Showing posts with label Reviewed by DC Smarty Pants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviewed by DC Smarty Pants. Show all posts

May 1, 2012

Flat Spin by David Freed

Flat Spin, scheduled for release today, is a captivating mystery thriller written by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist David Freed, who covered the Rodney King riots, Desert Storm and other important events in history. The following is a summary, courtesy of Amazon because it is much better than I can provide myself, of Freed's new thriller.

Based in sunny Rancho Bonita - "California's Monaco" as the city's moneyed minions like to call it - Cordell Logan is a literate, sardonic flight instructor and aspiring Buddhist with dwindling savings and a shadowy past. When his beautiful ex-wife, Savannah, shows up out of the blue to tell him that her husband has been murdered in Los Angeles, Logan is quietly pleased. Savannah's late husband, after all, is Arlo Echevarria, the man she left Logan for.

Logan and Echevarria were once comrades-in-arms assigned to a top-secret military assassination team known as "Alpha." The only problem is, the LAPD can find no record of Echevarrias ever having toiled for Uncle Sam. Savannah wants Logan to tell the police what he knows. At first he refuses, but then, relying on his small, aging airplane, the "Ruptured Duck," and the skills he honed working for Alpha, Logan doggedly hunts Echevarria's killer.

His trail takes him from the glitzy Las Vegas Strip to the most dangerous ghettos of inner-city Oakland, from darkened, Russian Mafia haunts in West Los Angeles to the deserts of Arizona. But that's the least of his problems. It is his love-hate relationship with Savannah, a woman Logan continues to pine for in spite of himself, that threatens to consume him.

 I personally read Flat Spin in one night and I really enjoyed it. The characters were captivating and there were some laugh out loud lines, which I loved. Logan is a witty and charming character who I greatly enjoyed. I especially loved his landlady, Mrs. Schmulowitz, who seems to be the exact kind of person I want to live next to for the sheer entertainment of an eccentric elderly woman. Mrs. Schmulowitz easily became my favorite character and Freed made her an entertaining character that added to the story in a fun and light way without taking away from the thrill of a crime novel.

I truly enjoyed the book and liked the story a lot. However, I must admit that there was way too much unnecessary vulgar language. I hit my limit of allowable language way too early in the book and it didn't get better. It could have easily been left out and the novel would be better without it. I enjoyed the book, but due to my distaste for the over-abundance of cursing, I can only give the book 3 1/2 stars.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.

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Reviewed by Kaylyn at 10:30 AM 0 comments
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March 21, 2012

Just A Minute by Wess Stafford

Do you remember that one moment (or maybe there were several) that changed your life when you were a child - and shaped part of who you are today?

Just a Minute by Wess Stafford, is a book about those moments and how each of us as adults can influence a child in just one moment, whether for the good or the bad. Children are like clay and so easily molded. As adults, we have the opportunity with every child we have contact with to encourage them or crush them, and it can all be in a small and simple moment.

Just a Minute touches on stories, both good and bad, that show the influence we all have on children. Each story is filled with wisdom and made me think about how I can help to encourage the children around me. Some stories made me cringe, some made me laugh and a few made me cry. But all of them reminded me of my individual influence.

Even if you don't read this book, just take a minute and think of how you can influence any child in your life, even strangers that you haven't met. If you see a mother struggling with her children in the grocery store, try to make that tantrum throwing toddler smile and help the mom. Or if you see a child looking dejected, give him encouragement and tell them that they are worth so much more than they think. Don't tell children that they are dreaming too big, encourage them!

There were parts of Just a Minute that I didn't love because I felt it was over the top, but overall, the message is spectacular and we all need to remember to build the children around us up and to never discourage them from being the best they can be. Every child is smart and beautiful and capable, they just need to be encouraged. I encourage you to take a moment and read the book!


I was given a complementary copy of this book for the purpose of my honest and unbiased opinion. post signature
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Reviewed by Kaylyn at 1:24 PM 0 comments
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March 2, 2012

From Now Until Forever by Sherry Gloag


Amazon gives a good overview for this book without giving away too many details:
For Prince Liam, families meant bad news, unwanted commitments, and the loss of his personal freedom. Love spawned white picket fences, slippers at the hearth with a wife and kids making demands, so why did those images disappear when he met Melanie Babcot?

Melanie Babcot fought hard to escape the horrors of her youth and vowed to remain single and free, so when paid to protect Prince Liam from insurgents why did her personal pledge fly out the window? 

Now for my opinion...I read this book in about an hour. It was a very short book and I felt like it it was wrapped up too quickly. However, the story is a good story and I enjoyed the book. I just wish that it had more detail and went more into depth rather than just glazing over the details. If you want a very quick, easy read with some chick-flick romance, pick up From Now Until Forever and you can get a great fix! I did enjoy the book but felt it was too short so I can only give 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
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Reviewed by Kaylyn at 4:00 PM 1 comments
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October 18, 2011

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Summary: A mesmerizing, moving, and elegantly written debut novel, The Language of Flowers beautifully weaves past and present, creating a vivid portrait of an unforgettable woman whose gift for flowers helps her change the lives of others even as she struggles to overcome her own troubled past.
The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, asters for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it’s been more useful in communicating grief, mistrust, and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster-care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings.
Now eighteen and emancipated from the system, Victoria has nowhere to go and sleeps in a public park, where she plants a small garden of her own. Soon a local florist discovers her talents, and Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But a mysterious vendor at the flower market has her questioning what’s been missing in her life, and when she’s forced to confront a painful secret from her past, she must decide whether it’s worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness. 

I loved The Language of Flowers from beginning to end and I finished it in one lazy, rainy day. This book has been a highly hyped book in the newspapers and magazines and after reading it, I fully endorse the hype. It is a beautiful book with an amazing storyline and fantastic characters. Victoria is an incredibly damaged woman who has experienced the constant turmoil of the foster care system. The characters surrounding the story of Victoria are perfect and amazing additions to the story. I truly cannot say enough about the characters and how much I loved them as I followed their delicately linked lives.

The symbolism and themes of the novel were captivating and the writing so enchanting. From this point on, I will always think more of the message of the flowers that I receive and give, and I love that. I never realized how much a bouquet of flowers can really say. Through the various meanings of flowers, this book delves into life and all of its secrets. I highly doubt that my review and use of cliche phrases can begin to do justice to this novel so I will just stop here. The Language of Flowers is beautiful and highly recommended! 
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Reviewed by Kaylyn at 11:43 AM 0 comments
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August 23, 2011

Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin -- GIVEAWAY!!

This wartime novel holds all of the qualifications for a good, clean romantic novel. The characters captivate you through the pages and leaves you (cheesy as it may sound) cheering them on through their challenges.

Helen Carlisle is keeping up appearances of the grieving widow after her hometown hero of a husband is killed in the Pacific fold of World War II. But the stress of keeping up the appearance is starting to crack her perfect facade and she gives more and more time and energy as a volunteer in order to compensate. But the question is, how long will that last before she completely falls apart for reasons the town doesn't expect?

Lt. Raymond Novak has always dreamed of being a preacher but in the times of war, he is training B-17 pilots, which he loves. But he has a deep-set fear that is lurking beneath the surface and causing doubts to constantly swirl. When Helen catches his eye, he is determined to convince her to move on after the death of her husband.

Both Helen and Ray have their secrets. Helen's secret is a threat to herself and an image that is deeply ingrained in her hometown. Ray's secret fear is threatening to overtake him and ruin all that he has dreamed of. Can they show faith through adversity? And can they risk reputations and even their lives to conquer their challenges?

The book is full of character growth and a beautiful romance. I loved it. While this book is the final book of a series, it isn't necessary to read the first two books of the series to understand the plot. I haven't yet, but I fully intend to read the first two books. If you want a good book that you will fly through before summer completely leaves us, read Blue Skies Tomorrow.

While I received a complimentary version of this book, I was not compensated for this review and it is my own thoughts and opinions.

Now for the GIVEAWAY!!

To celebrate the release of Blue Skies Tomorrow, the final installment of the Wings of Glory series, Sarah is giving one lucky winner A Vintage Kindle Prize Package!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.




One winner will receive:

* Kindle with Wi-Fi

* Handmade vintage apron for you and a friend (see a photo here)

* Blue Skies Tomorrow (for Kindle)

To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, giveaway ends on 9/10. Winner will be announced on 9/12 at Sarah Sundin's blog. Details and official rules can be found when entering the contest.

Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter


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Reviewed by Kaylyn at 8:00 AM 3 comments
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July 5, 2011

Possession by Elana Johnson

If you have become obsessed with the dystopian genre (i.e. Hunger Games, Matched, The Giver, etc.) as I have, there is a new book by a debut author that you must read. Elana Johnson just released her book Possession and it is fabulous. The main characters are compelling and the story is fast paced. I personally fell in love with the main character, Vi, and can't seem to stop thinking about the book. I am now trying to figure out how to convince my husband to name a future child Jag...is that weird? Now, you are probably wondering what the book is about, below is a synopsis.

Vi knows the Rule: Girls don’t walk with boys, and they never even think about kissing them. But no one makes Vi want to break the Rules more than Zenn…and since the Thinkers have chosen him as Vi’s future match, how much trouble can one kiss cause? The Thinkers may have brainwashed the rest of the population, but Vi is determined to think for herself.

But the Thinkers are unusually persuasive, and they’re set on convincing Vi to become one of them….starting by brainwashed Zenn. Vi can’t leave Zenn in the Thinkers’ hands, but she’s wary of joining the rebellion, especially since that means teaming up with Jag. Jag is egotistical, charismatic, and dangerous: everything Zenn’s not. Vi can’t quite trust Jag and can’t quite resist him, but she also can’t give up on Zenn.

This is a game of control or be controlled. And Vi has no choice but to play.

I loved the book and I highly recommend it. Go order a copy!

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Reviewed by Kaylyn at 3:33 PM 1 comments
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The Secret History of MI-6 by Keith Jeffery

Britain's Secret Intelligence Service (also commonly known as MI6) was born a century ago amid fears of the rising power of other countries, especially Germany. The next forty years saw MI6 taking an increasingly important-and, until now, largely hidden-role in shaping the history of Europe and the world. This thorough, fascinating, and revelatory account draws on a wealth of archival materials never before seen by any outsider to unveil the inner workings of the world's first spy agency.

Some fun tidbits from the book:

-- Spy writers. Somerset Maugham, Malcolm Muggeridge, and Graham Greene were all M)-6 operatives (as this book reveals for the first time).

-- James Bond: true and false. Ian Fleming's fictional MI-6 agent is likely based on actual agent Wilfred "Biffy" Dunderdale, a friend of Fleming's. Unlike in the Bond novels and films, no MI-6 agent has a "license to kill".. However, Q, the gadget-making super-scientist of the Bond series, is based on reality.

-- In 1941, a British spy was arrested in Madrid dressed "down to a brassiere" as a woman. Unsure whether he was a spy or simply a cross-dresser, Spanish police soon released him. He was transferred to Cairo where he had "a brilliant career in deception."

-- In 1949, MI-6 seriously considered peddling confiscated opium in Asia to raise funds.

-- Friends in high places. Arthur Ransome, another writer/spy, worked in the Soviet Union and had as his mistress Leon Trotsky's secretary.

-- In 1941, an MI-6 operative infiltrated a posh casino on the Dutch coast from the sea - wearing a tuxedo underneath his wetsuit.

-- In the late 1940s, MI-6 operatives blew up ships in Italian ports to stop Jewish refugees from sailing to Palestine.

-- MI-6 was famous for running the British code-breaking program during World War II, but few appreciate its other innovations from that decade, such as knockout drops, silent weapons, and exploding file cabinets.
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Reviewed by Kaylyn at 10:09 AM 0 comments
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June 30, 2011

Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares

Sisterhood Everlasting is the fifth book in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, which is a series that I love. Ann Brashares continues the story of the fabulous sisterhood: Lena, Bee, Tibby, and Carmen 10 years after the 4th book had left them. The sisterhood has distanced over time and they have each moved forward with their lives, but they still think of each other often.

Lena is teaching art in Rhode Island and still wondering what could have been with Kostos. Bee is living with her longtime boyfriend, Eric, but is restless and unsure of her future. Tibby is living in Australia with her longtime boyfriend, Brian. And Carmen is living her dream of being an actress in NYC and is engaged to be married, but she misses the closeness of her three best friends.

In an attempt to bring the sisterhood back together, Tibby surprises the other three with tickets to reunite in Greece, where the traveling pants were lost years before. Tragedy strikes and shocks the sisterhood. They are each faced with dealing with a tragic loss and each of their lives are changed forever as they are forced to take a harsh look at their lives.

The book is a fabulous summer read and I highly recommend it. I have two recommendations for everyone...first, DO NOT read anything about this book on Barnes and Noble or Amazon, there are some stupid people who spoiled the book. Second, keep some kleenex close while reading the book. If you are anything like me, you will need them. I loved the book, pick it up!!

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Reviewed by Kaylyn at 3:46 PM 2 comments
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June 14, 2011

Revelations by Laurel Dewey

Sergeant Detective Jane Perry is cynical and angry. She feels like her life is shifting out of control and it only gets worse when her doctor gives her frightening news. Jane decides to take time off work and goes to the police station to leave notice of her absence, but she runs into her colleague and former boss, who has already committed the two of them to a case in the small, upscale town of Midas, Colorado. A fifteen year old boy, Jake, has gone missing and all signs are indicating that Jordan Copeland, a man just out of prison after serving time for a heinous crime, is involved in the disappearance. No ransom has been demanded but packages are being delivered to Jake's parents and to the town police chief. The packages are full of riddles and make no sense to anyone. It is up to Jane to determine the meaning of the packages.

The clues in the packages hint that Jake is still alive but that time is getting short. As Jane begins to investigate Jake's disappearance, she begins to uncover secrets around the town of Midas, some of which are deadly secrets. In the midst of the case, the owner of the town bar, Hank, manages to inch his way into Jane's life and under the wall she has built to protect herself from being hurt. The case, Jane's personal demons, Hank, and odd encounters with Jordan Copeland force Jane to deal with her past, and future.

In my opinion, the story is captivating and the suspense kept me reading very late into the night, several nights in a row. The characters were very interesting and I enjoyed the fact that the surprises kept rolling in. However, I felt that the story was overpowered by an overabundance of profanity and graphic descriptions. I realize that in a crime scene type novel that descriptions are important but, in my opinion, it went overboard at times. I was especially bothered by the complete overuse of profanity. I can look past a few words in the book but not when it is all over the place, especially when it is unnecessary. The profanity and graphic descriptions ruined the book for me. If they had been toned down, I would have probably really enjoyed the book. Overall, I can only give the book 3 stars.

I received a review copy of this book for free.

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Reviewed by Kaylyn at 9:00 AM 2 comments
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June 3, 2011

Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell

A few months ago, my boss gave me Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell to read and insisted that I would love it. He was absolutely right. With last weekend being Memorial Day weekend, I decided it was the perfect time to pick up the book as we remembered all of the people that serve our country.

Marcus Luttrell, a decorated Navy SEAL, writes his story in two parts. The first part of the story gives a detailed explanation of the training of a Navy SEAL, which was fascinating and very eye opening. The second part of the story is about Operation Redwing, a desperate battle in the mountains of Afghanistan. Luttrell speaks of the valiant and heroic efforts of his teammates as they fought against the Taliban.

The book opens with "..my name is Marcus. And I'm writing this book because of my three buddies Mikey, Danny and Axe. If I don't write it, no one will ever understand the indomitable courage under fire of those three Americans. And that would be the biggest tragedy of all."

This book is amazing and powerful. I have always had high respect and reverence for the United States military and for all that they have sacrificed. Lone Survivor gave me a better understanding and a deeper appreciation for the men who fight so valiantly and then face consistent criticism from some of those back home that they are sacrificing their lives for.

I will give the caveat that there is strong language throughout the book. If you are not comfortable reading the book, I suggest that you at least read about Marcus Luttrell's story somewhere, it is amazing.

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Reviewed by Kaylyn at 11:59 AM 0 comments
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November 29, 2010

A Path Less Traveled by Cathy Bryant

Earlier this year, I reviewed this book and loved it. A couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to get the chance to review Cathy Bryant's new book in the series, A Path Less Traveled. The second book in the series is just as charming as the first.

Trish James is stubborn and doesn't want help from anyone, especially since everyone is trying to rescue her and her son after the tragic death of her husband. She is determined to make it on her own and prove to everyone that she can take care of herself. Her new business is failing and she is on the verge of bankruptcy, but she refuses to reveal the depth of her struggles to anyone. The only option she can see is to move her and her son away from Miller's Creek, the town she loves and the only support system she has ever known.

Andy Tyler is a successful attorney who knows the struggle it takes to build a successful life from nothing. His personal life is struggling after his heart was broken when his engagement came to a heartbreaking end the night before the wedding. Andy is looking to start over and take on a new business challenge as the town attorney for Miller's Creek. He is unprepared for the sudden instinct to protect Trish James and come to her rescue, even though she makes it clear she is determined to not be rescued.

The story and the characters is so charming and I loved it just like I loved the first book in the series. I really wish the third book would come out tomorrow! It is a great read and I recommend them for a sit by the fire book this winter.

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Reviewed by Kaylyn at 12:22 PM 2 comments
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September 8, 2010

Insignificant Moments by Jeremy Asher

Insignificant Moments by Jeremy Asher is a book telling the story of three characters over a five year period. Jaye is a 27 year old librarian that is overly cautious in his life and is struggling with a quarter life crisis. Julie is a young woman trying to figure out how much compromise is too much in her marriage and when she will get the chance to have a say in her life. Anna is a young widow with two children who is searching for stability after her life fell apart following her husband's death.

The three characters, each in their own way, find strength in those small and seemingly insignificant moments. The book is predictable yet very charming. It was a feel good book that was a quick read for a day you want to be reminded to enjoy the moment. I suggest this for one of those rainy fall days when all you want to do is read a book and eat delicious fall soups!

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Reviewed by Kaylyn at 12:54 PM 1 comments
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April 20, 2010

Texas Roads by Cathy Bryant

I was given a copy of Texas Roads by Cathy Bryant to review. The novel grabbed my interest from the very beginning of the book. I started the book before work, read on my lunch break and then picked it up as soon as I could that evening and finished it, in other words, I loved it.

Texas Roads is a Christian novel about Dani Davis, a woman from the big city of Dallas who embarks on a trip to visit her aunt, that she has never met, in small town Miller's Creek, Texas. Dani is searching for a place to call home and for any type of peace after her father dies and her already unhappy marriage ends when her husband is killed in a car accident.

As she nears Miller's Creek, her car runs out of gas, she locks her keys in the car and a Texas rain storm makes the situation even worse. She is saved by a cowboy who she instantly alienates with her city attire and her sour attitude. She doesn't realize until she arrives at her aunt's home that the cowboy, Steve, is a pseudo son that watches over her aunt and she will have to work to change her first impression. As time goes by, the relationship with Steve goes through several bumps as they struggle with the tension and mistrust of each other as they develop a friendship.

During her stay in Miller's Creek, she falls in love with the town and wants to help revitalize the town, which has been struggling since the railroad cut the route through town. Just as she begins to feel peace and feel like she is needed, malicious rumors begin in town and she is alienated from the town and people she has grown to love. She continues to fight for the town but feels the pain of loneliness return.

Cathy Bryant has an exceptional writing style that skillfully develops lovable characters, highlights so many traditions of small town Texans, and tells a dramatic story of a woman who struggles with trust after being betrayed by her husband and searches for meaning in her life and a place to call home. The story is inspirational and very well written, I highly recommend it! 5 stars!


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Reviewed by Kaylyn at 1:00 PM 1 comments
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January 26, 2010

The Moment Between by Nicole Baart

I saw The Moment Between by Nicole Baart as a recommended book on Amazon and I am pretty glad that I took the recommendation. Although the story was a little slow at times, I really enjoyed the book. Instead of trying to summarize it myself, I am going to just steal the synopsis from the back of the book because it was what drew me in.

"Abigail Bennett was completely in control of her life until tragedy pushed her to the brink of something she’d never experienced: obsession. Now, she’s given up everything she’s ever worked for to chase down the object of that obsession. His name is Tyler Kamp. As Abigail follows him across the border into Canada to a beautiful winery in British Columbia, her journey is awash in memories of family and childhood, especially those of her younger sister, Hailey. Dangerously beautiful yet indefinably needy, Hailey seemed to take all the risks Abigail avoided. Until now. But even as Abigail races into her future, her past continues to pull her back. Only when she is brought to the edge of her obsession will she be able to come to terms with the tragedy that ignited it. A breathtaking story about the emotional risks of relationships, The Moment Between explores the cost of regret, the desire for revenge, and the redemptive power of forgiveness."

It was an interesting look at the effect that mental illness has on an entire family. The story was intriguing and I thought it was well written. If you have a hard time getting through it at the beginning, keep reading, the story really is intriguing.

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Reviewed by Kaylyn at 12:01 PM 1 comments
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January 12, 2010

Giveaway -- The Last Surgeon by Michael Palmer

Jillian Coates' little sister tragically died and the police ruled it a suicide. Her little sister was her only family left and Jillian is crushed. Jillian cannot grasp the police conclusion and is haunted by her sister's death. Jillian knew that it was not possible for her little sister to have committed suicide and vows that she will find out what really happened.

Dr. Nick Garrity was a surgeon in Afghanistan and is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after returning to the States after a painful and betraying incident. Nick is desperately trying to find his best friend that was by his side in Afghanistan that has completely disappeared.

As Jillian investigates her sister's death, she is led to Nick because of a stack of comic books she found in her sister's closet. They discover together that the things that they both search for are connected, in a pretty crazy and disturbing way.

This book (it will be released on February 16th) is a fascinating medical thriller that has a very interesting story line. I really enjoyed the story and I was very intrigued. However, my final rating of this book dropped because of one chapter and a few other parts that I felt were completely crude and unnecessary for the story. In my opinion, there were lewd parts that distracted from the story and made me not enjoy the book as a whole as much as I would have had they been left out. That is just my opinion, so I am going to give it 3 stars.

If you would like to enter to win a free signed copy of this book, leave a comment and tell me your favorite thriller/mystery. Make sure to leave me your e-mail address!
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Reviewed by Kaylyn at 1:48 PM 5 comments
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November 16, 2009

The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran

After reading Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran, I wanted to read Michelle Moran's other two books, Nefertiti and The Heretic Queen. I just finished The Heretic Queen over the weekend and I loved it.

Nefertari is the niece of Nefertiti, Queen of Egypt, who is known in Egypt as a heretic and no one will speak the names of Nefertiti nor her pharoah husband, Amunhotep, fearing a curse would come upon them from speaking of heretics. Because her ancestors were known as heretics and wiped from the history books, Nefertari was shunned by the people of Egypt. She is the only living person of her ancestry after her mother, who was also a queen of Egypt, died in childbirth. However, because Nefertari is still a princess and came from a long line of queens and pharaohs, she is allowed to remain in the pharoah's palace as she grew.

Nefertari was raised in the palace with the pharoah's son Ramesses, who she fell in love with as they grew up. When Ramesses became pharoah, Ramesses and Nefertari wanted to get married but the people refused to accept Nefertari as their queen. Ramesses and Nefertari worked to win the affection of the people of Thebes so that their marriage would be blessed.

The Heretic Queen is an amazing historical novel that draws you in and tells the fascinating story of Nefertari. I highly recommend it and give it 5 stars.

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Reviewed by Kaylyn at 8:52 PM 1 comments
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September 18, 2009

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

I have been anticipating the release of The Lost Symbol for a very long time. I heard rumors of it being written a couple of years ago and it was finally released this week. I was most excited about the setting of the new book, Washington, D.C. I love to read books that are set in a location that I know well so that when the character sees something, I have a perfect image of what they are seeing in my mind. For the most part, Dan Brown did a fabulous job describing the scene and painting out the details of what the character was seeing throughout his adventure. *

In his new novel, Dan Brown continues the adventures of Robert Langdon, who was his main character in Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code. Robert is enjoying a typical quiet Sunday morning in Boston when he receives a call from the assistant of one of his dearest friends, Peter Solomon, who is the head of the Smithsonian Institute. Peter is desperate to find a last minute replacement for a speaker that had canceled on him and was supposed to speak at a major event Peter had arranged for in the U.S. Capitol. Robert agrees to help and Peter sends a private jet to bring him from Boston to D.C. Robert is running late and rushes into the Capitol building with just a few seconds to spare. He turns the corner to walk into the famous Statuary Hall where the event is to be held and immediately stops as he realizes it is empty except for a few tourists and there is no speech.

Robert is baffled as to what is going on and tries to reach Peter's assistant and as soon as the assistant picks up, Robert explains the situation. The assistant then tells Robert that he is completely careless to believe someone that he has never met before and that Peter actually has no idea that he is in D.C. The assistant then tells him that he is not actually Peter's assistant and he had kidnapped Peter and Robert had been summoned to D.C. to save his friend. Robert is told that he is the only one that can save him (very typical for a Dan Brown book if you have read any before...)

Robert must solve a very old puzzle/myth relating to the Freemasons, a very famous and historical brotherhood/fraternity, in order to save Peter. Several problems present themselves to Robert from the beginning, the biggest of which is that the CIA is after him and he has no idea how they knew what was happening moments after the phone call. Robert runs all over D.C. and is assisted by several very powerful Masons in order to get all of the clues that he needs to discover the meaning of the puzzle.

The book kept me guessing and I became addicted to the story. If you have read any of the Dan Brown books, you should definitely read this one as well. If you haven't ever read a Dan Brown book, read this! In other words, I recommend it to anyone that wants a fascinating historical suspense.

I give this book 5 stars!

*If you have ever been to DC before and are familiar with the city and especially the US Capitol building, I dare you to find the minor mistakes Dan Brown made in the details. They are minor and didn't bother me, but I did find it amusing to stop and say "wait a second that isn't right..."


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Reviewed by Kaylyn at 6:04 PM 2 comments
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September 7, 2009

The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman

Every once in awhile, I find an author who awes me with the way that they can paint a picture with their words and make me want to read whole sentences aloud until they sink in and I smile with their literary genius. In the beginning of The Zookeeper's Wife, I felt that exact feeling with sentences like, "On warm spring days, the lilacs' purple cones swung like censers and a sweet narcotic amber drifted in at intervals, allowing the nose to rest awhile between fragrant reveilles." However, as the book went on, the awe lessened and the book became tedious to read in parts. It was bogged down by unnecessary information. I still enjoyed the book but it was not what I thought it would be when I began, which really is unfortunate considering how excited I was when I got that rare feeling of awe.

Diane Ackerman writes the story of Jan and Antonina Zabinski. Jan and Antonina were the zookeepers of the Warsaw, Poland city zoo during World War II. When the Germans attacked Poland in 1939, many of the animals of the zoo were killed by bombs or were set loose when their cages were damaged and were later shot in the streets. It completely devastated Jan, Antonina and their son, Rys, who were all known for their uncanny ability to connect with the animal world and immerse themselves in the intricacies of animal life. This devastation fueled them to use all of their energies and means to activate themselves in the Polish Resistance.

The Zabinski's villa at the zoo became a constant hiding place for Jews, who took on alternate personas as they hid in plain sight. The Zabinskis recognized early on that hiding people in plain sight and masking them as family members visiting from elsewhere or as volunteers at the zoo helped to avoid detection. In addition to the villa's "guests", the now empty animal cages were altered to accommodate additional Jews looking for a temporary hiding place while documents were falsified and a more permanent location was established. The Zabinskis knew that they were not only risking the lives of those that they were hiding but also their own lives as well as any of their close friends who would also be killed if they were discovered. Rys lost a great deal of childhood as he was forced into a life of keeping secrets that would cause many lives to be lost if any secrets were to slip out.

Diane Ackerman has a fabulous writing style and I enjoyed hearing the true story of this brave family in Poland. However, Ackerman added a great deal of history and facts that seemed to distract from the story and caused me to get bored and skip pages to get back to the family's story. I felt like it was unnecessary to include several pages of excess information about war tactics when trying to tell a story.

I would recommend the book if you love war books, fiction or non-fiction. If you want just a war story that easily flows together, this may not be your book.


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Reviewed by Kaylyn at 5:09 PM 4 comments
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August 18, 2009

Welcome, Kaylyn!

Welcome Kaylyn, our latest Book Nook reviewer! Kaylyn is friends with long-time Book Nooker Britni (can you call a year and a half a long time? I guess if it's in blog time!), and loves reading a wide variety of books.

I look forward to reading your reviews, Kaylyn!

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Reviewed by Ronnica at 11:58 AM 1 comments
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