The Myth of America's Decline: Politics, Economics, and a Half Century of False Prophecies by Josef Joffe

This was a very good book on economic policy of the United States, and world politics in general. Joffe is clearly a genius of both economics and politics. I received a free copy of this book as a "first read" from Goodreads, and was not disappointed. I expected it to be a bunch of biased babbling about the current state of the economy. What I found was a history of economic policy in the U.S. and throughout the world, and how each "tide" of the economy guided politics and then led to chances in the economic future. I love the way the author traced the "gloom and doom" mentality all the way to Daniel in the Bible, and showed not only the way politicians have used this philosophy since that time, but the flaw in the perspective that the economy is headed for a big crash. Joffe illustrates how economic decline is part of a cycle, and how strong countries such as the U.S. will always have a means to change the cycle. 

The Bottom Line:  Every registered voter should read this book.

Rating:  90

Touch and Go, by Lisa Gardner

      About two years ago, I read my first novel by Lisa Gardner.  It was a Nook "Free Fridays" selection.  I was not familiar with her work, but it looked interesting enough to me.  To be quite honest, I can't even remember which book it was.  As soon as I completed that book, I decided I had to read everything I could by this author.  My favorite genre is mystery/suspense, and I got so carried away by her writing that I knew I would like more of her books.  So I continued to read them and have felt the same about each one so I can't even remember which one it was I liked so much that I fell for this author.  But whichever one it was, I'm glad it was free, or I would have missed out on a great writer.  It really is true....the best things is life (sometimes) are free!

     Touch and Go was not a disappointment.  Once again, I was caught up in a mystery that kept my captivated for days until I finally completed the novel.  This story begins with a married couple walking into their home after a "date night" to be attacked and abducted, along with their 15-year-old daughter.  Tessa Leoni, private investigator, is hired by the husband/father's company to find the family.  Gardner gives us a look into the intimate lives of an affluent family, and shows how some secrets can damage everything in a moment's notice.  And just when you think you understand everything and know what happened, hold old, because another twist is coming!

The Bottom Line:  Suspenseful, insightful, and just a good solid mystery.

Rating: 88

Orphan Train

     I just finished Orphan Train, by Christina Baker Kline.  I have to start by saying this book was good.  Really good.  But it wasn't as good as I expected it to be.  I had read numerous reviews and accolades about how it was one of the best books of 2013, so I couldn't wait to read it.  I'm not sure that it lived up to all of the hype, but it was a really good read, and a "feel good" story.



     Orphan Train  is a story told from two perspectives, 80 years apart.  Niamh is an Irish-American orphan who goes west on an Orphan Train in 1929, hoping for a family to take her in as a daughter or as a household helper. Molly is a foster child living in Maine, who has seen her share of troubles. Due to a brush with the criminal system, she is required to do 50 hours of community service.  She lands a job helping Vivian Daly, a 90 year old woman who has a story of her own.

The way the two narrators connect is beautiful.  The way Vivian and Molly relate is very unlikely, yet truly believable.  The story (or stories) in this book illustrate the real-world dilemmas that confront children in our foster care system, and the fact that these struggles have not changed much over time, despite changes to the way these cases are managed.  The author gives us deeply intimate insight into the lives of those who much of the world see as "unwanted" children.  We see how these children are much like us, but how their circumstances have shaped their attitudes and behavior.


      The only problem I have with this book is that I wish some parts were developed a little better. Often, significant events just happen, and there is not a lot of substance surrounding those events.  I would have been fine with 350 pages instead of 278, if the author had developed some of the situations more.  I don't want to give specific examples in this review, because it would include spoilers, but there were several times I became excited about a particular story development, and then it just moved on.  Also, Kline did a fantastic job of weaving Niamh's heritage in the storyline and its effect on her relationship with others.  Molly's Native American heritage was mentioned, but it was not explored in depth and didn't lend much to her identity.


    


Rating: 85/100
Bottom line: Overall, this was a great book with a great story.  If you like historical fiction and comforting stories, this is a book you shouldn't miss.

New Releases

     As part of this blog, I plan to highlight some recently released books that seem interesting.  I may not get around to reading each of them, but they will certainly go on my "to read" list.  This month's new releases that caught my eye:

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The Girl in the Gatehouse

       I just finished The Girl in the Gatehouse, by Julie Klassen, and I have to say I feel a little empty today. Empty because I miss the characters and I miss the story.  The one thing I often hate about a good book is that I hate for it to end, and that was clearly the case with my latest read.   This novel was very much in the style of Jane Austen.  I should let you know that I love Jane Austen's works.  LOVE Jane Austen.  So the fact that Klassen's writing reminds me so much of Jane Austen, I'm hooked from the first chapter.  Some reviewers believe Klassen is too much like Jane Austen, and is not "original enough".  I don't care if it's original.  It reminds me of Jane Austen, and Jane Austen can't write more books, but Julie Klassen can, so I can still get good literature. I had read one novel by Klassen previously, The Apothecary's Daughter, and intend to read more.
     The novel, set in Regency England,  begins with Mariah, a single woman who has been ostracized by her family and community, for "shaming" the family.  She is sent to live with her Aunt (by marriage), but is isolated to the gatehouse, along with her former nanny-turned-household assistant.  Mariah must support herself by writing novels, which she does anonymously so she can avoid future embarrassment for her family.  The story is full of twists and turns, and has enough mystery to keep the reader engaged throughout the novel.  There are many lovable characters and some villains as well.
     The Girl in the Gatehouse is considered to be "Christian Fiction", but I found it just to be good, clean fiction,  If you only read Christian Fiction and look for books with a strong Biblical message, this may not be the best book for you. Christianity is hardly mentioned, and although God eventually plays a big part in the book, it would fit well into in "spiritual" category, as it resonates with themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and renewal.

Rating:  90/100
The bottom line:  A great historical romance, with a great message.  I can't wait to read more by this author.

Doctor Sleep/The Shining

I am starting my book blog with my favorite read of the past 12 months.  Doctor Sleep, the sequel to The Shining, by Stephen King, is one of the best books I've ever read. I read The Shining many years ago.  I saw the movie first, but several years after the movie, I read the book.  I, like Stephen King, found the book to be much better than the movie.  So when I heard a sequel was being released, I decided to re-read The Shining first.  I thought The Shining was even better than it was on the first read, but maybe I'm just older and wiser and get more out of it that I could when I was younger.

I anxiously awaited the release of Doctor Sleep, so I pre-ordered it from my local Barnes & Noble; I wanted to ENSURE that I would be able to get it on the very first day of its release.  I devoured Doctor Sleep in about a week, which is a fast read for such a long, "meaty" novel.  It was not a light read and every page was packed with substance.  In Doctor Sleep, Danny Torrence, the little boy with the gift of "the shining" is all grown up and facing issues with adulthood.  He, like his father, has battled alcohol addiction and has faced career obstacles as a result.  He is now working with terminally ill patients, helping them to "cross to the other side".  There is a danger lurking in the community, however, that threatens Danny and all others with similar gifts.

I have to say what I loved most about Doctor Sleep is that it made The Shining even better.  This book provided many details that filled in some holes in the first book.  It embellished the stories of Dan, as well as his father John, to provide an ever greater back story and continuation of Dan's life.Now that I've read Doctor Sleep, I want to go back to read The Shining again....for a third time.

My rating:  97/100
The bottom line:  Great suspense, strong character development

Welcome to My New Blog

Welcome to my new blog!  People have been suggesting for quite some time that I create a blog about books.  I love to read, and love to talk about books!  People are always asking for suggestions for great books, and this is where I plan to review not only books I've read, but ones I want to read, and others books that are are popular, even if I don't plan to read them myself!  Feel free to send me suggestions. I love to try new authors, genre, etc.