Books - July 11-17

The Stolen Child - Keith Donohue, 2006 - read for Virago. Parallel stories of a changeling and the boy he sends to the fairies (hobgoblins) when he takes his place. Well written and thought provoking. I made many notes on the last 50 pages, but unfortunately forgot to bring them and the book. Inspired by the WB Yeats poem of the same name and I brought recordings of the poem set to music by the Waterboys and Loreena McKennitt.

Weekend in Paris - Robyn Sisman, 2003 - Small-town girl is excited when her London boss invites her to accompany him to Paris for a business trip, but quits when she finds out what his plans for the weekend are. She goes to Paris anyway and has adventures. Main character is a little too silly and book is not as good overall as Summer in the City.

Audiobook - The Associate - Philip Margolin, 2001 - good, but not outstanding, legal thriller. Young attorney is accused of making a mistake that could loose the firm's drug company client a multi-million dollar case. He sets out to clear his name and uncovers a plot of murders and illegal planting of evidence. Enjoyed the Portland, OR setting and the narration of Scott Brick.

Books - June 26 - July 10

Glory in Death - J.D. Robb, 1995 - book  2, Eve Dallas investigates the murder of prosecuting attorney Cicely Towers and other prominent women.

Immortal in Death - J.D. Robb, 1996 - book 3, Eve Dallas plans her wedding and tries to solve the murders all linked to a designer recreational drug with extraterrestrial ingredients.

Special Relationship - Robyn Sisman, 1995 - English girl has a brief, intense relationship with an American Rhodes scholar with political aspirations. 20 years later her son becomes convinced that a Presidential candidate is his father. Obviously inspired by Clinton who attended Oxford at the same time as the author. Not that deep, but entertaining. 

Audiobook - The Pact : a love story - Jodi Picoult, 1998 - the murder trial of a 17 yo boy after a suicide pact with his girlfriend goes awry. Sad story since death occurs at beginning and can't be changed. Picoult writes some pretty unsympathetic mother characters. Had some issues with the underlying psychology, but still an interesting, well-written story with legal and psychological issues to explore.