Janet McKinney's Titles

Wild by Cheryl Strayed (Classics, Literary Fiction, Biography) While this book could fit into four of the subject categories, I learned more about the author of this book than I have learned about other individuals in biographies. What remarkable determination for survival and identity during her horrific life challenges--alone. Amazing read about an amazing woman. Be ready to be depressed; be ready to be joyful. I am anxious for this week's book club discussion with friends. -- Added by Janet McKinney on 02/25/2013 Add Comment

Heartbroken by Lisa Unger (Adventure, Suspense, Travel, Sports) In the mood to make a random selection of a book while waiting for my husband to check out his literary finds, I selected a book by an author I had never heard of, much less an author about whom I knew nothing. What a pleasant surprise and discovery! While Emily's life is one disaster after another, Kate's life gives the reader a refreshing perspective on "..just a thing. And things don't mean much. Only people matter." Family dynamics, changing relationships and suspense during challenges for survival are only a few reasons to read this mystery filled with crime by Lisa Unger. I look forward to reading more novels by this author of compelling suspense thrillers. -- Added by Janet McKinney on 02/25/2013 Add Comment

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (Science Fiction, Fantasy, Science, Health) Although this read was a tad out of my comfort zone and definitely eerie in parts, I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys bizarre twists in relationships. It was an interesting perspective on some aspects of circus life and challenges of entertaining audiences. Depth in characterization through masterful visualization kept me reading, as well. -- Added by Janet McKinney on 02/25/2013 Add Comment

Killing Kennedy by Bill O'Reilly (Mystery, Horror, Crime, Business, Politics) A MUST read. Although troubled by the realities of political cover-ups, including the role of the media, the wealth of factual documentation for details within this page-turner enhanced my understanding of this tragedy. An amazing behind-the-scenes journey through life in the White House, impact of personal decisions on political life and enlightening perspective on relationships between LBJ and the Kennedys, Oswald and his wife and the consequences that come with greed for power. However, even during the narrative of some of the most difficult times, the glimpse of Caroline and John Jr. engage the reader to importance of family, above all. -- Added by Janet McKinney on 01/24/2013 Add Comment I think you must be referring to the book "Killing Kennedy" by Bill O'Reilly, not "Killing Lincoln" by the same author. -- nkennedy on 02/07/2013

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh (Romance, Women's Fiction, Relationships, Humor) In parts, a heartbreaking read with a hopeful ending. Through the characters the reader witnesses a personalized perspective on the importance of relationships, especially when the child/teenager is a ward of the state and vulnerable to the foster care system. A wonderful read and refreshing connection to the meanings of flowers and how with forgiveness love prevails. This is a book I will purchase to share with others! -- Added by Janet McKinney on 01/24/2013 Add Comment

Where Men Win Glory by Jon Krakauer (Historical Fiction, Westerns, History) Readers interested in learning more about military involvement in the Middle East, historical and cultural background about warfare in those countries prior to 9/11 and since, as well as the role of the government, will enjoy reading the book. Pat Tillman's character, motivation, family relationships and degrees of patriotism were of personal interest to me. Not an easy read, especially in historical chapters. However, worth the time to learn more about Pat Tillman, truth about his death and impact on the family. -- Added by Janet McKinney on 01/14/2013 Add Comment