Friday, January 31, 2014

The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism

Title: The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism
Author: Naoki Higashida

A sensitive and intimate memoir written by an autistic man. Brings the reader into the author's mind and relates what it is like to be autistic.

Non-Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Eileen Feynman.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Who Asked You?

Title: Who Asked You/
Author: Terry McMillan

A grandma's journey thru the ups and downs of her child and grandchildren.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by L. Phillips.

Until the End of Time

Title: Until the End of Time
Author: Danielle Steel

I didn't really care for book; not very well written! Halfway through book considered not finishing!

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Terri.

Little Bears

Title: Little Bears

It was fun!

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Tiffany Waldron.

Fledgling

Title: Fledgling
Author: Octavia Butler

Vampire fiction with a twist -- a young vampire has to create her own world when she loses her memory. Fascinating story with many twists and turns.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Amanda.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Starry Night

Title: Starry Night
Author: Debbie Macomber

This book is about a society reporter who goes after the interview of a lifetime to try to get a chance for more serious reporting jobs. She tries to interview a reclusive author and the rest of the story is magical and romantic. It is set around Alaska during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Donna Sowul.

The Long Road Home

Title: The Long Road Home
Author: Mary Alice Monroe

This book is about a woman who loses everything and has to start over after her husband's suicide due to financial ruin. She starts over on her farm in Vermont and learns how to love again.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Donna Sowul.

White Fire

Title: White Fire
Authors: Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Arson mystery incorporating hidden Sherlock Holmes story. Suspenseful throughout.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

Android Phones for Dummies

Title: Android Phones for Dummies
Author: Dan Gookin

I wish I'd checked out this book when I first bought the phone! Issues that had completely bewildered me were cleared up. The author takes no advance knowledge on your part for granted and explanations are clear and simple, with a welcome touch of humor.

Non-Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by L. Smith.

Monday, January 27, 2014

Gone

Title: Gone
Author: James Patterson

Another awesome thriller involving Michael Bennett and his large family -- threatened by Perrini, a drug lord out to kill the Bennett family.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Diena LoBianco.

There is a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem

Title: There is a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem
Author: Wayne Dyer

It's a good book, I enjoy Dr. Dyer. If you read his books he does repeat himself a lot.

Non-Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by J. Hilsenbeck

Raising Henry: A Memoir of Motherhood, Disabilty and Discovery

Title: Raising Henry: A Memoir of Motherhood, Disability and Discovery
Author: Rachel Adams

A beautifully written memoir with honest expression of the challenges and joys of mothering her son with Down Syndrome.

Non-Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rosalie Capobianco.

Friday, January 24, 2014

I Capture the Castle

Title: I Capture the Castle
Author: Dodie Smith

This book is very descriptive and well written. The narrator is very charming. It was a shame that the story ended on an uncertain note. The author unfortunately never wrote a sequel.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rachel.

The Last Victim: A Novel

Title: The Last Victim: A Novel
Author: Karen Robards

Easy read. Good murder mystery to read during a snow storm.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Terri.

The Spectacular Now

Title: The Spectacular Now
Author: Tim Tharp

Not your typical YA romance The Spectacular Now is a more realistic and emotional portrayal of life, love, teenage issues and growing up. This book is beautifully written and recommended for older teens and adults.

Fiction, rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Nicole.

Gone Girl

Title: Gone Girl
Author: Gillian Flynn

The story is of a couple and their 5th anniversary. The wife goes missing and husband becomes suspect #1. Did he or didn't he, what is going on with these people? I didn't want to put this book down as I was fascinated by the darkness of the characters. What a couple, what a love-hate relationship. It was a book whose story I didn't want to like but found I needed to keep reading just to see what would happen next.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Peggy.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Understanding Disorders of Sensory Processing in Children

Title: Understanding Disorders of Sensory Processing in Children
Author: Pratibha Reibye

This book explains how to recognize these disorders, which are often misdiagnosed, and offers practical ways of helping children with sensory processing disorders.

Non-Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rosalie Capobianco.

Origin/Lux Novel

Title: Origin/Lux Novel
Author: Jennifer Armentrout

Book 4 of the Lux series. A twist on true love between humans and aliens. Exciting and fast paced. I can't wait for the next one to be published.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Sandra.

How Psychic Are You: 76 Techniques to Boost Your Innate Power

Title:How Psychic Are You: 76 Techniques to Boost Your Innate Power
Author: Julie Soskin

Good information.

Non-Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by L.P.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Cross My Heart

Title: Cross My Heart
Author: James Patterson

This is another book in the Alex Cross series of books. I thought it started off slow (and I did put it down to read another), but am happy to have picked it back up, though let me say, the way it ended, I will have to read another to get to the ending of the story. Alex Cross and his wife Bree have cases that come together and so on it goes . . .

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Peggy.

Stella Bain: a Novel

Title: Stella Bain: a Novel
Author: Anita Shreve

Describes a bit of war from a woman's perspective.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Dawn Meyer.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Girls with Swords: How to Carry Your Cross Like a Hero

Title: Girls with Swords: How to Carry Your Cross Like a Hero
Author: Lisa Bevere

The author uses creative and interesting explanations of our spiritual enemy and seeks to teach women to stand courageous, forgiving and intelligent.

Non-Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rosalie Capobianco.

Princess Stories

Title: Princess Stories
Author: NA

It was about a lot of Disney princesses, all five of them.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Tiffany Waldron.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

We Are Water

Title: We Are Water
Author: Wally Lamb

Unsettling family saga . . . dealing with a "study" of childhood trauma and how it affects later life. Some memorable characters, but the actual story was hard to follow with all the twists and turns. Too many obscure references complicate the flow of the plot lines. Not one of his best.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Onyx: a Lux Novel

Title: Onyx: a Lux Novel
Author: Jennifer Armentrout

Book 2 in The Lux Series about aliens and young love. This was a great follow-up to the first book that keeps me wanting more!

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Sandra.

Obsidian: a Lux Novel

Title: Obsidian: a Lux Novel
Author: Jennifer Armentrout

An alien love story. I loved the characters, the supernatural plot and the fascinating premise of the book that aliens may already live among us.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Sandra.

A Voyage Long and Strange:

Title: A Voyage Long and Strange: on the Trail of Vikings, Conquistadors, Lost Colonists and other Adventurers
Author: Tony Horwitz

I learned many new things about American History that I never knew. A slow read because there is a lot of information to absorb. Give yourself enough time to read.

Non-Fiction, rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Terri.

Allegiant

Title: Allegiant
Author: Veronica Roth

This book is the third book in The Divergent series (Young Adult dystopian fiction). It is an excellent choice for Hunger Games fans.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Amanda.

Murder on the Orient Espresso

Title: Murder on the Orient Espresso
Author: Sandra Balzo

In the latest title in the Maggy Thorsen mystery series, coffeehouse owner Maggy Thorsen finds herself on a train in Florida reenacting the events of the Agatha Christie mystery. When real life intrudes in the form of murder, Maggy and her beau Sheriff Jake Pavlik must find the culprit.

Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by L. Smith

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

The Gods of Guilt

Title: The Gods of Guilt
Author: Michael Connelly

The Gods of Guilt is a Lincoln Lawyer novel. I enjoyed reading this book. Defense attorney Mickey Haller returns with a case where he is defending a client accused of murdering a former client of his, a prostitute that he thought he had helped to disappear and go straight. He takes you in and out of the courtroom during the course of the trial.

Fiction; rated 4 1/2 out of 5.
Reviewed by Peggy.

Monday, January 13, 2014

Real Girl/Real World: Tools for Finding Your True Self

Title: Real Girl/Real World: Tools for Finding Your True Self
Author: Heather Gray and Samantha Phillips

Great book for female teens - covers all topics that teens may question.

Non-Fiction; rated 3 out of 5.
Reviewed by Diena LoBianco.

The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them

Title: The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them
Author: The Freedom Writers with Erin Gruwell

Written by the teacher who taught the "Freedom Writers" - the movie was based on this young teacher's creative teaching skills.

Non-Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Diena LoBianco.

Friday, January 10, 2014

The Christmas Sweater

Title: The Christmas Sweater
Author: Glenn Beck

Inspirational story. Reminded me of a Mitch Albom novel.

Fiction; rated 4 out of 5.
Reviewed by Rosalie Capobianco.

Sycamore Row

Title: Sycamore Row
Author: John Grisham

It was very intriguing with many twists and turns. Very surprising ending.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Anonymous.

Hold Fast

Title: Hold Fast
Author: Blue Balliett

Newbery contender. Excellent mystery for the kids in your life.

Fiction; rated 5 out of 5.
Reviewed by Amanda.