Death Times Three By: Rex Stout

A new novella and 2 re-vamps of older novellas, that read like new.  A down and dirty end to the Nero Wolfe/Archie Goodwin series.  I've now read the entire Wolfe canon-but I have a feeling I'll be re-reading them all as the years go on.  Wolfe and Goodwin are such unique, quirky, smart and entertaining characters, and the world in which they live and work perfectly depicted in these 3 novellas.  I'll miss not having new stories to read, but I'm thrilled that I now have all 73 novels/novellas and the old radio shows.  Thank you Rex Stout!

happiness for beginners. By: Katherine Center

OMG-this went in a different direction from where I thought it was going to go, and I'm so glad it did!  What an absolute joy this book is-and now, oddly, I want to go hiking!  Helen is a great leading lady and the novel is populated with wonderful supporting characters-it's just so good!!!!

The Iceman Cometh. By: Eugene O'Neill

I know O'Neill is considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest, American playwright; and I LOVE Long Day's Journey into Night, however, I absolutely HATED this play.  I had no "in" to the play.  I didn't like any of the characters, therefore, I didn't care about any of them.  Because of this I found it very difficult to read the long, drunken ramblings of each of the characters.  I couldn't fathom any point to the play-If there was an over arching theme to it, I missed it, and don't care to find it.

Junk. By: Ayad Akhtar

A play about finance?  Not something I would ordinarily pick up, let alone want to devour, and yet being totally enamored of Ayad Akhtar's writing I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into this.  A harsh look at the "now", by looking at the "then".  Told through the lens of the Junk Bond market in the 80s, Akhtar has managed to illustrate how our country got to be where it is today.  At times very uncomfortable, but always enlightening Junk moves along like a thriller...and the ending of Act II will cause audible gasps.  Akhtar, in my thinking, is one of our greatest playwrights, giving us a unique lens into America.

M. Butterfly. By: David Henry Hwang

A stunning piece of writing.  This play touches upon, racism, sexism, gender identity, fantasy, imperialism/colonialism-it leaves no stone unturned.  Rene and Song are richly drawn-and the structure of the piece is beautifully rendered.  I'm now curious to read the original 1988 script to see what the updates are.

Three Tall Women. By: Edward Albee

WOW! A searing look at aging-it ain't pretty, but elegant writing elevates this portrayal of 3 tall woman and every-woman. Brilliant!

The Children. By: Lucy Kirkwood

I have to say this one did nothing for me.  I liked the initial conceit of the play, but that was about it.  There wasn't enough information about the characters, so the dialogue felt unrealistic, and over all the whole thing didn't really work.

Farinelli and the King By: Claire van Kampen

A really intriguingly written piece about the real life relationship between the King of Spain and a world famous Castrato and the power of music to sooth. I can't quite put my finger on how to describe the writing-at times I found the dialogue odd, and at times appropriate. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this; it pinged my theatrical and history notes, but I'm just not sure the writing agreed with me.

The Jamie Quinn Mystery Series By: Barbara Venkataraman

This charming and delightful series stars Jamie Quinn, divorce lawyer extraordinaire, who's personal life is a bit of a mess.  The innovative aspect of this whole series is the murder mysteries are really secondary to the mysteries happening in Jamie's life.  This series is well plotted, has a vibrant setting, fascinating, funny and charming supporting characters, and a protagonist who breaks the 4th wall and speaks directly to the reader.  Jamie is written with such realism, that it's extremely difficult for the reader to not get over involved in her life and feel for her.  I can't recommend this series enough!

Stone Cold. By: Robert B. Parker

A fast paced investigation into serial shootings, and it's personal for Jesse Stone.  I've not read the Stone series previous to this one, and me like!.  Tightly plotted, action that moves, this is one that you won't want to put down, and it includes some very satisfying moments-read the book to find out what I mean!