The Witch of Lime Street by David Jaher

 My latest blog is for The Witch of Lime Street for Blogging For Books.

  The Witch of Lime Street starts with two people: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle-a true believer in spiritualism, and Harry Houdini-a man who made a career out of trickery and has a more difficult time believing in the psychic phenomena. The two men start out as friends, visiting each other's homes and even attending seances together, but a space opens between them as Houdini goes about debunking many psychics so-called gifts. One by one famous psychics are taken down as they're examined more closely, but then along comes Margery, The Witch of Lime Street, who gives them all a good baffle.
   I really enjoyed this read and the book kept my attention all the way to the end. It was interesting to read about this era of spiritualism, to see the trickery that some 'mediums' would use during their party games. Their clever antics convinced many people of their 'powers', including intelligent men like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. But then Harry Houdini started questioning their abilities. It didn't seem to be his intention to deliberately embarrass mediums, but instead to seek out the one who didn't use tricks to contact the dead, the one who was an authentic seer, and in the process their chicanery was revealed.
  I recommend this book. Dig in, judge, explore, and draw your own conclusions. This book would be especially good in a book club as it's a great conversation starter.

Home For the Summer by Mariah Stewart

 I haven't blogged some of the books I've been reading from my own collection in some time...too long!

  First up is Home For the Summer by Mariah Stewart which has been in my pile since 12-12-13 according to the date I wrote in the flap. Was it worth the wait? Well....
  Home For the Summer is part of a series of books called The Chesapeake Diaries. I love these family saga stories where you get to see the same characters again and again through the books. Although this is the first book I've read in the series, it sounds like there is some good stuff I missed- and I'd like to read more.
  In this book, Lucy is a wedding planner from the west coast. She returns to her mom's inn to help plan a huge, upscale wedding for a couple while also having a little flirtation with her old schooltime friend, Clay.
 My only complaint about this book was the wedding planning. It went on and on in great detail, everything this couple wanted, except it doesn't really add anything to the plot. I don't really care about every detail that goes into planning a wedding. The main focus should've been on Lucy and the secret she kept for years about something that happened to her as a teenager at the inn. In the final chapters she reveals it to Clay, but it falls a little flat. It's revealed...Clay says it's okay, it's over....and it is. I would've liked her to have been more tormented by the inn and her secret, instead I got a detailed list about everything in the wedding guests gift baskets.
  Great writing though. I could really picture this beautiful little town and inn, I just wanted a little more beef to the storyline. Would I give Chespaeake Diaries another chance?? For sure. I'm not giving up yet.

Tune In by Mark Lewisohn

Here is my latest book to blog from BloggingForBooks...


   Tune In is an epic history of the early years of the Beatles by Mark Lewisohn starting from their childhood to the beginning of their music career in the early 60's. It's loaded with facts and personal details about the Fab Four-many of which I never heard before.You get to dig into what made these guys the creative icons of the music industry. Nothing is sugar coated, I came away from the book realizing I would not have liked John Lennon as a teen, he was a punk and a lazy brat at times, but without that bravado I don't think the band would've succeeded the way it did.
  I admit that I did skip a few sections that didn't interest me, mainly things on the business end of the band. It's an overwhelming amount of pages to get through, so read what interests you and skim if you want.  There is something there for every aspect you might be interested in learning about the band: Family histories, family relationships, friendships between members, how the guys managed at school and work, personal tragedies.....Whether you're a casual fan or a die hard fan-buy this book! You will not be disappointed.

Fatal Frost, Defender's of Justice by Nancy Mehl

My latest review for Bethany House Publisher's is Fatal Frost by Nancy Mehl.

   This story digs into the action in the first chapter and never lets up! It features the character Mercy Brennan, a U.S. Marshal who seeks out cartel kingpins and takes them down. She finds herself paired up with her longtime friend Tally and Ex Mark on a hunt for a drug cartel leader. They get stranded in a snowstorm and take up refuge in a cabin where they believe they're safe from the thugs that are after Mercy for a flashdrive they believe is in her possession. Are they safe?? Of course not! And the survival instinct kicks in full force.
Mercy has a tough edge and is a compelling character that you root through all the way through. Mark is a great, manly match for her, and Tally is perfect as the best friend who really cares. I love the setting of the cabin in the middle of nowhere-in a snowstorm! I've always loved survival/suspense stories-will they make it? How? And who is behind the setup?? Lots of action keeps this book from ever getting boring. I'm looking forward to more!

Brides of Lancaster County / Wanda E. Brunstetter

I finally finished my Brides of Lancaster County tome last week, 900+ pages of pure Amish romance and I have to admit, I wouldn't have minded reading another 900 pages. Wanda E. Brunstetter seems to be the queen of Amish fiction, she has a way of capturing this lifestyle better than any other I've read so far. 

 The Brides of Lancaster features four different stories following the people in Lancaster County through the years. Characters actually age, a child in one book is ready for courting in the next book, so you see the progress made among the families as each story unfolds.

 The first book is the story A Merry Heart, which features a woman who's grown bitter after her ex has taken off with another woman, will she grow to love the kind Amish man who needs a mother for his (adorable!) little girl? (I think we all know what will happen, but it's the journey where all the meat of the story is!)

 Book two is Looking For a Miracle. Miriam's niece Rachel is all grown up now but in a wheelchair from the accident she suffered in A Merry Heart. She struggles to find independence while hoping for a good man in her life. Love this character, all the characters, frankly, for their steadfast will and beliefs.

Book three is Plain & Fancy. Young Eli meets a girl- An Englisher girl (gasp!) will he stay true to his religion?? Will Nancy join Eli in the Amish faith just on the basis of her love for him?? Nancy is as obsessed with her figure as the others are with making her fat, if she marries Eli, will a boppli ruin her figure forever?? (I love any story that ends in a boppli!)

The Hope Chest. Rachel's children are now grown and looking for a good man, but when her daughter gets involved with Reuben and leaves the Amish church, how will the family deal with the ex-communication?

Each story is different, and each story has it's own charm.  If you have a month, devote yourself to this book, or-save your wrists and look for each book individually!- there are no disappointments here.

From This Day Forward / Lauraine Snelling

My latest review for Blogging For Books is From This Day Forward by Lauraine Snelling.

    From This Day Forward is a story about Norwegian immigrants and their offspring living in a small midwest community in the early 1900's. This is a break from all the Amish books I've been reading, although the characters capture the same wholesome feel. I liked the setting of an upstart town with nurse Deborah, it reminds me a little of Dr.Quinn Medicine Woman. The only thing missing for me was a little more background on how and why the Norwegians settled in this town. There are some vague references to coming over and people they had lost along the way, but I think it happened in past books and I wasn't familiar with their backstories. Other than that, I caught on to how everyone is related  (with the help of the nifty family tree in the front of the book) and I grew to like these characters, no bad apples in this bunch.   Deborah the nurse struggles with her feelings for two different men- does she take her old friend Toby, or the new hot teacher in town Mr.Gendarme?- I'll say that it ends with a sweet wedding like most romances do....but I won't say which guy wins her heart!
  There's no real life-changing drama, just everyday life for these families. The story floats by like a gentle breeze.

Barons of the Beltway by Michelle Fields

My latest review for Blogging for Books is Barons of the Beltway by Michelle Fields.

   It was pretty clear a couple of chapters into this book that the author was a Republican, because every person she accuses of wasting money in Washington D.C. is a Democrat. I think we all know that's not true, the book would've been more balanced if she reported on some of the Republicans who abuse the system, too.
 She also seems to have something personal against Joe Biden, stabbing him several times in the book with sharp jabs. What she sees as taxpayer waste-Biden goes out for dinner with his wife, interrupting some traffic, and chats with passersby on the sidewalk-I see as a vice president who wants to remain grounded and still in touch with the people of the city. So you have to read this book and form your own opinions.
 The stories are meant to poke the bear and get us upset about taxpayer waste-and in many chapters succeeds. Extravagant parties for staffers, personal planes, outrageous speaker fees...all feels like excess we're footing the bill for. The author ties in stories from history that also features excess from our founding fathers- This is definitely not a new problem. Will anything ever be done about it? I don't think so.
 Again, I would've liked to have seem the author be more objective and feature some Republicans in the bashing, they're definitely not saints either.  Otherwise, the book is an interesting read. I'd recommend it to Republican readers, but they're angry enough already. Democrats? This won't please you either.

The Wish / Beverly Lewis

This is my latest review for Bethany House Publishers, my latest novel I received is called The Wish by Beverly Lewis.

  To start off, I am quite liberal so you wouldn't think I would enjoy these Amish romances as much as I do because they are very religious and upright-but it's just the opposite: I'm a total geek for a good series of Amish romances. In fact, I enjoy the innocent and pure lifestyles these books are about. It's, I believe, why so many people are so fascinated by the Amish, deep down I think many of us would secretly like to chuck our modern lifestyles for this way of living-at least for a while-and you can do that when you  read a book like this for an hour.
  In The Wish, two best friends-Gloria and Leona-are pulled apart as teenagers when Gloria's father is excommunicated from the Amish community they live in. That means pulling up roots and leaving for Arkansas before Gloria and Leona can even say a proper goodbye. A few years pass and Gloria contacts Leona out of the blue, asking her for a visit at her new home in Arkansas. Leona accepts and makes the trip to visit Gloria in her Englischer world. ( That was one of my favorite parts of this book, the differences between modern Gloria and Plain Leona on her visit. Gloria has a cell phone and a car, and Leona is a bit in awe of her new friend, who is the same yet different.) After the visit, Leona invites Gloria back to Amish country for a visit. Gloria has some questions about the her own modern life, since it was thrust on her as a teenager without her say, so...will Gloria decide to return to the Amish life or not?? You'll like watching it unfold.

Chocolate Days, Popsicle Weeks by Edward Hannibal

According to the date on the front flap I got this book around 3 and a half years ago....not worth the wait.

  Chocolate Days, Popsicle Weeks is what I call a "One-Dayer". I gave it a shot, made it through the 6 or so pages describing-in minute detail-the inner workings of a popsicle factory.... Skipped a chapter to get to the good parts....The man marries, they complain to their landlord about the heat....skip,skip,skip....He lands a job in New York, they go out for an expensive dinner they can't afford....A third in, still no action....And dumped it. I got a 4-Parter Wanda Brunstetter tome coming up next in my pile and don't have the patience this week for a small print, rambling, 1950's New York snore of a novel.
  Bring on the Amish!!

Almost Dead by Lisa Jackson

 I have no idea where I got the copy of this book, all I know is it looks pretty waterlogged and it's been in my pile for several years...my guess is I got it really cheap- or free- at a garage sale. What a value for a great story!

  Lisa Jackson is quickly becoming one of my favorite mystery writers, I've read several of her stories now and I've enjoyed them all. In Almost Dead, a woman -Cissy- is dealing with the release of her mother from prison as family members are being murdered around her. Her main concern is to protect her son B.J. "Beej" while trying not to fall back in love with her ex-husband. Spoiler Alert: The latter doesn't last. No surprise, since that's what we expect when a couple bickers in a book.. The ending packs a wollop, the murderer ends up being a woman...who knows Cissy-but Cissy doesn't know her! (You'll see).
  I enjoyed this one. It moved rapidly enough, wasn't too bogged down with romance, and enough twists that were surprising but not confusing.

Extraordinary Ordinary Moments by Jorey Hurley

Here is my latest book review for Blogging For Books:

  Extraordinary Ordinary Moments is a thick book (an inch thick, to be specific) loaded with topics that give you free range to draw your answers. It's a kind of drawer's journal but the pages aren't dated so you can choose a page to draw on-or several-start in the middle of the book if you like.
  The open ended questions are things like A gadget you love, Something you slowed down to do, Something you'll never stop loving, and more.Take a break, pick a page, and start drawing-it's that simple!
  This is a super book for all ages. Very enjoyable and relaxing. Buy this a gift for someone, it's a treasure!

Evergreen by Susan May Warren

   I loved this novelette-even though I read it in steaming hot August, a good Christmas story is a treat yearround! It's the story of a couple of empty-nesters in Minnesota who deal with the unexpected arrival of a troubled nephew.
  It sounds as if there were a few books before this one that I wasn't aware of, but the story is super easy to join in progress. Love the realistic relationships between John and Ingrid and their six successsful children. It's a family I would love to be a member of!
 Christmas or not-pick it up and enjoy! The Christiansen Family Series...I'm going to look forward to more!

Marked in Ink, A Tattoo Coloring Book by Megan Massacre

Here is my latest review for Blogging for Books!

   I was so thrilled to try out another new coloring book, so far, of all the adult coloring books I own-this one is my favorite. I love these designs!! Lots of details to fill in, great designs, dark outlines, and tear out pages so you can display your work!
 Here are some of the ornate designs you will find in this book: A large butterfly, an owl, skulls, flowers, a fanciful fairy, an intricate mandala...the book is filled with patterns you'll love! Don't get spooked about the topic being tattoo, these are great designs whether you're a tattoo lover or not.
  Here's a pic of my work in progress and a pic of the book you'll want to pick up (pssst! It's under 11 dollars on Amazon!!!) :
   

Where Hope Prevails by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

(I received a review copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing)

   Where Hope prevails is a quaint charmer set in the Rocky Mountains of Canada. Young teacher Elizabeth Thatcher returns to the town where she was teacher the year before to find several changes-some she likes and some...take adjusting to.
 The characters in this book follow their moral compass. My favorite of them all is boardinghouse owner Molly, she's so old-fashioned and sweet. She's the wise old sage Beth turns to when she needs advice.
 Beth struggles with the new male teacher because he believes in a secular classroom and she believes in teaching religion. I don't really understand why she is so against him, he's serious, but she acts like he's poisoning the kids when he just wants to teach them the facts. On the other hand, the book tries to make you see things through Beth's Christian eyes and heart, and why she feels the way she teaches is so important. While I don't always agree, it doesn't effect my overall opinion of the book.
 I consider myself pretty liberal, but I still found the book a pleasant read. I can put aside the politics to enjoy the story for what it is : A young ambitious teacher, a long distance love, a cozy mining town, and a range of delightful characters. A safe read for all ages.

Pop Manga Coloring Book by Camilla d'Errico

My latest Blogging For Books review is the adult coloring book Pop Manga Coloring Book by Camilla d'Errico


No doubt the illustrations in this book are very fanciful and beautifully drawn. A great book for a Manga fan, but just average for the coloring book fan. I couldn't find a whole lot to color on some pages because the drawings are already so beautifully detailed. But, there is still plenty to color on other pages, so get lots of colored pencils in tons of colors for magnificent Manga artwork. Go subtle or fill in lots of detail, have fun!

The Godfather

I'm halfway into this book.
I know I don't look like the type who would dig a good mafia murder novel, but I love this book!!

No Way Up / Mary Connealy

My latest review is No Way Up by Mary Connealy. I received the book through Bethany House Publishing.

  No Way Up starts with action in the first chapter. An avalanche takes down the patriarch of the Cimarron Ranch and he sets the rest of the story in motion. The three siblings are forced to live together as dad wishes while he's away recovering. The siblings then face danger from a mysterious shooting on the nearby mesa. Sadie and ranch-hand Heath decide to scale the mesa to find out who is taking aim at them.
 The story is set in the 1800's in New Mexico. I think it would be an enjoyable read for both men and women because it has a good balance of both romance and adventure. I'm particularly glad the romance doesn't take anything away from the story, it's subtle yet sweet and doesn't interrupt the action..
 The only part I found slightly confusing was the reveal of the shooter was quite detailed, I had to read it a few times to put all the pieces together. But, it does set it up nicely towards book number two in this series.
 Check it out! Good western for all ages.

Where The Light Gets In / Kimberly Williams-Paisley

My latest Blogging For Books review is for Where The Light Gets In by Kimberly Williams-Paisley.

  I don't personally know anyone with dementia, so I can't imagine how devastating it must be to go through this disease with a loved one. Kimberly Williams-Paisley does the perfect job of describing the feelings that happen after you hear the diagnosis and dealing with the disease with your loved one. It's written very honestly and captures all the ups and downs.
  The book is not just about Kimberly's reaction but also the toll it takes on her siblings who take turns caring for their mother, and her father who has to cope with losing his wife while she is still alive. The book is not entirely depressing or sad to read, it strikes the right balance of hope and uplifting moments too.
 I would highly recommend this book to anyone dealing with this disease in their family.

A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay

  Loved this book. I never heard of Paul Tremblay before, but he's excellent. If you're looking for a thriller-this takes the cake.
 The story is about this family whose eldest daughter Marjorie starts to act...possessed. But the question is- Is she really??? The family turns it into a reality show and things spin out of control. I don't want to give away the plot, but I'll say this - Marjorie's possession is not everything you think it is...yet, there is something creepy about her that isn't quite right.
  The book takes place in flashbacks by Marjorie's younger sister, Merri. Merri is now an adult writing a book about the experience and voicing her opinions about the exorcism on a blog where she uses a pseudonym. Through Merri we get an new view of everything that happened years before.
 Creepy, suspenseful, not a back that will put you to sleep. Great stuff! I love finding a new author I love!

A Haven On Orchard Lane

My latest review for Bethany House Publishing:

  Judge a book by it's cover on this one! I just love it! The old English cottage filled with blooming gardens and a 'Come on in " open gate...it's the prettiest cover I've seen in a long time and it reflects the story well.
  The main characters are Charlotte and her estranged daughter Rosalind, although (spoiler alert) they don't estranged for long, which I'm happy about because it wouldn't be the same without their mother-daughter relationship. The two of them are brought together after Charlotte's mini-breakdown and stay at the titled cottage on Orchard Lane, England, during the 1880's.
  The lesser characters are just as charming. There is Mr.Pearce-the humble book store owner, Mrs. Hooper the town Busybody, Mrs. Deamer-a charmer who makes the perfect friend for Charlotte, and Coral-the meek but growing family cook. Together they make a great little ensemble of characters in this small English haven.
  The story flows along in authentic Olde English tone ('by the by' and a 'cuppa' tea while playing 'draughts') with some low level drama. It's the perfect escape that leaves you feeling happy and charmed, with nothing grisly or scandalous. It's a sensible story for all ages.
  I haven't read any other books by Lawana Blackwell, but this one makes me want to check out more. Perfect setting, great characters, and worth the time to read!

The Book of Joan by Melissa Rivers

 My latest book review for Blogging For Books....

    I can tell Melissa Rivers has inherited her mother's comedic genes because this book is filled with 'Rivers' quality' jokes and barbs. Each page has a laugh-out-loud moment, with chapters like Death Be Not Loud, and F's and U's and P's and Q's.
  This book is a great capsule of Joan's life, too,you learn about what she was like behind the jokes. Melissa's relationship with her mom will remind everyone a bit of their own mothers; the love, the exasperation, and the admiration as you grow older. It's another reason why the book is so relatable, it's not only about Joan and Melissa, it's those situations we've had with our own mothers that will make you laugh as you read along.
 Very Funny, very sweet, and a great weekend read.

Wonderland by Amily Shen

When I first saw this book being offered from Blogging For Books my inner child jumped  for joy. The Alice in Wonderland story as a whimsical adult coloring book! Receiving it was like Christmas Day.
  I've heard all about the adult coloring book craze but I had yet to take part in it myself, one pack of colored pencils later and I am hooked!
 Wonderland is loaded with high quality paper pages. I used colored pencils (fine markers would also work well) whatever you use you will need a sharp point because the details are very fine! Besides the fanciful drawings there is also the classic Alice in Wonderland tale, along with a few other activities like a seek and find that goes through the story, or a page to finish drawing your own version of the butterflies.
 There are not just hours of entertainment in this book-there are weeks and months worth! However much detail you want to fill in is up to you. Time flies and you can spend half an hour just perfecting the details on a small corner of a page. It's so relaxing and an activity any age would enjoy.
 Five+ stars! Make anyone happy by giving them this book.
I included some images of examples from the pages within the book:

Point of Origin / Patricia Cornwell

I picked this book up for 10 cents at a garage sale four years ago, (yes, I have four year old book piles) and I'm finally reading it. This is my blog-as-you-go review, because right now I'm about three chapters in. So far, pretty good. There's been a huge fire at the horse stables and the question is-is it arson?? And who is the mysterious woman melted under the shower door? And there's a side story of Scarpetta's niece and her psychotic lesbian lover, I don't know how that is going to pan out. I haven't read any of the four books earlier in this series, so I'm kind of piecing things together at this point. So far: I give this a B.

The Bee Friendly Garden

 My Blooging For Book's review of The Bee Friendly Garden

The weather is finally warming up here in the midwest making it the perfect time to consult The Bee Friendly Garden book. I was out uncovering my garden plots  and checking out areas that could use some new plants, but before I start planting I want to pick out the best plants to help with the diminishing bee population. After all, beautiful gardens + more bees is a win-win for all.
  It's so easy to start a bee friendly garden. I know, because the first year I started a little garden by the side of the house, I threw down a couple of packets of wild flower seeds and let nature take it's course. By the end of summer I had towering sunflowers and bold orange cosmos with little effort from me.
  Sunflowers are one of the easiest flowers to grow and bees love them. Black eyed susans and cosmos also make the list. There is nothing better than to watch the growth of a garden from the start of the season to the end. It's a highly addictive activity and before you know it you'll be expanding your gardens in all directions.
  The Bee Friendly Garden book has bright, full color pics of the flowers bees are most attracted to, along with lists of the best annuals and perennials to plant. Many of these are popular varieties that are easy to find at any home and garden center in the springtime, which makes it easy for anybody to get started. Or, if you don't have the time for a full garden, then a cluster of perennials will do. As long as everybody tries, the problem of diminishing bee populations can be helped.
 This is a great book for any would be gardener. The plight of the bee gives an extra incentive to plant a garden to enjoy and while also helping the ecosystem.

 How exciting!

Brooklyn on Fire, A Mary Handley Mystery by Lawrence H. Levy

   I was a fan of the first Mary Handley Mystery, Second Street Station, so I was excited when I saw Brooklyn on Fire offered from Blogging For Books.
 If you haven't read the first Mary Handley mystery here is a brief summary: Mary is a late 19th century lady who quits her job at a sweatshop to get involved in solving mysteries around New York City. Her sleuthing finds her crossing paths with many famous figures of the 1890's like the Rockeffellers and Thomas Edison.
 In Brooklyn on Fire, Mary's detective agency is finally seeing some business as she is asked to investigate a woman's uncle's murder only to find the coffin they exhume is full of rocks.
 There is a side story about city officers and water pipes that never really captured my interest. I've never found big city / inner city politics to be very captivating. I also thought - spoiler alert - that a little more time should have been focused on the murder of Sean's fiance Patti. For it being Sean's fiance and Mary's long time friend, they didn't seem to spend much time grieving over her until the very end.
 On the plus side, I like Mary as a character. She is a bit course sometimes, but overall a detective with class and sass. Her relationship with her family is spot on as they have a back-and-forth love/hate relationship. There is a lot more to deal with there. I can see this series continue to grow as Mary explores more of the relationships of the wealthy New York scene and their undercover crimes, as well as her own personal life.
 I'll look forward to book number three.

Fast Food Maniac by Jon Hein

My latest book find by BloggingForBooks is Fast Food Maniac by Jon Hein.

Fast Food Maniac is another tasty read similar to Food, A Love Story by Jim Gaffigan. In this book, Jon Hein, from The Howard Stern Show, wrote this book as a guide to all the major fast food chains plus many regional restaurants.  Each chapter delivers the menu items from each restaurant, fun facts like when each restaurant opened, their mascots and slogans, and a list of secret menu items (which are described in detail in the back of the book).
 The chapters are written in a fun and comedic style as Jon gives his take on some of the food that he's tried, similar to Jim Gaffigan's style.
  I loved the idea for this book. The only thing missing for me was color pictures and more details about the toys that have been offered in kid's meals over the years. I would've loved to have seen a list because I'm sure I would've recognized many.
 If you like Jim Gaffigan's Food, A Love Story then you will like Fast Food Maniac and vice versa. They're great companions to each other. While Jim Gaffigan's book focused more on his experience of eating the food from the restaurants, Jon Hein focused more on the restuarants themselves and their history.
 A fun book that's well worth the read. The My only warning is you'll be starving after reading all those delicious menu lists.

De Niro, A Life: by Shawn Levy

My latest Blogging For Books pick is De Niro, A Life.

  Robert De Niro is a rare breed of actor who completely immerses himself in his characters. He doesn't just read a script and give a perfunctory performance, he puts his whole heart and soul into it and really transforms into the character he's been chosen to play. This book analyzes the many (upon many) movies of De Niro's career and reveals what went into planning for each part.
  It seems I've seen only a fraction of the movies Robert De Niro has made, there were so many in here that I have not heard of. It was intriguing to read about the movies I've seen, a little less so with the ones I have not, causing me to skim over a few of the chapters. At 551 pages the book is thorough but also runs a bit tedious, going into detail on every movie De Niro has ever made and sometimes into the backgrounds of his directors.
 The only thing missing for me were more quotes and interviews from those who know De Niro. There are some but not a lot, so the book can run a little dry. But given the quiet nature of De Niro, I imagine it was difficult enough to get as much inside information as the author did. And there are many interesting stories-both behind the scenes of his movies and inside his personal life. The book has been very well researched.
 By the end you have such a respect for De Niro as an actor. So few actors research a role and dig as deep into the material the way he does. I'm among those people who are a little disappointed in his latest roles (outside of Silver Linings Playbook) when it seems more about the paycheck to him than the role. But it still cannot erase the amazing history of characters behind him.