Want to buy a book for someone but don’t know what to get?
I’ve read and blogged about a lot of good books this year. Here are five that I wouldn’t hesitate to give as gifts to my own family and friends. Put some of these on your black Friday shopping list and you’re sure to make someone happy. Continue reading
If you’re in the market for a really good international espionage/thriller series, I strongly recommend Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon series. “The Defector” is book nine of this, to date, sixteen book series. It provided what I’ve come to appreciate about Daniel Silva’s writing – great characters, an intriguing plot, a frank depiction of the current world order, and a sympathetic account of the struggles of Israel and her people. Continue reading
I used to think I was committing sacrilege if I didn’t finish a book. Part of it was because I’m cheap and it just seemed wasteful. But mostly it was the sheer principle of the thing. Abandoning a book was dishonorable! I’m not a quitter! Continue reading
I’m going to be trying something new, based on reader feedback. Some people have expressed an interest in knowing what I’m going to be reading in advance, so they can read it, too, and provide commentary.
I love the idea of more dialogue, so I’m going to try a kind of virtual book club format. Continue reading
The Woman in Cabin 10 is a very satisfying mystery with plenty of plot twists and red herrings. It will keep you on your toes and engaged until the very end. Continue reading
For anyone who wants a good laugh about some of the crazy truths of kids and parenting, “Dad is Fat” might be just the ticket. Author, comedian and father of five Jim Gaffigan tells it like it is without that polite, public filter so many of us use when we talk about being parents. The result is an honest, funny commentary on the joys, frustrations and mystifying realities of raising kids. Continue reading
A Murder of Magpies is a light mystery set against the backdrop of the British publishing industry. Author Judith Flanders creates strong characters and an okay plot in the debut novel of this series. Continue reading
“Hillbilly Elegy” is an insightful social commentary about the struggles currently being faced by members of the white, Appalachian working class. Its author, J.D. Vance, is uniquely qualified to provide this commentary because he was raised in this socioeconomic group and overcame serious obstacles to attend Yale law school as well as build a strong, healthy marriage. Continue reading
What Alice Forgot is a very well written novel that explores what happens to our personalities, priorities and relationships as we age and mature. Continue reading
Coal mining is at the center of “Gray Mountain”, John Grisham’s latest legal thriller. In it, a young New York attorney takes a temporary internship in a small Virginia coal mining town and is reluctantly drawn into a battle against some of the area’s large coal mining companies. Continue reading
Book Thoughts from Bed 