Miss Rixie Recommends or The 3rd Annual Book Review

1. No Place Like Home by MHC
Despite the fact that Ms. Clark had four or five children and a handful of grandchildren, she (or any other author currently writing) does not seem to understand what children are ACTUALLY LIKE (children don't pick up on things like Mommy being upset or the fact that Mommy was crying an hour ago if Mommy is doing her best to hide it. Hell, they won't pick up on it if Mommy is doing her WORST to hide it. Children don't realize Mommies experience things outside of their children). This complaint, however, is the worst one I have about No Place like Home, Mary Higgins Clark's most recent bestseller. This suspenseful novel was reminiscent of Clark's golden age--Remember Me; Loves Music, Loves to Dance; etc. Highly recommended!!

2. Dating Is Murder by Harley Jane Kozak
Last summer I recommended HJK's first novel, Dating Dead Men, and said I couldn't wait for Wollie's next adventure (despite the fact that her heroine's name is Wollie). This second novel is proving to be just as engaging and original as her first.

3. Murderers Prefer Blondes by Amanda Matetsky
One of the best and most original books I have read in years. Matetsky's heroine has much to suffer through starting with the fact that it's 1954 and she's a working woman in a man's world. Couple that with the fact that her (married) name is Paige Turner and she has to take lots of grief about it from her male co-workers without being able to stand up for herself or she'll be fired. With a beatnik best friend as a sidekick, the heroine is modern without being over-the-top, and the plot is refreshingly original. The tone is informal without being cutesy, the situations are believable without making our heroine pathetic, and most importantly of all, Matetsky doesn't have to try too hard. Beautiful! Miss Rixie also recommends: Murder is a Girl Best Friend's also by Amanda Matetsky and anything by Tamar Myers

4. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
Your brother insists everyone call him The Rooster, including his business clients. Your sister dresses up in a fat suit and makes up her face to look like a punching bag to pull one over on her father. While living in Paris, you sign up for French lessons hoping to one day be able to talk pretty. Welcome to the colorful and electric, slightly off-kilter world of David Sedaris. Miss Rixie also recommends: Dress Your Family in Curduroy and Denim, also by Sedaris. More essays about his family, including his brother The Rooster.

5. Every Boy Has One by Meg Cabot
The third and final book in Cabot's NY Tribune series, this novel is (loosely) based on Meg Cabot's own wedding experience with enough twists and unlucky happenstances to keep the reader intrigued (and laughing). Cabot has again struck gold with her originality--the novel is written through emails, telephone conversations, instant messenger, and journal entries between characters--never in dialogue, making it a fast, easy, and enjoyable read. In her last several books, Cabot has climbed to the top of Miss Rixie's list of favorite authors where she resides with greats like Mary Higgins Clark, Janet Evanovich, and Jennifer Crusie.

6. Persuading Annie by Melissa Nathan
An updated, modern version of Jane Austen's Persuasion, Persuading Annie maintains the charm of the original while adding more spunk and sparkle to the characters. Nothing will ever top Nathan's other Austen update Pride, Prejudice, and Jasmin Field, but Persuading Annie runs a close second. Miss Rixie also recommends: pride, Prejudice and Jasmin Field, of course, and Nathan's original novel, The Nanny.