Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

I started out loving this because it was the Sophie Kinsella kind of goofy/funny, but as I found out more about the very sad circumstances of the main character, the goofy/funny became jarring and kind of ugly.  Then things twist and turn a little, and the ending felt pretty slapped together and unsatisfying.  (But it was goofy/funny, so there is that.)

Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld

I've been in a real book slump lately--I've started and abandoned maybe a half dozen books after reading a third to a half way through.  So this was a breath of fresh air just for holding my attention.  It wasn't perfect, but it was interesting, with good characterization and some interesting reflections on, you know, life and relationships and everything.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Big Brother by Lionel Shriver

This was exceptionally good.  I think what I like best about Shriver's writing are the little lines of insight peppered throughout the book.  But the plot and characters were great, too.  And the social commentary.  And as long as you can stand the f-bombs, this would be a great choice for book groups.

Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella

Great fun.

Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls

I only read this because I had to for book group.  I didn't like it because I don't know how to read a "true-life" novel.

The Execution of Noa P. Singleton by Elizabeth L. Silver

If you read the blurb, you expect a bleeding-heart liberal story about the death penalty.  This is not that.  It is more of a psychological thriller.  It was pretty gripping.  But there were a few weak plot points, so it was ultimately unsatisfying.

Review copy provided by publisher.