The Catcher in the Rye By: J. D. Salinger

I first read this book when I was 18, and loved it.  I re-read it when I was in late 30s, and thought is okay.  Now that I'm in my 50s and I've re-read it again with a little more life experience, years, and maturity, I have to say, I'm not thrilled with this.  I know it's a classic and it's supposed to be this extraordinary story, and I'm sure it was when it first came out-but it has not held up well.  Unpopular opinion: Holden Caufield is just a lazy, immature, spoiled brat. 

the most dangerous thing By: Laura Lippman

This was so not what I expected!  In reading it I felt it was an interesting story of chiildhood friends growing older and apart.  This lulled me into a sort of complacency so that the ending of the story sucker punches you in the worst and best ways!  Tautly written and told from several point of views this thriller is as deceptive as it is simple.  

Aunt Dan and Lemon By: Wallace Shawn

I performed in a production of Aunt Dan and Lemon when I was in college.  I found the script in my office and decided to read it again...30+ years after I performed in it.  I can honestly say that I still haven't a clue what the play is about, YET, I absolutely love this piece.  There is a LOT to process and unpack in this monologue heavy piece which I love-it is incredibly thought provoking!  I still don't know how all comes together or the point of it, but it is a fascinating read none the less!

Our Town By: Thornton Wilder

Embarrassed to admit that I've never read this piece of Americana-I'm glad I finally got around to it.  Deceptively simple in its premise and staging this piece is rich in heart and depth.  A slice of life piece that is so effective in its languid simplicity. 

 

Tammy Does Boston By Judith Hughes & Michael Maylszko (Photographer)

My train seat mate picked this charming book up as a gift for her grand-niece, and showed it to me on the train trip home.  It's an adorably charming tour of Boston's landmarks from a dogs point of view. So cute!

The Brownie Scouts in the Circus By: Mildred A. Wirt

I realize I'm not the target audience for this book, nor would I have been the target audience for it back int he 40's when it came out, but I found this to be exceedingly charming!  I can totally picture a young girl reading this in the 40's and being entertained, excited and empowered by the characters and the story.  I have no idea how I ended up with this book in my apartment, but I'm glad I found it.  

The Life and Hard Times of Heidi Abramowitz By: Joan Rivers

An absolutely hilarious and raunchy romp through the life of fictional tramp, Heidi Abromowitz.  I defy anyone to read this and not hear Joan Rivers' voice as you read!  Despite the smut and raunch, if you read closely, you will see that this whole book is an illustration of Rivers' whip smart intelligence!

The Event Horizon Murder By Greg Hickey

I was privileged enough to read this novella in a serialized form prior to it's publication. Each chapter was emailed to me by the author; one chapter a week. As this was a thriller, the suspense and OMG moments were heightened because I had to wait a week. This seldom practiced form of storytelling telling/publishing should be brought back as far as I'm concerned. The heightened suspense, the having something to look forward too made this reading experience incredibly special!

Water Aerobics for Seniors By: Julia Warman

I bought this for my husband who is a water aerobics instructor, and thought I'd give it a perusal. With easy to follow instructions  it lays out some wonderful exercises to do safely and effectively in the water. Could have done with a bit more editing to fix the typos, missing and/or extra words, but still a handy guide for anyone interested in aqua exercising.

 

First Born By: Will Dean

I can't even begin to describe this story without giving away major plot points.  Suffice it to say, it is expertly crafted, full of OMG moments that will make your jaw hit the floor and, as is always the case with Dean's works) you will question why you were rooting for the person(s) you were rooting for.  Brilliant storytelling!