A. Manette Ansay’s Vinegar Hill is a gripping novel. It is a tale of sorrow, pain, anger, revenge, duty, courage and ultimately, love. It is at times disgusting and heart breaking, but it is also triumphant.
The story takes place in 1972. Ellen and James have two children and a normal life, until James loses his job. Ellen is a teacher, but her salary is not enough to support the family so they move back to the small town where James and Ellen both grew up, and in with James’ parents. James’ parents are very set in their ways, extremely religious, not used to having children around and not loving. In fact, they can be down right mean. His mother is frail and unable to do even the simplest task around the house once Ellen moves in. So now, in addition to being the only one who works, she also has to do all of the cooking, cleaning and caring for the children. James suffers from depression and even after he finds a job is not sure how to fit in with the family dynamic.
Living under these circumstances would be difficult for any couple. For James and Ellen, whose marriage was not on firm foundation before, it is destructive. Everyone pays the price of the living situation, but most of all the two children. Their oldest, a girl named Amy, begins to resent and blame her mother. The youngest, a boy named Herbert, is terrified all of the time. James’ parents are huge hypocrites, both in their religious beliefs and their everyday behavior, and judging James and Ellen on their child rearing; his father is violent. The situation is a recipe for disaster. Ellen knows it and somehow has to keep her family together, or decide to move on. But the pressures are getting to her, too, her mental stability falters and she turns to pharmaceuticals to get through the day.
This novel was depressing at times, but I believe that in the end there is triumph. It is written in chapters that show different characters perspectives, and is sort of a stream of consciousness. For each adult character, there is a time when the reader feels sympathetic to their situation. Then in the next paragraph or chapter that sympathy is ripped away. The text jumps from the present situation to a past situation and back again so quickly that I was left re-reading to make sure I understood what was happening. I am glad that I read this book, but would caution the reader that this is not really a “feel good” read. I think it would be excellent for a book club choice, because there are many character choices that could be the basis for intense discussion.
Happy Reading!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Dead in the Family
Dead in the Family is the latest in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. This is the tenth novel in the series. It continues the storyline from the previous book, with Sookie recovering from the Fairy War and the Two Natured dealing with the ramifications of “coming out”.
This books plot centers around a few events. Eric’s maker shows up and brings his “brother” (a relatively new, and historically significant, vamp). In addition, there are some issues with a few Fae who were left behind after the Fairy War. And if that wasn't enough, the Weres have some political issues that they have to deal with, too. As usual, Sookie finds herself in the middle of it all. Her cousin’s child, Hunter, makes a return to this book, as well.
I love this series, but I was a little disappointed with this one. While the book was certainly enjoyable for any Sookie fan, I found the relationships and the politics in the Vampire and Were communities to be quite complicated. I had a hard time keeping it all straight. That may be because it has been five months since I read the last book. This book definitely could not have been a stand alone novel; the reader would have been too confused. For that reason, I did not enjoy this book as much as the other Sookie books.
I also thought the ending was wrapped up too quickly. While I was still trying to figure out what happened with one branch of the plot, the other completely wrapped up, too. It ended very fast, without complete closure. There is the big climax of the plot (which in these books is typically a violent scene where some of the good guys and most of the bad guys get hurt or die) and then the book ends a few paragraphs later.
Overall, I feel that the complicated plot line was carried out to completion too neatly and there wasn't enough of what brought me to this series in this book. I would still recommend this book to Sookie fans, because if you want to find out what happens next you need to read it. I am not done with this series yet, but I fear that if the next book in the series is the same way I may not continue. There is still so much potential for this series, many places Charlaine Harris could go with Sookie and her adventures. I really hope she hasn't run her creative course with Sookie, and that the next one brings me back.
Happy Reading!
This books plot centers around a few events. Eric’s maker shows up and brings his “brother” (a relatively new, and historically significant, vamp). In addition, there are some issues with a few Fae who were left behind after the Fairy War. And if that wasn't enough, the Weres have some political issues that they have to deal with, too. As usual, Sookie finds herself in the middle of it all. Her cousin’s child, Hunter, makes a return to this book, as well.
I love this series, but I was a little disappointed with this one. While the book was certainly enjoyable for any Sookie fan, I found the relationships and the politics in the Vampire and Were communities to be quite complicated. I had a hard time keeping it all straight. That may be because it has been five months since I read the last book. This book definitely could not have been a stand alone novel; the reader would have been too confused. For that reason, I did not enjoy this book as much as the other Sookie books.
I also thought the ending was wrapped up too quickly. While I was still trying to figure out what happened with one branch of the plot, the other completely wrapped up, too. It ended very fast, without complete closure. There is the big climax of the plot (which in these books is typically a violent scene where some of the good guys and most of the bad guys get hurt or die) and then the book ends a few paragraphs later.
Overall, I feel that the complicated plot line was carried out to completion too neatly and there wasn't enough of what brought me to this series in this book. I would still recommend this book to Sookie fans, because if you want to find out what happens next you need to read it. I am not done with this series yet, but I fear that if the next book in the series is the same way I may not continue. There is still so much potential for this series, many places Charlaine Harris could go with Sookie and her adventures. I really hope she hasn't run her creative course with Sookie, and that the next one brings me back.
Happy Reading!
Monday, May 10, 2010
At First Sight
At First Sight is a novel by Nicholas Sparks. I have not read very much by him. This book is set mainly in a small town in North Carolina. A writer from New York city, Jeremy, has fallen in love with a small town girl from Boone Creek, North Carolina. He decides to leave his live in NYC to move to Boone Creek and start a life with her. But how do you start a life with someone you barely know?
Jeremy and Lexie only just met a few weeks ago, but already they are engaged and planning a life together. When Jeremy gets a message questioning the honesty of his fiancee, it sets off a chain of events that threaten to tear the couple apart.
This is book about relationships from the guy's perspective, which was interesting to read. I found that I was not as emotionally attached to the characters, though. When tragedy struck, it was not as emotional for me as I think it typically is when I am reading a book. But it was an interesting and enjoyable read. I am not sure I would put Nicholas Sparks among my favorite authors though.
Happy Reading!
Jeremy and Lexie only just met a few weeks ago, but already they are engaged and planning a life together. When Jeremy gets a message questioning the honesty of his fiancee, it sets off a chain of events that threaten to tear the couple apart.
This is book about relationships from the guy's perspective, which was interesting to read. I found that I was not as emotionally attached to the characters, though. When tragedy struck, it was not as emotional for me as I think it typically is when I am reading a book. But it was an interesting and enjoyable read. I am not sure I would put Nicholas Sparks among my favorite authors though.
Happy Reading!
Cold Sassy Tree
Cold Sassy Tree is a novel about a small southern town written by Olive Ann Burns. The novel takes place in the early 1900s. It is a funny, heartwarming and at times sad portrayal of life in the South.
The story is set around several generations of one family in the town of Cold Sassy. They are a prominent family in that small setting and go through their trials and tribulations in front of the entire town. This is a town where everyone knows your business and will talk about it behind your back. The patron of the family, Mr. Blakeslee puts the town, and his family, into a fit when he marries a much younger woman just weeks after his wife passes. As his daughters learn to deal with this new member of the family, and his grandson tries to find his own place, Mr. Blakeslee goes through some changes of his own.
Every character in this book, while flawed, has redeeming characteristics and is lovable. The reader cheers for each and everyone, and while we many not understand or agree with choices made, we hope that all turns out okay. In addition, there is a look into the Southern mindset when it comes to economics, the Civil War, slavery, and the changes that technology brings around the turn of the century.
Overall, this book was a very good read. I would recommend it. Happy Reading!
The story is set around several generations of one family in the town of Cold Sassy. They are a prominent family in that small setting and go through their trials and tribulations in front of the entire town. This is a town where everyone knows your business and will talk about it behind your back. The patron of the family, Mr. Blakeslee puts the town, and his family, into a fit when he marries a much younger woman just weeks after his wife passes. As his daughters learn to deal with this new member of the family, and his grandson tries to find his own place, Mr. Blakeslee goes through some changes of his own.
Every character in this book, while flawed, has redeeming characteristics and is lovable. The reader cheers for each and everyone, and while we many not understand or agree with choices made, we hope that all turns out okay. In addition, there is a look into the Southern mindset when it comes to economics, the Civil War, slavery, and the changes that technology brings around the turn of the century.
Overall, this book was a very good read. I would recommend it. Happy Reading!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Monkeewrench
Monkeewrench is a mystery/thriller by P.J. Tracy. It is a fast paced, suspenseful mystery that takes place in Minneapolis and a partially in a small town in Wisconsin. The novel is about a series of murders that takes place in the city that are based on a computer game. The homicide detectives assigned to the case have to work through a daunting list of suspects that include the employees of the company that designed the game.
The characters are likable. The book has enough character development in it to make it about more than just solving the murders. The plot is original and well thought through. There are twists and turns that have the reader wondering about the characters lives, not just about the "who done it" part of the mystery.
It is an enjoyable book that keeps the reader guessing until the last pages. The characters are ones that the reader wants to continue to follow, even after reading the last page. So, it's a good thing that there are other books centered around them (Live Bait & Dead Run). Can't wait to read those!
Happy Reading!
The characters are likable. The book has enough character development in it to make it about more than just solving the murders. The plot is original and well thought through. There are twists and turns that have the reader wondering about the characters lives, not just about the "who done it" part of the mystery.
It is an enjoyable book that keeps the reader guessing until the last pages. The characters are ones that the reader wants to continue to follow, even after reading the last page. So, it's a good thing that there are other books centered around them (Live Bait & Dead Run). Can't wait to read those!
Happy Reading!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Paint It Black
Paint It Black is a novel by Janet Fitch (White Oleander). It is a dark, depressing novel set in the 80s about a young woman whose boyfriend commits suicide. After his death, she learns about secrets that he kept from her, and forms a strange relationship with his mother. The two of them together, try to make sense out of the senseless act and forge forward with all they have left, each other.
This novel was artful, but gloomy. The main character, Josie, is deeply in love with her boyfriend. She is from the wrong side of town. He is from a rich family, but has written them off. He is trying to make his way as a struggling artist, trying to live a "real" life. When the depression gets the best of him, and he takes his life, Josie must go through the process of saying goodbye. His mother, who hated Josie, now clings to her as a last memento of her son's other life. And Josie clings right back, as his mother represents a last scrap of who her boyfriend was. The two woman form a very co-dependent relationship, each simply using the other for different reasons. Through the process, Josie learns of lies that her boyfriend told her and secrets that he kept from her, some of them very disturbing. As Josie moves through her process of grieving - laying blame, feeling anger and guilt - she has to decide whether she will move on, remain in this current state of mourning, or join her boyfriend. Through an unlikely source, she finally figures out which path to take.
This novel took some time to read, because I could only take so much at once. While it was a good book that delivered a message about living and dying, and I am glad that I read it, I don't know that I would recommend it. It was just too depressing. The novel's view on life was just too dismal. I really couldn't wait to be finished and move on to something lighter. This is a novel that makes it hard to even say...
Happy Reading!
This novel was artful, but gloomy. The main character, Josie, is deeply in love with her boyfriend. She is from the wrong side of town. He is from a rich family, but has written them off. He is trying to make his way as a struggling artist, trying to live a "real" life. When the depression gets the best of him, and he takes his life, Josie must go through the process of saying goodbye. His mother, who hated Josie, now clings to her as a last memento of her son's other life. And Josie clings right back, as his mother represents a last scrap of who her boyfriend was. The two woman form a very co-dependent relationship, each simply using the other for different reasons. Through the process, Josie learns of lies that her boyfriend told her and secrets that he kept from her, some of them very disturbing. As Josie moves through her process of grieving - laying blame, feeling anger and guilt - she has to decide whether she will move on, remain in this current state of mourning, or join her boyfriend. Through an unlikely source, she finally figures out which path to take.
This novel took some time to read, because I could only take so much at once. While it was a good book that delivered a message about living and dying, and I am glad that I read it, I don't know that I would recommend it. It was just too depressing. The novel's view on life was just too dismal. I really couldn't wait to be finished and move on to something lighter. This is a novel that makes it hard to even say...
Happy Reading!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Murder in the Chateau
Murder in the Chateau is an Eleanor Roosevelt novel by Elliot Roosevelt, her son. This is the first of these novels I have read. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to those who like mystery mixed with history.
The novel is set in 1941. France has been occupied by Germany and everyone wonders when the United States will get involved in the war. The president's wife is summoned to the oval office. Her husband has a mission for her. There is a covert operation underway to assassinate Hitler. The French and the Germans are looking for commitment to the mission. The first lady is supposed to attend secretive meetings in Nazi occupied France with high ranking military officials from France and Germany, to establish the commitment of the United States. It is a very dangerous mission, but no one realizes how dangerous until people in the chateau where the meetings are taking place start ending up dead. Now Mrs. Roosevelt, with the aid of her U.S. intelligence assistants, must figure out why these murders are happening and who is committing them, while also remaining hidden from the Nazi troops that are patrolling the area.
There was a lot of military strategy in this book. In addition, there are some more touching moments where characters reveal exactly what living in Nazi occupied areas was like. Normally, this kind of book might not be my cup of tea, but because there were the more tender moments and because Mrs. Roosevelt's character was so intriguing and likable, I did enjoy this book. I also find it so interesting that it was written by the Roosevelt's son. To write a book about his mother, where she was portrayed with such elegance and intelligence, he must have truly loved and respected his mother. There is even a scene where one of the men involved in this mission makes mild advances toward the First Lady. It was quite an interesting and enjoyable, albeit fictional, look into her life.
If you like historical fiction, and military strategy, mixed in with some good old fashioned murder mystery then Murder in the Chateau would be a good choice for you.
Happy Reading!
The novel is set in 1941. France has been occupied by Germany and everyone wonders when the United States will get involved in the war. The president's wife is summoned to the oval office. Her husband has a mission for her. There is a covert operation underway to assassinate Hitler. The French and the Germans are looking for commitment to the mission. The first lady is supposed to attend secretive meetings in Nazi occupied France with high ranking military officials from France and Germany, to establish the commitment of the United States. It is a very dangerous mission, but no one realizes how dangerous until people in the chateau where the meetings are taking place start ending up dead. Now Mrs. Roosevelt, with the aid of her U.S. intelligence assistants, must figure out why these murders are happening and who is committing them, while also remaining hidden from the Nazi troops that are patrolling the area.
There was a lot of military strategy in this book. In addition, there are some more touching moments where characters reveal exactly what living in Nazi occupied areas was like. Normally, this kind of book might not be my cup of tea, but because there were the more tender moments and because Mrs. Roosevelt's character was so intriguing and likable, I did enjoy this book. I also find it so interesting that it was written by the Roosevelt's son. To write a book about his mother, where she was portrayed with such elegance and intelligence, he must have truly loved and respected his mother. There is even a scene where one of the men involved in this mission makes mild advances toward the First Lady. It was quite an interesting and enjoyable, albeit fictional, look into her life.
If you like historical fiction, and military strategy, mixed in with some good old fashioned murder mystery then Murder in the Chateau would be a good choice for you.
Happy Reading!
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