Regeneration By: Pat Barker

Oof-at times difficult to read, but that's the point of this brilliant, sensitive and gut wrenching anti-war novel.  Blending real people with fictional, Barker evokes  World War I starkly and in great detail.  The reader finds themselves rooting for all the characters and seeing the war through all of their eyes.  Quite a remarkable and effective piece of storytelling!

 

The Boy From The Woods By: Harlan Coben

 

This was an incredible read.  The characters are so unique and perfectly sculpted. Hester, I have to say is such a kick-ass character, she needs her own series.  The book doesn't end like one hopes it will, but it somehow works. None of the action goes where you think it will, and that's all that can be said about the plot without giving something vital away.  This was so engrossing, and thrilling and sciting to read.  I can't rave enough about this book!!!

I Never Saw Another Butterfly By: Celeste Raspanti

A very upsetting, yet deeply moving and lovely piece, based on actual poems and writings from the children of Terezin as told by one of the handful of survivors.  This one piece packs a powerful punch.

 

Eruption By: Michael Crichton/James Patterson

Despite some boo-boos with some plot points (someone being told something in one chapter then several chapters being told the same information as if they hadn't already been told-this happened in a couple of places), this action packed story is a fitting addition to Crichton's publishing accomplishments.  Despite it being written by James Patterson from Crichton's research and notes after his passing, it has all the hallmarks of a Crichton work.  Plenty of science easily blended into the plot, lots of action, and characters that you root for and some you really wish would get their comeuppance! 

The Clemntine Complex By: Bob Mortimer

Have to admit, for the first several chapters of this book, I had no idea what was happening, I only knew that I was tickled by what I was reading.  It turns out that this is a delightfully quirky mystery, full of humor, heart and squirrels.  If you looking for a charming read to kill some time, you can't beat Clementine!

 

A Steady Rain By: Keith Huff

A second reading of this piece still packs a punch. It's still chaotic in the reading , but if you give yourself over to the chaos I found that the characters come more to life and the struggles are heightened. I didn't given myself over the first time I read it, so I'm glad I gave it a second read.

Eclipsed By: Danai Gurira

A reread of this riveting play surprised me. I found much more humor in it the second time around. That humor adds more poignancy and pathos to whole piece. 

Six Degrees of Separation By: John Guare

A quirkily funny, but ultimately devastating look at society, race, and life in general.  Having seen this piece on stage numerous times and having loved the movie, the play reads well and is as powerful on the page as it live.

The Cliffs By: J. Courtney Sullivan

While I really appreciated the research involved and presented and liked some of the characters, this novel felt very messy to me. I couldn't find a focus for it, so my mind wandered while reading..not a good thing to happen. I felt it had too many story lines, and the ending was a bit precious.  I think I got the overarching point of the invisibility of women and other marginalized populations throughout history (and the present), but the presentation of it in the book felt meandering, and disjointed.