Lou Grant: The Making of TV's Top Newspaper Drama By: Douglass K. Daniel

A fascinating look at the creation of the the tv show, Lou Grant.  How does one take a beloved sitcom character and turn him into a dramatic lead?  Douglass K. Daniel explores how the show was created, and what went into making it a realist look at the world journalism.  Placing Lou Grant in it's context within the history of television, it's lasting impact on television and journalism, Daniel does a remarkable job of analyzing this particular show before, within and after it's time, all while keeping the reader engaged.

 

Blacktop Wasteland By: S. A. Cosby

 

WOW!  Just...WOW!  A man trying his best to leave his past behind him finds it fast approaching in the rear view mirror. When it over takes him is where the action in this book is, and what action!  There are so many levels to this story and I can't discuss them without revealing major plot points.  Suffice it to say, Blacktop Wasteland is a raw and timely look at abject poverty and the decisions it can lead too; it's a story of family and family legacies; it's a story of despair, redemption and dare I say hope!  This is an extraordinary story from an author who's use of words puts the reader in the midst of these ordinary lives in extraordinary circumstances.

A Tale of Sorcery By: Chris Colfer

Colfer's done it again!  A fun and fascinating cast of characters give real world lessons in the third installment of A Tale of Magic Series!  The hunt is on for a special item that will change the course of events in the world, and along the way love, and enlightenment follow.  Wonderful lessons abound for the younger read, the older reader (like me) gets a fun adventure and reads in awe of Colfer's finesse with words and storytelling.

 

The Wailing Siren Mystery By: Franklin W. Dixon

This is the first book in the series, where it is obvious that the original writer is not doing the writing.  It's a bit all over the place, timelines are rushed and some parts stretch the readers ability to suspend disbelief.

The Secret of the Lost Tunnel By: Franklin W. Dixon

It downed on me while reading this installment of the Hardy Boys, that neither Frank nor Joe have aged over 29 books, not do they seem to go to school.  Should I be assuming that all these week long adventures over 29 books are occurring during summer break?  Just random thoughts I had while reading this adventure of the the Hardys.  The Lost Tunnel has the Boys and Chet down South hunting for lost Civil War Gold. A is usual when Chet is involved, there are more problems than necessary for Frank and Joe to complicate an already complicated mystery.

 

3rd In A Popular Cozy Series By: A Friend (Publishing date TBA)

Again I was blessed to have the opportunity for a sneak peek at the 3rd book in a popular cozy series, by a friend.  Since the second book just came out at the end of last year, I assume this one will be published later this year.  It continues where book 2 left office and ramps up the stakes for our protagonist.  Lots of fun red herrings and laughs this 3rd installation will make fans of this series extremely happy!

Murder Most Sweet By: Laura Jensen Walker

 

A clever premise for the start of this series will keep the reader engaged.  The friendship between the protagonist and her two friends will keep the reader begging for more.  A Breast cancer survivor realizes her dream of becoming an author.  Enter a handsome, British author who looks kind of like Colin.  Watch the sparks fly...and the bodies pile up!  This was great fun, and had the added bonus of putting breast cancer and it's survivors on the front page with heart and a little humor. 

Murder by The Bookend By: Laura Gail Black

So thrilled to revisit the quirky antique bookshop from For Home the Book Tolls!  A re-opening, beautiful bookends, a corpse and some missing books, all conspire to make for a twisted mystery!  

The Rosie Result By: Graeme Simsion

The third installment of the Don Tillman series is as charming and heartwarming as the first two.  Don and Rosie have a son, who is the focus of this story. Simsion's usual grace in storytelling is ever present and I really hope he decides to write a 4th book in this series!!!

The Sign of the Crooked Arrow By: Franklin W. Dixon

While still a fun adventure story and a good mystery, it holds some very uncomfortable and outdated ideas, typical of the time period in which it was written, but not so good for now! 

The Secret of Skull Mountain By: Franklin W. Dixon

 

The writers of the Hardy Boys mysteries had very active imaginations which makes for some creative mysteries for the boys to solve.  Skull Mountain hold many mysteries: why won't the reservoir hold water; who is the person with only 9 toes; where is the mysterious smoke coming from; and do any of those things tie into the disappearance of a missing Chicago scientist?  All of these questions are answered thrillingly in this installment of the Hardy Boys.

The Phantom Freighter By: Franklin W. Dixon

More fun and adventure with the Hardy Boys.  A fidgety, pushy stranger, a missing parcel and a phantom freight ship lead to a smuggling ring and adventure on the high seas! 

The Last Romantics By: Tara Conklin

Gothic in it's scope, this family saga is a roller coaster ride of events, lives, loves and emotions.  The time line gets a little wonky at points, other than that an intriguing read or one family's navigation through life.

The Bridge from Me to You By: Lisa Schroeder

A touching coming of age, teenage love, what is family story.  Written partly in prose, partly in poetry, this story was touching, funny, sweet, heartbreaking and joyful.  A quick pace keeps the reader engaged, the story is what keeps the reader engrossed.  A lovely story.

 

The Betrayls By: Fiona Neill

Layers and layers of betrayals, both interpersonal and intra-personal.  Written with for points of view, this story of a family in and out of crisis is quite a stunning achievement.  The ending will leave you stunned!

Baby, You're Gonna Be Mine By: Kevin Wilson

I don't even know how to describe these stories!  Wilson covers families of tyes from the mundane to the extremely f**ked-up!  They are weird stories that run the gamut from completely off the wall, to never wracking, to heartbreaking.  And despite the weirdness, their is still an odd sense of love and hope that permeates each story.  To bizarre to explain, and too incredible to put down!

 

Homeless By: Bryan Adams

 

These stunning photos require the viewer/reader to really look at the people in them.  You'll have no choice but to see the lives lived in their bodies and their faces.  You also won't be able to miss the humanity in the their lives, in some cases the pain and the twinkle of mischief.  What was really wonderful about the layout of the book, is that the names and stories of the people in the photos is withheld until the end-it's quite powerful!

Out in the Open By: Jesus Carrasco

I had no idea what to expect with this book.  The main character is just "boy", but the journey he and the the reader embark on is harrowing, devastating, painful and scary.  With little information to go on, the reader finds themselves as confused and ost as the boy, and yet despite all of his travails, I was left hopeful, and with a beautiful portrait of strength, resiliency, friendship and hope.  Great book to start the year with!