Jocelyn Shaw: Book Reviews

Moving!

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:02:35 GMT

Moving Day

Just a reminder...this blog is moving tomorrow! Update your bookmarks to Hackley's Blog.

Book Review: The Graveyard Book

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:24:07 GMT

Book Review

Every now and then I read a children's or young adult book. My daughter took a class in "kiddie lit" in college, so she suggests books from time to time. She suggested I read Coraline by Neil Gaiman before we saw the movie and it was really good, so when I heard about Gaiman's latest, The Graveyard Book, (which won the Newberry Award this year) I thought I'd give it a try.

It was a wonderful book. Basically, a child survives when his whole family is murdered by crawling into a graveyard where the inhabitants, although very much on the ghostly plain, decide to raise him. He is taught everything the inhabitants can teach him, which is sometimes quite funny as they, for the most part, had departed this earthly coil over 100 years ago, and what was important for them to know is no longer important for contemporary people to know. In any case, he grows up feeling loved and protected. Of course, the man who murdered his family is still out there, and realizes that he missed the boy, so he tries to finish the job he was given. As in any good mystery, people are not always what they seem. Very good book.

News from "Master the Art of Reading"

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:26:07 GMT

News from Master The Art of Reading Summer Reading Program

The Grand Prize Winner of a 90 minute massage from Keep in Touch Massaage is a shy person who would rather not have their name mentioned. Congratulations to all our participants and many thanks to Alpha and Omega Antiques, Glamazon, Keep in Touch Massage Therapy, Lakeshore Museum Center, Lascko Plumbing and Mechanical, Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, McDonald's Candies, Muskegon Chronicle, Muskegon Civic Theatre, Muskegon Museum of Art, Port City Cruise Line, Port City Paints, West Michigan Symphony, and Witt Buick, our wonderful sponsors.

Book Reviews from "Master the Art of Reading" participants

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:18:02 GMT

Book Reviews from Master The Art of Reading participants

Irish Dreams by Nora Roberts: Classic lovestory with great characters.

Waiting for Nick and Considering Kate by Nora Roberts: Very compelling storytelling at its best. Great character development.

4 Day Diet by Ian Smith: No great mystery here. Basic things, it doesn't give anythign good or worthwhile. Would not call it a diet book.

Apostle by Brad Thor: Good book using present situation in War area. The president is about like our present situation. The book held my attention and moved along. A few of the terms were beyond me.

Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger: Very good, funny book. Great for the beach. Good for friends or book club.

Book Reviews from "Master the Art of Reading" participants

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:55:36 GMT

Book Reviews from Master The Art of Reading participants

Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult: Would recommend it. Very good heart wrenching and warming book. Have tissues ready.

Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult: Harder to get into more so than her other books. Overall, a good read.

By My Side by Nora Roberts: Two wonderful stories, very compelling page turner from front to back cover.

News from "Master the Art of Reading" Adult Summer Reading Club

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:13:44 GMT

News from Master The Art of Reading Summer Reading Club

The winners for weeks 8, 9, and 10 are:
Marvin Wassink-Gift certificate to McDonald’s Candies, Norma Grice-Gift certificate to Alpha-Omega Antiques, Michelle Winchel-Gift certificate to McDonald’s Candies, Pat Wilkey-Membership in Lascko’s Comfort Care Program, Gwen Jefferson-Lakeshore Museum Center passes
Week 9: Nikki Kirksey-Lakeshore Museum Center Lunch bag and water bottle, Julianne Laude-Gift certificate to Alpha-Omega Antiques, Linda Rostar-Muskegon Chronicle Gift Certificate, Lora Swenson-gift certificate to Alpha-Omega Antiques, Shy Person #8-gift certificate to McDonald’s candies.
Week 10: Jean Davis-Muskegon Museum of Art membership, Julie DeMarr-gift certificate to Alpha-Omega Antiques, Shy Person #9-gift certificate to Alpha-Omega Antiques, Shy Person #10-gift certificate to Alpha-Omega Antiques, Brandy Thompson-Lakeshore Museum Center Tote Bag.

News from "Master the Art of Reading"

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:00:51 GMT

News from Master The Art of Reading Summer Reading Program

This week, 19 people read 71 books, for a summer total of 181 people who read 1258 books! Way to go Muskegon! 351 people signed up for the program and over half participated at least once. Last year, 345 people signed up, 158 people participated, and they read 1234 books. Winners and prizes for this week and last will be announced later, as will the Grand Prize Winner

Muskegon Reads!

author	title
Anastasi, Joe	New Forensics
Andersen, Susan	Coming Undone
Andersen, Susan	Hot and Bothered
Ash, Sarah	Lord of Snow and shadows
Ash, Sarah	Prisoner of the Iron Tower
Ash, Sarah	Tracing the shadow
Baxter, Stephen	Coalescent
Baxter, Stephen	Emperor
Baxter, Stephen	Exultant
Bishop, Anne	Tangled Webs
Brandewyne, Rebecca	Crystal Rose
Cain, Chelsea	Heart Sick
Campbell, Anna	Untouched
Crichton, Michael	Next
David, James T.	Before the cradle falls
David, James T.	Judgment Day
David, James T.	Thunder of time
David, Peter	Knight Life
David, Peter	One knight only
Dees, Cindy	9-Month Bodyguard
Ferrarella, Marie	Heiress's 2-week affair
Freethy, Barbara	Suddenly One Summer
Gabriel, Juli	Green Beauty Guide
Gaiman, Neil	Marvel 1602
Galland, Nicole	Fool's Tale
Garlock, Dorothy	Mother Road
Groopman, Jerome	How Doctors Think
Hake, Cathy	That certain Spark
Hill, Sandra	Red Hot Cajun
Hill, Sandra	So into you
Howell, Hannah	Highland Knight
Huegel, Kelly	GLBTQ
Iles, Greg	Devil's Punchbowl
Jackson, Brenda	Object of his obsession
Jackson, Lisa	Twice Kissed
Jance, J. A.	Cruel Intent
Jeffries, Sabrina	Let sleeping rogues lie
Johansen, Iris	Storm Cycle
King, Stephen	Duma Key
King, Stephen	Gunslinger
Kosarin, Jenni	It's just not in the stars
Kozminsky, Isidore	Zodiacal Symbology
Kurland, Lynn	Dance through time
Lefler, Hugh	Colonial North Carolina
Margolin, Philip	After Dark
Margolin, Philip	Associate
Margolin, Philip	Executive Privilege
Margolin, Philip	Gone, but not forgotten
Margolin, Philip	Last Innocent Man
Margolin, Philip	Proof Positive
Margolin, Philip	Ties that Bind
Margolin, Philip	Wild Justice
Mayhue, Melissa	Highland Guardian
McGraw, Phil	Love Smart
Mitchell, Siri	Love's Pursuit
Morrell, David	Shimmer
Picoult, Jodi	Change of Heart
Picoult, Jodi	Tenth Circle
Roberts, Nora	By My Side
Roberts, Nora	Irish Dreams
Roberts, Nora	Waiting for Nick and Considering Kate
Ross, Stewart	Tales of the Dead: Ancient Rome
Smith, Ian	4 Day Diet
Steel, Danielle	Echoes
Steel, Danielle	Granny Dan
Steel, Danielle	No Greater Love
Steel, Danielle	Rogue
Thor, Brad	Apostle
Weisberger, Lauren	Chasing Harry Winston
Willingham, Bill	Helmet of Fate
Wilson, Paul	All the Rage
table producing by T2T

Book Reviews from "Master the Art of Reading" participants

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:52:12 GMT

Book Reviews from Master The Art of Reading participants

Cruel Intent by J. A. Jance: Jance is always a good mystery read whether you take to the beach or cozy up with a blanket and fire. Cruel Intent was a bit different from her other mysteries, however, I still enjoyed it.

Duma Key by Stephen King: Very suspenseful! A great read!

Gunslinger by Stephen King: Great start to the series! Looking forward to reading the rest of them.

Book Reviews from Summer Reading Club Participants

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:23:48 GMT

Book Reviews from Master The Art of Reading participants

Next by Michael Crichton: Loved it! Great read.

Mother Road by Dorothy Garlock: Wonderfully written Great Depression era novel.

How Doctors Think by Jerome Groopman: Good, very informing.

Book Reviews from Summer Reading Club Participants

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 19:25:57 GMT

Book Reviews from Master The Art of Reading participants

In the Lake of the Woods by Tim O'Brien: Cleverly constructed mystery of events where the private/public acts intersect, transforming reality-present and past. Insightful presentation of Vietnam War casualties.

Sunrise Song by Catherine Palmer: Entertaining romance in an exotic setting-great story of animal and human nature. Leaves you wanting to know more about elephants in Africa!

Before Sunrise by Diana Palmer: Entertaining romantic/mystery-parallel false leads to unravel. Misconceptions between the would-be lovers and about the crimes committed.

Fate of Mice by Susan Palwick: A collection of short stories which transport you to a new perspective on reality(ies) and where the author's imagination creates poignant tales the reader can identify with-scifi fairy tales-aesop fables.

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult: It was fast-paced, easy reading. Touching and perceptive but I did not like the ending.

Riding the Dragon by Robert J. Wicks: This book is amazing! It is perfect for an individual dealing with burn out, loss, or a change in their life. It nicely lays out 10 lessons to be learned that are easy to read.

Book Reviews from Summer Reading Club Participants

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:49:30 GMT

Book Reviews from Master The Art of Reading participants

Eve by Chris Carter: This book is about genetics and human cloning and what can go wrong.

Bodies Left Behind by Jeffrey Deaver: Another fine Deaver. Fast-paced and excitement filled. Good character development. Worth reading. You'll love it if you like Deaver.

1001 Ways to be Romantic by Gregory Godek: Loved it! I actually implemented some of the ideas--cute stories.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding: Classic literature! Excellent!

Buffalo Gordon by Sinclair Lewis: Welcome addition to fictional historical written of a neglected period and subject: the buffalo soldiers, brought to live via one Nate Gordon, a sargeant major in the 10th United States Calvarym, a former runaway slave. Lewis's descriptions of life and times--well researched.

Missing Mom by Joyce Carol Oates: Well crafted tale of losing one's mother, the experience of becoming an adult orphan--sibling relationships, coming to terms with ones understanding of this event, unfinished expectations, unique, too, yet universally recognized transition.

Book Reviews from Summer Reading Club Participants

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:26:13 GMT

Book Reviews from Master The Art of Reading participants

Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud: 5 Stars! A great read, the next book in this series is already ordered.

Amber and Ashes by Margaret Weis: Offers plenty of fantasy action which I like.

Guardians of the Lost by Margaret Weis: Very good. Hard to put down. Like when the lady becomes a dragon.

Master of Dragons by Margaret Weis: Breathtaking epic adventure also hard to put down.

Nearest Faraway Place by Timothy White: In depth historical of the time. Sometimes keeping track of so many names was difficult. Other than that-incredible reading and deep insight to such a great American icon!

Beneath the Bruises by Dwayne Birch: Good book, abuse, abuse. Very sad and inspirational.

Book Reviews from "Master the Art of Reading" participants

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:45:59 GMT

Book Reviews from Master The Art of Reading participants

Cutting Your Family's Hair by Gloria Handel: Easy to see how to cut hair. Helps with cutting your own, too.

Steve and Me by Terri Irwin: I absolutely LOVED this book! Written by Steve's wife Terri Irwin, she goes on to recall the adventures she had with her husband known to all as "The Crocodile Hunter". As she regales her tale, she paints a beautiful portrait of a man who's main love in life was animals. She begins with their first encounter at the Australia Zoo claiming love at first sight. I could feel the love she felt for him and his work that he did as she wrote. She goes on to describe the croc rescues and his ideas to expand the zoo. Plus the documentaries that made the famed Croc Hunter a worldwide sensation. Through her kind words and his amazing work it made me appreciate animals a whole lot more and see them in a whole new light. I've always loved animals as a kid and think the world of those animal advocates out there trying to make the world a better place for them. I would recommend this book to anyone animal lover or not. I love memoirs because the way people write them with such thought and love it's almost like you feel you know them. They're just ordinary people like us.

Prodigal God by Timothy Keller: One of the most insightful books I have read. Some good, inspiring thoughts and a book I could not put down.

You can train your cat by Jo and Paul Loeb: I learned some good tips that I used to train my cat and they worked.

When Organizing isn't enough by Julie Morganstern: I didn't think there was more to learn on this subject, but there was. Helpful.

Confessions of a Video Vixen by Karrine Steffans: This book gave me a walk through the life history of Ms. Steffans. I had no idea that of all the pitfalls and perks of her life and her career. I will always look up to Karrine for sticking in there, and progressing through her trials and tribulations.

Book Reviews from "Master the Art of Reading" participants

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:40:45 GMT

Book Reviews from Master The Art of Reading participants

Night before Thirty by Tajuana Butler: It was a good book. You never know how people will affect your life after just one weekend.

Super stitches crochet by Jennifer Campbell: Really interesting, there were a few different patterns and techniques that really caught my eye.

Mrs. Lincoln by Catherine Clinton: Excellent! One could re-read many times and still find something new from an historical perspective.

Beyond-the-square Crochet Motifs by Edie Eckman: There were some really fun patterns in the book. I was albe to make a blanket using one of the patterns that I learned from it.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford: Good reading-a touching story about the Japanese internment camps during World War II. A love story and history lesson in one!

ASPCA Complete Cat Care Manual by Edney, A. T. B.: Very informative and helpful. Easy to read.

News from "Master the Art of Reading"

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:30:43 GMT

News from Master The Art of Reading Summer Reading Program

During week 9 22 people read 70 books, for a summer total of 181 people who've read 1187 books! The winners for the week will be announced later.

Muskegon Reads!

Author	Title
Anonymous Teenager	It Happened to Nancy
Archer, Jeffrey	12 red Herrings
Birch, Dwayne	Beneath the bruises
Bretten, Barbara	Once Around
Cambpell, Eddie	Black Diamond Detective Agency
Carter, Chris	Eve/the X-files
Cornwell, Patricia	At Risk
Deaver, Jeffrey	Bodies left behind
Evans, Peter	Landscapes of the night
Fielding, Joy	See Jane Run
Foster, Lori	Double the pleasure
Gardner, Lisa	Neighbor
Godek, Gregory	1001 ways to be romantic
Golding, William	Lord of the flies
Green, G. Dorsey	Lesbian Couples
Hama, Larry	Classic G. I. Joe
Jance, J. A.	Damage Control
Jeffries, Sabrina	Let sleeping rouges lie
Ketchum, William	American Beetles
Kinsella, Sophie	Shopaholic and Baby
Knopf Guide	Thailand
Lackey, Mercedes	By the sword
Lackey, Mercedes	Take a thief
Lackey, Mercedes	Winds of Fate
L'Engle, Madeline	Moon by night
Lescroart, John	Plague of Secrets
Lewis, Sinclair	Buffalo Gordon
Matyszan, Philip	Sons of Caesar
McDaniel, Lurlene	Angels watch over me
McDaniel, Lurlene	Don't die my love
McDaniel, Lurlene	For Better For Worse Forever
McDaniel, Lurlene	I'll be seeing you
McDaniel, Lurlene	Let him live
McDaniel, Lurlene	Reach for tomorrow
McDaniel, Lurlene	She died too young
McDaniel, Lurlene	Telling Christina Goodbye
McDaniel, Lurlene	Till death do us part
McDaniel, Lurlene	Time to Die
McDaniel, Lurlene	Until Angels close my eyes
Miller, Emma	Waking your dreams
Miller, Linda Lael	Montana Creeds: Logan
Moore, Alma	How to clean everything
Morton, Andrew	Tome Cruise
Oates, Joyce Carol	Missing Mom
O'Brien, Tim	In the Lake of the Woods
Oyeyemi, Helen	Icarus Girl
Palmer, Catherine	Sunrise Song
Palmer, Diana	Before Sunrise
Palwick, Susan	Fate of Mice
Peterson, David	Mouse Guard Fall 1152
Peterson, David	Mouse Guard Winter 1152
Phillips, Marie	Gods behaving badly
Phillips, Susan	Natural Born Charmer
Picoult, Jodi	My sister's keeper
Roberts, Nora	Black Hills
Rofheart, Martha	Fortune made his sword
Schraff, Anne	Matter of Trust
Schraff, Anne	Secretism in the Shadows
Schraff, Anne	Someone to save me
Scott, Michael	Alchemist
Sfar, Joann	Professor's Daughter
Small, Beatrice	Twilight Lord
St. John, Yahrch	Risky business of love
Stewart, Mary	Rose Cottage
Sun Bear	Dreaming with the Wheel
Trondheim, Appollo	Bourbon Island 1730
Walters, Barbara	Audition
Wicks, Robert J.	Riding the Dragon'
Wilson, G. Willow	Cairo
Zane	Succulent Chocolate Flava II
	How to clean everything
table producing by T2T

News from "Master the Art of Reading"

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:29:03 GMT

News from Master The Art of Reading Summer Reading Program

During week 8 32 people read 149 books to bring the summer total to 178 people who've read 1117 books! The winners for this week will be announced later in the week.

Muskegon Reads!

author	title
Abbott, Jeff	Black Jack Point
Anderson, Susan	Cutting Loose
Applegate, Katherine	Tan Lines
Armstrong, Kelley	Bitten
Armstrong, Kelley	Personal Demon
Ashley, Jennifer	Immortals-the redeeming
Bagwell, Stella	Courtsey and Debutante
Bagwell, Stella	Millionaire on her doorstep
Barkley, Brad	Dream Factory
Barnes, Stephen	Cestus Deception
Benway, Robin	Audrey Wait
Bond, Stephanie	No peeking
Bowen, Judith	Home on the range
Bradley, Shelley	Strip search
Bretton, Barbara	At Last
Bretton, Barbara	Day we met
Briggs, Patricia	Iron Kissed
Briggs, Patricia	Moon called
Brockmann, Suzanne	All through the night
Brockmann, Suzanne	Breaking Point
Brockmann, Suzanne	Dark of Night
Brockmann, Suzanne	Force of Nature
Brockmann, Suzanne	Gone too far
Brockmann, Suzanne	Hot Target
Brockmann, Suzanne	Into the Fire
Brockmann, Suzanne	Into the Storm
Butler, Tajuana	Night before thirty
Cabot, Meg	Airhead
Cabot, Meg	All American Girl
Campbell, Jennifer	Superstitches crochet
Card, Orson Scott	Treasure Box
Clinton, Catherine	Mrs. Lincoln
Davidson, Diane Mott	Dark Tort
Davidson, Diane Mott	Sticks and Scones
Davidson, Mary Janice	Undead and uneasy
Delinsky, Barbara	Looking for Peyton Place
Denning, Troy	Joiner King
Dickey, Eric Jerome	Dying for Revenge
Eagle, Kathleen	Mystic horse man
Eagle, Kathleen	Ride a painted pony
Eckman, Edie	Beyond the square
Evanovich, Janet	Finger lickin fifteen
Evanovich, Janet	Metro Girl
Ewing, Lynne	Goddess of the night
Fairstein, Linda	Lethal Legacy
Ford, Janice	Corner of Bitter and Sweet
Fredericks, Mariah	Crunch Time
G, Steve	ASPCA complete cat care manual
Gabriele, Lisa	Almost Archer Sisters
Garabedian, Helen	Itsy Bitsy Yoga
Gibson, Rachel	Not another bad date
Griffen, Lynne	Life without Summer
Handel, Gloria	Cutting your family's hair
Hart, Carolyn	April Fool Dead
Hart, Carolyn	Death of the party
Hickman, Welsh	Dragons of the Hick
Higgins, Jack	Dark Justice
Hill, Sandra	Cajun Cowboy
Hill, Sandra	Down and dirty
Hill, Sandra	Lovescape
Hill, Sandra	Rough and Ready
Hill, Sandra	Tale of two Vikings
Hill, Sandra	Wild Jinx
Hunt, Chris	Gaveston
Hunt, Curits	Bisley Boy
Hunt, Diann	Hot topics and cold feet
Irwin, Terri	Steve and Me
Johanson, Iris	Silent Thunder
Johnstone, William	Code of the Mountain man
Johnstone, William	Last Mountain Man
Johnstone, William	Triumph of the Mountain Man
Johnstone, William	Vengeance of the Mountain Man
Johnstone, William	War of the Mountain Man
Keller, Timothy	Prodigal God
Kenyon, Sherrilyn	Fantasy Lover
Krakauer, Jon	Into the Wild
Lee, Julianne	Knight Tenebrae
Loeb, Jo	You can train your cat
Macomber, Debbie	Almost home
Mallery, Susan	Delicious
Mallery, Susan	Tempting
Margolin, Philip	Lost Lake
Margolin, Philip	Sleeping Beauty
Martin, George	Hunter's Run
Martin, Kat	Deep Blue
Martin, Kat	Desert Heat
Martin, Kat	Midnight Sun
Mazer, Harris	Snowbound
McCafferty, Megan	Perfect Fifths
McDaniel, Lurlene	Angel of Hope
McDaniel, Lurlene	Girl death left behind
McDaniel, Lurlene	How do I love thee
McDaniel, Lurlene	Time Capsule
McDaniel, Lurlene	Time to let go
Meyer, Stephanie	Breaking Dawn
Meyer, Stephanie	Eclipse
Meyer, Stephanie	New Moon
Meyer, Stephanie	Twilight
Michaels, Kasey	Dial m for mischief
Miller, Frank	300
Mindell, Jodi	Sleeping through the night
Monroe, Mary Alice	Skyward
Morgenstern, Julie	When organizing isn't enough
Murdock, Catherine	Off Season
Nelson, Jane	Positive Discipline
Phillips, Susan	What I did for love
Plath, Sylvia	Bell Jar
Sands, Lynsay	Immortal Hunter
Sands, Lynsay	Vampire Interuppted
Shannon, John	City of Strangers
Shannon, John	Dangerous Games
Shannon, John	Dark Streets
Shannon, John	Devils of Bakers Field
Shannon, John	Streets of Fire
Shay, Kathryn	Someone to believe in
Shayne, Maggie	Fairy Tale
Shinn, Sharon	Fortune and Fate
Showalter, Gena	Catch a mate
Skye, Christina	Bride of the mist
Spencer, Sally	Dangerous Games
Spencer, Sally	Death watch
Spencer, Sally	Dying Fall
Spencer, Sally	Long time dead
Spencer, Sally	Sins of the fathers
Spencer, Sally	Stone Killer
Spindler, Erica	Copy Cat
Spindler, Erica	Last known victim
Starling, Belinda	Journal of Dora Damage
Steel, Danielle	Mirror Image
Steel, Danielle	Silent Honor
Steffans, Karrine	Confessions of a video vixen
Stroud, Jonathan	Amulet of Samarkand
Turner, Jamie	No dark valley
Twain, Mark	Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Watson, Jude	Legacy of the Jedi
Watson, Jude	Star wars: secrets of the jedi
Weis, Margaret	Amber and Ashes
Weis, Margaret	Guardians of the Lost
Weis, Margaret	Master of Dragons
Weis, Margaret	Mistress of Dragons
White, Timothy	Nearest Faraway Place
Wick, Lori	Perfect Storm
Williams, Walter	Rift
Wittuston, James	Marine One
Wolff, Gene	Knight
Wolff, Gene	Wizard
Woods, Sherryl	Flowers on Main
Woods, Stuart	Mounting Fears
Woods, Stuart	Mounting Fears
table producing by T2T

Book Reviews from "Master the Art of Reading" participants

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:20:17 GMT

Book Reviews from Master The Art of Reading participants

Dark Victory by Brenda Joyce: this is the best of the Masters of Time series. Full of everything that makes a great romance!

The Stand by Stephen King: I have readthis book three times before, but really enjoyed this "uncut" edition. The author improved on an already great story.

Jester by James Patterson: Not the typical James Patterson book, but still a good one. This is a long one but well worth it.

Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult: A book that doesn't disappoint, a story filled with imagination and skepticism. A good, deep read.

Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult: A beautiful story with an awful end. I loved it, the drama, the courtroom, the whole story, up until I read the last page.

Collected stories of Katherine Anne Porter by Katherine Anne Porter: I love short stories and there are many to love in this collection. "He" is a simple story with an easy dialect that yet pierces the heart. "Holiday" and "The Old Order" are as cozy as a ticking clock with the tradition and folkways of peopleand times long gone. Yet, their stories are about all of humanity and will never grow old.

Saving Face by Andy Robin: How to lie, fake, and maneuver your way out of life's most awkward situations. This book made me smile.

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See: It was a good book, but I found the ending a bit disappointing.

East of Eden by John Steinbeck: Absolutely phenomenal!

Petropolis by Anya Ulinich: This is a fast-paced and interesting read. The characters are very well written and the plot keeps you reading.

By the Light of My Father's Smile by Alice Walker: Cannot forgive her father for a single hypocritical soul crushing act.

News from "Master the Art of Reading"

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:39:42 GMT

News from "Master the Art of Reading

Summer Reading Program

During the 7th week of the program, 37 people read 98 books, for a total of 174 people reading 968 books. We gave prizes to 5 people this week. Winners and prizes will be announced at a later date.

Muskegon Reads!

author	title
Aleres, Rochelle	Stranger in my arms
Anderson, Catherine	Comanche Heart
Bagwell, Stella	Cowboy to the rescue
Bain, Donald	Panning for murder
Barnard, Robert	Corpse in a gilded cage
Blake, Jennifer	Gallant Match
Bradley, Shelley	Strip Search
Bragg, Rick	Ava's Man
Brashares, Ann	Sisterhood of the traveling pants
Bretton, Barbara	Girls of Summer
Brown, Rita Mae	Cat's Eyewitness
Brown, Rita Mae	Claws and Effect
Browne, Sylvia	End of Days
Buchanan, Patrick	Day of reckoning
Chandler, Steve	1001 ways to motivate others
Chevalier, Tracy	Falling Angels
Cochran, Molly	Forever King
Coulter, Catherine	Knock Out
Daley, Brian	Han Solo Adventures
Davis, Alan	Fantastic Four: The End
Dekker, Ted	Kiss
Delinsky, Barbara	Family Tree
Delinsky, Barbara	Secret Between us
Evanovich, Janet	Plum spooky
Feehan, Christine	Murder Game
Fletcher, donna	Bewitching Twin
Foster, Lori	Simon Says
Frank, J. Suzanne	Reflections in the Nile
Girard, Dara	Body chemistry
Girard, Dara	Gentleman's offer
Girard, Dara	Power Play
Girard, Dara	Round the clock
Gladwell, Malcolm	Tipping Point
Grant, Tracy	Beneath a silent moon
Hamilton, Laurell	Cravings
Hamilton, Steve	Hunting Wind
Hamilton, Steve	North of nowhere
Hamilton, Steve	Stolen Season
Harrison, Lisi	Alicia
Harrison, Lisi	Dylan
Harrison, Lisi	Massie
Haymon, S. T.	Ritual Murder
Hemphill, Paul	Lovesick Blues
Herrera, Juan	Crash Boom Love
Hill, Napoleon	Think and grow rich
Hill, Sandra	Night before Christmas
Jackson, Neta	Where do I go
Jenkins, Carol	Black Titan
Johansen, Iris	Deadlock
Joyce, Brenda	Dark Victory
King, Stephen	Stand
Kingsbury, Karen	Sunset
Krentz, Jayne Ann	White Lies
Kurland, Michael	Sherlock Holmes: the hidden years
Lackey, Mercedes	Exile's Honor
Lackey, Mercedes	Exile's Valor
Langan, Paul	Bully
Lasky, Kathryn	Pageant
Laurens, Stephanie	Edge of Desire
Lescroart, John	Motive
Mayle, Peter	Year in Provence
McDaniel, Lurlene	Always and Forever
McGraw, Robin	Inside my heart
Meyer, Stephenie	Breaking Dawn
Miller, Linda Lael	Montana Creeds: Dylan
Miller, Linda Lael	Montana Creeds: Tyler
Monsoe, Lucy	Watch over me
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds	Achingly Alice
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds	Alice Alone
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds	Intensely Alice
O'Connell, Carol	Bone by Bone
Palmer, Catherine	Stranger in the night
Patterson, James	Jester
Patterson, James	Kiss the Girls
Picoult, Jodi	Change of heart
Picoult, Jodi	Handle with Care
Porter, Katherine	Collected stories of Katherine Anne Porter
Quick, Amanda	Third Circle
Robin, Andy	Saving Face
Rowling, J. K.	Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Scott, Devon	Obsessed
See, Lisa	Shanghai Girls
Silverberg, Robert	Majipoor Chronicles
Silverberg, Robert	Valentine's Pontifex
Slott, Dan	Arkham Asylum: Living Hell
Smith, Alexander McCall	Morality for beautiful girls
Sparks, Kerrelyn	Forbidden nights with a vampire
Sparks, Kerrelyn	Vamps and the city
Spindler, Erica	Copycat
Spindler, Erica	Last Known Victim
Steel, Danielle	Matters of the heart
Steinbeck, John	East of Eden
Swanson, Julie	Going for the record
Ulinich, Anya	Petropolis
Walker, Alice	By the light of my father's smile
Willingham, Bill	1001 nights of snowfall
Woods, Sherryl	Inn at Eagle Point
Zane	Succulent Chocolate Flava II
table producing by T2T

News from "Master the Art of Reading" Adult Summer Reading Club

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:14:58 GMT

News from Master The Art of Reading Summer Reading program

During week 6, 57 people read 168 books. For the summer so far 172 people read 870 books. We drew 4 names this week to win prizes: Kristy Crocker won a gift certificate to Alpha-Omega Antiques, Katie Maniates won a gift certificate to Alpha-Omega Antiques, Jancy Brozaslo won a Cruise on the Port City Princess, and Kathryn Atherton won a gift certificate to McDonald’s Candies. Congratulations to the prize winners and thanks to our sponsors!

Muskegon Reads!

author	title
Aird, Catherine	Amendment of life
Aird, Catherine	Hole in one
Anderson, Susan	Bending the rules
Andrews, Donna	Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon
Andrews, Donna	Revenge of the wrought iron flamingos
Andrews, Donna	You’ve got murder
Angelou, Maya	Letters to my daughter
Armstrong, Kelley	Summoning
Axelrod, Karen	Watch it made in the USA
Baker, Kage	Life of the world to come
Barnes, Kim	Country called home
Barr, Mike	Tales of the green lantern corps
Beaton, M. C.	Death of a dreamer
Beaton, M. C.	Death of a maid
Billingsley, ReShonda	Let the church say Amen
Bland, Eleanor	Fatal Remains
Bland, Eleanor	Whispers in the dark
Bland, Eleanor	Windy city dying
Breem, Wallace	Legate's Daughter
Bridge, Andrew	Hope's Boy
Brust, Steven	Five hundred years after
Brust, Steven	Gypsy
Buchan, Elizabeth	Revenge of the middle-aged woman
Buchan, Elizabeth	Sammy's House
Bunn, T. Davis	Elixir
Bunn, T. Davis	Great Divide
Bunn, T. Davis	Winner take all
Cannell, Dorothy	She shoots to conquer
Card, Orson Scott	First meetings
Carr, Robyn	Temptation Ridge
Carter, Cynthia	Africana Woman
Chivers, Susan	Planting for Color
Clark, Mary Higgins	Just take my heart
Connelly, Michael	Echo Park
Connelly, Michael	Lincoln Lawyer
Connelly, Michael	Narrows
Cook, Robin	Chromosome 6
Cook, Robin	Godplayer
Cooney, Caroline	Whatever happened to Janie?
Crais, Robert	Forgotten Man
Crais, Robert	L A Requiem
Crais, Robert	Last Detective
Crais, Robert	Sunset Express
Cussler, Clive	Black Wind
Dain, Claudia	Courtesan's Wager
Dee, Ed	Bronx Angel
Dee, Ed	Con Man's Daughter
Dekker, Ted	Black
Dekker, Ted	Boneman's Daughter
Dekker, Ted	Red
Dekker, Ted	Thunder Heaven
Dekker, Ted	White
Detrick, Alan	Macro photography
Deutsch, Staci	Dragonball evolution
Donnelly, Jennifer	Northern Light
Edelman, Marion	Sea is so wide and my boat is so small
Ennis, Garth	Ghost Rider
Evanovich, Janet	Fearless Fourteen
Fast, Howard	Immigrants
Fielding, Joy	Puppet
Follett, Ken	Hornet Flight
Ford, Clyde	Precious Cargo
Friedman, George	Next 100 years
Gaffney, Elizabeth	Metropolis
Gardner, Lisa	Neighbor
Geist, Bill	Way off the Road
Gentry, Curt	Killer Mountains
George, Elizabeth	Great Deliverance
Gibran, Kahlil	Prophet
Gladwell, Malcolm	Outliers
Gopnik, Adam	Angels and Ages
Gore, Kristin	Sammy's Hill
Grabenstein, Chris	Tilt a Whirl
Grabenstein, Chris	Whack a mole
Griot, Urban	Capital City
Griot, Urban	One Crazy Night
Grisham, John	Broker
Hale, Shannon	River Secret
Hall, Barbara	Music Teacher
Hamilton, Laurell	Incubus Dreams
Hanniganm, Katherine	Ida B
Harris, Charlaine	All together dead
Harris, Charlaine	From dead to worse
Harris, E. Lynn	Invisible Life
Harris, E. Lynn	Invisible Life
Harrison, Lisi	Bratfest at Tiffany's
Harrison, Lisi	Bratfest at Tiffany's
Harrison, Lisi	Dial l for loser
Harrison, Lisi	It's not easy being mean
Harrison, Lisi	It's not easy being mean
Harrison, Lisi	Sealed with a diss
Hooper, Kay	Blood sins
Hosseini, Khaled	Thousand splendid suns
Iagnemma, Karl	Expeditions
Idliby, Ranya	Faith Club
Jackson, Neta	Yada yada prayer group gets real
Joe,Yolanda	He say she say
Joyce, Jennifer	Small Bites
Kellerman, Faye	Prism
Koontz, Dean	Hideaway
Koontz, Dean	The taking
Korman, Gordon	Schooled
Lawhead, Stephen	Iron Lance
Lawrence, Daisy	Lady from Savannah
LeClaire, Anne	Listening below the noise
Lee, Mabel	Cripple Creek
Leon, Donna	About Face
Levine, Suzanne	My feet are killing me
Levy, Marc	Just like heaven
Lucado, Max	Every day deserves a chance
Lucado, Max	It's not about me
Lutz, John	Darker than night
Macomber, Debbie	Twenty wishes
Maitz, Sandra	When I am an old woman I will wear purple
Martensson, Kerstin	It's Easy to sew Lingerie
Mazzucchelli, David	Asterious Polyp
McGarrity, Michael	Dead or Alive
McMurtry, Larry	When the light goes
McPherson, James	Tried by war
Mosley, Walter	Cinnamon Kiss
Mowry, Jess	Six out of seven
Myer, Stephenie	Twilight
Myron, Vicki	Dewey: the small town cat who touched the world
Navia, Luis	Socrates
Neider, Charles	Complete short stories of R. L. Stevenson
no author	Baby and Child
O'Connor, Sandra	Lazy B
Oke, Janette	Nana's Gift
Pagels, Elaine	Beyond Belief
Palmer, Catherine	Stranger in the night
Palmer, Michael	Second Opinion
Paretsky, Sara	Guardian Angel
Paretsky, Sara	Indemnity only
Paretsky, Sara	Total Recall
Patterson, James	7th Heaven
Peart, Jane	Ransomed Bride
Peart, Jane	Valiant Bride
Peretti, Frank	Piercing the darkness
Picoult, Jodi	Vanishing Acts
Preston, Douglas	Cemetery Dance
Quinn, Spencer	Dog on it
Randisi, Robert	Hey there
Rice, Luanne	Geometry of sisters
Roberts, Nora	Haunted in Death
Roberts, Nora	Northern Lights
Ross, JoAnn	Breakpoint
Rule, Anne	If you really loved me
Sakey, Marcus	Blade itself
Sanchez, Alex	Bait
See, Lisa	Snow Flower and the secret fan
Small, Beatrice	Distant tomorrow
Sontag, Sherry	Blind man's bluff
Spindler, Erica	Break Neck
Spindler, Erica	Killer takes all
Steel, Danielle	Family Album
Steel, Danielle	Good woman
Steel, Danielle	One day at a time
Steel, Danielle	Toxic Bachelors
Stephens, Deborah	This is not the life I ordered
Stolarz, Laurie	Deadly little Secret
Styles, T.	Black and ugly
Tyree, Omar	Last Street Novel
Van Ryn, Cerak	Mistaken Identity
Watson, Jan	Troublesome creek
Watson, Jan	Willow springs
Whitney, Phyllis	Singing Stories
Whitney, Phyllis	Woman without a past
Wick, Lori	Pursuit
Wick, Lori	Visitor
Yankoski, Mike	Under the overpass
Young, William	Shack
Zane	Honey Flava
table producing by T2T

Book Reviews from Summer Reading Club Participants

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:01:11 GMT

Book Reviews from Master The Art of Reading Participants

Corpse in a Gilded Cage by Robert Barnard: Most enjoyable English novel. Jail bird becomes an Earl-would have liked to have this mystery have just one follow up myster!

Gallant Match by Jennifer Blake: Hard book to get into. Story moved very slowly along and didn't get exciting until after 200 pages. I was bored with this book.

Ava's Man by Rick Bragg: This recorded book is about a man and the simple life he led, his habits, his view of things and his family. It was about a man who lived his family and worked to support them.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares: An easy, funny, ligth read perfect for a teenager to relate to. Brashares is able to weave a tale with not only romantic stories, but also friendship.

Day of Reckoning by Patrick Buchanan: Very informative. We better be on the lookout. Must listen!

1001 ways to motivate others by Steve Chandler: Good! Good ideas for self help!

Falling Angels by Tracy Chevalier: This is a great novel set in the time of the women's suffrage movement. The underlying story of the friendship of two girls-who met when their respective families were on outings to the family grave plots is both interesting and quite sad.

Murder Game by Christine Feehan: If you haven't read a Christine Feeehan book you are missing out! Lots of excitement, adventure, and romance. She is a must read on anyone's list. This book doesn't disappoint!

Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell: Gladwell suggests there are 3 different groups of people that are essential in causing a social epidemic. He thoroughly explains a number of examples and lays out the concept of "6 degrees".

Massie by Lisi Harrison: It was great.

CrashBoomLove by Jua Felipe Herrera: This book is different because it is a novel in verse. It is descriptive to the point where you can imagine you are there. It is about a Mexican boy going through high school.

Book Reviews from Summer Reading Club Participants

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:07:28 GMT

Book Reviews from Master The Art of Reading Participants

Bait by Alex Sanchez: I'd have to say that after having read Alex Sanchez's other books I realized this one was a little different. By different I mean it dealt with a subject matter that usually isn't brought bup in teen literature very often, a taboo topic of sorts. The story focuses on 16 yr-old Diego, a young man who has been put on probation for beating up a fellow classmate. Part of probation is having to see a counselor by the name of Mr. Vidas. Through the sessions we learn of Diego's deep dark secret that he's been kept hidden for many years which had been the fuel for his raging outbursts. What interested me the most was the fact that Mr. Sanchez drew from his years of experience working as a probation officer and poured that into the story therefore bringing realism to the fictional characters he created. Due to the subject matter I would recommend it to older teenagers and adults.

This is not the Life I ordered by Deborah Stephens: This is a book that helps one to understand that many difficult things can happen in our lives and these things can be dealt with in the best possible way and we must not ever give up.

Good Woman by Danielle Steel: Better than the typical "D. S." novel-not as predictable as others, although hard to imagine that it really happened to the main character-slightly far-fetched. Good story, easy reading.

One day at a time by Danielle Steel: A quick read-entirely too predictable-the same themes over and over; repetitive-could have been condensed to 10-20 pages. In my opinion-not one of DS's best.

Deadly little secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz: Young adult book with an unsuspected twist and some mystery.

Mistaken Identity by Cerak VanRyn: Heartwrenching yet hope inspiring

Shack by William Young: This was a very interesting book. A really good thinker book. It is a fictional story about God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus. A personal encounter with them. It really made me think about my personal relationship with God.

Book Reviews from "Master the Art of Reading" participants

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:17:17 GMT

Book Reviews from Master The Art of Reading participants

Every day deserves a chance by Max Lucado: Listened to on CD-I loved theidea of facing every day from the point of view of the dog-"It's my favorite!"

It's not about me by Max Lucado: Great reminder!

Darker than Night by John Lutz: Slow moving at times. Still a good read.

Sew Lingerie: it's easy; here's how by Kerstin Martensson: The book was helful if you havecorresponding patterns but some of the pieces are out of date.

Dewey: the small town cat who touched the world by Vicki Myron: Excellentbook on an abandoned kitty who lives and found library. Set to ride in library book cart. Entertains staff.

Second Opinion by Michael Palmer: Palmer's medical mysteries arealways a good read. Enough true medical research andinfo to be believable and frightening. Having a father with a large inoperable brain tumor myself allows me to relate to the brain injury/coma/etc. That Thea's father has-or appeared to have-the opening statement "Question Everything" should be everyone's first line of defense. Excellent book!

Valiant Bride by Jane Peart: A girl lputs aside her own desires to follow her sense of duty and, in the process, becoomes hurt. Faith eventually sees her through. A deeply moving novel.

Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti: The sequel to "This Present Darkness." A very good 2nd book. Really enjoyed the spiritual warfare part of the book.

If you really loved me by Ann Rule: Very good! Love Ann Rule.

Blade Itself by Marcus Sakey: Excellent! Very violent, coarse-adult level fantasy.

Book Reviews from Summer Reading Club Participants

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 15:35:37 GMT

Book Reviews from Master The Art of Reading participants

Macro Photography by Alan Detrick: Excellent! Easy to read and very informative. Gorgeous pictures, too. I learned a lot.

Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George: Abbreviates to the point that the book didn't make much sense. I wold like to read something else by the same author

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell: Interesting book that presents some thought-provoking ideas. It shares reasons why some individuals have been successful and how opportunity and desire are musts.

Ida B by Katherine Hannigan: I know this book is for younger people, but as a homeschooling mom, I wanted to read this book. I actually enjoyed it. It was well written and a good story. I'd recommend it to both kids and parents.

Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini: Have you ever wondered why our troops are in Afghanistan? This book will make you think. You enter the daily lives of Afghanistan families and realize that they are very much like us, but at the same time, they are forced to live under regimes we Americans would find beyond inhumane. Worse, there is little respite from their own family. I will watch the nightly news to see if there can be a happy ending to this excellent fictional sotry that nevertheless reflects the truth.

Expeditions by Karl Iagnemma: Wonderful details concerning the primitive wilderness of Michigan's Upper Peninsula enhance this story about a son estranged from his father. Race, religion, and spiritualism deepen the meaning of the separate journeys of a father and son trying to find purpose in life as they trek through wilderness and find each other. Enjoyable and moving.

Small Bites by Jennifer Joyce: Small Bites offers the reader a modern look at entertaining guests with food. Inclusive of many cuisines and detailed plans for having a gathering. I would recommend to anyone who wants to entertain.

Schooled by Gordon Korman: This book is written for the pre-teen set, but as a homeschooling mom I wanted to read it. It is a great story and a good reminder that kids can survive and thrive if given a chance. I'm still going to keep homeschooling though!

About Face by Donna Leon: Gives a knowledge of Venice, Italy and show the power of the feared Mafia.

My Feet are killing me by Suzanne Levine: Very helpful. I didn't know there were exercises for the feet. A book to have on your home bookshelf for sure.

Book Reviews from "Master the Art of Reading" participants

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 17:02:58 GMT

Book Reviews from Master The Art of Reading participants

Fatal Remains by Eleanor Taylor Bland: Fantastic!

Windy City Dying by Eleanor Taylor Bland: Ms. Bland writes good, good mysteries. But within the crime solving is family caring, humor, and not just about those living in one house! Enjoyable!

Gypsy by Steven Brust: I would recommend this book to a fiction reader.

Five hundred years after by Steven Brust: This book is a real edge of your seat read and a great book for any true sci-fi reader.

She Shoots to Conquer by Dorothy Cannell: Lost in foggy England to find themselves in the middle of a bizarre realtiy tv shoot.

Africana Woman by Cynthia Jacob Carter: This is a book about the accomplishment of African-African American women. It gives strength and builds confidence of women.

Temptation Ridge by Robyn Carr: Great book-romance

Thunder of Heaven by Ted Dekker: A very exciting book with a surprising ending. It's about 2 young people adjusting to the death of their parents in the Amazon jungle.

Black by Ted Dekker: First book of a trilogy. It does not have much of a conclusion, so be prepared to read all three.

White by Ted Dekker: Part of trilogy, but 4th book is being released soon. Plan to read all 3, since there is not much of a conclusion to each separate one.

Book Reviews from Summer Reading Club Participants

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:53:57 GMT

Book Reviews from Master The Art of Reading participants

Hole in One by Catherine Aird: Det. Chief Inspector Sloan and Constable Crosby have murder and mayhem to solve at a prestigious golf course. If you know a lot about golf you'll enjoy this!

Amendment of Life by Catherine Aird: Ins. Chief Detective Sloan mystery takes place in Calleshire, England. I have enjoyed these books of Ms. Aird for truly decades.

You've Got Murder by Donna Andrews: Couldn't stay with it.

Revenge of the Wrought Iron Flamingos by Donna Andrews: Believable characters, wonderful humor with enough seriousness to make this a most enjoyable read!

Crouching Buzzard Leaping Loon by Donna Andrews: Meg loves her wacky family and friends, but then Meg is pretty wacky, too. Ms. Andrews keeps the police pretty much on the up and up when murder is involved and that is what makes wacky work.

Baby and Child: all your questions answered This is a must have book for first time mothers. It answers all the questions you have.

Country Called Home by Kim Barnes: It would be hard to turn the last page of this book and not feel an ache of sadness. The family that buys a broken-down farm near a wilderness canyon is adventurous, bet weak with human frailty. Common mistakes carry heavy penalties. This author reminds us how precious life is.

Death of a Maid by M. C. Beaton: For me, these mysteries are more about the people in this village and their how,why, and where being more important and enjoyable with the plot just something extra.

Death of a Dreamer by M. C. Beaton: Constable Hamish, tall, red headed and very cop smart, loves his little village of Lochdubh, Scotland so much he'll screw up on purpose to keep from accepting a promotion and having to move to a larger town.

Whispers in the Dark by Eleanor Taylor Bland: An African/American female homicide detective. This is my first one of a Marti MaCalister mystery. By page 50 I had a good handle on Marti, her white partner "Vik" and her very troubled friend Sharon. Just by page 50. That is not good writing.