Juror #3 by James Patterson

Juror #3 by James Patterson

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Obviously not written by a lawyer. There is no way that a baby lawyer, just out of law school, would have had the legal savvy to achieve the results she obtained.

Also, it felt like two different stories smashed together with only one common factor—and a very stupid one, at that.

A very fast read, it was just “ok.” I don’t know why I keep reading Patterson’s books. I am consistently disappointed.



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The Woman in the Water by Charles Finch

The Woman in the Water by Charles Finch

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This book had more drama than mystery. That said, I understand that this is a prequel and was probably written to establish the detective's backstory. However, for a first-time reader, I found the book not as enjoyable as I might have if I had dived right into the actual first book rather than this one.

I will persist!

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Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens


My rating: 4 of 5 stars



An entertaining book that captures the feel of the Carolina swamps, it reminded me of a 1909 classic, "A Girl of the Limberlost" written by Gene Stratton-Porter. Like "Crawdads," "Limberlost" is about a young girl isolated in the Indiana swamps and loves and chronicles the natural wildlife in the area.

"Crawdads" examines the life of Kya, the Marsh Girl, with a focus on the swamp life around her. In comparison, the "Limberlost" book truly chronicles the wildlife in the area, particularly its moths and butterflies--many which are likely now extinct.

While Crawdads was engrossing and the drama was well told, the "Limberlost" novel truly catalogued this now lost natural environment.

I wish "Crawdads" had given more insight into the swamp and its wildlife. Perhaps the editor watered it down, as I would have expected the author to add more of her zoological insight.

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A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The author examines all sides of the controversial issue of abortion through the retelling of a hostage situation at an abortion clinic. Backtracking each character's backstory, Picoult dissects all sides of the issue from the position of pro-life and pro-choice.

This isn't an easy read and Picoult doesn't give easy answers. But it is eye opening.

I found the author’s decision to tell the story in reverse chronological order to be somewhat confusing. I didn’t appreciate the telling until the very end.

I appreciate Picoult’s literary efforts and decisions. Very well done.



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