Another special post, since this series is so popular right now!
Summary:
The second in the ridiculously popular Hunger Games series, this episode finds Katniss dealing with the aftermath of her victory at the Games. She has to deal with how she feels about Peeta, her fellow victor, and Gale, the boy she left home while she played up a love story for the Hunger Games cameras. But much more importantly, the country of Panem is reeling after Katniss defied the Capitol with her ending of the Games. There are uprisings threatening in several districts, and President Snow, president of Panem, forces Katniss to play up the romance between herself and Peeta once again during the Victor's Tour. But what happens just before the next Hunger Games sends Katniss into a tailspin, and she's got a whole new set of worries to deal with.
Thoughts:
First things first, I'm trying to not spoil anything from the original book or this one. It's tough, but enough people haven't gotten there that want to read the books. So I'll do my best. Now, I hate how this book ends. It is abrupt and very clearly a ploy to get readers to pick up the next book tomorrow. I despise authors who find the need to do this. If your book is interesting enough, or thrilling or endearing or enjoyable or imaginative enough, people will go get the sequel. Take Evanovich and Rowling for example. There are clearly defined endings with their work. Harry finishes year one. Stephanie brings her big score in and solves the case. In this book, Katniss barely clings to life, and the book ends. There are at least half a dozen major, disgustingly wide open plot holes that have yet to be looked at, let alone sewn up. At least with the original, The Hunger Games, there was a clear finality to the end of the book. This book ends with a shocking declaration. Are you kidding?
I digress. I really enjoyed the book. It's thrilling and inventive, and I couldn't put the damn thing down, just like its predecessor. I couldn't wait to see how things played out. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book, and I liked it like that. The writing is good (save the ridiculously abrupt ending) and the characters are well built.
But damn, girl. End a book with an ending, not a middle.
Book 26 of 50
Pages: 391, read as an e-book
Genre: Post-apocalyptic teen-lit
Grade: A-
Would I Recommend?: Yes. Read the first one, because everything in this hinges on what happened in the first book. But yes. It's a great book. Read it.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Definitely Dead (Charlaine Harris)
Summary:
Sookie Stackhouse is once again shoved unrepentantly into vampire business. Her cousin, Hadley, who was turned into a vampire a few years previously, was permanently killed, and Sookie was named as her benefactor. Sookie has to now go to New Orleans to get Hadley's affairs in order, and collect any belongings Hadley's left behind. For once, though, Sookie's got something good going for her. She's got a hunky guy drooling over her, and he's not even a vamp! Quinn is a weretiger (think werewolf, only he turns into a tiger instead) that spotted her in the prior book, and they developed an... interesting connection. Add in a witch landlady, a vampire queen demanding help, and Eric and Bill (Sookie's exes) still trying to vie for Sookie's attentions, and there you have the next chapter in Sookie's crazy life.
Thoughts:
I really enjoy this series. Often when I start a book, within the first twenty pages or so, I see how many more pages I have, so I know when things are really going to ramp up, and then finish off. For Harris's page-turners, it easily takes me eighty or more to think about the page check, and then it's usually more to see how far I got and less to see how far I have yet to go. Harris has a way of building characters that you become completely enamored of, and who you wish you'd see more. (Personally, I'm crazy about Eric's character, because he's predictable in his unpredictability. Gotta love that guy!) Sookie's making more of a stand this time around, and trying not to jump straight into another shaky relationship that's based mostly around lust, so she's trying to take it slow with Quinn, a trait I appreciate and admire in not only a fictional character, but in an actual person. Something to note about this particular edition to the Sookie books: It seems there is a short story that comes between the previous book, Dead as a Doornail, and this one. The story of how and why Hadley died is touched on briefly, but I'm fairly positive there is something more than just flashbacks to rely on for the full story. I'll be hunting for it, but I'm not sure if/when I'll find it. Just something to think about. Overall, barring the lack of info about Hadley's early exit, this was another great turn for Sookie, and for Harris.
Book 16 of 50
Pages:324
Genre:Mystery with a side of supernaturality
Grade:B+
Would I Recommend?:Yes, but please read the previous installments before you get here. It'll just be confusing otherwise.
Sookie Stackhouse is once again shoved unrepentantly into vampire business. Her cousin, Hadley, who was turned into a vampire a few years previously, was permanently killed, and Sookie was named as her benefactor. Sookie has to now go to New Orleans to get Hadley's affairs in order, and collect any belongings Hadley's left behind. For once, though, Sookie's got something good going for her. She's got a hunky guy drooling over her, and he's not even a vamp! Quinn is a weretiger (think werewolf, only he turns into a tiger instead) that spotted her in the prior book, and they developed an... interesting connection. Add in a witch landlady, a vampire queen demanding help, and Eric and Bill (Sookie's exes) still trying to vie for Sookie's attentions, and there you have the next chapter in Sookie's crazy life.
Thoughts:
I really enjoy this series. Often when I start a book, within the first twenty pages or so, I see how many more pages I have, so I know when things are really going to ramp up, and then finish off. For Harris's page-turners, it easily takes me eighty or more to think about the page check, and then it's usually more to see how far I got and less to see how far I have yet to go. Harris has a way of building characters that you become completely enamored of, and who you wish you'd see more. (Personally, I'm crazy about Eric's character, because he's predictable in his unpredictability. Gotta love that guy!) Sookie's making more of a stand this time around, and trying not to jump straight into another shaky relationship that's based mostly around lust, so she's trying to take it slow with Quinn, a trait I appreciate and admire in not only a fictional character, but in an actual person. Something to note about this particular edition to the Sookie books: It seems there is a short story that comes between the previous book, Dead as a Doornail, and this one. The story of how and why Hadley died is touched on briefly, but I'm fairly positive there is something more than just flashbacks to rely on for the full story. I'll be hunting for it, but I'm not sure if/when I'll find it. Just something to think about. Overall, barring the lack of info about Hadley's early exit, this was another great turn for Sookie, and for Harris.
Book 16 of 50
Pages:324
Genre:Mystery with a side of supernaturality
Grade:B+
Would I Recommend?:Yes, but please read the previous installments before you get here. It'll just be confusing otherwise.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Six Geese A-Slaying (Donna Andrews)
Summary:
Yet another Donna Andrews mystery featuring Meg Langslow. This one is set at the most magical time of the year, the Christmas season. It's two days from Christmas, and Meg is in charge of Caerphilly's Holiday Parade. The trouble is, Santa gets offed within thirty minutes of his arrival. Whoops. Of course, Meg's got to hunt down the killer and save Christmas.
Thoughts:
The goose motif throughout was quite amusing. Andrews always throws the fowl named in the title into the storyline of the particular book, and this time was no different. And of course, along with the geese, there comes ridiculousness and hilarity that accompany Meg's family anywhere and everywhere. I enjoyed this one as always. The reasons behind the murder were not as obvious as they've been previously, and I was glad to see that drama stemming from Meg being unmarried is now gone, as she and Michael have happily gotten that out of the way. Unfortunately for Meg, now she's got to contend with the "when are the kids coming?" questions that old married always seem to need to ask the nearest newlyweds. Poor girl, I know how you feel, far more than I'd like. As usual for Ms. Andrews, this is yet another splendid turn for Meg and company.
Book 15 of 50
Pages: 288
Genre: Mystery
Grade: B+
Would I Recommend?: Sure. There aren't nearly as many callbacks to previous books as there are in other series, so this one would be an okay choice to pick up in the middle. Great for Christmas reading (or maybe even a little Christmas in July?)
Yet another Donna Andrews mystery featuring Meg Langslow. This one is set at the most magical time of the year, the Christmas season. It's two days from Christmas, and Meg is in charge of Caerphilly's Holiday Parade. The trouble is, Santa gets offed within thirty minutes of his arrival. Whoops. Of course, Meg's got to hunt down the killer and save Christmas.
Thoughts:
The goose motif throughout was quite amusing. Andrews always throws the fowl named in the title into the storyline of the particular book, and this time was no different. And of course, along with the geese, there comes ridiculousness and hilarity that accompany Meg's family anywhere and everywhere. I enjoyed this one as always. The reasons behind the murder were not as obvious as they've been previously, and I was glad to see that drama stemming from Meg being unmarried is now gone, as she and Michael have happily gotten that out of the way. Unfortunately for Meg, now she's got to contend with the "when are the kids coming?" questions that old married always seem to need to ask the nearest newlyweds. Poor girl, I know how you feel, far more than I'd like. As usual for Ms. Andrews, this is yet another splendid turn for Meg and company.
Book 15 of 50
Pages: 288
Genre: Mystery
Grade: B+
Would I Recommend?: Sure. There aren't nearly as many callbacks to previous books as there are in other series, so this one would be an okay choice to pick up in the middle. Great for Christmas reading (or maybe even a little Christmas in July?)
Sunday, April 15, 2012
A Touch of Greek (Tina Folsom)
Summary:
Triton is a philandering minor God, sprung from Olympus with spectacular good looks, a smokin' hot bod, and the arrogance to go with it. He can and will sleep with anything with breath and boobs. He even beds Zeus's current mistress, which leads to all kinds of trouble. His punishment, he is banished to the mortal world and must find a woman who will fall in love with him, not for his good looks, but his selflessness and kindness. Triton's in deep crap. Sophia's aunt, who raised her and her cousin Michael, has just passed away, and she is the sole benefactor of her aunt's will, thanks to Michael's conniving, cheating, stealing ways. She's trying to refurbish the house and turn it into a bed and breakfast, so that she won't be swept away by the taxes on her inheritance, and Michael's doing everything to stop it, and take what he believes he's owed. An unfortunate accident leaves Sophia nearly blind, and facing hardship upon hardship when Triton comes to her, ready to help and gain her love. Little do they both know, there's all kinds of peril waiting for them at every turn.
Thoughts:
Really good. It's absolutely classic romance novel formula, of course. But the writing is good, and the details are interesting. I was rooting for them both the whole way through, even if I did know what was going to happen in the end. The writing was good enough that you can ignore the "holy crap, so predictable" and move on to the "aww, what are they going to do next" of it all. I can't say it's the best I've ever read, but it's definitely not the worst. Added bonus is the Greek mythology angle, which will usually hook me right off. It does get fairly racy, and Triton often (especially at the beginning) can't stop thinking about his (ahem) trident. (Har har.) But it's not so much to be off-putting. There's more books in the series, though it apparently focuses on Dionysus not Triton, but I'll probably check it out anyway. I read this one on the Kindle, but it is also available in hard copy.
Book 14 of 50
Pages:221 according to Kindle (the last 5-10 pages were a "sneak peak"), 228 according to Amazon's page
Genre:romance, with a touch of Greek mythology
Grade:B+
Would I Recommend?:Sure, it's a fun romp in the hay.
Triton is a philandering minor God, sprung from Olympus with spectacular good looks, a smokin' hot bod, and the arrogance to go with it. He can and will sleep with anything with breath and boobs. He even beds Zeus's current mistress, which leads to all kinds of trouble. His punishment, he is banished to the mortal world and must find a woman who will fall in love with him, not for his good looks, but his selflessness and kindness. Triton's in deep crap. Sophia's aunt, who raised her and her cousin Michael, has just passed away, and she is the sole benefactor of her aunt's will, thanks to Michael's conniving, cheating, stealing ways. She's trying to refurbish the house and turn it into a bed and breakfast, so that she won't be swept away by the taxes on her inheritance, and Michael's doing everything to stop it, and take what he believes he's owed. An unfortunate accident leaves Sophia nearly blind, and facing hardship upon hardship when Triton comes to her, ready to help and gain her love. Little do they both know, there's all kinds of peril waiting for them at every turn.
Thoughts:
Really good. It's absolutely classic romance novel formula, of course. But the writing is good, and the details are interesting. I was rooting for them both the whole way through, even if I did know what was going to happen in the end. The writing was good enough that you can ignore the "holy crap, so predictable" and move on to the "aww, what are they going to do next" of it all. I can't say it's the best I've ever read, but it's definitely not the worst. Added bonus is the Greek mythology angle, which will usually hook me right off. It does get fairly racy, and Triton often (especially at the beginning) can't stop thinking about his (ahem) trident. (Har har.) But it's not so much to be off-putting. There's more books in the series, though it apparently focuses on Dionysus not Triton, but I'll probably check it out anyway. I read this one on the Kindle, but it is also available in hard copy.
Book 14 of 50
Pages:221 according to Kindle (the last 5-10 pages were a "sneak peak"), 228 according to Amazon's page
Genre:romance, with a touch of Greek mythology
Grade:B+
Would I Recommend?:Sure, it's a fun romp in the hay.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)
This is a special post, brought on because the Hunger Games is huge right now. From time to time, if I find something that's great and that I want to share right away, I'll make a special Wednesday post to keep you up to date. The book number (22 of 50) is out of order from the rest of the books posted on Sundays because I'm really far ahead on my reading this year.
Summary:
The Hunger Games is about a post-apocalyptic country called Panem, which sits where the United States once did. The thirteen districts revolted against the Capitol, and now the twelve remaining districts have to suffer through the Hunger Games as punishment. Every year, one boy and one girl from each district fight to the death in an arena near the Capitol, and video of the whole ordeal is broadcast throughout the country for everyone to watch. The Tributes' names are drawn by lots, though anyone can volunteer if they so choose. Katniss Everdeen hates the Capitol for this violent practice, but she volunteers for the Games to save her little sister's life. Now she must fight her way through the Games, fending off the craziest of competitors, in the hopes that she might actually return to District Twelve.
Thoughts:
What a disturbing plot line for a piece of teen literature. But it works. You feel offended by the gall of the Panem government, and you hurt for Katniss as she fights to stay alive, and does everything she can to do so. The characters are so well built, they take hold of your mind and don't let go. It's not often that I find something that has as much a hold on me as this book does. I couldn't put the book down, even during the more tedious parts (of which there are very, very few), and finished the book in about three days' time. It's an incredible book, and well worth the read. Sure, this book is trendy and cool right now, and you might want to roll your eyes at all the hipsters that are carrying around well-worn copies of it, and the rest of the series, like badges of honor or something. But they're not wrong about the impressiveness of the book. It's well plotted, very well written, and completely intriguing. Highly suggested, and honestly, probably one of the best books I've read all year, so far. Hop on the Hunger Games train if you haven't already. You won't be sorry. As an aside, I went to the movie last week, and the movie is fairly spot-on. There were a few discrepancies (Prim isn't the one that gave Katniss the mocking jay pin, it was another girl Katniss went to school with, and Peeta's actor doesn't feel like Peeta to anyone I've spoken with about it) but for the most part, it's a very well-done movie adaptation. I think an added bonus was how much Ms. Collins was involved with the making of the movie. I saw her name on two different lines when the credits rolled, more than just "Based on a novel by..." I highly suggest the movie, but only after having read the book, because there are things that will just shock the heck out of you if you don't know they're coming, and you might wind up bawling like a baby as you watch the movie unknowingly. Watch this space for a review of the following books in the series. It'll come as soon as I get my hands on the books.
Book 22 of 50
Pages: 384
Genre: teen lit, post-apocalyptic
Grade: A+
Would I Recommend?: Yes, with great aplomb. Read it. Trust.
The Hunger Games is about a post-apocalyptic country called Panem, which sits where the United States once did. The thirteen districts revolted against the Capitol, and now the twelve remaining districts have to suffer through the Hunger Games as punishment. Every year, one boy and one girl from each district fight to the death in an arena near the Capitol, and video of the whole ordeal is broadcast throughout the country for everyone to watch. The Tributes' names are drawn by lots, though anyone can volunteer if they so choose. Katniss Everdeen hates the Capitol for this violent practice, but she volunteers for the Games to save her little sister's life. Now she must fight her way through the Games, fending off the craziest of competitors, in the hopes that she might actually return to District Twelve.
Thoughts:
What a disturbing plot line for a piece of teen literature. But it works. You feel offended by the gall of the Panem government, and you hurt for Katniss as she fights to stay alive, and does everything she can to do so. The characters are so well built, they take hold of your mind and don't let go. It's not often that I find something that has as much a hold on me as this book does. I couldn't put the book down, even during the more tedious parts (of which there are very, very few), and finished the book in about three days' time. It's an incredible book, and well worth the read. Sure, this book is trendy and cool right now, and you might want to roll your eyes at all the hipsters that are carrying around well-worn copies of it, and the rest of the series, like badges of honor or something. But they're not wrong about the impressiveness of the book. It's well plotted, very well written, and completely intriguing. Highly suggested, and honestly, probably one of the best books I've read all year, so far. Hop on the Hunger Games train if you haven't already. You won't be sorry. As an aside, I went to the movie last week, and the movie is fairly spot-on. There were a few discrepancies (Prim isn't the one that gave Katniss the mocking jay pin, it was another girl Katniss went to school with, and Peeta's actor doesn't feel like Peeta to anyone I've spoken with about it) but for the most part, it's a very well-done movie adaptation. I think an added bonus was how much Ms. Collins was involved with the making of the movie. I saw her name on two different lines when the credits rolled, more than just "Based on a novel by..." I highly suggest the movie, but only after having read the book, because there are things that will just shock the heck out of you if you don't know they're coming, and you might wind up bawling like a baby as you watch the movie unknowingly. Watch this space for a review of the following books in the series. It'll come as soon as I get my hands on the books.
Book 22 of 50
Pages: 384
Genre: teen lit, post-apocalyptic
Grade: A+
Would I Recommend?: Yes, with great aplomb. Read it. Trust.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
A Fault in Our Stars (John Green)
Summary:
In John Green's newest book, Hazel is a sixteen year old who, since her diagnosis with lung cancer, has become a self-described homebody. She goes to Support Group, and not much else, and grudgingly at that. One fateful meeting of the Support Group, she meets Augustus Waters, and her whole existence changes. Augustus is hot, and he stares at her the whole meeting. The agree to read each other's favorite books, and from there the bond does nothing but grow.
Thoughts:
What a brutal, glorious, agonizingly beautiful book. I'd read one of Green's books before (Will Grayson, Will Grayson, and it was fantastic.) and appreciated his humor and the great writing. When, through Green's video blog, which my husband keeps up with, we learned that A Fault in Our Stars was getting released, we had to grab it. This latest novel is no less spectacular than his previous. (No, they have nothing to do with each other, except that they are both about teenagers. No series here, people!) Green creates characters that are endearing and wonderful, and you can't help but fall for them while they fall for each other. When I first cracked the cover, and discovered it was a book about cancer patients, I didn't want to read on, because I didn't want to be depressed over their illness. But this is not, as Green put it, "a cancer book." There's no epic fighting ending in a spectacular honorarium that Hazel fights to build so she can be remembered. Yes, the beginning is a tad uncomfortable for those of us blessed enough to not see the hardships with our own eyes. But Green leads the reader past the fact that Hazel is a cancer patient and leads you to exactly where Hazel would want you to be, forgetting at times that she's sick, ignoring the fact that she's going to die, and living with her while she creates her infinity with Augustus. It's cliche, and I know it is, but... I laughed. I cried. I loved this. Well done, Mr. Green. You've done it again.
Book 13 of 50
Pages:336
Genre:teen lit
Grade:A+
Would I Recommend?:Hell yes. Please do. You won't regret it at all. Promise.
In John Green's newest book, Hazel is a sixteen year old who, since her diagnosis with lung cancer, has become a self-described homebody. She goes to Support Group, and not much else, and grudgingly at that. One fateful meeting of the Support Group, she meets Augustus Waters, and her whole existence changes. Augustus is hot, and he stares at her the whole meeting. The agree to read each other's favorite books, and from there the bond does nothing but grow.
Thoughts:
What a brutal, glorious, agonizingly beautiful book. I'd read one of Green's books before (Will Grayson, Will Grayson, and it was fantastic.) and appreciated his humor and the great writing. When, through Green's video blog, which my husband keeps up with, we learned that A Fault in Our Stars was getting released, we had to grab it. This latest novel is no less spectacular than his previous. (No, they have nothing to do with each other, except that they are both about teenagers. No series here, people!) Green creates characters that are endearing and wonderful, and you can't help but fall for them while they fall for each other. When I first cracked the cover, and discovered it was a book about cancer patients, I didn't want to read on, because I didn't want to be depressed over their illness. But this is not, as Green put it, "a cancer book." There's no epic fighting ending in a spectacular honorarium that Hazel fights to build so she can be remembered. Yes, the beginning is a tad uncomfortable for those of us blessed enough to not see the hardships with our own eyes. But Green leads the reader past the fact that Hazel is a cancer patient and leads you to exactly where Hazel would want you to be, forgetting at times that she's sick, ignoring the fact that she's going to die, and living with her while she creates her infinity with Augustus. It's cliche, and I know it is, but... I laughed. I cried. I loved this. Well done, Mr. Green. You've done it again.
Book 13 of 50
Pages:336
Genre:teen lit
Grade:A+
Would I Recommend?:Hell yes. Please do. You won't regret it at all. Promise.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
A Red Hot Valentine's Day (various)
Summary:
This collection of four short stories has two set in the nineteenth century, one set in modern-ish times with demons, and one set in actual modern times. Warning, these stories are flat-out erotica, and not recommended for the faint of heart. Story one sees a whole lotta action for an unmarried gentleman seeking a wife, and his current mistress, a widow with a wandering eye. Story two finds a long-distance couple trying to finally celebrate a Valentine's Day in the same time zone. Story three throws together an incubus and a succubus who are past lovers, and whose job on earth is to bring damned souls to hell through any sexual means possible. Story four finds a widow and her first (and unrequited) love stuck together during a snow storm.
Thoughts:
I almost didn't post about this book, because I just didn't know how I felt about it. But I'm sticking to my guns, and posting about every book I read, no matter the content. That being said, holy crap. I was given this as a gift, and the giver had no idea of the true content, other than it sounded like a romance, and something I might enjoy. I can't tell you my surprise when I cracked the cover. Whoo boy. Story one is literally sex-laden. I can remember at least six instances of sexual activity off the top of my head, and that was in a grand total of seventy pages. There's very little actual STORY here, it's more "how do I get this guy into that chick's bed fastest?" I wasn't impressed. There's erotica written purely for the sex, and erotica written with an actual storyline involved, and this is very clearly in the first category. Clearly. Story two's got a little more going for it, and the erotica involved is actually more of a story within a story that's being sent back and forth between the couple as they try to pass time between meetings. Not altogether bad, and probably my second favorite out of the four options. Still, the author was very obviously trying to fulfill a couple challenges, either put forth from friends, or challenges to herself. Story three was just weird. It has two sections based in modern times, and one set in Hell itself. I mean, I'm all for fantastical stories and everything, but this one was just flat-out bizarre. And add in a few seriously detailed sexual encounters, and there you go. Definitely the least favorite of the bunch. I hate stopping reading things in the middle of a story, but on this bad boy, I was sorely tempted. Holy geez. Story four was sweet. Sure, it was hot stuff, too, but it actually had a storyline to it, and not just something to get the partners from sexual point A to point B. It had a bit of a Pride and Prejudice feel to it, though Jane Austen would never have dared to put erotica into any of her novels, and is probably rolling in her grave at my mere suggestion of such a thing. However, it was definitely the best of the pack, and you know the old saying. "Save the best for last." Once again, that's absolutely true, and I'm proud of this author for actually putting together a thoughtful piece that happens to include some racy sex scenes, instead of sex with a side of story.
Book 12 of 50
Pages:292
Genre:Erotica.
Grade:C+
Would I Recommend?:Eh. I've read better, and I've read worse. I certainly won't be reading it again...
This collection of four short stories has two set in the nineteenth century, one set in modern-ish times with demons, and one set in actual modern times. Warning, these stories are flat-out erotica, and not recommended for the faint of heart. Story one sees a whole lotta action for an unmarried gentleman seeking a wife, and his current mistress, a widow with a wandering eye. Story two finds a long-distance couple trying to finally celebrate a Valentine's Day in the same time zone. Story three throws together an incubus and a succubus who are past lovers, and whose job on earth is to bring damned souls to hell through any sexual means possible. Story four finds a widow and her first (and unrequited) love stuck together during a snow storm.
Thoughts:
I almost didn't post about this book, because I just didn't know how I felt about it. But I'm sticking to my guns, and posting about every book I read, no matter the content. That being said, holy crap. I was given this as a gift, and the giver had no idea of the true content, other than it sounded like a romance, and something I might enjoy. I can't tell you my surprise when I cracked the cover. Whoo boy. Story one is literally sex-laden. I can remember at least six instances of sexual activity off the top of my head, and that was in a grand total of seventy pages. There's very little actual STORY here, it's more "how do I get this guy into that chick's bed fastest?" I wasn't impressed. There's erotica written purely for the sex, and erotica written with an actual storyline involved, and this is very clearly in the first category. Clearly. Story two's got a little more going for it, and the erotica involved is actually more of a story within a story that's being sent back and forth between the couple as they try to pass time between meetings. Not altogether bad, and probably my second favorite out of the four options. Still, the author was very obviously trying to fulfill a couple challenges, either put forth from friends, or challenges to herself. Story three was just weird. It has two sections based in modern times, and one set in Hell itself. I mean, I'm all for fantastical stories and everything, but this one was just flat-out bizarre. And add in a few seriously detailed sexual encounters, and there you go. Definitely the least favorite of the bunch. I hate stopping reading things in the middle of a story, but on this bad boy, I was sorely tempted. Holy geez. Story four was sweet. Sure, it was hot stuff, too, but it actually had a storyline to it, and not just something to get the partners from sexual point A to point B. It had a bit of a Pride and Prejudice feel to it, though Jane Austen would never have dared to put erotica into any of her novels, and is probably rolling in her grave at my mere suggestion of such a thing. However, it was definitely the best of the pack, and you know the old saying. "Save the best for last." Once again, that's absolutely true, and I'm proud of this author for actually putting together a thoughtful piece that happens to include some racy sex scenes, instead of sex with a side of story.
Book 12 of 50
Pages:292
Genre:Erotica.
Grade:C+
Would I Recommend?:Eh. I've read better, and I've read worse. I certainly won't be reading it again...
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Dead as a Doornail (Charlaine Harris)
Summary:
Sookie Stackhouse, resident telepath and friend to vampires, werewolves, and all sorts of other creatures, finds herself once again wrapped up in a supernatural mystery. There's someone out to get shifters. Several shootings in Bon Temps sets Sookie on a search to find the shooter, who has killed one person, and wounded several others. Adding to that, Sookie gets roped into werewolf pack politics as her friend Alcide's pack tries to choose a new leader. Worse yet, Eric, who has no memory of the time he spent in Sookie's care after a witch's spell was cast on him, is trying to get Sookie to tell him what happened, which Sookie doesn't want to do, thanks to the little mishap Sookie had near the end of Eric's stay. Tara, a friend of Sook's from childhood, is also having some vampire issues of her own that Sookie obviously needs to help out with, because who is Sookie if she's not a good friend. And to top it all off, it looks like someone has it in for Sookie too! Just another average day in good ol' Bon Temps, Louisiana.
Thoughts:
Very good. I'm becoming more and more enamored with this series as it rolls on. I liked the early books, but the last two have been great. I'm looking forward to the next six books, to see exactly where things go with Sookie. This book sees Sookie getting into all kinds of mischief with all kinds of men. She's got Bill and Eric, the vamps that are vying for her attentions, but she's also got Alcide, the Were who's finally free of his crazy ex-girlfriend, Calvin, the werepanther that's looking to expand his breed and add in some new blood to the mix, Sam, her boss and a shape-shifter, who there's always been some tension between, but nothing ever really came from it, and then there's the new guy. I'll leave him for you to find, but all those men make for an interesting set of curiosities on Sookie's part. The book has a lot of different things going on, but not so many that it's hard to keep up. I've read some stories that have tons of different plot points that aren't all connected, and that the author does a crap-ass job of pulling together. In this particular installment, there are a bunch of different plots going on, seven or eight, if I'm counting right, but Harris brings things together very well. You as the reader won't feel tossed from story to story wantonly, instead you're led with great care, so nothing gets dropped, and all the points get resolved (or resolved for now, at least. A writer can't resolve everything and keep a series going, now can she?) Sookie's universe is ever-expanding, and the series is only getting better as it goes. Well done, Ms. Harris, keep up the good work.
Book 11 of 50
Pages:295
Genre:mystery, vampires
Grade:A
Would I Recommend?:Yes, but start at the beginning of the series. There are, of course, brief callbacks to prior books, but you wouldn't really get the references unless you read the books they come from.
Sookie Stackhouse, resident telepath and friend to vampires, werewolves, and all sorts of other creatures, finds herself once again wrapped up in a supernatural mystery. There's someone out to get shifters. Several shootings in Bon Temps sets Sookie on a search to find the shooter, who has killed one person, and wounded several others. Adding to that, Sookie gets roped into werewolf pack politics as her friend Alcide's pack tries to choose a new leader. Worse yet, Eric, who has no memory of the time he spent in Sookie's care after a witch's spell was cast on him, is trying to get Sookie to tell him what happened, which Sookie doesn't want to do, thanks to the little mishap Sookie had near the end of Eric's stay. Tara, a friend of Sook's from childhood, is also having some vampire issues of her own that Sookie obviously needs to help out with, because who is Sookie if she's not a good friend. And to top it all off, it looks like someone has it in for Sookie too! Just another average day in good ol' Bon Temps, Louisiana.
Thoughts:
Very good. I'm becoming more and more enamored with this series as it rolls on. I liked the early books, but the last two have been great. I'm looking forward to the next six books, to see exactly where things go with Sookie. This book sees Sookie getting into all kinds of mischief with all kinds of men. She's got Bill and Eric, the vamps that are vying for her attentions, but she's also got Alcide, the Were who's finally free of his crazy ex-girlfriend, Calvin, the werepanther that's looking to expand his breed and add in some new blood to the mix, Sam, her boss and a shape-shifter, who there's always been some tension between, but nothing ever really came from it, and then there's the new guy. I'll leave him for you to find, but all those men make for an interesting set of curiosities on Sookie's part. The book has a lot of different things going on, but not so many that it's hard to keep up. I've read some stories that have tons of different plot points that aren't all connected, and that the author does a crap-ass job of pulling together. In this particular installment, there are a bunch of different plots going on, seven or eight, if I'm counting right, but Harris brings things together very well. You as the reader won't feel tossed from story to story wantonly, instead you're led with great care, so nothing gets dropped, and all the points get resolved (or resolved for now, at least. A writer can't resolve everything and keep a series going, now can she?) Sookie's universe is ever-expanding, and the series is only getting better as it goes. Well done, Ms. Harris, keep up the good work.
Book 11 of 50
Pages:295
Genre:mystery, vampires
Grade:A
Would I Recommend?:Yes, but start at the beginning of the series. There are, of course, brief callbacks to prior books, but you wouldn't really get the references unless you read the books they come from.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Crime Brulee (Nancy Fairbanks)
Summary:
Carolyn Blue is a stay at home mom turned food critic. She travels with her husband to the American Chemical Society convention in New Orleans, where he is giving a paper, and where they plan to meet up with some old friends from college. At their first dinner get-together at the beginning of the trip, one of the old friends, Julienne, gets into a fight with her husband, in front of the rest of the diners, and storms off, never to be seen again. Literally. Carolyn spends the rest of her trip in New Orleans trying to hunt Julienne down while she samples all the local cuisine.
Thoughts:
Not bad, but not great either. I liked the looks of the recipes, which are included for some of the meals Carolyn dives into throughout the book, and I'll probably copy out a couple of them for future use. But the story itself was fairly predictable. I knew who dun it as soon as the character was introduced, and could see most of the twists coming, even while Carolyn wouldn't or couldn't admit it to herself. Carolyn is very much the busybody type, maternal to a fault, and imagines some sadly ridiculous scenarios. She also put far too much stock in the dream she had about Julienne, because what detective puts any kind of weight to a dream. I figured out far too much of the plot too far ahead for it to be really enjoyable, and the last hundred pages or so, I couldn't wait to be finished, and it's not even a long book anyway. I'm not planning on reading the rest of the series, but as I said, it's good for the recipes.
Book 10 of 50
Pages: 274
Genre: mystery, with a culinary twist
Grade: C+
Would I Recommend?: Maybe just for the recipes?
Carolyn Blue is a stay at home mom turned food critic. She travels with her husband to the American Chemical Society convention in New Orleans, where he is giving a paper, and where they plan to meet up with some old friends from college. At their first dinner get-together at the beginning of the trip, one of the old friends, Julienne, gets into a fight with her husband, in front of the rest of the diners, and storms off, never to be seen again. Literally. Carolyn spends the rest of her trip in New Orleans trying to hunt Julienne down while she samples all the local cuisine.
Thoughts:
Not bad, but not great either. I liked the looks of the recipes, which are included for some of the meals Carolyn dives into throughout the book, and I'll probably copy out a couple of them for future use. But the story itself was fairly predictable. I knew who dun it as soon as the character was introduced, and could see most of the twists coming, even while Carolyn wouldn't or couldn't admit it to herself. Carolyn is very much the busybody type, maternal to a fault, and imagines some sadly ridiculous scenarios. She also put far too much stock in the dream she had about Julienne, because what detective puts any kind of weight to a dream. I figured out far too much of the plot too far ahead for it to be really enjoyable, and the last hundred pages or so, I couldn't wait to be finished, and it's not even a long book anyway. I'm not planning on reading the rest of the series, but as I said, it's good for the recipes.
Book 10 of 50
Pages: 274
Genre: mystery, with a culinary twist
Grade: C+
Would I Recommend?: Maybe just for the recipes?
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Dead to the World (Charlaine Harris)
Summary:
Sookie Stackhouse the reluctant mind reader is at it again. This book finds her starting a new year by taking care of the most powerful vampire in Area 5, Eric Northman, who has lost his memory thanks to a new witch in the area. The new Eric is thoughtful and insecure, and wants to be wherever Sookie is, so long as it's night time. His second in command, Pam, negotiates with Sookie and Sookie's brother, Jason, for Sookie to take care of Eric and hide him at her house until his underlings can deal with the witch and her coven. The same night that Jason and Pam strike a deal for Eric's hiding safely at Sookie's, Jason goes missing from his house. The book follows as Sookie deals with Jason's disappearance by day, and Eric's safe keeping by night.
Thoughts:
To be quite honest, I enjoyed this one far better than previous installments in the series. I'm not as big a fan of Bill anymore (who is Sookie's ex, and Eric's subordinate), and I was okay with him being in Peru for the majority of the story. I do like Eric better, but there wasn't much of the old, usual Eric to be seen in this. It was more the memory-less Eric that Sookie spent time with, and while he was a fun character to watch, I wished we could have seen more of the old Eric as well. I want to get to know him better. There was also a couple of appearances of Sookie's friend Alcide, a werewolf from the area that helped her in her adventure to Jackson, Mississippi in the previous book. It seems I tend to like the heroes that the heroine ISN'T dating at the start of a series better than the one she is dating. Ah, but I digress. Back to Sookie and friends. I like her strong personality, and that she's beginning to hold her own a little better around the two-natured (vamps, werewolves, shape-shifters, etc.) and can stand up for herself in a fight. Good for her.
Book 9 of 50
Pages: 291
Genre: mystery and romance, with the vampire twist
Grade: A-
Would I Recommend?: Yup. It's far better than previous ones. I'm glad I started up with this series again.
Sookie Stackhouse the reluctant mind reader is at it again. This book finds her starting a new year by taking care of the most powerful vampire in Area 5, Eric Northman, who has lost his memory thanks to a new witch in the area. The new Eric is thoughtful and insecure, and wants to be wherever Sookie is, so long as it's night time. His second in command, Pam, negotiates with Sookie and Sookie's brother, Jason, for Sookie to take care of Eric and hide him at her house until his underlings can deal with the witch and her coven. The same night that Jason and Pam strike a deal for Eric's hiding safely at Sookie's, Jason goes missing from his house. The book follows as Sookie deals with Jason's disappearance by day, and Eric's safe keeping by night.
Thoughts:
To be quite honest, I enjoyed this one far better than previous installments in the series. I'm not as big a fan of Bill anymore (who is Sookie's ex, and Eric's subordinate), and I was okay with him being in Peru for the majority of the story. I do like Eric better, but there wasn't much of the old, usual Eric to be seen in this. It was more the memory-less Eric that Sookie spent time with, and while he was a fun character to watch, I wished we could have seen more of the old Eric as well. I want to get to know him better. There was also a couple of appearances of Sookie's friend Alcide, a werewolf from the area that helped her in her adventure to Jackson, Mississippi in the previous book. It seems I tend to like the heroes that the heroine ISN'T dating at the start of a series better than the one she is dating. Ah, but I digress. Back to Sookie and friends. I like her strong personality, and that she's beginning to hold her own a little better around the two-natured (vamps, werewolves, shape-shifters, etc.) and can stand up for herself in a fight. Good for her.
Book 9 of 50
Pages: 291
Genre: mystery and romance, with the vampire twist
Grade: A-
Would I Recommend?: Yup. It's far better than previous ones. I'm glad I started up with this series again.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
A Nose for Justice (Rita Mae Brown)
Summary:
In the first book in a new series, we meet Mags, a Wall Street hot shot who just lost everything when her boss is found to be corrupt. She moves to Nevada with her Aunt Jeep, a former WWII flying ace, to give herself time to get back on her feet. They find an old skeleton buried in Jeep's barn that they discover while Jeep and her adopted son are upgrading the drainage system in the stalls. They call in Pete, one of the local cops, to check it out. At the same time, someone is blowing up water distribution pumps across town. Jeep spots something wrong at the pump and alerts Pete, who goes to investigate there. The story follows Pete in his investigation of the blown pump, as well as a couple of murders that wind up being connected to the case, and Mags as she does her own search for who the mystery man in the barn could have been. Oh, and the dogs in the family talk to each other and think that people are not nearly as smart as they are.
Thoughts:
Holy God, reading this book took me a month and a half. Literally. And I'm no slow reader. I just could NOT get into this one. The characters I named in the summary above are only a fifth or a sixth of the actual cast of characters. Brown actually lists all the characters by name at the beginning of the book, before the opening chapter, along with their reasons for being involved in the book. I guess that was a quick reference guide for us readers who might get lost in the swamp of people. What's more, the book sounds like it should be a nice, light mystery, one that you should be able to bang out in a couple days and be no worse for reading it. But Brown gets so down and dirty into the politics of water rights in Nevada and California, I couldn't keep myself engrossed like I usually am. I haven't read any of Brown's other series, with Sneaky Pie (I think that's the cat's name.) who helps his owner solve mysteries, but I have heard that they are much lighter and more fun. Fighting through to finish this book felt like pure drudgery. I stopped partway through because I knew I was going to get behind in posting reviews if I didn't, and read the Thief, just so I would keep on my schedule for you lovely readers. I wanted so badly for this book to be fun, so I would have a new series to dive into, and near the beginning of the series, too. (There's a second book out, but that's all so far.) But I don't think I'll be reading the second book. If the political side of murder is where Brown is going to go with Mags and Jeep, I don't want any part of it. But if you're into a book debating who should control water rights and why, jump right into this one. As for me, I'll stick with the cheesier murder mysteries, thanks.
Book 8 of 50
Pages: 288
Genre: Mystery
Grade: D-
Would I Recommend?: Holy crap no, unless you're very into political debating with a side murder mystery.
In the first book in a new series, we meet Mags, a Wall Street hot shot who just lost everything when her boss is found to be corrupt. She moves to Nevada with her Aunt Jeep, a former WWII flying ace, to give herself time to get back on her feet. They find an old skeleton buried in Jeep's barn that they discover while Jeep and her adopted son are upgrading the drainage system in the stalls. They call in Pete, one of the local cops, to check it out. At the same time, someone is blowing up water distribution pumps across town. Jeep spots something wrong at the pump and alerts Pete, who goes to investigate there. The story follows Pete in his investigation of the blown pump, as well as a couple of murders that wind up being connected to the case, and Mags as she does her own search for who the mystery man in the barn could have been. Oh, and the dogs in the family talk to each other and think that people are not nearly as smart as they are.
Thoughts:
Holy God, reading this book took me a month and a half. Literally. And I'm no slow reader. I just could NOT get into this one. The characters I named in the summary above are only a fifth or a sixth of the actual cast of characters. Brown actually lists all the characters by name at the beginning of the book, before the opening chapter, along with their reasons for being involved in the book. I guess that was a quick reference guide for us readers who might get lost in the swamp of people. What's more, the book sounds like it should be a nice, light mystery, one that you should be able to bang out in a couple days and be no worse for reading it. But Brown gets so down and dirty into the politics of water rights in Nevada and California, I couldn't keep myself engrossed like I usually am. I haven't read any of Brown's other series, with Sneaky Pie (I think that's the cat's name.) who helps his owner solve mysteries, but I have heard that they are much lighter and more fun. Fighting through to finish this book felt like pure drudgery. I stopped partway through because I knew I was going to get behind in posting reviews if I didn't, and read the Thief, just so I would keep on my schedule for you lovely readers. I wanted so badly for this book to be fun, so I would have a new series to dive into, and near the beginning of the series, too. (There's a second book out, but that's all so far.) But I don't think I'll be reading the second book. If the political side of murder is where Brown is going to go with Mags and Jeep, I don't want any part of it. But if you're into a book debating who should control water rights and why, jump right into this one. As for me, I'll stick with the cheesier murder mysteries, thanks.
Book 8 of 50
Pages: 288
Genre: Mystery
Grade: D-
Would I Recommend?: Holy crap no, unless you're very into political debating with a side murder mystery.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
The Thief (Megan Whalen Turner)
Summary:
Gen is a thief. He's landed himself in prison after stealing the king's seal, and then bragging about it in public. He's young, and talented as a thief, but not so talented at holding his tongue. He gets roped into a journey to find Hamaithes's Gift, which would aid the king of Sounis in his bid to marry the queen of Eddis.
Thoughts:
The book is, in essence, Lord of the Rings Lite. Or, at the very least, that's how it felt to me. It's set in a world that's very similar to Ancient Greece, with a little Roman and Mesopotamian influence for good measure. Of course, it throws sword fighting and gunplay together within about ten pages, but that's obviously neither here nor there to Ms. Turner. The book opens with us meeting Gen while he rots in prison. When he's finally brought out of the prison by the king's magus, who is basically the king's scholar type, he's forced to go on a quest. He's not told why, or where they're headed. He's just forced to be the tool to get whatever it is the magus is after. Two thirds of the book is traveling. Literally, they climbed up, they climbed down, this is what the world looked like. Holy God, I thought I was going to kill myself. The book is only 219 pages long, but I felt like it was Lord of the Rings long. Finally, when the characters start discussing the "old religion" of their ancestors, the book at least becomes a little more interesting. But the story itself doesn't pick up until the last fifty or sixty pages. At that point, not only have you finally found out where they're going, and what they're after, but they've finally reached the damn place. The whole thing reads very tediously. I understand that it's a Newberry Honor book, and that's great for Ms. Turner, but holy hell, I wouldn't want to be a kid having to read this in school. I was much more pleased reading the Indian and the Cupboard. I might've shot someone if this was a mandatory read from my school, and I loved reading as a kid. I had high hopes going into this book, because I'd read the cover at a book store, and thought it sounded awesome, and if you've read this blog before, you know how I like getting into a new series (there's three more books and two short stories in this set). However, I was not pleasantly surprised. At all. Boo. Literally, the only parts that I really enjoyed was the myths about their religion, and that accounts for about 20 pages' worth of text, and that's being generous. I doubt I'll ever get back to the rest of the series. I'm too afraid that it'll be another tedious journey. I'm proud of myself for even making it through this book. No more, please.
Book 7 of 50
Pages: 219
Genre: Fantasy, children's/teen lit
Grade: D+
Would I Recommend?: Eh. IF you're into fantasy, and IF you like mythology of any kind, and IF(!!) you really liked the Lord of the Rings series and don't mind a hundred pages of tree descriptions, go for it. Otherwise, skip it.
Gen is a thief. He's landed himself in prison after stealing the king's seal, and then bragging about it in public. He's young, and talented as a thief, but not so talented at holding his tongue. He gets roped into a journey to find Hamaithes's Gift, which would aid the king of Sounis in his bid to marry the queen of Eddis.
Thoughts:
The book is, in essence, Lord of the Rings Lite. Or, at the very least, that's how it felt to me. It's set in a world that's very similar to Ancient Greece, with a little Roman and Mesopotamian influence for good measure. Of course, it throws sword fighting and gunplay together within about ten pages, but that's obviously neither here nor there to Ms. Turner. The book opens with us meeting Gen while he rots in prison. When he's finally brought out of the prison by the king's magus, who is basically the king's scholar type, he's forced to go on a quest. He's not told why, or where they're headed. He's just forced to be the tool to get whatever it is the magus is after. Two thirds of the book is traveling. Literally, they climbed up, they climbed down, this is what the world looked like. Holy God, I thought I was going to kill myself. The book is only 219 pages long, but I felt like it was Lord of the Rings long. Finally, when the characters start discussing the "old religion" of their ancestors, the book at least becomes a little more interesting. But the story itself doesn't pick up until the last fifty or sixty pages. At that point, not only have you finally found out where they're going, and what they're after, but they've finally reached the damn place. The whole thing reads very tediously. I understand that it's a Newberry Honor book, and that's great for Ms. Turner, but holy hell, I wouldn't want to be a kid having to read this in school. I was much more pleased reading the Indian and the Cupboard. I might've shot someone if this was a mandatory read from my school, and I loved reading as a kid. I had high hopes going into this book, because I'd read the cover at a book store, and thought it sounded awesome, and if you've read this blog before, you know how I like getting into a new series (there's three more books and two short stories in this set). However, I was not pleasantly surprised. At all. Boo. Literally, the only parts that I really enjoyed was the myths about their religion, and that accounts for about 20 pages' worth of text, and that's being generous. I doubt I'll ever get back to the rest of the series. I'm too afraid that it'll be another tedious journey. I'm proud of myself for even making it through this book. No more, please.
Book 7 of 50
Pages: 219
Genre: Fantasy, children's/teen lit
Grade: D+
Would I Recommend?: Eh. IF you're into fantasy, and IF you like mythology of any kind, and IF(!!) you really liked the Lord of the Rings series and don't mind a hundred pages of tree descriptions, go for it. Otherwise, skip it.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Around the World in Eighty Days (Jules Verne)
Summary:
The classic novel by Jules Verne follows Mr. Phileas Fogg of London, a man who is known by all as the most punctual and mechanical man anyone could meet, as he breaks his comfortable mold to satisfy a bet. Fogg is the type of man who rises every day at the exact same time, follows the exact same schedule, and lays his head down in the same fashion day in and day out, only to do it all again tomorrow. His only job is to be so punctual, one could set a watch by him. But on October 2nd, just before seven in the evening, Mr. Fogg lays down a plan of how a traveler could manage a trip around the world in just eighty days. His friends mock the idea, and Fogg takes it on himself to make a wager with each one of them. He will be the man to travel the world in those eighty days, and he will find them again on December 21st at 8:45pm. The novel follows Fogg's adventures and misadventures as he circumvents the world with his trusty servant, Passepartout.
Thoughts:
Wholly enjoyable, even today. Yes, it's been one hundred and thirty-eight years since the publishing of this novel, which celebrated its anniversary just three weeks ago. But while transportation has taken great leaps forward, the idea still stands. In 1872, when Phileas Fogg takes on this laborious journey, he has steamers and trains at his disposal, and little else. The airplane hasn't been invented yet, let alone commercial air flight like we see today. (The first successful powered flight at all, which happened in a glider, came along two years after Fogg's journey, and a year after the book was released. The Wrights didn't show up until the turn of the century.) The closest to that was a hot air balloon, which is hardly a way to sail around the world. And even if all of the transportation issues can be disposed of now, it's still a fun way to see the world, through the eyes of a man from the nineteenth century, with 19th century problems, like having to ride an elephant part of the way, having to save a young woman from certain death, and recovering his servant who got himself kidnapped by Sioux natives in Nebraska. We can tell that Mr. Verne was interested in the delicate intricacies of time and travel and the ways of the world at that time. This novel is a wonderful way to expand one's mind, and take a trip back in time to the days when we didn't even know the word "airplane," let alone how useful they would turn out to be. If you're interested in expanding your literary knowledge, and getting a little culture in you, read a little Jules Verne. It's not a classic for nothing, after all!
Book 6 of 50
Pages: 245
Genre: General fiction, classics, historical fiction
Grade: A
Would I Recommend?: Absolutely. Jules Verne spins a yarn like no one in this century.
The classic novel by Jules Verne follows Mr. Phileas Fogg of London, a man who is known by all as the most punctual and mechanical man anyone could meet, as he breaks his comfortable mold to satisfy a bet. Fogg is the type of man who rises every day at the exact same time, follows the exact same schedule, and lays his head down in the same fashion day in and day out, only to do it all again tomorrow. His only job is to be so punctual, one could set a watch by him. But on October 2nd, just before seven in the evening, Mr. Fogg lays down a plan of how a traveler could manage a trip around the world in just eighty days. His friends mock the idea, and Fogg takes it on himself to make a wager with each one of them. He will be the man to travel the world in those eighty days, and he will find them again on December 21st at 8:45pm. The novel follows Fogg's adventures and misadventures as he circumvents the world with his trusty servant, Passepartout.
Thoughts:
Wholly enjoyable, even today. Yes, it's been one hundred and thirty-eight years since the publishing of this novel, which celebrated its anniversary just three weeks ago. But while transportation has taken great leaps forward, the idea still stands. In 1872, when Phileas Fogg takes on this laborious journey, he has steamers and trains at his disposal, and little else. The airplane hasn't been invented yet, let alone commercial air flight like we see today. (The first successful powered flight at all, which happened in a glider, came along two years after Fogg's journey, and a year after the book was released. The Wrights didn't show up until the turn of the century.) The closest to that was a hot air balloon, which is hardly a way to sail around the world. And even if all of the transportation issues can be disposed of now, it's still a fun way to see the world, through the eyes of a man from the nineteenth century, with 19th century problems, like having to ride an elephant part of the way, having to save a young woman from certain death, and recovering his servant who got himself kidnapped by Sioux natives in Nebraska. We can tell that Mr. Verne was interested in the delicate intricacies of time and travel and the ways of the world at that time. This novel is a wonderful way to expand one's mind, and take a trip back in time to the days when we didn't even know the word "airplane," let alone how useful they would turn out to be. If you're interested in expanding your literary knowledge, and getting a little culture in you, read a little Jules Verne. It's not a classic for nothing, after all!
Book 6 of 50
Pages: 245
Genre: General fiction, classics, historical fiction
Grade: A
Would I Recommend?: Absolutely. Jules Verne spins a yarn like no one in this century.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Murder of a Bookstore Babe (Denise Swanson)
Summary:
Tales and Treats, a new book store in tiny Scumble River, opens to protesters and ridicule. Skye is happy to see not only a new business in town, but one that she plans to frequent regularly. The town's business owners are none too pleased, though. The library, which already has low circulation rates, might be visited less thanks to all those shiny new books. Skye's cousin might have to actually move all his used cars for sale back onto his lot rather than parking them in the public spaces that were previously under-used. The diner might lose its morning customers to the bookstore's fancy new bakery/barista. And one of the ancient and tenured teachers protests the store because it sells smut in the form of romance novels, and could possibly foster witchcraft and sorcery in the form of fantasy and sci-fi novels. Heaven forbid! Then, of course, there's the murder in the bookstore. Was it one of Scumble River's loudest complainers, or someone the owners knew from long ago? Skye's too nosy not to get into the mix once again, not to mention dealing with her ex who still won't give up, even after she's said yes to Wally's marriage proposal. The ex wouldn't be too much of an issue usually, but this time he knows something about the details surrounding the murder that he begs her not to pass on to her cop fiance. Good plan, Skye? Don't bet on it.
Thoughts:
Finally, the title doesn't completely give away the murder victim on sight! Every other installment of this series that's had a noun that's often used as a name as well (Honey, Cookie, Cherry, Barbie and Ken, Belle, and even Snake) has been the name of the victim of the primary crime in the book. Congratulations, Ms. Swanson, you had me looking for a woman named Babe to kill off. (PS, it looks like the next novel in the series goes back to the same old song... "Murder of a Creped Suzette" looks like they're going to kill off a poor girl named Suzette, and we can't do a thing to stop it!) But I digress. The book follows as most of the rest do, and I did actually spot the possible ending a mile away, but with all the other red herrings swimming around, I almost forgot about the initial inkling of our murderer's identity. I will say, I'm ready for Skye to get herself married off and done with Simon for good. Her ex-boyfriend vowed two books ago that he'll never rest until she's his again. Holy cow, guy, get over yourself. She's happy and committed to someone else. The worst part is that Skye's dumb enough to agree to keeping a secret from Wally. When has keeping secrets from your significant other ever ended well for anyone, Skye? Especially when it's the ex-boyfriend that's asking you to keep the secret. Dumb Skye Move #286, right there. All in all, though, another fun romp through crazy-ass Scumble River. Not Swanson's best, but certainly not her worst. And finally, after Suzette's murder investigation, I'll be caught up with Swanson's series, and can move on to others that I've still not cracked the covers of, and you, dear readers, can see a change of pace for once! Good news, though, I've almost finished my next read, which was something completely different. Stay tuned!
Book 5 of 50
Pages: 243
Genre: Mystery, romance
Grade: B-
Would I Recommend?: Sure. There are worse books out there, and even worse ones in this series. Keep going in the series. It's good for you!
Tales and Treats, a new book store in tiny Scumble River, opens to protesters and ridicule. Skye is happy to see not only a new business in town, but one that she plans to frequent regularly. The town's business owners are none too pleased, though. The library, which already has low circulation rates, might be visited less thanks to all those shiny new books. Skye's cousin might have to actually move all his used cars for sale back onto his lot rather than parking them in the public spaces that were previously under-used. The diner might lose its morning customers to the bookstore's fancy new bakery/barista. And one of the ancient and tenured teachers protests the store because it sells smut in the form of romance novels, and could possibly foster witchcraft and sorcery in the form of fantasy and sci-fi novels. Heaven forbid! Then, of course, there's the murder in the bookstore. Was it one of Scumble River's loudest complainers, or someone the owners knew from long ago? Skye's too nosy not to get into the mix once again, not to mention dealing with her ex who still won't give up, even after she's said yes to Wally's marriage proposal. The ex wouldn't be too much of an issue usually, but this time he knows something about the details surrounding the murder that he begs her not to pass on to her cop fiance. Good plan, Skye? Don't bet on it.
Thoughts:
Finally, the title doesn't completely give away the murder victim on sight! Every other installment of this series that's had a noun that's often used as a name as well (Honey, Cookie, Cherry, Barbie and Ken, Belle, and even Snake) has been the name of the victim of the primary crime in the book. Congratulations, Ms. Swanson, you had me looking for a woman named Babe to kill off. (PS, it looks like the next novel in the series goes back to the same old song... "Murder of a Creped Suzette" looks like they're going to kill off a poor girl named Suzette, and we can't do a thing to stop it!) But I digress. The book follows as most of the rest do, and I did actually spot the possible ending a mile away, but with all the other red herrings swimming around, I almost forgot about the initial inkling of our murderer's identity. I will say, I'm ready for Skye to get herself married off and done with Simon for good. Her ex-boyfriend vowed two books ago that he'll never rest until she's his again. Holy cow, guy, get over yourself. She's happy and committed to someone else. The worst part is that Skye's dumb enough to agree to keeping a secret from Wally. When has keeping secrets from your significant other ever ended well for anyone, Skye? Especially when it's the ex-boyfriend that's asking you to keep the secret. Dumb Skye Move #286, right there. All in all, though, another fun romp through crazy-ass Scumble River. Not Swanson's best, but certainly not her worst. And finally, after Suzette's murder investigation, I'll be caught up with Swanson's series, and can move on to others that I've still not cracked the covers of, and you, dear readers, can see a change of pace for once! Good news, though, I've almost finished my next read, which was something completely different. Stay tuned!
Book 5 of 50
Pages: 243
Genre: Mystery, romance
Grade: B-
Would I Recommend?: Sure. There are worse books out there, and even worse ones in this series. Keep going in the series. It's good for you!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Murder of a Wedding Belle (Denise Swanson)
Summary:
Once again, Skye can't say no. This time, she's gotten her arm twisted by her grandmother, who begs her to help Skye's second cousin have a big, overly expensive wedding extravaganza in the tiny little hick town of Scumble River. Riley goes Bridezilla on Skye, especially after the wedding planner Riley hired shuffles off the mortal coil prematurely. Skye is thrust knee deep into the wedding planning world, which I know from some experience can be a little crazy, and has to fudge her way through pulling off the wedding of Riley's dreams. While she deals with that, she also has to fight off Wally's nagging about whether or not she will marry him, and Simon, who is insistent that she gives up on Wally and takes him back. Oh, the drama for Skye.
Thoughts:
Pretty good. Much better than Royal Pain, to be sure. I had no clue who actually dun it, and was surprised by the end. At this point, I'm getting annoyed with Simon, because Skye's plainly said that there's no chance for him to get Skye back, but he just keeps pushing. I think Swanson just can't give up Simon, because she thinks he's the better choice for Skye, but her fans tell her otherwise, and that's why she keeps bothering us with Simon's idiocy. I would have been perfectly happy with Skye ending it with Simon, and there being a bad break-up that she didn't want to think about or talk about ever again... I just hope that Swanson finds a better use for Simon, rather than making it so that he pops up at the most annoying times.
Book 4 of 50
Pages: 246
Genre: Mystery, romance
Grade: B-/C+
Would I Recommend?: Eh. Not the worst, not the best. But very good if you're working through the series.
Once again, Skye can't say no. This time, she's gotten her arm twisted by her grandmother, who begs her to help Skye's second cousin have a big, overly expensive wedding extravaganza in the tiny little hick town of Scumble River. Riley goes Bridezilla on Skye, especially after the wedding planner Riley hired shuffles off the mortal coil prematurely. Skye is thrust knee deep into the wedding planning world, which I know from some experience can be a little crazy, and has to fudge her way through pulling off the wedding of Riley's dreams. While she deals with that, she also has to fight off Wally's nagging about whether or not she will marry him, and Simon, who is insistent that she gives up on Wally and takes him back. Oh, the drama for Skye.
Thoughts:
Pretty good. Much better than Royal Pain, to be sure. I had no clue who actually dun it, and was surprised by the end. At this point, I'm getting annoyed with Simon, because Skye's plainly said that there's no chance for him to get Skye back, but he just keeps pushing. I think Swanson just can't give up Simon, because she thinks he's the better choice for Skye, but her fans tell her otherwise, and that's why she keeps bothering us with Simon's idiocy. I would have been perfectly happy with Skye ending it with Simon, and there being a bad break-up that she didn't want to think about or talk about ever again... I just hope that Swanson finds a better use for Simon, rather than making it so that he pops up at the most annoying times.
Book 4 of 50
Pages: 246
Genre: Mystery, romance
Grade: B-/C+
Would I Recommend?: Eh. Not the worst, not the best. But very good if you're working through the series.
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