Book reviews written by Melissa M

“I have been reading Koontz for years and years and years. I believe I have read most everything he has ever written. I didn't care for this book at all. I found it to be disjointed and the whole 'the rich guy is selfish beyond belief thing' is a theme I find to be more and more distasteful in entertainment media. I was very disappointed. ”

Melissa M wrote this review Saturday, July 4 2009. ( reply | permalink )

Brother Odd

by Dean Koontz, Dean R.(Author) Koontz, Dean Koontz

Rated 4 stars

“I have enjoyed the Odd Todd series and this is no exception. I find Odd Todd an interesting, tragic character. His ability to see things that the rest of us can't is intriguing. I look forward to seeing where he goes on his next adventure.”

Melissa M wrote this review Saturday, July 4 2009. ( reply | permalink )

The Battle for God

by Karen Armstrong

Rated 3 stars

“This book took me several months to finish reading. Ms. Armstrong was very thorough in her discussion and laid the book out very well. I just had a hard time wrapping my head around all of the unusual names from other cultures and of course there was lots of learning going on for me. I could only read a few pages at a time usually.

However, despite the fact that the reading was slow going, I learned a lot from this book and if you have a desire to know more about Islam, Judaism and Christianity and how they have evolved through the centuries, I highly recommend this book. And even better...it was written before 9-11. So it is not colored by that horrendous event. ”

Melissa M wrote this review Saturday, July 4 2009. ( reply | permalink )

Truffles by the Sea

by Julie Carobini

Rated 4 stars

“This is a very good book. Sweet, easy to read and hopeful. If you are going through a rough patch, this book will give you a lift. ”

Melissa M wrote this review Sunday, May 10 2009. ( reply | permalink )

Presidential Sex: From the Founding Fathers to Bill Clinton

by Wesley O. Hagood

Rated 3 stars

“A friend of mine loaned me this book back in the fall to read because we had been talking about Clinton, Kennedy and rumors of Abraham Lincoln. If you are interested in how prevalent extramarital affairs are among the United States Presidential population, it's a good book to read. Published during the Clinton administration, I am sure the idea came about because of the scandals that President Clinton was involved in.

The truth of the matter is that Presidents all the way back to George Washington have dallied. Some more than others. I have to say, I am amazed at the way the media kept their lips shut during the Kennedy administration about his behavior. And I honestly don't know how his wife put up with it or how he ever managed to do anything Presidential. President Clinton seemed determined to follow in Kennedy's footsteps. I didn't realize half of what was going on with either President.

I also found that Woodrow Wilson is a President I want to learn more about. I didn't realize he was such a learned man and since his library isn't too far away, I hope to get out and visit it this year.

At any rate, the book is interesting and discusses a side of Presidents that we don't generally know much about. ”

Melissa M wrote this review Wednesday, April 1 2009. ( reply | permalink )

By Reason of Insanity

by Randy Singer

Rated 5 stars

“After reading Randy Singer's book, Directed Verdict, I was eager to have the opportunity to read more of his work.

By Reason of Insanity is excellent! Mr. Singer catches court room drama at its most intense. When a person was accused of horrific crimes, I just knew it had to be a set up, but when I found out the rest of the story, I was blown away! I didn't even see it coming! This is a story of justice, sacrifice and a gift from God. It is fast paced, extremely well written and will keep you turning pages until you reach the satisfying ending! ”

Melissa M wrote this review Sunday, February 22 2009. ( reply | permalink )

The Devil in the White City

by Erik Larson

Rated 5 stars

“I acquired this book during our visit to Chicago last summer. I had read years ago about the horrible Dr. H.H. Holmes and I wanted to read more about it and about the World's Fair that took place in Chicago. Erik Larson's book did not disappoint and in fact I have become a fan of Mr. Larson and plan to read more of his books in the future. This book is chock full of historical information. I was amazed at all of the things that came into being because of the World's Fair. What a feat that its very existence was. And then mixed in with the thrill and frustrations of one of the most famous events to ever take place in America, was the madness and cunning of a very evil man. The juxtaposition of evil and goodness, ugliness and beauty makes this book a fascinating read. I highly recommend it if you are interested in history or the criminal mind. But if you are squeamish, you might want to steer clear of this book about this famous serial killer (or just read the chapters about the fair and Larson goes back and forth throughout the book).”

Melissa M wrote this review Wednesday, February 11 2009. ( reply | permalink )

Directed Verdict

by Randy Singer

Rated 5 stars

“Last night I was up until about 1:00 A.M. finishing reading Directed Verdict by Randy Singer. My Paralegal Teacher awarded me with this book last semester for having the highest score in our class. I was in the middle of reading another book and wanted to finish that before I began this. I have to say Directed Verdict is excellent!

I enjoyed this book for several reasons. As a graduate of William and Mary and a resident of the Williamsburg, VA area for 5 years, I delighted in reading about some of my old haunts in this book. I remembered the romantic atmosphere at The Trellis and the fun walking down DOG (Duke of Gloucester) street and the dread of driving through the Hampton Roads Tunnel. It brought back memories of Confusion Corner and the unusual mixture of tourists and college students. It was very cool to read a story with a legal student from a place that is so near and dear to my heart.

I enjoyed this book because it really gave some inside view of how paralegals work (and since I want to be one, this information was absolutely fascinating!) I don't know if I will be as daring and able to think on my feet as Nikki Moreno, but boy, she was on top of things! And Leslie Connors...well, let's just say that you can't underestimate the quiet types.

Then there was the spiritual aspect thrown in which I didn't expect, but for me, added to the story. Christians are persecuted in spots around the world (and including here at home in the U.S.) I was drawn in by the main case that this story revolved around.

And if all that wasn't enough, this book is written by a lawyer. It is fast paced, well-written, and exciting.

I am looking forward to reading more of Mr. Singer's books! If you are looking for a new author to try out, I highly recommend this one!
”

Melissa M wrote this review Sunday, January 25 2009. ( reply | permalink )

Man in the Moon

by Dotti Enderle

Rated 4 stars

“I have enjoyed reading Dotti Enderle's books over the last several years. Dotti's talents are wide and varied. She has written wonderful picture books such as Grandpa for Sale, The Cotton Candy Catastrophe at the Texas State Fair, and Granny Gert and The Bunion Brothers. Also, to her credit, she wrote The Fortune Teller Club Series, Hidden, a variety of educational books, and dozens of magazine articles. She is a storyteller, a child at heart, and writes some of the best dialogue I have ever written anywhere. Her insight into her characters and the way they would speak is supreme! The dialogue is never stilted, but always true to the character.

The kids and I just finished another of Dotti's books called Man in the Moon. Dotti's stories often have a magical quality to them. And this one is no different. Janine, growing up in rural Texas, in 1961, discovers the magic and wonder of the world when an unusual visitor stops by for a visit. Janine is struggling with her parents economic situation, her younger brother's illness and her feelings about her life. As I read through this story, I remembered my own youth spent on a farm and the long summer days and the prospect of something exciting lying around every corner.

The children enjoyed listening to the book and I enjoyed reading it. We were all hoping that things would turn out well in the end, but if you want to know the answer to that question, you will have to read the book yourself! Be sure to check out Dotti's other books by visiting her website!
”

Melissa M wrote this review Monday, January 19 2009. ( reply | permalink )

More Chicago Haunts: Scenes From Myth and Memory

by Ursula Bielski

Rated 5 stars

“I got this book at the same time I purchase Chicago Haunts. I wasn't really looking forward to reading it as I found the first book to be a bit dry. But this one was written more like what I was looking for! great first person accounts of ghosts! Go check it out!”

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Melissa M

Reviews

Your Heart Belongs to Me

by Dean Koontz

Melissa M wrote this review Saturday, July 4 2009. ( reply | permalink )

Brother Odd

by Dean Koontz, Dean R.(Author) Koontz, Dean Koontz

Melissa M wrote this review Saturday, July 4 2009. ( reply | permalink )