I was in the mood for romance and read:
The Next Best Thing, by Kristan Higgins
This is one of my favorite comfort-food-type romances: an engaging story, likable and well-drawn characters, fast-paced but not rushed, and plenty of romantic chemistry. Not over-the-top and not overly cheesy.
The Iron Duke, by Meljean Brooks
Brooks has built an interesting world in this book. It's an alternate history, somewhere between Edwardian and Victorian, but vastly different than the 17th and 18th century that we know about. The Mongol Horde has conquered Europe and England through the use of nanoagents -- tiny, mechanical bugs that can control a person's emotions and actions (although not their mind, which is doubly horrible. You're aware of doing the things you don't want to do). Although England is now free of Mongol rule, they are struggling with finding freedom after hundreds of years of oppressive rule. The story follows Mina Wentworth -- a detective with the Metropolitan Police Force in London as she solves a murder and unravels a conspiracy plot. Her duties force her to work with Rhys Trahearn, the Iron Duke and the man who effectively brought the Horde to destruction in England; and as they work together the two share a very intense romance. I'll admit, a bit too intense for me at times; I ended up skipping a few sections because things got a little too...vivid. And while the story and the setting were very interesting, the book was a bit too dark for my mood at the time.
Wise Man's Fear, Patrick Rothfuss
The second in a fantasy trilogy by a very gifted story-teller. Kvothe is telling us his life story, a story that is at times joyful, fantastical, hilarious, heartbreaking, angry and irreverant. If you like good stories, interesting characters and fantasy (or if you've thought about reading a fantasy novel but weren't sure where to start) do yourself a favor and go get Name of the Wind and Wise Man's Fear. And block off a couple of days in your schedule.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
What happened to the last two weeks? and other random thoughts
The last two weeks have been busy and my schedule has been off -- I'm kind of like a toddler in that way. Give me a routine and I am happy. My motivation to do things with no real extrinsic consequences has waned. But you know...that's okay. Sometimes it's okay to push the snooze buttons a few more times and give yourself a break. We can't be "on" all the time.
One of the different things I've done lately is attend a mini-conference for public libraries hosted by our state library association. I really love conferences, even if the workshops are things I've heard before. Sometimes -- particularly when it comes to work -- I think it's good to hear the same or similar things more than once. Makes it stick better, you know? One of my favorite workshops was the one on Reader's Advisory. I love Reader's Advisory! A couple of years ago, I stumbled upon this blog: RA for All. I was first just impressed with the resources and information she made available for other librarians who help their patrons find books. And then I realized -- the author's job at her public library is Reader's Advisory! It's her whole job! Very cool. I'd considered my professional goal to be a reference librarian at a public library, but now...I'm thinking Reader's Advisory. Anyway, one of the pieces of the discussion in our workshop, was on judging a book by its cover. The speaker maintained that in general, you can tell basic characteristics of a book based on its cover -- especially in genre fiction. Is the book going to be dark, strange, edgy, sappy, cheesy, sweet, family-oriented, romantic, hot and steamy, funny...I've been thinking about this a lot since then, and while I have in the past been mislead by the cover of a book, I think in more cases than not this is true. And I think one thing is really true -- the cover is designed to appeal to the readers that the publisher thinks will want to read the book. And sometimes, that is actually the person who wants to read the book.
what do you think?
One of the different things I've done lately is attend a mini-conference for public libraries hosted by our state library association. I really love conferences, even if the workshops are things I've heard before. Sometimes -- particularly when it comes to work -- I think it's good to hear the same or similar things more than once. Makes it stick better, you know? One of my favorite workshops was the one on Reader's Advisory. I love Reader's Advisory! A couple of years ago, I stumbled upon this blog: RA for All. I was first just impressed with the resources and information she made available for other librarians who help their patrons find books. And then I realized -- the author's job at her public library is Reader's Advisory! It's her whole job! Very cool. I'd considered my professional goal to be a reference librarian at a public library, but now...I'm thinking Reader's Advisory. Anyway, one of the pieces of the discussion in our workshop, was on judging a book by its cover. The speaker maintained that in general, you can tell basic characteristics of a book based on its cover -- especially in genre fiction. Is the book going to be dark, strange, edgy, sappy, cheesy, sweet, family-oriented, romantic, hot and steamy, funny...I've been thinking about this a lot since then, and while I have in the past been mislead by the cover of a book, I think in more cases than not this is true. And I think one thing is really true -- the cover is designed to appeal to the readers that the publisher thinks will want to read the book. And sometimes, that is actually the person who wants to read the book.
what do you think?
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Review - Sean Griswold's Head
Sean Griswold's Head, by Lindsey Leavitt
Sean Griswold's Head is a totally adorable book, and it manages to be adorable while still having depth and heart.
Over Christmas break, high school freshman Payton Gritas accidentally discovers that her father has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This fact is shocking and upsetting enough on its own; but Payton becomes even more angry when she finds out her entire family -- dad, mom, two older brothers -- has been keeping this information from her for 6 months. Payton's mom asks her to see the school guidance counselor to help her deal with this information, and hopefully get Payton talking to her family again. As her first exercise, the guidance counselor tells Payton to find a Focus Object, something to help her focus and organize her thoughts on. As Payton sits in her next class, she thinks about the assignment while staring at the thing she stares at every day -- the back of Sean Griswold's head. Payton has been sitting behind Sean Griswold in the alphabetical world of school since 3rd grade; but for all the time she has known Sean, she doesn't really know him.
I like pretty much everything about this book. The characters are realistic and quirky, but not too quirky. Leavitt deftly explores many different kinds of relationships in the book -- friendship, family, and first crushes. I really enjoy all the different relationships in the book, and how each one is a vital part of the book. The book is really about Payton going through a major event in her life, and how it effects all of her relationships. And while this book could easily have been trite and cheesy, it isn't.
Sean Griswold's Head is a totally adorable book, and it manages to be adorable while still having depth and heart.
Over Christmas break, high school freshman Payton Gritas accidentally discovers that her father has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This fact is shocking and upsetting enough on its own; but Payton becomes even more angry when she finds out her entire family -- dad, mom, two older brothers -- has been keeping this information from her for 6 months. Payton's mom asks her to see the school guidance counselor to help her deal with this information, and hopefully get Payton talking to her family again. As her first exercise, the guidance counselor tells Payton to find a Focus Object, something to help her focus and organize her thoughts on. As Payton sits in her next class, she thinks about the assignment while staring at the thing she stares at every day -- the back of Sean Griswold's head. Payton has been sitting behind Sean Griswold in the alphabetical world of school since 3rd grade; but for all the time she has known Sean, she doesn't really know him.
I like pretty much everything about this book. The characters are realistic and quirky, but not too quirky. Leavitt deftly explores many different kinds of relationships in the book -- friendship, family, and first crushes. I really enjoy all the different relationships in the book, and how each one is a vital part of the book. The book is really about Payton going through a major event in her life, and how it effects all of her relationships. And while this book could easily have been trite and cheesy, it isn't.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Review - StarCrossed
StarCrossed, by Elizabeth C. Bunce
I picked up Elizabeth C. Bunce's first book, A Curse Dark as Gold, partly because of the cool cover, and partly because she's a fellow Kansas City girl. I like to support the home team, if you will. I wasn't wowed by Curse, but enjoyed it enough to want to give Bunce's second book a chance. I'm certainly glad I did! StarCrossed is the story of a thief who disguises herself as a ladies' maid to escape punishment and certain death in her home city. She then finds herself caught up in political intrigue, forced to spy on people who she finds herself growing to care about -- people with whom she is forming attachments, despite her best efforts to remain emotionally distant. I really enjoyed watching Digger's character progress through the book, and hope that in the sequel some of the secondary characters develop as much as hers did.
Although the fantasy world that Digger lives in is the fairly typical medieval-Europe-but-with-magic type of world, that didn't bother me. The story and characters are what this world is really about, and that kept me invested and interested and entertained. And Bunce does a great job of throwing you right into the middle of a mess of secrets, then slowly unraveling the knot.
All in all, a fun adventure. I'm looking forward to the next book!
I picked up Elizabeth C. Bunce's first book, A Curse Dark as Gold, partly because of the cool cover, and partly because she's a fellow Kansas City girl. I like to support the home team, if you will. I wasn't wowed by Curse, but enjoyed it enough to want to give Bunce's second book a chance. I'm certainly glad I did! StarCrossed is the story of a thief who disguises herself as a ladies' maid to escape punishment and certain death in her home city. She then finds herself caught up in political intrigue, forced to spy on people who she finds herself growing to care about -- people with whom she is forming attachments, despite her best efforts to remain emotionally distant. I really enjoyed watching Digger's character progress through the book, and hope that in the sequel some of the secondary characters develop as much as hers did.
Although the fantasy world that Digger lives in is the fairly typical medieval-Europe-but-with-magic type of world, that didn't bother me. The story and characters are what this world is really about, and that kept me invested and interested and entertained. And Bunce does a great job of throwing you right into the middle of a mess of secrets, then slowly unraveling the knot.
All in all, a fun adventure. I'm looking forward to the next book!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Review - Across the Universe
Another debut for the Debut Author Challenge at The Story Siren!
Across the Universe, by Beth Revis
At some point in the not-so-distant future, a group of adventurous scientists and soldiers and settlers leave earth for a distant planet. The journey aboard the immense ship Godspeed will take 300 years. The settlers are cryogenically frozen, and the ship will be manned by its own society of caretakers. 50 years before they are scheduled to arrive at the new planet, Amy -- a teenage girl who accompanied her parents on the journey -- is unplugged and nearly dies. Instead, Amy finds herself trapped on a ship in the middle of space with a strange society led by an intense man simply called Eldest. As Amy attempts to figure out and adjust to her new circumstances, someone begins unplugging more of the frozen settlers, and leaving them to die. Amy must figure out why someone is murdering the settlers, and who she can trust.
Across the Universe was a fast-paced adventure read. The story is told in alternating first-person narratives between Amy and the ship's second-in-command Elder. Both characters were at times frustrating and endearing; which, to me, made them very believable characters. I enjoyed watching the characters grow throughout the book.
The world-building and set-up for the story were very interesting -- and at times very creepy! (i.e. The Season). Godspeed as it is when Amy shows up is a very disconcerting place. Revis did a good job of really putting me there, whether I liked it or not!
I love mysteries, and while a few of the mysteries were easy to figure out, there were enough gasp-worthy moments to leave me feeling satisfied at the end. I also liked how Revis tied up the primary storylines at the end of the book, but left it wide open for the sequel. There is a tenuous sense of harmony at the end of the book, but so many ways in which everything can go wrong. And there are some larger issues unresolved, so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Across the Universe, by Beth Revis
At some point in the not-so-distant future, a group of adventurous scientists and soldiers and settlers leave earth for a distant planet. The journey aboard the immense ship Godspeed will take 300 years. The settlers are cryogenically frozen, and the ship will be manned by its own society of caretakers. 50 years before they are scheduled to arrive at the new planet, Amy -- a teenage girl who accompanied her parents on the journey -- is unplugged and nearly dies. Instead, Amy finds herself trapped on a ship in the middle of space with a strange society led by an intense man simply called Eldest. As Amy attempts to figure out and adjust to her new circumstances, someone begins unplugging more of the frozen settlers, and leaving them to die. Amy must figure out why someone is murdering the settlers, and who she can trust.
Across the Universe was a fast-paced adventure read. The story is told in alternating first-person narratives between Amy and the ship's second-in-command Elder. Both characters were at times frustrating and endearing; which, to me, made them very believable characters. I enjoyed watching the characters grow throughout the book.
The world-building and set-up for the story were very interesting -- and at times very creepy! (i.e. The Season). Godspeed as it is when Amy shows up is a very disconcerting place. Revis did a good job of really putting me there, whether I liked it or not!
I love mysteries, and while a few of the mysteries were easy to figure out, there were enough gasp-worthy moments to leave me feeling satisfied at the end. I also liked how Revis tied up the primary storylines at the end of the book, but left it wide open for the sequel. There is a tenuous sense of harmony at the end of the book, but so many ways in which everything can go wrong. And there are some larger issues unresolved, so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Review - Tiger's Curse
My first book read as part of the Story Siren's 2011 Debut Author Challenge!
Tiger's Curse, by Colleen Houck
Kelsey Hayes is just looking for a summer job, something to get her through to the fall when she’ll start community college. The temp agency sends her on a two-week gig to a small circus, primarily to help care for and feed the circus animals. While at the circus, she’s immediately drawn to the gentle white tiger Dihren. Since both of her parents died a few years ago, Kelsey has distanced herself from strong connections and friendships, so she enjoys Dihren’s safe companionship. She begins to spend most of her evenings with Dihren, writing in her journal, or reading out loud to the tiger. Toward the end of the circus’ time in Dallas, Oregon, the circus owner gets an offer for Dihren that he can’t refuse. Unexpectedly, Indian gentleman who is purchasing Dihren asks Kelsey to accompany them to India where his employer wants to release the tiger into a wildlife reserve. Mr. Kadam tells Kelsey that because the tiger is clearly very comfortable with her, he would appreciate her help in caring for Dihren during the journey. It’s unexpected and not your typical summer job, but Kelsey doesn’t see any reason to refuse; plus, she’ll miss her tiger once he’s gone, and welcomes the chance to spend a bit more time with him.
After a luxurious flight in a private jet with the considerate, genteel and charming Mr. Kadam, the three land in India. Mr. Kadam has hired a driver to take Kelsey and Dihren to the wildlife reserve where he will meet them; but when they stop for gas and lunch, the driver takes off, leaving Kelsey and Dihren stranded in the middle of nowhere. Kelsey discovers her backpack has been conveniently stocked with survival gear, and her cell phone is missing. With no way to contact Mr. Kadam and a huge white tiger to care for, she follows Dihren into the jungle with the idea of hiking back to civilization. But that night, Kelsey’s strange adventure becomes even stranger when her tiger turns into a man (and a drop-dead gorgeous one at that) who turns out to be a 350 year old prince who claims she is the one who will be able to break the curse he has been placed under. Before she knows it, Kelsey is on a quest to break the curse, and on an adventure that includes a shaman, an Indian goddess, temples, a dangerous world ruled by monkey-god, and – of course – love.
The best part about this book is the story – Colleen Houck mixes magic and fantasy and Indian legends and stories into a really fun adventure. The love story is sweet, and I like how it develops. At first, it’s kind of a love-at-first-sight-instant-chemistry-destiny kind of thing. Which…meh. But, as Kelsey and Ren spend more time together, their relationship starts developing past the instant chemistry stage and gets more depth.
I will say that the writing itself fell a little flat for me; it seemed stiff. But again, the story itself really carried me past the at-times clunky writing. Also, it took me a while to start connecting with the characters, but by the end of the book I was definitely invested in them and their story (and I was emphatically trying to tell Kelsey “don’t be an idiot!”). One thing about Kelsey – her character is kind of refreshing. She’s a soon-to-be college freshman, but she’s not a worldly-wise person; she she’s innocent and unsophisticated (never had a boyfriend and never even been kissed). But she’s also smart, loyal, compassionate, bookish, down-to-earth and strong.
Bottom line – a fun story and a good read. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
Tiger's Curse, by Colleen Houck
Kelsey Hayes is just looking for a summer job, something to get her through to the fall when she’ll start community college. The temp agency sends her on a two-week gig to a small circus, primarily to help care for and feed the circus animals. While at the circus, she’s immediately drawn to the gentle white tiger Dihren. Since both of her parents died a few years ago, Kelsey has distanced herself from strong connections and friendships, so she enjoys Dihren’s safe companionship. She begins to spend most of her evenings with Dihren, writing in her journal, or reading out loud to the tiger. Toward the end of the circus’ time in Dallas, Oregon, the circus owner gets an offer for Dihren that he can’t refuse. Unexpectedly, Indian gentleman who is purchasing Dihren asks Kelsey to accompany them to India where his employer wants to release the tiger into a wildlife reserve. Mr. Kadam tells Kelsey that because the tiger is clearly very comfortable with her, he would appreciate her help in caring for Dihren during the journey. It’s unexpected and not your typical summer job, but Kelsey doesn’t see any reason to refuse; plus, she’ll miss her tiger once he’s gone, and welcomes the chance to spend a bit more time with him.
After a luxurious flight in a private jet with the considerate, genteel and charming Mr. Kadam, the three land in India. Mr. Kadam has hired a driver to take Kelsey and Dihren to the wildlife reserve where he will meet them; but when they stop for gas and lunch, the driver takes off, leaving Kelsey and Dihren stranded in the middle of nowhere. Kelsey discovers her backpack has been conveniently stocked with survival gear, and her cell phone is missing. With no way to contact Mr. Kadam and a huge white tiger to care for, she follows Dihren into the jungle with the idea of hiking back to civilization. But that night, Kelsey’s strange adventure becomes even stranger when her tiger turns into a man (and a drop-dead gorgeous one at that) who turns out to be a 350 year old prince who claims she is the one who will be able to break the curse he has been placed under. Before she knows it, Kelsey is on a quest to break the curse, and on an adventure that includes a shaman, an Indian goddess, temples, a dangerous world ruled by monkey-god, and – of course – love.
The best part about this book is the story – Colleen Houck mixes magic and fantasy and Indian legends and stories into a really fun adventure. The love story is sweet, and I like how it develops. At first, it’s kind of a love-at-first-sight-instant-chemistry-destiny kind of thing. Which…meh. But, as Kelsey and Ren spend more time together, their relationship starts developing past the instant chemistry stage and gets more depth.
I will say that the writing itself fell a little flat for me; it seemed stiff. But again, the story itself really carried me past the at-times clunky writing. Also, it took me a while to start connecting with the characters, but by the end of the book I was definitely invested in them and their story (and I was emphatically trying to tell Kelsey “don’t be an idiot!”). One thing about Kelsey – her character is kind of refreshing. She’s a soon-to-be college freshman, but she’s not a worldly-wise person; she she’s innocent and unsophisticated (never had a boyfriend and never even been kissed). But she’s also smart, loyal, compassionate, bookish, down-to-earth and strong.
Bottom line – a fun story and a good read. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Review - Towers of Midnight
Actually, this isn't so much of a review as it is a report on "this is what I've been doing lately." Towers of Midnight is the latest installment in the epic fantasy series Wheel of Time by the late Robert Jordan. This book, as well as the previous one (Gathering Storm) and the final book in the series (to come out next year) are being written by Brandon Sanderson. To actually recap and review this book, I'd really have to recap the whole series and, well, who has time for that? But basically, it's a classic fantasy story about good versus evil, redemption, greed, power struggles, mystery, intrigue, love and lust, and the making of heroes. Through 11 books, Robert Jordan created a world and characters that are as real as any I've ever encountered in fiction. The story has grown from a basic seed to a whole garden of plots and subplots. And things have gone from pretty bad to end-of-the-world-impending-apocalypse. But now, the spiral is closing in on The Last Battle. Alliances are being made and people are focusing their attention on one thing -- defeating The Dark One (you know...pure evil). Towers of Midnight had tons of "heck yeah!" fist-pumping moments, and left my heart pumping more than once. I can't wait for the ending!
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