Cheri's Book Picks

What if the winning submission for a 9-11 memorial comes from a Muslim? This novel by Amy Waldman, is making ripples in the book world. The Submission takes place two years after the WTC buildings fall to the ground. Over 5,000 architects and artists anonymously submit their interpretation of what the memorial for the victims should be, and a jury of a select few picks the winner. When the envelope is opened, the winner is Mohammad Khan, an American Muslim. Viewpoints from survivors, families of the dead, the media, and the artist all clash in this portrait of a broken city. This is a piercing and personal look at the juxtaposition of how we should feel about freedom of speech and expression, and how we actually do feel about it when faced with this kind of an issue.

The book Reluctant Hero by Michael Benfante takes us back to September 11, 2001. This is a true account of a sales manager for a telecommunications company on the 81st floor of the WTC North tower. He was working at his desk when the first plane struck 12 floors above him. He helped gather stunned employees and get them moving down the stairs. On his way down, he and a co-worker met a woman in a wheelchair on the 68th floor. They spent the next 96 minutes carrying her down the stairs and out of the tower just moments before it fell. Michael Benfante shares this compelling and emotional story and allows the reader a look inside his experiences.

Kate White’s The Sixes is a thriller set in a college town. Combine bodies washing up on the shore, a deadly but secret society of girls, and a police investigation that leads to the discovery of a serial killer, and you have a potboiler. Nasty pranks turn deadly, and there are disturbing revelations about the ‘quiet’ little town .

The book Mice, by Gordon Reece follows a mother and daughter who, after living most of their life afraid of almost everything, find themselves in a situation where they are forced to kill an intruder. The daughter Shelley suffered emotional and physical abuse from school bullies that led to her being set on fire. After she withdrew from school, she and her mother move to an outlying area, and their goal is to ‘disappear’. When threatened, they find they have more courage than most. A very interesting read, with lots of twists and turns.

Cheri's Book Picks

Gabriel Allon, an art conservator and sometimes Mossad agent, is drawn once again into the world of espionage and intrigue. In Portrait of a Spy by Daniel Silva, Gabriel works to stop deadly bombings by a network of terrorists whose efforts desire to bring down the United States and free world. Incredibly well written, as always; the book you won’t be able to put down.

The Astounding, the Amazing, and the Unknown by Paul Malmont is a blend of a true episode in WW II history, and an imagined cast of science fiction novelists and comics artists. Included are Isaac Asimov, L. Ron Hubbard, Robert Heinlein, Nikolai Tesla, and others. Working together in a covert military lab, these gentlemen are tasked with creating weapons based on scientific fiction technology—ray guns, weather-control, force fields etc. Oddly enough, they have difficulty in actually making this happen. It’s a funny and fast trip back to the future filled with POW! and BAM! The characters are well developed with their individual oddities…who would have thought?

The new book, Queen Elizabeth I by Margaret George is an incredible read, even if you’re not a historical fiction fan. It covers her court during her later years. There are glimpses of her early reign, but as she grew older, many in her court began to squabble over who will be her heir. Elizabeth was a woman of fierce intellect, desire and quite proud of her position, known forever as ‘The Virgin Queen’ of England. William Shakespeare, Kit Marlowe, Sir Walter Raleigh and others are an influence to the court and to the queen. Royalty from Spain, France, and Italy vie for attention, and bring drama to the book. Masterfully researched, Ms. George brings the queen to life.

Cheri's Book Picks

When Robert Ludlum died, many readers thought that Jason Bourne had been put to rest…o yee of little faith! Eric Van Lustbader has been penning Bourne novels for several years, and is doing a mighty fine job of it. The latest, The Bourne Dominion, finds Jason searching for a cadre of terrorists, and partnering with a Russian spy agency. The book moves from Columbia to Munich; then leads to Damascus as Bourne tries to avert a catastrophe. Fast paced, lots of action, and you can feel Matt Damon racing through the streets in his hot cars and motorcycles.

The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan opens with a scene in which Jake, the last werewolf on earth, is contemplating what the promise of death may hold for him. He’s depressed [I’m sure many werewolves are] and lonely. Jake’s lived for 201 years, and the WOCOP [World Organization for Control of Occult Phenomena-but I’m sure you already knew that] is chasing down and killing off all werewolves. He’s the last…..or is he? Could that be a female ww he meets in a chance encounter? Is it possible that there is hope after all? The author presents this original and bold novel in a very amusing tongue-in-cheek fashion that is delightful to read.

Cheri's Book Picks

In Rule 34 by Charles Stross, Liz, the head of the ICI [Innovative Crime Investigation] department in Scotland follows and monitors the internet for trends to determine if people are engaging in illegal activities. Disturbing activity draws them into an investigation that involves international murder and conspiracy.

Jennifer Weiner’s new book Then Came You, brings together three women, each with different agendas. As events unfold, they touch each other’s lives in peripheral ways, never expecting to actually meet. As often happens, their best laid plans go awry, and they come together in a very unexpected way. Ms. Weiner weaves a wonderful story of compassion and love.

Margaret Truman, former president Harry Truman’s daughter, has written scores of books about intrigue in and around Washington, D.C. The newest title Monument to Murder opens up in Savannah, but quickly moves to D.C., as a secret government organization is revealed, and murders they commit are deemed acceptable in the name of patriotism. Once the truth is revealed, it may bring down the current administration. A novel of superb intrigue and suspense.

Cheri's Book Picks

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness is delightful to read, filled with ancient books, centuries old witches, demons and vampires who live among us and continue to fight age-old battles. The author has a knack for keeping you turning the pages.

Two deaths of Daniel Hayes by Marcus Sakey is intriguing. Daniel, who lives in California, wakes up on a beach in Maine, unable to remember his name or what drove him there to attempt suicide. Mr. Sakey is an excellent storyteller.

That brings us to What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty. Dumped on her head in her spin class, Alice wakes up and her only memories take place in what happened over 10 years ago. Is she still married? She has kids..when did that happen? And why can't she stand her 'new' friends? Why is her husband in Brazil? I liked this book a lot.

I have to include a couple of suspense filled, action packed books, and Bloodmoney by David Ignatius has it all. Spies, travel and turncoats.

William Dietrich's new book Blood of the Reich fits into the same category, but with a different twist. It takes place in present day, flipping back to the World War II era for background. Super-colliders, the SS, and murder abound.

Alafair Burke's book Long Gone is a good read....her characters are well developed and the plot is filled with twists and turns.

Flashback by Dan Simmons is a great look at post-apocalyptic America. The U.S.economy has imploded, [imagine that!] and Texas has seceded and formed its own government. A difficult and grim future is ahead. A new drug called 'flashback' is at the heart of the problems, and plays a huge part as foreign countries attempt to move in to 'help'.

Cheri's Book Picks

The Compound by S. A. Bodeen follows the family of a very wealthy tycoon who has prepared a compound in case of a nuclear disaster. Six years later, the question arises...was there a disaster?

John Sandford's Buried Prey has Detective Davenport delving into a cold case when the bodies of two little girls are discovered. His books are always top-notch.

Sixkill by Robert Parker. What can I say....I have always maintained that Parker is THE best author of dialog driven books. His witty, snappy dialog makes his books fun and fast to read. He's written 40 or 50--wish he could write more, but, alas, he died last year. This is probably the last, and it's great.

Trinity Six by Charles Cumming. A novel of espionage and intrigue, the listener travels across Europe uncovering secrets of MI6, Russia, the Cold War, and those that threaten modern Europe.

Cheri's Bookpick of the Week

Doc by Mary Doria Russell is set in Dodge City. The meticulous research delves into the lives of Doc Holliday and the Earp brothers during their stay in our fair cowtown. Russell's in-depth character development gives insight into life in Kansas during that time, and you get a look at the saloons, gamblers, cowboys, politicians [slimy of course], brothels and bordellos. Not to mention the dental practices of the 1800's.

Cheri's Bookpick of the Week

If you’re in the mood for an exciting action-packed adventure, the book Altar of Bones fits the bill. This book by Phillip Carter takes you from frozen ice caves in Siberia, to San Francisco, Galveston, Martha’s Vineyard and Paris. Once you are pulled into the story you find corrupt a millionaire, former KGB operatives, ruthless assassins, and a promise of eternal life. Not to mention Marilyn Monroe, and the murder of JFK. Well worth the read.

Cheri's Bookpick of the Week

A literary page-turner, The Raising by Laura Kasischke is filled with haunting narrative. It winds its way around a mysterious murder, twist of fate, about death-or does it? The story is wrapped up in a small college town –replete with back-stabbing sorority girls, bent on murder.

Cheri's Bookpick of the Week

Devil Red by Joe Lansdale: this book is a fast paced thriller packed with twists and turns. Private investigators on a hunt for a killer, find signs of a red devils head painted near the dead bodies. How many will there be? As they investigate, they uncover past murders. The smart and snappy dialogue make this a quick read.

Cheri's Bookpick of the Week

What do mortgages, money, and murder have in common? Plenty in Michael Connelly’s new legal thriller The Fifth Witness. A woman accused of murdering the banker foreclosing on her home contacts criminal defense lawyer Mickey Haller. He sifts through files, deposes witnesses, takes a vicious beating, and along the way uncovers a conspiracy that includes millions of dollars, the federal government and tricky witnesses. Once again, Mr. Connelly takes the reader on a high-flying and exhilarating ride as he weaves his way through the story.

Cheri's Bookpick of the Week

Agent X by Noah Boyd is a fast-moving suspense thriller packed with action, snappy dialogue and complex characters. Puzzles and hidden codes lead to the discovery of Russian traitors in the FBI. It’s a very intricate plot, and the turns and twists make it fun to read.

Cheri's Book Picks

We are going to start a new segment of our blog today. Our very own Cheri will be writing book reviews and they will be posted here. If you have any thoughts... agree or disagree.... post your comments!

Cheri’s Bookpick:

Jodi Picoult’s new book Sing You Home is an extraordinary book that takes the reader on a journey. Her character development is so complete that you feel you know each of them intimately, and the story weaves through them seamlessly. In all of her books, she tackles current social issues that other authors tend to gloss over. This title is true to form. Using music as a healing force, you follow the story line as it pulls you into the intimate lives of women and men faced with heartbreaking choices.