New Books reviewed since September 2007

Title

Author

Rating

Description

Hope and Honor

Major Gen. Sidney Shachnow & Jann RobbinsSid

*****

(From Bradley) This is a must read book, especially for anyone who has been in the military or who parents served while they grew up.  It is an incredible story of Major Gen. Shachnow's experiences from the notorious concentration camp Kovno in Lithuania from age 7 until 10.  He and his whole family not only lived through the experience, but escaped just before the German command ordered the complete destruction of the camp and those in it.  However there problems were far from over, as they were now back home, but behind what was to become the Iron Curtain.  Again his family escaped to West Germany where they struggled to survive, before immigrating to the US.  For anyone who does not understand the price the free societies must pay for the freedoms we enjoy, there is no better example, than that of Major. Gen. Shachnow's life.

Miracle in the Andes

Nando Parado

*****

Fantastic personal account written by a survivor of the famous plane crash in the Andes in 1972. There were 19 members of a rugby team who survived for 72 days before two made an incredible trek across a 17000 ft peak to obtain help. A previous book, called Alive! provided a factual account of the ordeal. This book, written more than 30 years after the event, is a wonderful, gripping, amazing, and well told story that I highly recommend. One caution - there are some graphic descriptions of injuries and what they did to survive, so be prepared for a vivid and emotional ride!

A Spot of Bother

Mark Haddon

****

A hilarious (British humor) story of a normal family with two retired parents a gay son, and a daughter who is planning a wedding. There is virtually no event out of the ordinary - no real action, no murders, no spies, no high speed chases - yet it is a funny, moving, and gripping story. One warning - there is a son who is gay and there are a few graphic scenes with his boyfriend. A very enjoyable read guaranteed to make you laugh.

Merle's Door

Ted Kerasote

****

(From Bradley) If you are a dog lover this is a must read book.  If you do not have or like pets, then you can skip this, because you will not understand or agree with Ted’s observations and experiences.  Not only does Merle’s Door raise some very interesting questions it also helps reset the philosophical foundation regarding the love and care of our Canine friends.  Ted is very observant and anyone who has a dog, will recognize many of his experiences, but hopefully in a new light.  I must warn you, that it does end on a sad note but it is still worth the read.  Lots of licks for all. 

Running With Scissors

Augusten Burroughs

****

A hilarious yet disturbing autobiographical tale of a young man from a troubled family whose emotional unstable mother sends him to live at various times with her psychiatrist, a man whose methods are unorthodox to say the least. Poor Augusten goes from one dysfunctional family to another, but tells the tale with a great sense of humor. An enjoyable tale well told.

Seven Years in Tibet

Heinrich Harrer

****

True story of an Austrian mountaineer in India at the start of WWII. Imprisoned as a POW, he escapes and makes his way to Tibet where he spends the next seven years, ultimately becoming a confidante of the young Dalai Lama. The book offers an incredible view into life in Tibet, which even today is hardly known. Highly recommended.

Stolen Lives

Malika Oufkir

****

Malika Oufkir was born in Morocco and at age 11 moved into the royal palace where she was a companion to the young princess and adopted daughter of the king. Her father, a general in the army, was later involved in an unsuccessful coup to overthrow the king. The general was executed and his family was imprisoned in horrendous conditions for nearly 20 years before escaping and later being allowed to leave the country. This is Malika Oufkir's first hand account of the ordeal.

The Measure of a Man

Sydney Poitier

****

The audiobook version is read by the author and enhanced by his magnificent voice. An autobiography that covers his early life in the Bahamas, his journey to the US, his struggles as an actor, and many insights about being black in America. An enjoyable read.

Dragon Hunter

Charles Gallencamp

***

The true story of the Central Asiatic expeditions to Mongolia led by Roy Chapman Andrews in the 1920's. Part science, part biography, part adventure story, part world history, the book provides a great look at all that was involved in mounting one of the most famous scientific expeditions in history. You will revel in the scientific finds and share the frustration of dealing with the Chinese buearacacy to obtain permission. A good book well written, but full of science and fact, so don't expect a page turning thriller.

Double Cross

James Patterson

***

Detective Alex Cross chases two serial killers in a thrilling but excessively violent story.

New England White

Stephen L. Carter

***

Well written and entertaining story of an upper class black family living in New England. There is a murder mystery which is interesting but secondary to the central theme which is about race, family, and relationships. The ending is OK but not great. A bit long in places, but an enjoyable read.

Next

Michael Crichton

***

Very interesting novel centered around genetics, DNA, and the science and politics involved in the related issues. Story is just realistic enough not to seem far-fetched, but is mainly a vehicle to allow the author to educate the reader about an important issue. Don't expect a perfect thriller, but well worth a read to get your mind thinking about some important issues.

Obsession

Jonathan Kellerman

***

Another in the Alex Delaware series. Decent story and if you are a fan of the author you will enjoy it, though I don't think it the best in the series.

One Christmas in Washington

David Bercuson

***

The story of a series of meetings between Winston Churchill and FDR in which Churchil convinced FDR to enter the war. Well researched, contains a number of personal stories about both men. Will appeal to those with an interest in history.

Rage

Jonathan Kellerman

***

Latest in the series of Alex Delaware novels. It's a good read, involving solving a murder of a mentally challenged young man who had been accused of a past murder. Not the best plot in the series, but reasonably satisfying.

Too Far From Home

Chris Jones

***

The last space shuttle mission before Columbia was lost delivered a 3-man crew to the International Space Station. They were due to be returned by the next shuttle after Columbia. With the loss of that shuttle and the resulting grounding of the fleet, this crew was forced to extend their stay until a Russian ship was readied to bring them home. While everyone knows the tragedy of Columbia, this book provides a good factual account of the events before and after, and provides stories and historical anecdotes of the space program. A good story and an enjoyable read.

The Book of Fate

Brad Meltzer

**

A cheap take off of the Da Vinci code. The story involved a hard to believe conspiracy between highly placed US agents who happen to be Masons. Just good enough to keep you reading - just bad enough to make you glad to finish.

Last Man Standing

David Baldacci

**

Mystery thriller involving an FBI agent and a psychiatrist. Good action, reasonable page turner, with a so-so plot and a less than satisfying ending. A fine beach book to kill some time.

Leonardo Da Vinci

Sherwin Nuland

**

Short and disappointing biogaphy. Very shallow and focused more on whether da Vinci was gay than on his real accomplishments