Beach Reads

One of the best parts of my vacation to Mexico (other than the views, the sun, the guacamole, etc.) is the ability to lay on the beach, for hours uninterrupted, and read. I read two books this trip, along with some magazines, and really liked both books.


"Change Of Heart looks at the nature of organized religion and belief, and takes the reader behind the closely drawn curtains of America’s death penalty. Featuring the return of Ian Fletcher from Keeping Faith, it also asks whether religion and politics truly are separate in this country, or inextricably tangled. Does religion make us more tolerant, or less? Do we believe what we do because it’s right? Or because it’s too frightening to admit that we may not have the answers?" (from the author's notes)
I really like Jodi Picoult's books. They always tackle a tough subject but never come off "preachy" or as if she has an agenda. This topic of this book was fascinating and some parts really made me think. There were a few twists to keep you guessing. Overall, I would give it a B+.

TheAppeal begins with the shocking conclusion to a lawsuit filed against Krane Chemical by Jeannette Baker, a young woman who lost her son and husband to cancer within eight months. The $41 million settlement is unprecedented, and Krane isn't taking it lightly. Jeannette is only one of hundreds of people in fictional Bowmore, Miss., who have been affected by Krane's decades of dumping toxic waste in what has come to be known as Cancer County USA. If the chemical company doesn't get a reversal on appeal, future lawsuits on behalf of more than 160 cancer victims will drain its deep pockets, especially the gold-lined wallet of owner Carl Trudeau. He has vowed those "ignorant people" won't get a dime of his money. Meanwhile, he's spending millions of his billions on his vapid trophy wife, junk art and most important, electing a limited-liability justice to the Mississippi Supreme Court who will deny Jeannette's monetary award on appeal. More than a novel, The Appeal is an exposé of how highly organized special-interest groups, loaded with cash, can manipulate the judicial system. It's Grisham's bully pulpit for reform. "(USA Today Review)

Generally when I read John Grisham books, I can look at them as pure fiction. This book got me really irritated or concerned about some of the back door politics that go on, and the way we are often manipulated by people with money. The ending was extremely unsatisfying, but overall, the book was well worth ready. B