Monday, June 30, 2014

A Case for Solomon by Tal McThenia & Margaret Dunbar Cutright, 436 pages

This was the about the kidnapping of a little boy in the early 1900s, but it wasn't the kidnapping that transfixed a nation but the aftermath. Two mothers claimed the boy was theirs, and a court had to decide what his name and his family truly was. It wasn't until very recently that DNA testing was able to determine who this little boy actually was for sure.

Deadly Attraction by Laurie John, 229 pages

Don't date Jessica or Elizabeth, you won't do well.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Dead Strange by Matt Lamy, 141 pages

Examines some strange mysteries from around the world, including the Bermuda Triangle, Loch Ness Monster, Voodoo, crying statues and many others.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss, 377 pages

I'd been trying to introduce my youngest to some classics and came across an old copy of this book I had. Reading it, I'd forgotten just how lucky this family was, basically every tool, seeds and trees they would want were on the ship and the island had basically every animal in the world on it, along with every useful plant. Then you combine the father and mother's ability to make anything, and you have the perfect life. But it was still a really great book, and I enjoyed it as a Disney-esque read.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Emily & Einsten by Linda Francis Lee, 356 pages

The latest book club book. Everyone really enjoyed it and it was a different read.

Bald Nobbers: Chronicles of Vigilante Justice by Vincent Anderson, 191 pages

This book is a compilation of actual newspaper articles from the time covering the Bald Nobbers, a vigilante group that started to combat the lawlessness of the area but soon became just as big a problem. I knew a little bit about them, aside from the ride Fire in the Hole at Silver Dollar City, but was interested in reading about them, especially as they were seen at the time.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis, 294 pages

I love the comic Pearls Before Swine so when I heard the cartoonist had written a children's book I had to pick it up. Basically, think Big Nate meets Diary of a Wimpy Kid with a lot more attitude. I will definitely be reading the other ones. This was a great piece of book candy, nom, nom, nom.

My Jesus Yeary by Benyamin Cohen, 252 pages

Basically, the story is that the son of Rabbi is feeling far from his Jewish faith and decides to spend a year investigating Christianity. This was interesting, and while it wasn't as funny as "A Year of Living Biblically" it was pretty good.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi, 432 pages

I'd seen this book recommended on a daily email I get, Hot at Harper's. It looked really intriguing so I did a suggestion for purchase. This book had me outraged, sad, and eagerly turning pages, all signs of an outstanding read. The novel covers an Afghanistan practice of girls living as boys until they come of age in families that have no sons. The emotional toll is superbly done and the character and plot development had me feeling for the daughters. I think the thing that outraged me most is the fact that women still live under these strict regulations, endangered and pushed down, all in the name of religion. I'm really wanting my husband to read this, especially in light of the recent hoopla going on via the Internet and the "Not all men" sites. Women have come so far but as long as any women live under these conditions, it's not far enough.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Daughters of the Gods by Stephanie Thornton, 442 pages

After reading this book for a Night Owl review, I'm a definite fan of Stephanie Thornton. She did an outstanding job of bringing ancient Egypt alive, and putting a new twist on what is one of the most misunderstood and ignored woman in history. I can't wait to read her newest book on the daughters and wives of Genghis Khan.

Monday, June 16, 2014

Fatal Enquiry by Will Thomas, 293 pages

The newest Will Thomas book is treat that comes much too rarely. I got to meet him in person when he came to the Joplin Public Library for an author visit, and he and his wife are just as nice in person as they seem. I really loved getting to know more of Barker's back story in this book and I'm hopefully we'll see him and Llewelyn come to America in the next book. These are well done mysteries, very action packed with great plot and character development. Fans of Doyle won't want to miss these books.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

You Can Date Boys When You're Forty by Dave Barry, 224 pages

I've liked Dave Barry for ages and ages and happened to come across this book when shelving new books. I picked it up for my husband because he likes to tell our daughters that they can date when they're 30. Then I ended up stealing this book from my husband.

It Happened in Missouri by Sean McLachlan, 157 pages

Interesting events that happened in Missouri. Includes a extremely tough marathon during the 1904 Olympics in St. Louis, Jesse James impersonators, the Dred Scott case, and building the Arch.

Ma, I've Got Myself Locked Up in the Mad House by Martha Long, 444 pages

I've totally gotten hooked on this series. It's heartbreaking but Martha keeps pushing on, knowing that someday she'll have the life she wants.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

SVU The Other Woman by Laurie John, 232 pages

Oooh, is the new professor Jessica is falling for being stalked? Intrigue abounds in another Sweet Valley University book.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Fear in the Sunlight by Nicola Upson, 412 pages

This murder mystery features English mystery writer Josephine Tey along with Alfred Hitchcock. I'd read Shilling for Candles recently and this book features Hitchcock wanting to turn her book into a movie. I had no idea of who the killer was until the author laid it out at the very end.

Behind Closed Doors by Laurie John, 230 pages

Another Sweet Valley University book. I better get in gear if I'm going to get done this year.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Ghost Train to New Orleans by Mur Lafferty, 342 pages

This is the second book in a series featuring travel writer Zoe Norris, who is helping put together travel books for the undead and other supernatural creatures. As a human hanging out with others who consider you a tasty snack, a trip to New Orleans can be pretty adventurous and dangerous. But Zoe will continue to stumble her way through putting together the book, if she can live long enough.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

The Obsidian Dagger by Catherine Webb, 330 pages

This series is kind of odd and I'm still not sure I really like it that much, but it has intrigued me and I can't stop reading it.

Monday, June 2, 2014

American Jezebel by Eve LaPlante, 312 pages

A somewhat dry but educational look at the one woman most responsible for religious freedoms in America, Anne Hutchinson. I knew the woman's name but that was about it. This book filled in a lot of blanks.