"There are things I want you to know" about Stieg Larsson and me by Eva Gabrielsson

I really enjoyed Larsson's trilogy starting with 'The Girl with the DragonTattoo'.   It was very interesting to see how the core of his writing was truly based on life experiences and the world around him.  He was very political and involved with causes, as was Gabrielsson.  They fought the same causes and wrote together.  Given that they were not married she got nothing, regardless of the 32 years that they were together.  It has been an on going battle for her, but she is surrounded by family and friends that have been her rock and continued to help her through this difficult time.

Thin Ice by Mark Ammons

Subtitle: Crime Stories by New England Writers -- I read most of these short stories.  Some were very creative and funny, others were just horrible.  None of them were good enough that I would search out the author to read more of their work.  If you want something mindless and are not looking to try to find someone new to read, this will be right up your alley.

The Newcomer by Robyn Carr

A very easy read dealing with a few different story lines.  There is a teen who has to deal with spurned love and bullying, a love that has finally taken the leap and a life changing move that may strain a new relationship.  It is all woven together really well and very moving at times.  Carr is very good a a simple read with good depth.  Looking forward to more in this series.

The Zookeepers Wife: a war story by Diane Ackerman

This was not what I was expecting and it ended up being very much an education on the persecution of Jews during World War 2 in Poland.  The zoo that housed many animals turned into a place where people could hide.  I have read a lot about the war and that time period, but this really gave  me a good picture of what people went through and the lengths that people went through to save others.  It was very well written with amazing descriptions and content.  Is is a book I would have chosen had I known what it was about, probably not.  Am I glad that I read it, absolutely.

One Woman Farm by Jenna Woginrich

Subtitle: My life shared with sheep, pigs, chickens, goats and a fine fiddle -- What a fun book.  It was a quick read full of life and description.  Woginrich takes you through a year on the farm, some of the struggles and all of the joy.  She really embraces every moment and loves what she does, and can be quite infectious.  I don't know if I want to be a farmer, but she does light a fire under you.  She has written other books and I think I am going to look them up, she is great and has a wonderful way with words.