23

Just finished The Judas Strain by James Rollins. Why haven't I read anything by him before (at least I don't think I have!) This book was like some amazing hybrid of Dan Brown and Michael Crichton. I seriously couldn't put it down. And every time Andrew tried talking to me while I was reading it I wanted to rip his face off. It was that good. I must pay off my library fines so I can track down more of his stuff. It seems like the characters in this book carried through from previous books and on to future books...so hopefully I've discovered a wealth of reading material...just in time for summer!

15 - 22

Och! Too busy reading to track the books. In no particular order:

Last Chance Saloon by Marian Keyes (I read one of her books years ago and didn't really like it, but I think I've changed my standards since then and thoroughly enjoyed this one.)

Moon Islands by Rosie Thomas

Ruby and Iris by Rosie Thomas (RT spins an interesting enough tale, but I find it really hard to finish her books. I think there's just not enough momentum to pull me through. I did finally get through these though.)

How Will I Know by Sheila O'Flanagan

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

Glorious Appearing by Jenkins/LaHaye

Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy

Hokus Pokus by Fern Michaels (perhaps one of the worst books I've ever read. Great idea for a story, terrible writing. Had to finish it though because the premise was so funny. Toooo bad.)

14: Germ

My friend Chadya introduced me to Robert Liparulo. When it's time to buy me a gift, she pretty much just has to go and ask her husband what he's into these days and she knows I'll like it. So aside from Starbucks and pumping iron, Scott's been getting into Liparulo. And I do like.

I'm a big fan of Michael Crichton and Liparulo's Germ is very reminiscent of something Crichton would have written. Once again I had to read the first chapter to Andrew so he could see what a good movie this is going to make. SO exciting!

Liparulo also reminds me a bit of Ted Dekker - before his books started becoming so formulaic. As far as I know, this is only the second of maybe 4 books he's written, but if he can keep up this quality then I'm a fan for life!

13: Dominion

When I pick up a book, it's because I want to lose myself in a story. If I wanted a lesson or a sermon I'd thumb through a non-fiction book. Not a supposed story. I don't care if you teach me something, just don't make it so gosh darned obvious.

Dominion was my third Randy Alcorn book. The guy is a good writer and his story ideas are right up my alley. It's just his tendency to sermonize that I don't appreciate. I decided to stop being so judgemental and shallow and try to learn something this time, but about half way through this (way toooooo long) book I just started skipping sections. This happened in his previous book too.

This particular book is 602 pages of fairly small font. There are too many stories trying to be told. Too much trying to be said. Historical fiction, conspiracy theory, mystery and suspense. What genre was I even reading?

That said, if you had the patience to dig deep, there were several stories in there. And other people must like his books; they seem to sell well. And I will probably read his next book (Deception) just because I've grown to like the characters. But you'd better be ready to listen to my whining about that one too...

11 & 12

11. The Lightning File by Eric E. Wright: written by a Toronto area writer. I got this from my inlaws for Christmas - me and dad love sharing books!

12. Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella

ten

The Copper Scroll by Joel Rosenburg.

Do a search online and you'll find the first chapter...it would make an awesome movie!! Indiana Jones slash Da Vinci Code slash Alias.... COOOOOL.

NINE

The Ezekiel Option by Joel Rosenberg