Nancy's Book Nook - Mariah's Shelf





	Important Note: All reviews reflected on this page are solely the expressed opinions of the reviewer. Our reviewers are not paid or given any incentive by any publisher. Title: The 101 Dalmatians Classification: Children's Author: Dodie Smith Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The book far surpasses any movie version, and I'm a Disney fan. Perfect chapter book for dog lovers fifth grade and on up. Pongo and Missis search for their fifteen kidnapped pups, and find a few extra. Title: Anne of Green Gables Classification: Teens Author: L. M. (Lucy Maud) Montgomery Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, Inc. Copyright: 1908 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Don’t miss this classic series about Anne, an imaginative, talkative orphan sent to live with a brother and sister who originally intended to adopt a boy as a farmhand. Anne is a sensitive, spirited, hot-tempered redhead whose misadventures will delight readers of all ages. Title: Aunt Dimity and the Deep Blue Sea Classification: Mystery Author: Nancy Atherton Publisher: Penguin Copyright: 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This is #11 in the series which began with "Aunt Dimity's Death." Main character Lori Shepherd and her 5-year old twin sons, Will and Rob, are sent to stay with a rich friend of the family on an island off the coast of Scotland when "Abaddon" --a lunatic, obviously--threatens her husband Bill. This is about as tame as it gets in a modern mystery series, so if you like that, as I do, you'll enjoy this story. Aunt Dimity is a ghost friend who communicates with Lori through a journal, but she doesn't figure into this particular story very much. Title: Bark M for Murder Classification: Mystery Author: J.A. Jance, Virginia Lanier, Chassie West, and Lee Charles Kelley Publisher: Avon/HarperCollins Copyright: March 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This collection of 4 short stories was enjoyable, but nothing to write home about. Short stories are rarely as fun to read as a full-length novel, so part of the handicap is the format. For die-hard dog lovers, this will be a must-read. All others can probably take a pass. The short stories are: 1)Red Shirt and Black Jacket by Virginia Lanier; 2) Nightmare in Nowhere by Chassie West; 3) The French Poodle Connection by Lee Charles Kelley; and 4) The Case of the London Cabbie by J.A. Jance. Lanier and Kelley are dog lover's mystery series authors; for Jance and West, this is their first foray into this area. I particularly enjoyed Maddy Watkins with her golden retrievers, featured in the Jance story. Maddy's old but spunky and full of life. I hope to see more of her. Title: Beautiful Joe Classification: Children's Author: Marshall Saunders Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: I would guess the reading level of this chapter book to be about sixth grade, but still very enjoyable for adults to read. This is the "Black Beauty" of dog novels. Told from the point of view of the dog, Beautiful Joe has his ears and tail cut off as a puppy by a cruel owner, and fortunately is rescued to live in a clergyman's home. The theme of the novel is the importance of kindness to all animals. Title: The Black Stallion Classification: Children's Author: Walter Farley Publisher: Random House, Inc. Copyright: 1941 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The beginning of an excellent series featuring a boy and the wild horse who loves him. Shipwrecked together, the pair later become famous at the racetrack for the Black's incredible speed and spirit. A perfect read for boys or girls who love horses. Title: Blue Shoes and Happiness Classification: Mystery Author: Alexander McCall Smith Publisher: Pantheon Books/Random House Inc. Copyright: 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This 7th entry in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series is a delight from start to finish. As always, it is less a mystery than a peek into Precious Ramotswe's life in Botswana. Simple, charming, refreshing. Title: The Book of Fred Classification: Fiction Author: Abby Bardi Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This is a great book to provide discussion for reading groups. The main character, teenage Mary Fred, is removed from her parents due to their participation in a detrimental mind-control cult (her siblings die from lack of medical attention). This is the story of her life once placed with a foster family: how she affects them and how they affect her. The book starts out telling the story from Mary Fred's perspective, and then switches to the foster mother, the foster sister, the foster uncle, and then back to Mary Fred again. Very interesting as the story progresses told from the perspectives of different characters. We don't all live in the same world, in a sense, and this book illustrates that. Title: Cat Breaking Free Classification: Mystery Author: Shirley Rousseau Murphy Publisher: Harper Collins Copyright: 2005 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This cat lover's mystery is #11 in the Joe Grey series that began with "Cat on the Edge". This series continues to be delightful, as the feline sleuths are pawing for the truth once again. Mysteriously gifted with human intellects and the ability to speak to humans (although they only choose to converse with a select few), Joe Grey, Dulcie, and Kit encounter some wild domestic cats who are their equals, and some beastly humans who have bad plans for them. Title: Champion Dog: Prince Tom Classification: Children's Author: Jean Fritz and Tom Clute Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: In this chapter book (about fourth grade reading level), we meet Prince Tom, a golden cocker spaniel who excelled at obedience, tricks, and hunting competitions. A novelization of the true story of Tom Clute's champion dog. Very enjoyable read for young dog lovers. Title: Chow Down Classification: Mystery Author: Laurien Berenson Publisher: Kensington Books Copyright: September 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Another good read in this dog-lover's mystery series. Newly married Melanie Travis finds herself--or rather, her standard poodle, Faith--a finalist in a dog food contest they didn't enter. (Young children should not have unsupervised access to the Internet. See what can happen?) There is fierce competition for the $100 thousand grand contract as official "spokesdog." When one of the human competitors falls to his death, Melanie is suspicious and starts asking questions. This series usually is centered around the conformation dog show world, so a new main context helps to keep it fresh, although the story still features dog shows so devotees won't be disappointed. Laurien Berenson is a very good author in this sub-genre. Title: Church Folk Classification: Fiction Author: Michele Andrea Bowen Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This is the story of a Southern African American woman in the early 60s who falls in love with, and eventually marries, a Christian pastor. Life as a pastor's wife is far from smooth sailing, sometimes hilariously so. Don't expect a stained-glass depiction: this novel is usually shelved in regular fiction instead of religious fiction. It has blunt speech and plenty of references to sexuality. This book was a #1 Essence bestseller.(Click here to check out other reviews for this title) Title: The Clan of the Cave Bear Classification: Fiction Author: Jean Auel Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Never judge a book by its movie. The book is one of my all-time favorite reads; the movie is an abomination. Ayla is a prehistoric child rescued by a separate race of humans destined to die out. She struggles to fit in with a culture that doesn't suit her intrinsic nature, as they struggle to accept her. As Ayla grows up, she discovers an inner strength that transcends her environment. This first book in the Earth's Children series is the best of all of them. Title: Clean & Green: The Complete Guide to Nontoxic and Environmentally Safe Housekeeping Classification: Self-help Author: Annie Berthold-Bond Publisher: Ceres Press Copyright: 1990 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: If you care about the environment, your health, and/or your wallet, this book is for you. It details a multitude of safe, natural cleaning solutions and applications, so you'll never again have to use the harmful, expensive cleaners found in stores. Title: Confessions From An Honest Wife Classification: Religion & Philosophy Author: Sarah Zacharias Davis Publisher: Revell/Baker Copyright: 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This book is well suited for use in stimulating discussion in premarital counseling or marriage studies. Anyone planning on getting married or those already married would benefit from reading it, although it is all from a woman's point of view so it will probably hold more appeal for women to pick up. The author is the daughter of Ravi Zacharias, in case you are familiar with his books. This book is put together from interviews with several anonymous Christian women. Each chapter is a different woman's voice candidly expressing what she has struggled with and learned in her own marriage. The only thing I really didn't care for was one of the last chapters in which a woman justified what sounded to me like an unjustifiable divorce. Of course, I don't have the full story to know for sure, and one of the things she complains about are how hard Christians frequently are on those who are going through the pain of divorce. Hmmm...I better think about that one. So even though I don't agree with her viewpoints on this issue, the book is still good; the point of the book is not to necessarily find agreement with everything you read, but to stir up discussion in groups so people can learn from listening to other perspectives. Title: Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister Classification: Fiction Author: Gregory Maguire Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Very loose retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale. The author wrote "Wicked", which became a hit Broadway musical, but this stand-alone novel did absolutely nothing for me. The premise sounded good but the story itself was a big disappointment. I kept hoping it would get better, but I didn't enjoy it at all. Phooey! Title: Crewel Lye Classification: Fantasy Author: Piers Anthony Publisher: Ballantine Copyright: 1984 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This is my favorite book in the Xanth series; it's one of the few books I have literally read to pieces and had to re-purchase. Great literature it's not, but it is great fun. A not-too-bright barbarian heads out on a quest with mixed-up magic to "help" him, and the object he seeks is more than he bargained for. It's a good thing his magical talent is healing himself, because he gets killed and maimed on a regular basis. But death shall not deter him from his quest...or will it? Jordan the ghost recounts the story. Title: Dating Can Be Murder Classification: Mystery Author: Jennifer Apodaca Publisher: Kensington Books Copyright: May 2002 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: #1 in the Samantha Shaw series. This fun, light mystery is a good read to pass the time while you're waiting for another Evanovich. This author isn't on the same level, of course, but with her own style provides elements of humor, romance, and adventure, starring a single mom with two sons and a dating service business that serves up more trouble than bliss. Add in a mom who disapproves of everything her daughter does, a grandpa who enjoys life, and a couple of romantic interests (which will she choose?), not to mention a dog with a drinking problem, and you have a very enjoyable read. Unfortunately, this is out of print at the time of this review (9/06), so look for it in libraries or at used bookstores. Title: Dead Days of Summer Classification: Mystery Author: Carolyn Hart Publisher: William Morrow/HarperCollins Copyright: 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This 17th book in the Death on Demand series offers a new twist: Annie's Max has been set up to look like a philandering murderer. Could it be true? Of course not, with their true love! I love the depiction of their stable marriage and enjoyed this new plot in this series. Annie and her friends must prove Max's innocence before he is convicted, and before the murderer gets away forever. Title: The Dealer Classification: Teens Author: Robert Muchamore Publisher: Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster Copyright: October 2005 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This second book in the Cherub series was only okay, but not as good as the first one. This series is designed especially for teenage boys who like action adventure. The main character, James Adams, is recruited into a secret agent organization that uses children as operatives. As an adult, this story was an alright read, but I wasn't thrilled with the mixed messages sent to teens in this story about drugs. James goes undercover as an illegal drug delivery person in a sting designed to catch a rather sympathetically portrayed drug lord. Title: Dear Mr. Henshaw Classification: Children's Author: Beverly Cleary Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Copyright: 1983 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: By writing to his favorite author and eventually keeping a journal, a young boy expresses his feelings about life after his parents’ divorce. A decent read for kids. Title: Death on Demand Classification: Mystery Author: Carolyn G. Hart Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This is the first in the Death on Demand series starring Annie, who owns her own mystery bookstore, and her handsome, wealthy boyfriend Max. This well-written series is a good pick for those who prefer mysteries which don't make you feel like you're watching the news or a horror movie. Somewhat suspenseful but not enough to make you afraid to be alone in the house on a dark night. Title: The Decoy Princess Classification: Fantasy Author: Dawn Cook Publisher: Ace Books/Berkley/Penguin Books (USA) Inc. Copyright: December 2005 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Good storyline of a princess who discovers she’s just a security stand-in for the real princess—quite a shock! Life gets more interesting as enemies make their moves, and even friends can be more than they seem. This story did make me laugh occasionally, but overall it was not well done. The author kept throwing in odd, jarring elements. Like sour notes that don’t flow well with a melody, the cumulative effect was of a good song badly played. Title: Dogged Pursuit Classification: Mystery Author: Lee Charles Kelley Publisher: Avon Books/HarperCollins Publishers Copyright: July 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: #5 in the Jack Field dog mystery series. I don't agree with the main character's views on just about anything, but the stories and characters are interesting and distinctive. In this story, Jack, kennel owner, dog trainer, and former cop, interviews a man accused of being a serial killer, which I found particularly interesting. Jack & Jamie are preparing for their wedding, but their lives get more complicated with a killer on the loose and one of their employees missing. The sixth book in the series is due out March 2007. Title: Double Identity Classification: Children's Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix Publisher: Simon & Schuster Copyright: 2005 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: An entirely too predictable “thriller” about a 12 year old girl, Bethany, who searches for the truth about her identity after her parents inexplicably leave her at a stranger’s house and then send thousands of dollars along with four different birth certificates for her with four different names. 2 ½. Perhaps an okay one-time read for the younger set, but rather slow-paced and hardly mysterious. A lot more could have been done with this topic, but perhaps that would have made it too adult for its preteen audience. Overall a disappointing and rather pointless story. Title: Eliminate Chaos Classification: Self-help Author: Laura Leist Publisher: Sasquatch Books Copyright: 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The book's subtitle is: "The 10-Step Process to Organize Your Home & Life." Perfectly decent but unexceptional book on organizing. The author walks you through organizing different areas of your home, using some photos of rooms in people's homes she worked on as a professional organizer. This book is adequate and will work fine if you're just looking for the basics, but if you devour "domestic goddess" books by the handful, don't expect to learn much of anything new. Plus this book does not delve much into the psychology of clutter. I found it really very plain vanilla. Fine, but far from fantastic. Title: English Roses Classification: Children's Author: Madonna Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Juvenile picture book. In this story I find that Madonna has nothing meaningful to impart to children. What a surprise! Your time and money are better spent elsewhere. Title: Every Woman’s Marriage: Igniting the Joy & Passion You Both Desire Classification: Religion & Philosophy Author: Shannon and Greg Ethridge Publisher: WaterBrook Press Copyright: 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: A well-balanced guide for the Christian wife on how she can relate more lovingly toward her husband and help build a better marriage relationship. Title: Faith is Not a Feeling: Choosing to Take God at His Word Classification: Religion & Philosophy Author: Ney Bailey Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Told in first person, the author provides her own real life examples of how to apply the Bible in a world that often doesn't make sense. In the first chapter she relates how, although she herself and some others survived, seven of her friends died in a flood that hit while they were attending a Christian women's retreat. She is very honest about her struggles and mistakes. This book is encouraging, informative, and thought-provoking. A twelve week Bible study guide is included in the back of the book. Title: Follow My Leader Classification: Children's Author: James B. Garfield Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: In this chapter book (about fourth grade reading level), Jimmy is eleven years old when he loses his sight in an accident. He learns to read Braille, walk with a cane, and goes to a special school to get his guide dog, a German Shepherd named Leader, and learn how to work with him properly. In addition to coping with his new way of life, Jimmy must learn to cope with his feelings towards the boy who threw the firecracker in his face. Title: The Forgotten Door Classification: Children's Author: Alexander Key Publisher: Scholastic Copyright: 1965 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Jon fell through a gateway from his world to ours. This telepathic boy with a love for animals suffers from amnesia and is unable to recall much about his world other than that it is a peaceful place. He finds a good family to help him, but faces enemies in the community who aren't inclined to tolerance for anyone different. An excellent and gentle science fiction story on a fifth grade reading level. Title: Gaits of Heaven Classification: Mystery Author: Susan Conant Publisher: Berkley/Penguin Group (USA) Inc. Copyright: November 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: My favorite dog mystery author is on her way to becoming a former favorite. There is no other mystery author who so immerses her stories in all things dog (which is a big plus as far as I’m concerned) and this book is no exception. However, like the preceding novel in the series, “Bride & Groom,” the great dogginess of the story is not enough to redeem it from its overshadowing negative qualities. One mistake was to have the main character narrate events that take place without her by imagining in her mind’s eye what happened, using the present tense. Unnecessarily wordy sentences, probably intended to convey originality, prove ponderous instead and bog down the flow. The story struggles along in need of fresh batteries. Finally, I disliked the ending of both books. Sad to say, overall it’s a poor showing. Title: Gift of Gold Classification: Teens Author: Beverly Butler Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: In this sequel to "Light a Single Candle", Cathy, now a college student, faces more difficulties as a blind person with a desire to become a speech therapist. In addition to trying to find her place in the world, she's trying to decide which man she'll let find a place in her heart. Title: Give It Up! My Year of Learning to Live Better With Less Classification: Self-help Author: Mary Carlomagno Publisher: William Morrow Copyright: 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Sounds good, right? Don't waste your time. This wealthy socialite toys with the novelty of giving up such vital necessities as alcohol, cell phone usage, and taxi cabs. She plays at each deprivation for a month, then is relieved to pretty much return to her previous lifestyle. It seems to me that when she tries to come up with "something deep and meaningful to say," it's only an attempt to make the book have enough of a point to get published, not because she actually gained real insight. Wow. I didn't know people could really have that shallow of an existence. She's kidding, right? Am I on Candid Camera? Title: Guilty Pleasures Classification: Vampires, Horror & Other Creatures Author: Laurell K. Hamilton Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: First in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter fantasy series. I read this book because I know many people who like this author and this series, but it isn't surprising that I hated it because I don't like vampires! What was I thinking? To me, Vampires + Erotica = Yuck. Title: Gunpowder Plot Classification: Mystery Author: Carola Dunn Publisher: St. Martin's Copyright: September 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: No. 15 in the Daisy Dalrymple series. Set in the 1920s, this novel won’t have you enthralled to find out what happens next, but neither will you be afraid to turn out the lights while home alone. A likeable, tame mystery without gore, language or sex. Title: Hope for the Flowers Classification: Religion & Philosophy Author: Trina Paulus Publisher: Paulist Press Copyright: 1972 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This is a picture book for adults which depicts the lives of 2 caterpillars on their way to becoming butterflies. A nonreligious, inspirational story about there being more to life than climbing to the top of the heap no matter what the cost, and about learning to value the beauty in oneself and others. Title: How Come I'm Always Luigi? A FoxTrot Collection Classification: Self-help Author: Bill Amend Publisher: Andrews McMeel Copyright: 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Humor/comic strip. If you love FoxTrot, you'll love this book as much as all the previous ones. I'm mainly including mention of it here so you will know there is a new book out, because it either suits your sense of humor or it doesn't. I love it and it makes me laugh. One of the top comic strips in my opinion. Title: I Got You, Babe Classification: Romance Author: Jane Graves Publisher: Ivy/Ballantine Books Copyright: September 2001 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: For some irrational reason, a book that can be purchased for a bargain price holds more appeal than a book that can be read for free at the library. That is my explanation for why I subjected myself to reading this awkwardly written contemporary romance. Having finished it, my verdict is: I want my 34 cents back. The plot revolves around Renee Esterhaus, innocent fugitive, versus John DeMarco, vacationing cop. The author had a promising premise but her execution of the story killed it. Title: Indemnity Only Classification: Mystery Author: Sara Paretsky Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Copyright: 1982 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: First in the V.I. Warshawski series. Anyone who enjoys Kinsey Millhone’s adventures by Sue Grafton will not want to miss this comparable series. V.I. is a tough, independent, female P.I. with tenacity for solving cases. Just please promise me you won’t see the horrible movie, which butchers the books completely. Kathleen Turner was great as Joan Wilder and Jessica Rabbit, but she does not begin to resemble V.I. What were they thinking? Even if they’d picked the right actress, the movie would still have been a disaster. Don’t let that put you off the books, though—the books are great! Title: Jane’s Warlord Classification: Romance Author: Angela Knight Publisher: Berkley Sensation/Penguin Group (USA) Inc. Copyright: June 2004 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The plot sounds like a “Terminator” movie: a present-day woman is targeted for assassination, and a fighter from the future is sent back to protect her. Actually reading the novel brings to mind a different movie title: “Earth Girls Are Easy.” It doesn’t take Jane long AT ALL to adjust—ahem—to a not-quite-human man with glowing eyes and super-strength, along with his talking wolf, holding her hostage for her own protection against a time-traveling Jack the Ripper. This gal’s sex drive is like the postal service: regardless of adverse circumstances, the male goes through. I give the author points for attempting to create a plot beyond the typical “loves me/loves me not,” but the realm to which she transports the reader isn’t magical, merely ridiculous. The crude language used also detracts from the story. Final verdict: don’t waste your time traveling through this book. I’ll always clap for Tinkerbell to live, but there are limits even to make-believe. Title: Jennifer Scales and the Ancient Furnace Classification: Teens Author: MaryJanice Davidson and Anthony Alongi Publisher: Berkley/Penguin Copyright: August 2005 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Teen fantasy series. Move over, "teenage werewolf," here comes "I was a teenage weredragon." Great read. I definitely look forward to reading more of Jennifer's adventures. She's got the attitude, AND she breathes fire! Look out, world, this sassy shapeshifter is just getting started! (Click here to check out other reviews for this title) Title: Jennifer Scales and the Messenger of Light Classification: Teens Author: MaryJanice Davidson & Anthony Alongi Publisher: Berkley Jam Books Copyright: June 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The second in the Jennifer Scales series is also a very good read. At first I found the somewhat soap-opera-ish plot to be a bit much even for a fantasy, but once I accepted the drama I thoroughly enjoyed it. This series is marketed for teens but is a good read for adults as well. Jennifer is being trained in her mother's heritage and struggling with friend and family relationships, while trying to avoid being killed. Who says teenagers have it easy?! Especially half-weredragon teenagers facing a lot of secrets. I look forward to the third book! (Click here to check out other reviews for this title) Title: Jumper Classification: Science Fiction Author: Steven Gould Publisher: Starscape/Tom Doherty Associates, LLC Copyright: 1992 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Sci fi fans take note: this will be appearing as a movie in 2007, so read it now and avoid the rush. This compelling story of a boy who discovers he has the ability to teleport makes a good read for older teens and adults. Sadly, I've seen it marketed for elementary school age children, which is totally inappropriate in light of a scene in which a gang of truckers attempt to rape Davey while he's on the run from his alcoholic father. This is a growing-up story of self-discovery, survival, adventure and learning to love. The sequel is titled "Reflex." Title: Light a Single Candle Classification: Teens Author: Beverly Butler Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This story is about Cathy, a 14 year old who goes blind and must learn how to adjust. After awhile, she gets a German Shepherd guide dog, Trudy, and attends public high school. The author of this novel was blind herself and therefore well able to express the friendship difficulties that Cathy experiences. There is a sequel, "Gift of Gold." Title: Lightning Classification: Fiction Author: Dean Koontz Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Koontz usually writes horror, but this is more science fiction. This is one of my favorite books of all time. I can't imagine why this fantastic story, with its elements of action, romance, and suspense, hasn't yet been made into a blockbuster movie. Nothing will ever beat the book, though: Grow up with Laura Shane and wonder, as she does, who her guardian angel is, and what could be his purpose, as he unpredictably appears and disappears throughout her life, yet never changes... Title: Little Wizard Stories of Oz Classification: Children's Author: L. Frank Baum Publisher: William Morrow & Company Copyright: 1913 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This book in the Wizard of Oz series was written for a younger reading level than all the rest. I didn't read this one as a child (the only one I missed), but from an adult perspective this book is not that great. The best of the stories were only okay. Compared to the rest of the Oz books, this one lacks magic. It is probably due to being written for younger readers and because it is a collection of six short stories, which are rarely as good as a full-length novel. This book isn't worth reading; the other books are much better. Title: Lost and Found Classification: Science Fiction Author: Alan Dean Foster Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: A man and dog are kidnapped by aliens. This story has a talking dog in it, and I still didn't like it. That's bad. I didn't like the development of the plot, the characters, or the author's writing style (too pompous). I know he can write better than this. What happened? Needless to say, I won't be reading the sequel. Title: Mammoth Hunters Classification: Fiction Author: Jean Auel Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: In this third book in the Earth's Children series, Ayla and Jondalar stay with a group of people who hunt mammoth. The sex scenes in this book become a bit overbearing; it's more of the same, yada yada yada, let's get back to the plot. However, Ayla wins my heart again as the larger-than-life, innovative heroine, still triumphing over adversity and fighting against prejudice. Lots of cultural conflict to spice up the plot. Title: Maximum Security Classification: Teens Author: Robert Muchamore Publisher: Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster Copyright: June 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: #3 in the Cherub series. This time young teen James Adams goes undercover in a juvenile prison to engineer a prison break for the son of a most-wanted criminal, as bait for the big fish. His sister Lauren, also an agent, joins him for the first time on this mission. This story had a more exciting and intense plot than the 2nd one, but still I feel my enthusiasm for this series dimming. The violence and harshness encountered by the children as part of their missions bothers me because children shouldn't be expected to deal with adult complexities. The fact that "survival of the fittest and toughest" is presented as admirable and necessary is also disturbing to me. I just don't think these stories send the best messages to kids. However, this story might help to "scare straight" anybody on a cross course with the law: the depiction of the juvenile prison should make anyone reconsider ending up there. Okay one-time read overall, but definitely not a favorite. Title: "Me and My Big Mouth!" Your Answer is Right Under Your Nose Classification: Religion & Philosophy Author: Joyce Meyer Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This is an excellent Christian book about the importance of our words from a spiritual perspective. Filled with practical advice. Worth re-reading on a regular basis. Title: Misery Moms: Living on One Income in a Two Income Economy Classification: Self-help Author: Joni McCoy Publisher: Bethany House Copyright: 1994, revised 2001 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Even those of us who aren't parents can appreciate the thrifty advice in this book. For more recipes, see her cookbook, "Misery Meals: Healthy, Tasty Recipes Under 75 Cents per Serving", published 2002. Title: Motor Mouth Classification: Mystery Author: Janet Evanovich Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Copyright: 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: I care zip about car racing, but I still laughed my way through this book. Mechanic Alexandra Barnaby, more commonly known as Barney, and racecar driver Sam Hooker start out to help a friend and end up on the run from the bad guys, with hilarious results. This sequel to Metro Girl is much better than the original, in which 'NASCAR Guy' talked about himself in the third person and was as appealing as Jar Jar Binks. Thankfully, the authors have divested him of that habit in this second appearance. The crack-up character Lula from the Stephanie Plum series does not appear in the Barnaby books, but I felt that her spirit was there in the pages of it. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title) Title: Moving Is Murder Classification: Mystery Author: Sara Rosett Publisher: Kensington Books Copyright: April 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: #1 in the new Mom Zone series. A decent read about a woman, newly "mommed," who is married to an Air Force pilot. The story takes place after their move to a new home, so although the plot does not center around the actual experience of moving, the family is unpacking and settling into their new neighborhood. With a murderer on the loose, of course. The author gives a few moving tips at the ends of chapters. The main character may develop a home organizing business in future books. So, military, new motherhood, organizing for a move--if any of these topics hold appeal for you, you may enjoy the themes in this mystery. Title: Mr. Monk Goes to the Firehouse Classification: Mystery Author: Lee Goldberg Publisher: Signet Copyright: 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: If you like the TV show "Monk", featuring a brilliant detective who is crippled by extreme obsessive-compulsive disorder, you'll enjoy this paperback novel by one of the show's writers. In June 2006, Mr. Monk Goes to Hawaii. I can't wait!! Title: Mrs. Jeffries Appeals the Verdict Classification: Mystery Author: Emily Brightwell Publisher: Berkely/Penguin Copyright: May 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: #21 in the Mrs. Jeffries series. I typically enjoy this light Victorian mystery series featuring an Inspector whose detective work is helped out considerably by his household staff. However, this one did not particularly engage me, probably because I so recently read the previous book in the series, and the stories are too much alike after awhile to read one right after another. Title: Mrs. Jeffries and the Silent Knight Classification: Mystery Author: Emily Brightwell Publisher: Berkley/Penguin Copyright: October 2005 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Inspector Witherspoon is a gifted homicide detective: gifted in having a household staff, headed by housekeeper Mrs. Jeffries, accompanied by a few friends, who enjoy secretly helping him catch murderers and thus enhance his reputation. In this 20th entry in the series begun by "The Inspector and Mrs. Jeffries", set in Victorian England, Witherspoon continues to be charmingly puzzled by "his" brilliant ideas. If you like your mysteries tame, without extensive blood/gore/unwelcome insights into the twisted minds of psychotic killers, you'll be safe with this entertaining series. Title: Mrs. Mike Classification: Fiction Author: Benedict & Nancy Freedman Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Historical fiction set in the early 1900s, about an Irish woman from Boston who marries a Canadian Mounty and travels to live in the wilderness with him. This character (based on a real life person) battles astonishing hardship, and I felt ashamed for ever having complained about something as trivial as the weather. Not my usual type of read, but very worthwhile and still in print as of 2006. Title: Mr. Monk Goes to Hawaii Classification: Mystery Author: Lee Goldberg Publisher: Signet/Penguin Group (USA) Inc. Copyright: July 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This second book in the Monk series is sure to delight the fans of the t.v. show. Full of depictions of Monk's obsessive-compulsive habits, this story had me laughing out loud. My one complaint is that the mystery was too easy. If I could figure it out, a genius like Monk certainly should have caught on sooner. But I found it very enjoyable just the same. Now we have to wait until Jan. 2007 for the "Blue Flu" to be released. I'm getting my order in early! Title: Murder On A Girl’s Night Out Classification: Mystery Author: Anne George Publisher: Avon/Hearst Copyright: 1996 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: First in the Southern Sisters series. A mildly entertaining story about two very different sisters who become involved in a murder case when the former owner of a Country Western bar is murdered right after one sister buys it from him. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title) Title: Murder Unleashed Classification: Mystery Author: Elaine Viets Publisher: New American Library/Penguin Group (USA) Inc. Copyright: May 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: #5 in the Dead-End Job Mystery series. Main character Helen Hawthorne works at the Barker Brothers Pampered Pet Boutique in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This is not a typical dog-lover's mystery: the main character does not have a dog, and the dogs as individual characters are not central to the plot. However, the animal-centered setting is very central, and its originality (a pet store catering to the extreme rich) makes this an appealing, inviting read for dog-lovers regardless. The story weaves together a lot of interesting elements that make for an entertaining, fun, fresh read. The primary focus of the story is pets, humor and adventure, but please note that there is a sexual element that makes this story unsuitable for young people. Title: A New Leash on Death Classification: Mystery Author: Susan Conant Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This is the first book in my favorite dog lover's mystery series. The unofficial sleuth, Holly Winter, is a writer of dog articles who shows Alaskan malamutes in competition. Her dogs are real dogs and act like it: they misbehave, even though they are well trained. Fun! Plus I learned tons about the dog show world. Title: Not a Girl Detective Classification: Mystery Author: Susan Kandel Publisher: William Morrow/HarperCollins Copyright: 2005 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: I collect all the hardcover reprints by Applewood Press of the original Nancy Drew stories, so I hoped to enjoy this contemporary mystery with its Nancy Drew theme. Sadly, this book is not worth reading unless you struggle with insomnia. I don't know how the author manages to turn such interesting topics into dull, tedious, mind-numbing, "is-it-over-yet-please" stories. I only finished reading it because I wanted to give the book a fair shake for its review by reading it all the way through. I dreaded the chore and celebrated when I finally finished reading this extremely boring story. I felt the same way about the author's first book, "I Dreamed I Married Perry Mason," and I LOVE the Perry Mason mysteries. Two strikes and this author's out. The boring-ness of her first book was not a fluke; it's a trend. I will not read Susan Kandel again. On the other hand, it's cheaper than sleeping pills. Title: A Pedigree To Die For Classification: Mystery Author: Laurien Berenson Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Dog lover's mystery. First in the amateur sleuth Melanie Travis series. She's a single mom who enters the world of show Poodles and discovers an aptitude for solving crimes. Title: The Plains of Passage Classification: Fiction Author: Jean Auel Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This fourth one is the absolute worst book in the entire Earth's Children series. Ayla and Jondalar travel on and on...and on...and ON...and by the time they reach their destination, it's the end of the book. What a gyp! Here's the plot: they travel. They have sex. They watch animals have sex. Shall I ever recover from reading the mammoths' sex scene? I may be in therapy for years. I should sue. Plus there's a rather nasty exploration of a group of women's abusive domination of men. Ick. Jean Auel, why did you put us through the "Pains" of Passage? Title: Plum Lovin’ Classification: Mystery Author: Janet Evanovich Publisher: St. Martin’s Press Copyright: January 2007 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: 3 ½. An entertaining novelette along the lines of “Visions of Sugar Plums” with a holiday theme and a supernatural element. Stephanie Plum is called upon by Diesel to handle five case files for the “Cupid” of Valentine’s Day, a woman named Annie Hart whom Stephanie wants to apprehend for skipping out on bail for armed robbery. I dislike it extremely when fiction or mystery writers jump genres within an otherwise straightforward book or series, although I have no problem with urban fantasy that actually admits to being such from the get-go. So my first inclination as I started reading was to rate the book as a 2. However, my own laughter as the outlandish plot proceeded convinced me to bump the rating up a notch—I certainly liked the book. Stephanie meets some very interesting characters, along with regular entertainers such as Grandma Mazur and Lula. Steph’s sister Valerie’s love life is also impacted in this story, as it was in “Visions,” which might be a bit puzzling if you skip ahead to the next “official” full-length story without reading this one. The book packs a lot of fun in a slim volume, but some people may prefer to get it out of the library or wait for paperback instead of paying hardcover price due to its thin size. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title) Title: The Power of a Positive Wife Classification: Religion & Philosophy Author: Karol Ladd Publisher: Howard Publishing Co. Copyright: 2003 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This sounds like a fluffy, easy read, but in my life I have never read a more challenging marriage book than this one. Guess being positive doesn't always come easy. You Christians out there will know what I'm talking about when I say this book made me mad in a good way. When God puts His finger on something in my heart that shouldn't be there, I tend to get sulky; I got plenty sulky reading this. It took me a long time to get through because I kept getting mad and saying, "I'm not reading this any more!" But it's good medicine and of course, I kept coming back to it. If you want an easy read, this isn't it. But if you want God to change your heart, this is an excellent tool. Read with prayer. Title: The Princess and the Goblin Classification: Children's Author: George MacDonald Publisher: Random House, Inc. Copyright: 1911 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: A gentle fantasy by a Christian author featuring a brave princess, her great grandmother, a miner boy, and some ill-intentioned goblins (are there any other kind?). One of my absolute favorite reads. The sequel, also excellent, is "The Princess and Curdie." Title: Reflex Classification: Science Fiction Author: Steven Gould Publisher: Tor/Tom Dohertry Associates, LLC Copyright: 2004 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This sequel to "Jumper" was disappointing. Of course, anytime one enjoys a novel, it's interesting to see what happens next to its characters. In this case, "Jumper" is a stand-alone read, so it isn't necessary to read "Reflex" as a follow-up if you don't care to. On the whole I thought "Reflex" was rather boring and pointless. It will probably also be made into a movie at some point, so if you prefer to read the books first, you may still want to pick this one up just so you can compare the film version to its original. Title: Resenting the Hero Classification: Fantasy Author: Moira J. Moore Publisher: Ace Books/Berkley/Penguin Copyright: March 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The cover is misleading; I'm happy to say that the woman never, ever has to shine the man's boots. Because of the cover picture, I expected this book to be silly camp with exaggerated characters and humor, but it's more just regular fantasy. I stayed up until 3 a.m. to finish reading it. This is the first in what looks to be a future series. Character driven, not a lot of action, but very interesting. I very much enjoyed the portrayal of the villain and/or villainess (don't want to give anything away). This is mostly a story of a man and a woman who have to learn to work as a team although they are not much alike. The woman is a "Shield" who protects the man's life (who is a "Source") when he magically deflects natural disasters. I look forward to reading the sequel. Title: Second Sunday Classification: Fiction Author: Michele Andrea Bowen Publisher: Walk Worthy Press/Warner Books Copyright: June 2003 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Romance, faith, struggle, sorrow and joy--these elements combine to portray a sense of real people making their way through real life. This novel features the lives of church members in an African American Baptist Church in 1975 St. Louis. There are those in the church with their own agendas which might endanger the church as a whole as its centennial anniversary approaches. This second novel by Ms. Bowen, although definitely humorous in parts, didn't make me laugh out loud as much as when I read her first book, "Church Folk". But I liked the storyline of this one better. It is not necessary to read "Church Folk" first, although there are a few references to characters and events from the first book. Very good read. Again, be aware this contains blunt speech and sexual references. Title: SERIES - Apprentice Adept Classification: Fantasy Author: Piers Anthony Publisher: Various Copyright: Various Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Two worlds co-exist: Proton, where everything relies on logic and science, and Phaze, a fantasy world governed by magic where science doesn’t exist. Unnecessarily graphic scenes in some of the books marred my enjoyment of this series, but it has an interesting story line. Title: SERIES - Dark Is Rising Classification: Children's Author: Susan Cooper Publisher: Simon & Schuster Copyright: 1970s Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This fantasy series begins when Simon, Jane & Barney Drew discover an ancient map in the attic of their vacation home. Soon they are on the search for the Grail. The five books that make up the sequence see the children battle between the Dark and the Light in a world full of Arthurian and Celtic mystical settings. Very popular and well-known series, but didn’t do anything for me. Of course, I’m not a big fan of this type of setting. Ages 12 and up. Title: SERIES - The Deptford Mice Trilogy Classification: Fantasy Author: Robin Jarvis Publisher: Various Copyright: Various Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: A great read for kids who liked The Secret of Nimh or the Redwall series (the talking animals). This series features mice vs. rats. Ages 9 and up. Title: SERIES - Kinsey Millhone Mysteries Classification: Mystery Author: Sue Grafton Publisher: Various Copyright: Various Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Kinsey is a tough, independent female private eye. If you like this series, also try Sara Paretsky. Title: SERIES - The Land of Oz Classification: Children's Author: L. Frank Baum Publisher: Various Copyright: 1900 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: There are fifteen books that visit the Land of Oz in L. Frank Baum’s 1900 modern fairy tales of the adventures of Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Woodsman, the Scarecrow and others. This classic children’s fantasy series has a timeless message for all children about friendship, compassion, courage and wisdom. All fifteen stories can be found in one volume called, 15 Books In 1: L. Frank Baum’s Original “Oz” Series (2005) Shoes & Ships & Sealing Wax, Ltd. Publishers. My personal favorite is Ozma of Oz. Ages 8 and up. Title: SERIES - The Mars Diaries Classification: Teens Author: Sigumund Brouwer Publisher: Tyndale Kids Copyright: Various Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: In the year 2039, Tyce Sanders, a 14-year-old virtual reality specialist and atheist, finds life at the experimental Mars community difficult. As he explores his strange surroundings, he finds the mysteries of the red planet point to his greatest discovery-a relationship with God. This series is a Christian science fiction for teens. Title: SERIES - Melanie Travis Mysteries Classification: Mystery Author: Laurien Berenson Publisher: Various Copyright: Various Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: A dog lover’s mystery series featuring standard poodles and Melanie Travis, thirty-something single mother and Connecticut teacher. Title: SERIES - Miss Silver Mysteries Classification: Mystery Author: Patricia Wentworth Publisher: Various Copyright: Various Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: If you like the kind of mysteries that won’t give you nightmares, this is a thoroughly enjoyable series. The series debuted before Agatha Christie started writing. Dora Amy Elles Dillon Turnbull (a.k.a. Patricia Wentworth, 1876-1961) introduced elderly spinster sleuth, Miss Maud Silver, in 1929. Maud is a retired governess, who loves to knit and read the Bible and Tennyson. Nobody beats Agatha Christie, but these are great reads if you like mysteries on the genteel side, as I do. It is not necessary to read in orders, which is helpful because most, if not all, are out of print. Title: SERIES - Mrs. Jeffries Classification: Mystery Author: Emily Brightwell (aka Sarah Temple) Publisher: Various Copyright: Various Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The mysteries aren’t hard to figure out, but I enjoy the characters and the gentleness of the series (not gory, graphic, or intense). Inspector Witherspoon is not nearly as talented at detecting as his housekeeping staff, but I won’t tell if you won’t. Title: SERIES - Norby Chronicles Classification: Teens Author: Janet Asimov & Isaac Asimov Publisher: Various Copyright: Various Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: A series of short science fiction novels for young teens. These are the delightful adventures of fourteen years old Jeff Wells, a Space Academy cadet and Norby, his second-hand robot with unusual abilities. Enjoyable reads for preteens on up to adults. Fun! Title: SERIES - The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Classification: Mystery Author: Alexander McCall Smith Publisher: Knopf Publishing Group Copyright: Various Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This is a gentle and enjoyable series, really more fiction than mystery. A woman, Precious Ramotswe, sets up her own detective agency in Botswana. This series is a lot about her life, her relationships with people and her relationship with the land. It’s very interesting to hear the different perspective from another country, and hard to believe the author is a man. Title: SERIES - Regeneration Classification: Teens Author: L. J. Singleton Publisher: Various Copyright: Various Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: A series about five teens created in a secret cloning experiment on a mysterious yacht. Something went wrong and now one of the doctors is trying to kill off each clone. An enjoyable read but never really given a satisfactory ending. Written for young teens. Title: SERIES - The Sunday Philosophy Club Classification: Mystery Author: Alexander McCall Smith Publisher: Various Copyright: Various Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Amateur sleuth Isabel Dalhousie is a philosopher, Editor of the Review of Applied Ethics, and host of The Sunday Philosophers' Club at her house in Edinburgh. Not nearly as good as The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. Title: SERIES - Warhorse of Esdragon Classification: Fantasy Author: Susan Dexter Publisher: Various Copyright: Various Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: First, the remarkable adventures of Leith, Prince of the Isles and his amazing black stallion, Valadan. Next comes the story of Leith’s descendants, Druyan. The final book has Titch, a reluctant knight. These are stand alone books with a common thread, Valadan, the magical Warhorse of Esdragon. I love these stories all the way through. Title: SERIES - The Winter King’s War Classification: Fantasy Author: Susan Dexter Publisher: Various Copyright: Various Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Tristan, a wizard’s apprentice, a princess caught in enchanted sleep, a wonder horse, a guardian dragon and lots of adventures. I really loved the first two books, but the ending was a bit weak. Title: Shattering the Two-Income Myth: Daily Secrets for Living Well on One Income Classification: Self-help Author: Andy Dappen Publisher: Brier Books Copyright: 1997 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This excellent guide provides inspiration on thrift for every day of the year. It’s particularly helpful for couples who want to enable one partner to stay at home through better money management. The author explains the hidden costs of having both partners work outside the home and gives practical ideas for cutting expenses. Title: The Shelters of Stone Classification: Fiction Author: Jean Auel Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The good news is that the fifth book in the Earth's Children series is better than the fourth. Instead of being offensively bad, it's just boring. We waited ten years for this? I was reluctant to be disappointed; I wanted so much to love it. But it's anticlimactic. Ayla and Jondalar FINALLY reach his home, and have a very lovely life together. Lovely to live, but boring to read. Nothing much happens. Apparently the author couldn't think of an exciting plot. She should have asked her fans for ideas during her decade of writing this book. Is her imagination tuckered out? It seems that Ayla's story is over; Jean Auel might do better inventing something entirely new, and taking a refresher writing course. Give us a new legend! Title: Sink Reflections Classification: Self-help Author: Marla Cilley Publisher: FlyLady Press Inc. Copyright: March 2002 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This book is very encouraging for everyone who struggles with CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome). The FlyLady website is also very helpful (FLY means Finally Loving Yourself). This inspirational guide to uncluttering and cleaning house offers practical and motivational help for those of us apparently born without "the clean gene." We are not alone, and we are not hopeless. Change is possible! I've read about every book there is on housecleaning and uncluttering, and this is one of the best. Title: Smoky Mountain Tracks Classification: Mystery Author: Donna Ball Publisher: Signet/Penguin Copyright: March 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: Raine Stockton dog mystery series #1. The main character is a dog trainer, Raine Stockton, who participates in a search and rescue operation for a missing child and mother, with unexpected repercussions. Her golden retriever, Cisco, is young and inexperienced, but the other SAR dog teams are hours away, and every minute counts when there are lives at stake. An animal psychic friend adds an unusual element to the story. I liked it well enough that I plan to read the sequel (currently scheduled for release Dec. 2006) but it isn't as good as dog mysteries by Laurien Berenson, Susan Conant, and Virginia Lanier. I rate this one a 3 1/2. Title: Sofie Metropolis Classification: Mystery Author: Tori Carrington (pen name of Lori & Tony Karayianni) Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates Copyright: June 2005 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: I might have enjoyed this more if it weren't so obviously a Stephanie Plum wannabe. I'd be more willing to overlook its lack of originality if it had made up for it by providing sufficient humor. It was interesting to learn a bit about Greek American culture. While waiting for another Plum mystery, I'll probably read the next Sofie ("Dirty Laundry" due out May 2006) but it will be like eating a diet cookie. Title: Some Danger Involved Classification: Mystery Author: Will Thomas Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: The first novel featuring Thomas Llewelyn, assistant to detective Cyrus Barker. Set in Victorian London, it has very much of a Sherlock Holmes feel to it, without actually being a Holmes mystery. Llewelyn is a type of "Watson" who accepts the job only because he's at the end of his rope. The employment ad which warns, "Some Danger Involved", of course turns out to be a vast understatement. This is a bit more intense, graphic, and violent that I ordinarily like, but the story is well done. Title: Steamed Classification: Mystery Author: Jessica Conant Park and Susan Conant Publisher: Berkley/Penguin Copyright: March 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: First book in the new Gourmet Girl series. The main character, Chloe Carter, is a college student whose blind date (from an Internet dating service) is murdered during their first meeting. Then she dates the main suspect, chef Josh. The first half of the book is hilarious; I laughed out loud. The second half became a bit more predictable and run-of-the-mill, losing that fabulous humor. Susan Conant was never this funny in her own wonderful dog mystery series, so I think the great humor comes from her daughter's writing. I look forward to the next book and hope to see that humor throughout the next time. These gals could definitely give Evanovich a run for her money if the humor makes a more consistent appearance in their future novels. Title: Streams in the Desert: 366 Daily Devotional Readings Classification: Religion & Philosophy Author: L.B. Cowman; edited by James Reimann Publisher: Zondervan Copyright: original 1925; updated 1997 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This is my favorite Christian daily devotional, excellent especially for encouragement during times of suffering. I recommend the "Updated Edition in Today's Language" edited by James Reimann, who did an excellent job in making this classic clearer and more understandable for the modern reader. The isbn for the edition I have is 0-310-21006-2. Get one for yourself and one to give away. Title: TekWar Classification: Science Fiction Author: William Shatner Publisher: Ace Books/Berkley Copyright: October 1989 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: William Shatner can’t write as well as he can act. That should scare you. I read the first several books in this series. It only gets worse. I don’t hold the ghostwriter responsible for how Mr. Shatner butchers his own storyline. I only hold myself responsible for wasting my time hoping the books would get better. Save yourself! Title: "Tell Them I Love Them": A Message Bringing Revelation of God's Love For You Classification: Religion & Philosophy Author: Joyce Meyer Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This Christian booklet expounds on the personal love of God for every person, including you. A simple and profound message about the basis for spiritual growth: a personal, ever deepening understanding of God's love. Title: This Dame For Hire Classification: Mystery Author: Sandra Scoppetone Publisher: Ballantine Books/Random House Copyright: 2005 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This hard-boiled dick is a woman, Faye Quick, who is left in charge of A Detective Agency (that's its name) when her boss goes to fight in World War II. An interesting spin and an okay one-time read, but not particularly noteworthy. Psychic friend Anne has a bit part in cracking the case. Title: To Kingdom Come Classification: Mystery Author: Will Thomas Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: In this sequel to "Some Danger Involved", Barker and Llewelyn go undercover as bomb-makers in an effort to stop a terrorist group from blowing up London. It may be that this was simply the wrong book at the wrong time for me. I unfortunately was reading it when London was bombed for real, and it was too close to the news for me to enjoy it as entertainment. Title: The Treasure Principle: Discovering the Secret of Joyful Giving Classification: Religion & Philosophy Author: Randy Alcorn Publisher: Multnomah Publishers Copyright: 2001 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This is a bite-sized hardcover, one of those slender, quick little reads. It challenges the Christian to examine his or her heart towards giving, and encourages an eternal perspective. Title: ttyl Classification: Teens Author: Lauren Myracle Publisher: Amulet Books/Harry Abrams, Inc. Copyright: 2004 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: If they were giving an award for shallow stories, this book should win. Three teenage girls instant message each other, which in this case makes for the kind of reading that kills off brain cells. Recommended only for masochists and "blondes." Title: Twelve Sharp Classification: Mystery Author: Janet Evanovich Publisher: St. Martin's Press Copyright: June 2006 Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: I was a bit disappointed by this latest in the Stephanie Plum series. Don't get me wrong: it was a fast, enjoyable read; but I expected more humor. I laughed less with this book than with any of the previous ones (excepting the weird holiday story "Visions of SugarPlums"). Long live Grandma Mazur, who was in fine form as usual. But Stephanie seemed too serious and straightforward to me. Not enough zany high jinks. Perhaps it is because of the plot: a missing child is no laughing matter. But I missed laughing all the way through the book as I usually do with the Plum series. I have very high expectations for this series which were not met in this book. I'm still giving it a 4 because I enjoyed it enough to zip through it very fast, staying up until the wee hours of the morning to finish it. (Click here to check out other reviews for this title) Title: Valley of the Horses Classification: Fiction Author: Jean Auel Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: In this second entry in the Earth's Children series, Ayla meets Jondalar, who becomes her lover. The first book is still the best of the best, but the sequel is still wonderful, although slower-paced. Title: Watchers Classification: Fiction Author: Dean Koontz Book Rating: Reviewer Comments: This is my second favorite Koontz book, and a great read for dog lovers. I could do without the twisted evil killer, but the brilliant, charming dog makes the story worthwhile. Eins