June Reads
Foxmask by Juliet Marillier (TBR Challenge)
Fantasy, 563 pgs., 4.5/5
Dangerous Admissions by Jane O'Connor
Fiction, 354 pgs., 3.5/5
This is an A.R.C.
Alice in Wonderland (Norton Critical Edition) By Lewis Carroll (British Classics)
Fiction, 408 pgs., 4.5/5
The Annotated Alice: The Definitive Edition By Lewis Carroll (British Classics)
Intro & Notes by Martin Gardner Illustrations by John Tenniel
Fiction, 301 pgs., 5/5
Out by Natsuo Kirino
Fiction, 400 pgs., 4/5
The Glass Virgin by Catherine Cookson (TBR Challenge)
Historical Fiction, 356 pgs., 3.5/5
July reads
Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach
Non-fiction, 294 pgs., 4.5/5
Rainbow's End by Lauren St. John
Memoir, 269 pgs., 4.5/5
This is an ARC. Remarkable story.
Dress Your Family in corduroy and Denim by David Sidaris
Memoir, 257 pgs., 3.5/5
The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell
Science Fiction, 405 pgs., 4.5/5
This was an amazingly clever story. I'll be looking for more by this author.
Conquistador by S.M. Stirling
Science Fiction/Fantasy, 596 pgs., 3.5/5
Target Underwear in a Vera Wang Gown: Tales from a Single Girl's Closet by Adena Halpern
Memoir, 256., 3.5/5
Very funny.
February Flowers by Fan Wu
Fiction, 244 pgs., 2/5
This is an ARC. While the culture was depicted very well, but the story itself dragged and character development was so slow that boredom set in.
The Elements of Persuasion: Using Storytelling to Pitch Better, Sell Faster & Win More Business by Richard Maxwell & Robert Dickman
Non-Fiction, 224 pgs., 3.5/5
this is an ARC.
Dedication by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
Fiction, 278 pgs., 4.5
This is an ARC. Hilarious story.
04 August 2007
08 June 2007
May 2007 reads
In no particular order. A lack of comments doesn't mean I liked a book less--only that I don't have anything in particular to say about it. *s*
Deception by Amanda Quick
Historical Romance, 402 pgs., 3.5/5
Her Scandalous Affair by Candice Hern
Historical Romance, 374 pgs.,3.5/5
Burmese Days by George Orwell (British Classics)
Fiction, 258 pgs., 4.5/5
The subject matter of Burmese Days was difficult to read but it was a worthwhile journey all the same. Orwell's power of description add power to his points--which hold true today.
The Exiled by Posie Graeme-Evans
Historical fiction, 407 pgs., 4/5
Much stronger than the typical second-of-a-trilogy book. I'm looking forward to reading the third.
Dispatches from the Edge by Anderson Cooper
Memoir, 222 pgs., 5/5
The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle
Fiction, 305 pgs., 4/5
This was an ARC. The God of Animals isn't my usual taste in reading but it is a promising first novel.
Wickett's Remedy by Myla Goldberg
Fiction, 384 pgs., 4/5
Wickett's Remedy did have the added fun of being "plague fiction" since it included the flu pandemic, but the story wasn't particularly stellar. It does however; get bonus points for the ephemera that followed each chapter.
Pretty Little Mistakes by Heather McElhatton
Fiction, pages vary, story quality varies
It looks like a huge thick read, but it's really a collection of short stories that all begin on the same page. At the end of each section the reader must make a decision. That decision determines where in the book the reader will resume the story. Thus the reading experience varies according to the choices the reader makes. It isn't life changing material, but it is fun to read. It would be great fun to read aloud in a small group. Rather like a grown up version of Mad-Libs.
Current reads:
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll (British Classics)
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki (TBR Challenge)
Deception by Amanda Quick
Historical Romance, 402 pgs., 3.5/5
Her Scandalous Affair by Candice Hern
Historical Romance, 374 pgs.,3.5/5
Burmese Days by George Orwell (British Classics)
Fiction, 258 pgs., 4.5/5
The subject matter of Burmese Days was difficult to read but it was a worthwhile journey all the same. Orwell's power of description add power to his points--which hold true today.
The Exiled by Posie Graeme-Evans
Historical fiction, 407 pgs., 4/5
Much stronger than the typical second-of-a-trilogy book. I'm looking forward to reading the third.
Dispatches from the Edge by Anderson Cooper
Memoir, 222 pgs., 5/5
The God of Animals by Aryn Kyle
Fiction, 305 pgs., 4/5
This was an ARC. The God of Animals isn't my usual taste in reading but it is a promising first novel.
Wickett's Remedy by Myla Goldberg
Fiction, 384 pgs., 4/5
Wickett's Remedy did have the added fun of being "plague fiction" since it included the flu pandemic, but the story wasn't particularly stellar. It does however; get bonus points for the ephemera that followed each chapter.
Pretty Little Mistakes by Heather McElhatton
Fiction, pages vary, story quality varies
It looks like a huge thick read, but it's really a collection of short stories that all begin on the same page. At the end of each section the reader must make a decision. That decision determines where in the book the reader will resume the story. Thus the reading experience varies according to the choices the reader makes. It isn't life changing material, but it is fun to read. It would be great fun to read aloud in a small group. Rather like a grown up version of Mad-Libs.
Current reads:
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll (British Classics)
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki (TBR Challenge)
04 May 2007
April 2007 Reads
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko (Braincandy group)
Fiction (young adult), 225 pgs., 4/5
American Gods by Neil Gaiman (TBR Challenge)
Fantasy, 588 pgs., 4.5/5
The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan (Braincandy group)
Fiction, 368 pgs., 4/5
The Book of Saladin by Tariq Ali (Historical Favorites)
Historical Fiction, 367 pgs., 3.5/5
Genghis: Birth of an Empire by Conn Iggulden (review ARC)
Historical Fiction, 381 pgs., 3.5/5
The Jinx by Jennifer Sturman
Fiction, 313 pgs., 3/5
Magical Thinking by Augusten Burroughs
Memoir, 268 pgs., 3/5
The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe (British Classics group)
Fiction, 654 pgs., 4/5
Currently I'm reading:
Wickett's Remedy by Myla Goldberg
Burmese Days by George Orwell (British Classics group)
and
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Fiction (young adult), 225 pgs., 4/5
American Gods by Neil Gaiman (TBR Challenge)
Fantasy, 588 pgs., 4.5/5
The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan (Braincandy group)
Fiction, 368 pgs., 4/5
The Book of Saladin by Tariq Ali (Historical Favorites)
Historical Fiction, 367 pgs., 3.5/5
Genghis: Birth of an Empire by Conn Iggulden (review ARC)
Historical Fiction, 381 pgs., 3.5/5
The Jinx by Jennifer Sturman
Fiction, 313 pgs., 3/5
Magical Thinking by Augusten Burroughs
Memoir, 268 pgs., 3/5
The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe (British Classics group)
Fiction, 654 pgs., 4/5
Currently I'm reading:
Wickett's Remedy by Myla Goldberg
Burmese Days by George Orwell (British Classics group)
and
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
01 April 2007
Portrait of an Unknown Woman
How refreshing it is to read a novel about the Reformation and Henry VIII’s marital woes from outside the royal court. Ms. Bennett has breathed life into some of the most prominent historical figures of the time in this well-researched novel. I was inspired to do a bit of research of my own while reading this story. I simply had to see images of the paintings described in the book. It's easy to see at a glance why these paintings would inspire so many questions. Ms. Bennett's exploration of these mysteries resulted in a story of betrayal, trust, politics, and love. I really enjoyed reading of how Meg, the main character, struggled with issues of loyalty and trust, unsure of even her husband’s identity, in one of history’s most turbulent times.
31 March 2007
If Today Be Sweet
If Today Be Sweet is Thrity Umrigar at her best. The main character, Tehmina, is surrounded with vividly drawn characters that are fresh yet familiar enough to ring true. Ms Umrigar portrays the deep divisions between everyday life in
March 2007 Reads
In no particular order:
After The Wall: Confessions from an East German Childhood and the Life that Came Next by Jana Hensel
Fiction, 180 pgs., 3.5/5
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Memoir, 188 pgs., 5/5
If Today Be Sweet by Thrity Umrigar
Fiction, 296 pgs., 5/5
Chore Whore: Adventures of a Celebrity Personal Assistant by Heather H. Howard
Fiction, 304 pgs., 3.5/5
Portrait of an Unknown Woman by Vanora Bennett
Historical Fiction, 432 pgs., 4/5
The Protector's War by S.M. Stirling
Fantasy, 608 pgs., 3.5/5
Current reads are:
The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe (British Classics group)
American Gods by Neil Gaiman (TBR Challenge)
The Book of Saladin by Tariq Ali (Historical Favorites)
After The Wall: Confessions from an East German Childhood and the Life that Came Next by Jana Hensel
Fiction, 180 pgs., 3.5/5
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Memoir, 188 pgs., 5/5
If Today Be Sweet by Thrity Umrigar
Fiction, 296 pgs., 5/5
Chore Whore: Adventures of a Celebrity Personal Assistant by Heather H. Howard
Fiction, 304 pgs., 3.5/5
Portrait of an Unknown Woman by Vanora Bennett
Historical Fiction, 432 pgs., 4/5
The Protector's War by S.M. Stirling
Fantasy, 608 pgs., 3.5/5
Current reads are:
The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe (British Classics group)
American Gods by Neil Gaiman (TBR Challenge)
The Book of Saladin by Tariq Ali (Historical Favorites)
02 March 2007
February 2007 Reads
In no particular order:
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (British Classics group)
Fiction, 311 pgs., 3/5
Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy by Kevin Bales
Non-fiction, 290 pgs., 4.5/5
The Bride Finder by Susan Caroll
Romance/Fantasy, 416 pgs., 3/5
The Future of Freedom: Illiberal Democracy at Home and Abroad by Fareed Zakaria (TBR Challenge Alternate)
Non-fiction, 290 pgs, 4/5
It's been a slow reading month here. I have yet to finish Shogun.
Current reads are:
The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe (British Classics group)
After The Wall: Confessions of an East German Childhood and the Life that Came Next by Jana Hensel
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (British Classics group)
Fiction, 311 pgs., 3/5
Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy by Kevin Bales
Non-fiction, 290 pgs., 4.5/5
The Bride Finder by Susan Caroll
Romance/Fantasy, 416 pgs., 3/5
The Future of Freedom: Illiberal Democracy at Home and Abroad by Fareed Zakaria (TBR Challenge Alternate)
Non-fiction, 290 pgs, 4/5
It's been a slow reading month here. I have yet to finish Shogun.
Current reads are:
The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe (British Classics group)
After The Wall: Confessions of an East German Childhood and the Life that Came Next by Jana Hensel
01 February 2007
January 2007 Reads
What I read during the month of January in no particular order
Eat the Document by Dana Spiotta
Fiction, 295 pgs., 4/5
Tales from the Town of Widows Chronicles from the Land of Men by James Canon
Fiction, 339 pgs., 4.5/5
Neuromancer by William Gibson (This was my TBR Challenge Book)
Sci-fi, 271 pgs., 3/5
The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz
Fiction, 342 pgs., 4/5
City of Glory by Beverly Swerling
Historical fiction, 461 pgs., 4/5
Begun in January and still in progress are:
Shogun by James Cavell (Historical Favorites group)
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (British Classics group)
Jenny is doing a marvelous job leading the Tenant discussion. I hadn't expected to enjoy Tenant quite as much as I am. Shogun is a lovely read too, but it is a challenging doorstop.
powered by performancing firefox
Eat the Document by Dana Spiotta
Fiction, 295 pgs., 4/5
Tales from the Town of Widows Chronicles from the Land of Men by James Canon
Fiction, 339 pgs., 4.5/5
Neuromancer by William Gibson (This was my TBR Challenge Book)
Sci-fi, 271 pgs., 3/5
The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz
Fiction, 342 pgs., 4/5
City of Glory by Beverly Swerling
Historical fiction, 461 pgs., 4/5
Begun in January and still in progress are:
Shogun by James Cavell (Historical Favorites group)
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte (British Classics group)
Jenny is doing a marvelous job leading the Tenant discussion. I hadn't expected to enjoy Tenant quite as much as I am. Shogun is a lovely read too, but it is a challenging doorstop.
powered by performancing firefox
10 January 2007
Tales from the Town of Widows
The first book both begun and completed this year was an ARC from HarperCollins--Tales from the Town of Widows & Chronicles of the Land of Men by James Canon. Here's what I thought of it:
Following the women of Mariquita rebuild their lives after the male population of the village was forcibly recruited into a Guerilla army was fascinating. Mr. Cannon’s choice to alternate the women’s stories with vignettes from the world the men found themselves trapped in was brilliant. The men’s and women’s stories interweave to offer a poignant tale of what each lost and what each found as a consequence of that fateful day when the men disappeared. The men and boys lost their innocence, their secure existence, their families and found fear, dismemberment, and death. The women lost all the same things yet, in stark contrast, found acceptance, love, equality, and self-worth as they struggled to create new lives for themselves. The final resolution of the one obstacle the women were unable to overcome was very satisfying. I highly enjoyed Mr. Canon's first novel and look forward to his next work.
Following the women of Mariquita rebuild their lives after the male population of the village was forcibly recruited into a Guerilla army was fascinating. Mr. Cannon’s choice to alternate the women’s stories with vignettes from the world the men found themselves trapped in was brilliant. The men’s and women’s stories interweave to offer a poignant tale of what each lost and what each found as a consequence of that fateful day when the men disappeared. The men and boys lost their innocence, their secure existence, their families and found fear, dismemberment, and death. The women lost all the same things yet, in stark contrast, found acceptance, love, equality, and self-worth as they struggled to create new lives for themselves. The final resolution of the one obstacle the women were unable to overcome was very satisfying. I highly enjoyed Mr. Canon's first novel and look forward to his next work.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
