Note to Readers: I generally review the books that leave a lasting impression on me, either because they exceeded my expectation or left me feeling I didn't get my money's worth. Many of my book opinions are posted on Amazon, and they're just that -- my opinions. As you read my reviews, look for the "Note from Roger." There are books powerful enough I find myself reading them twice, and certain passages more than that, when trying to figure out how the author managed to accomplish such an engrossing read. Consider the "Note from Roger" my second impression and a few additional stars endorsement. If you find my reviews useful and go to Amazon, I'd very much appreciate it if you click "Yes" on the link that says "Was this review helpful?" I hope you'll enjoy the books I ranked 5-Stars as much as I did.

If only he had done it, September 12, 2007

Pedro Paramo, by Juan Rulfo, Paperback.

If only he had written a story that could be read with some continuity and insight. The opening sentence is great, and he follows through for 3 or 4 pages of a story that looks promising. But there it turns into jabberwocky as you try to figure what is going on and who is dead or alive. Finally, one gives up. If the writer does not communicate with the reader, what is the purpose of the writing? Perhaps if one could discover how the writer was managing to elude reality, he could partake of the same substance and enjoy this story. I don't care to take the chance.

***

Stunningly wonderful, September 4, 2007

Bangkok 8 by John Burdett, Paperback

If you want to be transported away, if you want a book that keeps you on the edge, if you want something new and different and fun to read, get this book. This book rates in the top ten mystery/thriller books I have read in the last 20 years. It is exotic, it is exciting, it takes you places you didn't know existed. This is the first of the series, and I can hardly wait to get the other two. Right on, John Burdett, you are a talent to rank with the best of them, Crais, Connerly, Hall, et al.

***

Overwrought writing, May 27, 2007

The Dante Club: A Novel by Matthew Pearl, Mass Market Paperback

This is the most overwrought prose I have encountered in a long time. The character's dialog is like they are making speeches at each other. The opening paragraph gives it all away, and if you like that, you will love wading through this book. If you like to figure out what a story is all about, you will probably like this book but the story is not worth the effort. If you want to enjoy the same sensation he tries to provoke, go back to the Hot Zone by Preston. That one will scare your skivies off. Although he got an endorsement from Dan Brown, the story is nothing like DaVinci Code and does not equal its pace or excitement.

***

Not much about economics, May 27, 2007

Freakonomics [Revised and Expanded]: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt, Hardcover

If you like this sort of thing, more on sociology than economics, buy either of Malcolm Gladwell's book. This one will not provide you with any interesting facts to incorporate in improving your daily life, or the use of the coins in your pocket.

***

Bizarre, May 13, 2007

Edward II, DVD ~ Christopher Adamson

I couldn't get into this movie. I tried, I really did, but if you think these two guys are too pretty, see your optician without delay. There's nothing to latch onto in the way of a story. It just meanders along and you have no idea what motivates the characters or what they want. Bring a good book to read while you watch this yawner.

Not so hot, May 12, 2007

Adored - Diary of a Porn Star, DVD ~ Alessandra Acciai

Big disappointment. The previous reviews must have been written by the producers. There is no excitement in this story, and the feeble attempts to make the main character likeable by having him interact with children is lame. He may be a porn star, but not from what is viewed in this conglomeration of a story.

***

Stunningly wonderful, March 18, 2007

In an Instant: A Family's Journey of Love and Healing by Lee Woodruff, Hardcover

Keep the Kleenex handy. This is a real tearjerker. You cannot read this without getting emotional. I couldn't put it down. And Lee is so honest about her feelings, about being in China, etc., and giving us all the facts about her and Bob's life both before and after the Baghdad calamity.

***

Give me a break, February 14, 2007

90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life by Don Piper, Paperback

If your brain is working, you are not dead. If it goes off and comes back more than 30 seconds later, you are a vegetable. I don't know which is more despicable, the guy who wrote the book or the publisher who bought it.