13 1/2 by Nevada Barr
If you like John Saul, you will probably like this book. I am sick of John Saul. I went through a John Saul phase last fall and read about 5 of his books in a row. I feel like I could write a John Saul novel now because the plots became so predictable. Nevada Barr's 13 1/2 is the same contrived thriller plot. I predicted the ending within the first 50 pages and then rolled my eyes as my prediction unfolded. That being said, I read it in one night (awesome) and it wasn't dull. It was a typical thriller. If that floats your boat, read it.
Sin and the Second City by Karen Abbott
This is another fictionalized history that I loved. It chronicled the short but exciting existence of the Everleigh Club in Chicago, a famous brothel. This is another book I would recommend if you like history in narrative form.
Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
This was my second time reading this book. It was just as good the second time around. It is a science fiction novel about the atom bomb, religion, government and science. If you like Vonnegut, you'll love this. If you haven't read any Vonnegut, shame on you. Double shame to those of you who have not read Slaughterhouse-Five.
Superfreakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner
The first 3/4s of the this book was fun. The last 1/4 I skimmed because it went on a global warming tirade. I can't handle environmental diatribes. They get on my nerves. It is very similar to their first book, Freakonomics. It is fun to look at social phenomenon from an economic perspective. I enjoyed it but Iwould only recommend it to someone who has read their first book and loved it. Read Freakonomics first.
I think I am keeping up a good pace reading this year. All of these books have been read since Christmas. Seeing them in a list definitely boosts my self-esteem. Right now I am reading Dennis Lehane's The Given Day and hopefully you will hear about it next month when I review books again!
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