The Taz Review Archives

PugThis.com

Where Pug and Book Collide

The Taz Review
PugThis.com December 26, 2006

The Pursuit of HappYness (3 bones)

Chris Gardner~302 pages

I had to hurry and read this one! Will Smith is starring in the movie version, to be released in the middle of December, and it made me angry that I missed this book! ( You all know I am book-crazy.) What a great story of overcoming extremely challenging circumstances ( one of which is homelessness), to achieve success. With bracing honesty, Chris Gardner tells his story of trying to be the father to his children, while pursuing his dream of obtaining financial success. A true motivational story and I will certainly go see the movie.

The Tender Bar-A Memoir
(4 bones)

J.R. Moehringer

413 pages

This book was voted "Notable Book of the Year" by the New York Times, and I agree. What a wonderful story, that is both unforgettable and heartwarming. A coming of age story about a boy (J.R.). Read it & LOVE IT. J.R. grows up in New York and spends much of his youth at the corner bar where he makes lifelong friends. Absolutely gorgeous writing, that is beautifully descriptive. You will stay engrossed in the antics of J.R. and the men he has befriended. At times funny, always full of love, if you've not read this, try it. It is not only J.R's story but the story of the men who frequent the bar.

Pugthis.com

The Taz Review

Any Bitter Thing

Monica Wood

335 pages 4 bones

Ok, WOW ! First time reading this author-definitely not the last ! After barely surviving a hit and run accident, 30 year old Lizzy remembers very little about her recuperation. However, she does remember seeing her adored but deceased uncle, Father Mike, who raised her until the age of nine. At that time she was sent to boarding school. Was her vision just that, a vision? Or an angel? A side effect of being heavily medicated? She sets out on a quest of sorts to find out the truth about Father Mike, to find out if the quiet accusations she overheard when she was a child bear any merit. What could possibly force a good man to leave the only family he'd ever known? What unfolds is a story chock full of emotion, suspense and surprise. About forgiveness, broken hearts and miracles that are found in everyday life.

Buy It Here; Any Bitter Thing, by Monica Wood



	PugThis.com The Taz Review

The Innocent
Harlen Coben (4 bones)

Happy Winter ! Now that winter is upon us, don't you yearn for a great book to read, while cuddled up with a cup of cocoa and a great blanket? Why not try a book written by Harlen Coban? My suggestion is The Innocent, 503 pages. I don't have a clue how I missed this one, because I normally am on the lookout for this authors newest releases. Guaranteed to keep you engrossed & turning those pages. A thriller in the best sense- you'll hate putting it down. The characters, Matt and Olivia are trying to pick up their lives when a baffling cell phone call changes everything. They are a likeable couple, normal, every day people, who are sucked into a world of crime, betrayal and intrigue because of one mistake and wrong choice. Try it out. 4 bones for sure..

If you enjoy this one, you might also like "Just One Look " and "No Second Chance"by the same author- 2 great ones,

Check back to pugthis.com for more of my recommendations.

Until next time,

Happy Reading,

Taz




© 2006 The Taz Review at PugThis com

The Taz Review

PugThis.com

The Lake of Dead Languages

Carol Goodman

390 pages

Holy Toledo! This is 4 BONES ! Good, Good, Good. I've had this book for a really long time (I'm thinking years), anyway, I was browsing for something to read a while back, --for those who don't know I practically have my own library. Ok, well back to the review. I started reading, and no joke, could not stop. Jane Hudson returns to teach Latin (get it? Dead Languages?) at the school she once attended. She fled the school after a tragedy, of which she carried the secret of, for twenty years. Strange things start happening, slowly bringing the truth to the surface. This book has surprise, after surprise, after surprise. Suspensful, dark and totally gripping. A winner and 4 bones.

Click here to check this book out at Amazon.com

The Taz Review

PugThis.com

Rise and Shine

Anna Quindlen

269 pages

A must read if you have a sister, and even if you don't. Meghan and Bridget are adult sisters, that have to face a difficult and embarrassing situation when Meghan, a talk show host, makes a nasty comment on the air, unintentionally. What occurs next causes the two sisters to learn a tremendous amount about themselves and each other. A story about love, families, and two women who learn to adapt and survive while managing to keep the connection they share alive. A great way to remind us of what matters most in life. This authors' other books are also worth a read if you haven't tried them yet. They are; Black and Blue, One True Thing and Blessings.

Book lovers never go to bed alone.~Anonymous

The Taz Review

Pugthis.com

A Piece of Normal

Sandi Kahn Shelton

340 pages

This is honestly a "Sheesh, I can't wait until I get home so I can crack open my book" kind of book. Lily, an advice columnist, is pretty set in her ways, and used to her predictable, but enjoyable life. Trying to find her ex-husband a girlfriend and taking care of her young son occupy most of her time (as well as her job of course). In comes the long lost sister, Dana, to shake & stir things up a bit. You will take a journey with Lily and Dana, a journey filled with love, laughs, and some plain old human growth. When tensions arise between the two, family secrets are exposed, forcing Lily to follow her own advice and accept lifes little detours. A funny and loveable story of family and the craziness that can come along with it. A definite 4 bones. I liked this one so much, I ordered this authors other book- What Comes After Crazy.

Buy A Piece of Normal from Amazon now!

The Taz Review

PugThis.com

A Piece of Cake

Cupcake Brown

470 Pages 4 Bones

This is honestly one of the most unbelievable stories I have ever read. The author, Cupcake Brown, tells her journey through her nightmarish childhood. After the death of her mother, when Cupcake was 11 years old, she and her brother were sent to live with their natural father, who was a stranger. Over the course of her teenage years she becomes a professional at running way. In addition,she battles drug addiction, alcoholism, gangs, sexual abuse and prostitution. Gathering food from dumpster's is just a beginning of what this woman went through. Through sheer courage, determination and her faith she totally turns her life to fulfill her potential, go to school, and become the attorney she is today. Truly horrifying to believe that our country can allow children to be subject to the"welfare system" yet allow these things to take place. A tragic and heart wrenching story of overcoming tremendous obstacle to believe that you can conquer anything and do. If you know someone who needs a little motivation or is down on themself, get them this book...please..absolutely riveting and inspiring. Buy this book now!

Have you read this already? If so post your thoughts on my blog ...thetazreview.pugthis.com

Free on-line book reviews for the Taz Review Newsletter. Receive reading recommendations in your inbox.
Copyright TheTazReview@Pugthis.com 2006