Roger Rosenblatt's Making Toast is a well written book concerning the death of an adult daughter, about grandparents becoming parents again. It was a good read but I had the feeling there was something missing. Character development to me went only half-way. I almost know these lovely people who so bravely changed their lives in a time of need. I think Roger wanted to relate some of the horror of their lives and fell slightly short. I wanted more meat. I would not recommend this to my book club.

I enjoyed Dragon House very much. It was interesting to me as I have read very little about Viet Nam. Mr Shors paints a clear picture of both the beautiful side and the ugly side of Saigon or present day Ho Chi Mihn City. The characters are well defined but somewhat predictable. That is my only problem with Dragon City. While enjoying the unfolding of the plot, you knew the outcome well ahead of time. But I thank him for sharing the process of forgiveness and for painting such lovely pictures with words. Book clubs? Yes.

Marc Fitten has indeed a very sharp eye. He tells his story, which is about a very small village in Hungary with amazing, colorful, precise vision. This story is mostly about senior citizens of which I am one. Marc describes us perfectly. It is about the everyday life in this village .... people's hopes and dreams, fears and joys. Like all good tales, it can be taken far beyond this village. Valeria is honest .. she has nothing to lose ... she goes for it. All artists will love the potter and know his needs.The journey is wild, robust and heartwarming. I recommend it for all, but the over 60 set will smile the widest.

There is violence and then there is violence. I stopped reading after 63 pages as I could not justify the graphic detail. I have read many, many mysteries but in a good mystery the journey is fun. Fun to learn about the characters, see the plot develop. This particular use of violence distracted, did not enhance. It was just messy. Sadly, I do not want to know more about Cape Weathers.

Boy, did I enjoy this book. I wonder at the age of Allison Winn Scotch for she has so much life information and she relates it in a manner we can all hear. I felt her tears and I heard her laughter. The arrangement of the novel is no small feat and we, her readers, are the winners. You cannot help but reflect on your life as you share Jillian's.The ultimate what if. Good read.

I am passing this delightful book on to my mystery friends so they may enjoy the colorful characters, the unique neighborhood, the variety of one special corner of Australia....not to mention a carefully constructed who done it! Strong point...the variety of individuals weaving their way through the day, young and old, male and female, different nationalities, sharing their strengths and weaknesses. A human tapestry.