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The Private Patient

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Literature and Fiction
by: P.D. James

September 16, 2008
[Dana sez: I wrote this review for the Poisoned Pen eNewsletter on December 3, 2008.]

What could be more English than a country house murder? In The Private Patient (Adam Dalgliesh Mysteries) P.D. James summons up the shades of Conan Coyle and Agatha Christie in murder most foul of a patient at a stately country manor turned medical clinic. Means, motive and opportunity are all on offer for everyone on the premises, from the self-absorbed doctor, the idealistic assistant, the lovelorn nurse, the dispossessed heir and the devoted nanny to the overprotective sister and the insular villager. Upon this menage descends Scotland Yard's Commander Adam Dalgleish in usual deus ex machina fashion, and the game is afoot.

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Why We Suck: A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Literature and Fiction
by: Dr. Denis Leary

November 18, 2008
In addition to this terrific book, The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder.

It will tell you about a non-patriot who started a war without reason by lies and deception and then approved the illegal and immoral technique of torture.

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The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Literature and Fiction
by: Junot Díaz

September 06, 2007
Well, I finally got around to reading it on my flight home and here are my thoughts: There is absolutely no contest that a nerdy Dominican boy makes for an original subject. Yes, I was slightly handicapped by my rough Spanish and limited knowledge of Sci-Fi culture, but I still believe Oscar's story to be genuine. I found myself heartbroken by his lack of will, but also strangely delighted by his quirky,inaccessible type of personality. My final thoughts is that I haven't read enough contemporary fiction to truly appreciate Oscar's narrative. At times I found the Spanish to be pretentious rather than authentic. I am left wondering why I feel that way. For now, I would say that I'm a little indifferent to how I feel about the novel. Again, I really loved the story ... Read More:

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World Without End

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Literature and Fiction
by: Ken Follett

October 09, 2007
WORLD WITHOUT END: Another great read by Ken Follett! A little longer than PILLARS OF THE EARTH, but it, too, left me wanting more. Two hundred years after Prior Philip in Kingsbridge, the characters and conflicts Follett has created rival those in the prequel.

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Letter to My Daughter

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Literature and Fiction
by: Maya Angelou

September 23, 2008
I have been a fan of Maya Angelou since in school when we read Why the Caged Bird Sings. When I saw this book on Oprah I had to read. i was not disappointed. As usual anything Maya Angelou puts to paper is the best. What a great read. I suggest to everyone. Thank you for such a great book.

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A New Earth: Awakening To Your Life's Purpose

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Literature and Fiction
by: Eckhart Tolle

December 16, 2005
My name is Steven A. Janda. I am the author of Ready or Not, Here I Come written in 2008. When you read books about creating your own destiny, you should know where they lead. In Genesis Chapter 11, we read about the tower of Babel. The whole earth was of one language and one speech. The Lord said something very telling which echoes throughout the Bible. The Lord said, now nothing shall be restrained from them which they have imagined to do. The result was judgment from God and mass confusion. This is a very revealing statement from God himself that there is power in faith, but you better make sure your faith is in me. Jesus also said according to your faith be it unto you. And, nothing shall be impossible to you if you believe. There is a flip side to this power of faith. ... Read More:

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Inkdeath (Inkheart Trilogy)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Literature and Fiction
by: Cornelia Funke

October 06, 2008
I ordered this book for my 12-year-old son. First, I must say that I use the regular delivery speed, and I received this book in four days, which was faster than I expected. My son loves this book so much. Right after he got this book, he started reading. He finished this book in two days.

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Extreme Measures: A Thriller

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Literature and Fiction
by: Vince Flynn

October 28, 2008
I have been a HUGE fan of Vince Flynn's since a very nice and enthusiastic gentleman turned me on to him while I was at the bookstore picking up a Brad Thor novel; and I have never been disappointed, until now. Flynn's first novel, Term Limits, was a semi-stand alone story, featuring one of my soon to be favorite characters Scott Coleman. Flynn was able to switch the focus of his series from Coleman and his team to Mitch Rapp in a seamless and cohesive fashion and did it IN THE NEXT BOOK Transfer of Power. So why is the transition from Mitch Rapp to Mike Nash so less fluid and sensible? Why did it seem like much of the book, as previous reviewers have stated, was dedicated to Mike's home life, his kids, wife and/or his erectile dysfunction?! Why did there have to be the stark contrast ... Read More:

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The Brass Verdict: A Novel

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Literature and Fiction
by: Michael Connelly

October 14, 2008
I'm sorry to say I really didn't enjoy The Brass Verdict all that much. That's what happens when you write a book a year. It gets to be a hollow exercise. You can read this book really fast because you will not miss much in terms of writing, psychology and wit. I liked the Lincoln Lawyer so I am surprised that the second in the series is so ordinary.

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Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Literature and Fiction
by: John Grogan

October 18, 2005
This book is a delight! Marley's antics make even my dog look like an angel and made me laugh out loud as he bulldozed his way through his life and his family's houses. Having lost two dogs to old age I could sympathize with his decline as he aged and with his family as they lost him. The book was too short. I understand there is a sequel and cannot imagine how it could be any better.