The Spire

LibraryThing book review...

The Spire

by Richard North Patterson

Mark Darrow returns to his alma mater, Caldwell College, to help out old friend and mentor, Lionel Farr. The school is trying to recover from the embezzlement of $900,000 by the the current president. When Darrow was a student at Caldwell he discovered the body of Angela Hall, murdered, at the base of the spire. His best friend, Steve Tillman, is serving a life sentence for the murder. Darrow has never believed that Steve was capable of murder. Not only is Mark trying to learn his new job, he is also trying to investigate a murder that is sixteen years old, and is having a relationship with Taylor Farr, the daughter of Lionel Farr.

I really enjoyed this book by Richard North Patterson. It is intriguing, well-written, and suspenseful. I really didn't figure the whole thing out until I got to the end, so it surprised me. The back and forth between the present and the past is very well done, not confusing at all. I also liked the love story, it really added to the story for me.

Friday Fill-ins #139

1. He was a very special young man~I miss him every day.

2. Crisp Fall days are what I look forward to most this time of year.

3. My best friend is someone I admire greatly.

4. Home ownership sometimes really bites to be honest with you.

5. Appearances can be somewhat deceiving.

6. The last person I gave a hug to was my friend Debbie:)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chilling on the couch, tomorrow my plans include throwing out some junk (after watching Hoarders on A&E!) and Sunday, I want to see a movie with Vicky (The Time Traveler's Wife)!

Under This Unbroken Sky

LibraryThing book review

Under This Unbroken Sky

by Shandi Mitchell

Under This Unbroken Sky is the story of two families who are trying to survive as farmers. Theodore and Maria have five children; his sister Anna is married to Stefan and they have two children. Theodore arrives home after spending two years in jail for stealing his own grain. He is determined to make a good life for his family and works hard. Fate seems to have a different plan and anything that could go wrong does go wrong for these two families.

This is one sad, depressing, and dark book. It is an riveting story, but I got worn out with all the bad stuff that kept happening. AND kept happening! It just never ends, these poor people. It is a serious, dramatic, and bleak story. If you like that kind of thing, this is the book for you...not for me, however.

I Can See You

LibraryThing book review...
I Can See You
by Karen Rose

Eve Wilson has survived two traumatic, life-changing incidents that have left her with many scars, inside and out. She is currently a graduate student working on a study about learning confidence through playing virtual games. She also works at a popular cop bar, Sal's. Women are being murdered and Eve connects it to her study. Noah Webster, a detective with the Hat Squad, is on the case and is madly in love with Eve.

I found this book to be very engaging in the beginning, but it did start to drag towards the end. I really enjoyed the characters of Eve Wilson and Noah Webster. Both have lots of baggage and are reluctant to get involved. I enjoyed it, but I probably won't be running out to find more books by Karen Rose.

Friday Fill-ins #137

1. When will the weather get cooler?

2. The Proposal was the last good movie I saw. (hilarious!!!)

3. Everything has its beauty but animals are my favorite.

4. Nothing (BIG lunch!) is what I had for dinner.

5. I'd like your legs, Vicky:)

6. Home is where I want to be right now.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading my favorite magazines, tomorrow my plans include a little bit of housework and Sunday, I want to do a lot of nothing!

The Possibility of Everything

LibraryThing book review...
The Possibility of Everything
by Hope Edelman

Hope Edelman and her husband, Uzi, are struggling with their three-year-old daughter, Maya. She has recently made friends with Dodo, an invisible playmate. He often makes her misbehave and her parents are quite concerned. (especially Mom) The family goes on vacation to Belize and while there they take Maya to see a shaman. They are hoping for some help with their daughter.

I received this book for the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing. I probably would not have finished this book if I hadn't gotten it from LibraryThing. The author goes into tons of details about things that having nothing to do with the story of her daughter. I thought all the fuss about Maya's imaginary friend was just too much; she just sounded like a spoiled brat to me. I think Hope is just one mother who needs to learn to chill.

The Time Traveler's Wife

LibraryThing book review...
The Time Traveler's Wife
By Audrey Niffenegger

Clare meets Henry as a girl in a meadow near her home. (and naked, I might add!) Henry is a time traveler and they meet throughout her childhood. Clare grows up and "meets" Henry as an adult. They have been in love for a long time and decide to get married. Obviously, they live a very unusual life with Henry disappearing at any time.

This a lovely story and a beautiful love story. I did find the time skipping around somewhat confusing, but I tried to just let it go. The story is very sad and somewhat depressing. I really felt both Henry's and Clare's pain with the situation. I can't wait to see the movie...will be sure to bring tissues!