Books I've Read
This is a list of rather eclectic books (listed alphabetically by author) I have read or re-read recently. I love a variety of genres to keep me busy thinking about style, story/plot, dialogue and other writing challenges and adventurers. Plus, the thrill of reading a darn good book.
Tara Road by Maeve Binchy
Tara Road by Maeve Binchy. I read her first book in 1998. I love Ireland and small-town life. She makes it all real....
The Victory Garden by Rhys Bowen
The Victory Garden by Rhys Bowen. As World War I rages on, Emily Bryce must make a decision that will affect her whole life. Rhys Bowen's characters come alive, and you are immediately drawn to them, the challenges they face, and how they work their way through to a...
My Antonia by Willa Cather
My Antonia by Willa Cather. A 1918 classic, great writing, and descriptions. First person style. American prairie life told through the eyes of a young boy as he grows up around the strong women who inhabit Nebraska....
A Stranger in The Woods by Michael Finkle
A Stranger in The Woods by Michael Finkle. This tale is about the last hermit and the benefits of solitary life. It is an interesting combination of fiction-nonfiction style....
Camino Island by John Grisham
Camino Island by John Gridham. This is a fun page turner by Grisham at his best. A gang of thieves stage a daring heist from a secure vault at Princeton University. Bruce Cable owns a popular bookstore on Camino Island in Florida. He makes his real money, though, as a...
Colleen McCullough
Colleen McCullough. I love all of her books. I live in them as I read. She is more than a master storyteller; she was a life giver. Her stories and characters end up standing in front of you, and you become part of the story....
Centennial by James Mitchener
Centennial by James Mitchener. He was an American treasure. I’ve read all of his books (this one three times), and it gets better each time. A master storyteller....
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Beloved by Toni Morrison. This novel is a great American Classic. As countless others have said, her work is deeply moving. I loved it as much on the second read as the first....
All of the Spenser Mysteries by Robert Parker
All of the Spenser Mysteries by Robert Parker. Robert Parker is a king of dialogue; often called the leanest author of the 20th century. I know all of his characters as if they are real people. Add him to your “to read” list....
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer. The story captured me immediately, and the style kept me reading. I learned many things about World War II....
The Napoleon Bonaparte Mysteries by Arthur Upfield
The Napoleon Bonaparte Mysteries by Arthur Upfield. “Bony” is set in early 20th century Australia. Arthur Upfield writes, sharp, crisp fascinating stories. You end up in the Outback of Australia and don’t want to leave....