I read a lot of books I won’t review for various reasons. This is where I’ll list everything else I read and add a short opinion. When you see big time gaps, that just means I’m focused on books to review.

February, 2019: Light on Snow by Anita Shreve.

A selection of one of my book clubs. Pretty much like a Lifetime made-for-TV movie. Certainly a very quick read.

February, 2010: The Genesis Secret by Tom Knox.

I love thrillers with a religious slant and am willing to forgive a lot in that genre. This mess was unforgivable. To think some other writer got their work turned down so this could be published. Oh, and the “secret” is so convoluted and obtuse… aargh! I want those hours back.

January, 2010: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski.

About to commit blasphemy here — The plot of Hamlet just doesn’t work for me when applied to a family of dog trainers. Sorry, Oprah. It’s a matter of scale: a kingdom vs. a bunch of dogs. The writing was lovely, though. And the dogs rocked.

December, 2009: Killer Instinct by Joseph Finder.

Thriller built around a psycho ex-special force guy and an ambitious salesman. Fun to read as the business orientation is a bit of a twist for the genre.

December, 2009: Coraline by Neil Gaiman.

A really dark children’s book. Every bit as scary as anything the Grimm Brothers collected.

December, 2009: Full Dark House by Christopher Fowler.

A nice mystery but if this is a black comedy, I didn’t get what was amusing, except the notes in the very back.

November, 2009: The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett.

This is the first of Pratchett’s huge Discworld series. It was recommended to me as a fan of Douglas Adams. I did really like it. But don’t know if I want to read 37 more.

October, 2009: Shroud for a Nightingale by P. D. James.

A holiday read. One of her older books but just as enjoyable as any other. James’ Adam Daigliesh is just such a wonderful character. I love his self control.

October, 2009: The Winner by David Baldacci.

A holiday read. And that’s the only reason I finished it — there aren’t too many English books to pick from in rural Spain as replacements. I know you’re supposed to suspend disbelief with this type of book but everyone was unbelievable in this book about a lottery scandal. He’s done better.

October, 2009: The Hard Way by Lee Child.

A holiday read. Lee Child’s Jack Reacher books are some of the best in the thriller genre. Of course you know Reacher will prevail against all odds, but it’s fun to see just how it happens.

October, 2009: Cover Her Face by P. D. James.

Good book — what you expect from James. I lov eher use of language as well as her plot lines. Terrible title, however. I’m about to run out of James books to read. A sad day for me.

October, 2009: The Eleventh Victim by Nancy Grace.

I almost quit after page 27. Wish I had. I don’t know Ms. Grace, so that did not influence me. However, with her background as a public prosecutor I’m surprised at the dumb things her public prosecutor character did.

September, 2009: After This by Alice McDermott.

Why haven’t I read her before? Wonderful book. What seems to be snapshots of a family over time actually creates a beautifully nuanced and moving portrait. Catholic-raised boomers will relate even more. Can’t wait to read more McDermott.

September, 2009: The Wedding by Amraan Coovadia.

This book was a delight. Too bad it’s only avalable used now. It’s based on genuine family stories about the author’s grandparents. Think of it as an Indian take on The Taming of the Shrew, only with far less taming. I wish I could insult with the grandeur of Khateja!

August 2009: Utopia by Lincoln Child.

While I love Child’s work with Douglas Preston, I’m not as fond of his solo thrillers. I found two major factors in this book so unbelievable (and I don’t expect much believability from a thriller) it kind of blew the whole thing.

August, 2009: T is for Trespass by Sue Grafton.

Grafton is always enjoyable. I thought this book was one of her better outings. It was written a bit differently and I liked the change.

July, 2009: An Unsuitable Job for a Woman by P. D. James

Vintage James (1977). This one does not feature her popular detective Adam Dalgliesh but his spirit pervades the mystery. There’s more danger to her young, female private eye than usual but that certainly doesn’t hurt anything in this fast-paced mystery.

July, 2009: Skylight Confessions by Alice Hoffman

Not near as dreamy and sensual as I expect from Hoffman. This one was exceptionally melancholy and hard edged.

July, 2009: P is for Peril by Sue Grafton

She’s just fun to read. I must admit reading Kinsey Milhone’s adventures is pure escapism. And who doesn’t need that.

July, 2009: In the Woods by Jana French

A book club book. Some of the writing was like poetry — simply stunning. And the characters were great. But as far as mysteries go, this one fell a little short. All in all, an enjoyable read. I just hate it when the detectives pass by the obvious case-solving clue.

June, 2009: Cemetery Dance by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

I am so hooked on Special Agent Pendergast thrillers I can not let one of these books pass. Thankfully, this one is more “stand alone” than the last several, so it’s easier for anyone to pick up and enjoy. Glad to see the return of old-fashioned zombies instead of the brain-eating kind.

June, 2009: The Last Oracle by James Rollins

Wow! That was some thriller. Radioactive Russia, ancient predictions, fighting gypsies. What was really scary was how many of the things in it are true — like a deadly radioactive lake right above earthquake faults. Yowza!

May, 2009: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Another book club selection. The title gave me low expectations but I was pleasantly surprised. It was quirkier and fresher than expected for a “book about friendship and love.” At least until it started doing all the things we’ve seen so often (i.e. The Jane Austen Book Club, The Friday Night Knitting Club, etc.). It was fine but I would have really, really liked it if it had stayed true to its beginnings.

May, 2009: Persuader by Lee Child

Lee Child is a puzzlement to me. When his name comes up, women sigh with passion. However, his Jack Reacher character is a tough loner who avoids connections of any kind. I don’t get the reaction. But Child is arguably one of the strongest thriller writers around. I just don’t know why women love him. Any ideas/

April, 2009: The Camel Club by David Baldacci

This was a book club choice (an odd one at that). Spy thrillers are not my favorite genre, but Baldacci writes a fast-paced book. I enjoyed it but I don’t think I’ll make a huge effort to seek out more.

Nov. 27, 2008: Brisingr by Christopher Paolini

First impression: What! There’s going to be a fourth book! It’s OK but now I feel snookered. And, yes, I read kids books, too. Why not?

Oct. 8, 2008: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

First impression: How embarrassing not to have read this before! Last impression: It’s hard to believe this was written in the early 1920s. It feels timeless. No wonder it’s a must read.

October 1, 2008: Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde

First impression: I’m familiar with Fforde’s alternate universe with its literary oddities and the existence of cloned dodos. I expect to have fun reading! Last impression: I will continue reading Fforde’s Tuesday Next mysteries. Words of warning: A love of literature, the English, and a certain geek factor will help you enjoy these books that defy categorization.

September 10, 2008: World Without End by Ken Follett

First impression: I expect to like this since I was very impressed with The Pillars of the Earth. But I do wish it wasn’t so heavy — my arms ache when reading it! Last impression: Not good enough to be this long. The protagonists just keep coming up against the same problems over and over.

September 2, 2998: Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick

First impression: I never knew any of this! It’s fascinating. Last impression: Who knew the Pilgrims were as foolish as they were heroic. I’m so glad that now I know the actual history instead of the legend.

August 28, 2008: The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

First impression: Selected by one of my book clubs. I don’t expect much from this “girls behaving supportingly” novel. Final impression: Worse than expected. I just skimmed most of it and wouldn’t have done that if not for the club.

August 10, 2008: Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres

First impression: Multiple voices give it a magical feel. Final impression: A beautiful book but I hated the way the love story ended.

August 8, 2008: Odd Hours by Dean Koontz

First impression: I’m a Koontz fan and especially love his Odd Thomas character. Final impression: Another winner, but it is written in “to be cont’d” style.

August 5, 2008: When You Are Consumed in Flames by David Sedaris

First impression: I just love David Sedaris. Final impression: I laughed. I cried. His stories do it all for me.