Dead Reckoning is the next installment in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. In this next adventure, the telepathic barmaid once again faces danger, mystical intrigue, vampire politics and secrets. Someone is out to get her, someone is out to get her lover, Eric, and her fae cousins are keeping something from her.
This novel moves the story line along for Sookie, but it lacked some of the adventure and suspense that the previous novels have held. For anyone looking for lots of Sookie/Eric action, it just isn't in here, although their relationship is changed dramatically. There is more insight into the fae world and quite a bit of family history covered, but I didn't feel that all of the family history stayed true to the characters as they were originally written.
If you are going to stay with the series, you need to read this book but I did not enjoy it as much as previous novels in this series. It felt like this was a time filler until the next adventure. I hate to say this, but Charlaine Harris needs to step it up again and soon. The last two books have been a bit disappointing and she is going to lose readers if the next one falls short.
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Just Revenge
Just Revenge is a suspenseful legal thriller by Alan Dershowitz. The novel takes an emotional look at the feelings survivors of the Holocaust have related to the perpetrators of that horror, and asks a very difficult question: Are survivors of the Holocaust entitled to revenge on the people who killed their families so long ago?
This is the second novel of Mr. Dershowitz's with Abe Ringel as the main character. However, you don't need to have read the first to read this one. In this novel, Max Menuchen, a friend and fellow scholar of Abe's discovers that the man responsible for killing his entire family is still alive and is living very close by. This man has had a full life, with children and now grandchildren. An opportunity Max's family never got. This enrages Max. At first he tries to enact some semblance of revenge on this man legally, but when the legal channels fail him, Max has to decide if he needs to take things into his own hands. Abe is left with defending Max's actions in the court of law.
Not really being an "eye for an eye" kind of gal, it was hard for me to get behind Max on his crusade for justice. However, this novel really made the reader think. It asked hard questions, and delivered difficult answers. It was a fast, page turner, that was written well. While not a fan of Mr. Dershowitz particularly, I have to give credit to his abilities as a writer. This novel was a thriller that had me on the edge of my seat and at the same time, made me philosophical. Quite an interesting pair. Not wanting to give anything away, I will say that there will be those unsatisfied with the ending. I believe that the ending did serve up the only justice possible, and left the reader with maybe a little hope. I would highly recommend this one.
Happy Reading!
This is the second novel of Mr. Dershowitz's with Abe Ringel as the main character. However, you don't need to have read the first to read this one. In this novel, Max Menuchen, a friend and fellow scholar of Abe's discovers that the man responsible for killing his entire family is still alive and is living very close by. This man has had a full life, with children and now grandchildren. An opportunity Max's family never got. This enrages Max. At first he tries to enact some semblance of revenge on this man legally, but when the legal channels fail him, Max has to decide if he needs to take things into his own hands. Abe is left with defending Max's actions in the court of law.
Not really being an "eye for an eye" kind of gal, it was hard for me to get behind Max on his crusade for justice. However, this novel really made the reader think. It asked hard questions, and delivered difficult answers. It was a fast, page turner, that was written well. While not a fan of Mr. Dershowitz particularly, I have to give credit to his abilities as a writer. This novel was a thriller that had me on the edge of my seat and at the same time, made me philosophical. Quite an interesting pair. Not wanting to give anything away, I will say that there will be those unsatisfied with the ending. I believe that the ending did serve up the only justice possible, and left the reader with maybe a little hope. I would highly recommend this one.
Happy Reading!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Artichoke's Heart
Suzanne Supplee writes a sweet, delectable, touching novel in Artichoke's Heart. The novel is centered around a young girl who is battling a weight issue. But so much more than that, she is trying to learn to love herself and see that others love her, too.
Rosemary is fat. She is also sweet, smart, loving, and strong. But she doesn't know that. She just sees herself as fat, maybe because her mother and her aunt are always reminding her of that and trying to help her lose weight. She is 15 and has no real friends other than some of the people that work in the beauty shop that her mother owns. When Rosemary finally has enough of being fat, she decides to make a change. The novel follows Rosemary on her courageous journey to shed the pounds and learn to love herself. Through a difficult illness that befalls her mother, through the taunts of the popular girls at school, through all the cravings, she finds a real friend and love, too. But most importantly, she figures out that she is special and that she has a lot of people around her who have loved her all along in spite of her size.
The reader is rooting for Rosemary all the way through this novel. You feel her highs and lows, believe in her even when she doesn't believe in herself and hope beyond hope that the people in her life are really trustworthy. I loved Rosemary and I loved this book. It will most likely make my favorites list this year. I believe it is meant as a juvenile fiction book, but I highly recommend it to any reader.
Happy Reading!
Rosemary is fat. She is also sweet, smart, loving, and strong. But she doesn't know that. She just sees herself as fat, maybe because her mother and her aunt are always reminding her of that and trying to help her lose weight. She is 15 and has no real friends other than some of the people that work in the beauty shop that her mother owns. When Rosemary finally has enough of being fat, she decides to make a change. The novel follows Rosemary on her courageous journey to shed the pounds and learn to love herself. Through a difficult illness that befalls her mother, through the taunts of the popular girls at school, through all the cravings, she finds a real friend and love, too. But most importantly, she figures out that she is special and that she has a lot of people around her who have loved her all along in spite of her size.
The reader is rooting for Rosemary all the way through this novel. You feel her highs and lows, believe in her even when she doesn't believe in herself and hope beyond hope that the people in her life are really trustworthy. I loved Rosemary and I loved this book. It will most likely make my favorites list this year. I believe it is meant as a juvenile fiction book, but I highly recommend it to any reader.
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The Age of Innocence
The Age of Innocence is a classic novel by Edith Wharton. Set in the late 1800s, in New York, the characters are all of the higher society. Those from money, whether inherited or earned, who mainly socialize. It is a romantic novel, but the love shared between the two main characters is thwarted at every turn.
Newland Archer is ready to settle down and has found the perfect specimen to be his wife. She is athletic, not to smart (so he can feel that he is teaching her and giving her culture), pretty, comes from a respectable family and trainable. And he likes her. In 1870s American society, I guess that was enough. She is also willing to enter into the marriage, because he is handsome, wealthy, and from a good family. The arrangement will look good and further both of their families socially. (Can you imagine living like this?) But when her cousin come back into town after being away for a long time, Newland realizes that maybe there should be more. Maybe he could marry for love. Unfortunately, events lead him right up to his impending nuptials. After getting married, but never forgetting about his true love, Newland has settled down to his life but is not happy. Seeing his love on the sly, discussing whether or not they have a future, finally it seems that he is willing to make the incredible social blunder of asking for a divorce, when his wife announces her pregnancy. Certainly now he cannot leave her. (I believe that all along his wife knew of his dealings with her cousin and planned her announcement precisely.) The lovers (although technically they have only ever kissed) are thwarted again and life goes on. Newland makes the best of his years with his wife and raises his children. Years later, Newland's wife has died, his children are all grown. His son comes across Newland's old love during his travels. It looks like finally, at the very end of this story they will be able to be together. Both of them in their 50s, it isn't too late to share their love. But alas, Newland walks away, never to face his old love.
This novel is critically said to be one of satire regarding New York society and class during the 1870s. Written 50 years later, the author has the advantage of knowing what is about to befall these characters, both financially and from a technology standpoint. She uses her knowledge to take a sometimes comedic look and gives her characters some foresight into the future. As for the novels, political and social statements, I cannot speak to that, not knowing anything about New York society in the 1870s.
As for entertainment value, this novel offered me very little. It was difficult to read, and I was frustrated at the obstacles that kept coming between the characters. I didn't like the main characters for what they were doing to Newland's wife. Although, I suppose in their defense, one of the reasons they never did get together was because her cousin couldn't stand the thought of hurting her. Anyway, I read this one to be able to say that I did. I don't know that I would recommend reading this classic to those whose time is limited. I am sure there are others out there that would be more worthy of that time.
Happy Reading!
Newland Archer is ready to settle down and has found the perfect specimen to be his wife. She is athletic, not to smart (so he can feel that he is teaching her and giving her culture), pretty, comes from a respectable family and trainable. And he likes her. In 1870s American society, I guess that was enough. She is also willing to enter into the marriage, because he is handsome, wealthy, and from a good family. The arrangement will look good and further both of their families socially. (Can you imagine living like this?) But when her cousin come back into town after being away for a long time, Newland realizes that maybe there should be more. Maybe he could marry for love. Unfortunately, events lead him right up to his impending nuptials. After getting married, but never forgetting about his true love, Newland has settled down to his life but is not happy. Seeing his love on the sly, discussing whether or not they have a future, finally it seems that he is willing to make the incredible social blunder of asking for a divorce, when his wife announces her pregnancy. Certainly now he cannot leave her. (I believe that all along his wife knew of his dealings with her cousin and planned her announcement precisely.) The lovers (although technically they have only ever kissed) are thwarted again and life goes on. Newland makes the best of his years with his wife and raises his children. Years later, Newland's wife has died, his children are all grown. His son comes across Newland's old love during his travels. It looks like finally, at the very end of this story they will be able to be together. Both of them in their 50s, it isn't too late to share their love. But alas, Newland walks away, never to face his old love.
This novel is critically said to be one of satire regarding New York society and class during the 1870s. Written 50 years later, the author has the advantage of knowing what is about to befall these characters, both financially and from a technology standpoint. She uses her knowledge to take a sometimes comedic look and gives her characters some foresight into the future. As for the novels, political and social statements, I cannot speak to that, not knowing anything about New York society in the 1870s.
As for entertainment value, this novel offered me very little. It was difficult to read, and I was frustrated at the obstacles that kept coming between the characters. I didn't like the main characters for what they were doing to Newland's wife. Although, I suppose in their defense, one of the reasons they never did get together was because her cousin couldn't stand the thought of hurting her. Anyway, I read this one to be able to say that I did. I don't know that I would recommend reading this classic to those whose time is limited. I am sure there are others out there that would be more worthy of that time.
Happy Reading!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Last Voyage of the Valentina
Santa Montefiore's Last Voyage of the Valentina is a voyage for the reader to a different time and place. It is an emotional journey, with ups and downs, but yet a very light and easy read. There is intrigue and romance, murder and adventure, all wrapped up in a coming of age story for a young woman who has some serious growing up to do.
Alba Arbuckle does not know her mother. That is because she died soon after Alba was born. Her father, doing what he thought was right, took her away from her mother's world back to England with him, and protected her from the past by not telling her about who her mother was. It was in the 40s, after the war, and a man did not raise a child alone. So he remarried and built a life for himself and his daughter. But, Alba grows up feeling like she doesn't belong in her father's new family. She thinks her stepmother is awful, is apathetic to her step siblings, and is angry with her father for keeping her mother from her. As a result, she lives a licentious life, spending her father's money, entertaining many boyfriends, trying to rebel against the proper life her father and stepmother have built.
Then things change. She finds a portrait of her mother that her father drew. She produces it for her father and demands answers that he is still unwilling to share. Buoyed by a new friend and lover, she decides to find the answers for herself. The reader is then transported back and forth between 1940s Italy when Alba's parents meet and fall in love, and Alba's journey discovering her extended family and herself during the present day (1971). As the reader takes this journey with Alba, we are left hopeful that when she finally learns the truth about her mother, she will see the truth of her father, as well, and that the discoveries she makes will heal old wounds for both of them.
Through all of the intrigue surrounding Alba's parents, there are two lovable characters from her life helping her along the way: Fitzroy and Viv. These two characters bring humor and romance into the novel. The reader is rooting for Fitz and Alba to make something of their romance, for Alba to grow up a little, and for a happy ending.
The descriptions of the places and of the time are exceptional. I could smell the lemon groves, salt air and figs and see the beautiful Amalfi coast. Santa Montefiori weaves a story that is really two tales in one and is able to incorporate the intrigue right along with the romance. While the reader may not get the ending they are expecting, the ending is a fitting one for the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would recommend it highly.
Happy Reading!
Alba Arbuckle does not know her mother. That is because she died soon after Alba was born. Her father, doing what he thought was right, took her away from her mother's world back to England with him, and protected her from the past by not telling her about who her mother was. It was in the 40s, after the war, and a man did not raise a child alone. So he remarried and built a life for himself and his daughter. But, Alba grows up feeling like she doesn't belong in her father's new family. She thinks her stepmother is awful, is apathetic to her step siblings, and is angry with her father for keeping her mother from her. As a result, she lives a licentious life, spending her father's money, entertaining many boyfriends, trying to rebel against the proper life her father and stepmother have built.
Then things change. She finds a portrait of her mother that her father drew. She produces it for her father and demands answers that he is still unwilling to share. Buoyed by a new friend and lover, she decides to find the answers for herself. The reader is then transported back and forth between 1940s Italy when Alba's parents meet and fall in love, and Alba's journey discovering her extended family and herself during the present day (1971). As the reader takes this journey with Alba, we are left hopeful that when she finally learns the truth about her mother, she will see the truth of her father, as well, and that the discoveries she makes will heal old wounds for both of them.
Through all of the intrigue surrounding Alba's parents, there are two lovable characters from her life helping her along the way: Fitzroy and Viv. These two characters bring humor and romance into the novel. The reader is rooting for Fitz and Alba to make something of their romance, for Alba to grow up a little, and for a happy ending.
The descriptions of the places and of the time are exceptional. I could smell the lemon groves, salt air and figs and see the beautiful Amalfi coast. Santa Montefiori weaves a story that is really two tales in one and is able to incorporate the intrigue right along with the romance. While the reader may not get the ending they are expecting, the ending is a fitting one for the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would recommend it highly.
Happy Reading!
Monday, April 4, 2011
The Weight of Water
The Weight of Water is a haunting novel by Anita Shreve. Alternately telling the story of Jean, a photographer, and her family who are on an assignment in the Isles of Shoals off of the coast of Maine, and of the Christensen family from Norway, who eventually emigrated to the United States in the late 1800s. This novel is like two books in one, both stories grabbing hold of the reader until their emotional conclusions. Both stories asking the question, "If you take a woman and push her to the edge, how will she behave?"
The Christensen family (and the Hontvedt family) story ends in a brutal double murder. Jean's assignment is to photograph the island where this murder took place for a magazine article. She and her husband Thomas and their daughter, along with Thomas' brother and his girlfriend set sail together for the island of Smuttynose. As Jean immerses herself in the double murder, she herself begins to tread water emotionally and begins to believe that her husband is having an affair. She examines her marriage and finds that maybe it isn't on solid ground, maybe it never was. Her jealousy begins to cloud her judgement, and that leads to her ultimate downfall, pushing her to her limits, much like her counterparts in the case of the Smuttynose murders.
The author seamlessly weaves these two stories together. Literally from paragraph to paragraph the reader is shifted between these two very different centuries. The harsh reality of life on Smuttynose in the 1860s and 70s to the reality of Jean's current familial struggles. It is not an uplifting book, it is one in which you know all along that there is going to be a horrible conclusion. It is a powerful work, one that begs the question, how far would you go? And how would you ever recover from starting off a series of events that you then have no control over? All of the characters are not necessarily likable, the setting is harsh, but this is a thought provoking book and a tale that will stay with the reader.
Happy Reading!
The Christensen family (and the Hontvedt family) story ends in a brutal double murder. Jean's assignment is to photograph the island where this murder took place for a magazine article. She and her husband Thomas and their daughter, along with Thomas' brother and his girlfriend set sail together for the island of Smuttynose. As Jean immerses herself in the double murder, she herself begins to tread water emotionally and begins to believe that her husband is having an affair. She examines her marriage and finds that maybe it isn't on solid ground, maybe it never was. Her jealousy begins to cloud her judgement, and that leads to her ultimate downfall, pushing her to her limits, much like her counterparts in the case of the Smuttynose murders.
The author seamlessly weaves these two stories together. Literally from paragraph to paragraph the reader is shifted between these two very different centuries. The harsh reality of life on Smuttynose in the 1860s and 70s to the reality of Jean's current familial struggles. It is not an uplifting book, it is one in which you know all along that there is going to be a horrible conclusion. It is a powerful work, one that begs the question, how far would you go? And how would you ever recover from starting off a series of events that you then have no control over? All of the characters are not necessarily likable, the setting is harsh, but this is a thought provoking book and a tale that will stay with the reader.
Happy Reading!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Garden Spells
Sarah Addison Allen spins a tale with such elegance that you get lost in her charming world and feel as if you have been in a dream when you finally emerge from the pages of her books. Garden Spells was such an enchanting, entertaining, utterly delightful read.
The Waverly's have something special about them. Well really, so does nearly everyone in the town of Bascom, North Carolina. There are family legacies that are passed down from generation to generation; special gifts that certain family names are known for. For the Waverly's it is all in the garden, from the special flowers and herbs that are grown there to the apple tree that asserts itself by tossing apples at inopportune times (or opportune depending on the circumstances). But these special gifts have made the Waverly's outsiders in their home town. Claire Waverly has made the best of her abilities and created a catering business around the special plants that grow in her garden. She likes her life to have structure and stability. Her world is rocked a bit when her free-spirited sister, who fled Bascom as soon as she was old enough, shows up one day looking for some of that safety and stability. Claire has to learn to accept change, and that some changes are for the better. Both sisters have secrets to share, and only when they do will they be able to get past their history and make a family for the future.
This novel was enjoyable from start to finish. The characters are quirky and lovable, from the aunt with a knack for giving strange gifts just before the receiver needs them, to the gay shop owner, to the next door neighbor and the family that owns the dairy farm. The story weaves so smoothly and sweetly, yet deals with some heavy issues like abuse, neglect, and fear of abandonment. Only Sarah Addison Allen could weave a story so profound while you are floating along on her mystical cloud. Loved loved loved Garden Spells and highly recommend it.
Happy Reading!
The Waverly's have something special about them. Well really, so does nearly everyone in the town of Bascom, North Carolina. There are family legacies that are passed down from generation to generation; special gifts that certain family names are known for. For the Waverly's it is all in the garden, from the special flowers and herbs that are grown there to the apple tree that asserts itself by tossing apples at inopportune times (or opportune depending on the circumstances). But these special gifts have made the Waverly's outsiders in their home town. Claire Waverly has made the best of her abilities and created a catering business around the special plants that grow in her garden. She likes her life to have structure and stability. Her world is rocked a bit when her free-spirited sister, who fled Bascom as soon as she was old enough, shows up one day looking for some of that safety and stability. Claire has to learn to accept change, and that some changes are for the better. Both sisters have secrets to share, and only when they do will they be able to get past their history and make a family for the future.
This novel was enjoyable from start to finish. The characters are quirky and lovable, from the aunt with a knack for giving strange gifts just before the receiver needs them, to the gay shop owner, to the next door neighbor and the family that owns the dairy farm. The story weaves so smoothly and sweetly, yet deals with some heavy issues like abuse, neglect, and fear of abandonment. Only Sarah Addison Allen could weave a story so profound while you are floating along on her mystical cloud. Loved loved loved Garden Spells and highly recommend it.
Happy Reading!
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