The American by Andrew Britton

From Amazon product description:At thirty-three, Ryan Kealey has achieved more in his military and CIA career than most men can dream of in a lifetime. He’s also seen the worst life has to offer and is lucky to have survived it. But being left alone with his demons is no longer an option. The CIA needs him badly, because the enemy they’re facing is former U.S. soldier Jason March. Ryan knows all about March – he trained him. He knows they’re dealing with one of the most ruthless assassins in the world, a master of many languages, an explosives expert, a superb sharpshooter who can disappear like a shadow and who is capable of crimes they cannot begin to imagine. And now, March has resurfaced on the global stage, aligning himself with a powerful Middle East terror network whose goal is nothing less than the total destruction of the United States.

Teaming up with beautiful and tenacious British-born agent Naomi Kharmai, Ryan intends to break every rule in order to hunt down his former pupil, whatever the cost to himself. As Ryan puts together the pieces of a terrifying puzzle, and as the elusive March taunts him, always staying one step ahead, he discovers the madman’s crusade is personal as well as political – and Ryan himself is an unwitting pawn. With the clock ticking down and the fate of the country resting uneasily on his shoulders, Ryan is caught in a desperate game of cat-and-mouse with the most cunning opponent he’s ever faced, one who will never stop until he’s committed the ultimate act of evil – a man who is all the more deadly for being one of our own.

So...six months later I can barely remember this one - that tells you something right there! I do remember that it was confusing - lots of paeople and names with not much character development to distinquish them from one another. And the whole "who are the terrorists and why are they doing this" was kind of murky too. But in the end, an action book like this one is just about enjoying the suspense and the chase. You know going in the good guys will likely prevail but it is (hopefully) entertaining to see how it all plays out and I feel no void/regret that I can't remember the details.

This book counts toward the 2010 Audiobook Challenge hosted by the bloggers over at Royal Reviews. Click on the button to see my progress.

Delivered from Distraction by Drs. Hallowell and Ratey

From the Amazon product description: Original, charismatic, energetic, often brilliant, people with ADD have extraordinary talents and gifts embedded in their highly charged but easily distracted minds. Tailored expressly to ADD learning styles and attention spans, Delivered from Distraction provides accessible, engaging discussions of every aspect of the condition, from diagnosis to finding the proper treatment regime.

As I was listening to this one, I felt like I was getting some good information but reflecting on it now, I realize that it didn't change any of our family practices. What it did provide was a pep talk to me as a parent. It encouraged me to see the positive side of Tween's ADD and to remember that we aren't walking this journey alone even though it often feels that way.

This book counts toward the 2010 Audiobook Challenge hosted by the bloggers over at Royal Reviews. Click on the button to see my progress.

You've Been Warned by James Patterson

From Goodreads: Kristin Burns is making her way in New York City. Her photos are being considered at a major Manhattan gallery, she works by day with two wonderful children, and the man of her dreams is almost hers for keeps. But just as everything she's ever wanted is finally within reach, her life changes forever--with one murderous nightmare. Kristin wakes up every morning from the same chilling, unforgettable dream. And suddenly, it's visiting her during the day too. As her life turns stranger by the minute, Kristin is haunted and terrified. Is it all in her head? Or is the nightmare becoming her life? Kristin searches desperately for what's real through the lens of her camera, only knowing two things for sure: that no place is safe and the fate of everyone she loves lies in her hands.

This was the rare James Patterson that I didn't like. It was very short just a handful of CD's but very confusing and not as interesting as most of his books. The idea has such great potential that it's a shame he didn't give it 100 percent and do it justice.



This book counts toward the 2010 Audiobook Challenge hosted by the bloggers over at Royal Reviews. Click on the button to see my progress.

Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson

From the Goodreads description: Katie Wilkinson's boyfriend Matt dumps her but to show he's not a total cad, he leaves her a gift, a diary kept by Suzanne, his first wife, for their son Nicholas. Though it's not exactly the diamond ring Katie was hoping for, she's unable to make herself destroy the diary-- against her better judgment, Katie begins to read. Drawn against her will into the other woman's world, Katie learns of doctor Suzanne's heart attack at age 35 and her decision to slow down, accomplished by a move to Martha's Vineyard and a new job as a simple country doctor. When love comes knocking, in the form of housepainter-cum-poet Matt Harrison, Suzanne is ready to listen to her newly repaired heart. Though painful for Katie, she begins to know and like Suzanne and her infant son Nicholas. Suzanne's devotion to Matt and their son shines through, as well as her plainspoken wisdom. While the journal helps Katie understand Matt, whether they can write a future together remains in question.

I added this one to my Facebook list of books read and two friends popped right up with "oh that was such a touching story, loved it, cried right through" and I thought, "huh?". How can there be such a difference of opinion?! All I wondered at the end of that book was why I had wasted an hour of my life reading it. I thought James Patterson was kind of tricky to sneak this one into his collection. I am used to the James Patterson of thrillers and suspense and I like him a lot. This was James Patterson being more maudlin than Danielle Steele and Nicholas Sparks combined and I did not like it. It's coming out (maybe came out already???) as a movie and I actually read a review that said the movie was better so maybe I'll add that to my list.