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"Blast From The Past" by Kinky Friedman
She's back and she's (still) brilliant. Jen Mann returns with a riveting review of "Blast from the Past" by Kinky Friedman about whom she says, "[he] almost defies description." She notes the book is "full of male humor", and that she, in contrast, is, "truly a prudy girl", but did she, nevertheless, like it? Hah! You'll have to click to find out. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 08/09/10 |
A Summer Reading List ... for Grown-Ups!
Jen is not only back (see her latest review below) but she's also bubbling with new ideas! She has invited us to partner with her in creating a virtual summer book group and, of course, we're delighted to accept the invitation. So click to read how you can join the group ... and then come to the party! Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 06/06/10 |
FreeK Camp by Steve Burt
Our beloved Jen has been busy beyond books recently (understatement) so we're thrilled to welcome her back to the fold on this Sunday wih her review of FreeK Camp by, appropriately, not just any man of the cloth, but rather one from right here on our doorstep ... none other than Lyme Congregational Chuch minister Steve Burt. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 06/06/10 |
"Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe" by Bill Bryson
We learn this week that one of Jen's favorite authors is one of our favorite authors. Who knew? And by the way, Is there anyone out there in the world who doesn't love Bill Bryson's musings? We weren't familiar with the book Jen chose to review this week, "Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe," but we're about to be ... as, we venture, will you. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 04/02/10 |
Born Round: The Secret History of a Full-Time Eater by Frank Bruni
Jen delights us again with another review of a book involving food. New York Times food critic Frank Bruni bares his soul in "Born Round: The Secret History of a Full Time Eater," the autobiographical memoir of his life from birth to food critic and beyond. It is a "good book" says Jen, but, to quote Oliver Twist, she wanted "More." Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 03/21/10 |
The Stacks in Jen's Life
Our much missed and absolute favorite book reviewer is back - hooray! Jen returns with a review with a difference ... rather than one book she considers her stacks. Hay stacks? Chimney stacks? Wrong and wrong again ... curious? Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 03/08/10 |
"Little Chapel On The River" by Gwendolyn Bounds
We're starting the New Year off with a bang because the much-missed Jen is back ... and with a brilliant book. If you're starting the year looking for something that's currently missing in your life, read her review and then we (almost) guarantee you'll buy the book and (hopefully) find the answer. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 01/08/10 |
"I Capture the Castle" by Dodie Smith
Jen is here this week with a book written by the author of the much better known "One Hundred and One Dalmations." Dodie Smith's "I Capture the Castle" is sometimes compared to Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" and yet is something altogether different but equally—if not more—enjoyable. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 12/12/09 |
Why Sometimes I Don't Read
Our Jen was—along with (in our unscientific opinion) approximately half the population of the Lymes—sick last week. We're so glad to learn that she's now recovered and here she is back again for your delight with the revealing (and riveting) antithesis to her earlier column on why she reads. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 11/06/09 |
"Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides
We love it when we've read something before Jen - a rare event to be sure - but it makes us feel extra-knowledgeable about her review. And, as this is the case with her book choice this week—"Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides—we can say with complete confidence that, yet again, her review absolutely hits the mark. Read More ...
John Guy LaPlante Published 10/26/09 |
"Salmon Fishing In The Yemen" by Paul Torday
We can never pretend we haven't noticed when we're late with Jen's review - first the emails arrive, then the phone starts ringing and finally when we see a line of cars cruising up and down the street, we know there's a problem. OK slight exaggeration...but not much, so without further ado, here she is - our Jen and "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" (note the pure poetry there.) Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 10/06/09 |
"The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" by David Wroblewski,
Lots of people think that the book our Jen selected this week, "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle," by David Wroblewski, is very good, including Stephen King who noted he doesn't re-read many books, but will be doing so with this one. Yet again Jen's review has tickled our fancy too and we think we'll also be reading it very shortly. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 09/27/09 |
"Olive Kitteridge" by Elizabeth Strout
Jen takes on Olive this week (no, not the kind with pits but rather one-of-a-kind Olive Kitteridge, who lives in Crosby, Maine) and finds herself captivated by the tangled web into which she ventures. Author Elizabeth Strout won a 2009 Pullitzer for this book and we're thinking, if there were a Pullitzer for book reviews, our Jen would win one hands down. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 09/18/09 |
"The Excellence of the Hedgehog" by Muriel Barbery
How do we even begin to guess what Jen will read next? Or in what language? This gifted young lady has a knack par excellence for keeping us on our toes ... and speaking of excellence, let's bring in, naturally, hedgehogs—and there you have it—this week's book is "The Excellence of the Hedgehog." Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 09/05/09 |
Why I Read
Be warned, dear readers, you're in for a surprise this week when you click to read Jen's book review. OK, we'll spill the beans - there is no book! Yes, this week Jen analyzes why, in her opinion, she is the most voracious reader that we've ever had the pleasure to meet ... and of course, it makes fascinating reading. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 08/28/09 |
"The Story Sisters" by Alice Hoffman
Shouldn't we all be enjoying these last, lazy hazy days of summer before school starts next week by kicking off our shoes, relaxing and doing nothing much of anything? Not our Jen. She stayed up all night reading this week's book pick - that's how compelling she found "The Story Sisters" by Alice Hoffman. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 08/22/09 |
"Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman
While the cat's away, Jen will play. But Jen is a good girl, and seeing as our editor has been in London, England, for a while, Jen dutifully read a book about London in her absence. However, "Neverwhere" by Neil Gaiman is not about the London tourists see ... well, actually, it is in part, but it is the "London Below" that is gripping. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 08/14/09 |
"Pushing Up Daisies" by Rosemary Harris
It's summertime - it is honestly, despite the weather, and our ever optimistic Jen has a wonderful book suggestion this week for those lazy, hazy days we're spending on our beach towels ... or rather (hopefully) about to spend. It's the garden-themed mystery, "Pushing up Daisies" by Rosemary Harris Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 08/02/09 |
"Midsummer" by Marcelle Clements
This weekend it is the Midsummer Festival in Old Lyme. So why not prepare for the splendid event by reading "Midsummer" by Marcelle Clements. It might not be quite as upbeat as the festival but, as our resplendent reviewer Jen Mann concludes, it is nevertheless, "a beautiful book." Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 07/18/09 |
"Plum Spooky" by Janet Evanovich
As all her loyal readers know, Jen Mann is never late with her reviews so where, you ask, is it? Well, it did a disappearing trick and decided to explore the world of cyberspace, which segues beautifully into her book choice for this week, "Plum Spooky" by Janet Evanovich, a story about, in Jen's words, "Who stole this and kidnapped whom and shot who with what?" Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 06/30/09 |
"Good Book: The Bizarre, Hilarious,Disturbing, Marvelous, and Inspiring Things I learned When I Read Every Single Word of The Bible"
Just when we thought we were beginning to understand the sorts of book Jen likes, she throws a curve ball with,"Good Book: The Bizarre, Hilarious,Disturbing, Marvelous, and Inspiring Things I learned When I Read Every Single Word of The Bible" by David Plotz. Forgive us, but it seemed appropriate to leave publication of her thoughts about reading a book about reading The Bible until Sunday. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 06/21/09 |
"The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls
Jen has this habit of selecting "Must Read" books and without hesitation, we join her this week in heartily recommending, "The Glass Castle," by Jeannette Walls. In terms of a real-life story of beating incedible odds told without a trace of self-pity, it is, to quote Jen, "an example to us all." Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 06/13/09 |
"Stern Men" by Elizabeth Gilbert
Last week, Jen read "Eat Pray Love," a personal memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert about self-discovery. This week she investigates Gilbert's first foray into fiction and comes out smiling, concluding, "Each page was a genuine pleasure." Praise doesn't come much higher than that so this novel goes straight onto our "Must Read" list. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 06/05/09 |
"Eat Pray Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert
Jen has reviewed one of our favorite books this week. We agree with her conclusion that "Eat Pray Love" by Liz Gilbert should be "required reading" for every woman. It is indeed a delightfully refreshing approach to self-discovery and as Jen points out, how wonderful it would be if only we could all follow it - as Liz did - in Italy, India and Bali. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 05/30/09 |
"Life As We Knew It" by Susan Beth Pfeffer
Jen reviews Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer this week. She wonders whether it really is "just a coincidence that these books keep throwing themselves at me." By "these books," she means books that cause you to reevaluate your life priorities and in light of the current economic situation, that's perhaps something about which we should all be thinking. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 05/22/09 |
"Odd Lot", "Oddest Yet", "Wicked Odd", "Even Odder", All by Steve Burt
Our editor has just resolved a huge mystery, namely, "Is Jen Mann real?" She had never met Ms. Mann, though every week a wonderful book review arrived from her. The two ladies have finally connected, but mysteries continue to brew in Lyme crafted by "Sinister Minister", Steve Burt, ... and Jen is right there to review them for us. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 05/15/09 |
"The Pacific and Other Stories" by Mark Helprin
This week our favorite book reviewer divulges her favorite author. Jen confesses Mark Helprin is her choice and takes us deep into The Pacific ... to prove the point. She says this book "moved her to tears in its unadulterated glory," which translates roughly as "Go forth and read [it.]" Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 05/10/09 |
"Angels of Destruction" by Keith Donahue
Again we saved Jen until Sunday. A book about angels seemd to fit this traditional day of worship, even if they are "Angels of Destruction." Keith Donahue, the author of this surprising and highly recommended book, has a day-job in DC's National Archives, proving perhaps that we can all be authors by night. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 05/03/09 |
"Les Jeux Sont Fait" by Jean Paul Sartre
We felt Jen's book review this week is suited for a Sunday. For those not familiar with Nobel Prize-winning French author Jean-Paul Sartre, his theme is existentialism, which preaches, in Jen's concise words, "life is a done deal before you started, so what's the point?" Sartre is a hard sell, but Jen makes us want to try him one more time. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 04/26/09 |
"The Female Brain" by Dr. Louann Brizendine
She's done it again! Our Jen has us rushing down to the bookstore again because her book review choice this week is a must-read. Can there be anything on earth more fascinating than the female brain? We think not, but then we're obviously biased as we're an exclusively female business. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 04/20/09 |
"The Story of a Marriage" by Andrew Sean Greer
Our voracious reader Jen Mann dives into, "The Story of a Marriage" by Andrew Sean Greer this week and surfaces to observe insightfully, "While exploring the idea of ‘marriage’, Greer is exploring the idea of self as well." As always, she has piqued our curiousity and to the library we must go. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 04/11/09 |
"Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro
"Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro is one of those books that never lets you forget, to paraphrase the opinion of our wonderful book reviewer Jen Mann. We've just read her words and now we're on our way to the library to request a copy - see if you feel the same way about this extraordinary book. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 04/04/09 |
"Morality Tale" by Sylvia Brownrigg
Two's company, three's a crowd ... or so my mother says. Jen's book review choice for this week, "Morality Tale" by Sylvia Brownrigg, does indeed dwell on an eternal triangle of love, but one that, in this fascinating case, is exacerbated by having a fouth point added. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 03/27/09 |
"Last Kiss" by Luanne Rice
It's Spring and to quote Tennyson, "a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love." Our Jen, however, is busy thinking about summer days and beach books, but love is never far away from such novels and her pick for this week, "Last Kiss" by local author Luanne Rice is no exception. In case you missed it last year, click to read our interview with Luanne Rice. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 03/21/09 |
"The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
This 50th column is a landmark for our indomitable book reviewer Jen Mann. We're delighted to announce that she will be starting a new venture for us soon, but don't worry, she'll still continue with her book reviews. More on this to follow, but in the meantime, enjoy this week's review of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 03/13/09 |
Alex and Me
Jen treats us to a review this week of Alex and Me by Irene Pepperburg. An extraordinarily clever woman, Greenburg sets out to discover just how smart the African Gray Parrot - in this case, Alex - is. Greenburg establishes Alex as "a beacon in a world that underestimated him," and, as is always the case in Jen's reviews, makes us think about the bigger animal picture. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 03/07/09 |
"I Feel Bad About My Neck" by Nora Ephron
Jen is back and her book choice this week is a must-read for every woman over 40. It's a disquietingly brilliant series of essays on the joys (or otherwise) of being female and aging. At the LymeLine office we are dominant in both characteristics, so this book was not only meaningful but also had us in fits of laughter, which, as Jen stresses, is a good thing ... at our age! Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 02/28/09 |
Dating Jesus: A Story of Fundamentalism, Feminism, and the American Girl
Jen Mann is taking a well-deserved vacation this week. Actually, being the dedicated individual that she is, she tried to email in her review but was beaten by a computer malfunction. So, we're delighted to welcome our friend David Holahan as her stand-in and he offers a wonderful commentary on, "Dating Jesus. A Story of Fundamentalism, Feminism, and the American Girl," written by Hartford Courant columnist Susan Campbell. Read More ...
David Holahan Published 02/19/09 |
"The Food of Love" by Anthony Capella
Feb. 14th is Valentine's Day - a day of love that's often intertwined with food - so our clever Jen Mann has chosen the perfect book for this week: "The Food of Love" by Anthony Capella. Set in Rome, this tangled love story entices us to "Pretend we're going out to lunch" so we can, "forget New England in February" ... an invitation we gladly accept. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 02/13/09 |
"The Ghost in Love" by Jonathan Carroll
"The Ghost in Love" by Jonathan Carroll is an astonishing book. Our book reviewer Jan Mann, variously describes it as "weird" and a "whirlwind of a book," but also finds it raises some theological questions "that have stumped mankind for ages." As always, Jen has us intrigued. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 02/06/09 |
"Self-Made Man" by Norah Vincent
Jen Mann never ceases to delight. And where does she find these books? Who knew that a female writer had taken up the persona of a man for 18 months and then written about it? Now if you've all read, "Self-Made Man" by Norah Vincent, we apologize, but if not (like us), Jen says you are missing,"a book you will be the less for not having read." Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 01/31/08 |
"A Cup of Tea" by Amy Ephron
Jen's book choice this week is, "A Cup of Tea" by Amy Ephron and Jen sensibly suggests it's a book well worth reading with one, but does venture to warn, "... enjoy drinking it cold, since you will be too engaged to remember it's there." So we're definitely off to the library for this one, a story of a chance meeting with extraordinary consequences. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 01/23/09 |
"The Shack"
Jen takes us to "The Shack" this week and deep into a world of theological and idealogical questioning intertwined with a quest for a peace. Her review of William P. Young's recent novel is insightful, inspiring and intriguing, or to put it another way, we can't wait to snuggle up with this book (and its seasonally-appropriate cover) in front of a roaring fire. Read More ...
Published 01/16/09 |
"A World Made by People" by James Howard Kunstler
After the briefest of breaks, our beloved Jen is back and, never one to ease us in gently, she throws us headlong into the new year with a book that makes you sit straight up in your chair and say, "Wow." James Howard Kunstler's, "A World Made by People" is a sort of "back to the future" book in revese ... if that makes any sense, and we, like Jen, are hooked. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 01/09/09 |
"The Confessions of Max Tivoli" by Andrew Sean Greer
We're sure panic is imminent since we're three days late with Jen Mann's book review. Blame the weather, the holidays, but whatever you do, do not blame Jen - she's a constant in a sea of change and is never late. Her book choice this week is "The Confessions of Max Tivoli" by Andrew Sean Greer. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 12/29/08 |
"The Shadow of Reichenbach Falls" by John R. King
This week Jen dives (appropriately) into "The Shadow of Reichenbach Falls" - the same falls into which Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty plunged subsequent to hand-to-hand combat at their top in Conan Doyle's "The Final Problem." To Jen's discerning approval, John R. King resolves the mystery of the two gentlemen previously presumed dead from the fall. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 12/20/08 |
"Julie & Julia" by Julie Powell
Never fear, Jen is here, and if you are in need of last-minute inspiration for the perfect gift for anyone from your closest friend to the mother- (or even father-) in-law, consider Jen's book choice for this week. It's the excellent, "Julie & Julia," which documents Julie Powell's decision to cook in one year all 524 french recipes in Julia Child's seminal culinary work. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 12/13/08 |
"The Host" by Stephenie Meyer
After a brief Thanksgiving break, our much-missed Jen is back - and with a vengeance. As always she challenges us to think outside the box, and this time to consider, "What makes us human and how it can not be taken for granted." Her book choice this week is another Stephenenie Meyer selection, but this time one written for adults, namely, "The Host." Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 12/05/08 |
"Little House in the Big Woods" by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Jen Mann has a wonderful way of not only acknowledging the holidays but also cleverly giving a related life lesson (or two) along the way. This week for reasons she explains beautifully herself, she dives under the covers and into the classic, "Little House in the Big Woods," by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Our apologies for late publication due to some technical issues. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 11/22/08 |
"Cooked" by Jeff Henderson
The sub-title of this week's book pick by Jen Mann is, "From the Streets to the Stove, From Cocaine to Foie Gras." That tells you a great deal about this extraordinary book, "Cooked," by Jeff Henderson, which traces the author's life from west coast drug dealer to executive chef of the Cafe Bellagio in Las Vegas, but let Jen's thoughts inspire you to dig deeper into this fascinating autobiography. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 11/14/08 |
"Swannsong" by Ann Blair Kloman
Our now veteran reviewer Jen Mann stays close to home with her book choice for this week. As a result of what Jen describes as, "a serendipitous encounter," she came into possession of "Swannsong," a mystery set in "moneyed Maine," in which, "the web of deceit and extrapolation involves everyone," written by local author Ann Blair Kloman. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 11/08/08 |
"Wicked" and "Son of a Witch" by Gregory Maguire
Our indomitable reviewer, Jen Mann, not only has the fact that it's Halloween uppermost in her always active mind (her book choices this week are, most appropriately, "Wicked," and, "Son of a Witch," both by Gregory Maguire) but also remembers to encourage all LymeLine readers to vote on Tuesday - but, being Jen, she does it in her own inimitable way! Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 10/31/08 |
"The Lady and the the Unicorn" by Tracy Chevalier
A day late (our apologies) but never a dollar short (in her words, at least!) - that's our incorrigible book reviewer Jennifer Petty Mann. This week she turns her attention to the famous tapestries known as, "The Lady and the the Unicorn." Jen reviews the work of historical fiction of the same name by Tracy Chevalier ... and isn't entirely impressed. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 10/25/08 |
"The Professor and the Madman" by Simon Winchester
If you thought the venerable Oxford English Dictionary (OED) was created by an English academic with a penchant for words, you'd be wrong - he was Scottish! But that's not the fascinating part of the "The Professor and the Madman," which details an extraordinary relationship behind the first edition of the OED, and is Jen Mann's review choice this week. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 10/17/08 |
"December" by Elizabeth Hartley Winthrop
We anxiously wait each week in the LymeLine newsroom to see which book Jen Mann has chosen to review for us. Will it involve vampires or vagrants, soufflés or sour cherries, or, as this time, an 11-year-old girl, who has stopped speaking for nine months? We can't wait to read this extraordinary novel ... Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 10/03/08 |
"When You Are Engulfed In Flames" by David Sedaris
Our perennially popular book reviewer Jen Mann takes on the author David Sedaris this week. His work entitled, "When You Are Engulfed In Flames," motivates her to discuss, among other things, the complex role of a humorist, who is also a "social theorizer." The result, as always, is an urgent need to read this book about which we knew nothing until her review arrived! Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 10/10/08 |
"You're Not You" by Michelle Wildglen
The Book Fairy has been busy up in Lyme and left our dedicated book reviewer, Jen Mann, a present. Faithful to the task, Jen delivers an incisive review of the mailbox gift, the soul-searching novel, "You're Not You," by Michelle Wildglen. But in case the Fairy isn't flitting past Lyme this week, why don't we help out and send Jen some titles we'd like her to review. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 09/26/08 |
"Eclipse" and "Breaking Dawn" by Stephenie Meyer
Jen Mann is still engrossed in the world of Bella and Edward. This week, she reviews not one, but two, of Stephenie Meyer's captivating books and, if any faithful follower of Jen's is still having second thoughts about reading this series of novels, we'd be surprised, since, she continues to find them, "engaging and encompassing." Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 09/20/08 |
"Full Moon" by Stephenie Meyer
We have a suspicion that the world - especially in Lyme - stops when Jen Mann's book review is late. That's what happened this week (for which our harried publisher takes full responsibility) and, rest assured gentle readers, we do understand the gravity of our oversight. So here it is - finally - and what a mighty one, exploring, "New Moon" by Stephenie Meyer. Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 09/13/08 |
"Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer
If it's Friday, it must be book review day, and so as not to disappoint the many readers, who anxiously await Jen Mann's forays into the literary world each week, here is yet another of her mini-masterpieces, this time on "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyer. And if her review doesn't inspire you to beg, steal or borrow this book, then we'll eat our collective hats! Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 09/05/08 |
"As Told At The Explorer's Club. More Than Fifty Gripping Tales of Adventure"
We received a call today from a gentleman, who told us he started checking LymeLine purely to read Jen Mann's book reviews. He said he found them, "insightful," but added to our delight that he now considers LymeLine his best source of local news. This week's review is of, "As Told At The Explorer's Club. More Than Fifty Gripping Tales of Adventure" Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 08/29/08 - 1 opinion posted |
"All Fishermen are Liars" by Linda Greenlaw
Our book reviewer Jen Mann takes us into the world of a woman, who's definitely not your everyday gal. Linda Greenlaw, who found fame without seeking it, in "The Perfect Storm," is the only female swordfishing boat captain in the country. Yet Jen finds her an everyday sort of girl and says reading, "All Fishermen are Liars," is "akin to hanging out with her." Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 08/22/08 |
"Maiden Voyage" by Tania Aebi
Our book reviewer par excellence, Jen Mann, throws us a challenging curve ball this week. It's a "What if?" question with a difference. So, what would you do if Daddy offered you a college education or a 26 ft sailboat to circumnavigate the world? Tania Aebi answers that question in "Maiden Voyage" (the title's a clue to her response) ... but what would yours be? Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 08/15/08 |
"Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress" by Susan Jane Gilman
The book that Jen Mann has chosen for this week has a rather off-putting title. As Jen rightly comments, "Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress" by Susan Jane Gilman sounds like yet another "chick-lit" bit of fluff and yet, to her surprise, Jen found, "clever introspection and witty social commentary." Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 08/08/08 |
"Her Royal Spyness" by Rhys Bowen
It's summertime and so our ever considerate book reviewer, Jen Mann, finds a nice, light read for us this week. "Her Royal Spyness" by Rhys Bowen may be awash in the "flirty-flighty-girly-glory" of the 1930s British landed gentry, but Jen concludes the heroine is, "a super character in a devilishly good plot." Read More ...
Jennifer Petty Mann Published 08/01/08 |
"The Sour Cherry Surprise" by David Handler
Jen Mann stays close to home this week when she happily dives into the now well-established and remarkably familiar world of the most unlikely pair of sleuths. David Handler lives in Old Lyme and sets his Mitry and Berger mystery novels in Dorset, Conn., which strikes a strong similarity to his hometown. "The Sour Cherry Surprise" is the latest in the series. Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 07/25/08 |
"Margarettown" by Gabrielle Zevin
This week Jen Mann picks a book written by the same author as her choice of last week. In fact, "Margarettown" by Gabrielle Zevin precedes "Elsewhere's" publication by a few months - an extraordinary time-frame. This is a book for adults (unlike the previous week's selection), but invokes a very different response being, "neither a fairy-tale nor a traditional tome." Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 07/18/08 |
"Elsewhere" by Gabrielle Zevin
Jen Mann challenges us this week to think about a topic from which we generally prefer to shy away ... death. But her latest book review choice, "Elsewhere," by Gabrielle Zevin, tells a story that turns our usual beliefs about the subject on their head. Life after death (in Elsewhere) brings regressive aging all the way back to (almost) birth with extraordinary consequences. Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 07/11/08 |
"Innocent Traitor" by Alison Weir
It may be a day late, but it's certainly not a dollar short. As always, Jen Mann offers a deeply insightful review, and this time, into a tragic tale. Lady Jane Grey was queen of England for nine days: Alison Weir's novel, Innocent Traitor, looks into the life of this sad, but smart, girl, who unwillingly became the pawn in a power struggle with the highest stakes. Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 07/05/08 |
"Close To Shore" by Michael Capuzzo
Our intrepid book reviewer Jen Mann reviews a "scientific and historical work" for us this week, critiqueing "Close To Shore" by Michael Capuzzo, which describes a series of shark attacks off the Jersey shore in 1916. As always, her clever mind sees beyond the pages and draws a fascinatng parallel between the goings-on out at sea with those on Edwardian land. Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 06/27/08 |
The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho
This week Jen Mann reviews a book, which she describes simply as one that, "everyone should read." She concludes that the symbolic tale of "The Alchemist" - Paulo Coelho's most famous novel - may or may not help you decide whether you should follow your dreams, but, "the chance is worth the read." Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 06/22/08 |
"Hamlet" by William Shakespeare
Our acclaimed book reviewer, Jen Mann, serves up a bumper crop of book reviews today, presenting not one, but two, and cleverly makes a point. She reviews Act I of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and, to prove Shakespeare's appeal is not only perennial, but also age-blind, her 10-year-old daughter takes on Act II. Read More ...
Published 06/13/08 |
"Endless Feasts" by Ruth Reichl
Once again, Jen Mann not only makes us want to part with more cash in the direction of Amazon, but also this week deliciously tickles our tastebuds with her review of "Endless Feasts." In this collection of essays edited by Ruth Reichl and taken from 60 years of writings by a variety of authors in Gourmet magazine, Mann finds, "a plethora of humor and insight." Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 06/06/08 |
"The Serpent's Tale" by Ariana Franklin
Our perennially popular book reviewer, Jen Mann, this week reads "The Serpent's Tale,"sequel to the previously reviewed, "Mistress of the Art of Death," both by Ariana Franklin. And Jen would love to hear titles of readers' all-time favorite books. She will then select books to review from the list, so start e-mailing your favorites to jpmann@sbcglobal.net adding, if you wish, a note explaining your choice. Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 05/30/08 |
"The Third Angel" by Alice Hoffman
Jen Mann's book choice this week for another of her incisive reviews is "The Third Angel" by Alice Hoffman. She finds the "tangled web" of the plot "remarkable," while also admiring Hoffman's seamless manipulation of the timeline. Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 05/23/08 |
"Loving Frank" by Nancy Horan
We received a reader's opinion this week, which said, "I wish Mrs Mann would review for Amazon, absolutely no comparison in the quality of reviews." We disagree wih the first phrase (since we want Jen to stay writing for LymeLine!) but heartily agree with the second. Read another of Jen's increasingly influential book reviews and find out what she thinks of "Loving Frank" by Nancy Horan. PS This isn't any old Frank - it's the most famous one. Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 05/16/08 |
"Garlic and Sapphires" by Ruth Reichl
This week our popular book reviewer Jen Mann dives into the world of the restaurant critic, but naturally, no ordinary restaurant critic. Ruth Reichl works for The New York Times and dines regularly at restaurants at which most of us might just afford an appetizer. To experience what we mere mortals might encounter at such exclusive spots, Reichl dons one disguise after another. Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 05/09/08 - 1 opinion posted |
"Stripped"/"Without Warning" by Eugenia Lovett West
Jen Mann stays close to home this week with a book originally self-published under the title, "Stripped," by an author, who, at the time of its publication, was, like Jen, living in Lyme. Eugenia West's murder-mystery has now been republished as, "Without Warning," and Jen finds the heroine, Emma Streat, who hails from Connecticut, entirely believable. Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 05/03/08 - 1 opinion posted |
"The Girl Who Stopped Swimming" by Joshilyn Jackson
Jen Mann this week reviews a book that she hesitates to describe as a mystery, noting that "The Girl Who Stopped Swimming" by Joshilyn Jackson is more of a who-it-is than a who-done-it. Set in the deep south, two of the key characters in this fast-paced novel are a Jekyll and Hyde-like pair of sisters, who discover so much more than why the swimming stopped. Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 04/26/08 |
"Mr. Pip" by Lloyd Jones
With apologies from our editor for its delayed publication, Jen Mann is back with another must-read review of a compelling novel set on an island off Australia. "Mr. Pip" by Lloyd Jones draws its storyline from real events in Papua New Guinea, but cleverly weaves together powerful characters with the unlikely thread of Dickens' "Great Expectations" Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 04/19/08 |
"Evening" by Susan Minot
Determining the high point of our lives is something that, in reality, can only be done in our dying days. Our popular book reviewer, Jen Mann, explores a book this week that is written from within the mind of a woman close to her death, who suddenly, clearly and passionately, sees her own life's zenith through the confused ramblings of her memories. Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 04/11/08 |
"The Lace Reader" by Boronia Barry
Our book reviewer Jen Mann confesses that she especially loves a book when she can lose herself in its literary world. She determines "The Lace Reader" by Boronia Barry meets that goal and is also, "a mastery of skilled writing." Others must agree because the novel, originally self-published, was recently sold to a publisher in a multi-million dollar deal. Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 04/04/08 |
"Mistress of The Art of Death" by Ariana Franklin
This week our book reviewer Jen Mann, pictured left, turns her attention to a most unusual book. "Mistress of the Art of Death" employs all the techniques of a contemporary forensic thriller, yet the novel is set in medieval England, and the heroine is a doctor at a time when a woman practicing medicine is almost a witch. Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 03/28/08 |
"Freddy and Fredericka" by Mark Helprin
This week our resident book reviewer Jennifer Petty Mann takes a look at a book about British royalty. But there's nothing conventional about this tome - Mann concludes that Mark Helprin's "Freddy and Fredericka" is a brilliantly crafted novel that will have your sides splitting much of the time but which also conveys a powerful message. Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 03/21/08 - 1 opinion posted |
The Isobel Dalhousie Series by Alexander McCall Smith
We're delighted to welcome Jennifer Petty Mann to the LymeLine team today as our resident book reviewer. She grew up in New York City, moved to London, then Boston, and is now happily ensconced on the EightMile River in Lyme with her husband and three little ones. Jen opens with a look at not one, but four books, all by Alexander McCall Smith, and featuring Scottish sleuth, Isobel Dalhousie. Read More ...
By Jennifer Petty Mann Published 03/14/08 - 1 opinion posted |
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