This is one of those books that popped up as "if you like Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" you'll like this.
I did like it. It's not really all that much like Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but still worth reading if you like crime stories. The story takes place in Copenhagen and the main character is a detective named Louise Rick. As if her job isn't stressful enough, she's also trying to deal with some upheaval in her personal life.
The case she's working on involves women being killed by someone they've met through an online dating service. Sort of confirmed everything I think about online dating.
It's a typical detective story, police procedural, but that's my favorite kind of book.
I was looking forward to reading other books in this series, but most of the series hasn't been translated to English yet. I'm hopeful though. I liked this book and this character, and think I would enjoy this series.
Update: I now have two other books from this series - very happy about that. Probably won't read them until this summer, when I have plenty of free time to enjoy a good mystery or two. 1/28/2013
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Saturday, April 07, 2012
Confessions of a Prairie Bitch by Alison Argrim
I selected this book one day because I needed something to read while laying outside and soaking up some sun. I have a stack of books at home, but wanted something on the Kindle. So that morning, I searched the library's selections and picked this memoir written by Alison Argrim, who played the part of Nellie Olseson on Little House on the Prairie.
Something you may not know about me - every day after school, I watch Little House on the Prairie. It's because at night, I watch Golden Girls on Hallmark, and when I come home, I don't bother to change the channel. Sometimes I sit through hours of it. Strange, I know, but it isn't like there is anything else worth watching on at that time. Really, I don't care enough to check for something else to watch, I just turn on the TV for the noise.
I found this book to be very interesting. I was only going to read for an hour or two, but read until the sun moved past my lounge chair, then I went inside, laid down on the couch and read until I finsihed the book.
I enjoyed reading about what happened behind the scenes at a show I've watched my whole life. Alison endured some truly horrible childhood experiences. Now she devotes her time to helping children who have had similar experiences. She's a very brave, strong person. I enjoyed reading about her. I recommend this book to anyone who has any interest in Little House on the Prairie.
Something you may not know about me - every day after school, I watch Little House on the Prairie. It's because at night, I watch Golden Girls on Hallmark, and when I come home, I don't bother to change the channel. Sometimes I sit through hours of it. Strange, I know, but it isn't like there is anything else worth watching on at that time. Really, I don't care enough to check for something else to watch, I just turn on the TV for the noise.
I found this book to be very interesting. I was only going to read for an hour or two, but read until the sun moved past my lounge chair, then I went inside, laid down on the couch and read until I finsihed the book.
I enjoyed reading about what happened behind the scenes at a show I've watched my whole life. Alison endured some truly horrible childhood experiences. Now she devotes her time to helping children who have had similar experiences. She's a very brave, strong person. I enjoyed reading about her. I recommend this book to anyone who has any interest in Little House on the Prairie.
Friday, April 06, 2012
Everything Beautiful Began After by Simon Van Booy
I was drawn to this book because I love the title and it's set in Athens. Years ago, I visited Athens. It was my first international trip. I fell in love with the city, so I looked forward to reading a story set in that city.
This book is divided into sections, or rather "books." I liked the first book and thought I was going to really enjoy the entire story. But I didn't like the second book. This is the section I remember most about the book. I believe this is the point where the narrator is trying to deal with his loss. I understand that he was grieving, but his behavior seemed so bizarre and selfish. He cuts off the rest of the world and begins to travel from city to city with no plan at all. It seemed so indulgent. I think I was supposed to be struck by his profound loss, his inability to move on. But instead I thought of how the rest of the world has to "suck it up" and move on when they lose a loved one. How nice to be able to take a year or so off. Maybe I was jealous because I wish I could do that when I hurt, but I can't. I have to get up and go to work the next day. I found it impossible to feel any sympathy for this character. At that point, I began to lose interest in the book.
I found it difficult to like the book because I didn't like the characters very much. I felt no connection to them. It's been a few months since I read this book, and mostly what I remember about it is that I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. I remember the story getting complicated and the character finding the sister of his lover and a diary. At that point, I simply didn't care all that much about what happened to these people. The book didn't live up to my expectations.
This book is divided into sections, or rather "books." I liked the first book and thought I was going to really enjoy the entire story. But I didn't like the second book. This is the section I remember most about the book. I believe this is the point where the narrator is trying to deal with his loss. I understand that he was grieving, but his behavior seemed so bizarre and selfish. He cuts off the rest of the world and begins to travel from city to city with no plan at all. It seemed so indulgent. I think I was supposed to be struck by his profound loss, his inability to move on. But instead I thought of how the rest of the world has to "suck it up" and move on when they lose a loved one. How nice to be able to take a year or so off. Maybe I was jealous because I wish I could do that when I hurt, but I can't. I have to get up and go to work the next day. I found it impossible to feel any sympathy for this character. At that point, I began to lose interest in the book.
I found it difficult to like the book because I didn't like the characters very much. I felt no connection to them. It's been a few months since I read this book, and mostly what I remember about it is that I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. I remember the story getting complicated and the character finding the sister of his lover and a diary. At that point, I simply didn't care all that much about what happened to these people. The book didn't live up to my expectations.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Emily's Ghost by Denise Giardina
Wuthering Heights is my all time favorite book. If I had a son, I would name him Heathcliff. Heathcliff has ruined me for all men. I'm going to spend my whole life waiting for someone to love me the way he loved Cathy. But that's okay because it's better than glaring at the man you're with and wishing he were someone else, right?
I wanted to read this because I was going to try to include in my summer vacation a visit to the the area the Bronte sisters called home. I ended up not going, the travel plans started to get too complicated. Also, this book described the area as being so harsh, especially during that time period when Emily lived, I sort of lost my desire to visit.
This is a completely imagined story. I don't think there is any proof that Emily ever had a love interest. As fans, we assume there must have been someone, someone secret that we know nothing about, because how else could she have written so passionately about love?
The author has taken this idea and created a world in which Emily does fall in love. We also see her interacting with her family and community. It's an interesting story, even if it is all imagined.
I enjoyed the romance, though they never quite reach a Cathy and Heathcliff level of passion. As expected, the ending is sad. We know she isn't going to live happily ever after.
It's a well written story. I liked it, but wasn't blown away by it. There are several books about the Bronte sisters on my "to-read" list, but I've not gotten around to them yet, so I can't compare them. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this one to any Emily Bronte fans.
I wanted to read this because I was going to try to include in my summer vacation a visit to the the area the Bronte sisters called home. I ended up not going, the travel plans started to get too complicated. Also, this book described the area as being so harsh, especially during that time period when Emily lived, I sort of lost my desire to visit.
This is a completely imagined story. I don't think there is any proof that Emily ever had a love interest. As fans, we assume there must have been someone, someone secret that we know nothing about, because how else could she have written so passionately about love?
The author has taken this idea and created a world in which Emily does fall in love. We also see her interacting with her family and community. It's an interesting story, even if it is all imagined.
I enjoyed the romance, though they never quite reach a Cathy and Heathcliff level of passion. As expected, the ending is sad. We know she isn't going to live happily ever after.
It's a well written story. I liked it, but wasn't blown away by it. There are several books about the Bronte sisters on my "to-read" list, but I've not gotten around to them yet, so I can't compare them. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this one to any Emily Bronte fans.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Review: Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
I loved this book. I love everything about it: the setting - New York City, 1938; the characters - an interesting variety of working-class citizens trying to make it in the big city alongside some trust fund babies; the way the story flowed - As I was reading it, I had no idea what was going to happen next and kept finding myself surprised and intrigued. I didn't want this story to end. Too often books start out well, and then disappoint me in the end. I was bracing myself for that because I couldn't believe that a book that started so well could continue in that manner - but it did.
What I liked most about the book were the strong women characters. The story is about Katherine Kontent (what a great name), and how she chooses to navigate her life in a city that will "turn you inside out." But as she's making her decisions, readers are also made aware of other women in the city, and the choices they make, determined to live on their own terms.
I will confess to being somewhat sexist in what I choose to read. I generally avoid books written by men. That's a terrible thing to say isn't it? But seems like anytime I read a book written by a man, I find myself annoyed by the portrayal of women, so I started to avoid them. But Amor Towles has created characters that ring truer than just about any I've ever read. Very, very glad I decided to go against my "rule" of not reading new male authors.
I realize this review is vague with regard to the content of the novel, but I don't want to give away too much, because as I mentioned earlier, one of my favorite things about the book is that I had no idea what to expect with each page.
This is one of those books I'm going to recommend to anyone who asks what they should read next. Actually I'm probably going to go ahead and recommend it to those who don't ask for recommendations.
I checked it out from the library, but recently, I bought a copy for my Kindle because I liked it so much I'm certain I'll be reading it again a few more times.
What I liked most about the book were the strong women characters. The story is about Katherine Kontent (what a great name), and how she chooses to navigate her life in a city that will "turn you inside out." But as she's making her decisions, readers are also made aware of other women in the city, and the choices they make, determined to live on their own terms.
I will confess to being somewhat sexist in what I choose to read. I generally avoid books written by men. That's a terrible thing to say isn't it? But seems like anytime I read a book written by a man, I find myself annoyed by the portrayal of women, so I started to avoid them. But Amor Towles has created characters that ring truer than just about any I've ever read. Very, very glad I decided to go against my "rule" of not reading new male authors.
I realize this review is vague with regard to the content of the novel, but I don't want to give away too much, because as I mentioned earlier, one of my favorite things about the book is that I had no idea what to expect with each page.
This is one of those books I'm going to recommend to anyone who asks what they should read next. Actually I'm probably going to go ahead and recommend it to those who don't ask for recommendations.
I checked it out from the library, but recently, I bought a copy for my Kindle because I liked it so much I'm certain I'll be reading it again a few more times.
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman
When I first heard about this book, I thought it sounded amazing. Alice Hoffman is one of my favorite writers, and this book is all about history and religion, and I assumed it would have a heavy dose of magic.
I was on the waiting list at the library before the book was even released. But after I checked it out, it sat there for three weeks and then had to be returned - untouched. I was reading other books. It looked so heavy and it was around the holidays when I needed my reading to provide somewhat enjoyable escapes from reality.
I decided to check out the audio version of the book. I spend so much time in the car, time wasted listening to crappy pop music. Might as well be productive with my time.
While I'm glad I listened to it because I don't know that I would have stuck with it had I been reading it, I am also concerned that listening to it versus reading it might have effected my impression of the story. There were four different narrators for this book, as the book tells the story of four different women in the days before the siege of Masada. At times I found the characters to be so annoying, and I'm not sure if it was because of what the characters were saying and doing or because of the voice. I know that at least one of the voices annoyed me horribly. I found myself mimicking her words as I drove along listening to the story.
I didn't find this book as amazing as I'd expected it to be. I found it very interesting, and listening to this prompted me to learn more about what happened in Masada. Reading about the remains discovered at the sight made Hoffman's ending particularly interesting.
I thought the book was a little long. I think the same story could have been told with a few less words. There were times when I found the story dragged, too much repetition. Also, I didn't like the characters very much. I understand that as readers we're supposed to view them as strong, fierce women, but I wasn't that impressed. I grew tired of hearing the first woman go on about her love for a man who simply used her because he'd grown tired of his wife and there was no one else around. She kept referring to him as if he were the great love of her life, but from my perspective he didn't seem like a great man at all. He took advantage of a young girl, got her pregnant, all while his wife and other children are sleeping in the tent next to them. This happened to the first character in the story, and that might have set the tone for the rest of the book.
Several of these women seemed to be okay with getting involved with married men. I didn't find their actions to be strong or admirable, but rather pathetic. Were we really supposed to feel sympathetic for them? How are we supposed to feel for the wives being betrayed? They're also women, suffering through these same harsh circumstances.
Mostly, I was disappointed by the lack of magic. Oh, there were bits and traces, but much, much less than the typical Hoffman book. This was, for the most part, a historical novel. I'm glad I listened to it, but I didn't love it.
I was on the waiting list at the library before the book was even released. But after I checked it out, it sat there for three weeks and then had to be returned - untouched. I was reading other books. It looked so heavy and it was around the holidays when I needed my reading to provide somewhat enjoyable escapes from reality.
I decided to check out the audio version of the book. I spend so much time in the car, time wasted listening to crappy pop music. Might as well be productive with my time.
While I'm glad I listened to it because I don't know that I would have stuck with it had I been reading it, I am also concerned that listening to it versus reading it might have effected my impression of the story. There were four different narrators for this book, as the book tells the story of four different women in the days before the siege of Masada. At times I found the characters to be so annoying, and I'm not sure if it was because of what the characters were saying and doing or because of the voice. I know that at least one of the voices annoyed me horribly. I found myself mimicking her words as I drove along listening to the story.
I didn't find this book as amazing as I'd expected it to be. I found it very interesting, and listening to this prompted me to learn more about what happened in Masada. Reading about the remains discovered at the sight made Hoffman's ending particularly interesting.
I thought the book was a little long. I think the same story could have been told with a few less words. There were times when I found the story dragged, too much repetition. Also, I didn't like the characters very much. I understand that as readers we're supposed to view them as strong, fierce women, but I wasn't that impressed. I grew tired of hearing the first woman go on about her love for a man who simply used her because he'd grown tired of his wife and there was no one else around. She kept referring to him as if he were the great love of her life, but from my perspective he didn't seem like a great man at all. He took advantage of a young girl, got her pregnant, all while his wife and other children are sleeping in the tent next to them. This happened to the first character in the story, and that might have set the tone for the rest of the book.
Several of these women seemed to be okay with getting involved with married men. I didn't find their actions to be strong or admirable, but rather pathetic. Were we really supposed to feel sympathetic for them? How are we supposed to feel for the wives being betrayed? They're also women, suffering through these same harsh circumstances.
Mostly, I was disappointed by the lack of magic. Oh, there were bits and traces, but much, much less than the typical Hoffman book. This was, for the most part, a historical novel. I'm glad I listened to it, but I didn't love it.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Review: The Last Nude by Ellis Avery
I thought this book sounded so good. This is a novel, set in Paris, 1927, based on events in the life of Tamara de Lempicka. I think most of the story is imagined, not based on fact, but that didn't matter to me. Paris in the 20s is one of my favorite settings. I love reading about the writers and artists inhabiting Paris during that time period.
The story about de Lempicka's relationship with one of her young models, Rafaela. I assumed this was going to be a nice, romantic, passionate story. Every once in a while, I enjoy those sort of stories. But this wasn't very romantic or erotic at all.
In this book, de Lempicka isn't a very nice person. She's selfish and she uses this young girl who she knows is in love with her to get what she needs. She leads her on while she needs her, makes promises she has no plans to keep and treats her quite badly. Not any better than dating a man.
The setting in nice, and the other characters are interesting. I enjoyed Rafaela's scenes at Sylvia Beach's bookstore. She develops a friendship with a man who I am certain is Hemingway (based on what I know from having read The Paris Wife) but he has a different name in the story.
But in general, the overall story wasn't very interesting. I had to force my way through this book.
However, this summer, while I was in Paris, I found myself thinking about this book as I was walking along the Seine and recalling the scene in which Rafaela throws herself into the river (don't worry, she's rescued). Also, this was the first time I've noticed prints of de Lempicka's work for sale at the bins on the side of the river. I'm sure they've always been there, but in the past, having not known much about the artist, I hadn't paid much attention to them.
I learned about the artist from the book, so that's one positive aspect of having read it, but I think there are probably plenty of other books about the artists during this time period that I might have better spent my time reading.
The story about de Lempicka's relationship with one of her young models, Rafaela. I assumed this was going to be a nice, romantic, passionate story. Every once in a while, I enjoy those sort of stories. But this wasn't very romantic or erotic at all.
In this book, de Lempicka isn't a very nice person. She's selfish and she uses this young girl who she knows is in love with her to get what she needs. She leads her on while she needs her, makes promises she has no plans to keep and treats her quite badly. Not any better than dating a man.
The setting in nice, and the other characters are interesting. I enjoyed Rafaela's scenes at Sylvia Beach's bookstore. She develops a friendship with a man who I am certain is Hemingway (based on what I know from having read The Paris Wife) but he has a different name in the story.
But in general, the overall story wasn't very interesting. I had to force my way through this book.
However, this summer, while I was in Paris, I found myself thinking about this book as I was walking along the Seine and recalling the scene in which Rafaela throws herself into the river (don't worry, she's rescued). Also, this was the first time I've noticed prints of de Lempicka's work for sale at the bins on the side of the river. I'm sure they've always been there, but in the past, having not known much about the artist, I hadn't paid much attention to them.
I learned about the artist from the book, so that's one positive aspect of having read it, but I think there are probably plenty of other books about the artists during this time period that I might have better spent my time reading.
Sunday, February 05, 2012
Phantom Evil by Heather Graham
I love New Orleans. I hope to someday live in New Orleans. It's part of that long-term plan I've been putting together for years.
I picked up this book because of the cover, which seems to scream New Orleans ghost story. Part of what I love about New Orleans are the ghosts. But I didn't like this book much at all.
This is the first in a series, so I guess the author was trying to introduce everyone to build up future stories. But the result was too many characters and too many story lines. I couldn't keep all the names straight and after a while I quit trying. I was also under the impression that this was something of a romance, but "romance" wasn't very well developed. I didn't know enough about the "lovers" involved to care much about what happened between them.
Also, the ghost story didn't really have anything to do with the crime the group was trying to solve.
I thought this was going to be a quick, fun read, but it took me weeks to get through it because it just never held my interest. I had to force myself to finish it, hoping it would get better. When I finished reading it though, I wished I hadn't wasted my time on it. There are better New Orleans ghost stories out there.
I picked up this book because of the cover, which seems to scream New Orleans ghost story. Part of what I love about New Orleans are the ghosts. But I didn't like this book much at all.
This is the first in a series, so I guess the author was trying to introduce everyone to build up future stories. But the result was too many characters and too many story lines. I couldn't keep all the names straight and after a while I quit trying. I was also under the impression that this was something of a romance, but "romance" wasn't very well developed. I didn't know enough about the "lovers" involved to care much about what happened between them.
Also, the ghost story didn't really have anything to do with the crime the group was trying to solve.
I thought this was going to be a quick, fun read, but it took me weeks to get through it because it just never held my interest. I had to force myself to finish it, hoping it would get better. When I finished reading it though, I wished I hadn't wasted my time on it. There are better New Orleans ghost stories out there.
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Sister by Rosamund Lupton
One review described this book as a crime novel for people who don't like crime novels. Not quite sure what the means, but I assumed it was a crime novel with more of a story behind it.
I thought it sounded interesting, and I'm a fan of mysteries by British authors.
I found the book to be very readable, it held my interest. But in the end, I was very disappointed with the story. I was so disappointed I was angry with what happened in the end. To me, it felt like very bad storytelling. I don't quite know how to describe what happened without completely giving away what happened, so we'll just leave it as, I didn't like it.
Beatrice returns home to London after learning her younger sister, Tess, has disappeared. Her search for Tess causes her to re-examine her own live. Tess was a free spirit, an artist and in comparison, Beatrice feels as if her own life is stagnant. Because having a stable job and relationship are bad things? Have I mentioned I didn't like this book all that much? I don't quite understand why she was so in awe of Tess, who was still a student (she may have actually quit school - it's been a few months since I read the book) and she was pregnant as the result of an affair with her married professor. All things to admire -- not.
As an artist, I grow so tired of the portrayal of the irresponsible art student. This is why people don't respect artists. News flash - it is possible to be creative, pay your bills and successfully use birth control. It may not be as much fun - but it's possible.
Beatrice quits her job in America and ends her relationship with her boyfriend and becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to her sister. She uncovers so many secrets. Tess discovered her unborn baby has a disease so she agrees to go through some experimental treatments hoping to cure the baby and preventing it from dying the same horrible death as her brother.
But as Beatrice gets closer to the truth of her sister's disappearance, it becomes clear that her decision making skills are not much better than those of her younger sister.
In the end, I felt as if these sisters both made very bad choices which put them in dangerous situations. A little bit of thought, careful planning, and caution could have prevented so much tragedy, but then again, there wouldn't have been a book if that had happened. I simply don't enjoy stories that involve women lacking basic survival skills. And then the twist at the end -- had I not been reading this on my Kindle, I probably would have thrown it at the wall I was so angry.
Disclaimer: I read this in January, I might be fuzzy on some details, but I think my general impression remains accurate.
I thought it sounded interesting, and I'm a fan of mysteries by British authors.
I found the book to be very readable, it held my interest. But in the end, I was very disappointed with the story. I was so disappointed I was angry with what happened in the end. To me, it felt like very bad storytelling. I don't quite know how to describe what happened without completely giving away what happened, so we'll just leave it as, I didn't like it.
Beatrice returns home to London after learning her younger sister, Tess, has disappeared. Her search for Tess causes her to re-examine her own live. Tess was a free spirit, an artist and in comparison, Beatrice feels as if her own life is stagnant. Because having a stable job and relationship are bad things? Have I mentioned I didn't like this book all that much? I don't quite understand why she was so in awe of Tess, who was still a student (she may have actually quit school - it's been a few months since I read the book) and she was pregnant as the result of an affair with her married professor. All things to admire -- not.
As an artist, I grow so tired of the portrayal of the irresponsible art student. This is why people don't respect artists. News flash - it is possible to be creative, pay your bills and successfully use birth control. It may not be as much fun - but it's possible.
Beatrice quits her job in America and ends her relationship with her boyfriend and becomes obsessed with finding out what happened to her sister. She uncovers so many secrets. Tess discovered her unborn baby has a disease so she agrees to go through some experimental treatments hoping to cure the baby and preventing it from dying the same horrible death as her brother.
But as Beatrice gets closer to the truth of her sister's disappearance, it becomes clear that her decision making skills are not much better than those of her younger sister.
In the end, I felt as if these sisters both made very bad choices which put them in dangerous situations. A little bit of thought, careful planning, and caution could have prevented so much tragedy, but then again, there wouldn't have been a book if that had happened. I simply don't enjoy stories that involve women lacking basic survival skills. And then the twist at the end -- had I not been reading this on my Kindle, I probably would have thrown it at the wall I was so angry.
Disclaimer: I read this in January, I might be fuzzy on some details, but I think my general impression remains accurate.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Anyone but You by Jennifer Cruise
I was interested in this book because of the basset hound on the cover. I get dog fever around this time of the year. Something about the holidays make me think of puppies. I always assumed I'd grow up and have a dog. I never wanted a husband, I never wanted kids, but I always wanted a dog. But I grew up, sort of, and realized that I'm entirely too irresponsible to have a dog. I'm never home, I'm tight with my money (as in I'd pass out and die if I had to fork over some major, unexpected pet-related medical expenses) and I lack the ability to show affection toward living things. So yeah, no dog for me.
But back in the day when I wanted a dog, I wanted a basset hound because I think they are adorable, and so even now, long after I've realized I can't have a dog, I am still drawn to basset hounds.
I read the description of the book and thought it sounded cute. Not the sort of book I would usually read. But not every book I read has to be dark and deep and serious, right? I later realized this is even part of a Harlequin romance series. I've not read a Harlequin romance since I was in high school and used to take them from my mother.
Day before the end of the year, I had read 34 books and wanted to get that up to 35. So I took this book to bed with me and I read the entire thing in one sitting. Finished it early this morning.
As far as romances go, this was pretty good. A 40 year old, newly-divorced woman moves from her mansion to a small apartment and she decides to get a dog. She wants a perky puppy, but while at the pound, she instead is drawn to a sad, depressed basset hound who only has a day left before he's put down. She takes Fred instead of a puppy. And it's Fred, who Nina trains to use the fire escape to go out, who accidentally walks into her downstairs neighbor's apartment. The downstairs neighbor is Alex, a 30-year-old ER doctor.
Nina is beginning a new life on her own. She married her first boyfriend and for sixteen years, she stood by him as he built up his career as a successful and wealthy attorney. Alex is just getting started with his career, as his family of doctors tries to pressure him into choosing a more distinguished speciality than ER. Though they are both hesitant to admit it, they seem to be exactly what each other needs.
I actually really liked this story. I liked the characters, they seemed real and they seemed like nice people. The story didn't make me cringe like most "romances" tend to do. I liked that it wasn't the typical broken-hearted, lonely woman seeking a big, successful man to sweep off her feet. Nina could take care of herself and she was okay with Alex being a little immature and goofy. She liked the company of a nice guy, she didn't need someone to take care of her.
Maybe it's because I'm closer to 40 than I am 30 and I like the idea that a nice, attractive younger man would find a 40 year old woman attractive. In real life it seems the only men who notice a woman my age now are the creepy old guys who don't have enough money to attract the 20 year olds. Let's just say I'm glad I'm no longer involved in the whole dating scene because it's not pleasant for women my age. It's settle or be single. So even though this book may not have been realistic, it still made me happy to read this story because it's nice to think the possibility is there.
Alex isn't just a nice guy, he's also not one of those guys needing a wife to "settle down" and cook and clean and have babies. That seemed to be the only option out there when I was younger. Never met any guys who wanted to do fun things like travel and watch old movies or attend concerts and sporting events. No, the nice guys just wanted to get married, buy a house and have a couple of kids - boring! And the other guys, well they just wanted, you know...
Okay, so the book is a fantasy, but not the typical romantic fantasy. It's more of a fantasy for women like me. I guess that was what I found surprising about the story. These types of stories rarely appeal to me.
I had a few minor issues with the story - one being that I thought it took way too long for Nina and Alex to get together. He's in her apartment every night watching TV, she's lying on the couch behind him while he's sitting on the floor, they both want each other, and no one makes a move? This goes on for weeks! Then once they got together, there was a bit of weirdness, Alex became something of a jerk for a while. But maybe that's normal? Not all that experienced with relationships. But all of that was brief and resolved rather quickly.
Overall I liked the book. Kind of nice to read something that isn't as heavy as what I usually read. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance novels and wants a quick, light read.
But back in the day when I wanted a dog, I wanted a basset hound because I think they are adorable, and so even now, long after I've realized I can't have a dog, I am still drawn to basset hounds.
I read the description of the book and thought it sounded cute. Not the sort of book I would usually read. But not every book I read has to be dark and deep and serious, right? I later realized this is even part of a Harlequin romance series. I've not read a Harlequin romance since I was in high school and used to take them from my mother.
Day before the end of the year, I had read 34 books and wanted to get that up to 35. So I took this book to bed with me and I read the entire thing in one sitting. Finished it early this morning.
As far as romances go, this was pretty good. A 40 year old, newly-divorced woman moves from her mansion to a small apartment and she decides to get a dog. She wants a perky puppy, but while at the pound, she instead is drawn to a sad, depressed basset hound who only has a day left before he's put down. She takes Fred instead of a puppy. And it's Fred, who Nina trains to use the fire escape to go out, who accidentally walks into her downstairs neighbor's apartment. The downstairs neighbor is Alex, a 30-year-old ER doctor.
Nina is beginning a new life on her own. She married her first boyfriend and for sixteen years, she stood by him as he built up his career as a successful and wealthy attorney. Alex is just getting started with his career, as his family of doctors tries to pressure him into choosing a more distinguished speciality than ER. Though they are both hesitant to admit it, they seem to be exactly what each other needs.
I actually really liked this story. I liked the characters, they seemed real and they seemed like nice people. The story didn't make me cringe like most "romances" tend to do. I liked that it wasn't the typical broken-hearted, lonely woman seeking a big, successful man to sweep off her feet. Nina could take care of herself and she was okay with Alex being a little immature and goofy. She liked the company of a nice guy, she didn't need someone to take care of her.
Maybe it's because I'm closer to 40 than I am 30 and I like the idea that a nice, attractive younger man would find a 40 year old woman attractive. In real life it seems the only men who notice a woman my age now are the creepy old guys who don't have enough money to attract the 20 year olds. Let's just say I'm glad I'm no longer involved in the whole dating scene because it's not pleasant for women my age. It's settle or be single. So even though this book may not have been realistic, it still made me happy to read this story because it's nice to think the possibility is there.
Alex isn't just a nice guy, he's also not one of those guys needing a wife to "settle down" and cook and clean and have babies. That seemed to be the only option out there when I was younger. Never met any guys who wanted to do fun things like travel and watch old movies or attend concerts and sporting events. No, the nice guys just wanted to get married, buy a house and have a couple of kids - boring! And the other guys, well they just wanted, you know...
Okay, so the book is a fantasy, but not the typical romantic fantasy. It's more of a fantasy for women like me. I guess that was what I found surprising about the story. These types of stories rarely appeal to me.
I had a few minor issues with the story - one being that I thought it took way too long for Nina and Alex to get together. He's in her apartment every night watching TV, she's lying on the couch behind him while he's sitting on the floor, they both want each other, and no one makes a move? This goes on for weeks! Then once they got together, there was a bit of weirdness, Alex became something of a jerk for a while. But maybe that's normal? Not all that experienced with relationships. But all of that was brief and resolved rather quickly.
Overall I liked the book. Kind of nice to read something that isn't as heavy as what I usually read. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance novels and wants a quick, light read.
Friday, December 30, 2011
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
I was curious about this book and then a friend of mine went on and on about how it's the best book ever, so I decided to read it.
I like books about magic, stories that can integrate the magic into the story in such a way that it feels natural and normal. This book was full of magic.
Two competitive magicians set up a challenge between their students. Once the students are older they end up involved in a circus. A circus that only performs at night and lasts until dawn. Everything in the circus is black and white, and there are many tents, each with some beautiful, magical treasures inside.
I loved the way the words created images in my mind. The story is so well written that I could easily immerse myself in this circus as I read the story. I used the word "atmospheric" to describe this book. It felt dreamy and misty and each time I picked up the book I felt as if I was drifting into this special world again.
One element of the story that I especially liked were the people who followed the circus, the Revers. They loved the circus so much they would travel around the country, sometimes across the ocean to visit the circus. They made friends with other followers of the circus and they traveled together. "We lead strange lives, chasing our dreams from place to place," one of these Revers explains. I could relate too well with these people. For years, I've followed my favorite bands around the country and to Europe. Some of my best friends are people I've met along these travels, other people who understand what it's like to chase dreams. This gave me a stronger understanding of these people and their love for this beautiful circus.
What I didn't like about the story though was I never fully understood "the challenge." I don't think I was supposed to understand because even the people involved said several times that they didn't understand the rules or the parameters. As a reader, this became frustrating to me as the book reached an end. I assumed as I was reading this that it would eventually be explained. I felt the ending was unsatisfying. I'm not going to give away from happened but the resolution felt too vague to me. I had no idea as to expect, but I certainly didn't expect what did happen.
This is one of those books I may need to read again, just to get a better understanding as to what happened.
But I did enjoy the book. Very well written, very interesting story. And as I said at the beginning, full of magic, always a good thing.
finished reading: Dec. 30, 2011
I like books about magic, stories that can integrate the magic into the story in such a way that it feels natural and normal. This book was full of magic.
Two competitive magicians set up a challenge between their students. Once the students are older they end up involved in a circus. A circus that only performs at night and lasts until dawn. Everything in the circus is black and white, and there are many tents, each with some beautiful, magical treasures inside.
I loved the way the words created images in my mind. The story is so well written that I could easily immerse myself in this circus as I read the story. I used the word "atmospheric" to describe this book. It felt dreamy and misty and each time I picked up the book I felt as if I was drifting into this special world again.
One element of the story that I especially liked were the people who followed the circus, the Revers. They loved the circus so much they would travel around the country, sometimes across the ocean to visit the circus. They made friends with other followers of the circus and they traveled together. "We lead strange lives, chasing our dreams from place to place," one of these Revers explains. I could relate too well with these people. For years, I've followed my favorite bands around the country and to Europe. Some of my best friends are people I've met along these travels, other people who understand what it's like to chase dreams. This gave me a stronger understanding of these people and their love for this beautiful circus.
What I didn't like about the story though was I never fully understood "the challenge." I don't think I was supposed to understand because even the people involved said several times that they didn't understand the rules or the parameters. As a reader, this became frustrating to me as the book reached an end. I assumed as I was reading this that it would eventually be explained. I felt the ending was unsatisfying. I'm not going to give away from happened but the resolution felt too vague to me. I had no idea as to expect, but I certainly didn't expect what did happen.
This is one of those books I may need to read again, just to get a better understanding as to what happened.
But I did enjoy the book. Very well written, very interesting story. And as I said at the beginning, full of magic, always a good thing.
finished reading: Dec. 30, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
The Girl in the Flammable Skirt by Aimee Bender
The description of this collection of short stories sounded so interesting. But the stories were more weird than interesting. And I usually like weird, but this wasn't a cool weird but rather a, "WTF, that doesn't make any sense," sort of weird. There was rarely any sort of explanation or background given to provide any substance for the bizarreness of the stories.
The stories were like, "One day my boyfriend started to go through a reverse evolution. He became an ape, then a fish, then a tadpole, so put him in the ocean." The end. Really? The stories are for the most part delivered with that much emotion and detail.
I never felt any sort of connection or concern for the characters involved in these stories.
And yet, I kept reading them, so I must not have thought they were completely terrible. I suspect I was in some way drawn to the bizarreness. At one point, about a third of the way through the book, I decided I wasn't going to finish reading it, I had too many other books to read to waste my time on this nonsense. But I couldn't stop reading the stories. Maybe I was just hoping that something more would happen. Maybe my curiosity got the better of me. A few of the longer stories had potential, but they felt more like introductions or outlines for what could have been better stories.
The more I read short stories the more I realize I don't like them much. I need to know more about the characters. If I'm going to invest my time in reading about these people, I need to get a better feeling as to who they are. Short stories don't provide the kind of connection I need with what I read.
I really didn't like this book very much. Part of me gets annoyed when I read stuff like this because I don't quite understand why something like this gets published. Maybe I'm not smart enough to get it. But the weirdness too often tipped into the "silly" category. I kind of wish I'd never picked this book up.
finished reading: Dec. 17, 2011
The stories were like, "One day my boyfriend started to go through a reverse evolution. He became an ape, then a fish, then a tadpole, so put him in the ocean." The end. Really? The stories are for the most part delivered with that much emotion and detail.
I never felt any sort of connection or concern for the characters involved in these stories.
And yet, I kept reading them, so I must not have thought they were completely terrible. I suspect I was in some way drawn to the bizarreness. At one point, about a third of the way through the book, I decided I wasn't going to finish reading it, I had too many other books to read to waste my time on this nonsense. But I couldn't stop reading the stories. Maybe I was just hoping that something more would happen. Maybe my curiosity got the better of me. A few of the longer stories had potential, but they felt more like introductions or outlines for what could have been better stories.
The more I read short stories the more I realize I don't like them much. I need to know more about the characters. If I'm going to invest my time in reading about these people, I need to get a better feeling as to who they are. Short stories don't provide the kind of connection I need with what I read.
I really didn't like this book very much. Part of me gets annoyed when I read stuff like this because I don't quite understand why something like this gets published. Maybe I'm not smart enough to get it. But the weirdness too often tipped into the "silly" category. I kind of wish I'd never picked this book up.
finished reading: Dec. 17, 2011
Friday, December 02, 2011
Blue Nights by Joan Didion
This book is so very sad. Blue Nights is Joan Didion's collection of thoughts on the loss of her daughter. She doesn't write specifically about her daughter's death, but rather about her daughter's absence from her life now.
A few years ago, Didion wrote The Year of Magical Thinking about the loss of her husband, and the year that followed his loss. I seem to recall that book being more structured. Blue Nights isn't about a certain time period. It's more about what Didion is going through as a parent who has lost her child, as a parent who assumed that her child would outlive her and be around now.
What broke my heart the most was when she talked about how we hold onto things in hopes of saving memories of important moments, only to look back on those items, cards and photographs and wish that we'd worked harder at enjoying that moment.
Didion has lost so many people in her life, and she's struggling with the idea of getting older and having to do this without the people who were most important to her.
She also reflects quite a bit on parenthood, and worries about things she may have done wrong. She's fixated on certain events. She thinks maybe her daughter was adversely affected by being adopted and that maybe her parenting skills were off. But as a reader, an outsider looking in, and someone who has never been a parent, but has spent plenty of time around children, I can't help but think that it's normal for parents to question their own parenting skills. I think any parent who assumes they did everything right is probably very much in denial. I didn't get the impression that she was a bad parent or that her daughter suffered much. I think that Didion is probably just spending a lot of time thinking and re-thinking and over analyzing the events in her life. She's a writer, that's what writers do. She's seeking an answer, wondering what she could have done differently.
I very much enjoy Didion's writing and this was no exception. But reading this broke my heart over and over again. This book made me think of people I've lost, of moments I tried to hold onto, of things I've done wrong and things I wished I'd done differently and the horror that I can't change the past to remedy my mistakes. It also made me realize that I'm going to grow old alone and it made me a little bit glad that I won't have people to lose and that my own alone-ness will be fully expected, unlike Didion, who thought her daughter would be there with her as she grew older.
I'd recommend this book to anyone. It's just one of those books I think people should read.
finished reading: Dec. 2, 2011
A few years ago, Didion wrote The Year of Magical Thinking about the loss of her husband, and the year that followed his loss. I seem to recall that book being more structured. Blue Nights isn't about a certain time period. It's more about what Didion is going through as a parent who has lost her child, as a parent who assumed that her child would outlive her and be around now.
What broke my heart the most was when she talked about how we hold onto things in hopes of saving memories of important moments, only to look back on those items, cards and photographs and wish that we'd worked harder at enjoying that moment.
Didion has lost so many people in her life, and she's struggling with the idea of getting older and having to do this without the people who were most important to her.
She also reflects quite a bit on parenthood, and worries about things she may have done wrong. She's fixated on certain events. She thinks maybe her daughter was adversely affected by being adopted and that maybe her parenting skills were off. But as a reader, an outsider looking in, and someone who has never been a parent, but has spent plenty of time around children, I can't help but think that it's normal for parents to question their own parenting skills. I think any parent who assumes they did everything right is probably very much in denial. I didn't get the impression that she was a bad parent or that her daughter suffered much. I think that Didion is probably just spending a lot of time thinking and re-thinking and over analyzing the events in her life. She's a writer, that's what writers do. She's seeking an answer, wondering what she could have done differently.
I very much enjoy Didion's writing and this was no exception. But reading this broke my heart over and over again. This book made me think of people I've lost, of moments I tried to hold onto, of things I've done wrong and things I wished I'd done differently and the horror that I can't change the past to remedy my mistakes. It also made me realize that I'm going to grow old alone and it made me a little bit glad that I won't have people to lose and that my own alone-ness will be fully expected, unlike Didion, who thought her daughter would be there with her as she grew older.
I'd recommend this book to anyone. It's just one of those books I think people should read.
finished reading: Dec. 2, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
A Vintage Affair, by Isable Wolff
I saw this book at the store a while back, and wanted to buy it for my friend who owns a vintage shop because I thought it sounded interesting. Also, I've read two other books by Isabel Wolff and really liked both of them. Then as holiday travel approached, I needed a book to keep me entertained while waiting in airports and on planes. I saw this available at the library and snapped it up. Very glad I did.
What I like most about Wolff's books are that her main characters are strong women, who don't need a man to validate their existence. Wolff's stories are never about women seeking men or losing men or trying to navigate life with a man. Instead, her characters are trying to figure out who they are and what they need to "live their best life" - yes, I stole that phrase from Oprah, but it fit. In this book Phoebe has suffered a tragic loss and is trying to reaccess her life - get her act together and move on.
She's ended her engagement, a situation which was tainted with bad energy already - and has left a stressful, but successful career to start her own business. This is the story of how that works out for her.
There are several different storylines - Phoebe dealing with her past, trying to navigate her future, her mother's attempts at moving forward after suffering her own loss, Phoebe's relationships with an elderly women whose life is ending, the storylines of the characters who shop at Phoebe's vintage shop, as well as the stories of the dresses. It never felt like too many things happening, but rather a very realistic snapshot of the life surrounding Phoebe and her store.
There were parts of the book that were very sad, others that felt hopeful. This book is about friendships and guilt and grief and forgiveness and the way all of those things mingle together and affect everyday life. There isn't a nice, happy ending because that wouldn't be possible considering the circumstances. But there is hope at the end.
I'd recommend this to anyone who wants a quick, interesting read. Not too romantic or sappy, but emotionally powerful. Also, the stories about the dresses are interesting. I know nothing about fashion, but this did spark my interest in vintage clothing. A big plus that the story took place in London, in areas that I remember from my time spent there, and there's even a trip to France included (an area I've not visited, but would like to someday.)
What I like most about Wolff's books are that her main characters are strong women, who don't need a man to validate their existence. Wolff's stories are never about women seeking men or losing men or trying to navigate life with a man. Instead, her characters are trying to figure out who they are and what they need to "live their best life" - yes, I stole that phrase from Oprah, but it fit. In this book Phoebe has suffered a tragic loss and is trying to reaccess her life - get her act together and move on.
She's ended her engagement, a situation which was tainted with bad energy already - and has left a stressful, but successful career to start her own business. This is the story of how that works out for her.
There are several different storylines - Phoebe dealing with her past, trying to navigate her future, her mother's attempts at moving forward after suffering her own loss, Phoebe's relationships with an elderly women whose life is ending, the storylines of the characters who shop at Phoebe's vintage shop, as well as the stories of the dresses. It never felt like too many things happening, but rather a very realistic snapshot of the life surrounding Phoebe and her store.
There were parts of the book that were very sad, others that felt hopeful. This book is about friendships and guilt and grief and forgiveness and the way all of those things mingle together and affect everyday life. There isn't a nice, happy ending because that wouldn't be possible considering the circumstances. But there is hope at the end.
I'd recommend this to anyone who wants a quick, interesting read. Not too romantic or sappy, but emotionally powerful. Also, the stories about the dresses are interesting. I know nothing about fashion, but this did spark my interest in vintage clothing. A big plus that the story took place in London, in areas that I remember from my time spent there, and there's even a trip to France included (an area I've not visited, but would like to someday.)
Monday, November 14, 2011
It Looked Different on the Model by Laurie Notaro
I spent two weeks trying to make my way through a non-fiction book about Berlin under the early days of Hitler. Not exactly a light or enjoyable read. I finally gave up on the book and I wanted something fun.
Was so pleased to see this book by Laurie Notaro. I love her writing, she's so funny.
This book was so very funny, one night as I sat here reading it, I was laughing so hard I was crying and my whole body was sore. I couldn't stop laughing. This is one of those books that I've told everyone they need to read and I'll probably buy a few copies to give as Christmas gifts.
Of course, as I found out last time I insisted on everyone reading one of her books, not everyone gets her sense of humor. But then again, I tend to not be amused by things that most people find funny.
Notaro writes about simple, every day situations, that become hilarious. Such as trying on a shirt that's a size too small and then getting trapped in it, or being banned from the satellite post office for wanting to purchase too many two cent stamps. I could especially relate to having lost an iPhone - which I did this summer and felt the same raging hatred for the person who now I had my phone and all my photos and notes. The funniest story was about her husband thinking she was eating candy in bed. I won't tell you what happened, but highly recommend you find a copy and read it.
Was so pleased to see this book by Laurie Notaro. I love her writing, she's so funny.
This book was so very funny, one night as I sat here reading it, I was laughing so hard I was crying and my whole body was sore. I couldn't stop laughing. This is one of those books that I've told everyone they need to read and I'll probably buy a few copies to give as Christmas gifts.
Of course, as I found out last time I insisted on everyone reading one of her books, not everyone gets her sense of humor. But then again, I tend to not be amused by things that most people find funny.
Notaro writes about simple, every day situations, that become hilarious. Such as trying on a shirt that's a size too small and then getting trapped in it, or being banned from the satellite post office for wanting to purchase too many two cent stamps. I could especially relate to having lost an iPhone - which I did this summer and felt the same raging hatred for the person who now I had my phone and all my photos and notes. The funniest story was about her husband thinking she was eating candy in bed. I won't tell you what happened, but highly recommend you find a copy and read it.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
I pretty much loved this book. I finished reading it yesterday morning, and spent the rest of the day and today missing the characters, that's how much I liked this book.
Diana was born a witch, but doesn't really use her magic much. She's also a historian who happens to be working at Oxford, doing research on alchemy. One day, while in the Bodleian Library she notices a tall, beautiful man who happens to be a vampire. Oh. My. God. Do you know me at all? Maybe not, but the author of this book seems to have tapped into all my fantasies at once - witches, vampires, books, research, Oxford and love at first sight in a library? Oh, and not to spoil anything, but the vampire also has a castle in France. Dear god I love this book.
And it's so well written. I realize my description of the book may sound ridiculous: a witch meets a vampire in a library and they fall in love. But it's written in such a way that it doesn't feel at all ridiculous. It was one of those books I was able to dive into and push away all the blandness of the real world. It's so atmospheric, Oxford, then France. I felt as if I was there, in the old building, walking through the castle, sharing the perfect glass of wine with a sexy vampire.
I'm hesitant to say this, but it's almost like a Twilight for grown-ups. As much as I love this book, and feel that it blows Twilight away in just about every aspect imaginable, I'd be lying if I said the similarities aren't there.
I have to admit I did not love the second half of the book as much as I loved the first half. When it was just Diana and Matthew, it was perfect. But then we meet Matthew's family, and then we meet Diana's family. Then we have something called the Congregation that wants to kill Diana because vampires and witches aren't supposed to be together. (Do you see the Twilight comparison now? In Twilight it was a group of vampires in Italy who didn't want vampires and humans together.)
There's also Matthew's hesitation about consumating the relationship, his old fashioned views about women, his extreme protectiveness -- all quite similar to a vampire we all know as Edward. Diana is a much stronger character than Bella, but like Bella, she is more than willing to give up life as she knows it for the vampire she loves, despite the fact that she's never been crazy about the idea of getting married and having children.
And like Twilight, we have the vampire family, the parents and the children. The part that bothered me most is that suddenly Diana, who has only been in love with this vampire for a few weeks, is now referring to his "son" as her son. That was weird and a little icky as far as I was concerned. That detracted some from my love of the book because I noticed myself groaning every time she referred to her "son." He's not your son, you just met him. Technically, he's not Matthew's "son" either, but oh well.
But what's really going to piss me off about this book is if they get all wrapped up in the idea of vampire/witch offspring. That's what killed the Twilight series for me - the weird vampire/human spawn storyline. As soon as they mentioned "conception" in this book, I felt a surge of anger. Don't ruin this story for me!
Why can't two people - witch/vampire - whatever - spend some time being in love with each other, getting to know each other - before they start reproducing? Nothing kills a romance for me like babies do.
Luckily, the subject was mentioned and then they moved on. I think that however the subject is approached, it will be okay.
Despite my complaints just mentioned, I loved the story of Diana and Matthew. This felt truly romantic, not crude or silly or graphic and awkward. I rarely enjoy anything considered "romantic" and usually simply tolerate those scenes or rush through them as quickly as possible. This book though, I savored those scenes, because this couple got to know each other, spent time together, and actually seemed to fall in love rather than fall into bed.
I'm looking forward to the next book, even though I'm not usually a fan of time travel (the end of this book involved Matthew and Diana timewalking). I'm bothered that the sequel won't be out until the summer, but oh well, another reason to look forward to the summer.
I very much recommend this book to anyone who likes vampire stories or witch stories or well written romance stories.
Diana was born a witch, but doesn't really use her magic much. She's also a historian who happens to be working at Oxford, doing research on alchemy. One day, while in the Bodleian Library she notices a tall, beautiful man who happens to be a vampire. Oh. My. God. Do you know me at all? Maybe not, but the author of this book seems to have tapped into all my fantasies at once - witches, vampires, books, research, Oxford and love at first sight in a library? Oh, and not to spoil anything, but the vampire also has a castle in France. Dear god I love this book.
And it's so well written. I realize my description of the book may sound ridiculous: a witch meets a vampire in a library and they fall in love. But it's written in such a way that it doesn't feel at all ridiculous. It was one of those books I was able to dive into and push away all the blandness of the real world. It's so atmospheric, Oxford, then France. I felt as if I was there, in the old building, walking through the castle, sharing the perfect glass of wine with a sexy vampire.
I'm hesitant to say this, but it's almost like a Twilight for grown-ups. As much as I love this book, and feel that it blows Twilight away in just about every aspect imaginable, I'd be lying if I said the similarities aren't there.
I have to admit I did not love the second half of the book as much as I loved the first half. When it was just Diana and Matthew, it was perfect. But then we meet Matthew's family, and then we meet Diana's family. Then we have something called the Congregation that wants to kill Diana because vampires and witches aren't supposed to be together. (Do you see the Twilight comparison now? In Twilight it was a group of vampires in Italy who didn't want vampires and humans together.)
There's also Matthew's hesitation about consumating the relationship, his old fashioned views about women, his extreme protectiveness -- all quite similar to a vampire we all know as Edward. Diana is a much stronger character than Bella, but like Bella, she is more than willing to give up life as she knows it for the vampire she loves, despite the fact that she's never been crazy about the idea of getting married and having children.
And like Twilight, we have the vampire family, the parents and the children. The part that bothered me most is that suddenly Diana, who has only been in love with this vampire for a few weeks, is now referring to his "son" as her son. That was weird and a little icky as far as I was concerned. That detracted some from my love of the book because I noticed myself groaning every time she referred to her "son." He's not your son, you just met him. Technically, he's not Matthew's "son" either, but oh well.
But what's really going to piss me off about this book is if they get all wrapped up in the idea of vampire/witch offspring. That's what killed the Twilight series for me - the weird vampire/human spawn storyline. As soon as they mentioned "conception" in this book, I felt a surge of anger. Don't ruin this story for me!
Why can't two people - witch/vampire - whatever - spend some time being in love with each other, getting to know each other - before they start reproducing? Nothing kills a romance for me like babies do.
Luckily, the subject was mentioned and then they moved on. I think that however the subject is approached, it will be okay.
Despite my complaints just mentioned, I loved the story of Diana and Matthew. This felt truly romantic, not crude or silly or graphic and awkward. I rarely enjoy anything considered "romantic" and usually simply tolerate those scenes or rush through them as quickly as possible. This book though, I savored those scenes, because this couple got to know each other, spent time together, and actually seemed to fall in love rather than fall into bed.
I'm looking forward to the next book, even though I'm not usually a fan of time travel (the end of this book involved Matthew and Diana timewalking). I'm bothered that the sequel won't be out until the summer, but oh well, another reason to look forward to the summer.
I very much recommend this book to anyone who likes vampire stories or witch stories or well written romance stories.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Before I Go to Sleep by C.J. Watson
So this was the other book about a woman losing her memory. Unlike, What Alice Forgot, this one is not at all light-hearted or fun. This is incredibly creepy and disturbing.
Every morning Christine wakes up not knowing where she is, or who she's with. Her husband tapes pictures around the room with explanations. He says they've been married for years, they're very much in love. He writes notes a white board in the kitchen, suggestions of how she can spend her day. She then goes to bed and forgets everything during her sleep, and wakes the next morning and goes through it all over again.
One day though, she gets a call from a doctor who says he's been helping her for a while. She has a journal in which she writes down everything. The doctor calls her every morning and tells her about the journal. He says they're making progress.
Every once in a while she remembers an event, or a person, but she has no context with which to place these memories.
I read this book very quickly. It was due at the library and I didn't want to have to put my name back on the waiting list.
This book reminded me of the Mary Higgins Clark books I used to read. I loved those books when I was younger, as in high school days. But then I grew tired of them. I could guess the ending within the first few chapters. Same with this book. Mid-way through, I already suspected what was happening, but read it too quickly to really dwell on it.
But in the end, I was disappointed. Also, the story was too far-fetched for me. The daily vanishing memory was a little too hard to accept. A doctor so concerned and involved that he called her every day but didn't even suspect what was actually happening? The friends and family who simply disappeared from her life? Most of all though, I didn't like the overt moralizing of the story, as if Christine somehow deserved what had happened to her. It's obvious this book was written by a man, and if I'd known that in advance I probably wouldn't have read it. (I'm very particular about books written by men. It has to be an author with which I'm familiar or has a lot of great reviews from people I respect.) The more I thought about it, the angrier I got. This felt very much like what I imagine to be the perverted sexual fantasies of a deranged man.
It held my interest, I couldn't stop reading it once I started because I was anxious to find out what happened next. It's very suspenseful and it certainly left an impression. The night after I finished that book, I had some horrible nightmares relating to this story. In hindsight, I wish I'd not read this book.
Every morning Christine wakes up not knowing where she is, or who she's with. Her husband tapes pictures around the room with explanations. He says they've been married for years, they're very much in love. He writes notes a white board in the kitchen, suggestions of how she can spend her day. She then goes to bed and forgets everything during her sleep, and wakes the next morning and goes through it all over again.
One day though, she gets a call from a doctor who says he's been helping her for a while. She has a journal in which she writes down everything. The doctor calls her every morning and tells her about the journal. He says they're making progress.
Every once in a while she remembers an event, or a person, but she has no context with which to place these memories.
I read this book very quickly. It was due at the library and I didn't want to have to put my name back on the waiting list.
This book reminded me of the Mary Higgins Clark books I used to read. I loved those books when I was younger, as in high school days. But then I grew tired of them. I could guess the ending within the first few chapters. Same with this book. Mid-way through, I already suspected what was happening, but read it too quickly to really dwell on it.
But in the end, I was disappointed. Also, the story was too far-fetched for me. The daily vanishing memory was a little too hard to accept. A doctor so concerned and involved that he called her every day but didn't even suspect what was actually happening? The friends and family who simply disappeared from her life? Most of all though, I didn't like the overt moralizing of the story, as if Christine somehow deserved what had happened to her. It's obvious this book was written by a man, and if I'd known that in advance I probably wouldn't have read it. (I'm very particular about books written by men. It has to be an author with which I'm familiar or has a lot of great reviews from people I respect.) The more I thought about it, the angrier I got. This felt very much like what I imagine to be the perverted sexual fantasies of a deranged man.
It held my interest, I couldn't stop reading it once I started because I was anxious to find out what happened next. It's very suspenseful and it certainly left an impression. The night after I finished that book, I had some horrible nightmares relating to this story. In hindsight, I wish I'd not read this book.
Monday, October 10, 2011
The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta
Last year, I remember people being all frantic about the end of the world. I say people, but I mean my silly students. Teenagers believe just about anything they read online or have sent to them via text message, but absolutely nothing told to them by a semi-intelligent adult in a position of pseudo-authority. I found myself trying to explain this idea of the so-called Rapture on a few occasions.
A little background on me - I don't believe in any of this stuff. I think the Bible is a sometimes interesting book and nothing more. I think most religions were created to keep women "in their place." So as I try to explain all this to teenagers, I try to be cautious with my choice of words so as not to offend them. Unlike other teachers who think it's fine to push their political-religious views on others, I try to remain neutral in the eyes of my students. Not always easy.
I was quite amused though when I said at one point, "The Rapture is the idea that God is going to take his followers up to heaven with him and leave behind those who don't believe in Jesus." And one of my students says, "Good, those people are annoying." Oh yeah, these are my kids.
Anyway, this book, The Leftovers, is about a situation in which a Rapture type event happens. Thousands of people just disappear one night. The story takes place three years later, as people are still trying to cope with what has happened. People are furious because they can't understand the random way in which people were selected. They call it the "Sudden Departure" because it doesn't fit their definition of the Rapture. People who viewed themselves as devout Christians were left behind while atheists and Muslims and Buddhists were taken. Families were destroyed as spouses and children vanished.
But eventually, the people have to go on with whatever is left of their lives. There's a mother who lost her husband and two small children, teenagers traumatized by having seen their friends vanish in front of them. There's an angry minister who devotes his life to showing that the people taken didn't deserve to go by publishing a newsletter exposing the sins of those who were taken. Then there are all the strange cults and organizations that form as a reaction to this event. The creepy religious group, the Guilty Remnant, that walk around silently, dressed in white, stalking people who are trying to live a normal life. There's the self-proclaimed prophet who thinks he can absorb pain and has a slew of teenage brides he's trying to impregnate to create the next savior. There are the barefoot people who simply live for fun.
Most of all this is about how people cope with extreme tragedy and figure out a way to move on when all they really want to do is give up.
I liked the book quite a bit. I found it to be such an interesting concept, and handled in a way that isn't ridiculous or too far fetched. The characters seem real and, for the most part, likable. It's a frightening statement about how some people cope with tragedy, there are some horrifying events in here, but also, a statement about how most people pick up the pieces and move on, doing the best they can given the circumstances.
A little background on me - I don't believe in any of this stuff. I think the Bible is a sometimes interesting book and nothing more. I think most religions were created to keep women "in their place." So as I try to explain all this to teenagers, I try to be cautious with my choice of words so as not to offend them. Unlike other teachers who think it's fine to push their political-religious views on others, I try to remain neutral in the eyes of my students. Not always easy.
I was quite amused though when I said at one point, "The Rapture is the idea that God is going to take his followers up to heaven with him and leave behind those who don't believe in Jesus." And one of my students says, "Good, those people are annoying." Oh yeah, these are my kids.
Anyway, this book, The Leftovers, is about a situation in which a Rapture type event happens. Thousands of people just disappear one night. The story takes place three years later, as people are still trying to cope with what has happened. People are furious because they can't understand the random way in which people were selected. They call it the "Sudden Departure" because it doesn't fit their definition of the Rapture. People who viewed themselves as devout Christians were left behind while atheists and Muslims and Buddhists were taken. Families were destroyed as spouses and children vanished.
But eventually, the people have to go on with whatever is left of their lives. There's a mother who lost her husband and two small children, teenagers traumatized by having seen their friends vanish in front of them. There's an angry minister who devotes his life to showing that the people taken didn't deserve to go by publishing a newsletter exposing the sins of those who were taken. Then there are all the strange cults and organizations that form as a reaction to this event. The creepy religious group, the Guilty Remnant, that walk around silently, dressed in white, stalking people who are trying to live a normal life. There's the self-proclaimed prophet who thinks he can absorb pain and has a slew of teenage brides he's trying to impregnate to create the next savior. There are the barefoot people who simply live for fun.
Most of all this is about how people cope with extreme tragedy and figure out a way to move on when all they really want to do is give up.
I liked the book quite a bit. I found it to be such an interesting concept, and handled in a way that isn't ridiculous or too far fetched. The characters seem real and, for the most part, likable. It's a frightening statement about how some people cope with tragedy, there are some horrifying events in here, but also, a statement about how most people pick up the pieces and move on, doing the best they can given the circumstances.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
We the Animals by Justin Torres
I didn't like this book at all. I've grown tired of stories about "Latino" families in which abuse is considered normal and a sign of passion or love. I don't like the way this seems to be presented as part of our culture. Something we tolerate as a result of all of our "intense" feelings. When I read things like this, I get angry thinking that there are white people reading this book and assuming that we all act this way. Not fair, I know, but still. Someday, I'd like to read a story about a Latino family that didn't involve domestic abuse.
This is intended to be some kind of coming of age story, about a rather dysfunctional family. The parents were too young when their three sons were born. The children seem to have no discipline at all, I guess because the parents work all the time. The author writes proudly of the way the boys destroy everything. The mother is helpless to do anything, she never seems to know what's going on because the night shift she works has her confused all the time. And she gets beaten by her husband fairly often, and sometimes she thinks of leaving, but never goes through with it. When they're not fighting, they're fucking, and sometimes right in front of the children. Also, she seems to be having a lesbian affair with a co-worker, which seems random, until you get to the very end of the book.
The book is written like a lot of popular modern fiction these days, a series of short stories, just a few pages describing some big, tragic incident, just enough information to shock and horrify. Then the author moves on to another story. It's a little too much like poetry for me to enjoy. When I read a book, I want to sink into it, and that doesn't happen with this book. It's very sparse, vague, almost, never really letting the reader know what's happening. The ending is intended to be especially shocking and unexpected. Unfortunately, I'd read a few reviews that had hinted at what was to happen, so I wasn't as shocked as I might have been had I not read the reviews. It didn't seem to fit with the rest of the story, but then again, nothing in the story really flowed or fit all that well.
This just wasn't my sort of book. On the plus side, it's very short, so I didn't feel like I wasted all that much time reading it.
This is intended to be some kind of coming of age story, about a rather dysfunctional family. The parents were too young when their three sons were born. The children seem to have no discipline at all, I guess because the parents work all the time. The author writes proudly of the way the boys destroy everything. The mother is helpless to do anything, she never seems to know what's going on because the night shift she works has her confused all the time. And she gets beaten by her husband fairly often, and sometimes she thinks of leaving, but never goes through with it. When they're not fighting, they're fucking, and sometimes right in front of the children. Also, she seems to be having a lesbian affair with a co-worker, which seems random, until you get to the very end of the book.
The book is written like a lot of popular modern fiction these days, a series of short stories, just a few pages describing some big, tragic incident, just enough information to shock and horrify. Then the author moves on to another story. It's a little too much like poetry for me to enjoy. When I read a book, I want to sink into it, and that doesn't happen with this book. It's very sparse, vague, almost, never really letting the reader know what's happening. The ending is intended to be especially shocking and unexpected. Unfortunately, I'd read a few reviews that had hinted at what was to happen, so I wasn't as shocked as I might have been had I not read the reviews. It didn't seem to fit with the rest of the story, but then again, nothing in the story really flowed or fit all that well.
This just wasn't my sort of book. On the plus side, it's very short, so I didn't feel like I wasted all that much time reading it.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
Seemed like I read about a few books that women losing their memories. And every once in a while, when I read about several new books, I go to my public library's website and put my name on the hold lists for these books. So I wasn't even sure which of the "women losing their memories" books I picked up when I checked this out.
This book is fairly light-hearted. Kind of cute and funny in spots, a lot about family and friends and community. The other book about a woman losing her memory is quite different.
In this book, Alice falls at the gym and loses consciousness. When she wakes, she seems to have lost the last ten years of her life. She thinks she's nearly married and pregnant with her first child. She's startled to realize that she's going through a divorce and a nasty custody battle for her three children. In her mind, she's still very much in love with her husband, and has big hopes for their future together, but in reality their future together is over. She doesn't remember the birth of her first child, or the existence of her other two children. She doesn't understand why her sister, with whom she'd once been close, is now so distant and bitter.
This book really made me think about how our past selves would view our future self. I read this right around the tenth anniversary of 9/11, so it was easy for me to remember exactly where I was in my life ten years ago. Twenty-five years old, just started grad school, living in a little (but rather expensive) apartment in a fancy suburb. I was at a job I didn't like much - which is why I was going back to school. I had big plans to get my masters in women's studies, move to New York City and seriously pursue my writing career, focusing on women's issues. Back then, I never would have imagined that I'd end up a high school art teacher (sometimes, even now, I'm still not quite sure how all that happened.)
It's interesting to see how the main character handles this situation. She's determined to save her marriage, wants to repair the broken relationships that seem to have happened over the past decade. But as her memory returns, she realizes she's holding on to things that no longer existed, relationships that fell apart over time, for valid reasons.
I liked the book. As I said, it feels like a light read, but it's deceptively deep. As Alice's memories rush back to her, the reader almost understands why she would allow herself to forget. She suffered a horrible loss that anyone would want to forget. As I said, it really made me think about my own life and the way things can change, or in some cases, remain completely the same, over a decade. Sometimes maybe we need to stop and re-evaluate our lives because sometimes we end up going a direction we never meant to go.
This book is fairly light-hearted. Kind of cute and funny in spots, a lot about family and friends and community. The other book about a woman losing her memory is quite different.
In this book, Alice falls at the gym and loses consciousness. When she wakes, she seems to have lost the last ten years of her life. She thinks she's nearly married and pregnant with her first child. She's startled to realize that she's going through a divorce and a nasty custody battle for her three children. In her mind, she's still very much in love with her husband, and has big hopes for their future together, but in reality their future together is over. She doesn't remember the birth of her first child, or the existence of her other two children. She doesn't understand why her sister, with whom she'd once been close, is now so distant and bitter.
This book really made me think about how our past selves would view our future self. I read this right around the tenth anniversary of 9/11, so it was easy for me to remember exactly where I was in my life ten years ago. Twenty-five years old, just started grad school, living in a little (but rather expensive) apartment in a fancy suburb. I was at a job I didn't like much - which is why I was going back to school. I had big plans to get my masters in women's studies, move to New York City and seriously pursue my writing career, focusing on women's issues. Back then, I never would have imagined that I'd end up a high school art teacher (sometimes, even now, I'm still not quite sure how all that happened.)
It's interesting to see how the main character handles this situation. She's determined to save her marriage, wants to repair the broken relationships that seem to have happened over the past decade. But as her memory returns, she realizes she's holding on to things that no longer existed, relationships that fell apart over time, for valid reasons.
I liked the book. As I said, it feels like a light read, but it's deceptively deep. As Alice's memories rush back to her, the reader almost understands why she would allow herself to forget. She suffered a horrible loss that anyone would want to forget. As I said, it really made me think about my own life and the way things can change, or in some cases, remain completely the same, over a decade. Sometimes maybe we need to stop and re-evaluate our lives because sometimes we end up going a direction we never meant to go.
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