLESS is Koontz at his riveting best, ..."

Ernie Aiello

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

2009-11-05T14:04:00.001-08:00

This touching novel is narrated by a retriever/terrier named Enzo. He recounts the troubled life of his car racing owner, Denny, with insight and wisdom. Enzo gets most of his philosophy by watching TV, especially the car racing channel and videos of his owner's races. He also listens closely to the life lessons that Denny shares with his family and friends. By combining all these thoughts into a world view, Enzo is able to patiently enjoy his dog life until he can be reborn into a man. His belief in reincarnation came from a TV show, too!

Even though I found Denny's trials a little bit trying at times, I enjoyed the characters and plot of this book. A great read for a rainy afternoon.

D. Sebastian

The Yankee Years by Joe Torre and Tom Verducci

2009-10-27T14:32:00.000-07:00

Torre and Verducci produced a fine non-fiction book about twelve (1996-2007) tumultuous years of N. Y. Yankees and major league baseball.

This a great story of the most famous franchise in professional sports. Torre had been a most successful player for years, but less successful as a manager - and was not the first choice of the Yankees. However, from 1996 to 2007, he managed the Yankees as well as any previous manager. THE YANKEE YEARS contains all the in-fighting of the organization, the exciting competition with the Red Sox, and Torre's struggles to smooth the club house tensions.

Most enjoyable was Torre's relationship with players: Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Alex Rodriguez, and others.

Ernie Aiello

The Associate by John Grisham

2009-10-27T14:18:00.001-07:00

THE ASSOCIATE is Grisham's 21st lawyer novel.

Kyle McAvoy is the associate and the story takes him from his final year at Yale law to his first year in the world's largest law firm. McAvoy should be pleased but is faced with an impossible situation which could end his career and maybe his life.

McAvoy is blackmailed and forced to turn for help from the FBI and Justice Dept. At this point in the novel, I believe Grisham once again fails to complete a good story. This is not the first time I have felt this way about Grisham's work. Maybe his next effort will be more to my taste.

Ernie Aiello

The Valhalla Exchange by Harry Patterson

2009-10-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

THE VALHALLA EXCHANGE takes place during the closing weeks of WWII. Martin Bormann (Hitler's secretary) has planned an exchange of Allied prisoners, held in an Austrian castle. This exchange will make it possible for high ranking Nazis to escape to South America.

This short novel (224 pages) begins with contemporary events in Bolivia, and then flash backs to April of 1945. Patterson mixes truth and fiction to complete a very exciting tale of action and human interest. We still wonder if Bormann escaped or not.

Ernie Aiello

Julie and Julia - Julie Powell

2009-10-27T07:50:00.001-07:00

I had very high hopes for this book. I love to cook and have very fond memories of watching Julia Child's cooking show with my mom. Sadly, the book just didn't live up to my expectations. Not exactly sure why it didn't but I got about halfway through and then lost interest. - Ilene Lefkowitz

Prairie Tales - Melissa Gilbert

2009-10-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

As a diehard LHOTP fan, I was eager to read Melissa Gilbert's biography. I expected it to be a typical Hollywood memoir filled with tales of backstage romance and alcohol laden binges. I was partially correct. There is plenty of backstage romance and alcohol laden binges but also there is tremendous respect for those actors that Ms. Gilbert worked with and a deep understanding of the impact of LHOTP. Ms. Gilbert doesn't gloss over her flaws or mistakes either. She lays it all out on the table. I came away feeling privileged to have been given a chance to get to know one of my childhood heroines a bit more.

A few weeks after I read this I was able to see a performance of "Little House on the Prairie: The Musical" at the Paper Mill Playhouse. While singing isn't Ms. Gilbert's forte, it was wonderful. When she appeared on stage as "Ma", the theatre erupted in applause. I was thrilled to have been able to watch her on stage. Whatever one thinks about her life and the choices (both bad and good) that she made, she is a spectacular actress.

- Ilene Lefkowitz

Fresh Mexico: 100 Simple Recipes for True Mexican Flavor (Paperb... by Marcela Valladolid Fresh Mexico: 100 Simple Recipes for True Mexican Flavor

2009-10-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

Marcela Valladolid
I enjoyed this cookbook more than I thought I would. The author, a Mexican native has brought authentic Mexican cooking into today's hurried eclectic kitchen. Her recipes are easy to follow and include interesting side notes. She does not use ingredients that are hard to find which is a bonus. Though I borrowed this book from the library it might be one that will end up on my home library shelves at some point. In the meantime I am already planning a few menus based on her recipes. Bon appetit! - Ilene Lefkowitz

Friday Night Knitting Club - Kate Jacobs

2009-10-27T07:34:00.002-07:00

Sex and the City for Knitters is how one review here described this book. Not quite. Female friendship is a main theme but without the sex, clothes, cosmos and panache that SATC has. Georgia has a circle of close friends that have been garnered through the knitting club at the yarn store she owns. Life hasn't been easy for Georgia, raising her daughter on her own. When the father of her daughter comes back into her life after a lengthy absence, she is forced to decide whether or not to let him back into her life and into their daughter's life.

The novel plods along slowly developing each character and her story. Most characters are not fully realized and each shadows of what they could have been. There is a tragedy at the end that was unexpected but was glossed over and moved through at rapid fire pace. It seemed rushed since the rest of the book plodded along so.

I had high hopes for this novel being a knitter who enjoys the companionship of fellow knitters but was very disappointed.
- Ilene Lefkowitz

Heretic Queen - Michelle Moran

2009-10-27T07:34:00.001-07:00

recommended for: lovers of historical fiction with strong female characters

I picked up the audiobook of this title at the library a few weeks ago. I didn't know much about it but the blurb on the back was interesting and I had a long car ride ahead of me. It was a wise choice. This book blew me away. The author manages to transport you to Ancient Egypt without feeling as though you are sitting in an academic lecture. The level of detail about life in Ancient Egypt was astounding.

Nefetari is the niece of the Heretics; Pharaoh Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti. She is tolerated at court because she is a friend of the Prince Rameses, the man who will become one of the greatest rules Egypt had ever seen. Nefetari spends much of the novel trying to find her palace at the palace. Eventually she finds her place; at Rameses side ruling Egypt. The political maneuverings, the sex scandals, the ins and outs of palace life keep this novel moving. I couldn't wait to get back into the car to listen to more. I am glad that I did listen to it rather th...more I picked up the audiobook of this title at the library a few weeks ago. I didn't know much about it but the blurb on the back was interesting and I had a long car ride ahead of me. It was a wise choice. This book blew me away. The author manages to transport you to Ancient Egypt without feeling as though you are sitting in an academic lecture. The level of detail about life in Ancient Egypt was astounding.

Nefetari is the niece of the Heretics; Pharaoh Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti. She is tolerated at court because she is a friend of the Prince Rameses, the man who will become one of the greatest rules Egypt had ever seen. Nefetari spends much of the novel trying to find her palace at the palace. Eventually she finds her place; at Rameses side ruling Egypt. The political maneuverings, the sex scandals, the ins and outs of palace life keep this novel moving. I couldn't wait to get back into the car to listen to more. I am glad that I did listen to it rather than read it because I never would have gotten the pronunciation of any of the characters correct otherwise!

Directly after finishing this, I put my name of the list for Cleopatra's Daughter. - Ilene Lefkowitz

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

2009-10-17T13:16:00.001-07:00

I didn't think Collins could top her best seller, HUNGER GAMES, but she did in this sequel. She has created more amazing challenges for Katniss, who is now a reluctant hero. Kat isn't interested in starting a rebellion but finds that she has become a catalyst to events that are beyond her control. She must appease the Capitol while staying true to herself, but the task is impossible. How will she protect the ones she loves? I can't wait for the third volume!

D. Sebastian

Cold Choices by Larry Bond

2009-10-17T13:11:00.001-07:00

Larry Bond's latest, COLD CHOICES, is a wonderful story of submarines and international intrigue. The collision of Sea Wolf (Americans) and Severodvinsk (Russian) nuclear subs sets off an exciting tale. Bond describes the competition (Cold War-like) between the U.S.A. and the Russian Federation. Bond develops great characters and believable action - will one or both badly damaged subs and crews survive? COLD CHOICES takes us into submarines and the minds of their crews. A perfect book for those looking for up-to-date naval (submarine) action.

Ernie Aiello

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2009-10-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

North America has only nearly survived war. What's left of the country is divided into thirteen struggling districts. The Capitol took control of the country by force but in the not too distant past, the districts rebelled. The Capitol regained control and created the Hunger Games in an attempt to prevent any future rebellions. Each year a representative is chosen from each district who must compete to the death in the reality show game. The leaders in the Capitol believe this will remind the districts of the death-toll during the rebellion, thereby convincing the watchers to never rebell again. The leaders didn't count on Katniss, a teen who is used to breaking the rules by hunting and surviving in the wild.

The premis of this novel may seem grim but the story, in the deft hands of Ms. Collins, is a celebration of freedom, individuality, courage, and determination. The characters are multi-dimentional and the plot is exciting and intriguing. Even though this book is set in the future, readers will recognize themselves and their present society. Collins works magic that will hold you till the end - which promises a sequel, CATCHING FIRE.

D. Sebastian

On Dangerous Ground by Jack Higgins

2009-10-17T12:43:00.000-07:00

Higgins repeats his sucessful formula in ON DANGEROUS GROUND. This 1994 thriller includes the Mafia, and amazing WWII agreement by Mao Tse-Tung, Hong Kong in the Nineties, and the return of Sean Dillion.

Flashbacks to WWII and a British agreement with Mao and an updated search for the "Chungking Covenant: by the Mafia and the British Special Action Unit (under direction of Brigadier Ferguson) are the plot's basics.

Add Sean Dillion and Hannah Berstein, Chief Inspector from Scotland Yard, and Higgins leads us once again to a rousing climax.

Ernie Aiello

The Lost Painting by Jonathan Harr

2009-10-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

Jonathan Harr is best known for his book, A CIVIL ACTION, and the movie by the same name. THE LOST PAINTING is another true story about research, mystery, secrets, fame, and large sums of money.

This real-life search for a long-lost painting by Caravaggio (The Taking of Christ), takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of clues, hopes, disappointments, and finally success. We meet the university students who perform hours of tedious research in the dark Italian cellar belonging to an eccentric countess and an unknown art restorer in Ireland, who thinks he's found the discovery of the century. I was spell bound by this read and couldn't put it down until the final resolution.

D. Sebastian

Dead and Live: Book 3 - Frankenstein by Dean Koontz

2009-10-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

DEAD AND ALIVE is the "final" volume of Koontz's Frenkenstein Trilogy. The conclusion of the "final" volume leads me to believe there will be another "final" volume.

Koontz is the master of the "cross-genre novel", according to Amazon.com. Dr. Frankenstein is Dr. Helios and the original monster is Deucalion in the trilogy. New Orleans is the perfect locale for the finale. Koontz examines today's society under the lens of "traditional" western mores. The Frankenstein epic comes alive in the 21st century New Orleans and is wonderful for the reader.

Victor Hellos, Deucalion, and all the up-to-date characters make this a modern - gothic epic. I anticipate a "sequel" to the trilogy.

Ernie Aiello

The Uglies Series by Scott Westerfield

2009-10-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

In volume one of this series, we meet Tally Youngblood, a teen of the future. Everything in Tally's city is planned to avoid the mistakes of the past. In the past, the "Rusties" almost destroyed the world with their racism, greed, and irresponsible use of natural resources. Now, when teens turn 16 years old, they go to Prettytown to get surgery that will change them from ugly to pretty. When everyone is pretty, there is no jealousy or discrimination - but there is also no original thought.

This series follows Tally first as an Ugly (book 1: UGLIES), then as a Pretty (book 2: PRETTIES), and then as a Special (book3: SPECIALS). She appears again in the sequel to this trilogy entitled EXTRAS - book 4. Tally goes through many physical changes, some by her own choice and others against her will. She also changes and grows inside, as she deals with the ethical and philosphical issues of her world.

You will find this series was written for teens, but don't let that stop you from reading it. Westerfield has created a fascinating world that may not be too far in our future. The action and plot twists don't stop. Also, Westerfield makes his readers struggle with the same questions that Tally has. Is freedom worth having if it is so dangerous to the environment and to life itself? Is a world where beauty, fame, success, and basic comforts are available to everyone really the ingredients for world peace? Is the "truth and nothing but the truth" a practical way for the world to run?

You won't want to miss this series.

D. Sebastian

Guardian of Lies by Steve Martini

2009-10-17T11:39:00.000-07:00

Martini did it again. GUARDIAN OF LIES, his latest Paul Madriani novel is great.

G. of L. is an international thriller with a double murder and throw-backs to the cold war. Madriani, in the preparation for a murder one trial, needs to go to Costa Rica and beyond. Madriani, Harry, and Herman get involved in a plot to nuke the USS Ronald Reagan, which gets them entangled with drug cartels, the F.B.I., and Homeland Security.

G. of L. is Madriani's most daunting and urgent case. Martini is perfect in describing the "explosive" conclusion.

Ernie Aiello

Angel of Death by Jack Higgins

2009-10-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

ANGEL OF DEATH is the tenth Higgins book which I have read. Once again we find Sean Dillon, Brigadier Ferguson, and Hannah Bernstein struggling with THE IRISH TROUBLES (1994). The action flows from London, to Belfast, to Beirut, and back to the U.K. The usual violent actions are joined by espionage and treason, involving a minister of the crown, Russian diplomats, and a super star of stage and screen.

The espionage plan is to disrupt the efforts to bring peace among the several Irish groups. Higgins is the best at unwinding the plot - another best seller.

Ernie Aiello

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

2009-10-17T11:32:00.000-07:00

A Graceling is a person who is born with a special ability. The ability (which can be used for good or evil) could be as simple as being a perfect cook or as complex as being undefeated in battle. 18-year- old, Katsa, is born with the ability to kill easily. At first she hates her grace and the way her uncle uses her to do his dirty work. She decides to control her own destiny by first creating a Council that defies her uncle and then rescuing a princess. Through trials and romance, Katsa learns that her grace can be used to help herself and others to survive.

Cashore has created a new and wonderful world and heroine. Her writing is tight and exciting. The characters grow with the suspense to the surprise ending. Anyone who enjoys fantasy fiction with strong female characters will love this book as much as I did.

D. Sebastian