Monday, May 28, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Called To Controversy by Ruth Rosen
"I was only seven years old when it occurred to me that my father might be famous. I considered this a possibility because people that I didn't really know or care about sometimes told me how lucky I was to have him for my father."
And so begins Ruth Rosen's story of her father Moishe Rosen, the man best known as the founder of Jews for Jesus. Moishe was a hero to some people, a villain to others (including his parents) according to his daughter who shares her father's belief that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah and Savior of the world.
Described as a man with ordinary feelings and failings, strengths and weaknesses he was a controversial man whose biography is meant to reveal "how God uses imperfect people to bring about great things."
His critics called him a traitor, saying that he was not really Jewish (he was) and that his message was to make money, some believed he was evil. Others called him a self-hating Jew.
Moishe's early years were lean and at times he went hungry, his home was strongly influenced by Jewish values, but not a strong Jewish faith. He was taught that family takes care of its own; holidays are to be observed; dietary rules strictly adhered to. He was by all accounts in awe of God. But like his father he eventually grew cynical toward religion, yet these feelings did not compromise his Jewish identity.
His world, however, was changing. Moishe began attending church with his young wife and their child.
One day he was summoned home, a highly unusual request. His father wanted to know why his son was telling people he believed in Jesus. Grabbing the family Bible, Moishe tried using scripture to convince his father, mother and brother. His father, however was having none of it. Believing that Jesus is the Messiah was not an option, and unless Moishe gave up being a Christ lover his father was determined to disown him. Ben Rosen would try to get his son fired from his job.
But Moishe felt God calling him and he was determined to respond. This book is the attempt to set his record straight. The book seems longer than its 360 pages.
This book was provided by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, in exchange for a written review.
Described as a man with ordinary feelings and failings, strengths and weaknesses he was a controversial man whose biography is meant to reveal "how God uses imperfect people to bring about great things."
His critics called him a traitor, saying that he was not really Jewish (he was) and that his message was to make money, some believed he was evil. Others called him a self-hating Jew.
Moishe's early years were lean and at times he went hungry, his home was strongly influenced by Jewish values, but not a strong Jewish faith. He was taught that family takes care of its own; holidays are to be observed; dietary rules strictly adhered to. He was by all accounts in awe of God. But like his father he eventually grew cynical toward religion, yet these feelings did not compromise his Jewish identity.
His world, however, was changing. Moishe began attending church with his young wife and their child.
One day he was summoned home, a highly unusual request. His father wanted to know why his son was telling people he believed in Jesus. Grabbing the family Bible, Moishe tried using scripture to convince his father, mother and brother. His father, however was having none of it. Believing that Jesus is the Messiah was not an option, and unless Moishe gave up being a Christ lover his father was determined to disown him. Ben Rosen would try to get his son fired from his job.
But Moishe felt God calling him and he was determined to respond. This book is the attempt to set his record straight. The book seems longer than its 360 pages.
This book was provided by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, in exchange for a written review.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Dear Writers, a must read from author Nathan Bransford
On Self-Publishing and Having a Chip on One's Shoulder
http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2012/05/on-self-publishing-and-having-chip-on.html
http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2012/05/on-self-publishing-and-having-chip-on.html
Heart to Heart, Hand in Paw by Peggy Frezon
"How one woman finds faith and hope though the healing love of animals."
Get to know Luanne, her husband Henry and the assortment of quirky animals that work together to build a house in rural Vermont and in the end find their forever home. Luanne knows heartache and loneliness and sticktoitiveness, her story is bittersweet and often funny, in the end your faith in happy-ever-after will be restored.
Life is never predictable, ordinary or boring, neither are the animals. There's Corky, a homely dog of many breeds who cares only about being with the woman he loves and whose "...long, knobby-kneed legs bulged at the bottom like an old lady whose stockings had fallen down." Sixteen free-range chickens who live the adage "birds of a feather" and one handsome rooster named Fred in need of a couple of lessons move in. There's a lamb, a goose, and a donkey that needs tending and lots of understanding and many prayers.
As the animals accumulate so do the teachings. Told in present day and in flashback, the author uses a deft hand when it comes to sharing Luanne's beginnings and just the right mixture of adjectives and inspiration. This is the tale Peggy was born to tell.
That God's hand is everywhere is evident. This is a story that will move right in and take up residence. You'll root for the characters, both those with two legs and those with four and observe first hand what it truly means to find a way to meet life's difficulties with hope and determination.
Like all great stories this one is based on fact and the truth is animals have much to teach us about love, loyalty, forgiveness and what it means to be family.
For anyone who has ever loved an animal. I adore this story.
Life is never predictable, ordinary or boring, neither are the animals. There's Corky, a homely dog of many breeds who cares only about being with the woman he loves and whose "...long, knobby-kneed legs bulged at the bottom like an old lady whose stockings had fallen down." Sixteen free-range chickens who live the adage "birds of a feather" and one handsome rooster named Fred in need of a couple of lessons move in. There's a lamb, a goose, and a donkey that needs tending and lots of understanding and many prayers.
As the animals accumulate so do the teachings. Told in present day and in flashback, the author uses a deft hand when it comes to sharing Luanne's beginnings and just the right mixture of adjectives and inspiration. This is the tale Peggy was born to tell.
That God's hand is everywhere is evident. This is a story that will move right in and take up residence. You'll root for the characters, both those with two legs and those with four and observe first hand what it truly means to find a way to meet life's difficulties with hope and determination.
Like all great stories this one is based on fact and the truth is animals have much to teach us about love, loyalty, forgiveness and what it means to be family.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The Top 100 Books of 2011 According to USA TODAY
The top 100 titles of 2011, compiled from USA TODAY's Best-Selling Books list.
1 The Help Kathryn Stockett - A young white woman tells the story of black maids in 1960s Mississippi (F)
2 The Hunger Games Suzanne Collins - Youth: Girl takes sister's place in a real world survivor game in a post-apocalyptic U.S. (F)
3 Heaven is for Real Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent Subtitle: "A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back" (NF)
4 Water for Elephants Sara Gruen - Love, drama in a circus in the 1930s (F)
5 Catching Fire Suzanne Collins - Youth: Katniss and Peeta are targeted as rebels after winning the Hunger Games; second in series (F)
6 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever Jeff Kinney - Youth: Greg is trapped with his family during a blizzard after he is accused of damaging school property (F)
7 Mockingjay Suzanne Collins - Youth: Katniss must give herself completely to the rebellion for it to succeed; final in series (F)
8 Steve Jobs: A Biography Walter Isaacson - Biography recounts the life of the late founder of Apple (NF)
9 The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Stieg Larsson - Journalist is hired to investigate the disappearance of an heir to a wealthy family (F)
10 Unbroken Laura Hillenbrand Subtitle: "A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption" (NF)
11 The Girl Who Played With Fire Stieg Larsson - An Eastern European sex-trafficking ring propels this sequel to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (F)
12 Inheritance Christopher Paolini - Youth: Eragon and his dragon must topple an evil king to restore justice to their land; fourth in series (F)
13 The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest Stieg Larsson - Lisbeth Salander is accused of murder and turns to journalist Mikael Blomkvist for help; last in series (F)
14 The Son of Neptune: The Heroes of Olympus, Book Two Rick Riordan - Youth: Demigods Jason, Piper and Leo continue quest; second in series (F)
15 Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Bill O'Reilly, Martin Dugard - The Fox News host writes an account of President Lincoln's death at the hand of John Wilkes Booth (NF)
16 The Litigators John Grisham - Partners in a two-bit law firm land a big case that could make them rich (F)
17 A Stolen Life Jaycee Dugard - Memoir: Kidnapping victim recounts 18 years of captivity and abuse (NF)
18 A Game of Thrones George R.R. Martin - Trouble and coldness descend on a kingdom where the seasons are out of balance; book one in series (F)
19 The Confession John Grisham - The wrong man awaits execution in the rape and murder of a high school cheerleader (F)
20 The Best of Me Nicholas Sparks- Lovers torn apart by unforeseen events reunite 25 years later (F)
21 Smokin' Seventeen Janet Evanovich - Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum investigates a series of killings; 17th in series (F)
22 Bossypants Tina Fey - The comedy writer and star of 30 Rock riffs on her life and career (NF)
23 11/22/63 Stephen King - A teacher travels back in time to try to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (F)
24 Cutting for Stone Abraham Verghese - A 50-year epic that begins with the birth of conjoined twins to an Indian nun in 1950s Ethiopia (F)
25 The Throne of Fire Rick Riordan - Youth: Carter Kane and his sister Sadie continue their quest to save the world; second in series (F)
26 A Dance With Dragons George R.R. Martin - The fate of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance once again; fifth book in series (F)
27 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth Jeff Kinney - Youth: Greg learns to deal with boy-girl parties; fifth in series (F)
28 The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Rebecca Skloot - The story of a Virginia tobacco farmer whose tissue cells became essential in creating the polio vaccine (NF)
29 Room Emma Donoghue - Story of a 5-year-old boy held captive with his mother in a single room, the only world he knows (F)
30 The 17 Day Diet Mike Moreno - Subtitle: "A Doctor's Plan Designed for Rapid Results" (NF)
31 Something Borrowed Emily Giffin - Young attorney falls for her best friend's fiance (F)
32 The Lincoln Lawyer Michael Connelly - Defense attorney gets his first high-paying client, trouble starts (F)
33 Sarah's Key Tatiana de Rosnay - A French journalist finds herself related to a young girl who was part of the 1942 Vel' d'Hiv' roundup (F)
34 Kill Alex Cross James Patterson - Alex Cross must stop an attack on Washington, D.C., while investigating the abduction of the President's children (F)
35 In the Garden of Beasts Erik Larson Subtitle: "Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin" (NF)
36 Now You See Her James Patterson, Michael Ledwidge - A lawyer who began a new life in New York must return to Florida to confront her secret past in order to help a man framed for murder (F)
37 A Clash of Kings George R.R. Martin - Factions struggle to gain control of a divided land; book two in A Song of Ice and Fire series (F)
38 Breaking Dawn Stephenie Meyer- Youth: Fourth installment in Twilight vampire series; movie (F)
39 Explosive Eighteen Janet Evanovich - Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum inadvertently becomes involved in an international murder mystery (F)
40 Dead Reckoning Charlaine Harris - Sookie Stackhouse witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's but family drama keeps her from investigating; 11th in series (F)
41 StrengthsFinder 2.0 Tom Rath - Lifetime strategies for using your talents (NF)
42 The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition Carol V. Aebersold, Chanda B. Bell - Children: Santa relies on elves to find out who has been naughty and who has been nice (F)
43 The Lost Hero: The Heroes of Olympus, Book One Rick Riordan - Youth: After saving Olympus, Percy Jackson and friends have rebuilt Camp Half-Blood for the next generation of demigods (F)
44 Awakened Kristin Cast, P.C. Cast - Youth: As high priestess, Neferet swears vengeance on vampire-in-training Zoey; eighth in series (F)
45 Tick Tock James Patterson, Michael Ledwidge- NYPD detective Michael Bennett and a former FBI colleague investigate a series of murders (F)
46 10th Anniversary James Patterson, Maxine Paetro - Members of the Women's Murder Club juggle criminal investigation, murder prosecution and family drama (F)
47 The Paris Wife: A Novel Paula McLain - Hadley Richardson, the first wife of Ernest Hemingway, tells her story (F)
48 Cross Fire James Patterson - Detective Alex Cross' deadliest adversary, Kyle Craig, is back and plotting revenge on Cross and his fiance, Bree (F)
49 Sing You Home Jodi Picoult - Zoe, a music therapist, faces prejudice when she finds love with another woman (F)
50 The Art of Racing in the Rain Garth Stein - A novel that reflects on what it is to be human, told from the family dog's point of view (F)
51 The Next Always Nora Roberts - An architect woos his childhood crush while he and his family renovate a historic hotel (F)
52 George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones George R.R. Martin - Boxed set of the first four volumes in the Game of Thrones series (F)
53 The Sixth Man David Baldacci - Private investigators Sean King and Michelle Maxwell must prove whether an alleged serial killer is guilty (F)
54 One Day David Nicholls - A yearly snapshot of a single day in a couple's 20-year on-again, off-again relationship (F)
55 Safe Haven Nicholas Sparks - Newcomer to small town deals with new love and dark past (F)
56 The Mill River Recluse Darcie Chan - A town’s fascination with a reclusive widow and her secrets could spell trouble (F)
57 A Storm of Swords George R.R. Martin - Tensions build as the Seven Kingdoms remain at war; third in series (F)
58 The Affair Lee Child - Military cop Jack Reacher exposes a cover-up involving a fellow soldier (F)
59 The Search Nora Roberts - The past comes back to haunt dog trainer Fiona Bristow, the lone survivor of a serial killer (F)
60 Guinness World Records 2012 Guinness World Records - Record-holding figures and feats from around the world (NF)
61 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules Jeff Kinney - Youth: Greg Heffley’s older brother knows secret; sequel (F)
62 What the Night Knows Dean Koontz - A homicide detective is on the trail of either a copycat serial killer or the ghost of one past (F)
63 The 5 Love Languages Gary Chapman - Subtitle: "The Secret to Love That Lasts" (NF)
64 A Feast for Crows George R.R. Martin - Power struggle continues in the Seven Kingdoms; fourth in series (F)
65 The Land of Painted Caves Jean M. Auel - The Ice Age-era story of Ayla as she struggles to balance motherhood and her training to become a spiritual leader; final in series (F)
66 Zero Day David Baldacci - John Puller, an Army Special Agent, investigates the murder of a family in rural West Virginia (F)
67 Diary of a Wimpy Kid Jeff Kinney - Youth: Diary from a middle-schooler, Greg Heffley (F)
68 The Shack William P. Young - Man reconnects with God after death of child (F)
69 The Kane Chronicles, Book 1: The Red Pyramid Rick Riordan - Youth: Modern-day siblings discover that the gods of ancient Egypt are back and not happy; first in series (F)
70 Go the ---- To Sleep Adam Mansbach, illustrations by Ricardo Cortes - An adult-only version of a traditional children's bedtime book (F)
71 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw Jeff Kinney - Youth: Greg tries to toughen up to avoid military school; third in series (F)
72 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days Jeff Kinney - Youth: Greg's summer plans include video games and no responsibility; fourth in series (F)
73 Toys James Patterson, Neil McMahon - Agent Hays Baker, who possesses super-human strength and intelligence, uses his powers to benefit mankind (F)
74 The Fifth Witness Michael Connelly - Defense attorney Mickey Haller represents a woman in foreclosure accused of killing her banker (F)
75 City of Fallen Angels Cassandra Clare - Paranormal: Shadowhunter-in-training Clary Fray sets in motion a chain of events that could lead to war (F)
76 The 4-Hour Body Timothy Ferriss - Subtitle: "An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman" (NF)
77 Destined P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast - Youth: Forces collide at the House of Night when Zoey and her friends return for classes (F)
78 Something Blue Emily Giffin - Darcy's perfect world turns upside down (F)
79 Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Jamie Ford - Henry Lee searches for Keiko, his long-lost love during World War II (F)
80 Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1: The Lightning Thief Rick Riordan - Youth: Percy goes to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon; movie (F)
81 The Abbey Chris Culver - A homicide detective ready to retire has one last case, investigating his niece's murder (F)
82 Kill Me If You Can James Patterson, Marshall Karp - A poor art student lands in hot water after stumbling upon a duffel bag filled with diamonds (F)
83 The Official SAT Study Guide, 2nd edition The College Board - Instruction manual featuring official SAT practice tests (NF)
84 Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children Ransom Riggs - Jacob, 16, discovers the crumbling ruins of an old home that may still be inhabited (F)
85 What to Expect When You're Expecting Heidi Murkoff, Sharon Mazel - Cover-to-cover revision of the popular pregnancy book (NF)
86 V is for Vengeance Sue Grafton - Kinsey Millhone investigates a professional shoplifting ring that is connected with the Mob (F)
87 Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5: The Last Olympian Rick Riordan - Youth: Percy Jackson attempts to stop the Lord of Time (F)
88 To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee - Coming-of-age classic about racism; Pulitzer winner (F)
89 1105 Yakima Street Debbie Macomber - Bruce Peyton has his hands full with winning back a pregnant wife and raising a difficult teen (F)
90 The Drop Michael Connelly - LAPD Harry Bosch investigates a murder and a political conspiracy (F)
91 State of Wonder Ann Patchett - An American scientist stumbles onto a search for a miracle fertility drug (F)
92 Decision Points George W. Bush - The former president describes key decisions, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the economy (NF)
93 The Dukan Diet Pierre Dukan - Subtitle: "2 Steps to Lose the Weight, 2 Steps to Keep It Off Forever" (NF)
94 The Glass Castle: A Memoir Jeannette Walls - Memoir: Walls, a regular contributor to MSNBC.com, tells about her feckless parents and fending for herself (NF)
95 I Am Number Four Pittacus Lore - Youth: After aliens kill the first three Loric children of nine, the fourth, John Smith, must save himself (F)
96 Port Mortuary Patricia Cornwell - In her 18th Kay Scarpetta novel, Cornwell takes us back to the beginning of the medical examiner's career (F)
97 Hell's Corner David Baldacci - Former assassin goes on a high-risk, covert mission at the personal request of the president (F)
98 Treachery in Death J.D. Robb - Detective Eve Dallas investigates the murder of an elderly grocery owner (F)
99 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone J.K. Rowling, art by Mary GrandPré - Youth: An English boy named Harry goes to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; first in series (F)
100 Goodnight Moon Board Book Margaret Wise Brown, art by Clement Hurd - The old lady is still whispering hush in 1947 children's book (F)
Showing 1 to 100 of 100 entriesSearch: Source: USA TODAY Best-Selling Books
Writing Tip - writers are often required to describe their book or novel in one sentence ... many beginners think it can't be done. Take another look at this list!
Note: Nearly 25% of the books on this list are for children and the YA group.
1 The Help Kathryn Stockett - A young white woman tells the story of black maids in 1960s Mississippi (F)
2 The Hunger Games Suzanne Collins - Youth: Girl takes sister's place in a real world survivor game in a post-apocalyptic U.S. (F)
3 Heaven is for Real Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent Subtitle: "A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back" (NF)
4 Water for Elephants Sara Gruen - Love, drama in a circus in the 1930s (F)
5 Catching Fire Suzanne Collins - Youth: Katniss and Peeta are targeted as rebels after winning the Hunger Games; second in series (F)
6 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever Jeff Kinney - Youth: Greg is trapped with his family during a blizzard after he is accused of damaging school property (F)
7 Mockingjay Suzanne Collins - Youth: Katniss must give herself completely to the rebellion for it to succeed; final in series (F)
8 Steve Jobs: A Biography Walter Isaacson - Biography recounts the life of the late founder of Apple (NF)
9 The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Stieg Larsson - Journalist is hired to investigate the disappearance of an heir to a wealthy family (F)
10 Unbroken Laura Hillenbrand Subtitle: "A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption" (NF)
11 The Girl Who Played With Fire Stieg Larsson - An Eastern European sex-trafficking ring propels this sequel to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (F)
12 Inheritance Christopher Paolini - Youth: Eragon and his dragon must topple an evil king to restore justice to their land; fourth in series (F)
13 The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest Stieg Larsson - Lisbeth Salander is accused of murder and turns to journalist Mikael Blomkvist for help; last in series (F)
14 The Son of Neptune: The Heroes of Olympus, Book Two Rick Riordan - Youth: Demigods Jason, Piper and Leo continue quest; second in series (F)
15 Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Bill O'Reilly, Martin Dugard - The Fox News host writes an account of President Lincoln's death at the hand of John Wilkes Booth (NF)
16 The Litigators John Grisham - Partners in a two-bit law firm land a big case that could make them rich (F)
17 A Stolen Life Jaycee Dugard - Memoir: Kidnapping victim recounts 18 years of captivity and abuse (NF)
18 A Game of Thrones George R.R. Martin - Trouble and coldness descend on a kingdom where the seasons are out of balance; book one in series (F)
19 The Confession John Grisham - The wrong man awaits execution in the rape and murder of a high school cheerleader (F)
20 The Best of Me Nicholas Sparks- Lovers torn apart by unforeseen events reunite 25 years later (F)
21 Smokin' Seventeen Janet Evanovich - Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum investigates a series of killings; 17th in series (F)
22 Bossypants Tina Fey - The comedy writer and star of 30 Rock riffs on her life and career (NF)
23 11/22/63 Stephen King - A teacher travels back in time to try to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (F)
24 Cutting for Stone Abraham Verghese - A 50-year epic that begins with the birth of conjoined twins to an Indian nun in 1950s Ethiopia (F)
25 The Throne of Fire Rick Riordan - Youth: Carter Kane and his sister Sadie continue their quest to save the world; second in series (F)
26 A Dance With Dragons George R.R. Martin - The fate of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance once again; fifth book in series (F)
27 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth Jeff Kinney - Youth: Greg learns to deal with boy-girl parties; fifth in series (F)
28 The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Rebecca Skloot - The story of a Virginia tobacco farmer whose tissue cells became essential in creating the polio vaccine (NF)
29 Room Emma Donoghue - Story of a 5-year-old boy held captive with his mother in a single room, the only world he knows (F)
30 The 17 Day Diet Mike Moreno - Subtitle: "A Doctor's Plan Designed for Rapid Results" (NF)
31 Something Borrowed Emily Giffin - Young attorney falls for her best friend's fiance (F)
32 The Lincoln Lawyer Michael Connelly - Defense attorney gets his first high-paying client, trouble starts (F)
33 Sarah's Key Tatiana de Rosnay - A French journalist finds herself related to a young girl who was part of the 1942 Vel' d'Hiv' roundup (F)
34 Kill Alex Cross James Patterson - Alex Cross must stop an attack on Washington, D.C., while investigating the abduction of the President's children (F)
35 In the Garden of Beasts Erik Larson Subtitle: "Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin" (NF)
36 Now You See Her James Patterson, Michael Ledwidge - A lawyer who began a new life in New York must return to Florida to confront her secret past in order to help a man framed for murder (F)
37 A Clash of Kings George R.R. Martin - Factions struggle to gain control of a divided land; book two in A Song of Ice and Fire series (F)
38 Breaking Dawn Stephenie Meyer- Youth: Fourth installment in Twilight vampire series; movie (F)
39 Explosive Eighteen Janet Evanovich - Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum inadvertently becomes involved in an international murder mystery (F)
40 Dead Reckoning Charlaine Harris - Sookie Stackhouse witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte's but family drama keeps her from investigating; 11th in series (F)
41 StrengthsFinder 2.0 Tom Rath - Lifetime strategies for using your talents (NF)
42 The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition Carol V. Aebersold, Chanda B. Bell - Children: Santa relies on elves to find out who has been naughty and who has been nice (F)
43 The Lost Hero: The Heroes of Olympus, Book One Rick Riordan - Youth: After saving Olympus, Percy Jackson and friends have rebuilt Camp Half-Blood for the next generation of demigods (F)
44 Awakened Kristin Cast, P.C. Cast - Youth: As high priestess, Neferet swears vengeance on vampire-in-training Zoey; eighth in series (F)
45 Tick Tock James Patterson, Michael Ledwidge- NYPD detective Michael Bennett and a former FBI colleague investigate a series of murders (F)
46 10th Anniversary James Patterson, Maxine Paetro - Members of the Women's Murder Club juggle criminal investigation, murder prosecution and family drama (F)
47 The Paris Wife: A Novel Paula McLain - Hadley Richardson, the first wife of Ernest Hemingway, tells her story (F)
48 Cross Fire James Patterson - Detective Alex Cross' deadliest adversary, Kyle Craig, is back and plotting revenge on Cross and his fiance, Bree (F)
49 Sing You Home Jodi Picoult - Zoe, a music therapist, faces prejudice when she finds love with another woman (F)
50 The Art of Racing in the Rain Garth Stein - A novel that reflects on what it is to be human, told from the family dog's point of view (F)
51 The Next Always Nora Roberts - An architect woos his childhood crush while he and his family renovate a historic hotel (F)
52 George R.R. Martin's A Game of Thrones George R.R. Martin - Boxed set of the first four volumes in the Game of Thrones series (F)
53 The Sixth Man David Baldacci - Private investigators Sean King and Michelle Maxwell must prove whether an alleged serial killer is guilty (F)
54 One Day David Nicholls - A yearly snapshot of a single day in a couple's 20-year on-again, off-again relationship (F)
55 Safe Haven Nicholas Sparks - Newcomer to small town deals with new love and dark past (F)
56 The Mill River Recluse Darcie Chan - A town’s fascination with a reclusive widow and her secrets could spell trouble (F)
57 A Storm of Swords George R.R. Martin - Tensions build as the Seven Kingdoms remain at war; third in series (F)
58 The Affair Lee Child - Military cop Jack Reacher exposes a cover-up involving a fellow soldier (F)
59 The Search Nora Roberts - The past comes back to haunt dog trainer Fiona Bristow, the lone survivor of a serial killer (F)
60 Guinness World Records 2012 Guinness World Records - Record-holding figures and feats from around the world (NF)
61 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules Jeff Kinney - Youth: Greg Heffley’s older brother knows secret; sequel (F)
62 What the Night Knows Dean Koontz - A homicide detective is on the trail of either a copycat serial killer or the ghost of one past (F)
63 The 5 Love Languages Gary Chapman - Subtitle: "The Secret to Love That Lasts" (NF)
64 A Feast for Crows George R.R. Martin - Power struggle continues in the Seven Kingdoms; fourth in series (F)
65 The Land of Painted Caves Jean M. Auel - The Ice Age-era story of Ayla as she struggles to balance motherhood and her training to become a spiritual leader; final in series (F)
66 Zero Day David Baldacci - John Puller, an Army Special Agent, investigates the murder of a family in rural West Virginia (F)
67 Diary of a Wimpy Kid Jeff Kinney - Youth: Diary from a middle-schooler, Greg Heffley (F)
68 The Shack William P. Young - Man reconnects with God after death of child (F)
69 The Kane Chronicles, Book 1: The Red Pyramid Rick Riordan - Youth: Modern-day siblings discover that the gods of ancient Egypt are back and not happy; first in series (F)
70 Go the ---- To Sleep Adam Mansbach, illustrations by Ricardo Cortes - An adult-only version of a traditional children's bedtime book (F)
71 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw Jeff Kinney - Youth: Greg tries to toughen up to avoid military school; third in series (F)
72 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days Jeff Kinney - Youth: Greg's summer plans include video games and no responsibility; fourth in series (F)
73 Toys James Patterson, Neil McMahon - Agent Hays Baker, who possesses super-human strength and intelligence, uses his powers to benefit mankind (F)
74 The Fifth Witness Michael Connelly - Defense attorney Mickey Haller represents a woman in foreclosure accused of killing her banker (F)
75 City of Fallen Angels Cassandra Clare - Paranormal: Shadowhunter-in-training Clary Fray sets in motion a chain of events that could lead to war (F)
76 The 4-Hour Body Timothy Ferriss - Subtitle: "An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman" (NF)
77 Destined P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast - Youth: Forces collide at the House of Night when Zoey and her friends return for classes (F)
78 Something Blue Emily Giffin - Darcy's perfect world turns upside down (F)
79 Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet Jamie Ford - Henry Lee searches for Keiko, his long-lost love during World War II (F)
80 Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1: The Lightning Thief Rick Riordan - Youth: Percy goes to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon; movie (F)
81 The Abbey Chris Culver - A homicide detective ready to retire has one last case, investigating his niece's murder (F)
82 Kill Me If You Can James Patterson, Marshall Karp - A poor art student lands in hot water after stumbling upon a duffel bag filled with diamonds (F)
83 The Official SAT Study Guide, 2nd edition The College Board - Instruction manual featuring official SAT practice tests (NF)
84 Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children Ransom Riggs - Jacob, 16, discovers the crumbling ruins of an old home that may still be inhabited (F)
85 What to Expect When You're Expecting Heidi Murkoff, Sharon Mazel - Cover-to-cover revision of the popular pregnancy book (NF)
86 V is for Vengeance Sue Grafton - Kinsey Millhone investigates a professional shoplifting ring that is connected with the Mob (F)
87 Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5: The Last Olympian Rick Riordan - Youth: Percy Jackson attempts to stop the Lord of Time (F)
88 To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee - Coming-of-age classic about racism; Pulitzer winner (F)
89 1105 Yakima Street Debbie Macomber - Bruce Peyton has his hands full with winning back a pregnant wife and raising a difficult teen (F)
90 The Drop Michael Connelly - LAPD Harry Bosch investigates a murder and a political conspiracy (F)
91 State of Wonder Ann Patchett - An American scientist stumbles onto a search for a miracle fertility drug (F)
92 Decision Points George W. Bush - The former president describes key decisions, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the economy (NF)
93 The Dukan Diet Pierre Dukan - Subtitle: "2 Steps to Lose the Weight, 2 Steps to Keep It Off Forever" (NF)
94 The Glass Castle: A Memoir Jeannette Walls - Memoir: Walls, a regular contributor to MSNBC.com, tells about her feckless parents and fending for herself (NF)
95 I Am Number Four Pittacus Lore - Youth: After aliens kill the first three Loric children of nine, the fourth, John Smith, must save himself (F)
96 Port Mortuary Patricia Cornwell - In her 18th Kay Scarpetta novel, Cornwell takes us back to the beginning of the medical examiner's career (F)
97 Hell's Corner David Baldacci - Former assassin goes on a high-risk, covert mission at the personal request of the president (F)
98 Treachery in Death J.D. Robb - Detective Eve Dallas investigates the murder of an elderly grocery owner (F)
99 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone J.K. Rowling, art by Mary GrandPré - Youth: An English boy named Harry goes to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; first in series (F)
100 Goodnight Moon Board Book Margaret Wise Brown, art by Clement Hurd - The old lady is still whispering hush in 1947 children's book (F)
Showing 1 to 100 of 100 entriesSearch: Source: USA TODAY Best-Selling Books
Writing Tip - writers are often required to describe their book or novel in one sentence ... many beginners think it can't be done. Take another look at this list!
Note: Nearly 25% of the books on this list are for children and the YA group.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Why Do We Like The Books We Like?
What makes me pick up a book and not put it down? I’m not sure….
I like many of the old classics and reread some every year, I also enjoy a number of new classics or moderns and a whole lot of books in between. But to describe the perfect book is impossible and dependent on the season of my life.
I read Gone With The Wind, Huckleberry Finn, All Over But The Shoutin’ by Rick Bragg and To Kill A Mockingbird again and again. I’ve read Dickens but not for a very long time. I enjoy dog books, The Art of Racing in the Rain (narrated by a dog) and the memoir Marley and Me come to mind.
If you have a couple of minutes I’ll try and convince you to read Animals in Translation, Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior (©2005). Awhile back I was captivated by a book told through the p.o.v of a wolf although I can’t remember the title.
In 2009 I was blown away by The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. In 2010 I puzzled over Lord of Misrule, the National book Award Winner.
Last year I read Georgia Bottoms by Mark Childress, reread a couple of books by one of my favorite authors Susan Isaacs and discovered Kathryn Stockett’s The Help. And Story Engineering, Larry Brooks has written the best writing book … ever. Oh, and Jesus, My Father, The CIA and Me.
At the moment I’m reading Grace for the Good Girls, Father James Martin’s My Life with the Saints, and a manuscript of an unpublished writer whom I suspect you will be reading this time next year.
My final 2011 book was Craig Shirley’s December 1941, 31 Days That Changed America and Saved the World. The Homefront holds a fascination for me … I’m interested in what life was like for my grandparents, John and Anastasia as they watched their sons and son-in-laws leave home and not return for four years. I’m not interested in military analysis of the war, but the details of daily life here in the U.S during that time. Mr. Shirley provided those in abundance. There are hundreds of notes cited which I appreciated.
Despite a whole bunch of spelling errors (which I did not hold against the author, and trust will be corrected before the next printing) I liked this book a lot and I said so in my reviews. I knew that other readers didn’t agree with me. I knew that before I posted my review yesterday on amazon.com. A few hours later, “History Buff” addressed me personally. I’m pretty sure Buff thinks I am dumber than an eight grader … I was also accused me of gleefully keeping company with a bunch of shills. No Name Texan also took exception to my five stars, but was nicer. The thing is a lot of books come to me as ARC's (Advanced Reader Copies) and many are purchased by me. I do not give a good review to please a publishing house. ARCs are free and so are my reviews. If I like a book I say so, and the opposite is also true. I receive many more books than I have time to review.
For sure not every book will appeal to every reader. I know that. Some days I simply want to be entertained, other days I intrigued by people like John F. Timoney who willingly takes me inside the world of police work in three big cities: New York, Philadelphia, and Miami.
I’m told that when acquisitions editors are asked what they are looking for in a book, their answer is short, to the point and irritating to the would-be author. “Something I haven’t seen before.” Or as Editor Richard Marek suggested in his essay, How Books Are Chosen: “important factors are “the fiction writer’s unique voice or vision, pacing, plotting, verisimilitude, gift for characterization, style and dialogue. For the nonfiction writer, the way to tempt an editor is to display skills in the organization and presentation of original, relevant, interesting material in an entertaining accessible way.” While at St. Martin’s he acquired The Silence of the Lambs.
Why do we stay with the books we begin reading? I guess they speak to us in a way that we can appreciate at that moment.
Perhaps you have a better answer….
I like many of the old classics and reread some every year, I also enjoy a number of new classics or moderns and a whole lot of books in between. But to describe the perfect book is impossible and dependent on the season of my life.
I read Gone With The Wind, Huckleberry Finn, All Over But The Shoutin’ by Rick Bragg and To Kill A Mockingbird again and again. I’ve read Dickens but not for a very long time. I enjoy dog books, The Art of Racing in the Rain (narrated by a dog) and the memoir Marley and Me come to mind.
If you have a couple of minutes I’ll try and convince you to read Animals in Translation, Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior (©2005). Awhile back I was captivated by a book told through the p.o.v of a wolf although I can’t remember the title.
In 2009 I was blown away by The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. In 2010 I puzzled over Lord of Misrule, the National book Award Winner.
Last year I read Georgia Bottoms by Mark Childress, reread a couple of books by one of my favorite authors Susan Isaacs and discovered Kathryn Stockett’s The Help. And Story Engineering, Larry Brooks has written the best writing book … ever. Oh, and Jesus, My Father, The CIA and Me.
At the moment I’m reading Grace for the Good Girls, Father James Martin’s My Life with the Saints, and a manuscript of an unpublished writer whom I suspect you will be reading this time next year.
My final 2011 book was Craig Shirley’s December 1941, 31 Days That Changed America and Saved the World. The Homefront holds a fascination for me … I’m interested in what life was like for my grandparents, John and Anastasia as they watched their sons and son-in-laws leave home and not return for four years. I’m not interested in military analysis of the war, but the details of daily life here in the U.S during that time. Mr. Shirley provided those in abundance. There are hundreds of notes cited which I appreciated.
Despite a whole bunch of spelling errors (which I did not hold against the author, and trust will be corrected before the next printing) I liked this book a lot and I said so in my reviews. I knew that other readers didn’t agree with me. I knew that before I posted my review yesterday on amazon.com. A few hours later, “History Buff” addressed me personally. I’m pretty sure Buff thinks I am dumber than an eight grader … I was also accused me of gleefully keeping company with a bunch of shills. No Name Texan also took exception to my five stars, but was nicer. The thing is a lot of books come to me as ARC's (Advanced Reader Copies) and many are purchased by me. I do not give a good review to please a publishing house. ARCs are free and so are my reviews. If I like a book I say so, and the opposite is also true. I receive many more books than I have time to review.
For sure not every book will appeal to every reader. I know that. Some days I simply want to be entertained, other days I intrigued by people like John F. Timoney who willingly takes me inside the world of police work in three big cities: New York, Philadelphia, and Miami.
I’m told that when acquisitions editors are asked what they are looking for in a book, their answer is short, to the point and irritating to the would-be author. “Something I haven’t seen before.” Or as Editor Richard Marek suggested in his essay, How Books Are Chosen: “important factors are “the fiction writer’s unique voice or vision, pacing, plotting, verisimilitude, gift for characterization, style and dialogue. For the nonfiction writer, the way to tempt an editor is to display skills in the organization and presentation of original, relevant, interesting material in an entertaining accessible way.” While at St. Martin’s he acquired The Silence of the Lambs.
Why do we stay with the books we begin reading? I guess they speak to us in a way that we can appreciate at that moment.
Perhaps you have a better answer….
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