Oy, yoy, yoy....this has been hoppin'!

Let's see, regarding your question, Laurie, about the Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency books: They are set in Botswana, present time, about a woman who decides to run a private detective agency. It's full of her observations, and, for me, having spent time in Africa and being married to an African and wanting to move back to Africa, and being glued to the television when a thing about Africa comes on Sesame Street (this am.)...it kind of takes me back, even though I was never in Botswana. But, they are good, mildly funny, and very light mystery stories.

Finished the Time Traveler's Wife. Don't let the size scare you. I was addicted and had it read in two days. It's good, and very unusual love story.

Am currently reading the third in the series by Sara Donati. The first is Into the Wilderness, and second is Lake in the Clouds, and this one is Fire Along the Sky. They are historical romances set in New York, MOntreal, and Scotland. Very accurate historical details, and some good adventure. This third one is a little harder to get into for some reason.

I totally know what you mean about so many books, so little time.........walking into the library (by myself) is like "ahhhhhhhhh" and then, "what must I get today!!!?" (With DS it's just a big whirlwind )

My sister recommended these books but I can't remember the name or anything....mystery, CSI kind of books, but the main character is a parapelegic, a man. Anyone know? She said they're really good.

Wow, mamaeli, those sound cool...I haven't read much about Africa, so they do sound very interesting!

I read Rosie O'Donnell's Find Me last night. It was pretty small for an autobiography and I wasn't sure I would like it, though I adore Rosie. Considering that her blog (http://www.rosie.com) is very e. e. cummings in style, I didn't know what to expect. The book is fantastic! : She has a terrific writing style..spare and simple, but rich in details and emotions. She is wry, funny, but not in the crash of cymbals and tap dancing way, you know? The book is actually about a connection she made with an unwed teen mother through her adoption agency. While talking about this, she often spends 2 or 3 pages on a memory from her (Rosie's) past, but the book really is more about the teen than about Rosie. It's really well written and a super-fast read. I definitely enjoyed it!

On a friend's recommendation, I also read Annie on my Mind--it's about two teenage girls who fall in love. It was written in the 80s, but it does seem relevant today. I really enjoyed it...the writing was excellent in spite of some of the awkward teenage dialogue, and the story was very, very poignant. One of those books you don't want to end, you know? I didn't know if I'd like that either, especially since it was meant for young adults and isn't my normal genre, but I did.

What are your latest reads?

Okay, chickies, I'm working through She's Come Undone and so far I'm not too impressed.... Boy, does that sound pompous! Some of it sounds familiar, but not enough that I'm sure I've read it before. I'm to the point where she's about to head to college. Is the good part still ahead or have I already passed what you liked about the book? I'm about ready to put it down and pick something else up, but I know there are books I've done that with and then regretted it (like the Phantom Tollbooth!)

Anyone reading anything new?

I just finished reading The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants it was a cute book.. my daughters were reading it so I picked it up yesterday and read the entire book! I need to find me another good summer read.

Phins -- I am reading the 3rd book in the Sisterhood series now. LOVE THEM!!!

I'm considering using a gift card I got for graduation on the first book. I can get the other three in the library, but not the first one. They sound great! Jenn, have you seen the movie?

I liked the movie, despite it going too far away from the book. But I still cried

Jenn, you softie! I cry at good movies too. Especially ones with good friendships.

I love the Sisterhood series too, like I said in my posts. I cried in every one My favourite is the third book. The things they deal with are such serious issues and they're all so young. I love Bridget's story best, I think. Great series. I hope she follows them through college.

Finished the third last night I still like the 1st but the 3rd is good too. Although it's been a while since I've read the second

Laurie -- shhhh on the softie business, heh? I've got a rep to protect. Want me to send you the 1st one??? Don't use a gift card for a book one of us has! Buy something that we can ALL read

Okay, you can send it to me, but only if I get to send you one! I'll have to see what I have... anything you are looking for? so much for the offer!

And I promise to stay quiet about your softer side.

guns germs & steel -- great book on the history of mankind

Just finished "I'm Not the New Me" which I HIGHLY recommend for anyone on the weight loss trip.... and just started "The Perfect Store: Inside eBay which is good so far

Jupe, about I'm Not the New Me, I went to the author's website and checked out the recipe cards...they are beyond hilarious! Thanks so much for the huge laugh...I definitely need to check out her book!

I'm almost done with She's Come Undone...it's definitely getting good.

I have such a pile of books to read...I need a vacation so I can get to them all!

Just finished Billy Strobe written by John Martel...The story about a lawyer who landed in jail, finished his degree in Soledad prison, tries to get another Con cleared of a crime and clear dear old dads name . Complex Plot, well drawn characters... witty and suspenseful .. a real page turning legal thriller... If you like some of Grishams Better fare, or Scott Turow, you'll like this book, and take a shine to the main character Billy....
I'm off to Projectgutenberg.com to find a Mark Twain Ebook next!