Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Recognizable Gaiman: weird, inventive, creepy, creative fantasy. This is an entertaining sequel to American Gods, which I thoroughly disliked, but I did not realize it until I was well into the audio version, performed by British stand-up comedian Lenny Henry whose deep rich voice and character comedy is absolutely perfect for this novel. It's clever, it's funny, it draws on a lot of African/Caribbean mythology, specifically that of the trickster spider god Anansi (introduced in American Gods). Henry's voices are brilliant (especially the old Caribbean women) and he had me literally smiling nearly all the way through the story. Actually, if it weren't for the audio I'd have to say that I probably would only give this novel 1 star. Book is way too long imho. Gaiman is a fine story teller, but his tales are all the same. I'd like to see him apply his talents to a new repertoire /genre of stories.

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The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely loved this unique, delightfully sweet, face-paced novel! The author does an exceptional job of capturing the mind of a quirky, analytical, brilliant man with Asperger's Syndrome. He totally lacks insight to sarcasm, is literal, guileless, and honest to a fault. There are several screwball laugh-out-loud moments, as well as some touching, thought-provoking scenes. The book makes you feel like there is somebody out there for everybody, no matter how weird or different you are. This is a book about choosing to look at our blind spots and address them. It is also about how love and commitment are a choice. The author originally wrote this wonderfully clever novel as a screenplay and has sold the screen rights, so hopefully it will soon be made into a movie.

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The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a magically written, unusual, whimsical, and engrossing tale. I listened to the audio version and it is wonderful - made me feel like I was right there in the story. I was sorry when it was over and want to go back to that magic circus.

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Some Girls, Some Hats and Hitler: A True Love Story Rediscovered by Trudi Kanter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An interesting true account of a woman who escaped from Austria just after Hitler's invasion, but not particularly well written. I had to keep reminding myself that this was a memoir/journal, not written by an accomplished novelist. l found it difficult to really identify with the characters, especially the author who was a bit vain and too self congratulatory for my taste. I would like to have read more about the girls & the hat factory.

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The Case of the Missing Marquess by Nancy Springer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Interesting concept and character but predictable plot with poor resolution. This is recommended YA fiction, targeting middle school, but the vocabulary used is quite advanced and beginning on page 3 there are references to prostitution and alcoholism that don't seem to fit that reading level. Enola Holmes is not a Flavia de Luce.

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Devil's Food Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Poor grammar. Boringly predictable plot. Unbelievable and annoying characters. Tedious detail with no imagination. Unnatural, repetitive dialogue. An unfinished ending in order to get you to read the next book in the series, which I will never do. Poor writing and story construction. Since this is on NY Times Bestseller list I'm really concerned about my fellow American readers. The book is a bust, but there are some good recipes.

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