Garnethill

Garnethill by Denise Mina.

Review:

Maureen wakes up one morning after a night of drinking to find her ex-boyfriend murdered in her apartment. Maureen is a suspect in the case and finds it hard to shake that role when her past involves a psychiatric hospital stay. Many think she's crazy and has poor memory. Maureen knows different and takes matters into her own hands as she sets off on a hunt for the killer.

Go With Me

Go With Me by Castle Freeman Jr.

Review:

This is a relatively short book but it is an adventurous story. Lillian lives in Vermont and the book opens with her in fear for her life scared by a stalker. She goes to the police but they can't help her until the stalker makes his move. Lillian goes to some older and wiser men of the town for help. Two sign up to help her go after the stalker, these men know the stalker won't back down and they will have to follow through if they want the stalking to stop. This book is funny and also suspenseful.

The Sister

The Sister by Poppy Adams.

Review:

Ginny is a woman living alone in her family mansion that she inherited when her mother died and her father moved out. Her sister Vivien couldn't wait to leave home. Ginny became a lepidopterist (a person who studies moths) just like her father, Clive. Her mother, Maud, spent her last years as a secret alcoholic. Ginny's quiet world is about to come undone when Vivien comes home to keep her company. This visit forces Ginny to remember her family's dramatic past and discover a few secrets herself. Something about Ginny is peculiar from the start. As the novel continues Ginny's mind unwinds and we see her true nature.

A Wolf At The Table

A Wolf At The Table by Augusten Burroughs.

Review:

This is the memoir of Burroughs' father. Augusten is constantly seeking his father's attention from childhood to adulthood. His father acts nice one minute, and furious the next. Throughout the book I couldn't help thinking "Okay, your dad is awful, so forget him and grow up to be different". It drags on and on and Augusten just keeps badgering his father even though he knows how awful he can be. It was an interesting view of his family life but I was waiting for things to turn around for Augusten. It's unclear really how bad off the father was. It was unclear if Burroughs was embellishing on facts because of how young he was during the experiences. I know that sounds awful but if you read this, you'll kind of see where I'm coming from. One thing I know for sure about this family: they shouldn't have ever been allowed to own 3 dogs. Burroughs has written more, but I won't be reading.

The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.

Review:

Susie Salmon details her death within the first chapter. She was 14 years old when she was lured by a neighbor into an underground trench, raped, and killed. The way Susie describes her death is very interesting, she states it just as facts, without much questioning. She never wonders "why me?" she just knows it happened. She knows her killer, she keeps an eye on him, her friends, and her family from her heaven. The story details the lives of everyone around her and how they were affected by her sudden death. As the years go on, she is thought of less and less but is still ever present. The tone is eerie and I was spooked by it at times, but I have to say it's a new point of view to read from and it really is great.

Tuscan Holiday

Tuscan Holiday, by Holly Chamberlin.

Review:

Elizabeth's Daughter, Marina, graduated from college. She's 21 and engaged to be married to Jothem who is a very controlling man. They've been dating since Marina was 15 years old. Elizabeth and Marina do not have much in common, hence the trip to Italy; meant to be a bonding experience. Marina is very serious and the trip does lighten her up a bit. Elizabeth hopes the trip will allow Marina to let go of home a little and discover herself. Marina meets a man in Italy and falls head over heels instantly. It was a little cliche (love at first sight/fate). Marina ends up learning a lot about herself on the trip; discovering that she tends to be a pushover when it comes to men. Elizabeth faces her own self and demons from her past. She discovers she too has not been living her life to the fullest. Overall a good book and good message.

The Truth About Forever

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen.

Review:

Macy recently lost her father and her mother has taught her to grieve in silence. The two go about their lives as though it was always just the two of them; which is fine for both of them. Macy is hard working, a good student, and never breaks the rules. Her boyfriend, Jason, is a brainiac and is much the same way---perfect. Until Jason goes away to "brain" camp. Macy takes his job at the town library while he's gone and works with two girls who could care less about her (and more about her boyfriend). When Macy stumbles upon Wish Catering Company, she finds her soulmates; the people who wake her up to the life she's been missing. As her ties to Jason dwindle she relies more on her friendship with Wes, a caterer and artist. Macy & her mother face change and learn to talk about the past, and look toward their future.