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!

Kitchen Privileges By: Mary Higgins Clark

A surprisingly slim volume, but packed with intriguing tidbits of Ms. Clark's life. I found myself laughing out loud at some parts, and being awed by others. This woman went through a lot...and I mean a lot...and yet her demeanor never changed and she tells of all of her life's foibles with a somewhat unexpected, wry sense of humor. So glad I read this one! 

Fat Girls and Lawn Chairs By: Cheryl Peck

An absolutely delightful series of essays, about life from the author's particular slant of remembrances.  Some are laugh out loud funny, others are deeply moving and will stay with you long after you've read them.  My top 3: Moomeries; The Atlantic & Pacific Trading Company; and Cranes. Ms. Peck has a wry and unique voice.

The Danish Girl By: David Ebershoff

A lushly written story of love, in all it's forms. A fictionalized account of Lili Elbe's life and transition as told through her marriage to her wife. At times heart wrenching, but ultimately, a hopeful, beautiful story.

The River of Consciousness By: Oliver Sacks

Another, and sadly the last, addition to Dr. Sack's completely unique and beguiling library of brilliance.  These essays examine, every area of life, consciousness and humanness with Sack's engaging style and unquenchable curiosity.  This man was truly extraordinary, and the lose of his voice and perspective will be felt for a long time to come.

Gratitude By: Oliver Sacks

Reading these 4 essays made me miss Oliver Sacks.  Having read almost all of his extraordinary writings, I was very upset by news of his death, when it happened.  This slim, lovely, volume of essays, all written shortly before his death, are moving, and hopeful...just like the man himself.

My Love, My Love or The Peasant Girl By: Rosa Guy

An absolutely gorgeous story.  Rosa Guy is a storyteller extraordinaire, who can also write (the two do not always go together!).  I had no idea this book existed, let alone that it was the source material for one of my favorite musicals-but I'm so happy to have read it.  It's absolutely lovely!

Five Little Pigs By: Agatha Christie

Now this was a juicy mystery! A cold case, a bottle of beer and a young woman on a mission all conspire to make for a great read!!!

The Moving Finger By: Agatha Christie

I hate to admit it, but I was very disappointed by this one, and I never thought I'd say that about an Agatha Christie mystery! My two big issues: 1.) I found the mystery WAY too easy to figure out; 2.) This is supposedly a Miss Marple Mystery and I found it hard to get into the story because I kept wondering when Miss Marple would show up-which by the way isn't until the story is 3 quarters done!  A big disappointment!