The Martian Ambassador by Alan K. Baker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

That was an odd book, but good. Interesting premise in the late 1800's the human race and the Martians make contact. The world is just slightly different than our history and makes for a fascinating story told in an old style that is charming and quite honestly, engrossing. The adventure is a bit far fetched but still fun to read and the book has a wonderful allusion to climate science. If we ruin this world, do we have one to go to? That is the dilemma faced by one group in this story.

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The Late Show by Michael Connelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this is a great story, well written and edge of your seat scary at times. I love Renee, Michael Connelly's new character. She is smart, very smart, a little conflicted and just as real as anyone can imagine. No spoilers here but this is a great read. The story is complex and takes some interesting turns. I enjoyed it, could not put it down. Michael, you've got a new fan.

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Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a selection for my book club. What I love about the book club is that it takes me out of my comfort zone and introduces me to books I might have passed over.
This is a fascinating story of growing up in Nigeria with a domineering father and society that is crumbling at the edges.
The book chronicles real events in the guise of a coming of age story. The lines of love and hate, freedom and enslavement and religion and freedom are explored while giving the reader a taste of another culture.
This book is well worth the read. After you are done read some of the reviews and comments about the book.

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Barely Legal by Stuart Woods
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ok, so this might not be a Stone Barrington but it was a delight to read. The story was excellent with plot twists that were choreographed. The reader knows what's going on but the people in the story have no clue. It was a hoot to read. I hope Herbie, i.e. Herb, comes back as a trial attorney. It made for some interesting sections. All in all Stuart Woods is my favorite writer.... at least this month.

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House of Spies by Daniel Silva
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dainiel Silva is a constant. His books are readable, believable and filled with smart, clever action. The plots, though often a little repetitive, draw from current events. This book is almost too real. the people, places and actions are literally torn from the headlines. It makes for some exciting reading and gives one a perspective on the world that might be broader without his words. I highly recommend Daniel Silva but, if starting out, go back and read them all in order. Its a small pile of about twenty books that will keep you thrilled for months.

Nutshell by Ian McEwan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a different book. At first I thought it weird and later I almost put it down. In the end I was glad I read it. Interesting concept well developed and executed. The idea of a fetus narrating a story where mom and uncle are the murderers. Not really a spoiler because you get the whole plot upfront. It the great writing that makes this work. In fact, better than great, often breathtaking. Cuts through to a wild look at our modern society. I liked it.

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Indecent Exposure by Stuart Woods
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just love Stuart Woods books. They take me away from reality into a world that is exciting, interesting and fun. He has such an interesting life. Its just plain fun with enough current events accuracy to make it seem like it "could" happen.
Stone is stuck on the horns of a dilemma. Read it and find out how he handles things. His girl friend is the secretary of state and POTUS is his client. What a yarn. Can't wait for more.

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The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jefferies
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a book club selection. Not a book I would have selected but I think I liked it. I often thought the Gwen was an air-head but... she was a young woman, away from home and thrust into a situation that she had no reference for. She could hardly have been expected to behave differently. So in the end I found the book interesting and tantalizing. It was an interesting period of history and I'd like to know what happened to the family next. If this is the first book in a series, I'd like to read the next episode.

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Nighthawk by Clive Cussler


Clive Cussler always pleases me. The NUMA series is exciting and barely believable. A lot of sci fi and handsome characters. A plot that puts me on the edge of my seat wishing it was a movie. Always a clever ending and enough humor to grant me a smile now and then. I love these books. I look forward to new ones but there are several that I have not read and can go back when I have a lull.

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Golden Prey by John Sandford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

John Sandford never misses. He has figured out what I like about his books and feeds that to me in spades. Action, adventure and clever people. Both the good guys and the bad guys are smart and it makes for an interesting story. I like the new job and the new characters that I feel sure will appear in #28. Just a pleasure to read.

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This is a Special Guitar

I recently bought someone's old guitar. A used guitar built by the luthier Ron Meilynski of Fox river Grove, Illinois. The guitar was hand made by this violin maker/woodworker turned luthier.
The guitar is an absolute beauty. Ron tells me that it is one of five that he has built. I've only seen two for sale and I was lucky enough to find one.

The wood is incredible and the craftsmanship beyond anything I've ever played. It has Benedetto pickups and the sound is very mellow and sweet. The body is chambered which means its mostly hollow with a solid center to hold the pickups and bridge.

Notice the curved edges and the three piece neck. The black binding between the woods I believe is to keep the species from bleeding into each other. All in all, its a work of art that plays like a dream and sounds superb.

Here are more pictures:

Fast and Loose by Stuart Woods
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wish there was a new Stuart Woods book every week. Stone Barrington never disappoints. The story is clever and pleasant with just enough humor and adventure to make them easy to read and define page turner. Can't wait for #42.

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