Trials of Tiffany Trott by Isabel Wolf

Started reading this thinking it was another Bridget Jones ripoff. Grew aggravated with the whole “must find a man” element. And then the book started to change, you realize Tiffany wants a bit more out of life, she’s not going to settle for whatever, whoever. Then this becomes one of the funniest, cleverest books ever. Really loved it, made me feel good about life and singlehood and such. Tiffany is brilliant, should get a series of her own. I want more.

finished reading March 27, 2003

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

A bit darker, which I appreciated. This is the point when Harry starts to become a bit out of control – much more so in book 5. The beginning scenes, the intro of the death eaters are horrifying. And the death of Cedric, wrenching. I was shocked. Great book though.

finished reading March 9, 2003

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

This book was so good. I was up until three am finishing it. Impossible to put down once you read the last hundred or so pages. The best of the Harry Potter books I think.

finished reading Feb. 19, 2003

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

I’d seen the movie over Thanksgiving and wanted to read all the books. Followed closely to the movie.

finished reading Feb. 8, 2003

The Breaker – Minnette Walters

As became something of a pattern for me, a bit of Walters makes me hunger for more… this book didn’t disappoint. Lots of twists and surprises. The detective work is nice.

finished reading Jan. 28, 2003

Shape of Snakes by Minnette Walters

This book blew me away. Minnette Walters touches on the horrors of racism, class issues, police disregard quite successfully (something she tried to repeat in Acid Row, but not so successfully.) On the surface, it’s a murder story, the female lead won’t let it go, she’s bound and determined to find out what happened to her murdered neighbor. (You’ll understand why on the very last page, but don’t read ahead, because you’ll spoil the fun.) And on a deeper level it’s about a woman demanding respect, refusing to be ignored. She has a bastard for a husband, shits for friends, but she charges on, her determination is admirable. Loved this book so much. Walters is one of my favorite writers, and this is one of my favorite books.

finished reading Jan. 16, 2003