Book reviews from BayShore

"Mitch Albom’s first non-fiction since Tuesdays with Morrie does not disappoint. It starts with a request from his childhood rabbi that Albom deliver his Eulogy. Needing a deeper understanding of the man behind the mission, he is brought back to the world of faith he left behind years ago. Albom also meets a convict turned pastor and soon realizes there are more similarities between Christian and Jewish faith than he thought possible. This is not a book about religion, but about the comfort of finding something to believe in. "

"Beautifully written, poignant and intriguing. Each word is woven like a delicate thread into this powerful novel by Brunonia Barry. History, romance, and mystery in a perfect blend to create the most compelling read of the year. "

""Glass", like its namesake, is addictive, impossible to forget and has me craving more."

" For a novel told from so many different perspectives, I didn't find this the least bit confusing. Each character is so vividly quirky; it is not hard to tell them apart. Unlike many other fictional stories, I cannot name anyone in real life that is anything like this family, but I wish I could! They are loving and funny and have very strong personalities. I found myself laughing out loud and sharing different passages with family and friends. I highly recommend On the Divinity of Second Chances for anyone looking for words of wisdom or just a good laugh."

""Sail" is another great summer read by James Patterson along with Howard Roughan. Although there is no mystery to the story, there is enough action and adventure to keep the pages turning. "

"Read in one sitting, this story will remain with me for a long time. I am glad I didn't read any reviews or descriptions of the book beforehand. The shock of the accident swept me into the story immediately. Gayle Forman is brilliant with character development and rousing strong emotion without being sappy. I absolutely loved "If I Stay" and I'm sure I won't be the only one. "

"Juliette Fay�s first novel is a beautiful story of love and loss. The characters are vibrant and the emotions completely believable. Expecting many tears, I was pleasantly surprised at the humor and strength. I highly recommend Shelter Me and anxiously await Fay�s next. This new author is already a pro."

"Our book club has a new favorite! We spent two hours discussing Lottery and picking out our favorite lines to read aloud. It was an evening filled with tears and laughter. The characters are so real that we could all relate to at least one of them. Having the story told from Perry�s point of view added depth and insight. I found myself envying his simplistic way of seeing the world. To not feel the anger and bitterness that I felt toward his family would be a blessing. As a first novel, this will be hard to beat, but I hope Patricia Wood gives it a try. "

"Great light read for any suspense enthusiasts. It is the third book in a series; however, the first I read and I didn't feel lost. "

"A beautiful story about a woman lost in the present while her mind is haunted by the past. Wonderfully descriptive recollections of the artwork at the Hermitage Museum give hope during the siege of Leningrad. “The Madonnas of Leningrad� perfectly intersects the life of a young Russian woman during World War II with the life of the same as an elderly woman gripped by Alzheimer's. An unforgettable first novel. "

"I feel as if I am in mourning today. For Edgar and Almondine. For the unfortunate end of their story. A story filled with such passion and fury and loneliness and longing. A story I foolishly believed would come to it’s conclusion long after I lost interest and was ready to read the happily ever after and move on to the next. There is no moving on from Edgar Sawtelle. He will be with me now for the rest of my days. I can only envy David Wroblewski who completed his life’s purpose with depth and beauty"

"“Someone Like You� is a story of the bond of friendship and how important that is, especially in the lives of teenage girls. There is a time in every girl’s life when she begins to pull away from her mother and turns to friends for that guidance and acceptance. Sarah Dessen really understands the pressures of being a teenager including school, jobs, peer pressure and home life. This is a story any teenage girl will be able to relate to."

"“The Breakdown Lane� is a heartfelt drama about Julieanne Gillis who appears to have it all. Once her marriage, her health, and her life begin to unravel the characters become very real. She is not a perfect wife and mother who becomes a victim – she is a real woman with real anger who makes real mistakes. The story is told from both Julie and her son, Gabe’s, point of view which adds depth to this painful story. "

"“Rich Dad Poor Dad� is a book that makes you want to get up and take charge of your life. It is not a “get rich quick� book nor does it tell you step by step how to accomplish this. There is definitely some helpful advice and ways of looking at things in a whole new light – like your house as a liability rather than an asset – but it is up to you to find the path to financial freedom. Robert Kiyosaki is there to motivate and guide you. An excellent read for anyone who has finally had enough of the “rat race�."

"“Sail� is another great summer read by James Patterson along with Howard Roughan. Although there is no mystery to the story, there is enough action and adventure to keep the pages turning."

"Virginia Shreves just doesn’t measure up. She doesn’t fit in with the pencil thin popular girls and certainly not with her picture perfect family. Then she realizes everyone else may not be as perfect as they seem. Rather than change herself to fit the perfect mold that society has created, she discovers that she only needs to learn to accept herself. “The Earth, My Butt, & Other Big Round Things� is a realistic coming-of-age story with the humor and spunk today’s teens can relate to. "

"“Can You Keep a Secret� is another hilarious novel from the author of the Shopaholic series. Light, fun, and completely entertaining."

"“Searching for Paradise� encourages readers to reexamine their relationships and life choices. Are you happy? What are your dreams? More importantly, what are you going to do about it? We may not all go to the same extremes as Addy and Lucky to reinvent ourselves and our lives; however these characters bring enough humor and emotion to keep the pages turning."

"This account of how quickly an average teen can be thrust into a world of drugs was a real eye opener. As a parent, it’s easy to think “not my child� and I am sure Kristina felt that way about herself before “Bree� took over. The way this book is written, in verse, creates a powerfully dramatic narrative. Although this may be a quick read, a story within a story is discovered by reading down the columns. I would recommend this book to every teen and parent."

"James Patterson is known for his mysteries such as the Cross series and the Women’s murder club. “Sundays at Tiffany’s� is a love story resembling the likes of Nicholas Sparks, a love which knows no boundaries and can withstand the test of time. This novel surpasses “Sam's Letters to Jennifer� and comes in a close second behind “Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas�. "

"No book has inspired me or change my outlook on life more than "Critical Choices That Change Lives". This is a great book for teenagers, too. It helps them to realize how the choices they make affects not only their lives but so many others and why the "decision behind the decision" is the most important decision they will ever make. It also explains the three critical choices that turn ordinary people into heroes. This is a must read for anyone facing obstacles or difficult "

"“A Great and Terrible Beauty� may have been written as a novel for teens; however, the historical setting, mystery, fantasy, and touch of romance are just as appealing for adults. Libba Bray masterfully explains the trials and tribulations for women in the Victorian era and relates the characters to modern life. "

"“No, everyone has to knit when they’re here. I promise you. But not every person has to use yarn.� This favorite sentence from “The Friday Night Knitting Club� is the essence of what this story is about. Six very diverse women become unlikely friends as their lives begin to unravel faster than the sweater pattern they attempt to knit during their Friday night meetings. Bonds form, secrets are shared, and hearts are exposed as these women get to know each other as well as themselves. Knowledge of knitting is not a requirement for this story of strength and friendship. "

" When I think of Stephen King, I think horror and sleepless nights. Imagine my surprise to discover his latest novel is actually a memoir – not that of the masterful storyteller, but of a simple Minnesota construction worker who is, shall we say, a little down on his luck. Okay, maybe it’s not a true story, but I feel so connected to the characters, they must exist somewhere. Edgar Freemantle, or “Eddie� as I now think of him, lost his right arm in a construction accident and his marriage ends. Instead of giving up on life as he originally intended, he takes his psychologist’s advice of a “geographic cure� and rents a house on Duma Key off the Florida Coast. "

"This is one of the most fantastically imaginative books I have read in a long time. I was completely hooked after the prologue unveiled “Alice’s Adventures Underground� by Lewis Carroll and the devastation this caused the real Alyss. Frank Beddor has done a remarkable job weaving this “true� version of Wonderland through the beloved fairy tale. "

"This is a love story like no other - not a romantic love, but the love between two unlikely friends. Beautifully written "

"After reading the first chapter of "The Almost Moon" I thought there was no way I was going to be able to finish this book. How can I possibly connect with a character who murders her mother in the very first sentence? Boy, was I wrong! I read a few reviews where the reviewer states they couldn't even finish the book. Finish it! It will be worth your time. By the end I felt Helen’s pain and was able to empathize with her. Alice Sebold does an amazing job of bringing the characters to life. No, this is not an easy read. The subject matter is difficult and controversial, but if you are looking for a deep thought provoking read, this is it. "

"Brilliant! The only book in recent memory which has me anxiously awaiting the death of the main character. It still has me thinking long after the last page was turned. "

"What a perfect learning tool for parents and teachers! I was shocked at how much is expected in Kindergarten, but everything your child will learn is outlined in this colorful and fun book. Kids can practice the alphabet, shapes, colors, counting and so much more using this kid friendly book with a dry erase marker. "Let's Get Ready For First Grade" will prepare them for the next year. "

"I read the first in the series simply because it was written by a local author. I was pleasantly surprised by the entertaining story line and believable characters. By the end I was anxiously awaiting the sequel, which is fantastic! Plenty of action and romance to keep the pages turning late into the night. "