January Book Review

I finished my first book of the year! I set a goal to read one book per month for 2011. My hopes is that I’ll get back into the habit of doing something that I really love. Ever since I went back to school to get my master’s degree, I have gotten out of the habit of reading. I truly think it is a habit that you need to feed. I love it, but yet when I have down time, I don’t think of that as an option right away. I think about being on the computer or watching tv instead.

I finished reading the Alex Cross book, Cross Fire, by James Patterson. Mysteries are my favorite genre and I have always loved the Alex Cross books a lot. I enjoy it when authors really spend time developing their characters into great detail. In some ways, I feel that Alex Cross has been part of my life for many years. He’s an old bud! (side note – boy, would it be amazing to have someone like that to hang out with! Although I imagine you would be in danger a lot!).

This particular book was very good, but I did realize pretty early on that I obviously missed the one in series right before this one. I enjoyed the most the ability of the Kyle Craig character to work his way into a new life. The author has spent a lot of time developing this “bad guy” into someone that we can almost understand. I even found myself relating to him at times when he had such glee that Alex Cross didn’t recognize him. I always find it interesting that an author can help us as readers really feel emotions for the villain.

I’m worried about picking my next book now. I have several on my shelves that have sat there for a long time. But, I’m tempted to go to the library to pick out a new installment of my favorite cozy mystery. According to my sister, picking the wrong book for your next read can set you on a horrible path. I’m in the mood for a sure thing!