I'm a retired college administrator with an MA in English Lit. A lifelong reader, it costs a fortune to move all my books. I belong to two book groups that meet monthly.

I've been keeping a list of books read since I was 15--so, it's a long list. AND, I wasn't always faithful about my entries, especially in the 70s and 80s. So,...more »

I'm a retired college administrator with an MA in English Lit. A lifelong reader, it costs a fortune to move all my books. I belong to two book groups that meet monthly.

I've been keeping a list of books read since I was 15--so, it's a long list. AND, I wasn't always faithful about my entries, especially in the 70s and 80s. So, while I have a long list, it isn't really complete. I am also appalled that I read so much junk. Ah well, I enjoyed it.

A word about my rating system. I tend to rate books by genre. In other words, a 4-star mystery is not equal to a 4-star literary work. For example, both ANNA KARENINA and MARLEY AND ME received 4 stars, but I certainly don't think that MARLEY has the same merit as ANNA. Keep this in mind as you browse my book shelf.

I have a special softness for Southern novels and stories and authors, as well as memoirs and travel stories. A good title will also get my attention--but that sometimes doesn't work out!

I also have a weakness for stories about race horses/tracks. And, I love mysteries. Since I live in the northwest I usually make it a point to read books by local authors or books which take place here.

O.K., if I have a big long list of books by the same author (this will most likely be mysteries), I will comment on the series in general on the first book only.

Mysteries are generally like mind candy for me, so you'll find a lot of them on my shelf; I have a sweet tooth! « less