ClubReading

Review written for ClubReading.com by Barbara In the 12th century, a great cathedral is conceived of, and slowly, through the course of the book, it comes into being. We follow the building of the cathedral and the lives intertwined with it, lives so vividly and skillfully described by Follett that we slip back through time to eat, to love, to fear, and to struggle through these harsh times with people we quickly grow to care about deeply. Through them we can see the crudeness of the Middle Ages, catch the odor of it; we can hear the sounds of wagons and feel the straw-filled mattresses beneath us. And, as is true with all Follett’s work, the story begins on the first page and never lets up until the last. You’ll pull all-nighters with this one. ...

Review written for ClubReading.com by Barbara While flying over Russia, Joe Mack, a Sioux Indian and major in the U.S. Air Force, makes a forced landing, ending up in a prison camp from which he manages to escape. There is only one avenue home: across Siberia to the Bering Strait. Dredging up the ancient skills of his forebears, Mack must survive both this harsh world and also Alekhin, a Yakut tracker who knows every detail of the land and who understands the skill of the Sioux. L’Amour, long associated with westerns and with writing what might be thought of as men’s novels, created in Last of the Breed a story that appeals to both sexes. It’s easy to identify with Mack; actually it’s impossible not to, and once hooked in this manner, the reader is pulled into what turns out to be a non-stop adventure. ...

Review written for ClubReading.com by Mary This book intrigued me from the very first paragraph. I used to think if you fell from grace it was more likely than not the result of one stupendous error, or else an unfortunate accident. I hadn’t learned that it can happen so gradually you don’t lose your stomach or hurt yourself in the landing. You don’t necessarily sense the motion. I’ve found it takes at least two and generally three things to alter the course of a life: You slip around the truth once, and then again, and one more time, and there you are, feeling, for a moment, that it was sudden, your arrival at the bottom of the heap. ...

Review written for ClubReading.com by Bill Tristan Egolfs first book, a wonderful, psychotic romp through the life of John Kaltenbrunner. The story tells us of Johns childhood growing up on a farm in middle America, dealing with the frustrations of never being understood, an only child, and quite possible the un-luckiest person alive. I really enjoyed this book, and will highly recommend it. Tristans writing style is fresh, energetic and daring. His writing style to me was a cross between Norman Mailer and Aldos Huxley on drugs. His terrific use of metaphor kept me laughing. And always at the right times. Tristan seems to have a knack for presenting a very dark, satirical story, but with enough flavor of humor to keep the reader. ...

Review written for ClubReading.com by Mary Cory Mackenson is an 11 year old growing up in a small town. Life is pretty normal until he and his father come upon the aftermath of a murder. Cory watches his father become depressed and suicidal as a result. As Cory searches for the murderer on his own, the tale goes from fun to terror to complete fantasy. Other storylines running through this book include the joy and sadness of friendships, and the loss of his “best friend”, his dog Rebel. ...

Review written for ClubReading.com by Linda Two children run away from home, Claudia who plans it all, and Jamie, the younger, and rich, brother. Claudia plans to stay at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a wonderful place to ran away to! There is mystery and excitement, and lots of fun adventure in this book. This children’s classic was written in 1967, and is somewhat dated, especially as to the cost of things and as to the security at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Otherwise, this tale holds up very well, and has been a favorite of mine for years. ...

Review written for ClubReading.com by Mary Merrick is the latest in the long line of Mayfair witches from New Orleans. She is the strongest of the witches, easily able to conjure up spirits and spells. She is also a member of the Talamasca, an ancient group whose legend is “Investigators of the paranormal. We watch. And we are always here.” This group over the years has studied and chronicled the information about various witches, vampires, and other strange creatures on the dark side of the world. ...

Review written for ClubReading.com by Bill The Married Man is about Austin, a writer and furniture expert living in Paris. Austin is an aging, not terribly successful man living on the periphery of high society and depression. Very early in the book, we learn that Austin doesn’t really enjoy writing and lives in a small furnished apartment on one of the islands on the Seine. He’s been separated from the love of his life, Peter, for 3 years. Just after returning to New York, Peter falls ill with full blown AIDS. ...

Review written for ClubReading.com by Linda I have the perfect excuse to read the Harry Potter books; I have an eight-year-old niece. I have bought every book to give to her, but, of course, had to read them first, to make sure they were good. They were excellent! And, along with most of the children in America, I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment. The books begin as Harry, an orphan staying with his aunt, uncle and cousin, who all despise him, discovers he is a wizard. There is a special wizard school, and Harry is to attend. The wizard sport, played on broomsticks of course, is fascinating. The interaction between the children, and between the teachers and children, could happen in any school, with the exception of the magical aspects! ...

Review written for ClubReading.com by Barbara The reader identifies with and learns to love one of the forest dwellers, but this is no children’s story; rather, it’s for adults who would be enchanted by spending a dangerous year with a fisher as he grows from a little bit of fluff into a graceful, mature creature. It’s a shame this book is out of print. It’s one of the few books I’ve ever read more than once. ...