Julie A. Conover

Amazing, but sad..., Sep 2 2011

Jennifer is a 65 year old surgeon, specializing in operations repairing tendons, muscles etc of the hand. As we get to know her, she is in the last stages of dementia and on her way to Alzheimer's. The story is told from Jennifer's point of view, and from entries in her journal (or log book) from her daughter, son and her caregiver. There are also flash backs from her past life (pre-dementia). Added on to this deeply woven story is the death (murder?) of Jennifer's best friend, Amanda. The police are sure Jennifer killed Amanda, and they are determined to place the blame on a woman who can't remember her own name some days.
I found this book hard to read because is it so sad, but hard… Read more

Good for beginners, Sep 2 2011

I really like Trish Magwood and I am a big fan of her previous book. The only problem I have with this book is that is recycles many recipes for those of us who know how to cook. I absolutely will pass this book on to my daughter as she leaves for university - but for me it's a case of "been there done that". If you are a seasoned cook then this may not be for you - but if you are a new cook, just learning, or want to refine some of the techniques you may have lost, then get this book.

Very funny Valentine, Dec 30 2008

Very Valentine ' oh, how I loved this book. The author, Adriana Trigiani, captured my attention in the first few pages. But she referenced Jane Austin; I knew I was going to love this book!
This is my first Adriana Trigiani novel, and I am hooked. Trigiani has the ability to describe the surroundings, the characters, the food, the clothing, and most importantly, the SHOES so that I see them all vividly. These people, her family and friends, are not mysteries to me ' I know them, they are my family. They are crazy, cruel, funny, scared, lustful, hormonal, hopeless, and hopeful.
I want to discover my characters in books the way I discover my friend's character ' through stories of… Read more