You can't handle the suspense

I recently read a book entitled The Madman's Tale by John Katzenbach. The premise of solving murders that are happening in a psychiatric hospital caught my attention.

The story begins with Francis who is a schizophrenic. Several years ago he was in a mental hospital. A series of murders took place within the hospital and Francis who has been living on his own for many years starts remembering all the details. Francis is driven to get all the words out of his head so that other people can know what he does. Although he has no paper to write on he does have a pencil and a blank wall in his apartment. Thus begins Francis's story.

Once you get hooked you will have a hard time putting this book down. With characters like Fireman, Cleopatra and Newsman you can not help but get caught up in this tale. Just when you think you have it all figured out another twist has you looking in the other direction. Hang on the ending is worth the wait.

Nelson DeMille

The first book by Nelson DeMille I read was the Gold Coast. Someone had recommended it to me as a good book and so I brought it with me on my honeymoon. I couldn't put it down. My new husband was not offended (thank heavens) but I found myself laughing out loud as we basked on the beach. After our honeymoon I began reading some of his other books such as The General's Daughter and The Charm School. I was hooked.

Mr. DeMille wrote Plum Island and a new character, John Corey was born. John Corey is a sarcastic ex New York cop who moves on to work (begrudgingly) in some federal agencies. John Corey gets himself into some awkward situations but that does not curb his tongue nor does it curb his flirtations. Since this series takes place on Long Island, where I have lived, I have been to some of the areas that he features in his books. John Corey is also featured in the Lions Game and Night Fall (the most recent novel). They will not disappoint you.

Mr. DeMille addresses topics that are timely such as terrorism and biological warfare. We read about these issues in the newspapers and hear about them on the news, but Mr. DeMille takes you deeper into the politics of all of these issues.

I highly recommend Nelson DeMille's books and hope that you will enjoy them as much as I do.

What do you like to read?

I don't think I ever would have made it in the old west. There would not be many books to read and rereading a book is something I rarely do. The exceptions are: Ordinary People and Girl Interupted. I am not sure why these are my favorites but I believe it is because I am able to connect with the characters in a personal way.

The nice thing about living in the 21st century is not only are there lots of books, but also lots of authors. Some authors that I grab their new books as soon as they hit the bookshelf are:

• Nelson Demille
• Rita Mae Brown
• J.D. Robb
• JK Rowling
• Jodi Picoult
• Jonathon Kellerman

These are just a few. Are you looking for a new author or perhaps want to try a new book? Contact me, tell me about yourself, and what your interests are and perhaps I can help.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Bitter is the New Black

I just finished reading a book entitled "Bitter is the New Black: Confessions of a Condescending,
Egomanical, Self-Centered Smartass, OR, Why you Should Never Carry a Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office" by Jen Lancaster. Jen does a great job of keeping you involved in her world from the first page to the last. She touches on a fear that many of us have, which is what happens if you job is eliminated? The roller coaster ride, known as life, begins when she loses her job as a VP of a successful company. Discovering what challenges there are when you lose your job just might make you take a second look at how you are living and what you would do if your life was set on its' butt.

I like reading several genres like mysteries, thrillers, fiction and some non fiction (good thing I like to read as this covers a lot of books.) Books like Jen Lancasters' are a welcome breath of fresh air as she proves once again that reality can be more entertaining than fiction. If you have read and enjoyed "Confessions of a Shopaholic" this should be your next read.

Welcome!

Hello!

I don't know about you, but I love to read. Not only do I read books, but I listen to books on tape while driving back and forth to work or when spending much needed time on the treadmill. Many of my friends and family check with me when they are looking for a new book to dive into. I enjoy recommending books and new authors for people to try. It is almost like finding a new friend.

I hope you will enjoy reading some of my suggestions. Please let me know your thoughts or forward any literary suggestions you would like to share.