Wish I'd RSVP'd "No"

The blurb on the back cover teases with these lures: " . . . a dark, shaply observed debut that thrillingly unravels into family secrets and tragedy." It also tosses out the ever-powerful bait of "family secrets". Well, I think I was duped. Unless you've grown up in a Hallmark movie, you've experienced sibling strife and bickering. For those who want to know all about that, read on. For the rest of us, it's a long b#$%h-fest, culminating in a thud. Also, the author needs to learn how to use reflexive pronouns. I'll pass on her next invitation.

Pretty Groovy

An antihero from China--looked down upon by kin as hailing from a bad branch of the family tree--makes his way to the U.S. with a loan from his father's boss and the security of a rich uncle awaiting his arrival. Nothing quite turned out the way he'd been informed, and Shelley has to find his own way, counting on the "Chinese Groove" to help him along. There are many bumps in the road, happy surprises and disappointments, too, but Shelley turns out to be someone very much deserving of happiness and admiration. Some humor, some drama--an easy read.

He's Worth the Wait

This is the first book I've read by Mr. Janetti, but it most certainly will not be the last. A combination of acerbic wit and soul-baring confession, we can all relate to the vignettes of his life--he just says it all better than most of us ever could. I tore through it, knowing I'd be mad at myself for not making it last longer, but what could I do? I couldn't wait.