 Lady in Waiting |
 Morning Star, Midnight Sun by Jeffrey R. Cox If you enjoyed “Neptune's Inferno” (and who didn't?), then you will certainly enjoy “Morning Star, Midnight Sun” by Jeffrey R. Cox. Extensively, even lavishly researched, it provides what for me were new perspectives on previously perplexing issues. Of particular note, this book helped me more fully understand VADM Fletcher's decision-making regarding pulling the carriers away from Guadalcanal, thanks to the inclusion of commentary from people who were actually present whenever the decision was made. The detailed narrative includes that of the soldiers, sailors, and Marines (both Japanese and American) who actually did the fighting. You feel like you're in the cockpit, on the bridge, or in the jungle alongside them. In addition, Cox possesses the ability to tell a complicated tale without getting bogged down with too many details. I've never understood the Battle of Savo Island as well as I did after reading this book. I will say that if you are not intimately familiar with the geography of the Solomon Island chain, you will need a detailed chart. Illustrations of tactical situations and a few appendices would have been nice as well. Having said all of that, I strongly recommend this book. It is detailed, witty, highly readable, and addresses one of the most significant surface ship battles in the history of the US Navy. Review by Captain Kevin Eyer (Customer)  Living Forever Chic by Tish Jett A superb guide and resource for “women of a certain age”. Tish Jett is an American who has lived in France for over 30 years. As a journalist and fashion editor of Elle Paris, Jett has gained insights from friends and experts in the field of “l'art de vivre”. A wonderful collection of classic elegance for living, entertaining, dressing, and enjoying life at its best! Review by Christine (Staff)  Shattered Sword by Jonathon Parshall and Anthony Tuly An excellent look at the critical battle of Midway from the Japanese perspective. This book explains how the “unbeatable” Japanese lost at Midway and how that loss influenced future actions by Japan. Not a “quick read” but well worth the trouble. Review by J. Kohn (Customer) |  The Late Bloomers' Club by Louise Miller You will want to move to the charming, small New England town of Guthrie, Vermont after reading this! Nora inherits a sizable piece of property but finds out that the property was to be sold to a “big box” company that would forever change and impact the small town that she lives in. Sweet and idyllic – a total delight of a book! You'll never want it to end! Review by Christine (Staff)  The Plea by Steve Cavanagh As a former con artist, Eddie Flynn is often torn between following the law and using his previously successful talents. This book includes: 1. The FBI 2. A billionaire accused of murder 3. Eddie's wife, who is a lawyer, being threatened with prison If you enjoyed “The Lincoln Lawyer”, you will have found a new favorite in “The Plea”. Review by Susan (Staff)  All These Beautiful Strangers by Elizabeth Klenfoth This is an excellent mystery regarding an elite prep school in New England. The hazing that the students have to go through in order to be accepted as the “A's” of the school is interesting and brutal. There is wonderful insight into the world of these privileged students and the price that they pay to get ahead. Murder and mystery! Review by Terri (Staff) |
Well, summer is almost over! It's time to gear up for cooler weather and deeper thought by getting immersed in an awesome book. Read about our picks for August below!
 Bad Blood by John Carryrou Truth is really stranger than fiction! This unbelievable story about the audacious (to put it mildly) Elizabeth Holmes and the billion-dollar startup that she built on lies and false promises will make your jaw drop! Carryrou certainly did his due diligence, as every detail is thoroughly researched and intricately woven to paint a picture of Theranos- Silicon valley’s biggest scam! Five stars! An enthralling read! Review by Abbey (Staff)  City of Devils: The Two Men Who Ruled the Underworld of Old Shanghai Lucky Jack Riley. Navy boxing champ turned imprisoned gambler escapes prison and makes it to Shanghai. He meets up with “Dapper Jue” Farren, the Fred Astaire of Shanghai. Both aspire to rule the “Wild East’s” entertainment and gambling world between WWI and WWII, where rules are made to be circumvented with bribes and threats. Both found Shanghai the ideal place to escape their pasts. Riley’s experience with loaded dice, slot machines, and the desired R&R of the US military combines with Dapper Joe’s showmanship and management skills to develop an on-again, off-again partnership and war under the noses of the Chinese and Western nations first, and then the Japanese as various factions ruled and were bribable… Add to the above the dope smuggling supported by the Western countries and you have a continuing action non-fiction thriller! Enjoy!!! Review by Lee (Customer)  The Hard Thing about Hard Things by Ben Horowitz I’ve been an investor in startup companies for 25 years, as well as a company founder. I’ve read hundreds of management books and most are garbage, but this one is excellent. It’s written by a company founder & CEO who sold his firm to HP for 1.6 billion dollars. It’s a CEO primer and I’ve given copies to three of my CEOs! Review by Dave Eastman (Staff)  Team of Teams by General Stanley McChrystal USA (retired) An intriguing book that chronicles the transformation of General McChrystal’s Take Force Iraq from a rigid hierarchy into a responsive network of highly effective, interdependent teams better suited to confronting the AQI terrorist network. Ultimately, the transformation created a decentralized organization that was far more effective due to new approaches in information exchange, common situational awareness, delegation of authority, and comprehensive changes in organizational culture. He also explores similar transformations at other organizations, including NASA. This book examines the changing role of management and should be of interest to anyone involved in leadership and transformation. Review by John (Customer) |  You Were Made for This by Michelle Sacks All mothers love their babies. Or do they? In the twisted forests of Sweden, an upscale New York couple tries to settle into quiet, domestic life but it proves difficult. Jealousy, lies, and post-partum depression invade their lives- intensely so. Review by Marilyn (Staff)  Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens As a former science teacher I know that the loving presentation of the flora and fauna in this story deserve special attention. Yes, the story about the “Marsh Girl” is one that is interesting and engaging to read but when Kya (Marsh Girl) document the wildlife in North Carolina in her yet to be published books- that is what drew me into her world. Take a look and you too will be entranced at the marsh life and perhaps learn what qa crawdad is! Review by Susan (Staff)  The Last Cruise by Kate Christensen Reading this novel was like watching a movie. The characters are complex and vivid with real, complex, relatable problems. The ending took me by complete surprise, too! Check this book out! Review by Marilyn  Safe Houses by Dan Fesperman In 1979, Reagan had still not yet spoken the famous words- “Take down this wall”. The CIA was still tracking Soviet spies and truthfully, spies from every country. Enter Helen Abell, a new CIA recruit who believes that she is made of the right material for a job that goes beyond ‘coffee runner’. Her safe house Berlin assignment ends up being more of a housekeeping job! When she overhears and tapes a conversation that appears to be a CIA agent attempting to rape an informant, her life is changed forever. Now, years later, her daughter is trying to find the person who has murdered Helen and Helen’s husband. Her daughter is also trying to protect her brother who has been charged with this very crime! Fesperman writes exceptional characters that grow and become so real…you might expect to see their names in the paper! Redacted of course!!! Review by Susan (Staff) |
July is here!!! It's hot, it's sweaty, and it's time to hit the beach or your local (air-conditioned) bookstore and find something new to read! Here are some of our newest reviews by our lovely staff and valued customers! Check them out!
 The Summer I Met Jack by Michelle Gable When Alicia Darr, a young, pretty immigrant from Poland meets the charming Jack Kennedy, she is immediately taken with his attractive personality. Based on a true story, the relationship between Alicia, Jack, and the disapproving Kennedy clan has summer sizzle written all over it! Michelle Gable is a GREAT historical fiction writer! Review by Christine (Staff) |  The Dark Lake by Sarah Bailey After reading this book I let it percolate in my mind for a couple of weeks. I could not get it out of my mind- how does a police detective investigating a case to which she's personally tied to take herself out of the story? Or does she? That is the underlying question that carries through this first novel by Sarah Bailey. Detective Gemma Woodstock is a complex individual who just happens to be a police detective....but what is her real story? Read this book and find out! Review by Susan (Staff) |
 My Twenty-Five Years in Provence by Peter Mayle If you are familiar with Peter Mayle, you'll enjoy this book- and if you're not, you will still definitely enjoy these amusing anecdotes of rural french life. Very funny and easy to enjoy- perhaps sitting in a cafe? Review by Christine (Staff)  A Torch Kept Lit by William F. Buckley Jr. A Torch Kept Lit presents more than fifty of Buckley's best eulogies, drawing on his personal memories and private correspondences and using a novelist's touch to conjure his subjects as he knew them/ We are reintroduced, through Buckley's eyes, to the likes of Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, and Martin Luther King Jr. Review by Chloe (Customer)  Lido by Libby Page Great to find a debut novel by an author who has developed such interesting characters! This is a great, uplifting story for readers who like this genre! Enjoy! Review by Christine (Staff) |  Star of the North by D.B. John Likely more of a true story than a fiction novel, this book tells the tale of Japanese Prime Minister Abe's plea for the return of kidnapped Japanese citizens from North Korea. Our protagonist Jenna's twin sister goes missing, and the family believes she is one of the kidnapped Japanese. After years of struggle, they find out that she could still be alive- but what has her life been like? Review by Susan (Staff)  Eat Like Walt by Marcy Carriker Smothers A wonderful momento of Walt Disney's World. Each Disney attraction has a story behind it and photos from yesteryear. A beautiful gift for Disney lovers and collectors! Review by Christine (Staff)  The Lost Detective by Nathan Ward Though not an author initially, Hammett soon made up for the delay with five novels in as many years, and more than 50 short stories published throughout his career. Murders were still a genteel matter before he came on the scene and they were solved via elegant deduction made by the likes of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. Not so, in Hammett's mind. He spent years gumshoeing for the Pinkerton Detective Agency before ever putting pen to paper, and when he finally began to write, the murder mystery genre was changed irrevocably. Drawing from his personal experience, Hammett crafted some of the most iconic detectives ever written. Sam Spade, the Continental Op, Nick and Nora Charles and their beloved Asta- all made famous by Hammett and all front-runners in the crime noir genre. Ward's biography focuses on these influential years of Hammett's career, including his brief stint in the army and his travels across America (even documenting his time in San Diego!). Finely crafted and thoroughly researched “The Lost Detective” is a delightful look at a fascinating man. Review for Jeanette (Customer) |
 Unbreakable by Thom Shea This story is based on the true words and accounts of former Navy SEAL Thom Shea. He writes with conviction and passion as he describes his life on and off the battlefield. He gives honest advice on subjects that span from spiritual faith, relationships, and mental and physical abilities. This is a great and inspiring read, and is very humorous as well! Review by Chloe (Customer) |  Us Against You by Fredrik Backman The Beartown story continues with Backman's superb writing! YOU become a citizen of this town...past and present. All the town's problems are what draw the reader into the good and bad aspects of a troubled community. Beartown has one and only one focus- HOCKEY. There are numerous problems in this dark, forested town like there are with any town and, of course, with people. Review by Susan (Staff) |
 The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz Horowitz writes this novel first person as a successful fiction crime writer (Magpie Murders, Trigger Mortis, Moriarty, Alex Rider series, etc.) and screenplay write (Foyles War, etc.) turned detective/pseudo-nonfiction writer. He weaves some of his actual personal story into a request by a successful, unorthodox, retired detective inspector's request t o write a story about a crime he's been investigation when it has not yet been solved-and rather than paying the author, he wants to go 50/50 on the royalties. This leads to a lot of self-questioning by the author who is used to planning the end of the story because he creates the characters and their actions. Now he must discern what is important and must be attentive to details that may or may not be important, while being inexorably tied to a taciturn detective. You will not want to put it down- a fun read!!! Review by Lee (Customer)  Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck by Jim Collins and Morten Hansen Once again, Collins analyzes “bodacious amounts of data” to end up with seven companies out of 24,000 that have succeeded in chaotic times through 2002. His conclusions provide new insight and have very little overlap with his previous books. He compares these seven companies with their competitors who faced similar hard times and explains how they both responded to the same challenges- good and bad luck, etc. He provides useful insight on what companies must do to excel. Review by Lee (Customer)  Letters from Leaders by Henry O'Dorman A wonderful gift for a graduate (or anyone, really.) This collection is full of letters of inspiration, wisdom, and life journey. Eighty letters and lots of insight! I gifted one to myself! Review by BJC (Staff) |  Warlight by Michael Ondaatje In the years following WWII in London, teen brother and sister Nathaniel and Rachel are left behind by their parents who have to move to Singapore for work. Moth, a family friend, cares for the teens and in doing so, shapes their adult lives. A mesmerizing story of growing up during a time period of spies and secrecy. A terrific, thrilling, and imaginative story! Review by Christine (Staff)  Twisted Prey by John Sanford The latest in the Lucas Davenport series proves that this author has grown and improved with age while adding new characters and even changing the setting. Davenport finds himself once again sorting through the political challenges of Senator Smalls in D.C. while far away from his Minneapolis home. Lucas has aged, and like most of us, has a different role to play, but the plot is fresh and current regardless. The side comments and dialogue make it a fun and fast read! Review by Lee (Customer)  My Patients and Other Animals by Suzy Fincham-Gray Animal lovers and pet owners, this is your book! A wonderfully insightful read about a veterinarian raised in the UK who came to the US to specialize. She covers ethical responsibility and the complexity of caring for human beings who have to make heartbreaking decisions. Touching stories! You'll love it! Review by Sue (Staff) |
Here we are again- eight new reviews for a beautiful new month! It's May! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the books are fresh and interesting! Check out our staff's favorites for the month, and then come by Bay Books in Coronado!
 The Rational Bible by Dennis Prager If you brain hurts from the constant work of figuring out the moral foundation of our country, you might want to give Prager's book a read. This in depth, “rational” look at the Biblical book of Exodus is for all: Jew, Christian, Atheist, and Agnostic. This book is rife (not an exaggeration!) with calm , cool, logical thought from an experienced public speakers and religious Jewish man. If you are a Prager newbie, try his radio show! It's on Monday through Friday on AM 1170 from 9:00-12:00am. P.S. The intro about the commandment, “Honor Your Father and Mother”, is worth the price of the book! Review by Susan (Staff)  Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines The Magnolia name does not need my endorsement- BUT- this is a great “don't reinvent the wheel” cookbook! My favorite is the Salmon with Meyer Lemon and Cucumber salad. The photos make every recipe look mouth-watering. Each step is written clearly and understandably! Review by Susan (Staff)  Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate This historical fiction story is about two families, two generations apart. In Memphis, 1939, a poor, young family is torn apart and the children are placed in an orphanage (think little orphan Annie, only worse). In present day South Carolina, Avery Stafford seems to have it all- wealth, a good career, and a handsome fiance, until an encounter with a stranger leaves her with haunting questions about her heritage. This story is based on the true scandal of the Memphis bases adoption organization in the 1930's. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Review by Caryn (Staff)  Only Killers and Thieves by Paul Howarth A beautiful “down-under” Western read set in the late 1800's, this historical fiction brings to life the hard world that the new settlers who chose to take over the Aboriginal land in Western Queenland faced. This novel clearly depicts the conflicts that arose during this time. A must read about a family and their survival though murder, revenge, and redemption. Review by Terri (Staff) |  Napa at Last Light by James Conaway This is the history of the “founding” Napa families and the stories of how they made their wineries what they are today. If you are interested in wineries then you will enjoy reading about Napa! Review by Christine (Staff)  Have Dog, Will Travel by Stephen Kuusisto If you love dogs... Welcome to the world of the service dog. Stephen Kuusisto is lucky enough to be finally getting a service dog. He has been blind his whole life and hopes that his dog will help him navigate the outside world. What he experiences with his Labrador Corky is so much more than he ever thought possible. This is life changing! Review by Christine (Staff)  In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende With her very personal style, Allende tells us the story of three individuals touched by the issues of immigration, human trafficking, and injustice. Transcending politics, with humor and humanity we explore the impact of these wrongdoings though the lives of these three people. Review by Angelica (Owner)  Tell Tale by Jeffrey Archer Articulate, sly, witty, and laugh-out-loud funny! This collection of stories from Jeffrey Archer is the perfect read for those who enjoy a well-written mystery and surprise. Archer's ability to craft an engaging setting and to lure you into his seemingly normal characters- and then when you are completely enthralled with your surroundings- he drops a big surprise ending on you! Marvelous!! You'll love it! Review by Christine (Staff) |
Here we are in spring- a beautiful time in Coronado and the perfect season for a little reading at the park surrounded by natural beauty! But alas, you may find yourself searching far and wide for something to read and yet coming up short. Well, have I got a blog post for you! Check out this month's staff picks and honest reviews and then come by and grab a book or five for yourself! Or you could purchase one of these books as part of our Independent Bookstore Book Crawl from April 28-30!
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| Hunting El Chapo by Andrew Hogan This is an extraordinary true story of the capture of the leader of the Sinaloa cartel. It is so well done and compelling that you will be on the edge of your seat until the last page .This book also contains great information on how the DEA operates. This is a must read. Review by Barbara (Staff)  | Tangerine by Christine Mangan Ms. Mangan's debut novel is a compelling read. Teugier is a great setting for this thriller- I couldn't put it down. Her style reminds me of Highsmith or DuMaurier. Two friends from college in New England unexpectedly run into each other and seem to pick up where they left off- or do they? I highly recommend this book. Review by BJC (Staff)  |
| Rocket Men by Robert Kurson In 1968 the Apollo 8 Mission to orbit the moon was crucial for NASA and the United States. Learning the motivation behind the heads of NASA and of the astronauts tasked with this dangerous mission sheds a new light on the story. You will feel like you art a part of this mission as you read along! Highly recommend! Review by Maria (Staff)  Spineless: The Science of Jellyfish and the Art of Growing a Backbone by Juli Berwald Get stung by this book at the beach. A happy tale of a lady returning to a passion for nature after a sabbatical of motherhood that's made all the more interesting with facts and figures about the eternally mysterious jellyfish. This book is an enjoyable way to learn more about our ecosystem, the fascinating translucent jellyfish, and maybe even yourself! Review by Rikki (Staff)  Confessions of Cartel Hit Man by Martin Corona An excellent book detailing gang life a contract killing for the Arellano Felix Cartel. Martin Corona tells the tale of the vicious life of a contract killer living in San Diego and Tijuana. Review by Joe (Staff) | The Lost Letter by Jillian Cantor It's 1989 and since Katie Nelson's dad's memory has deteriorated, he's moved into a care facility. He collected stamps for years but now Katie is left with his collection. Katie brings the stamps to be appraised and the appraiser, Benjamin Grossman, finds something very interesting- a stamp from 1939 Austria that was placed upside down on the letter, something Benjamin had never seen before! The story moves between Austria in the late '30s and present Southern California. The intrigue of the stamp and the letter begin to take over Katie's life. She is a journalist by trade and therefore tries to unravel the mystery in an era before Google! This tale is crafted with detail and insight, history and emotion, and you will be drawn into the story. You will think about it long after you've finished it! Review by CLM (Staff)  Women in Sunlight by Frances Mayes Frances Mayes is a poet! Women in Sunlight is the story of three older women (who still have plenty of great years ahead of them!) entering the next phase of life. They come together at a chance meeting and then choose to live together for a year as a trial period- in Italy! All three women have suffered in some way and yet challenge themselves in this new country. This story shows Mayes' incredible gift of bringing to life the lush beauty of nature, art, and food to the reader so vividly that we are journeying right alongside the characters! Very inspiring! Review by Christine (Staff)  Noir by Christopher Moore If you are a Moore fan, you will love this new tale. It has a unique style of humor and writing- it's sarcastic and very funny. The story takes place is San Francisco, the author's home. The characters are bizarre but endlessly lovable. This is an entertaining and laugh-out-loud story that will keep you involved until the last page. You won't be disappointed! Review by BJC (Staff) |
Book Reviews
Here at Bay Books, one thing we are known for and enjoy doing is having all our staff hand write reviews of books they have recently read.
These reviews can be found through out the store, in every book section. We will be sharing some of these reviews with you all regularly here online so you can share in the fun even if you are out of town and can not get into our store.
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