The Queen of the Big Time

The Queen of the Big Time by Adriana Trigiani
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Adriana Trigiani can write, especially about Italian Americans and their colorful culture. This was a very enjoyable book that leaves you with the understanding of the importance of living your life to the fullest and appreciating the love all around you, instead of longing for what you don't have. This is a happy, uplifting, all ends well story.

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The Winner by David Baldacci
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I do like reading Baldacci's mysteries. This has a unique fast-paced plot, with lots of twists and turns, and his characters are well developed. Each time I read one of his books I'm impressed with how different they are from each other and I wonder how he comes up with such varying scenarios and interesting characters. He is a very talented writer. There is no bad language and although there is a sex scene it's nothing compared toKen Follett or other popular mystery writers.

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Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun, "enchanting," YA read, a retelling of "Cinderella" with a twist on the importance of agency, and an explanation of life before the traditional fairytale. There are a few holes in the story and unanswered questions, but overall a delightful read.

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Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The story is trite, unrealistic, cliched, formulaic, overdone, and one dimensional, nevertheless I did keep reading wanting to find out what happened next. It deals with the stereotypical choice of women of the 60's and 70's: career vs. family, but overall it is supposed to be a story about a wonderful and enduring friendship. Yet as one reader succinctly commented, "in reality it's a long, depressing narrative of a profoundly abusive relationship. The fact that neither of these women seem to have any other friends is a clue to their unhealthy dependency on each other." I would not want a young person to read it because it treats getting high on pot, alcohol consumption and sex outside of marriage as the norm and no-big-deal.
If you liked Beaches you'll probably love this. Overall, it lacked that something that makes me know that I'ma better person for having read it. Oh, and did I mention, it's way too long.




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A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A short amusing read about 2 young people and the summer they spend with their Grandma who is a character with guts and gumption who you'll remember. Very entertaining, with good belly laughs and moral instruction as well

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On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I can't believe this won the Printz award (Newberry equivalent for teenagers), giving a stamp of approval to frequent "f" word usage, teen sex and teen pregnancy. There are many good things about the novel: an interesting & compelling story, a message of the importance of enduring relationships, coming of age theme, but with all the angst and approval of poor values it carries I would discourage any teen I care about from reading it.

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Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague by Geraldine Brooks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautifully written historical fiction with great character development and many themes. It made me wonder what my reactions would be should we be faced with plague in our time. This would make for great book club discussion.
I listened to audio books which was very well done. Highly recommend.



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Brava, Valentine by Adriana Trigiani
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fun chick lit, although the morals are a little loose, and plotline a bit too predictable. Trigliana can write however this was not as good as Lucia, Lucia or Big Stone Gap. Read those books first.


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Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo




This much loved kids' classic should not be ignored by adults. It is exceptionally well written and contains a profound message about love, friendship, diversity, acceptance and forgiveness. I would read this to a 5 year old & recommend it to all ages. The movie, which I have not seen, is likely very cute and entertaining, but it would be a shame to ignore the short novel because one already knows the story. Only 2 -3 hour read, tops.



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A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty: A Novel by Joshilyn Jackson

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This was a great story with believable characters, but I docked it 3 stars for repetitive vulgar language. Edit that out & it would have 5 stars from me.





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