Mick's Books: A Life in Reading

Book Review: Live Wire by Harlan Coben

2011-03-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

Harlan Coben has moved on and so have I. This will probably be the last Bolitar novel and I am ok with that. Coben creates a great storyline and once again has me reading till three in the morning. Like Myron, Coben is starting to show his age. Myron was different in this book but I found it to be in a good way. When dealing with family and mistakes things are not going to be black and white instead they are gray. Myron walks a gray line throughout the book. This to me makes him a more endearing character. Reading the last few pages I felt that Coben and Myron just ran out of gas. It was disappointing to think this could be the end but on the other hand maybe it should be. A few minor things that bothered me were that Terese wasn't really involved, the whole Myron's son thing is not even alluded to and Coben seems to be passing the torch to Myron's long lost nephew Mickey. Maybe a new character will reinvigorate Coben. If you are a fan of the series you have to read this. Otherwise read one of Coben's standalones.

A Worthy Spectacle

2011-03-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

Benjamin Weaver is a retired pugilist, part time private investigator and always in trouble. With this installment the author David Liss is laying the down the foundation for a wonderful series. If you read the first Weaver novel "A Conspiracy of Paper" then some of your favorite characters are back the always reliable but over indulgent Elias and the lovely Miriam.

Liss focuses this novel on politics of 18th century London. Many comment on how the narrative gets bogged down due to the author explaining the differences between Whigs and Tories but I did not find it to be the case. Explanations are not overly intricate and keep the story going. The mystery is fun and intriguing.

Weaver is one of my favorite literary characters. He is a self aware man and knows that he has shortcomings. Sometimes he can not think his way out of something and brute force is needed. Overall, Liss gives the reader a great knowledgeable ride.

Review Coming Soon!

2011-03-24T05:59:00.000-07:00

I have been away for far too long. Life has been hectic in the best possible way. As I am getting back on track I am looking forward to reviewing books again for Book Sneeze and my own personal reading list. One of my next reviews will be of Mas Lucado's "Fearless". I have never read anything by Mr. Lucado but he seems to have a passionate following. Thanks for reading

Back in Action

2011-03-23T08:10:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to start working on this blog again. Life has been hectic but I am looking to start writing on here on a regular basis.

The Search for God and Guiness by Stephen Mansfield

2010-01-06T10:49:00.001-08:00

Being of Irish descent and a visitor to the country I was greatly antcipating this book. Mansfield does an excellent job presenting a creative non ficiton story that is fun to read and well worthwhile to lend out to friends. You learn a ton in those 304 pages not only about Guiness and Ireland but also about how life has changed in the last three hundred years but in a way still stay the same. The relationships between the Guiness family and the Irish populace is a story in and of istelf however you throw in the religious aspect and you have a real page turner in the non ficiton sense. If you enjoyed Robert Wright's The First Wall Street you will love this book.

The Sweet By and By

2010-01-06T10:39:00.000-08:00

First time author Sara Evans has solid debut novel with the Sweet By and By. This is not my usual type of reading and was my first foray into this genre of fiction. From beginning to end the characters are engaging and endearing and the best part of the story. The plot was basic but fun. The dialogue was usually witty and fast paced. The setting was never truly delved into and at times I felt like I was reading more of a script than a novel. Evans has a lot of incidents occur and at first they might feel contrived but as the story moves along it gets better and better. This is a great read for a cold Sunday afternoon next to a roaring fire with a cup of hot tea. Evans does have room for improvement as an author, however I would give her a chance.

Pirate Latitudes

2009-11-17T18:38:00.000-08:00

Is anyone else excited for this release? The book has been getting some attention of late and I for one can not wait to pick up my copy. What book is going to make your holiday wish list?

Book Review: The Senator and the Priest by Andrew Greeley

2009-10-27T05:36:00.000-07:00

This is by far the most painful book I have ever read. As a fan of Father Greeley's previuosly published works I am astounded this book was even allowed to go to press. Father Greeley forewarns the reader that his political views might cause controversy. I appreciated the warning. However, even though Greeley and I are on different ends of the political spectrum his views were the least annoying thing about this book. Nothing in this book seemed remotely plausable to actually occuring. It frightens me to think that this kind of thinking occurs in the United States. The idea of a liberal Democrat U.S. Senator and his relationship with his ultra conservative priest brother is a brilliant plot. Unfortuntately, Father Greeley never allows the plot to materialize. I found it sad that a man of the cloth would paint such a bleak portrait of a priest. The book revolves around politics. American politics, family politics and church politics all take a role in the novel. The family politics between the Senator Tommy Moran and his brother Father Moran might be realistic but seemed contrived do to the one dimensional fashion of their interaction. The church political storylines take a backseat but were the only believable aspect of the entire book. Now onto the American politics portion of the story. The hero, Tommy Moran is perfect. His family is perfect. During the senatorial campaign Greeley ups the ante on every page. First, the family station wagon is blown up in front of the house, then an assasination attempt and finally someone throws human waste onto the eldest child. The family takes this in stride and does not let anything deter them. As admirable as it is the scenarios presented are just too much. All of the girls are called Mary something. Every Republican is a lazy millionaire. The only people who have any redeeming value to humanity are named Moran and registered Democrats. Those two little tidbits got old very quick. Nothing in this book could be deemed realistic. Senator Moran has to repel the advances of an attractive staffer. That was believable. However, the way she went on trying to seduce him was laughable. The thing that truly bothered me was that a one term senator would move so quickly up the leadership ladder. Greeley has produced some wonderful works. My favorite being White Smoke. This time Greeley falls short of what is expected of him.

Book Review: My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult

2009-10-19T18:25:00.000-07:00

My Sister's Keeper

Jodi Picoult

Contemporary Fiction

In an effort to save one of its own a Rhode Island family has lost its identity and way. The story revolves around Kate who has rare form of cancer and the effort to keep her alive by her family. However, the care and medical attention needed depends on the youngest child in the family, Anna. Her birth gave new life to her sick sister. Anna is a perfect genetic match to Kate. Anna has given everything to Kate from blood to bone marrow. Anna is told that she will give her kidney to her sister. However, Anna does not want to continue to be a guinea pig any longer. She decides that her parents have to look out for all their children not just Kate. Anna will take them to court if she must. This sets the stage for "My Sister's Keeper".

Jodi Picoult is a unique writer. Each chapter is from a different character's perspective making the story anything but onesided. Picoult reminds me of Alice McDermott.

Reading the book feels like sitting at a dining room table at a dinner party. Each guest taking a turn to tell you their side of the story.

The book as a whole works quite well. By changing the perspective every chapter the reader is allowed a full profile of the entire story. By employing this device Picoult allows you as the reader to be completely entrenched in the plotline.

All of the characters are believable but Sara who is the mother never is able to connect with me. I don't know if that was by design but it was disappointing that such a pivotal character never had an impact on me as the reader.

Picoult is the standard bearer for contemporary fiction today. She is the author of this generation.

Many consider "My Sister's Keeper" as the definitive Picoult novel. I disagree. This book is a wonderful read and I highly reccomend it. However, I think Picoult's "Nineteen Minutes" is her best work.

As I mentioned earlier Alice McDermott and her novels have some similarities to Piccoult's work. Tom Perrotta and Alice Sebold are two contemporaries of Picoult that have the ability to make their characters part of your life.

If you like this book, you will probably like....
"The Appeal" by John Grisham or "The Abstinence Teacher" by Tom Perrotta or "That Night" by Alice McDermott

If you hate this book, you will probably like....
"Coma" by Robin Cook and "The Stranger" by Albert Camus

Pooh and the Death of the Book Review

2009-10-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

The wonderful tale of a boy and his bear is getting revisited. This time by author David Bendictus. Sometimes I wonder if the sequel is really worth it. The idea of replacing author's like Mario Puzo, Jane Austen and now A.A. Milne is a little over the top. NPR gives great coverage to this story.

Driving around yesterday while doing my errands I came upon a great interview with author Nick Hornby. I highly reccommend giving it a listen. Hornby is one of my favorite authors. His most popular book High Fidelity was made into a movie with John Cusack.

Currently, I am reading Dan Brown's Lost Symbol. Slowly but surely I am plodding my way through it. So far it has not grabbed me like Angels and Demons or the DaVinci Code. However, I did find a great post about the book.

Coming Soon: New Release Book Review

2009-10-03T05:27:00.000-07:00

The Search for God and Guinness
A Biography of the Beer that Changed the World
By Stephen Mansfield

Book Description

The history of Guinness, one of the world’s most famous brands, reveals the noble heights and crushing descents of a great family and an innovative business.

It began in Ireland in the late 1700’s. The water in Ireland, indeed throughout Europe, was famously undrinkable, and the gin and whiskey that took its place was devastating civil society. It was a disease ridden, starvation plagued, alcoholic age, and Christians like Arthur Guinness—as well as monks and even evangelical churches—brewed beer to offer a healthier alternative to the poisonous waters and liquors of the times. This is where the Guinness tale began. Now, 246 years and 150 countries later, Guinness is a global brand, one of the most consumed beverages in the world. The tale that unfolds during those two and a half centuries has power to thrill audiences today: the generational drama, business adventure, industrial and social reforms, deep-felt faith, and the beer itself.

Coming Soon Review

2009-10-01T17:19:00.000-07:00

Dan Brown is one of my favorite authors. The man has his literary shortcomings. His work is the same formula every time. Each book though from Deception Point to the DaVinci Code have been quite entertaining. However, my hope is that his latest work The Lost Symbol will turn a new corner for our hero Robert Langdon. My wish is to see Langdon become a more engaging hero. Even though I have yet to finish the book I have read some interesting articles on how his latest novel is going to compare to the rest. The release of this novel reminds me of when J.K. Rowling finished the 7th Harry Potter book: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows. People seem to be excited about the book. Not as much as they were for Rowling but still enthused. My cousin and I talked about Brown's work and just how much of a fun read he is. Sometimes I think we forget how important it is to be able to just have that fun read. Sometimes its on the beach or in bed but every once in awhile we need that reason to stay up till the wee small hours just so we know what happens.

Book Review: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller.

2009-09-29T05:33:00.000-07:00

Donald Miller was down on his luck. The success he achieved by writing the elusive best seller did not bring the happiness he desired. Donald was avoiding life. He simply could not face the music. Eventually with the help of a few friends and a couple of movie producers Miller realizes that life or your "story" is what you make it. However, instead of facing the music, Miller embraces it. This book was an amazing reading experience for me. Every once in awhile a book comes along that makes you re-examine yourself. This was the book for me. Miller puts his heart out on a limb throughout the book. Good stories don't always have happy endings but Miller reinforces the fact that its the journey not the destination that is most important. This book is a must in any library. I highly reccommend this to everyone.

New Release Book Review: Guardian of the Flame by T.L. Higley

2009-09-28T19:27:00.001-07:00

Twists and turns are quite numerous in the latest installmant of T.L. Higley's Seven Wonders series. The book is Historical Fiction and has a heavy dose of romance. I am not a romance reader but Higley doesn't allow the romantic aspects to bog down the story. Some of the conflicts are far fetched but fun. The research and attention to detail make the book a worthwhile read. I must begrudgingly admit that the author has won me over and I am now looking for her other books in the series.

The story is quite compelling. Learning about the importance of the lighthouse and the coalition of Caesar and Cleopatra is fascinating. The story revolves around Sophia who is the keeper of the lighthouse. Higley brings to life ancient Egypt all while weaving an incredible mystery with some romance thrown in for good measure.

Coming Soon Review: 9-29-09

2009-09-25T09:16:00.001-07:00

Keep posted to this page! I am going to issue my review of Donald Miller's latest book: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. The book is the latest release from Thomas Nelson Publishers. Take a minute and browse through the book yourself. Tell me what you think.

Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman

2009-09-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

George Foreman has been quite successful in both of his careers choices. First, as a boxer then as a businessman. In his latest book he illustrates for the reader how closesly these two careers are related. All George knew was boxing. He took that experience from his boxing life to help create a better and more sustainable life for his family. Foreman does not pull any punches in this book. He admits his mistakes quite readily throughout the book. His success is what makes the book so interesting and entertaining. The basis of the book is that success is based on honesty, integrity, hard work and ingenuity. This is a great read for that on the fence entrepreneur or the one just starting a small business. Do not expect this to be the equivalent of a MBA. The book is light and easy read with some serious insight.

Book Review: 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

2009-09-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

Take an hour out of your day and read this book. It is one of the touching works of a by gone era. In a time before Facebook, Myspace and even email you can enter the world of Helene Hanff and Frank Doel. She is a struggling New York writer and he is a London Bookseller. The long distance correspondence between these two is timeless. It is a true friendship that began with a book. The letters and love bring you back to Britain and Broadway of the late 1940s to the end of the 1960s. I highly recommend this time capsule of a book.

It's in a Book, Take a Look...

2009-09-04T04:14:00.001-07:00

The venerable PBS children's program Reading Rainbow is calling it a career after a quarter of a century on the air. The show's host and executive producer LeVar Burton explains in numerous news accounts that the focus of children's shows is shifting. Now the focus is on teaching kids how to read. Reading Rainbow instilled in me and I am sure many others a love for reading that has taken us around the universe without ever leaving the living room. NPR wrote a wonderful article on the show's historic run. Obviously, no one will argue the importance of teaching children how to read, however I do not see the logic in cancelling the show. Hopefully, PBS won't have a problem teaching kids to read but now they won't know why they should. Being a member of the original generation of kids who enjoyed Reading Rainbow growing up I am sad to see the end of the rainbow, but at least the end of my rainbow had a pot of gold. Unfortunately, this generation didn't have the same kind of luck. Of course, you don't have to take my word for it.

Book Review: Of Mice and Men

2009-08-27T04:25:00.001-07:00

This classic novel tells the tragic tale of Lennie Small and George Milton. They are out of luck and out of work migrant workers roaming the highways of California during the 1920s. The depression is the backdrop for the story but that does not prevent Lennie and George from dreaming big. John Steinbeck paints a masterful and brilliant portrait of a bygone era that still resonates today. Every time I read this book it reads differently. This is required reading for most high schools. Fifteen years after I originally read I still love it. However, the difference between reading it at 14 and 28 is amazing. Lennie and George are some of the best characters of 20th Century Literature. I highly reccommend picking this one up.

Book Review: Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben

2009-08-19T05:40:00.000-07:00

This is the first book in Coben's Myron Bolitar series and I think the first book that Harlan Coben wrote. Myron Bolitar is a former college basketball star and former first round pick of the Boston Celtics. After a freak injury Bolitar makes the transition from athlete to agent. The story begins with Bolitar signing highly touted football draft pick Christian Steele. New client in tow Bolitar is destined for the big time. Unfortunately, for Bolitar things do not always go as planned. A mystery ensues and Bolitar will get into his trademark high jinx. Coben to me falls short in this one compared to his other work. I love his stand alone novels. However, the hook and suspense are there but Coben's trust in the reader is not. The ending seemed to be more fitting for a Scooby Doo episode and not a Coben thriller. His characters are endearing for the most part and the humor/dialogue is fitting. I will continue with the Bolitar series and give it more of a chance because of Coben's other work that I have enjoyed so much.

Book Review: Resolution by Robert B. Parker

2009-08-18T06:08:00.000-07:00

Rarely, can I claim that I enjoy the sequel more then the original but Robert Parker delivers in Resolution. The story was not as original this time around but it is much more compelling. The relationship between Virgil Cole and Everitt Hitch is explored throughout the book adding much needed depth to our hereos. Parker packs the story with action, adventure and romance but it is the friendship angle of Cole and Hitch that keeps me reading. Hopefully, Mr. Parker will not end the adventures of Cole and Hitch just yet as I am longing to learn more about them and from them. I do believe in this case that Author knows best. You can read this novel as a stand alone but I suggest starting with Appaloosa.

Book Review: The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham

2009-08-18T05:21:00.000-07:00

A breathtaking story from beginning to end. The author, W. Somerset Maugham is a wonderful storyteller and does not disappoint the reader once during the novel. This is not a love story but a tale of one woman's journey on the road to redemption. The protagonist, Kitty Fane reminds me of a British version of Scarlett O'Hara. Kitty's journey is not a light hearted one. The reader's heart is constantly in a state of flux as the indecisive Kitty always leans towards the wrong choice. This is a timeless work that I believe will be in my top ten of beloved novels for the rest of my life. I highly suggest picking up a copy and enjoying the vivid world left behind by Maugham.

Book Review: The First Wall Street by Robert E. Wright

2009-08-14T21:01:00.000-07:00

Robert E. Wright has written a creative non-fiction masterpiece. From beginning to end I truly enjoyed reading and learning the importance of Philadelphia's Chestnut Street in the development of our current financial markets. The Author's style is such that you feel like you are sitting at his dining room hearing a story from a friend. Throughout the book, Wright gives the reader small tidbits of trivia and knowledge that are not widely known today. One of the things that doomed Philadelphia was the presidency of Andrew Jackson. The policies of President Jackson help create Wall Street and in the process decimate Philadelphia's Chestnut Street. This is a grat read for anyone interested in Philadelphia's history or the history of financial markets.

Book Review: Eleven Kinds of Loneliness by Richard Yates

2009-08-11T08:01:00.000-07:00

A collection of short stories each portraying a different kind of loneliness. Yates' writing is nothing short of hyponotic. Every character let me into their little part of the world and showed their rawest and deepest emotion. As a writer, Yates honors his craft and I would suggest an aspiring writer to pick this up and learn from his work. Two of his stories had a profound effect me. The first one is about a young boy who starts at a new school and lies about everything. His situation was unique but reminescent of the feelings many of us had during those turbulent middle school years. The other story was about a guy writing stories for a cabbie. Eventually, the writer recognizes their "friendship" has no real foundation and the cabbie is a friend in name only. This slice from the scence of life is worth the read.

The Book's You've Read Help Make You Who You Are

2009-08-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

Many people have had the euporhic experience of reading a book and knowing as soon as they have put it down that their life has been changed for the good. Never again will they see the world the same way. Hopefully, this is not a once in a lifetime experience. I have been blessed that this has happened to me multiple times throughout my life. The first time a book changed my life was when I was 4-5 years old. Sitting in my Aunt's den I sat with my cousins and listened while she read "Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak. The story was good but her love of the story was the most memorable part of that experience. Sometimes a book can launch a forgotten memory. While browsing the immense aisles at my local used bookstore I stumbled upon a beat up edition of David McKee's "Not Now Bernard". This is the quintessential classice for the toddler bunch. My Mom would read this to me often and I even smile now thinking about it. Growing up I had plenty of people who would read to me but Mom read Bernard the best. It is one of those books that a mother and son should share. As I went through school different family members introduced me to the books that help make them who they are today. My Grandmother felt that all little boys should read the "Hardy Boys" series and I did. However, it was not until 7th and 8th grade that my English teacher (same person) introduced me to the literary world as I now know it. The way he brought "To Kill a Mockingbird" alive still haunts me to this day. His love for that book was so amazing and intense that you could not wait to go home and pick it up. It has been fifteen years since I have sat in his classroom but the learning has never ended. My literary journey has gone on to include the works of the usual suspects but none will ever be cherished as much as Harper Lee's masterpiece. Eventually, I went exploring on my own and found many different books that have helped shape me to what I am today. But those listed above built the foundation for me.

Coming Soon: August Non-Ficiton Pick

2009-08-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

Bruni's memoir is my most anticipated pick of the year. His story of political reporter that becomes a food critic for the New York Times holds a ton (pun intended) of promise to me. During his career Mr. Bruni has reported on Presidents, Popes and Pork. This book is not only suppose to detail his rise in the world of journalism but also his constant struggle with food. I for one will be looking for this on the shelves soon.

Coming Soon: August Fiction Pick

2009-08-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

This is the first new release for Conroy in almost fifteen years. Most of the reviews that I have read indicate that this book was worth the wait. Conroy consistently delivers and with the latest novel being considered by many to be a love letter to Charleston and an ode to friendship, this is the book that will be occupying the beach readers for the rest of the summer.

Book Review: Dune by Frank Herbert

2009-08-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

The making of a man and the future of a planet are intertwined in this Science Fiction classic. Paul Atreides is the heir to his Father's Dukedom on th Planet Arrakis. The planet is the key to intergalatic commerece because of its large supply of spice. As Paul completes the rite of passage from child to man a new generation make their mark and it all begins in Dune.

Rarely, does a story capture me from the beginning like Herbert does here. The characters leave an indelible mark on the reader and move the story at a brisk pace. This is not an average sci-fi story. It has many levels of religious, political and ecological overtones that still hold significant meaning in today' world. I highly reccomend this brilliant Hugo and Nebula Award winning novel.

Book Review: The Good Thief by Hannah Tinti

2009-07-31T06:02:00.001-07:00

It seems that you either love or hate this book.Personally, I enjoyed it.The story was pretty well paced not perfect but good.The minor characters are outstanding.The protagonist Ren is young orphan who has a fierce loyalty that is admirable.At one point I was wondering where the Author was taking us.However, I was not disappointed in the end.

Book Review: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

2009-07-31T05:59:00.000-07:00

This was my first foray into the Queen of Crime: Agatha Christie's extensive catalouge. The book is a little slow in the beginning to the point I almost put it down. Now that would have been a dreadful mistake because as soon as the cast of characters get on Indian Island I could not put the book down. Christie paints a vivid portrait that reveals how deadly secrets can be. Absolutely wonderful read and hope you pick it up and enjoy it as much as I did.

Book Review: A Dangerous Fortune by Ken Follett

2009-07-31T05:55:00.000-07:00

Follett is fantastic in A Dangerous Fortune. The author introduces us to a family business and a couple of corrupt characters. As the reader you not only get to see the inner workings of the Victorian era banking house known as Pilaster's but you also get to see the making of a man in Hugh Pilaster. The book is fun, fast paced and if your a Follett fan then you will like this one. If you have never read Follett before this is a good book to start with. Enjoy!

The Sacred Store

2009-07-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

Lovers of music, art and books all have their favorite store. Growing up in Northeast Philadelphia my first passion was music. When I bought my first CD it was at the same store my father visited 30 years earlier when he completed the same rite of passage in purchasing his first 45. The store, Pat's Music still stands there today. Unfortunately, I have not had the same luck with book stores that I have had with music. That is until I moved to Levittown. My sacred book store does not serve Latte's or have the latest Barry Manilow CD on repeat. It is simple and inexpensive. Their is something to be said for a good used book store. 2nd Chance is the kind of place that you can feel at home.

The Beginning of a Blog

2009-07-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

Today seemed to be a good a day to beging a blog. It's Monday so I had that let's accomplish something attitude when I awoke this morning. After some lengthy deliberation I decided that my blog should be focused on Writing and Reading. Two of my favorite pastimes. In order to kill two birds with one stone I thought it would be a very good idea to write about what I am reading. Hence the Levittown Literary Society was born. Please pardon the appearance as I am still in the construction phase. However, do check back often as I hope to make updates frequently.