The Last Five Books I've Read

This installment of "Five Books" is really six books. Seems I'm always a little tardy with this series! Here goes:

6. The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World by Eric Weiner. A former NPR correspondent, Mr. Weiner travels the world to find happiness. He makes some conclusions about what does and doesn't make for happiness, but in the end I was happy that knew his story. Funny guy that Eric. My rating: ****

5. Decision Points by George W. Bush. President Bush admits some mistakes but stands by his decisions in this memoir. I enjoyed his personal stories and his perspectives of his presidency. I am a George W. Bush fan. My rating: ****

4. Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace ... One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson. A failed attempt to climb the world's second tallest mountain led to the construction of more than 50 schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. It was accomplished by knowing this Baltistan proverb: The first time you share tea with a Balti, you are a stranger. The second time, you are an honored guest. The third time you become family." Mr. Mortenson's book made me think that foreign relations should be smoother going than it is today. My rating: ***

3. Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua. In this book, you go along with the author as she raises her two daughters. She was a very strict Chinese mom and the girls are very successful. But at what cost? My rating: ***

2. Witness in Death by J. D. Robb. This is the 11th book of a series of 35 -- so far, and yes, I've read the previous 10. This series, set in the 2050s, stars Eve Dallas - a dedicated cop, and her husband Roarke - the richest man on the planet. In this installment a man is murdered onstage while Dallas and Roarke are in the audience. I didn't figure out "who did it." I never do. :) My rating: ***

1. The Angels of Morgan Hill by Donna VanLiere. A black family moves to Morgan Hill on the day of Jane's daddy's funeral, both events making life difficult for Jane and her family. This book is about growing up in the South, about poverty, and about overcoming racism. I loved it. My rating: *****

Up next: The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe by J. Randy Taraborrelli. I guess Randy can't keep a secret!