I have not had time to post, as the holidays are upon us and life is extremely busy. But I have been reading in my free time. Since I have only been reading one thing, I am combing all of the books into one post. I have read the first eight books in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. Dead Until Dark, Living Dead in Dallas, Club Dead, Dead to the World, Dead as a Doornail, Definitely Dead, All Together Dead, and From Dead to Worse.
I am addicted to these books. I love Sookie Stackhouse and all of Harris' characters. The series is about a barmaid (Sookie) who is a telepath. In these books, vampires have become part of mainstream society. Sookie meets a vampire, gets involved with him, and her world changes drastically. Her ability, something that she has always seen as a curse, is desired by those in the vampire community. Throughout the series she forms friendships and business relationships with vampires and other supernatural beings. Her life becomes a series of misadventures.
This series is highly entertaining and addictive. These books contain action, romance, comedy. The heroine is so incredibly likable. She is flawed, and modest. I love how she has to rely on herself, and find an inner strength to get through the adventures. She is a strong lead female character who doesn't have to rely on anyone else, which I find refreshing.
I highly recommend these books. I can't wait to start the ninth book, Dead and Gone. It will be a long wait until book ten comes out in May 2010!
Happy Reading!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Dead to the World
Charlaine Harris is on a roll! Dead to the World is the 4th book in the Sookie Stackhouse series. This one was another winner! I enjoyed it even more than the last one.
In this book, Sookie comes across a naked man on the side of the road. She stops to help him and realizes that he is the leader of the vampires in her area. She knows him quite well, but he has not idea who she is. He is scared and alone, and has no idea who he is or how he ended up walking down that road naked. Sookie goes on quite the adventure trying to figure out who did this to Eric and why. Not only does she have a mystery on her hands with the vampires, but her brother goes missing, too. Now she has to help Eric get his memory back and find her brother before time runs out.
I was so happy to see the characters that I loved from the last book in the series back in this one. In addition, there are more new characters introduced that are fantastic. Sookie just keeps getting better and better. I LOVED this book. I love that this author is willing to really shake things up in her main characters world. I love that she isn't predictable and will make choices that the reader does not expect. I have become a huge fan and will recommend this series to all of my friends, even those not interested in vampires and other supernatural themes. Fantastic book. I just can't say enough about it!
Happy Reading!
In this book, Sookie comes across a naked man on the side of the road. She stops to help him and realizes that he is the leader of the vampires in her area. She knows him quite well, but he has not idea who she is. He is scared and alone, and has no idea who he is or how he ended up walking down that road naked. Sookie goes on quite the adventure trying to figure out who did this to Eric and why. Not only does she have a mystery on her hands with the vampires, but her brother goes missing, too. Now she has to help Eric get his memory back and find her brother before time runs out.
I was so happy to see the characters that I loved from the last book in the series back in this one. In addition, there are more new characters introduced that are fantastic. Sookie just keeps getting better and better. I LOVED this book. I love that this author is willing to really shake things up in her main characters world. I love that she isn't predictable and will make choices that the reader does not expect. I have become a huge fan and will recommend this series to all of my friends, even those not interested in vampires and other supernatural themes. Fantastic book. I just can't say enough about it!
Happy Reading!
Club Dead
Club Dead is the third book in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. Another romp with the lovable Sookie and her unique "friends". This series just keeps getting better and better. Charlaine Harris' characters are fantastic.
In this edition, Sookie's vampire boyfriend has been working on a secret project. When he goes missing, his "supervisor" comes to her and explains that he has betrayed her. On orders from the vampire leader in Bon Temps, she follows Bill to Mississippi, mingles with the vampires and other supes (supernatural beings) there and discovers a whole other world. In the end, she can't rely on anyone else to save herself or Bill and has to become the hero herself. She also has to make some decisions about her relationship with Bill and whether or not they have a future.
This was another fantastic book. I absolutely loved the new characters introduced in this book. I hope to see them continued in future books. I love Sookie even more after this addition to the series. She kicks ass! I am hooked on this series and have ordered the rest of the books that are available. This author won't be able to write them fast enough for me!
Happy Reading!
In this edition, Sookie's vampire boyfriend has been working on a secret project. When he goes missing, his "supervisor" comes to her and explains that he has betrayed her. On orders from the vampire leader in Bon Temps, she follows Bill to Mississippi, mingles with the vampires and other supes (supernatural beings) there and discovers a whole other world. In the end, she can't rely on anyone else to save herself or Bill and has to become the hero herself. She also has to make some decisions about her relationship with Bill and whether or not they have a future.
This was another fantastic book. I absolutely loved the new characters introduced in this book. I hope to see them continued in future books. I love Sookie even more after this addition to the series. She kicks ass! I am hooked on this series and have ordered the rest of the books that are available. This author won't be able to write them fast enough for me!
Happy Reading!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Living Dead in Dallas
The second book in Charlaine Harris' series featuring Sookie Stackhouse, Living Dead in Dallas, was just as entertaining as the first book in the series. These novels are a fun, lively read and I am hooked on Sookie and her adventures!
In Living Dead in Dallas, the head of the Vampire culture in her area gives her a job to do. He loans her out to a vampire group in Dallas, where her gift can be useful. Sookie's gift is the ability to hear others thoughts. Before she and her vampire boyfriend travel to Dallas to aid the other vampire "nest" in discovering a traitor, one of Sookie's coworkers is murdered. Sookie must travel to Dallas, help the vampires there and then come home and try to figure out who murdered her coworker.
This novel really covers two mysteries under one cover. So far, these mysteries have not been the kind that you can figure out in the first chapter. Their resolution is not a total surprise, but you I didn't know the true culprits either until the end. With this particular novel, because there are two separate mysteries to solve, just when you think the story has wrapped up you realize that you still have a third of the book to read. New "otherworldly" creatures are introduced, and Sookie has her hands full with the head of the local vampire community, too. This was a fast paced, exciting book. As soon as I closed the cover, I reached onto the bookshelf for the third book in the series. I just can't get enough.
Happy Reading!
In Living Dead in Dallas, the head of the Vampire culture in her area gives her a job to do. He loans her out to a vampire group in Dallas, where her gift can be useful. Sookie's gift is the ability to hear others thoughts. Before she and her vampire boyfriend travel to Dallas to aid the other vampire "nest" in discovering a traitor, one of Sookie's coworkers is murdered. Sookie must travel to Dallas, help the vampires there and then come home and try to figure out who murdered her coworker.
This novel really covers two mysteries under one cover. So far, these mysteries have not been the kind that you can figure out in the first chapter. Their resolution is not a total surprise, but you I didn't know the true culprits either until the end. With this particular novel, because there are two separate mysteries to solve, just when you think the story has wrapped up you realize that you still have a third of the book to read. New "otherworldly" creatures are introduced, and Sookie has her hands full with the head of the local vampire community, too. This was a fast paced, exciting book. As soon as I closed the cover, I reached onto the bookshelf for the third book in the series. I just can't get enough.
Happy Reading!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Dead Until Dark
Dead Until Dark is the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series by author Charlaine Harris. This series is the basis for the TV series True Blood. Having seen just two episodes of True Blood, I was very interested in the books. Dead Until Dark did not disappoint.
Sookie Stackhouse is a waitress in a local bar, in a small town in northern Louisiana. She has a disability, or a gift, depending on how you look at it. She can read minds. A vampire walks into the bar one night and Sookie can't hear his thoughts. She is immediately intrigued and attracted to the silence. But when young women start showing up dead, she begins to wonder who she can trust and if she will be the next victim.
The book was fast paced and fun, and Sookie is instantly likable. It was a mix of genres - mystery, horror and romance, satisfying to many readers. Had I not seen a little of the television show, I may have been a little confused at first in the book. Some details are glossed over, casually and quickly mentioned before moving on. However, by about 40 pages in I was hooked and did not find any more of those confusing moments. The book is different from the TV series, at least the two episodes that I saw. I say that with very limited experience with the TV series, and I understand why the changes were made. The storyline, as it is presented in the book, may not lend itself to be played out in the same order in the television show.
I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish and can't wait to sink my teeth into the next one in the series. Happy Reading!
Sookie Stackhouse is a waitress in a local bar, in a small town in northern Louisiana. She has a disability, or a gift, depending on how you look at it. She can read minds. A vampire walks into the bar one night and Sookie can't hear his thoughts. She is immediately intrigued and attracted to the silence. But when young women start showing up dead, she begins to wonder who she can trust and if she will be the next victim.
The book was fast paced and fun, and Sookie is instantly likable. It was a mix of genres - mystery, horror and romance, satisfying to many readers. Had I not seen a little of the television show, I may have been a little confused at first in the book. Some details are glossed over, casually and quickly mentioned before moving on. However, by about 40 pages in I was hooked and did not find any more of those confusing moments. The book is different from the TV series, at least the two episodes that I saw. I say that with very limited experience with the TV series, and I understand why the changes were made. The storyline, as it is presented in the book, may not lend itself to be played out in the same order in the television show.
I truly enjoyed this book from start to finish and can't wait to sink my teeth into the next one in the series. Happy Reading!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Beach House
The Beach House is a novel by James Patterson and Peter de Jonge. The novel is about a man's quest to find the truth about what happened to his brother. The main character, Jack, is a promising law student whose brother, Peter, dies in a supposed accident or suicide. Jack and his family don't believe Peter's death was either an accident or suicide. Jack begins to investigate exactly what happened to his brother and gets himself, his family and friends tangled into a massive web of cover ups, and people who will do anything to keep the truth from coming out.
James Patterson's books tend to have excellent plots, but are typically a little unrealistic and brought around to conclusion way too easily. This book was no exception. That doesn't mean that it wasn't entertaining or interesting. Quite the contrary. In this book, the Every Day Guy goes after the Untouchables. It is a story that every one of us loves to get into. A story where we root for the characters to defeat the undefeated. The mystery in this book is a compelling one, and Patterson and de Jonge bring us around to a conclusion that leaves the reader satisfied.
This was a fast, entertaining, easy read. If you are a James Patterson fan, I would recommend it.
Happy Reading!
James Patterson's books tend to have excellent plots, but are typically a little unrealistic and brought around to conclusion way too easily. This book was no exception. That doesn't mean that it wasn't entertaining or interesting. Quite the contrary. In this book, the Every Day Guy goes after the Untouchables. It is a story that every one of us loves to get into. A story where we root for the characters to defeat the undefeated. The mystery in this book is a compelling one, and Patterson and de Jonge bring us around to a conclusion that leaves the reader satisfied.
This was a fast, entertaining, easy read. If you are a James Patterson fan, I would recommend it.
Happy Reading!
Friday, October 2, 2009
You Had Me at Halo
You Had Me at Halo by Amanda Ashby was a novel that I purchased for under $3 at a small bookstore in Reading. It looked like a fun, light, silly read; something that would not require brain power to read. Boy was I right!
The premise of the book is that the main character dies in what appears to be a suicide. She gets to heaven and has a lot of issues to work out from her earthly life before she can move through the ranks and get to a peaceful place. So, the powers that be send her back down to earth in someone else's body to work out those issues in 48 hours.
The novel had an interesting viewpoint on heaven and how things might work up there. Other than that it falls pretty short. It is supposed to be a romance, I think, but it isn't very romantic. The author tries to have tension between the main character and a potential love interest but it never really gets there. The idea and plot for the book are original, but the writing doesn't measure up. It isn't cohesive, the characters are not realistic or consistent, and some of them aren't even likable. The ending is one that the reader will want, but doesn't make much sense. That is just about the only thing that is consistent with the book. Not one I would recommend.
Happy Reading!
The premise of the book is that the main character dies in what appears to be a suicide. She gets to heaven and has a lot of issues to work out from her earthly life before she can move through the ranks and get to a peaceful place. So, the powers that be send her back down to earth in someone else's body to work out those issues in 48 hours.
The novel had an interesting viewpoint on heaven and how things might work up there. Other than that it falls pretty short. It is supposed to be a romance, I think, but it isn't very romantic. The author tries to have tension between the main character and a potential love interest but it never really gets there. The idea and plot for the book are original, but the writing doesn't measure up. It isn't cohesive, the characters are not realistic or consistent, and some of them aren't even likable. The ending is one that the reader will want, but doesn't make much sense. That is just about the only thing that is consistent with the book. Not one I would recommend.
Happy Reading!
Mr. Darcy, Vampyre
Amanda Grange is the author of the Pride & Prejudice spin off novel, Mr. Darcy, Vampyre. This was a book club pick, directly following Pride & Prejudice. I enjoyed it almost as much as I enjoyed it's inspiration.
Mr. Darcy, Vampyre picks up where Pride & Prejudice leaves off. Elizabeth and Darcy are married and begin their wedding tour. Things start smoothly, but very soon Mr. Darcy's strange behavior concerns Elizabeth. They travel far from home, into some pretty scary places. Adventures ensue, and eventually Elizabeth learns the truth. What will become of her marriage and her future?
A lively, fun tale. I recommend it as the perfect follow-up to the original novel. When I finished Pride & Prejudice, I wanted more. This novel answered that call in a very original way. I am intrigued by the whole industry created by the desire to know "what happened next" to Elizabeth and her family. This will not be the last P&P follow up novel that I read. I plan on devouring Amanda Grange's other spin off novels soon.
Happy Reading!
Mr. Darcy, Vampyre picks up where Pride & Prejudice leaves off. Elizabeth and Darcy are married and begin their wedding tour. Things start smoothly, but very soon Mr. Darcy's strange behavior concerns Elizabeth. They travel far from home, into some pretty scary places. Adventures ensue, and eventually Elizabeth learns the truth. What will become of her marriage and her future?
A lively, fun tale. I recommend it as the perfect follow-up to the original novel. When I finished Pride & Prejudice, I wanted more. This novel answered that call in a very original way. I am intrigued by the whole industry created by the desire to know "what happened next" to Elizabeth and her family. This will not be the last P&P follow up novel that I read. I plan on devouring Amanda Grange's other spin off novels soon.
Happy Reading!
Dreamland
Dreamland is a young adult novel by Sarah Deesen. It is a novel about a teenage girl and the struggles she goes through when her older sister runs away from home, and she finds love. Having to live in her sister's shadow was nothing compared to living with her absence. It makes her even more invisible to her parents. As she struggles to find out who she is, without her sister (with whom she was very close), she finds love in a boy from another school. What follows is a path of destructive behavior that she cannot find her way out of. The novel is about friendship, family and love, and about finding your own dreams in spite of what someone else wants for you. I think it also sends a message to teenagers about the dangers in certain relationships and how our choices can drastically affect our futures.
This novel was hard to read as a parent. Watching this girl go down a dangerous path, while her parents are not looking, was very difficult to witness. She starts out with such a good head on her shoulders, but one person changes that. Her relationship with this one boy threatens her friendships and her relationship with her parents, and ultimately her life. It was scary to think of what could happen when a teenager doesn't tell anyone about what is going on in her life. She gets so involved and falls so heavily, that even though she knows things are bad, she does nothing to stop them. In the end, her recovery from these events takes a long time.
The sister makes some choices that affect her future, as well. She was set to go to an ivy league college, and leaves town because she doesn't feel like this was her dream. She feels it was what her parents wanted. She leaves this incredible future behind for a boy. I think the author was trying to get the reader to sympathize with the sister's character, but I just couldn't do it. It was so hard to read about those choices and try to sympathize, because as an adult and a parent all I could see was what she was throwing away. I could only imagine how I would have felt if these were my children.
I think the author romanticized life a bit, and I suppose most novelists do. But I think that is dangerous in a young adult novel. None of the struggle the sister must have faced was noted in the novel, and it does not go far enough into the future to truly show how her choices affect the rest of her life. This is not a book I would really want my teenage daughter to read. If she ever did, I would need to discuss the books themes with her, specifically the older sister's path, to ensure that she understood that life isn't that simple.
Overall it was a good book, and maybe an important one for parents to read. It is certainly important to read it if your children have.
Happy Reading!
This novel was hard to read as a parent. Watching this girl go down a dangerous path, while her parents are not looking, was very difficult to witness. She starts out with such a good head on her shoulders, but one person changes that. Her relationship with this one boy threatens her friendships and her relationship with her parents, and ultimately her life. It was scary to think of what could happen when a teenager doesn't tell anyone about what is going on in her life. She gets so involved and falls so heavily, that even though she knows things are bad, she does nothing to stop them. In the end, her recovery from these events takes a long time.
The sister makes some choices that affect her future, as well. She was set to go to an ivy league college, and leaves town because she doesn't feel like this was her dream. She feels it was what her parents wanted. She leaves this incredible future behind for a boy. I think the author was trying to get the reader to sympathize with the sister's character, but I just couldn't do it. It was so hard to read about those choices and try to sympathize, because as an adult and a parent all I could see was what she was throwing away. I could only imagine how I would have felt if these were my children.
I think the author romanticized life a bit, and I suppose most novelists do. But I think that is dangerous in a young adult novel. None of the struggle the sister must have faced was noted in the novel, and it does not go far enough into the future to truly show how her choices affect the rest of her life. This is not a book I would really want my teenage daughter to read. If she ever did, I would need to discuss the books themes with her, specifically the older sister's path, to ensure that she understood that life isn't that simple.
Overall it was a good book, and maybe an important one for parents to read. It is certainly important to read it if your children have.
Happy Reading!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Hold Tight
Hold Tight is a page turning novel by Harlen Coben. I have read a couple other of his books in the past and have never been disappointed. This book was no exception. It is fast paced and full of adventure, mystery and haunting questions about what a parent might do for their child.
This novel has several sets of characters in one community, but is mainly about the lengths that parents are willing to go to to protect their kids. There are a couple troubled teens, one boy with a life threatening illness, one girl who has been bullied. In each case, the parents are willing to spy, threaten, even kill for their kids. The novel moves at a fast pace and the characters continually switch and in some cases are not brought around to connect to each other until the end.
This book was a thrilling ride, that at some times was heartbreaking. And in the end it begs the questions: What lengths would you go to? Is spying on your kids for their benefit; does it save them or push them further away? What is trust worth and how to you maintain it? All very important questions that are thought provoking and worth debating. I think this novel would make a good book club selection for that purpose. There is a lot to debate, and maybe no real definitive right or wrong answers. Thought provoking and thrilling...a good ride!
Happy Reading!
This novel has several sets of characters in one community, but is mainly about the lengths that parents are willing to go to to protect their kids. There are a couple troubled teens, one boy with a life threatening illness, one girl who has been bullied. In each case, the parents are willing to spy, threaten, even kill for their kids. The novel moves at a fast pace and the characters continually switch and in some cases are not brought around to connect to each other until the end.
This book was a thrilling ride, that at some times was heartbreaking. And in the end it begs the questions: What lengths would you go to? Is spying on your kids for their benefit; does it save them or push them further away? What is trust worth and how to you maintain it? All very important questions that are thought provoking and worth debating. I think this novel would make a good book club selection for that purpose. There is a lot to debate, and maybe no real definitive right or wrong answers. Thought provoking and thrilling...a good ride!
Happy Reading!
Lost & Found
Carolyn Parkhurst's second novel, Lost & Found is an entertaining read with some profound insight into relationships, and human nature. I found this book entirely enjoyable, and it also affected me.
The book is about several characters who are participating on a TV Reality show called "Lost & Found." The main characters are a mother/daughter team, but the secondary characters play an important role and are very entertaining and engaging. There is the TV show host, a religious couple who have been able to turn their lives around, brothers, a pair of actors that were child stars, and in each set of characters, there is at least one person with a secret or some personal crisis that they would prefer the world not know about. The producers of the show, know each of these secrets/crises, and it is their job to try to make the characters crack. In the end, will they each find what they are looking for? Each character is well defined, and portrayed consistently, and likable - well, for the most part!
This book is well rounded...a little action/adventure, a little romance. I found that it was a funny, probably realistic, look into what reality shows are really like. I also found the author's insights into human nature to be profound, particularly the relationship between parent and child. At times you laugh, at times you want to cry. I love when a book can elicit such a response. I truly enjoyed every page of this book and would highly recommend it.
Happy Reading!
The book is about several characters who are participating on a TV Reality show called "Lost & Found." The main characters are a mother/daughter team, but the secondary characters play an important role and are very entertaining and engaging. There is the TV show host, a religious couple who have been able to turn their lives around, brothers, a pair of actors that were child stars, and in each set of characters, there is at least one person with a secret or some personal crisis that they would prefer the world not know about. The producers of the show, know each of these secrets/crises, and it is their job to try to make the characters crack. In the end, will they each find what they are looking for? Each character is well defined, and portrayed consistently, and likable - well, for the most part!
This book is well rounded...a little action/adventure, a little romance. I found that it was a funny, probably realistic, look into what reality shows are really like. I also found the author's insights into human nature to be profound, particularly the relationship between parent and child. At times you laugh, at times you want to cry. I love when a book can elicit such a response. I truly enjoyed every page of this book and would highly recommend it.
Happy Reading!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Stripped
Stripped by Brian Freeman is the second in a series about a police detective. The first in the series was Immoral. Like Immoral, this book is fast paced with twists and turns as the detective and his detective girlfriend try to figure out who done it. This process takes them back to a murder that happened many years ago. In order to solve their current case, they also must solve the old murder case.
I have found that the characters in these books are likable and believable in that they are not perfect. I have also found that some of the situations are not believable at all. I think the author throws in sex in every form of male fantasy, and almost none of it is realistic. That was a bit annoying to me. I know that fiction is not real, and that books are supposed to provide an escape. However, the unrealistic situations and reactions, particularly from female characters, is irritating.
This was a good mystery/who done it read, but I don't know if I will follow the series any further. Happy Reading!
I have found that the characters in these books are likable and believable in that they are not perfect. I have also found that some of the situations are not believable at all. I think the author throws in sex in every form of male fantasy, and almost none of it is realistic. That was a bit annoying to me. I know that fiction is not real, and that books are supposed to provide an escape. However, the unrealistic situations and reactions, particularly from female characters, is irritating.
This was a good mystery/who done it read, but I don't know if I will follow the series any further. Happy Reading!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Wild Fire
Wild Fire by Nelson DeMille is the fourth installment in a series about NYPD cop turned ATTF agent John Corey. I have not read the first two, but the third, Night Fall, was fantastic. After reading Night Fall, I could not wait to read Wild Fire and see what happened next.
In this installment, an FBI agent goes missing and John Corey and his FBI agent wife investigate. The missing agent was on a surveillance mission at an exclusive, private hunting club where hunting was not the main activity, issues involving national security are the main purpose. So that I don't give anything away, I won't go any further. Nelson DeMille is very good at weaving a mystery and I don't want to give away any spoilers.
Nelson DeMille's writing is very entertaining. At the same time that he is weaving a mystery that keeps you guessing, he also makes you laugh with little one liners and jokes told from the character's perspective. I did not feel that this novel was as suspenseful or as funny as the last, though. I also felt that the book was a little slow to lead up to the explosive ending and then everything wrapped up very quickly. I would have liked to see what happened at the end, a little sooner and then a little more detail after.
I was also hoping for a little more information as to what happened after the climatic ending of Night Fall. There are a few references to that book, but not as many as I was hoping for. Although, I guess any author that writes series novels needs to be careful about how much each book relies on the book before.
Wild Fire as a stand alone book was very good, not as good as other DeMille fiction, but still good. As a follow up to Night Fall, I was a little disappointed. I would still recommend it, but maybe the reader who has been following the series should wait a while after reading Night Fall before picking this one up.
Happy Reading!
In this installment, an FBI agent goes missing and John Corey and his FBI agent wife investigate. The missing agent was on a surveillance mission at an exclusive, private hunting club where hunting was not the main activity, issues involving national security are the main purpose. So that I don't give anything away, I won't go any further. Nelson DeMille is very good at weaving a mystery and I don't want to give away any spoilers.
Nelson DeMille's writing is very entertaining. At the same time that he is weaving a mystery that keeps you guessing, he also makes you laugh with little one liners and jokes told from the character's perspective. I did not feel that this novel was as suspenseful or as funny as the last, though. I also felt that the book was a little slow to lead up to the explosive ending and then everything wrapped up very quickly. I would have liked to see what happened at the end, a little sooner and then a little more detail after.
I was also hoping for a little more information as to what happened after the climatic ending of Night Fall. There are a few references to that book, but not as many as I was hoping for. Although, I guess any author that writes series novels needs to be careful about how much each book relies on the book before.
Wild Fire as a stand alone book was very good, not as good as other DeMille fiction, but still good. As a follow up to Night Fall, I was a little disappointed. I would still recommend it, but maybe the reader who has been following the series should wait a while after reading Night Fall before picking this one up.
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Night Fall
Wow! What an excellent book! Night Fall, by Nelson DeMille is a page turner from start to finish. It grabs you right in and doesn't let go...even after you read the last page and close the book. Props to my BFF for turning me on to this one!!
The premise of the novel Night Fall is an actual event, the crash of TWA flight 800. The facts about the crash that are in the book are real, just the characters and some of the situations are fictional. A former NYPD cop, now turned FBI contract agent working for the Anti Terrorism Task Force, gets some information about the TWA crash five years after the incident. The information makes him wonder if the crash was really an accident, and he goes on a hunt for more information, against the wishes of his superiors.
The following adventure is one that keeps the reader guessing until the last pages of the book, and beyond. It is a quick paced journey full of suspense, mystery and heart pounding potential peril. At the same time, DeMille makes the reader laugh with one liners and quips of dry humor that are perfectly timed. Those laughs lightened the heavy subject matter and help the reader cope because the other events that take place during this thrill ride, and the timing of the entire novel, are relevant to every American. And no one will who reads it will be able to do so without emotion, or will forget it once they are finished.
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. I highly recommend it and will be researching other Nelson DeMille novels, especially ones that have this detective, John Corey, in them. I want to read the next John Corey novel and see where he goes from here. Many thanks to my girlfriend who recommended this one!
Happy Reading!
The premise of the novel Night Fall is an actual event, the crash of TWA flight 800. The facts about the crash that are in the book are real, just the characters and some of the situations are fictional. A former NYPD cop, now turned FBI contract agent working for the Anti Terrorism Task Force, gets some information about the TWA crash five years after the incident. The information makes him wonder if the crash was really an accident, and he goes on a hunt for more information, against the wishes of his superiors.
The following adventure is one that keeps the reader guessing until the last pages of the book, and beyond. It is a quick paced journey full of suspense, mystery and heart pounding potential peril. At the same time, DeMille makes the reader laugh with one liners and quips of dry humor that are perfectly timed. Those laughs lightened the heavy subject matter and help the reader cope because the other events that take place during this thrill ride, and the timing of the entire novel, are relevant to every American. And no one will who reads it will be able to do so without emotion, or will forget it once they are finished.
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. I highly recommend it and will be researching other Nelson DeMille novels, especially ones that have this detective, John Corey, in them. I want to read the next John Corey novel and see where he goes from here. Many thanks to my girlfriend who recommended this one!
Happy Reading!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Immoral
Immoral is Brian Freeman's debut novel. It was published several years ago, and based on reviews at the time, I added it to my reading list. I finally got to it this week. After waiting so long to read it, and reading so many good things about it, I have to admit I was a little disappointed. It was a good book, but not spectacular, which is what I was expecting.
The book is about the mystery surrounding a missing teenager. Did she run away, or was she killed? Is her disappearance related to another missing teenager several months ago? She had every reason to want to escape her home and there are a good many people who would have liked to see her dead. It is a good mystery and suspenseful at times. The book does keep you guessing until the last pages, but all along, you know you will be because halfway through the book the detectives think the case is closed. As a reader you are left thinking, "Okay, so what now...what fills these last 150 pages?" Of course you figure out that there must still be pieces missing from the puzzle. The who, what, when and where of it all do keep you guessing though. I did not find the solution to be predictable, even if the path to it was.
The main character is not your typical mystery novel cop though. At the end of the book, he and another officer make a decision that was a little surprising to me. Usually in these novels, no matter what, the officers of the law follow the law. This detective makes a decision to protect someone, covers up the truth in the case and in essence a murderer goes free. That was unexpected. At first I thought that it was out of character for the cop. But as I think back, I don't believe the author ever made him out to be a cop who followed the rules to the letter or who was strictly about what was right and wrong. There are two more novels that follow this one with the same detective. It will be interesting to see if this character stays consistent through the next two novels.
Overall, it was a good read. Quick and easy and interesting. Be prepared for explicit content though...this author has no reservations with subject matter, description or language.
Happy Reading!
The book is about the mystery surrounding a missing teenager. Did she run away, or was she killed? Is her disappearance related to another missing teenager several months ago? She had every reason to want to escape her home and there are a good many people who would have liked to see her dead. It is a good mystery and suspenseful at times. The book does keep you guessing until the last pages, but all along, you know you will be because halfway through the book the detectives think the case is closed. As a reader you are left thinking, "Okay, so what now...what fills these last 150 pages?" Of course you figure out that there must still be pieces missing from the puzzle. The who, what, when and where of it all do keep you guessing though. I did not find the solution to be predictable, even if the path to it was.
The main character is not your typical mystery novel cop though. At the end of the book, he and another officer make a decision that was a little surprising to me. Usually in these novels, no matter what, the officers of the law follow the law. This detective makes a decision to protect someone, covers up the truth in the case and in essence a murderer goes free. That was unexpected. At first I thought that it was out of character for the cop. But as I think back, I don't believe the author ever made him out to be a cop who followed the rules to the letter or who was strictly about what was right and wrong. There are two more novels that follow this one with the same detective. It will be interesting to see if this character stays consistent through the next two novels.
Overall, it was a good read. Quick and easy and interesting. Be prepared for explicit content though...this author has no reservations with subject matter, description or language.
Happy Reading!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters
This is a debut novel by Elisabeth Robinson. The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters is written in the form of letters, or an epistolary novel. The letters are all written by the main character, Olivia Hunt and they are to various people: her best friend, her sister, her ex-boyfriend, and various Hollywood colleagues. She is a movie producer and her little sister has just been diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia. Olivia is a flawed main character, and that makes her more believable and more likable. The novel is about how she copes with her sister's illness and at the same time tries to make a movie. Oh, and figure out what she wants from life. It is an inside, satirical, look into Hollywood and the movie production process, and a look into relationships, belief systems, and hope.
In the reviews on the cover of the book, it is touted as being "hilarious" and "scathingly funny". While I didn't find it hilarious, it did make me chuckle a few times. It was also a moving book and brought a few tears to my eyes. The author does make the reader laugh, and then shed a tear or two, which, I imagine is a difficult thing to do. I found that the format, that the novel is written as letters, to be very intimate. The book has a conversational tone that makes it easy to read, but at the same time you almost feel as though you are trespassing. It was a very interesting format and one that I became a fan of with this book.
I would recommend this book, but it doesn't make the list of my favorites. This is a quick read and a good "anytime" read. Happy Reading!
In the reviews on the cover of the book, it is touted as being "hilarious" and "scathingly funny". While I didn't find it hilarious, it did make me chuckle a few times. It was also a moving book and brought a few tears to my eyes. The author does make the reader laugh, and then shed a tear or two, which, I imagine is a difficult thing to do. I found that the format, that the novel is written as letters, to be very intimate. The book has a conversational tone that makes it easy to read, but at the same time you almost feel as though you are trespassing. It was a very interesting format and one that I became a fan of with this book.
I would recommend this book, but it doesn't make the list of my favorites. This is a quick read and a good "anytime" read. Happy Reading!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Finger Lickin' Fifteen
Finger Lickin' Fifteen is the latest in the Stephanie Plum series, by Janet Evanovich. What more can I say that this book was laugh out loud funny and a great addition to the series. Evanovich did it again! This book is everything a Stephanie Plum fan would want, and made me laugh so hard that I couldn't read through the tears!
I can't give it all away, so I am going to have to be brief. Lula witnesses a murder, Stephanie has to help Ranger with some break-ins, catch her skips, and help Lula catch the murderers so that they stop trying to kill her and she can collect the reward. There is murder and mayhem, barbeque recipes to develop, dangerous closeness with Ranger and complications in Steph's relationship with Morelli. Grandma Mazur plays a decent role in this one, too, and Steph's mom is trying to set Steph up with men. Steph and Lula are working closely together which leads to all sorts of sticky situations. All of that combined make this novel one wild, hilarious ride.
I don't know how Janet Evanovich can come up with so much hilarity in one novel. But what is more amazing is that she does it over and over again. I finished this book in a day and now I have to wait another year before the next one comes out! Highly recommend this one, even if you are new to the Plum series. Great book, easy read and gives you some belly laughs that everyone could use now and again!
Happy Reading!
I can't give it all away, so I am going to have to be brief. Lula witnesses a murder, Stephanie has to help Ranger with some break-ins, catch her skips, and help Lula catch the murderers so that they stop trying to kill her and she can collect the reward. There is murder and mayhem, barbeque recipes to develop, dangerous closeness with Ranger and complications in Steph's relationship with Morelli. Grandma Mazur plays a decent role in this one, too, and Steph's mom is trying to set Steph up with men. Steph and Lula are working closely together which leads to all sorts of sticky situations. All of that combined make this novel one wild, hilarious ride.
I don't know how Janet Evanovich can come up with so much hilarity in one novel. But what is more amazing is that she does it over and over again. I finished this book in a day and now I have to wait another year before the next one comes out! Highly recommend this one, even if you are new to the Plum series. Great book, easy read and gives you some belly laughs that everyone could use now and again!
Happy Reading!
Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, was our latest Book Club pick. Surprisingly, not one of us had read it (one of our rules on our selections is that no one can have read it before). Upon picking the book, I expected it to be a heftier volume. It is not as long as I thought it would be; my version was just over 350 pages. I thought that it might take us the better part of the summer to read it, but I finished it in just a couple weeks.
The book is set in the English countryside, around the turn of the nineteenth century. It gives a good look into what life was like then. This is an aspect of the book that I found fascinating. The way people related to one another, the customs and the way the relationships were formed and maintained was very interesting. Typically, I am not interested in books with this setting, but I found that this book was the exception to that.
The genre of the book is definitely romance. Originally, I thought that if it were written in modern times it might be considered fluff. However, after finishing the book, I can truly appreciate the depth that Austen added to the romance. This book was also a statement of the times in which it was written.
Austen does a remarkable job with her character development. The characters are created in such a way that the reader has feeling for them, whether positive or negative. The reader begins to hope for the characters, and to feel with them. At least, that is how I felt when I read the book. The main character, Elizabeth Bennet, is a wonderfully strong woman who defies the times by speaking her mind more often than is deemed appropriate. But at the same time, she is vulnerable, making her a heroine that the reader can instantly like and identify with even though the setting is so far removed from our own.
By the end of the book, I was rooting for Elizabeth and her sister, Jane. As I have said before, any author that can evoke an emotion has done his/her job. In this book, Jane Austen made me care about her characters. There is something to be said for that considering that I don't typically prefer novels written in this era or even this genre. Austen has made me reconsider that, and has made me a fan. I would recommend this book, as long as you can read through the language barrier. Being written in 1796 and published in 1813, the language is very different and I needed to concentrate to get the gist of what was being conveyed. This is the only Jane Austen novel I have read, but I plan on picking up another of her novels in the future.
Happy Reading!
The book is set in the English countryside, around the turn of the nineteenth century. It gives a good look into what life was like then. This is an aspect of the book that I found fascinating. The way people related to one another, the customs and the way the relationships were formed and maintained was very interesting. Typically, I am not interested in books with this setting, but I found that this book was the exception to that.
The genre of the book is definitely romance. Originally, I thought that if it were written in modern times it might be considered fluff. However, after finishing the book, I can truly appreciate the depth that Austen added to the romance. This book was also a statement of the times in which it was written.
Austen does a remarkable job with her character development. The characters are created in such a way that the reader has feeling for them, whether positive or negative. The reader begins to hope for the characters, and to feel with them. At least, that is how I felt when I read the book. The main character, Elizabeth Bennet, is a wonderfully strong woman who defies the times by speaking her mind more often than is deemed appropriate. But at the same time, she is vulnerable, making her a heroine that the reader can instantly like and identify with even though the setting is so far removed from our own.
By the end of the book, I was rooting for Elizabeth and her sister, Jane. As I have said before, any author that can evoke an emotion has done his/her job. In this book, Jane Austen made me care about her characters. There is something to be said for that considering that I don't typically prefer novels written in this era or even this genre. Austen has made me reconsider that, and has made me a fan. I would recommend this book, as long as you can read through the language barrier. Being written in 1796 and published in 1813, the language is very different and I needed to concentrate to get the gist of what was being conveyed. This is the only Jane Austen novel I have read, but I plan on picking up another of her novels in the future.
Happy Reading!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Snakes Don't Miss Their Mothers
Snakes Don't Miss Their Mothers is a young adult novel by M.E. Kerr. My 9 year old son read it and really liked it. He asked me to read it, too. He knows how I love to share books with friends, so I was very touched that he wanted to share one with me.
Snakes Don't Miss Their Mothers is a novel about the animals kept at an animal shelter named Critters, and their human companions. The animals are the main characters, with dialogue between them and access to their thoughts and dreams, since it is written from their perspective. The story was cute, and very sweet. It takes place at Christmas time, and the animals go on some interesting adventures with the Critters volunteers and potential new families. There is the ever present Dog Catcher that needs to be avoided. This element added a little suspense to the story line. The characters, both animal and human, are lovable and entertaining. The ending leaves the reader satisfied.
Throughout the book, the author exposes a young reader to new vocabulary and definitions, as well. Reading this as a parent, I appreciated that. The child reading this book learns something along the way. The language used is appropriate for any age and I would estimate the reading level to be around advanced second grade to third grade.
Language and reading level aside, it is a fun book for kids, which is important to foster a love of reading. Happy Reading!
Snakes Don't Miss Their Mothers is a novel about the animals kept at an animal shelter named Critters, and their human companions. The animals are the main characters, with dialogue between them and access to their thoughts and dreams, since it is written from their perspective. The story was cute, and very sweet. It takes place at Christmas time, and the animals go on some interesting adventures with the Critters volunteers and potential new families. There is the ever present Dog Catcher that needs to be avoided. This element added a little suspense to the story line. The characters, both animal and human, are lovable and entertaining. The ending leaves the reader satisfied.
Throughout the book, the author exposes a young reader to new vocabulary and definitions, as well. Reading this as a parent, I appreciated that. The child reading this book learns something along the way. The language used is appropriate for any age and I would estimate the reading level to be around advanced second grade to third grade.
Language and reading level aside, it is a fun book for kids, which is important to foster a love of reading. Happy Reading!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Beyond Recognition
This was my first Ridley Pearson book, and Beyond Recognition made me an instant fan! This book was first published back in 1997, so I am a little behind the times in reading it. It has been sitting on my shelf for ages, the result of a missed "decline shipment" deadline for the Mystery Guild. I picked it up because it has been a while since I have read a mystery. It was a terrific book.
The book is about a detective on the hunt for an arsonist that is using some unknown accelerant for his fires. The accelerant used burns everything fast and super hot. Like the accelerant, this book is fast paced and interesting for the whole ride. The supporting characters are fantastic and compliment the storyline nicely. Enough scientific and forensic detail is given to make the story believable and very interesting, but not so much that the reader doesn't understand or gets bored. There is a subplot that involves the complex relationships of this married cop, and his struggles to balance work and life.
I found that the author is very good at using his language to set the pace. When the detective, or another character is being contemplative or things are moving slower, the language used and sentence structure takes the reader at a slower pace. When the action picks up and time is racing, the language changes and the sentences are more clipped. This causes the reader to speed up their pace, too.
This book was a real page turner. I am a fan of Ridley Pearson now and look forward to reading another of his novels. This book was great as a stand alone, but it turns out this is the 4th book in a series about the detective, Lou Boldt. I plan on getting the other books in this series out of the library so I can catch up on Detective Boldt's life. When I finished the book, I wanted more. I am very glad that I can have it! There are 9 total novels in this series and according to Ridley Pearson's website, another is due out next year.
Happy Reading!
The book is about a detective on the hunt for an arsonist that is using some unknown accelerant for his fires. The accelerant used burns everything fast and super hot. Like the accelerant, this book is fast paced and interesting for the whole ride. The supporting characters are fantastic and compliment the storyline nicely. Enough scientific and forensic detail is given to make the story believable and very interesting, but not so much that the reader doesn't understand or gets bored. There is a subplot that involves the complex relationships of this married cop, and his struggles to balance work and life.
I found that the author is very good at using his language to set the pace. When the detective, or another character is being contemplative or things are moving slower, the language used and sentence structure takes the reader at a slower pace. When the action picks up and time is racing, the language changes and the sentences are more clipped. This causes the reader to speed up their pace, too.
This book was a real page turner. I am a fan of Ridley Pearson now and look forward to reading another of his novels. This book was great as a stand alone, but it turns out this is the 4th book in a series about the detective, Lou Boldt. I plan on getting the other books in this series out of the library so I can catch up on Detective Boldt's life. When I finished the book, I wanted more. I am very glad that I can have it! There are 9 total novels in this series and according to Ridley Pearson's website, another is due out next year.
Happy Reading!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Monkey Love
Monkey Love is Brenda Scott Royce's debut novel. It is billed on the cover to be "hilarious", "laugh out loud", "a hilarious romp of a novel". It was funny, it was a romp, an easy, fun book. Hilarious is going a little far, and I don't think I quite laughed out loud. Maybe I chuckled once. That isn't to say that it wasn't a cute book or that I wouldn't recommend it.
Monkey Love is about a single woman (Holly) living in New York who is going through life day by day, hour by hour even and not really thinking about the big picture. Holly is very likable, a little scattered, and quite resourceful. She is busy trying to make ends meet any way she can: pet sitting, typing, running errands for neighbors, and cutting hair. Her family is a little dysfunctional, and not quite lovable sometimes. Her friends are all mixed up in whirlwind lives themselves, and Holly finds herself always cleaning up others messes. Holly realizes that maybe she needs to get her life in order. Maybe instead of jumping from fire to fire, she needs to pick one track and stick to it. But just what is that track?
Along the way she meets a monkey with as much of a personality as any of her friends, and a dad and his little girl. They are a sweet combo that add some interest to Holly's life. Overall the book is enjoyable. Girl's life is crazy, girl meets boy (and child), girl and boy date, girl thinks maybe there is another boy that she likes, girl and boy (with child) fall in love, but is that enough in this crazy life?
I would recommend this book as a light, vacation type read. A book to have fun with, but not one that you will necessarily remember reading. In fact, I realized a few chapters in that I thought maybe I had read it before. A little more than half way through the book I was sure that I had read it before. It took me a while to be positive that I had read it. I still enjoyed it the second time through, though.
Happy Reading!
Monkey Love is about a single woman (Holly) living in New York who is going through life day by day, hour by hour even and not really thinking about the big picture. Holly is very likable, a little scattered, and quite resourceful. She is busy trying to make ends meet any way she can: pet sitting, typing, running errands for neighbors, and cutting hair. Her family is a little dysfunctional, and not quite lovable sometimes. Her friends are all mixed up in whirlwind lives themselves, and Holly finds herself always cleaning up others messes. Holly realizes that maybe she needs to get her life in order. Maybe instead of jumping from fire to fire, she needs to pick one track and stick to it. But just what is that track?
Along the way she meets a monkey with as much of a personality as any of her friends, and a dad and his little girl. They are a sweet combo that add some interest to Holly's life. Overall the book is enjoyable. Girl's life is crazy, girl meets boy (and child), girl and boy date, girl thinks maybe there is another boy that she likes, girl and boy (with child) fall in love, but is that enough in this crazy life?
I would recommend this book as a light, vacation type read. A book to have fun with, but not one that you will necessarily remember reading. In fact, I realized a few chapters in that I thought maybe I had read it before. A little more than half way through the book I was sure that I had read it before. It took me a while to be positive that I had read it. I still enjoyed it the second time through, though.
Happy Reading!
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Shack
The Shack by William Paul Young is a thought provoking read. It leaves you wondering, and maybe hoping for truth in its pages, about God and about what happens after death. This novel is not a light one. It is not one that can be read without using your head, or your heart.
In The Shack, a man who has suffered a horrible tragedy goes on a remarkable journey of understanding and forgiveness. He returns to the place where this tragedy took place, the shack. There he embarks on a trip through his own spirituality and faith. He meets God and gets to ask some tough questions and hear some even tougher answers. But at the same time, he finds beauty and understanding, and eventually some peace.
I personally found this book to be quite cerebral. I had to re-read several passages to make sure I was fully understanding what was being said. This is a novel that requires thought, a quiet space and time to reflect on what is being read. I truly loved the view of God and the ideas in the book regarding God's love of all of his children. There were parts that were very difficult to read, and parts that I myself just can't buy into. Reading this book as a parent of young children, I was at times very saddened and at times very angry. I never got to the forgiveness that the main character was able to reach. I hope and pray that I am never in the same circumstance, but if I ever find myself there, I question whether I would find the forgiveness he is able to find in his heart.
This was an inspiring and hopeful read. One that will not be forgotten, and one that deserves a lot of discussion. I highly recommend reading this one with someone else. I read it with my book club and personally can't wait to discuss it with my them!
In The Shack, a man who has suffered a horrible tragedy goes on a remarkable journey of understanding and forgiveness. He returns to the place where this tragedy took place, the shack. There he embarks on a trip through his own spirituality and faith. He meets God and gets to ask some tough questions and hear some even tougher answers. But at the same time, he finds beauty and understanding, and eventually some peace.
I personally found this book to be quite cerebral. I had to re-read several passages to make sure I was fully understanding what was being said. This is a novel that requires thought, a quiet space and time to reflect on what is being read. I truly loved the view of God and the ideas in the book regarding God's love of all of his children. There were parts that were very difficult to read, and parts that I myself just can't buy into. Reading this book as a parent of young children, I was at times very saddened and at times very angry. I never got to the forgiveness that the main character was able to reach. I hope and pray that I am never in the same circumstance, but if I ever find myself there, I question whether I would find the forgiveness he is able to find in his heart.
This was an inspiring and hopeful read. One that will not be forgotten, and one that deserves a lot of discussion. I highly recommend reading this one with someone else. I read it with my book club and personally can't wait to discuss it with my them!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Water for Elephants
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen was an excellent book! It is a gritty look at life in a traveling circus in the 1930s. The author meticulously researched the book, and it shows. At times funny, at times gross, at times infuriating and at times heartbreaking, this novel has it all. Intrigue, suspense, romance, adventure and amazing characters.
The main character is Jacob, a veterinary student set to take up practice with his dad once he graduates from school. But then tragedy strikes and Jacob's life takes a very different turn. He joins a traveling circus and meets some wonderful and terrifying people (and animals) along the way. One of the animals is an amazing elephant that has such human emotions you can't help but think of her as one of the human characters. The story is told from Jacob's perspective, remembering it all from his place in a nursing home now at the age of 90, or 93 (he really isn't sure). The story switches back and forth between then and now. Both eras of the story are fascinating, and you can't help loving the crotchety old man that he is now, or the flawed but sweet young man that he was then.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I didn't want to put it down when I was reading it and couldn't wait to pick it back up again each day. I am sad that my time with Jacob is over now. I would love to be able to sit down and have a drink with him and listen to more of his story!
Happy Reading!
The main character is Jacob, a veterinary student set to take up practice with his dad once he graduates from school. But then tragedy strikes and Jacob's life takes a very different turn. He joins a traveling circus and meets some wonderful and terrifying people (and animals) along the way. One of the animals is an amazing elephant that has such human emotions you can't help but think of her as one of the human characters. The story is told from Jacob's perspective, remembering it all from his place in a nursing home now at the age of 90, or 93 (he really isn't sure). The story switches back and forth between then and now. Both eras of the story are fascinating, and you can't help loving the crotchety old man that he is now, or the flawed but sweet young man that he was then.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I didn't want to put it down when I was reading it and couldn't wait to pick it back up again each day. I am sad that my time with Jacob is over now. I would love to be able to sit down and have a drink with him and listen to more of his story!
Happy Reading!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Sailing to Capri
Sailing to Capri by Elizabeth Adler is a mystery/romance novel about a woman who served as a Personal Assistant to an English tycoon. He dies and leaves her with the unpleasant duty of figuring out who killed him with the help of a private investigator. It was the tycoon's final wish that they put together a cruise with all of the suspects, leading up to the reading of the will in the final port.
The plot, while a little predictable, was interesting enough. The setting, or settings, were spectacular. Elizabeth Adler does a fantastic job of describing the setting (and the food), making you wish you could be there. The characters were quite lovable, too; each quirky and imperfect and charming. This novel wrapped up a little too quickly and might have been a little more of a page turner if some of the mystery was enhanced through out the book. Most of the real intrigue takes place in the last 3/4 of the book. Not much is revealed about the investigation into who the murderer is until one final pivotal scene. But it was still an enjoyable read. Definitely escapist in nature, and one that will leave you wanting to travel!
Happy Reading!
The plot, while a little predictable, was interesting enough. The setting, or settings, were spectacular. Elizabeth Adler does a fantastic job of describing the setting (and the food), making you wish you could be there. The characters were quite lovable, too; each quirky and imperfect and charming. This novel wrapped up a little too quickly and might have been a little more of a page turner if some of the mystery was enhanced through out the book. Most of the real intrigue takes place in the last 3/4 of the book. Not much is revealed about the investigation into who the murderer is until one final pivotal scene. But it was still an enjoyable read. Definitely escapist in nature, and one that will leave you wanting to travel!
Happy Reading!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
By the Light of the Moon
By the Light of the Moon by Dean Koontz was a fast paced thrill ride. As Koontz so often does, he delivered another novel that is a page turner and keeps the readers heart rate accelerated. I found myself, as I often do with his books, looking several paragraphs ahead to see what was going to happen because the book was so suspenseful.
The novel started off slow for me. Dean Koontz has a tendency to over-describe, if that is even a word, and he does it with great consistency. That made this book a little difficult to start. It is kind of like he uses a thesaurus for every third word and decides that he must use alliteration, analogies and/or metaphors every third sentence. If you can get past that though, you are in for one heck of a ride. Once past the mass of description, you are thrown into a ride so wild that you have no choice but to be all consumed by the book.
The adventure in this book begins with a set of brothers, one who suffers from autism, the other his faithful caregiver; a strong young woman self described as a "Southwest Amazon"; and, a crazy doctor who injects the aforementioned characters with some "stuff" that he says will do exceptional and amazing things to them. In addition, he tells them that they better run, because now that they have this "stuff" coursing through their veins, others will be out to kill them. The ensuing adventure is thrilling, scary and heart pumping.
Most of his books are written to take place over short periods of time. This book was no exception, lasting a mere 18 hours or so from start to finish. Maybe that is why he fills it with such description, because to not do so would leave him with a short story instead of a novel. Whatever the reason, he definitely makes the world around you disappear and his fictitious world replace it. You feel like you are there, with his characters on their terrifying and exhilarating journey. Around every corner is another turn that you don't expect. Add to the fast paced adventure the fact that the characters in this book are so lovable that you want to know them in your own life, and the result is a really good read. Dean Koontz rarely disappoints in this department!
Happy Reading!
The novel started off slow for me. Dean Koontz has a tendency to over-describe, if that is even a word, and he does it with great consistency. That made this book a little difficult to start. It is kind of like he uses a thesaurus for every third word and decides that he must use alliteration, analogies and/or metaphors every third sentence. If you can get past that though, you are in for one heck of a ride. Once past the mass of description, you are thrown into a ride so wild that you have no choice but to be all consumed by the book.
The adventure in this book begins with a set of brothers, one who suffers from autism, the other his faithful caregiver; a strong young woman self described as a "Southwest Amazon"; and, a crazy doctor who injects the aforementioned characters with some "stuff" that he says will do exceptional and amazing things to them. In addition, he tells them that they better run, because now that they have this "stuff" coursing through their veins, others will be out to kill them. The ensuing adventure is thrilling, scary and heart pumping.
Most of his books are written to take place over short periods of time. This book was no exception, lasting a mere 18 hours or so from start to finish. Maybe that is why he fills it with such description, because to not do so would leave him with a short story instead of a novel. Whatever the reason, he definitely makes the world around you disappear and his fictitious world replace it. You feel like you are there, with his characters on their terrifying and exhilarating journey. Around every corner is another turn that you don't expect. Add to the fast paced adventure the fact that the characters in this book are so lovable that you want to know them in your own life, and the result is a really good read. Dean Koontz rarely disappoints in this department!
Happy Reading!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The Nosy Neighbor
The Nosy Neighbor by Fern Michaels was, quite simply, not worth my time. This book is the reason I don't like most romance novels. But I am one of those people that can't put down a book without finishing it. This novel was like a bad movie that sucks you in and you just feel like you have to find out where it is possibly going to go and what is going to happen, even though you could care less about the characters or the plot, then at the end you realize that you will never get that wasted time back.
I am not going to waste any time describing it. I will simply say that I found the author inconsistent. Her characters were inconsistent and the details were inconsistent, and I don't think the author researched anything for this novel. I found myself wondering how this novel got published and if the author/publisher maybe just think their readers are stupid. And that just pisses me off, frankly. But I guess I only have myself to blame, since I could have put it down at any point!
Not worth your time, don't even bother with this one.
Happy Reading!
I am not going to waste any time describing it. I will simply say that I found the author inconsistent. Her characters were inconsistent and the details were inconsistent, and I don't think the author researched anything for this novel. I found myself wondering how this novel got published and if the author/publisher maybe just think their readers are stupid. And that just pisses me off, frankly. But I guess I only have myself to blame, since I could have put it down at any point!
Not worth your time, don't even bother with this one.
Happy Reading!
Firefly Lane
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah is one of the best books I have ever read. It breaks your heart in the first few pages, keeps you emotionally involved through the entire novel, and delivers a very powerful, emotional ending. Fantastic read that makes you laugh, remember your youth and cry out loud (downright sob, in my case).
Firefly Lane is about two girls who are very different from each other, but find their way to becoming best friends. The novel starts when they are grade school age in the 70s and takes you through their college years together and on through careers, relationships, marriage and kids. It is a novel about friendship at is core, but it is also about the relationship between girls and their moms, husbands and wives, and later about the relationship between moms and their girls. It gives insight into how our familial background shapes who we become as adults, and how our choices, even early on in life change the course of our lives.
The novel became very personal for me at the end. I found myself seeing the situations as a mother of a little girl who is the most precious thing to me, and also as a daughter of a mother with whom I have unresolved issues and very limited time to resolve them. I also found the model of the mother I hope to be in this novel. The passage of time in this book is marked by the fashions and music of the different eras and that was fun to relive.
It is a remarkable work that will remain with me for a very long time, and has become one of my favorite books. The characters and situations will not be easily forgotten. I cannot say enough about how wonderful this book was. I will be recommending it to all of my friends who also love to read. I borrowed it from a friend, but I will probably buy it so that I can add it to my collection and share it with my daughter when she is older.
Happy Reading!
Firefly Lane is about two girls who are very different from each other, but find their way to becoming best friends. The novel starts when they are grade school age in the 70s and takes you through their college years together and on through careers, relationships, marriage and kids. It is a novel about friendship at is core, but it is also about the relationship between girls and their moms, husbands and wives, and later about the relationship between moms and their girls. It gives insight into how our familial background shapes who we become as adults, and how our choices, even early on in life change the course of our lives.
The novel became very personal for me at the end. I found myself seeing the situations as a mother of a little girl who is the most precious thing to me, and also as a daughter of a mother with whom I have unresolved issues and very limited time to resolve them. I also found the model of the mother I hope to be in this novel. The passage of time in this book is marked by the fashions and music of the different eras and that was fun to relive.
It is a remarkable work that will remain with me for a very long time, and has become one of my favorite books. The characters and situations will not be easily forgotten. I cannot say enough about how wonderful this book was. I will be recommending it to all of my friends who also love to read. I borrowed it from a friend, but I will probably buy it so that I can add it to my collection and share it with my daughter when she is older.
Happy Reading!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Plum Spooky
Plum Spooky is a "between the numbers" novel in the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. This book is one more of Stephanie's misadventures in the bounty hunter business. It is hilarious, laugh out loud funny. The cast of characters in these novels doesn't get any better. From Stephanie herself, to Diesel the uber bounty hunter with special powers, to her side-kick Lula, to the pet monkey she is babysitting, to her parents and grandmother, the people that surround Stephanie are quite the cast of characters.
This novel literally had me laughing out loud, and reading parts out loud to my husband. It is the kind of novel that has to be shared! The ridiculousness of the situations and characters, and the comedy behind the dialogue keep you laughing and entertained until the last page. Janet Evanovich just keeps getting better. I highly recommend this book and this entire series.
Happy Reading!
This novel literally had me laughing out loud, and reading parts out loud to my husband. It is the kind of novel that has to be shared! The ridiculousness of the situations and characters, and the comedy behind the dialogue keep you laughing and entertained until the last page. Janet Evanovich just keeps getting better. I highly recommend this book and this entire series.
Happy Reading!
The Expected One
The Expected One by Kathleen McGowan is a novel that makes you think. It makes you think about what you believe about Christianity. It makes you think about your own faith. It makes you think about "what if."
This book is about Maureen Paschal's journey to find the gospel of Mary Magdalene. Maureen Paschal is a professor and an author. She believes that the history that we have all been taught is not the truth, that those who were responsible for capturing that history changed it based on their own biases and politics. Along her journey she learns about secret societies, blood lines, and her own family's history. There are secrets buried at every turn and behind every painting. It is a fascinating look at the constant search for some sort of proof of what really happened in biblical times. It is reminiscent of The Da Vinci Code, but without the action.
Part of the book then becomes the gospel of Mary Magdalene. You read about her life, the life of Jesus and the influential people that surrounded him and his disciples, all from her perspective. It was very interesting, and this part of the book was just as much of a page turner as the rest.
There are people that may say this book made them question what they believed or shook their faith. I did not find myself in that position. However, I did think a lot about what I was reading. It was an entertaining book, that makes you wonder, "what if." What if history really happened differently than historians have noted in history books? What if some of the key players in the gospels, as we know them, really acted differently? What if we their true intentions were different than what we believe them to be? What if a gospel written by Mary Magdalene really existed, or one by Jesus himself? What if the life of Jesus was lived a little differently than we have all been taught?
Kathleen McGowen's second book in this "Magdalene" series came out this month - The Book of Love. It is a search for the gospel written by Jesus himself. I have that on my list of books I want to read. And I would recommend The Expected One.
Happy Reading!
This book is about Maureen Paschal's journey to find the gospel of Mary Magdalene. Maureen Paschal is a professor and an author. She believes that the history that we have all been taught is not the truth, that those who were responsible for capturing that history changed it based on their own biases and politics. Along her journey she learns about secret societies, blood lines, and her own family's history. There are secrets buried at every turn and behind every painting. It is a fascinating look at the constant search for some sort of proof of what really happened in biblical times. It is reminiscent of The Da Vinci Code, but without the action.
Part of the book then becomes the gospel of Mary Magdalene. You read about her life, the life of Jesus and the influential people that surrounded him and his disciples, all from her perspective. It was very interesting, and this part of the book was just as much of a page turner as the rest.
There are people that may say this book made them question what they believed or shook their faith. I did not find myself in that position. However, I did think a lot about what I was reading. It was an entertaining book, that makes you wonder, "what if." What if history really happened differently than historians have noted in history books? What if some of the key players in the gospels, as we know them, really acted differently? What if we their true intentions were different than what we believe them to be? What if a gospel written by Mary Magdalene really existed, or one by Jesus himself? What if the life of Jesus was lived a little differently than we have all been taught?
Kathleen McGowen's second book in this "Magdalene" series came out this month - The Book of Love. It is a search for the gospel written by Jesus himself. I have that on my list of books I want to read. And I would recommend The Expected One.
Happy Reading!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Forever in Blue (The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood)
This is the final installment of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series by Ann Brashares. I read all four books back to back. My world was so entrenched with these four girls that they became my friends for a short time!
This book is not as entertaining as the first three. I think that the third and fourth in the series are not as good as the first two. However, it was still an okay book. I liked it. I thought it was a pretty good wrap up to the series. The storyline was fading and I couldn't really see where else the author could go that would offer the reader something new. So it is appropriate that the series ends here.
In this book, the girls are in finished their first year of college. They are each doing something related to school through the summer though. Three are staying at their respective schools and one is traveling abroad. The still send the pants on to each other, but they play a much reduced role in this book. The only time the four friends are together is at the very end of the book when an emergency brings them together for one purpose. It is a very fitting end to the book and the series.
The author comments that she might revisit these girls at a later point in their lives. She doesn't think she is finished with them yet. If she does complete another novel with these girls, as women, I think I would probably pick it up. It wouldn't be one I would rush to the store to get, but I would want to read it to see where their lives have taken them to satisfy curiosity.
Overall, I would recommend this entire series. Reading all four back to back was enjoyable for me.
Happy Reading!
This book is not as entertaining as the first three. I think that the third and fourth in the series are not as good as the first two. However, it was still an okay book. I liked it. I thought it was a pretty good wrap up to the series. The storyline was fading and I couldn't really see where else the author could go that would offer the reader something new. So it is appropriate that the series ends here.
In this book, the girls are in finished their first year of college. They are each doing something related to school through the summer though. Three are staying at their respective schools and one is traveling abroad. The still send the pants on to each other, but they play a much reduced role in this book. The only time the four friends are together is at the very end of the book when an emergency brings them together for one purpose. It is a very fitting end to the book and the series.
The author comments that she might revisit these girls at a later point in their lives. She doesn't think she is finished with them yet. If she does complete another novel with these girls, as women, I think I would probably pick it up. It wouldn't be one I would rush to the store to get, but I would want to read it to see where their lives have taken them to satisfy curiosity.
Overall, I would recommend this entire series. Reading all four back to back was enjoyable for me.
Happy Reading!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The Second Summer of the Sisterhood/Girls in Pants
I am lumping these two books together, The Second Summer of the Sisterhood and Girls in Pants (The Third Summer of the Sisterhood) by Ann Brashares, because I read them back to back. Literally; I closed one, picked up the next and started it. I finished the two of them in about 24 hours.
I enjoyed the Second Summer almost as much as the first. The girls, individually, get themselves all confused and messed up. Each one faces a crisis. The pants help sometimes and sometimes not. In the end, each girl figures something out about herself and grows a bit. One becomes more likable, one less so. But in some way, the reader can still identify with each of the girls.
The Third Summer is their last as "kids". They are all off to college at the end of this summer. I didn't enjoy this one quite as much, but it was still entertaining and I would recommend it. In the third installment, two of the girls branch into each other's families a bit. One works for the summer babysitting another's grandmother. One comes to the rescue at a most important time for another's mother. It was an interesting twist and one that was quite realistic. You can't love someone as much as these girls love each other and not be involved with the other people that are so important in their lives.
The one thing that I love about these books is that nothing comes between these girls. They adore one another but are not so far into each other's business to hurt one another. They listen and help and support without jealousy or vanity. I don't believe that is typical of high school friendships; I believe it takes more mature individuals to love like that. I love that aspect of the book though because I can so completely relate to it, having a group of friends like that myself.
I am very interested to see where the next summer goes with the girls, and so I have already picked up the fourth and final installment.
Happy Reading!
I enjoyed the Second Summer almost as much as the first. The girls, individually, get themselves all confused and messed up. Each one faces a crisis. The pants help sometimes and sometimes not. In the end, each girl figures something out about herself and grows a bit. One becomes more likable, one less so. But in some way, the reader can still identify with each of the girls.
The Third Summer is their last as "kids". They are all off to college at the end of this summer. I didn't enjoy this one quite as much, but it was still entertaining and I would recommend it. In the third installment, two of the girls branch into each other's families a bit. One works for the summer babysitting another's grandmother. One comes to the rescue at a most important time for another's mother. It was an interesting twist and one that was quite realistic. You can't love someone as much as these girls love each other and not be involved with the other people that are so important in their lives.
The one thing that I love about these books is that nothing comes between these girls. They adore one another but are not so far into each other's business to hurt one another. They listen and help and support without jealousy or vanity. I don't believe that is typical of high school friendships; I believe it takes more mature individuals to love like that. I love that aspect of the book though because I can so completely relate to it, having a group of friends like that myself.
I am very interested to see where the next summer goes with the girls, and so I have already picked up the fourth and final installment.
Happy Reading!
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
I know, I am behind the times. Most of the best sellers that I read, I read WAY after they have been on the best sellers list. This is one of those. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares was published in 2001, eight years ago! I had wanted to read it but it just hadn't made it to the top of my list yet. Then a friend loaned the whole series to me - all four books. I picked it up and was hooked. Finished this book in two days and started the second one right away.
The Sisterhood is made up of four high school friends. The girls mothers were friends but as their lives changed the adults became distanced. The girls, however, remained best friends. They have spent their lives together and this particular summer will be spending their first summer apart. They are girls that most readers can identify with in some way. The "pants" are a consignment shop treasure that miraculously fit all four of the girls, even though they are different shapes and sizes. Hence, their magical nature. The girls decide to share the pants. They see it as a way to stay connected during their summer apart. They make rules that must be adhered to and document the things that happen to them in the pants. The book is, of course, about more than the pants and the adventures that happen when the girls are wearing them. The book is about the individual sisters and the group as a whole.
I loved the sisterhood that the girls share. Having three best friends myself and being a part of a group that shares that kind of love made me love this book all the more. These girls are so open about their feelings for one another and are always there to support each other. Even when that supporting means saying something that the other does not want to hear. Each of the girls has her flaws. That makes the characters more real. They are there for each other through everything - which anyone who has a best friend can identify with.
I absolutely loved this book and started the second one right away. I would highly recommend it. I can't wait to see where the girls second adventure takes them.
Happy Reading!
The Sisterhood is made up of four high school friends. The girls mothers were friends but as their lives changed the adults became distanced. The girls, however, remained best friends. They have spent their lives together and this particular summer will be spending their first summer apart. They are girls that most readers can identify with in some way. The "pants" are a consignment shop treasure that miraculously fit all four of the girls, even though they are different shapes and sizes. Hence, their magical nature. The girls decide to share the pants. They see it as a way to stay connected during their summer apart. They make rules that must be adhered to and document the things that happen to them in the pants. The book is, of course, about more than the pants and the adventures that happen when the girls are wearing them. The book is about the individual sisters and the group as a whole.
I loved the sisterhood that the girls share. Having three best friends myself and being a part of a group that shares that kind of love made me love this book all the more. These girls are so open about their feelings for one another and are always there to support each other. Even when that supporting means saying something that the other does not want to hear. Each of the girls has her flaws. That makes the characters more real. They are there for each other through everything - which anyone who has a best friend can identify with.
I absolutely loved this book and started the second one right away. I would highly recommend it. I can't wait to see where the girls second adventure takes them.
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Family Tree
I picked up Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky because a friend borrowed the other book I was reading and I didn't want to be without a book. I don't know much about Barbara Delinsky, but I expected not to be impressed. I expected it to be a trite romance. I was surprised.
This book was about a family that gets the surprise of a lifetime when their baby is born of a different race. They have to deal with the surprise and all of the feelings that go along with it: mistrust, anger, confusion, concern. They also have to look inside themselves and try to discover exactly where they stand on the issue of race. And they search for the missing link...where did this come from? It is a book about family history, and what exactly that truly means.
While the book was a little predictable, it was still highly enjoyable. Mixed in with the main plot are a few sub plots that keep the story moving and allow you more access to the main characters and their personalities. Overall, this was a fast, easy read and very entertaining. I would recommend it, and I will read more Delinsky in the future.
Happy Reading!
This book was about a family that gets the surprise of a lifetime when their baby is born of a different race. They have to deal with the surprise and all of the feelings that go along with it: mistrust, anger, confusion, concern. They also have to look inside themselves and try to discover exactly where they stand on the issue of race. And they search for the missing link...where did this come from? It is a book about family history, and what exactly that truly means.
While the book was a little predictable, it was still highly enjoyable. Mixed in with the main plot are a few sub plots that keep the story moving and allow you more access to the main characters and their personalities. Overall, this was a fast, easy read and very entertaining. I would recommend it, and I will read more Delinsky in the future.
Happy Reading!
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