Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer

Don’t worry, if you haven’t read this book, I am not going to spoil the ending of Meyer’s Twilight saga. Meyer did that herself by writing this horrid book. The first three in the saga were amazing, but the final story falls short. Meyer ruins her human-vampire relationship between Bella and Edward by writing a storyline that is utterly ridiculous, even for a saga filled with vampires and werewolves. She tries too hard to fit too much into one book, and it is very confusing.

Parts of this book were wonderful, but they were only bits and pieces. As a whole, the first half of the book dragged on, and there was not enough time devoted to other characters and storylines. It was just poorly written, and too unbelievable. And her characters were all out of character.

-Erin

Home to Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani

The fourth in the Big Stone Gap series, this book continues following the lives of Ave Maria and her friends and family in a small mountain town in Tenessee. A heartwarming family drama. Start with the first in the series, Big Stone Gap, and you’ll be hooked.

-Diane M

Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich

Loved the book. I’ve decided to read this whole series, and this book certainly didn’t disappoint.

-Carolyn

Saucer by Stephen Coontz

Anyone who ever wondered about UFOs–this book answers the issue in a simple twist. A very funny and exciting thriller.

-Jim

Mission Accomplished or How We Won the War in Iraq by Christopher Cerf and Victor S. Navasky

This book is made up of lists of quotes from top government officials as well as media pundits concerning many different facets of the Iraq War (cost of the war, reception of U.S. troops by the Iraqis, looting of Iraq’s historical museums). Each fallacious quote is set against the truth, for example, a quote by Condoleeza Rice stating the Iraqis had 120,000 troops trained and read to take over security in the country when there were only 2000. It’s hard to believe the U.S. government just made one mistake after another compounding the entire event into the mess we still face today, and most likely will face for years to come.

-Dan

The Boy’s Tale by Margaret Frazer

The medieval history is clear and seems accurate. The references to the Catholic liturgy are comforting. The tone of the book sympathetic to human error and, although very independent, the detective, Sister Frevisse is devoted to her calling and obedient to her oder. Excellent plot.

-Gwen

The Goodbye Summer by Patricia Gaffney

A light drama about the unlikely connection between a 30-ish woman and residents of a convalescence home. Lots of interesting characters keep the story moving.

-Diane

I Have Fun Everywhere I Go by Mike Edison

It’s a rousing account of decadence and sleaze written from the perspective of someone who truly lived the high life in the last twenty years. it’s also an excellent perspective into the inner workings of magazines. A great read for aspiring journalists.

-Steve

The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston with Mario Spezi

After the first half of this story about the terrible serial murders in Florence, Italy, the writing deteriorates into a repetitive reporting of who said what, when, where, but not really why! And the murders have never truly been solved. The Monster of Florence has never been found.

-Joanie

Why Didn’t They Ask Evans by Agatha Christie

My third reading of this book in about 10-12 years and fascinating as always. I particularly like the irony of the final revelation of the important clues in the last chapter. I particularly liked the easy relationship of the young sleuths.

-Gwen