Twins by Marcy Dermasky ( 7 out of 10)

Although this book about individuation and sisterly love was found in the adult fiction section of GPL, I belief it rates a YA (young Adult) shelving. The story concerns identical twin sisters, Cloe and Sue who must overcome typical adolescent pitfalls (sexuality, drug abuse, eating disorders and peer pressure). Although the story contains some harsh realities that may seem "adult" the book's point of view (alternately from the twin's perspective) with ridiculous adult characterizations points to an adolescent audience. Just ask Amanda, my 15 year old who read it first.

originality 8
characterization 5
themes 8

Villa Incognito by Tom Robbins (8 out of 10)

IF you enjoy Tom Robbins, then chances are that you will enjoy this story of Tanuki and three Viet Nam era MIAs in the new millenium with a hefty dose of silliness. The characters and descriptive narrative make this book a worthwhile diversion although there are some loose ends with the plot. Trying to figure out the meaning lead me to what I believe is the central theme of the book, namely the search for meaning.

Originality-9
Characters-9
Themes-6

Tanuki pictured above

Citizen Girl by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus (6 out of 10)

Girl (the title character) is idealistic, intelligent and ambitious. Her journey in the book will feel familiar to anyone who thought that good values and hard work would be rewarded. The satiric writing and antic filled plot may not be for everyone but I found it a good time and encouraging for my own rocky career path.

Originality 6
Characters 6
Themes 6

She's Got Issues (8 out of 10)

She’s Got Issues by Stephanie Lessing
Chloe Rose is a naive, fashion phenom. She lands her first real job with fashion magazine and finds herself cast into a Cinderella role. The best thing about this book is Chloe's relationship with her older sister, who gives her dead-on advice about office politics. The sisters' loyalty and toleration of each other's differences sets this book apart from most chick lit.

Originality -6
Characters- 8
Themes- 10

Dancing on Thorns by Rebecca Horsfall (3 out of 10)

This novel was not one that I picked out but given to me for review. In case you think I am the Paula Abdul of book reviewers and only give positive reviews, rest assured I am more critical than that. Dancing On Thorns tells the story of a talented male dancer and his soap opera life. I didn't feel sympathetic towards any of the characters and thought the book was too long. The theme of the artist who sacrifices intimacy for his work is not new and this book did not add anything.

Originality 3
Characters 3
Themes 3

Great Mortality by John Kelly (Non Fiction: 7 out of 10)

The Great Mortality : An Intimate History of the Black Death, the Most Devastating Plague of All Time was interesting and not as gruesome as it could have been. It did a decent job of explain how climatic, geological and societal conditions created an environment ideal for the outbreak of the plague. Additionally it interpreted some effects that the plague had on European civilization.

Interest 8
understandability 8
applicability 5

The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck (7 out of 10)

This book was originally published in 1978, so it's not exactly a hot new release. However this book was recommended by a friend and I thought it sounded like an appropriate topic given some of the changes taking place in my life. Overall I found it to be an incredibly insightful book. I think the description could read "Emotional intelligence meets nontraditional sprituality."

1. Interest - 8
2. Understandablity - 6 (A little bit wordy at times)
3. Applicability - 7 (A must read for people facing role changes such as midlife, job change or divorce)

Fish: A Novel by L. S. Matthews (7 out of 10)

I experienced this story in audio book format while on a car trip with my daughters. Fish tells the story of a young child and her parent's journey through a war torn country to safety. The intended audience for this book is upper elementary aged children but I found the story refreshing. It brings up ethical decisions that face all parents, such as how much of ourselves do we put forth to make the world a better place and what if our altruism places our children at risk? The fish in the story is a good metaphor for human adaptability.

The audio book, experienced with younger ones lead to some great discussion.

originality-7
characters
Themes-7

The Librarian by Larry Beinhart. (6 out of 10)

"The librarian" is a middle aged man and head of an academic library. He has a dull life until he gets talked in to moonlighting for a rich, right wing developer who wants to preserve his legacy. This book contains a lot of action but with the librarian maintaining his identity as a thinker. For those in the library field there are fun jabs at the Patriot Act and Homeland security. This book would make a great movie but apparently TNT already did a movie with the same title. All in all it is a bit of fluff but fun anyway.

Originality- 6

characters- 8

Themes- 4

A Nonfiction Rating System

Here are some guidelines that I will be using to evaluate the nonfiction books that I will be reading:

1. Interest- Although this rating will reflect my tastes, I believe it can also provide some indication of the author's skill in handling the subject.

2. Understandability- How much work does it require to figure out what the author is trying to say.?

3. Applicability- Even books that are not intended for practical use can be useful in the way they make us look at the world in a different way.

Again I will rate each category on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the best.

Thanks Adrienne, Ellen and Wendy for your input!

Fortune Cookie by Joanne Meyer (2 out of 10)

This book merits little discussion,- maybe one sentence.

A psychic legal assistant uses her special abilities to solve a mystery and finds a little romance.

Originality- 4, but I haven't read many romances since junior high.
Characters-2
Themes- O

Lady Chatterly's Lover by DH Lawrence

Again since this novel is a "classic" I will not presume to rate it. However I would like to give you my take on why D.H Lawrence has something to say to the women of today.

1. Lady Chatterly not only goes after what she wants but doesn't seem to have any problem with upsetting the status quo.
2. LC discusses her crises (orgasms) in detail. I mean the technical details. She recognizes that this is important and does not accept the b.s. that is fed to her about the "life of the mind"
3. Despite her feminist leanings Connie is comfortable using her wiles to get what she wants.