The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman

The zookeeper's wife is the true story of Jan and Antonina Zabiniski, Polish Christian zookeeper in Warsaw, who helped hide over 300 Jews during World War II. Ackerman tells their story using Antonina's journal entries for most of her information.



The characters are well developed and the book reads like a novel despite Ackerman's use of extremely descriptive language which could "bog" the reader down at times. But, overall, an eye-opening and interesting book.



Written By Phyllis Kelly

Grey's Anatomy

Meredith Grey, Christina Yang, Izzie Stevens, George O’Malley and Alex Karev are new, passionate surgical interns at Seattle Grace Hospital who find themselves under the supervision of one Dr. Miranda Bailey, who has the nickname “The Nazi” for a good reason – she is tough on her interns. But having “the Nazi” as a supervisor is the least of their problems.

Much is expected of Meredith as her mother, Ellis Grey, is one of Seattle’s finest surgeons however, Meredith’s mother doesn’t even recognize her due to early onset Alzheimer's and Ellis doesn’t want anyone to know. Then there is the guy Meredith picked up at a bar the evening before who just happens to be the new head of Neurosurgery, Dr Derek Shepherd.

Christina was first in her class and wants to stay that way. Although eager for difficult surgeries her bedside manner leaves much to be desired. Despite her ambition and abrasive manner she and Meredith soon become firm friends.

Izzie Stevens put herself through med school by modeling lingerie and now has to deal with the consequences. George O’Malley is talented, but unsure of himself. His effeminate nature makes him come across as gay to his fellow interns which does little to boost his self confidence. Then there is Alex Karev whose macho ways keep getting him into trouble.

The cast is rounded out by three other surgeons: The for-mentioned Dr. Derek Shepherd, Dr. Preston Burke who may be the best surgeon at the hospital but his arrogance could get in the way of his ambition. Finally, the hospital's Chief of Medicine, Dr. Richard Webber whose devotion to the hospital is beginning to cause him marital problems.

Told through the eyes of Meredith Grey, this fast-paced, witty medical drama is a welcome addition to the rest as it is packed with action, romance and does not always portrayed the doctors as heroic, but also reveals their humanity in flaws and ambitions that any surgeon might possess.

The Choice by Nicholas Sparks

For those readers who like stories of finding true love, Nicholas Sparks delivers... again.

Travis Parker is a vet who meets his neighbor, Gabby Holland, when he helps deliver her dog's puppies. Their relationship grows despite a rocky beginning as Gabby must make a choice between Travis and her longtime boyfriend. But the tale doesn't end there with a happily ever after as eleven years later Travis must make a choice between life and death when Gabby is involved in a car accident.

The narrator, Holter Graham, although a good reader tended to be nasally at times which I found a bit irritating.

Written by Phyllis Kelly

The Book of Three

In this first book in the Chronicles of Prydain we meet Taran, a boy who yearns to be a great hero and battle evil, not an assistant pig keeper in the hamlet of Caer Dallben. But when Hen Wen, the oracular, pig escapes his charge Taran sets out to find her and soon runs into danger for he is not the only one looking for the pig - the evil Horned King is after her as well.

Accompanied by Prince Gwydion, Princess Eilonwy, Gurgi, the bard Fflewddur Fflam and many others, Taran’s quest leads him, not only to an evil castle, dungeons, a secret underground village, but also from an unformed boy to a determined and courageous young man. He begins to see his home, himself and his future in a new way.

Filled with light hearted humor this first book has everything need to make this book a classic: adventure, danger, heroism, persistence and courage.