Reviews by Velma

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The Secret Keeper
by Paul Harris
Kudos (3/6/2009)
Kudos for this first novel by Paul Harris! From the first page I was drawn into Danny's world and its secrets. I never saw the conclusion coming (a novelty for me). Danny is a British reporter who travels to Sierra Leone to cover the revolutionary war there and falls inmore
Something Like Beautiful: One Single Mother's Story
by Asha Bandele
An Urban Tale (11/29/2008)
I finished Something Like Beautiful by Asha Bandele today. At first I was not fond of her sing-song style of writing, but then she is a poet by profession first. I knew that this was to be a single mother's story, but I wasn't prepared for the raw, gut wrenching tale thatmore
Greasing the Piñata
by Tim Maleeny
Anything can happen in Mexico (9/30/2008)
Cape Weathers is in Mexico looking for a missing person who unfortunately turns up dead. Thus begins a smoothly written, complicated mystery with some action. While this was my first experience with Tim Maleeny's work I found myself quickly comfortable with his writingmore
Banker to the Poor: Micro-Lending and the Battle Against World Poverty
by Muhammad Yunus
War Against Poverty (9/7/2008)
It sounded so simple I wondered that no one had ever tried it before. Then I remembered big business and the lending companies that I had personal experience with. No, they would never do this even if it occurred to them. There isn't enough profit. However, I am so gladmore
The Uncommon Reader: A Novella
by Alan Bennett
A Reader's Fairy Tale (4/1/2008)
This book has a lot of humor, intriguing ideas, and charm packed into a small package. I found it to be absolutely delightful! A reader's fairy tale with a lesson for the world. I finished it in just one day, but I will never forget it.
The Art of Detection: A Novel of Suspense
by Laurie R. King
A Touch of Holmes (3/31/2008)
A very entertaining read. Well written as usual for Ms.King. I love the novel in the novel idea. Ends with a twist.
Madapple
by Christina Meldrum
Something Different (3/31/2008)
Madapple is a strange,compelling book that defies you to put it down. Classified for young adult readers it has an adult feel in its exploration of relationships, reality, and religion. Parents should be aware that it includes dark and/or controversial subjects which mightmore
Killer Heat
by Linda Fairstein
A Winner (3/13/2008)
Congratulations to Linda Fairstein for a wonderful book. An excellent mystery mixed with more information on New York, American history, sexual predators, and investigational procedure than you may ever want to know. There is even a little romance thrown in. It sounds likemore
An Incomplete Revenge: A Maisie Dobbs Novel
by Jacqueline Winspear
Good Followup (3/3/2008)
I just finished reading An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear and found it to be a very pleasurable experience. Although the book is the fourth installment of a series it can be read as a stand alone novel without too much distraction from previous events. Msmore
The Northern Lights: The True Story of the Man Who Unlocked the Secrets of the Aurora Borealis
by Lucy Jago
Norwegian Adventure (10/13/2007)
Many people will pass this book by thinking that it's another dull scientific tale. THAT IS THEIR LOSS. This well-written book tells the history of the Norwegian scientist who discovered the secrets behind the Northern Lights(aurora borealis) in a narrative style that readsmore
Captain Alatriste
by Arturo Perez-Reverte
Letdown? (8/28/2007)
I really wanted to like this book because I have loved all of Reverte's other works, but somehow it just didn't appeal to me like them. It didn't seem as if Captain Alatriste had the same flair and intrigue.. It is informative as all of Reverte's works are, but I am temptedmore
Teacher Man: A Memoir
by Frank McCourt
A Teacher's Life (8/27/2007)
This is a wonderful book. It is warm, funny, sometimes in your face, and so beautiful honest. It is a glowing tribute to teachers everywhere and puts focus on a difficult job that often goes unappreciated. Read it. You won't be sorry.
A Slight Trick of The Mind
by Mitch Cullin
The Beekeeper (8/27/2007)
I really enjoyed this book. It is a different view of the Sherlock Holmes mythology. Readers of Doyle's detective series have always seen Holmes as an energetic younger man at the height of his mental powers, but what would happen when he gets older? Well, Cullen attemptsmore
Guardian of The Horizon
by Elizabeth Peters
Shades of H. Rider Haggard (8/26/2007)
The first time that I started an Amelia Peabody adventure I thought that it wasn't for me, but soon the quirky, tongue in cheek style had me hooked. Now I look forward to each new novel expectantly. This "lost chronicle" is an excellent example of Peters work featuring amore
Girl in Hyacinth Blue
by Susan Vreeland
A Real Winner (8/6/2007)
I was mesmerized by this book which tells the history of a painting in reverse time order. The writing style is excellent. I flew through this book in one day and I am now a confirmed Vreeland fan.
Saturday
by Ian McEwan
A Master of Writing (8/2/2007)
Masterful writing! I do not believe that I would have finished this book if it had been written by a less skilled writer. McEwan draws you into an ordinary day for an imaginary character and makes it real. This book would be a real joy for any aspiring writer to study.
The New Policeman
by Kate Thompson
Time and Magic (8/2/2007)
I just finished The New Policeman and it really proved how valuable Bookbrowse is to me. I would probably never have come across this charming and magical book without Davina since it isn't offered in the local bookstore and I have seen no other reviews on it.
It is anmore
The Cat Who Brought Down The House
by Lilian Jackson Braun
More! We want more! (4/16/2007)
I love this series and this is one of the best. Amusing and intriguing. A perfect prescription for a rainy night or lazy afternoon. Yes! Definitely write more.
The Art of Happiness: A Handbook For Living
by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Howard C. Cutler, M.D.
Inspiring (4/16/2007)
Absolutely wonderful! I felt happier before I was even halfway through the book. The Dalai Lama has such a compassionate, inspiring outlook on life that he makes you believe that you can do anything. He presents complex concepts in such a simple manner that even Imore
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