"The Moment" by Douglas Kennedy

The Moment by Douglas Kennedy is a haunting novel.  It begins with our main character (on a whim!) buying a ramshackle house on a bleak Maine Coast.  He has not discussed the purchase with his wife.  And he knows that this undiscussed purchase will probably be the "straw that broke the camel's back" in his marriage.  He is not wrong.

When a package from Germany arrives at his "new" coastal home,  it picks the scab off forty year old memories the author would rather not re-live, memories from when he was a budding travel author stationed in Berlin.  When he met the love of his life....

The Moment takes you back to Germany when the Wall between East and West Germany was one of the most dangerous crossings in the world.  And the lover of our author is caught in a web that may cost her her life...

Since reading this book several months ago, I have been haunted by the idea that a person can make a decision that is "no doubt about it, RIGHT" and yet, be so-o-o-o-o wrong.  I think this book will stay with you forever.

Lies and liars

Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett is a masterpiece. It is the story of Rose, a young woman who comes to a home for unwed mothers in Kentucky. Rose is married and unlike the other girls who have their babies, give them up and leave, she has her baby, Cecelia, but keeps her and stays on at the home. This book also tells the story of the hotel that was taken over by the nuns and became St. Elizabeths, the home for unwed mothers. The lies are gripping and tightly woven into the story. STE

5 stars

Cross by James Patterson

Alex Cross, FBI and DC police consultant, pursues The Butcher, a serial killer, rapist and paid assassin.  Patterson's books are always quick, easy reads that are page turners.  3 out of 5 stars.

Entering Normal

Anne D. LeClaire's story of Opal and her son who relocate to Normal, MA to get away from  her son's good-for-nothing father and a domineering mother.  She rents a home next to Rose and Ned who lost their teenage son 5 years earlier.  Rose is not adjusting well.  Opal and Rose develop a friendship and each helps the other.  Well written.  3 out of 5 stars.

House Rules

This story by Jodi Picoult is about an 18-year-old high school senior with high-functioning Asperger's.  Jacob is a crime scene junkie who, himself, is accused of murder.  First time I've read Ms. Picoult and I enjoyed the read.  While it was tough to read about autism and what the families go through, I learned a lot about the syndrome.  I give this a 3 out of 5.

Anne of Green Gables

A precocious 11-year-old Anne is adopted by Marilla and Matthew, a brother and sister on a Prince Edward Island farm.  They all all grow to love each other in spite of Anne trying their patience with her imagination and talkativeness.  First time I've read this classic--it made me smile throughout and was just the right light-hearted read for me right now.  I give this a 4 out of 5.

An oldie but goodie

The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler is recommended by Ann Patchett in The Getaway Car: a Practical Memoir about Writing and Life (a Kindle single). I decided to try it and now will be reading other Chandler books. Reviewers call Chandler a master writer and that is an understatement. His choice of words is often stunning. The Long Goodbye is sixth in the Phillip Marlow private eye series so I will go back and start with The Big Sleep to learn more about Marlow. The series takes place in Los Angeles and nearby areas. The characters range from the rough and tough cops and low lifes to beautiful women and and well-dressed men. Some of the characters end up dead. I give this book 4 stars.