Down River by John HartMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Earnest effort that sometimes devolves into purple prose... "the sun was dying in the sky, and I wondered what it would take with it" et al. The story keeps moving along, so I enjoyed it -- but I think I would have liked the written version better than this audio version. The audio version includes an interview with the author, where the interviewer keeps praising his ear for dialog. Yet, in listening to the story instead of reading it, I found the dialog frustrating. In the book, no one ever answers a direct question directly -- or characters often say things that are deliberately cryptic at first. I often found myself in my car shouting at the narrator, "Just answer the question!"
The Racketeer by John GrishamMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
There were few surprises for me in this book -- but it delivered what I expected... solid entertainment. A good story, with a main character I rooted for, and excellent narration by J.D. Jackson. As a work of fiction, or literature, I suppose it rightly should be given three stars. There's nothing exceptional here. But as a guilty pleasure, I'd give it five stars... so my final rating splits the difference.
Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever by Bill O'ReillyMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a very entertaining and informative read. I knocked off a star here because I am rating the audio version of the book, which features Bill O'Reilly as the narrator. He has a very jarring narration style -- as if he were TV pundit! -- but, for me, this took away from the listening experience. "Why is Bill O'Reilly yelling at me?" I kept asking myself. But it certainly made me want to read more about the Civil War and American history.
No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden by Mark OwenMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
An interesting read that, rightfully so, honors those who serve our country. The story rings true to me.
Hidden by Kendra ElliotMy rating: 2 of 5 stars
OK, if the mood is right... I suppose. But it was kind of like an extended episode of the TV show "Criminal Minds," including one-dimensional male characters and relationships based on studies in anthropology rather than real life. Not my best reading choice lately.
American Gods by Neil GaimanMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Since all my previous reviews are 4 stars or more, I thought I'd just comment on a recent read that didn't enthrall me. I'm sorry, I just don't get this one. I know a lot of people love this book (and I can understand that feeling, since this is a noble effort), but I found it rambling in a bad way.
The Fault in Our Stars by John GreenMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
John Green is an astounding writer, associated with "YA" (young adult) readers. Ha. I wish teenagers were this articulate, profound, poetic and wise. I'd give this book 5 stars if I could only suspend disbelief long enough for that extra star. The audible.com version of this book is especially well-read.
A Painted House by John GrishamMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a pleasant surprise. Recommended by my friend Mark Marchand, this book reminded me of "The Glass Castle" -- but that's always been one of my favorites too. Filled with baseball references, a good deal of violence and likable, even admirable, characters. I, in turn, recommend it to you.
Gone Girl by Gillian FlynnMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Loved the first 2/3rds of the book, but then it started to fall flat for me. Still a great all-around read. Makes "The War of the Roses" seem very tame.
The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson WalkerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well-written, including some extraordinarily lyrical and poetic passages.
