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A Book Review of
Submitted by Reader Suggested on Tue, 04/12/2011 - 02:23
 Buy the book "The Gargoyle" from Amazon.com.
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from "The Gargoyle" but it came highly recommended. When I began my search for the book it spanned three genres; thriller,romance and fiction. Once I started reading the novel I couldn't put it down. The story is relayed to us from the narrators point of view and interestingly this adds to the mystery. What we do know is that the narrator is a burn victim and we the audience learn what a burn victim endures when recovering. This is the most graphic part of the book (not excessively) but as you read the story you realize that this description of the "monster" he had became is an integral part of the story. Andrew Davidson masterfully keeps the reader engaged with twists and turns that are quite unexpected and leaves you wanting more. It is a powerful story of the human condition, a timeless romance that reads like a mystery with history and present day intwined so intricately and in such a surprising way that you the reader find yourself actually wanting to believe that the story is true.
Reader Suggested by: Cindy
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Book Jacket Summary/Synopsis - "The Gargoyle"
The nameless and beautiful narrator of The Gargoyle is driving along a dark road when he is dazzled by what seems to be a flight of arrows. He crashes into a ravine and wakes up in a burn ward, undergoing the tortures of the damned. He is now a monster. His life is over.
But it is only just the beginning; one day, Marianne Engel, a bewitching sculpteress of gargoyles, walks into his room and reveals that the were once lovers in medieval Germany. In her telling, he was a badly burned mercenary and she, a nun and a scribe, nursed him back to health in the famed monastery of Engelthal. As she spins her tale, Scheherazade-fashion, and relates equally mesmerising stories of deathless love in Japan, Iceland, Italy and England, he finds himself drawn back to life- and finally, to love.
The Gargoyle is an extraordinary novel that will take you on a wild and original journey. It will have you believing in love, in miracles and in redemption.
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A Book Review of
Submitted by Nikki on Wed, 03/23/2011 - 02:08
Buy the book "Outlander" from Amazon.com.
I couldn't put it down! I loved Outlander.
I read The Time Traveler's Wife but didn't care for it much and so when I read that Outlander had the element of time travel in it I was skeptical. And when the first few chapters started off slowly for me I was nervous that the rest of the story was going to be the same. But after the first several chapters or so, the story became infinitely better. And just kept getting better and better and better.
The character development is clever. Instead of being told what each of the characters are like you discover the person more through their actions, and so, are free to judge and make your own observations and predictions about them. The characters are intricately involved with one another and Diana Gabaldon does a great job tying all of the characters together in the end and answers any questions that you may have. The characters are just unforgettable.
The love story is like no other book that I've read. The passion is intense to say the least. Dare I say on the verge of a romance novel? You get the point. For some readers, it may perhaps be a bit much with regard to these types of scenes. But when you stop to think about the number of books in the Outlander series (7 books soon to be 8), the bond between the main characters needs to have a strong foundation, and more importantly, unforgettable in the reader's mind.
And as heart thumping as the love story is, so are the stories of never ending betrayal, deceit and cruelty. You will most likely find yourself angry and exasperated at times. You grow to really know these characters and when things happento them you can't wait to read on to see what the outcome will be.
There is a bit of everything in Outlander. There are so many unforgettable scenes and many where your heart beat will quicken for sure! When I finished this book I had to get the next one. It was that good. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially for those whom are partial to works of historical fiction.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!
More about "Outlander"
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Book Jacket Summary/Synopsis - "Outlander"
The year is 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon - when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach - an "outlander" - in Scotland torn by war and raiding Highland clans in the year of Our Lord 1743.
Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into intrigues and dangers that may threaten her life...and shatter her heart. For here she meets James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, and becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire...and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.
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A Book Review of
Submitted by Reader Suggested on Fri, 01/28/2011 - 03:44
Buy the book "They Cage the Animals at Night" from Amazon.com.
The life of eight-year-old Jennings Michael Burch changed the rainy day in 1949 when his mother, Rita Catherine Hogan Burch, took him to a strange place in Brooklyn and told him, “I’ll be right back.” For the next four years, Burch spent most of his time in a series of orphanages and foster homes with only a few brief interludes when he was able to live with his mother and five brothers. In his autobiography, They Cage the Animals at Night, Burch again becomes a child and recalls his life during those years.
I'm not the reading type unless i have to, but one day i picked up this and literally could not put it down i was reading as if i was the Jennings..there are so many emotions in one little book, it will make you cry, get angery, and jump for joy..its just a really great book..
Submitted by: Kristina
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A Book Review of
Submitted by Nikki on Sun, 11/21/2010 - 21:25
I’m neither a war buff nor a western buff and since I hadn’t read an action story before, didn’t quite know what to expect from A Legacy of Honor by author Hank Manley. I have to admit that the cover came across “very masculine” to me and made me question whether I would be able to connect with the story and the characters.
Well I am happy to say that I did connect with both. It is a great story. The chapters are short and you feel like you are blazing through the book. The story flows nicely, keeps your attention and does a good job in setting you up for what is coming next. My friends and I discussed this book during book club and came to a consensus that this story has a “Forrest Gump” kind of feel.
The story begins with the birth of Morgan Early in the year 1900. Morgan grows to become a very good natured person and is of course very naïve in the beginning of his life. Each experience that he faces teaches him something important about life and so he quickly matures in confidence. As he grows he becomes the kind of man that you can’t help but respect. My favorite part of the book if you can believe it, were the war scenes. They are phenomenal. I was able to vividly picture the scenes and found myself holding my breath often. I had tears in my eyes during a couple of the war scenes because the characters were so charming and likeable and it was overwhelming with what they went through. These scenes felt so realistic and got your heart racing. The author does a superb job in setting the scenes and emotions and still manages to keep you guessing. Superb action!
I give a lot of praise to the author since he was able to convey non-stop action and strong emotions in as little as a paragraph or two. He didn’t get into graphic detail, which quite frankly can unnerve some readers. Yet at the same time, was able to satiate the readers who do need detail. Great writing I thought.
Book club questions:
- Morgan Early was alone at such a young age. He came to learn the value of practical experiences and learned most lessons from himself. How important is it to have people teach and influence your life? What role have these people played in shaping who you are?
- Marshal Longstreet seemed to be the closest thing Morgan had to a father. Why do you think it is that they never reunited later in the story? Was it because the way of travel then or was it because Morgan didn’t feel that way about Longstreet?
- People that Morgan became close to seemed to die, at least that is what Morgan thought. Do you think as Morgan did in that these deaths are his fault? Do you think Morgan ever really stopped thinking that way?
- Morgan had many life altering experiences. Some good and some bad. In your opinion, how well do you think Morgan handled those situations? Would you see yourself doing things similarly? How would you have been different?
- Morgan said that he felt that he had to fight in the war. Could you see yourself being able to come to that decision if you knew you were needed just as Morgan was needed?
- What were some of the instances where Morgan showed “out of the box” thinking, not like anyone else? Can you think of situations where you have done the same? How did the outcome affect you?
- What qualities are there of Morgan that you admire? What qualities do you think Morgan lacks?
- Who would you say was the constant companion to Morgan Early? Have you had the pleasure of such a companion? Did you appreciate the companionship or was it only after he/she/it was no longer around?
- What was your overall feeling about reading this book? What were the highlights for you? Would you have changed anything?
- Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
Buy it now! directly from the author Hank Manley, on this website PageTurnerNovels.com.
Listen to "A Legacy of Honor" on your iPhone or other device.
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Book Jacket Summary/Synopsis - "A Legacy of Honor"
“The next pasteboard better not be an ace.” When the single spade drops, Warren Earp, brother of the famous Wyatt, is gunned down, and his pregnant girlfriend dies giving birth to his son. Morgan Early enters the world an orphan in 1900 in Wilcox, Arizona.
Morgan is raised by a kindly widow and taught to ride and shoot by the local sheriff. A gentle nature and scholarly upbringing, seek a peaceful, meaningful life. Traveling by horseback to Colorado, Morgan’s foster mother is murdered and the heartbroken teenager seeks revenge, spilling human blood for the first time.
Alone and facing a severe mountain winter alone, Morgan is hired on as a ranch hand. His riding skills and speed with a six-gun prove to be very valuable on the ranch and he finds himself enjoying the life he's made and the family that takes him in, that is, until a terrible accident changes everything.
Seeking a new life, Morgan finds himself deep within Mexico fighiting for Pancho Villa’s revolution. Barely making it out alive, Morgan finds refuge on the island of Bimini. But warrior blood flows through his veins and when hearing of the German invasion, Morgan jumps at the opportunity to serve his country. His natural speed and ease with a gun earns him medals of honor but at a terrible price. Following the Great War, Morgan throws caution to the wind and becomes a successful rumrunner during Prohibition.
With the passage of the 21st Amendment, Morgan is forced to start a new life yet again but finds love along the way. His idyllic life is interrupted when he is recalled into the Marines. Morgan trains the men of the 2nd Battalion and lands on the bloody beaches of Tarawa. His heroic life inspires his sons but with tragic results on the island of Iwo Jima and the jungles of Vietnam.
About the Author - Hank Manley
Hank Manley has traveled the Bahamas by boat for over thirty years. He has witnessed first hand the attempts by the Drug Enforcement Administration to control the flow of illegal drugs into Florida.
He served in the United States Marine Corps and is intimately familiar with the weapons described in his novels.
He has spent considerable time in the mountains of Colorado and the areas of Mexico accurately and colorfully depicted in his books.
He lives with his wife Gretchen in North Palm Beach, Florida.
Visit Hank Manley's web site: www.PageTurnerNovels.com
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A Book Review of
Submitted by Reader Suggested on Sun, 10/17/2010 - 21:24
Buy the book "The Truth About Forever" from Amazon.com.
This book is the best of Sarah Dessen. It depicts the story of a girl named Macy Queen who was an athlete until her father died.
She changes when her father dies and her boyfriend Jason goes to a brain camp. Things worsen when she says she loves him and her boyfriend breaks up with her. In the meantime, she meets Wesley Baker who is good to her and during their free time, they play "truth" and they end up revealing everything and get to know more about each other than intended...I'll leave the rest to you. This book is an awesome page-turner, I really couldn't put it down!! Enjoy it, it's really good!!
Book Suggested by: Lisa
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A Book Review of
Submitted by Reader Suggested on Fri, 10/01/2010 - 15:32
Buy the book "The Host" from Amazon.com.
This book was written by Stephanie Meyer, the author of the Twilight series. It was written for adult reading, unlike the Twilight series, written for teen readers but I know many adults loved them, too, including me. I also loved The Host but I tend to get into the science fiction books. If you like science fiction with a twist of romance, you will love this one too.
Book Suggested by: Evelyn D.
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A Book Review of
Submitted by Reader Suggested on Fri, 10/01/2010 - 14:46
Buy the book "Mistress of Rome" from Amazon.com.
If you enjoy historical fiction consider Mistress of Rome. This novel is about Thea, a slave girl from Judaea. She is a passionate, musical and guarded individual. Thea, purchased as a toy for the spiteful heiress Lepida Pollia, will become her mistress's rival for the love of Arius the Barbarian, Rome's newest and most savage gladiator. Arius's love brings the first bit of happiness to Thea's life but ends too quickly when a jealous Lepida stops at nothing to tear them apart.
As Lepida continues to wreak havoc in the life of a new husband and his family, Thea transforms herself as a singer for Rome's aristocrats. Unwittingly, Thea attracts another admirer, the charismatic Emperor of Rome, Domitian. But Domitian's games have a dark side, and Thea finds herself fighting for her soul , sanity and family. Many have tried to destroy the Emperor; a vengeful gladiator, an upright senator, a tormented soldier, a Vestal Virgin. In the end, the life of the brilliant and paranoid Domitian lies in the hands of the one woman who could tear him down: the Emperor's mistress.
Recommended by: Dee
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A Book Review of
Submitted by Reader Suggested on Fri, 10/01/2010 - 14:19
Buy the book "Inner Space" from Amazon.com.
The novel Inner Space by Merlin Fraser, marks the beginning of a trilogy, has elements of multiple genres that blend well to make a cohesive story. There are elements of mystery starting with a murder-suicide by a prestigious British police officer. Why does a man who has dedicated his life to enforcing the law make it his last act to break the law? His co-worker, and friend, Nick finds the facts so improbable that he sets out to find the truth even though his investigation is against the rules.
Inner Space has elements of romance with the introduction of a green eyed woman, Jilly, who beguiles Nick – and, against her own inclinations, is beguiled in return. My one frustration was Nick’s repeated reference to Jilly as a “scared little girl”. She is a competent woman who works in the academic setting. While bemused by her unexpected attraction to him, she is definitely a grown woman. Woman enough to keep him confused.
The elements of science fiction are blended so well with the new age philosophy of astral projection that it doesn’t seem to be fiction. The science is well thought out and introduced from the academic setting. The contrast between the hero’s reality, dark and danger filled, and the heroines’, learning centered and protected, was well done. It is true that those in academia tend to think in straight lines without considering how their information or invention could be used in the hands of criminals.
The police procedures and criminal elements give the American reader insights into the day to day operations of a British police force as well as the driving force that shapes the hero.
No matter what genre, this book was a page turning success. I was as confused by the action as was the leading characters. The humor and emotional intensity kept me turning the pages to the stunning but greatly satisfying conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and eagerly look forward to reading the authors next offering.
You can visit the author's website at: www.merlin-fraser.com
Reviewed By: Barbara tenBroek, Librarian
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A Book Review of
Submitted by Nikki on Tue, 09/28/2010 - 01:01
Buy the book "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" from Amazon.com.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot was truly unique and one that I couldn't put down. This was my first non-fiction as well as my first audio book. I have a full time job now with a nice long commute (sarcasm!). With kids, a house and a full time job, reading a book before bed was no longer an option (face literally in a book doesn't count). So I downloaded the book with the advice of a friend of mine who tried Audible.com through my web site. (Thank you Kathryn!) I listened to the book driving to and from work, and even during lunch when I got out for a walk. I found that I actually looked forward to traffic jams -- it gave me just a bit more time to listen.
I came upon this book while browsing around the Internet. It was a book that my book club read but I didn't get a chance to. I was apprehensive in buying it, mainly because it was a non-fiction. I assumed it would be dull and uneventful, and quite simply judged the book prematurely. However, it was fantastic. I couldn't put it down!
The story is about Henrietta Lacks but the world of medicine only knows her as HeLa. Henrietta was a formidable woman. She was a field worker with several kids and a cheating husband who found herself sick and never really ever getting any better. Finding herself bed ridden, doctors take samples of her cells without her or her families knowledge and begin to perform tests on her cells. It is with these tests that would prove to be a medical break through in cell research. Henrietta's cells are known as the first "immortal" human cells grown in culture. Her cells are still alive today, though she has been dead for more than sixty years. In fact, modern doctors still use her cells today to perform research. Despite her famous cells, she the person is virtually unknown. Rebecca Skloot and the help of Henrietta's family, particularly Henrietta's oldest daughter, hope to change all of that.
The story is a truly fascinating one. It takes us on a journey through the history of medicine, the birth and continued growth of cell research, and the first business ever created from buying and selling human cells. More importantly, you learn about the unforgettable woman behind the cells.
I would describe this book as reading two stories in one. Rebecca Skloot is masterful in the way she intricately combines the two together. Just amazing! I found it hard to remember that every character you meet within the story is/was real.
You won't forget Henreitta Lacks. And I'm sure you will find yourself talking about her when you finish the book. Spread the word about her. She is due!
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is educational and unimaginable in today's day and age. This book has all of the makings of a fictional story because you easily forget that it is in fact a non-fictional story. I would highly recommend reading this book.
More about "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks"
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Book Jacket Summary/Synopsis - "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks"
Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors, yet her cells—taken without her knowledge—became one of the most important tools in medicine. The first “immortal” human cells grown in culture, they are still alive today, though she has been dead for more than sixty years. If you could pile all HeLa cells ever grown onto a scale, they’d weigh more than 50 million metric tons—as much as a hundred Empire State Buildings. HeLa cells were vital for developing the polio vaccine; uncovered secrets of cancer, viruses, and the effects of the atom bomb; helped lead to important advances like in vitro fertilization, cloning, and gene mapping; and have been bought and sold by the billions.
Yet Henrietta Lacks remains virtually unknown, buried in an unmarked grave.
Now Rebecca Skloot takes us on an extraordinary journey, from the “colored” ward of Johns Hopkins Hospital in the 1950s to stark white laboratories with freezers full of HeLa cells; from Henrietta’s small, dying hometown of Clover, Virginia—a land of wooden slave quarters, faith healings, and voodoo—to East Baltimore today, where her children and grandchildren live, and struggle with the legacy of her cells.
Henrietta’s family did not learn of her “immortality” until more than twenty years after her death, when scientists investigating HeLa began using her husband and children in research without informed consent. And though the cells had launched a multimillion-dollar industry that sells human biological materials, her family never saw any of the profits. As Rebecca Skloot so brilliantly shows, the story of the Lacks family—past and present—is inextricably connected to the dark history of experimentation on African Americans, the birth of bioethics, and the legal battles over whether we control the stuff we are made of.
Over the decade it took to uncover this story, Rebecca became enmeshed in the lives of the Lacks family—especially Henrietta’s daughter Deborah, who was devastated to learn about her mother’s cells. She was consumed with questions: Had scientists cloned her mother? Did it hurt her when researchers infected her cells with viruses and shot them into space? What happened to her sister, Elsie, who died in a mental institution at the age of fifteen? And if her mother was so important to medicine, why couldn’t her children afford health insurance?
About the Author - Rebecca Skloot
Rebecca Skloot is an award winning science writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine; O, The Oprah Magazine; Discover; and many other publications. She specializes in narrative science writing and has explored a wide range of topics, including goldfish surgery, tissue ownership rights, race and medicine, food politics, and packs of wild dogs in Manhattan. She is the guest editor of The Best American Science Writing 2011, a contributing editor at Popular Science magazine, and has worked as a correspondent for WNYC’s Radiolab and PBS’s Nova ScienceNOW.
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A Book Review of
Submitted by Reader Suggested on Tue, 07/13/2010 - 02:26
Buy the book "The Hunger Games" from Amazon.com.
I definitely could NOT put The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins down! This particular book made the series my favorite.
The story is from the perspective of 16 year old Katniss Everdeen, as she lives in the future. In this future, the world is divided upon 12 districts and the capitol (government) has complete rule over everyone. Each year, two tribute are pulled from each district, varying from ages 12-18, and are forced into an arena to kill each other. The victor becomes rich and famous. The hunger games has two sequals: Catching Fire, and Mockinjay, both by Suzanne Collins.
Reader recommended by Jose.
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