Book List 2008
This will be the post where I update my book list in 2008.
40 / 50 books - 80% done!
Explanation:
1 = I despise it
2 = Not my cup of tea
3 = It was okay to fulfill my time
4 = I enjoy it
5 = I absolutely friggin' love it
JANUARY
01. Shopaholic and Baby (Sophie Kinsella) 2/5
Sadly to say that this will be my last book of the Shopaholic series (if Ms. Kinsella decides to continue). I don't really see any improvements in Becky, Luke, and other characters. They still act the same, using the same treats as the previous books, and it is getting tiresome. The only one I love to read here was Danny (he's just so much fun!!!).
02. Midnight Cowboy (James Leo Herlihy) 3.5/5
At first, the story doesn't really grab me. But moving towards the end, it gets really moving - and by the time I close the book, I have to take a deep breath to let go of the pain in my chest. It is a beautiful story
03. Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman (Haruki Murakami) 4/5
Haruki Murakami is probably one of very few authors who can write stories about loneliness that just strike the chord in me. This book is a collection of his short stories and some of it are simply DIVINE.
04. A Spot of Bother (Mark Haddon) 2.5/5
It was okay but it is not a memorable book for me. I'm entertained but most of the times, I just skip the sentences especially when it is about George and Jean's story. It doesn't grip me as much as Haddon's first novel. The only thing that keeps me going was Jamie's story - which I think is so sweet and I love his ending.
FEBRUARY
05. Maybe Baby (Lani Diane Rich) 3.5/5
This is a very nice easy read - something light and cute to fill in the time. I think Nick and Dana have good chemistry, and I always love the idea of getting back to the one "who got away". Secondary characters, including Dana's gutsy mother Babs, and the wise-crack bird thief Finn brings more merriment to the story.
06. For One More Day (Mitch Albom) 4/5
A simple but moving story (or too sentimental for others) about the idea of having one more conversation with a loved one, after he/she is gone. A conversation that might change your life. And as sentimentalist as I am, I love this book - I teared up in the end ... and I just want to hold my Mom and tell her, I love her.
07. The Overlook (Michael Connelly) 3/5
Borrowing a word from a reviewer at Amazon.com, this is an "interlude" from usual Harry Bosch novel. It is quick - it throws some big plots about terrorism and radiation (gosh, why does it always have to be Muslims?) but then when it unravels, it simply a case of banal motivation. But still, we deserve to have an interlude once in awhile.
08. The Sleeping Doll (Jeffery Deaver) 3.5/5
I love Kathryn Dance when she first appeared in "Cold Moon" - and I think this is a good story of hers. It is great to read her taking the front seat, this time - seeing her interact with his team and family. Will definitely make this a new series to follow. The story itself is the usual Deaver treat, with twists and turns until the very end. Enjoyable book ...
09. No Control (Shannon K. Butcher) 4/5
This is the second book in Delta Force Man trilogy. I totally fall for Caleb - he is such a sweet and wonderful guy. He made up for an annoying treats of the heroine, Lana. I enjoyed it VERY much and some scenes did make me go all "awwww" like *lol*. Seriously, I'm a sucker for romance novels
MARCH
10. Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye (Victoria Laurie) 3.5/5
I bought this when I want some cozy mystery read, similar to earlier Stephanie Plum series that I truly enjoyed. I got this from rec'd board at Amazon.com and thought of giving it a go. I liked it - I thought it was fun to have a psychic as "police helper". I hope to see more of the adventures Abby have in the next books.
11. The Blade Itself (Marcus Sakey) 3/5
This book is fast-paced and easily read. But in terms of suspense and thrills, it is not as intense as I expected. The ending is sort of predictable and rather sentimental. Cannot be compared to Dennis Lehane as written by some reviewers in the book. However, it is a good promise of a new author for me to look out for.
12. White Night (Jim Butcher) 4.5/5
Like OMG!!!! This series never cease to amaze me. I know that everytime I pick up a Harry Dresden book, I will be in for good times. This book has humor, jammed-pack action, mystery, suspense, and FUN times. It's great to see some recurring characters, like Thomas, Elaine, Marcone, and of course Mouse, the Temple Dog. Totally enjoyed it. Can't wait for the next book.
13. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Jean-Dominique Bauby) 3.5/5
A short but beautifully written. The language is easy (I read the English translation though), some parts poetic, and definitely portrayed a spirit that refused to give up easily to the locked-in syndrome Mr. Bauby was in.
14. The Fortress of Solitude (Jonathan Lethem) 1/5
This book is the bane of my existence!! I found the writing confusing. I cannot connect with it or the story at all. I literally skimmed pages of it because I wanted it to end for I cannot endure the torture of reading this kind of style for too long. I don't care if it gets great reviews, I just like to throw this on a box and never touch it again
15. Found: Long Lost Husband (Jackie Braun) 1/5
Seriously, I should have learned better NOT to buy Harlequin books anymore. The stories are some times silly and I prefer to read full-length romance novels nowadays. But I was having hard time to keep up my reading mood, I need something that I can finish quick, even if it is NOT the best choice. Well, the story is flat, the chemistry between the male and female is flat, the ending is FLAT. the whole book is FLAT. Urgh! At least I still have that reading mood ...
APRIL
16. Hard to Handle (Lori Foster) 2/5
Why, oh why, some of my older favorite romance authors seem to have lost their touch lately. I have been been let down by them more and more with their recent publishings. I used to enjoy Lori Foster's books so much. this one - though not as huge let down as the pre-quel, "Simon Says" - not exactly her best either. It just feels repetitive to me *shrugs*
17. Dreams From My Father (Barack Obama) 4.5/5
Beautifully written - perceptive and flows like a novel. Obama has a wonderful way to carefully structure the events in his life and re-tell it with simple, honest, and thoughtful words. And of course, as an Indonesian, I love reading the part of his life here, in my country
18. Dream Boy (Jim Grimsley) 4.5/5
It is one of the most achingly beautiful book I have ever read in awhile. It is a story of two high school boys who discover love for one another in the rural South. Mr. Grimsley writes with soul of a poet that when he describes the attraction between the two boys, it is so palpable, I can feel it seeps through the pages and fill the empty space around me. Then it moves into this haunting scenes, slowly reaches the tense climax. The ending is poignant yet triumphant. I feel like I have been living in a dream and I feel sorry that I have to wake up
MAY
19. Leave Myself Behind (Bart Yates) 5/5
It is rather unfortunate that this book is categorized as "Gay Fiction" because for those who are not into gay stories will lose the chance to discover one of the most entertaining teenager characters since Holden Caulfield in "The Catcher in the Rye" as well as one of the most endearing relationships ever portrayed in a book.
"Leave Myself Behind" is a truly profound and unforgettable coming-out story of Noah York, who discovered his first love with J.D. Curtis, the boy down the street. I guess the gem of this book lies on the character of Noah. He's witty, wise-ass, brutally honest, sarcastic, but lovable. The way he descibes loneliness, his relationship with his Mom, and his thoughts of other small things in daily life is engaging. Then of course, the development of his relationship with J.D. will make you believe in love and hope and happy ending future. I agree with one of the reviewer here: that one scene where Noah sits in his porch and sees J.D. walking towards him - after everything that happens between them - the description of when the two lovers' eyes met, is just breathtaking. Simply one of the best and most entertaining novels I have ever read - gay or not.
20. Natural Born Charmer (Susan Elizabeth Phillips) 4/5
I friggin' LOVE it. I think this maybe be one of my personal favorites from her. I love the characters, the funny and sassy verbal sparring, and the ending is just perfect. Dean and Blue are simply sizzle and the family thing is just fantastically written. It reminds me of her older stories (especially, I think, "Heaven, Texas" which I absolutely adore).
21. Nothing to Fear (Karen Rose) 4/5
Ever since I found this author last year, I haven't been disappointed with her work. Not once. I think from all of the hero characters, I dig Ethan Buchanan most (sigh). Sure Ms. Rose already gives the identity of the killer from the very first page, but it doesn't mean that the suspense is less intense. I totally enjoy it. And I want my own Ethan, please ^_^
22. Heart-Shaped Box (Joe Hill) 4.5/5
Amazing work!!! The first 100 pages scared the BEEJEEZUS out of me. And trust me, I'm not one who easily get scared over books or movies. But darn, I stopped reading when the night came and I was at a hotel room alone :). After 100 pages, though, the story gets better and better and becomes more dramatic and humane, I can't stop reading it, even if it takes me into the middle of the night. Top Notch!!
JUNE
23. Brokeback Mountain - the short story (Annie Proux) 4/5
Very short but wonderfully done. Although watching the movie version does help me with the visual imagination. Nevertheless, a very good short story. Enganging
JULY
24. Tall Tales and Wedding Veils (Jane Graves) 4/5
Jane Graves has not yet disappoint me - her stories are sweet and down to earth and the characters are truly likeable. This one is no difference. The book opens with one of the "oldest" scheme to get married in Vegas: get drunk :). However, the way Ms. Graves spin the story on how Tony (a handsome womanizer) and Heather (a dependable CPA) stay together truly worth to savor ...
25. The Tin Star (J.L. Langley) 3.5/5
It's romance ... cowboys way :). I think the story is light, cute, sweet ... well, a summer read, basically. It's like any other romance novel that I usually read, but change the hero/heroine into, well, hero and hero (lol). The cute thing is, the age difference between Ethan and Jamie, sort of reminded me of Zach and Shaun from the movie Shelter ♥♥♥
26. Divorced, Desperate, and Delicious (Christie Craig) 3.5/5
After being let down by so many of my "older" favorite contemporary romance authors, I have been scrambling to find new ones. I am glad I stumbled into this book. There are some hilarious moments involving Lacy's (that is the heroine) Mom and friends that can't help getting me chuckling like crazy. The mystery/murder case is simply a background drop, it is not really THAT important. But you'll fall for the dog and cats Lacy keeps. It is a quick, enjoyable read.
27. One Night Stand (Cindy Kirk) 2/5
Basically, I think it is a "MEH" story. There is nothing really stand out. The chemistry between Sam and Marcee feels lacking, the story and conflict feels flat, and there are some typos which irritate the hell out of me. I cannot stand it when a published book have wrong character names printed. And it is not just one BUT two typos here. In fact, in this book, I think I prefer the secondary story the most - the story about Sam's daughter and Marcee's younger stepbrother. Surely not a keeper and I'm not looking forward to check out her other books.
28. The Monkey's Raincoat (Robert Crais) 4/5
I have wanted to collect the Elvis Cole series for far too long and now that I have read the first book, I am in love with the series already. Elvis Cole is so cool and Joe Pike, what a guy. Their partnership reminds me of Patrick and Bubba from Dennis Lehane books. Robert Crais portrayal of the story (it was written in 1987) also reminds me of Michael Connelly books. Meaning that the book has elements I LOVE and I will definitely look forward to reading the next book in this series.
29. Dinner First, Me Later? (Candy Halliday) 4/5
I have a soft spot on stories about single father. So this one surely got my attention from the beginning. I thought the story was sweet; I loved reading about the way Jake and his daughter, Dani, tried to reconnect. Add an innovative fantasy phone sex scenes between Jake and Alicia (that I have really never encounter in any other romance book I have read) - this book is totally enjoyable.
AUGUST
30. Better Read Than Dead (Victoria Laurie) 3.5/5
The second book in the series is sure as fun as the first one. Not much of Dutch here but I don't mind. Abby is really a fun character to be around - a pyschic eye who helps police to investigate crime is very promising premise. And I love the introduction of some new characters. The mystery is wrapped up real nicely ... though I guessed the bad guy in the end, right before the revelation. Really entertaining read. Definitely look forward to reading Book 3.
31. Easy (Ally Blue) 4/5
I think this story is heartwarming and really touching. Sure, there are a lot of sex scenes in the middle part, but I have read many of erotic heterosexual romance and I don't mind. Though it has some cliché portrayals of gay men but oh, the idea of the story is just so wonderful. I have my heart out there for Dan and Stevie and I feel so happy and relieved with the (happy) ending it has.
SEPTEMBER
32. Satisfaction (Marianne Stillings) 3/5
Well, it's not really grand but it's an okay read. I am annoyed with the heroine sometimes, I think she is pushy as hell. If she is my friend, I would probably tell her to shut up and leave me alone, then REALLY leave her alone. But, it's a quick read, and I need quick read from time to time. so there ...
33. The Bloomsday Dead (Adrian McKinty) 4/5
This is the last book of Dead trilogy and I have to be honest, I feel sad to say goodbye to Michael. He is such a great character, reminds me of other characters I love like Harry Dresden, Harry Bosch, and Patrick Kenzie. This guy has nine lives and more. Overall story is great, Adrian McKinty has a way with words and cracking up dialogs. The progress with Bridget seems, well, a bit sentimental and I can see that coming by a mile since the very first time the plot is introduced. Still, sentimental CAN be good.
34. After Dark (Haruki Murakami) 4.5/5
I think this is the most down-to-earth novel by Mr. Murakami that is published now but with a touch of his earliest novels. I admire his recent novels but I also love his previous ones. This one has that mysterious, voyeuristic, supernatural, surrealist feeling of his recent novels but somehow, the depth, the journey of people of his earlier ones. The story evolves in one moment after midnight. Just one night - and it's mesmerizing as always. The dialogs, the encounters, the mystery, seems natural and flowing very nicely. He is truly a master of this kind of novel.
OCTOBER
35. A Vision of Murder (Victoria Laurie) 3.5/5
Another light and fun read of this series. It's fun to have a run in with ghosts - the casts are really good to be company with. It's a nice series and I will keep in tune to it ... until it gets boring, of course *g*
36. No Escape (Shannon K. Butcher) 2/5
I think I have become pickier when it comes to romance novels. I just can't stand stories that become repetitive and boring. This story gives me nothing new in plot. I literally skipped PAGES of it just to get it done. After I'm done, I just tossed it because I hardly care about the characters and story.
NOVEMBER
37. The Given Day (Dennis Lehane) 4/5
The prologue was slow -- and I admit, I struggled at first because I didn't have any knowledge on American history (hey, I'm not an American!). But after 50 pages or so, I started to forget that this story took time in the 1918 - 1920. I forgot that this book was historical. What I cared about was the story, the characters, and the words that Mr. Lehane woven in this great, GREAT book. I gobbled up the pages in 2-days, wasting my weekend, that is. It is not the best of his (I still think "Mystic River" is unbeatable at this moment) but it is his most ambitious so far -- and by God, he made it quite well.
38. Giovanni's Room (James Baldwin) 4/5
Despite the hiccup of me stuck on 1/4 of the book - it WASN'T the book's fault. It's entirely my own, because I lose my reading mood. This book is really beautiful. We all know what will happen because the author explains the doomed ending from the get go. However, the way he unravels the story about David and Giovanni, the passion between the two, and inevitable result is very moving -- and somehow, I wish for a happy ending that never happens, and left with a sad mood of saying goodbye of a lovely thoughtful book.
39. The Brothers Bishop (Bart Yates) 4/5
To be honest, this book deals with a very hard, difficult, disturbing subjects. It involves incest, pedophilia, and domestic/child abuse, depressive states that lead to suicide attempts, and the list go on and on. But Mr. Yates, that have amazed me with his debut Leave Myself Behind once again proved that BOY, he can woven those words and writes something that actually readable for such dark subjects. The story grips you from the get go and you can't help sympathize with brothers despite everything. It's not a happy book but boy, the journey of finishing it, is totally worth every minutes.
DECEMBER
40. Tales of Beedle the Bard (J.K. Rowling) 4/5
J.K. Rowling has quite an imagination! I really enjoyed this short book about the bedtime stories for witches and warlocks. The way JKR added Professor Dumbledore's notes at the end of each stories is brilliant.
40 / 50 books - 80% done!
Explanation:
1 = I despise it
2 = Not my cup of tea
3 = It was okay to fulfill my time
4 = I enjoy it
5 = I absolutely friggin' love it
JANUARY
01. Shopaholic and Baby (Sophie Kinsella) 2/5
Sadly to say that this will be my last book of the Shopaholic series (if Ms. Kinsella decides to continue). I don't really see any improvements in Becky, Luke, and other characters. They still act the same, using the same treats as the previous books, and it is getting tiresome. The only one I love to read here was Danny (he's just so much fun!!!).
02. Midnight Cowboy (James Leo Herlihy) 3.5/5
At first, the story doesn't really grab me. But moving towards the end, it gets really moving - and by the time I close the book, I have to take a deep breath to let go of the pain in my chest. It is a beautiful story
03. Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman (Haruki Murakami) 4/5
Haruki Murakami is probably one of very few authors who can write stories about loneliness that just strike the chord in me. This book is a collection of his short stories and some of it are simply DIVINE.
04. A Spot of Bother (Mark Haddon) 2.5/5
It was okay but it is not a memorable book for me. I'm entertained but most of the times, I just skip the sentences especially when it is about George and Jean's story. It doesn't grip me as much as Haddon's first novel. The only thing that keeps me going was Jamie's story - which I think is so sweet and I love his ending.
FEBRUARY
05. Maybe Baby (Lani Diane Rich) 3.5/5
This is a very nice easy read - something light and cute to fill in the time. I think Nick and Dana have good chemistry, and I always love the idea of getting back to the one "who got away". Secondary characters, including Dana's gutsy mother Babs, and the wise-crack bird thief Finn brings more merriment to the story.
06. For One More Day (Mitch Albom) 4/5
A simple but moving story (or too sentimental for others) about the idea of having one more conversation with a loved one, after he/she is gone. A conversation that might change your life. And as sentimentalist as I am, I love this book - I teared up in the end ... and I just want to hold my Mom and tell her, I love her.
07. The Overlook (Michael Connelly) 3/5
Borrowing a word from a reviewer at Amazon.com, this is an "interlude" from usual Harry Bosch novel. It is quick - it throws some big plots about terrorism and radiation (gosh, why does it always have to be Muslims?) but then when it unravels, it simply a case of banal motivation. But still, we deserve to have an interlude once in awhile.
08. The Sleeping Doll (Jeffery Deaver) 3.5/5
I love Kathryn Dance when she first appeared in "Cold Moon" - and I think this is a good story of hers. It is great to read her taking the front seat, this time - seeing her interact with his team and family. Will definitely make this a new series to follow. The story itself is the usual Deaver treat, with twists and turns until the very end. Enjoyable book ...
09. No Control (Shannon K. Butcher) 4/5
This is the second book in Delta Force Man trilogy. I totally fall for Caleb - he is such a sweet and wonderful guy. He made up for an annoying treats of the heroine, Lana. I enjoyed it VERY much and some scenes did make me go all "awwww" like *lol*. Seriously, I'm a sucker for romance novels
MARCH
10. Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye (Victoria Laurie) 3.5/5
I bought this when I want some cozy mystery read, similar to earlier Stephanie Plum series that I truly enjoyed. I got this from rec'd board at Amazon.com and thought of giving it a go. I liked it - I thought it was fun to have a psychic as "police helper". I hope to see more of the adventures Abby have in the next books.
11. The Blade Itself (Marcus Sakey) 3/5
This book is fast-paced and easily read. But in terms of suspense and thrills, it is not as intense as I expected. The ending is sort of predictable and rather sentimental. Cannot be compared to Dennis Lehane as written by some reviewers in the book. However, it is a good promise of a new author for me to look out for.
12. White Night (Jim Butcher) 4.5/5
Like OMG!!!! This series never cease to amaze me. I know that everytime I pick up a Harry Dresden book, I will be in for good times. This book has humor, jammed-pack action, mystery, suspense, and FUN times. It's great to see some recurring characters, like Thomas, Elaine, Marcone, and of course Mouse, the Temple Dog. Totally enjoyed it. Can't wait for the next book.
13. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (Jean-Dominique Bauby) 3.5/5
A short but beautifully written. The language is easy (I read the English translation though), some parts poetic, and definitely portrayed a spirit that refused to give up easily to the locked-in syndrome Mr. Bauby was in.
14. The Fortress of Solitude (Jonathan Lethem) 1/5
This book is the bane of my existence!! I found the writing confusing. I cannot connect with it or the story at all. I literally skimmed pages of it because I wanted it to end for I cannot endure the torture of reading this kind of style for too long. I don't care if it gets great reviews, I just like to throw this on a box and never touch it again
15. Found: Long Lost Husband (Jackie Braun) 1/5
Seriously, I should have learned better NOT to buy Harlequin books anymore. The stories are some times silly and I prefer to read full-length romance novels nowadays. But I was having hard time to keep up my reading mood, I need something that I can finish quick, even if it is NOT the best choice. Well, the story is flat, the chemistry between the male and female is flat, the ending is FLAT. the whole book is FLAT. Urgh! At least I still have that reading mood ...
APRIL
16. Hard to Handle (Lori Foster) 2/5
Why, oh why, some of my older favorite romance authors seem to have lost their touch lately. I have been been let down by them more and more with their recent publishings. I used to enjoy Lori Foster's books so much. this one - though not as huge let down as the pre-quel, "Simon Says" - not exactly her best either. It just feels repetitive to me *shrugs*
17. Dreams From My Father (Barack Obama) 4.5/5
Beautifully written - perceptive and flows like a novel. Obama has a wonderful way to carefully structure the events in his life and re-tell it with simple, honest, and thoughtful words. And of course, as an Indonesian, I love reading the part of his life here, in my country
18. Dream Boy (Jim Grimsley) 4.5/5
It is one of the most achingly beautiful book I have ever read in awhile. It is a story of two high school boys who discover love for one another in the rural South. Mr. Grimsley writes with soul of a poet that when he describes the attraction between the two boys, it is so palpable, I can feel it seeps through the pages and fill the empty space around me. Then it moves into this haunting scenes, slowly reaches the tense climax. The ending is poignant yet triumphant. I feel like I have been living in a dream and I feel sorry that I have to wake up
MAY
19. Leave Myself Behind (Bart Yates) 5/5
It is rather unfortunate that this book is categorized as "Gay Fiction" because for those who are not into gay stories will lose the chance to discover one of the most entertaining teenager characters since Holden Caulfield in "The Catcher in the Rye" as well as one of the most endearing relationships ever portrayed in a book.
"Leave Myself Behind" is a truly profound and unforgettable coming-out story of Noah York, who discovered his first love with J.D. Curtis, the boy down the street. I guess the gem of this book lies on the character of Noah. He's witty, wise-ass, brutally honest, sarcastic, but lovable. The way he descibes loneliness, his relationship with his Mom, and his thoughts of other small things in daily life is engaging. Then of course, the development of his relationship with J.D. will make you believe in love and hope and happy ending future. I agree with one of the reviewer here: that one scene where Noah sits in his porch and sees J.D. walking towards him - after everything that happens between them - the description of when the two lovers' eyes met, is just breathtaking. Simply one of the best and most entertaining novels I have ever read - gay or not.
20. Natural Born Charmer (Susan Elizabeth Phillips) 4/5
I friggin' LOVE it. I think this maybe be one of my personal favorites from her. I love the characters, the funny and sassy verbal sparring, and the ending is just perfect. Dean and Blue are simply sizzle and the family thing is just fantastically written. It reminds me of her older stories (especially, I think, "Heaven, Texas" which I absolutely adore).
21. Nothing to Fear (Karen Rose) 4/5
Ever since I found this author last year, I haven't been disappointed with her work. Not once. I think from all of the hero characters, I dig Ethan Buchanan most (sigh). Sure Ms. Rose already gives the identity of the killer from the very first page, but it doesn't mean that the suspense is less intense. I totally enjoy it. And I want my own Ethan, please ^_^
22. Heart-Shaped Box (Joe Hill) 4.5/5
Amazing work!!! The first 100 pages scared the BEEJEEZUS out of me. And trust me, I'm not one who easily get scared over books or movies. But darn, I stopped reading when the night came and I was at a hotel room alone :). After 100 pages, though, the story gets better and better and becomes more dramatic and humane, I can't stop reading it, even if it takes me into the middle of the night. Top Notch!!
JUNE
23. Brokeback Mountain - the short story (Annie Proux) 4/5
Very short but wonderfully done. Although watching the movie version does help me with the visual imagination. Nevertheless, a very good short story. Enganging
JULY
24. Tall Tales and Wedding Veils (Jane Graves) 4/5
Jane Graves has not yet disappoint me - her stories are sweet and down to earth and the characters are truly likeable. This one is no difference. The book opens with one of the "oldest" scheme to get married in Vegas: get drunk :). However, the way Ms. Graves spin the story on how Tony (a handsome womanizer) and Heather (a dependable CPA) stay together truly worth to savor ...
25. The Tin Star (J.L. Langley) 3.5/5
It's romance ... cowboys way :). I think the story is light, cute, sweet ... well, a summer read, basically. It's like any other romance novel that I usually read, but change the hero/heroine into, well, hero and hero (lol). The cute thing is, the age difference between Ethan and Jamie, sort of reminded me of Zach and Shaun from the movie Shelter ♥♥♥
26. Divorced, Desperate, and Delicious (Christie Craig) 3.5/5
After being let down by so many of my "older" favorite contemporary romance authors, I have been scrambling to find new ones. I am glad I stumbled into this book. There are some hilarious moments involving Lacy's (that is the heroine) Mom and friends that can't help getting me chuckling like crazy. The mystery/murder case is simply a background drop, it is not really THAT important. But you'll fall for the dog and cats Lacy keeps. It is a quick, enjoyable read.
27. One Night Stand (Cindy Kirk) 2/5
Basically, I think it is a "MEH" story. There is nothing really stand out. The chemistry between Sam and Marcee feels lacking, the story and conflict feels flat, and there are some typos which irritate the hell out of me. I cannot stand it when a published book have wrong character names printed. And it is not just one BUT two typos here. In fact, in this book, I think I prefer the secondary story the most - the story about Sam's daughter and Marcee's younger stepbrother. Surely not a keeper and I'm not looking forward to check out her other books.
28. The Monkey's Raincoat (Robert Crais) 4/5
I have wanted to collect the Elvis Cole series for far too long and now that I have read the first book, I am in love with the series already. Elvis Cole is so cool and Joe Pike, what a guy. Their partnership reminds me of Patrick and Bubba from Dennis Lehane books. Robert Crais portrayal of the story (it was written in 1987) also reminds me of Michael Connelly books. Meaning that the book has elements I LOVE and I will definitely look forward to reading the next book in this series.
29. Dinner First, Me Later? (Candy Halliday) 4/5
I have a soft spot on stories about single father. So this one surely got my attention from the beginning. I thought the story was sweet; I loved reading about the way Jake and his daughter, Dani, tried to reconnect. Add an innovative fantasy phone sex scenes between Jake and Alicia (that I have really never encounter in any other romance book I have read) - this book is totally enjoyable.
AUGUST
30. Better Read Than Dead (Victoria Laurie) 3.5/5
The second book in the series is sure as fun as the first one. Not much of Dutch here but I don't mind. Abby is really a fun character to be around - a pyschic eye who helps police to investigate crime is very promising premise. And I love the introduction of some new characters. The mystery is wrapped up real nicely ... though I guessed the bad guy in the end, right before the revelation. Really entertaining read. Definitely look forward to reading Book 3.
31. Easy (Ally Blue) 4/5
I think this story is heartwarming and really touching. Sure, there are a lot of sex scenes in the middle part, but I have read many of erotic heterosexual romance and I don't mind. Though it has some cliché portrayals of gay men but oh, the idea of the story is just so wonderful. I have my heart out there for Dan and Stevie and I feel so happy and relieved with the (happy) ending it has.
SEPTEMBER
32. Satisfaction (Marianne Stillings) 3/5
Well, it's not really grand but it's an okay read. I am annoyed with the heroine sometimes, I think she is pushy as hell. If she is my friend, I would probably tell her to shut up and leave me alone, then REALLY leave her alone. But, it's a quick read, and I need quick read from time to time. so there ...
33. The Bloomsday Dead (Adrian McKinty) 4/5
This is the last book of Dead trilogy and I have to be honest, I feel sad to say goodbye to Michael. He is such a great character, reminds me of other characters I love like Harry Dresden, Harry Bosch, and Patrick Kenzie. This guy has nine lives and more. Overall story is great, Adrian McKinty has a way with words and cracking up dialogs. The progress with Bridget seems, well, a bit sentimental and I can see that coming by a mile since the very first time the plot is introduced. Still, sentimental CAN be good.
34. After Dark (Haruki Murakami) 4.5/5
I think this is the most down-to-earth novel by Mr. Murakami that is published now but with a touch of his earliest novels. I admire his recent novels but I also love his previous ones. This one has that mysterious, voyeuristic, supernatural, surrealist feeling of his recent novels but somehow, the depth, the journey of people of his earlier ones. The story evolves in one moment after midnight. Just one night - and it's mesmerizing as always. The dialogs, the encounters, the mystery, seems natural and flowing very nicely. He is truly a master of this kind of novel.
OCTOBER
35. A Vision of Murder (Victoria Laurie) 3.5/5
Another light and fun read of this series. It's fun to have a run in with ghosts - the casts are really good to be company with. It's a nice series and I will keep in tune to it ... until it gets boring, of course *g*
36. No Escape (Shannon K. Butcher) 2/5
I think I have become pickier when it comes to romance novels. I just can't stand stories that become repetitive and boring. This story gives me nothing new in plot. I literally skipped PAGES of it just to get it done. After I'm done, I just tossed it because I hardly care about the characters and story.
NOVEMBER
37. The Given Day (Dennis Lehane) 4/5
The prologue was slow -- and I admit, I struggled at first because I didn't have any knowledge on American history (hey, I'm not an American!). But after 50 pages or so, I started to forget that this story took time in the 1918 - 1920. I forgot that this book was historical. What I cared about was the story, the characters, and the words that Mr. Lehane woven in this great, GREAT book. I gobbled up the pages in 2-days, wasting my weekend, that is. It is not the best of his (I still think "Mystic River" is unbeatable at this moment) but it is his most ambitious so far -- and by God, he made it quite well.
38. Giovanni's Room (James Baldwin) 4/5
Despite the hiccup of me stuck on 1/4 of the book - it WASN'T the book's fault. It's entirely my own, because I lose my reading mood. This book is really beautiful. We all know what will happen because the author explains the doomed ending from the get go. However, the way he unravels the story about David and Giovanni, the passion between the two, and inevitable result is very moving -- and somehow, I wish for a happy ending that never happens, and left with a sad mood of saying goodbye of a lovely thoughtful book.
39. The Brothers Bishop (Bart Yates) 4/5
To be honest, this book deals with a very hard, difficult, disturbing subjects. It involves incest, pedophilia, and domestic/child abuse, depressive states that lead to suicide attempts, and the list go on and on. But Mr. Yates, that have amazed me with his debut Leave Myself Behind once again proved that BOY, he can woven those words and writes something that actually readable for such dark subjects. The story grips you from the get go and you can't help sympathize with brothers despite everything. It's not a happy book but boy, the journey of finishing it, is totally worth every minutes.
DECEMBER
40. Tales of Beedle the Bard (J.K. Rowling) 4/5
J.K. Rowling has quite an imagination! I really enjoyed this short book about the bedtime stories for witches and warlocks. The way JKR added Professor Dumbledore's notes at the end of each stories is brilliant.