"Fevre Dream" by George R. R. Martin

I found this book a bit too long and a bit too tedious. It definitely wasn't as good as "Interview with the Vamoire", that it was compared to for its originality. Then again, Fevre was written over 20 years ago, and vampires have been done to death since then, so I may be jaded. On the other hand, I did appreciate experiencing the atmosphere of the steamship trade on the Mississipi and other rivers.

"Lady Susan" by Jane Austen

I enjoyed this book which was Jane Austen's first work, and written as a sequence of letters from various individuals. I felt quite close to Jane Austen and her ironic sense of humour when I was reading it. However, I also think the book felt so alive to me because I had just seen a movie based on it. The movie was a bit tricky to follow, which is why I read the book. I'm glad I did because it has given me new respect for Jane Austen.

"Traditional Russian Fairy Tales... lacquer miniatures" translated by Paul Williams

I have to say that this was a mediocre translation. Passages in one or two of the stories were very garbled indeed. However, I did enjoy the experience of the book.... the smell, the illustrations, the references to Baba Yaga whom I know from my own childhood. It's hard to find specifically Polish titles, so this is why I have broadened my horizons to Russian.

"Deception" by Jonathan Kellerman

I enjoyed the book, but am tired of the author. I think I'll take a break from him.

"Evidence" by Jonathan Kellerman

What can I say... "been there, done that." But this light reading is helping me cope with the misery in the beautifully written "Grapes of Wrath".

"A Curious Man: The Strange ...Robert 'Believe It or Not' Ripley" by Neal Thompson

I agree with the reviewer who described this book as surprisingly boring, considering the subject matter. Nevertheless, I think it was worth reading for the historical tidbits I picked up. And what a fine coincidence.... I read about Ripley's trip to the the Grand Canyon while Ray and I were actually visiting it.

"Bones" by Jonathan Kellerman

Of the books I have read by him recently, I think this was my favorite. Maybe I'm just getting used to his style again. And he does have the unique distinction for me of being an author who is able to keep my interest and not compel me to read the ending beforehand.