Two Great Books

My son pushed The Woods by Harlen Coben into my hands and I must admit, he was right it is a great little mystery. Do try it, for a can't put it down, have to find out what happens next kind of book. I also finished The Master Butchers Singing Club by Louise Erdrich. The writing was lovely, and the topic so interesting. It is essentially a family story starting with a First World War German soldier who comes to America as an immigrant and through his family experiences the joys and struggles of this new land. It has a parallel story of a woman with a childhood is marked by an alcoholic father, Delphine cares for the butcher's wife as she ails and struggles with her feelings for the complicated man with the wonderful voice.

A quick read

Hi. This week I read "The last summer (of you and me)" by Ann Brashares. She is the author of the travelling pants books.
It's about two families with summer homes on Fire Island. Alice and her sister Riley have spent their summers next door to Paul and his family. Paul returns to the island after a 3 year absence. Things have changed, they're all a little older. Summer revolves around an attraction between old friends, a serious illness and a huge secret. It was a 7 day book, but quick to read. Enjoy.

New dog book

Hi. Sunday I finished reading "A good dog: the story of Orson, who changed my life" by Jon Katz. With a surname like that, you'd think he'd be more of a cat person. It's the story of Jon and his dogs, especially Orson the border collie. Warning -some of you may not like the ending. Orson has behaviour problems and I think that's part of why I enjoyed reading it. He reminded me of our dog Godzilla, and like Jon I used to live in fear that she could bite someone some day. And when Jon referred to Orson as his lifetime dog, meaning the one dog you had the most special relationship with, that too reminded me of Godzilla. I think she'll be the one dog I remember the most. Happy reading.

At last

Hi. I finally got the new Janet Evanovich novel "Lean mean thirteen". It's a one week loan, but I read it in 3 days. I see there are still over 50 holds on it.
When Stephanie's ex husband goes missing and looks like he may be the victim of foul play, she becomes the prime suspect. It's a quick, fun read. Has all the usual characters.
The sad part is you wait and wait for the next novel to come out, and once you get it, it's over in a flash.
Happy reading.

Camp Reads

I'm off to camp this weekend, with two books competing for my reading time. The first is The Master Butcher's Singing Club by Louise Erdrich and Touching Stars by Emilie Richards. Both were recommendations by other readers, and I have already started both. Aren't we lucky to have so many books to choose from? What book would you recommend as a best weekend read?

We have a Winner!

Congratulations to Diann Uurainen, the winner of the Tide You Over Draw for a dinner for two at the Timbers Restaurant at the Valhalla Inn. She has participated for the last four years in the Summer Reading game and was thrilled to be our winner. Keep reading through the summer and filling out your Menus. All returned menus will be used for the draw for a Gourmet Dinner for Two at the Nordic Room. Books and food - a delicious combination!