Where did the time go?

I admit to being a bibliophile. In fact I guess I should be a member of BA (Bibliophiles Anonymous). I don't think I would be too good at the anonymous part though. I can't help but share the wonderful books I read with others.

I can't believe it has been almost six months since I have written about the awesome books I have read. Wow, where to begin? I guess from the beginning, or since my last post. I actually wrote about reading A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon, but like all of the other times I pick up one of her great books, I stopped reading before I finished the book. I just can't seem to get to the end of these books because I just don't want the story to end. Crazy, I know, but that is just how I roll.

There have been so many books over the past six months. I will post pictures of all of the books and try to write a little about each one. If you have read my posts before it will come as no surprise I have been reading books that have been made or will be made into movies. I always want to read the book first, as there is usually no comparison to the greatness of the book, because the movie created in my head by the author's words is always so much better.

One Summer
by David Baldacci

On recommendation of my mother, I read David Baldacci's One Summer. What a wonderful book! Make sure you have a box of tissues, but it is well worth the read. A terminally ill man wants to hang on to life until Christmas. He reaches his goal, but the circumstances and events that touch this family take them to the shores of South Carolina. During this time together, the family tries to recapture the bond they once shared.

Second Grave on the Left
by Darynda Jones

The next book I read was the second book in the new series by Darynda Jones, Second Grave on the Left. Charley, the P.I. / Grim Reaper is once again in the middle of an investigation, this time for a missing friend of her faithful sidekick, Cookie. The background story of Reyes, Charley's sexy boyfriend, is revealed and an interesting side story goes on as Charley and Cookie are investigating the missing woman's disappearance. This series provides a fun twist on the supernatural by making Charley a private investigator.

Private #1 Suspect
by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Kill Alex Cross
by James Patterson

Kill Me If You Can
by James Patterson & Marshall Karp

The Christmas Wedding
by James Patterson

James Patterson is obviously one of my very favorite authors. As soon as I hear a new book is coming out I have to put it on hold at the library. I want to be one of the first to read each one of his books. Here are the ones I have read recently. All I really need to say is they are James Patterson and no matter if they are a continuation of the Detective Alex Cross series, the new Jack Morgan Private series, or a stand alone novel just about everything James Patterson writes is engrossing.

One for the Money
by Janet Evanovich

For years my mother has been reading Janet Evanovich. I'm not sure why I never picked one of her books up, but I finally did and loved it! I laughed more in this mystery / thriller than I have while reading books written by comedians. Stephanie Plum is hysterical in One for the Money. Surprisingly after reading the book I found out it was being made into a movie (surprise, surprise). I have not seen the movie yet, but I will say I started reading the second book and did not finish it (I have that right as a reader) because I just did not enjoy it as much as the first book. I will have to give it a go again someday, maybe.

Double Dexter
by Jeff Lindsay

Dexter is one of my very favorite characters. I have been cheering for this serial killer since the beginning. I had read all Jeff Lindsay's great Dexter books before the Showtime series was announced. I have to admit I was very excited to see the characters come to life. Michael C. Hall IS Dexter!! The series is wonderful, but the books are SO much better. Double Dexter, the sixth book in the series does not disappoint. I just hope we don't have to wait too long for the next book.

Life After Death
by Sally Morgan

I don't remember how I found out about Sally Morgan's book Life After Death: Messages of Love from the Other Side. I have read a few of John Edward's books, Crossing Over, One Last Time, and After Life: Answers from the Other Side and really enjoyed them. I believe in the after life and I believe the spirits of those we love that have already crossed over are in Heaven waiting for us. I also believe they surround us with their presence and watch over us all of the time. I would love to attend a private reading from either Sally Morgan or John Edward. I know some people think I am crazy, but I have some questions I would like to have answered and the only ones with the answers have already crossed over.

Crooked Letter, Crooked  Letter
by Tom Franklin

Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin is one of those books that grabs you from the very beginning and you just can't put it down until you get to the last page. Richard Russo's quote about this novel is so very true, "Long after the other 75 novels of suspense you've read this year merge in your memory, you'll vividly recall this novel." With chapters alternating between the past and the present you are immediately thrown into the twenty-five year old disappearance of Cindy Walker. The back story is set in Mississippi in the late 70s and early 80s and you get a strong sense of the hostility between the black and white citizens of small town Chabot. Not only a great read for the mystery and suspense, but also for the accurate portrayal of the characters during the time period.

Every Thing On It
by Shel Silverstein

I remember falling in love with the poetry of Shel Silverstein when I was a child. I can not remember the teacher who introduced me to his wacky prose, but I will be forever grateful because they have always made me smile. This book of never-before-published poems does not disappoint. As soon as I got home with the book (yes, I actually bought the real book ... it's not available in the ebook format!) I poured over each wonderful verse. I just love his poetry and I am thankful to his family for allowing his readers to continue to enjoy his words so many years after his death.

Why My Third Husband Will
Be a Dog by Lisa Scottoline

I love mysteries, suspense, and thrillers, but I also love to laugh. I guess that is why I picked up Lisa Scottoline's My Third Husband Will Be A Dog. I have only read one other book by Ms. Scottoline, but neither of these will be the last. Not only can she weave a wonderful storyline in her novels, but she can also make you wet your pants with her real life adventures as a single mom. This is a hilarious collection of articles from her Philadelphia Inquirer column. You will laugh until you cry and then do some crying along the way.


Like with the James Patterson books, when I find an author that really captures my imagination and peaks my interest I read a number of the authors books in a row. So is the case will Brian Selznick. I know as a librarian I should have read some of these books ages ago, but now I can say I have read and loved them all.

The Boy of a Thousand Faces
by Brian Selznick

The Houdini Box
by Brian Selznick 

Wonder Struck
by Brian Selznick

The Invention of Hugo Cabret
by Brian Selznick

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
by Lisa See

One afternoon as my husband and I were watching a movie the preview for the movie Snow Flower and the Secret Fan came on the screen. I was immediately intrigued by the previews and wondered if it was a book. I was excited to find that it was indeed a book. I placed a hold on the book. When I went to the library to pick up the book I was told the book was lost and could not be found in order to fill my hold. I was very frustrated so I drove to Half-Priced Books and purchased a copy of the book. I loved everything about this book. It was so different from any book I have ever read and not my typical read. Maybe that is why I enjoyed it so very much. I had heard of foot binding, but not details. I was shocked to find out how and why this custom existed. I went online in order to read more about this ancient custom. I loved the historical information intermingled with the wonderful story of the relationship of Laotong's Lily and Snow Flower.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
by Stieg Larsson

This series of books has been on my list of books to read for some time. I finally took the time to read the first book after hearing a friend gush over these books. She was excited the movie was coming out, and once again I had to read the book before seeing the movie (which I still haven't seen). I have to admit, it was a great read. I loved the family mystery, the relationship of Mikael and Lisbet, and the conflict created by Mikael's recent legal problems. I am anxious to read the next two books in the series, but have not taken the time to read them as of yet.

11/22/63
by Stephen King

As soon as I read about this book I knew I had to read it. In fact when this book came out I was still reading another book, but as soon as I finished reading it I started this awesome book! I have been fascinated with the Kennedy assassination for as long as I can remember. I don't know if it is because I live in Dallas, my love of history, or my dad's collection of newspapers from the time period but the combination of time travel (which is one of my very favorites) and the events leading up to the assassination immediately grabbed me. There were times I had to put the book down (okay, my Nook) in order to wrap my brain around what was happening in the story. I can't even begin to describe how much I enjoyed this book. It was not anything like I expected it to be, which is typical King. There are so many things I thought I wanted out of the story, but I was not disappointed. My mind still spins thinking of the time travel possibilities and King's perspective of the logistics of it all.

The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire
by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay
by Suzanne Collins

When Suzanne Collins came out with The Hunger Games, I remember my niece telling me about the book and how much she loved it. Right before Catching Fire was released I was again with Linsey when she was telling me how she was re-reading The Hunger Games so she would be ready to move right into the second book. I know she was just as excited, if not more so when Mockingjay was released. I was reluctant to read this series at first. I'm not sure why exactly. It can't be because of lack of recommendations. It seems that every time I turned around someone was asking if I had read them. Their expressions of shock were followed by glowing personal reviews and encouragement to read all three. Well, I finally listened and poured through all three of the books back to back. I absolutely loved the first two books. I was shocked, appalled, and thoroughly entertained with the story line. I can't say I loved Mockingjay as much. I don't know if it was because I sensed a finality to the series or because it seemed to move away from the action of the previous two books. I wasn't disappointed, it was just not the page-turner for me like the previous books. I have to say I do like how she ended the series. It gave you some finality, but also gave you piece of mind.

As you can see, I have been reading, even if I have not been writing. I would much rather sit and read but I also feel the need to share the great books I have enjoyed so others can find something that will entice them to read.

Happy Reading! I'm off to read. You'll just have to wait to see what I am currently reading. I'll write about it soon. It is another great book with historical references, mystery, time travel, and other peculiarities.