Before you go on... Every book is linked to its site on Amazon.com. They are linked to the paperback edition, because it's cheaper. Anyway, in a few cases the covers shown are those of the hardbacks, but they are all nonetheless linked to the paperbacks.

1999-December: The Sacrifice Stone, by Elizabeth Harris

This is your average "fiction" book; not very well written. It wasn't particularly difficult to read at all, but I didn't think it was very eloquent and I think I myself could have written with more or less the same adequacy.
Basically, the main character Beth, joins her brother on a trip to Arles, France, which was once an ancient Roman city. Somewhat opressed by her brother's chauvinistic attitude, she spends more time with a stranger she meets, Adam. They both begin to uncover a secret linked with a mysterious Roman ghost Beth has been seeing and the truth of St. Theodore, a saint whose throat was slit in his refusal to worship the Roman gods (or so the story goes). But what seems to be the story goes deeper to reveal a secret cult that worshiped the god Mithras, given in the image of a bull...
The perspectives changes from second-person with Beth's story in present-day Arles, to a first-person of the "Roman Ghost" Sergius Cornelius in the days of Caesar Augustus (I think!). What I find slightly disappointing about this book is that Elizabeth Harris fails to represent Sergius Cornelius' character in a believable "male" character. Some male authors have successfully captured a woman's point of view in their novels (Wally Lamb, "She's Come Undone.") so that it's hard to believe that it was a member of the opposite sex who wrote the book, but when one is reading the viewpoint of Sergius Cornelius, it is undeniably written from that of a female's, so in that sense it brings down the value of the book. But overall, it was an easy read, just not particularly WORTH reading.

1999-October: The Book of Ruth, by Jane Hamilton

Click here to purchase 'The Book of Ruth' from Amazon.com

Nov. 10, 1999: You know what? I completly forgot about this. And honestly.. I haven't been paying attention to this book at all. I have barely enough time to read it.. it's really sad. SO. I'm going to devote the next few days to reading this book so that I will have things to write here, alright? Sorry again folks. I'll have something posted up here within the week. Love you all.. Yuri.
1999-September: The First Man, by Albert Camus

Hi all! So this is actually my FIRST attempt at doing a book of the month. It's hard to believe that the site has already been up for a year.. and we're still going strong! It's the 7th, and alot of people are going back to school.. me NOT being one of them.
So this month's book is 'The First Man'. For those already familiar with Camus's work, this one is a little different. For those of you who are not.. it's an interesting read. Mostly autobiographical, partly fiction, it's the story of Jacques Cormery (Camus's fictional self). The boy is born in unusual circumstances and grows up much the same way. His father is killed in the Great War, so the child grows up without a father.. only his mother, grandmother and uncle. It's set in Algeria, which Camus often refers to as 'Algiers' in French. The book was originally written in French and was translated by Camus's daughter... I think, or his wife, I'm not really sure. I'm almost done, finished the first section already.. but I'm confused! The book is not complete.. it was found in the wreckage of the car accident that killed its author. Pretty freaky if you think about it. I think it was the first draft that was in there, and if any of you are writers out there, you NEVER publish the first draft, right? There's always some kind of changes to be made.. it's a little too revealing in this section, needs some brushing up in this one.. this book never got that. Since it was NOT complete, there's notes and endnotes and a section in the back that has explanations for various things that I, for one, didn't understand.
I hope you get a chance to read it. As confusing as it sometimes is.. sometimes Camus must've been confused, writing 'Widow Camus' at one point instead of 'Widow Cormery'. Thanks to Suzy for lending it to me :)
Oh yes. If you would like, there's another book that Camus wrote, that one that first introduced me to him. 'The Stranger'. I had to read it in Français Langue 12 (French 12 for French Immersion kids) and at first I hated it. But I'm reading it again.. it's awesome. Enjoy, guys and gals.
1999-August: The Outlandish Companion, by Diana Gabaldon

Apologies to all... Sorry, sorry, sorry; Firstly, it's mid-August and now I've just updated it :) (Aug. 15, to be exact :)). Secondly, the Outlandish Companion will mean nothing to those who have not read Diana's four other books. So may I take the oppurtunity to (again) encourage you all to read them!! Do NOT be daunted by the volume of the books, because they are really excellent novels.
OK, so onto the review of the novel... Oh, by the way, it's called "Through the Stones" in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Ok... so the book is basically composed of four synopsis' of the books already written, so when the fifth novel comes out, you don't have to read the 4000+ pages to remember what happened with Claire and Jamie. Then there are various sections that Diana's fans will enjoy immensely. She answers frequently asked questions, and best of all... she clears up ALL the confusing plotlines in the books. One big thing being Roger's heritage, and his link to Geillis Duncan, which sure as hell stumped yours truly! Along with that are family trees, in which I have many questions about... and I hope to ask when I (hopefully) meet Diana Gabaldon this October at an upcoming writer's conference.
So here I am babbling on... Included are excerpts from the next two books (YAY!), a dictionary and character refernces, and MUCH MUCH MORE!!! I love the way Diana personally answers questions with hidden jokes and quips :). In short, this is the most wonderful companion book I have encountered that is an absolute necessity to the other four books (look at the first four book of the months).
One minor "con" here... the price being a hefty $38.... a hardcover of course, well worth the price, only it leaves a gaping hole in my wallet :)
1999-July: Memoirs of a Geisha, by Arthur Golden

This is the book I've been ranting and raving about. The fact that this story was based in Japan was what appealed to me, and in truth despite my Japanese heritage I did't really know what a geisha was until my friend told me. So, if there are others like me who didn't know, a geisha is basically an escort. It's all explained in the novel so you have a clear understanding, but ohmigosh what a book to read!
One may think this is all about sex considering the topic, but on the contrary it is not. It is about how a young girl, Sayuri (this is actually her geisha name) became a geisha. I don't think any review does this book justice, but this is an AMAZING book. The words flow smoothly and eloquently, and it is absolutely captivating. It is not difficult to read, either. Now, what is REALLY REALLY good about Memoirs. is that the idea and topic I have never encountered before. I haven't even encountered the setting before (1930's Japan) so every image and picture was fresh and original. So, if you've never taken my word before on what a good book is, take it now! This is a MUST READ and I gaurantee that you won't be disappionted!
If anyone decides to read this book, e-mail me (miki) or leave a message in the guestbook with your thoughts.
1999-June: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, by Victor Hugo

Here we are, the classic novel by which many movies have been based on. I admit the only things I know about dear Quasimodo, the hunchback, is from the Disnay movie, and we all know how much of THAT is based on the original story.I find the first few chapters quite slow, and although I have only read several (times several) pages, STILL no Quasimodo. On the other hand, avid readers know better than to judge a book by its' first few pages.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a translation, originaly written by Victor Hugo in French. He is also the author of the famed "Les Miserables". The language is rather dry, but bearable. The first few chapters introduce some (who I believe to be) key characters in the chapters to come. I don't have much else to say, so I'll write more when I get further along the book.
K well "Hunchback" turned out to be pretty good, unfortunately it has a veeeeeerrrrrrrrrrry verrrrrrrrrrrrrry verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyy slow beginning! However at the end the book does reach a good climax. There are many elements of the novel that were left out of the Disney movie (of course) that made the book quite enjoyable.
1999-May: The Stone Diaries, by Carol Shields

Having recently started this novel, I don't have much to say only it is a somewhat autobiographical account by a fictional character by the name of Daisy Goodwill. A quarter ways through the book, it has, for the most part, been dedicated to decribing characters in great depths, so that one will have no trouble picturing him or her. It is still far too early to judge the book, so I think I'll leave it at that so far it is a decent book... But nothing to convince me that it is truly a Pulitzer prize winning novel just yet.
(April 29, 1999): Almost through the book! If you haven't guessed, I am a book-a-holic. Yuri wrote that we like to gobble books up... The truth is, I inhale them. So, on with the Stone Diaries. If you've read the brief summary on the back cover, you'll know that the novel is about Daisy Flett (née Goodwill)'s life, from birth to death. Born in the early 1900's, you journey through an incredible time change, giving you a realistic sense of what it must be like live a century long. The book has been so far quite enjoyable, although I still don't see what makes the novel so remarkable that it would win the Pulitzer rpize. Anyhoo, it is a good novel nonetheless, and I'll write more when I see if the ending of the novel ia anything that would make me change my mind.
PS: I finally finished the novel but I don't want to give away anything for my comments on the novrel will be in the Discussion section.
1999-April: Human Croquet, by Kate Atkinson

First of all, what a beautiful novel. Forgive me if I sound corny, but it is truly a beautiful book. Some one once said you can only read a book for the first time once, and what a novel to read for "virgin" eyes (As in never having laid eyes on the pages)! I MUST warn you, though, when you read it, you must savour it! As you should with other books, but just remember what I said about reading the novel for the first time once. It is also enjoyable the second and third time around, too, although it is the feeling of not knowing what will happen next that makes books so enjoyable. This is also one of those novels you will be GLAD you bought. The main character, Isobel, invites you into her world where the 'scent of melancholy' lingers on her shoulders, and the streets are named after trees. Another tale in the story revolves around Isobel's mystery mother, Eliza, where little by little, the story of her unravels. The novel is so beautifully written and woven, sometimes you might miss the smallest details, where, much like "Fall on You Knees" (See the September book of the month), you may miss teeny tiny details. Infact, I didn't completely understand the novel until I read it the second time around.
Anyway, this is a really amazing novel and one that sticks with you forever. Atkinson is absolutely amazing with Human Croquet, and even those readers who aren't advanced will surely enjoy this as well!
1999-March: They Cage the Animals at Night, by Jennings Michael Burch

So I haven't quite finished a Suitable Boy yet, but for those who have had the time to do so, the next book is entirely different -The first fact being the reading level. I actually first read this book when I was 13 or so, and had no problems whatsoever. This novel is an autobiography, and the thought that this account of a boy growing up in and out of the orphange and foster home is absolutely heartbreaking. I could barely get through it without crying every four or five chapters :*(. This is a really touching novel, and the sincere innocence and honesty of a child is told magnificantley (sp?). This is highly recommended for readers who may not be very well advanced -but don't get me wrong, if you ARE an advanced reader, I assure you will still enjoy this autobiography. (This book was good enough that I made the effort of ordering it specially so that I could own it! -It may be hard to come by since it is not currentley being published anymore.
1999-February: A Suitable Boy, by Vikram Seth

I'm putting this post up early, because I know for a fact that this is going to take a long time to finish -Its volume is close to that of a book of the Outlander series, but the content is considerably different. With 1500 pages, and for one who lacks knowledge of the culture and politics of India, I think it will take at least a month to read.
The tale, so far, revolves around four Indian families, and I find it a little challenging because part way through the book, which is where I am at at the moment, is very political, and very BORING. But don't be discouraged! Up until now, the novel has been very interesting, and there are segments about each character, a little like a soap opera. Of course, if you're one who has little patience for a book, and does not know much about Indian culture and Hindu/Muslim background, then perhaps you should be aware of the challenge that lays ahead. OR [grin] you can scrolll down and take a suggestion from one of our past Book-of-the-Months. Have I mentioned how incredible the Outlander series are? Hee hee hee. Well, that's all for now!
1999-January: Here on Earth, by Alice Hoffman

From the author of "Practical Magic" is a dark romantic novel which takes place in a little town somewhere in the middle of the states. You'll have to forgive me since my knowledge of the country down south comes from books and television. This book IS a dark romance, but it is NOT a romance novel. A national bestseller, it is captivating and some what disturbing (in a good way) to see the change of the main character, March Murray.
Basically, she returns to her home town, Logan, with her 15 year old daughter Gwen, to attend the funeral of the woman who raised her. A homeless child her father brought home from the city, a boy named Hollis, became her first love, and what happens with that you'll have to read the book to find out [ :) ]. Only she has loved him her entire life, even through her marriage to another man, and Hollis has not forgotten March either. The ending is rather abrupt, but I shouldn't be spoiling the book by revealing what happens, should I? Anyway, I finished the novel in two days, and am now reading "A Suitable Boy", by Vikram Seth ( a daunting *gulp* 1500 pages) :).
1998December: Tara Road, by Maeve Binchy

Okay, I gaurantee that this book is a lot better than the previous. Tara road is the name of the road of who, the main character, Ria Lynch, lives on. The setting is present day, Ireland. Basically, Ria married a man who was too good to be true. Charming, good looking, and loving. He became a successful real estate angent, and got him and Ria a lovely Victorian house on Tara Road, a growing and prosperous piece of land, as well as too children.
Something happens in Ria's life, a crisis she cannot bare to face, so through an accidental phone call, she trades houses for the summer with an American woman, Marilyn Vine. Upon that summer, when the basically trade lives, both discover something about each other that help themsleves in dealing with their own pain.
This book is generally meant for older (pardon my description) women, perhaps in their thrities and up (to me, 30 IS old). But even if you're younger and inexperienced with marriage and relationships (like yours truly), I believe you'll find the book interesting, well-written, and weaved intricately to maintain the suspence. A definate page-turner that'll keep you up until 4 in the morning trying to find out what happens.
Also, for those readers that have read another one of Maeve Binchy's books, Evening class, you might me interested to know that Quentin's (the ritzy restaurant) and Brenda Brennan, the character that owns Quentin's, makes a reappearance.
1998November: The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger

Another true story! About a sword fishing boat, called the Andrea Gail, in... a storm (duh), in the icy Atlantic Ocean. In the waters near Nova Scotia and New York, Junger explains the lives of fishermen, opening a whole new world one has not seen before. Rave reviews from other people have given the book a popularity boost, so I had to read what the hyp was about. Fishing isn't the most interesting topic, to me, but Junger has a way with words that give you a clear picture in your head, while sticking to the truth. Sometimes I lose track of where I was, and it's not exactly a page turner, but by giving it your full attention span, I'm sure many of you will enjoy it! Oh, I'm still half way through the book so I'll have more comments as I go on.
1998October: Like Color to the Blind by Donna Williams
I know this is a completely different kind of book from the ones reviewed here, but "Like Color to the Blind" is a great autobiography of an Australian woman who is also "high functioning autistic". This is actually the autobiographical third book written by Donna Williams, the first being "Nobody Nowhere", and the second being "Somebody Somewhere". I recommend that the first two be read so that some charcaters are better known in the third book. For example, "Carol" and "Willie" are alter-egos that the author used to get through life, and while the first and second book are lived through those charcters, the third dwells on "finding herself".
This book may not have the heart-pacing adventures that were in the Outlander Series, but there is an extra part of "Like Color to the Blind" that makes it so much more enjoyable -everything is true, lived by Donna Wiliams!
1998-September: Fall On Your Knees by Anne-Marie MacDonald

This is an excellent and well-written book that has been a best seller in Canada a few months ago. It is a saga of the Piper family in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, in the early 1900's. The family goes through the first World War, the Great Fepression, and second World War, but don't think it's about those subjects! Rather than dwelling on these subjects better to be read about in school, it tells the tales of each family member, woven into a amazingly surprising story line.
It starts with James Piper, who at the age of 21 married a girl, Mateiria, who was only then 13.
Together they create Kathleen, beautiful and gifted with the voice of an angel -she is her father's prized and most beloved child; Mercedes, plain, but a obedient and ferverent Catholic; Frances, a girl who grew up misunderstood, and misjudged; and finally Lily, the mystery unseen to the naked eye.
It is amazing how an author can create such a masterpiece, with information placed well throughout the book to keep the reader intrigued to know more. Don't know what I'm talking about? Read the book to find out!
1998-August: Drums of Autumn

The newest addition to the Outlander series. There are two more on
the way, but this is the latest one so far. One may think that the adventure stops, now that Jamie and Claire have finally settled, but that's wrong!
Bree has come to the past to look for her mother, and the father that she has never met.
And THEN there's the return of John Grey, the delightfully gay (I mean that both ways) friend of Jamie and Claire. This is the longest book yet, and make it last! The next addition, King, Farewell, won't be out for another 2 years (aproximately).
1998-July: Voyager

This is the best and most fun- to-read book in the Outlander series. Claire travels back to find Jamie, after 20 years of thinking that he was dead. The book is certainly the most exciting one, a relief from Dragonfly in Amber, which tends to lean on many historiacal references that are a little confusing. An interesting part to the plot line is -ta da! The return of Geillis Duncan! Keep reading to find out what adventures await Jamie and Claire!
1998-June: Dragonfly in Amber

This book is still written from the perspective of Claire Elizabeth Beauchamp Randall Fraser. It's 1968, and Claire and her daughter, Brianna Ellen Randall, have decided to go to Scotland. This is where Claire plans to reveal the truth about the years in 18th century Scotland, and the truth about Brianna's parentage. About Jamie Fraser, the family that took her in as their own and the stones that brought her to them.
1998-May: Outlander

The story is seen through the eyes of Claire Randall, a former combat nurse from the second World War. After the war, Claire goes on a second honeymoon with her husband, Frank, to Iverness, Scotland. Upon her wanderings, she stumbles upon "Craigh na Dun", a mystifying circle of standing stones. Unknowingly, she is sent through a time portal to 18th century Scotland. All that happens there, from her meeting a young Highlander, James Fraser, to her husband's ancestor, Black Jack Randall, is history.