This book was my selection for the book club I'm in, and it did not disappoint us. This is account Ishmael Beah's life before, during, and after his involvement in the civil war in Sierra Leone. I know some will have to find where Sierra leone is on a map, but the problem of children being used as soldiers in war is a reality.

Ishmael Beah lived with his family, and was a "normal" pre-teen boy. That is, until the day his village was attacked by rebels. His discription of his search for his family, is heart breaking. The atrocities Ishmael saw and committed as a boy soldier make me wonder how this boy, and now young man, survived physiclly and mentally.

I had the opportunity to hear Ishamel speak at a local college. I now understand how he did live, and become the man he is today. Is was not only with the help of others, but by his spirit, and determination to live his life.

Dan Brown has used the same format as DaVinci Code and Angles and Demons, but sometime it is better to stick to what works. This time it takes place in Washington, D.C. I enjoyed this book, and it did have some very good twists and turns in the plot. I especially enjoyed the scientific aspect of his writing which combined extremely well with the religious side of the story. How Dan Brown combines science, religion and the history of the U.S. is what kept me turning the pages. He also brought in the use of steroids, which is an issue faced by many these days. All in all, I truly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to friends and family.

Although I did enjoy the Time Travelers Wife more than this book, I did like this book. The plot and character development was very good. The ending fell a little short for me. I felt the author was just trying to finish it up.

With so much cruelty in the world I just had to admire the courage and hope of Little Bee.

This is the second Elizabeth Berg book I have read. I don't think I'll need to read another. It was somewhat the same as A Year of Pleasures, only not written as well.

I did enjoy this book. It was interesting learning about shoe making and fashion. However, a friend of mine, who is 1st generation Italian said that the family was not realistic of Italians and had been quite "Americanized". :-) That was ok with me. I enjoyed the time Valentine was in Italy and especially the island of Capri. I felt like I was on vacation in Italy while reading that portion of the book. This is not a "heavy:" book.... Just fun.

This just goes to proove that books like this are timeless. The story of Jane Eyre can be applied to many young girls today who are tossed out, but manage to get an education, find love, and live up to their full potential. I loved reading this book again (I read it in high school many years ago).

I think everyone should go to Paris and have a French tutor take them around for a week. Altough not a literary achievement, the book was fun to read and my book club members could relate to the characters, and what they were going through in their lives.
For those who don't care to read about sex (there was a lot of it), you may want to pass.