Suspenseful Family Drama

I woke up extra early this morning so I could finish the book I only put down last night because I was so sleepy I could no longer focus on the words. Have I finished the book yet? No. I could make a long list of excuses, but the fact would remain I have not finished the book because I am too anxious for the ending. Is that not simply ridiculous? I don't want to finish reading the book because I am anxious to find out the ending! You'd think I was crazy.

Faultlines: a Novel
by Barbara Taylor Sissel

I have to admit I wanted to write my review of the book before finishing the book so I wouldn't ruin this wonderful story for anyone. I have never read any other book by Barbara Taylor Sissel, but after reading (almost to conclusion - as soon as I finish typing this review) Faultlines, she will definitely be added to my list of great authors. If I were to compare her to other authors I have read, I would have to say her writing style reminds me of a cross between Lisa Scottoline and Jodi Picoult (which happen to be two of my favorites). I believe these are justifiable comparisons, not only because of the character development, but also because of the twists and turns throughout the story line. In fact, while reading I told my husband, "Wow, that was a HUGE left turn at Albuquerque!" It is one of the tings I love about these authors. You think you know where they are going and then all of a sudden they through you a curve ball.

I have a number of connections to this book. I am a native Texan (I guess that statement is kind of obvious based on the title of my blog!). I have lived my entire life in the North Texas area, but have traveled extensively throughout my life to the areas mentioned in the book. Although I do not hold the position of counselor, as one of the characters - Libby - I have worked with a number of counselors in my position as a school librarian. I know and understand the bound which can be created between a student and their school counselor. Last, but by no means least, being the mother of a son who will soon turn twenty-one, I placed myself in the position of the two mothers in this book, Sandy and Jenna. I pray I never have to actually be in their shoes, but that is one of the realities we face each day as parents. We cannot control the actions of our children, only provide them with guidance, love, and encouragement.

Like I said before I have not finished this book. I want to make that point very clear. I highly recommend this book on the portion I have read thus far (77% of the book). I will not come back and revise my review based on the ending. I don't feel I could convey a fonder appreciation for this book. I know the characters and story line will remain in my thoughts for a very long time. I now need to stop praising the writing of Faultlines and go finish the book.

*To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Lake Union Publishing, has provided a complimentary electronic copy of Faultlines for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.

Summer Reading Kick-off

I've Got Sand in All the Wrong Places
by Lisa Scottoline & Francesca Serritella

I can't think of a better way to start my summer reading than with Lisa Scottoline and her daughter Francesca Serritella's new book I've Got Sand in All the Wrong Places! I have been friends with Lisa and Francesca for a number of years ~ I am one of their readers and according to Lisa if I'm a reader, I'm a friend! I will definitely accept that friendship.

This is their seventh compilation of essays and it is a perfect summer read for the beach or the couch. I love reading about the new products Lisa discovers, the reflections mother and daughter share, and the hilarity of being a Flying Scottoline. I will say I shed a tear a few times during this read, but for the most part I laughed. In one chapter I laughed and got a little sick all at the same time. (Once you read the book, I bet you will have the same reaction. Those who have read it will know exactly what chapter I referencing!)

If you haven't read one of these mother / daughter collaborations, I encourage you to start this summer. I've Got Sand in All the Wrong Places will be released on July 12, 2016, so between now and then you have time to read the others.

• My Nest Isn't Empty, It Just Has More Closet Space
• Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog
• Meet Me at Emotional Baggage Claim
• Best Friends, Occasional Enemies
• Have  Nice Guilt Trip
• Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat?

* To comply with new guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, St. Martin Press Publishing has provided a complimentary electronic copy of this title for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the authors or publishing company.

Harlan Coben Doesn't Fool Around

Back in 2012, I had the most wonderful experience of meeting two authors I had only recently discovered: Harlan Coben and Lisa Scottoline. My mother and I attended the Texas Library Association's LiFTA Luncheon in order to hear them speak about their books. Scottoline spoke about Come Home, which had only been released a week earlier and Harlan Coben enticed readers with bits of his book Stay Close. Since then I have become a huge fan of both of these fantastic authors and when I see information about a new book coming out, I have to jump on it immediately.

I was granted early access to Harlan Coben's next bestseller, which will be released March 22, 2016, title through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Fool Me Once
by Harlan Coben

Like his previous books, Mr. Coben leads you down a pathway and then allows you to plummet off the cliff not realizing you were lead astray. The book revolves around Maya Stern, a retired helicopter pilot, surrounded by scandal and also the murders of her sister (while she was in Iraq) and her husband (soon after her return). When Maya discovers a video of her "dead" husband on the nanny cam given to her by her best friend following her husband's funeral suspicions begin to arise. Could Joe be alive? Who killed her sister? Why is death following Maya and who will be next?

This stand alone novel by this best selling author will have you on edge until the very end. I highly recommend this book. Once you find Coben, you will want to read everything he writes.

**To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, Dutton (part of Penguin Group) has provided a complimentary electronic copy of Fool Me Once for review purposes. My review is in no way influenced by the author or publishing company and is solely my opinion.

Most Wanted

Most Wantedby Lisa Scottoline
release date: April 12, 2016

Most Wanted, is the perfect title for Lisa Scottoline's latest stand-alone thriller. It captures the very essence of this complex story. There are so many possibilities for the reason behind the title, but I think the most important one, the one that is the reason for the entire story line is pictured on the cover - a baby.

Christine and Marcus are happy, young professionals wanting to start a family. When they discover Marcus is infertile they decide to use a donor in order to conceive. As Christine prepares to leave her job as a reading specialist, she sees a breaking news story about the capture of a serial killer. She is devastated to see the image of her donor's face being pushed into a squad car in handcuffs.

Is your heart racing? Are you wondering, what would I do? That is exactly how I felt when reading this book! When you think the storyline is going in one direction, Scottoline turns it around and goes another way. The action and excitement keeps the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the book.

As an educator, I have to say I was impressed with the way Christine was depicted in the story. A lot of times educators are characterized as stuck in their profession. They are not given credit for the background and degrees held in order to be in their positions. Educators are often taken for granted and not respected by students or parents because public education is free to all. I respect Christine's decision to quit her job to raise her child, but I also liked reading about how much she cared for and would miss her students. A common characteristic of educators is their feeling of a lack of skills for a career after teaching. I have to admit I have felt this way many times. As I near retirement I wonder what I will do when I no longer have to be at school before 7:00 in the morning. I know I can create engaging lessons for children, keep the attention of large numbers of students with my read-alouds, teach adults how to integrate technology into their lessons, manage a classroom full of four- and five-year olds full of sugar and excitement during a classroom holiday party, and calm a hysterical parent when their child is hurt, missing, or in trouble. But how do those skills relate to the world outside of a school building? Scottoline has placed Christine in just that position and she comes out a true heroine! I'm so happy to see a strong woman educator pull herself up and be the confident leader she was born to be, even if the point of this story was not the fact the main character was a teacher. Thank you for showing everyone, especially teachers, they can do and be anything at any time.

I would highly recommend this book for fans of thrillers, books about educators, and law. 

* To comply with guidelines set forth by the Federal Trade Commission, St. Martin's Press has provided a complimentary electronic version of Most Wanted for review purposes. 

 

Friends Share Scottoline's Books

I have loved every Lisa Scottoline book I have ever read, and for full disclosure, Lisa and I are not friends. Well, actually on Facebook we are, but not in "real" life. However, after reading her latest book Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat: True Stories and Confessions, I truly believe we could be friends, maybe even the best of friends!

Does This Beach Make Me Look Fat?: True Stories and Confessions
by LIsa Scottoline & Francesca Serritella

Lisa (I'll call her by her first name since I think we could be such great friends) writes as if she was sitting across from you having a conversation. She holds nothing back. I guess I feel like I know her so well because I know her dogs Kit, Peach, Pip, Ruby, and Tony - and dare I forget her granddog - Pip and grandcat Mimi! I have seen her beautiful garden, laughed as her horse made a snow angel, been green with envy seeing all of the people she has invited into her home for her Book Club Party, and cried when I heard of the passing of her dear Mother Mary.

I, like Lisa, am a task master. I guess so much so, that I haven't put up a Christmas tree in over three years, but if I did put up a tree a lot of the ornaments would be handmade and would also display the names of much loved and long gone fur babies. I'm not into the The Bachelor like Francesca, but I LOVE playing Fantasy Football. I would like to go to the beach with Lisa and Francesca to eat a spaghetti sandwich. I will be in New York City next week, just FYI.

She and daughter Francesca have a wonderful way of pulling you into their life through their writing. If you need a perfect book to take to the beach or to have in your purse for the quick chapter between chauffeuring your children around this summer, pick up a copy of the latest collection of stories by this fabulous mother / daughter duo.

*To comply with new guidelines set for by the Federal Trade Commission, St. Martin's Press, provided a complimentary copy of this title in eBook format for review purposes. This review is my opinion and is in no way influenced by the authors, the author's publicist, or the publishing company.

Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline

In April 2012, I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Lisa Scottoline at the Texas Library Association Conference. I was a fan before hearing her speak, but became a superfan following her presentation when I got to meet her. My mother and I attended the luncheon together. I got in line to have our books autographed I asked Ms. Scottoline if I could take a picture of her. She was very kind and allowed me to snap this picture.

Lisa Scottoline
April 2012 - Houston, Texas

When I told her I was there with my mother she asked where she was. I told her she was waiting over to the side - she was using a scooter to get around during the conference. Ms. Scottoline got up from the table, walked over to my mother, gave her a hug and took a picture with her. 

Lisa Scottoline and my Mother Marge
April 2012 - Houston, Texas

Ms. Scottoline took the time to greet my mother means the world to me. If I remember correctly this was Ms. Scottoline's book tour had to be cut short because Mother Mary became ill the day after her appearance at the conference.

Like I said, I have been a superfan for a number of years. I have been frantically reading and writing reviews for pre-publication books (some of which I post here, not all however are allowed), but I had to take the time to read something I wanted to read recently. It was not at all difficult to choose the book I wanted to read - Keep Quiet (2014). 

Keep Quiet
by Lisa Scottoline (2014)

What an amazing read. I was captured from the start of this book. I could relate to the characters and felt great empathy for their turmoil. Keep Quiet is the kind of book you cannot put down, even when I could no longer keep my eyes open. It is also the kind of book you cannot keep quiet about. I talked to everyone about this book. I think some people were at the point of walking away from me just to see if I would stop talking. No, I did not. The tension in the story builds from the first chapter and doesn't release you from its grasp until the final one. 

Every book I read by Scottoline is gripping. I don't review many of her books because she is SO fabulous she really needs no help from me. I just wanted to pass along my praise and appreciation to her. I look forward to reading her Sunday posts and seeing the adorable pictures of her four- and two-legged family members (the furry, the feathered, and the daughter). I know she is a bestselling author, but she seems more like a friend and as a fan, I truly want to thank her for showing us all that she is a very down to earth kind of person. Thank you, Ms. Scottoline.

Look Again

Look Again
Lisa Scottoline

After publishing my last post I realized I had not posted a blog entry about the book I finished prior to starting Play Dead by Julia Heaberlin! I don't know how I could have forgotten to share this wonderful book by one of my favorite authors. Well, actually I do know what happened. I posted it on my other blog! I wanted to share information about this book on my other blog, "From the Library Shelves". This is the book I was fortunate enough to give away during the World Book Night event at the end of April. I will take credit for this title being included on the list of 20 books given away this year during the 2nd annual WBN. I sent the title in last year after hearing Lisa Scottoline speak at the LIFTA Luncheon at the Texas Library Association Conference. She was fabulous and has become one of the authors I frantically search for whenever I hear they are coming out with a new book.

How to describe this book? Since Mother's Day is tomorrow, let's start with a mother's love for her child. Does the amount of love for a child have to do with the blood running through the child's veins? I mean, is a mother's love any less if the child was not carried for nine months in her own body? My response NO! I know from personal experience ~ from both sides of this discussion. I know my mother loves me unconditionally. She has always put up with all of my issues, arguments, and terrible teenage years. She supports me in anything I have ever attempted to do and is one of my loudest cheerleaders when I am honored for an accomplishment. I KNOW she loves me.

I also know a wonderful woman who was a huge part of my life growing up loved me as one of her own. Margaret was our neighbor, but she was also like a mother to me. She would never take the place of my mother, but she provided experiences for me (an only child) that my parents could not. I was part of their family of six, becoming number seven. At their house I had an older sister, and three older brothers. Sadly Margaret passed away many years ago, but I still think about her whenever I drive to my parents house. Her family still owns the house across the street and her daughter, my sister, lives in the house next door to my parents. We are still very close and I will always treasure our relationship. 

As I have grown older another woman came into my life. At first she was just my Sunday School Teacher. I will never confess to being a Biblical scholar, or even a hugely religious person. I believe in God and I know Jesus died for my sins. I don't have to go to church to have faith. I have it in my heart. However, when I was in Dana Lee's class I felt that I really and truly belonged. I felt that God had put us together so she could teach me more about Jesus's love for me. I enjoyed going to her class and listening to the lessons she would work long hours during the week to prepare. She was a very dedicated teacher and I was devastated when she had to quit teaching our class because of her health. She continued to sing in the choir with us and we became even closer. I call her my Church Mom. She never had any children of her own, but I love her as a mother and I truly believe she loves me as much as my own mother.

A mother's love is indescribable. I love my son with all of my heart. I can't even begin to write how much joy he has brought into my life. His accomplishments over the past 17 years have been more vast than I could ever had envisioned for him. During this school year alone, we have been to the School Board Meeting in our district no less than four times for various honors, including, but not limited to Academic Decathlon (1st in the district, region, and 3rd in the state) and National Merit Scholar.  In a little less than a month he will be giving a Salutatorian address during his graduation ceremony. I don't love him just because he is so successful. I am just very lucky to have such a talented son. Would I love him any less if he were not academically talented? No. 

I never truly understood my mother's love for me until I became a mother. I feel like I have been over protective of my son his entire life. I worried about him when he left the house to go spend the night with a friend, which didn't happen very often as he grew up. I would much rather have his friend over to our house. I was in control. As the time for him to go off to college is quickly approaching I see that I have done a great job of allowing him to grow his own wings. I am not thrilled with the prospect of him going off to college, but I know this is his time. He has earned this opportunity to fly off on his own, even if it is only 30 miles away. I will no longer be in control. He will be, but I believe he is very capable of making the right choice for him in any situation. We have raised our son well. He is loved and I truly believe he knows he is loved, just not how much. He will learn that someday when he is a father.

Well, all of that to get to the point of my review for Look Again. Sorry, I guess I was rambling, but it does come full circle. Ellen Gleeson is a reporter and a single mother to her adoptive son, three year old, Will. She adopted Will after developing a relationship with him while doing a story in a local hospital. He had been abandoned by his mother when a heart condition was diagnosed. On her arrival home one day Ellen finds in the mail one of these long white postcards we have all received. Instead of quickly looking at the picture, reading the description, and saying a swift prayer for the parents like the majority of us do each time one of these cards arrives in our mailbox, she studies the photo.  She she realizes she is looking at her son! 

The book goes through all of the emotions you would think would come from that kind of realization. She wants to investigate and find out if this child, who she has loved for over a year and a half, could be the child of the parents who have mourned him for the same time period. She is torn. If she finds out the truth what could happen to her legal adoption of her son? Ms. Scottoline does a wonderful job of showing the emotion of the characters and revealing a truly astonishing story of love, betrayal, and acceptance.

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.

New Author (for me) - Lisa Scottoline

Save Me
Lisa Scottoline

I signed up for my local public library newsletter for new books last year. As if I don't already have enough books on my "To Read" list, each month they add a few more titles. In April Lisa Scottoline's book Save Me was on the list of new books. As soon as I read the first line of the review from Booklist, "Suburban mom [Rose McKenna] is forced to make a split-second decision after an explosion goes off in the school cafeteria in which she volunteers. Should she rescue her own daughter, Melly, trapped in the bathroom, or lead the girls standing in front of her, who constantly bully her daughter, to safety?" -- Okay, now honestly, are you hooked? -- Well needless to say I was. In fact I could hardly put this book down.


I completely thought this book was going to be about the cafeteria explosion and the way it affected the lives of all the people involved. Boy was I wrong! This book, like author Jodi Picoult's books (I immediately started comparing the two authors' writing style as soon as I picked up the book), took a turn I never dreamed of happening. I had read that Lisa Scottoline has a law degree and teaches "Justice and Fiction" at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, so I completely expected a great deal of lawyer-y kind of talk and courtroom scenes. Again, boy was I wrong.


I don't want to ruin the storyline for anyone, so I am not going to say anymore about the plot. What I will say is I look at the responsibilities as an educator and parent volunteer at school so much more seriously now. I have been on the crisis team at the school I work for the past twelve years and have been trained (as much as you can be for a crisis situation) in a variety of scenarios. I would never want to be placed in the same shoes as Rose McKenna (the main character), but if I am, I want to be as strong in personal conviction and strength as she is portrayed in this wonderful novel.


Like I said at the beginning, Lisa Scottoline is a new author to me, but now I have thankfully found her and placed her books on my every growing "To Read" list.