Some books worth checking out

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Updated: February 17, 2012 3:36PM

With the unseasonably mild winter weather, this one almost slipped by me.

Traditionally, I write a column right after Christmas filled with book suggestions from our neighbors as we settle in for a long, cold two or three months. The ice, cold and snow have been sporadic, but that doesn’t mean the nights and weekends aren’t long, so here are some tomes worth noting.

In early January, I finished, and enjoyed, “The Dome” by Stephen King. I love his huge books, and this one is a whopper — more than 1,000 pages.

Here’s the premise: a small town filled with small-town people. One day, an invisible dome (I imagined it to be much like those cheese domes) seals the town tight. No one comes in and no one goes out. Social conventions quickly disintegrate, while civil disobedience ensues.

I found the story interesting, and the characters likeable and loathsome in that unique King manner. I even was satisfied with the resolution.

What I didn’t like was the reason the dome descended on the town. Not to be a plot spoiler, but I felt King could have been a bit more creative and much less predictable with the cause. Overall, I gave it a B-.

Clare Pavlik, Highland: “I just started ‘Flesh and Bones’ (by Kathy Reiches). The story centers on a forensic pathologist, and someone told me it was inspiration for the TV series ‘Bones.’ I’m a big fan of the show, so I hope I like (the book).”

Andy Berkowski, Munster: “ ‘Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever” (Bill O’Reilly). It was an interested read about the people and events that surrounded Lincoln’s murder. I really was able to relate by thinking how the Kennedy assassination also changed our country and culture. Good book!”

Lori Jascinich, Lowell: “I’ve always been interested in the Old Testament, so when I found ‘The Dovekeepers’ (Alice Hoffman), I grabbed it. It’s the story of four women during the Roman siege of Masada in the first century. Rather than surrender, hundreds of Jews finally took their lives.

“The story from the women’s perspectives was very interesting. I definitely recommend it.”

Cammie Knaver, 4, Munster: (Cammie was shy, so Mom made the recommendation.) “ ‘If You Give a Dog a Donut’ (Laura Numeroff). This is one part of a great series. We’ve probably read it 50 times since Christmas, and it makes her laugh every time. Another one of her favorites is ‘If You Give a Pig a Pancake.’ ”

Christi Fenes, Merrillville: “Tina Fey’s ‘Bossypants.’ I’ve always been a fan of ‘30 Rock’ and, although the book isn’t quite a biography, you get a peek into the life of a very funny woman who doesn’t seem to take herself too seriously.’ ”

Brady O’Malley: “I’m about halfway through ‘Fall of Giants.’ Ken Follett always tells a good story. It’s set during World War I and revolves around five families — all from different countries — and how their lives intertwine. I believe it’s the first in a trilogy. Thumbs up!”