Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

I am always intrigued by evil that can be felt but not necessarily seen. I also will never view an approaching angry storm in the same way after reading this book.

This book hints at the needs and desires of the average person who wishes to be extraordinary. A "simple" carnival comes to town on the wake of an unusual storm and nothing is the same thereafter. Evil comes in many forms, but in this case, it is almost believable after looking into the desires of some of the town people.

I often have a book I can read during the day and one that I save for night time reading. This is a particularly scary book with wonderful imagery that puts the reader as an avid watchter of the unfolding of this story.

4.5* out of 5*

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

I first read this book when I was in 6th grade. Being an avid reader I was transfixed by the history, customs and magic of China. Immediately after reading this book, I read everything else I could find by Pearl S. Buck. Once I find an author I love, there is no stopping me from reading everything they have written.

A Pulitzer Prize Winner, this is a timeless classic that instantly involves the reader with language and imagery that makes you feel transported back to the earlier times in China. From bound feet to concubines, a young farmer works his way from being a peasant to a landowner of extreme power and wealth. His family progression shows the hard work of his chosen wife and sons and what money and wealth can do to people who came from the earth.

Peasant Wang Lung shows us the reliance and superstition these people had with gods and the earth that sustained and allowed his powerful dynasty to grow. This is the first book in a Trilogy and each book after is just as well written and a must read.

Second Nature by Alice Hoffman

Okay, I have read every book that Alice Hoffman has ever written. My first book that I read by her was called The River King. Imagery that is written like fine poetry haunted me from the first page to the last and I found myself in tears at the end. It was dark and haunting and much like a fairy tale with a realistic twist.

Second Nature came next and I was immediately transfixed again. I did not want the book to end. This particular book really looks at how society sees anyone who is raised differently from the norm and immediate suspicions of that person. Robin Moore is the main character who saves a man who everyone believes is a beast. It is never her intention or his, but a fantastic trust and love develops that no one in the outside societ can understand or believe. Again, it is like a modern day fairy tale where you hope that wickedness and ignorance can actually be overcome.

Alice Hoffman is an incredibly gifted storyteller....I just wish there were more books of hers that I could read.

5* out of 5*

The Awakening by Kate Chopin

I read this book in college with a phenomenal proffessor who taught me alot about feminism and the wonderful strength of being a woman. I have read and reread this book about 4 times and enjoyed it as much and been able to understand it as I have grown older. I have the college version that has an authoritative text and criticisms....well worth reading also.

This book has some wonderful imagery and symbolism and although not set in this era is certainly understandable in any time period. It is reminiscent of a Virginia Wolfe take on what life was like for a woman in the south with references to Creole culture, taboo and the lore of New Orleans.

It is interesting to note that this book was met initially with huge criticism (probably by men:)) and put out of print for 50 years in this country. It is a classic novel written by a wonderful woman writer at the turn of the century.

5* out of 5*

Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian

For those of us rusty on our historical knowledge of Germany during Hitler's regime, this book is an intriguing glimpse from one family who are German refugees. Their struggle westward ahead of the Russian army is told with wonderful and heart wrenching detail. Visually the language offers us a chance to feel the cold snows and a march that seems to be destined for failure. The author ties in historical references based on the unpublished diary of a Prussian refugee who fled. Dynamics of faith, love, joy and strength are deeply entrenched in this work of fiction. Author perspective allows us to also understand the intrinsic fear involved in being of any race because at some points there is no discretion involved in the killing and torture. Humanity is held under a microscope and in many cases found to be brutal, sadistic and unfeeling.


I found myself hoping at every page turn that a miracle would happen and that the main characters would survive. Still, hope is not enough and this book inspires one to realize that the ruin of flesh and faith is an ongoing problem throughout history and also present times.


I give this book a 5* out of 5*.....a magnificent story that makes me want to read it all over again.

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

A seemingly ordinary family is faced with decisions and repercussions that strain the social and emotional dynamics of a family's foundation. The main characters are two sisters, close in age, but one (Kate) has a devastating form of cancer. Her sister (Anna) has been biogenetically engineered as the "donor" for her sister. Anna eventually hires an attorney for herself so she can be emancipated from her parents choices for continued medical help for Kate. When it is related during the course of the trial why Anna has chosen this path, there is probably not a reader who will not understand and empathize with the entire family's choices and decisions. Each character is well developed although the mother in the family is not quite as believable. However, the implications and complications of this family make for a wonderful read that is both enlightening and heartbreaking. The author uses her voices well and keeps one interested in the next events and forthcoming solutions.



I recommend this book as a 4* out of 5*

Come all Readers!

I am a fairly non-discriminate reader. For me, going to the library or book store is a never ending enjoyment. In fact, I have banned myself from Barnes and Noble because it is too easy to spend too much money! I have been known to plop in a comfortable chair, forget the time and miss meals.

My rating system is basically 5 *'s is the best and 1 * is the lowest. I am always looking for that great book!