Nicholas Sparks has been capturing reader's hearts for years with his heart-felt stories of love and life. Many, such as The Notebook, and more recently, Dear John , have come to life in well-made movies. Still on the New York Times Best Seller List after 21 weeks, The Last Song has captivated millions.
Ronnie Miller (short for Veronica) is an angry, confused almost-eighteen-year-old. She feels abandoned by her once-loving father who, after divorcing her mother, disappears from her life. Ronnie has refused any contact with him for three years. Now her mother is insisting that she and her brother, Jonah, spend an entire summer with their father in Wrightsville Beach near Wilmington, NC.
Ronnie is a talented, intelligent and beautiful teen, but her strong feelings of resentment result in a heart hardened toward life. Even though mentored by her father to become a brilliant musician with a future as a concert pianist, she rejects her music after her father exits her life.
The difference in life-style between her New York club scene and the more slow paced world of her father's beach house causes more resentment for Ronnie. Jonah seems to adapt immediately, assisting his father in creating a stained-glass window for the local church. Ronnie angrily seeks something to occupy her time for the months she is forced to stay.
Ronnie's father, Steve, patiently allows her to work through her anger, and eventually a truce seems to be in place. Slowly a relationship begins to develop as the father and daughter get to know each other again.
Unexpectantly, a romance developes with a local young man. Ronnie begins to experience contentment as she enjoys time spent with Will and learning about the animal life of the sea. She determinadly takes on a cause of protecting a nest of sea turtle eggs, and eventually lands a job at an aquarium.
Her interaction with other young people in the area is not so pleasant. Ronnie must deal with deception, and untimately, danger. She faces these challenges with strength and character.
As the end of summer approaches, Ronnie realizes how much she has changed, and how she will miss the beach life. Then, when a tragic truth becomes known, her strength and spirit are tested. With her serentity falling to pieces around her, Ronnie learns to face impossible calamity and grief with new-found endurance.
The Last Song is one of those books to save for a vacation or snowy weekend, as it is hard to put down. This narrative of a special girl growing up to become a fine young lady will pull at your heart strings. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate it a 7.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Noah's Compass by Anne Tyler
Anne Tyler, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Breathing Lessons and The Accidental Tourist, prefers a plot-line concerning emotionally blunted men trying to find meaning in their lives.
Her latest, Noah's Compass, introduces us to Liam Pennywell, Philosophy teacher, who has recently lost his job. He eagerly embraces his reduced financial situation by downsizing to a small apartment and elimimating all non-essential household items.
Unfortunately, he falls alseep the first night in his new apartment, and awakens in the hospital. He has no memory of what happened, but is informed an intruder entered the unlocked patio door and bashed Liam's head, causing a concussion.
Liam is much more concerned with his memory loss than the crime perpetrated against him. He becomes obsessed with trying to recall this blank spot in his life.
Liam has not succeeded in forming close family ties. His first wife committed suicide, and his second divorced him, stating "You have nothing to give to this relationship". However his ex-wife and daughters do their best to support him in his time of need, however unappreciative he might appear.
His intense frustration with not remembering the assault leads him to visit a neurologist. The doctor supplies no answers, only saying the memory of the event will return, or it won't.
However in the doctor's waiting room an interesting series of events begins to unfold. Liam recognizes a billionaire business tycoon known for his power deals and financial acumen. He observes closely a young women who accompanies the elderly man, quietly prompting him with names and facts. Liam realizes the gentleman is approaching senility and the women is his tool in keeping his sharp reputation intact. Liam labels her a "paid rememberer".
So powerful is Liam's desire to remember what happened to him, he unrealistically wonders if this woman could "remember" for him. He deceptively finagles an encounter with the tycoon and his assistant, then slowly developes a relationship with Eunice, whom he believes will be his savior.
The author skillfully unfolds a bittersweet tale of a family getting to know each other, and Liam opening his heart to love. While Liam is neither a hero nor a villian, his closed up soul begins a transformation; although allowing himself to care also brings the possibility of heartache.
Anne Tyler's greatest gift is her ability to create characters easily understandable. We reluctantly recognize the human fraility and self-absorbtion possessed inherently by all people. While this beautifully written saga of one man's journey through life is not the exciting escape from reality some fiction offers, it will leave you thoughtful and perhaps a bit unsettled.
On a scale of 1 - 10, this rates a 9.
Her latest, Noah's Compass, introduces us to Liam Pennywell, Philosophy teacher, who has recently lost his job. He eagerly embraces his reduced financial situation by downsizing to a small apartment and elimimating all non-essential household items.
Unfortunately, he falls alseep the first night in his new apartment, and awakens in the hospital. He has no memory of what happened, but is informed an intruder entered the unlocked patio door and bashed Liam's head, causing a concussion.
Liam is much more concerned with his memory loss than the crime perpetrated against him. He becomes obsessed with trying to recall this blank spot in his life.
Liam has not succeeded in forming close family ties. His first wife committed suicide, and his second divorced him, stating "You have nothing to give to this relationship". However his ex-wife and daughters do their best to support him in his time of need, however unappreciative he might appear.
His intense frustration with not remembering the assault leads him to visit a neurologist. The doctor supplies no answers, only saying the memory of the event will return, or it won't.
However in the doctor's waiting room an interesting series of events begins to unfold. Liam recognizes a billionaire business tycoon known for his power deals and financial acumen. He observes closely a young women who accompanies the elderly man, quietly prompting him with names and facts. Liam realizes the gentleman is approaching senility and the women is his tool in keeping his sharp reputation intact. Liam labels her a "paid rememberer".
So powerful is Liam's desire to remember what happened to him, he unrealistically wonders if this woman could "remember" for him. He deceptively finagles an encounter with the tycoon and his assistant, then slowly developes a relationship with Eunice, whom he believes will be his savior.
The author skillfully unfolds a bittersweet tale of a family getting to know each other, and Liam opening his heart to love. While Liam is neither a hero nor a villian, his closed up soul begins a transformation; although allowing himself to care also brings the possibility of heartache.
Anne Tyler's greatest gift is her ability to create characters easily understandable. We reluctantly recognize the human fraility and self-absorbtion possessed inherently by all people. While this beautifully written saga of one man's journey through life is not the exciting escape from reality some fiction offers, it will leave you thoughtful and perhaps a bit unsettled.
On a scale of 1 - 10, this rates a 9.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton
Sue Grafton is slowly but surely making her way through the alphabet with her latest - "U is for Undertow". This makes the 21st book featuring Kinsey Milhone ,the smart and feisty female private investigator.
Kinsey is visited by a young man, Michael Sutton, who thinks he might have witnessed an event involving a crime perpertrated some twenty years earlier. As a small boy, Michael is convinced he saw men burying a body near a home he was visiting. The time-line coincides with the disappearance of a four-year-old girl, Mary Claire Fitzhugh, who was never found. Michael is so certain his memory has something to do with the death of Mary Claire, he is willing to fork over cash so Kinsey will investigate.
Kinsey reluctantly takes the case, and eventually the police take her and Michael seriously enough to dig up what appears to be an old grave, only to discover the carcass of.....a dog!
When it begins to look like Michael's memories might not be so clear, he is brutally murdered. Kinsey now puts all her effort into following a strange set of clues leading back to dogs, babies and weird hippies.
Kinsey is at her best carefully solving this "cold case". The set of suspects from the past keep her on her toes trying to determine who is still around that would kill to protect their long-kept secrets.
Sue Grafton fans may begin to worry that Kinsey may be killed off when the "Z" book is published. Hopefully not, as Kinsey has entertained her readers for years with her unique method of sleuthing. Only time will tell!
Grafton readers won't need to be encouraged to read this latest Kinsey Milhone tale. If you haven't ever read Grafton, start with "A is for Alibi" and enjoy a year's worth of fun detecting. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate this latest a 7.
Kinsey is visited by a young man, Michael Sutton, who thinks he might have witnessed an event involving a crime perpertrated some twenty years earlier. As a small boy, Michael is convinced he saw men burying a body near a home he was visiting. The time-line coincides with the disappearance of a four-year-old girl, Mary Claire Fitzhugh, who was never found. Michael is so certain his memory has something to do with the death of Mary Claire, he is willing to fork over cash so Kinsey will investigate.
Kinsey reluctantly takes the case, and eventually the police take her and Michael seriously enough to dig up what appears to be an old grave, only to discover the carcass of.....a dog!
When it begins to look like Michael's memories might not be so clear, he is brutally murdered. Kinsey now puts all her effort into following a strange set of clues leading back to dogs, babies and weird hippies.
Kinsey is at her best carefully solving this "cold case". The set of suspects from the past keep her on her toes trying to determine who is still around that would kill to protect their long-kept secrets.
Sue Grafton fans may begin to worry that Kinsey may be killed off when the "Z" book is published. Hopefully not, as Kinsey has entertained her readers for years with her unique method of sleuthing. Only time will tell!
Grafton readers won't need to be encouraged to read this latest Kinsey Milhone tale. If you haven't ever read Grafton, start with "A is for Alibi" and enjoy a year's worth of fun detecting. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate this latest a 7.
Monday, December 21, 2009
The Wrecker by Clive Cussler and Justin Scott
Clive Cussler has been thrilling readers for years with his fast-paced action novels, especially those featuring Dirk Pitt, the tough but lovable employee of NUMA (National Underwater and Marine Agency). In "The Chase" Cussler introduced us to a new venue and hero Issac Bell. Bell, who, although hailing from a high-class wealthy family, chose a career with the Van Dorn Detective Agency.
In Cussler's latest work, "The Wrecker" set in 1907 America, the Agency is called in by the owner of the Southern Pacific Railroad to investigate a series of deadly sabotage events. Issac Bell is put in charge, and it soon becomes a race to anticipate the next "accident", while tracking down the evil individual, known only as the Wrecker, responsible for these attacks.
Bell tranverses the country coast to coast by rail running down every clue, but it soon becomes evident that the the Wrecker will eliminate anyone and anything that gets in the way of his horrendous plan. When a fellow agent is violently murdered, Bell becomes fanatically determined to bring this villain to justice.
When the Wrecker's surprising identity and self-serving motives become known, Bell himself becomes a target, as he feverishly rushes to end the Wrecker's chain of destruction.
Cussler and Scott have created a great new hero in Issac Bell. Courageous, intelligent and emphathetic , he will certainly compete for readers favorite fictional character.
The backdrop of our country's powerful railroad history portrays a era when the rail system was of upmost importance in the spread of capitalism, and the necessity of connecting the U.S. from East to West.
As we have come to expect from Cussler, he has produced an action-packed and intriguing book with an informative look back into our country's history. On a scale of 1 to 10,I rate it a 6.
In Cussler's latest work, "The Wrecker" set in 1907 America, the Agency is called in by the owner of the Southern Pacific Railroad to investigate a series of deadly sabotage events. Issac Bell is put in charge, and it soon becomes a race to anticipate the next "accident", while tracking down the evil individual, known only as the Wrecker, responsible for these attacks.
Bell tranverses the country coast to coast by rail running down every clue, but it soon becomes evident that the the Wrecker will eliminate anyone and anything that gets in the way of his horrendous plan. When a fellow agent is violently murdered, Bell becomes fanatically determined to bring this villain to justice.
When the Wrecker's surprising identity and self-serving motives become known, Bell himself becomes a target, as he feverishly rushes to end the Wrecker's chain of destruction.
Cussler and Scott have created a great new hero in Issac Bell. Courageous, intelligent and emphathetic , he will certainly compete for readers favorite fictional character.
The backdrop of our country's powerful railroad history portrays a era when the rail system was of upmost importance in the spread of capitalism, and the necessity of connecting the U.S. from East to West.
As we have come to expect from Cussler, he has produced an action-packed and intriguing book with an informative look back into our country's history. On a scale of 1 to 10,I rate it a 6.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver
A biography that reads like a novel is always a pleasant experience, but a work of fiction that reads like a biography certainly is more unusual. In Barbara Kingsolver's The Lacuna, fictional characters are blended with real historic figures, creating a beautifully written saga of a young man's slow and turbulent rise to success.
Harrison Shepherd, also called Soli, is born in the United States, but is carted off to Mexico in 1929 after his parents seperation. While his mother supports them by selling herself to the highest bidder, Soli seeks to satisfy his need for reading material, and begins keeping a journal.
After a brief sojourn back in the states with his father, Soli finds himself working for the flamboyant artist couple Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in Coyoacan, Mexico. An avowed Communist, Rivera gives sanctuary to Russian fugitive Leon (Lev) Trotsky and his wife. Soli eventually is employed by Trotsky as a secretary, and also begins a novel of ancient Aztecs.
When Trotsky is brutally assassinated, Soli finds his way to Ashville, North Carolina where he is able to publish his novel and write to his heart's content. He hires a Mrs. Brown to assist him, and she becomes an invaluable rock of stability and loyalty.
However his association with Trotsky comes back to haunt him when he catches the attention of the Dies Committee, better known as the House Committee on Un-American Activites. Although uninterested in politics, Soli and his assistant are investigated and hounded by the press. The results are tragic and far-reaching.
This is a novel entirely created from Soli's journals, letters, published articles, and notes from his eventual archivest, Mrs. Brown. It spans two world wars and their aftermath. We are treated to up-close views of important events and famous people, putting a different perspective on history as we have known it.
Comparing this work of fiction to other recent novels, is like comparing a Dodge Dart to a Rolls Royce. A masterpiece of modern literature, this should be considered for a Pulitzer and a definite choice for the serious reader. On a scale of 1 to 10, a 10 doesn't do it justice, so add it to your winter reading list and prepare to enjoy.
Harrison Shepherd, also called Soli, is born in the United States, but is carted off to Mexico in 1929 after his parents seperation. While his mother supports them by selling herself to the highest bidder, Soli seeks to satisfy his need for reading material, and begins keeping a journal.
After a brief sojourn back in the states with his father, Soli finds himself working for the flamboyant artist couple Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo in Coyoacan, Mexico. An avowed Communist, Rivera gives sanctuary to Russian fugitive Leon (Lev) Trotsky and his wife. Soli eventually is employed by Trotsky as a secretary, and also begins a novel of ancient Aztecs.
When Trotsky is brutally assassinated, Soli finds his way to Ashville, North Carolina where he is able to publish his novel and write to his heart's content. He hires a Mrs. Brown to assist him, and she becomes an invaluable rock of stability and loyalty.
However his association with Trotsky comes back to haunt him when he catches the attention of the Dies Committee, better known as the House Committee on Un-American Activites. Although uninterested in politics, Soli and his assistant are investigated and hounded by the press. The results are tragic and far-reaching.
This is a novel entirely created from Soli's journals, letters, published articles, and notes from his eventual archivest, Mrs. Brown. It spans two world wars and their aftermath. We are treated to up-close views of important events and famous people, putting a different perspective on history as we have known it.
Comparing this work of fiction to other recent novels, is like comparing a Dodge Dart to a Rolls Royce. A masterpiece of modern literature, this should be considered for a Pulitzer and a definite choice for the serious reader. On a scale of 1 to 10, a 10 doesn't do it justice, so add it to your winter reading list and prepare to enjoy.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell
Patricia Cornwell has garnered many followers with her Scarpetta series,the new published The Scarpetta Factor marking the seventeenth book featuring her brilliant Medical Examiner, Dr. Kay Scarpetta. All the usual characters are back; husband Wesley Benton, niece Lucy, former policeman Pete Marino and Pete and Lucy's boss, ADA Jaime Berger.
All have had significant career and life upheavals and now are working in New York City. Scarpetta autopsies a young woman who died from head trauma, but Lucy and Berger see connections to the disappearance of powerful financial advisor Hannah Starr. Some creepy individuals come under suspicion, but getting to the truth becomes confusing.
When Scarpetta has her Blackberry stolen, and receives a dangerous package delivered by a FedEx man, all parties work day and night to put the pieces together.
Although the previous Scarpetta books were written with a dark aura, this one seems particularlly somber. The characters all have issues from the past that have left them joyless and unsettled.
Readers might find the plot a bit slow developing, heavily weighed down with technology and science. While it is fascinating to see how crimes are solved with computer programs and modern forensic knowledge, the technical terminology seems to bog down the story line.
However if you can perservere through the early pages and the constant foul language, the conclusion is riveting and unexpected. On a scale of 1 to 10 I rate it a 6.
All have had significant career and life upheavals and now are working in New York City. Scarpetta autopsies a young woman who died from head trauma, but Lucy and Berger see connections to the disappearance of powerful financial advisor Hannah Starr. Some creepy individuals come under suspicion, but getting to the truth becomes confusing.
When Scarpetta has her Blackberry stolen, and receives a dangerous package delivered by a FedEx man, all parties work day and night to put the pieces together.
Although the previous Scarpetta books were written with a dark aura, this one seems particularlly somber. The characters all have issues from the past that have left them joyless and unsettled.
Readers might find the plot a bit slow developing, heavily weighed down with technology and science. While it is fascinating to see how crimes are solved with computer programs and modern forensic knowledge, the technical terminology seems to bog down the story line.
However if you can perservere through the early pages and the constant foul language, the conclusion is riveting and unexpected. On a scale of 1 to 10 I rate it a 6.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
South of Broad by Pat Conroy
Pat Conroy uses the written word to paint vivid images of the American South. As in past novels, he chose his beloved Charleston as a setting for his newest book, South of Broad. Here, a diverse group of high-school students are thrown together by circumstance, and create bonds that last a lifetime.
Leo King, son of secondary school educators, begins his senior year trying to put his tragic past behind him. He is soon to be off probation for a questionable drug possession charge, and is emotionally recovering from the break-down that followed his older's brother's suicide.
At his mother's insistance, he meets a odd assortment of young people who are to attend his school. His mother serves as principal where they will all be seniors. Three are troubled orphans from a local charity home. Three are children of Charleston's wealthty society who were asked to leave the private school they were attending. One is the son of the new football coach, who happens to be black. Leo also makes the aquaintance of the two flamboyant twins who move in across the street.
Beautiful Sheba and her openly gay brother, Trevor, are hiding from their abusive father while trying to keep their alchoholic mother safe.
Eventually the group find their own ways in life and careers, in some circumstances marrying each other.
Most interesting, however, is the successful acting career of Sheba. Rich and famous as a movie star, she still holds her high-school friendships dear. She eventually returns to Charleston to request help from the group. Her brother, Trevor has dropped out of sight, after being diagnosed with AIDS, and she needs them to help her find him. The ensuing search, and the characters they meet make for very entertaining reading.
Conroy uses his beautiful style to produce a very readable tale, handling tragic situations with grace and humor. Characters are carefully and creatively drawn, and readers will come to love them all. This book is just what you need on a cold night, tucked in in front of the fire. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate it an 8 1/2.
Leo King, son of secondary school educators, begins his senior year trying to put his tragic past behind him. He is soon to be off probation for a questionable drug possession charge, and is emotionally recovering from the break-down that followed his older's brother's suicide.
At his mother's insistance, he meets a odd assortment of young people who are to attend his school. His mother serves as principal where they will all be seniors. Three are troubled orphans from a local charity home. Three are children of Charleston's wealthty society who were asked to leave the private school they were attending. One is the son of the new football coach, who happens to be black. Leo also makes the aquaintance of the two flamboyant twins who move in across the street.
Beautiful Sheba and her openly gay brother, Trevor, are hiding from their abusive father while trying to keep their alchoholic mother safe.
Eventually the group find their own ways in life and careers, in some circumstances marrying each other.
Most interesting, however, is the successful acting career of Sheba. Rich and famous as a movie star, she still holds her high-school friendships dear. She eventually returns to Charleston to request help from the group. Her brother, Trevor has dropped out of sight, after being diagnosed with AIDS, and she needs them to help her find him. The ensuing search, and the characters they meet make for very entertaining reading.
Conroy uses his beautiful style to produce a very readable tale, handling tragic situations with grace and humor. Characters are carefully and creatively drawn, and readers will come to love them all. This book is just what you need on a cold night, tucked in in front of the fire. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate it an 8 1/2.
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