Princeton Book Review

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fiction
The Grass is Singing by Doris Lessing From The Jacket: More

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fiction
The River Secrets by Diane Dunning From The Jacket: More

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fiction
The Orphan Masters Son by Adam johnson From The Jacket: An epic novel and a thrilling literary discovery, The Orphan Master’s Son follows a young man’s journey through the icy waters, dark tunnels, and eerie spy chambers of the world’s most mysterious dictatorship, North Korea. Pak More Read PBR Review

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fiction
Homefront by Kristen Hannah From The Jacket: In her bestselling novels Kristin Hannah has plumbed the depths of friendship, the loyalty of sisters, and the secrets mothers keep. Now, in her most emotionally powerful story yet, she explores the intimate landscape of a troubl More Read PBR Review

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fiction
The Brothers Sisters by Patrick deWitt From The Jacket: Hermann Kermit Warm is going to die. The enigmatic and powerful man known only as the Commodore has ordered it, and his henchmen, Eli and Charlie Sisters, will make sure of it. Though Eli doesn't share his brother's appetite for More Read PBR Review

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fiction
Fifty Shades Freed book three of the Fifty Shades Trilogy by E. L. James From The Jacket: When unworldly student Anastasia Steele first encountered the driven and dazzling young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both of their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and, ultimately, re More Read PBR Review

I found this book just as addictive and controlling over my life as the first two books in this trilogy – forget about dinner – forget about sleep -just order take out and keep reading. A captivating read.
by-Linda-PBR 2012/04/22, 03:47 PM

fiction
Fifty Shades Darker: Book Two of the Fifty Shades Trilogy by E. L. James From The Jacket: Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. But desire f More Read PBR Review

I'm surprised at how much I love this series. I finish one book and download the next. The game playing between Christian and Ana is so entertaining.
by-Andrea 2012/04/23, 06:19 AM

mystery
Elegy for Eddie by Jacqueline Winspear From The Jacket: Maisie Dobbs—psychologist, investigator, and "one of the great fictional heroines, equal parts haunted and haunting" (Parade)—returns in a chilling adventure, the latest chapter in Jacqueline Winspear's bestselling seri More Read PBR Review

Maisie is in top form in this installment. As usual she argues with herself and questions everything and everyone – it’s just her nature. The political climate is tense in this book as Hitler comes into the picture – a hint of things to come. Love all Winspear’s book but thought this one was particularly engaging.
by-Linda-PBR 2012/04/22, 03:47 PM

fiction
Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes From The Jacket: Intense, powerful, and compelling, Matterhorn is an epic war novel in the tradition of Norman Mailer’s The Naked and the Dead and James Jones’s The Thin Red Line. It is the timeless story of a young Marine lieutenant, Waino Mella More Read PBR Review

This is a great book about the Vietnam War written from the perspective of a Vietnam vet. The descriptions are realistic, at least from the perspective of one who never fought in a war and certainly let the reader experience what it’s like to be part of a war effort – the politics, the combat the emotional toll.
by-Linda-PBR 2012/04/22, 03:46 PM

fiction
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan Philipp Sendker From The Jacket: A poignant and inspirational love story set in Burma, The Art of Hearing Heartbeats spans the decades between the 1950s and the present. When a successful New York lawyer suddenly disappears without a trace, neither his wife nor More Read PBR Review

A quiet, beautifully written love story that is sensual and engaging. It’s not a book for everyone – the flow is steady but slow and meant to be read in a leisurely fashion. Recommend for those that like a more literary read and enjoy strong characters that are easy to identify with.
by-Linda-PBR 2012/04/22, 03:45 PM

fiction
Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James From The Jacket: When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this m More Read PBR Review

This is a fun, bold book. The chemistry between the two main characters is phenomenal so although there is a lot of graphic sex – their personalities and the way they interact humanize them making it hard to put the book down – you just have to know how things turn out. If you can open your mind to some dark, kinky sex this book will wake up your senses.
by-Linda-PBR 2012/04/02, 06:15 PM

mystery
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick From The Jacket: Rural Wisconsin, 1909. In the bitter cold, Ralph Truitt, a successful businessman, stands alone on a train platform waiting for the woman who answered his newspaper advertisement for "a reliable wife." But when Catherin More Read PBR Review

Beautifully written but it was little darker than I usually go for. The characters were very interesting and it definitely kept my interest.
by-andrea 2009/08/23, 04:07 AM

If you like beautifully written books with complex characters and compelling plots filled with twists and a few surprises, don't miss this one.
by-Sara 2009/06/07, 02:14 PM

fiction
The History of Love by Nicole Krauss From The Jacket: A long-lost book reappears, mysteriously connecting an old man searching for his son and a girl seeking a cure for her widowed mother's loneliness. Leo Gursky is just about surviving, tapping his radiator each evening to let h More Read PBR Review

Although this book was at times difficult to follow, it is well worth the effort. Beautifully written, its original and thought provoking. It would make an excellent book club selection.
by-Andrea-PBR 2012/04/05, 09:43 AM

Thriller
Alone by Lisa Gardner From The Jacket: Alone . . . Massachusetts State Trooper Bobby Dodge watches a tense hostage standoff unfold through the scope of his sniper rifle. Just across the street, in wealthy Back Bay, Boston, an armed man has barricaded himself with his More Read PBR Review

I was thoroughly entertained with this book as I listened to it on audio. Not only was it loaded with action and suspense, but the characters were well developed and interesting. It certainly made my car ride go much faster.
by-Andrea-PBR 2012/04/05, 09:13 AM

Thriller
Defending Jacob by William Landay From The Jacket: Andy Barber has been an assistant district attorney in his suburban Massachusetts county for more than twenty years. He is respected in his community, tenacious in the courtroom, and happy at home with his wife, Laurie, and so More Read PBR Review

This book is hard to put down – the conflicts, suspense, complexity of characters, amazing plotting, family dynamics and courtroom drama all keep you turning pages. Landay’s descriptions of a family in crisis are realistic and heart wrenching. He clearly shows the depth of emotion and strength necessary to endure a murder charge against your 14-year-old son. He also shows the flip side of parental love and how far parents are willing to go for their children.
by-Linda-PBR 2012/04/02, 06:33 PM

fiction
The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer From The Jacket: The Invisible Bridge opens in September 1937 as Andras Lévi leaves his brother Tibor to study abroad. Andras has a scholarship at architecture school in Paris, while Tibor remains in Hungary until he too is granted entrance to me More Read PBR Review

Well researched historical fiction with characters that are easy to connect with. The author really shows what day to day life was like for the Hungarian Jew, the realities of war and the role of Hungary in World War II. The book could use some serious editing, but overall a compelling book for those that enjoy a more literary read.
by-Linda-PBR 2012/04/01, 07:16 PM

Thriller
11 22 63 by stephen king From The Jacket: ON NOVEMBER 22, 1963, THREE SHOTS RANG OUT IN DALLAS, PRESIDENT KENNEDY DIED, AND THE WORLD CHANGED. WHAT IF YOU COULD CHANGE IT BACK? In this brilliantly conceived tour de force, Stephen King—who has absorbed the social, politi More Read PBR Review
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Not a King fan; however, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great combination of fantasy and reality. Couldn't put this one down.
by-Grammi 2012/01/28, 06:52 AM

This is only about my second Stephen King novel so I can't compare this to his other works, but I can say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The premise is time travel - back to 11/22/63 - the day JFK was killed. It's well researched and engaging with fantastic descriptions of the time period. Great characters and some turns that will surprise you.
by-Linda-PBR 2012/01/20, 02:01 AM

non fiction
Then Again by Diane Keaton From The Jacket: NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BYJanet Maslin, The New York Times • People • Vogue ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR—Financial Times • Chicago Sun-Times The Independent • Bookreporter The Sunday Business PostMom love More Read PBR Review

In addition to being Diane Keaton's memoir, this book is also her mother's memoir and a clear statement to all just how important this women was to her. She does not delve into Hollywood tales, but rather keeps the information more personal. She discusses her family, love relationships and herself in depth. Very enjoyable read that's a mixture of bittersweet and sweet
by-Linda-PBR 2012/01/23, 06:15 PM

fiction
Tiny Sunbirds Far Away by Christie Watson From The Jacket: Jacket Winner of the 2011 Costa First Novel Award   When their mother catches their father with another woman, twelve year-old Blessing and her fourteen-year-old brother, Ezikiel, are forced to leave their co More Read PBR Review

This book is complex in its messages and simple in its writing style, a compelling read that is sure to touch on many emotions. It captures the beauty and danger of the Niger Delta and the devastating effect of poverty. It’s inspiring and insightful; shedding light on some political and social issues. A coming of age story told through the voice of a young girl and rich in both atmosphere and emotional pull.
by-Linda-PBR 2012/01/22, 08:05 PM

fiction
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles From The Jacket: A sophisticated and entertaining debut novel about an irresistible young woman with an uncommon sense of purpose. Set in New York City in 1938, Rules of Civility tells the story of a watershed year in the life of an uncompromisin More Read PBR Review

I loved the amazing description of New York in the year 1938 – lots of glamour but also a lot of reality. This is a character driven novel, one meant to be read slowly and enjoyed, so it may not be for everyone. Recommend for those that enjoy a literary novel with dynamic characters and wonderful descriptions.
by-Linda-PBR 2012/01/20, 02:19 AM

mystery
The Boy in the Suitcase by Lene kaaberbol and Agnete Friis From The Jacket: Nina Borg, a Red Cross nurse, wife, and mother of two, is a compulsive do-gooder who can't say no when someone asks for help—even when she knows better. When her estranged friend Karin leaves her a key to a public locker in the C More Read PBR Review

This is a great mystery that also packs a punch with its message on human trafficking. The central character, Nina is a Red Cross nurse who deals with giving medical care to illegal refugees. She is strong, capable and not afraid to go up against the odds. The mystery portion of this story is also well plotted and keeps you interested. Recommended for mystery lovers and a must read for those who enjoy Scandinavian crime fiction - which is gaining popularity in the US.
by-Linda-PBR 2011/11/15, 06:48 PM

fiction
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern From The Jacket: The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It i More Read PBR Review

“The Night Circus”, is engaging and entertaining from cover to cover with one caveat – it needs to be read with an open mind to be fully appreciated. Those not able to suspend belief will most likely not enjoy this book, but for the rest - the journey is colorful, imaginative and creative. It’s a book of challenges, romance and truly amazing descriptions. Recommend!
by-Linda-PBR 2011/11/15, 06:51 PM

Thriller
Before I Go To Sleep by S. J. Watson From The Jacket: "As I sleep, my mind will erase everything I did today. I will wake up tomorrow as I did this morning. Thinking I’m still a child. Thinking I have a whole lifetime of choice ahead of me. . . ." Memories define us. So More Read PBR Review

An impressive debut with its roots in reality. It’s an absorbing, well-plotted story that will leave you in awe of the value of something we all take for granted - memory. The book has momentum, strong believable characters and teases the mind with its unusual concept. Highly recommend for those that enjoy mystery/thrillers.
by-Linda-PBR 2011/08/02, 06:28 PM

fiction
Cutting For Stone by Abraham Verghese From The Jacket: A sweeping, emotionally riveting first novel, an enthralling family saga of Africa and America, doctors and patients, exile and home.Marion and Shiva Stone are twin brothers born of a secret union between a beautiful Indian nun a More Read PBR Review

My entire book club loved this book and it provoked many lively discussions. As a group we went out to dinner to an Ethiopian restuarant.
by-Mary Jo 2010/01/27, 06:20 AM

At 500 pages it was certainly a long book, but worth every second earning five stars rating from this reader! Beautifully written with detail and precision, you will miss it when it ends.
by-PBR 2009/06/23, 08:38 PM

This was an excellent book! You will ponder this book long after you put it down. I loved the characters.
by-Andrea 2009/06/15, 07:27 AM

fiction
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom From The Jacket: When a white servant girl violates the order of plantation society, she unleashes a tragedy that exposes the worst and best in the people she has come to call her family.Orphaned while onboard ship from Ireland, seven year old La More Read PBR Review

This is a book worthy of discussion. It's a look at how slaves were treated and also the position women held in society. Very well written. I will definitely be telling my friends about this one
by-Maria 2010/09/20, 07:01 PM