Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone - J. K. Rowling

Amazing for a first-time author. She has created a world of magic that is parallel to our real world in every sense. I look forward to seeing some of these magical inventions in the film version.

Harry Potter & the Camber of Secrets - J. K. Rowling

The magical world of Harry Potter gets even better with this second volume. Each book covers one year of Harry's training at a boarding school for magicians. He saves the day again, of course, and shows that "It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities" (which can be very comforting).

Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban - J. K. Rowling

This third episode will be hard to beat with the next volume. (A good female character would be a nice addition.) A killer is after Harry at his boarding school, and everyone is in danger. Very intriguing, with a well-devised, complex plot, complete with time travel. The best Harry Potter yet!

Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire - J. K. Rowling

The fourth episode in this series is more than twice as long as book three. It is just as good, but too bad not twice as good. The youthful targeted reader has supposedly grown up somewhat as Rowling has given this story a much darker feel. The book opens with the Quidditch World Cup and then Harry proceeds through three grueling tasks in a Triwizard Tournament held at his famous boarding school.

The Life of Our Lord - Charles Dickens

A lesser known work by the author of "A Christmas Carol" which was not published until almost a hundred years after it was written. It was written as a personal message delivered each Christmas to his children, telling of Christ's life and ministry in simple language (unlike his usual style) and sharing Dicken's desire for his children to become more like Him.

Mars and Venus in Touch - John Gray

An interesting little book by best selling author, exclusive to Hallmark stores for Valentine's Day. Reads somewhat like a textbook, giving generally typical insights into men and women and how they might improve their relationships.

The Midnight Carol - Patricia K. Davis

I have always wondered what could have inspired the wonderful tale of "A Christmas Carol ." Whether or not more fact or fiction, this midnight carol is a wonderful addition to that immortal Christmas story. Having picked it up on cleaarance I began reading uncertain whether the work would have any merit. Two chapters into it, I found myself completely taken in by the many feelings and images that the story invoked. It made sense that the author is a script analyst for several film companies. (I would like to see this in film!) The plot was finely woven and the text superb, in the style of Old England, fresh with clever insights, and fitted with excerpts of Dickens own works. It kept me transfixed enough to see it through to the end in one evening. For short story set at Christmastime (like the tale it is about) it is another holiday treat to add to your Christmas buffet!

Prozac, Panacea or Pandora - Ann Blake Tracy

Engrossing and emotional. It seems it may be hard to draw the line between street and prescription drugs. Doctors may be prescribing these kinds of drugs too readily, based on the minimal testing that was actually done. Should be used as briefly as possible and along with counseling. Effects range from the short lived "bliss in a bottle" (that then worsens), to an overall deterioration in personality. Reduce dosage gradually when discontinuing to avoid withdrawals, which are not often mentioned by doctors.

The Runaway Jury - John Grisham

A New York Times bestseller, not a classic, but amusing. A politically correct view of the crooked tobacco companies and their manipulation of the legal system--it really makes you sick to think about it. (The film version on gun control was a change for the worse.) After being captivated and reading for two days straight, I felt I had been victimized too!

The Religions of Man

I had stowed this book on my shelf for 20 years, meaning to read it. It was excellent and pertinent now as people are turning to a deeper understanding of other people's religions since 9/11. By a world renowned religious scholar, its current edition is titled, The World's Religions. Although a mass-market paperback, it was used as a textbook for a religion class at BYU. What makes the book heartwarming is that it is written by a man who obviously has a deep love and respect for understanding what is at the heart of people, that drives their motivation for living. I had an enjoyable voyage, learning a great deal from this book about other religions. It especially gave me a frame of reference for my own Christianity, having been raised in the LDS church. Only the basics of Christianity was touched upon, as what must have been the case with the other major world religions. I could see how unique and eclectic the LDS are and found bits of my belief in each chapter. It was good to find out how very much all people have in common.

Standing for Something: 10 Neglected Virtues

That Will Heal Our Hearts and Homes - Gordon B. Hinckley

Forward written by Mike Wallace. 10 basic principles explained with mass appeal, including personal stories and anecdotes, accentuating the positive things that may be achieved by both societies and individuals. Unexpectedly something I couldn't put down!.

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