The Mayor of Casterbridge, by Thomas Hardy

Book image courtesy of Google Images

Read, reviewed, and released in May, 2011

This book has some very unexpected plot twists that hold the interest. It begins with a man selling his wife and infant daughter at a fair. She finds him years later, and he remarries her, although there are other complications in his life. She, too, is keeping a significant secret from him. It is a morality tale, describing the rise and fall of a man who cannot escape his inherent character.

Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History, by Erik Larson

Book image courtesy of Amazon.com

Read and reviewed May-June, 2011, given to another Bookcrosser

I just finished reading this -- a powerful book. So heart-breaking to read of the signs that the weather bureau missed or ignored and refused to believe. Such a tragedy.

The Thorn Birds, by Colleen McCullough

Book image courtesy of Amazon. com

Read and reviewed in January, 2012, given to a relative

A wonderful book! I don't know why I waited so long to start it! Much more than just an illicit affair with a priest, a dramatic saga featuring four strong women in four generations*, and the trials and tribulations of managing an Australian outback station.

*Mary Carson, Fiona "Fee" Armstrong Cleary, Meghann "Meggie" Cleary O'Neil, and Justine O'Neil

Return to Sullivans Island: A Novel, by Dorothea Benton Frank

Read, reviewed, and released in September, 2011

I read it, but can't say I enjoyed it very much. I didn't feel much sympathy for the main character; she made many foolish life choices, in my opinion.

Nights Of Rain And Stars, by Maeve Binchy

Book image courtesy of bibtopia.com

Read, reviewed, and released in February, 2011

A wonderful book, I couldn't put it down. Five tourists meet in a cafe in a small harbor town in Greece, witness a tragedy, and become bonded together in their personal trials and victories, along with some of the townspeople who become their friends. It is well told, and Ms. Binchy brings out their characters and personalities, revealing their histories slowly, and bringing it all together naturally.

Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street, by Michael Davis

Read and reviewed in December, 2010. Sent to another Bookcrosser

It was quite fascinating to learn about the early life experiences of the key players, and how they met and joined forces to create one of the best-known and best-loved children's TV programs ever. I used to watch Sesame Street along with my sons in the late 70s to early 80s, and I'm still humming, "Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Sesame Street?"

Paul Simon: The Definitive Biography, by Laura Jackson

Read and reviewed in October, 2013, released later

I have learned things I didn't know about Mr. Simon and his former partner, Art Garfunkel, their growing up years, the years before widespread fame, and the factors leading to their eventual parting, as well as Mr. Simon's career as a solo artist and his exploration of world music.
This book has sent me to YouTube to listen to old favorites; Simon and Garfunkel were part of the soundtrack of my youth.

(I do think that the term "definitive" should be reserved for critics and not for the author or publisher to decide.)

Trudy's Promise, by Marcia Preston

Read and reviewed in July, 2012, released later

A harrowing and sometimes tragic tale of desperation and determination for freedom from behind the Berlin Wall.
Includes a very vivid and emotional description of the falling of the Wall. I remember watching that on TV.