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Michele Z. (mzemel) - , - Reviews

1 to 5 of 5
Changing Habits
Changing Habits
Author: Debbie Macomber
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 36
Review Date: 8/24/2006


They were sisters once.

Almost forty years ago, in a more innocent time, three girls enter the convent. Angelina, Kathleen and Joanna come from vastly different backgrounds, but they have one thing in common a desire to serve, to join in the community of sisters.

Despite the relative seclusion of the convent house in Minneapolis, theyre not immune to whats happening in the world around them. In 1972 Angies involvement with a pregnant teenager triggers a crisis of faith. At the same time, Joannas relationship with a Vietnam veteran brings her face-to-face with the choices she made and didnt make in her own life. And when Kathleens innocent friendship with a parish priest comes to light, shes forced to contemplate the error of her ways.

Angie, Kathleen and Joanna all leave the sisterhood, abandoning the convent for the exciting and confusing world outside. The world of choices to be made, of risks to be taken. Of men and romantic love. The world of ordinary women . .


From a Buick 8
From a Buick 8
Author: Stephen King
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 19
Review Date: 8/24/2006


The book's intriguing plot revolves around the troopers of Pennsylvania State Patrol Troop D, who come into possession of what at first appears to be a vintage automobile. Closer inspection and experimentation conducted by the troopers reveal that this car's doors (and trunk) sometimes open to another dimension populated by gross-out creatures straight out of ... well, a Stephen King novel. As the plot progresses, the veteran troopers' tales of these visits from interdimensional nasties, and the occasional "lightquakes" put on by the car, are passed on to the son of a fallen comrade whose fascination with the car bordered on dangerous obsession.

Unlike earlier King works, there is no active threat here; no monster is stalking the heroes of the story, unless you count the characters' own curiosity. In past books, King has terrorized readers with vampires, werewolves, a killer clown, ghosts, and aliens, but this time around, the bogeyman is a more passive, cerebral threat, and one for which they don't make a ready-to-wear Halloween costume--man's fascination with and fear of the unknown. While some readers may find this tale less exciting than the horror master's earlier works, From a Buick 8 is a wonderful example of how much King's plotting skills and literary finesse have matured over his long career. And, most of all, it's a darn creepy book


Little Girl Lost: A True Story of Shattered Innocence and Murder
Little Girl Lost: A True Story of Shattered Innocence and Murder
Author: Joan Merriam
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 13
Review Date: 8/24/2006
Helpful Score: 1


On June 14, 1983, Shirley Katherine Wolf, 14, and Cindy Lee Collier, 15, stabbed 85-year-old Anna Brackett 28 times with a knife from her own kitchen. After confessing to the grisly murder, Wolf and Collier were sentenced to he maximum penalty under California law. Here is a moving insightful look at the terrible consequences of family neglect and sexual abuse. Photo insert.


Swimming to Catalina (Stone Barrington, Bk 4)
Swimming to Catalina (Stone Barrington, Bk 4)
Author: Stuart Woods
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 36
Review Date: 1/3/2007


After nearly two dozen books, Woods can still surprise readers, not only with clever plots and characters, but also with his knowledge of everything from aeronautics to yachtsmanship. His latest story has former NYPD cop turned lawyer Stone Barrington off on an adventure even James Bond might envy. Barrington's former girlfriend Arrington has married Barrington's friend Vance Calder, Hollywood's hottest actor. Three months into the marriage, Arrington's been kidnapped, and Vance calls Barrington to beg for his help. Barrington comes to L.A. only to find a hornet's nest: Vance has hooked up with some unscrupulous Mafia-like characters. Now they've got Vance under their thumbs and do not want anyone poking around. Barrington's detecting efforts turn him into a prime target for the baddies, but using his well-honed lawyerly skills and gathering encouragement from a bevy of Hollywood beauties, Barrington gets Arrington back and "disappears" Vance's problems. Despite the fact that this book is definitely politically incorrect and Barrington has apparently never heard of safe sex, it's a highly entertaining read that's chock-full of slam-bang action, fast cars, beautiful women, fine wine, and tart, tongue-in-cheek humor. Another outstanding effort from this popular author.


Where Do I Live? (World Wide Life Fund)
Where Do I Live? (World Wide Life Fund)
Author: World Wildlife Fund
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 1/4/2007


A nice educational book. Using a lift the flap feature it teaches about animal habitats.


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