This book takes off at a run, and keeps you riveted until the end. In the age of the Duggars (and similar "reality" shows), this story really resonates. Interestingly, the author is the daughter of a pastor. Hmmm . . . 4 book hos!

Dang, this one is a game-changer. It was a quick read and definitely makes one reevaluate all the "nice" things we've done in the past and how a day (or week) of "service" can be completely counterproductive to the ultimate goal. Mr. Lupton sums things up nicely (sorry to spoil, but I don't think it's ruining anything) when he notes that "relief" takes months, "rehabilitation" takes years, and "development" takes decades. I would like to hear more from him about gentrification and the negative effect that has on renters in low income neighborhoods. This is an important read, not only for re-thinking how charity should happen, but also for reminding us all that the folks in need are people, not projects. Handing them something probably makes us feel far better than it does them.

Like Liane's books tend to do, this one takes off at a gallop, keeping you at the edge of your seat and flipping those pages. But, her endings tend to skip to a stop, leaving me a tad perplexed.

Riveting, discouraging, maddening. This book brings about disturbing thoughts of our country's past and how many families have been (and continue to be) robbed of the fruits of their ancestors' intellectual property.

Ah, Cutter. The whole shebang could easily (and more enjoyably for the readers) be covered in about 50 pages. But that would have left out all the yawn-inspiring dribble about the author. Couldn't have had that, now, could we?

This won't be the book you display on your coffee table, but it's a two-day, snap read--no fuss, no muss. I was a tad surprised that the author was an editor, though . . .

This is a well-written, true tale of a woman's search to peel back the layers of family secrets. Toss in some trips to Italy and you have a pretty great melange of mystery plus travelogue. Ancestry.com all spiced up!

John Irving has written some of my favorite books. However, this one was not one of them. It's agonizingly self-indulgent and would never have gotten published if a literary nobody had written it. Worst thing he ever wrote (I certainly hope.)

Hoo-doggy! This one is a page-turner. True, captivating, and chilling.

Educational? Check. Historical? Check. Tragic? Timely? Cautionary? Check, check and check. Enjoyable? Not so much. Somehow, although The Shipping News had kind of a grey overtone, it managed to sidestep the depression that pervaded this story. Boy, can Annie write, but it was a long haul to get to a disappointing destination. Tons of sad history. Unfortunately, probably accurate. If you want to feel justification for being overwhelmingly discouraged, here's your vehicle.

Pure, Prohibition-era Chicago in all its glory is celebrated here, presided over by Al Capone and courtesy of the U.S. government. As we all know now, the ban on alcohol only made opportunists rich, and the booze never stopped flowing. Lots of period photos spice up the narrative. Like People magazine, it wouldn't impress your snobby in-laws, but it's a fun and easy romp through decadent times.

You'll whiz right through this easy-to-read but kinda predictable book, not liking the characters much, and when it's over you'll forget it was ever there.