MerrinDonahue.com

I know it’s been a while, but I’m still learning this Movable Type thingy. I should be good to go, since I just got a crash course in html 101. Hopefully, I will be so successful with this, that I can create a “What I’m Listening To ” category! Anyway, here are this months offerings. If you read any of these books (and you should), then PLEASE let me know what you think. Many of you know that I have a lot of contact with authors and publishers, and they really appreciate all the feedback they can get, even if it is less than stellar. Now, stop reading this, and go read one of these!


My Random House rep (and, yes, I know that I talk about her a lot) told me to read this. “It’s like Memoirs of a Geisha,” she said. Well, it’s not. It’s different, and thus there really is no basis for comparison. It IS a good book, and worthy of your time, however. A tale of samurai and Westerners, clans and feuds, set in 19th century Japan. The greatest part about any Japanese literature, and this is no exception, is the lyrical quality of the prose. Combine that with a love triangle and LOTS of bloodshed, and it makes for one hell of an entertaining story. Now, go buy it.


Everybody loves a conspriacy, and this book is full of them. From clandestine meetings plotting the overthrow of the modern economic system, to the complete and total abuse of power in the American government (did you know it’s run by a select and elite group of Bonesman? Just ask any member of the Bush family), this book shoots you down some pretty winding roads of innuendo. It is, however, a fun ride, and it’s written by an insider. The first book to expose the ultra-secret Skull and Bones Society of Yale University, it’s an eye-opening look at the legendary fraternity rumored to have stolen Geronimo’s skull. Join me at the clubhouse, and read this book. One caveat: don’t take it TOO seriously. After all, it can’t ALL be true, right? Click here to buy it.


It wouldn’t be a complete reading list without a little Nora Roberts, so here you go. The latest in her truly remarkable series, this one is a little darker. Sure, the humor is still there, but the themes are more sinister, and you get the feeling that something wicked is coming to the NYPSD, and SOON. Go on, you know you want to read this.


Here’s a book for the kids. Think of it as Good Dogs Gone Bad. Really funny, and I haven’t listed a picture book in a long time. Hell, I haven’t listed ANY books in a long time! If you have dogs, love dogs, or even have kids, read this. It’s great out loud, and you have many opportunities to use fun voices! Thanks to Emily for introducing me to yet another hilarious book. To buy it, click here.

Since I really do try to read (or re-read, as the case may be) quality literature from time to time, I thought I would include one of my all time favorite modern classics. Daisy is my favorite character, followed closely by Zelda. If you’ve never read it, shame on you. Debauchery and excess are wonderful things, but they rarely lead to happy endings. Moderation is, after all, the key, as Kevin often says. Too bad they didn’t know it in the Twenties! Buy this NOW!