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Beginner's Greek by James Collins: Peter, though, is the catalyst for this novel, and his struggle to do the right thing and behave the correct way often gets in the way of his own happiness. When James Collins is moving the novel through Peter's actions and frustrations, the romantic comedy skips along its merry path. For the most part, Beginner's Greek is an enjoyable romp of the heart and mind. It's not completely believable, but that's not necessary. It's about love, true love, and how it can overcome all obstacles. That's what we all want to believe in. Right? Well, at least it's true in Beginner's Greek and we should enjoy it while we can.

Angels & Demons by Dan Brown: While some judicious editing might have made it a tighter and more focused novel, Angels & Demons is still a highly enjoyable read. For those who love plot-driven novels, and for those who love thrillers and mysteries full of strange bits of information that tie everything together, grab a copy of Angels & Demons and find a comfortable chair. It's time well spent.


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Arthur & George by Julian Barnes: Arthur & George succeeds on many levels. Besides the unfolding of the lives of these two men and the depiction of England a century ago, Julian Barnes touches on timeless themes. George's conviction based on circumstantial evidence is chilling when it is shown how any behavioral trait can be used to explain criminal intent or guilt. George was convicted more for who he was than any evidence that pointed to his guilt. Arthur struggles with love and responsibility. Julian Barnes ties it all together, weaving their stories within the confines of the era and the universal challenges of life, love, and family. It's an engrossing story, expertly told, and enthused with the idea that with men like Arthur Conan Doyle, some of the miscarriages of life can be undone.


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The Crazy School by Cornelia Read: Cornelia Read is an exceptional writer. Her mix of characters, both students and staff, all come across as believable with their mixture of defiance, cynicism, hope, and murderous intent. Her dialogue between Madeline and the other characters rings true and carries much of the humor and insights. Madeline's interaction with her troubled and troublesome students makes you wish she was one of your teachers, and ultimately, the students become the people she can trust the most. You won't find a suspenseful thriller in The Crazy School, but I get the sense that's not the main purpose of the novel. Like most successful mystery novels, the characters and their drama carry the story, and Cornelia Read gives us the entertaining gift of Madeline Dare. The Crazy School is a wonderful novel and I'm eager to read whatever Cornelia Read has to offer next.


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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon: When this book was initially released, it received rave reviews. After it had won awards and stayed one of the most popular books on this site, I decided I had finally had to read it. I shouldn't have waited so long. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time should be on everyone's reading list.


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The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown: The chapters in The Da Vinci Code are short, usually not more than a couple pages. Most of them end with a cliffhanger that immediately catapults you into the next chapter. So grab this book, sit back, and prepare to be entertained and educated. It's well-written, it's intelligent, and best of all, it's fun.


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Bangkok Tattoo by John Burdett: You might think Bangkok Tattoo suffers from a sophomore slump, and it does it some ways. While it doesn't live up to the level set by Bangkok 8, it's still an enjoyable book with plenty of wry observations from Sonchai and a wild journey through a world so few of us know. Can you enjoy Bangkok Tattoo without reading Bangkok 8? Probably, although I'd suggest reading Bangkok 8 first, for no other reason than it's a great book on its own that will thrill you with its introduction to Sonchai's world. Any time spent with Sonchai Jitpleecheep is sure to bring a smile, and Bangkok Tattoo surely fits that bill.


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Bay of Souls by Robert Stone: If you read this book just following the storyline, this novel will frustrate you. If you keep peeling back the layers, more ideas bubble forth, some like little quick jabs to your mind. You can choose to wander aimlessly through this book, or you can put your soul on the line and dive in deeper into the Bay of Souls.


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