Book Review

You might have heard about all these books we have (we left a lot on our island) and all our reading we have been doing. Here is an insight into the books we read and finished. Maybe you'll get some good ideas on which book to read next.

"Darwin's Island: The Galapagos in the Garden of England"
By Steve Jones Published by Little, Brown

"Jones does a fabulous job at bringing Darwin's lesser known publications, not only, to the forefront but also up to date, weaving historical information with current day fascinating facts. Jones easily describes scientific complexities allowing any reader to enjoy his work. This is a must read for any Darwin enthusiast, simple scientist or, an interested intellect. " L. H. Woodward

"The Children's Book"
By A.S. Byatt Published by Vintage

"The saga rings true, 'don't judge a book by its cover' or its title or description for that matter. The Children's Book is neither for children nor does it fully developed as one might imagine from the description on the back cover. An interesting story beautify portrayed of turn of the 20th century England. Byatt weaves the lives of her well developed characters with detailed descriptions and historical accounts of art, Socialism, theater, Fabianism, and much more of England and the world during the time period. Traveling through the 600 plus pages is a journey of many years with many characters, and many adventures. I would have enjoyed this book much more if there was less historical development or a shorter description of each play that opened or book written of each year the book takes place. In the end (if you make it) the reader travels more then 20 years, Byatt does a great job at making the reader fall into the passing time." L. H. Woodward

"Agreeing with L. H. Woodward don't judge "The Children's Book" by its cover. Although the story was mildly interesting and entertaining, there were many long unnecessary passages. The task of reading the book was grueling, however I persevered only skipping 15 pages." E.W.

"The Booker"
By John Grisham Published By Arrow Books

"Grisham is great, his books are quick thriller reads. This particular book follows a pardon prisoner wandering Northern Italy. It was fun being able to relate some of my travels and tribulations to the main character of the book. This was not my favorite Grisham, but it was perfectly entertaining for relaxed "vacation" reading." gew

"The Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing"
By Melissa Bank Published by Penguin Books

"This New York Times bestseller is a fun, humorous, and emotional quick read. Follow a young girl to adulthood on her journey of love, loss and everything in between." L. H. Woodward

"This book will not stick in my mind but was perfectly enjoyable to read." gew

"Hot Time in the Old Town: The Great Heat Wave of 1896 and the Making of Theodore Roosevelt"
By Edward P. Kohn Published by Basic Books

"Reader beware, if you want a historically accurate account of the Great Heat Wave coupled with an even more precise description of presidential campaign of 1896 read on. However be aware that this book deals more with William Jennings Bryan than the young Teddy Roosevelt. For those looking for descriptions of turn of the century New York City, Kohn is able to transport you to the stifling tenements with ease. Overall this book was slightly disappointing and drawn out." L. H. Woodward

"I special order this book after hearing the author on NPR and seeing him appear on the Daily Show, however, since I was a senior in college I was not able to read it then. I was excited to read this educational book after graduation, as L. H. Woodward mentioned I was little disappointed that it focused more on Bryn than Roosevelt. I was thrilled to finish it. People interested in New York City history will enjoy this book." gew

"The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind"
By William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer Published by Harper Perennial

"I picked this book up because I saw the author on the Daily Show (a long time ago), did a project on him in one of my college courses, and have enjoyed his TED talks. I really enjoyed this book because it pertains to want I studied in college. It is a humorous, yet sad and inspiring tail about poverty and development in Africa. A must read for everyone." gew

"ripley under water"
By Patricia Highsmith Published by Bloomsbury

"A little bit wired. A Quick thrilling read, and interesting view of a murders mind." gew

"A bizarrely fascinating page turner." L. H. Woodward

"Committed"
By Elizabeth Gilbert Published by Bloomsbury

"After much discussion of "Eat, Pray, Love" I discovered there were some people who didn't really enjoy it. However, I was one of those who were absolutely crazy about it, and was excited to read "Committed." I can't say I learned much, since I have decided that love and marriage are things left to be discovered by each person on his or her own. That being said I did enjoy her account and really like the way she writes." gew

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"
By J.K. Rowling Published by Bloomsbury

"A short and simple tail where Harry's innocents is still apparent, not one of my favorites but Rowling still makes it exciting and worth it." L. H. Woodward

"A riveting tail that proves curiosity may just kill the cat or the Weasley." G. Davis S.

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"
By J.K. Rowling Published by Bloomsbury

"love it" gew

"I like the whomping willow, and the dementors are creepy." E.W.

"Harry spreads his wings as a magical power, but still has not collected enough pieces to complete the puzzle." G. Davis S.

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
By J.K. Rowling Published by Bloomsbury

"My favorite of the series, Harry is plummeted into a world of magical competition. If you are looking to re-read one of the HP series I highly suggest the Goblet of Fire." L. H. Woodward

"love it" gew

"Harry's magical skills progress beautifully." E.W.

"Twists and turns at every flip of the page, who knew! The plot thickens." G. Davis S.

"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"
By J.K. Rowling Published by Bloomsbury

"love it" gew

"Number 12 Grimmauld Place rocks my socks." E.W.

"Harry is tested by, tragedy, uncertainty, and puberty, oh no!" G. Davis S.

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"
By J.K. Rowling Published by Bloomsbury

"What a surprising ending!" E.W.

"Unexpected opportunities arise with even more unexpected outcomes, Rowling continues to amaze and surprise the reader, as she has done throughout the rest of the series. Holy moly who knew that was going to happen! (reference to ending)" G. Davis S.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"
By J.K. Rowling Published by Bloomsbury

"Fabulous, stunning, and absolutely exciting, however I still don't really like the ending. Re-reading the last book has made me only more excited to see how the last installment of the HP movie series turns out. If you need a refresher on how Harry's seven year battle with the Dark Lord ends I suggest reading Deathly Hallows, however if you haven't read any of the HP series, please do us all a favor and start at the beginning." L. H. Woodward

"love it" gew

"Although I have read this series many times, I still find the story intricate and interesting to read. I personally enjoy re-reading the series each time picking up foreshadowing, character details, and plot developments I hadn't previously. I can't even choose a favorite." E.W.

"The Chosen One? I think not, the series proves that friendship, magic and trust will prevail. But above everything, love conquers all. Not a fan of the ending. As a whole this is a great series, highly recommended." G. Davis S.

"Sea Urchin: A Childhood at Sea"
By Christina Reese Published by North River Press

"'Sea Urchin' is a fantastic tail of a family doing something out of the ordinary, experiencing all of the same emotional turmoils of any other family in a variety of alternative settings. At times hilarious and heart retching, the reader fully experiences life on the sailboat the Tapanzee." G. Davis S.

"Playing Cards in Cairo"
Hugh Miles

"This memoir of a British freelance writer dives head first into the busy concrete streets of Cairo. Examining first hand the social, economic, educational, religious, and political struggles of women in Egypt. By involving himself in a traditionally female played card game/social group, Miles is able to learn from the women their experiences of predaceous, poverty and corruption. Connected to recent political tension in Egypt this book is an eye opener, it allows the reader to be transported to the streets of Cairo helping to understand their views and where they are coming from. A must read." G. Davis S.

"Slumdog Millionaire"
By Vikas Swarup Published by Black Sawn

"Having not seen the movie I was excited to read the book and discover the story. This book introduces an unconventional way of telling the tail of a boy growing up in India. Using a TV game show format each chapter reveals a segment of his life and how this helps him answer the trivia question. Overall "Slumdog" is an interesting book with many twists and turn that keep you guessing. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good read." E.W.