The Partner by John Grisham

I really enjoyed this John Grisham thriller (published in the mid-90s). It was a well-written, intricate thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end (and even afterwards). One of the best Grisham books I've read!

Introvert Power by Laurie Helgoe

What a wonderful, celebratory book for those of us who are introverts! From the introduction: “Because extroversion lines up so well with American values, we introverts often deprive ourselves of what we most enjoy and thrive on. So, for all of you who draw energy from inside, behind, underneath, or away from it all, welcome home.”

I had "a-ha" moments at many times while I was reading this book. "You mean I'm not the only person who feels this or does this?" It was extremely validating.

I really got a lot out of this book.

The Enemy by Jack Reacher

A very enjoyable Jack Reacher novel, written during the period when he was still an Army MP. Not a new book, but I am catching up on my backlog!

In His Sights: A True Story of Love and Obsession by Kate Brennan

A scary, scary true tale of what it is like to be stalked by a whack-job ex. Remind me never to date again. I don't want this to happen to me.

The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry

Very enjoyable, interesting modern gothic novel. I liked it very much.

Just Grace by Charise Mericle Harper (children's book)

What a cute, delightful book! Harper does the Fashion Kitty series of graphic novels for kids, which I just got hooked on, so I thought I would give this book a try too. I'm glad I did.

Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel (adapted by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin)

This was very enjoyable. I had never been able to get into the Artemis Fowl series of books, but the graphic novel grabbed my interest and now I think I might give the books a try again.

Almost Like Being In Love by Steve Kluger

I can't even begin to convey what a wonderful book this is - a terrific love story, funny, heartbreaking, and so well-written. Towards the end I found myself slowing down my reading because I was sure there was no way the novel could end satisfactorily - things had gotten too complex, something was bound to go wrong -- but dang if the author didn't pull it off amazingly well. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I borrowed it from the library, but I think I need to own it.

The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory

Oh.... my.... GOD!!!  This was a fantastic book. Wow. I just loved it. It tells the story of Mary, Queen of Scots and her imprisonment in England from three different perspectives: her own, the Earl of Shrewsbury, and the Earl's wife, Bess, who was an amazingly strong woman in her own right.   Just as good as The Other Boleyn Girl, my other favorite historical novel by this author.   Brava!

Books I've read lately

Safekeeping: some true stories from a life by Abigail Thomas. Very good, I enjoyed it quite a bit.   Fashion Kitty vs. the Fashion Queen by Charise Mericle Harper (children's graphic novel) -- Wonderful!   The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson -- fantastic - the second in a trilogy. The third one is coming out in October. I can barely contain myself!!

Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger

WOW. Thanks to Stephanie B for recommending this book to me. How did I not find this when it first came out in the late '90s? I really, really enjoyed it. Anyone who likes sports, baseball, novels written in the form of letters, or funny books will probably enjoy this book. I just bought a copy for my dad and fully plan to foist copies of it onto whomever I can convince to take it. WONDERFUL book.

Attitudes of Gratitude: how to give and receive joy every day of your life, by M. J. Ryan

Thought-provoking and interesting book.

Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

An excellent fantasy novel - I had a really hard time putting it down. I have my coworker Deborah B to thank for recommending Brandon Sanderson to me - what a great author. Am looking forward to reading the next book in the Mistborn series.

Lie Down with the Devil by Linda Barnes

Another excellent book in the Carlotta Carlyle, P.I. series -- I really enjoyed it.

A reading weekend

I spent a good portion of this weekend reading. Here's a summary:   Bats at the Library by Brian Lies (picture book - adorable, wonderful.)   Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel (picture book - funny as heck)   Poor Puppy by Nick Bruel (ditto)   Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon & Dean Hale (a fun graphic novel for kids)   Fashion Kitty by Charise Harper (thanks to Trisha for recommending this fun graphic novel for kids)   The Anatomy of Hope: How People Prevail in the Face of Illness by Jerome Groopman

The first step is always to admit that you have a problem.

My name is Mary, and I have a problem. Yesterday I took 2 paper-bound books plus my Kindle to work with me (plus my spare book that is always rumbling around in the back seat, JUST IN CASE).  I stopped at a used bookstore on my way to my grandmother's and bought 2 books. When I got to work, six books that I had reserved through inter-library loan had arrived (okay, 2 of them are picture books so that won't take long). Then our box of advanced reader's copies came in. (Boy was Pat excited to find the latest P.D. James and Michael Connelly in there. I know what SHE is doing this weekend. But I digress.) So I added to my pile an Advanced Reader's copy of a book I've been hearing a lot about. Then while I was creating the new acquisitions list for this month, I noticed a new Linda Barnes had come out and we owned it! (Plus it was on the shelf.) Well, I haven't read any of her mysteries for a while so off the shelf and into my bag it went.   Total books brought to work: 3 (plus a spare) Total books brought home from work: 12 (plus a spare) Net gain: 9 books, one herniated back from lifting a very large overstuffed bag, and a realization that I have a serious problem.   But I'll deal with that later. Now I have to go finish my book. (One of them, anyway.)

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall (kid's book)

I adored this charming, funny little kid's book. It reminds me of a book I used to read over and over when I was growing up - Five Little Peppers and How They Grew -- only a bit more contemporary. Four sisters and their intrepid dog ("Hound") have all sorts of adventures on their summer vacation. I highly recommend this wonderful book.

Babymouse: Monster Mash by Jennifer & Matthew Holm (kid's book)

Babymouse and Halloween - what could be better? Yet another terrific book in the Babymouse graphic novel series for kids.

The Laughter of Dead Kings by Elizabeth Peters

Another Vicky Bliss novel?! FINALLY! I have been waiting since Night Train to Memphis (1994) for more Vicky Bliss novels. I devoured this in one sitting. It was terrific - just what I would expect from Ms. Peters. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner (kid's book)

Skippyjon Jones is a young Siamese cat who dreams about being "Skippito Friskito, who fears not a single bandito" (picture a cat-like Zorro, wearing a mask). This cute picture book is a lot of fun and would be a great read-aloud for parents to read to their young kids.